Response to a person who feels separated from the Divine

You know you're not separated, yet it's in our spiritual DNA to maintain a deep longing for a greater sense of Presence and relationship to the Divine.

I don't remember the analogy C.S. Lewis used, but he described that if a person is made to "need" something, that in itself proves that the needed object really does exist. For example, a sailboat proves that wind with which to power it exists. A bicycle is evidence that riders exist, and so on.

Our need for a sense of non-separation, indicates the existence of non-separation. Awareness of non-separation grows, not unlike a mustard seed that becomes something vast and undeniable.

A longing for a deeper relationship to the Divine, can also be a Source of comfort, as it indicates that additional spiritual growth is coming, and that the Divine Manifestation we are evolving toward, already knows us, even if we've yet to know It.

Facebook Memes

A guy on FB was complaining about the memes and lack of meaningful discussion.  This is my response: 

I'm okay with memes. After all, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” and a meme is usually a picture. I'm also okay with words.

Many are in a shell, hiding from pain, fear and judgment/expectations of others, and only feel safe when interacting on a superficial level. Many are born into a culture of interaction that is only at a superficial level. Too many have lived with explosive and abusive family members, which led to generalized fear of relating to others in any way that might trigger disapproval. When I was growing up, independent thought (that was expressed) led to being cast out of the “in crowd.” Then there are the bullies, manipulators and emotional blackmailers, in all probability victims themselves, now feeling compelled to pass on the pain.

A lot of memes reflect fear, pain, confusion and negativity.

Some attempt to share a bit of healing humor, others, cruel jokes.

Some memes are incredibly beautiful, inspiring profound levels of Spirit. Many of those are published by others who've processed their pain in sublime ways, although may still experience anxiety when considering expressing their heart in words.

FB memes represent a microcosm of society, with all the good and bad elements. They are not going to stop appearing. Don't expect that complaining about the negativity will lead to positive results. When facing the worst of it, remain aware of that place of Unconditional Love within.

If discussion about practical application of metaphysical principles is desired, make the invitation with conviction that it will attract sincere participants and productive discussion will take place. Make the invitation with the same affirmative energy as is used when saying, “I am in perfect health.” The results will inspire you.

RESPONSE TO QUESTION ABOUT KARMA

Remember the 70's sitcom, "Maude?" One of her frequent lines was, "God will get you for that, Walter!"

Karma does not keep score and warehouse judgments as so many people do. It's nobody's business to discuss other people's karma, and it's damn childish to do so.

Karma cannot scare a person into having a loving disposition. Believing that it can leads to irreconcilable cognitive dissonance. As long as there's a club hanging over one's head, along with a directive to be loving or be clobbered, one will never know if their behavior is fear based or based on love. Sure, one can tell himself he'd be loving without the club, but the erosive doubt would remain.

People do a pretty good job of biting themselves in the butt, so karma doesn't need to bother with it.

The sun shines and storms rage at both the innocent and those less innocent. Actions or lack thereof, both positive and negative, have consequences. That's a natural thing that needs no intervention by the karma police. The Creator doesn't program tornadoes to pick and choose households based on the occupant's virtue.

I'm not denying the existence of karma, but for sure, it doesn't exist as a means of passing judgment on others. If we judge ourselves based on karma, it makes a bit more sense, but it can also be a distraction from issues that can be addressed in a simpler way. For example, allowing the gas tank to run dry leads to being stranded. Is that consequence karma, or a simple mistake that doesn't need morality baggage attached?

There are some very naughty people living in conditions that are as close to paradise as one can get on earth. There are some highly evolved and enlightened people living in poverty. I'm pretty sure if karma is involved in both of these situations, the naughty people will be receiving cosmic nudges in a positive direction, and the already enlightened people will simply enjoy an ever greater cosmic embrace.

Rather than think of karma as a potentially vindictive punisher, it's better to think of karma as a friend that guides us toward the experiences that will be of most benefit.

So, happy karma-ing all!

Another response to the question of fearing life: 

It isn't like it once was, when fear kept us out of the mouth of predators, or some other immediate threat, then it was gone as soon as the threat was.

In modern times, it's frightening to not know of all things there are to fear. It's easy to find one's self living under a constant cloud of foreboding. So, do we fear living life or one with too much fear?

Trying to avoid fear compounds its intensity. It becomes an additional case of fear of failure to avoid fear. It also assigns power to fear that is often disproportionate to the threat(s) involved.

Some transcend inordinate fear through the realization that what lies ahead can't be that much worse than what's happened in the past.

Some manage it by taking the time to realize how much they could afford to lose, without losing what's really important.

Some let go of any sense of attachment to life circumstances, thereby cease to fear anything. Interestingly, this letting go can be based on enlightenment or abject despair. I think it's not unusual that the despair and letting go is a necessary step in one's path toward enlightenment.

Rather than trying to avoid fear, it's better to face it with clear vision, and asking what it's trying to tell us, and if it's related to something that calls for caution or action, or instead, the realization that under the circumstances has no purpose.

It's in our DNA to fear the unknown, and we're surrounded by unknown variables. Therefore, anxiety is understandable. This reality also calls for an approach with clear vision. Often fearing fearful experiences is a healthy reaction. Faith in one's Self and the Universe can go far in preventing excessive fear.

In response to the question: "Why fear living life?"

