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Why people believe weird things ... hmmm ... a couple of thoughts pop into my consciousness ... firstly 'weird' is a relative term or a dualistic term. You only create the category 'weird' once you create the category 'ordinary'. You can only label someething as 'weird' once you have assumed that life/reality/experience is limited to a certain narrow range. In reality, nothing is actually weird. Everything happens. It just doesn't happen to everyone all-the-time. :) Just curious as to what would constitute 'proof' of what one can see ... supposing you belonged to an intellligent species which was blind. If you were born with the power of sight would anyone believe you ... would anyone even be able to imagine what you are describing ...
In reality, nothing is actually weird. Everything happens. It just doesn't happen to everyone all-the-time. :)
Just curious as to what would constitute 'proof' of what one can see ... supposing you belonged to an intellligent species which was blind. If you were born with the power of sight would anyone believe you ... would anyone even be able to imagine what you are describing ...
is it really possible to see aura's on t.v? Or do you need to adjust your picture?
Peggy & Carol, I'm glad you enjoyed the 'Seven Selves' from Gibran's The Madman. I was familiar with The Prophet but until the other day I was quite unaware of his other writings. Then again, I have read a whole heap of stuff in the past couple of years that previously I would never have even contemplated reading if you had held a gun to my head! :) Speaking of self & selves, I happened to pick up one of Deepak's earlier works in the library yesterday, Quantum Healing. Here's a little passage that caught my eye ... But I would betray the rishis' knowledge if I did not present its final expansion which has no clearly defined precedent in the West - or at best is confined to religious doctrine. The rishis were after a state of total awareness. For them, this was not philosophy or religion but a natural form of human awareness. The fourth state, it turns out, is not an end point but a doorway. And what is on the other side? The only complete answer would have to come from the thousands and thousands of pages of Vedic texts which function as the encyclopedia of experiences the rishis recorded. The simplest answer is to say that what each rishi encountered was the Self. An extremely accurate depiction of meeting the Self was given by a meditator from Connecticut: One of the most regular experiences in my meditation is of expanded awarenes, of no longer being confined to the inside of my head, but being as infinite or more infinite than the universe. Sometimes I feel the boundaries of the mind being pushed out, like the ever-widening circumference of a circle, until the circle disappears and only infinity remains. It is a feeling of great freedom, but also one of naturalness, far more real and natural than being confined to such a small space. Sometimes the sense of infinity is so strong that I lose the sensation of body or matter - just infinite, unbounded awareness, an eternal, never-changing continuum of consciousness. Everyone will have to respond to this in his own terms. I hope that we have laid enough solid groundwork so that the account can appear in its true light, not as a self-delusion but as an actual encounter with the silent field of intelligence. Earlier, we noted that the body in its real nature is non-change mixed with change. The reason why taht is so is that all of nature exhibits these two paradoxical yet complimentary states. As awareness expands, the huge scope of change and the equally huge scope of non-change dawn on the mind. An ancient Chinese poem by Hsu Hsu says: The first wave is receding The second wave promptly arrives So many layers of time So many lives. Can we grant this beautiful openness of percetion, at once serene and all-encompassing, to an ordinary person from Connecticut? I think we have to, for the same biochemistry that sustains such an experience is available to anyone, regardless of time. Our DNA has remebered all the things that have ever happened to human beings. It would be ridiculous to suppose that only Chinese or Indian DNA can trigger higher states of consciousness; it would be impoverished to claim that they are not real. The meditator's statement ends with this wonderfully exact appreciation of quantum reality: "Sometimes there is an interesting paradox of activity and rest all in one, and I feel within my awareness that I am moving infinitely fast and remaining perfectly still at the same time. This is the experience of the ever-changing along with the never-changing." Anyone who wants to take the full benefit of the Vedic knowledge must come to grips with the fact that such normally inconceivable states as infinity, eternity and transcendence are real. These words do not belong to the vocabulary of the ordinary waking state, but they are not so distant from it, either. We all have the power to make reality. Why make it inside boundaries when the boundless is so near? - Quantum Healing by Deepak Chopra
Speaking of self & selves, I happened to pick up one of Deepak's earlier works in the library yesterday, Quantum Healing. Here's a little passage that caught my eye ...
But I would betray the rishis' knowledge if I did not present its final expansion which has no clearly defined precedent in the West - or at best is confined to religious doctrine. The rishis were after a state of total awareness. For them, this was not philosophy or religion but a natural form of human awareness. The fourth state, it turns out, is not an end point but a doorway. And what is on the other side? The only complete answer would have to come from the thousands and thousands of pages of Vedic texts which function as the encyclopedia of experiences the rishis recorded. The simplest answer is to say that what each rishi encountered was the Self. An extremely accurate depiction of meeting the Self was given by a meditator from Connecticut: One of the most regular experiences in my meditation is of expanded awarenes, of no longer being confined to the inside of my head, but being as infinite or more infinite than the universe. Sometimes I feel the boundaries of the mind being pushed out, like the ever-widening circumference of a circle, until the circle disappears and only infinity remains. It is a feeling of great freedom, but also one of naturalness, far more real and natural than being confined to such a small space. Sometimes the sense of infinity is so strong that I lose the sensation of body or matter - just infinite, unbounded awareness, an eternal, never-changing continuum of consciousness. Everyone will have to respond to this in his own terms. I hope that we have laid enough solid groundwork so that the account can appear in its true light, not as a self-delusion but as an actual encounter with the silent field of intelligence. Earlier, we noted that the body in its real nature is non-change mixed with change. The reason why taht is so is that all of nature exhibits these two paradoxical yet complimentary states. As awareness expands, the huge scope of change and the equally huge scope of non-change dawn on the mind. An ancient Chinese poem by Hsu Hsu says: The first wave is receding The second wave promptly arrives So many layers of time So many lives. Can we grant this beautiful openness of percetion, at once serene and all-encompassing, to an ordinary person from Connecticut? I think we have to, for the same biochemistry that sustains such an experience is available to anyone, regardless of time. Our DNA has remebered all the things that have ever happened to human beings. It would be ridiculous to suppose that only Chinese or Indian DNA can trigger higher states of consciousness; it would be impoverished to claim that they are not real. The meditator's statement ends with this wonderfully exact appreciation of quantum reality: "Sometimes there is an interesting paradox of activity and rest all in one, and I feel within my awareness that I am moving infinitely fast and remaining perfectly still at the same time. This is the experience of the ever-changing along with the never-changing." Anyone who wants to take the full benefit of the Vedic knowledge must come to grips with the fact that such normally inconceivable states as infinity, eternity and transcendence are real. These words do not belong to the vocabulary of the ordinary waking state, but they are not so distant from it, either. We all have the power to make reality. Why make it inside boundaries when the boundless is so near?
One of the most regular experiences in my meditation is of expanded awarenes, of no longer being confined to the inside of my head, but being as infinite or more infinite than the universe. Sometimes I feel the boundaries of the mind being pushed out, like the ever-widening circumference of a circle, until the circle disappears and only infinity remains. It is a feeling of great freedom, but also one of naturalness, far more real and natural than being confined to such a small space. Sometimes the sense of infinity is so strong that I lose the sensation of body or matter - just infinite, unbounded awareness, an eternal, never-changing continuum of consciousness.
It is a feeling of great freedom, but also one of naturalness, far more real and natural than being confined to such a small space. Sometimes the sense of infinity is so strong that I lose the sensation of body or matter - just infinite, unbounded awareness, an eternal, never-changing continuum of consciousness.
Everyone will have to respond to this in his own terms. I hope that we have laid enough solid groundwork so that the account can appear in its true light, not as a self-delusion but as an actual encounter with the silent field of intelligence. Earlier, we noted that the body in its real nature is non-change mixed with change. The reason why taht is so is that all of nature exhibits these two paradoxical yet complimentary states. As awareness expands, the huge scope of change and the equally huge scope of non-change dawn on the mind. An ancient Chinese poem by Hsu Hsu says:
The first wave is receding The second wave promptly arrives So many layers of time So many lives.
Can we grant this beautiful openness of percetion, at once serene and all-encompassing, to an ordinary person from Connecticut? I think we have to, for the same biochemistry that sustains such an experience is available to anyone, regardless of time. Our DNA has remebered all the things that have ever happened to human beings. It would be ridiculous to suppose that only Chinese or Indian DNA can trigger higher states of consciousness; it would be impoverished to claim that they are not real. The meditator's statement ends with this wonderfully exact appreciation of quantum reality: "Sometimes there is an interesting paradox of activity and rest all in one, and I feel within my awareness that I am moving infinitely fast and remaining perfectly still at the same time. This is the experience of the ever-changing along with the never-changing."
Anyone who wants to take the full benefit of the Vedic knowledge must come to grips with the fact that such normally inconceivable states as infinity, eternity and transcendence are real. These words do not belong to the vocabulary of the ordinary waking state, but they are not so distant from it, either. We all have the power to make reality. Why make it inside boundaries when the boundless is so near?
- Quantum Healing by Deepak Chopra
Bob, didn't anyone tell you never to stare into the sun!! I stared at a setting sun once and then looked at my dog and saw enormous flamelike spirals of energy firing out of his ass. But alas, I really didn't believe it was his aura. Then again, perhaps I was looking at the wrong end - ha! Your aura instructions sounded alot like THIS! I was watching World's Greatest Police Chases Part 6 on FOX the other day and I swear those cops had the ability to see aura's! It was night time and they had these special "aura-vision" goggles and could see the bad guy's auras I swear! I saw it with my own eyes, so that means I could see aura's even without the special aura glasses! I don't know about people close to death having grey aura's but I think bad people must have these bright orange-reddish aura's cuz all the guys they were chasing had 'em. Seriously, the aura seers here may want to check out some of the links below and if you still think you can see auras it ought to be pretty easy to prove, so go HERE and you can win a million dollars! You can't tell me your favorite charity wouldn't benefit from a million dollar donation! Heck they would probably even give it to you if you can levitate! Aura Photography Auras Energy Fields Why People Believe Weird Things
I stared at a setting sun once and then looked at my dog and saw enormous flamelike spirals of energy firing out of his ass. But alas, I really didn't believe it was his aura. Then again, perhaps I was looking at the wrong end - ha!
Your aura instructions sounded alot like THIS!
I was watching World's Greatest Police Chases Part 6 on FOX the other day and I swear those cops had the ability to see aura's! It was night time and they had these special "aura-vision" goggles and could see the bad guy's auras I swear! I saw it with my own eyes, so that means I could see aura's even without the special aura glasses! I don't know about people close to death having grey aura's but I think bad people must have these bright orange-reddish aura's cuz all the guys they were chasing had 'em.
Seriously, the aura seers here may want to check out some of the links below and if you still think you can see auras it ought to be pretty easy to prove, so go HERE and you can win a million dollars! You can't tell me your favorite charity wouldn't benefit from a million dollar donation! Heck they would probably even give it to you if you can levitate!
Aura Photography Auras Energy Fields Why People Believe Weird Things
Carol - I don't find much benefit from practicing seeing auras except that it does reflect my consciousness is operating from a higher level than when I don't see them. Also, there are times when I am in public and it is not practical to meditate so concentrating on auras is sort of a compromise.As promised - here is Stuart Wilde's instructions on "How To See Auras" form his book "Infinite Self" Pages 16 & 17. ....you actually can see the life force flowing through nature if your perception is clear and you know what you are looking for. Wait until sunset, and get yourself into a relaxed state. Stare at the top of a big tree, and after a minute or so, move your gaze to the area of the sky to the right of the tree. Stare where approxamately the one o'clock position would be on the clock. Now, without moving your eyes from that point in the sky, move your attention back to the top of the tree. Don't move your eyes, just your attention. By doing so, you engage your peripheral vision. You'll see the enormous flamelike spirals of energy firing out of the top of the tree in all directions. As I said, this exercise is best performed at dusk, because bright sunlight and bright electrical lighting - especially neon lighting - swamps our visual perception of subtle energy. If you don't see the energy of the tree on the first attempt, leave it and try again later. It is probably because your peripheral vision is still under-developed; or perhaps you are not relaxed enough, so your brain cells at the time of viewing are oscillating too quickly. You have to be in a meditative state of consciousness to see the subtlety of life.When I was first starting out, I found fir/pine trees were the best because they have a pointed top. Also, it is best to sit, in a relaxed position, with your back to the Sun. If you do a little meditation before you start, that too may help. I also find that tree's auras are more full in the summer than the winter because the trees are not as dormant (more reason to try a pine tree this time of year). Once you see auras on a tree, you can see them in all of life if you take the time to look!!!Enjoy and Namaste'
As promised - here is Stuart Wilde's instructions on "How To See Auras" form his book "Infinite Self" Pages 16 & 17.
....you actually can see the life force flowing through nature if your perception is clear and you know what you are looking for. Wait until sunset, and get yourself into a relaxed state. Stare at the top of a big tree, and after a minute or so, move your gaze to the area of the sky to the right of the tree. Stare where approxamately the one o'clock position would be on the clock. Now, without moving your eyes from that point in the sky, move your attention back to the top of the tree. Don't move your eyes, just your attention. By doing so, you engage your peripheral vision. You'll see the enormous flamelike spirals of energy firing out of the top of the tree in all directions.
As I said, this exercise is best performed at dusk, because bright sunlight and bright electrical lighting - especially neon lighting - swamps our visual perception of subtle energy. If you don't see the energy of the tree on the first attempt, leave it and try again later. It is probably because your peripheral vision is still under-developed; or perhaps you are not relaxed enough, so your brain cells at the time of viewing are oscillating too quickly. You have to be in a meditative state of consciousness to see the subtlety of life.
When I was first starting out, I found fir/pine trees were the best because they have a pointed top. Also, it is best to sit, in a relaxed position, with your back to the Sun. If you do a little meditation before you start, that too may help. I also find that tree's auras are more full in the summer than the winter because the trees are not as dormant (more reason to try a pine tree this time of year). Once you see auras on a tree, you can see them in all of life if you take the time to look!!!
