Master of the Journey : May 2018

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

IN SEARCH OF YOURSELF: VISION QUEST

Have you ever gone in search of yourself, a vision quest wondering what your purpose is in this life? You have had expectations placed on you by your family, your friends, even yourself and yet you are unsure… Perhaps you have considered a vision quest to better connect with your purpose. A successful vision quest often comes full circle and leads you to the answer you have somehow already known, deep inside.

Some people will look outside themselves for their answers and ask the questions regarding their purpose and their future. They consult an oracle like a “psychic” or the “cards” (ie Tarot cards,) or the palm reader or tea leaves or other forms of mysticism. Some people use hypnosis or a pendulum to explore the subconscious mind’s wisdom. And, when you use any of these methods your egoic mind may ask if you “trust” the information which you are given in this phase of your vision quest. The problem with the “egoic mind” is that it thinks it knows stuff which it can not possibly know. The mind has limitations and can only see in three dimensions. This does not account for vision which can go beyond these three dimensions and may include Divine Guidance.

Have you ever had that “unexplainable feeling” deep in your gut that warns you of danger or attracts you to a special person or incredible experience. Perhaps there is no “rational” reason but when you follow this “guidance” you find the amazing awakening or protection or experience of love. Your vision quest comes from this unconscious realm and seeks to find the light of consciousness you can most benefit from experiencing. In my life, I have come to the crossroads many times and wound up following the most beneficial path. (Not always the easiest or least challenging, but the best path for me to travel.)

Deep within YOU dwells the answers you seek. Most of the people you may bump into seem to keep their heads down not looking to the horizon and so missing out on the experiences they most need to have. You must prepare yourself and quiet the fears of the egoic mind so you can “Feel” and then “Know” the answers. Your vision quest comes from the gift of spiritual guidance and your connection to the collective wisdom of the divine. You must become quiet and allow this wisdom to bubble up in the most respectful way. Your meditation will allow you to connect with the seemingly subtle source of your divinity. When you do awaken, you will feel that the answer is familiar and a sensation of “remembering” this wisdom will enter your consciousness (because deep inside you already know…)

I was given a book by my dear friends, Curt and Mary, which speaks very clearly regarding the Native American tradition of the Vision Quest. “Quest: A Guide for Creating Your Own Vision Quest,” by Denise and Meadow Linn (and published by Hay House,) offers you many ways to best prepare yourself and then to create a special experience which will allow you to access the information you seek. There are other books on this topic or which touch on this topic but this recent gift is in the very front of my consciousness. (Amazon link to this book: https://www.amazon.com/Quest-Guide-Creating-Your-Vision/dp/1401938779/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525460557&sr=8-1&keywords=quest+a+guide+for+creating+your+own+vision+quest

One of your main challenges in this life is to become the most conscious soul you can be and then to share the wisdom of your journey to assist fellow pilgrims.

If you are READY and looking for a supportive community where you can share your story, your wisdom, and grow spiritually in a non-religious environment, consider Masters of the Journey.
You are a Blessing! You are a Master! Your wisdom from your life experience can have great value to other pilgrims on the path toward awakening and enlightenment.

The Masters of the Journey has events which are updated on our Facebook page which is found at: www.facebook.com/mastersofthejourney Please comment on this blog and share, if appropriate. More of our blogs are based on spiritual consciousness and can be found at www.dstress.com/blog

SECRET TO ENLIGHTENMENT: BE PRESENT!

Yup, YOU being Present is the secret. It has been said before and came up again today. Be fully present and you will connect better and serve better! Your presence has great value to our Universe. Why and how do you do this? So much of the time, we dwell in the emotions from the past or apprehension (fear) of the future. When you are genuine and fully present, you will participate in our world (universe) with less judgement AND the people you interact with will feel that they are more fully “heard.” This is therapeutic (for all people.) Yes, just really listening, without judgement, is emotionally, mentally, and spiritually healing. You honor and show your respect for the person whom you are engaged in conversation with when you listen totally while remaining “present.”

Think of the times when you were involved in a satisfying conversation. Your partner(s) can be found listening and asking great questions. They are probably not interrupting to tell their story about themselves and so discounting your sense of value. Sure you need to know your limits and not go on too long so they can share their story but you can feel satisfied with being heard… If you are insecure and demonstrate this by telling your story too long or cutting your partner off then your lack of respect will often be reciprocated. We are all important, and perfect, and masters whom deserve to be loved and respected for who we are. (EVEN when we are struggling with the imperfections and challenges which we are born to learn from.)

