8 Billion Prodigal Sons

Let me confess that this article contains an exaggeration: There are not (if I’m being truly honest) 8 billion prodigal sons. There’s actually two beings who are not (named Clive and Vaishnani), who live, respectively, in Seaside, Oregon, and Mumbai, India. Confession number two: Okay, perhaps I have understated the situation. However, we can definitely state that on a ratio basis, the vast majority of beings are definitely prodigal sons and daughters without being aware of it. Before we go any further, let’s share what the term prodigal son actually means:

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, prodigal is defined as follows: “characterized by profuse or wasteful expenditure; recklessly spendthrift.” The Parable of the Lost Son is related in Luke 15: 11 – 32. It relates the account of a father and his two sons. The younger son asks to receive his inheritance from the father, who willingly grants it. He travels to a distant country and lives an extravagant and wasteful life; while the older son stays at home. In time, the son who went away becomes destitute and is forced to take employment as a swineherd; work that would have been considered repugnant. When the circumstances of his life finally become unbearable, the prodigal son finally realizes that he must rise and return to his Father; who welcomes him with open arms.

The parable is actually a metaphor for what happens to on us during our human journey. I’ll go out on a limb and offer my understanding: When we stray from the Father (Awareness), such means that we have got caught up in the world of illusion (Maya) and forgotten our essential nature, which is Spirit. Due to our conditioning, we assume ourselves to be a separate self of name and form. That’s what it means to turn away from the Father, aka Consciousness. Due to this confusion, we waste our life on self-centered goals related to a fictional self. Please remember that all things–including our body-minds–are actually rendered by the mind. The parable mentions repentance, but this needn’t be interpreted so heavily. To repent merely means to acknowledge our error (sin: to miss the mark) and recognize true Self. By turning to the Father, the son “awakens” and realizes that his true nature is Spirit.

For several hundred years, the materialist paradigm of reality has convinced the vast majority of beings that their apparent body-mind and the world are made of independently existing stuff called matter. This continues to occur despite science informing us (for more than one hundred years) that atoms, which were once considered the foundational stuff of matter, are 99.999% empty space. The truth is that our apparent body-minds and the world appear in Consciousness. Both are rendered by mind. It’s why Jesus said that “I and my Father are one.” He was referring to Consciousness.

How do we turn to the Father? By investigating the nature of our being through self-inquiry. We can “Know Thyself” by withdrawing our attention from our senses and becoming still. When we meditate, we can see–directly–that we are the witness of our sensations, images, feelings, and thoughts. Our true nature is That which knows. It is Awareness, Itself, the very Substance of All That Is. It’s not dependent on the body or the mind. In fact, the truth is the other way around–the body and mind are dependent on Consciousness. They appear in the Waking State and are erroneously assumed to be the sum total of our being. Every time that we rest in the stillness of our essential nature, we return to the Father and, thus, know peace and joy. We only suffer, or become destitute (as in the case of the prodigal son), when we fall back into Maya and the perspective of personhood.

The ratio referred to in the first paragraph will begin to tip in favour of the Father when more beings investigate their essential nature. All that’s required is to ask the question “Who Am I?” with earnest curiosity. We are not our name; nor the body-mind. Instead of trying to appease the false “i” through objects or activities, we are wise to turn within and discover the true Source of happiness. Human incarnation provides a unique opportunity to recognize our essential nature. It would seem a shame to waste it.

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. My YouTube videos may be found through this link. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. 🙏🏻🧡

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Muscleman Joe

Muscleman Joe was “the man” at his local gym, and knowing that filled him with quiet pride. He had dedicated a major amount of his time and energy to achieving that status. All of the other weightlifters and bodybuilders, both male and female, considered him as the epitome of their sport. He possessed the strength, bulk, and definition that made the majority of them stand back in awe. He was the king of the chest press, squat, and deadlift. He had lost count of the number of first-place trophies that he’d won at various competitions.

In Joe’s mind, he (not surprisingly) held a crystal-clear image of who he thought he was. In his mind’s eye, he imagined himself as a successful bodybuilder, a veritable physical legend. Unbeknownst to Joe, however, his mind contained various other images, which (having been unwittingly impressed with feeling into the subconscious mind) were creating their effects. Like the greater unseen portion of an iceberg, these contents were causing other areas of Joe’s life to sink like the Titanic. His personal relationships were filled with conflict; his financial debt load was heavy; and his career path always veered from success.

