Heart Bound

Today, a man on LinkedIn posted a short video of a happening that occurred within his family. I watched his presentation intently; and I’ll be honest, it moved me to tears. I literally wept. Why? Because what he shared resonated with the Truth of my Being. That “Being” is in me–pervading; and It is also in everyone else–pervading. It is the substance of That from which all of us are made. It’s Reality is undiluted Love in all its fullness. Here’s the account:

***

“My daughter did something wonderful this morning,” the man began. He then related that he had watched as his elder daughter placed some newspapers in the mailbox. He was puzzled, so he asked her why. She told him that her younger sister so enjoyed going to the mailbox and finding some mail. That’s why she did it–to be a source of joy for her little sister. The man then wondered to when the last time was that he had performed such a deed, purely for the sake of bringing joy to someone else. He also shared that when his younger daughter checked the mailbox, she was ecstatic!

***

As I’m writing this, the joy of that account is still ripe within me. No happiness of the ego can touch its transcendent authenticity. The account reminds me of what my dear mother, who experienced her fair share of suffering, often wisely told me. She told me that the easiest way to shake off the blues was to do something nice for someone else. There–in the heart of this timeless moment–is the secret to a very rich life; a life devoid of the self-centered “what’s-in-this-for-me?” perspective of the little “i.” If you can catch that thief in operation, you’re on your way to being liberated from it.

The false self, the character of Mister or Misses “me,” is not the real Self. As far as natures go, those two are galaxies apart. True Self is giving. It is the Source of love, comfort, peace, and joy. We feel our way to It; and we recognize and appreciate It just as It is. The false self is the psychological me; the fictional self that outwardly may appear giving; but who inwardly interested in self-preservation, appearance, and taking. It is the author of The Book of Sly.

Today–right now–we can take back our birthright and be heart bound. We’ll recognize the nature of true Self by the way we feel. No thinking is required. When we rediscover the Center of our Being, we are once again home in our sense of belonging. True Self is closer than our breath–not a heartbeat away. One of the best ways to rediscover It is to live from the perspective of that elder daughter. What can we give? A friendly smile or kind word? Some financial support? Time spent sharing a talent? A telephone call to someone who’s lonely? And what of that “beggar” on the street–the one who shares the same true Self? Isn’t it time to truly live from our heart?

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), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. “Thank You” & “Note to Publishers” 🙏🏻🧡

All “My” Ducks in a Row

Most of us have heard, or perhaps even used, the following expression: “All of my ducks are in a row.” It implies that everything is just fine; circumstances are under control; and that life is oh, so good. Although this may seem fine as an expression, it’s actually a horrendously unsatisfactory way to live. The problem with this life strategy is that it requires tremendous, unending effort. “Here, little Duckie, walk this way, now that,” while I juggle ten tasks that must be done–at the same time.

The inspiration for this article comes, yet again, from the book entitled Awareness, by Anthony De Mello. It was recommended to me by fellow blogger “AP2, Clear Air Turbulence,” right here on WordPress (I hope you’ll check out his fine posts). Here’s the line, which relates to what I’ve expressed in the paragraph above:

“You keep on insisting, ‘I feel good because the world is right.’

Wrong!

The world is right because I’m happy.”

The point at which the expression about ducks and the lines above intersect is called “me.” When we rise in awareness, we can understand that it is only “me” who is having a problem with life as it is here and now. Once the “me” is revealed for what it is (a conceptual self), we can experience more of the present-moment joy that life is freely offering. Nothing and no one can rob us of that joy if we don’t allow the little “i” to steal us blind. Ducks don’t need to be in a row; tasks don’t have to be juggled; and we don’t have to be tempted by a fictional point of perfection in a fictional future. Then, mysteriously, we discover the incredible paradox: By not trying to have our ducks in a row, we realize that life is just fine, regardless of the state of the ducks!

