Celebrating Independence By Remembering Our Interdependence

Posted on July 5, 2018 by admin

For Americans, July 4th is considered our Independence Day. Historically, it was a day when Americans came together to declare their Independence from a perceived tyranny. Today, most of the tyranny we face comes from our own perceptions and the personal independence we have been culturally taught. There comes a moment in consciousness when complete independence loses some, or most, of its value. This happens when we become conscious enough to realize that we are actually not fully independent but actually a part (a piece) of a much grander “Divine Spirit.” Our egos and “burning (taught) need” for individuality bends to the realization that every person, every lifeform, and every object in our Universe (and beyond) are inter-related and interdependent.

If you do not like reading this and you feel uncomfortable looking at the “crazy” people in the world with the consideration that they are you and you are they, then you have not “remembered” the shared roots which we all have. Each of us is an actor in a drama called life. We each have our role to play AND we have learned to play our character with perfection. Sure we whine when “things” are not going as well as we would “like.” Just learn to NOT take yourself or your role too seriously… You are much “greater than you will ever know” (or understand) this is a statement which has been said to me by my late wife and my friend Don Ley after he returned from his NDE (near death experience.) Nothing like a good NDE to put your life into better perspective… (Not a joke or kidding.)

Independence within the framework of each and every one of us being connected by spirit still allows for each of us to be different and unique. Just as snowflakes are unique, I am told, we each bring our unique challenges and lessons into our lives. We can not make progress and achieve our learning goals without bumping into other people and life experiences. These experiences are often challenging or difficult. A life which is too easy may overlook many valuable interactions with the difficult situations which we have been guided to know and to learn from. For myself, long ago I realized that I learn more from my mistakes, failures, and “trials by fire” than I learn when events go smoothly or as “expected.”

A desire to be too independent may prevent you from gaining from the shared experiences or wisdom of other “pilgrims” you meet on your path toward higher consciousness. The secret is to be not too dependent or too separate from other people. When I am present and mindful, which I am a small percentage of time, I see the beauty and perfection in the eyes and then the souls of the people I encounter. We are ALL in this together and we are all here to serve each other’s development of consciousness. AND, whether you know it or not, YOU have much to offer. YOU are a Master of your journey with wisdom from life experiences which, when shared, will assist fellow pilgrims on their path toward enlightenment.

So celebrate independence but within a conscious, reasonable position. Know that historically Americans could not have achieved their version of independence without working together with the intention of building a world of betterment for all. (Yes, there have been varying views on what these words and concepts might mean…)

If you are READY and looking for a supportive community where you can share your story, your wisdom, and grow spiritually in a non-religious environment, consider Masters of the Journey.
You are a Blessing! You are a Master! Your wisdom from your life experience can have great value to other pilgrims on the path toward awakening and enlightenment.

The Masters of the Journey has events which are updated on our Facebook page which is found at: www.facebook.com/mastersofthejourney Please comment on this blog and share, if appropriate. More of our blogs are based on spiritual consciousness and can be found at www.dstress.com/blog

Mindfulness. What Does this Mean?

Posted on June 28, 2018 by admin

Pre- Mindfulness. Early next month, I am signed up to join a “Mindfulness” retreat. There is no way I can pretend to know what Mindfulness is or where this experience will lead me. Is this a modern “fad” or strange cult coming to us from Eastern Philosophy? So, I looked it up…

Definition of mindfulness in Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary

1 : the quality or state of being mindful
2 : the practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis; also : such a state of awareness

I love this definition, BUT, I clearly do not know what these strung together words really mean AND how can I possibly use this in my daily life???
“the practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis” Sounds great… Very much a Buddhist philosophy, perhaps? The term, “Mindfulness” is used by many people who practice Yoga and Meditation. It is also bandied about by New-Age Mystics as if to join their club you better know the jargon (or we will look down on you and your lower level of consciousness…)

My problem, or at least, my challenge, is to “maintain a nonjudgemental state of heightened or “complete” awareness” (of one’s thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis…) How do you BE non-judgmental in a world where our language and our culture can not define anything without making comparisons (which are judgements) to define or describe an activity or thing??? Even more challenging is HOW DO YOU STAY IN THE MOMENT, when our definition of “time” makes us compare the past with the present with awareness that there will be a future??? And, what does “complete” mean in this context?