One night after leaving the gym, Joe got into his truck and attempted to start the engine. Instead of hearing the familiar sound of a cranking engine, however, all that he initially heard was silence. It seemed to envelope him and force him to remain still. Within a few moments, he became even more bewildered when he heard a soft voice utter the following words:

“You’ve been attempting to live a lie, Joe. Mistakenly, you believe that you are a physical bodybuilder. Given the conditioning of your environment, it’s understandable that you would believe that you are a person and, therefore, the doer; but such is an erroneous perspective. There is only one doer, Joe, and I Am That. Despite appearances to the contrary, I Am the One who lifts the weights…through you. I also beat your heart and breathe your lungs. To improve aspects of your life that you currently deem a failure, you must change the nature and quality of your thinking. There is no other way.”

When the message from the voice ended, Joe shook off his disbelief at what had occurred and pressed the starter button again. The car’s engine started without hesitation. Shaken with puzzlement, he then slowly drove home and soon fell into a deep sleep that lasted all night long.

***

In the coming months, Muscleman Joe began to flex spiritual government of his mind. Meditation and visualization became a regular part of his daily routine. Just as he deliberately chose which foods that he included in his diet, he learned to deliberately choose which thoughts he allowed entry into his mind. No longer did he dwell upon negative circumstances. It became his ingrained habit to remain strong in his true power; to seek opportunity in every situation. By embracing a new vision for his future (through persistent positive thoughts, imbued with the feeling of having already achieved his goals), he finally turned his circumstances around. In fact, in some circles he is now better known as Spirit Man Joe.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

The Life of Your Dreams

It was the last day of The Life of Your Dreams Exhibition for the current year; and Matilda, who had just turned thirteen, was so excited to see it. As she approached the grand entrance, her hand that was holding her ticket began to shake noticeably, in rhythm to the flutter within her chest. She had purchased the ticket from a scalper who had assured her that it was real. When the two persons in front of her had shown their passes, she nervously stepped forward to the grey-haired man who was checking tickets. He was wearing a name tag that read Noel the Gnostic. With a kind smile, he accepted her ticket and slid it beneath a scanner. A second later, he and Matilda heard a loud “Buzzz,” and the machine spat out “D-E-N-I-E-D” in a flat digital voice.

“I’m sorry, Miss,” said the kindly man, “but your ticket is a fake. The price of admission is a real one.”

Suddenly, the pressure was too much for Matilda, and she began to sob.

“There, there, Miss,” said Noel, as he leaned down and handed her a tissue. “Come with me, and I’ll explain a little more.” As soon as a replacement employee had arrived, he guided Matilda toward a quiet cubical nearby.

“Honestly, Sir,” said Matilda, “I paid for my ticket. I thought it was good.”

“I understand,” said Noel, “but the ticket isn’t real. When I placed it under the scanning machine, the message that popped up on the screen was Hope instead of Faith.”

“What’s the difference?” asked Matilda, as her sobbing subsided.

“Well,” began Noel, “the price of admission to The Life of Your Dreams is faith. We must believe with all of our heart and absolutely trust that our desires will come true. Hope, on the other hand, is more like an idle wish. It lacks true power.”

Matilda was beginning to see the difference. “I guess I was just hoping,” she said.

“That’s understandable,” said Noel. “This life is an apparent journey, and we’re meant to learn from it. Would you like some friendly advice about how to make your dreams come true?”

“Yes, please,” said Matilda, as a tremor shook through her body.

“It’s much easier to switch from hope to faith when we truly know What–not who–we truly are. You may not realize this yet, but you are actually an unlimited co-creator of your life. You’re a walking and talking spark of God. What you believe can–and will–manifest when you persistently envision your dreams as being–NOW–already achieved. Every night before you fall asleep, imagine what you desire in living detail. The trick is to think from the end, which means to feel as though you already have the results that you desire to experience. Use as many of your senses as possible; see, hear, smell, taste, and touch your desire in your imagination. The thoughts that we repeatedly impress into our mind are like seeds planted in a garden. What we impress into our mind will eventually grow into the events and circumstances of our life.”

