Well. Our glitch in the matrix thread started delving into the nature of God, I think we were just skimming the waters.
If this topic is off-putting for members, please note I am not here to challenge your belief system. I just want to share a fun practice and some ideas about humanities destiny.
I just heard something earlier tonight, God(through us) is realizing God.
It was very fitting for all topics I've been engaged in lately. I think we share a collective Destiny- a thought I had tonight was... If we are one, perhaps there will come a time and age where we realize in greater numbers our One-ness. What would our status be, on an evolutionary scale, as a planet if every individual was awake to our one-ness. Would it bring us into a higher plane of existence or draw us closer to the Source/Paradise? Would we be granted the, "galactic citizenry" others say await us???
Just having fun with thought.
But really the fun practice I wanted to share, and to bring it back to the title of this thread.
I met a Himalayan monk and in his most recent discourse he presented this idea of treating God as the child- as if you were the loving parent.
With my belief God is everywhere, in all things- I tried doing this. It was amazing how quickly I was pulled out of fight or flight- how much more understanding would come my way when treating the Human-drama-sojourn with the Love a parent has for a child. Protecting God, Caring for God, Nurturing God.
It's not that I am saying I have it figured out and am that well qualified... But just try the practice if you ever want it's amazing how much more receptive it makes you to the world around you.
In our previous thread we discussed ways we share our relationship with God. We call God the Beloved, we are Gods children, students- and so I see no harm in imagining ones self as God or even, as the Parent of God. I understand there is a difference between imagining and Knowing-
In my case, I briefly tried imagining I was a parental figure for God but after about a week I was ready to stop and allow God to replenish my reserves. :-D I had to fall on Him for guidance realizing my little self could not keep up as it tried navigating its baser impulses and egoic or more selfish tendencies.
But the reason for my sharing- This practice helped me feel as if the world around me was elevated from Fear/Distrust to... Tenderness and Kind heartedness.
There are many ways we share and have our relationship with ~all that is~
:-) If we are One, we should be interested in the welfare of our Brothers/Sisters.
Great post, Tides! That shows how all of us have so many points of view and experience things differently. The infinite diversity of the multiverse enriches the overall experience.
Existence is so fascinating and so cleverly designed. God as expression questioning its own validity :)
The illusionary fragmentation and multidimensionality of consciousness is so convoluted. I do understand it somehow, at least form my point of view. I look at everything from the highest point of view. The View of All That Is at its entirety. Since I realized that I am God having a human experience and so is everything that exists, I became a different person. I feel divine and strong at all time. I am in a state of gratitude at all time. I smile just sitting still for no apparent reason, just knowing who and what I am. My whole being is overflowing with joy continuously, feeling one with everything. I know my own power. I feel capable of helping others. I react to challenges differently with a positive attitude and always understand the reasons and the lessons. And my challenges now feel more like adventures and exciting opportunities. And most of all I feel unconditional love towards everything. With unconditional love, there is no room for resentment, judgment, anger, disappointment, greed, jealousy. I understand why things happen in the world the way they happen. I can see everyone's roles, the purposes and how the games are played out. And all this is because I have lifted way above the 3D character, even bypassing the higher self, going straight to the mountain top. There is nothing complicated, just as simple as The One is the All and The All are the One.
When I was little I remember telling the pastor and the people from church "But Jesus was a teacher. He was God, yes, but he wanted us to remember who we are and become like him, like God, because we are God, but our power is dormant unless we know we are God. Jesus is our equal.
I think they wanted to exercise demons out of me haha
We exist as the entirety of all ALWAYS. The Illusion of fragmentation is created by veils. Put a few veils and everything disappears from view and awareness but a fragment. But that "fragment" that is cloaked is still its original thing. It does not go to a separate place away from its entirety, it never becomes anything separate. Remove a veil and the awareness of its entirety becomes visible. Everything is aways there. This is where the concept of illusion comes to play. One veil and you are a higher self/larger entity, put another veil over the first and you are a character, put another veil over and you are a cluster of cells, put another veil over and you are a subatomic particle, and so on and so forth. Start removing veils and at some point you remove as many to shed a physical vehicle. But may be still a few veils left where when you die physically you experience from the perspective of a higher self. You may put over another veil to become different character. And the journey continues through simulated time/space. When the last veil is removed you are aware of your entirety of All That Is, and that is the highest point of view of true timelessness with no beginning and no end, where everything exists in one infinite moment. Then you decide to dive again into characters to experience the thrill of rediscovery, and so on and so forth for infinity. Isn't that exciting :)
Excellent post Tides.
Absolutely, for all the extensive and interesting discussions on the true nature of God, it is surely our relationship with, and how we experience God, Source, that really matters. And as for:
QuoteIf we are One, we should be interested in the welfare of our Brothers/Sisters.
As Jesus said - "Love thy neighbour as thyself"
We should extend this to all creation, to include, animals, plant life, nature, the environment etc, all of which are part of us and are One with.
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Hi guys,
Frosty- what happened? I would have valued your insight. I hope you are okay.
Thanks to all who did reply. LightBeam, I am vaguely remembering a story now after reading Autobiography of a Yogi about Babaji becoming so aware he dematerialized his body by will.