Enjoy and Namaste'
thank you, Bob. i never practiced, it just happened and i don't really feel it has had much benefit, one way or the other, but sometimes makes for good conversation, heh! do you feel there has been benefit from it? is that why you practiced? i also wonder how you met your friend the Indian Drummer and Co? i know you haven't been in Taos long, so was just curious. thank you, to, for the wish for a peace filled day. it has been a truly wonderful day, here. the weather is beautiful, sunny with a cool breeze blowing thru the oaks and lunch on the porch with Michael was great. a quiet day, the grand-daughter hasn't made it home from school, yet. ;) by the way, you know we always keep the light burning for you. a few others that aren't posting, now, too.Hi (((Pat))) and hello to (((Jess))) too. glad to "see" you. i was wondering, didn't you move? i'm sure i remember that you were going to? anyway, did you meet your gent friend after you moved? again, just curious. i am also waiting for Bob to post the instructions, a gentle reminder of the promise, heh!
thank you, to, for the wish for a peace filled day. it has been a truly wonderful day, here. the weather is beautiful, sunny with a cool breeze blowing thru the oaks and lunch on the porch with Michael was great. a quiet day, the grand-daughter hasn't made it home from school, yet. ;) by the way, you know we always keep the light burning for you. a few others that aren't posting, now, too.
Hi (((Pat))) and hello to (((Jess))) too. glad to "see" you. i was wondering, didn't you move? i'm sure i remember that you were going to? anyway, did you meet your gent friend after you moved? again, just curious. i am also waiting for Bob to post the instructions, a gentle reminder of the promise, heh!
Paitence is a derviative of patience - spelling was never one of my greater attributes.
Pat - I was looking back and saw I posted my BP wrong - it should have read 97/70. I am suprised you don't pass out or get faint when you are giving blood.I will get those Aura instructions out (and I am willing to bet they work for you) but, the market is moving kind of fast today with the elections, the Fed, et. el. Please have paitence.Namaste'
I will get those Aura instructions out (and I am willing to bet they work for you) but, the market is moving kind of fast today with the elections, the Fed, et. el. Please have paitence.
Namaste'
Peggy - Yes, I did see Sliding Doors and thought it was good. Jess really enjoyed it, too. Bob - I've never had high blood pressure, but my father did and it was pretty bad. I inherited low bp from my mom - norm for me is 96/60, but I don't pass out when I give blood (?). Actually, the norm of 120/80 is considered high for me. Indeed, meditation has many health benefits, including lowering bp. Carol - thanks for sharing your experiences about auras. I've heard so much about them and the gent that I am dating can see them, but I don't have the ability (yet; looking for those instructions, Bob!) I appreciate your openness about this part of your life.
Bob - I've never had high blood pressure, but my father did and it was pretty bad. I inherited low bp from my mom - norm for me is 96/60, but I don't pass out when I give blood (?). Actually, the norm of 120/80 is considered high for me. Indeed, meditation has many health benefits, including lowering bp.
Carol - thanks for sharing your experiences about auras. I've heard so much about them and the gent that I am dating can see them, but I don't have the ability (yet; looking for those instructions, Bob!) I appreciate your openness about this part of your life.
TO - I have had a great life (this time around) but I too am still waiting for an India trip. I think you have Jeff and I confused - he was the lucky one this time around with his trip to Agra.Jealousy / envy is something that is rarely in my thought process as well. When I played the corporate game, I was always keeping score and there was a certain amount of jealousy of those who had more.After leaving that competitive environment and getting back on spiritual track, I came to realize that we all have our trials and tribulations regardless of our belongings. In fact, I find belongings somewhat of a nusiance these days. However, I do find the free time to explore what I want, one of the greatest gifts of all.Namaste'
Jealousy / envy is something that is rarely in my thought process as well. When I played the corporate game, I was always keeping score and there was a certain amount of jealousy of those who had more.
After leaving that competitive environment and getting back on spiritual track, I came to realize that we all have our trials and tribulations regardless of our belongings. In fact, I find belongings somewhat of a nusiance these days. However, I do find the free time to explore what I want, one of the greatest gifts of all.
Now I'd be lying if I said that I don't envy you somewhat the time and means to indulge myself a little more than I do.
When I began the "Journey of Awakening" all these types of things fascinated me, and I'd get caught with what other people were experiencing/doing-----Ego.Ram Dass was always pounding away in his lectures, most of time, about "us" accepting our own Dharma-----that we can't and won't experience ANYTHING other than what the Universe has planned for "us"."When the pupil's ready, the teacher appears", and as we go along the journey the "road rises to meet us", and we will intuitively know the next "step"----or phase.For instance, "I" could get caught in being jealous/envious of your situation-----especially the India trip and the cirles you travel in, but it isn't/hasn't been in the hand I've been dealt---YET (ha)! Another Dass "Ahhhhhhhhhh Sooooooooooooo"!
Ram Dass was always pounding away in his lectures, most of time, about "us" accepting our own Dharma-----that we can't and won't experience ANYTHING other than what the Universe has planned for "us".
"When the pupil's ready, the teacher appears", and as we go along the journey the "road rises to meet us", and we will intuitively know the next "step"----or phase.
For instance, "I" could get caught in being jealous/envious of your situation-----especially the India trip and the cirles you travel in, but it isn't/hasn't been in the hand I've been dealt---YET (ha)!
Another Dass "Ahhhhhhhhhh Sooooooooooooo"!
TO - I agree. I never try to see auras from an "Ego" standpoint, it is more my focusing on becoming conscious of the auras. Also, when the auras tend to pop up on their own, without my trying, I find it coincides with my being in a more aware/conscious state.As a side note, the halos often depicted around the saints, angels, etc. in the old masters paintings, originated from individuals seeing auras around the parties involved.Namaste'
As a side note, the halos often depicted around the saints, angels, etc. in the old masters paintings, originated from individuals seeing auras around the parties involved.
As far as "seeing" aura's, I think (for me) one has to be "open" themselves both from within AND in consciousness. Never had to "try" it from strictly an ego structure.
Me too Bob. ("seeing" you)I'm also glad you all have kept the light on for me
I'm also glad you all have kept the light on for me
TO - Good to "see" you.A related topic of discussion, "energy" might be interesting to pursue. When I meditate, I often "feel" the energy currents coursing through my body and once in a while, I get a large "jolt" usually emanating from one of my chakras. Then too, in meditation, there have been some partial Kundalini awakenings but in each case, I have gotten really scared and shut it down. I wish I could just let it run its course!!!Namaste'
A related topic of discussion, "energy" might be interesting to pursue. When I meditate, I often "feel" the energy currents coursing through my body and once in a while, I get a large "jolt" usually emanating from one of my chakras. Then too, in meditation, there have been some partial Kundalini awakenings but in each case, I have gotten really scared and shut it down. I wish I could just let it run its course!!!
Namaste' For me, "energy" is a good analogy. The more "contracted" caught in ego, mainly fear) a person is the lesser the emanination/illumination. Hope all are well and having a peace-filled day.
For me, "energy" is a good analogy. The more "contracted" caught in ego, mainly fear) a person is the lesser the emanination/illumination.
Hope all are well and having a peace-filled day.
Carol - You never bore us - we continually learn from you and enjoy your company!!!!Namaste'
Carol - Thanks for your input, you answered most of my questions.I did mean that with me, the more spiritual the person I am looking at seems to be, the more bright the aura I see around him/her. At least, it seems to correlate to my perception of their awareness.However, once in a while, I am surprised. Several weeks ago we had a traditional Indian Drumming session at our house with some friends. The Indian drummer, who is a friend, brought his mother and father and his father is the Medicine Man for the Taos Pueblo.At one point while the drumming and chanting was intense, I was watching my friend and his father's auras which were pretty bright. All of a sudden, another friend they brought with them came into view and his aura was much more bright than the drummer and Medicine Man - sure surprised me!!! Later in talking with the guy, I found him to be exceptionally conscious/aware.I agree with you that anyone can see auras. I started when I saw a passage from Stuart Wilde that explained how to see auras. I tried his approach and the first time, it worked. However, it did take some paitence and concentration. With practice (for lack of a better word) it gets easier and easier. Later in the day, I will post Wilde's instructions.Namaste'
I did mean that with me, the more spiritual the person I am looking at seems to be, the more bright the aura I see around him/her. At least, it seems to correlate to my perception of their awareness.
However, once in a while, I am surprised. Several weeks ago we had a traditional Indian Drumming session at our house with some friends. The Indian drummer, who is a friend, brought his mother and father and his father is the Medicine Man for the Taos Pueblo.
At one point while the drumming and chanting was intense, I was watching my friend and his father's auras which were pretty bright. All of a sudden, another friend they brought with them came into view and his aura was much more bright than the drummer and Medicine Man - sure surprised me!!! Later in talking with the guy, I found him to be exceptionally conscious/aware.
I agree with you that anyone can see auras. I started when I saw a passage from Stuart Wilde that explained how to see auras. I tried his approach and the first time, it worked. However, it did take some paitence and concentration. With practice (for lack of a better word) it gets easier and easier. Later in the day, I will post Wilde's instructions.
Hello all. Have dropped in a couple of times, but I get enough of "too close to call" on CNN. : ) D2, saw that you had a birthday. Let me slip into my special shiny Marilyn dress to sing for you. *clearing throat* Haaaapppy Birthday to you, Haaaappppy Birthday to you, *sigh* Happy Birthday DDDDDDDDDD 22222222222222, Haaaaapppy Birthday to you...*sigh, sigh, sigh* Now, let me get back into my jeans because this dress cuts off my circulation!!I hope you celebrated with those you love and that many good things continue to come your way. Hugs.
D2, saw that you had a birthday. Let me slip into my special shiny Marilyn dress to sing for you. *clearing throat* Haaaapppy Birthday to you, Haaaappppy Birthday to you, *sigh* Happy Birthday DDDDDDDDDD 22222222222222, Haaaaapppy Birthday to you...*sigh, sigh, sigh* Now, let me get back into my jeans because this dress cuts off my circulation!!
I hope you celebrated with those you love and that many good things continue to come your way. Hugs.
~ Thursday, November 9, 2000 ~ Q: What is the purpose of ego in our lives? A: The ego is the observer of our mind, body and the physical world. The Soul or Atman observes the ego and Spirit or Universal Consciousness observes the Soul. We cannot exist in a physical body in the physical universe without an ego. ~ Wednesday, November 8, 2000 ~ Q: How can I change my perspective from being threatened by the beauty of others and my partner's? A: Learn to recognize and appreciate your own beauty. Also, instead of feeling threatened by the beauty of others, be grateful for it. Are you threatened by a beautiful rose or a sunset? Begin to see the presence of Spirit in everything and everyone and you will see them all as beautiful.
Q: What is the purpose of ego in our lives?
A: The ego is the observer of our mind, body and the physical world. The Soul or Atman observes the ego and Spirit or Universal Consciousness observes the Soul. We cannot exist in a physical body in the physical universe without an ego.
~ Wednesday, November 8, 2000 ~
Q: How can I change my perspective from being threatened by the beauty of others and my partner's?
A: Learn to recognize and appreciate your own beauty. Also, instead of feeling threatened by the beauty of others, be grateful for it. Are you threatened by a beautiful rose or a sunset? Begin to see the presence of Spirit in everything and everyone and you will see them all as beautiful.
i hadn't checked into Dr. Chopra's Question For the Day for awhile. did so this morning and found some wonderful answers of things we talk about here. hope you don't mind if i bring to or three of them here this morning. Namasté. ~ Wednesday, November 1, 2000 ~ Q: Is it possible to reach one of the seven levels of "how to know god" and slip back to a previous level? If so can you regain the level you were at and move beyond? A: We can often have ‘glimpses’ of a higher level or move in and out of that level until we become established there. As our awareness continues to expand, we will continue to move forward and be established at every level. When we are established at one level, it is possible to move back and forth from that level to any of the previous levels, if that is appropriate for a particular situation. For example, even if we are at the level of the Creative Response, a situation may best be dealt with by a Reactive Response. Think of it like a series of sieves, each with a finer mesh as we move forward. The large stones get caught in the first sieve while the smaller ones move forward. Some get caught at the next level and it is only the finest particles that reach the final sieve. However, any stone that gets stuck at one level can pass back to any of the previous levels and return to where it gets caught. Similarly, as our consciousness becomes more refined, we are able to move forward to the next levels and back to the previous ones.
~ Wednesday, November 1, 2000 ~
Q: Is it possible to reach one of the seven levels of "how to know god" and slip back to a previous level? If so can you regain the level you were at and move beyond?
A: We can often have ‘glimpses’ of a higher level or move in and out of that level until we become established there. As our awareness continues to expand, we will continue to move forward and be established at every level. When we are established at one level, it is possible to move back and forth from that level to any of the previous levels, if that is appropriate for a particular situation. For example, even if we are at the level of the Creative Response, a situation may best be dealt with by a Reactive Response. Think of it like a series of sieves, each with a finer mesh as we move forward. The large stones get caught in the first sieve while the smaller ones move forward. Some get caught at the next level and it is only the finest particles that reach the final sieve. However, any stone that gets stuck at one level can pass back to any of the previous levels and return to where it gets caught. Similarly, as our consciousness becomes more refined, we are able to move forward to the next levels and back to the previous ones.
i'm open about it, Peggy, because i don't feel it is so extraordinary. i feel everyone is capable of seeing and feeling these things. some are not open to it, tho.Bob, it is not always a seeing for me, i always feel the energy and sometimes i see it as color or emanating out from the person. i do feel the energy of the chakras and can tell pretty much from what chakra a person is focusing on. i feel mine the most. for me, it is constantly fluctuating while for some of my friends, it seems their's are more stationary.haha! these descriptions are very difficult and fall far short of the experience but i hope i am answering your query, ok? Namasté and i hope everyOne has a wonderful day. i'm going to stay away from the tv, today to heck with this stuff. heh, it will be awhile before anything real happens, anyway. too much rhetoric can drive a girl crazeeeeeeeeeeeeee............