This is not to say that we should drop our goals, or set our heart upon accomplishing tasks. Doing still occurs; work gets done. The main difference is in our approach. With detached awareness, it’s possible to witness when the fictional person is operating. It’s in our best interest to discover the nature of the little ‘i.” When we do, through self-inquiry, we’re well on our way to freedom–from grief, strife, and suffering. In this way, we can still interact with others and perform our work; but actions will occur without the interference of the separate little “me” that’s never satisfied. Ironically, everything will seem “just duckie.”

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Takes One to Know One

The expression that serves as the title of this article is well known; but I wonder if persons realize the truth that lies beneath it. On the surface level, most of us understand that to truly know something–perhaps what it’s like to work as a paramedic, be a mother or a father, or be homeless–we must have direct experience. Anything less than that means that we’re speculating and, quite literally, don’t know what we’re talking about.

With regard to awakening to our essential nature, it “takes one to know one” is absolutely true. How else but to experience Oneness can we possibly know it? Books on the subject make this very clear; as do teachers who have realized true Self. A belief is not the same as knowing; for beliefs are rife with hidden passageways that lead away from Truth, not toward It. With regard to enlightenment, it’s imperative that we don’t mistake the map for the territory that it describes. The territory of our Being cannot be reached through pointers or descriptions; nor through assumptions, which have absolutely nothing to do with Ultimate Reality. All teachings are merely pointers to the way.

How, though, do we begin a journey that takes us nowhere beyond where we are here and now? I know of no greater way than to enter the cave of stillness; for in presence–with the mind and all of its personal stories in abeyance–we have opportunity to become aware of the Light of Awareness. Our search is over when we knowingly discover That.

The journey toward direct experience of “Takes One to know One” is a journey that must be taken alone. To arrive at That (which is the Source of All that ever was, is, or shall be), we’re not allowed to take our opinions or beliefs; nor can we follow someone else’s map. By Grace we will return to that placeless place which, in Truth, we never left. For those beings who are ready, this seeming paradox won’t be confusing in the least.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With warm regards,

Art

Into The Desert

I raise my hand and gesture to my friend (all of you) with a beckoning wave. “Come with me, my friend; we’re going to journey into the desert. There will be no turning back until we discover profound Truth. We’re going to leave everything behind, including water. On this journey into barrenness, we will have no need for canteens.”

Incredulous, my friend says, “But, surely we shall perish if we dare to travel into the desert heat without water.”

I look at my friend with utter compassion. His concern is understandable, given whom he believes himself to be. “In Truth–true knowing–there is no need for water,” I reply, “because we’re going to leave behind the person who drinks.” And so…we head into the desert:

***

Who would pretend to know what lead us into the heart of the desert. Suffering? Life circumstances? Beasts in the belly so painful that we are willing–even eager–to leave behind our person who cries in the night? Yes, no doubt. The cause may also just be what it is…when the time is right. In I Am That, Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj makes it clear that “the fruit falls from the tree when it is ripe.” If you, my friends, are ripe with earnest curiosity, we’ll walk into the desert and discover our essential nature.

Personhood–what a rush! Through it we get to run and play, build companies, climb mountains, forge rivers, get married and have children. We may travel the world, be fighter pilots, and take motorcycle trips that span thousands of kilometers! We can choose a career and give our life in service. Conversely, we may get lost in the greedy egoic dream and take this moment-to-moment journey in “time and space” as real–too real. If this be the case, our journey into personhood–the little Jane or John Doe that the majority of individuals still believe themselves to be–can be incredibly challenging. At such a point, we may need to travel within–to the heart of the desert–and rediscover our essential nature.

***

During our journey into the desert, my friend learned–directly–that the realness of this world is but a shimmering desert mirage. Every sandy step was a walking meditation into the stillness of our Being. He recognized (Latin: to know again) that What is truly Real is the transcendent place from whence we came. And when we emerged from the desert, walking together as spiritual children of God, we carried that knowing with us. We truly are in this world but not of it.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

All Our Petty Differences

How fervently humans hold their petty grudges, the offences we’ve deemed so important. How proudly we recount them through spiteful speech, like badges of woes pinned sharply to our lapel. How tightly we clutch to our “he-did-this” or “she-did-that” stories against us. I, too, have been guilty as charged. With that in mind, we’ll begin this article with a line from a book that a fellow blogger suggested that I might enjoy:

“We differ from others

–from criminals, for example–

only in what we do or don’t do, not in what we are.”
Awareness. by Anthony De Mello

Do those words, and the power within them, not strike us in the breastbone of our Being? Is Mr. or Mrs. Ego staggering from the punch? This short line begs us to ask the following: “How am I seeing?” Am I seeing with understanding born of the heart–from Truth, or am I seeing through the eyes of the petty little ego; the guy or gal who’s often so quick to judge; or reluctant or, perhaps unwilling, to forgive?

