Where God Meets Science

There are many scientists in the world who are atheist because they only believe what can be proven in this physical universe through scientific observation. On the other hand, there are many religious followers who believe that faith--believing in what cannot be proven--is fundamental to being a devoted follower. Opposing sides in the spectrum of humanity. I would offer up the idea that both sides are extreme (and in that respect both flawed). There is a place where God meets science, and it becomes most obvious in the scientific concept of the zero-point field.

What is the zero-point field? To explain in over-simplified, layman's terms, the zero-point field is the place where no quantifiable (physical) matter exists. Scientists have created such spaces in laboratory settings using special vacuums, which literally suck out the physical matter within the space. What is important about the zero-point field? It has been found that, even when no physical matter exists within a space, this "empty" space still produces energy. Something from nothing! The power of creation contained within the nonphysical!

Science's problem is the result of not properly defining what energy actually is. They have begun to, but the reality is that science has only scratched the surface of these concepts.

Religion's problem is it gave up too quickly. Religion looked at science's physical "evidence" and said, "You just can't prove what we believe to be true with these concepts so we are just going to stop trying. We'll just explain all the mysteries by saying they are not meant to be known." They continue to be mysteries, poorly explained by those who would have others believe they have the answers.

The truth is out there! There is a cosmic force field, as yet undefined, that flows in and through all things. Science is proving it. Religions tout it. It is called many things by many people: the zero-point field, the Holy Spirit, Allah. It binds all things and draws them together. It is in this place where God meets science. It is in this place where all things become One.

*For a more detailed look at the zero-point field in layman's terms, there are several wonderful books by author Lynne McTaggart on the subject!

The Lie

I absolutely adore The Matrix movies, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss. To me, they are so profound in their symbolism--prophetic even. They are a series about one man's journey to discover the truth, to overcome the lies he has lived with all his life, and to transcend the conflict in order to attain a true state of peace. My life the past few years has been all about this same journey--to discover the truth, overcome the lie and find a state of peace.

In the movie, Keanu Reeves character Neo, makes the choice to question the way things are. Intuitively, he knows something does not feel right. His questions lead him to answers he does not anticipate--that people are imprisoned by machines to be an energy source for the machines to use. The world they live in is one based purely in the mind (in the lie). Absorbing the truth and learning to use it becomes a process--an evolutionary journey. This is the stage I believe I am personally in. I feel like the blinders have been pulled off and I am finally seeing the truth my world has tried to hide from me all these years to keep me in bondage to those who would control my life. It has not been an easy transition. I was used to the lies, and because they were familiar they were comforting to me.

I now anticipate the conclusion Neo comes to in his journey--that the solution is truly about peace. In the end, his character goes to the machines they are fighting with--the same ones that have imprisoned them for all those years--and tells them the people are willing to stop the fighting if the machines are.

"Ah! But the movie ends with Neo fighting his nemesis, you say!" Yes, but the answer to that is also symbolic. During the course of the movie, Neo discovers that his nemesis, Agent Smith, is really the dark half of himself or his ego. In the end, what Neo really overcomes is his individuality so that he can become whole.

The lie we have been told in this lifetime is that we are separate--that there is a right and a wrong, a good and a bad. While it is true there is a dual nature in this earth, each element is part of the Oneness. We continue to fight and struggle with one another because we believe one way is better than another and are focused on winning the fight. Our lives are not about winning the fight. They are about understanding ourselves and the Oneness more clearly. It is only when we stop fighting we can truly live as we were intended to live--as One.

Wake up! Question with boldness! The truth is out there! Learn to overcome the lie!

Divergent Paths

I find myself in mourning today. I have made the all-important decision to be true to myself and let the light inside begin to shine through without holding back. The problem with that is, I am forced to leave the path I have been on where I have had many wonderful traveling companions along the way. It's scary. I feel as though I am leaving behind the support I have come to lean on. I am sad because I love these friends immensely and have great respect and admiration for them. Still, I know I can no longer continue on this path and remain true to who I am--who I have always been.

I have always been a very spiritual person but I now find myself unable to conform to the box I have allowed myself to be placed in by religious "rules". Many of these rules have never felt right in my heart, but I overlooked them for a long time because some things about religion did feel right in my heart. For example, Christianity tells us the being gay is a "sin" and a "lifestyle choice". While I can accept there may be some instances of "choosing" to be gay, I honestly believe the vast majority of gay people are born that way. God does not create sinners. People wrote (and slanted) the Bible. My heart--my connection to God--tells me to accept these people for who they are and to allow them to use their gifts and talents to bless me on my journey.  My life has been richly blessed by my gay and lesbian friends, and I wouldn't choose to have it any other way.

I've also struggled with revealing some of my own particular talents to some of my Christian friends. I've always been highly intuitive and sensitive to energies. There have been many occasions when I've told people what they needed to hear at precisely the time they needed to hear it. I have also always been highly sensitive to the feelings of others--to the point where I pretty much know what they are thinking at any given time. I have even lately been made aware of my main spirit guide/guardian angel, who has been assigned by God to help me on my journey. I've always considered these gifts to be talents I have through my connection to God. In some circles, these gifts would be considered psychic. Many conservative Christians believe any sort of psychic ability comes from the devil or evil spirits. The concept of a spirit guide is definitely considered to be of the devil. The thing is, within the past year I have felt called to use these gifts in ways that would help others gain additional perspective to things they might be going through. Denying I have these gifts limits what I feel called to do.

I have come to that place in life where I have to make a choice: accept who I truly am and become the person I was meant to be or continue to live in the box of religion, miserable and unfulfilled. I have chosen the latter, but in doing so I have chosen a different path to follow.

It feels a little lonely, because I no longer know my traveling companions. I am meeting them, and I am finding them to be delightful. In time I'm sure it will be wonderful. It just feels a little scary right now.

