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!

Are YOU Out of Step with the World?

Born out of frustration, I find that I am out of step with the world. Are You? Yup, what I see on the media both TV and Social Media creates a visceral response. My confusion and that weird uncomfortable feeling in the pit of my stomach makes me feel like I am NOT in step with what is going on in my world. I do not “get” politics, conspiracy theories, celebrities who are whining, and the All Powerful Drive for Financial Success, at the expense of selflessness and higher consciousness. Yes, MY judgmental thinking is at again like a dog with a bone… I see and feel like my culture, my country, and my strongest beliefs in a “caring” society are just descending into the pit of selfish individualism where the belief seems to be, “what I want, I SHOULD get” and lying and bullying are accepted, condoned and even encouraged.

What is my Spiritual lesson? If I was fully spiritually conscious, I would have Equanimity in the face of what I perceive as injustice. I would accept that this is simply another brutal drama which I must be a part of and to watch play out. Perhaps, I would be more “fully present” and find acceptance for Fascism and power hungry politicians holding on to power at the expense of selflessness and cultural support for all citizens. Perhaps, I could find humor in the perverted sources of disinformation or different truths which are shared by highly influential media outlets where there can be no truth or fact checking for certain politicians or some celebrities, all of whom have personal gains to be made by creating or passing along false information to the cult followers who can not fact check for themselves… Convenient fact distortions (“alternative truths.”)

So, my conclusion is that it is not YOU or the Media or the Politicians or the Cult Leaders who are Out of Step with reality, it is me… Yes, I do not get the fun and profits which come from distorted facts and greedy lifestyles. My goal is to find Joy in the concentration camp like Viktor Frankl did in World War II. But, it is fun to yell at the TV. It is energetic to scream into the storm. This elevates me and my perspective to demonstrate righteous indignation in the face of self perceived injustice. This could be viewed as a “SitCom” if it did not seem to be so dangerous to our world. But, I could laugh at our disintegrating society as lots of others in the world are doing. A “good laugh” at our culture wallowing in our own political garbage. If it does not kill us it will make us stronger. And, if it does kill us, we get to move on to the next incarnated drama…

Tilting at Windmills are me and the man from La Mancha… But, “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” I have not knowingly lied to you, Even through my wildest days. I held the Promise…

This message is brought to you out of frustration with the direction our culture is traveling. Selfishness and bullying can NEVER be justified at the expense of consciousness and supporting the fragile people in our society. But, I am not a billionaire with money and power grabbing as a life goal. I do not make any excuses for my attitude but I do hope to find equanimity and less judgement, some day… And, I am sorry for stoking the fires of frustration as I vent my emotions.

Please bear in mind, that living consciously is a role model for changing our culture. For me, it is frustratingly slow. I speak my mind and feel like I spitting into the wind but I am acting in some fashion and not totally sitting on the sidelines. You must find your way to react to bullying in our culture. You can fight it or just join in the act of bullying anyone you think you can intimidate. You have your own path toward consciousness and must find your own way. Since you are Perfect in Spirit and a Miracle, you will travel the path most appropriate for you. God’s speed!

In fact, YOU are not out of step with our culture. Your steps are leading you into the challenges you are here to learn from… You are a Blessing!

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

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

The Maelstrom of Our Lives

We are living in early parts of 2020. Our world is changed forever. There will be a new normal but we first will have to learn our lessons as we survive, in some form or another, the Maelstrom created by our world’s response to Covid-19. You can ask, Are we victims of this virus or just actors in the play which has lessons for our planet Earth and the humanity who appears to be the main characters in this Reality Show? Brutal like the “reality” TV show “Naked and Afraid.”

Many of us are in fear or controlled by our anxiety. Some of us pretend to be in control and oppositional to this world-wide crisis. Some of us are looking for the right prayers or meditations to neutralize this virus and its rampage on our “regular” lives. Some of us are oblivious or under the influence of our medications of choice. Some of us stare death defiantly in the eyes. We have heroes. We have victims. We have heroes who are victims. We have drama and a set of circumstances never before seen in the age of instantaneous world-wide communications.