Bob, it is not always a seeing for me, i always feel the energy and sometimes i see it as color or emanating out from the person. i do feel the energy of the chakras and can tell pretty much from what chakra a person is focusing on. i feel mine the most. for me, it is constantly fluctuating while for some of my friends, it seems their's are more stationary.
haha! these descriptions are very difficult and fall far short of the experience but i hope i am answering your query, ok?
Namasté and i hope everyOne has a wonderful day. i'm going to stay away from the tv, today to heck with this stuff. heh, it will be awhile before anything real happens, anyway. too much rhetoric can drive a girl crazeeeeeeeeeeeeee............
hmmmm? i'm not sure i agree with your statement, Bob, that the more spiritual one is the more intense the aura. before i go on i would like to describe the way it is, for me, a bit more. i use the word aura, or describe it as colors, because those are words everyone seems to recognize. for me, it is more of an energy. yes, sometimes it seems to be color, or an aura, but mostly, it is an energy and the most intense energys, for me, are children or animals, expecially dogs. maybe i took your statement wrong, Bob, as i read, here, i thought you meant that the person seeing the aura was more spiritual. i see you mean, when you see a spiritual person, the aura might be more intense. for me, from my plce of awareness All is Spirit so, i see no one as being more Spirit/Spiritual than another. i'm just allowing this to flow onto the screen. it may not have correct context, so bear with me, please.seeing the Dalai Lama, for me, is an exhilerating experience. i become energized by him and his energy calms me. the first time i saw Rajneesh, it was as if my Soul opened up. if one knew me then, you would know that i never heard much of Eastern teaching, beside Jesus. and i thought Jesus was the only realized Being, ever. the night i saw Rajneesh, i knew the whole world was God. i use the word knew for i know no other way to define it. i just knew it, and it has not changed for me since.ok, i'm going to post this and then read, more. if i am boring anyone, please say so and i will stop.
maybe i took your statement wrong, Bob, as i read, here, i thought you meant that the person seeing the aura was more spiritual. i see you mean, when you see a spiritual person, the aura might be more intense. for me, from my plce of awareness All is Spirit so, i see no one as being more Spirit/Spiritual than another. i'm just allowing this to flow onto the screen. it may not have correct context, so bear with me, please.
seeing the Dalai Lama, for me, is an exhilerating experience. i become energized by him and his energy calms me. the first time i saw Rajneesh, it was as if my Soul opened up. if one knew me then, you would know that i never heard much of Eastern teaching, beside Jesus. and i thought Jesus was the only realized Being, ever. the night i saw Rajneesh, i knew the whole world was God. i use the word knew for i know no other way to define it. i just knew it, and it has not changed for me since.
ok, i'm going to post this and then read, more. if i am boring anyone, please say so and i will stop.
Carol - Another question. Do you see your own aura?? When I lay in bed at night, I will put my arm up toward the ceiling and it glows. Also, in a dim lit room, when I look into a mirror and concentrate, my head and shoulders glow as well.In the overall scheme of things, auras (and other such happenings), are a bi-product of our meditation and awakening. I have been warned not to linger on them for it may slow overall development but I find them fun just the same.Namaste' and Good Night
In the overall scheme of things, auras (and other such happenings), are a bi-product of our meditation and awakening. I have been warned not to linger on them for it may slow overall development but I find them fun just the same.
Namaste' and Good Night
Patricia - Glad about the synchrodestiny tapes, I find new revelations each time I listen to them as well. Yes, we have snow in the mountains - 40 inches up at the ski resort but just a dusting here in the valley. The intense sun makes it disappear in the valley even though we are at 7100 feet.Peggy - I will fall back on the comment that our bodies seem to have a mind of their own - it is not the true us that is causing the ruckus - "We be Cool".Carol - I do not see auras all the time, though I do when I concentrate on them and sometimes, they even pop up when I am not trying. However, on people, plants and animals (and once in a while the mountains), they are always blueish white and I don't see other colors. The intensity does vary though (it seems the more spiritual the individual / the more intense the aura). Deepak always glows without me even trying and once, I was with him after he had spent the entire previous day with the Dali Lama and his aura was a foot or so wider and much brighter than normal. Do you see the colors of the chakras as well??? I "see" them vividly but only when I am doing my sutras in meditation.Namaste'
Peggy - I will fall back on the comment that our bodies seem to have a mind of their own - it is not the true us that is causing the ruckus - "We be Cool".
Carol - I do not see auras all the time, though I do when I concentrate on them and sometimes, they even pop up when I am not trying. However, on people, plants and animals (and once in a while the mountains), they are always blueish white and I don't see other colors.
The intensity does vary though (it seems the more spiritual the individual / the more intense the aura). Deepak always glows without me even trying and once, I was with him after he had spent the entire previous day with the Dali Lama and his aura was a foot or so wider and much brighter than normal. Do you see the colors of the chakras as well??? I "see" them vividly but only when I am doing my sutras in meditation.
Carol, that is really interesting to me. I'm usually very intuitive and a little bit psychic but I have never experienced anything like auras. You do make me want to read more about it. I have this thing about color anyway. Thanks for being so open about it. Bob, I do hope that you understand that I am not trying in any way to excuse my rudeness to you or my careless interpretation of your post. Health can be a factor or a reason but rarely a good excuse. I guess there are exceptions for everything. "We cool." As for Florida, "it ain't over till it's over." Then add a few days to that! :-) We are survivors and it's a good time to practice one day at a time. I used to think that phrase was a cliche but it's not. I'm a lot better at it than I used to be. I look about a week into the future and a week into the past. Everything else is murky. There are definitely advantages to living in a fog. Geoff, I've liked Gibran for a long time but I've never stopped to think about the passages that you posted. Thanks for taking the time to do each self in a different color. I think that it made the impact on me more profound. When I read those passages, I had just finished watching American Beauty for the second time. The first time that I saw it, I felt that I learned something from each character. This time, I noticed that I am each character in one way or another. And I think most people can say that. Yet, the characters aren't stereotypes. That is amazing! Then The Madman post seemed to fit right in. American Beauty has so many layers! Another video that I can strongly recommend is the Dennis Quaid film Frequency. I was totally intrigued. It is about time and layers and the nature of reality. That seems to be a theme in a lot of movies these days and I love it! (Anyone else like Sliding Doors?)
Bob, I do hope that you understand that I am not trying in any way to excuse my rudeness to you or my careless interpretation of your post. Health can be a factor or a reason but rarely a good excuse. I guess there are exceptions for everything. "We cool."
As for Florida, "it ain't over till it's over." Then add a few days to that! :-) We are survivors and it's a good time to practice one day at a time.
I used to think that phrase was a cliche but it's not. I'm a lot better at it than I used to be. I look about a week into the future and a week into the past. Everything else is murky. There are definitely advantages to living in a fog.
Geoff, I've liked Gibran for a long time but I've never stopped to think about the passages that you posted. Thanks for taking the time to do each self in a different color. I think that it made the impact on me more profound.
When I read those passages, I had just finished watching American Beauty for the second time. The first time that I saw it, I felt that I learned something from each character. This time, I noticed that I am each character in one way or another. And I think most people can say that. Yet, the characters aren't stereotypes. That is amazing! Then The Madman post seemed to fit right in. American Beauty has so many layers!
Another video that I can strongly recommend is the Dennis Quaid film Frequency. I was totally intrigued. It is about time and layers and the nature of reality. That seems to be a theme in a lot of movies these days and I love it! (Anyone else like Sliding Doors?)
Have you ever heard of a wonderful set of processes called Emoclear. It is useful in rebalancing the body and relieving unwanted emotions- stress, anger, fear, anxiety, etc. Check out the processes at www.nap.fanspace.com or check out the discussion of it at http://www.alxbook.com/cgi-bin/guestbook.cgi?gb=G10559
I am glad the "friendship Ball" is a link. I personally love listening to the Chopra sychrodestiny tapes on my walkman while walking my dogs. Great connections there! Do you have snow there in Taos?
wonderful, Geoff, thank you. Peggy, i must admit that when i first became aware, that i was seeing auras or colors, was the first time i ever saw Rajneesh on tv. there was so much that happened, in those first few moments i saw him, that it would take many pages to describe it all. but i will spare you and just post about the aura. the space around him was white and sometimes, it was a more sparkly white. but mostly, i always viewed the white around him. years later, when he was coming close to leaving his body, it became more of a gray white. sometimes, it seemed like clouds were around him. i have witnessed this gray color around many people and have found out later that they have passed on. i see it around many of the people at the nursing home, too. i will come in and maybe see the same person for awhile and notice the gray color surrounding him/her and then come in and notice that they are gone. my mother usually tells me when one has passed on and i just tell her, i know, Mom. but, the colors i see around children are so magical, they light me up. i see the colors around plants, too. i don't make too much of this and i am just sort of throwing the thoughts out, as i type, but there are so many storys i could tell. for me, it is normal and i don't seem to think too much of it. unless someone asks me, or if i see colors around someone i know or love. then, sometimes, i might reflect on what i observed, later. especially, if i feel they might have some color that might seem to mean to me that they are ill or maybe some harm might come to them. then, i think about it or sometimes ask how they feel or advise them to take care. i hope you will find this interesting and enough to satisfy your question. Namasté
Peggy, i must admit that when i first became aware, that i was seeing auras or colors, was the first time i ever saw Rajneesh on tv. there was so much that happened, in those first few moments i saw him, that it would take many pages to describe it all. but i will spare you and just post about the aura. the space around him was white and sometimes, it was a more sparkly white. but mostly, i always viewed the white around him. years later, when he was coming close to leaving his body, it became more of a gray white. sometimes, it seemed like clouds were around him.
i have witnessed this gray color around many people and have found out later that they have passed on. i see it around many of the people at the nursing home, too. i will come in and maybe see the same person for awhile and notice the gray color surrounding him/her and then come in and notice that they are gone. my mother usually tells me when one has passed on and i just tell her, i know, Mom.
but, the colors i see around children are so magical, they light me up. i see the colors around plants, too. i don't make too much of this and i am just sort of throwing the thoughts out, as i type, but there are so many storys i could tell.
for me, it is normal and i don't seem to think too much of it. unless someone asks me, or if i see colors around someone i know or love. then, sometimes, i might reflect on what i observed, later. especially, if i feel they might have some color that might seem to mean to me that they are ill or maybe some harm might come to them. then, i think about it or sometimes ask how they feel or advise them to take care.
i hope you will find this interesting and enough to satisfy your question. Namasté
SEVEN SELVES In the silent hour of the night, as I lay half asleep, my seven selves sat together and thus conversed in whispers: First Self: Here, in this madman, I have dwelt all these years, with naught to do but renew his pain by day and recreate his sorrow by night. I can bear my fate no longer, and now I must rebel. Second Self: Yours is a better lot than mine, brother, for it is given me to be this madman's joyous self. I laugh his laughter and sing his happy hours, and with thrice winged feet I dance his brighter thoughts. It is I that would rebel against my weary existence. Third Self: And what of me, the love- ridden self, the flaming brand of wild pas- sion and fantastic desires? It is I the love-sick self who would rebel against this madman. Fourth Self: I, amongst you all, am the most miserable, for naught was given me but the odious hatred and destructive loathing. It is I, the tempest-like self, the one born in the black caves of Hell, who would protest against serving this mad- man. Fifth Self: Nay, it is I, the thinking self, the fanciful self, the self of hunger and thirst, the one doomed to wander with- out rest in search of unknown things and things not yet created; it is I, not you, who would rebel. Sixth Self: And I, the working self, the pitiful labourer, who, with patient hands, and longing eyes, fashion the days into images and give the formless ele- ments new and eternal forms--it is I, the solitary one, who would rebel against this restless madman. Seventh Self: How strange that you all would rebel against this man, because each and every one of you has a preor- dained fate to fulfill. Ah! could I but be like one of you, a self with a determined lot! But I have none, I am the do-noth- ing self, the one who sits in the dumb, empty nowhere and nowhen, when you are busy re-creating life. Is it you or I, neighbours, who should rebel? When the seventh self thus spake the other six selves looked with pity upon him but said nothing more; and as the night grew deeper one after the other went to sleep enfolded with a new and happy sub- mission. But the seventh self remained watching and gazing at nothingness, which is behind all things. - The Madman by Kahlil Gibran
In the silent hour of the night, as I lay half asleep, my seven selves sat together and thus conversed in whispers:
First Self: Here, in this madman, I have dwelt all these years, with naught to do but renew his pain by day and recreate his sorrow by night. I can bear my fate no longer, and now I must rebel. Second Self: Yours is a better lot than mine, brother, for it is given me to be this madman's joyous self. I laugh his laughter and sing his happy hours, and with thrice winged feet I dance his brighter thoughts. It is I that would rebel against my weary existence. Third Self: And what of me, the love- ridden self, the flaming brand of wild pas- sion and fantastic desires? It is I the love-sick self who would rebel against this madman. Fourth Self: I, amongst you all, am the most miserable, for naught was given me but the odious hatred and destructive loathing. It is I, the tempest-like self, the one born in the black caves of Hell, who would protest against serving this mad- man. Fifth Self: Nay, it is I, the thinking self, the fanciful self, the self of hunger and thirst, the one doomed to wander with- out rest in search of unknown things and things not yet created; it is I, not you, who would rebel. Sixth Self: And I, the working self, the pitiful labourer, who, with patient hands, and longing eyes, fashion the days into images and give the formless ele- ments new and eternal forms--it is I, the solitary one, who would rebel against this restless madman. Seventh Self: How strange that you all would rebel against this man, because each and every one of you has a preor- dained fate to fulfill. Ah! could I but be like one of you, a self with a determined lot! But I have none, I am the do-noth- ing self, the one who sits in the dumb, empty nowhere and nowhen, when you are busy re-creating life. Is it you or I, neighbours, who should rebel? When the seventh self thus spake the other six selves looked with pity upon him but said nothing more; and as the night grew deeper one after the other went to sleep enfolded with a new and happy sub- mission. But the seventh self remained watching and gazing at nothingness, which is behind all things.
