Rocking The Boat

The boat that I’m referring to in the title of this article is commonly called Materialism. It was christened so long ago that most individuals assume that it’s the only boat available. The boat is a large one, indeed; for it holds the majority of the world’s population who–in most cases unknowingly–drift along in what is termed naive realism, the “subject-object” dualistic interpretation of a world that is apparently made of stuff called matter. In this article, we’re going to do our best to rock that boat with information that suggests there is another valid way of interpreting reality. For the purpose of greater understanding (and as a pointer toward awakening), you’re welcome to board the alternative boat called Idealism via this article. We’ll begin rocking the more common boat by contemplating the following quote from Interpretation of Scripture: Unlocking The Secrets of The Bible by Neville Goddard:

“It is impossible to do. You must be in order to do.”

What, pray tell, could Neville Goddard have meant when he coined that sentence? Didn’t he realize that the majority of persons believe–with absolute but unverifiable certainty–that they are the doers of their actions. Surely, he must have meant to write, “to accomplish anything, you must work like a slave;” that is, unless he realized that this–right now (including the typing of these words) is happening in what is termed the Waking State; a state not that dissimilar from the state in which nighttime dreams occur. He, no doubt, was informing us–as did Paramahansa Yogananda–that “Mind is the creator of everything.” Perhaps another quote, this time from Plato, will help us rock the boat a little harder:

“Reality is created by the mind; we can change our reality by changing our mind.”

It’s well known that Plato was an idealist. In case you’re not familiar with idealism, the following is the definition from Merriam-Webster Dictionary: “a theory that ultimate reality lies in a realm transcending phenomena.” This basically means that all so-called matter is mental phenomena created by mind; and that our body-mind and the world exist solely in Consciousness. Buddha was spreading this very message when he stated that nothing had independent existence. William Blake and Anaïs Nin, respectively, delivered a similar message through the following two quotes:

“As a man is, so he sees.“

“We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are.”

The position of idealism is at the very core of any worthwhile teachings of the Law of Attraction. It’s also what allows mystical verses from the Bible, such as “Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee” from Job 22:28, to make sense. From the perspective of persons aboard the common boat called Materialism, the Law of Attraction may seem little more than positive thinking; but when you examine the current world situation (run by materialists), are you really so certain that you desire to continue to float along in their boat? If you board the boat christened Idealism, you’ll be setting out on the grandest voyage of discovery about your true Self–not the conceptual “i” that you’ve been conditioned to accept as identity. It’s obvious that if all takes place within a dream (the Waking State), there is no room for flesh and bones. Truth deems that we are so very much more: We are divine Spirit having an apparently human experience.

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”

“Feeling” The Prayer

Prayer, as everyone realizes, is a highly personal subject. Some persons pray every day, some only when a grave concern arises, and others never. The manner of prayer also differs greatly. Please know that I’m not trying to tell anyone the proper way to do anything. The purpose of this article is to offer a viewpoint and understanding of prayer expressed by Neville Goddard, which varies greatly from the common approach. Of Barbadian descent, Neville lived in the United States, where he lectured about mysticism and the Bible. Many, if not all, of his books are available in the public domain. I first discovered his numerous books through my passion for studying the Law of Attraction.

One of the key points related to the Law of Attraction teachings is that “we bring about what we think about.” As that relates to the subject of prayer, Goddard added that we must imbue our thoughts with the feeling of the wish fulfilled. When we’re imagining our desire, we must picture it “from” the desired end–whatever that might be. To visualize “of” the end, implies subject-object duality and, therefore, separation from the very results that we desire. So many persons are praying to a conceptual deity with the hope of “getting” a desired result in the future. It’s like trying to get wet from the concept of water. As Oneness and Nowness is the underlying Truth of the Universe, we must align our method of praying with that. To do so, we must claim (in our imagination) what we desire as existing NOW. Time (and space) is a concept rendered via the mind; but all experience occurs NOW–not at some conceptual future date. If this seems nonsensical, please try to experience “next Tuesday.” When Tuesday arrives, it can only be experienced NOW. Below are four teachings relating to prayer, which I’ve borrowed from Goddard’s books:

