A Prudent Way

The love in a child’s eyes….that captures your heart song…

as we glance we see that which is true and divine in ourselves…

that love that knows no boundaries…

…the joy of innocence that lies deep within ….

the awe and wonderment that envelops our soul for even just amoment…

reminds us of our true soul that is connected to all things….

we are the creation and the creators….

The love in the child’s eye holds the mirror of our own magnificence that is

 purity, grace, love,tenderness, kindness, compassion, dignity, joy, humor, imagination, creativity awe and vulnerability,….

that vulnerability that we intuitively know deserves to be held and regarded only with the utmost reverence…

it reminds us of that state of “being” and  “in allowing”..

it is in the surrender that we have known peace…

 that inherent innocence of the “wonder child”…that “pure potentiality”…

the hope and joyful expectation of what is now and yet to be…….

It is also in the eyes of the child that evoke the realization of our departure from our “true”selves…

our own innocence and vulnerability…

.in that instant, we are reminded that these very characteristics are frowned upon by those around us,

who, at one time, embraced it and honored those aspects in us and in themselves….

.there is a momentary clarity, that we have adopted modes of existing,

that are driven by scores of illusions that mask

our own innocence, authenticity and vulnerability..

our own inner child…

our own connectedness to source

our own divinity..

 It is the child that gives us the gift of connection to our own peace and joy once again…

by their eyes, their touch, their expressions, their laughter,their absolute ability to live in the moment

 and give themselves freely with love and with abandon as they experience life as an opportunity

( if given the chance to maintain it)….

it is the love of a child’s eye and their way, that harkens our authenticity…

As we recall that place, we have the opportunity to once again surrender and embrace our own child within

 and embrace the innocence, vulnerability and humility…

and in that surrender we reconnect to our source….

as we see the love inside the eye of a child…

we experience the recognition of that grace that lies within all things…

the continuity of spirit…

the seat of the soul …

 in  the eyes of a child…are your eyes…

after all, who you are, is that child…

12-17-2006

terrie

My dear friend Jimmy Hodges read this to me this morning -9/22/09 - on the eve of his 90th birthday.

IF.....

IF you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,

Or being hated, don't give way to hating,

And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;

If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings

And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings

And never breathe a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,

if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,

If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,

And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

There are literally millions of people on the "manifestation" movement.  I admit, I too took that journey for a bit and it was uncomfortable as I felt my Ego was involved.  I thought "great I will create all this stuff I want and money in the bank and health, and more stuff"   It really did not feel quite right. I knew in my heart is that my life is full of blessings, and those were bestowed upon me. Not a result of my unaided will. 

This manifestation movement led the ego-centric society on a mission to create money, stuff, and  comfort for their lives.  A nice idea in theory if your life needs to be fulfilled in that way; yet, I know it is an empty solution to that spiritual gap in a person. 

All these people are working on "manifesting" and creating abundance. Yet it seems that it is all self-serving - a function of Ego.   I began to look around and see the trap of this new age movement.  There was a big gaping hole in this philosophy.

If you study the Real Masters of Manifestation and what they demonstrated and continue to do so - Is that the purpose of manfesting abundance, healing and harmony was for the greater good - not as a source to serve the ego.  If you look into these stories and the language utilized by folks like Mother Teresa, John of God, Abraham, Jesus, Buddha, and others, you will recognize their dedication to serving the greater good.  Therein lies the truth about manifestation.

I have listened to some self-proclaimed manifesting people boast about this supposed "special ability". As if they can manipulate people, circumstance and events to their desires, demands and comforts.  This is simply about their personal ability to some how manipulate the universe in pursuit of  their personal  quest for money, power, prestige, fame, more stuff.  People are now believing  this notion that they "alone" can create/ and manipulate whatever they want unaided by the Grace of God or a Higher Source.   As Caroline Myss would say, "nonsense!" - this is the realm of the divine people.  Not a personal conquest of the universal energies. 