It’s been stated that individuals who hurt us personally, or collectively in society, are actually the ones most in need of love. This is perfectly logical. Why? Because such individuals are so far removed from their own knowing of love for themselves. For what other reason would they hate as much? How can we possibly give to another that which we, ourselves, don’t possess? We must also remember to extend the same loving forgiveness to our own “self;” for until we do, the healing is not complete.

All waves are identical in nature as the One Ocean in which they are immersed. How could they ever truly be different? Each wave undoubtedly expresses itself differently in form–peaking here, like a saint; or crashing there, like a sinner; but each and every one is made of Ocean. We are THAT. When we see with the love of One Heart, we will know how to truly look upon this world and, thereby, raise It.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With deep love,

Art

The Intersection of All That Is

Everyone with even a slight interest in the subject of spirituality will have heard our essential nature described as being here and now. Another term for That which is indefinable is Being. Much to our amazement, spiritual teachers inform us that all that truly exists–despite the finite mind’s adamant protest of “I have a past and a future!”–is here…now. To this transcendent intersection, I dedicate this article.

If we believe (as the majority of persons do) that the totality of our identity when we apparently awaken in the morning is our wonderful human body and mind, we have not yet knowingly recognized the hidden glory that is forever present at the Intersection of our Being. This is the dimensionless crossroads that is the alpha and omega of everything that is, was, and will be. I call it God. In truth, any word used to describe “It” will always fall short; for words are only representations for that to which they refer. Due to the limitations of our human mind, we cannot truthfully describe the Holiest of Holy. No matter how many times we utter the word “water,” the definition of it will never quench our thirst. The good news is that we are–already–an aspect of that Sacred Intersection which cannot be pointed to on a map or located physically.

What’s actually occurring at the intersection of here and now? The answer to that question involves the most mysterious paradox. Here and now, the Infinite Source of our Being is expressing Itself in, through, and as the finite forms of everyone and everything. Without The Infinite, our human body-minds could not apparently exist; and without us, Infinite Source would not have agents of consciousness through which to express Its works. This is the intersection–where the finite meets Infinite–to which this article refers. The following is unbeknownst to the majority: Wherever we are, we are treading upon Holy ground. We’ve long been told that our bodies are temples of a Living God; and those who’ve shared this truth weren’t kidding.

How do we locate this placeless intersection? That, in itself, requires deeper inquiry; for the intersection of our essential nature cannot be discovered in or through a physical or mental process. We’re informed of this through Luke 17:21: “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” This is another way of telling us that if we search for the glorious intersection of our Being through the senses…we seek in vain. All is not lost, however; for we are also told the following, in Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” The message can be informally expressed as this: relax, sit a spell, take a stroll in nature, meditate. The deeper dimension of our being can easily be discovered when we slow down and stop all of our doing–at least temporarily–and just be. There, in the gap between our thoughts, we may realize our true identity–AWARENESS. It shines self luminous like the sun.

What can be gained by discovering this intersection? A lot, not the least of which is the end of suffering. Suffering in all of its forms–either physical or mental–belongs to the false “i” that has been robbing our life of the natural joy that is our birthright. The false self with whom most people “i”-dentity is a conceptual self rendered by mind; our True Self is prior to mind. When we experientially arrive at the intersection of all that is, we realize a dimension of ourselves that is almost always overshadowed by our false self–the little guy or gal with all the problems. Through discovery of the Self which is the true Being of all selves, we realize that all of our fears and concerns do not belong to us. Why? Because we never were that false self; such only appeared to be the case.