Second Self: Yours is a better lot than mine, brother, for it is given me to be this madman's joyous self. I laugh his laughter and sing his happy hours, and with thrice winged feet I dance his brighter thoughts. It is I that would rebel against my weary existence. Third Self: And what of me, the love- ridden self, the flaming brand of wild pas- sion and fantastic desires? It is I the love-sick self who would rebel against this madman. Fourth Self: I, amongst you all, am the most miserable, for naught was given me but the odious hatred and destructive loathing. It is I, the tempest-like self, the one born in the black caves of Hell, who would protest against serving this mad- man. Fifth Self: Nay, it is I, the thinking self, the fanciful self, the self of hunger and thirst, the one doomed to wander with- out rest in search of unknown things and things not yet created; it is I, not you, who would rebel. Sixth Self: And I, the working self, the pitiful labourer, who, with patient hands, and longing eyes, fashion the days into images and give the formless ele- ments new and eternal forms--it is I, the solitary one, who would rebel against this restless madman. Seventh Self: How strange that you all would rebel against this man, because each and every one of you has a preor- dained fate to fulfill. Ah! could I but be like one of you, a self with a determined lot! But I have none, I am the do-noth- ing self, the one who sits in the dumb, empty nowhere and nowhen, when you are busy re-creating life. Is it you or I, neighbours, who should rebel? When the seventh self thus spake the other six selves looked with pity upon him but said nothing more; and as the night grew deeper one after the other went to sleep enfolded with a new and happy sub- mission. But the seventh self remained watching and gazing at nothingness, which is behind all things.
Third Self: And what of me, the love- ridden self, the flaming brand of wild pas- sion and fantastic desires? It is I the love-sick self who would rebel against this madman. Fourth Self: I, amongst you all, am the most miserable, for naught was given me but the odious hatred and destructive loathing. It is I, the tempest-like self, the one born in the black caves of Hell, who would protest against serving this mad- man. Fifth Self: Nay, it is I, the thinking self, the fanciful self, the self of hunger and thirst, the one doomed to wander with- out rest in search of unknown things and things not yet created; it is I, not you, who would rebel. Sixth Self: And I, the working self, the pitiful labourer, who, with patient hands, and longing eyes, fashion the days into images and give the formless ele- ments new and eternal forms--it is I, the solitary one, who would rebel against this restless madman. Seventh Self: How strange that you all would rebel against this man, because each and every one of you has a preor- dained fate to fulfill. Ah! could I but be like one of you, a self with a determined lot! But I have none, I am the do-noth- ing self, the one who sits in the dumb, empty nowhere and nowhen, when you are busy re-creating life. Is it you or I, neighbours, who should rebel? When the seventh self thus spake the other six selves looked with pity upon him but said nothing more; and as the night grew deeper one after the other went to sleep enfolded with a new and happy sub- mission. But the seventh self remained watching and gazing at nothingness, which is behind all things.
Fourth Self: I, amongst you all, am the most miserable, for naught was given me but the odious hatred and destructive loathing. It is I, the tempest-like self, the one born in the black caves of Hell, who would protest against serving this mad- man. Fifth Self: Nay, it is I, the thinking self, the fanciful self, the self of hunger and thirst, the one doomed to wander with- out rest in search of unknown things and things not yet created; it is I, not you, who would rebel. Sixth Self: And I, the working self, the pitiful labourer, who, with patient hands, and longing eyes, fashion the days into images and give the formless ele- ments new and eternal forms--it is I, the solitary one, who would rebel against this restless madman. Seventh Self: How strange that you all would rebel against this man, because each and every one of you has a preor- dained fate to fulfill. Ah! could I but be like one of you, a self with a determined lot! But I have none, I am the do-noth- ing self, the one who sits in the dumb, empty nowhere and nowhen, when you are busy re-creating life. Is it you or I, neighbours, who should rebel? When the seventh self thus spake the other six selves looked with pity upon him but said nothing more; and as the night grew deeper one after the other went to sleep enfolded with a new and happy sub- mission. But the seventh self remained watching and gazing at nothingness, which is behind all things.
Fifth Self: Nay, it is I, the thinking self, the fanciful self, the self of hunger and thirst, the one doomed to wander with- out rest in search of unknown things and things not yet created; it is I, not you, who would rebel. Sixth Self: And I, the working self, the pitiful labourer, who, with patient hands, and longing eyes, fashion the days into images and give the formless ele- ments new and eternal forms--it is I, the solitary one, who would rebel against this restless madman. Seventh Self: How strange that you all would rebel against this man, because each and every one of you has a preor- dained fate to fulfill. Ah! could I but be like one of you, a self with a determined lot! But I have none, I am the do-noth- ing self, the one who sits in the dumb, empty nowhere and nowhen, when you are busy re-creating life. Is it you or I, neighbours, who should rebel? When the seventh self thus spake the other six selves looked with pity upon him but said nothing more; and as the night grew deeper one after the other went to sleep enfolded with a new and happy sub- mission. But the seventh self remained watching and gazing at nothingness, which is behind all things.
Sixth Self: And I, the working self, the pitiful labourer, who, with patient hands, and longing eyes, fashion the days into images and give the formless ele- ments new and eternal forms--it is I, the solitary one, who would rebel against this restless madman. Seventh Self: How strange that you all would rebel against this man, because each and every one of you has a preor- dained fate to fulfill. Ah! could I but be like one of you, a self with a determined lot! But I have none, I am the do-noth- ing self, the one who sits in the dumb, empty nowhere and nowhen, when you are busy re-creating life. Is it you or I, neighbours, who should rebel? When the seventh self thus spake the other six selves looked with pity upon him but said nothing more; and as the night grew deeper one after the other went to sleep enfolded with a new and happy sub- mission. But the seventh self remained watching and gazing at nothingness, which is behind all things.
Seventh Self: How strange that you all would rebel against this man, because each and every one of you has a preor- dained fate to fulfill. Ah! could I but be like one of you, a self with a determined lot! But I have none, I am the do-noth- ing self, the one who sits in the dumb, empty nowhere and nowhen, when you are busy re-creating life. Is it you or I, neighbours, who should rebel? When the seventh self thus spake the other six selves looked with pity upon him but said nothing more; and as the night grew deeper one after the other went to sleep enfolded with a new and happy sub- mission. But the seventh self remained watching and gazing at nothingness, which is behind all things.
When the seventh self thus spake the other six selves looked with pity upon him but said nothing more; and as the night grew deeper one after the other went to sleep enfolded with a new and happy sub- mission. But the seventh self remained watching and gazing at nothingness, which is behind all things.
But the seventh self remained watching and gazing at nothingness, which is behind all things.
Thanks, Anne, for the link. There's some terrific software out there if anyone feels like making their own fractals or animations. My favourite is Fractal Extreme which allows even a dunderhead like me to create fractal zoom movies with a few points & clicks. Click here for more details. Enjoy.
Click here for more details.
Enjoy.
naaa! Pegs, i'm not offended and i am enjoying the humor. do you believe they are taking that penetration, pregnant ballot issue to court! WOWSERS!! what a mess. the rest of the country seems to think it's over down here but don't you believe it. and hey, i'll sign on a little later and post some about the colors/aura thingie. by the way, i hope you and Bob continue to do well, low blood sugar or high blood pressure is no fun, i'm sure. and it's great to hear that you both have been able to drop the blood pressure meds.
by the way, i hope you and Bob continue to do well, low blood sugar or high blood pressure is no fun, i'm sure. and it's great to hear that you both have been able to drop the blood pressure meds.
Peggy - I was just saying high blood pressure as a way of showing something was wrong with me a while back when I was so argumentative. In actuality, my blood pressure is so low I pass out when I give blood. And yes, meditation has lowered it even more - 97/170 seems to be my current run rate.Namaste'
Laugh of the Day: "Penetration is the key. Pregnancy does not count here." -- (Quote from Florida election official referring to examination of chads on Florida ballots) And I'm not making fun of that person, Carol! It is great to see a sense of humor in the middle of the muddle!
"Penetration is the key. Pregnancy does not count here."
-- (Quote from Florida election official referring to examination of chads on Florida ballots)
And I'm not making fun of that person, Carol! It is great to see a sense of humor in the middle of the muddle!
Thanks, Bob, for letting me off the hook. My problems with low blood sugar pass quickly and are not the danger to my health that high blood pressure can be. Did you find that blood pressure fluxuations affected your judgment? Has meditation lowered your blood pressure? I know that it helps many. I used to take three different medications for high blood pressure. Now I don't have to take any. Carol, I really am interested in your experiences with auras. When was the first time you saw one? Do auras always have color? Please tell me more.
Carol, I really am interested in your experiences with auras. When was the first time you saw one? Do auras always have color? Please tell me more.
Dave R & Peggy - No apologies necessary. I wasn't trying to be antagonistic. It is just that we have been there before and there is no sense opening freshly healed wounds.Your low blood sugar Peggy, does not even come close to comparing to my high blood pressure of a while back.Friends & Namaste'
Your low blood sugar Peggy, does not even come close to comparing to my high blood pressure of a while back.
Friends & Namaste'
"UNITY EXPERIENCE"
Carol, thanks for asking about Peggy. Yes, she's better. These things usually require a little orange juice and/or something sweet to restore her blood sugar levels and to get her light-headedness and shakiness under control. They're very unpredictable until she's right in the middle of one, and they are unsettling.It sounds like your documenting your experiences has worked well for you. I had a dream one time where I thought I had found "the secret of the universe" and had the presence of mind to wake up, scramble around for a pencil and paper, make a few notes, and then go back to the dream. It was so convincing. When I woke up later that morning, the notes were just so much scrawling and gibberish. Not even a clue what I had dreamed. My luck, I guess.
It sounds like your documenting your experiences has worked well for you. I had a dream one time where I thought I had found "the secret of the universe" and had the presence of mind to wake up, scramble around for a pencil and paper, make a few notes, and then go back to the dream. It was so convincing. When I woke up later that morning, the notes were just so much scrawling and gibberish. Not even a clue what I had dreamed. My luck, I guess.
thanks, Dave, and i hope Peggy is feeling ok, now, and good morning. well, actually, it's the middle of the night, heh! 4am and i am mulling around and decided to sign on. thanks, Peggy, for the vote of confidence that you give me in your post. i mentioned in the post to Cathy, that i looked around the audience to see if anyone else was seeing what i was seeing. i, too, sometimes question, even, what i see. in this case, i was looking to see startled expressions, or hear gasps. i know that on the stage many things can look amazing with lighting, etc. but there was no movement, or raised eyebrows. you know, things that one might expect to see, if people were witnessing something such as this. therefore, i must accept that it was something i was seeing and that was it. one of the reasons that i mention this experience is, it was documented here, right after, i came in. i have had many of these types of happenings, but in the case of the night of the shuttle liftoff and the night i went to Deepak's How To Know God book signing, thanks to the Forum, i documented it shortly after the experience. posting these experiences, here, is the first time i ever did this and i am happy to have the posts to draw upon and re-live the memory. mostly, because i usually have difficulty putting these things into words, once the experience has past. please, understand that i don't feel having these experiences make me some kind of extra-ordinary person. simply, an ordinary person that is open to the Wonders of Existence.
thanks, Peggy, for the vote of confidence that you give me in your post. i mentioned in the post to Cathy, that i looked around the audience to see if anyone else was seeing what i was seeing. i, too, sometimes question, even, what i see. in this case, i was looking to see startled expressions, or hear gasps. i know that on the stage many things can look amazing with lighting, etc. but there was no movement, or raised eyebrows. you know, things that one might expect to see, if people were witnessing something such as this. therefore, i must accept that it was something i was seeing and that was it.
one of the reasons that i mention this experience is, it was documented here, right after, i came in. i have had many of these types of happenings, but in the case of the night of the shuttle liftoff and the night i went to Deepak's How To Know God book signing, thanks to the Forum, i documented it shortly after the experience. posting these experiences, here, is the first time i ever did this and i am happy to have the posts to draw upon and re-live the memory. mostly, because i usually have difficulty putting these things into words, once the experience has past.
please, understand that i don't feel having these experiences make me some kind of extra-ordinary person. simply, an ordinary person that is open to the Wonders of Existence.
That explains alot!
Bob, please forgive Peggy for her last post. She occasionally has low blood sugar attacks and in those moments loses her sense of judgment. I read over the sequence of posts here and see that she over-reacted to you. I told her that and she asked me to post this to you as an apology for her.The differences that have been expressed by both of you -- some of them quite heated -- have been difficult to absorb. Sometimes, a second or third reading, as opposed to an immediate response, will allow those words to be seen as something quite different. Maybe it's a lesson in patience. Anyway, please forgive Peggy's "losing it" if you can.Namaste'
The differences that have been expressed by both of you -- some of them quite heated -- have been difficult to absorb. Sometimes, a second or third reading, as opposed to an immediate response, will allow those words to be seen as something quite different. Maybe it's a lesson in patience. Anyway, please forgive Peggy's "losing it" if you can.
Bob, I'm beginning to think that I can't say anything without your finding it offensive. I was trying to explain my feelings and find some common territory. But forget it! I will go down any road I choose! Good grief...
But forget it! I will go down any road I choose! Good grief...
Peggy - Lets not go down that road again. I know what I know and that is sufficient - everything is as it should be.Namaste'
I guess when we disagree with someone, we always see the other person as biased. Maybe you saw me as being biased in favor of science and I saw you as gullible. More likely than not, you and I are both somewhere in the middle of the two extremes. For example, I do not say that levitation doesn't exist or isn't possible. I just don't believe that the 'levitation" that I have seen thus far (on television) is quite deserving of that label. And I've never seen an aura so I tend to be a little hesitant about them. I do believe that Carol saw what she says that she saw and I do believe in her honesty about it. At the end of the extreme are things like channeling and crystals. Too much fraud has been revealed for me to have any faith in it. I do believe that there are honest and intelligent people who do believe. I think there was a lot of misunderstanding when I objected to the use of the word proof when evidence would have been more appropriate. Chris is much better at explaining the difference in the two from a scientific standpoint. Meanwhile, I would describe myself as generally open but cautious. I hope this helps! Namaste
For example, I do not say that levitation doesn't exist or isn't possible. I just don't believe that the 'levitation" that I have seen thus far (on television) is quite deserving of that label. And I've never seen an aura so I tend to be a little hesitant about them. I do believe that Carol saw what she says that she saw and I do believe in her honesty about it.