Perhaps there are even a few people of consciousness who maintain equanimity in the face of raging media, stupidity in leadership, and personal concerns to their lives, their health, their wealth, their lifestyles, their communities, and their belief systems. Some day in the future, all this may be explained or understood better than it is today in the midst of this craziness. BUT, do not miss the opportunity to view these travails through the filter of “what can we learn from this situation and how can we serve by sharing any wisdom which comes our way.”

Trust me (but why would you trust me???…) things will get worse for our world before they get better. (Written on April 5th, 2020.) Health will be jeopardized. Finances will be crushed for most of us. Lifestyles will be forced into unfamiliar territory. Our emotions, our thoughts and our spirits will be tested because this is Big, as big as a world-wide transition can be, for our modern world. And, my hope is that humanity will learn new lessons of interdependence and support for humanity which will go far beyond our national borders. We are all in this together. We are in this for the long haul. And, we will need each other as never before. Even our Earth will be healed or it will take out the human civilizations as we have known these to be.

I am trying to think beyond a “Doomsday” scenario. We have an opportunity to expand our consciousness and take steps closer to an enlightenment on this Earthly plane. But, much testing and difficult challenges will be experienced. Political and economic structures will be altered or we will be headed for extinction. And, I do not say this to be an alarmist or as a negative prognosticator. We have an opportunity to learn in consciousness and to grow. There will be desperate, angry, fearful and anxious people who will fight to maintain our old institutions even if this means “mutual assured destruction.” (MAD)

This will be GREAT! Be aware. Be “Present!” Meditate and listen to the deeper wisdom of “Guidance.” Be willing to serve. And, do not fear death because this can get in your way and make the Joys of life more difficult to find. May you find the Divine Spirit within you to give you confidence and solace. Face and love the maelstrom. It can be the miracle we are looking for. (Where possible resist the fear mongering of the media and crazy self-serving leadership…)

You are a Blessing! Thank you for being you.

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

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

Too Overwhelmed to Act

Chances are if you found your way to this blog posting and have read it this far, you are an empathetic consciousness seeking soul. As I write in February, 2020, our culture is in major upheaval and in the three dimensional world we live, we are surrounded and pounded by “Drama.” Politics, world health, climate change, homelessness, crime, racism, sexism, and all forms of polarizing mayhem happen to us or at us, everyday. We can hide our heads in sand and live in a quiet prison of self-constructed oblivion or be “concerned” about what we are “supposed” to do to make the world a better place. We may not be Billionaires with unlimited resources of time and money and energy so we may feel inadequate… We may just feel empathetic and “overwhelmed.”

You can do nothing and pretend to be unattached to the current situation. You can choose to be paralyzed by your overwhelm and do nothing, feeling bad about this option. You can go “observer,” running on “equanimity,” where you are too mellow so that all you do is watch and stay uninvolved… Or, you can do something short of violence, getting arrested in protest, or running in circles… You can change the source of this discord by changing the energy which feeds this polarizing and anxiety producing mayhem.

Let’s back up. We can do something more than pray, set a positive intention, and smile ineffectively and unattached at the world condition. First, we can be “fully present” and in the moment. Not in fear of the future or living with some past fearful trauma. (Easier said than done, BUT doable.) Next, we can realize that we are all connected and in this together. Yes, even the people who trigger you. Especially, the people who push your buttons of anger and/or fear. We are all equal and a part of the Divine Spirit. We all have our roles to play in the Drama we have chosen, spiritually, to live within. To make a positive impact on the world condition we can do something. Even if we do not have time, or money, or even energy, we do have a way to serve and to change the “Energy” that drives the mayhem. So…

Consider calming yourself. Finding your way into the present moment. (Both of these require some practiced dedication…) AND, then start, slowly and easily to connect with the other souls you bump into. Start easy, with the checker in the grocery store or with the server pouring your coffee, or the ticket taker at the movie theater AND, being present and loving, make eye contact with them and remind them, “yes, Out Loud,” that they are a Miracle, or that they are Perfect, or they are Loved, or that they are Blessed… You can get good at doing this. It will not harm you or them. After you are good at this, you can now begin to share this with the “difficult” people in your life, like your family, or your boss at work, or with the objectionable political “jerk” (an unnecessary judgement) who thinks the other political candidate is correct…. Yes, even these people are connected in the Divine with your soul AND they are a Miracle even as they “push your buttons.”