I'll have to dig for it... But here's a similar chapter I could find more readily...
Quote"'Brother', I said, 'the beauty of this structure surpasses the bounds of human imagination. Please explain to me the mystery of its origin.'
"'I will gladly enlighten you'. My companion's dark eyes sparkled with wisdom. 'There is nothing inexplicable about this materialization. The whole cosmos is a projected thought of the Creator. The heavy clod of the earth, floating in space, is a dream of God's. He made all things out of His mind, even as man in his dream consciousness reproduces and vivifies a creation with its creatures.
"'The Lord first formed the earth as an idea. He quickened it; atomic energy and then matter came into being. He coordinated earth atoms into a solid sphere. All its molecules are held together by the will of God. When He withdraws His will, all earth atoms will be transformed into energy. Atomic energy will return to its source: consciousness. The earth idea will disappear from objectivity.
"'The substance of a dream is held in materialization by the subconscious thought of the dreamer. When that cohesive thought is withdrawn in wakefulness, the dream and its elements dissolve. A man closes his eyes and erects a dream creation, which, on awakening, he effortlessly dematerializes. He follows the divine archetypal pattern. Similarly, when he awakens in cosmic consciousness, he effortlessly dematerializes the illusion of a cosmic-dream universe.
"'In tune with the infinite all-accomplishing Will, Babaji is able to command the elemental atoms to combine and manifest themselves in any form. This golden palace, instantaneously brought into being, is real - in the same sense that the Earth is real. Babaji created this beautiful mansion out of his mind and holding its atoms together by the power of his will, even as God's thought created the earth and His will maintains it.' He added, 'When this structure has served its purpose, Babaji will dematerialize it.'
"As I remained silent in awe, my guide made a sweeping gesture. 'This shimmering palace, superbly embellished with jewels, has not been built by human effort; its gold and gems were not laboriously mined. It stands solidly, a monumental challenge to man. Whoever realized himself as a son of God, even as Babaji has done, can reach any goal by the infinite powers hidden within him. A common stone secretly contains stupendous atomic energies; even so, the lowliest mortal is a powerhouse of Divinity."
https://ascension-research.org/palace.html
I read something similar in the UB... That is... This planet is maintained by Gods Will. If he were to withdraw, it would all collapse. This chapter says it would all revert back to energy.
I'm fine Tides. Thanks for asking. 🙂 The God subject is such a sensitive topic for me that I really want to be careful for my own personal reasons and not to offend anybody else as well. My post and video linked may ruffle some feathers, and I really don't want to be "that guy" that does so. I tried to be very neutral and lay a non controversial foundation, but in the end thought it might be best to remove it for now.
I understand, and am glad you are feeling ok. I also hope not to make you uncomfortable by creating these threads. I believe God loves us all, and is happy for any step we take practicing, desiring and understanding Love.
I am not uncomfortable with the creation of threads on this subject. I find the topic highly interesting and I certainly enjoy reading about all the different viewpoints. Perhaps, for some reason, I am more tentative to post on this subject publicly though.
Quote from: tides2dust on October 27, 2024, 20:18:31I believe God loves us all, and is happy for any step we take practicing, desiring and understanding Love.
This is what I have experienced...unconditional love, understanding and comfort that is not comparable to anything in the physical world.
Quote from: tides2dust on October 27, 2024, 19:46:24"'Brother', I said, 'the beauty of this structure surpasses the bounds of human imagination. Please explain to me the mystery of its origin.'
"'I will gladly enlighten you'. My companion's dark eyes sparkled with wisdom. 'There is nothing inexplicable about this materialization. The whole cosmos is a projected thought of the Creator. The heavy clod of the earth, floating in space, is a dream of God's. He made all things out of His mind, even as man in his dream consciousness reproduces and vivifies a creation with its creatures.
"'The Lord first formed the earth as an idea. He quickened it; atomic energy and then matter came into being. He coordinated earth atoms into a solid sphere. All its molecules are held together by the will of God. When He withdraws His will, all earth atoms will be transformed into energy. Atomic energy will return to its source: consciousness. The earth idea will disappear from objectivity.
"'The substance of a dream is held in materialization by the subconscious thought of the dreamer. When that cohesive thought is withdrawn in wakefulness, the dream and its elements dissolve. A man closes his eyes and erects a dream creation, which, on awakening, he effortlessly dematerializes. He follows the divine archetypal pattern. Similarly, when he awakens in cosmic consciousness, he effortlessly dematerializes the illusion of a cosmic-dream universe.
"'In tune with the infinite all-accomplishing Will, Babaji is able to command the elemental atoms to combine and manifest themselves in any form. This golden palace, instantaneously brought into being, is real - in the same sense that the Earth is real. Babaji created this beautiful mansion out of his mind and holding its atoms together by the power of his will, even as God's thought created the earth and His will maintains it.' He added, 'When this structure has served its purpose, Babaji will dematerialize it.'
"As I remained silent in awe, my guide made a sweeping gesture. 'This shimmering palace, superbly embellished with jewels, has not been built by human effort; its gold and gems were not laboriously mined. It stands solidly, a monumental challenge to man. Whoever realized himself as a son of God, even as Babaji has done, can reach any goal by the infinite powers hidden within him. A common stone secretly contains stupendous atomic energies; even so, the lowliest mortal is a powerhouse of Divinity."
https://ascension-research.org/palace.html
Thanks for this interesting and profound quote Tides, which could be a whole discussion topic in itself, and perhaps should be.
