Materialism

It is difficult at times, but it works best for me to enjoy and take part in things like materialism, ownership and capitalism, in a limited way, while also not seeking meaning or fulfillment in those things.  I enjoy owning and buying things but I also need to guard against those things owning me.  As various spiritual leaders have pointed out, the more I own the greater the tendency is to place importance on those things, to let them takeover, so it is best for me to simplify.  I need to keep in mind the words of M. Williamson, “Money, of itself, means nothing. Material things, of themselves, mean nothing.  It’s not that they’re bad. It’s that they’re nothing.”  Things like love, interactions and relationships are more difficult, but they have meaning and result in a greater sense of fulfillment.

Pausing & Refocusing

“Primitive” or aboriginal people tended and still tend to act in harmony with the power or force of love/God, at least until the frenzy of materialism, ownership and capitalism takes them over.  Acting in harmony and recognizing our connectedness is often part of “traditional” beliefs that are then readily supplanted by the frenzy of materialism, ownership and capitalism.  A problem or imbalance arises since, by nature of it being transient and essentially meaningless, materialism, by itself,  results in a hollow feeling.  This same pattern is repeated daily or even several times a day in my own life.  Meaning, that both choices are available each day and part of me is generally drawn toward the immediate gratification of materialism, ownership and capitalism, while it seems better for me to stay focused on the harmony and connectedness of the power or force of love/God.  I often need to pause and remind myself during the day.

Harmony

It is very important to me to recognize the existence of the power or force of love/God and to act in harmony with that force during the life process.  My understanding is that it does not matter what name a person chooses to give to that power or force, Buddha, Allah, Christ, God, love, Grandfather, etc.  Acting in harmony with that power or force results in a person behaving with compassion, understanding, respect and with an understanding that we are all connected to everything and everyone.  The emphasis in a person’s life is shifted away from material things, capitalism, individualism and competition.  The result is a very different world.

Physical

I often speak of the importance of meditation and contemplation in my spiritual practice together with the very real importance and impact of my practice on my physical condition.  I also need to take care of and respect the limitations and health of my body from a purely physical perspective.  I am very careful about what I eat (primarily fruits, vegetables, fiber, healthy fats, with the occasional pizza, cookie, hamburger) and keeping my weight down.  I do some sort of exercise pretty much daily, with more focused and intensive exercise several times a week.  I am careful to get enough rest, never using an alarm clock and paying attention to what my body needs.  Also, I stay away from caffeine, nicotine, drugs or alcohol.  I avoid distractions such as porn, gambling or T.V. that lead to me ignoring healthier alternatives.

Guidance

I have been told many times that I need a “qualified teacher” in order to achieve any sort of advanced spiritual practice, and, indeed, in my past, I have had many people who provided me with inspiration and demonstrated to me what I wanted to achieve.  However, I wanted and want to know and experience more than any earthly teacher can provide.  As a result, earthly teachers can and have only pointed the way.  To accomplish what I want to accomplish, I cannot follow the example of an earthly teacher, so I now turn to meditation and my own mystical connection, continually asking for support and guidance.  In addition, I frequently check my conclusions and observations with any of numerous people that prevent me from venturing off on any egotistical journey.  Generally, if my thoughts are self-directed, I pay little attention to them, while thoughts or intuitions that guide me to be of service usually carry more weight.  I find it amusing to watch where my own head will take me.  I am quite capable of self-delusion!

The Source

I associate the power or force of love with God and I believe God to be its source.  I have that belief in part because of my meditation, during which I experience the absolute or “God place” and in part because of my “near death experience”, when I felt that power or force much more strongly than in any earthly situation.  Within that love, it does not matter what word or words anyone uses to describe it, Buddha, Christ, God, love, Grandfather, etc..  Having experienced that love, I will and have devoted my life to doing whatever I can to promote it.  As far as I can tell, there is a spark of that love within each of us.  The evidence of that love is all around us, I feel and witness it daily.  We all sense and react to that love in each other, a beautiful thing to be a part of.

Healing

Another aspect of expansion of reality is the impact of connection combined with love or God on creating physical healing and harmony.  Once again, something that I am just able to touch the surface of.  There have been numerous anecdotal accounts over the past centuries of “miraculous”, faith or hands on healing.  Additionally, I have been the recipient of or conducted such healings, with remarkable results.  My point is, there is really something of significance there.  I cannot say that I understand what that “something” is, or how great its potential impact is on physical health, but it is really there.  I have seen it, felt it and used it.