There is no mention about a person's destiny or soul contract or karma. As if the ability can override what a person is to experience in their life. It was said by a known ancient Master, "Be very leary of he who proclaims to know the will of God".  So people who claim that they can make the universe supply them things, situations, jobs, money etc. are honestly, missing the entire point.   It seems to me, many are not even considering the notion of manifestation  as a means to serve others to bring healing or abundance to those in need- never mind our planet. They are selling lots of books and seminars...selling you the concept.  So you are manifesting their abundance

What i do know for sure, is that there is a God/loving source at work in life.   -    Very simple.  Having studied many modalities and different spiritual teachings, I have also learned that life is a precious gift, and all experiences and what is now - is ripe with all we need in this moment.   It is my perception, attitude, humility, gratitude, and being present now, that provides me with the abundance and ability to live my life each day in fullness, awareness and connection.  

In awareness,  I have found that the blessings that are "manifested" in my life are beyond my wildest dreams and  I could never proclaim to be the architect of that!  The coincidences, situations, people, places, teachers, and experiences are far to complex for me as a mere human being to orchestrate.  I am grateful for the blessings in my life.  

 Each of us is here to have our own respective experiences.  There will be times of ebb and flow.  That is just the nature of life.  We are connected in a huge spiritual and energetic tapestry.  So as I do unto my brother/sister, I do unto me.  With gratitude, comes inner peace. As I a help another, I help myself.  It is in giving that you receive.

So Next time you hear some one talking about how powerful they are in their ability to manifest, ask them a simple question,"Why dont you end war, suffering, starvation, disease and help the homeless have a roof over their head and a meal today - maybe stop global warming while you are at it?"  I mean, hey, that would be a good start.

Let's get real ok?

Enlightenment for Sale?

For years I have explored and studied spirituality enlightenment or some refer to as the new age arena. On my journey, I have encountered some of the most amazing teachers, which are usually the most humble, and generally have had the greatest impact.

The new age arena exploded in recent years and self-proclaimed teachers /spiritual masters or gurus flooded the market. More modalities are available today than ever before for folks that are seeking to enrich their spiritual life. Some teachers, authors and speakers have some fantastic methods that are available for the masses to access. For example, Oprah and Eckhart Tolle offered a FREE 10-week webinar to all who would like to attend on his  Book A New Earth. Literally millions of people around the world tuned in each week and were able to participate in an interactive group study on his revolutionary book. There were many accounts of peoples lives that were shifted in positive ways and accounts of great new perspectives that were emerging across the world. Clearly the message was more important than the money to Oprah and Eckhart. Both, truly bringing sacred spiritual healing techniques and acting as messengers of spirit.

Not all teachers, however, operate from that paradigm of generosity of spirit. It seems there are so many that are capitalizing on this generations thirst for spiritual expansion. It does not take too much to find the names of these people as some are at the forefront of media and yet, they charge huge amounts of money to study with them. It seems if you want the Secret to true enlightenment, you can have it, IF you have the cash to pay for it. I have seen seminars cost literally thousands of dollars a day to attend.  Now that is what I call Greed. There are countless scam artists out there that tell you for the right amount of money, they will show you how to get what you already possess.

Conversely, there are what I call the real holy teachers and walking masters. These are the folks that ask very little or nothing at all; except if people care to make a donation or a contribution to these teachers. A woman from India who is noted as a modern day Avatar  Mother Meera conducts Darshan - giving the blessings of Divine Light and Love.  She is a humble and holy woman who shares her gifts and wisdom and asks nothing of her devotees. Should someone care to make a donation to Mother they may. Yet, her wisdom and blessing is not with held from any one.

What I have found in my journey is enlightenment is not something out side of us. It is inherent in us all.There are good teachers that offer courses of study at a reasonable level or you can purchase their books, cds or videos if you can not afford the workshops. They simply offer tools to help you re-connect to your divine self.