Well obviously, I have a lot to learn, or to know, or to be aware of in the moment.

I have been “Judgmental” my whole life. I was raised that way. I am good at being judgmental AND you/I like to do what you/I are/am good at! This does not make being judgmental right, as in correct (which is a judgment,) but it is my habit. A difficult example: Is the bark on a tree “Brown” or is that just a judgment??? Is that a Fact or is it just an opinion based on a judgement? Boy, I am confused and in big need of a three day mindfulness retreat.

No matter how confused you can be, YOU are still perfect! (Judgement???) The Universe can not exist without: you, your soul, and the “role” you are playing! Since we are all “one,” I am you and you are me AND YOU are a Blessing!

More on my Mindfulness challenge after I “survive” my retreat. Love me and wish me luck. No matter what, every time we raise our consciousness through our life experience, we raise ALL consciousness. And, that is a good thing! (Judgement!!!)

Though I struggle with being present and non-judgmental, I like to believe that I am striving to learn how to live more fully in this state of consciousness. My struggle is not unique. My solution, if I can find one, will be unique to me and a most worthy experience of wisdom to share… Grow and be as fully present and conscious as you can be!

The “Supposed” To Do Life Activities

Posted on June 21, 2018 by admin

Have you ever felt like you were Supposed to do something in your life? Have you ever been told that you were Supposed to do a certain thing? Did this “Supposed” to do… come from your mind/ego OR from an external source? Was this an internal expectation or were you “guided” by the Divine Spirit to a “Calling?”

There is a difference and a dilemma to the “Supposed” to do activities in your life. If your mind and ego tell you that you are supposed to do this or that, or to be this or that, should you comply? If your “gut” tells you through your intuition and a spiritual guidance to “show up” a certain way, do you follow through or do you ignore this divine request? AND, how can you tell the difference between an ego driven expectation and a message from the Universe?

An example comes from my life experience. In the Summer of 2015, I moved to Bellingham, WA. My gut told me me to build a “community” where people could connect around non-religious spiritual consciousness. My previous life experience in this area was non-existent however I was “guided” to work on this project. My “life’s work” began to look more than weird to people who knew me because I was not a religious or overtly spiritual person. The work was satisfying and compelling. With assistance, I worked on a website, a blog, and began scheduling meetings. The people I met were invited and many came to our Masters of the Journey community. Why? Because we were all “supposed” to create a supportive community which honors each and every human as a “Master” based on the life experience and wisdom gained from the experience of moving consciously through life. This was not something I knew or chose to do. I was compelled and driven to fulfill this “dream” of community.

Another example is from Bill Hart. Watch his short video, “Shoulder Taps.” Available on YouTube at: https://www.facebook.com/bill.hart.338/videos
Bill shares his story regarding being compelled, “supposed,” to connect with another person in a story with relevance to this discussion.

You have come to the crossroads in your life when you needed to make a choice and you have been driven to follow the path less traveled. It was probably not a “rational” thought but, if you took responsibility for your action/decision, you look back on your choice and realize that this was the thing you were “supposed” to do at that time. Sure it may have been challenging or seemingly an unsuccessful attempt at whatever, but you learned from this experience and you were compelled to follow that particular path… You life has been richer because you followed your heart/gut.

When your mind came up with a new scheme to invest money or to find a more “profitable” endeavor did your gut tell you to do this or did you look around and decided that you “should do” this or that. If you connected with feeling and not just the thought, you may have wondered why you were following this path. Sometimes it works out well, sometimes it works out to be an important lesson of what to do or what to avoid in the future. But, if you were driven and passionate about this new direction then perhaps you were supposed to follow this direction. We have all had these feelings which seemed to overcome our rational thoughts. Following your passion can get you to move your life in strange or unusual directions and these often lead to important discoveries and powerful moments in your life. You are richer for taking these risks and living your passion. (Without following these “Shoulder Taps” or gut feelings, you may not have found your relationship, your career, your life changing travel experience, or even your moment of “awakening!”)

Share Your Gratitude Every Chance You Get!

