Based On Assumption

The quality of our experience within so-called “reality” depends upon one assumption that is rarely, if ever, questioned. The assumption is this: That apparent “things” have existence apart from the mind in which they are seen. Because of this, we exhibit great confusion about our essential nature (which is Spirit) and the actual substance of the “world” in which we live. Believing our little “i” to be made of flesh and bones, we must assume that it requires a physical world made of “matter” in which to live. To this, I offer the following quote from an advanced-level law of attraction book entitled The Master Key System by Charles F. Haanel:

“All things have their origin in mind, and appearances are the result of thought. So we see that things in themselves have no origin, permanency, or reality. Since they are produced by thought, they can be erased by thought.”

Our instinctive reaction to this will most likely be as follows: “But, I can see myself; I can feel myself; I know that I am real as the body-mind.” At one time, I would have definitely agreed; but I can no longer. Having recognized true Self, I now realize that my body-mind is an appearance within Consciousness only. In spiritual terms, this is sometimes referred to as waking from the delusional belief of personhood. Let’s stoke this spiritual fire through the following quote from Neville Goddard and one of his wonderful books entitled Neville Goddard’s Interpretation of Scripture:

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

Let me be clear: This is not to say that things are not real; only that they are not absolutely real in the way that most readers may currently believe. An apparent person crossing the street who is struck hard by a car will still experience an injury and feel pain. The example of a desert mirage is often related; for although we know the mirage is not real (in the absolute sense), it still has an apparent reality within consciousness.

This glorious incarnation is an unparalleled opportunity to truly KNOW THYSELF. To awaken to true Self is to realize that our apparent human life is being lived within the waking state; which the majority of Beings erroneously assume to be foundational reality. Through comparative contemplation, we can realize that apparent matter, buildings, and persons are also experienced within the dream state. They must, however, be rendered only via the activity of the mind; for there is nothing other than mind from which they could be made.

With this knowledge, does the well-known placebo effect (in which an inactive ingredient within a pill yields a positive effect) now make more sense? Our beliefs (whether good or bad) that are habitually impressed upon the subconscious mind will be expressed as our apparent circumstances. Through more understanding, of ourselves and the way that creation occurs, we can deliberately choose our focus wisely and, thereby, attract the best outcomes possible.

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”

By God, Through God

When I was first studying the teachings of the Law of Attraction, I read various books that emphasized that there is only one true power in the world; and that the most potent is spiritual in nature. From my limited perspective at the time, this seemed an incredible premise to accept. It contradicted common sense and what I’d been conditioned to believe. Every which way I turned, I saw evidence of a seeming multitude of sources of energy; there was chemical, mechanical, thermal, nuclear energy, and at least a couple of others. Why, then, did the books clearly state that there was only One Power?

The answer is hinted by the capitalization of the last two words of the previous paragraph. When I refer to the One-and-Only Power, which is God (Consciousness), I ensure to capitalize any reference to It as a sign of my deep love and respect. The following are some passages from the Bible that point to the principle that I’m relating:

“All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
John 1:3

“For by Him were all things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by Him, and for Him.”

Colossians 1:16 -20

“For in Him we live and move and have our being.”
Acts 17:28

“Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.”

John 14:10

Of course, the Bible is not the only source that relates this information. I offer the following two quotes to help relate the point about One Power more clearly:

“There are only two things you can do for yourself. One is conception, and the other is conviction. All the work of creation rests with another than you. For no man [woman] is responsible for anything in his [her] life except his [her] thought and his [her] belief.”
Three Magic Words, by U. S. Andersen

“No thought of form can be impressed upon original substance without causing the creation of that form. A human being is a thinking center and can originate thought.”
The Science of Getting Rich, by Wallace D. Wattles

***

When we rise in our level of Consciousness, we realize that all of the apparent sources of power actually subsist within the One, which is Infinite Living Mind, or God. We also realize that our body-mind (person) is never the doer. That it undoubtedly seems that way is just part of the grand illusion. This is easier to comprehend when we realize, through comparison, that although we most certainly feel like the doers in our nighttime dreams, such is an impossibility. It is due only to our ignorant assumptions that we believe that we, as the persons, are the source of our own life. There is One Life, and It is empowering what we ask It to do via our predominant thoughts and beliefs.