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Many individuals approach prayer with an attitude of begging. While being humble in all of our dealings is certainly wise, an attitude of begging only amplifies the feeling of distance from the desire fulfilled. Contrary to popular belief, God does not play favourites with His children–bestowing blessings or curses based on good or bad behaviour. In mind, we must exemplifly our ideals (set a clear pattern) before they will become apparent through the senses. We must claim what we desire NOW; for what is impressed in the mind, will be expressed.

Bob Proctor, who is noted for his outstanding career related to the Law of Attraction, adds to this knowledge with the following statement: “You can only attract what you’re in harmony with.” To pray effectively–for improved health (even cure), abundant wealth, greater success greater–is to envision yourself with your desire fulfilled NOW. If you’re envisioning your desires as occuring in the future, such results are doomed to remain in a conceptual future. Given the challenging conditions that so many persons are experiencing, the subject of prayer–and pointers leading to more effective praying–seemed highly relevent.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

The “Real” McCoy

Many humans will only purchase brand name items. They wouldn’t be caught dead buying anything less. They want the genuine article, the best of the best; and yet how easily they are fooled into buying into a false “i”-dentity. The latter was certainly true of me. With regard to the subject of “Know Thyself,” we most often–through lack of awareness–settle for a knockoff. The origin of the expression that serves as the title of this article is debatable; but several sources state that it relates to Elijah McCoy. Born in Canada in 1844, he was the inventor of a lubricating device for steam locomotives that worked exceptionally well. Other inventors came up with imitation devices; but theirs were considered far less effective. Therefore, when persons desired the best, they asked for the “Real McCoy.” Do you?

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Without knowing it, the majority of persons are letting the imitation “McCoy” run their lives without permission. This occurs for one simple reason: they’re unaware that it’s happening. The false self to which they’re accustomed seems to get the job done with vaying degrees of success; although most individuals admit that it swings between happiness and despair–often dramatically, in a short period of time. However, because the imitation McCoy is all that they consciously know, they put up with its imperfections and often patch it (the ego) up with a drink (or three), an affair, or a new car. Thus, happiness is regained, albeit temporarily. Without knowledge of the Real McCoy, we dwell in poverty. In the spiritual classic, I Am That, Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj summarized the situation through the following words:

“Your begging bowl may be of pure gold, but as long as you do not know it, you are a pauper.”

We can logically understand that individuals never seek what they don’t know is missing. That’s why suffering–which no one would consciously invite–often provides the fertile ground for the growth of self-inquiry. When the imitation McCoy isn’t functioning well (perhaps due to divorce, financial struggles, or health issues), we may finally open our consciousness to a spiritual solution. We might find ourselves listening to a spiritual teacher, purchasing a book about our essential nature, or praying to God for the first time. The key that unlocks awareness of our deeper dimension is often handed to us very subtly.

There’s a simple test that can help you know if this is occurring in your life. Question: Do you believe that all you are is a person? If so, the false self (which is merely a collection of habitual thoughts and beliefs) has misdirected you with conceptual sleight of hand and convinced you that it is your sole identity. It’s not. As for the body, it’s a representational form within consciousness, whose apparent credibility is supported by sensations. The real “You” is removed from the polar swings that occur within the false self. It has no fear of death whatsoever because It knows that it is Life, Itself; therefore, beyond time, space, and all objects that apparently come and go.

