"It takes one to know one"

There's an old saying, "It takes one to know one," is usually used in a negative way, and in fact, others may identify clues in behavior that based on experience, lead to negative impressions. It's something to keep in mind, that thieves tend to believe everyone is stealing. Dishonest people suspect others of being deceitful. In short, accusations and negative perceptions are in a vast number of cases, self-reports.  

However, the good news is that there's a flip side. Good qualities can be identified in the same way. Compassionate people, those who are honest, generous, insightful, etc., can relate to the same traits in others, the same goes for all the other good stuff that comprises who we are.  

Hence a great path to self-understanding is to look for things to admire in others. The ability to see the good in others validates one's own authenticity. Seeing the beauty in others generates an "honest reflection."

Empathy

There is a state of being, as a channel of illumination, that both accommodates full expression of empathy, without collapsing into the suffering of another. A person who is suffering does not want another person to suffer with her, rather, she wants understanding, compassion, and at times assistance.

Empathy often leads to a measure of sadness, as the empath doesn't like to see another person suffer. An empath needs to be proficient in self-protection. At the same time, an empath need not decrease sensitivity in order to have this protection.

As a channel of illumination, an empath can bring light into darkness without absorbing any of the darkness. An empath may share a journey with another who is walking in darkness, but may always bring a light with her, so both the journey and the light are shared.

Dealing with Feelings

I don't believe turning off feelings is the answer. Without feelings, empathy, even toward self is gone. Feelings are triggered by thought. Therein lies the problem. Even the Dali Llama relates difficulty stopping his distracting and negative thoughts. Prayers and mantras are useful in displacing upsetting thoughts with peaceful ones.

Using alcohol or drugs to stop negative feelings or thoughts, simply postpones the day when these issues will be faced, and sadly, the delay will make them much more difficult to deal with. Alternatively, one can choose to remain impaired for life, but then all feelings are suppressed, which essentially is throwing life away.

Many years ago, I decided to stop avoiding and suppressing my feelings (frequently with the help of alcohol), and instead, explore their depths, fully engage with them. The result was that I spent quite a bit of time alone, curled up in a fetal position, in abject despair. All of my previous expectations of life evaporated, and I came to the question, "What now?" "Well, I need to take a shower and make some dinner..."

When feelings are allowed to wash through, and giving up occurs, the mind and heart are finally free of troubling expectations. It's at this time that many people find transformation and inspiration, as they have nothing to lose and everything to gain by starting over, as a child, re-learning who she is, and what she wants out of life.

Eventually, one can learn how to find that trans-formative level of inspiration without having to go through the experience of despair and giving up.

So, bottom line, face the feelings and work through them. Let go of the baggage and expectations that bound you to them. Then do as the Dali Llama, meditate, pray, visualize inner peace. Gracefully forgive and let go of distractions. Know that each time you awaken from sleep, you are stronger, wiser, and better equipped to face the day's challenges.

Instead of fearing and avoiding feelings, face them, with self-compassion, and let them be fully recognized. Fear inhibits empathy. An open and compassionate Heart has at it's center Divine strength, which makes it indestructible and eternal. Such a Heart has nothing to fear from feelings, and isn't interested in avoiding them. Instead, they're allowed to be instrumental in the evolution of even greater understanding and empathy.

Is God Allowed in Schools?

This is in response to frequent proclamations that God isn't allowed in schools:

The ONLY God not allowed in school is one presented by public school staff. Students are free to form their own groups, or pray during breaks. Students are allowed to pray and discuss beliefs, just not as part of a public school curriculum.

In the 70's, church groups around Detroit were allowed to use schools for meetings, after and between school hours. I worked at a school district for seven years, and I heard lots of philosophical and religious discussions. I don't doubt that those exchanges would've been muted if the school's authority figures got involved.