Posted on June 14, 2018 by admin

Gratitude and Acknowledgement should NOT be your secret! Everyone needs and deserves to be thanked and to feel appreciated. In meditation this morning, I was told to share Gratitude. Not just to people and experiences who have been nice to me but to all the Life-force in the Universe. Never miss the chance to say “Thank You” and appreciate the blessings you behold.

If you allow yourself to be fully present, acknowledging every experience you encounter becomes your lesson. The world will be a better place, for ALL of us, when you demonstrate your gratitude. The art of appreciation is a nearly lost skill. We do send “Thank You” cards hardly ever. (AND, doesn’t if feel great to get a card of appreciation.) A shallow “thanks” is still better than none at all. A focused look into someone’s eyes as you share a sincere acknowledgement means so much!

In the age of Social Media and superficial communication, we can still reach deep into our hearts and find the best ways to reach out and to let a person know that they are special and that you appreciate the interaction with them that has occurred. It takes so little effort and can mean so much. If nothing else, “Pay it Forward” and show you “CARE!” Let’s start a chain reaction of Gratitude, acceptance, and appreciation which can light up our world!

YOU are a Blessing! You are Perfect! The world needs you and your amazing life! Go out and shine brightly on all the lifeforms you bump into… The Divine Spirit burns brightly within you and YOU are much greater than you can ever imagine!

If gratitude is important and if you are READY for a supportive community where you can share your story, your wisdom, and grow spiritually in a non-religious environment, consider Masters of the Journey.
You are a Blessing! You are a Master! Your wisdom from your life experience can have great value to other pilgrims on the path toward awakening and enlightenment.

Vision Quest in Yellowstone, Unexpected Results

Posted on June 7, 2018 by admin

My unexpected Vision Quest came spontaneously while camping in Yellowstone National Park. The experience was not set up like the quest I had read about. In fact, it was kind of an accident, a freak of nature. Let me explain. I traveled of to Colorado in search of my soul. Maybe that is a bit dramatic. Actually, I wanted to get out town for awhile and visit some friends and meet some new people and visit places I had not yet visited. So off I went.

Have you ever taken a road trip??? Well the first week was more than I had bargained for with my car breaking down near Boise, ID. But, I am graced with guidance and protection so besides being inconvenient, and expensive, I was back on the road only 1/2 day later than I had planned. Some of my “coach surfing” expectations were not quite met and my schedule got changed by uncontrollable circumstances. Still I had good visits with my Colorado friends and a very rewarding experience in Boulder, CO and with Rodger in Nederland, CO.

But that is not what this story is about. Thanks for bearing with me. I had been drawn to visit Yellowstone and I made camping reservations for three nights. The park is amazing and beautiful and the weather was unpredictable. During the day I viewed the wonders of the park and at night I spent some time hiding in my tent from the rainy evenings. This is where my story gets to the point. In a “Vision Quest,” there is often a ceremony of creating a medicine wheel circle to focus the visions energy. My flimsy tent became my unexpected vision circle. I read from two books (include: “Earth School 101”) while spending time avoiding the rain drops and the lightening/thunder. And, I was triggered to meditate to regain my focus. Finding my way back into the “Present” through my reading and meditation, my consciousness lightened to the power of the Divine Spirit and to my connection with all of the Universe (and the realms beyond.) To punctuate this re-learning, a clap of thunder graced my meditation. Not a far off clap of thunder but very near, within a half of a mile. (Not a scary experience but for those who know me, I might miss “subtle.” So this was NOT subtle…)

So many other experiences came up from my surroundings which also gave me reason to focus and celebrate. My Guidance protected me and offered me Non-subtle signals that even I could understand. Out of my disconnected, less highly spiritual ego survival state, I once again found deep connection at a “spirit” level. My tent seemed like a medicine wheel which protected me and help me to focus on the lesson of my time alone in my quest. Even if this story does not seem profound for you, I know it was for me. And, unexpected… You never know when or where your profound spiritual experiences are going to happen. Consciousness sneaks up on you when you are NOT expecting it. SO, keep your heart open for those moments when insights explode into your life.

