Just “Be”

You’ve heard, or perhaps even said, the following: “I’m a work in progress.” It is a statement that seems to contain a toss of the hand, a roll of the eyes, or an unspoken hmmph. It suggests dissatisfaction at imperfection; perhaps even quiet resignation that ‘i” am not yet enough. The statement implies that a quality or aspect–one which we desperately need–is lacking; one which, if found, would make me all right, good enough, a work complete and worthy. What utter nonsense.

From moment to moment, life is always moving, pulsing like a multifaceted diamond. Nothing rests. If it stopped, it would not be life; it would be lifeless. As everything is always moving, how could we ever reach (as implied by the sentence referred to in the first paragraph) a place of static perfection? How long could we clutch that fleeting second when we could joyously cry, “Now, I can stop; I have made it to the top of the heap!” How, in a medium that is always moving, could we ever possibly arrive?

Again: Life moves—continuously. Everything is in flux. Heraclitus is said to have stated the following: “You can’t step into the same river twice.” It can also be argued that you cannot even step into the same river once; for the river, itself, is never the same. Answers and solutions considered to be the pinnacle of perfection (think finest transportation = horse and buggy) are all replaced when the next-best solution appears. The situation is the same for us. Education that was considered sufficient one hundred years ago would be considered incredibly inadequate today; and the same will hold true twenty–ten–five–years from now. The point is to enjoy the ride called “the story of my life.“ In short, we can strive to do the best that we can in any given moment and go with the flow. Awareness, an open heart, humility, and a willingness to allow good works to occur through us will take us a long way.

You (yes, “you” in the last row, in the corner) are more than enough as you are! Please don’t let graphs, statistics, and the social averages related to the tests that you’re going through right now define you. They can’t! Success and failure are relative words, which ultimately mean sweet diddly squat. This is not intended to imply that we should not strive; to dream is part of our essential nature. It’s just not wise to make our sense of worthiness dependent on results. You “are” inherently valuable here…and…now. Period.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. May it help you in your spiritual journey. 🙏🙏

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Driver Training

———————————-**“*Art*” ~ 🙂 ~ circa 1906** ——————————–

Oh, how we love cars, especially those of us raised in Western cultures. We love them so much that we can hardly wait to get our driver’s licence. To us, a licence symbolizes freedom to come and go as we please and to, as Steppenwolf expressed in “Born to Be Wild, “get our motor running and head out on the highway! Before we acquire our licence, most of us have to pass a Drivers’ Education Class. We have to study the rules of the road and learn how to properly signal, accelerate, steer, brake, merge, and drive defensively. The lessons are in our best interest. No less is required for those of us who desire to deliberately apply the Law of Attraction.

Before we proceed, it’s important that we understand the nature of our vehicle. It is the body-mind, aka, the person. Contrary to popular belief, such is not the sum of What we are! In truth, we are Spirit–the silent witness that actually drives the body-mind through life. The quality of our personal journey is dependent upon the nature and intensity of our thoughts and feelings. Negative thoughts–such as anger, hatred, revenge, jealousy, envy, pride, and selfishness–can never lead us anywhere good. They create a rough ride and a tough life. Positive thoughts–such as love, kindness, compassion, empathy, generosity, humility, and selflessness–help lead us toward favourable destinations. The destinations we reach depend upon the skill with which we comply with spiritual laws.

So, are we buckled up? Have you checked your mirrors and left the story of your life in the past, where it belongs? Good, we’re off to a great start! Now, please know this: There are two powerful pedals that we must learn to operate before we pull away from the curb. One is Fear–it’s the brake; every time we step on it (allow it to function in our consciousness) our vehicle slows down. The other pedal is Faith–it’s the accelerator; every time we press on it (feel triumphant joy rise in our heart) our vehicle moves closer to our desired manifestation! Through the power of Awareness (which can be increased through meditation), we’re going to learn how to be more aware of which pedal we’re pushing.