When we discover the intersection of all that is, we can clearly see the insanity of attempting to live solely for the sake of pleasing the little “i.” The ego will never be satisfied. Through clear discernment into our essential nature, we can align with our true purpose–which is spirit based–and bring forth the ideals that we were intended to express for the good of all. To do so is to live abundantly and joyfully. And that’s what makes discovering the intersection of all that is so worthwhile.

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”

Dismantling Fences

There’s 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’s 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 fluctuating mentality of the masses only serves to separate us from the goodness that inherently unites us. Our only hope for lasting peace amongst neighbours and nations lies in dismantling our minds’ fences forever. Below, is an example of an event that occurred because we truly didn’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 whites’-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. During this time, and for years afterward, Rosa and her family receive death threats...for standing up for rights and basic human 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 can deliver the best results. However, there’s a common misconception that enlightenment (which may be defined as waking from the dream of apparent personhood) is something that’s done; a spiritual activity that adds a better dimension to our life and make us better persons. To be interested in matters spiritual might even be branded as being namby pamby; an interest shunned by those who have better ways to use their time. Nothing could be further from the truth.

To embark upon a spiritual quest is the bravest, and most significant, journey we will ever undertake. It’s a figurative journey that involves travelling from conditioned ignorance to the awareness of our true Self. Such is a courageous act because recognition of our essential nature involves surrendering the false self, with whom we’ve identified for the majority of our so-called personal life. Such can feel like a great loss; it requires that we surrender our pride, historical story, and every triumph that we may have held dear. In short, we realize that our personal 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 beyond our own mask, it’s literally impossible for us to see the true nature of “others.” Spiritual teachings may, at best, lead to more civilized and tolerant behaviour; but also create a smug piousness. The solution is to directly experience our shared oneness. When such is realized, our fences fall by 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 that’s masquerading as our identity. this journey holds unparalleled value; for when we discover the Truth within ourselves, we are, thus, enabled to see It shining as the glorious identity in everyone of varying class, colour, and nationality. With clear insight, we realize that persons on the opposite side of the fence are, indeed, ourselves.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

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 culture–will surely go out of style. It’s just the way of expression here.

When I was a teenager, I wrote a poem about the subject of time. Curious then, as I still am, 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 I was searching for meaning in this clockwork mechanism in which we’re seemingly enmeshed.

Initially, we may be somewhat unaware of the flow of time’s river; for we, being swept along in it, barely notice its movement. From that perspective, our attention is almost always 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’s 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 our true Self, which is LOVE.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

The Fire of Our Being

In this article, we’re going to figuratively gather around the collective “Fire of Our Being.” We might imagine it as a large bonfire that’s glowing with flames that are dancing lively and flicking their sparks toward the evening sky. The burning wood snaps with sizzling crackles as its energy is released. Around the fire, there are benches and chairs on which we can sit and be comfortable. Gleeful children, who aren’t yet ready to listen to our chat, are playing tag behind us. When we gaze upward, we see stars in the heavens that sparkle like diamonds; and the brilliant moon is so close–we can see the “man” who lives there smiling at us. Here on Earth, we’re sitting together as brothers and sisters. We’re taking turns to share, listen, congratulate, and embrace one another tightly. Everyone is welcome to sit around our fire. It’s my turn to talk…so I begin:

***

“My brothers and sisters,” I say, with my arms spread in welcome, “a trick has been played upon us. And it has fooled the majority of us for too long. NOW is the time for knowing better. When we first came to Earth, we–each of us–were given a name. Our names come in great variety; and we speak with many accents, depending on where we live. But it’s important that we know our True Identity. We are not our names! A name is only a word that refers to that which it represents. You can never get wet from the word water!

We’ve been conditioned to believe that there is a separate “me” looking out from each of us. But that’s not the case. Only the mind attempts to fool us this way! There is only One Knower, and our body-minds shine by Its Light. When we become still and quiet our mind, we can realize through our heart that the Knower in you–Consciousness–is also the same Knower in all of us. In Truth, we are One.