"Allow God into schools," tends to have a single meaning - among many followers, it means allowing only the god of their own definition. Allow God into schools in the form of each religious group's wishes, and school becomes pretty awful for any students besides those children who's religion has, through sheer numbers or bullying "in God's name," become dominant. Accommodate all the religious groups, and what time would remain for teaching?

A public school theocracy is a terrible idea. Do you want your child's principle to dictate how your child prays and what to believe?

Who can look at a school full of beautiful children and say truthfully that God is not present there?

Is there any belief system that is genuinely convinced that humans have the power to prevent God's presence anywhere?

Were it possible to separate God from his beautiful children, odds are it would involve turning public schools into religious war zones.

Sight vs Perception

Optical function is a process, but the mind perceives. This is usually called "seeing." What is seen depends largely on what we expect to see. What we expect to see is highly influenced by our emotional state. Emotional state is affected by intellect, ego and Heart. A choice is available to allow Heart to guide intention, which affects perception, which influences emotional response, which can be focused on healing and compassion, thereby leading to a state of peace and happiness. Ego and or intellect can also guide perception, then the emotional response is more uncertain, and more likely to be negative/fearful.

Emotions are felt in the body, but they exist as a result of the above mentioned processes.

Knowledge does have a role in spirituality, but much of it comes from a transcendent Source, rather than out of a book or the intellect. Authenticity of such knowledge can be determined by the fruit of it's sharing or the benefit derived from integrating it into one's life.

Another Note on Forgiveness

All this stuff about forgiveness. In the absence of judgment, what is there to forgive? Then there's the problem of those who "forgive," often making an overt showing of it, to impress others, or even in an attempt to convince themselves of their virtue. It's worth considering how to express forgiveness without tendrils of ego attached to it.

Essential forgiveness is the Prayer of St. Francis, the many manifestations of the Golden Rule, and the Great Commandment given by Jesus, "Love one another as I have loved you," in a single word. Neither judgment nor personal virtue is on the radar screen.

Forgiveness looks past perceived offenses, and instead focuses on relieving pain, healing of body, mind, Soul and even circumstances.

Forgiveness is the Ultimate expression of Empathy and Compassion.

Maybe, as long as one is human, maintaining such an elegant understanding and practice of forgiveness can't happen all the time, but that is my aspiration anyway.

In reference to posting about veracity of “sacred” writings

I didn't bother to keep track of my sources, but I remember reading stories that remarkably paralleled those found in Scripture, but had been written much earlier. One of them was about the great flood.  

I am impressed that the book of Genesis contains sequences of events that largely parallel the events subsequent to the Big Bang. That leads me to suspect that there's at least some measure of inspiration in Scripture. I also find at least as much inspiration in other writings, such as the Quran, Buddhist teachings, Native American writings, etc. 

In Scripture there's a lot of contradiction, and I'm pretty sure stuff is included that has no business being there. I don't believe God ever endorsed genocide or murdering adulterers, among other things. 

A pure Heart that seeks inspiration will find it in any number of writings, even those that have no association with religion. Such an individual will also receive messages from experience, other inspired people, synchronistic events, and Nature itself. 

The problem with venerable and "sacred" writings from eons ago is, as many have already mentioned is that there's little likelihood that much of the content fails to convey the intended messages. Religious leaders have used "sacred" writings as tools for control and oppression, murder and mayhem. 

Years ago, I asked God (yeah, I do things like that, after all, perhaps the imagination is a true conduit for inspiration), what her/his thoughts were regarding those who didn't believe in the Divine. The answer came back, "All belief systems are so inaccurate, that whether or not one believes in Divinity is of little consequence, when comparing what is believed with what is True." "My creations will be closer to the Truth simply by maintaining pure and positive intention, while accepting guidance from their personal Center of Compassion."

On “How to be a Peacemaker,” asked on FB

Even writing about all the peacemaking interventions possible would take several lifetimes. I also suspect that far more work toward world peace is accomplished by cab drivers, musicians, bricklayers, medical providers, hospice workers, factory workers, you name it, than professional "world changers." That's because leaders can't lead unless others follow, and the followers do most of the work that the leader talks about doing. Big name prominent leaders are wholly dependent on the discernment of every day people, particularly those who others look to for counsel. In other words those individuals who are part of small groups - families, co-workers, local organizations, etc.