For a more formal and worthwhile read regarding preparing for and experiencing a Vision Quest consider the following book which speaks very clearly regarding the Native American tradition of the Vision Quest. “Quest: A Guide for Creating Your Own Vision Quest,” by Denise and Meadow Linn (and published by Hay House,) offers you many ways to best prepare yourself and then to create a special experience which will allow you to access the information you seek. There are other books on this topic or which touch on this topic but this recent gift is in the very front of my consciousness. (Amazon link to this book: https://www.amazon.com/Quest-Guide-Creating-Your-Vision/dp/1401938779/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525460557&sr=8-1&keywords=quest+a+guide+for+creating+your+own+vision+quest

Helping to Polish Your Mirror

Posted on June 1, 2018 by admin

What does a statement like “Helping to Polish Your Mirror” mean to You? For me, it struck very strong, triggering an intuitive gift that has blessed me. Liz Gracia shared a book with me, “The Afterlife of Billy Fingers.” (see link below) There are many amazing quotes regarding this true story interacting with the life after death.

The story of Billy “Fingers” Cohen experience after his death, which he shares with his younger sister, Annie Kagan, reflects many concepts regarding life after death from other sources. Wow, I found so much familiar information shared so very well that I am not sure where to start. However, this morning when I read this passage from page #137, “I would like to be a guide and help others polish their mirror to reflect their lives better. Use a few beautiful words that can play through their lives, hold them in God’s love, and help them feel better in difficulty,” it triggered an wonderful remembrance for me and I wanted to write this blog to share it.

In the first years of my private practice working with medically referred clients, my ego learned a lesson of a lifetime. I remember taking credit for some of the profound things that were said when I really had the chance to connect with some of these clients. Then I came to realize that I was saying profound and personally significant things to these people, “things” I had not “learned” or which could have surfaced from past experience. I realized that my mind and ego were not performing these miraculous teachings BUT these, “Things” were coming through my heart as my “mirror” reflecting back what these clients needed to hear. (These “things” were coming from my clients and then reflected back to them through me!) My “gift” was that I was blessed with a polished mirror of intuition and when I was able to “connect” I could articulate the words, or feelings, which were of benefit for these clients.

My Ego needed to stand down and NOT take credit for the gift of reflection which came through me. We all have intuition and sensitivities which are not often spoken of in public. There are many of us who could, and should, develop these skills for our own learnings and guidance as well as using these to assist fellow travelers. Some of us have polished mirrors which seem to reflect more clearly. We can reduce our own mental and emotional judgements and distractions and be better “reflectors” for the people we bump into. Sometimes we need to shut down our thoughts, feel our gut feelings, and find gentle respectful ways to share these intuitions.

To be the best mirror, we need to be clear. Meditation and grounding can help clear the screen. Being in nature, exercise, and eating healthy may help. Most importantly, “welcoming” in the information, not taking it personally or judging it, and taking a slow breath before blurting this information out, can make all the difference.

Perhaps, you have read this far and you do not want to reflect intuitive, gut feelings back to your communication partner. You can still learn from the things which come through your consciousness. Maybe the interaction you are having is NOT for your communication partner but for YOU! In any event, these feelings come up in your consciousness for reflection and then learning. Try not to cast them off easily as trivial thoughts, especially if they bubble up from your gut.

A link to Amazon.com page for the book: “The Afterlife of Billy Fingers.”

Secret to Enlightenment: Be Present!

Posted on April 27, 2018 by admin

Yup, YOU being Present is the secret. It has been said before and came up again today. Be fully present and you will connect better and serve better! Your presence has great value to our Universe. Why and how do you do this? So much of the time, we dwell in the emotions from the past or apprehension (fear) of the future. When you are genuine and fully present, you will participate in our world (universe) with less judgement AND the people you interact with will feel that they are more fully “heard.” This is therapeutic (for all people.) Yes, just really listening, without judgement, is emotionally, mentally, and spiritually healing. You honor and show your respect for the person whom you are engaged in conversation with when you listen totally while remaining “present.”