Looking the homeless person in the eyes, connecting with them and their disabilities, and reminding them that they are Loved and a Blessing is how you can begin to change the energy of our world. One eyeball to eyeball connection at a time… This requires practice and dedication. You need to step out of your ego and your fear (or anxiety/anger) and do the “right thing.” Bless them for the lesson they can teach to you, IF you are willing to be open and to listen. Please, help to dissolve the fear and the anxiety which caused the separation. Please, allow your heart and positive intention to tear down the walls! You can do this. Even with few resources, YOU can be a shining beacon of Love and Light! You can BE the change you wish to see in the world!

Do NOT be Too Overwhelmed to Act! You can take these small steps to improve this world one connection at a time.

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

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

You Are Loved!

“I Love You,” Guidance has asked me to share this with YOU. (Do Not take this “Wrong!” This is not just a series of overused or mis-used words.) The Divine Spirit knows you are perfect and a miracle!
This is NOT the love we humans find in our 3 dimensional world. It is not found in thoughts or words… Sorry, I have to use words to communicate and these words do a poor, inadequate job of sharing what is at the foundation of the Universe and the Divine Spirit’s feelings for you as a spirit. Our minds are not expansive enough to describe or understand the Love of the Divine.

We get confused by the “human love” we crave and speak about between people in relationship. This human love has conditions and does not last for the eternity which our spirits live within. Your mind does not fully understand or appreciate how great and powerful you as “Spirit” are in the larger Divine Universe. We come to our incarnations to have adventures within the limitations of 3 dimensions. When we are conscious of our simultaneous existence in the higher realms, beyond 3 dimensions, we are free from limitations of “time” and “space.” There are NO Secrets and no costumes or dramas to hide within, as we have so commonly in our temporary human existence.

By the way, what I say and “know” is no secret or for me alone. These are Universal truth. You have Guidance and Angels, and Spirits, and Mentors, and access to all Wisdom. It can be too much, too intense, and too overwhelming for the simple mind and ego to fully know. These limitations are a part of the game in the drama we call our lives. Your path will lead you to find “Joy” in your challenges. These will be “gifts” and experiences for you to share. Connecting with other pilgrims and sharing stories and experiences are a service for you and everyone you interact with.

My mentor Bob Trask reminds me:
You are Loved
You are Blessed
You are Safe
and
You are Free

However, most of us do not understand that these words and concepts are so much more than mentally understood words/concepts. These are the remembered Feelings of the Divine Spirit’s true Unconditional Love for you, always!!!

When I was a young man, I was “gifted” with an experience which is appropriate to share. During a guided visualization, I had an “out of body” experience and went to discover what Death was all about. At the time, I was innocent and naive. I had not read the accounts of NDE’s (Near Death Experience.) I had never considered death in this young body and life. When I found myself approaching “Death,” I was enveloped in a warm, peaceful, loving energy. For my first time, in this life, I was aware of the “Feeling” of an Unconditional Love and Presence! Words I attempt to use to describe this do not do this “Knowing” or “Remembering” justice. I had the “feeling” of Acceptance, Freedom from time and space, lack of “Judgment,” “connectedness” with all things in the Universe (no sense of being alone,) a feeling of access to all Universal Wisdom, and the Remembering of the pure, unconditioned loving presence from which my spirit comes from (and to where it goes after this incarnation, though we are there NOW but linear thinking seems to create separation.) My point: Today my mind can not fully grasp the Feeling and the Knowing of what Unconditional Love is. My mind can not get its hands around this “sensation.” My Heart knows there is an elusive feeling/knowing/remembering of Unconditional Love which can not fully fit in my mental consciousness.

