Category Archives: Stillness

Do we imprison self?

We forget that we’re the authors of our own mental state.  – NamasteNow!

our story?

The story is told of a man who lived in a home having mirrors as
walls. Whatever room he entered, he saw himself reflected in a
mirror. He spent his time looking at himself from this angle and
from that viewpoint. Day and night he saw only himself.
At first it was a highly gratifying experience. His own image was
the only thing in the world. Nothing existed outside himself. He
was the sole object of attention and admiration.
But after a while, a strange anxiety set in. The thrill of seeing
only himself turned into a dull habit, then into desperate pain.
What had once been a thrilling gratification had now become a
terror. Loneliness entered. He felt depressed, but worst of all,
he felt trapped.
One day a furious rebellion swept through him. Taking stones, he
hurled them against the mirrors, revealing an entirely new world
on the outside. Having broken his habitual self-imprisonment, he
enjoyed his new world.
Vernon Howard

it’s us

We imprison our own self because we’re constantly lost in thoughts, opinions and comparisons involving us vs. the rest of the world. We weave our own web of self-images and self-incrimination. We get so used to our own thoughts and its impact on us that we forget that we’re the authors of our own mental state. When will we escape this self-styled prison?

Daily Affirmation: Today I AM breaking free!

Recommendation: The Mystic Path to Cosmic Power by Vernon Howard

The Mystic Path to Cosmic PowerKindle Paperwhite, 6

Who’s Religious?

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.  – Romans 8:14

led by spirit?

We’re led by spirit if we exhibit the “fruits of spirit” i.e. if we attempt to be loving, patient, kind and serving.

religion

We are kids of god in action when we try and be like him. That’s religion.

Daily Affirmation: Today I AM a kid of God!

Recommendation: The Urantia Papers

The Urantia Book: Indexed Version with free Audio Book on DVD (Can only be played on a computer with a DVD drive.)Kindle Paperwhite, 6

What Is God Thinking?

I want to know how God created this world. I want to know His thoughts...  – Albert Einstein

god’s thoughts?

If God created all reality; he is the very source of all that is. It would be rather cool if we knew his thoughts; his purpose for all that’s going on!

our purpose

I believe that at the individual level it’s quite possible for us to know of God’s plans. I also believe that it’s part of our purpose, maybe even the purpose for us to find our place in God’s universe and clarify our relationship with the Godhead.

Daily Affirmation: Today I AM seeking God’s thoughts as they relate to me!

Recommendation: Passionate Presence

Passionate Presence: Experiencing the Seven Qualities of Awakened AwarenessKindle Paperwhite, 6

For Who Does The Bell Toll?

Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.  – John Donne

life is fleeting

John wrote this in the 17th century probably referring to the church bells that tolled during a funeral. We can make a lot of this beautiful quote. Let’s not lose another moment to indecision, hate, callousness or despair. We never know when the bells might toll for us. Let’s wake up, realize the power that resides inside us, claim it, smile and march into the day, we can take it on like a true child of the universe. Nothing holds us back, except us.

meaning

The meaning we find in life is our own work; it involves our unique interpretation of what’s going on. When anything happens it’s up to us what we make of it. Watch self as we create our inner universe, be aware of how we paint an event or happenstance. We create our life, each moment. When the bells toll; we decide what that means to us.

Daily Affirmation: Today I AM living life without regrets!

Recommendation: The Wisdom Way of Knowing

The Wisdom Way of Knowing: Reclaiming An Ancient Tradition to Awaken the HeartKindle Paperwhite, 6

What Is Zen?

Don’t seek reality, just put an end to opinions.  – Sheng-ts’an (Zen Monk)

reality?

We seek to understand by building up thoughts and opinions about everything we see and experience. That’s our way to comprehend what’s going on. Is there another way?

direct experience = zen

What if we experienced everything without building words about it inside our heads? For example when we see a bright drop of moisture on a verdant leaf, we absorb the experience as is. We don’t start saying to ourselves words like “Oh how beautiful is that! How green and lovely. So much more nicer than the fall season.” etc.. We put an end to the never ending opinionating and achieve greater clarity of mind and therefore peace. We experience reality.

Daily Affirmation: Today I AM experiencing things as they are!

Recommendation: An Introduction to Zen Buddhism by D.T. Suzuki

An Introduction to Zen BuddhismKindle Paperwhite, 6

How To Influence…

Raise your words not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.  – Rumi (the untold story)

anger

Many of us use our voices, especially its volume, to make a point! It’s so easy to get angry, a reflex action for most.

raise

What if we raised the quality of our ideas, our view of the person we’re talking to and raised the very vibration of the moment? What if we refused to get angry, but instead became thoughtful, understanding and patient?

Daily Affirmation: Today I AM gentler in all my interactions!

Recommendation:

The Essential Rumi, New Expanded EditionA Year with Rumi: Daily ReadingsKindle Paperwhite, 6

Why We Should Listen…

Learn to listen, and reality will show you…  – Vernon Howard

listen?

How much do we truly listen? Forget listening to others, how much do we listen to nature and to reality around us? How quiet can our minds become?

stillness

Stillness is the fertile ground upon which deep listening can be based. When our minds are calm and collected we’ll hear the lightest whispers and sense the deepest colors. We’ll be connected to ‘All That Is’ and in that eternal moment we’ll be at peace.

Daily Affirmation: Today I AM listening and at peace…

Recommendation: The Mystic Path to Cosmic Power by Vernon Howard

The Mystic Path to Cosmic PowerKindle Paperwhite, 6