How common is it that people look to prominent and/or charismatic leaders and say to themselves, "Sure, I can emulate that person's behavior?" The sphere of influence of "great leaders" is therefore diluted by other folk's limited ability to relate to them. The person next to you is sure to have a far greater influence on your attitude, level of compassion, and desire to be a peace maker.

Considering "the butterfly effect," something to the effect that the beating of a butterfly's wings can provide sufficient air movement, however insignificant in itself, to trigger a cascade of atmospheric reactions that eventually produce a cyclone in a distant part of the planet.

Every act of kindness, loving gesture or example is pretty sure to have at least equal and likely far greater influence on the planet than the precious and delicate butterfly.

It's possible to say there's no way of knowing which act of kindness will change the course of human history for the better. You can be dead broke and do it anyway. Yet I think it's more of a cumulative thing. In that case, all acts of kindness depend on all others, in order to bring about this wonderful change. I remember when many lives were affected, apparently in a very positive way by an organizational vote, which was decided by a single vote. So, slightly more than half the people felt personally responsible for this momentous decision. In any moment, we are able to "vote" through expression of our most honorable intentions. This may manifest in some cases through taking out the trash without being asked, or by conspicuous heroism. Who's to say which is more heroic, a single brave act, or a lifetime commitment to doing the right thing, or doing mundane chores cheerfully?

Is it possible that the most effective peacemaker is one who is at peace with self, also with their current circumstances, and shares the best of themselves always? In the moment mindfulness has a lot to do with it. Always be aware of opportunities to share positive energy, whether remembering to use your turn signal, clean an elderly person's toilet, participate in political movements, being someone's source of comfort, or as mentioned at the start of this, there are more opportunities to share the good stuff than can be written about in several lifetimes.

Is Everything an Illusion?

The buzz-phrase that "everything's an illusion," is taken literally by concrete thinkers who convince themselves that they are indeed the authors of the Universe. Yes, it's possible to imitate wisdom without actually being wise.

Now hear this! The brain interprets sensory input, overlooks a lot of detail due to subjectivity, ego and missing data. There are a lot of forces present that we don't detect as well. We can't see the spokes of a spinning bicycle wheel, but know better than put our fingers in their path. Yet we overlook other threats to our well-being because the evidence isn't under our noses and visible at the moment.

So, the human ability to relate to surroundings is strictly a function of mind. Perception is more than sensory input. It's what the brain decides to do with it, what to consider as worth one's attention, then assigning meaning to it. Once meaning is assigned, it's far more likely to "see" what one expects to, rather than what actually is.

So, "everything's an illusion," and it's cohort claim, "what you see is of your own creation," does not mean that the Universe outside our mind is a dream. It simply means that our perception is illusory, regardless of empirical input. The mountain is real, even if what we perceive isn't the actual mountain, but reflected light, distorted in color and scale at least. As individuals, we didn't "create" it either.

All the above is stated simply to call BS to those who shrug off the problems we face because "it's all an illusion."

I'm not saying that has happened in this thread, but I'm on a rant because I'm tired of hearing about this "illusion cop-out" from pseudo-intellectuals. These same folks will think they're doing something wise by telling those who are suffering that their pain isn't real, but an illusion. They will ignore hunger, pollution, homelessness, and environmental destruction, because it's "an illusion."

So, if anybody asks, it's NOT all an illusion "out there." The illusion exists between our ears, that's it. The creation we see is ours, as we created our own illusion, not someone else's.

Racism and Tribalism

There's a DNA basis for it. When the brain's grey matter became just a bit more convoluted than that of a reptile, many life forms began to cluster together, and resist integration of unknown critters from other clusters. Herds, packs, coveys, clutches, family groups, flocks, among other things formed, which ensured continuation of successful arrangements of DNA. 

