Source Seminars

How have we governed ourselves today?

Good Morning!

I was wondering why I seemed so reactive last night and the obvious appeared as I did my introspection.  Den and I have been working on a big project.  Both our sleep and our time for meditation have suffered deprivation.  No DUH! that I would be exhibiting less peace!  What I am grateful for is the habit of meditation....and allowing myself the incredible grace of longer, deeper meditation.  Only a day or two will go by before I find myself doing whatever is required to have a proper amount of meditation in my day.  Today I just got up really early and was complete by the time we were scheduled to rise, complete our  morning bathing, etc., and begin our project collaboration again.

We received a disconcerting email this morning...and I heard myself say, "I'm sure glad I have properly meditated today!"

The world is always throwing curved balls...the only prep I am aware of is the buffer provided by "the REAL world"...that inner world of peace and calm which is accessed by turning inward and meditating.

Dennis and I came across the most amazing video on youtube 2 nights ago and  we choose to share it with you all.  It is about 25 minutes...and so totally worth watching!  It was very late AND we still stayed up and watched it all.  We couldn't resist once we got started.  It beautifully presents many of the principles which shape our perspective and the heart of what Source Training is about. Here is the LINK:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_YOG3jMlV4

P.S. We watched again last night and noticed that the number of views had DOUBLED.  I believe this will happen EVERY day...and it will spread a great cloak of LOVE over the world!

I am going on retreat at Inshallah today.  I am choosing to leave you with the last introspection question to be asked before bed: #5. How have I governed myself in the various situations of the day?  This one will definitely allow you to see how you are doing with emotional maturity and even-mindedness.  Living in the Fraud World requires the steady increase of self-control by which we will have the accession of inner peace.

The complete list:

#1. How long have I been with God today?
#2. How much have I accomplished in my duties?
#3. How much have I done for others today? 
#4. How much have I deeply thought today?
#5. How have I governed myself in the various situations of the day?

Loving you always, k

 

 

Following the thread of THOUGHT

Good Day!

When I awoke I began affirming I and my ONE are One.  When I said this a few times I began experiencing the Current.  I could feel Source energy pouring into my medulla oblongata and flowing throughout my body.  Sometimes I spontaneously feel the Current upon awakening.  This was different...focusing my mind on the Primary led me into the experience.  Each of us is bathed in and fed by that Universal Current from Source as we sleep.  That is precisely why it is so hard on us when we are sleep deprived.  Enough deprivation and we begin to fall apart.  We have convinced ourselves that we live by food.  Yet, as Jesus has told us, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)

Medulla is Latin for marrow...a thing's most vital part or essence; the center of something.  The medullar oblongata has also been referred to as the 'mouth of God'.  Jesus' words take on a profound new meaning with this perspective.

If you are having some difficulty or resistance meditating, I suggest you turn inward IMMEDIATELY upon awakening.  Endeavor to catch the Current if you can.  Regardless, marshal your focus inward before the worldly thoughts start firing...and you once again enmesh your identity in the external.  Rest in the Peace and Love that is your true nature.  Since you are just coming out of doing exactly that...it will be easier to retrace your footsteps, albeit this time you will Consciously be experiencing your Self.

You may also choose to repeat your affirmation I and my ONE (or FATHER or MOTHER) are One. I believe you will experience the veracity of that statement in a deeper way than you have.

We must use whatever we can to outwit the ego...which is ever endeavoring to continue the illusion of separateness.  I am noticing that the Affirmation of General Healing is becoming my default thought.  That is SO nice!

Instead of the usual drivel rolling around in the back of my Consciousness...the mundane and totally worthless thoughts, I am hearing those blessed words affirming my Wholeness.  Because they were created by my Spiritual Teacher, I know they are also tying me into the wondrous flow and wisdom of His Guidance and Love.

Again, I cannot stress how important I believe it is to commit to flawless memory an Affirmation for Healing...this one, or another.  If and when you are requiring healing, you will have a much more difficult time memorizing anything!

THOUGHT CREATES! With such positive concepts and ideas rolling around in the back of your consciousness, you may never magnetize illness!  An ounce of prevention IS worth a pound of cure!  Reminding you the Affirmation for General Healing was published in the blog on Dec. 30th, 2010. 