There are a zillion things people can choose to fear. It takes no small amount of mental finesse to separate all the added variables, some natural, some man made, life from consideration of life itself.

In other words, if there were no risks, problems or pain, would life still be frightening?

Life is a gift, and a wise person feels compelled to make the most of it while being grateful for it. That suggests that one has a responsibility to perform well and succeed, and may fear falling short of meeting that objective.

Non-human beings seem to have the right idea. If a threat presents, fear triggers the needed boost to optimize physical performance, that helps them escape the threat. In the absence of a threat, there is no fear.

I think it's uniquely human to ruminate over things to fear. Unfortunately, that leads to chronic anxiety, which can trigger even more anxiety producing thoughts.

I wonder if children who lived "in the shadow of the bomb," benefited from addressing the problem of fearing things of which they had no control. The kids in my neighborhood claimed understanding of the possibility of being blown up, yet they still played blissfully, and without evidence of anxiety or fear. Kids who grow up around gang violence have even more to fear, yet often they play as though there's nothing to fear, even when having lost family members to violence. I think children are tapped into a higher level of wisdom, and some adults should observe and re-learn what the children inherently know.

Many children and adults have difficulty dealing with fear. PTSD leaves people sensitized and reactive, with easily triggered anxiety. Often, if asked "why are you anxious?" they don't know how to answer. I also think many are predisposed, by their DNA to having anxiety, or have both trauma and the predisposition.

The question, "Why fear life?" is certainly loaded, and to fully answer it would take volumes. From another perspective, the question is liberating, if a person with habitual anxiety looks around and realizes there's nothing to fear.

Surviving trauma, hardship, loss, grief and other adversities can be and often is instrumental in transcending fear. Those who survive can help those who are still struggling with it.

A very useful thing to remember is that Love displaces fear. Pure loving intention adds value to life, and leads to a special kind of trust between the person and the Divine. Then, life is appreciated and death is not feared.

Law of Attraction and attracting negative people

This question was presented: 

I have question about the law of attraction. For some reason lots of negative people have been coming into my life I want to do something to change that. It's caused me a great deal of suffering.

This was my response: 

It may not be easily discerned if we're attracting things because of unproductive thoughts, fears and beliefs, or we are aligning ourselves to experiences that promote growth.
Years ago, I was stuck in a hellish and dangerous situation. It felt as though my future would be very much like my past. It was at a steel mill, and I was working security. The workers threatened, and harassed us. Once I went to pee in a porta-john and a guy threw a cinder block at it from an overpass. Stuff like that happened a lot. Often, guys were hired, and would leave at lunch time and never return. I could go on for hours talking about how much the place sucked.
I finally decided that if nothing was going to change, I'd have to accept where I was, and look for things that would make my situation more tolerable. I discovered small areas of beauty in that hellish landscape. One most remarkable view was that of a material elevator that stood around 150 feet high. It was composed of steel girders, a bit like a miniature Eiffel Tower. I was patrolling the area on foot, and stopped, awestruck by its moonlit silhouette against a sky filled with incredibly bright and numerous stars. I noticed dandelions and honeysuckle, growing out of a mixture of graphite and oily mud, and by contrast, they were the most beautiful I'd seen.
I didn't change my behavior, as I had no choice but do my job. I did however gradually grow unafraid, unable to express, but still feel compassion toward those who were hostile toward us.
The shitty circumstances didn't change, but I changed my relationship to them. Others saw the change in me, and how it changed the way the workers behaved toward me, it affected their feelings toward the workers and plant.
After my days became manageable, and even a bit rewarding, I was recruited to a much better job.
I think we're often challenged to overcome negative people and circumstances by creatively transcending the problems involved.
So, you are a positive and compassionate person. Is it any surprise that negative people are attracted to you? Their reptilian brain may be triggering jealousy or resentment, while their higher Self is hoping to receive non-verbal healing Energy from you.
Perhaps the Universe honors you with trust, that you will respond to negativity with whatever is needed in those moments to make things better.
Consider Ekchart Tolle's exhortation to "be in the present." When accosted by negativity, ask yourself in that moment, "Behind this pain, what is the need?"
I have no doubt that you've already left many miracles in your wake. Your ability to manifest more is evolving. Be patient and gentle with yourself. Doing so allows for graceful spiritual evolution, while giving you the strength required to remain patient and gentle with others.

Why Hope?

There is no shortage of toxic leaders, but to blame any of them for large scale division/polarization, is neither productive or accurate. Such leaders emerge as symptomatic evidence of what's already present in society. Bringing such social pathology to light isn't a bad thing. A lot of folks talk about the "good old days," back in the fifties and sixties. I doubt that things were as good then as they are now. It's just that some but not all bad behavior in those days was largely kept secret. Some such behaviors were more overt, such as lynchings, discrimination, segregation legally sanctioned sexism and misogyny. There was a larger middle class, but its existence led to greater suffering among those marginalized. Consider though, that in times of major catastrophes, many people come and work together, who at other times would not be able to tolerate each other. Disasters become common ground, and "better angels" emerge. Sometimes those who seem least likely or even looked down upon become heroes. Even those with extremely opposite political views will save each other's lives. That suggests to me that all hope is not lost. If a person takes the time to pay attention, it's possible to see countless stars within the social darkness. I don't know what life will be like in a few years, or even days. Still, there's enough Love in the world to keep me hopeful.