Walking Meditation

On my walk today guidance seemed to suggest that I create a blog posting regarding the Art of the Walking Meditation. As I considered this suggestion, I was flooded with guidance’s suggestion on what to include in this posting. Since I have learned to “Just Say Yes” to my guidance, I am complying. And, walking is a great way to meditate, to become more “present,” to take positive time for yourself, and to exercise. Consider these reminders of wisdom you are already familiar with. (This wisdom is built into your DNA and your Soul.)

Eyes open meditation can fall into the philosophy of Zen meditation which tends to encourage being a part of the world rather than closing your eyes to purely focus within. ZaZen walking meditation has been described to me as eyes open, slow moving, conscious of the world, as a meditation. Breathe slowly. Walk slower than your normal pace. Feel your heel land in front of you and then roll forward on to your toes. And, repeat. If you can do so safely, “soft focus” your eyes. Enjoy each slow breath and each relaxed step. Focus upon the footsteps and your breath. In the beginning, just try 50 steps in this conscious way. Doing this in the safety of nature with less traffic and distractions from manmade chaos can help with this meditation. However, even trying this as you walk back from your lunch to work or school or home activities can make your day move more comfortably with less internal distractions. You may want to remember to turn off your phone calls, texting and social media signals.

Walking consciously out in a natural setting is meditative. In the trees, by water, on trails vs pavement, in the sunshine or in a gentle rain are all positive additions. Avoiding traffic, human dramas, loud construction projects, airplanes, warfare, and screaming politicians or rock music may also seem obvious and will enhance a more meditative state of mind. (Though bears, some dogs, venomous snakes, large crashing waves, cougars and falling trees might also pose a distraction to avoid in nature. Just saying the obvious.) You get the point. Mellow in nature is better. Walking a bit more slowly, breathing, and gently gazing at the miracles which our world can provide can make this a great “forest bathing” experience. Allowing for time and possibly fewer pressing appointments on either side of this nature walk would be a helpful consideration if possible. AND, remember to breathe… Slowly and fully.

Additions might include, feeling the warmth of the sun, listening to the stream/river/waves, feeling the gentle breezes, and even smelling the fragrance of the salt air or grasses or flowers or the trees. I like to imagine that I can breathe in the warm sunlight or soak up the warm breezes to better help heal and to recharge me as I slowly drift down (or up) the path. There are times and places when walking with someone else for safety or guidance can be good. And, there are times when walking alone without extra conversation can be most relaxing. The bottom line is to be as “present” in the moment as you gently move through this nature loving walk. You may want to pick up an interesting rock to hold and possibly to help “ground” you as you connect most peacefully with nature. (Sometimes I even hug a tree to ground myself out. Are you laughing? Well consider trying this weird 1960’s consciousness. YOU may like it.)

Sure, most of you have done this and know how to walk in meditation in nature BUT do you schedule the time in your busy, drama filled lives to participate in these meditative walks??? Well, Just Do It!

Be open to surprises and the gifts the Divine Spirit will provide for you. If you walk with the “Beginner’s Mind” the beauty will unfold just for your heart to dance in the light of spectacular marvels and amazing revelations. If you ask respectfully for these, they will show up. Maybe in the clouds. Maybe the leaves dancing in the breezes. Perhaps the songs of the birds or the chatter of the squirrels. Perhaps the appearance of the butterfly or the hummingbird will symbolize guidance reaching out to embrace you. Be open and the delights of natures will present themselves for you and fan the flames of the brightening light of your consciousness. As you are a small part of this large Universe, you might even consider the amazing things which have occurred to create this beautiful blue planet and all the life forms which share it with you.

And. Walking in wonder with Beginners Mind, even in the city, can show you amazing miracles to appreciate and to show gratitude for. Every miracle you acknowledge is another important, and beautiful, lesson for you.

There is Joy to found in every moment and in every step you take. Please consider the search for the Joy and the miracles which surround us.

You are Amazing!

On My Own Terms

Almost everyone would like some control or a lot of control over their lives. We have choices regarding many things which can come forward in our human incarnations. Sometimes things seem to happen that we could not control but chances are we had some role in choosing part or all of the circumstances we may have seemed to stumble into. If we take responsibility for our lives and our choices, we have a better chance of learning or experiencing what we came “here,” into this incarnation, to experience. This will include how we choose to transition out of this incarnation. Boy, did I just piss some people off… This is an emotional issue on many levels.