There is the biblical passage:
QuoteSo God created man in his own image
Which has long and generally been taken to mean that God has an anthropomorphic human-like form, residing "up there" somewhere above creation. What this passage would actually read in modern language is "So God created man in his own imagination", i.e. as an "idea". We were created from God in the absolute and Divine likeness of God, as God. The same creative power that brought the entire universe into being, is within every human being, which is also what the passage quoted by Tides refers to.
It is also notable that almost every religion and spiritual tradition espouses the same truth that we are One with God, Source:
Buddhism: "Look within, thou art Buddha".
Vedanta, part of Hinduism: "Atman (individual Consciousness) and Brahman (Universal Consciousness) are one".
Upanishads, part of Hinduism: "By understanding the self, all this Universe is known".
Yoga, part of Hinduism: "God dwells within you as you".
Confucianism: "Heaven, Earth and human are of one body".
Islam: "Those who know themselves know their God".
Christianity: "On that day, you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you". -- John 14:20
Christianity: "Behold, the kingdom of Heaven is within you". -- Luke 17:21
Christianity: "I and the Father are One". -- John 10:30
Note: In the last passage, Jesus said - "I and The Father are One". Not I and my Father are One. This subtle difference is due to the truth that we all share the Same Father, with Whom we are All One.
I'm glad you like the quote, it was taken from a book called Autobiography of a Yogi. It's one of the only books I have been so entranced by, and brought to tears as I read of the incredible people and experiences Yogananda met in his life time.
If we agree that everything is One, then what we perceive as hierarchy on expression level is a simulation. Everything is truly equal and equally valid and it exists as One(no beginning and no end). Again, I am bypassing the entire compartmentalization and zooming out straight to the highest point of view.
And it is OK to believe otherwise. It's like you said, there are an innumerable ways to experience *God. And neither is more right than the other. I have noticed that Spirit has never judged me in a way that would deny me for my interest or lack thereof with any subject. No, because Truth is Living- In fact, that Living Intelligence speaks to me through whatever my interest or *alignment is at any point in time.
For me, it's ok for you to claim your Godhood. You said Christ was sent here as an example- a way to show the potential and deeper Reality of our experience. I would agree. I also believe that the majority of us, no matter how we choose to share and experience with God share a similar understanding on the nature of God- yes, even those who do not acknowledge a God or those who believe in something completely different form ourselves are on par with that understanding.
Unless we can dematerialize by will, or levitate, or teleport an entire group of people from one physical setting to another- I think we are on pretty equal footing. I only know of two people that could dematerialize their physical bodies through Will power.
Christ and Babaji.
Babaji has been known to teleport his devotees as well.
"Whoever realized himself as a son of God, even as Babaji has done, can reach any goal by the infinite powers hidden within him. A common stone secretly contains stupendous atomic energies; even so, the lowliest mortal is a powerhouse of Divinity."
Although, it is a sad affair when we are so proud of our beliefs that we isolate others and potentially miss a wonderful Opportunity which could only be orchestrated by Divine Providence. An immediate example I can give is this- I live in the USA. Here people boast their political candidates and ideologies with yard signs and flags. There's nothing wrong with it. But I've seen people so absorbed by their political affiliation that they've completely disregarded their fellow man/woman for having a different opinion. Now lets think of all the times people have treated each other poorly for being different. I do not believe we are meant to be so cold hearted to those we disagree with. I do believe Gods Providence prevails, and that God is very patient with us here in this 3D school house. But I know the moment we recognize what's more important, the sooner we enliven our Spirit and even step into that greater truth many of you have discovered.
For me, it does come in handy(at times) to see God as the child and your self as a loving parent. Because you look at something you disagree with and learn to speak to it from a place of Love, or see things with a compassionate Heart because you know deep within any particular form God is there. The very same God who guides(teaches) you, provides for you and dances with you as you evolve your own personality.
I recognize that I still have so much more growing up to do, my personal experience shows me that God *is helping me grow. The relationship is becoming that much more real lately it's been profound. So it's kind of a trip when you think of that Divine Love- The ***Intelligent Guiding Force as a child, how much love would you give the thing that has been so loving to you all your lives???
I believe what matters most, is not how you presently align with your ideas about God but that you are attempting to practice your ideal- in turn, making God a reality. My cousin is an atheist, but I watch her practice the things she believes in and therefore I see the sincere efforts she takes in making God a reality. There may come a time when her belief about a Loving Guiding Force changes.
The ways we define form are just that- definitions and not the Wisdom that comes from a Living Spirit. If I acknowledge God as an infinite Being then I respect creation enough to allow it the freedom and joy of (seeming) individuation.
I believe that's partly why I'm here. I can say with certainty, I do not have it all figured out.
~~~ <3 <3 ~~~
I so agree, that God is an infinite being, a living spirit, the creator of everything that is. The spark of God, through the Holy Spirit is in each of us, which allows us to find and connect with God once our light is bright enough.