Think of the times when you were involved in a satisfying conversation. Your partner(s) can be found listening and asking great questions. They are probably not interrupting to tell their story about themselves and so discounting your sense of value. Sure you need to know your limits and not go on too long so they can share their story but you can feel satisfied with being heard… If you are insecure and demonstrate this by telling your story too long or cutting your partner off then your lack of respect will often be reciprocated. We are all important, and perfect, and masters whom deserve to be loved and respected for who we are. (EVEN when we are struggling with the imperfections and challenges which we are born to learn from.)

Now the difficult part. How do you BE PRESENT? You might start by taking a deep slow breath, pausing a moment after you inhale, and then slowly release your breath with thoughts and nervous energy flowing out with your exhale. Learn to clear your mind so you can be “open” to the story you will be told. Release your need to argue with or even judge the speaker. This experience and this receiving of information is happening for a reason. Though it may be unclear or even different than what you might think you know, you are having this interaction with this soul to help YOU with YOUR lesson. AND, you will be of service to your partner by allowing them the respect of your full attention and listening. Yes, you might be triggered or bored but there is some purpose for this shared experience.

Your spiritual consciousness leading to your enlightenment includes being present and listening without judgement. Again, this is easier said than done AND this is what we are “shooting” (or striving) for in this incarnation. The act of listening and being fully present is the gift you have to offer this world/universe. Appreciate and love each creation, for the divine spirit dwells within every molecule you bump into. When you can fully love, allow, and serve, you will remember, and then live, in your pure divine spirit. At the deepest level, this is where we are headed as individual souls within the “oneness” of the universal divine. We are each unique AND a part of the larger, perfect universe.

If you are READY to be present and looking for a supportive community where you can share your story, your wisdom, and grow spiritually in a non-religious environment, consider Masters of the Journey.
You are a Blessing! You are a Master! Your wisdom from your life experience can have great value to other pilgrims on the path toward awakening and enlightenment.

Judging the Judge Within

Posted on April 13, 2018 by admin

Judging others is a well developed skill I possess. Being a judge seems to give my ego a sense of power. “I am better than….” whoever…. But, there is a major flaw in the process of judging. Judgements can stand in my way. Judging creates separation. It creates a path for blaming.

My judgements demonstrate a lack of acceptance. These judgements do not allow for mistakes or perceived imperfections which are normal, natural, and part of the human condition. (Also, if we are always looking for “flaws,” imperfections, or weaknesses, we may miss the beauties and the uniqueness of the person standing in front of us.)

Since we learn from our mistakes, and we all have made mistakes, then we must allow for the flaws or imperfections which we deem to be present. From a different perspective, all perceived flaws and imperfections are actually perfect. This perspective would allow acceptance to be the guiding principle.

The perspective of acceptance can also lead to an enlightened view of “Oneness” with its complete lack of separation. This consciousness suggests that we, all life forms, are interconnected in the Divine Spirit, connected, intertwined, and as one universal spirit. Perhaps this is what God had in mind when we are allowed to remember this concept in the current incarnation we are here to live. Our challenges on the path toward enlightenment include releasing separation and judging. Instead, finding connection in Oneness.

If this is correct, then we must be viewing the person or experience which “triggers” us as different and yet “perfect” in their way of being. Instead of judging, perhaps we can find an acceptance as we ask, “What happened to this person?” to better explain why they might appear to be engaged in their behaviors or beliefs. This does not mean that we have to like behaviors which run counter to what we feel create separation, fear, or blocks to acceptance. But, we are not better than the next soul. We are all equal, connected, and perfect in our own way.

Boy, I love to make judgements. I am good at it. I like to do what I am good at…BUT, this does not make it the best behavior for moving me along my path toward consciousness. It appears to be my challenge. If I start judging myself about the judgements I am making, it does become an entertaining circle which I am running.

The Divine Spirit loves us all. Judging our different paths toward remembering and then our enlightenment may be opposite in direction to where we want to end up. But, it to is strangely perfect as a lesson. Even with your developed skill of judging, YOU are loved and YOU are perfect! Consider reaching out in acceptance and supporting, if not assisting, the next soul on their unique path toward enlightenment.

If you have ever considered the act of becoming “enlightened,” know that by some understandings, “enlightenment” is actually the act of accepting and then “knowing” the oneness of connection with all lifeforms.

Born A New!