I have always loved this Robert Frost poem. Today it feels more true for me than ever!

The Road Not Taken

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth;           Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same,           And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.           I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

The Myth of Armageddon

Armageddon. The word means many different things to many different people. The most popular definition is a great cataclysmic battle which will take place between the righteous and the unrighteous just before Jesus comes back to earth to judge and rule over the people. Detailed scenarios have been handed down for generations describing the battle itself and what people believe will happen, most of it "based in the Bible". The great irony here is that the Bible goes into no such detail.

A quick search of the Bible reveals the word Armageddon appears exactly one time. That's right. You heard me. One time! (Look it up yourself! www.biblegateway.com) Quite a big mountain made out of a tiny molehill!

The other thing people fail to take into consideration is what this passage actually says:

     And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

     And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.

      And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. (Revelation 16:16-18 KJV)

Notice this: they are gathered at Armageddon, but there is no battle! They gather, then there is a voice out of the temple of heaven saying "It is done". The only thing that happens after that is an earthquake!

Where is the great battle of Armageddon as described in the Bible? NOWHERE! It is a grossly exaggerated story made up in the imaginations of men, yet millions of people (particularly Christians) believe there is to be a battle and are looking to it as a sign of "the end". Sure, people take bits and pieces of other Bible passages to back up their claims of a great battle, but is this truth?

For those of you waiting for the Kingdom of God on earth, I would quote directly from words attributed to Jesus:

     And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:

     Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

    And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. (Luke 17:20-22 KJV)

If you are looking for God's kingdom, follow Jesus' advice and look for it in the correct place: within yourself. If you choose to listen to the voices of those who would tell you they know all the answers, you will end up the victim.

Learn to question all your beliefs. Boldly ask yourself where that thought came from and be unafraid to follow it to its source. Is it something I was taught in my childhood or in later years? Did I come to this conclusion on my own and how? In the end, you will probably discover some of your beliefs are truth and some are not (and should be discarded). Don't let the myth of Armageddon overwhelm your life to the point where you are no longer able to see the truth. Learn to listen to that voice of God within for your answers. It is only the truth that will set you free.

The Free Speech About Science Act (HR 1364)

I am not usually one to make pure political comments on my spiritually-based blog, but this lines up with my core beliefs and values to strongly (to help truth prevail) I cannot let the topic pass without bringing it to light. You see, I have just learned there is new legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives which would finally allow natural food and supplement manufacturers to make health claims about their products based on scientifically proven studies! Known as the Free Speech About Science Act, or HR 1364, this bill would allow freer access to information linking natural products to the potential health benefits they can provide.

In this "free" country known as America, our flow of information has been limited by those who have the money and influence to control it. Under current American law, the FDA can shut down any food producer or supplement manufacturer who tries to claim that their product can aid or cure a disease or condition. How did this happen, you ask? The very rich and powerful pharmaceutical industry has lobbied hard to pass laws which keep this information from getting out to the public. Why? Because if people knew about natural products that could potentially cure what ails them, they would not buy Big Pharma's expensive (and vastly profitable) medicines. Big Pharma's goal is not to save us. Big Pharma is just interested in the almighty dollar! We are only free to know the information they choose to tell us! How can we possible make intelligent and informed decisions when we only have bits and pieces of the information?

Big Pharma is not the only industry in America which would limit your access to the truth by limiting your information! News organizations are notorious for covering only the stories they wish for you to hear so you will side with them. The government also pares down the information it provides so you have to make your decisions based on such one-sided information.

The truth is out there, but we have to diligently seek it out! One thing we can all do is to stand together and let those in power know we will no longer accept anything but the truth! We need to hold them accountable for the lies, inaccuracies and disinformation they provide. Only the truth can set us free!

Hold those in power accountable today by sending letters to your U.S. Representatives and Senators supporting The Free Speech About Science Act by clicking on the Alliance For Natural Health's link: Protect Your Right To Know About the Science Behind the Supplements! Then, forward this blog or the link to all your friends so their voices may also be heard! Together, we can have a profound impact on our own ability to hear the whole truth!

Rooting Out Judgment

I have always been a good little rule-follower. In fact, I was often referred to as "goody-two-shoes" by people who knew me. I have a definite perfectionistic streak coupled with a good memory for things that have gotten me or others in trouble in the past, and I've used it to full advantage.

I also have a heart for people. In my teen years I began volunteering at a camp for abused and neglected children. As I found this highly rewarding, I went on to a degree in psychology and subsequently worked with emotionally disturbed children in a group home. This exposed me to a harsher side of life, which I thought made me less judgmental of others. I was wrong.

I was made aware of my judgment because of my daughter. In so many ways, she is the complete opposite of me. She was tomboy to my girlie-girl. She has a tendency to misjudge how others see her (always negatively), while I grew up aware of being popular and well-liked. Then there is her rebelliousness. It wasn't just the usual teenage stuff prompted by a desire to separate from her parents. It was irrational, out-of-control behavior which had me at my wits end more often than not.

The world often takes the attitude that poor behavior is the result of poor parenting. Granted, as a single mom I was never the world's greatest parent. Still, I have always been a strong person and did what I could with those talents at my disposal. It didn't help my daughter, and I beat myself up for years trying to figure out what I was doing wrong.

The thing is, I wasn't doing anything wrong. My problem was in believing what the world told me was true about being a bad parent because I had couldn't control my daughter's behavior. I had judged myself, not from any true standards but from standards the came from the world's "rules".

I also found myself judging my daughter for the "mistakes" she made. As I looked around, I realized I used the same standards to judge others as well. I was filled with judgment! What's more, I finally understood that this judgment I had separated me from having solid relationships with those people in my world.