“Really?” said Matilda, with an innocence that touched Noel’s heart deeply.

“Yes,” he said, “absolutely.”

“Thank you for telling me,” said Matilda. She was about to turn and walk away, when Noel tapped her gently on the shoulder and gave her a twenty dollar note. “Here,” he said, “please put this towards your ticket price for next year. I’ll be here, waiting to see you.”

***

Dear Readers: Our experience–of ourselves and the world–appears only within Consciousness. This so-called “reality” occurs in much the same way that events seem to occur within our nighttime dreams. To inspire you to continue to have faith in the achievement of your desires, I offer you the following quotes from Neville Goddard, who was a Barbadian born mystic, author, and interpreter of Biblical truth:

“God in you creates and sustains your world by the use (or misuse) of your human imagination.“

***

“Things have no reality other than in consciousness. Therefore, get the consciousness first and the thing is compelled to appear.”

***

“The world which is described from observation is a manifestation of the mental activity of the observer.“

***

“Imagination and faith are the secrets of creation.“

***

“God is your consciousness.”

***

“As in the subconscious, so on earth.“

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Our Ruts of Fear

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of the word rut, as it relates to how I am applying it within this article, is as follows: “a track worn by a wheel or by habitual passage.” With regard to the human condition, persons often have certain ruts of fear that threaten, or outright deprive us of, our quality of life. For example, some individuals may be fearful of spiders, crowds, or dogs, which, thereby, limit their exploration of environments in which any of those three might be present. For other persons, the ruts of fear may be related to larger subjects, such as love, success, or fame. In any of these cases, either specific or general, our mental ruts are formed by repeatedly travelling the pathways of our fears.

At subconscious levels of our Being, our personal ruts of fear–which pretend to keep us safe–apply their subtle and subversive techniques and manipulation. At the brink of escape, as we reach for that which we most yearn, so-called logic or common sense often claws us back or blocks our pathway to success. It is then that the voice of the rut, most often disguised as a friend, whispers its haunting message: “Come back; come back to the safety of the known.” If given attention, our ruts of fear actually choke our lives of the very reason we breathe in the first place:

If not for the more joyful expression of the gifts within us,

why do we live?

Dear Readers: Please hear this message and let it resonate deeply within your heart. In all of our issues of life, greater awareness is the magic key to greater accomplishment and joy. Let not your ruts of fear keep you apparently safe, while the clock of your lifetime ticks the minutes away. It is only by examining our fears by the Light of Consciousness that they diminish.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Washed By The Lord

How’s that title grab you? At first glance, does it reek of an assumed piousness that some readers may find repulsive or, perhaps, even laughable? Be honest, did your eyes roll? Do we truly need another spiritual high roller in this troubled world of ours, or do we require real solutions that can bring peace here on earth? Whatever the case, the title stands. If you’re willing to read along, I’ll do my best to make the content live up to results that are worth pursuing.

In John 13: 1-7, it’s related that Jesus washed his disciples’ feet the night before he was to be crucified. Why would He perform such an act? From my understanding, the reason that Jesus washed his disciples’ feet was to signify that each of them was a temple of the living God; whether they realized it or not. His message to them—and to us, still—is that we must be cleansed of our erroneous belief that we are the false self (ego) and realize that we are God incarnate, the Christ. By washing their feet (which might have been considered a humbling act), he symbolically demonstrated that they were of equal greatness as He. The following two passages offer more food for thought about your essential nature:

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”

John 14:12

***

“I and the Father are one.”

John 10:30

The confusion regarding our true origin is certainly understandable. For That which is One to take an apparently human journey (and experience the world which It, Itself, is creating on moment to moment basis), It must willingly veil Its true nature from Itself. There is no other way that such may occur. The apparent strife that we witness is created by, and due to, confusion regarding our true identity. Because of this, humanity suffers the pangs and conflicts of one another’s innocent ignorance. Another highly valuable passage is found in John 8: 32:

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

The Truth that will set us free is a higher state of Consciousness. In other words, we must knowingly rise. When we recognize our essential nature, we are simultaneously liberated from the delusional belief of being the person. This is not a conceptual occurrence, as many assume. It occurs when we realize—via direct experience—our true Self. Through meditation, we discover that we aren’t who we think we are.