At the end of the extreme are things like channeling and crystals. Too much fraud has been revealed for me to have any faith in it. I do believe that there are honest and intelligent people who do believe.
I think there was a lot of misunderstanding when I objected to the use of the word proof when evidence would have been more appropriate. Chris is much better at explaining the difference in the two from a scientific standpoint.
Meanwhile, I would describe myself as generally open but cautious.
I hope this helps!
Namaste
Bob, I have no problems with our having different views. I am a skeptic about some aspects of the New Age movement and a believer in others. Is the same true for you? We have enough in common that maybe we can open up more to each other's thinking.
Patricia - We do seem to see things very much the same :) :). By the way, I thanked you again a while back for the beautiful friendship ball but I think you missed the post. We love it - it glistens in the window with the sun and we think of you.Peggy - I thought your balcony experience was a "One Taste/Unity Experience". That was partially why I couldn't understand some of your "doubting" posts of the recent past. Of course, my coming on like a ton of bricks didn't help you react in a unbiased manner.Again, sorry for that - it was uncalled for on my part. As Carol says, it is a fine line we walk as spiritual beings in a human body - the human side seems to have a "mind" of its own (pun intended).Namaste'
Peggy - I thought your balcony experience was a "One Taste/Unity Experience". That was partially why I couldn't understand some of your "doubting" posts of the recent past. Of course, my coming on like a ton of bricks didn't help you react in a unbiased manner.
Again, sorry for that - it was uncalled for on my part. As Carol says, it is a fine line we walk as spiritual beings in a human body - the human side seems to have a "mind" of its own (pun intended).
Dave Barry fer crissakes!! my mind is full of rhetoric!! heh!
Happy b-day. D2!!haha! Peggy, you got to be kidding?? but i know you're not! what a laff i got out of it. i'm sure my "I voted 2000" sticker will be worth some bucks, too, someday. so, hold on to 'em, everybody. all kidding aside, it is hard to be here, right now. i saw one of the syndicated columinist, Barry something or other? Wow! my mind is gone, i have read this guy for years and can't think of his name, right now, but anyway, he is in Denver and he was a laff a minute about this mess. he said no way is he going back to Miami, until this mess is over and that Florida should be voted out of the Union and on and on. funny stuff but really not so funny when you realize how important all this is.
haha! Peggy, you got to be kidding?? but i know you're not! what a laff i got out of it. i'm sure my "I voted 2000" sticker will be worth some bucks, too, someday. so, hold on to 'em, everybody. all kidding aside, it is hard to be here, right now. i saw one of the syndicated columinist, Barry something or other? Wow! my mind is gone, i have read this guy for years and can't think of his name, right now, but anyway, he is in Denver and he was a laff a minute about this mess. he said no way is he going back to Miami, until this mess is over and that Florida should be voted out of the Union and on and on. funny stuff but really not so funny when you realize how important all this is.
Thanks Bob, I am relieved to hear your answer as I have always felt we were pretty much on the same wave-length and if you were to give me a different answer I would have been thrown into another galaxie. We have thousands of absolutely wonderful Candians living here who were once called "American draft-dodgers". Anyway, we won't go there right now. Enough said.
D2, Happy Birthday! I hope that you are having as much fun in your forties as I did mine. Lots of twists and turns and serendipity. Yep, those Tennessee regulations about absentee balloting are pretty tough! I think you have to live here for six months or a year or something like that. Although I am just teasing you a little, I would be interested in knowing what the regulations are that caused a problem if you care to share. I agree with so much that you have to say about the frustrations of being an American. I was also impressed with what I saw of the Netherlands when I was there. That has to be one of the cleanest and most relaxed countries in the world! Bob, the Unity Experience that you described is very much like mine. I can certainly identify with it. Dick and DaveR, any "skeptical" ideas on why so many of us have the same or similar experiences? Having experienced just that one major shift in perception makes me wonder what all else I'm not yet aware of. Ray, I welcome the lyrics but have some differences with them. They sound a little "co-dependent," i.e., Look at what all I did for you; now you have to do for me. (My college grammar professor would have a field day with the punctuation and structure in that last sentence.) I also don't think that we are "falling" yet. Even though I voted for Al Gore, I hope that questions about the votes are settled fairly in all of the states where there is any real doubt about the winner. Carol, the rest of the country is standing on its ear too. But I can't imagine what it must be like to be in the middle of it! SAMPLE butterfly ballots are going for over thirty dollars at e-Bay.
Yep, those Tennessee regulations about absentee balloting are pretty tough! I think you have to live here for six months or a year or something like that. Although I am just teasing you a little, I would be interested in knowing what the regulations are that caused a problem if you care to share.
I agree with so much that you have to say about the frustrations of being an American. I was also impressed with what I saw of the Netherlands when I was there. That has to be one of the cleanest and most relaxed countries in the world!
Bob, the Unity Experience that you described is very much like mine. I can certainly identify with it.
Dick and DaveR, any "skeptical" ideas on why so many of us have the same or similar experiences?
Having experienced just that one major shift in perception makes me wonder what all else I'm not yet aware of.
Ray, I welcome the lyrics but have some differences with them. They sound a little "co-dependent," i.e., Look at what all I did for you; now you have to do for me. (My college grammar professor would have a field day with the punctuation and structure in that last sentence.) I also don't think that we are "falling" yet.
Even though I voted for Al Gore, I hope that questions about the votes are settled fairly in all of the states where there is any real doubt about the winner.
Carol, the rest of the country is standing on its ear too. But I can't imagine what it must be like to be in the middle of it! SAMPLE butterfly ballots are going for over thirty dollars at e-Bay.
Hi all, Thanks for the One Taste stories :-) Very helpful...Bob, I liked what you said about, at first it being infrequent, and likely becoming more frequent to continual...an exciting prospect! As for all the political talk...yes, Peggy, I do see some positive aspects to it all, as you mentioned. But quite honestly, I dislike politics mucho! I voted, yes, and I am relatively "involved" in writing to my congressmen etc...but I don't know what the "best" political system is, and it's like anything so big--there seem to be many paths to a good thing. The pros and cons could be argued forever....or so it seems to me :-) I support change that makes sense to me, but I don't really give thought to it that much otherwise--which some might say is bad. But Life is so busy!! And I have so much to figure out or discover as it is! I love living in the US---and I might well love living elsewhere (though from my few brief travels abroad, I was always glad to be home). I would love for the world political situation to develop into a global community---though I don't know how that'd work exactly.Anyway, thanks to all! Your stories and comments have been appreciated! Cathy
Thanks for the One Taste stories :-) Very helpful...Bob, I liked what you said about, at first it being infrequent, and likely becoming more frequent to continual...an exciting prospect!
As for all the political talk...yes, Peggy, I do see some positive aspects to it all, as you mentioned. But quite honestly, I dislike politics mucho! I voted, yes, and I am relatively "involved" in writing to my congressmen etc...but I don't know what the "best" political system is, and it's like anything so big--there seem to be many paths to a good thing. The pros and cons could be argued forever....or so it seems to me :-) I support change that makes sense to me, but I don't really give thought to it that much otherwise--which some might say is bad. But Life is so busy!! And I have so much to figure out or discover as it is! I love living in the US---and I might well love living elsewhere (though from my few brief travels abroad, I was always glad to be home). I would love for the world political situation to develop into a global community---though I don't know how that'd work exactly.
Anyway, thanks to all! Your stories and comments have been appreciated!
Cathy
I remember, when you were down And you needed a helping hand I came to feed you But now that I need you You won't give me a second glance Now I'm calling all citizens from all over the world This is Captain America calling I bailed you out when you were down on your knees So will you catch me now I'm falling Help me now I'm calling you Catch me now I'm falling I'm in your hands, it's up to you Catch me now I'm falling I remember when you were down You would always come running to me I never denied you and I would guide you Through all of your difficulties Now I'm calling all citizens from all over the world This is Captain America calling I bailed you out when you were down on your knees So will you catch me now I'm falling Help me now I'm calling you Catch me now I'm falling I'm in your hands, it's up to you Catch me now I'm falling When you were broke you would come to me And I would always pull you round Now I call your office on the telephone And your secretary tells me that she's sorry, But, you've gone out of town. This is Captain America calling This is Captain America calling Help me now I'm calling you Catch me now I'm falling I'm in your hands, it's up to you Catch me now I'm falling Catch me now I'm falling Catch me now I'm falling Catch me now I'm falling Catch me now I'm falling I stood by you through all of your depressions And I lifted you when you were down Now it's your chance to do the same for me I call your office and your secretary tells me That you've gone out of town This is Captain America calling This is Captain America calling Catch me now I'm falling Catch me now I'm falling I was the one who always bailed you out Of your depressions and your difficulties I never thought that you would let me down But the next time you're in trouble Better not come running to me Now I'm calling all citizens from all over the world This is Captain America calling I bailed you out when you were down on your knees So will you catch me now I'm falling Catch me now I'm falling Catch me now I'm falling Catch me now I'm falling Catch me now I'm falling Catch me now I'm falling
Help me now I'm calling you Catch me now I'm falling I'm in your hands, it's up to you Catch me now I'm falling
I remember when you were down You would always come running to me I never denied you and I would guide you Through all of your difficulties Now I'm calling all citizens from all over the world This is Captain America calling I bailed you out when you were down on your knees So will you catch me now I'm falling
When you were broke you would come to me And I would always pull you round Now I call your office on the telephone And your secretary tells me that she's sorry, But, you've gone out of town.
This is Captain America calling This is Captain America calling
Catch me now I'm falling Catch me now I'm falling Catch me now I'm falling Catch me now I'm falling
I stood by you through all of your depressions And I lifted you when you were down Now it's your chance to do the same for me I call your office and your secretary tells me That you've gone out of town
Catch me now I'm falling Catch me now I'm falling
I was the one who always bailed you out Of your depressions and your difficulties I never thought that you would let me down But the next time you're in trouble Better not come running to me
Now I'm calling all citizens from all over the world This is Captain America calling I bailed you out when you were down on your knees So will you catch me now I'm falling Catch me now I'm falling
Patricia - Personally, I feel the Vietnam War was a waste. We were fighting for a vague idea of Democracy in a far away land - not for our own survival. There is a world of difference between the two.Cathy - I have only had Wilber's "One Taste" twice. It was definitely not just a vague felling consciousness had expanded. I was one with everything - there was no me as observer and something being observed - we were one and the same. To use one of Ken's examples, there was no bell and no me, there was just ringing. The experience was different than witnessing - there, I am not me as a body or a mind nor the thing being observed - I am just the casual, detached watcher.As Carol says - it is nothing you can make happen (unless continual meditation opens the door) and it happens when you least expect it. It is not a badge of honor but it definitely tells me I am on the right track and to keep meditating. I feel it is something like seeing auras like you suggested. At first, I had to try hard to see auras. As time progressed, they became easier and easier to see. Now they pop up fairly consistently even when I am not even trying to see them. I think "One Taste" is probably the same - it will increase more and more as I continue to meditate.Namaste'
Cathy - I have only had Wilber's "One Taste" twice. It was definitely not just a vague felling consciousness had expanded. I was one with everything - there was no me as observer and something being observed - we were one and the same. To use one of Ken's examples, there was no bell and no me, there was just ringing. The experience was different than witnessing - there, I am not me as a body or a mind nor the thing being observed - I am just the casual, detached watcher.
As Carol says - it is nothing you can make happen (unless continual meditation opens the door) and it happens when you least expect it. It is not a badge of honor but it definitely tells me I am on the right track and to keep meditating.
I feel it is something like seeing auras like you suggested. At first, I had to try hard to see auras. As time progressed, they became easier and easier to see. Now they pop up fairly consistently even when I am not even trying to see them. I think "One Taste" is probably the same - it will increase more and more as I continue to meditate.
would like to purchase audio cassettes of Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, for myself and as a gift. Are these available in Ontario Canada? or online?
Nice to be on the same page again. Perhaps someday we can talk about the real Green Party and other compassionate groups like D66. January 01 our top tax rate drops to 50%. But that number includes everything - Social Security (which really cares for the ederly without pensions), health care (for those without private care coverage), unemployment benefits based on your previous salary and without the poverty scale ceilings and red tape, vacinations and child care that routinely blows me away with its total inclusiveness and thoroughness, and an education system open to all, including private and universities, and and and... When I lived in California, I paid 36% to the federal government, 11% to the state and 7.51% to the Social Security system that will be bankrupt when I need it in 25 years. That adds up to 53% and for what exactly was I paying. Bridges are falling apart, highways have no money to repair and people say I now live in a socialist country. Hmmm, seems like fuzzy math to me... I riled a family member this evening talking about the election morass, and his answer was the USA is the richest, strongest and most compassionaet nation in the world and everyone is ready to kick us when we are down. My answer, if you are truly compassionate, there is no need for anyone to know the first two because the strength resonates through actions not words and sound bites. Yes, this part of the world is grateful to the Allies and the Marshall Plan for without them, rebuilding would not have been possile. Yes, there is a disproportionate amount of support from the USA in NATO and other conflicts, but where are those US troops in Africa where genocide and war crimes far stronger than anything Milosevic has done and has been the rule for generations ? Unless it directly affects the oil supply (read price as we pay $5.00 a gallon here and drive smaller cars) or is defending democracy in Grenada (puhleeze) the USA becomes indignant and bombs them back to the 12th century because engaging ground troops is no longer needed to win wars and remove despots we don't like from power (just ignore Castro and Saddam and they also will go away). We then watch our elected 'leaders' to do the same thing to anyone who disagrees with them from an opposing party or ideology. The real enemy of the state is apathy, because it allows this craziness to juust grow and grow and grow. The most encouraging thing about the election is the number of people who showed up to vote. I'm just gettin' warmed up ! Time for bed. Thanks 'us' for the BD greeting... 43 going on 23 today.
