Having the Passion of Jesus

Jesus Christ was a spiritual Master. He affected the world in such a profound way that it is fair to say his impact on the world was possibly greater than any other single person in history. If one studies other Masters, it is also clear that much of what Jesus said was similar to or had the same message as what many other spiritual leaders had said prior to him, but his message had something different that made it resonate more powerfully. That something was passion .

Many great Masters and gurus before Jesus had a calm, "live and let live" approach to life, saying "let the universe take care of things", which was often evident in Jesus's teachings as well, in such ways as his focus on non-judgement...allowing others to live their lives without our imposed judgement, knowing that only each individual person can determine what is right or good for them, or what is God to them. But Jesus also had extreme passion in the challenges that he laid down, in his willingness to take on the religious thinking of the time, even in his frustration or anger when he could not get others to "get it". It seems to me that Jesus felt an intense responsibility to shake things up to get a new message across. He knew that his calling needed passion, and he believed so strongly that the spiritual ways of the times needed rethinking.

In that respect, I have to wonder how many of us, particulary those of us in the Christian faith who so cherish Jesus, have that same passion that he exhibited? Do we talk about him and evoke his name because it makes us feel holy, but never step outside of our fears to behave like him in any real fashion? Jesus taught that we are one with God, that we are healers in our own right, that we have within us all that we need. We have somehow, in our staid religious habits, become void of that passion that Jesus so readily exhibited, become so caught up in our own religious edicts that we will not really step outside of them and be like Jesus, always wanting and expecting more of God, rather than being content with messages of long ago, with religions that control those messages.

Often, when I speak of Reiki or other "hands on healing" practices with Christians, I see a fear rise in their eyes or hear it in their voices...a fear that something unusual could not be of God, when in fact, it is within the very teachings of Jesus, who proclaimed,

"Amen, Amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these because I am returning to the Source." (John 14:12)

It seems to me that those who have the belief - the faith - to practice healing in love, as Jesus did, are following him more so than those who shoot such practices and beliefs down. In my spiritual healing work, I have had some fearful individuals who have heard very limited information about the practice insinuate that it could be "evil", or that the mere suggestion that there might be some validity to it is blasphemous. I must also add that others of the Christian faith have welcomed and have had great experiences from it, although few are willing to speak openly about it for fear that they too will be looked down upon - that other Christians will judge them...ironically, judging them for having the very faith that Jesus told us to have, asked us to have, after he returned to the Source.

If you are a believer in the works of Jesus, either as a practicing Christian or simply as one who loves and admires the profoundness and passion of this man's message, consider that you could or should be doing the works that he did...and greater. Consider that we may have been taught that we are powerless only to hold us back from that power - by those who preferred to hold it for themselves. Consider that we have many opportunities in our enlightened world to learn and grow in areas that were previously less available to us. Consider opening your mind to allow you to be more and to experience more of God than you have ever known. Allow yourself to step outside the boundaries to believe , and from that belief, to do greater things, as Jesus told us believers would do. You have the power within you...if you will only remember and believe it.

...But It's Going to Get Cold Again

Over the last several weeks here in Asheville, NC we have been bouncing back and forth between spring-like weather and what feels like dreary winter again. Each magical sunny day that is brought to us is a reminder of the cycles of growth and renewal that are a natural order of the universe. We can use these to energize our own personal growth as well, which is probably why so many people engage in "spring cleaning"...it feels right and natural to open up and let the light and sunshine come into our lives as the universe does the same.

But what I have noticed with these glimpses of spring is how very few people can enjoy them for the moment, but will instead focus on the possibility that it may not be here to stay for very long. On these perfect days that have transpired, I've noticed that most people I have commented to about what a lovely day it is, have responded with a declaration like, "Yes, but don't enjoy it too much because it is supposed to get cold again in a few days." These are not perpetually pessimistic people I am talking about, these comments are from almost everyone I mention it to, even those I know as generally positive individuals. And while it is understandable to want the perfection to stay, or be disappointed if it doesn't linger, it is such a waste not to fully enjoy it while it is here.