I apologize if my opinion appears too strong. It comes from unconditional love and wish that everyone can feel what I feel, which is truly indescribable and my mind even feels too small to hold such intense love and feeling of self power. But, I understand that everyone has their own ways.
When I was 6-7 years old, I could not understand why there was so much suffering. My little heart was broken and I felt such compassion towards everyone, that one night I decided that I would offer my soul to whoever was the creator of all this. I was willing to be locked for eternity somewhere, but in exchange the one with the ultimate power to remove all pain forever. I was going to be content although sacrificed and alone, if I knew that everyone else was happy. Well, back then these thoughts were the result of a pure child's mind and the impulse to help, the feel of unconditional love towards everything and everyone. I now understand existence and the reasons for everything. But my unconditional love still remains and my actions are always driven by it.
Quote from: LightBeam on October 28, 2024, 22:32:01When I was 6-7 years old, I could not understand why there was so much suffering. My little heart was broken and I felt such compassion towards everyone, that one night I decided that I would offer my soul to whoever was the creator of all this. I was willing to be locked for eternity somewhere, but in exchange the one with the ultimate power to remove all pain forever. I was going to be content although sacrificed and alone, if I knew that everyone else was happy. Well, back then these thoughts were the result of a pure child's mind and the impulse to help, the feel of unconditional love towards everything and everyone. I now understand existence and the reasons for everything. But my unconditional love still remains and my actions are always driven by it.
Is this not a state of Christ Consciousness? Your young mind was attempting to do what Jesus was said to do for humanity, sacrifice himself so that we may grow. Interesting.
We have learned so much from you LB, your passion/love to share that which you have learned and experienced is boundless. Much of it aligns very well, but of course some experiences may not based on our own individual path. We all never stop learning, and it will be interesting to see where this journey leads for all of us.
I would like to apologise if my contributions seem to have not respected the individual personal beliefs of everyone here,
At the final analysis, while our true nature and human relationship with God should not be overlooked, ultimately it is how we personally experience and relate to God that really matters, which is ultimately through Divine, Unconditional Love.
This passage from the bible summarises Love very well.
QuoteIf I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.
When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.
Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love. But the greatest of these is LOVE. -- 1 Corinthians 13
Thank you for your post Adrian. The quote from Corinthians is very powerful. My most moving spiritual experiences comprise of a deep sense of unconditional love. That is the common theme and lesson for my spiritual growth, without question.
I very much am interested in deep spiritual discussions, especially as my experiences continue to grow. If one's viewpoint feels quickly dismissed in absolute terms, then the likelihood of contribution lessens. As mentioned, all our experiences and paths are unique to us as individuals, and none of us know all thing's absolutely (until we are deceased and permanently in spirit). Discussions are good for everybody, even ones with differing views, because in the end we all grow from it, one way or the other.
Good morning all! I hope you don't think I was talking to *you or *you or *you or *me specifically. :-D No I believe everyone here is being very cordial, I only made example using generality. To me I believe everyone participating here respects each other! I wanted this conversation, and it is very exciting to participate!
Yes- the individual relationship with God is *unique and therefore, Cherished!! Some people still don't believe they share a unique relationship with God, and that's ok too. But I really believe despite the billions upon billions of lives and forms moving around us- each one has a special relationship with the Lord.
LB- what an Incredible experience you had. It reminds me of one of the stories about the peacock angel, that this being was thrown into an abyss and as a result was made more compassionate. His tears brought vegetation to Earth.
Growing up I feel I had memories shared with a Fallen Angel. I never considered them to be shared memories until later years, I thought maybe I did something and was a part of the fallen angel group dynamic. The peacock angel, a being I discovered in relation to my self discovery-journey, is also somehow connected to this very human lore of the fallen angels. But I do not believe it is the correct understanding(for me).
However, it makes me wonder how many of us share *similar feelings and whether or not those *ideas are shared with the consciousness of our host planet???
Does it make sense? We are all a part of and share a particular energy in this very specific region of time/space-
Love & Light to my new and wonderful friends here at the AP!
It's interesting to see how scientists (physicists, astrophysicists and astronomers) rationalize that God does not exist. Sad when you think about it. It's not that they do not sound rational on its face, but many lack an open mind and clearly haven't looked within to pursue their own spiritual development. Incidentally today on the YouTube video thread I posted a physicist with the polar opposite view, which is becoming more common these days.
Dolores Cannon's thought on God:
"God is not a man. If anything ,God would have been a woman" LOL. I love Dolores!
I was doing some research today on the meaning of "The Kingdom of God lies within us" and came across this passage from a Greek Orthodox Church. It's basically saying humankind's third eye closed when "Man Fell". Pretty fascinating as the pre-Fall state of humankind (as described by the Orthodox Church) appears so similar to the way spiritual circles continue to look and see things, namely the spirit world, the Divine, and perhaps glimpses of God beyond... all beyond the veil.
I find it interesting how this Church talks about the human condition at one point in time had individualistic Divine experiences that were clearly metaphysical, which many of us on this path experience today.