Leaving this life on my own “fully conscious” terms is a possibility and would be powerful to consider. One example, in our state, if you have a terminal diagnosis and two doctors will sign off on the situation, stating that you have less than 6 months to live, you can get medication so you have a choice to end your own life on your own terms. In my mind this is NOT an act of a coward but of courage. We are all going to pass-on and transition out of our current lives. Dying most consciously in a controlled environment, at a selected time, seems like a good option for some people. Other people have other opinions which are different from mine and they are entitled to their opinions but choices and options are good to consider and can add value to how YOU choose to live, and die.

Most people consider what the “end of life” experience will be like…??? Many people have fear regarding the “unknown” circumstances of transitioning. It is one of the most important experiences we have and full consideration is an important part of the process of living most consciously. What do YOU want to have happen? Do YOU want some measure of control or, at least, consider that you have some control? AND, if you want something to work with as a possible transition, consider reading stories or speaking with people who have had NDE’s (Near Death Experiences, like in “Life After Life” by Raymond Moody or Ken Ring’s work on research with NDE folks. There are many published stories, YouTube videos and recorded audios with people who have had NDE’s.)

More fully, not only consider how you choose to leave this life but are YOU living most fully on your terms? And, if not, why not? It is YOUR Life! These questions and considerations are more important and more difficult than how you want your morning expresso to be made. Yes, I know how important your morning coffee beverage is but these other considerations seem bigger with longer lasting effects. Living and then dying on your own terms is worthy of your time and energy. Look at all your options AND do not always take the most convenient path, the conventional thinking, or what other people want you to do. Your life is YOUR life and YOU are responsible. You must live with your choices and decisions. I have been told that the Dalia Lama is rigorous in practicing being fully conscious at death by using a 7 times daily practice of an exercise to be Present and alert as he transitions from this life. My understanding is that it is a Buddhist’s goal to be conscious and to learn the most possible in end-of-life transitioning. (Also, when interviewed about whether he would like to return again to a human incarnation, his answer was that he hopes he can come back again to continue to be of “service” which is unlike many enlightenment seekers who want to never return to incarnations and spend eternity at some “higher level”…??? Whatever that looks like…)

Most Importantly, LIVE every moment. Find the Joy and the Miracles in every moment you possibly can because you and your life are amazing and full of miraculous experiences. Every moment is precious. If you are working on being most conscious, you can celebrate the learnings which are happening in every second of your current life. This is the “Testing Grounds” for the wisdom you are learning and the Divine Wisdom (and Guidance) you are remembering and bringing into this incarnation. Your Life and Your Living is a Beacon of inspiration for the people you touch in this life. You can be a positive influence just by role-modeling being fully present and your searching for the wisdom and joy which can be found in every life experience. Yes, even in the most difficult of your life’s challenges…

Some people need to be reminded that death is not going a vacation. Though the higher realms are attractive and Divine unconditional love is wonderful to experience, however, the travels of your path through life is the real goal. This is the experience of testing out found wisdom and learning important lessons from life with the limitations of human 3 dimensional existence. The end goal of the final transition is not really what your life is about or your true goal in your current incarnation. (And, you have free will to argue with me about this, if you have read this far.) Your true purpose is to learn, to grow, and serve fellow travelers by sharing love and joy.

YOU are a Blessing. You may have more of a choice than you realize so living in vigilance and less as a victim of circumstance is a great attitude to spend time within. AND, Thank You for Being You!

Life is a Miracle! Seek the Joy in every moment you have…

Your Purpose is to Love

Startling new insight came to me today! (Thank you, Amari Magdalena, for offering this information for me to ponder.)

Yes, You found your way into this incarnation to share Love in your unique way as a test of the wisdom you have gathered…
How you choose to love is your unique lesson

What you do in this life and how it will demonstrate your love through your service is what your life’s path is all about.
Do you warmly hold and caress the individuals you connect with or do you prickle and irritate people so they can learn from this abrasiveness in your relationships?
Either way, you Love and You can serve.

Are you open and giving?
Or
Are you closed and self-centered in appearance?