Why is our nature to not enjoy things simply because they may not be here forever...and what do we miss along the way? I distinctly recall times in my life where I felt like celebrating an accomplishment, not in a gloating way, but in a moment of joy and a feeling of gratitude, when someone around me would temper it with comments like, "Don't get too cocky", "Don't celebrate too much, it may not be so good next month". I don't understand that logic. Of course, life will have its ups and downs, its sunny days and its rainy days. That is part of the natural ebb and flow, and provides us many opportunities to experience all there is, but where does it leave us if we cannot appreciate the good when it is here? Who have we become if we only look toward the negative possibilities that may come our way rather than enjoying the positive moments? And, even more importantly, does our lack of joyful gratitude and celebration keep us from receiving even more things to celebrate?

In sports, it is now commonplace to give penalties for excessive celebration, and while I agree that some celebrations may go a little far and border on taunting, I have watched penalties be given for even the slightest display of excitement over a big game-changing play, no matter what the circumstance or surrounding emotion. I disagree with rules that say a player cannot celebrate distinguished accomplishment or should squelch all emotion in that moment. I think it is inhuman to contain overwhelming joy, and not the least bit good for us. Those moments in life can be rare, whether on a sports field or in everyday life, and we should celebrate them rather than diminish or scorn them.

We should retrain ourselves to enjoy the moment more, to celebrate the beautiful day without regard for the returning cold, rejoice in our successes rather than worry that they will be fleeting, and live in a space that recognizes goodness so as to attract more of it. Are you living your life in such a way as to fully appreciate the good, or are you bracing for the cold that you are certain will find its way back to you? Perhaps if we brace and prepare ourselves for all of the good and blessings that are coming our way, then we will be in place of gratitude that will encourage them to appear more frequently. Make a conscious effort to expect good things, and to enjoy the moment when they are there. Your joy is a celebration that shows gratitude. Be thankful rather than regretful, hopeful rather than doubtful, and see if it makes a difference in your outlook and your ability to deal with life's day to day challenges, which we all are certain to encounter. At the very least, you will have the joy of the moment, and that in itself is a great reward.

Going Out On A Limb

A few days ago, I wrote a post about an article that I had read in which a governing body of Catholic Bishops had basically denounced the practice of Reiki and called it "dangerous". That article escalated a frustration that I have had for some time about how the leaders of Christianity (and many Christian individuals) block and condemn anything that might get in the way of their power base.

Since that posting, I have thought more about devoutly Christian people that I have provided Reiki services for who have been positively blessed and even overwhelmed by the loving energy of Reiki. Many have told me that it was the closest to God that they had ever felt, and that they could see in that moment of "knowing" that it did not contradict their belief and faith in God or Jesus at all, but actually made it stronger and more real than it had ever been. Some have said that although they may have felt God's presence strongly at other significant times in their lives,the experience during their Reiki session with me (or others) was more powerful than any other experience they had ever had. Some had tears of joy and a feeling of love and perfection that had previously been unknown to them, even in a church setting.

The interesting thing is that some of these same people were still reluctant to share the experience with their ministers or others in their church, for fear that it would not be accepted as God, even though they had no doubts of their own experience. Some felt that those at church "just wouldn't get it", even while wishing that the others could experience the peace and love that they felt. I have had many religious discussions with those that I have provided Reiki for, and most of those discussions were in sadness that Christianity or other organized religions approached such subjects with closed minds, even if many of their followers have received powerful benefits from it. Many individuals still feel that they need to keep quiet about it at church.

My wish is that more people will speak up in their churches, synagogues, or other houses of worship. Removing some of the religious roadblocks could prove to be tremendous in the lives of many. If we, one by one, stand up and share our belief that God has given us each the power to heal ourselves and one another through many avenues, we can make a difference. If we simply have the courage to share our experiences with many, to explain how God resides within each of us and is waiting to be set free, then I believe we will change the world. The sooner we step outside of our fears, the sooner we will achieve this, the less we will suffer individually, and the less we will suffer collectively.

Have the courage to look beyond the constraints that our religions and our society have placed upon us...Ask God for more...Tell God that you are ready and willing to have a more real experience and be part of a better world, then look for ways to do so...Surrender to a Higher Self and a more Divine experience, and be free to be all that you can be. Somewhere inside, I believe that each of us knows there is more, and it is time to embrace that experience regardless of what others might say to hold us back. Have courage to be different, the courage to go out on a limb and share ideas that may be different. Jesus did, and if you lack that courage, Jesus and Angels can help you find it...just ask.