Our Driver Education Course required a set number of days; and the same applies to learning how to deliberately apply the Law of Attraction. In this case, thirty days. During this period–marked faithfully on the calendar–we’re going to monitor our thinking while going about our days. Our goal is to engage only positive thoughts. If we find ourselves concentrating on negative thoughts–either big or small–we’re going to begin our count anew. At the end of thirty days, we will arrive at our destination with a mind trained to focus on the positive aspects of life. The results that we’ll notice after successful completion of this course will make the effort required to pass it seem more than worthwhile.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

The Power of Attention

There’s a common misconception associated with the Law of Attraction, which may be expressed thus: When I get this or achieve that, I will be happy. Due to this ill-conceived belief, many individuals spend their entire life striving to reach goals which–if and when achieved–bring little more than momentary happiness. When such occurs, most dreamers automatically reach for an even grander goal, in the futile hope that it will yield the happiness they seek. The error is to believe that an object, position, achievement, or even a person can ever be the source of true joy.

How, then, can we experience the joy we desire? If objects and people and status and achievement cannot yield the happiness we desire, what can? The true answer: Our essential nature, which is joy, itself. There, in the transcendent beauty of Self, we may know firsthand the joy that is already ours. If it has eluded us thus far, it’s only because we’ve been searching in the wrong direction–outward instead of inward. Toward this truth, I offer a quote by Paulo Coelho for contemplation: “You can become blind by seeing each day as a similar one. Each day is a different one, each day brings a miracle of its own. It’s just a matter of paying attention to this miracle.”

Attention is like a flashlight that we direct. Through it, we’re able to shine the light of consciousness in whatever direction we desire. We can shine it here–on war, famine, politics gone wrong, and crimes against humanity; or we can shine it there–on love, on family, on friends, on food in our belly, and a roof over our head. What an amazing power we possess! In any given moment, we may direct our attention to whatever we choose. If we live consciously, the choice is ours.

Does this mean we must toss our dreams aside and leave them in the dust? Not at all. We may still proceed with our dreams–the new house or car, the great career, world travel, the loving relationship–but with a wise approach. The problem of dissatisfaction only arises when we mistake our dreams as the source of our happiness–not a complement to it! When we live the wiser way, we’re going to discover a mysterious paradox: It’s when we’re most joyful within, that we manifest most successfully without.

Our joy is neither a million dollars away, nor the highest mountain climbed away. It’s neither a mansion away, nor a perfect lover away. It’s not a sports car away, a rich stock portfolio away, or a great travel destination away. Our joy is here, in this very moment–today! And the key that will open this truth as experience? GRATITUDE. By centering our mind in the peace of the present moment, we will be surprised at what we discover. With the aim of discovering your inner joy, please contemplate the following list with a grateful heart:

A breath exhaled slowly, followed by the miracle of another breath inhaled.
The warmth of summer sun on our back.
A hug from–or given to–a loved one; or the memory of such.
The first sip of coffee in the morning.
A barefoot walk across carpet or a sandy beach.
Bread and butter, for what it signifies: we have food.
Eyes closed, and then opened to reveal the miracle of sight.
The smell of crisp clean air.
Beethoven’s glorious “Ode to Joy,” or even more sublime, the words “I love you.”
A drink of cool water…and thirst quenched.

The doorway to our transcendent state of joy cannot be found in the future; it cannot be entered tomorrow or next week or next year. The threshold to our joy is here, in the ever-present, eternal NOW. The moments of our life come but once, bearing gifts both big and small. The question is, Will we receive the best this life can offer by using our attention wisely?

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

My Sky is Blue

Chances are that most of us have heard the following question: What colour is the sky in your world? And chances are that whoever asked it (perhaps with a roll of the eyes) was trying to imply that someone else–a friend, a family member, a colleague, or a stranger–is living in a delusional bubble for being happy and optimistic in the face of a negative reality. Whatever the reason, the expression is usually intended derogatively.