Now and forever, Infinite Living Mind is the only Source of power and intelligence related to every circumstance and occurrence. To realize this Truth is to cast off our needless burdens. As co-creators of reality, our task is to patiently and persistently maintain our highest ideals; and then rest assured that by God and through God they will be achieved. When we realize that Truth works through us, we will possess the wisdom to choose our predominant thoughts and beliefs wisely.

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”

Moving Mountains

During the years that I have studied the law of attraction and our essential nature, I’ve faithfully used many affirmations. One of my favourites is the abridged version of the passage found in Matthew 17:20:

“If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”

If the statement that “nothing shall be impossible unto you” seems too good to be true, please continue reading with an open mind. My initial interpretation of the passage was based upon a much more limited perspective; but now I know–not just believe–that all things are truly possible through God. As each of us is unique, the circumstantial mountains that we might desire to be removed will be different. For some persons, it might be a health issue or financial problem. For others, it could be a career challenge or conflict within a relationship. Whatever the nature of mountain we face, greater understanding plays a tremendously important role in removing it.

The biggest issue that all of us face is our own ignorance (meaning unawareness) of the nature of the world and our true Being. The majority of persons are unaware of their essential nature, but they are also unaware that they are unaware. Thus, they (as the apparent person) struggle against circumstances that often seem insurmountable. This was certainly the case with me. To gain greater clarity, we must let go of our assumptions and know REALITY as it IS. Let’s dive deeper into the subject by reading the following content from various books:

The Wish Fulfilled, by Neville Goddard

***

Before I Am, by Mooji

***

I Am That, Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

***

Living Truth, by Jean Klein

***

What you have read in the quotations is true. The reason why mountains can be moved by our belief is because they are “dream” mountains, made of mind. What we habitually affirm (through our thoughts, beliefs and actions) is confirmed as our apparent reality; but when we change our beliefs and attitudes, our problems are compelled to change. The well-known placebo effect illustrates this perfectly. When a patient has absolute faith that a medication or procedure will work, the treatment WORKS! The principle related to belief is shared in the Bible in Matthew 9:29, through the following words spoken by Jesus:

“According to your faith be it unto you.”

To move our apparent personal mountains, it’s vitally important that we realize that we are–literally–not the body-mind (person). Such goes against every last bit of our mental conditioning. Therefore, we cannot possibly be the doer of actions. We are Awareness dreaming an apparently human life. This is also related in the Bible, in Acts 17:28:

“For in him we live, and move, and have our being.”

The depth of this is more easily comprehended by contemplating that we also believe–with absolute certainty–that we are the doers during our nighttime dreams. Of course, when the dream ends, we realize that such couldn’t possibly have been the case–that all of the fantastic adventures, or scary situations, were rendered via the mind. Any actions that seemed to have been performed, occurred within a dream. The same holds true for this, the waking state. In Truth, we are the witness only.

Most Beings who are tightly bound to egoic identity will find the content of this article impossible to believe or, perhaps, even ludicrous; but its Truth may be known directly via the practice of self inquiry. Are you absolutely certain that you are the person? Can you actually be a name, or a body form that is changing moment to moment?

It took years for me to comprehend the nature of our mountains. The biggest challenge was my own lack of understanding. Perhaps you will also realize that you’ve been attempting to move mountains through an illusory character, instead of via the real YOU. Wouldn’t it be easier to let God within do it for you, and open yourself to life more abundant?

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Videos To Serve

Dear Readers,

In an effort to help expand your understanding about our essential nature and the law of attraction, I offer you four of my YouTube videos. I hope you will find them both interesting and helpful.