Are you conservative and straight-laced?
Or
Are you wild and possibly a raging substance abuser who demonstrates the “Dark side” lifestyle for others to bump up against?
Either way, there are experiences and learning to be had… (An Example: “The Afterlife of Billy Fingers,” by Annie Kagan, look it up (Amazon link) and know that this is one of my favorite stories.)

Since we are all connected as spirits, we love in our unique ways and this will provide experience for the souls we bump into in this life. Each soul has their unique path and is challenged by our specific learning requirements. And, when we interact, we provide a part of the lesson/experience. So, what lessons have you come here (to this incarnation) to have or to teach?

Divine Love is the glue that holds the Universe, and beyond, together. This concept and practice is more than the human mind can fully comprehend. (You can try, in fact, you should try to more fully understand the limitless power of the Divine and unconditional Divine Love.) The 3 dimensional world and the thinking ego’s limitations allows our incarnations to be on the “Adventure Travel” we have come into this life to have. Struggling with our limitations and attempting to get more fully conscious regarding our soul’s life and “remembering” where we have come from is the ultimate goal. Sharing your idiomatic Love with every soul and with the Universal Divine Spirit is happening even if you lack full awareness. You and your love are unique and essential to the Divine Spirit. Being most fully conscious is optional and yet the goal of our human experience.

And, if you can find your way into the “present,” feeling the wonderment of the miracles you are surrounded by, and no matter what’s happening you feel the “Joy” of the Divine burning brightly in each person and object you encounter, then you are getting closer to the “enlightenment” seekers have come seeking! (Wow, what a long sentence…)

No matter where you are in your developing consciousness, YOU are a Miracle! Your soul is a bright beacon to light the way along the path to remembering and full consciousness. Your presence is an act of service. Your service to our world is an act of Love.

Be Love – Feel Joy – Light the World!

Your Royal Crown

Do you have a Crown? And, what do crowns do? Trick questions for the normal person who has consciousness regarding their spiritual growth and development. Royalty and Monarchs often try to set themselves apart, and above, other people by wearing jewel encrusted crowns for a symbolical adornment. But, we all have Crown Chakras and connections to the Divine!

Wikipedia offers some information regarding Crowns:
Crowns and Spiritual Symbolism

“Crown is a symbolic headgear that is worn by a monarch. Crown represents power, glory, immortality, royalty and sovereignty. It is often made from precious metals and decorated with jewels. Having a special headgear that will designate a ruler exists in many civilizations around the world.”

Crown: “That a crown represented Divine good from which is Divine truth, is evident from the crowns of kings; for kings represented the Lord in respect to DivineĀ … ??? (I did NOT write this stuff and I am not at all sure about Kings or Queens representing my concept of the Divine Source…)”

Other sources which I have read claim that Crowns which are often made of precious metals and Jewels perhaps which can help to channel Divine wisdom to Monarchs/Rulers to assist them in making better decisions or to connect them most directly with Divine sources. Many spiritual teachers offer their wisdom and experience with “opening” your “Crown Chakra” to better connect with the Divine Spirit. Crystals and certain metals and minerals may also enhance these connections. Are these necessary? No. But, any tool to assist in better focusing can prove useful. Do Kings and Queens make good decisions because they have access to special Crowns? Not always, is my belief.

This whole discussion comes up for me because my Guidance suggested that Crowns, real or imaginary, may have historical symbolism in connecting the person wearing this head covering toward a more efficient connection to “Source” (Divine Spirit.) We all have Crown Chakras AND we are all connected to the higher realms. The degree to which we focus on our connection to Source and the practice of meditating to be most “present,” is the practice which can assist us in improving our intuitive link to the Divine. (Our “Knowing” and our “Remembering” our Divine connection with the “Source” and from where we have come and to where we return…)

You may have your own opinion on this. Or, perhaps you have never considered this Crown thing… Before today, I had never wondered about physical, jewel encrusted crowns as a focusing tool for Divine wisdom. But, now I ponder this. Certainly, keeping a clear and open channel to the Divine Spirit is a useful endeavor when you are not too muddled by life’s dramas. Your awareness and your spiritual consciousness is always worth the effort of expanding. But, do not limit yourself if you do not own or wear a crown or jewel encrusted tiara. YOU are still Royalty and connected to the Divine Source.