I write about the question above to remind, or perhaps inform, that our experience of life is unique for each and every one of us. It’s also important to understand that we attract experiences according to the habitual way we think and feel. Therefore, feeling good not only benefits us in the present moment but also sets the stage for future moments. The fact is that the reality we experience can be very good even when everyone around us claims that the world is falling apart. This does not make us foolish–quite the contrary. To be ruled by circumstance, or the predominant opinions of others, places us at the whims of the world. The opposite is true when we practice our right to govern our own perspective. We may also remind ourselves that a shift in our perspective–to one of gratitude and optimism–creates the pathway for real and dramatic change to occur in our lives.

With this mindset, we may–despite hearing that we are beaten–think “I Am victorious!” With this mindset, we may–despite hearing that we look tired–think “I Am full of vitality!” With this mindset, we may–despite hearing that the state of the world is hopeless–think “goodness will triumph!” It is such optimism–combined with applied action toward positive goals–that actually creates a Blue Sky Reality. This doesn’t mean that we’re denying a negative situation; we’re just choosing not to focus upon it.

Our evolution is up to us. We may live as a conduit to goodness, kindness, courage, optimism, power and perseverance. In the same way that we challenge our muscles by lifting heavier weights (and thereby grow stronger), we may challenge our attitude and live a more fulfilling life. Source–which is omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient–supports us. We get to choose. Such is our power; such is our freedom; such is our birthright–if only we will claim it!

This world can attempt to exert a negative effect; but such cannot occur without our permission. On any given day, we can see the news and watch reports of terrible atrocities. We can listen to neighbours and hear them complain about politics, the weeds in their lawn, or the cost of a loaf of bread. Or, we may exercise our right to view the world through our own perspective. Through the use of deliberate focus and intention, we may turn our back to dark skies and face the light. And the next time someone asks “What colour is the sky in your world?” we may confidently and unapologetically reply “My sky is blue.”

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Dismantling Fences

There is an old saying which states that “fences make good neighbours.” Although this may seem a logical way to deal with conflicts that invariably arise due to the human condition, it is a shortsighted solution. On a larger scale, building fences–even mending fences–leaves us subject to judgmental behaviour that ignores our shared oneness. Relying on the mentality of the masses, which is always fluctuating, only serves to separate us from the good that inherently unites us. Our only hope for lasting peace amongst neighbours and nations lies in dismantling our minds’ fences…forever. Below, is only one example of what can occur when we truly don’t know one another:

December 1, 1955: On a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, the bus driver orders Rosa Parks and three other riders to give up their seats in the coloured section because the white’s only section is filled. Rosa refuses to do so. As a result, she is arrested for civil disobedience and later fined ten dollars for violating segregation laws, plus an additional four dollars for court fees. A court case is launched and a bus boycott ensues for more than a year. The Supreme Court finally rules that segregation laws are unconstitutional. Throughout this time, and for years afterward, Rosa and her family receive death threats…for standing up for rights and basic dignities that should be–MUST BE–afforded to All.

At what level do we do begin to dismantle fences? Nothing short of a spiritual approach will yield the best effect. However, there is a common misconception that spirituality and enlightenment (which may be defined as waking from apparent personhood through recognition of our True Self) is something that is done; an activity that will add a beneficial dimension to our life and make us better persons–in much the same way that someone might pad a resumé. To be interested in matters spiritual might even be conceptualized as something namby pamby; an activity to be shunned by those who have better activities with which to occupy their time. Nothing could be further from the truth.

To embark upon a spiritual quest is the bravest–most important–journey we will ever undertake. It is a figurative journey that involves travelling from conditioned ignorance to an awareness of our True Being. Such is a courageous act because recognition of True Self–by definition–requires that we surrender the false self, with whom we’ve identified for the majority of our so-called personal life. Such can involve a tremendous amount of pain; for it requires that we surrender our pride, historical story, and every triumph which we may have held dear. In short, we realize that our trophies never belonged to us; for there is truly no one here to receive them. True enlightenment is not freedom as the self; it is freedom from the self.

