Beyond Earthly III

I have experienced numerous events that go well beyond conventional beliefs, the events I have just written about, non-surgical healings, being jerked out of the space/time continuum, etc.  These events make it clear to me that there is more to reality than I/we think. These, or similar events occur when I access and harmonize myself, through prayer and meditation, with that power/force that I call God or love.  I need not understand, define or analyze that power, as science or intellect would have me do.

Beyond Earthly II

Yesterday I spoke of the “beyond earthly” connection I experienced with my father when he had advanced Alzheimer’s.  What I meant was that the connection and his knowing certain things about my life could not be explained using conventional beliefs.  He apparently knew that I was taking risks and exploring options in my life, but did not recognize me as his son.  In other words, he knew me at a deep spiritual level but not our earthly relationship.   I also spoke of a strong feeling of love and “presence” during our connection.  The feeling was that we were each elevated to some sort of spiritual plane and that neither of us were in control of what was happening, that there was some sort of divine assistance.  He also clearly recognized when the connection stopped, as did I.

Beyond Earthly

During one scene in the movie “God’s Not Dead” a woman with advanced Alzheimer’s speaks clearly and cogently, something she was physically not capable of, according to the medical model and/or science.  That scene struck me since the situation it depicted actually happened to me.  In my case, my father was living in an assisted living facility and had advanced Alzheimer’s.  He could not speak using complete thoughts or sentences and certainly did not recognize me as his biological son.  I went to visit him and we made a very strong, spiritual (beyond earthly) connection.  Within that connection he communicated that he had lived his whole life staying in the protection of  “the harbor”, and the importance of taking the risks of the “open ocean”, in each case using analogy and complex thought.  Within our connection, he also acknowledged that I was living my life in the open ocean, so he obviously knew about me though he still did not know that I was his biological son.  When our connection ended, which I sensed, he looked at me and said “it’s stopped” and I replied “yes it has”.  He then asked “What do we do now” and I simply suggested that we each continue with our day.  There was a very strong feeling of unconditional love and a “presence” during our connection.

A Loving God

I went to the movie “God’s Not Dead” today and found that the movie did a very good job of depicting the joy of encountering a loving God and it also did a reasonable job of addressing questions such as why God would allow such earthly problems as Alzheimer’s, premature death and cancer.  However, the movie was also a bit to strongly Christian for my tastes, emphasizing the importance of believing in a certain way and that it is possible for God to be disturbed in some way by free will and some of the choices we humans make.  Basically, giving God some human characteristics.  The God that I have encountered is an unconditionally loving force/power that seems to observe and appreciate the choices that we make in much the same way that a loving parent would do with a child.  Personally, I have made several negative choices with no hint of disturbing God in any way.

Sides Of The Same Coin

My life as a human is a wonderful and terrible thing, all at the same time, and it is best for me to acknowledge both sides, sides of the same coin.  Life is full of conflicts and dualities of all kinds, which I can fully appreciate through open, mindful meditation.  I am frequently reminded of the eloquent words of M. Beattie, from The Lessons of Love, writing about life, that "It's about swallowing pride and fear and having the guts and the tenacity to have faith when we've been stripped of naivete and shaken to the core---and when we know too well that life isn't just mysterious and unpredictable, it can be unbearably cruel and breathtakingly wondrous, sometimes at the same time." On one hand, the pain, suffering and confusion caused by the advent of my disability were terrible, resulting in not caring about staying alive.  On the other hand, that period of my life was the greatest gift I have been given, resulting in a much greater connection with God and an appreciation for life, in general.

Eternal Viewpoint

Whether a person is a Buddhist talking about dealing with karma or someone like me, talking about soul growth, overcoming personal difficulties is a major part of life.  Life events like the day to day drama, disabilities, life threatening illnesses or seemingly tragic events can, potentially, result in significant growth or changes in attitude.  The positive effects are much easier to see if one takes a long term or eternal perspective.  For this reason, these events, in addition to being painfully endured, can be recognized for their positive effects.  In my life, various unpleasant events, painful and difficult at the time, have certainly resulted in greater compassion and understanding.

Dealing With Anger

My main work is with addictions and it really bothers me at times to witness the extent to which addictions make life difficult for so many.  The other day, I realized that I was feeling anger about small inconveniences that, normally, don’t bother me.  At one point I even slammed a book down on a table (ten times!), hurting my hand.  I took note of the anger and meditated about its source, knowing it wasn’t the inconveniences.  The source was that I have several clients, friends and acquaintances who are having a rough time with addictions of various types right now, which causes a very human part of me to feel sad and concerned.  I began talking about the anger and allowing it to dissipate.

Unconditional Love

It is my impression that Mary Magdalen understood the unconditional nature of the love Jesus spoke of, while others did not.  It seems that her past made no difference to Jesus and that, as a result, her devotion was absolute.  That, to me, is the definition of unconditional love.  I feel the same level of acceptance and devotion in response to what I understand as God.  From God, I sense no judgments or requirements, just compassion, inclusion and love.  In response, I will do whatever is asked of me, usually without hesitation.

Daily Approach

I make a considerable effort each day to harmonize my actions with the universe or God.  I begin each day with a period of prayer and meditation, during which I ask for support and guidance in approaching the coming day and make it clear that I will need help during the day.  I then listen for any sort of guidance.  During the day I strive to insure that all of my actions are motivated by love and that they will increase the integrity of the universe.  My approach required some practice and I don’t achieve %100, but the impact on myself and on those I contact is quite remarkable and gratifying.

Divine Intervention

Several years ago, I almost died.  It was a dark and difficult time for me, but also a time that I could feel, quite distinctly the support and guidance of “other worldly” forces that I identify with God.  I would not have survived without that support.  I should also point out that I relied, very heavily, on the worldly assistance of my wife, and would also, clearly, not have succeeded without her.  Partially as a result of that time, I am very much aware of the power of God in my life.  Each day, I notice things that happen in my life, things that, logically, should not happen, which I attribute to divine intervention.  I suspect that many other people have been “offered” the same opportunity.  The difference in my case is that I took the opportunity.