What are we…truly? We are aspects of That which makes this Earth, the sun, and galaxies. Out of The One arises everything–all that was, is, and shall be! We are born of The One that makes all of the world’s oceans, lakes, and rivers; if it was not for The One, nothing would flow, including us. The One is the only Creator; and, we, creations of The One. We are alike in nature–Spirit; and differ only in degree. Our body-minds are on this Earth, but we–Spirit–are not. We belong to, and exist through, The One. We are intended to work together, help one another, and express the best that’s within us. And the best within us is God.”

***

The fire burned until the wee hours of the morning; and we, brothers and sisters, huddled around it. At one point, a shooting star blazed across the inky sky; and soon after, another one–playing tag–flamed behind it. To stay warm, we gathered closer when the fire died down to embers. The atmosphere was bathed with rich Love–the real, everlasting kind. There was no talk of nations or division; no line drawn in the sand to separate this and that. We knew the harvest of the world was intended to be shared equally. Everyone had enjoyed much talking and laughing, eating and drinking, sharing and caring. And when we departed to go our apparently separate ways, we were happy to know that we were expressions of the One.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Haven’t Been My”Self” Lately

Through the recognition of Truth, I haven’t been my”self” for the last two years. In fact, we can never actually be the little self (the body-mind, person) that lays claim to our life; but it sure appears that way. The error occurs due to a gross assumption, which, by and large, goes unnoticed. In my case, every joy and every sorrow, every failure and success sure seemed to belong to me–Art Russell, the little guy in the photo above. We can never actually be the bundle of sensations, images, feelings, thoughts, memory, and perceptions (the little “i”) that perpetually masquerades as the sum total of our identity. The little self is only the costumed actor who plays our role during the current performance of “My Life.” The Real “I”–Spirit–has always been with us; off stage, behind the scenes. It is safe, secure, and untouched by any of the human drama.

My little “self” (the apparent thief of identity) did an incredible job of fooling me. Deep within, I had a strong lurking sense that there was far more to us than meets the eye or psyche; but, by and large, I was knowingly disconnected from awareness of my True Self. As a result, there was a significant degree of suffering. That’s what occurs when we’ve strayed too far from the Truth of our Being, to turn us in the right direction. Attempting to keep the costumed “actor” happy is a full time job. It is exhausting; for the false self is rarely content for long. It judges every situation and circumstance; and any happiness that it apparently experiences is always of a relatively fleeting nature.

I share this information to attempt to lighten the load that you may be carrying unnecessarily. When we discover our True Self, everything about our life and the world becomes so much lighter. We regain a playfulness and contentment that we may not have felt since childhood. Yes, there will still be work required to be done–and it will be; but it will be performed with a sense of detached lightness. The perspective that “is” our True Self allows us to view the world and our place within it from a position of wisdom. We live with trust in our heart; rather than by mind-dominated fearfulness. We feel expansive and free; rather than isolated and in competition.

What do I hope that readers may take away from this article, beyond a cool lesson in rocking horse technique? The following:

We are all children of One Creator.
We are all deserving of Love and respect.
We are all on an incredible journey—the story of our life.
Each and every one of us has purpose; we are here for a reason.

The journey to recognition of our True Self is one of the most exciting journeys that any of us will ever undertake. It is beyond comparison. It need not be overwhelming. During the process, you’ll most likely realize that you’ve been carrying a lot of negative baggage that, in honesty, belongs only to the false self. You are not the body-mind. On a given day, you may experience startling revelations; or weep tears of joy as you let go of painful emotions. You might begin by nurturing your earnest curiosity and asking: “Who Am I—really?” Hint: It’s not who you think you are.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Think2wice

CONSCIOUSNESS, SPIRITUALITY, & LAW OF ATTRACTION

Category: Non Duality

Heart Bound

All “My” Ducks in a Row

Takes One to Know One

Into The Desert

All Our Petty Differences

The Intersection of All That Is

Dismantling Fences

Through The Times

The Fire of Our Being

Haven’t Been My”Self” Lately

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