Until we see the Truth beyond our own mask (the name and form identity called “me“) it’s literally impossible for us to see the true nature of those with whom we share this planet. Spiritual teachings may, at best, lead to more civilized and tolerant behaviour; but such is not the solution. It can lead to the smug piousness that turns individuals away from the subject of spirituality. The solution is to directly experience our Oneness; for through this knowledge–lived–our fences fall down of their own accord.

The journey to Self–and a better world–requires that we engage a deep sense of earnest curiosity; a daringness to discover That which is beyond the egoic costume which masquerades as our identity. Such a journey holds unparalleled value; for when we discover the Truth within ourselves, we, thus, are enabled to see It shining as the glorious identity in everyone of varying class, colour, and nationality. With clear insight from our heart, we realize that persons on the opposite side of the fence are, indeed, not others; they are ourself.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Claiming Innocence

Before we dive into this article, some clarification is in order: I am not now proclaiming–nor have I ever claimed–to be innocent. I’m here, apparently, and such makes me just as vulnerable to the human condition as each and every other person. My body-mind is guilty as charged; of ~~making mistakes~~ learning lessons, of occasional self-centeredness, of letting emotions lead to less-than-perfect behaviour. “Art” has made his fair share of mistakes; but in fairness to the “guy,” he did get some things right.

The innocence of which I’m referring to in this article is the innocence of Spirit, which is our True Self. It is untainted by any of the human drama which may have played upon the stage called “our” life. To understand this deeply, we must know–directly–that we are actually spirit, apparently incarnate; not actually flesh and bones awaiting transformation to spirit. The process of knowing cannot be understood conceptually; for our True Self is beyond the mind; therefore, incapable of being approached and comprehended by it. Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj stated this so eloquently in his spiritual classic I Am That:

“Before the mind–I Am. ‘I Am’ is not a thought in the mind.

The mind happens to me, I do not happen to the mind.”

Let’s move a little closer to reclaiming our innocence by looking at his quote more closely. He was basically telling us that Consciousness (Spirit) is the foundation of our Being; not an epiphenomenon of biological processes. In short, our True “I” is not dependent on the body and the mind. They, in fact, are dependent on “I.” The predominant culture of the world has informed us otherwise; yet strangely enough, the best of science cannot tell us how a personal sense of “me” arises. David Chalmers, a noted professor of philosophy and neural science (according to Wikipedia), coined such the hard problem of consciousness.

To claim innocence is to rediscover our deeper dimension–Self–that is separate and distinct from our body-mind and its story. It is to recognize our essential nature–Spirit. A good way to begin the search for recognition of this dimension is to turn our attention from the senses and go within; to the domain of the silent witness to which every sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell; and all thoughts, feelings, sensations, and memories must report. The process is a stripping–bare; a shrugging off of all definitions and concepts related to identity. To stop at naked is still to leave It clothed too much; for not until we are resplendent nothingness have we arrived at Self. Now pray tell…of what could That be guilty?

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

The Breadcrumb Trail to “I Am”

The majority of persons in the world define themselves (their “i”)–either favourably or unfavourably–by judging the content and performance of their body, their mind, or a combination of the two. Thus, if they deem themselves attractive and intelligent (as measured by the social norms of the day), they can rest, feel content, and “know” they have value. This judging of ourselves is happening moment by moment, behind the scenes, on a daily basis. It is a thought process so deeply ingrained that it has become habitual. Such is the opposite of Being…in which we wisely abandon such cares and concerns.

My intent in writing this article is to help to free as many human beings as possible from this incredibly painful way of existing. Buddha called it dukkha, or suffering. My credentials for writing such a piece: “I lived it” and unconsciously bought the T-shirt. I know what it feels like to judge my appearance, my intellect, my performance, my achievement, and status. I know that when my body-mind (the person, aka “Art“) deemed that “he” was enough, that happiness was experienced. I am also aware of the nature of feelings that arose when the opposite occurred. To live in this manner is to be at the mercy of a daily toss of a coin that often lands Heads (happy) one day; and Tails (unhappy) the next. To exist by random decree of apparent circumstance is to believe that some of us are winners; the majority, not. SUCH IS A LIE.