BTW. I recently asked about “understanding” Unconditional Divine Love to a group of fairly conscious friends. They went on to describe the unconditional love from their pet, dogs, as how they know “unconditional love.” They were much closer to “feeling” the truth. However, our pets and their unconditional love for us HAVE conditions. Our pets love us because we love and feed them. We are part of their herd, family or “pack.” This is still Earthbound love with conditions which do not fully include Unconditional Divine Love… Sorry. Close but No Cigar… as comedians from the Vaudevillian era might say. So, feel beyond 3 dimensions and the limitations of the mind to “Know” Unconditional Divine Love.

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

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

Discovery Regarding My Judgements

I just returned from a hike in the hills and a thought came to me…

When I was a young man I viewed people through my filter of insecurity. I judged people looking for their flaws, imperfections, and perceived weakness (probably to make myself seem superior.)

Today, I still judge people that I see but, more often than not, my filter is looking for their beauty, their uniqueness, their energy levels and their stories. I will celebrate the interesting characteristics I find. I can bask in the passion from their life experience, sometimes with eyes wide open interest.

Someday, perhaps, I will drop all my judgements and look through the filter which finds perfection and acceptance for every beautiful soul I pass…
Someday…
Namaste…

YOU are a Miracle!
YOU are Perfect and an important, necessary, piece of the Divine Spirit!
YOU are Unconditionally Loved!
YOU are a Blessing!

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

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

YOU are Loved, Unconditionally!

Chances are good, if you knew what Divine Unconditional Love really feels like you would have to be fully Enlightened, possibly a Near Death Survivor, or an Earth Angel. Perhaps you can get closer to remembering by careful consideration of what is involved in Divine Unconditional Love. Stories have been shared by NDE’ers (Near Death Survivors), some prophets and saints, and by Highly Enlightened people which better help to define the Divine Spirit.

Start by considering these possible sensations (which words do NOT adequately define.) Try and imagine being surrounded by warmth and embraced by total acceptance. There would be a feeling of freedom without 3 dimensional limitations of time and space. You would be able to know your connection with the Divine Spirit and all others souls. Even inanimate materials would be conscious and connected and a part of you. You have access to all wisdom and 100% honesty is the only practice. You are everywhere because everywhere is you. So no boundaries or limitations.

This is more difficult to describe or to label than explaining the smell of a rose or the perfect sound of musical note. This is more difficult than trying to describe human love. Yet, it is more than just a feeling. It is the reality that fills the space between atoms and all the space of the Universe, and beyond. There are moments when for a fraction of a second you may be graced with this “Knowing.” When I was 19 years old, I stumbled upon this sensation, or this Knowing, by mere chance during a guided meditation. I was Blessed to have this brief glimpse into what fills the Divine Spirit. AND, I will never forget this sensation or this brief moment in my life. It has changed me forever, at least forever in this lifetime.

When reading accounts by NDE survivors or when speaking with these survivors, for me these memories are recalled and I resonate with what can be shared, though this is unique to every person and in a limited way (by my perspective.) I know I lack the skill to fully offer this experience to most other people. The people who have had this experience already know what I am attempting to convey. As a result, fear of living is greatly reduced because you are not afraid of dying at the end of your present incarnation. I have come to “Know” that this is not an experience unique to me. It is the same for Everyone. Yes, You! YOU are another piece of the “Whole.” You are embraced in unconditional Divine love.

Perhaps, your life does not feel blessed in this way… One of your lessons in this current life is to work to “Remember” who you are and where you have come from. We like to think we are separate and unique. We are unique but not separate. We are all part of the much larger, inconceivably larger, Divine Spirit. And, you do not have to believe what I am saying. You have freedom to choose. You can deny your Divinity but this does not make it go away.

We are not alone. We are all connected. Every soul you bump into as you travel your path is another manifestation of yourself, in a unique form. You are a Blessing! You are a miracle! You are perfect! Whether you know it or not, you are a Master and your fully conscious Enlightenment is within you! Thank you or being YOU! As you become more aware and more conscious, use your insights and wisdom to be of service to the Universe. Be the beacon of light for others who may be existing in the “dark.” If nothing else, share Love and be a positive role model of consciousness. You are raising all of consciousness through your mortal efforts to “Remember.”