We needn’t let the egoic self, which is rendered by the finite mind, rob us of our birthright of a joyful life. Our Real McCoy is Awareness, aka Consciousness. For some persons, it may feel more appropriate to refer to It by a reverent name such as God. Please realize, however, that the name can never be It. In daily life, all of us informally refer to it as “I.” To know our Real McCoy is to live an abundant life–to live from the still point of our Being. A little investigation (called self-inquiry) will help us discern the difference between the little “me” and true Self. The Real McCoy, is eternal, immortal, and irriducible. It is prior to the mind. Anything less is a poor imitation.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With deep love,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Not Until “I Am”

The world, as all of us realize, is currently reflecting a state of tremendous confusion. Everywhere we see evidence of this. Even if we’ve unplugged from mainstream media, someone–somewhere–is going to inform us of ongoing fear and strife. There is the continuing world story about an apparent virus; conflict related to a presidential election; illogical regulations and restrictions; joblessness; hunger; homeless persons living in tent cities in the middle of previously prosperous cities. Entrenched ways that were corrupt–and heartless–at their core are being revealed. This is not intended as a rant; for what we resist does, indeed, persist. The heart of this article relates to the Law of Attraction and the following verse from Proverbs 29:18:

“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

What does this mean? It means that if we desire positive change beyond our current circumstances (refer to the above paragraph), we must see with eyes not of this world. In short, we must envision a new world. The Law of Attraction (we bring about what we think about) applies both personally and collectively. If we–through ignorance of our essential nature–continue to believe that we are merely stick figures called persons, our challenges will continue unabated. Ignorance of our true nature does not relieve us of the effects that we, as co-creators, are creating. We must apply vision–such a rare commodity these days. We must learn to ask ourselves–and know–what we desire to see. What kind of world do we wish to inhabit? Is it a world in which we live free? Is it a world in which we value qualities such as love, honor, and respect? Or is it a world in which only robotic actions, performed by unaware persons, are welcomed? To move beyond what is currently presenting, we must learn to have faith–not in a God outside of us; but in a vision which we, as incarnate aspects of God, envision. I offer the definition of faith, as defined in Hebrews 11:1:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

To understand what we’re currently witnessing on a deeper level, we may conceptualize humanity as a shared basket. All of us, whether knowingly or not, are spiritual basket weavers. Everyone is contributing, because what everyone thinks matters through the power of attention. We may ask ourselves what type of energy we are contributing to our universal basket. Are we offering the energy of fear or FAITH? Are we offering the energy of selfishness or GENEROSITY? Are we offering the energy of hatred or LOVE? Are we reinforcing–through focus–the current situation, or are we envisioning a BRIGHT NEW WORLD?

Not until we collectively unite and envision a positive future, will we see it. Not until we envision peace, will there be peace among nations. Not until we envision brotherly and sisterly love for everyone, will our interactions reflect that love. Not until we envision feeding the world’s hungry people, will everyone’s belly be full. Not until our hearts are purged of the negativity that has permeated our lives, will we see beauty rise, glorious and transcendent. Not until we have stopped gorging ourselves on problems, will we eat the fruit of solution-based thinking. Not until “I Am” reigns supreme over egos, will the selfish fires of humankind be extinguished.

What I’m asking you to do is to step outside the costume that has been masquerading as “you” and flex your spiritual power of Beingness. You, dear friends, are neither the body nor the mind; no more so than the boots in the corner of my kitchen. You are Divine Spirit…now. United in vision, we are capable of creating a bright new future. We arrive at that tomorrow by envisioning it as already existing…today, here and now. We are wise to embrace it, embody it, and wear it with every fiber of your being; for as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

There Walk “I”

Existing on the superficial strata of life, we appear as though we walk and interact with apparent others. There is John; there is Mary; there is Bob, and there is Alice. They have a form, and they have a name; as do we. When we know ourselves only as the superficial little “i,” we, therefore, can only relate to the little “i” of everyone else. It’s just the way the system works; it is the balancing of perception. As we rise in consciousness, we gain clarity and understand more; we leave the level of egoic identity behind. Thus, “Dear God, please give me more understanding” is such a valuable prayer; outdone only by a heart full of gratitude for what is as it is.