The Breadcrumb Trail referred to in the title of this article is a trail–when embarked upon and earnestly followed–that can lead all of us (back) to a startling revelation. It is a divine trail that can lead us away from our suffering, which occurs due to an erroneous identification with the body-mind and its apparent experiences. Freedom from this assumption occurs upon the realization that our True Self (I Am That I Am) is the Source of the trail. Through this, we understand that we need nothing to be joyous; we are complete here and now. The realization of our true nature also removes fear–of failure, of living, of death. This is Truth, not opinion.

How to set out upon such a trail? We begin by faithfully allotting even five minutes each day in which we pry ourselves away from our habitual doing to practice Being. This may take the form of meditation (you don’t have to be an expert), or other quiet time totally removed from either physical or psychological distractions. In meditation, we can sit (preferably with eyes closed) and focus our attention on the breath–so attuned to it that we feel the subtle movement of air through the nares. If our attention wanders, we bring it back to the breath. A timer is useful to alert us to the end of the session. The true benefits are attained through consistency, not duration.

In this practice, we’re directing attention inward, away from the apparently external world. Through earnest but detached effort, we may knowingly rediscover the True “I” that is aware of whether our attention wanders from the breath. We will also notice that awareness knows if thoughts have flitted across the screen of our mind; in the same way that we’re aware of sensations, images, feelings, and perceptions. Allow all to come and go without judging any performance. It is the recognition of this “I” for which we embark on the Breadcrumb Trail. Once realized, we experience joy (not happiness, which is dependent) and peace that is beyond circumstance.

***

You, beautiful Beings, are perfection, Itself. You are Divine…here and now. You don’t need to change a thing. You are the crowning achievement of the Highest of the High. I bow in your presence; for I know the real You even if you have not knowingly rediscovered your essential nature. I see the real You which is beyond name and form. I see the real You that doesn’t have to prove anything to be deemed worthy. You ARE enough as you ARE. I hope to see you at the end of the Breadcrumb Trail.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Through The Times

Times change; they surely do. In fact, change is paradoxically one of the constants in this changeful realm. On a daily basis, all of us witness the perpetual changing–minute to hour; morning to evening, and year to yesteryear. We know with absolute certainty that’s what fashionable today–in science, medicine, politics, and society–will surely go out of style. It’s just the way of expression here.

When I was a teenager, I once wrote a poem about the subject of time. Possessed of a curious nature, as I am still, I expressed that I didn’t want to know what made the clock tick; I wanted to know what made the tick tick. I suppose that even then I was searching for meaning in this clockwork mechanism in which we find ourselves wound up and seemingly enmeshed.

Initially, we may be somewhat unaware of the flow of the time’s river; for we, as the case with the majority of beings identified with a personal point of view, are seemingly being swept along in the river. From that viewpoint, our attention is most often focused on objects of fancy along the riverbanks. One year, such may be a goal to achieve business success; the next year, a romantic relationship; and the following year, plans to travel the world. Change, change, change.

To the best of my knowledge and understanding, there is only one thing (not a thing) that holds eternal value. The knowing of it, at least to me, is what makes the tick tick. Through all of the changing times and seasons of our lives, I believe the only tick that gives meaning to our lives is this: to share, express, and exemplify the qualities of That; the timeless, eternal dimension of our True Self. If we must define such with a word, that word would be LOVE.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Tale of a Coffee Maker

Once upon a time, in a kingdom far far away, there lived a wealthy king. He owned many great possessions–castles, prized stallions, and land as far as the eye could see. Of all of his possessions, however, the fairest of all was his coffee maker. For years, the coffee maker had brewed countless cups of coffee to the king’s delight. He happily anticipated his first cup each and every day.