So we have 3 bedtime questions/analyses to ask of ourselves  so far. #1. How long have I been with God today?  #2. How much have I accomplished in my duties?  #3. How much have I done for others today?  Now, for the next before-bed query:#4.  How much have I deeply thought  today? 

I hope you are making this analysis and introspection of your day a habit.  It is very difficult to change as we would desire to change, unless we do something like this!

Loving you always, k

 

The power of the group, of the space

Good Morning!

You know we have been doing pretty well at home lately.  Since Den had his surgery we have been hanging out here, doing good sadhana, spiritual study, and extra "techniques" recommended by our Guru.

We felt ready to get back to the Temple so we went to the Thursday night service.  What an eye-opener.  When we meditated there, it was as if we were on 'steroids' or some kind of magic pill.  It was so much more impactful just being in that vibration with a room full of others seeking God.  The combination of the space itself, saturated with countless hours of meditation, and those spiritually-minded folk present, was unbeatable.

Once again it slams home the lesson that gathering with others to focus on the Path, the One, the LOVE, is amazingly effective and helpful.

When you have the opportunity to do so, pick up on it!! You will not be disappointed!  It is also just as important to keep your personal at-home sadhana going and intact.  Otherwise you will not be strengthening your own, individual will power.  It's a wonderful boost to partake in the combined energy of the many when you can.

If you seek other like-minded souls with whom to seek God, you WILL find them.  Open up your mind and heart to that possibility and Spirit will assist.

Enough said.  I think you 'got it'.

Loving you always, k

Expansion

Good Morning!

The morning I was looking for  yesterday happened today.  I again retired earlier and this time I DID awaken earlier.  What I am noticing is that the I and the ONE are One affirmation at those ethereal times awakening and going to sleep,  and the oft-repeated thought of being WHOLE in the Affirmation for General Healing are working in my Consciousness like a yeast.  Coupled with the nightly study of SRF Lessons and deeper meditations book-ending both sides of my day, things are beginning to come together....just like the Beatles said, haha.

This morning I was repeating the I and the ONE are One and I began to experience the Reality of that concept.  You know, it's really just a Let-GO thought away!  It is easier to allow the boundaries of our concept of physical self blur when we are just regaining physical consciousness.  Our consciousness can flow outward into our Greater Sense of Self and begin to identify with our Unlimited TRUE nature.

As I lay there marinating in this EXPANSION I knew it was all just a matter of letting go of the habit and construct of identification with the body/mind.  We are SO MUCH MORE than we give ourselves credit for (as John Mayer said.)

One day, when our circuits are prepared for it, the ONE will push away all those silly boundaries between "Thou and I" and we will will REMEMBER we are totally part of something Infinitely GOOD and LOVING.  We are made of the very same substance as that of Whom we Adore....and Who is most Beloved.  Chew on that thought for a while, long enough for it to Inebriate you!!  Haha.

I went outside to energize just as the sun was peering over the hill.  I did the amazing yogic eye exercise, sun-gazing, with various admonitions and sub-parts, from Lesson 39.  Don't try it without reading that Lesson in detail!  It provides a very nice 'breakfast' indeed!

When I was meditating I realized the deep importance of both Expansion and Concentration.  This dynamic duo, coupled with heartfelt devotion, can take one far on the magic carpet ride to Infinity.  I have much work to do to develop my efficacy with both AND with my eye on the Prize, it is a very joyful assignment.  Just the Remembrance of the Truth that each of us, all of us, are part of such a Very Good, Incredibly Beautiful, Over-Arching yet Foundational ESSENCE is phenomenally intoxicating...exhilarating!!

PICK UP ON IT!

Loving you always, k

God Watches the Heart

Good Evening!

I have been gone all day and THIS is the chance I have to Connect with you!  For the past several days I have had the opportunity to meditate for several hours in the morning.  Today was different.  I was meeting another person much earlier.  I went to bed a few hours earlier so I would wake up early enough to meditate well.  I must've been really choosing rest as I didn't wake up particularly early.  I did meditate for about 45 minutes before leaving the bedroom and I asked God to assist me to do the best I could with the rest of it. 

I was able to do my pre-meditation exercises, etc. and meditate for several minutes more before leaving.