Using Fear to Control

A friend just sent me a link to an article about how the U.S. Catholic Bishops "warned" against Reiki. I read this article in absolute dismay, bordering on anger, even thought it should not be all that surprising, since this attack method is the usual approach that Christian leaders or zealots take in countering any method they see as a threat their power (not the power of God, mind you, but their power). Killing the messenger or attacking the method is all too commonplace amongst our religions, when they cannot counter with logic or open-minded discussion.

According to the AFP article,
"The US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has warned Roman Catholics to shun the eastern healing art of Reiki because it lacks scientific credibility and is dangerous to Christian spiritual health".

I would ask those same Bishops to please cite me the scientific credibility for Catholicism, or for any Christianity, for that matter. In actuality, science can be used to prove the existence of "universal life force energy" (the definition of Reiki) far more effectively than it can be used to prove the validity of church teachings. It is sad that these Bishops cannot leave something as harmless (and helpful) as Reiki alone without attack. Reiki does not contradict any religion, it actually upholds the principals of loving one another, just as Jesus taught us to. It does not require one to denounce their chosen religion, but can actually strenghten it. It is the practice of allowing pure unconditional love to flow through you to another without judgment, a concept that our sometimes pompous and power-hungry religions often seem to have almost abandoned altogether. Unlike our religions, Reiki does not require that anyone denounce anything, or give up their power to its organization, because it is not an organization at all. It is simply a method to connect with a greater power, have deeper prayer and meditation, and begin to heal oneself or another.

The five tenets of Reiki are:
Just for today, I will not worry.
Just for today, I will not anger.
Just for today, I will honor my parents, teachers and elders.
Just for today, I will earn my living honestly.
Just for today, I will show gratitude to every living thing.

I would ask these same Bishops to please tell us what is so horrendous about encouraging people to live by these loving principals, no matter what religion they happen to practice, if any?... What is wrong with not worrying, after all, isn't that demonstrating true faith?...What is wrong with honoring others?...What is wrong with earning an honest living?...What is wrong with showing gratitude for every living thing, which is actually showing gratitude to the Creator for everything we have been given? What is so wrong with these principles that the Bishops should need to "warn" against them.

Furthermore, what is wrong with a practice that essentially does as Jesus did, by laying on of hands in love and having the faith to believe that God could grant a miracle? Jesus told his followers that they did not need him, that they could heal themselves...Reiki helps us to follow his direction and learn practices that can help us help ourselves and others. I have seen many miraculous things in my practice of Reiki, from actual physical ailments disappearing, to deep emotional wounds being mended in wondrous ways. I cannot for the life of me imagine why these Bishops (incidentally part of the same group that covered up for Priests who were alleged to have abused children) would feel the need to "warn" Catholics to stay away from Reiki, or call it "dangerous".

I would say to them the old adage that my grandmother used to say, "Clean out your own backyard before you start cleaning out others'." Look within your own organization and clean up the greed, cover-up, control, and scandal before you start attacking other practices which are based in nothing more than unconditional love and acceptance. For a religion that would tell us, "God works in mysterious ways," it is rather contradictory that they would essentially say, "but not in that mysterious way...it doesn't have enough scientific evidence!" Contradictory indeed, but also rather predictable. Humorous, if not maddening.

The reason for the Bishops' action is FEAR. Fear is the easiest method of control, and the method that our religions use constantly. Get people scared, and they will act in fear and avoid the things you have scared them about. It is sad to me that these supposed men of God do not believe in their God or their religion enough to let it stand on its own merit. I think they can do better, if they will only let go of their fear.

I must have more faith in God than they do, because I can let God work in any way that He choses, even through something as "unscientific" as Reiki. I do not choose to limit God like they do. I wish that they would stop putting God in a box and set Him free to be all that He can be to the followers of their faith. They may be preventing their followers from having the truest, fullest, and most real experience of God that is available to them, and that is shameful. But I do look at this "warning" as a good sign that people are beginning to seek more, beginning to understand that God is available in many other ways than just what our religions teach us...the fact that they are attacking says that the message is getting through, which is a very good thing.

