God and ways we share our relationship With

[Frostytraveler]

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:

[tides2dust]

I'll have to give it a watch later... But wanted to quickly comment on this:

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.

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    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!!         

[Frostytraveler]

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...

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. 🙂

[tides2dust]

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! 

[Frostytraveler]

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!

[LightBeam]

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.

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.

[Frostytraveler]

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...

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.

[LightBeam]

boundaries 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.   

[Frostytraveler]

Hmm.... Now I have to watch The Beekeeper. 

[tides2dust]

Sometimes, you are exactly the right person, when a moment calls for it.

You never know, exactly, how your being may be of service.

[tides2dust]

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! 

If all the teachers of our world said, "I can't have you in my life, you are too negative" ... WOW 

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. 

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.

[LightBeam]

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.

[Frostytraveler]

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.

[tides2dust]

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.

[LightBeam]

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

[tides2dust]

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:

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. 

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!

[tides2dust]

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

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!

[Xanth]

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.

Hmm.... 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.

[Frostytraveler]

Of course... 

[tides2dust]

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~