The Truth is that each and every one of us is being walked. Under the illusion cast by Maya, we assume with absolute–but erroneous–certainty that we are the doers of our actions. Such is not the case; nor was it ever. How could characters in a dream life (the Waking State) actually walk themselves? There’s no room in this matrix for flesh and bones–only the appearance thereof. According to the nature of our hidden beliefs and conditioning, we are being walked by One Power; and the experience–both within and without–is known by One Knower. There is nothing but God, appearing as a multiplicity and diversity of forms. We–Divine Spirit–wear the disguise of apparent human of name and form. However, we are wise to remember that following expression is true, indeed: appearances can be deceiving.

This knowledge can lead to a deeper understanding that transcends the appearance of things. “There is John, Mary, Bob, and Alice,” thus, becomes “there walk I.” All sense of separation falls away, as easily as the sun slipping beneath the horizon. Everything and everyone is actually the Self, Consciousness. In Truth, such was always the case; only ignorance made it appear otherwise. The apparent personal “i” of name and form is but an illusion rendered by the mind–a total fabrication. When such is clearly understood, all conflict dissolves. A boxing ring with only One is lacking an opponent with whom to box.

What does this mean in terms of real and lasting effect when realized on a worldwide basis? When we are no longer a stranger to our real Self there dawns the realization that no one else is a stranger, either. They, too, are I; and I, too, am them. We, quite literally, become “One for All; and All for One.” Upon recognition, must we all don musketeer outfits? Of course not, we may keep our apparent individuality; but in our heart–where it matters most–we realize that We Are One. With this knowledge , the lyrics “mine eyes have seen the Glory” becomes so much more than words. They come to symbolize the path of transcendent peace and love.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

I’ll Be “Seeing” You

Our purpose while here on earth as apparent human form is to express the highest ideal that we hold within us. It is Divine in nature, expressed through the person’s journey amidst other Beings who, more often than not, erroneously mistake themselves for the sum of their body-mind. Ignorance of our true Being, and lack of discernment, is the reason. A mysterious paradox is at work: What we truly are–neither a conception nor a perception–can never be seen; it can only be expressed through that which we are not–namely the human costume. This confusion often leads to less than ideal results; for the competitive system on earth frequently pits one against apparent others and leads to tremendous heartache and suffering.

The goal of this article is to help you clearly see that which you are not, and know That which we are. Why? Because when we know our true Self, our suffering is greatly diminished. Contrary to public opinion, any objective part of you—either of the mind (as sensations, images, feelings, and thoughts) or of the body (as the apparent physical form)—is not true Self. I state this unequivocally; for the Truth is not a matter of opinion, as much as many individuals may believe. This is Truth, the Ultimate Understanding

Many of our common expressions are not fully understood beyond a superficial level. The following is one of them: “There’s more to me than meets the eye.” The majority of persons may interpret this to mean that there are other aspects to my personality that remain secret. In Truth, the expression means that “That which I Am truly” cannot be seen. I Am cannot be pointed to as being either here or there. It is everywhere (omnipresent) and yet nowhere locatable. I Am, Consciousness–the foundation of every experience that could ever be known–including my own body-mind.

It is so much easier to recognize our essential nature if we meditate regularly; even if for only a few minutes each day. We are told that we must fast from the world to find the kingdom. This simply means that we must turn away from our senses and go within. At first, individuals may believe that meditation is something they do; but it is actually a non-doing, a dropping of that which is false. It is a sinking back into what we truly are. During meditation, we can clearly and directly perceive thoughts; they are like subtle objects–appearing to a knowing Source. This also holds true for objects which appear as form–namely our body, and the world and objects contained therein. Every object that we see is actually energetic frequencies and vibrations interpreted as form.

