Magic, Myth and Metaphysics

The Value of Silence

Why do people care about contacting the state of stillness and silence within? There are actually many benefits—here are a few:

·         Peace of mind

·         Reduction of stress

·         Reduction of identification with thoughts and as a result, with the false sense of self

·         Understanding the unmanifest nature of consciousness and the unity of all form on a deep, experiential level

·         Getting unstuck—if even for a short time—from the thought process, thereby allowing the bigger picture to emerge

·         Allowing intuition and insights to emerge

·         Learning to feel the subtle, nonverbal messages; developing sensitivity

·         Practice of entering the stillness allows it to be more accessible during the day

·         Development of compassion, lessening of judgment

·         Authentic happiness and well-being flow from this place; diving beneath the thought-layer allows them to flow unimpeded (this has been called “taking your foot off the hose”)

·         Learning to trust the still, small voice

·         Gradual shift to a higher, more inclusive level of consciousness

·         Become infused with light from within as the layers of thought and emotion loosen up

·         Understanding that life and feelings come from within, not without, equals empowerment

For more information, visit my Seminars page and my Professional Services page, call (831) 212-2168 or email andrea@awakeability.com

Embracing Multidimensionality

Do you believe that E=MC²? That matter and energy are interchangeable? Scientists have been telling us this for decades now; it’s become common knowledge as an abstract concept. But do you ever experience that everything in you and the world is energy? And that this holds true for your feelings, thoughts, and mental images as well?

Lisa Randall is a Harvard physicist who has written a book on multidimensionality, entitled “Warped Passages: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Universe’s Hidden Dimensions.” While she doesn’t at all advocate for the metaphysical interpretation of inner worlds (she is very scientific) she has an interesting point about dimensions. To paraphrase her in my own language: we are all multidimensional beings in the sense that we have aspects that are physical, emotional, intellectual, moral, particular learning styles, and so on. These attributes, characteristics, personality tendencies and genetic inheritances can be called dimensions of our personalities.

Most of these so-called dimensions beyond the physical can’t be observed in and of themselves; we see behaviors but not the actual intellect, intention or emotion of another. We can often readily observe what the emotion is, or deduce what the person is probably thinking, especially when they tell us. But that is all experienced outwardly. And within ourselves, we are aware of thoughts and feelings for instance, but again, we don’t perceive pure intellect—it is an abstraction, and yet a very real quality that we have.

I make this point only because it helps in getting a feeling for how other dimensions can exist right here and now, along with our physical one. Of course I’m taking Ms Randall’s metaphor and giving it a dreaded metaphysical twist, that’s only because I can’t help it; having experienced the reality of the inner worlds! In my experience, the other dimensions are within and all around us and the world. We contact these inner dimensions of the world when we go inside of ourselves. That’s how psychism works; the inside of us is totally connected with everything else. Dimensions, like qualities, precede the outer world, which exists as a result of them, rather than as their cause.

Taking it one step further, there are inhabitants of these dimensions, whose forms are also energy like our bodies are. They live in realities that precede the physical world in terms of manifesting; again, our outer reality emerges from their worlds. And one of the great tasks of our time is to bridge back to these worlds with our human consciousness, because in doing so we return to our embededness within the whole of life, which exists on all the dimensions, not just the physical.

For more information, visit my Seminars page and my Professional Services page, call (831) 212-2168 or email andrea@awakeability.com

Being Authentic

“Be who you are and say what you feel. Because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”  –Dr. Seuss

Being authentic in the world can be easier said than done. Many people have been raised to feel badly about their own thoughts and opinions; to give themselves a hard time and invalidate their experience. Others may not have a problem expressing themselves, but do so in a way that alienates others, seems too pushy or steamrollers over everybody else. And many people have lost touch with what they actually feel; in their need for approval from the outside, they go along with the crowd.

What is the benefit of being authentic, even to the point of being different? It has to do with integrity. If you are not true to yourself, you give away part of your own power to others. If you express yourself in a way that alienates, you are acting from a place of disconnection. And if you constantly put yourself down, you are undermining your own truth. Being authentic can be difficult when the pressure of a group doesn’t support your truth. But having the courage to state your truth in a respectful way builds self-esteem and personal strength; the strength of conviction and personal authority. These qualities are ones that you want; ones that will serve you for a lifetime.

Remember that you will never be able to please all people. Some people will always disagree with you, and others are determined to never be pleased with anything. Practice the skill of being able to be authentic and realize that other people’s opinions and choices about their own authenticity are about them, not you. And along with this, practice tact in putting out your truth while not invalidating that of others. One good way to do this is to begin with, “In my experience...” This allows you to own what’ so for you, while not putting anyone else down. Others can’t actually deny your experience, so you are able to be truthful while at the same time being gentle.

For more information, visit my Seminars page and my Professional Services page, call (831) 212-2168 or email andrea@awakeability.com

Acting on Your Soul’s Purpose

 “Decide upon your major and definite purpose in life and then organize all your activities around it.” --Brian Tracy

“It is the soul’s duty to be loyal to its own desires. It must abandon itself to its master passion.” --Dame Rebecca West

Yesterday’s post discussed finding your purpose through connecting with the deepest core of your being; today’s post delves into what to do about it. Brian Tracy talks about purpose in terms of decision, while Dame Rebecca West speaks of loyalty or obedience to your deep desires. Either approach can work, as long as you follow through, and following through involves action.