Also, along these lines, have you ever looked at artwork which suggests halos around spiritual beings? Well, does this symbolically represent a crown of spiritual energy circling the crown chakra? If we could see halos, would every soul you pass on your travels have one??? Ask yourself and search for these halos. You might be surprised to find an energy vortex over the people you see and not expect… Wherever possible, polish your halo with meditations and good deeds. Keep your channel to the Divine open and learn to feel and trust your intuitive connection to Divine Wisdom.

For your consideration. Imagine that you have a jewel or crystal embedded crown (or hat) which will intensify and focus any, and all, Divine Wisdom in through the Crown of your head. Now, feel the wisdom in your heart. Trust this gift of guidance. Allow your heart and soul to bask in Joy. Be aware of all the Divine Miracles which touch your life, everyday. See if this changes your perspective even when you are living through major challenges.

Answer: Do you have a Crown? Well, Yes, you do. Honor your Crown Chakra and this portal as a wonderful connection to the Divine Spirit and the Higher Realms.

YOU are a Blessing! Your life is an amazing pilgrimage and your goal is to serve other souls as you move along your path toward higher consciousness!

Observing and Judging

I am a bit confused today as I write. Recently, I was confronted regarding a habit I have and I got a little defensive. You see, there is a longstanding habit of being a keen observer of nature and behaviors and then considering what I observe. During considering, I appreciate, I learn, I question, and I “Judge.” So this blog is designed to “J.J.” or Justify Judging. Are you laughing or are you Judging? Well, both would be correct in this case.

As I admitted, I am an above average observer. Notice the Judgement. Most of the time, I can find most of my way into being “present” and noticing the surroundings and the behaviors in my surroundings. Sure, everybody “notices” and everybody misses things but I catch a lot in my observations. (A Judgement.) Since I am a “visual” person, I take in a lot of information and experience through viewing what goes on around me. As I process these images, I put them into context and look for anything unusual and out of the ordinary so I can “note” this and possibly figure out what is going on AND then maybe learn something new. As you can see, this is NOT unique to me or uncommon. BUT, and there is a But, I do not just accept what I discover, I analyze and then record my thoughts and feelings about this experience. Yes, I judge it…

Lets’ look at some examples. It is Spring, as I write. New growth is happening. Green leaves are blossoming. Beautiful flowers begin to bloom. My heart sings with this new growth and abundance of budding new life. Or, at the end of a Summer day, I look into the Western sky in late afternoon and I observe a glorious colorful sunset. Yellow, and orange, and pink as the sun begins to set behind the far Western horizon. Again, my heart sings with the Divine beauty created. Heck, I might even take out my smart phone and take pictures. I might even want to share this beautiful creation with other people so I post this sunset on social media. Now, J.J. kicks in… The green leaves are budding from a tree. Did I judge the tree? Yes. I decided that the leaves were green and the bark of the tree was shades of brown. It may be an agreed upon fact that the leaves are green and the bark is brown but am I OK in thinking this? Is this an observation or a JUDGEMENT? The beautiful blossoming flower was spectacular but unusual. Was it natural or an invasive species about to procreate in our natural world and negatively affect our native vegetation? And, the glorious colorful sunset was it colored by smoke or smog or other pollutions in our atmosphere or just a bit of dust? And, what am I supposed to do or think about these possibilities? Is it a “Fact” or a “Judgement?”

Likewise, if I am walking in a store or down the street and I observe an adult beating a dog or a child and I feel uncomfortable with what I see, what do I do? What do I do with my Judgement? Maybe the child or the dog like being beaten and the adult is just making them feel good. I have no idea what is really going on with these people or dogs. Perhaps if I had perfect equanimity and acceptance, I could view this incident without any judgement but I AM HUMAN and I can not view this scene without responding in some level of judgement.