To “see” true Self, we must do so from the perspective of Spirit. Anything less is to see from a point of illusion. If this seems metaphysical, so be it–it is. What this means on a deeper level is that we can know one another feelingly, at a level beyond form. Isn’t that what everyone desires–to be known for What we truly are, not misperceived for the illusory self of name and form? The quest to recognize true Self is the most important journey we will ever undertake. Please join me. Let’s see life in all its wholeness and, thereby, elevate our world.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

The Way of Spirit

Oh, how we’ve become accustomed to existing in the shallows; the superficial strata of life in which we accept circumstances and events as they appear! Habitually, we believe without question; assume without knowing that we assume; complain or celebrate based upon ingrained attitudes about the relative mirage in which we live–blindly accepting it as real. This is the burden for the majority of apparent human beings, and we–Spirit–carry it (Maya, illusion) without knowing. If the content of this paragraph seems just too far “out there” to consider, please read the following few lines from the spiritual classic I Am That:

Questioner: “What am I if not human?”
Maharaj: “That which makes you think that you are human is not human. It is but a dimensionless point of consciousness, a conscious nothing; all you can say about yourself is: ‘I Am’. You are pure being–awareness–bliss.”
“I Am That,” Talks with Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

Isn’t that an eye opener–a far different version of the story called “my life” than the one we’ve been told! It’s certainly different from the story that I was subliminally and explicitly conditioned to believe to be true. We were programmed to believe that we were everything human; so much so, that there was no absolutely no choice but to accept that we were mere flesh and bones; that we were born and would surely die. Not so. Contrary to the story believed by the masses, we are neither the body nor the mind–literally, here and now. I offer you another passage for contemplation. It’s from The Gospel of Thomas, which contains 114 sayings attributed to Jesus that were discovered in 1945 in caves near Nag Hammadi, Egypt:

29 (1): Jesus said: “If the flesh came into being because of the spirit, it is a marvel, (2) but if the spirit came into being because of the body, it is a marvel of marvels.”
The Nag Hammadi Scriptures

Can you see where this article is leading? If you think it’s heading fullspeed off of Nutbar Cliff I understand, but please continue to read with an open–inquiring–mind. This article is intended to present a case for the idealist paradigm of reality; that which is opposite to the materialist paradigm which claims matter as its foundation. With the idealist paradigm, everything and everyone is a concept in Consciousness; that is to say that so-called matter is rendered by the mind. In the passage above, you’ll notice that Jesus seems astonished that persons could believe that the body could ever give rise to Spirit, aka Consciousness. He knew, of course, that the Truth was the other way around–that Consciousness gives rise to the body via the mind. Here’s a question that may help: “What is the only ‘thing’ (non thing) required to have an apparent experience?” Answer: Consciousness. We can’t possibly have an experience without consciousness. Here are a few more quotes from the Bible that may cause you to investigate your assumptions:

Mark 9:23: Jesus said unto him, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”
Job 22:28: “Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.”
Mark 11:24: “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”
King James Bible

The implications of this are profound. It will undoubtedly take those of you who are earnestly curious (to even consider that the materialist paradigm of reality is erroneous) several days to assimilate the information you’ve just read. Just so that you know, science backs this claim, perhaps if only indirectly: Despite earnest efforts, scientists have been unable to determine how biological processes give rise to consciousness (they don’t); and if you delve into research about quantum physics, you’ll see that it has long been known that mind and matter are inseparable. Paramahansa Yoganda stated: “Mind is the creator of everything.” Another of my articles, This Mental Universe (press here to view it), may help increase your understanding. You are an eternal spiritual being having an apparent human experience. This, my dear friends, opens up a world of possibilities.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

“Unforgettable”

We derive the title of today’s article from the song of the same name. It was first published in 1951 and made famous by the late great Nat King Cole, who lent his dulcet voice to it and many other wonderful songs. Here, I offer you the lyrics to the first verse:

Unforgettable
That’s what you are
Unforgettable
Though near or far

Although the lyrics were undoubtedly intended to express the love that one lover might feel for another, they also perfectly describe our true Self. Much to the protest of the ego, our essential nature is That which is truly unforgettable–unlike the descriptions of the mind, which refer to a conceptual self only. At any point in time, we might forget what we are, or where we are; but it is literally impossible to forget that we are. There, in that placeless place, are we–Conscious Awareness. Our true Self is irreducible and unforgettable, the very foundation of our Being. It is impossible to be separated from that which we are.