One morning, however, a pall fell over the servants working in the kitchen. Bernard, the king’s faithful servant, delivered the news: “Dear Sire,” said Bernard, “I have something of great bearing to share with thee.”

“Speak,” said the king. “What have thee to tell me?”

Nervously Bernard shifted before the king. “Thy prized coffee maker, Sire; it has stopped working. A descaler symbol is present. We know not what to do.”

A grave expression fell upon the king’s face. Several moments passed in silence before he spoke. “We shall fix it. Surely there must be a way!”

“I have heard rumour,” said Bernard, “of desclaling tablets that can be added to the water to reverse the buildup of lime.”

“Really?” said the king. He scratched his chin as he contemplated the situation. “Then go ye yonder and fetch these descaling tablets and fixeth the problem!”

“Yes, my Sire,” said Bernard. He bowed, departed, and then mounted the king’s fastest steed. For a full day he rode hard and long, searching the neighbouring kingdoms for the fabled tablets. After great effort–with the steed nearly dead–he located the tablets. They were as gold to him; he guarded them with his life. When he returned to the castle, he directed his fellow servants to follow the instructions carefully. Accordingly, they added one tablet to a full tank of water and cycled the mixture through the coffee maker. Eagerly Bernard waited. And waited some more. Alas, when the tank of water had run through, the descaling symbol was still present.

The following day, the king summoned Bernard to his great chamber. “How fare thee with my prized coffee maker?”

“Dear Sire,” said Bernard with great trepidation, “I bear news that is not fair. Thy coffee maker still does not work! I fear we shall have to throw it out and get another!”

“Get another coffee maker!” bellowed the king. “But I don’t want another coffee maker! It is my favourite! I want my coffee maker fixed, for it is the fairest in the land! Fix thee back to the kitchen and attend to the problem!”

“But, but…” stammered Bernard.

“There shall be no buts about it! Fix the problem!”

Bernard departed and conferred with the other servants. On the second attempt, they placed two descaling tablets in the water. The result was the same: the descaling symbol still remained. A great fear befell the servants for the situation appeared hopeless. The following day, Bernard was again summoned by the king.

“How fare thee?” asked the king.

Bernard’s mournful expression told it all. “I fear, dear Sire, that the problem cannot be fixed.” He shrugged his shoulders and said, “We know not what to do.”

The king directed Bernard to sit before him. “I want you to listen well,” said the king. I have a story to tell you about my good friend Henry Ford, inventor of the automobile.”

Before he could control himself, Bernard spoke out of turn. “But, Sire,” said Bernard, obviously perplexed, “how can that be? Henry Ford is from a future era and cannot possibly be related to this tale.”

The king’s countenance became stern; his voice gruff. “Dost thou pretend to doubt my word?” said the king.

“Nay,” said Bernard, slumping back into his chair. “Continue, please, dear Sire.”

That’s better, said the king. “Well, when my dear friend Henry Ford–who invented the assembly line and automobile–directed his engineers to design and build a V-8 engine that could be fashioned in a single casting, his engineers insisted that it couldn’t be done! They said it was impossible, but Henry decreed that it would be done! Again and again his engineers faced failure, but Henry stood his ground. Ultimately, his belief won out; and as a result his company outsold all of his competitors. I am decreeing no less a task from you. Fix my coffee maker…now! It is because we “believe” that it can be done that it “will be” done!“

“Yes, my Sire,” said Bernard. He shrank his way from the king and hastened to the kitchen.

After much deliberation with the other servants, Bernard decided that this time they would dissolve three descaling tablets in the water. He cycled the solution through the coffee maker and waited desperately, hoping for the best. This was his day to rise and shine–he must! Ten minutes passed. Twenty minutes. Thirty…until the last drop of solution had finally flowed through the king’s prized coffee maker. And…lo?