Perhaps someday we can talk about the real Green Party and other compassionate groups like D66. January 01 our top tax rate drops to 50%. But that number includes everything - Social Security (which really cares for the ederly without pensions), health care (for those without private care coverage), unemployment benefits based on your previous salary and without the poverty scale ceilings and red tape, vacinations and child care that routinely blows me away with its total inclusiveness and thoroughness, and an education system open to all, including private and universities, and and and...
When I lived in California, I paid 36% to the federal government, 11% to the state and 7.51% to the Social Security system that will be bankrupt when I need it in 25 years. That adds up to 53% and for what exactly was I paying. Bridges are falling apart, highways have no money to repair and people say I now live in a socialist country.
Hmmm, seems like fuzzy math to me...
I riled a family member this evening talking about the election morass, and his answer was the USA is the richest, strongest and most compassionaet nation in the world and everyone is ready to kick us when we are down.
My answer, if you are truly compassionate, there is no need for anyone to know the first two because the strength resonates through actions not words and sound bites.
Yes, this part of the world is grateful to the Allies and the Marshall Plan for without them, rebuilding would not have been possile. Yes, there is a disproportionate amount of support from the USA in NATO and other conflicts, but where are those US troops in Africa where genocide and war crimes far stronger than anything Milosevic has done and has been the rule for generations ?
Unless it directly affects the oil supply (read price as we pay $5.00 a gallon here and drive smaller cars) or is defending democracy in Grenada (puhleeze) the USA becomes indignant and bombs them back to the 12th century because engaging ground troops is no longer needed to win wars and remove despots we don't like from power (just ignore Castro and Saddam and they also will go away). We then watch our elected 'leaders' to do the same thing to anyone who disagrees with them from an opposing party or ideology.
The real enemy of the state is apathy, because it allows this craziness to juust grow and grow and grow. The most encouraging thing about the election is the number of people who showed up to vote.
I'm just gettin' warmed up ! Time for bed.
Thanks 'us' for the BD greeting... 43 going on 23 today.
Happy BD, D.
Hi Kate, we don't get to forget Wayne Morse here (Eugene, Or). Monuments and memorials all over town. My favorite, "Wayne Morse Free Speech Plaza", in front of the County Court House. Ranting, Foolish, and Serious Concerns allowed and tolerated, lot of drumming also. Carol/Cathy, sometimes sharing what one has seen and/or experienced with the scientific/non-spiritual acolytes, gets funny reactions. I was sharing a personal story with some co-workers, and one stopped me and said, "you're not going to tell me that was a miracle". I said ok, "I will use the medical term, I was visited with a Spontaneous Remission"..Needless to say I didn't go on about Angels, seeing them, and the countless times they have saved me from my own folly. They smiled. Namaste'
Carol/Cathy, sometimes sharing what one has seen and/or experienced with the scientific/non-spiritual acolytes, gets funny reactions. I was sharing a personal story with some co-workers, and one stopped me and said, "you're not going to tell me that was a miracle". I said ok, "I will use the medical term, I was visited with a Spontaneous Remission"..Needless to say I didn't go on about Angels, seeing them, and the countless times they have saved me from my own folly. They smiled.
The across-the-aisle stuff simply cycles. Sometimes they work together, sometimes not. (Remember Wayne Morse?!) Now this is what riles me: "In the USA, the expert analysts already say any legislative package from Bush or Gore is DOA because of the divisiveness..." Like the press coverage and predictions before polls are closed, are the "experts" and press now going into self-fulfilling prophecy? We do need a few more parties, a little less coverage, and some serious study of the system. I appreciate having your views with which to compare notes!
D2 - have you been talking to Michael? your post seems to say all the things he has been saying the last week, heh!
As one of those people living in a foreign country, this is the first election I sat on the sidelines and watched. The state of TN had such ridiculous requirements for absentee voting that it was not worth the effort, especially considering the choices... The press here has been very balanced here covering both sides since the conventions. It is so funny to watch people take themselves so seriously. The press asks such seemingly innocent questions and then the aides to the candidates (why would the candidates stoop to speak to the foreign press) make such asses of themselves teaching civics to our banana republic viewers... FYI, The Netherlands has one of the highest income and literacy rates in the EU. My first year in Holland, the local elections were quiet, even dignified, you read about the issues in the paper and then saw the candidates once on television in a dignified debate/discussion of issues. The most startling observation from this vantage point is how trivial the two candidates have been for the last eight weeks. I cannot fathom spending $238 million dollars on negative ads to scare you into thinking each was the second coming of Darth Vader and over $1 billion dollars was spent on all campaigns combined. I think our entire election system cost 1.35 and we got far more value for it. Our press, my business associates, neighbors and friends are just dumbfounded by this situation. When I talk to people in the USA the defense is, it is simply democracy in action. I think now those last two words should be linked. No matter who wins ultimately everyone will lose because of the posionous divisiveness of this two party system of street thugs. There is much talk and rememberance around Veterans Day of the Vietnam era. Our nation was nearly torn apart then by opposing views on that war. Leaders made tough calls, but at the end of the day we had a two-party system of men and women trying to find a better way and thy knew the only way to get things done was to reach across the aisle to each other. Now the only thing that crosses the aisle are spitballs, curses and finger-pointing (lately the extended middle one). Here I watch a coalition of 12 parties work, disagree and always try to find compromise. The focus is how to make things work better. In the USA, the expert analysts already say any legislative package from Bush or Gore is DOA because of the divisiveness and are already naming Gore the front-runner for 2004 if he loses the recount. Not to mention the 24 hour media barrage numbing the senses and then getting away with making wrong predictions that would have cost them their broadcasting licenses in the 60s and 70s. It is just too insane that a week later this nonsense continues and people post comments at CNN.com at a rate of 50 per hour from around the world. Then again, Americans have always wanted a dollar's worth of government and only pay .68 for it so I guess we get the government we deserve. Seems so sad to think how all that campaign money might have been spent to actually help people. Alas that is the end of this rant.
My first year in Holland, the local elections were quiet, even dignified, you read about the issues in the paper and then saw the candidates once on television in a dignified debate/discussion of issues.
The most startling observation from this vantage point is how trivial the two candidates have been for the last eight weeks. I cannot fathom spending $238 million dollars on negative ads to scare you into thinking each was the second coming of Darth Vader and over $1 billion dollars was spent on all campaigns combined. I think our entire election system cost 1.35 and we got far more value for it.
Our press, my business associates, neighbors and friends are just dumbfounded by this situation. When I talk to people in the USA the defense is, it is simply democracy in action. I think now those last two words should be linked.
No matter who wins ultimately everyone will lose because of the posionous divisiveness of this two party system of street thugs.
There is much talk and rememberance around Veterans Day of the Vietnam era. Our nation was nearly torn apart then by opposing views on that war. Leaders made tough calls, but at the end of the day we had a two-party system of men and women trying to find a better way and thy knew the only way to get things done was to reach across the aisle to each other. Now the only thing that crosses the aisle are spitballs, curses and finger-pointing (lately the extended middle one).
Here I watch a coalition of 12 parties work, disagree and always try to find compromise. The focus is how to make things work better. In the USA, the expert analysts already say any legislative package from Bush or Gore is DOA because of the divisiveness and are already naming Gore the front-runner for 2004 if he loses the recount. Not to mention the 24 hour media barrage numbing the senses and then getting away with making wrong predictions that would have cost them their broadcasting licenses in the 60s and 70s.
It is just too insane that a week later this nonsense continues and people post comments at CNN.com at a rate of 50 per hour from around the world. Then again, Americans have always wanted a dollar's worth of government and only pay .68 for it so I guess we get the government we deserve. Seems so sad to think how all that campaign money might have been spent to actually help people.
Alas that is the end of this rant.
hi Cathy, i searched for the post about my experiences the last time i saw Deepak. i share with you, a letter i wrote to him, shortly thereafter; Dear Deepak, when you spoke at the How to Know God book signing in Vero Beach, it seemed like you were just talking to a group of friends. there was one moment when you were speaking to us, it will be very difficult to describe, but i will try. in that moment, you were discussing good/evil. you said that the field works thru opposites, chaos and entropy in one hand and evolution and creativity in the other hand. your aura was a very bright bluish green color and your hands seem to be light, very yellow in color. as you held up your hands to describe your theory, it was breathtakingly beautiful to see. i hope you are able to discern, from my poor description, how wonderful it was to be in that place, in that moment, with you. thank you and Namasté
Dear Deepak, when you spoke at the How to Know God book signing in Vero Beach, it seemed like you were just talking to a group of friends. there was one moment when you were speaking to us, it will be very difficult to describe, but i will try. in that moment, you were discussing good/evil. you said that the field works thru opposites, chaos and entropy in one hand and evolution and creativity in the other hand. your aura was a very bright bluish green color and your hands seem to be light, very yellow in color. as you held up your hands to describe your theory, it was breathtakingly beautiful to see. i hope you are able to discern, from my poor description, how wonderful it was to be in that place, in that moment, with you. thank you and Namasté
hi Peggy, i certainly agree that there are many positive aspects to be observed about this election. being right in the middle of it, in Florida, has been an emotional roller coaster, tho. i am very happy to see the count and hope that the people get their wish of a fair count. but, i must admit between court orders and Florida Law deadlines, i am beginning to feel that it just won't happen. due to these aspects, i feel that there will be people that do get there vote taken away. not quite the same as being denied the right to vote, but still, i'm sure, a big disappointment.
Have any of you experienced having your voting privileges taken away? I had always taken the privilege for granted until I went to vote with a friend and he was denied a ballot because of a glitch in registration. (Someone had a carload of registration forms that didn't get turned in.) We went immediately to the Election Commission where we were told that under no circumstances were we to bother the mayor about such a triviality. (This mayor was the man that I had just voted for -- for the last time.) Infuriated by the dismissiveness of the official, we headed for the newspaper. In their parking lot was a van from one of the television stations. My friend told the reporter his story and the next day the reporter came to the friend's house to televise an interview. That lead to an investigation that discovered the registration forms that weren't turned in. Unfortunately, my friend still didn't get to vote but the experience served as an eye-opener for me. I didn't know that I cared so much about the right to vote. Even just being around someone who was denied the right was chilling. It hurts more than you might think.
I had always taken the privilege for granted until I went to vote with a friend and he was denied a ballot because of a glitch in registration. (Someone had a carload of registration forms that didn't get turned in.)
We went immediately to the Election Commission where we were told that under no circumstances were we to bother the mayor about such a triviality. (This mayor was the man that I had just voted for -- for the last time.)
Infuriated by the dismissiveness of the official, we headed for the newspaper. In their parking lot was a van from one of the television stations. My friend told the reporter his story and the next day the reporter came to the friend's house to televise an interview. That lead to an investigation that discovered the registration forms that weren't turned in.
Unfortunately, my friend still didn't get to vote but the experience served as an eye-opener for me. I didn't know that I cared so much about the right to vote. Even just being around someone who was denied the right was chilling. It hurts more than you might think.
Anne, thanks for the fractal post and the link! Am I the only one who sees the election mess in a favorable light? Although I will have white knuckles until the election is decided, so far I like a lot about what I see: 1) Americans caring about the privilege of voting 2) Demonstrations in the streets without physical violence 3) Freedom of the press to interpret or misinterpret 4) A lack of concern about ending up in prison after expressing an opinion or making a complaint 5) The potential for positive changes in the process 6) A chance to observe a little about the leadership style (or lack thereof) of the future President 7) The ability of some members of both of the major parties to understand the other's point of view 8) Am increased knowledge of the Constitutional provisions for elections 9) Seeing politicians having to live with the results of the laws they have passed 10) Good stuff on Saturday Night Live 11) Seeing Tipper make a TD ;-)
Am I the only one who sees the election mess in a favorable light? Although I will have white knuckles until the election is decided, so far I like a lot about what I see:
1) Americans caring about the privilege of voting
2) Demonstrations in the streets without physical violence
3) Freedom of the press to interpret or misinterpret
4) A lack of concern about ending up in prison after expressing an opinion or making a complaint
5) The potential for positive changes in the process
6) A chance to observe a little about the leadership style (or lack thereof) of the future President
7) The ability of some members of both of the major parties to understand the other's point of view
8) Am increased knowledge of the Constitutional provisions for elections
9) Seeing politicians having to live with the results of the laws they have passed
10) Good stuff on Saturday Night Live
Carol, I can certainly relate to what you have described. Nicely done!
Cathy, in my own experience, the Unity consciousness came over me very suddenly and was not a matter of logical reasoning or thought processes. It was as if I were suddenly able to grasp "the whole of it." I continued to see "normally" through my eyes. But at the same time, I could "see", almost with an inner eye, a supra-reality where I didn't know where I ended and everything else began. It was as if I grasped the intensity of the Oneness of all things. Since that day, I've never doubted the reality of what I experienced. For those few moments, I was as aware of that realness as I am the realness of sitting at my computer and typing. In fact, in my more mundane reality, I am more likely to feel that I am living in a dream. There was more certainty in the Unity Experience. My brief exposure changed forever my belief in only one level of reality. It also released me from a fear of death. Nothing that I was aware of had prepared my mind for that experience. I didn't meditate and I wasn't actively seeking an experience. I didn't know at that time that other people experienced anything similar. It is very frustrating to explain this experience again and again and still have someone dismiss me as a skeptic. I am a very strong believer. Science is as yet unable to offer proof that these experiences are real. (Some very reputable scientists do have intriguing theories about it though.) But the proof is irrelevant. These same scientists are unable to prove that their own day to day awareness is a reality either. I just think that the Unity Experience is beyond needing proof and that attempts to prove it with our limited knowledge would make it much smaller than it really is. Efforts to convey what it is like to someone else are also futile. (It loses everything in the translation.) I don't think that having the experience makes us superior to others in any way. And it doesn't entitle us to judge the level of awareness of anyone else. I have no idea why it happens to some and not to others. But I do feel strongly that it is just a matter of perception and that all of us actually dwell in that reality whether we are aware of it or not. Think of a child who has been born blind and imagine conveying the concept of "red" to her. It just won't seem real to her and you can't prove it in a way that will make her see it. I do think that it is silly and childish for anyone to approach this subject with a my-experience-is-bigger-than-yours attitude. This is not a competition. ;-)
It was as if I grasped the intensity of the Oneness of all things.