To this, the self created by the finite mind will protest strongly. Due to the rampant conditioning of our little self (whose apparent identity is blindly accepted by the majority of persons), the ego will persistently attempt to convince us that we must accept the rubbish stories of birth and death. It will pound upon the door of our logical mind and scream that we must believe in our own demise–that true Self and conceptions of our identity are one and same. They are not. True Self is not the story of our litte self.

True Self is prior to the finite mind, not after. Almost always overlooked, the real “You” is the silent witness of all that is happening in your so-called “life.” This Truth can be known now by becoming still and daring to enter the silence that is free of the mind’s conditioning. In short, we must simply Be. The key is not to try to “be” anything; for in that attempt, we lose track of what we already are–now and forever.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Great “New”Charlie Brown

Most of you will probably be familiar with Charlie Brown, the principal character in the comic strip named Peanuts. He–with the round head, delightful innocence, and lack of self confidence–was often depicted as being a lovable loser. His character proved popular, indeed, to his faithful followers who could often relate to his trials. Secretly, we saw ourselves in him. For instance, whenever Charlie Brown played football with Lucy, he would always fall flat on his backside after she–in her devilish manner–suddenly yanked the football away at the last moment. We’ve all had days like that, when life seemed to dash our hopes and aspirations. Ahh, Charlie Brown, how I wish that I could help you. Actually, I can:

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If you can relate to many of the comic situations in which Charlie Brown found himself on the losing side of life, it’s likely because you’ve identified with your character, more than its creator–the true You. Despite popular misconceptions and seeming appearances, you are neither your body-mind (the Charlie Brown) nor its personal history. It’s vital that you know that you are its creator. In the case of Charlie Brown, that creator was Charles M. Schulz. He decided, he chose, he visualized the situations for Charlie Brown and then drew them into Charlie Brown’s apparent life situations. If you wish to increase the degree of success in your life expression, you must draw them for your character by visualizing them as true now.

You’ll recognize more of your innate creative powers when you–through stillness–recognize that you are not the character that you see before you. Since birth, you’ve been programmed to believe that all there is to you is name and form; but such is erroneous. The masses (who are unaware; and unaware that they’re unaware) will eagerly inform you that all you are is flesh and bones–that you were born, and you will die. That’s their storyline; but it needn’t be yours. With some deep introspection, you can discover your true Self. You are a divine aspect of Infinite Living Mind. You are co-creator with Consciousness Itself, eternal and immortal.

If you, like Charlie Brown, just once (or many times) desire to kick that football sailing through the goal posts, you must–first–imagine yourself doing so. “As within, so without.” Until you change your subconscious beliefs (your paradigms) from within, your apparent results will remain the same. It matters not whatever apparent “Lucy” seems to be challenging you! Dream the result that you desire to see! Feel its reality. If it’s great financial wealth; dream it in living detail. If it’s better health, or even a cure; dream it. Engage all of your senses. See your imagined reality as being more real than current circumstances; for current circumstances are only a reflection of your past thinking. Set aside a few minutes each day to visualize the type of life that you desire. Dream it from the end result, from the perspective of you playing a starring role.

Draw–as Mr. Schulz did for Charlie–the person that you desire to be. You’ll manifest that new-and-improved version of you when you feel its truth. Every thought you think and every word that you utter is a stroke of fortune or loss upon the comic strip called “your life.” Old tales full of woe only produce more apparent woe. Thoughts and words of a very bright future create a more rich and fulfilling future. The Law of Attraction is real; you bring about what you feelingly think about. Also, it’s important that you keep your visions for your future Charlie Brown secret; for the less that naysayers know, the better. This is your life, and you’re going to kick that ball through the goal posts when you believe that you can!