Rumor has it that man originated in Africa, and in all probability, was of uniform melanin content and roughly similar appearance. Then survival based, DNA mediated tribalism, once an expedient means to preserve the lives of families, became a major factor in how societies formed. The more cohesive family groups were, the more successful they were in passing this tribal predisposition on. 

Small groups of humans became ever larger groups, inevitably finding themselves competing with other groups for resources. Then it was no longer, "we humans," but "us" and "them." Eventually groups of humans, as a result of, or to avoid conflict, or maybe to find happier hunting grounds began to spread across the globe. 

Different environments led to physical changes in those who lived there. This made it easier for one group of humans to point to another and say "They ain't us!" The tribal DNA gene said, "We don't like 'em and don't want 'em around!" By extension it was reasoned that "Because they ain't us, we're bettern' dem!"

The tribal gene remains able to strongly yet insidiously influence our perceptions. It's often said, we should trust our instincts, or our "gut feelings." We mistake them for intuition, and even in the absence of any valid rationale, we look for and find "proof," that our instincts were correct. 

Anyone who has worked in teams, groups, or even on different scheduled working shifts, in all probability has observed some degree of resentment, competitiveness, or perceived difference in level of virtue in the members of other groups. At the same time, humans generally have a strong desire to "fit in" to a group, and will adopt attitudes that reinforce alliance with a group. 

So, if we all looked like either star-bellied or non-star-bellied sneetches (of Dr. Seuss fame, we would still figure out some basis for feeling better or more deserving than other sneetches, perhaps because they lived in green as opposed to brown houses, drove Fords instead of Toyotas, or some damn thing. Maybe shorter sneetches would feel oppressed by the taller ones. Anyway, a number of sneetch/humans would come up with some kind of socially unjust system. 

This elemental tribalism manifests as racism, elitism, rationalized greed, oppression, etc. 

It may be too difficult to unravel tribalism from our psyche. We can declare its usefulness to be obsolete, but it won't get rid of the associated urges. 

Consider however, that these urges can be redirected in a more positive way. Encompass everyone as part of a single tribe. It takes conscious effort in the beginning, but eventually feels quite natural. 

I've had the good fortune to live and work in a community where I was very different in appearance from those around me, and in a culture I initially knew nothing about. I got around to forgetting that I was "different," even when others made it clear that my presence was unexpected. I came to accept such reactions without giving it much thought. 

I have seen many who are "different" blend sweetly into diverse groups. 

There is hope for us! 

Be a Light!

Once upon a time, I was in a horrible job as a security guard at a steel mill. The workers hated the guards. My wife would tell me every day before work,  "Be a light!" I thought the suggestion was stupidly naive, but I made a bit of effort in that direction every day. Initially, workers would scream and cuss at us, throw rocks and pieces of metal at us, or drop things from overhead bridges. To make matters worse, the pay sucked.

So, every day, I asked myself, "How the f**k can I be a light here?" Acting nice didn't have much effect. So, I didn't bother "acting nice." I did however cultivate a deep feeling of goodwill toward the workers, despite continuing to act tough and somewhat aloof. Ever so gradually, things changed. Workers started nodding to me and other guards, and sometimes made a little conversation. It took more than a year, but the workers and guards mostly got along. There was no more rock and metal throwing, or overpass ambushes. I ended up missing the place when I left!

Imagine a single electron being nudged away from an atom, then it enters the orbit of another, with a slight spark of energy released, and the spark displaces a couple more electrons, or even fractures an atom or two. Then each of these disturbed atoms exchange energy with a few more, leading to an exponential increase of atomic interaction, till BOOM! A bomb explodes.

Now, imagine a single thought, shared with one or two other people, who in turn share it with a few more, and an exponential growth of an idea occurs. In society, this process occurs so often that we usually don't consider the actual sequence of interactions that lead to the "explosive" manifestation of a new idea. It's easy not to notice when all of this occurs within the synapses of our grey matter.