I am convinced it is this same sense of judgment that is responsible for all the problems in the world. We have a defininte "us" vs. "them" mentality where we think we have to force them to accept "the truth" in order to save them and save the world. The thing is, the only thing this mentality does is cause more and more separation! If "the truth" is something we have to force on people, isn't there something wrong? How can it be "the truth" if they can't see it?

It's time we started rooting out the judgment in our lives--time to find those ideas that separate us from one another and call them into question. Where did they come from? Who did we learn that from? Does that feel right when I ask the light at the center of my being? The answers to these questions may surprise you.

It is time to shift out of the ego-driven, separationist mentality and strive every day to find the connections and commonalities we have with all others. It begins with rooting out judgment.

Ready For the Paradigm Shift?

In Stephen R. Covey's book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, he writes extensively about the concept of paradigm shifts. A paradigm is a roadmap of sorts--its a personal perception of how the world works. Often our life paradigms hold great power over us as we observe the world around us and make judgments about it based on those beliefs. There are many occasions where we believe we have a solid understanding about what is going on. Then something happens to make us see the situation in a whole new light, often upsetting the apple cart in the process.

Covey's book gives a wonderful illustration of a paradigm shift, which I read more than twenty years ago and still remember to this day. It begins on page 30:

     I remember a mini-paradigm shift I experienced one Sunday morning on a subway in New York. People were sitting quietly.....some reading newspapers, some lost in thought, some resting with their eyes closed. It was a calm, peaceful scene.
     Then suddenly, a man and his children entered trhe subway car. The children were so loud and rambunctious that instantly the whole climate changed.
     The man sat down next to me and closed his eyes, apparently oblivious to the situation. The children were yelling back and forth, throwing things, even grabbing people's papers. It was very disturbing. And yet, the man sitting next to me did nothing.
     It was difficult not to feel irritated. I could not believe that he could be so insensitive as to let his children run wild like that and do nothing about it, taking no responsibility at all. It was easy to see that everyone else on the subway felt irritated, too. So finally, with what I felt was unusual patience and restraint, I turned to him and said, "Sir, your children are really disturbing a lot of people. I wonder if you couldn't control them a little more?"
     The man lifted his gaze as if to come to a consciouness of the situation for the first time and said softly, "Oh, you're right. I guess I should do something about it. We just came from the hospital where their mother died about an hour ago. I don't know what to think, and I guess they don't know how to handle it either."
     Can you imagine what I felt at that moment? My paradigm shifted. Suddenly, I saw things differently, and because I saw differently, I thought differently, I felt differently, I behaved differently. My irritation vanished. I didn't have to worry about controlling my attitude or my behavior; my heart was filled with the man's pain. Feelings of sympathy and compassion flowed freely. "Your wife just died? Oh, I am so sorry! Can you tell me about it? What can I do to help?" Everything changed in that instant.

We all experience similar paradigm shifts every day which change our whole outlook on life. Still, we operate under the illusion that we have all the answers and judge what we encounter accordingly. Time to snap out of it, People!

We don't have all the answers. If we did, the world would not be such a screwed up place! It is this all-knowing attitude--the attitude of the ego--that keeps us at odds with one another! We operate in a world of separation, but separation is not the goal. As matter of fact, if we continue this stance of fighting and choosing sides society will continue to degenerate! Judgment only brings more judgment. Fighting only brings more fighting. Violence only brings more violence.

It's time to shift the paradigm--time to understand this world concept of separation is leading us to our own demise! It is only through acceptance we can balance out the judgment. It is only through peace we can balance out the violence. It is only through love we can balance out the hate. It's time to replace the old way of thinking with the new! Are you ready for the paradigm shift?

The Cat Who Barked

A Story of Allowing

There was once a cat who was born different. As a kitten when all the other kittens were pouncing on bugs and chasing pieces of string, this kitten would chase after cars and retrieve sticks that were thrown by his master. He even had a strange staccato sounding meow which at times seemed to sound more like a bark.

The other kittens made fun of the strange, different little kitten until he ran off by himself to cry. The mother and father cats saw the kitten acting more like a dog and would tell him, "You are a cat! Cats do not chase after cars and fetch sticks! We pounce and play with string and meow! Be proud of who you are because you are one of life's noblest creatures--a cat!"

As the kitten grew older, his life was filled with such messages until he decided it was too hard to be different. He was lonely, and he was always being told he wasn't doing things right. He decided then and there that he would try to be the best cat he could possibly be.

He worked day and night on his pouncing skills until he became so good at it the other cats where asking him for advice. When the ball of yarn came out, he was the first cat there, chasing it and batting at it with his paws. He was the life of the party! He even worked to try to draw his staccato meow out into a more cat-like sound. He understood what it took to be a great cat, and he did it proudly.

Or so it seemed. While all the other cats admired him and tried to emulate what he did, the now grown cat grew less and less happy. There were times he saw the puppies playing in the yard--chasing after sticks and cars--and he longed for the days when he used to run freely doing what he enjoyed. This cat's lifestyle did not fit who he was. Pretending to act like one was making him miserable.

Finally, the cat made a decision! "I am not going to pretend anymore," he thought! "I may be a cat, but I was not designed to be a normal cat! I am different, and I do not want to hide who I am any longer!"

From that moment on, the cat did all those things that made him happy. He chased after cars. He fetched sticks for his master. More often than not, he joined the puppies playing in the yard because they did all the things he enjoyed, and they didn't make fun of him the way the other cats did.

Although many of the cats began to make fun of him for following his heart, a few of the cats accepted him for who he was. Some of them liked to do uncat-like things as well. Still others admired his strength for going against the crowd and doing what made him happy.