Doubt this can be true–that imagining your bright future can actually create it? I’ll end this article by offering a quote from Andrew Carnegie, who–in the late 19th century–was one of the wealthiest men in America. It was he who commissioned Napoleon Hill to write the classic motivational book entitled Think and Grow Rich: “Any idea that is held in the mind, that is emphasized, that is either feared or revered, will begin at once to clothe itself in the most convenient and appropriate form available.” What a strange–magical–quote to come from such a successful man, don’t you think?

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Dream On

If you’re not sitting down before beginning to read this article, you might want to do so now. As you may or may not realize, I write articles about Consciousness, Spirituality, and The Law of Attraction. These subjects have held a tremendous fascination for me for many years. It’s been an interesting journey. It has involved–and still does–learning more about our essential nature (the True Self) and how to manifest the results that we desire. There’s been a lot of surprises; not the least of which is related to the following quote from Sri Ramana Maharshi, who was a sage from India who realized his true nature at the age of sixteen:

“That which is not present in deep dreamless sleep is not real.”

What Sri Ramana Maharshi was expressing is that the apparent world and the objects within it–including our body-mind–occur due to the power of Maya. Maya is a Sanskrit word which translates loosely as illusion. The world is real, but only relatively so. The real You is the changeless Self; which is the same in nature and quality (differing in degree) as the Absolute Self. That–Self–is customarily referred to by many reverent names which can point to, but never define, It.

Many persons write and speak about the Law of Attraction; but it’s unlikely that the majority realize the depth of the material. I sure didn’t; even though I easily grasped the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. Most persons are applying the Law of Attraction from the perspective of the body-mind, aka person. They are still living from the perspective of Jane or John Doe, because–until they awaken to their essential nature (which is Spirit, aka Consciousness)–they literally have no choice to do otherwise. Thus, they believe they are living a very busy life on Earth. The truth is that such…is a dream. The Waking State is similar to Dream State, only longer in duration, continual, and more clearly defined. The essential nature of our True Self is Awareness, or Consciousness. It could be likened to deep sleep, which is the reason that Sri Ramana Maharshi made the statement quoted above.

To fully understand this requires a tremendous shift in perspective and understanding, which can only be experienced directly. It cannot be learned or arrived at via processes of the mind; for the mind deals with conceptualizations. A quote from Paramahansa Yogananda, who was the author of Autobiography of a Yogi and instrumental in introducing Kriya Yoga to the West, may be of help. From another of his books, entitled The Laws of Success, I offer the following:

“Mind is the creator of everything.”

The body and the mind that seem so very real to us (in fact, which seem to house “me“) is rendered by the mind. Consciousness is not created within the body-mind; despite what the masses may proclaim. In science, this is commonly referred to as “the hard problem of consciousness.” Science is still attempting to discover how neurological processes within the brain lead to our sense of awareness. They’ll never find it, for one simple reason: Such is backward, for Consciousness is that which gives rise to the mind and the body. To “Know Thyself” deeply would clear up so much confusion.

Consciousness is prior to the mind and body. It is the very foundation of our Being. When the mind is active, we experience the Dream State (usually referred to as nighttime dreams by most persons). When the mind and senses become active, we experience the Waking State (referred to as reality by the majority of the world’s population). This grossly erroneous assumption occurs in such tremendous numbers because the population is unaware, but unaware that they are unaware.

“But,” I can hear you say, “this can’t be!” Yes, it actually is. This is how the Law of Attraction truly functions. We can only attract circumstances with which we are harmoniously attuned. We must first “be” that which we desire to experience. Please consider this: What is the only thing (truly not a thing) required to have any apparent experience? Could we experience the eating of a meal if we weren’t aware that such was occurring? No, of course, not. Consciousness is the linchpin of every experience. The thoughts (either positive or negative) which we–Spirit–habitually impress into the subconscious will eventually be expressed in the dream of “our life.” I share this information so you’ll realize that the quality and the nature of your thoughts truly do matter. Our destiny is within our hands.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Think2wice

CONSCIOUSNESS, SPIRITUALITY, & LAW OF ATTRACTION

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