What I noticed was that God was on my mind most of the day.  I was able to finagle listening to the latest (and wonderful) CD from the SRF magazine about and by Daya Mata as we drove to our destination.  I was able to orally go over my General Healing Affirmation before leaving and again when driving home.  I snuck God in to as many events and activities as I could....in other words, I kept the Divine Romance cooking.

I KNOW this was because I have made a habit of spending devotional time with my ONE each morning.  Failing that, my heart made up the difference throughout the day.  God watches your heart!!  Some days will just be like this one was for me.  You won't be able to exactly keep your spiritual routine for whatever reason.  HOWEVER, if your heart is with the Lord anyway, (and any way) it will all work out.

I believe we each must remember that GOD WATCHES THE HEART when we start to beat ourselves up for falling short.  If we are longing to be with our ONE even when circumstances prevent being with Him/Her/One in the usual sweet way, we WILL find a way to share that time with our Beloved...and our Beloved will definitely meet us more than half way!

Loving you always, k

Healing exercises and information

Good Morning!

Friends of ours told us about a healer visiting San Diego that worked by gazing deeply into the person's eyes.  We checked them out on youtube as someone said you could capture the vibes just as well via a photo or video.  It was an interesting experiment.

So....this morning I had a very clear a-ha!  I realized if I visualized my Masters in my spiritual eye, and looked into Their eyes...I got an instantaneous and blissfully charged healing response.  I didn't have to go anywhere, pay anything, wonder...it was right there in my own little space just for the asking.  If visualization isn't your thing, you can also use a photograph or painting and do the same thing!

It's a bit humorous, isn't it?  Often we find ourselves running around the world looking for something...someone...and we have it right within us all the time.  I mean...do I choose to use some healer....or the Avatar I KNOW has my back, by my personal experience?

I am NOT knocking folks that choose to visit healers either....often they are just what the Divine Doctor ordered.  I am just saying that I often forget the power and presence of the six giants I have in my own medicine chest.

Yesterday we read Lesson 38: The Law of Divine Healing Part ll. 

Dennis suggested we go for a walk on the beach (slow stroll rather, due to our recent physical encumbrances) and I was hoping to study the Lesson.  His brilliant suggestion was to bring the Lesson along and read it while we walked.  What a lovely Two-for-one!!  How often we CAN combine spiritual study with other activities we would also enjoy.  Sitting in the sunshine or in a mountain glade, we can imbibe both the gifts of nature and the gifts of Spirit!

Right in the arsenal of our Lessons was a powerful Mental Healing Exercise.  Yogananda also said that practicing it would also develop one's concentration!  I don't know about you...and I could definitely use more concentration!

If you are choosing healing OR concentration, here is the gift of the day:

"Concentrate on both feet and imagine a warm electric force trickling all over the soles.  Do the same with the calves, thighs, hips, abdomen, intestines, navel, stomach, liver, kidneys, spine, heart, left and right lungs, each of the fingers, palms, forearms, upper arms, throat, eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth, back of head, and top of head (in the middle).  Feel the tingling, vitalizing sensation in every part of your body, and especially wherever there is disease, or weakness.  After you have concentrated on all the body parts, then concentrate the mind on the weak or diseased part again and mentally chant "Om."  Try to feel that a warm electric force is being generated by the mental chanting of "Om".  Chant Om fifteen times as you concentrate on each weak place or bodily part."

 

The Lesson contains other wonderful healing techniques and some invaluable information on the specific causes/solutions for physical, mental, spiritual inharmonies. 

I haven't mentioned how to obtain the Lessons in a while.  One simple way is to go to the www.yogananda-srf.org website and click on the place in the lower left corner of the homepage which says Yogananda's Lessons.  They cost $50 for a year (2 arrive in the mail every 2 weeks), and a year is required to get important meditation techniques, thus I recommend you get at least that length of subscription.  You can also phone 323 225 2471 and request they mail you an application for the Lessons.  The information is terrific no matter what religion you are...I believe we all our led to the right spiritual avenue for ourselves.  These techniques and information can work well with any religious persuasion, in my experience.

Now, for the next before bed query: How much have I done for others today?  So we have 3 bedtime questions/analyses to ask of ourselves  so far. #1. How long have I been with God today?  #2. How much have I accomplished in my duties?  I believe you will notice asking these has a beneficial effect on shaping your today and tomorrow...and life!