My friend said that my long term habit of judging perhaps came from my past insecurities and that I should examine my past, get resolution, and move beyond my judgement. Personally, I take this as a Judgement but this comment is worth examining. When I was a very young child there were adults hovering around me to guide and to protect me. To teach me and to protect me, these adults said “NO” do not touch that fire (hot appliance) or electrical plug. They were right as in correct. Because, when I put the bobby pin in the electrical outlet the shock and my little legs straightening out sent me across the room. But, these adults sometimes judged my behaviors and later I had to compensate for my insecurities and some aspects of my self image which grew out my interactions with adults. As an observer, I learned that there were certain things to be aware of and certain people to be careful around. To this day, I do not like large crowds of drunk people. Is this an unnecessary judgement? Maybe…

My son is a keen observer. His son is a keen observer. I joyfully J.J. (Justify Judgement) by wondering whether they learned this from me or is it this just passed down in our DNA code. They watch and learn. They make decisions from what they observe. They learn stuff. But, there are levels of judgement which exist in our world that are based on fear, insecurity, anger, generational beliefs and lies which I can not accept or attempt to justify. This is a blindness of prejudice and closed thinking which I judge in other people as less than ideal. I draw the line in the sand regarding many judgements. Yes, I judge the judgements which seem to offer tolerance to racism, sexism, and religious or philosophical intolerance. Yes, I am intolerant of intolerance. Most of the time, I give people the “benefit of the doubt” when I first meet them unless they are engaged in abhorrent behaviors or activities. And, this bad habit proves that I am judgmental. I do not always wait for an explanation or excuse for intolerant behavior.

I labelled the witnessed behavior as bad or abhorrent. I did not remain in equanimity. I did not accept the behavior. So, I know I have a long way to go to move into full enlightenment. I am a human living in a human and imperfect incarnation, struggling with my challenges. But, more often than not, I take responsibility for my behaviors and my judgements. I am not a victim or unconscious about my role in what runs past my eyes as I observe the drama of life. AND, I am looking to lead with love and acceptance, though it is not always possible for me to carry this out… This is:… My challenge & My dilemma.

With all of this said regarding my relationship with being judgmental, I am still confused regarding where I am headed with my learnings from this human challenge. Will I someday be unemotional and accepting of all human behaviors and all relationship interactions or will I still discern whether actions witnessed feel right or wrong? Will I act upon my feelings? Will I be judged for my judging? And, will I care if I am judged or judge myself for being judgmental? (A lot of J’s in these past few sentences.) I will continue to be an observer and vigilantly watch the miracles of life unfold around me. No promises regarding my reactions to what I witness…

I am self-confident enough to know how bone headed I am. (And, that is another Judgement.)

Thank you for your time and consideration as a witness to my confusion.

You Are Perfect… Until…

When I meet you for the first time, I am excited! You are a Wonder and a mystery ready to unfold. My “Beginners Mind” sees the “Perfection” in you and knows your soul. I feel your excitement when you share your passions and this feeds my expanding perspective on what is possible. Namaste.
Then something happens. We develop a history and experience each other’s behaviors. Then, and only then, does my mind seek to “JUDGE” you and your behaviors, AND your human imperfections. Then, the lessons begin…

I am tested in an attempt to be an enlightened being in my limited three dimensional human life. Unconditional Love and Unconditional Wonderment give way to human interactions and the judgements that can accompany human relations. My weaknesses are exposed and then require that I defend them. Your Perfect Soul is hidden and partially distorted by your imperfect human body armor and my opaque or the blurred lens through which I view you. We begin the dance of struggling incarnations seeking to find equanimity and then acceptance of each others foibles. But, the only thing I CAN control is the way I react and, possibly on a “good” day, my behaviors…

Thank you for being my mentor. Thank you for being my teacher in my humanness. You are a beacon for me, showing me my lesson. You remind me that we are all “One” but we exist in human lives with a perception of separation which I am striving to overcome. Wow, your behavior pushed my buttons and triggered a very human imperfect reaction. I Love You for triggering me!

And.
I know Love.
I am Love.
But, I am in a human incarnation and find I have not fully learned how to
“Live Love!”
A goal is to “BE Love!”

YOU are a Miracle! Thank you for being YOU! I encourage you to share your wisdom freely as a great service to the fellow pilgrims you encounter on your path through this life. Yes, share your wisdom even if your experience and wisdom recommends what NOT to do. Never stop the pursuit to raise your consciousness and assisting others in raising their’s. Be the Beacon of Love and Light!

Perspective

From where you are at this moment in time, what do you most appreciate? Notice your life’s perspective. Do you have Gratitude for the Miracle of your life, even with its current dramas? Life is a Miracle! Living can be very challenging! And, do you look over the fence and envy some aspect of another person’s drama? What is in this lesson of envy do you require?