Posted on April 4, 2018 by admin

Everyday you awaken from your sleep state, you are “re born” and you are able to bless your day and start fresh. You have a choice to live differently with every new day. (At least, you have a choice to have a different, perhaps more positive, attitude toward your life.) Perhaps today (or tomorrow) you are born into less judgement of yourself and others. Or, perhaps you are born to live in love and be of service. You are free to know “Joy” and carry less fear and old baggage around with you. You are born again to be the “awakened” and most fully conscious soul which dwells within your core.

You can continue to wear your costume of torment. YOU can choose your familiar attitudes and lifestyle. It may seem safe and familiar even though you are not filled with joy. Or, you can try on a new way of being in this world. You have a “CHOICE.” Sure, the other people in your life have grown comfortable with the “old you” and may be uncomfortable if you choose to live in love and joy. This may not reflect well on their sorry self-judging lives but YOU have a choice!

Wake up in the morning and meditate FIRST! Consider how much love you can offer and how much acceptance you can find for the struggling or damaged people you bump into. We are all born into the lessons we have chosen to be challenged by and to learn from. Wake up and know that the Beginners Mind of Wonderment is a choice as a filter to view your world.

You may even want to remind yourself of this freedom to awaken in a new consciousness everyday as you repeat to yourself, “Today, I am born new!”

You are only responsible for how you react to each experience. Remember that as you choose a positive, more conscious, way of living, you not only help yourself, you help all the Divine Consciousness. By raising your vibration, you raise all vibrations. Be the beacon of love and light to shine as a model for others who are consciously or unconsciously on their path… You are a blessing! Do not miss any opportunity to share love.

A Clear Path

Posted on April 2, 2018 by admin

There comes a time when the obvious direction appears and the path is clear to be considered and taken…
Sometimes the pain in life motivates this change in path…

This is what our life’s lessons are all about. Learning from life experience and this often comes from learnings which are difficult if not painful. Such is the nature of change. We did not come here for a vacation of fun and joy which lasts a lifetime. It is a blessing to be challenged and to stretch beyond our normal lives, and comfort zones, into the experiences which catch our attention. Sometimes we are “triggered” by an interaction with another person/soul to know what we need to forgive, accept, and bless from the difficult judgements we make. You must ask yourself, what is not resolved within you that created this triggered response. When you judge another person, it often speaks about a judgement of yourself or an unresolved challenge within.

As we search for our path in life, we sometimes come to the difficult realization that we must accept and change ourselves… You have experienced (or are now experiencing) when it was time to leave home or end a relationship or find a new job/career. It may not have been “rational” but you do not have a choice, like you have to drop out of UCLA during the Vietnam War and go traveling though you do not know where this will lead you! This was a moment for me, born out of anger, frustration, and despair AND it was the best difficult decision I ever made. Of course, guidance played a role and this experience lead me into an environment where I could experience the foundation of a career of service which I have loved and never doubted…

With myself as the example, I have found that my “attachment disorder” has led me to the difficulty in relationship break ups which have caused me to suffer. My insecurities wanted me to hold on to a known relationship rather stepping into the unknown “loneliness.” Yet, this process of letting go has also led me to important life learnings such as when my path moved me to Bellingham in the Pacific Northwest to invest my energy into starting the Masters of the Journey. (Relationship changes were at the core of this movement.) Again, my pain created the motivation to leave my old life and then guidance directed me into the position of honoring spirit and creating a supportive community.

Hell, I bet you are reading this blog right now because you have a pain and you were guided to read these words. Yes, you may even take responsibility for your life and make the change in direction which you need to make, now or soon. Your only future regret should be that you did not follow your heart and jump into the experience which you knew you had to take… So do not let your fear of change get in your way. You are a blessing with much to share and you need to find your way to serve by sharing your wisdom gained from your experiences. AND, by the way, you are “Perfect” and a Master though your self image and judgement get in the way of “Remembering Your Divinity.”

As a reminder, YOU are loved! You are an important part of the fabric of all life and consciousness… Sure, these words may ring hollow if you are insecure or judging yourself harshly, BUT this does not change the truth you will remember when you are not so limited by your ego and the 3 dimensional world we have chosen to live this life within…

Stress Education Center

Category Archives: meditate