Now the difficult part. How do you BE PRESENT? You might start by taking a deep slow breath, pausing a moment after you inhale, and then slowly release your breath with thoughts and nervous energy flowing out with your exhale. Learn to clear your mind so you can be “open” to the story you will be told. Release your need to argue with or even judge the speaker. This experience and this receiving of information is happening for a reason. Though it may be unclear or even different than what you might think you know, you are having this interaction with this soul to help YOU with YOUR lesson. AND, you will be of service to your partner by allowing them the respect of your full attention and listening. Yes, you might be triggered or bored but there is some purpose for this shared experience.

Your spiritual consciousness leading to your enlightenment includes being present and listening without judgement. Again, this is easier said than done AND this is what we are “shooting” (or striving) for in this incarnation. The act of listening and being fully present is the gift you have to offer this world/universe. Appreciate and love each creation, for the divine spirit dwells within every molecule you bump into. When you can fully love, allow, and serve, you will remember, and then live, in your pure divine spirit. At the deepest level, this is where we are headed as individual souls within the “oneness” of the universal divine. We are each unique AND a part of the larger, perfect universe.

If you are READY to be present and looking for a supportive community where you can share your story, your wisdom, and grow spiritually in a non-religious environment, consider Masters of the Journey.
You are a Blessing! You are a Master! Your wisdom from your life experience can have great value to other pilgrims on the path toward awakening and enlightenment.

CONSCIOUSNESS: WHAT IS THE POINT?

Why bother to strive for consciousness? Who cares if you are conscious or unconscious or even alive? Is your purpose in life to develop your consciousness to the point where you “remember” who you are and the Divine Spirit from which you came?

Merriam-Webster’s
Definition of consciousness

1 a: the quality or state of being aware especially of something within oneself
b: the state or fact of being conscious of an external object, state, or fact
c: awareness; especially: concern for some social or political cause The organization aims to raise the political consciousness of teenagers.
2: the state of being characterized by sensation, emotion, volition, and thought : mind
3: the totality of conscious states of an individual
4: the normal state of conscious life regained consciousness
5: the upper level of mental life of which the person is aware as contrasted with unconscious processes

Let’s focus on being more conscious from the #1 definition since this blog is written to create greater awareness of spiritual consciousness. Self-awareness and the learned ability to remember who we are and where we came from seems to be a goal to pursue in this life, for all of us. Eventually, we strive to remember that we are an essential piece of a much larger Universe. We are a hologram of an all encompassing spiritual lifeform. The Mind of God can not exist without us nor we without all living things (perhaps just, all things…)

Most of us spend our time in isolation, separated from other souls by the limited, 3 dimensional view that our mind has projected regarding our lives. We tend to survive and work to protect ourselves by judging other people. We do not easily tend to remember that WE are all in this together. We tend to forget that every other person is “perfect” in their own way and going about the process of learning their lessons from the imperfections we have come into this world possessing. Our flaws are the beautiful challenges we learn from. We can move forward by being consciously aware of these seeming imperfections and ultimately remember that we are here to support every soul we bump into. Why? Because we can not move into the highest realms of consciousness until we all go together. The thought that Heaven is only for the people who believe as we believe makes no sense, unless you are selling fear and separation in the name of religion.

Over physical survival is protected by fear. And, 100% of us will die. Our mortality is not preventable nor can we side step it. We have died many times and keep coming back because we are not done learning (and remembering) what we are supposed to learn. Death is not the enemy. A lack of consciousness is the enemy or, more correctly state, our challenge. Sooner or later we will remember. Lets make this happen sooner… I am judgmental and impatient! This is my challenge to change this into acceptance and gratitude. I have a long way to travel… But, YOU are a blessing!

YOU are not alone. We are ALL one and in this soup of life, together!
(Consider my video regarding the River of Life experience at: https://youtu.be/frEBqz7VMrY

Your soul moves on forever. No death eliminates the soul. Your body, mind, and ego do fight to survive and are not everlasting, no matter what. Letting go of your attachment to physical survival can be a helpful lesson, at some point. Remembering where we came from and then knowing our oneness and connection to the Divine Spirit is a definition of “Enlightenment.”