Unfortunately, Spirituality has been capitalized on by some greedy and manipulative ego based individuals that have led unsuspecting and honestly open hearted people to believe that the more you pay, the more you get, or the better the path is if you pay more money. It is a con game. There are many paths and great, honest, truly spiritual teachers that can help you realize that what you seek lies within you. In the world of capitalism, the pretense of you get what you pay for does NOT apply in the realm of spirituality. I have found that to be true. Put it to the test, next time you meet a ?spiritual teacher? ask them the last time they went and truly served those in need, went and fed the hungry, consoled the ill or the parent who lost a child. Consider the masters of the past (Abraham, Jesus, Buddha, Mother Teresa) , and where they taught, how they lived and the legacy of their wisdom. I think you will agree that enlightenment can not be bought.  It is something you already possess - you may just need to shed some layers to find it again.

Caroline Myss reminds us that it is the "It is the denial of your intuitive voice that creates your suffering." A subtle inner knowing that we all have. The knowing that comes from our intuition is inherent in our being. Many spiritual teachers will tell you that "intuition is the God voice within."

So many of us want to improve our spiritual condition; yet, we deny that intuitive voice in small ways each day. We say yes, when our inside says no. Whether is it is something as small as eating something we know we should not - or as big as doing something against our better judgement (which lies in our intuitive voice). It took me years to agree to try meditation, as I always believed that was for Gurus in high Spiritual places. I had heard countless people discuss how meditation has enriched their lives.

I just did not believe I could be quiet enough to meditate successfully. The truth is, my ego was in the way. I finally learned a basic meditation practice that allows me to listen to my intuition and my intuitive voice throughout the day. Now the practice becomes to listen and heed that guidance so that I may live in integrity with myself. It is truly liberating and I encourage every one to at least try it. It has brought a whole new level of peace and freedom into my life. Listening to my intuitive voice, has set me free and has truly given me the pathway to living fully.

My goal is to share this with any one who is interested. For more information, drop me an email and I am happy to share instructions on basic meditation process that you can use for 5 minutes or an hour!...it can make all the difference in your day.

As it is…the love within the guarded heart …denies you the bounty of love…leaving a twinge of emptiness…that dam lingering pain…that fear of letting go and allowing the love to be totally expressed without boundaries…ha! ..what if it is abandoned again?...that would be way too painful…so you settle…as the wounds stay trapped in the protected heart…for safekeeping to remind you of a shattered dream…never….ever go there again…so the adjustments are made to find the balance of living …living in a world surrounded by so many that project on to you based on their perceptions and through their filters …yet, they really have no idea…and we mirror the behavior...as it seems the safest path...or are you really trapped in this dynamic that does not really reflect your heart..your soul...

The past has you asking who can you trust really? Yet the trust is within yourself. The trust that unbridled love and openness wont hurt you...as Love does not hurt...only the egoic projections of love create pain.

So, When do you give yourself the gift of abandoning the walls that surround you? A courage that is not seen in most of us…so we resist as the pain has taught us discernment…

“resistance creates our suffering”…..so how long will the wounds serve you? How long will it take to surrender, release and trust that the love you seek ..you already possess…and that what is in your life is a mirror of how you show up . In your private quiet moments the longing haunts you to allow that true connection…with others…

We have a choice…how we will live…in an altered protected guarded life of compromise…or with an open heart in true freedom…in connection to all that is…all the parts of us fully open to experience real joy and authenticity. What will you chose?

I invite you to chose freedom..one step at a time...take the risk and let your love shine!

In the words of John Lennon..."love is the answer!"

"Imagine!"

I bid you peace, and the freedom of unbridled love

terrie.

There is a massive epidemic of "disorders" in children. So many children and adolescents are on anti-depressant, anti-anxiety or "attention enhancing" medications for a host of different "disorders" like ADD, HDAD, Anxiety or depression. Why is an 11 yr old having anxiety or thoughts of suicide? Something is desperately wrong! Certainly there are some cases that may have real physiological predisposition to mental disorders. However, research has shown that a great deal of these cases require simply more "attention" - to diet, exercise, spiritual condition, or it may simply be the emotional environment at home is dysfunctional and needs addressing.

I met with a man with decades of experience in working with families and who personally developed several well-renowned treatment facilities across the country. We discussed what can be done to intervene with kids before these "disorders" develop. Basically, his philosophy is that the kids are not the issue. It is our culture and the adults that need to look at themselves first, before the kids have a chance. It was said to me, that, "The parents/adults will need to be willing to undergo their own work (a de-construct of their own issues) and look at themselves before real and effective recovery can happen for the entire family." He went on to say that there are great treatments available for children and their families, yet, it requires a willingness to change. It requires courage on the part of the adults to take an honest look at the situation and ask some tough questions.

