Claiming Innocence

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

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”

The Breadcrumb Trail to “I Am”

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

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

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

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

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

***

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

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Through The Times

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

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

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

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

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Tale of a Coffee Maker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“But, but…” stammered Bernard.

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

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

“How fare thee?” asked the king.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* * *

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

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Of Mortal Wounds

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

***

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

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

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

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

***

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

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

By Their Fruits

How may we better know what persons, businesses, and even cities or countries deem important? I suggest that we may gain a sense of their innermost values and motives by their fruits. Their fruits (works) are the reflection of an inner creative urge. Many of you will realize that this expression comes from the Bible. The actual passage is from Matthew 7:16:

“Ye shall know them by their fruits.

Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?”

Please let me be clear: I’m not pretending to be a theologian; the following is my interpretation only. I believe the passage is advising us how to know whether a person has recognized the Truth of their Being. If so, their work will reflect that it is being performed for the good of everyone. If the work seems to be motivated by selfishness and self-centeredness, such would indicate that the perspective of the body-mind is still ruling.

The modern way of expressing the same message is well known: Actions speak louder than words. I’m not suggesting that we should apply this knowledge in a judgmental way. My intention is to help us learn how to express our best qualities through sincere behavior that elevates all of us. Some introspection via the following questions may help us to better understand ourselves and persons with whom we interact:

Do “they” habitually give…or take? What’s true of me?
Do “they” habitually arrive on time…or show up late? What’s true of me?
Do “they” habitually criticize and speak negatively…or offer support and positivitiy? What’s true of me?
Do “they habitually keep their promises…or rarely, if ever? What’s true of me?
Do they habitually say they’re going to try…or do they deliver? What’s true of me?
Do they habitually pay on time…or attempt to dodge their debts? What’s true of me?
Do they habitually “walk the talk”…or only talk? What’s true of me?
Do they habitually deliver the best goods and services possible…or attempt to get away with shoddy work? What’s true of me?

The list could have been much longer; for the questions can be raised about every aspect of life. In truth, the list isn’t about others; it’s really about taking a look at ourselves and the manner in which we live and move and have our being. We have enormous potential within us; and when we express our highest ideal, not our lowest, the world and our experiences in it dramatically improve. The true question is this: “What is the nature of the fruit by which we will be known?”

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Wolves In Sheep’s Clothing

Most persons are familiar with the expression that serves as the title of this article. We know it means that wolves are masquerading as sheep in an effort to conceal their harmful intentions. A cartoon image of a grinning wolf tiptoeing into a meadow full of grazing sheep might come to mind. In the real world, sheep instinctively realize the wolves’ ulterior motives; they know that wolves pose a threat. We, however, may be unaware of the thought wolves that are sabotaging our efforts to manifest the results we desire.

The leader of the pack of thought wolves we’re going to examine is named Worry. If we give it opportunity (and many persons do), Worry would persuade us to believe that it actually serves a useful purpose. Worse yet, Worry would have us believe that it’s the same as Love–that worrying about others demonstrates just how much we care! A cunning predator, it pretends to be a warm and innocent helpful servant. It is anything but!

We are wise to completely avoid Worry; for it can never lead to good outcomes. In truth, worrying is actually planning for that which we don’t desire to occur. It’s also addictive. It paces back and forth in our mind, trying to con individuals into believing that we benefit by getting together with friends and worrying (different from solution-based sharing) about our personal and professional problems. Conversely, being prepared and applying constructive and creative thought can yield tremendous results; because both keep the channels of inspiration open. Not so with worry.

The second thought wolf on our list–Perfection–is almost as detrimental as Worry. In fact, in many ways, it’s even more treacherous. Although it appears shiny and harmless, it can prevent us from taking steps to achieve our goals. It lurks in the mind, whispering that we should never undertake a new goal unless we can guarantee a flawless outcome. And when we logically admit that we can’t offer such a guarantee, Perfection–heeded–pats us on the back while stopping us in our tracks.

Three other thought wolves to be aware of are named Procrastination, Impatience, and Self-Doubt. Oh, how they love to howwwll. We can easily understand how this pack could–if given opportunity–huff and puff and blow our house (and dreams) down. We needn’t be fooled. There are many more wolves and habits; but as we practice the Law of Attraction, we’ll more easily discern between thoughts that serve and thoughts that don’t. Thus, we’ll more easily and effectively achieve our dreams. Thoughts practiced become the habits that govern our lives. We are wise to keep the wolves outside, where they belong. Another one of my articles, Are You Watching, may also help improve the results you’re achieving.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Let Your Kite Soar

Although times change, the theme of life remains more or less consistent. It challenges us to grow. The world is currently going through some very challenging times. All of us are well aware, both personally and collectively, of their nature. We also realize the importance of focusing on solutions, as opposed to problems; for what we focus upon expands in our life. We know that by sowing STRENGTH, COURAGE and FAITH in our daily life, we will ultimately harvest results that reflect those positive attributes.

This short article is intended to offer a spark that may help ignite your hope, your passion, and your trust that all will be okay–no matter what happens. With that in mind, I offer a short poem I wrote in my thirties:

Flying Kites

Once upon a grey September day,

I strolled into a park in which

A young boy was flying his kite–

So high I thought he’d surely run out of string.

Time swept me away as I watched him.

With muscles taut, and arms pumping,

He skillfully weaved his kite across the sky,

Slicing it through clouds that fell apart in its wake.

The wind was gusting like an angry billow,

But this young boy, undaunted,

Let his kite fly higher, and higher still.

He was fearless!

He reminded me

Of my lost, kite-flying days

When I’d tried to fly my kite

And failed.

My kite always seemed to catch the trees

Or slam headfirst into the ground.

When dusk was falling,

I walked to this young, gifted pilot

As he was reeling in his kite.

When I looked more closely

I could see that his kite was different

Than the kite I’d crashed so many times.

His kite was homemade, shaped somewhat like a box,

With parts that had been taped and glued and mended.

I asked the boy his name and age

And complimented him on his kite and his skill.

“Ah, heck,” replied this boy of nine,

“My kites wouldn’t fly at all last year.

I crashed six of my favourites,

But I just dragged them home,

Fixed them,

And tried again.”

We talked awhile longer,

But when we departed to go our separate ways,

I took his lesson with me.

– R. Arthur Russell –

***

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

The Fire of Our Being

In this article, we’re going to figuratively gather around the collective “The Fire of Our Being.” We might imagine it is a large bonfire that is 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 get comfortable. Children, who may not be ready to listen to our chat, are frolicking behind us; they are gleeful, chasing one another in a game of tag. When we gaze upward, we see stars in the heavens that are sparkling like diamonds; and the brilliant moon is so close–we can see the “man” who lives there smiling back at us. Here on earth, we’re sitting together closely as brothers and sisters. We’re taking turns to share, listen, congratulate, and hug one another tight. 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 far 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 is 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 get 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 all 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; differing 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, to help one another, and to express the best that is within us; and the best within us is God.”

***

The fire burned all night; and we–brothers and sisters–huddled around it until the wee hours of the morning. 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. Our shared atmosphere was bathed richly with 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 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 in the knowing that we were expressions of The One.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

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

Claiming Innocence

The Breadcrumb Trail to “I Am”

Through The Times

Tale of a Coffee Maker

Of Mortal Wounds

By Their Fruits

Wolves In Sheep’s Clothing

Let Your Kite Soar

The Fire of Our Being

Haven’t Been My”Self” Lately

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