Since that day, I've never doubted the reality of what I experienced. For those few moments, I was as aware of that realness as I am the realness of sitting at my computer and typing. In fact, in my more mundane reality, I am more likely to feel that I am living in a dream. There was more certainty in the Unity Experience.
My brief exposure changed forever my belief in only one level of reality. It also released me from a fear of death.
Nothing that I was aware of had prepared my mind for that experience. I didn't meditate and I wasn't actively seeking an experience. I didn't know at that time that other people experienced anything similar.
It is very frustrating to explain this experience again and again and still have someone dismiss me as a skeptic. I am a very strong believer. Science is as yet unable to offer proof that these experiences are real. (Some very reputable scientists do have intriguing theories about it though.) But the proof is irrelevant. These same scientists are unable to prove that their own day to day awareness is a reality either. I just think that the Unity Experience is beyond needing proof and that attempts to prove it with our limited knowledge would make it much smaller than it really is.
Efforts to convey what it is like to someone else are also futile. (It loses everything in the translation.) I don't think that having the experience makes us superior to others in any way. And it doesn't entitle us to judge the level of awareness of anyone else. I have no idea why it happens to some and not to others. But I do feel strongly that it is just a matter of perception and that all of us actually dwell in that reality whether we are aware of it or not.
Think of a child who has been born blind and imagine conveying the concept of "red" to her. It just won't seem real to her and you can't prove it in a way that will make her see it.
I do think that it is silly and childish for anyone to approach this subject with a my-experience-is-bigger-than-yours attitude. This is not a competition. ;-)
CarolThanks--yes, that does shed some light on my questions :-) And it's what I sorta figured--though not exactly...it just seemed to me that it had to be more than just thought and a "rational" mode of being...though some might not consider it rational to see things in a spiritual light ;-) I was thinking some more what separated me from the mythical level of being....and it struck me that--the same problem I might have in convincing a fundalmentalist of my more "reasonable" approach is the same difficulty in explaining what "higher" levels of consciousness involve to someone at my particular place--difference being that I am open to the higher viewpoint....anywho, thanks for the brief glimpse :-) And, yes, I did read about your shuttle experience, but I don't think I understood what you really saw, you know? :-)Thanks for sharing! Cathy
Thanks--yes, that does shed some light on my questions :-) And it's what I sorta figured--though not exactly...it just seemed to me that it had to be more than just thought and a "rational" mode of being...though some might not consider it rational to see things in a spiritual light ;-) I was thinking some more what separated me from the mythical level of being....and it struck me that--the same problem I might have in convincing a fundalmentalist of my more "reasonable" approach is the same difficulty in explaining what "higher" levels of consciousness involve to someone at my particular place--difference being that I am open to the higher viewpoint....anywho, thanks for the brief glimpse :-) And, yes, I did read about your shuttle experience, but I don't think I understood what you really saw, you know? :-)
Thanks for sharing! Cathy
Hi Cathy, i do feel in my case, that the way i see the world is different for me, now. i do see colors and lights. sometimes in places that one would not think they would see light. one place is in my perception of others eyes. i see a gentle smile, or a deepness, or a sense of calmness, or feel the a sense of the other, being extremely relaxed. somehow, like i am "seeing" Spirit thru their eyes. there was also a time that comes to mind, for me, and i think i posted it here. it was the last time i saw Deepak. there was a wonderful blue light all around him and he was explaining chaos and entropy by holding one arm up and creation by holding the other arm up and it was extraordinary the light and colors i saw eminating from around him. i looked around the audience to see if i could sense that others were seeing what i was? but didn't see anything that would have caused me to believe that they did. and of course in nature, my eyes see the world as a wonderful mystery, a miracle to behold. and the human being, to me, is also a marvelous miracle. well, i won't go on, but i do hope that i may have showered :) some light on your questions.
there was also a time that comes to mind, for me, and i think i posted it here. it was the last time i saw Deepak. there was a wonderful blue light all around him and he was explaining chaos and entropy by holding one arm up and creation by holding the other arm up and it was extraordinary the light and colors i saw eminating from around him. i looked around the audience to see if i could sense that others were seeing what i was? but didn't see anything that would have caused me to believe that they did.
and of course in nature, my eyes see the world as a wonderful mystery, a miracle to behold. and the human being, to me, is also a marvelous miracle.
well, i won't go on, but i do hope that i may have showered :) some light on your questions.
good evening, Cathy, by any chance did you see the post that i mentioned to you before, about my experience, the night the Space Shuttle went over? it was only a few moments for me but it was a time that i felt connected with all beings. but mostly, for me, i live in an ordinary material consciousness, as any other. but then there are times when i live in an extraordinary state where insights unfold with ease. i embrace both of these states of consciousness. many call those ordinary material states dark times, while, i simply feel, i am an ordinary being experiencing human-ness and spirituality simultaneously and to me it is perfectly normal. but, even during those periods, i am always aware of how spiritual elements affect my practical day-to-day world.
but mostly, for me, i live in an ordinary material consciousness, as any other. but then there are times when i live in an extraordinary state where insights unfold with ease. i embrace both of these states of consciousness.
many call those ordinary material states dark times, while, i simply feel, i am an ordinary being experiencing human-ness and spirituality simultaneously and to me it is perfectly normal. but, even during those periods, i am always aware of how spiritual elements affect my practical day-to-day world.
in all fairness Americans & What most Americans voted without problem but if one lives in Florida one would know that it is a melting pot of many countries and many elderly people. be that it may seem like a fairly simple ballot many people did not find it to be so. i personally would like to see a more uniform voting system to eliminate many of these problems.
Hi all,I have a question for you guys--I've been reading Ken Wilber and Jim Marion, and Deepak about levels of consciousness and I was reminded of my comment fairly recently about "unity" consciousness comparing me and Carol. I said that while I may think and believe that we are all connected as I look about me, it's simply a thought, at this point. Nothing "looks" different. So how does it look from "up there"? :-) When one achieves oneconsciousness, does the actual perception of the eyes change? Or is it a feeling one gets, an intuition...please tell me it's not just this conscious idea one gets! (like I have) :-) I'm thinking it might be something akin to seeing auras? Or something where when oneness is truly understood, there is a definitive change ih one's perception of the "outside" world...??Thanks for the input! Enjoyed the war stories :-) I would agree that much fighting is not necessary, but that occassionally it is truly necessary or at least honorable--just like in our personal lives...Blessings! Cathy
I have a question for you guys--I've been reading Ken Wilber and Jim Marion, and Deepak about levels of consciousness and I was reminded of my comment fairly recently about "unity" consciousness comparing me and Carol. I said that while I may think and believe that we are all connected as I look about me, it's simply a thought, at this point. Nothing "looks" different. So how does it look from "up there"? :-) When one achieves oneconsciousness, does the actual perception of the eyes change? Or is it a feeling one gets, an intuition...please tell me it's not just this conscious idea one gets! (like I have) :-)
I'm thinking it might be something akin to seeing auras? Or something where when oneness is truly understood, there is a definitive change ih one's perception of the "outside" world...??
Thanks for the input! Enjoyed the war stories :-) I would agree that much fighting is not necessary, but that occassionally it is truly necessary or at least honorable--just like in our personal lives...
Blessings! Cathy
Bob, Would you mind telling me what category of "wars" you feel the Vietnam war falls? Necessary or not? Thanks.
Haven't checked in for a while. Geoff & Peg, I found an excellent website the other day at www.fractalus.com which hosts the "Infinite Fractal Loop" webring. Well worth a visit. As for the election result, it seems to have perfectly reflected the view of the people. That darned mirror. :)
As for the election result, it seems to have perfectly reflected the view of the people. That darned mirror. :)
Now that we have passed the 55000 mark, here are the key dates for the last 10000 posts.Post number---Date45000---Jul/22/199946000---Sep/1/199947000---Sep/26/199948000---Oct/31/199949000---Dec/15/199950000---Feb/5/200051000---Mar/13/200052000---Apr/27/200053000---Aug/15/200054000---Oct/14/200055000---Nov/12/2000
Post number---Date
45000---Jul/22/199946000---Sep/1/199947000---Sep/26/199948000---Oct/31/199949000---Dec/15/199950000---Feb/5/200051000---Mar/13/200052000---Apr/27/200053000---Aug/15/200054000---Oct/14/200055000---Nov/12/2000
Richard - FYI - Your last post was post # 55,000. Very befitting me thinks!!!!Namaste'
Since we are telling war stories (pun intended), I will relay a few that show the diversity of who and why.My father's father was second in command under William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill) in the late 1800s Indian Wars here in the West. When I was young, I thought his medals for bravery were gallant and I was proud he was instrumental in capturing Geronimo.Now, after interfacing with local Native Americans, I look at things differently. Though I am sure he risked his life for what he believed in, the war was not as much about protecting newly arrived "Americans" as it was about taking control of land. Not one of our more proud moments and an example of poor reasons for one group to kill and conquer another.On the other hand, my father-in-law, was in the Army in 1940 and was "guarding" the Phillipines on 12/7/41. He watched (he could do little more with the weapons they had at the time) as the Japanese took over the islands shortly after Pearl Harbor. Mc Arthur abandoned them and he was an unwilling participant in the Battan Death March. He spent the whole duration of the war in a Japanese concentration camp in Tokyo and was forced to build Japanese battleships. He said the prisoners sabatoged everything they could when the guards were not looking.His greatest moment was after liberation when they were flying home (he was 75 pounds). He said they flew over Tokyo Harbor, and there at the entrance, half submerged, was the battleship they had built for the Japanese - it had not even made it out of the bay. He was awarded the Silver Star in 1995 which was several years after his death. In my mind, the war was definitely worth fighting and he was an unwitting hero at the wrong place at the wrong time.My father was in WWII as well with the Army Air Corps in Italy and North Africa - another gallant effort by one of many to overcome a threat that would have ruined the world.I think I am running on at the mouth so I will close this stream of consciousness with a thought. Most wars are not good or necessary and most are a complete waste. However, once in a long while, it is necessary to pick up and carry arms for the good of mankind. In those cases, the alternative is to horrendous to contemplate.Namaste'
My father's father was second in command under William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill) in the late 1800s Indian Wars here in the West. When I was young, I thought his medals for bravery were gallant and I was proud he was instrumental in capturing Geronimo.
Now, after interfacing with local Native Americans, I look at things differently. Though I am sure he risked his life for what he believed in, the war was not as much about protecting newly arrived "Americans" as it was about taking control of land. Not one of our more proud moments and an example of poor reasons for one group to kill and conquer another.
On the other hand, my father-in-law, was in the Army in 1940 and was "guarding" the Phillipines on 12/7/41. He watched (he could do little more with the weapons they had at the time) as the Japanese took over the islands shortly after Pearl Harbor. Mc Arthur abandoned them and he was an unwilling participant in the Battan Death March. He spent the whole duration of the war in a Japanese concentration camp in Tokyo and was forced to build Japanese battleships. He said the prisoners sabatoged everything they could when the guards were not looking.
His greatest moment was after liberation when they were flying home (he was 75 pounds). He said they flew over Tokyo Harbor, and there at the entrance, half submerged, was the battleship they had built for the Japanese - it had not even made it out of the bay. He was awarded the Silver Star in 1995 which was several years after his death. In my mind, the war was definitely worth fighting and he was an unwitting hero at the wrong place at the wrong time.
My father was in WWII as well with the Army Air Corps in Italy and North Africa - another gallant effort by one of many to overcome a threat that would have ruined the world.
I think I am running on at the mouth so I will close this stream of consciousness with a thought. Most wars are not good or necessary and most are a complete waste. However, once in a long while, it is necessary to pick up and carry arms for the good of mankind. In those cases, the alternative is to horrendous to contemplate.
Thank you, all. Your comments were appreciated and touching. Thanks Peggy for the story of the roses. Here's a WW II story--My dad was a Medical Supply Officer from Normandy to V.E.Day. He did not and would not carry a gun, when German snipers started shooting at him (while relieving himself)--he pointed at his Red Cross armband. They stopped firing. He was decorated for keeping hospitals, close the the front lines (fastest moving). Mobile Army Hospitals, that followed the fighting. Love and Light to All, Namaste'
Here's a WW II story--My dad was a Medical Supply Officer from Normandy to V.E.Day. He did not and would not carry a gun, when German snipers started shooting at him (while relieving himself)--he pointed at his Red Cross armband. They stopped firing. He was decorated for keeping hospitals, close the the front lines (fastest moving). Mobile Army Hospitals, that followed the fighting.
Love and Light to All, Namaste'
i was very dissappointed this morning seeing headlines from other countries attempting to diminish this country with statements like WHAT A MICKEY MOUSE WAY TO RUN A COUNTRY & FORREST CHUMPS!! it should certainly give us incentive to try to get the election process in order. i have been listening to what all the experts say and they have educated me greatly that this mis-counting and dis-order occurs every election. it also causes me to question WHY??
i am pleased to see the posts that honor our veterans and that our country's respect was observed in so many special ways, yesterday. i also want to say thanks to Richard for his time spent in Viet Nam and ad that my husband, Michael served also USNFTG3(SS)'64-65 & '65-66. it gives the celebration more meaning to me, to know these special people and having heard Richard and Michael speak of their time in Viet Nam helps me to understand the events of that time even more.