We were just sent some great data on what to eat to curb or prevent the effects of radiation.  If you would like me to send this to you, just say so!

Loving you always! k

I and my ONE are One.

Good Day!

I am choosing to share that the one little addition to my daily spiritual practice, reading an SRF Lesson, has had a huge positive impact on my meditation...and my daily experience!

Yesterday I spent a lot more time with God because of asking the question, "How long have I been with God today?"

I mentioned there were other analyses of our day that Yogananda suggested we consider before retiring. One such is:  How much have I accomplished in my duties?

Because I knew I would be asking myself this, I saw myself choosing to accomplish things yesterday that I had put off for days.  Isn't the ego interesting?  It doesn't choose to come up short when it knows it will be "called on the carpet"...so it performs! 

Since I am semi-retired and not in anyone's prime accountability lens, this works for me!  If you are self-employed, or otherwise "under-accountable" this analysis could be a real boon to you too.  If not, since Yogananda recommends it, why not give it a try before bed anyway?

Last night we took up a cozy seat before the fire just as the rain came in.  We took out our large leather-bound volume of Lessons and tackled #37: The Law of Divine Healing Part l. 

I am choosing to say it was such a lovely scene...and there was nothing I would rather have been doing.  I had experienced the solace and spot-on assistance of Lesson Study the day before, and now I was eager to be edified again.  Spiritual involvment contributes to life in a consistent, reliable way that leads to more peace inside and out!

In Lesson study, I always garner at least one or two specific ideas/methods/behaviors to carry with me into my daily life.  This time was no exception.

Yogananda advises that before going to bed, and upon awakening, "mentally and deeply try to broadcast your message: 'I and my Father are One,' until your mind microphone...is divinely repaired and able to transmit your demand to God."

Although I do pray to both Heavenly Father and Divine Mother, the ONE is my ultimate God-concept.  It works for me best to say "I and my ONE are One."

I retired last night after a long meditation with these very words on my lips.  I awoke and became absorbed in them again.  I noticed when I got deeper into meditation that the words took on stronger and more dynamic meaning.  They definitely assisted my ability to REMEMBER.

When we repeat a phrase like I and my ONE are One, or I and my Father (or Mother) are One, at the times we are transitioning from a total submersion in the Fraud World into the more ethereal realms beyond this material plane, it is powerfully informative.  Just awakening...slipping into sleep...we are less invested in the Unreal, the Dream, Maya.  Affirmations like these are much more efficacious when uttered at these borders between the physical and astral-causal planes.

When we start the day this way, the mantra can produce it's magic anytime we are becoming overwhelmed with the craziness of this material world.  I and my ONE are One sets an immediate boundary on the invasive and debilitating thoughts and circumstances in which the ego can become entangled.  It provides an instant WAKE UP from forgetfulness of our REAL Worth, our TRUE Home, are BIRTHRIGHT as children of the ONE.

I am being with God more, I am Remembering who I am and going deeper in meditation, and I am accomplishing more of my 'duties' all because I have begun studying my Lessons again.

Sweet.

Loving you always, k

How long have I been with God today?

Good Sunday!

Lots of s*it has been hitting the fan along the California Coast.  I don't think it's psychological AND I admit I am not physically feeling my best.  Den put together a writing on what we are doing to deal with the radioactive nature of things...if you choose a copy let me know.

That being said, the most valuable information for us yesterday came through our study of Lesson 36 of the SRF Lessons: Why you haven't changed as you wish.

One of the things mentioned, and for us, one of the most significant, was instruction to keep a mental diary: "The knowledge of just how much and in what way he fails in the daily experiences of life may stimulate him to more effort to be what he should be."

Yogananda advises us to ask ourselves each night: How long have I been with God today?

He suggested other queries as well...and for now, let's see if we can incorporate that first one.  After reading the Lesson, Den and I sat there and reflected on our day.  I noticed immediately that the times I had been with God were also those in which I felt the happiest, and the most satisfied.

We made a pact that each night before retiring, we would review our day and ask ourselves this important question.

I have already noticed today that because this review will occur I am making more of an effort to share my moments and activities with the Lord.  As Den was brushing his teeth he mentioned how nice it felt to have God's Hand using his toothbrush to brush his teeth.