JUDGING THE JUDGE WITHIN

Judging others is a well developed skill I possess. Being a judge seems to give my ego a sense of power. “I am better than….” whoever…. But, there is a major flaw in the process of judging. Judgements can stand in my way. Judging creates separation. It creates a path for blaming.

My judgements demonstrate a lack of acceptance. These judgements do not allow for mistakes or perceived imperfections which are normal, natural, and part of the human condition. (Also, if we are always looking for “flaws,” imperfections, or weaknesses, we may miss the beauties and the uniqueness of the person standing in front of us.)

Since we learn from our mistakes, and we all have made mistakes, then we must allow for the flaws or imperfections which we deem to be present. From a different perspective, all perceived flaws and imperfections are actually perfect. This perspective would allow acceptance to be the guiding principle.

The perspective of acceptance can also lead to enlightened view of “Oneness” with its complete lack of separation. This consciousness suggests that we, all life forms, are interconnected in the Divine Spirit, connected, intertwined, and as one universal spirit. Perhaps this is what God had in mind when we are allowed to remember this concept in the current incarnation we are here to live. Our challenges on the path toward enlightenment include releasing separation and judging. Instead finding connection in Oneness.

If this is correct, then we must be viewing the person or experience which “triggers” us as different and yet “perfect” in their way of being. Instead of judging, perhaps we can find an acceptance as we ask, “What happened to this person?” to better explain why they might appear to be engaged in their behaviors or beliefs. This does mean that we have to like behaviors which run counter to what we feel create separation, fear, or blocks to acceptance. But, we are not better than the next soul. We are all equal, connected, and perfect in our own way.

Boy, I love to make judgements. I am good at it. I like to do what I am good at…BUT, this does make it the best behavior for moving me along my path toward consciousness. It appears to be my challenge. If I start judging myself about the judgements I am making, it does become an entertaining circle which I am running.

The Divine Spirit loves us all. Judging our different paths toward remembering and then our enlightenment may be opposite in direction to where we want to end up. But, it to is strangely perfect as a lesson. Even with your developed skill of judging, YOU are loved and YOU are perfect! Consider reaching out in acceptance and supporting, if not assisting, the next soul on their unique path toward enlightenment.

If you have ever considered the act of becoming “enlightened,” know that by some understandings, “enlightenment” is actually the act of accepting and then “knowing” the oneness of connection with all lifeforms.

BORN A NEW!

Everyday you awaken from your sleep state, you are “re born” and you are able to bless your day and start fresh. You have a choice to live differently with every new day. (At least, you have a choice to have a different, perhaps more positive, attitude toward your life.) Perhaps today (or tomorrow) you are born into less judgement of yourself and others. Or, perhaps you are born to live in love and be of service. You are free to know “Joy” and carry less fear and old baggage around with you. You are born again to be the “awakened” and most fully conscious soul which dwells within your core.

You can continue to wear your costume of torment. YOU can choose your familiar attitudes and lifestyle. It may seem safe and familiar even though you are not filled with joy. Or, you can try on a new way of being in this world. You have a “CHOICE.” Sure, the other people in your life have grown comfortable with the “old you” and may be uncomfortable if you choose to live in love and joy. This may not reflect well on their sorry self-judging lives but YOU have a choice!

Wake up in the morning and meditate FIRST! Consider how much love you can offer and how much acceptance you can find for the struggling or damaged people you bump into. We are all born into the lessons we have chosen to be challenged by and to learn from. Wake up and know that the Beginners Mind of Wonderment is a choice as a filter to view your world.

You may even want to remind yourself of this freedom to awaken in a new consciousness everyday as you repeat to yourself, “Today, I am born new!”

You are only responsible for how you react to each experience. Remember that as you choose a positive, more conscious, way of living, you not only help yourself, you help all the Divine Consciousness. By raising your vibration, you raise all vibrations. Be the beacon of love and light to shine as a model for others who are consciously or unconsciously on their path… You are a blessing! Do not miss any opportunity to share love.

A CLEAR PATH

There comes a time when the obvious direction appears and the path is clear to be considered and taken…
Sometimes the pain in life motivates this change in path…

This is what our life’s lessons are all about. Learning from life experience and this often comes from learnings which are difficult if not painful. Such is the nature of change. We did not come here for a vacation of fun and joy which lasts a lifetime. It is a blessing to be challenged and to stretch beyond our normal lives, and comfort zones, into the experiences which catch our attention. Sometimes we are “triggered” by an interaction with another person/soul to know what we need to forgive, accept, and bless from the difficult judgements we make. You must ask yourself, what is not resolved within you that created this triggered response. When you judge another person, it often speaks about a judgement of yourself or an unresolved challenge within.