In time, the cat found he became more and more accepted for who he was. He also discovered that, because he had the courage to face the ridicule, other cats were now less afraid to reveal their true selves. More importantly, the joy the cat found in life was much more profound and rewarding than anything he could imagine. He discovered that it is only in being true to yourself--by allowing yourself to use the gifts and talents you were born with--you are able to fulfil your true calling and be at peace.

Getting Rid of Money Blocks

Money and I are apparently not friends. I always have what I need to pay the bills--have even gotten extra money to pay for the car I have now, and yet I never seem to have any extra for those fun things I want to do in life. It's frustrating--especially as I know it doesn't have to be that way. I am a firm believer in the Law of Attraction. I can see the impact my thoughts have had on my life.

I've spent years trying to uncover my energetic blocks surrounding money. One of my very favorite gurus on the subject is EFT expert Carol Look (http://www.attractingabundance.com/). Because of her work, I have explored issues like having more money than others makes me feel guilty, you have to work hard for the money you have (it doesn't come easy), and having lots of money will make me stand out and I don't want that attention. Still, with all the work I'd done, I knew there was more I hadn't uncovered.

Recently, I have been exploring this question inside myself and came up with this interesting picture. I was sort of "feeling into the energy" of my relationship to money. I came up with this rather humorous image of myself attired like some karate master, hitting and kicking out at boards and cement blocks which were hurtling down at me through the air. The boards and blocks were the money I was forcing away from myself. They felt dangerous. This picture was quite the eye-opener for me. I truly felt as though money was "out to get me"! No wonder I fight it at every turn!

My next thought was, "How can I change this picture?" I began to use my imagination to see myself in a brand new world. I asked myself, "What could I equate money to that I would welcome into my life?" As I pondered the subject, I came across the image of playing in a cool summer rain--something I always loved to do as a child (and still enjoy if the truth be told). The rain is cool and refreshing. It is gentle. It soaks my clothing and body as I run around splashing in the puddles it creates. I breath in the smell of cleansed earth and allow the water to quench my thirst. I am safe. I want to be here as I absorb this feeling of being truly alive and joyful.

While I can't say the picture of "karate me" is totally gone yet, it is becoming less prominent as I begin to replace it with my image of money as a gentle rain. I try to imagine the rain every time I have a moment. As I become more familiar with this feeling of attraction, it will be interesting to see what will take place.

You know, this will probably seem sort of funny, but something just dawned on me. Last night, I had a craving for Dairy Queen. My husband, youngest son and I went to go get ice cream. After we ordered, my husband went to pay with a credit card. It took some time. Then the girl waiting on us told us their router was having problems due to poor connections and random service. The charge would not go through so they were giving us our order for free! I spent a fair amount of time imagining myself in the rain yesterday after I had my insight. Did I manifest free ice cream?

In the meantime, I am also doing some EFT "tapping" using phrases like, "Even though I feel as though I have to protect myself against money..." and, "Even though I feel threatened by money...". I do believe solutions are out there. Finding them starts with asking the right questions.       

The Power of Heart

According to the Law of Attraction, when you are attempting to attract something into your life it is important to not only think the thoughts but also to feel the feelings as though what you want already exists. The feeling is actually the more important part of the manifestation equation. Why is this? The feelings are more important than the thoughts because feelings are associated with the heart, and our hearts are our places of power.

Look at our thoughts. Typically, thoughts are highly influenced by what the world teaches about it and ourselves. These are the thoughts associated with the mind, also known as the ego, and are not particularly true or reliable. Quite often the thoughts of our minds are downright lies! These are the thoughts that tell us we are worthless and we have to prove ourselves by showing ourselves to be more accomplished than others. In our society, we have been taught to rely on this "rational" information at the expense of the intuitive information we receive.

The intuitive information we receive is from our heart connection. It is the heart that connects us to each other and the Universe around us. Consequently, the knowledge we receive from the heart is much more insightful because it is all-knowing and takes everything into account, even when we don't see all the little details.

The heart is also our place of power. It is from the heart that you can tap into both Universal knowledge and power! This is why your feelings are the more important part of the manifestation equation! When your feelings line up with your thoughts about what you want, you draw on the power of the Universe to direct your desires toward yourself. Your feelings are the thoughts you get from the heart!

Anyone who is truly interested in manifesting his/her desires needs to learn to tap into his/her heart space. Doing so will not only help a person tap into the energy of the Universe, but by going within and learning about yourself you will also be able to identify your purpose within that Universe. People who live in prosperity and abundance have identified their purpose and act on those ideas which connect them to that purpose. This process is often referred to as "living in flow".

The ego/mind does not have the power to manifest because it is a separate entity not connected to Source. True power only comes from our connection to Source. The place to find that connection is in the heart. This is why our feelings make it possible to manifest our desires--they are our heart thoughts. It is the power of  heart that makes all things possible.

Illusions of the Mind

The world you live in is an illusion. It is not based in truth, nor has it ever been. The world you live in is one that has been formed using the constructs of the mind--imaginary structures based on man's ideas about how the world "should" work. You ask, "What's not real? What's not truth?" The answer: pretty much everything.

Let's look at religion--I will pick on Christianity because it is what I know best. The ideas I speak of here are not limited to just Christianity. (I would even say they would apply to religions such as the great religion of science.) Christianity bases its beliefs on the Holy Bible--its "source of truth". While I do believe there is truth to be found in the Bible (as in all good books), it is hidden by the inaccuracies of various interpretations of it. Even Christians cannot agree on what the Bible instructs its followers. Each denomination has its set of beliefs or "laws" about how the world is supposed to operate, and they are all different. Truth does not change. Truth is what is left over when you have pared away the nonessentials (which happens to be most everything). Truth IS. If Christians truly understood what truth was, there would be no arguing. You can't argue with what IS. The I AM stands on its own.