Peggy, your statement - Blessed are the peacemakers.- I think rings true for most of us. After having grown up with a father who had served in WWII and hearing all the stories of our gallant men of that time, I had the mentality that war was glorious and necessary at times. Then there was Vietnam. Living through that time and seeing what our men had to endure during and especially afterwards when they came home was very difficult. I hope and pray with all my being nothing like that will ever occur again. I respect ALL who served during those years in Nam. Sorry, but at the moment it is rather hard for me to express what I am feeling. Also I having trouble seeing what I am typing through tears. I am very thankful that my sons were born at a time when they did not have to carry a gun and look into the eyes of another before that gun was fired. My heart goes out to all mothers whose sons never came home again to hug them.
Sorry, but at the moment it is rather hard for me to express what I am feeling. Also I having trouble seeing what I am typing through tears.
I am very thankful that my sons were born at a time when they did not have to carry a gun and look into the eyes of another before that gun was fired. My heart goes out to all mothers whose sons never came home again to hug them.
A group of friends, some of us cousins, left long-stemmed roses at the graves of absent friends on Saturday. One of these roses was placed at a memorial to veterans of many wars. About three years ago Dave and I took the time to visit a friend's burial site at West Point. He was a Captain who volunteered for a second tour of duty in Vietnam and was killed. We have also been to the memorials on the mall in Washington. They are something to behold. And one of the roses was placed on the grave of a man who would not fight. Blessed are the peacemakers.
About three years ago Dave and I took the time to visit a friend's burial site at West Point. He was a Captain who volunteered for a second tour of duty in Vietnam and was killed.
We have also been to the memorials on the mall in Washington. They are something to behold.
And one of the roses was placed on the grave of a man who would not fight. Blessed are the peacemakers.
Bob, thank you for letting us know the significance of Richard's post. I am sorry to say I did not know. Richard, I agree wholeheartedly with Bob. You most definitely deserve our thanks and our gratitude. Can a woman say she salutes you or would applaud be acceptable? :)
Richard, I agree wholeheartedly with Bob. You most definitely deserve our thanks and our gratitude. Can a woman say she salutes you or would applaud be acceptable? :)
Cathy - Richard can tell you about courage and survival - the RVN-'67-68 & '69-70 signifies he spent two tours of duty in Vietnam. He is the real veteran and hero.I (and many other lucky ones) just served our time.We owe Richard the thanks.Namaste'
I (and many other lucky ones) just served our time.
We owe Richard the thanks.
Happy Veterans Day to all you vets out there...when I watch war movies--and I don't know how true to life they are--though some seem likely to me--I am always amazed at the courage displayed. And I sit in awe. Hats off! And may the need for war be nonexistant for...ever :-) Cathy
Happy Veteran's Day to all Veterans. All wars, all places, all times, and all countries--You Served! Hope, today is happy, peaceful, joy filled, and infested with laughter and good humor. Love you all, Namaste'
Love you all, Namaste'
Richard Nordeen - You Devil Dog You !!!! Semper Fi to you as well!!!!Namaste'
Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud's premier student in the field of psychoanalysis, often spoke of the power of miracles by telling the following story: There was a village that had been experiencing drought for five consecutive years. Many famous Rainmakers had been called, but they had all failed to make rain. In the villager's last attempt, they called upon a renowned Rainmaker from afar. When he arrived in the village, he set up his tent and disappeared inside it for four days. On the fifth day, the rain started to fall and quenched the thirst of the parched earth. The people of the village asked the Rainmaker how he had accomplished such a miracle.The Rainmaker replied, "I have done nothing."Astounded at his explanation, the villagers said, "How can that be? After you came, four days later the rain started."The Rainmaker explained, "When I arrived, the first thing I noticed was that everything in your village was out of harmony with heaven. So I spent four days putting myself into harmony with the Divine. Then the rains came."Excerpt from the book,Do Less, Achieve MoreAuthor: Chin-Ning Chu
There was a village that had been experiencing drought for five consecutive years. Many famous Rainmakers had been called, but they had all failed to make rain. In the villager's last attempt, they called upon a renowned Rainmaker from afar. When he arrived in the village, he set up his tent and disappeared inside it for four days. On the fifth day, the rain started to fall and quenched the thirst of the parched earth. The people of the village asked the Rainmaker how he had accomplished such a miracle.
The Rainmaker replied, "I have done nothing."
Astounded at his explanation, the villagers said, "How can that be? After you came, four days later the rain started."
The Rainmaker explained, "When I arrived, the first thing I noticed was that everything in your village was out of harmony with heaven. So I spent four days putting myself into harmony with the Divine. Then the rains came."
Excerpt from the book,Do Less, Achieve MoreAuthor: Chin-Ning Chu
Teufel Hunden RULE! RVN-'67-68 & '69-70
Peggy, I have been mesmerised by fractals ever since I first saw them on some TV program about 'Chaos'. The infinite depth and detail of the animated fractals they showed were quite breathtaking. And that was when i was still an 'atheist'. Hmmm ... :) Found an interesting site the other day called 'Religious Tolerance'. Here's an excerpt from their page on Native American Spirituality - "Rather than going to church, I attend a sweat lodge; rather than accepting bread and toast [sic] from the Holy Priest, I smoke a ceremonial pipe to come into Communion with the Great Spirit; and rather than kneeling with my hands placed together in prayer, I let sweetgrass be feathered over my entire being for spiritual cleansing and allow the smoke to carry my prayers into the heavens. I am a Mi'kmaq, and this is how we pray." - Noah Augustine Many followers of Aboriginal religions, such as the many types of Native American Spirituality, do not regard their spiritual beliefs and practices as a "religion" in the way in which many Christians do. Their beliefs and practices form a integral and seamless part of their very being. Click here for more ... I did some fruther investigations into the 2 candidates names. If you take the letters of their first names AL & GEORGE ... um, you can make the words LARGE EGO out of those letters ... :) Also, if you chant the name Al Gore backwards several times you pass into a deep hypnotic trance. Or at least i do. your experience may vary. I also noticed that if ou take AL out of FLORIDA you are left with FIORD, which is phonetically a word meaning a huge chasm filled with cold water ... hmmm ... The people have spoken ... now if we can just work out what they were trying to say we'd be in business ... :)
Found an interesting site the other day called 'Religious Tolerance'. Here's an excerpt from their page on Native American Spirituality -
"Rather than going to church, I attend a sweat lodge; rather than accepting bread and toast [sic] from the Holy Priest, I smoke a ceremonial pipe to come into Communion with the Great Spirit; and rather than kneeling with my hands placed together in prayer, I let sweetgrass be feathered over my entire being for spiritual cleansing and allow the smoke to carry my prayers into the heavens. I am a Mi'kmaq, and this is how we pray." - Noah Augustine Many followers of Aboriginal religions, such as the many types of Native American Spirituality, do not regard their spiritual beliefs and practices as a "religion" in the way in which many Christians do. Their beliefs and practices form a integral and seamless part of their very being.
Many followers of Aboriginal religions, such as the many types of Native American Spirituality, do not regard their spiritual beliefs and practices as a "religion" in the way in which many Christians do. Their beliefs and practices form a integral and seamless part of their very being.
Click here for more ...
I did some fruther investigations into the 2 candidates names. If you take the letters of their first names AL & GEORGE ... um, you can make the words LARGE EGO out of those letters ... :) Also, if you chant the name Al Gore backwards several times you pass into a deep hypnotic trance. Or at least i do. your experience may vary.
I also noticed that if ou take AL out of FLORIDA you are left with FIORD, which is phonetically a word meaning a huge chasm filled with cold water ... hmmm ...
The people have spoken ... now if we can just work out what they were trying to say we'd be in business ... :)
Bob - Thanks.
Judy - There is a Rumi CD with Deepak and a host of celebrities and it is called "The Gift of Love". It is one of the all time greats in my book - a must for anyone's collection.TO - Don't tell me you are a "Devil Dog" as well! Lived it from 1967-71 and have no regrets. Semper Fi to you as well.Kate - Bloomington is beautiful country with Brown County right next door. Are associated with IU at all?Namaste'
TO - Don't tell me you are a "Devil Dog" as well! Lived it from 1967-71 and have no regrets. Semper Fi to you as well.
Kate - Bloomington is beautiful country with Brown County right next door. Are associated with IU at all?
in this abundance of light all trivialities are made invisible,and in its warmth i am serene
"Semper Fi", on back to you TO. Today, is my paid Veteran's Day off. Been to a meeting, and am just lazy-izing about. Appears everyone's still in a twist re; election. It's entertainment. We've had dozens of venal, dishonest, shallow, power grabbers as prez. We will again, the Republic will survive, regardless of what gets picked for prez. Joy and light to all, particularly those of the leather collar. Never can tell when you might have to fend off a cutlass attack. Namaste'
Appears everyone's still in a twist re; election. It's entertainment. We've had dozens of venal, dishonest, shallow, power grabbers as prez. We will again, the Republic will survive, regardless of what gets picked for prez.
Joy and light to all, particularly those of the leather collar. Never can tell when you might have to fend off a cutlass attack.
"SEMPER FIDELIS" Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!
Is there a CD entitled THE LOVE POEMS OF RUMI?
Kate & Peggy, i do want to say that if either candidate concedes the election the count would stop so inadvertenly (sp?) it is in the candidates hands. i don't blame either party, tho, if they want to continue the count. recounts are not uncommon in a close election and never will be and i sure see why now.
i haven't mellowed about wanting a true count, Dave. i feel very strongly about it and still wonder why so many votes were lost and why they were predominately one candidates votes that were lost? as far as the men involved, i feel their passion is wonderful and hope they continue to show their true feelings.haha! thanks Kate and No-way!!
haha! thanks Kate and No-way!!
The weather here (Bloomington, Bob) is perfect November--windy, cold, damp. That means it's perfect to huddle with that book and let everything simmer and process. Carol, I have *really* appreciated your clear explanations of what's required by FL law, step by step. Wish you were working for one of the networks!
Morning, Carol. Looks like you may have mellowed a little on the uproar. The way it's looking now, the news channels are having to fill the time with way too much speculation and recriminations. It may be next week (maybe later) before the dust has really settled and the outcome is really known.It may give us all a chance to practice some of this detachment we keep talking about.
It may give us all a chance to practice some of this detachment we keep talking about.
You can fool too many of the people too much of the time. James Thurber
James Thurber
The nice thing about egotists is that they don't talk about other people. ~~~ Lucille S. Harper
~~~ Lucille S. Harper
great responses, thanks to all. tho, i am excited over desiring a true count (i feel every American should be) i embrace all of it. (yes, to, even the BS) it is wonderful to view their emotions and to see history in the making. i do not want to see these great men suppress their feelings at all. i am glad they are passionate about what they are doing. i wouldn't want it any other way.
It seems Richard, Peggy and I were all posting at the same time and with the same general thought - this is not a pretty site.TO is right, it is all B/S - dance/dance/dance and meditate/meditate/meditate.Peggy - don't take this wrong but I swing both ways (with the market). I am short almost as often as I am long. I have no opinions, look for volatility, use heavy leverage and trade my system. Consequently, any time of uncertainty is good.Namaste'
TO is right, it is all B/S - dance/dance/dance and meditate/meditate/meditate.
Peggy - don't take this wrong but I swing both ways (with the market). I am short almost as often as I am long. I have no opinions, look for volatility, use heavy leverage and trade my system. Consequently, any time of uncertainty is good.
Talk about not letting the ego rule, being non-competitive, having compassion, listening with an open mind, living with detachment, being non-judgemental, living for today and having brotherly love - this election escapade displays none of the above. It started with the candidates around 17 months ago and now it has spread to the American population at large.Negativity breeds negativity. I am starting to see hate on people's faces on TV and on friends as they discuss the situation. This will lead to all out bedlam if the powers to be don't begin to act like leaders and settle this in a calm, civil manner.We are seeing the dark side of the soul eminating from the top down.Namaste'
Negativity breeds negativity. I am starting to see hate on people's faces on TV and on friends as they discuss the situation. This will lead to all out bedlam if the powers to be don't begin to act like leaders and settle this in a calm, civil manner.
We are seeing the dark side of the soul eminating from the top down.
What is the appropriate attitude of the spiritually enlightened regarding the election. Detachment? The Bahais do not believe that politics should be publically discussed by their membership simply because it leads to discord. I would have to be gagged, I'm afraid. Dick, I know that deep in your heart you are just a sensitive, savvy, sentimental, loving, perceptive and intelligent being. I hope that you feel very loved. You've pinched most of us from time to time and won't let us get away with much. This is just my way of saying that I am trying to manifest you for President.
The Bahais do not believe that politics should be publically discussed by their membership simply because it leads to discord. I would have to be gagged, I'm afraid.
Dick, I know that deep in your heart you are just a sensitive, savvy, sentimental, loving, perceptive and intelligent being. I hope that you feel very loved. You've pinched most of us from time to time and won't let us get away with much. This is just my way of saying that I am trying to manifest you for President.
What fun discussions. Carol I am jealous,space shots and history making "meltdown"...$3billion, for the privelege to fight over a couple of hundred votes...who ever "wins,will be the Tainted president. They could call it,the office of the Unclean. If we got to change votes I wouldn't change. I voted, worked, donated Green. No hand wringing just bedazzled "wow". I geuss this happens when no one is voting for anyone, in the established parties. When I was canvassing very liberal neighborhood in Oregon. No one said, "I am for Gore" it was "I am afraid of Bush". Bush supporters were "need to get rid of Gore/Clinton gov't" not why they liked Bush. So the mainline line voting was people trying to cancel out their neighbors vote rather, than vote for Any Ideal. It is great we are having National Civics Lesson. What's really great is the lawyers, politicians, pundits talking about legal, fair, and or just. Sort of like hookers lecturing on true love and fidelity. Hope everyone is enjoying the antics as much as I am..good time to hook up with a good book. None of it is really that important, we get a corporate lap dog of your choice either way. Namaste'-enjoy, love, and laugh
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