The descaling symbol had disappeared! The solution had worked! All of the servants rejoiced and there was great merriment in the kitchen. Without delay, Bernard directed a fellow servant to make the king a cup of his favourite coffee (milk only, nudge). He then took it to the king post haste.

This time it was the king’s look that told it all. He lifted the cup of coffee from the silver tray that Bernard was holding before him. “Ahh,” said the king after his first sip of coffee. “Now, do you see the importance of continuing to believe and try?”

“Yes, Sire,” said Bernard. Yes, indeed.”

* * *

And of our real dreams–of improved health, greater wealth, better relationships–that add meaning to our days and hold the promise of a greater future? Hold on, hold on, hold on! Their achievement may be much closer than you realize. One more faithful attempt may make all of the difference. So often it does.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Of Mortal Wounds

How real it seems–this world of relativity. In time, this mortal prison will appear the death of us…if we don’t know better. The majority of humans dare not count their Plus and Minus; for instinctively they realize which column would–on the surface–tally greater. Family and long-time friends may desert us; lovers, may teasingly partake of our flesh, then leave us; illness, witnessed regularly in others, may visit or come and stay to the end of days. This relative world–this mortal challenge–is the gauntlet thrown; and we, Spirit now incarnate, dared pick it up and walk the earth-bound way.

***

The opening paragraph of this article may seem poetic; but all of us know that life–this bridge of apparent trials and triumphs–can seem anything but poetic. There is, however, a way to transcend the challenges without working our body-mind (the person) into an early grave. The way can be known directly. It does not require a belief system of any kind; nor should one be cultivated. In modern terms, to experience Truth is often referred to as The Shift. Please allow me to explain.

From the time of our birth, we are conditioned by well-intentioned (but most often unaware) persons to believe that our identity is limited to, and defined by, the sum total of our mind, body, and name. As that’s all that they were consciously aware of as identity, they quite logically couldn’t teach us the truth about ours. Due to this deep belief–which is factually erroneous–the majority of persons will eventually experience great suffering. The human “story” may seem fine–for a day, a year, a decade; but because Life’s expression is always flowing between the banks of polar opposites, our circumstances are bound to change.

The solution is to investigate the essential nature of our Being. This requires that we learn to discern between what is Real (impersonal Life) and the unreal character (the person) whom we’ve mistakenly believed ourselves to be. When we again knowingly recognize the nature of our True Self, our suffering is greatly reduced. We realize that all of the problems belong to the perspective of the false self–which is actually rendered by the mind. With this knowledge, we may express our True Self joyfully to the world.

This may seem impossible; but it’s the absolute truth. Our consciousness–which seems totally personal–is not. It is Universal. In fact, Consciousness (often referred to by reverent names) is the very foundation of this world. Modern science is proving this beyond a shadow of a doubt. A way to begin the investigation is to earnestly ask yourself the following question: “Who am I?” Deep down, we realize that we can’t be a name; because we know that a name–a word–is only a term used to describe an object–not the object, itself. Another good pointer is found by beginning a practice of daily meditation–even five minutes, consistently. Such allows us to see that we can witness our thoughts; they do not belong to the Real “I.” This revelation logically begs us to ask: Then, “Who (more appropriately “What“) is the knower of the thoughts?”

***

From the rooftop, this I proclaim: “Be still…listen. Each and every one of you are so much more than the wounded person. You are Life, Itself–forever triumphant! There is nothing greater than your essential nature. What could defeat a Spiritual King or Queen? No mortal, nor even a mortal army, can actually harm you. You are from the Great Beyond, untouchable. Those mortal wounds do not belong to you; they are not yours. Rise and shine; you are Spirit.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Think2wice

CONSCIOUSNESS, SPIRITUALITY, & LAW OF ATTRACTION

Just “Be”

Driver Training

The Power of Attention

My Sky is Blue

Dismantling Fences

Claiming Innocence

The Breadcrumb Trail to “I Am”

Through The Times

Tale of a Coffee Maker

Of Mortal Wounds

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