Science does not understand this principle either. When you do a little research and try to get back to the basic premises that the "truths" of science are based on, what do you find? You find that their scientific "fact" is based on someone's original theory. What is the definition of a theory? A few definitions from www.thefreedictionary.com are as follows:  A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena; Abstract reasoning; speculation; An assumption based on limited information or knowledge; a conjecture. When you get back to the heart of science, it too is based on an assumption, a conjecture! It may or may not be truth, but that does not stop it from being accepted as truth. This is why great scientists every few hundred years come along and upset the great scientific apple cart, discarding hundreds of years of assumptions with one new thought.

Now let's look at the American medical community. Americans are taught to believe that we have the best healthcare technology available. Billions are spent every year on scans and surgeries and vaccines and medicines that are going to "save" us from what ails us! Often, the treatment ends up worse than the disease! Look at standard "chemo" to treat cancer. Sure it kills the cancer cells, but it also kills your healthy cells--the ones your body uses to protect itself! Is this sensible? No. Yet every year we allow it to be pumped into our bodies in order to "save" ourselves. This practice has become so accepted by Americans that the government now forces children whose parents don't want to poison them with chemo to get the chemo or the parent is deemed unfit and will actually lose custody of their child! There are actual cures for cancer out there that don't kill you too (although in America they are often outlawed!). Look at the actress Suzanne Sommers. She was cured of breast cancer without chemo and without surgery! It happens. The truth is just hidden from us by the powers that be and their thirst for our money!

These institutions and others were all constructed using thoughts which came from the mind of man. These constructs were layered on top of the truth and became so accepted over time that they are now considered to be the truth. We have lost sight of what actually is the truth because we have been taught these lies for so long. We have come to rely so much on our minds and their related thought processes we have lost the ability to access the place of real truth--the place of the heart.

Even Jesus taught that the kingdom of God lies within. It is not outside ourselves. Each one has the ability to go within to his or her own heart, to access the Divine spark within and learn to recognize that Divine spark in others. It is this love--this energy-- that connects us. It is this energy that flows in and through all things! This is the real source of truth, and it is available to each and every one of us when we learn to access it.

Learning to access truth through the heart is the key to overcoming the illusions of the mind. Most people are able to access this truth occasionally without even being aware of it. How will you know? You will be confronted with some internal conflict or turmoil. This is your body's way of telling you something is not right in your world! The conflict comes because what the world has taught you to be truth does not agree with what your heart innately knows to be truth. It is at these times you need to acknowledge the conflict and search your heart for answers. God--truth--will speak to you there. The answers will probably shock you!

We all have the ability to overcome the illusions of the mind. In doing so, we allow truth to exist freely as it was meant to. It is only by allowing what IS to exist that we are truly set free.




 

The Illusion of Truth

Truth.

It starts as a seed.

Sometimes we take the time

To water it,

Nourish it,

Expose it to sunlight,

Help it grow.

Often we neglect it,

Keep it in the dark,

Dormant,

Silent,

Starved for food and water,

And still,

We expect it to grow.

At other times,

Even when it is properly nourished,

We put it in a fancy pot,

Tie on some ribbons

And bows

And bangles

Until the plant is all but hidden

By the ornamentation

And we can no longer see the original plant

For all the added frills.

Thus we are no longer able to see

The truth that is the plant.

Strip away the ornamentation

To focus on the plant within

And not be distracted by the bobbles

You see as truth.

They are worthless illusion

That take you away from reality.

Truth IS.

Allow yourself to see it

Without adding to

Or taking anything away.

Only then are you free

To know the I AM.

Wallk Softly

My husband and I have a favored set of walking trails near our home built in a wetlands area. The trail meanders beside a very wide creek and is home to an amazing amount of wildlife considering it is in metropolitan Atlanta. Insect life abounds--great jolly bumblebees, green and blue and black dragonflies with  transparent wings, yellow and blue winged butterflies. During certain times of the day you may catch the sound of bullfrogs among the rushes and see big fat tadpoles swimming in the water. Quite often you see mating pairs of mallard ducks swimming and bobbing for fish. Watching nature has the ability to take me back to the wonders of my childhood, where everything was new and exciting and wonderful. I learned to respect nature growing up--to recognize its perfection without disturbing it.

As we walked on the trails today, we didn't get far before I noticed a beautiful deer feeding on some of the dense vegetation next the the trail. She wasn't more than twenty feet from where I stood. She looked up from her meal as she noticed me watching her. Not wanting to interrupt her, I continued down the path and saw the rest of her family a short distance away from her. These deer were also cautious. I walked on, wishing I had a camera, but thrilled to have witnessed these beautiful creatures so close up. Walk softly so as not to lose the opportunities nature is willing to hand you.

As we continued on, there is a little bridge on the path near a viaduct where water makes its way toward the creek. Beside the water is a large group of rocks which catch the warmth of the sun on sunny days. We have observed baby copperhead snakes warming themselves on those rocks in the past. Today when we stopped, there was a family of no less than six copperheads taking advantage of the suns rays, their copper-like heads shining brightly in the sunshine. They were so beautiful! We could feel their strength and innate power. They were not interested in disturbing us any more than we were interested in disturbing them. Walk softly in order to observe the beauty of nature without feeling its wrath.

As with all things, it is important to allow nature to exist the way it was designed to. Misuse can lead to loss, disease and harm. My husband and I had no other use for the nature we observed today other than to revel in the joy and beauty inherent in all God's creation. Our physical needs are currently all met. Consequently, it was enough to just enjoy the scenery. Walk softly. The balance of life depends upon it. 

Lessons of a Backseat Driver

I am a terrible backseat driver! I have been known to push on imaginary brakes with my right foot and tilt my body in the direction the car should go. On top of all that, I can be very vocal in expressing my fear or surprise at any situation that occurs when I am not in control of the motor vehicle. I do not make my husband very happy when I am in backseat driver mode--especially since he tends to be extremely laid back when I am all about getting it done now.