The Eye Of The Spirit
"The purpose of the spirit, as its manifestation show, is to keep man in contact with God and with the divine order of things, independently of all the visible phenomena that surround and flow past him. To be able properly to fulfill such a purpose, the spirit must be naturally endowed with knowledge of God and of the divine order, together with the sense of a more blessed form of existence, which shows itself in a lack of contentment with all things material. This spiritual vision existed, one must suppose, in the first man until the Fall. His spirit clearly saw God and all things divine--as clearly as with normal eyes we today see an object before us. But after the Fall the eyes of the spirit were closed, and man no longer saw what it was natural for him to see. The spirit itself remains and has eyes--but they are closed. Its condition is like that of a man whose eyelids have become stuck together. The eye is intact, it thirsts for light, it longs to see the light, feeling that the lights exists; but the eyelids, being stuck together, do not allow the eye to open and to enter into direct contact with the light. Such is obviously the condition of the spirit in man since the Fall. Man has tried to replace the sight of the spirit by the sight of the mind, by abstract mental constructions, by ideologies; but this has always been without results, as we can see from all the metaphysical theories of the philosophers."
Link to the complete article:
https://saintandrewgoc.org/blog/2012/12/6/the-kingdom-within-us.html
Thanks for bumping this thread. One of the new challenges and "ways which I experience with"
Is recognizing how subtle my own irritabilities are. They are barley perceptible, yet they are the reason for my unpleasant mood at any given time. A need to be perceived in just the right manner, a need to fulfill a particular image- an unrealized making of the mind. An unrealistic expectation of how the world and the life herein should be.
So... Today I am OK with losing. Today I am OK with being proven wrong, with all the disagreeable things that seem to manifest around me. I let them go, I attempt to stay nestled in Love. I may not be there, already this discipline is proving challenging. Already the prods have poked this little ones ego.
But I had the thought that I need to learn how to be OK with everything happening around me... Including the extremely difficult- like treating someone poorly. Not that I would engage in this activity, and hopefully I act as the Heart demands if I am confronted- but my idea is, if someone's actions stir anger, fear or anxiety IN ME... I will even lose that-
Today is a good day for losing. And it feels like a victory. :-)
PS this little post of mine is not in reference to anything from this thread except the title itself, God and ways we share our relationship with. Just a thought that popped into my head, and this thread seemed a fitting place to express that thought.
Quote from: tides2dust on November 13, 2024, 09:54:21Today is a good day for losing. And it feels like a victory. :-)
Everything is victory, although on this level we as characters have our own perception and definitions based on the isolated stories we have set up to experience. And it's ok, this is the intent for learning. But when we reach realization at this level that truly there is NO FAILURE and everything happens for a reason, a reason that serves us to learn and we start to understand why things happen on a personal and mass level, then we reach peace and content. To understand that everyone has their paths and lessons and we should respect them no matter what it may appear to be from our judgement point. Maybe these who cause turmoil have been asked by the "victims" to create tests for them (on a higher level).
And we should look at our changes of perception in a positive way. We are constantly discovering more and more pieces of the mysterious puzzle of existence and our understanding and perception changes as we keep discovering.
I do find it interesting how the common denominator in most religions and all of Spirituality necessitates a state of love to oneself and others. If you are not kind and respectful (love yourself) then it is not possible to love others. It's important to not let this heavy world make us bitter, then the downward spiral begins.
If interested, this is Father Spyridon's take on love and (Orthodox) Christianity. To be like Christ or in Spiritual terms have a Christ Consciousness, one must do their best to
find the state of unconditional love. Easier said than done in this heavy world. For me, when the negative ones act up, and they do act up, I try and let it fluff off me and not take things too seriously or personally. I have may bubble of light around me and imagine it's impenetrable.
https://youtu.be/d2FKSxaa76w?si=8wUmEAfH5uZrByBY
Even though my upbringing was Orthodox Christian, my Meditation practices have been more Eastern. Interesting enough, there is a form of Meditation in Christianity as well. This is done to feel closer to and be with God, which is again similar to Eastern beliefs. The similarities are numerous, including to look within and quiet the mind, be mindful and present. Some Christians believe that meditation should never be done, so there are differing opinions on the subject. The common goal is to become closer to God, be with God and achieve Oneness with God.
A good article on the subject:
https://www.eastwesticism.org/can-christians-meditate/
An excellent YouTube Video on Christian Meditation:
I'll have to give it a watch later... But wanted to quickly comment on this:
QuoteFor me, when the negative ones act up, and they do act up, I try and let it fluff off me and not take things too seriously or personally. I have may bubble of light around me and imagine it's impenetrable.
The more I turn that judgmental lens *WITHIN, the more I recognize how imperfect I am. This is the little me talking to you, full of Ego and Delusions of Grandeur :-D Full of impatience and irritabilities, regrets and wrong action.
Haha- All of this to say... When we realize we are indeed stepping into our potential- when we acknowledge our spiritual evolution as a consistent opportunity -
The less time we have to worry about the negative ones. The reward for turning our judgmental lens inward is not seeing another's actions as threatening. Instead we may be graced with understanding -
Understanding our selves, our negative aspects, our noble pursuits, and in turn- understanding others, understanding why a person is behaving so negatively.
We don't view "them" with contempt, or even feel we need to shield ourselves from, "other than self"
It's an ever evolving journey that continues on after our short time here on planet Earth, and we may find ourselves incarnate on a alien planet, with alien bodies as we strive for complete attainment of and with Source.