I believe if our friend Jesus were here today, he just might be turning over the tables of the temple where these great Bishops meet. In this moment of frustration, I would be happy to help him, but I will pray that the Bishops and other religious leaders let go of their own fears so that it does not discourage others from examining complementary spriritual practices, or something that may provide comfort and relief from physical pain or ailments. I will pray that they do not block others from experiencing this or any other practice that is based in love and acceptance. We need more of that in our world, and less condemnation.
(Click here for the full article about the USCCB stance)

Let the Madness Begin

March Madness is underway, a time that ingites passion in college basketball fans as each team plays for the dream. It is amazing the effect that sports have on so many. Some argue that it is a negative impact, but I believe sports simply touch on that place within us where we believe that anything is possible. Most things in our lives or in our society tell us the opposite, but sports allow the seemingly impossible dream to stay alive in our souls.

What if we, as a society, transferred this zest for sports - this belief in the impossible - to our day-to-day lives and to the problems of the world. Like the little boy who imagines he is Michael Jordan even when others tell him he is not or will never be that good, or the little girl who dreams of being Mia Hamm when she kicks a soccer ball, we should continue to dream big as we become adults. We should listen to that voice inside, no matter how weakened or small, that remembers we have greatness within us, that we are one with God, just as Jesus remembered. We should, like Jesus, return to unity with God and shine our light on the world as Jesus instructed us to do. If we fail to do that, we are failing our purpose. It is what leaves us feeling empty and as if we are only going through the motions of life.

Live your own spiritual "March Madness" by shaking things up in your soul. Remember that you can dream the greatest dreams and achieve them. Ignore the naysayers who would try to tell you otherwise and hold you back - they are only doing so for their own fears or their own desires to control you by keeping you in your place. Get your gameface on and stare them down, knowing that they don't have anything that you don't have, remembering that you came to this life prepared to do it all and live in victory, as soon as you believe it and are ready to claim it.

Let the MADNESS begin!...Go for it all...Remember your destiny...Taste the victory within!

Best Is Yet to Come

I turned on my computer this morning and opened up the web browser to Yahoo, where the glaring morning headline was "Worst is yet to come". The brief article was about how our unraveling economy would mean changes in our lifestyles and difficulty for years to come. The article touched on the gloom and doom that we have come to hear regularly almost everywhere we turn; however, it did note that "the end of rampant consumerism is ultimately a good thing."

It can be difficult and often scary for us in these times of seeming uncertainty. I say "seeming" because the uncertainty and shakiness has been there for a while in an economy that was false and built upon credit spending, but we could not see it then, or perhaps most people just didn't want to see it. The uncertainty is more about our perception than anything else, and as soon as we realize that and get real, things will become more certain. I recall several years ago hearing and reading about the serious problems at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but those warnings were ignored by our congress - those who are responsible for such oversight - the same people who now claim that they "inherited" these problems, as if they had no power or ability to do anything before the implosion! Many consumers try to sidestep the accountability in similar fashion, by denying that they had any say in the debt that they built up, even if it was for things well beyond their means or trinkets and luxuries that were not necessities.

We have been taught by our leaders and each other to simply point the finger when things go wrong, but in doing so, we miss the opportunity to look inward, grow, and correct or improve our ways. We miss the opportunity for something better that may be there for us. Sometimes difficulties are actually a message to us to change our ways, collectively or individually. In going within, we can reach the place of our souls, where we are real beyond our possessions, and come to find our true selves amidst the turmoil. Accountability is a tremendous growth tool, but we often find it so much easier to blame others or make excuses that we never truly get to the growth we need in order to learn what we came here to learn or be all that we came here to be.

Instead of looking at these times expecting that the "worst is yet to come," look at them as an opportunity to find what is truly important, to make our lives leaner and therefore, more real and genuine. It is a gift to us all, if we will take it to heart. In that light, you will come to understand that the "best is yet to come," if you will embrace it and allow it. Finding your true self and your true purpose will bring in the best of times and the best of you.