The key word here is control (or the lack thereof). As humans, we have a natural tendency to want to be in the driver's seat all the time. There are times, however, when life does not turn out that way. Sometimes we need to let others be in charge of the situation because they are better qualified, or maybe it is just their turn. The fact of the matter is, we are not meant to be in control of everything. This is often extremely hard for us to accept.

I had some insight into the situation just yesterday. I was in the car with my husband, driving some miles from home to hike in a favorite spot in the woods with great trails. Communing with nature always makes me introspective, and I was anticipating the closer connection to God/Source I feel among the trees. As I rode down the highway, I began to notice the blue sky with its fluffy, white clouds. I allowed the green of the trees and the warmth of the sun to mellow me out further. Then it dawned on me: I was so focused on the scenery and in enjoying the ride that I didn't have time to complain about not being in control of the car!

In the car ride of life, it is important where you place your focus--especially at those times when you do not have total control of the situation. When your focus is on controlling what others do, friction occurs as you attempt to right their wrongs. Accidents can even result if you let things get extreme. However, when you focus on the beauty of the ride, the experience is much more pleasant, and the ride becomes that much better.

Learn to relax, sit back, shut up...and enjoy the ride.

To Do It Differently

How many times have you looked back at your life and thought, "If I knew then what I know now I would have done that much differently!" Quite often, reflections of the past bring up all the former hurts and failures you've experienced over a lifetime of actions. At times you just want to kick yourself over your own stupidity--for the pain you've caused yourself and others. The truth is, if you had the opportunity to do it differently, you would probably choose to do the same things over again.

Right now I'm sure you're saying, "Is she crazy?!!! There is no way I would choose to do the same things over again!" You understand the great pain involved in many of the choices you've made. There is no way you would purposely re-expose yourself and others to that agony again.

Hear me out. The first fallacy is the idea, "If I knew then what I know now." Life is a learning process--sort of a big experiment. You come up to an obstacle between where you are and where you want to be. You have to figure out the best way to get around it. Often there are many choices to choose from. You pick an option. Sometimes the option works out easily and you go on to the next obstacle. More often, the choice does not take you exactly where you want to go. Sometimes it brings pain. You have to choose again, but this time with the advantage of knowing something that didn't work. The point is, with all choices you gain understanding. If you had all knowledge before you made the choice, there would be absolutely no reason to be living this life on earth. Not knowing is the purpose of life!

The second fallacy is the idea that you would make different choices in order to avoid the pain involved. Think about this though. While no one enjoys pain, would you truly avoid it? Pain can be huge benefit. It is one of the best teaching tools available. Remember those times you have experienced pain. What did you learn? How did you grow? Who have you become as a result of your pain? The answers may surprise you.

This life of duality is meant to be experienced from all sides--good and bad. Ultimately if you had the chance to do things differently you would probably still do the same things because the choices you made were all part of your growth process. The result of this learning is wisdom and understanding. Live with no regret over the choices you have made. As painful as the process may have been, poor choices result in great treasure.  

The Healing Power of Forgiveness

I recently had a very interesting discussion with some Facebook friends on the nature of punishment and forgiveness (compliments of a story I posted about John Demjanjak, former Cleveland resident recently convicted in Germany of assisting in the killings of almost 30,000 Jews while working as a prison guard in Nazi Germany). Throughout the course of the discussion, I noticed that the concept of forgiveness is very misunderstood. Most people understand forgiveness has a healing quality about it. What they don't understand is who the forgiveness actually benefits.

When forgiveness is the topic, most people focus on the effects forgiveness has on the one who committed the offense. They see it as setting the perpetrator free, and this would be an accurate statement. Forgiving someone who has acted against us does break an energetic bond which holds the offender captive. As humans, we often have the idea that forgiveness is not justice--that if we forgive someone they are no longer accountable for the crimes they have committed. This is not true. Wrong actions always have consequences, whether they be physical, emotional, mental or energetic. The problem here is our focus on the other person.

An offense always has two sides: the perpetrator and the victim. What we fail to recognize about forgiveness is the effect forgiveness has on the victims. This is actually the most important part of the two. When we forgive others, the energy connecting us to the offense is broken. We are now free to let go of the pain and move forward with our lives. Forgiveness is truly about our own freedom, not "justice". Think about this as well. Do we really want to be energetically connected to someone who has harmed us? Do we really want to continue to drown in all that pain? Personally, I don't.

I choose to forgive, as freely as I can, so I don't have to walk in constant pain and I am free to focus on all those joyous things I aspire to in life. Yes, forgiveness heals, but the truly important person it heals is me. My life is not about controlling others and holding them accountable. That's a task for the Universe. My life is about the lessons I came to learn and the growth I hope to experience. Forgiveness frees me from much of the negativity in my life so that I am free to live the life I have chosen. It's that simple.

Forgiveness is healing. It heals you!     

In Praise of Nurses

I recently discovered it's National Nurses Week. Having been on the receiving end of the work that nurses do, I could think of no better way to honor them than to write about why nurses hold such a special place in my heart. It isn't just the fact that they tirelessly perform many menial tasks that most people could not or would not perform. It is the fact that the motivation behind these efforts is to do what they can to help others heal. Often, this does not just refer to physical healing.

It was June of 1990 and I was thirty-eight weeks pregnant with my first child. My doctor diagnosed me with pre-eclampsia and ordered me to the hospital to induce labor. He explained that complications could jeopardize both my life and the baby's if the condition were allowed to continue.