How does being washed by the Lord improve living conditions on earth? Let’s logically contemplate the question and see if we may discover a sensible answer. The majority of us have most likely witnessed, or directly experienced, the strife that can arise when persons disagree. When this happens in our personal relationships, we experience conflict or abuse of varying degrees. When it occurs amongst nations, we are subjected to wars that promise peace via violence against one another. How in heaven’s name can such an approach ever bring peace?

A solution of deeper understanding is available. If we are washed with the Spirit of the Lord and, thereby, recognize one another’s shared Unity, what conflict could arise? Who, in seeing their Self in an apparent “other,” could ever lift a hand in aggression? Who, in knowing the Truth of our shared Being, could live in a manner contrary to peace, harmony, and love? This, dear readers, is the meaning behind the title. The sooner that we are all washed by the Lord (recognize our essential nature), the better off our apparent world will be.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Walking on Water

I am not certain if the content I relate in this article will resonate with readers; but I feel compelled to share it. Most persons who delve into the subject of spirituality are doing so for one of two reasons: (1) Due to suffering, they are seeking solutions beyond the normal scope of daily living; or (2), for reasons unknown, they have been naturally drawn to investigate life at a deeper level. My life contained both components, with the balance periodically tipped toward suffering that provided the driving force to find answers NOW.

For many of my years, I lived in the opposite manner implied by the title of this article. I felt as though I was walking on eggshells–that circumstances could go horribly wrong at any moment. When we live in a fearful mode for extended periods, we unconsciously invite fear to stay, as though it were an old familiar friend. In my case, the behaviour may have been fostered by the sudden passing of my father when I was sixteen. It was then that I learned that unforeseen events can arise swiftly, without warning. What we assume is guaranteed–isn’t. Not even close. In hindsight, it’s not surprising that my fearful subconscious paradigms gave rise to circumstances that mirrored them. The tendency to worry provides situations that prompt an even greater degree of worry.

One of the practices that helped shift my perspective from fear to FAITH was the daily use of positive affirmations expressing gratitude to God. At the time, I wasn’t aware of the deep significance of them; but they definitely felt good to say. They helped me learn that I could trust that all was actually well, in spite of apparent circumstances. The following affirmation is still one of my favourites:

“Thank you, God, for being my Infinite Source and Supply.”

What, you might ask, has this to do with the title? Am I now proclaiming that I’m capable of walking on water? No. However, I can relate that a dramatic shift in my life makes me feel as though I could, if the need arose. The shift is due to recognition of my essential nature, true Self. Now, I realize That which is the true Source of power and intelligence. The resources of Art Russell are as naught without the loving benevolence of The Absolute. Through That, I know peace that was previously lacking. I also realize that wherever I walk, through whatever nature of circumstances, I never walk alone. EVER. It is this direct recognition, dear readers, which I wish for you.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Being Joy

The inversion of Truth (that things and achievement are the source of our joy) has become so prevalent in society that the majority of persons are unaware that it is an utter falsity. For reasons that are highly suspect, the story related to happiness/joy has become very corrupt. On a daily basis, we are informed that this, that, or another thing will guarantee our happiness. The problem is that the heavily-advertised equation is rarely, if ever, subjected to mathematical investigation for validity. Does 2 (money) + 2 (possessions/achievements) actually = 4 (lasting happiness)? If not, working persons are unknowingly subject to a system that cannot possibly yield the freedom and joy which they seek. Many will fall into an early grave, minus a nose lost to a heartless grindstone.

By the statements above, it might be easy for readers to assume that I’m against the finer objects and experiences of life. Such is definitely not the case; although I will admit that they have never held great importance or appeal. We are informed in books about the law of attraction that abundance–in all its various forms–actually allows us to live more fully; and with this, I most certainly agree. Through abundance, we may not only help ourselves but also extend our reach and capacity to help others. Therefore, we are wise to welcome abundance–in health, wealth, and relationships; for these represent our true wealth, which is awareness of God within.