Like the "shot that was heard around the world," a single positive thought or interaction, or refusal to turn sour in response to a sourpuss, has the power to change the course of history.

So, regardless of what's observed in the world, "be a Light!"

Brightening a Room

Have you noticed that in a group of people, if one additional person enters, sometimes the entire tone and mood of the group changes?

My wife smiles and waves at everyone that drives by in our neighborhood. Initially, everyone ignored her. Now, more than half the folks smile and wave back. Now I do the same thing, and so do they.

Those who brighten a room, simply by entering it, have an open and radiant heart. It may sound counter-intuitive, but a genuine, open and generous heart can be virtually invincible, even in the face of abundant rejection.

Forgiveness

For my entire life, I've heard forgiveness to be equated with letting people "off the hook," issuing pardon, or simply deciding to stop being angry with someone. Some forgive as a self deluded demonstration of superiority. Some talk about forgiveness because it's a trendy topic. I guess that kind of forgiveness is better than no forgiveness at all. Consider that in the absence of judgment or condemnation, what need is there for forgiveness? I think the meaning of forgiveness has in large part been lost. I think of Jesus's new commandment, "Love one another as I have Loved you." True forgiveness is the First and Second Commandment and the Prayer of St. Francis in a single word. Such forgiveness doesn't see offense, doesn't judge or issue pardon, but instead recognizes the need and call for Love behind the "sinful" actions, then to the extent possible, provides the Love, nurturing and problem resolution the situation calls for. True forgiveness may call for some hard work, and liberation of self from the psychic bond with the "offender" that occurs with non-forgiveness, is a valid goal, forgiveness that takes a form that nurtures healing, is the quintessential sharing of Love.

Giving Love

Giving Love is sharing Divine Energy. We are expressions of this Energy. Therefore, we are giving of Self to Self. Being one in need of Love presents a gift to the giver, an opportunity to share Love and be grateful that this is possible. Though it may not be a conscious decision, bringing a need to a person who can help, is an investment of trust, which is another gift. As conduits, Love that is expressed through us brings Energy into us, while increasing our capacity to express even more Love. Because of this, it's not possible to give more Love than is received. Love is experienced as it's expressed, so it's like a double payoff. Keeping track of who is giving or receiving may help to keep things organized, but that's the extent of its valid meaning. 

"Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart." -- Washington Irving

Perception

Every input from the five senses is subject to mind's interpretation, which is an imperfect tool, therefore, the imperfect assessment is added to a series of past imperfect ones, the outcome is a mental construct, illusion, attitude or something similar. A new reality manifests within an individual when perceptual limitations are acknowledged and accepted. That's how the mind can be free of attachment to past illusions, and be able to advance toward more accurate perceptions in the present.

Freedom from ego/mind trap

In response to a person posting that he no longer understood anything:

It means you are entering a stage of wisdom. You must be recognizing that things are not as they appear. We don't know the meaning of anything beyond that which we have assigned to it. After we've attached meaning to things and events, we may think we know that those meanings reflect true facts, but consider how different your world view, and perception of factors affecting your life have changed over the years. In the past, you may have thought you understood, then you experienced more, and your understanding changed. Your comment suggests that at some level of consciousness, you came to understand that understanding itself is transient, therefore does a poor job of truly grasping reality. I find it helpful to trust that a Divine agenda exists, and I can trust the Love that brought me to consciousness, and it's okay to not know, and know that I don't know much of the true nature of things. The meanings we assign to things can and usually do work for us, at least well enough to keep us viable until we evolve to the next level of existence.

Where are the real thoughts?