Arielle was born the next day after a failed induction and c-section. Within a few hours of her birth, she began to develop breathing problems. Her health went downhill very quickly from there. Because she was born in a hospital without a NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) and she needed an infusion of white blood cells to fight what we later learned was a Group B Strep infection, she was transferred to a hospital several hours away in Iowa City. My doctor managed to get me transferred there as well so my husband and I could both be there with her. What I didn't know at the time was how very sick I was. My thoughts were all on my daughter.

The infection overwhelmed Arielle's weak immune system very quickly. In the end, her heart kept stopping. They continued to restart it, but the time between episodes began to decrease. They knew eventually Arielle's heart would not restart. A doctor, accompanied by a nurse, came in to ask if we wanted to have Arielle brought to us the next time her heart stopped. It was a nurse, with tears in her eyes, who brought Arielle's small, blanket-wrapped body to us so we could say good-bye.

The strength I had when Arielle was still fighting for her life died out with her death. I could barely even move. The doctors kept me in the labor section of the maternity ward because each room had a dedicated nurse. I don't remember much about that time. At some point, my mother arrived, flown in from out of state. I also remember my inlaws coming in to see me and mourn with me. What stands out most about that room, however, was the nurse.

I don't remember her name or what she looked like. What I remember was the tremendous care she gave me. I had just lost my first, very wanted child. I was sick, I was bloated and I could barely move. My body ached from the throes of the birthing process, and my arms were empty. And there was the nurse--checking on my condition, giving me medication, speaking softly to me, asking if there was anything I needed.

At one point I remember her giving me a sponge bath. It had been days since I had showered, although I wasn't thinking about that as I grieved. As gently as if I had been the newborn baby, she washed off the dirt and grime and trauma of the past few hours and made me feel a little more normal again. She was just doing her job, yet I could feel the comfort and compassion coming from her as she performed this mundane task.

I have tremendous respect for nurses and the many jobs they do. Nurses have cried with me, laughed with me, comforted me, joked with me and taken wonderful care of me. They take orders from sometimes ungrateful doctors and have to deal with flack from unruly patients. Still, they perform their tasks tirelessly and with great compassion, all in the name of healing. Whether we acknowledge them or not, nurses make a tremendous impact on the world, and for that I am very grateful.     

The Law of Separation

There is a spiritual law which has sat on the backburner of my mind for years, never fully explained or defined but always bubbling in the background. Lately, it has weighed heavily on me and I feel very prompted to share it. It isn't that people don't know about it. Like me, there are many out there who sense the truth of it without defining it as such. I just feel it incumbent on me to put it into words--to attempt to put it in the forefront of people's minds so they will no longer ignore it but actually live the principle. I call it the Law of Separation.

Simply stated, the Law of Separation says that when one actively works to separate something from itself the end result will always be a problem, whether it be disease, conflict or confusion.This principle works on everything from a microscopic level to a global level and beyond (although it is limited to our world of duality).

Let's look at the example of grains. White flour is made by separating the starch portion of the grain from the bran. While white flour is lighter and often seems to taste better, the reason it is not healthy for you is because the nutrients your body needs to actually digest the starch (aka white flour) is contained in the bran. Consequently, the starch is not digested when you eat white flour and it easily contributes to obesity and all the health problems associated with that condition.

Now let's look at societies/cultures. When one culture sees itself as better or more deserving than other culture, barriers are built between the two. If the separation is allowed or encouraged to continue, conflict results. Fighting occurs over property and resources, justifying even more violence. There is a natural progression here from arguing to aggression to war and even sometimes to genocide.

Granted, these examples are perhaps an oversimplified view of this spiritual law, but the Law of Separation shows up everywhere. This leads us to the question, "If separating something from itself creates problems, how can we fix the problems that are already here?" Again, the answer is simple (although not necessarily easy to do). We need to rebalance the situation by seeking out and dissolving those things which cause separation. It is important to let go of all that which separates. It is by clinging to the separation that we run into problems in the first place.

We have been placed on this planet in order to experience things in a more individual and personalized way. To accomplish this goal, individual elements where separated out in a physical/energetic way. We came to this place of separation, not to remain divided, but to learn about our own individualality and uniqueness and celebrate them. Our perfection lies not in remaining separate but in learning to live as One.

Home of the Free?

One of the first things I read this morning was a posting from one of my favorite medical gurus, Dr. Joseph Mercola, a D.O. who specializes in natural approaches to health. The article discusses how Big Pharma (largely through the American Academy of Pediatrics) is organizing a campaign to stop the informed vaccine choice message being displayed on the Times Square Jumbotron in NYC. The article points out that the AAP gets large sums of money from Big Pharma, and how the AAP has been trying to strongarm CBS, owner of the Jumbotron billboard, to take the ads down. (You can read the article for yourself here: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/05/06/doctors-denying-vaccine-risks-an-american-tragedy.aspx.)

The whole topic made me take a hard look at the United States, the home of the "free". Many Americans hold up the Constitution and the freedoms it protects as one of the things that makes the United States one of the best countries in the world. We have the right to worship as we want, speak out as we want, write and publish as we want. However, if you look at the reality of life in the United States, you will see this is not the case.

Look at the idea of free speech. The nonprofit National Vaccine Information Center is behind the informed vaccine choice being posted on the Jumbotron. While the government itself is not responsible for attempting to take the message off, other powers that be have done their best to restrict the message using some very underhanded tactics. Big Pharma makes billions of dollars every year distributing their patented vaccines. Of course they don't want people to think about the risks! If people knew more of the statistics on the problems with vaccines, many would keep their children from getting vaccines! There are those in this country with money and power who would keep the "little guy" from knowing the truth, all because of greed. If we are not allowed to hear the truth because it is kept from us, are we free to make our own informed choices?