Trying Acupuncture

I recently decided to try acupuncture for overall health benefits and for seeing if it help me additionally with sinus and allergy problems that I seem to have fairly consistently. I had had great results from Reiki, to the point that even though I had some sinus and allergy problems, none were severe and rarely caused me to have to use the over-the-counter medication as I had been doing daily prior to that. I had read about acupuncture being beneficial for so many things, both physical and spiritual, and decided that it would be a good thing to experience and learn more about. My intention was to work on some minor physical problems and to achieve deeper spiritual growth, or get back on track after distractions of the holidays and other events.

I came upon an acupuncture place in Asheville (The People's Accupuncture of Asheville) offering community style acupuncture, meaning that the service is rendered in a group room, allowing the practitioner to serve several recipients at once, and allowing the energy and intent of the group to strenghten the overall benefits for each. I have learned that this community style is actually how acupuncture was intended to be practiced and is the setting that is most beneficial, so there are no "losses" in choosing the group method, but actually gains. This group setting also makes the service more affordable to the individual, as obviosly the costs for the time and facility can be spread among several clients. This group that I went to has a mission to provide an affordable service on a sliding scale that can be utilitized by all without undue hardship. It is a noble cause and one that could contribute to answers to our rising medical costs. I was very impressed with the energy of both my practitioner, Elizabeth, and the energy in the room.

From what I have learned, acupuncture is also something that needs consistency for best results...in other words, having a series of treatments is best for maintaining any gained benefits, rather than one "fix it" session. It makes sense to me, considering that our learned habits or energetic norms need re-setting or reconditioning. It has been noted that one needs 30 days to truly break a habit, so it is perfectly understandable that one would need some repeated acupuncture, or any natural healing modality, in order to reset and heal the body's patterns. (I find it interesting that some people will have no problem taking certain medications routinely and consistently, but will then expect any alternative healing to happen immediately!)

I have set myself up on a once a week schedule for now and have just completed my third treatment. I noticed very quickly that my sinus congestion was improved and I was not waking up as congested. I also felt very spiritually energized from the sessions, which was my greater objective. I would so strongly encourage anyone and everyone to try new non-traditional healing options that are becoming so much more widely available to us now. These would include such practices as acupuncture, Reiki, meditation, and others. I have personally felt the impact of Reiki and have witnessed it in others that I have provided it for, and I have also felt the impact of meditation, acupunture and other spiritual based healing methods. I can tell you that they are beyond what any pill can provide.

More information about The People's Acupuncuture of Asheville:

The People's Acupuncture of Asheville provides group/community acupuncture treatments on a sliding scale of $ 15-$35. Herbal consultations are a flat rate of $30. All with additional $10 fee for first visit.

Visit their website for contact info/address: http://www.peoplesacupunctureavl.com/default.html

For information on community acupuncture in othere areas, visit the Community Acupuncture Network (CAN) site: http://www.communityacupuncturenetwork.org/

Are You God?

I was part of a Wayne Dyer online event two nights ago and there were many lines that touched me. Most were of a similar nature to things that I have learned or said myself, but there is something about the combined energy that sometimes makes spiritual truths resonate deeper, and this man's voice and gentle soul have a unique way of connecting. I have also been putting great effort into getting re-focused lately and I can feel the shift back into a place of greater connection, so I think these thoughts and ideas came through even stronger to reiterate their importance in this moment, both for me and others.

One part that stood out to me was Wayne quoting someone he had encountered a long time ago who asked, "Are You God?," with the daring answer back to them, "Yes, and the only difference in you and me is that I know it." Our religions have led us to believe this sort of thinking is wrong or even blasphemous, yet Jesus himself tried very hard to convince followers of the very same thing, knowing that its truth would set them free. In his statements, "I and the Father are one," he conveyed this exact idea, wanting us to understand that we are part of God, we ARE God, and we CANNOT be apart from God...only our own thoughts and limitations prevent us from touching our Divinity. Our truest nature is of this Divinity, but we convince ourselves, with the help of others, that we are woefully flawed and unworthy. Our thoughts create our reality, and we spiral into becoming flawed and unworthy, never fulfilling our Divine purpose or our true greatness.

Wayne's message, although not an entirely new one, was "Surrender to God and let it flow". It is as simple as that, yet we fight it our entire lives. Surrendering to God does not mean joining a church, or being present on the pew every Sunday morning. No church is necessaryy, no person or material outside of your true self is required. You have it within you, and have had it all along. Remembering your Divinity is the only step that is needed to step into it and become it - to fix your life and claim your rightful place as a shining light.