The most effective method of deliberate manifestation functions directly opposite to what we’ve been told. When we express ourselves joyously, and ensure that our talents are applied to lift humanity, our success is literally guaranteed. It is then, through the sharing of our innate joy, that the symbolic rewards of that joy expressed will manifest in our lives. Galatians 6:7 states this clearly: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” God, (aka Consciousness) cannot be mocked; for It is the Source of all intelligence and realizes the degree of sincerity within our intentions. When we give, we must give with our heart–purely! We must give as though we are the receiver of the gifts, because in Truth we actually are.

For many readers, a perfectly logical question may arise: “How am I supposed to give generously and express myself joyfully when I am impoverished of both?” In response, I offer the following: Can we now, if even modestly, offer sincere and humble gratitude for the goodness before us? Through the gift of my eyes, I am enabled to see the words upon this page. Through the gift of my fingers, I can type upon the keyboard. When we stop, even momentarily, and live with increased awareness, we will realize that there is always something for which we may give thanks. Likewise, through greater awareness, we realize that we can give a smile, hold open a door, or lend a hand–all of which cost nothing. These are not meaningless actions; they possess power to activate spiritual law that benefits everyone.

Just for the record (I’m sure the majority of readers realize this already), but the absolute best way of increasing our joy is by sharing it with others. Give, give, give! Give your friendly assistance; give your time and/or resources; give your smile. The good that we share immediately reveals its benefit within us. Be a joy unto others–through your service and daily interactions–and watch how the circumstances of your life change for the better.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Oh, Jubilant Heart

Recently, I, Heart, heard several rapid-fire knocks at my door. When I opened the door, I saw Mind dressed in a loud plaid suit and holding a briefcase. Mind said that it had some information of pressing importance to share and that it would appreciate a few minutes of my time. I didn’t wish to be impolite, so I invited Mind to enter. We sat across from each other at my kitchen table.

“This is your lucky day,” said Mind, as it opened its briefcase, “because I have a plan for your life; and I think–rather, I know–you would be wise to follow my advice. At FollowTheCrowdInc., we have a monthly installment plan that makes payments easy and affordable. Mind then edged a colour brochure toward me that was filled with graphs, glossy photos, and gobbledygook. “It seems to me,” said Mind, with a few judging glances, “that you need some help putting your life in order. How lucky are you that I stopped by–chuckle, chuckle, hack, hack! Perhaps you can’t see it because you’re too close to notice; but it’s obvious that you’re not living your best life possible. Here’s a few questions to get you thinking. Are your taxes in order? What about savings? Income property–do you have one? Have you considered multiple streams of income? And what about the Joneses down the street–can you not only keep up to them but also outdo them? I noticed that car of yours is looking long in the tooth–can you afford a new one? What about your children, if you have any–can you help them financially? Diapers aren’t cheap you know. Retirement, whew, now there’s a topic! How many years before you get the golden handshake? Do you have continuing benefits? Dental coverage isn’t cheap you know–you don’t want to be gumming it at the golf course. And what about funeral arrangements? Have you made them? Are you thinking burial or cremation? What about plans to travel before you’re too old and doddery? Have you got your name on a nursing home waiting list yet? And last but not least, have you filed your GYBTB-4321-Yellow Form yet? Don’t want to be late with that one! As you can see, there are so many details that must be arranged. Thoughts?” asked Mind, as it surfaced for air.

With a soft smile, I, Heart, handed the brochure back to Mind, and said, “Yes, I do. I plan to live my days as fully as possible, without carrying the burden of an illusory past or worrying about a future that never arrives. I am Life, Itself, enjoying this rare and wonderful experience. I am that I am, here and now; and that’s what matters the most. On a daily basis, I ensure that I keep my worries low and my enthusiasm high. I frequently get up early to view a sunrise and occasionally go for a walk in the rain. I make sure that I watch what I think–not a television. I eat well, enjoy a little drink now and then, and practice the golden rule with everyone I meet. I write, take pottery classes, and paint when intuition nudges me to do so. Oh, and I sing in the shower and have been known, on occasion, to skinny dip at midnight. But that’s probably a little too much information, isn’t it?

“Yes,” said Mind, gagging forth an awkward smile, “I think it is.”

And with that, I, Heart, politely showed a very glum-looking Mind to the door.