Now look at the idea of freedom of religion. While I do not appreciate religious fanatics who would try to force others into worshipping their way, I also do not appreciate those who would try to limit how we worship in public. What is wrong with saying the Pledge of Allegience at a high school ball game? Just because two people in the crowd don't want to say the words "under God" means the rest of us can't say it? If you don't like it, you are still free to sit down, walk out or not show up! What gives a vocal minority the right to legislate what the rest of us can do?

The heart of the matter is, America has become a place where truth and freedom are bought and paid for by those who have the money and influence to control what we are exposed to! It isn't about truth. It isn't about freedom. It is about control, and control is not the natural order of things. We were given the gift of free will so that we can choose for ourselves what we learn about and experience. True freedom can only come when we have access to all the availabe information and are allowed to choose those things which serve us.    

The Reinvention of Me

I've lived many lifetimes within this lifetime. The first part of my life was lived in what I will call total flow. As a small child, I always went with my gut and lived in the present moment. Every day was experienced to its fullest as I sought out each new element of my world. I also had great compassion for others who were feeling sad. I could sense the pain of others, and I would often try to help them feel better. It also turned me into the champion of the underdog when I saw people being mercilessly picked on. Everyone was my friend. The world was my oyster.

This all changed when I was twelve. I intercepted a note--meant for a friend--from a new girl. The note questioned why "Cindy has to be in charge of everything." I had never before realized that other people might not like where I was leading them! I had no desire to control others--no desire to force them to do things they didn't want to do. I became a listener, but I also began to hold myself back from many things I desired to do because of the needs of others. This was my second incarnation.

My third incarnation happened when I became "an adult" at age 18. I chose to go to college hundreds of miles away from where my folks lived. I was independent for the first time in my life, and it was scary. I knew all the rules and had been a good rule follower. Now it was time to go out into the "real world" and make something of myself. This was a time of shifting identities--of trying on new hats to see if they fit. Most of them seemed fleeting and vague. I became student, wife, counselor, mother, single mother, teacher and wife again. My identity was often tied to my particular role at the moment. Some of them were not particularly healthy, and I spent a good deal of time depressed as I searched for the identity that was really me. Elements of me were always there in each of them, but none of them seemed to fit my true calling. This third incarnation was perhaps the most precarious, because it was the time I tried to fit into what the world told me I was instead of what my heart told me I was. (This is often the root cause of depression!)

My fourth incarnation began at the ripe old age of forty-five (present day). It has only been within the past year I have come to appreciate the wealth of experiences I have had, both good and bad. In all the time my identity shifted, I was in "growth mode". I was not powerless, like I felt for a long time. I was merely learning. Now that I have recognized this, I am able to use this newfound knowledge of myself to become what I was meant to become. I know I have the strong ability to sense the feelings of others. I have always desired to heal the pain of others. I also have insights I believe others value and appreciate, as well as the ability to express these ideas well through the medium of words. Although I have not yet perfectly identified how I am to do all this professionally, I am confident I am on the right path. The exact doors will open at the right time.

We are all many people at many different times in our lives. This is the growth process, the life process. Whatever stage of life you are in, know there is always something precious to be gained. If you don't like your direction because it doesn't feel "right", you are always free to change it. There are no absolutes. There is only you and your growth and your own personal evolution. This is the secret to life. Be bold and go for it!   

The End of Politics As Usual

Here in the United States, politics is in full swing as we begin the process of electing/re-electing a president. Obama is set to run again for re-election on the Democratic ticket while several presidential hopefuls are beginning to vy for placement on the Republican ticket. None of it thrills me because all I see is the same old politics, and our country is screwed up enough (and has been so for many, many years). We talk about change, yet no one is doing anything differently. Still the same talk, the same blame, the same lies, the same corruption. If the country's problems are to resolve themselves, there needs to be an end to politics as usual.

Americans have a tendency to rely on their heads. What I mean by this is, we are taught certain things by society about how it functions, and like mindless puppets, we believe them! Nine times out of ten, we dismiss those "gut reactions" that come into play when a piece of the truth is revealed because they are not based on evidence we can actually see. The evidence is often cleverly hidden from view. This is where we get into trouble! We have all been lied to by those in power! Wake up, people!!!

The voice of God talks to each one of us on a daily basis. Unfortunately, most of us are so accustomed to tuning it out we no longer hear it! That still small voice of God comes to us through those "gut reactions". It is the voice of warning--the voice we know we should have listened to after we tuned it out and found ourselves in trouble. It isn't a fluke! It's God, and He speaks to you! It is this voice of God the flows through everything and connects us all. It is this voice of God that works for the good of all.

If we are really serious about fixing the problems in our world, we need to stop coming up with answers based on the lies our heads/society have taught us. We need a new approach--a heart-centered approach, a God approach. We need to ask our God-connection for answers! We need to open our hearts to those words God speaks to us every day and follow that guidance. Only then will we be united. Only then will we able to begin to truly fix the world's problems. Only then will we indeed be One.   

The Buck (Violence) Stops Here!

Last night, I witnessed countless people, both on the news and on Facebook, celebrating the death of Osama bin Laden. Yes, he did some terrible things. Will his death be the end of the crisis? Absolutely not. Now that we have turned bin Laden into a martyr in the eyes of his people, we can only expect retaliation and they will be planning BIG. If we continue in our present way of thinking, this sort of violence will only fuel more anger. This sort of violence is a never-ending cycle.

Martin Luther King, Jr. had it right! He once said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." Retaliating same action for same action perpetuates extremism. Balance is only achieved through applying an equal and opposite force--in this case the force of love.

It's time to take a stand--right here, right now! The buck (the violence) stops with me! I will not retaliate from further aggression when it comes. I will show courage in the face of danger. I will choose kindness over violence. I will become peace in a world of unrest. I will be the example of love in the world.

Take time this day to meditate on the Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
     Amen.