Note how often we feel separate from, on a mass scale... Consider our literal separation as physical entities with beautiful personalities and all that we have yet to attain.
Loving regards!! :-D :-) :-D :-) :-D
Quote from: tides2dust on November 30, 2024, 09:42:52When we realize we are indeed stepping into our potential- ...when we acknowledge our spiritual evolution as a consistent opportunity - The less time we have to worry about the negative ones...
I fully agree Tides, which was the point I was trying to make with my words you quoted. The negative ones are a distraction and consuming if we let them be. It's good to be careful out there, but I don't have time for them, as they will serve one purpose and that's to hinder my Spiritual progress by lowering my vibration down to their's. I don't consider this me judging them, but me choosing to not let them influence me in the negative. I have always found "judgement free" boundaries very helpful. 🙂
I hear you.
I don't regard judgment as negative and I think one step further, we won't feel separate from "perceived" negative ones when we are graced with understanding. I am at times particularly negative. There may come a day where we appreciate our strife.
It's a great practice you have, that is, recognizing the bounty within and not depending on anyone else for your happiness or personal growth.
Peace and blessings on this joyous day! :-)
I think no one is fully immune from being negative from time to time (and that includes me). It's ingrained in the physical world we live in. It's hard to be totally immune from any judgement as well, for the same reasons. However I try and keep these to a minimum if possible. I may not have all the answers why someone is acting so poorly or why I had to be on the receiving end of less than ideal behavior. Have a great day as well Tides!
Quote from: Frostytraveler on November 30, 2024, 11:46:51I think no one is fully immune from being negative from time to time (and that includes me). It's ingrained in the physical world we live in.
Yes, it's a part of our ego which insures survival. It triggers defensive mechanism otherwise we would have died off as physical species. But when we discover the root cause and how existence works, we become more understanding, we start to see the big picture from a higher perspective and as we do so, we start shifting ourselves to events and circumstances that are alighted with our understanding and compassionate thoughts and such negative circumstances actually stop manifesting within our personal reality. We may still observe negativity in the world, but it does not affect us directly and we understand that these who are involved directly (the "victims" and the "perpetrators") have chosen to do so and we have to respect their choice of experience.
We also have picked certain roles as characters and we play out these roles. For example, someone who is a teacher would have to grade the students and some will receive failures, but the teacher has to do it. I for example observe groups/countries where challenging events happen and I donate to help them, so although these are personal realities that do not affect me directly, I play my role to help them in whichever form I can, but I will not go out of my way to constantly be looking for the troubles of the world and focus on that. I let synchronicities take me where I may be needed, but I do not react to take it upon myself to affect me emotionally.
Quote from: LightBeam on November 30, 2024, 12:10:05But when we discover the root cause and how existence works, we become more understanding, we start to see the big picture from a higher perspective and as we do so, we start shifting ourselves to events and circumstances that are alighted with our understanding and compassionate thoughts and such negative circumstances actually stop manifesting within our personal reality. We may still observe negativity in the world, but it does not affect us directly...
I understand LB. This is what I have been working on this "shifting to events and circumstances aligned with our understanding and compassion"... I notice a large change since my spiritual ascension and I became aware of this concept (from you and my other extensive readings). For me, boundaries needed to be set, and that put improvements on a fast track. I would much rather be a third party spectator of negativity than sucked into it directly or worse... become a target to it. Best case scenario is to have as little negativity visibly come my way (news/media etc...). I think even passively observing it is not ideal. Even knowing this, as a human, it's hard not to have a fleeting blip of negativity rear its end now and then, but it's dealt with swiftly and eliminated.
Quote from: Frostytraveler on November 30, 2024, 17:51:44boundaries needed to be set
Yes, that's a part of us observing what we are NOT the vibration of and setting boundaries/moving away from people/drama/circumstances that are not representative of our vibration and let them continue the paths they have chosen, still respecting them and sending them their way with love and light.
Here is the latest example with me. Yesterday I received two scam texts. I was so tempted to text them back and ask them to watch the movie "The Beekeeper" lol. Those who have watched it would understand why. It's very satisfying to watch it though. But I quickly caught myself and sent them mentally energy/information to have them "see" what are they doing to themselves, because basically what you put out is what you get back. Then I went next door to a neighbor who is an elderly lady and lives alone, and I showed her the examples of scams to be aware of and not respond. Then I let it go.
Hmm.... Now I have to watch The Beekeeper. :-)
Sometimes, you are exactly the right person, when a moment calls for it.
You never know, exactly, how your being may be of service.
Some additional thoughts...
If everybody "eliminated" each other from their lives because they think everyone else is toxic- it would be quite a lonely and isolated world indeed! :-D
If all the teachers of our world said, "I can't have you in my life, you are too negative" ... WOW :-D
Too funny. The last person that threatened to cut our childhood relationship did so because I had a difference of opinion. Apparently that's enough to be considered toxic. :-o
Then... I think of the times supposed negativity found me. A child pointed his pistol at me and threatened my life. An enraged and frightened teenager threatened to beat me to a pulp for making eye contact.