Purpose is not a static thing. It unfolds over time if you give attention and action to doing what you love. Many people are unhappy because they don’t allow themselves to do what is fulfilling, or they look in the wrong places for fulfillment. Taking action to spend time—to “organize all your activities around” your purpose—can be extremely challenging. You may have job and family responsibilities, financial issues, or other life circumstances that demand time and attention. Nevertheless, you can start to put inner fulfillment higher on your priority list.

This may take some creative thought. You may have to juggle time, work out some shared responsibilities, cut back on other activities, or even move to a less expensive place so that your whole life isn’t taken up with paying for a lifestyle that isn’t bringing you any real fulfillment. The “soul’s duty” is to be honest with yourself and to act on what you discover. Furthermore, you must do this with some thought as to how you can make the changes. Abandoning yourself to your passion doesn’t mean suddenly quitting your job and moving to Aspen because you love to ski. It means being true to yourself while finding a workable way to further your inner life.

Spending at least some time every day in an activity that brings you joy from within, coupled with a sincere questioning of how to take it deeper or open out into further joy, will nurture the place in your heart where your purpose can unfold. Although it’s likely that you will be challenged to make changes in your life, if you abandon yourself to your master passion and organize your life around it, you will discover how you, as a manifestation of Divine Spirit, fit into the larger scheme of the world.

For more information, visit my Seminars page and my Professional Services page, call (831) 212-2168 or email andrea@awakeability.com

Finding Your Soul’s Purpose

“Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart.” --Rumi

We are in a process of waking up to who and what we are. Part of this process involves coming to realize what we are here to do. The creative ground of the universe, that which is named Divine Spirit, God or Goddess in religious terms, has purposefully become everything, including you. Today, take a few moments to imagine this. An invisible, still, silent yet aware state of being is at this moment generating your body with its senses, and allowing you to think the thoughts that you choose, because this Presence has given itself (as you) free will. It is being you right now as you read this; being aware as you of the words, and the meaning of them.

This Presence-that-is-you has a distinct purpose in being you. The purpose is not some outside requirement, like a school or job assignment; it is your deepest joy and fulfillment. The way that this ground of being works is through love and joy, rather than through commandment and fear. The “work” you came to do is what brings you the greatest joy. Spirit, who is pure Being, manifested as you in order to also be Doing; that’s why you have an active mind, and hands!

Because we are conditioned in this society to attach happiness to outside things such as possessions, recreational activities, being in relationship with “the right person” and so on, we can cover up what our real purpose is. The best way to uncover it is through being still and silent with yourself, and remembering what it is that you love to do. The full answer may not come all at once, but it’s almost certain that you will quickly uncover the beginnings of it. If you already know what you are here to do, taking this time can still be valuable, because it’s almost certain that you have even fuller expressions that could be realized. Sometimes there are several strands of your inner weaving that bring you joy. It’s important to honor them all as best you can.

Uncovering your purpose always involves bringing it out into the world in some way that enhances the rest of life: that is the nature of Spirit—who is all of life. Tomorrow I’ll go into taking action on your purpose.

For more information, visit my Seminars page and my Professional Services page, call (831) 212-2168 or email andrea@awakeability.com

Help in Crisis

“Crises feed on fear. Help others to look for the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit that exists even in the worst situations. If you do this, others will look to you for leadership, and your own fortunes will improve in ways you can't even imagine.”  --Bill Harris

In these times of turmoil, many people are in need of help. While this help is often in terms of physical needs such as a loan, a place to stay or a job, it is often the case that emotional help is just as critical. People’s world views get them into all sorts of emotional trouble; especially the habits of blaming, complaining and justifying or making excuses for their situations.

If you can help someone to see that there is benefit in every situation, you will do them a great service. This may take some creative thinking, and also willingness on his/her part to brainstorm with you. But practicing the habit of thinking positively in every situation will be of huge benefit to both of you. The more you do this, the more benefit you will get; it will be strengthening a beneficial mental muscle.

Of course you must approach this exercise with tact: if someone has just lost a loved one, it may not be the time to push positive thinking on them. And realize that this practice actually goes beyond simple positive thinking. It isn’t simply repeating affirmations about what you want or glossing over situations with “it’s not so bad;” this practice involves looking squarely in the face of what’s happening and finding the benefit in it, even if the benefit doesn’t feel like it’s going to fix the situation. Maybe the benefit of losing a home is that it prompts someone to finally face up to their spending habits. Or the benefit of being out of work may be that someone can take a good hard look at changing careers to something more fitting. Maybe a relationship break up allows someone to come to terms with their own attitudes and behaviors that have helped to create unworkable partnerships. These are all examples of benefits that involve growing into greater mental and emotional health.

If you will help people find solutions, you will benefit from their insights as well as from the process itself. Not only that, you will benefit simply by being of genuine service. I encourage you to use this practice on yourself as well. In times of turmoil, it’s good to have solid grounding in your own center, and be willing to always grow.