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

Power of Intention: Live it!

If you are reading about Intention, most likely you are seeking higher consciousness and possibly striving for Enlightenment. The Power of Intention is more than repeating words of an Affirmation. Intention, when used most powerfully, asks you to feel your end result. See it, Feel it, Know it, and then, Be it! So it is more than just a thought. It is felt in your heart and soul. You commit to following through and experiencing it. I ask you to remember how Enlightenment feels and then LIVE It!

Your Intention is not just accomplishing a goal or successful completion of a project. In this definition, you set your eyes far into the distance and high up into the heavens (the higher realms of consciousness) and travel far beyond the limitations of the 3 dimensional world we have chosen to live within. Our lives have limitations because as we learn lessons which move us to greater awareness and ultimately living as fully aware spirits, we struggle on the Earthly plane with our Egos and the separation this causes us. We must return to remembering the Divine Source within us. But you have heard this spirituality before. Today, I ask you to not just consider it or to think about it but to prove your intention AND to LIVE IT!

Wake up in the morning and before the distractions of life, consider your day. Consider that you will live each moment in a vigilance where you look to serve and to support the people you bump into on your path through your day. Consider, and then offer, the unconditional love and support in whatever form you have the energy and resources to offer. Act out your Intention and live the full meaning and experience of it.

NOTE: Living your intention in “Enlightenment” is NOT an intellectual exercise or a casual wish. It is a commitment to live it and to share it. Commitment seems like a strong word or concept and we can make many excuses for not following through, but this, in my belief, is the true meaning for our pilgrimage through the challenges of our incarnations in this life. Often we set our priorities of chasing after the false Gods of wealth or popular recognition or power, but in the long run, we are here for connection and service to higher consciousness.

The smallest act of service can be the satisfying and the most important thing you can offer. Find your way to live in service in the most conscious way and your highest intention will be served. Remember, YOU are a Blessing!

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

Where Are You “Home?”

“Home is where the Heart is!” More importantly, Where is YOUR Home?

My internet research that gives credit for this statement goes to a Roman philosopher better known as Pliny the Elder (or just Pliny to his friends) said “Home is where the heart is.”

More internet research said that there can be two (or more) meanings to this expression. And the internet offers this opinion.

“Firstly, it can mean that wherever our loved ones are, that is our home. Thus, wherever a person’s heart is will be our true home. Thus, no matter where someone was born or grew up, their real home is the place that they care about most in the world. This place may or may not be the place that they grew up in.

Secondly, it can mean that our love (our ‘heart’) is focused around the family home. A person’s heart will always be at home. This means that their love, affection and fond memories will always be tied to the place that they live.

Note: There are differences of cause and effect in each interpretation. In the first, love makes us feel at home. In the second, home makes us feel love.”

Why did this come up for me? Why is this relevant for you? This past weekend I was engaged in a personal growth seminar conducted by Excellence Northwest. We experienced a Guided Meditation as an exercise for planning for 5 years in the future. We were asked to relax, clear our minds, and to “picture” our home 5 years from now. What did we want to find there? How did it FEEL? So, being a cooperative participant (not really such a common experience for me), I considered the more typical setting.

I pictured a house in the country. In a clearing surrounded by conifer trees like Douglas Firs or Cedars. It was bigger than a small cottage but not a huge, ostentatious house. Lots of wood. Entering into my Home, was a warm and inviting engery with the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven and home made soup in a large pot cooking on the stove. Quiet and calm. The Living room had a fireplace and comfortable furniture. Not just comfortable but wonderfully comfortable chairs and sofas arranged in a circle. Maybe 8 or 9 seats arranged for conversations and interacting with friends, family, and interesting people. This seemed to be the real purpose for this cozy environment. It then dawned on me that my concept of “Home” was not a future House but was a setting for gathering other people to connect with. My fantasy is to feed these visitors. Mind, Body, Emotionally, and Spirit, all nurtured and fed with the love and support which offers deeper connection. Not your standard Home environment. This could happen in lots of places and not be tied down to a house in which to live my life within.