As we search for our path in life, we sometimes come to the difficult realization that we must accept and change ourselves… You have experienced (or are now experiencing) when it was time to leave home or end a relationship or find a new job/career. It may not have been “rational” but you do not have a choice, like you have to drop out of UCLA during the Vietnam War and go traveling though you do not know where this will lead you! This was a moment for me, born out of anger, frustration, and despair AND it was the best difficult decision I ever made. Of course, guidance played a role and this experience lead me into an environment where I could experience the foundation of a career of service which I have loved and never doubted…

With myself as the example, I have found that my “attachment disorder” has led me to the difficulty in relationship break ups which have caused me to suffer. My insecurities wanted me to hold on to a known relationship rather stepping into the unknown “loneliness.” Yet, this process of letting go has also led me to important life learnings such as when my path moved me to Bellingham in the Pacific Northwest to invest my energy into starting the Masters of the Journey. (Relationship changes were at the core of this movement.) Again, my pain created the motivation to leave my old life and then guidance directed me into the position of honoring spirit and creating a supportive community.

Hell, I bet you are reading this blog right now because you have a pain and you were guided to read these words. Yes, you may even take responsibility for your life and make the change in direction which you need to make, now or soon. Your only future regret should be that you did not follow your heart and jump into the experience which you knew you had to take… So do not let your fear of change get in your way. You are a blessing with much to share and you need to find your way to serve by sharing your wisdom gained from your experiences. AND, by the way, you are “Perfect” and a Master though your self image and judgement get in the way of “Remembering Your Divinity.”

As a reminder, YOU are loved! You are an important part of the fabric of all life and consciousness… Sure, these words may ring hollow if you are insecure or judging yourself harshly, BUT this does not change the truth you will remember when you are not so limited by your ego and the 3 dimensional world we have chosen to live this life within…

I AM!

What is the cause of the problems of the world? I Am!
Who is responsible for positive changes in the world? I Am!

Tom Shadyac’s 2010 documentary, “I Am,” is worth your time even with the disturbing answers to the questions above. Take Tom seriously… Tom has been a film maker who had great success with popular comedy films like: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Nutty Professor, Liar Liar, and Bruce Almighty. His success gave him an enviable lifestyle with awards, money, prestige, and enormous Hollywood homes. But, Tom did not feel happy. The “trappings of success” did not bring Tom joy. As he tells his story, a serious cycling accident peeled him away from his life and lifestyle. With time to reflect, Tom began to ask the question what makes people happy and his film tells some of this story.

The points he made which I resonated the most with started by his mentioning how lonely we tend to be as a society. The competitive forces which have guided our lifestyles have dramatically added to the sense of separation. Our cultural values ask us to find happiness and deeper satisfaction in acquiring possessions and then having to guard and protect these objects from being lost or taken from us. In the United States, we have become more accepting of the “Me First” mentality and behaviors which are portrayed by the reality TV stars and seems opposite what past cultures deemed as acceptable.

Indigenous cultures have celebrated community supporting all its members, deeper connections, cooperation, and respect for all life. Though we all share similar genes in our DNA with most lifeforms on the Earth, we tend to see ourselves as separate leading to a disconnect with our role on this Earth and at odds with our life giving environment. We tend to hoard and take more than we should or we do not have a responsible long term approach to the resources which are available. In cultures from the past, people who hoarded or gathered too many possessions were thought to be mentally ill, a view shared by many of the experts which Tom interviewed for his movie.

Today, we live in a polarized society where people do not listen to opposing attitudes or beliefs. We are separated by political beliefs and false idols.

Tom eventually found that his happiness was not in the 17,000 square foot home he owned or the lifestyle of the jet setters. He sold his house and moved into a manufactured house. He lives more simply now. Rides his bicycle to work. Most importantly, he finds true happiness in being of service and assisting other people. He shares that we all need to take responsibility for our actions and for the future of our planet by doing what ever we can to reduce unnecessary consumption and live with in the means which our Earth can provide. Connecting and cooperation is his way of “being in this world.” We are all in this world together. We are all responsible for what happens.

Look for the things that bring YOU the most joy. Chances are you will find these experiences in offering service, in what ever ways YOU can… Even a simple act of sharing a hug. You are a blessing and you have a BIG role in assisting the forward movement of ALL consciousness!