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”

Omnipresence Overlooked

Books related to the law of attraction often share mysterious-sounding titles: The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne; The Hidden Power, by Thomas Troward; Discover the Power Within You, by Eric Butterworth; The Secret of The Ages, by Robert Collier; and The Master Key System, by Charles F. Haanel. Cynical readers might naturally assume that the intention behind such catchy titles is solely financial gain through the sale of books–that the content could not possibly match the titles’ claims. Nothing could be further from the truth. Although I cannot speak to the content of every law of attraction book, I can speak for those listed above because I have read them. If you are willing to move forward in faith and deep curiosity about your essential nature, perhaps you will one day agree.

The crux of the secret is related to true identity. To realize the mystery that lies beyond our assumptions, we must be a discerning safe cracker about “What“–not who–we actually are. We must apply ourselves to understanding with an open mind. If we persist, the tumblers will eventually click into alignment, and the safe door will yawn open. This is not an exaggeration. It’s the reason why the esoteric book entitled The Kybalion contains the following mystical passage:

“The lips of wisdom are closed, except to the ears of Understanding.”

The passage means that a knower is wise enough not to share information until the student is capable of comprehension. Through the law of attraction, the teacher and student will naturally be brought together when the time is right. To the teacher, the student’s ignorance (meaning unawareness) is an obvious and telling sign of readiness. With regard to this, another mystical saying is also true:

It takes one to know one.

What, though, is the benefit of realizing the secret to which the books allude? The secret that must be realized is quite literally priceless. In the Bible, it is referred to as the pearl of great price. To find it (the kingdom of heaven), we must dive deep into the nature of our Being. When clearly understood, the secret gives access to power beyond compare.

The greatest challenge related to this mystical secret is that it absolutely cannot be acquired second hand. To gain information about it is not enough. To know it, we must experience it directly. We cannot whittle a stick until we “discover” the sharp knife within our pocket. In other words, until we realize That which we are, we cannot possibly apply the powers that we innately possess. To find the secret related to identity, look within–you’re not who you think you are!

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Pink Elephant Begone!

Early in Helen’s study of the law of attraction, she learned the importance of thinking properly, especially when it related to manifesting the results that she desired. She remembers reading about the example of a pink elephant: that we can never rid ourselves of a pink elephant by thinking of it. Of course, the lesson has nothing to do with a pink elephant, but everything with the principle related to it. Helen realized that to rid herself of unfavourable conditions in her life–the illness, poverty mindset, and lack of success–that she much focus on their apparent opposite. She knew that to attract what she desired, she must claim it (through feeling-imbued imagination) as–already–being hers NOW. As a result, she began a daily visualization practice that she still continues to this day.

To understand the law of attraction more clearly, Helen had to realize that we, as apparent humans, are not actually observing an independent, stand-alone reality (for no such reality exists!) and that we are co-creators of it. Her teacher repeatedly emphasized that the mind is the creator of everything. The following two quotes also helped to deepen Helen’s understanding:

“The Universal Mind that flows through everyone knows no limitations or lack, and nothing is impossible to it. Its great dominant characteristic is creativeness. Since it is all knowledge and all substance and all power, indeed, the only thing it does is create. And it creates exactly what the mind of each individual thinks into it.“
The Magic In Your Mind, by U. S. Andersen

***

“Things have no reality other than in consciousness. Therefore, get the consciousness first and the thing is compelled to appear.”
Neville Goddard’s Interpretation of Scripture, by Neville Goddard

***

It took months of meditation to arrive at a deeper knowing of her true Self, beyond name and form; but Helen finally understood that “her” true “I” was Universal Consciousness. Her so-called personal self (the body-mind) was actually created via Consciousness, as is everything else.

***

What about you, dear readers: Are you attempting to get rid of poverty, illness, and failure by focusing your attention upon them? If that’s the case, you might be wise to take a look around your living area. It’s highly probable that there’s a pink elephant standing somewhere nearby. You get rid of it by visualizing that which you desire, not what you don’t.

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”

Think2wice

CONSCIOUSNESS, SPIRITUALITY, & LAW OF ATTRACTION

Category: Law of Attraction

Based On Assumption

Muscleman Joe

By God, Through God

The Life of Your Dreams

Moving Mountains

Videos To Serve

Our Ruts of Fear

Omnipresence Overlooked

Pink Elephant Begone!

Being Joy

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