Do you take full responsibility for your life?
Do you accept another person’s “good fortune” or do you have feelings of jealousy? Do you ever want to “try on” some else’s life experience? If so, can you do this without envy?
What lessons can you learn by comparing your life with the life situation of another pilgrim?

No matter your perspective regarding these questions, your life, yes, your current life, is so important. Your life’s drama is an important lesson through a series of life challenges which you are, for your learning, supposed to be having. Each one of us incarnated souls have our own unique path and each one us will learn what we are here to learn. You can envy another person’s life but your envy may be an important lesson and maybe a motivation for you as you follow your own path. From personal experience, I am aware that when you envy someone else’s experience, if you are able to reenact this goal, you do not have the same lesson or experience. Yours will be unique to you. (A reminder, YOU are Unique, Special and Essential to the Divine Consciousness.) To be clear, following another person’s path because you have envy for that experience, may NOT offer the same satisfaction you are striving to achieve.

When you hear, first hand, of another soul’s adventure through life, you are given a gift to share in their learnings. Perhaps you can avoid envy and go straight to gratitude for the learning and the wisdom which has been shared with you. Also, you, as a witness to their story, are offering a service by allowing the story to be told and the experience to be shared which will make this an even deeper, richer experience for the storyteller.

You and Your path are an amazing journey. If you told your full story, your witness may wonder how YOU were able to survive. You have traveled through many bends in the road and you have learned from your successes and maybe even more from your “failures.” Each encounter you have had was “supposed” to happen though the lesson may be difficult to consciously understand. And, who was that lesson for in each encounter? Was it for you or more importantly was it for your partner in this experience? Perhaps in your “life review,” after you transition from this life, you will be made more aware of what was to be learned in these interactions…

Attempt to take a “Higher Perspective” sometimes, and look upon your life’s drama from the perspective of the higher realms. Perhaps when you look into the eyes of the next soul you encounter and know the miracle and perfection of your current partner in this interaction fully entails. Namaste! You know their perfect soul. And, know this blessing to your interaction as the “gift” it is for you and your growing wisdom. Each moment is precious and unique. Living in the past memory of your life muddies the clarity of knowing your “Present” moment. (Easier said than done…)

You can control the “Perspective” by which you choose to view the world. Sure there is “baggage” from past experiences and this factors in to the perspective you will use in the present human moment experienced. You are Human. Be as “open” and as available as possible. You never know when the rock you will turn over offers you the gift of a diamond (in the rough.) YOU are a Blessing!

Our “Perspective” is more complicated than our human minds can fully understand. However, you can be “open” to all possibilities. Being present and open without the expectation of “fully” understanding your experience is a helpful perspective. Do your best as a human. You can not really make a mistake on your path toward the Divine. (Perhaps just a “challenging learning.”) You are Perfect whether your ego allows you to accept this or not.

Finally, be happy for the stories you hear from other souls traveling the path toward consciousness. Envy does not have to be a factor which colors your interaction but can be an important lesson for you to consider.

You are Loved!

Meditating on Love

Divine Love is worth Remembering. Your Spirit knew it, felt it, before you were born into this incarnation and will Know it again when you have completed this incarnation. Your pursuit of higher consciousness includes the attempts at Remembering what Divine Unconditional Love is and how it feels but this is not as easy as it might sound. True Unconditional Divine Love is with you always however our 3 dimensional consciousness, as we dwell in this life, is not equipped to fully know how to be conscious of Divine Love. We are usually too human to fully appreciate this energy. (Heck, I can not even come close to finding words for this energy…) It vibrates at a higher frequency which our body, with its human limitations, can not fully feel…

Living, as we do, in 3 dimensions does not offer the full spectrum of many feelings and wisdoms from the higher realms. When we walk around as humans, it is impossible to fully describe a smell, a taste, a tone, or an emotional feeling. Even expressing the depth of what human Love is is elusive. How can we precisely share a specific feeling with the limitations of words? Yeah, go ahead and try. Well, Unconditional Divine Love is a higher realms experience. I was briefly touched by this when I had a STE (Spiritually Transformative Experience) when I went to visit Death when I was a naive 19 year old. The momentary awareness of Unconditional Love was a fleeting micro-second for my open, youthful consciousness. I was not looking for this or expecting it so as a “gift” from my Guidance, when it was bestowed on my consciousness. Though I will never forget this moment, I can not fully retrieve that feeling to my current consciousness. I do remember how overpowering it was for me at the time and that it is what I have to look forward to when I transition from this incarnation. As I experience this perfection, I did not want to let go and to return to my body or my life. I wanted to stay there forever and that is a long, long time.