Parents, physicians, teachers and the community, would have to look at themselves and ask: are they really listening to the children or operating on their own agenda, what are they modeling in communication and living in integrity, what type of programming are they instilling in these children, how present are they really, how much "Attention" are they really giving the children - or do they allow their kids to be entertained and occupied by the television, video games, computer, etc., how emotionally present are the parents in the lives of these children, what do they show kids about healthy living in body, mind and spirit. How may of these parents are simply not taking responsibility, by just labeling and drugging the children as an "easier" path for themselves? How has the community become so politically correct, that they refrain from real intervention - when simply speaking up could make the difference in the life of a child?

Teachers are frustrated as they can often times see the dysfunction in the family system and the effects on the kids. Unfortunately there are a few teachers that take upon themselves to suggest medications, which is completely inappropriate given their lack of professional designation to make those recommendations. Often times they are ladened with the child that appears in school clearly emotionally or behaviorally challenged due to issues at home. Yet, the teachers are unable to help, given all the legal, social and economic restrictions. Good teachers do what they can to educate, support and empower these kids - yet, are losing the battle in many cases. After all is does "Take a village to raise a child" But when the village is so restricted the child suffers.

The Parents, Teachers and Communities need to have the Courage to look at the alternatives! Kids are dying or in many cases, just existing in a pharmaceutical haze - carrying labels of learning disabled, attention deficit, hyper, behavioral and more. These kids feel like outcasts or different - so the problem grows exponentially. How do kids become this way? Why are we doing this to these children? Why are we not looking at what is wrong with the school system or the family system, or the community? How many kids will have to die to suicide, violence or drug addiction before the adults have the courage to take responsibility?

Great news is there are some courageous pioneers developing terrific programs to confront this epidemic. There are good physicians who do not just write a prescription, rather they ask the tough questions and take a more holistic approach. There are more medical and behavioural experts coming forward to assist the families and their children through education including: meditation, nutrition, exercise, and healthy emotional modeling. A holistic approach to solutions is emerging across the country. The results have been incredible. Two such organizations are making great headway.

David Lynch Foundation (www.davidlynchfoundation.org), in conjunction with some of the top medical schools and experts in the country, has developed such a program that is seeing astonishing results in children from Junior High through College. They are currently in 14 schools and working with top medical experts and bringing meditation to the classrooms around the country. It is a fantastic way to begin to support kids. Please visit their website for more information.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, renowned heart surgeon, developed Health corps (www.healthcorps.org), a community based Peace Corps type service organization bringing solutions of health and fitness to our schools.

Please visit these websites to learn more about programs that may be available in your area.

We all need to step up and Speak up and have the courage to change the things we can!

Enlightened, "Freed from ignorance and misinformation" (Webster's dictionary)

Taoism "the state of being in harmony with the laws of the universe"

Buddhism "the realization of ultimate universal truth."

Scores of people are seeking this seemingly elusive state of being.
We hear these "ideals" being discussed in all the "spiritual circles" and yet, it seems no one can clearly define how to get there? It is as if it is outside of us - something to achieve. Yet, what exactly is Enlightenment? A process by which human souls convene with God, Spirit, Gaia, Allah, Jesus or the universal force? What exactly are the requirements, steps, how much time does it take, how can a person be assured the path they are following is correct? In this moment, some suggest, enlightenment is available to everyone - there is nothing to do, no condition to meet, no classes to take.

It seems that the source from which all things were created - the source from which all is,  exists now. Some say you can access heaven on earth. "The Kingdom is at Hand." 

