Expanded Reality

There are very few things that I know for certain, though I have been shown or realized repeatedly that there is quite a bit more to reality than I previously believed, which I find exciting.  I attempt to use my scientific training to evaluate my position in the world, particularly objective observation and the concept of parsimony.  I am also acutely aware that the mere presence of an observer has an impact on the outcome of at least sone events.  I enjoy and follow the comments of Sylvia Fraser in The Book of Strange, that “For my own part, if dropping a T.V. set produces more channels, why not watch them?”  I make use of what I find.

Soul Growth

The other day, I made some comments about soul ages and also made the statement that what I said could be wrong.  As was suggested by a friend who also has mystical connections, I reconsidered my understanding and realized that I was wrong.  I cannot say that I understand the process of soul growth but I can say that my view was overly linear and too simplistic.  I like the comments of Sylvia Fraser in The Book of Strange, that “We as a species seem to have been created as vessels of consciousness.  Apparently, the deeper, spiritual journey is not requested of us but demanded, with the stakes being higher than earthly happiness and perhaps even life and death.”

No Judgment

My impression is that the loving embrace of life that I wrote about yesterday encompasses the actions of humans that affect the earth negatively, while also recognizing the harm that is being done.  Things like fracking, climate change or excessive population growth have an obvious negative impact on the earth and will cause negative consequences.  My point is that there is no anger or judgment against us for the harm we are doing, as in the case of my personal growth, it is simply part of the process, and the process is embraced.  That embrace also takes into account that we are all connected and connected to everything.

Embrace Life

When I make a strong connection with that power or force, I encounter a loving embrace of all aspects of myself and humanity in general.  Personally, in my past, I have done many negative and hurtful things to myself, other people and my non-human environment.  I gather those things are viewed as part of being Charlie, part of my growth and development, sort of the way I might feel about a puppy who has chewed the leg of an heirloom table.  Those actions are certainly not condoned and there may be very real consequences or karma associated with them, but that is independent of the love.  The strength of that love stimulates me to always act in accordance with it (rather than fearing hell) and to embrace all of life similarly.  I will do no less.

Self-Acceptance

In order to make a strong connection with others, I need to first arrive at a peaceful and loving place regarding myself.  I accomplish that level of self-acceptance by coming to know and embrace all parts of my current and historical self, a tall order.  I learned of that level of acceptance primarily through my prayer and meditation.  That acceptance is what I found through the unconditional love there.  I could feel that love when I made a strong connection and I have come to know that feeling.  I have learned over time, step-by-step to apply that acceptance to myself and, having done that, I can apply it to others.

Connection As Part Of Recovery

In my work with newly recovering addicts and alcoholics, I first allow my love or God part to connect with theirs.  They can sense that part in me, as I can in them and then the connection just happens automatically.  I then listen, confront and make suggestions from a place of love and respect for them, which they can also sense.  Once the connection is made, more clinical information can be exchanged.  The result is a quite amazing, rapid transformation.  They also feel emotionally and spiritually stronger.  This process is certainly not a guarantee against relapse, but it does result in it being less likely.

Connection

Recently, during a recovery meeting, I mentioned the importance of eliminating the things in my life that detract from feelings of balance and serenity, including; caffeinated beverages, tobacco products, drugs/alcohol, gambling, porn, judgmentalism, television and other things I tend to do in excess.  It’s not that these things are inherently bad, in my case, they simply block my connection with God and my feelings of peace and love.  I have learned, over time, that I feel and act in a more loving and compassionate manner if I eliminate them from my life, a matter of discipline and choice.

Free Will

My view of the various potential outcomes for the human race on this planet is not exactly optimistic, but I do realize that long-term the earth and its inhabitants, including humans, will be fine.  There is no question that, as a species, we are doing things on this planet that could readily result in unpleasant consequences for up to several centuries.  It now seems that, similar to my own pattern, in spite of numerous warnings and chances to make wiser choices, at least some of those negative consequences will come to pass, how much is up to us.  It seems to be a matter of free will.  I am reminded of the words of Sylvia Fraser, when she wrote “We as a species seem to have been created as vessels of consciousness.  Apparently, the deeper, spiritual journey is not requested of us but demanded, with the stakes being higher than earthly happiness and perhaps even life and death.”

Chi

Over the years, I have used a number of techniques to, first restore and now maintain my chi or energy flow, for the purposes of physical health and a feeling of harmony.  Many years ago, I did not sleep well, had high blood pressure, was an active alcoholic, led a self-destructive life and had numerous physical problems.  At that time I stopped drinking, began Tai-chi, started exploring the benefits of  unconditional love, began acupuncture and started going to a chiropractor.  Basically, I realized that my life was going in the wrong direction, and shifted my course.  As a result of that shift I now sleep well, have low blood pressure, lead a life of service and love and, other than my disability, I am in good physical shape.

Seeking Guidance

Recently, following the advice of my wife, I had a talk with Jesus which some would call prayer and meditation.  I felt the need for some specific support and guidance, which I got.  The difference between what I did on this occasion and the prayer and meditation that I normally do was that I specifically asked to talk with Jesus.  My concern was that I would abuse or in some self-centered way take advantage of the knowledge, power and gifts I had been given, something I considered a very real possibility.  I encountered a very understanding, compassionate presence and was assured that would not happen.