By the way, Tom’s 2010 documentary is worth the time. The many people he interviewed offered much to my knowledge base and his (spiritual) views were very compatible with the lessons learned and shared through the Masters of the Journey community.

I AM GOD!

I am God! “NO, You are Not!” And, So are YOU! Your Judgement and Your Opinion say so much about YOU! Do you believe in the reality of Duality where there is life based on judging Good or Bad. Or, do you believe that the reality and truth has NO judgement and knows we are all equal and perfect in our Divinity.

You must choose what you believe or, more importantly, what you “Know.” Do you believe that we are all children of God and we have the Divine Spirit burning within our souls. ACIM (A Course in Miracles) which is one of the dictations from Jesus asks us to remember that our bodies and our lives are learning experiences and in truth there is no separation between who you really are, as a soul/spirit, and all other souls. We are one. We all share in the Light of Love and when not in our incarnations we are not constrained by our minds or our egos or by time or by our 3 dimensional (belief) “illusion.” We are bathed in Wisdom and Consciousness when we are between incarnations (or when we know that we can be in many “lives” simultaneously.) In that state of Divine Spirit, we do not find guilt or sin in the next soul because they are us.

We are all the same. If this soul behaves differently than you might behave, you must know that they have their own lessons and experiences to learn from. Ideally, we will love and support them in their journey so they will awaken and becoming more conscious in this incarnation. If you feel triggered or challenged by another person’s behavior perhaps you can ask the most useful question, “What happened to YOU?” (what led them to behave the way they behave.) They have free choice AND they must take responsibility for their actions, their beliefs, and the behaviors which they demonstrate. They are not “Bad” or “Wrong” because we are all perfect, but we each have different lessons and paths. (AND, what is your lesson in interacting with this person/soul who has “triggered” you.)

Nobody is special! No one is better. We are all equal. We are all “One.” When we transition at the end of our current incarnation, we will join in spirit with a loving God and feel the connection with ALL spirits.

To Remove the veil that hides the light in me as I must remove the veil that hides the light in you. If you find guilt and judgement of separation, then you get to search a bit more so you can “Remember” your Divine Source. These errors are to be corrected. Nothing more, nothing less. We are One!

You may agree or you may disagree. You have your choice. You may want to argue to justify your belief and your choice but as you consider your arguments be open to really knowing God and why God has created you, our Universe, and all the higher realms. You came here to learn your lessons and one of your lessons is to be exposed to the concepts listed above. Be open. Expand your wisdom and your consciousness. Remember, no matter what, YOU are Perfect! You are a Blessing! We are ALL in this together, know this now or remember this later…

WISDOM OF THE ELDERS

Who are our Elders and why is our culture at war with them? Why are many of our elders separated from the people who need them the most, our youth? In an impatient society which changes so quickly, why do we not make time for our most experienced and wisest members?

In many cultures, people who have lived longer and survived the many challenges which life throws at us, are venerated and respected. Sure they do not always act with grace, maturity, or even patience but these members of our society can have much to offer. Their stories can teach lessons which less experienced people might benefit from learning. Their perspective, honed over the time in life experiences, carries insight that is lacking from youthful lives.

It is not just elders who are separated by the behaviors of our culture. All of us seem to have “circled the wagons” so we can better control our media fed anxiety regarding different age groups, or races, or genders, or political beliefs. It seems to be an accepted practice that we only hang out with immediate family, or people at work, or people whose religion or politics seem identical to our own. This strikes me as an inbred way of controlling populations by keeping us apart and in fear filled isolation. (Opinion and judgement, so sorry…)

Who qualifies as our elders? Do they have to be old, even ancient? Are all older people wise or even filled with useful experiences? From a spiritual perspective, aren’t we all “old souls” with the potential for great wisdom even when we seem to be young in this moment, in this incarnation? If this is true, then we must respect all people we stumble into and offer the gift of witnessing their story, allowing it to unfold. Maybe it is not the words or thoughts but the feelings and emotions which can become great tools for our learning.

Be careful who YOU listen to, you may be listening to a MASTER!

Wisdom comes from deeper insight and a “Knowing.” Everyone of us has this, we just need to tap into this and be willing listen to share… Wisdom is Ageless and Old is irrelevant. Chase wisdom and let it find you and no matter how old you are, remember to live young at heart.