***

Dear Readers: Live, live, live! Oh, how I love you.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Theo McFacts

Theo McFacts was forty-four going on ninety four, with a spirit so covered with body-mind debris that he seemed more dead than alive. That is to say that his perspective was almost always buried in the dank grave of his present circumstances and his oh-so-terrible personal history. If asked to tell of the last time he really felt unbridled joy, he would have been hard-pressed to offer an answer. Perhaps, that time when a two-for-one coupon unexpectedly arrived in his mailbox–yes; that was pretty neat, yes it was!

The point of sharing this account about Theo is not to ridicule him; not at all. The point is that without being aware of it, Theo had developed the unconscious habit of arguing for his limitations. Theo McFacts knew the facts, and no one was going to convince him otherwise! If he had been a defense lawyer, he would have won every case! The reason why he couldn’t fall in love again was that he had experienced a painful divorce ten years prior. The reason why he couldn’t start a new successful business was that he had started three that flopped in the past. The reason why he was destined to carry the spare tire of weight around his abdomen was that he had already tried every diet in the books. He would love to date a compatible woman, BUT, you see, it could just never work out. He would love to dream big, BUT, you see, that just isn’t practical. In short, Theo habitually defended an “I cannot” attitude. As many motivational speakers share, Theo was allowing the wake (story) of his boat (person) to determine the direction of his life.

All there is, is NOW. The past does not exist if we stop carrying it forward, through our attention to it. If you know someone like Theo, perhaps the following quotations will help him/her break free:

***

“What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.”

Plutarch

***

“There is but one consciousness in the universe able to think; and when it thinks, its thoughts become objective things to it.”
Charles F. Hannel (The Master Key System)

***

“Certainty, Faith, Belief, is a necessary part of creating wealth–or anything else for that matter. It is that which gives the universe a go-ahead to do as you wish it to do.”
Daivd Cameron Gikandi (A Happy Pocketful of Money)

***

“To know this law is enough: Whatever we accept as a permanent mental image in our consciousness must manifest in our world, for we become in life what we are in consciousness, and nothing can alter the fact.”
U.S. Anderson (The Magic In Your Mind)

***

“All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men [women], for they act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible.”
T. E. Lawrence

***

Dear readers: Life is far more magical and vibrant than you may have assumed. The ideas, thoughts, and beliefs that we habitually entertain make a tremendous difference in the apparent circumstances that manifest in our life. Are you living the best life you can imagine?

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Standing “As”

This world can seem a battlefield of challenges and strife. On a daily basis, we directly view or hear reports of varying degrees of conflict. Everyone has preferences: we desire this, but not that. As the number of so-called “others” increases, the issue becomes more complex. Our differing opinions regarding right and wrong leave us with little or no middle ground labelled “Peace.” During such times, it can be challenging to resist the temptation of being “against” a circumstance, rather than having the wisdom of being “for” what feels right in our heart. This metaphysical principle of behaviour (which I refer to as Standing “As”) is vitally important to understand: That to which we give our attention persists more strongly. To improve conditions, we must resolutely place our attention on that which we desire, not its apparent opposite. Let’s imagine, if we can, a peaceful world in which we live by the following:

Can we stand “as” tolerance, without being against intolerance?
Can we stand “as” honesty, without being against dishonesty?
Can we stand “as” selflessness, without being against selfishness?
Can we stand “as” equality, without being against inequality?
Can we stand “as” honour, without being against corruption?
Can we stand “as” love, without giving your energy to hate?
Can we stand “as” peace, without being against war?
In short, can we stand for the result we desire, rather than expending our energy by being against its opposite?”

Through the development of our character, we may exemplify the beliefs that we hold most dear, without becoming self-important or proud. This is clearly illustrated in a famous poem entitled Sermons We See, by Edgar Guest. Here I offer the first stanza:

I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.

Mahatma Ghandi also expressed this vitally important principle in his famous and succint expression:

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

Perhaps we could develop the habit of asking ourselves, “What attitude am I broadcasting to the world today?” It’s up to us to ensure it’s a good one, born of our highest ideals.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Think2wice

CONSCIOUSNESS, SPIRITUALITY, & LAW OF ATTRACTION

Category: Inspiration

8 Billion Prodigal Sons

Muscleman Joe

The Life of Your Dreams

Our Ruts of Fear

Washed By The Lord

Walking on Water

Being Joy

Oh, Jubilant Heart

Theo McFacts

Standing “As”

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