All of this happened for a reason. And maybe happened with me, and not someone else, for a reason. What that reason is, is between all who shared the experience. I am grateful my life was spared each time, that no further violence came about. And as uncomfortable as the experiences were, I am glad they have created such deep and intense introspection.
I don't think we are really eliminating anything. Sure we're ignoring or turning away from something. I'm not here to say don't set boundaries. Boundaries are healthy, it was healthy for my friend to want to walk away from our relationship- it wasn't healthy(in my eyes) how he went about it... But clearly he needed time to be in himself.
But when we are only living for ourselves, life can be a real misery- and we will find toxicity and sorrow wherever we go. Honestly, I thought his shunning me and calling me names was the toxicity- but who knows if that will ever dawn on him?
The lord uses us all and in ways that are often beyond complete comprehension. Even the "ugly and undesirable" may have profound and far reaching purpose.
It is absolutely right to pursue your Ideal, please don't take my experience as challenging your beliefs... Last thing I wish to implore, understanding doesn't create a desire to eliminate. Understanding embraces and recognizes the value behind what is.
Understanding is simply being true to yourself and having a desire to shift to a personal reality that is aligned with your vibration, which will attract like minded people. There is no loneliness, there is a community that is compatible and positive. Interactions with polarity serves, no doubt, but why linger when the lesson is learned and the purpose is served. There are infinite experiences, but as individualized characters we simply can not experience the infinite experiences in one go. We tend to want to shift ourselves to experiences which correspond to our core beliefs as this character, therefore we bring our focus to it and attract like events and people.
If I had to tolerate non-compatible people I would have been stuck in unhappy relationships. There is no need for it when I realize that I have power to write the script of my play, and so I do. I think this is a lesson on its own, to realize that we do have power and to start using it to manifest what we desire. I don't invalidate anything or anyone though. I let them be in their own vibration and I respect that.
Teachers have their students temporary for the class, just like we have people come and go. We don't hold them longer than needed. If for some takes longer, maybe years and years to realize what the lessons are and to realize their own power, then challenging relationships will last. It's very individual. Typically boundaries are being set after a time of interaction and exchange of lessons. Then it's time to decide what is true for you and align accordingly.
Tides, I'm sorry you had to go through that. You have touched on many complex topics. Fortunately, what you describe as the risks of setting boundaries is not the case with me, nor my goal for an end result. Let me explain. I have seen much in life, as many of you have, to the point where I could write a book on it.
No one is ever "eliminated" from my life unless we are at the end of the rope where nothing is redeemable. I am one to make sizable efforts to salvage a relationship of all types, but there becomes a point where a soul tie needs to be broken for self preservation, which is often for the good of the other party as well. This is something Dolores Cannon very much condones.
There is a scene in the movie The Abyss where a submarine at the beginning of the movie takes on so much damage that it's sinking is inevitable. The Captain says "launch the buoy". This is so the sub and bodies can be found because all is lost. I have used this analogy for relationships, friends, business, relatives, employees etc... ever since where it's the end... plane and simple. To stay in it would promote a state of torment, damage, achieve nothing and severely lower one's vibration and overall health.
So I make this decision not selfishly, but quite the opposite. To break the rut of the "unlearned lesson" and move on so the lesson can be fulfilled. If we stay in the toxic environment indefinitely, are we learning anything? If we stay in it, then perhaps the lesson will repeat and repeat until we get it right sort of like The movie Groundhog Day. Sometimes the toxic people can unfortunately be immediate family, or an employee or a friend or relative etc... Some just thrive on harming others in irrational, illogical, immoral and unjust ways. They often appear like NPCs, or on rails to cause problems, rewriting history to serve negative purposes and agendas. Nope, I don't want any part of that.
As LB says, I would rather not be a participant or a target of such negativity. No matter how unfortunate, sometimes a soul tie must be broken. We can make plenty of other ties, so our world doesn't have to be miserable or get smaller. This is just a necessary shift or adjustment, and when done for the right reasons can bring the opposite, happiness.
Thank you Frosty for your sympathy. Please don't be sorry, I am grateful.
> I think you both misunderstood my hypothetical so I tried to rephrase. What I was saying was, if everybody in the world decided everybody else was toxic- it would be a lonely world. I wasn't saying it isn't healthy to set boundaries, in fact, I said the opposite. I my self had to close some doors to relationships. Why? Because I felt it was necessary at the time. What I'm trying to suggest is, you never know what's going to be thrown your way-
I would even caution in writing someone off, assuming to know better- but I am of the belief that if you decide to do so then it is a part of your life journey. I am also grateful there are real examples of teachers who do not give up on their students. I do not believe God gives up on anyone.
Instead- what I would rather convey is to be cognizant that life is communicating. Life has its ways of surprising us. The same people we once condemned as being negative may come back and offer help down the road.
Lately... For me... It's more important to recognize the moment as alive, actively communicating with us. That level of communication(present presence) is even faster than words or thoughts. Everything, everyone, every situation is speaking to you. Cultivate awareness above all. It is fair to say there is plenty we aren't aware of.