For more information, visit my Seminars page and my Professional Services page, call (831) 212-2168 or email andrea@awakeability.com

America Unraveling

“The things that will destroy us are: politics without principle; pleasure without conscience; wealth without work; knowledge without character; business without morality; science without humanity; and worship without sacrifice.” Mahatma Gandhi The election of Barak Obama as our next president has brought a huge sense of relief to many people. The fear that as a country we were headed down an inexorable whirlpool of disaster has abated somewhat. But what is next? The hemorrhaging of resources, money and opportunity away from the majority of people may have a chance to slow down; yet the insane pollution of our own biosphere and the rabid exploitation of our own and other countries’ peoples have not stopped. Huge cultural, educational, religious and economic systems that exploit and serve to maintain injustice, prejudice and fear still exist, with the momentum of many decades or centuries behind them. Obama faces a country and world in deep crisis on almost every level; a crisis that is reflected in many peoples’ personal lives. America is in a time of unraveling, which is going to go beyond the term of Obama’s presidency, even if he is re-elected in four years. Big important systems need to change, and even if they do, the climate is going to bring new surprises. This is more than big; it’s huge. As a society, we have allowed the rampage of economic and ecological destruction to get worse and worse, until it finally is at a point where a great majority of the people said ENOUGH—to at least some of it. But how much, and who has to change? In order for this country to make it through the transitions ahead, each of us needs to heed Gandhi’s warning. It’s one thing to say, “yes, the politicians, rich people and corporations are largely corrupt, science forges forward creating monstrous things with no concern, and some of our religions continue to foster extreme self-righteousness and fear.” It’s another thing to recognize these traits within ourselves and do what we can to get out of our own personal apathy, fear, “can’t do,” and other paralyzing limitations. In order to do this, we are going to need each other. Those of us on the planet at this time are going to have to pull together if we are to survive. We will have to help each other get past our personal limitations, we will have to help dismantle the life-destroying systems, we will have to continue to create and foster the many life-affirming systems, and we will have to provide what physical assistance we can, while also receiving it from others. We must do it together; the nature of the situation is that it is beyond just the government to fix. If we don’t willingly learn to live within the means of the planet—which for many Americans will entail sacrifice—we will be required to do so by the planet itself. As a great start on the environmental part, I invite each person to go to www.conservation.org LINK to measure your own eco-footprint. If you click on “Measure Your Eco-Footprint,” it takes you through a questionnaire that will show you at the end how many Earths it would take if everyone lived in the same way that you do. For more information, visit my Seminars page and my Professional Services page, call (831) 212-2168 or email andrea@awakeability.com “The things that will destroy us are: politics without principle; pleasure without conscience; wealth without work; knowledge without character; business without morality; science without humanity; and worship without sacrifice.”  Mahatma Gandhi

The election of Barak Obama as our next president has brought a huge sense of relief to many people. The fear that as a country we were headed down an inexorable whirlpool of disaster has abated somewhat. But what is next? The hemorrhaging of resources, money and opportunity away from the majority of people may have a chance to slow down; yet the insane pollution of our own biosphere and the rabid exploitation of our own and other countries’ peoples have not stopped. Huge cultural, educational, religious and economic systems that exploit and serve to maintain injustice, prejudice and fear still exist, with the momentum of many decades or centuries behind them. Obama faces a country and world in deep crisis on almost every level; a crisis that is reflected in many peoples’ personal lives.

America is in a time of unraveling, which is going to go beyond the term of Obama’s presidency, even if he is re-elected in four years. Big important systems need to change, and even if they do, the climate is going to bring new surprises. This is more than big; it’s huge. As a society, we have allowed the rampage of economic and ecological destruction to get worse and worse, until it finally is at a point where a great majority of the people said ENOUGH—to at least some of it. But how much, and who has to change?

In order for this country to make it through the transitions ahead, each of us needs to heed Gandhi’s warning. It’s one thing to say, “yes, the politicians, rich people and corporations are largely corrupt, science forges forward creating monstrous things with no concern, and some of our religions continue to foster extreme self-righteousness and fear.” It’s another thing to recognize these traits within ourselves and do what we can to get out of our own personal apathy, fear, “can’t do,” and other paralyzing limitations.

In order to do this, we are going to need each other. Those of us on the planet at this time are going to have to pull together if we are to survive. We will have to help each other get past our personal limitations, we will have to help dismantle the life-destroying systems, we will have to continue to create and foster the many life-affirming systems, and we will have to provide what physical assistance we can, while also receiving it from others. We must do it together; the nature of the situation is that it is beyond just the government to fix. If we don’t willingly learn to live within the means of the planet—which for many Americans will entail sacrifice—we will be required to do so by the planet itself.

As a great start on the environmental part, I invite each person to go to www.conservation.org to measure your own eco-footprint. If you click on “Measure Your Eco-Footprint,” it takes you through a questionnaire that will show you at the end how many Earths it would take if everyone lived in the same way that you do.

For more information, visit my Seminars page and my Professional Services page, call (831) 212-2168 or email andrea@awakeability.com