Home can be anywhere which allows the connection of Heart and support. A caring for other souls without any “strings attached.” It might be a place where Gratitude and Acceptance seem to come first. Openness and trust rein supreme. So, let me ask YOU again, Do YOU have a need and a space like this kind of Home? Not as easy to answer. We often have family and, maybe, friends, but not necessarily the unconditional loving, support, and acceptance which would be so nurturing for you and your spirit. This possible environment may come and go. It may not be a permanent part of your life.

There may be times when we get caught in the “Drama” of wanting something which we perceive we do not have. We might even feel like a “victim” to the circumstance which our 3 dimensional lives have led us to experience. We may struggle with the life challenge of adding this unconditional support and love to our lives. BUT, and this is a big but (do not take this wrong), we can find this everywhere and it is NOT external to us. It is a lesson in what we Know and Remember regarding the perfection of the Divine Spirit found within us. If we are willing to look into the eyes and find the perfection of the perfect souls we interact with, we can find this deeper connection and “Home” everywhere!

My Guidance is asking me to write these words for YOU to read. Where do these concepts fit for you and the lessons you are here to learn? Do you remember that we are all connected and can share this bonding connection with every soul who crosses our path through life?

YOU ARE HOME! You are the structure and the atmosphere which extends love and creates the ideal experience of “Home.” Please consider, Knowing it, Feeling it, and Living it!

You are a Miracle! You are a Blessing! You, even with your seeming flaws and imperfections, are Perfect! No one else can be YOU better than YOU! Thank you for being in this World and Open to Connecting.

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

Spiritual Seekers’ Questions to Consider

Questions for a Spiritual Seeker

“If you consider yourself to be on a spiritual path, you must be having conversations with your soul already. During your conversations, pause often and listen carefully. At times, pause to ask questions too.”

By Chandresh Bhardwaj, Contributor

Link to Blog: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/21-questions-for-a-spirit_n_5276120

Chandresh Bhardwaj writes:

“Questions are an important part of life and the spiritual journey as well. One must never stop asking questions. Be it the questions to your guru, teacher or your soul. If you consider yourself to be on a spiritual path, you must be having conversations with your soul already. During your conversations, pause often and listen carefully. At times, pause to ask questions too. When you ask a question to your soul, don’t worry about receiving the perfect answer. Instead, keep all your focus on the questions. Meditation on questions will eventually help you to arrive “home.”

Here are a few questions that I suggest you to ask yourself on your spiritual journey. I avoided adding any explanations to the questions as I don’t wish to interfere or add my bias to the answers/explanations that will come your way when asking these questions. One way to use these questions is to ask them one by one. Don’t rush. Take your time to explore one question and be as unbiased as possible in listening. Don’t manipulate the answers. Don’t try hard to listen to the answer that you want to hear. Just be effortless in listening.

The mind will give you many fancy answers. Especially if you are in the “spiritual market” for a while, it will give you answers such as “you are a divine soul,” “you are love,” you are “forgiveness.” Reject all these answers. The ancient masters used the mantra, Neti Neti, which means “neither this, nor that.” Masters recommended rejecting all answers thrown by mind and only then you will see the layers peeling off.

Do I seek social approval?
Where does my happiness come from?
What do I seek in my prayers?
Do I feel the divine in others?
How conscious am I when I eat?
Do I contribute unconditional love in the life of others?
How often do I lose my temper?
How much power do daily circumstances have over me?
How do I want to be remembered?
How deeply am I connected with my heart?
What is my deepest fear?
Am I connected to Mother Nature around me?
Have I accepted my body as it is?
Have I forgiven myself and others unconditionally?
What does love mean to me?
What is my deepest intention?
Do I listen to my soul attentively?
Do I cry and laugh easily?
How hard it is for me to unblock love?
What is my inspiration?
Who am I?” (End of Chandresh’s Blog)

There are NO right or wrong answers to these questions. The exercise is to ask, then consider, then enhance your self-awareness by attempting this exercise. Some of these questions are so powerful for me to ask of myself. Your most significant questions from this list depend on you and the consciousness you have already worked to achieve.

Namaste

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