Just to lighten up the conversation, if I had to give a chance to every guy who had ever asked me out, I would have needed several lifetimes to go on dates. Instead at a glance, I would say nope, next; nope, next; nope, next; heeeey, you are hot, ok lol
Elimination at full force haha
Quote from: Frostytraveler on November 30, 2024, 09:39:30Even though my upbringing was Orthodox Christian, my Meditation practices have been more Eastern. Interesting enough, there is a form of Meditation in Christianity as well. This is done to feel closer to and be with God, which is again similar to Eastern beliefs. The similarities are numerous, including to look within and quiet the mind, be mindful and present. Some Christians believe that meditation should never be done, so there are differing opinions on the subject. The common goal is to become closer to God, be with God and achieve Oneness with God.
A good article on the subject:
https://www.eastwesticism.org/can-christians-meditate/
An excellent YouTube Video on Christian Meditation:
Frosty!! :-) :-) :-)
I thoroughly enjoyed the meditation video and the article you've posted. Thank you!!
It's funny, the moment we open our mouths and use words is the moment we find differences and even have the potential to reach undesirable territory. :wink:
I see that we all actually understand, but the differences in words and the use of words makes us think someone else is not understanding.
Kind of like how some Christians think meditation is wrong but find nothing wrong with prayer.
Yet if we look at prayer from a different perspective, as this beautiful video shows... It is a type of meditation!
Do we choose to focus on the differences? I would rather not- and your article might just help me adjust the perspective(if the opportunity presents itself) when someone voices that meditation is demonic.
Thank you. And how appropriate for this thread!
I have thoroughly been enjoying meditating with our lovely friend Tak and others on Tuesdays. A wise man once said, "I can't afford not to meditate." How unfortunate that anyone would think such a thing to be evil? Fear... And I especially enjoy reading about God on Friday night with my other group. And I recognize what I'm reading would have some people praying for me thinking I need an exorcist. Hah!
What one calls demonic I call
Soul nourishment!
Quote from: LightBeam on November 30, 2024, 23:28:36Just to lighten up the conversation, if I had to give a chance to every guy who had ever asked me out, I would have needed several lifetimes to go on dates. Instead at a glance, I would say nope, next; nope, next; nope, next; heeeey, you are hot, ok lol
Elimination at full force haha
Thanks for the laugh LB.
It's time for me to wind down but I am happy to feel love in my Heart, even for the things that have bothered me.
Another example of elimination at full force- a heart breaking moment for my self(Guess I'm the downer here- haha) was when, in my youth, I was so excited reading Autobiography of a Yogi I mailed it to my Aunt because she was someone I could share my inspirations with.
She mailed it back but a week later and told me on the phone she didn't get past the first few pages. She told me he was a false prophet and rebuked the book.
My ego was a little bruised, but I understand her fear and where she's at in life. The funny thing is, she has experienced some of the same miracles as described in the book. She has even shared a similar understanding on the nature of God as Yogananda.
It shows me the Lord does not discriminate- I'm learning to recognize when something is better left alone. All of this to me, proves we are evolving on a spiritual level. That there is a Loving, Guiding Intelligent Force able to address everyone. It's always speaking... I hope to become aware of that, more and more.
Faith in God, as able to address All Things... It's a life saver. :-) :-)
Good night!
In the end, meditation is meditation. Don't get caught up in anything else.
However you wish to connect with yourself, is the manner in which you connect with yourself.
It's really just... that... simple.
Quote from: Frostytraveler on November 30, 2024, 18:37:40Hmm.... Now I have to watch The Beekeeper. :-)
Nope. You don't *have* to watch "The Beekeeper". ** speaking generally and cryptically here LOL **
Realize that you're choosing to watch "The Beekeeper".
It never was pre-requisite.
Of course... :-D
Reflecting on this thread and engaging with the title...
"Ways we experience with"
I remember there are so many ways, and though the path may differ, I have Faith we arrive at the same destination.
Looking at my own accounts, two spiritual giants- my Aunt and Yogananda... two very different ways of life, but the rewards of Spirit and Discovery are both theirs to be had. God loves them both.
Yesterday I prayed to experience life in new ways. I am always digging, seeking to experience the "ever-new bliss" described by Yogananda.
Ever-new being key.
I do feel that way.
And I remember a few things...
I recognize that anxiety, impatience, anger... Quick to (whatever) ... all come from Fear. All come from a lack of understanding. Understanding eliminates fear.
And I remember there's so much I don't know. So much that disturbs my (inner peace). So my practice lately is recognizing the emotional disturbances happening within me. And if I don't understand, I don't fret. I can't be expected to understand everything... But just recognizing the disturbance happening within is enough. A moment to pause and understand whats happening in my self, a moment to choose what to do with that.
It is possible to have the zen of a zoroastian hermit among the hustle and bustle of a ghetto city. Because when you are at peace within( WITH ) ( IN ) nothing can disturb you.
Between that and
Faith in the reality of a loving and guiding presence... Life is joyful and I feel I am working towards liberation from fear.
I am really enjoying most of all becoming alive to the presence, in communication with... Because every moment is speaking with me.
The practices, and ways to experience with- are really mind blowing, exciting, new and harmonious.
To quote a friend... "Fear grips when love falls short of Infinity"
Other ways I am experiencing with... Is trying to understand communication without words. So much room to play with here! We've been given the gift of Breath, Free Will and are little alchemist playing with, growing alongside and Loving all along the way~
:-) :-) :-)