Jesus said, "I AM the Light of the world," but he also reminded us that WE ARE each the LIGHT of the world. Remember and believe this and you will become the shining light that you were meant to be.

A New Day

Today is Inauguration day. I have always loved this day, as a renewal, and a tribute to the peaceful transfer of power. Today is a day for us to join together in positive spirit and be hopeful for good things to come. The political climate of the last decade or so has encouraged little of that spirit, seeking instead to attack the opposition with cynicism, but We, the People, can commit to sending our hopes and dreams for a bright future out into the universe collectively. We are now more aware of how thoughts create reality...positive thoughts being more powerful than negative ones....with collective thoughts having exponentially greater effect. It is the same as the Biblical concept of group prayer or the spiritual practice of group meditation. Our thoughts are our prayers, and we can choose to ask for negative or positive things through our thoughts. It matters not the words we say, our thoughts are what is heard and acted upon.

The human soul longs for moments of renewal, and today is a day of regeneration and celebration. Long before November's election, I decided that I would send love and light to each of the candidates, and would send the same positive energy to whomever ultimately won the honor, asking that their highest self take over in leadership, asking they be able to lay down the politics and lead from their soul. I am doing that today. I think many others are doing the same because there is a collective energy of excitement from both those who voted for President Obama and those who did not. Our power and outcomes flow not from Washington or those who are elected to high positions, our true power flows from our collective consciousness. We should not let the backstabbing ways of the Beltway control us as they have for the last several years, but should instead choose to "lead" our country as individuals who long for more, expect more, and send out the positive energy to bring more, being grateful for all that we have.

Celebrate this day as a renewal of our freedom, a testament to how far we have come in our willingness to elect or even consider a black man for president. Celebrate this as a day that we as individuals can claim our place as leaders in spiritual renewal, ushering in our own personal inauguration of a deeper faith. Take your own oath today in a commitment to change your life and the lives of those around you. You can lead just as much as an elected official by your actions and your willingness to consider a greater way and a better world.

Namaste.

Non-Judgment Day Is Near

I saw a bumper sticker yesterday that said, refreshingly, Non-Judgment Day Is Near. It was a simple statement that immediately touched me, as the simplest of thoughts are often the most profound. That one thought sums up the problems of the world. For most of our lives, those of us in Judeo-Christian society, or any society that is heavily influenced by organized religion, have been reminded that Judgment Day is coming. This reminder has been laden with fear and a desire to get people in line - to control them - to make them succumb to the ways of the religion out of worry that they would not be ready for Judgment Day, or for that final reckoning.

The result is that we are living in supreme judgment every day, with everything around us being about judging, whether it is the churches that measure us by whether or not we do everything in a way that is suitable to them, or simply the community that measures us by what job we do, where we live, what we drive. We judge each other through our prejudices and our reluctance to embrace anything different from our own ways. The message of Christ was for us to remove ourselves from judgment, but we have failed miserably in that endeavor. The very institutions that proclaim to be about Christ are perhaps the worst in following his primary message, but instead continue to judge and heap guilt on those that do not follow their chosen ways.

Imagine how amazing our world could be if we could just refrain from judging those around us and adopt an attitude more in the "live-and-let-live" way of thinking, dishing out love instead of judgment. If we simply toned down our negative thought to a lesser degree and increased our love and acceptance a tiny bit, the difference would be amazing.

If you, as one single person on this planet, looked within your heart and realized that your ways, your thoughts, or your choices might be best for you, but not best for someone else - or that you may not know someone's else situation enough to place your condescending thought upon them - you could make a difference in the world. That one little step could change your perspective and your life, and in turn, change the life of another, and another. Can you find it within yourself to lay down your judgment of others (and even your negative judgement of yourself, also known as guilt). Look at others with a willingness to see something good about them, and look at yourself with the same loving eyes. Make it a resolution for this new year to do this, one day at a time, and see the difference that it makes around you. I think you will be very pleasantly rewarded.

Set your goals on Non-Judgment Day instead of Judgment Day and it will make all the difference in your experience. That is the message of the Christ that has been forgotten and ignored. Seek to live it.