We can brighten each little space and moment by bringing in the Divine.  I know this will put some real spice into the Cosmic Romance!

So begin asking yourself throughout the day, and in summary tonight, "How long have I been with God today?"

Loving you always, k

God DOES have our backs!

Good Morning!

I was going to call this blog "Don't bet on the world!"  Dennis had surgery Monday and is in excruciating pain if he moves.  He hasn't taken any pain medication because he doesn't choose to have it in him all the time he isn't moving.  The doctors really didn't set him up for this experience...it has been a real surprise.  To see someone who is normally so healthy, who takes such good care of himself, go through this is quite a shock.

At the same time, my very dear friend is suffering horribly and the doctors and the meds don't seem to be doing a lot to assist.  She, also, was doing quite well until she slipped and fell on some ice.

Then there is the incredibly lovely old friend who was "the belle of the devotee ball" so to speak.  She has lost 30 lbs. and is slowly wasting away.  She just asked me to pray that her transition would come swiftly as the pain et al are very difficult in her lonely little apartment back east to which hospice and nurse visit several times weekly.

Finally, a handful of folks who were very close to us have recently moved away.  My heart has tried and failed to make sense of this.  I can't.

With all this occurring simultaneously I didn't meditate much the past 2 days.  I can tell you I experienced the effect of that!  My Connection with the Divine is what keeps me energized, cheerful, centered, and most importantly, HAPPY.  Maybe the only small plus in having a couple of days without the usual dose is the overwhelming obviousness of what life is like WITHOUT IT!  Simply said, Not Worth Living!

I hung with the Love and Light a looooong time this morning and Wow...that's the only way to fly!

Then, quite unexpectedly, I GOT it!  It was the quickest little flash but I just saw that each of these painful experiences was happening for the best.  Even for me personally, God has my back.  He is protecting me and watching out for my own best interests in the way things are unfolding. 

I breathed that revelation in, then sighed in relief.  The pain in my heart lifted.  I remembered years back when circumstances were also very painful and centered around "loss".  The way it all unfolded over time, it was very obvious it was for the best....at least for Dennis and I.  If decisions are motivated by unselfishness and the Greater Good, it will be so.  If they are motivated by selfishness and the little ego, probably not.

I know if we vote with our heart, and we keep God in the Center, and our decisions and actions are inspired by our desire to Love and Serve....all does work out well!

So, that's why I changed the title of this blog!  God DOES have our backs!!

Loving you always, k

When this "I" shall die...

Inshallah

Good Sunday Morning!

We are at Inshallah this weekend on a Core IV event.  It is very early and I will do my best to get this blog out before noon.  It is so special sharing the weekend with a group that has placed Liberation at the top of their life priority list.  Each thing we do together has that overarching vibration.  It really matters not what the content is...God and the Path inform it all.

Yesterday in meditation I was again shown the futility of relying on ego to attain Liberation.  The ego "I" can attempt the change necessary, the one-pointed focus, the tireless determination and effort...and it will always fail.  When it comes to the dissolution required to allow Soul prominence, the ego will ever protect it's own desire to survive and run the show.  Sounds pretty human and understandable, doesn't it?

Again and again the Soul must push the ego aside and allow the omnipotence of the ONE and the Great Ones to provide the Grace, Goodness, and Pure Energy necessary to live in  Remembrance.  The Soul identified with body/mind is the ego.  Only by breaking this identification can it "remember" it's own perfection as part and parcel of the ONE.

This is why it all comes back to SURRENDER.  We must surrender as egos.  We must stop thinking "we" can do it.  We must constantly and consistently abandon ourselves, as Souls, to Divine Providence.  With absolute trust and child-like devotion we must look to the Light, KNOWING IT is ever there, just waiting our Soul-Call.

The phenomenal Power and Presence of God and the Great Ones can reach down from Heaven and lift us up onto the Divine Lap of all-pervading bliss.  We must just get out ot the way!!

Attune yourselves to that everpresent flow of Divine Energy and Intercession.  ALLOW Grace to do it's flawless work.

Let's strip ourselves of our burdens of ego-saturated intentions and stand before our Creator with the simple and sure conviction that the ONE and the ONE'S Conduits are ever ready to provide the necessary to get us HOME.

"When this I shall die, I will know, Who am I."

Loving you always, k