Scientifice evidence states that in fact, given that we are all energy, and all things are connected, perhaps this illusive, or shall it be said, seemingly "exclusive ascension or enlightenment process" is not outside of us or an "experience" to be achieved through something yet to be done.   Rather, maybe it really is about a de-construct of the human ego and all the programming, that has separated a knowing, that the place referred to by all these "spiritualist" is part of who we are already. It is simply a function of remembering your spirit and your origin. Perhaps it really is as simply as living in truth and authenticity and in alignment with who we are, as humans in this lifetime. Perhaps it is simply as taking quiet time to observe, meditate, and take in the magnificence of all that is around us. Perhaps it is something that is not exclusive to the highly "enlightened" ...but rather, accessible to all at anytime a person is willing to be quiet enough to allow the connection to all that is. Animals and nature seem to already live there on a daily basis; completely at one with. In their space day by day, moment by moment. Birds, bees don't strive to be anything other than what they are and there in lies the joy. It is in "being"

The movement to become more evolved spiritually is simply a movement to return to our authenticity. To be "freed from ignorance and misinformation" that has been developed over generations and generations. To release the modalities that no longer serve, that are steeped and a result of man's super ego to control dominate and direct the masses. To live freely in peace, with acceptance of the magnificence of humanity. Ask a child how they see the world. A child is closest to the state of enlightenment that we have. The wonderment, joy, enthusiasm, compassion, creativity and awe a child possesses will help those searching for their own ascension or enlightenment. The qualities of enlightenment and state of ascension already exist in each of us if we allow ourselves to get quiet enough and remember who we are. The Simple wondrous miraculous creations of that source that we are of and from. There are many paths, and many ways to find your way back home. Just look around at nature, study a bird, a flower, a tree, the migratory patterns of animals - look into the eyes of a baby. . We are at one with it all - we are energetically connected with all creation. We knew that inherently as babies and as children - this elusive enlightenment and ascension is simply a process of returning home to who we truly are. It lies within - you are welcome to come home to your essential/authentic self, enlightenment at any time....we are all there waiting for you. Do you have the courage to do what it takes to shed that which keeps you from your bliss?

The following is often quoted by Marianne Williamson ,,,,one of my favorites...please share your comments..

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. 

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. 

It is our light, not our darkness, that fightens us most. 

 We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant,gorgeous, talented and famous?" 

Actually, who are you not to be? 

 You are a child of God.

 Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people wont feel insecure around you. 

We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. 

It is not just in some of us; it is in all of us.

And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. 

 As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others"

W.E.B. DuBois (author)

The most important part of my daily life is to stay in Gratitude for what i have and what I do not have.  I have daily reminders that my life is full and blessed. 

•  I am so grateful to God and the Angels, who do for me what I can not do for myself,  They continue to meet me where I am blocked (as Marianne Williamson would say) and help me in ways that can not be explained.
• I am grateful for my health and sense of well- "be-ing"
• I am so grateful for my sobriety and all the blessings that have been bestowed upon me from "friends of Bill W"
• To my partner Garry who continues to love me and encourage me every step.!
• For my incredible family who loves me more than I realize. you all inspire me!
• Sue, Alison, Rosa, Kristi, Therese, Kathleen, Ester, Aysen,Valerie,Carol K, you are my Angels incarnate! Thank you for keeping me accountable to myself and on my path.
• To my dear friends Ron and Ester Robertson, your love, guidance and friendship has been one of my greatest blessings.  You both show me how to live in integrity through your example and your leadership.
• To my other mentors Jimmy Hodges, Rick McKugh, and Jane Conroy you helped me see the true meaning of the song "Amazing Grace" and how it is everywhere if I only open my eyes and my heart. 
• To my friends Debbi, Ruth, Diane, Carol, Carrie - all incredible women that have been great cheerleaders!
• To Bill O'D and Joseph DeNucci who introduced me to Anthony DeMello and others. They have  shared their wisdom so generously. You both inspire me to move forward in Awareness and Truth and not the illusion.
• To those I have shared classes and Sweat Lodge with, you all have blessed me with your courage and spirit.
• To those in my "Business" life, that took the time to train,educate and challenge me.
• To my dogs Spencer, the ambassador of joy, and Ella the baby, I am so grateful you adopted us!

This is Just a mere beginning of the reflections of Grace in my life.

Please feel free to share your list of what you are grateful for!