I do not have words for this now elusive feeling. It was far better than experiencing that “one in a life time” meal that was perfection and unduplicatable. Yes, you remember the transcendent food experience however you find it unreproducible. As an example, the sweetest water I ever tasted was dripping from sandstone at a creek bed near the Colorado River which now under water since they closed the Glen Canyon Dam. (I was 12 years old when I tasted that unforgettable water.) The amazing wisdoms and feelings from the highest realms can not be compressed to accurately fit into our 3 dimensional consciousness. AND, this lack of knowing/feeling these qualities from the higher realms is part of our human condition. We humans have limitations and so we can have the human drama which plays out for us in our lives.

I have said this before. YOU are so much bigger and more powerful than you can know with your human consciousness. Other wise people have said the same thing and asked you not to limit yourself by being human. Christ! Jesus said that we can do even greater things than he was able to do, as miracles, when he walked amongst us as a man. You are a Miracle!

I am sorry that you may not know or fully understand what waits for you on the other side of the veil as Unconditional Divine Love but you will remember this when time is right to “Know” it again. YOU WILL Love it!

Life is brief! Life is a Miracle! Look for Joy in the lessons life offers…

Forest Bathing

Shinrin Yoku is the Japanese name for an Ecotherapy technique translated into “Forest Bathing.” This is also considered “horticultural therapy” and “grounding.” Research is inconclusive as to the how and the why this is therapeutic for people and may fall into the realm of “placebo” effects by rigid scientific thinking. So what if it is placebo… But, hanging out in nature is complicated (in all the many variables) and therapeutic. What do you “Know” about the positive effects of hanging out in a natural scene like a forest or a beach or a trail through the mountains?

Walking through a natural setting is good for you physically because you are getting exercise, burning calories, and assisting your parasympathetic nervous system response. Hiking in nature assists you mentally as a break from man made technology, with natural lighting & colors, and perhaps distance from “positive ions” in favor of calming, “negative ions.” Drifting, one step at a time, along a path contributes to the spiritual process of “grounding” where you release excess energy into the Earth, connects you with the natural Universe, and offers you the opportunity to witness first hand the Miracles of Life on our planet. As you breathe in the freshly oxygenated forest air, you are free from the human made confines of vehicles or manufactured homes.

Perhaps the best, possibly placebo, effect you can connect with nature and the Divine Spirit firsthand. Not in theory or in books or on TV… You, yes YOU, are a firsthand “experiencer” of the wonders of the natural world from where we have evolved (or created) and where natural appreciating rebalances our hearts, our minds, and our bodies. Not everyone loves being out in nature. These people are wrong! (Notice my “Judgement” with feeling…) Nature is found in every cell of our bodies and a lack of appreciation, to me, is like a denial of our living roots. (Obviously, my judgements are a topic for other blog postings or even many past postings.)

Forest Bathing is an activity I celebrate on a regular basis. A walk in the trees changes me in positive ways where I can relax and be more present. I release stress and drink in the amazing features of the natural world. This feels healing. Mind, body and spirit celebrate these moments and this effort in reconnecting with my natural worldly existence. With some small amount of distance from the trailhead, I can feel the Zen meditation (Za Zen) taking form. If I can be mentally “present,” I can begin to connect with this environment and many times I connect with my intuition as I feel my “essence” in the natural world.

Most people find solace in trips into natural environments. Being by water or trees or rocky monoliths offers a needed break from crowded frenetic man-made environments. “Getting away from it all” is a common expression suggesting the healing benefits of getting away from urban areas and back “out” into nature. Even a visit to a beautiful park or garden can help trigger this ecotherapy. For stress management and anxiety control, (unless you are afraid of open spaces – agoraphobia) your time in nature is more than just relaxing. It is invigorating and recharging you with the natural “life force.”