I think our inner dialogue, that steady flow of language passing through our mind is considered by many to be actual thought, but thoughts precede this stream of words and symbols. Our most elegant thoughts, those precipitated by Spirit aren't always interpreted by our inner dialogue. Those are instances when we know that we know, but don't know how we came to know, except by Inspiration. Attempting to share these non-verbal messages is problematic, and the words used to make these attempts may be based in science, religion or spirituality, yet behind those attempts is Spirit, reaching out collaboratively with an imperfect human vessel, to share a measure of Love. It's important to honor and appreciate Spirit, in both ourselves and the other person, even if the person is using the "wrong" words to convey messages that are close to the Heart. Doing that activates the Discernment that will lead to the best outcome.

Change and Security

This was written a few years back, in response to a person who was feeling a bit lost. 

Even when it's hidden, there's something real and valuable in each of us.
Is it better to hold on to someone, or trust their spirit? 
We can hold on to the integrity of our own heart, whether or not we're alone. We can hold on to our ideals and commitments. 
In the physical world, the present moment, our own thoughts and decisions are all we can cling to. Nothing remains the same, so holding on to a healthy level of detachment is a pretty good idea. 
Nothing remains the same, nor do we. 
Hold on to the awareness that as we and our circumstances change, an endless flow of opportunity presents, including an expanding potential for intellectual, emotional and spiritual freedom.
Hold on to your blessed ability to give and receive Love. Hold on to the knowledge of how loved you are.

Someone once said, "True security lies not in what one has, but in what one can do without." 
There's a Scriptural exhortation to store one's treasures where they cannot be taken by thieves, nor tarnish and deteriorate. There is only one place like that in the physical realm - within the self. Wisdom and knowledge can't be taken by thieves. 
Heaps of money or belongings will not make one secure, in fact, it's often a reason many feel insecure, as they fear its loss. 

Confidence in the ability to handle whatever adversity comes along, is where the stable footing is attained. The confidence is within. No thief can take it 

Nature of Reality?

I encountered the following posting: "‘Physical objects does not exist.

The notion of a world populated by separate ‘things’ is a construct of the human mind, evolved for the purpose of survival.

The universe draws no boundaries between anything.

Reality is boundlessly interconnected,

a living process of information being expressed, self-organized and shared throughout the infinite fractal-holographic matrix,

and it can best be understood in terms of pattern,

geometry and number.’"

This was my response: 

That a human can't survive on the surface of the Sun, is sufficient proof that there is separation between substances / energies / frequencies / vibrations. There is interconnectedness, but also boundaries. Both of these features pre-existed humanity, so it's absurd to believe the entire structure of the Universe has arranged itself to suit the human mind, or that the human mind created the structure of the Universe. 

If it's assumed that everything is energy or thought, it still doesn't negate the reality of physical manifestation. That's why traffic signals are required, in order to prevent objects that are operated by human minds from colliding.

Thoughts?

Welcome

I came to Blogger, thinking about sharing some stuff, and discovered that I had set up this blog eight years ago, and forgot about it.  I do a lot of Facebook postings, which fade into obscurity by hundreds of other postings.  I believe some of my writings are entertaining, and may at times offer a bit of insight, or they may invite additional thinking about an issue. 

I mostly discuss spiritual or the interaction between Spirit and science.  I'm part of several groups, related to metaphysical or spiritual topics.  Many of the postings demonstrate a lack of experience on the topics, or express over zealous proclamations of "spiritual truths."  Because of that, I find myself attempting to bring many tangential threads back down to Earth.  

I think it's fine to talk about frequencies, dimensions, vibrations, and the nature of matter/energy.  It's also okay to speculate on how much of human perception is illusion.  Problems arise when people derive principles, based on these speculations, while thinking of them as facts.  One of these speculations is the belief that "everything is an illusion," and on that basis, interaction with the perceived illusion is not of any consequence.  Citing this illusion theory, some people feel there's no need or benefit to seek justice in the world, or to relieve suffering.  This is why my goal is to remind people that there is benefit to helping others, and even if "everything is an illusion," we still should, if possible, contribute to the well being of others and the Planet.  

I have yet to understand how to organize my writings in a blog, so it may not be easy to navigate, but I expect it to get better over time.