Obviously, as I write this posting, I am a “believer” in the positive effects which a walk in a natural environment can bring to me. I schedule this into my life. For me, a spiritual experience is a part of this attraction though this can be subtle or dramatic. When I cross paths with an animal or a huge Cedar tree or flowing stream/river, my heart celebrates this gift to me and my consciousness. I am spoiled because I am living in the Pacific NorthWest and when I roll out my front door, I am only a few steps from being enveloped in natural beauty. This choice to live in PNW was partially a conscious one and partially driven by my guidance BUT fully loved and appreciated.

So, go have a Forest Bath. YOU deserve it! Feel the Earth beneath your feet as you tread in the natural world. Be present. Be grounded. Be blessed to resonate in the natural rhythms you can experience. YOU are a miracle. Thank you for walking the Earth and sharing your spirit…

Who’s Driving the Bus?

Yes, my friend and mentor, Rodger Ruge, posed this question in response to the distracting and competing thoughts running through my mind in these drama filled days. In the forefront of my thoughts, “Who is driving the Bus?” Which part of my consciousness is in control of my current emotions and thoughts? It is awesome to have all the various possible perspectives but it can be tiring, even exhausting, to let the anxious, fear filled parts of me direct my thoughts and then behaviors. It is actually comforting to gain a small amount of distance by considering which part of me is reacting to external events as reported by the drama filled media or my wild imagination. Yes, I can control how I choose to react.

I am responsible for whether I want to get sucked down the “rabbit hole.” (Sorry, to give rabbits and their holes this negative connotation.) Rodger reports that he can request the various possible reactors from within his consciousness to step forward and to state their case. BUT, he then has to decide whose advice or reactivity to take as he steps forward to walk in our world. Should fear and anxiety control his behavior and response OR will he allow feelings and thoughts of love and higher consciousness create his reactions. He, and YOU, are responsible for how we chose to behave. (A lot of pronouns in the previous sentence…)

So, take a breath. Attempt to be more “present” and then explore, most consciously, your options. How to think, How to feel, How you behave AND what are you here to learn from this situation. Yup, you can test out your responses and your reactions before you move to your behaviors… You are most conscious when you can feel the full gamut of possibilities while remaining in a state of equanimity… At least, that is what I tell myself is possible if I can keep from making my normal knee-jerk reactions of my behaviors… Oh, I have a long way to go with this less judgement filled equanimity stuff. So, one step at a time.

First know that I am responsible for my reactions/thoughts/behaviors. I check to see who is driving my reactive bus ride. Determine which behavior or thought will be the course of actions I will be responsible for taking. AND, remember that I do NOT have to get sucked in to the drama that has set me off in this consideration. When possible, perhaps I can even find the joy or the wisdom from this lesson in this Earthly incarnation… Choose your reaction or thought with less of a knee jerk response. Yup, you can try some new way to respond to the current drama…

Since I have chosen to be incarnated as a human, I find that I am imperfect with much to learn and to test out discovered wisdom. SO, I will choose to make many mistakes from which I will learn, and then, benefit from experiencing. I will forget to stop and to consider “who” (which part of me) is driving the bus and I will learn from the traveling adventure. When I look around to connect with the other souls who share my space (and experience,) I may not know who is driving their bus but will find some appreciation for the interaction we will share. For they are perfect souls in their imperfections as well. Awareness and consciousness will bring me to the gifts of living this incarnation and will benefit all of the Universal consciousness.

A Human Consideration: Today, in 2021, we are influenced by media and others who are “Yelling” to get our attention. Fear mongering is a great way to set off the “fire alarms” of anxiety to gain and then hold our attention. This is used to distract us and to sell the “drama” the media or politicians or the whoever’s so they can control our fear filled thoughts and so Drive Our Bus… Please, attempt to NOT be manipulated. Do some research or shut off the loud angry screamers for part of your day so you can rebalance yourself and better determine who is Driving Your Bus!

Thank you again to Rodger Ruge for sharing his found wisdom. And, buckle up for our ride, whether smooth or bumpy, through life. There are miracles to experience and find the joy of gratitude for being blessed and guided along the way…

YOU are a Miracle. So, thank you for participating in this wisdom sharing.

Thanks for your time and consideration. Your insights and experiences are unique and a blessing, so please share these…

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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.

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