Considering how the mind may reside outside of the body (science has yet to prove where consciousness resides), yet connected to one’s spirit and soul, this category may include those, with a focus on the mental portion of one’s BEing.
My path, my journey, isn’t NEW AGE. My path is an ancient and expansive one, as deep and vast as the Universe itself.
Not new age
Besides, NEW AGE is just a label. A way of dividing us.
My friend, Dr. Alison J. Kay sent me (and her subscribers) a beautiful email today explaining it like this,
My path is not “New Age” In fact, it is quite ANCIENT.
There are SO many erroneous portrayals out there now that the enlightenment path, known today as “Awakening” during humanity’s Spiritual Awakening occurring 2012-2032, has coupled with the marketplace.
Social media memes, you tube videos, even our much beloved – and my fellow – New Thought leaders – still focus on information only, which is in the exact opposite direction of the openings required, after a certain point.
… subscribe to Dr. Alison’s email on her website to read more.
Eternal thanks to Dr. Alison for her timely and resonate email, which sparked me to write this post! XOXOXO
Awakening
Are you Awakening? Are you open to experiencing expansive shifts in your life? You can! It’s possible! Free your mind from the whisper of limitations. Feel for the powerful energy that’s available to us ALL!
Put in the consistent discipline required, via meditation, practicing Qigong, yoga, eating high vibrational foods, and so on
Know thyself; every thought a prayer, every action in alignment and integrated
It all hinges on one’s ability to know oneself. Put aside your ego mind (in each moment before DOING anything), sit or stand still and KNOW (feel for it) that you are ONE with Omniscience, and that the Universe really does have your back. Always loving you. You’ll know and feel it when you ALIGN with your Soul. With your Purpose. With your power. With Omniscience.
You will walk in integrity as it comes from a deeply embedded place of truth. Truth that resonates from your Soul, that’s pulsating from Omniscience.
Who are we?
Each of us are a fractal of Divine Omniscience! Together an exquisite, ever-changing, brilliant, and powerful kaleidoscope!
An invitation
Come out and play with us, March 2nd and 3rd, 2019 at Awakening Into The Sun in grand downtown St. Petersburg, Florida! Let’s discuss the amazing AWAKENING that’s occurring. It’s a dance, a conversation, a celebration of the expanding positive world we ALL can create–together!
We Are All Connected. OM
Many blessings to you in ALL ways.
For fun
Check out this original song, Dogma. It’s one of my favorites, written by my husband and performed and recorded in a Nashville, TN studio. You can download it (it’s Track 1) from this link: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/chevyfordb26
A bit about me:
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice” and “Energy of Receiving”, available on Amazon.
7th annual Awakening Into The Sun FREE yoga, music, and arts outdoor festival is March 2nd & 3rd, 2019
This will be our best and grandest festival yet! The festival’s 7th year is sure to be the one FREE health and wellness events that will be talked about all year long, so don’t miss it!
Over the last six years, the Awakening Into The Sun festival has been the muse to many an artist. Artists who inspire prosperous and expansive consciousness in the world. We learn, grow, and LOVE! Learn about our mission to water your seeds of greatness and help you awaken to your authentic purpose.
We’re going to have free yoga classes, free live music (and folks, these are some of the best around!), health educators, art classes*, and health sessions* such as: crystal bowls, sound therapy, massage, acupuncture and more. As well as, healthy food, pets, art, and lots of sights and sounds to behold.
*Note: Fees will be charged for art classes and certain health sessions.
And there will be lots of vendors (previous years included about 90), of which you can meet and greet, ask questions, sample products, and bring home the items best suited for you and your loved ones.
If you have a marriage license and desire to be wed at the festival, come to the band area–I’m the emcee for the event both days and a Florida licensed notary public and LOVE to marry couples in love! Imagine the blessings you’ll receive from getting married at this holistic event!
For those who have attended in years past, the musical performers you know and love will be joining us again: Duo Vida, Billy Mays III / Infinite Third, Jordyn Zentz, and Eluv (on Saturday); We will also enjoy the luxurious sounds of Lindy Romez & Sol Y Mar, and Latin Rendezvous (on Sunday); Samadhi new to the event this year, will also perform on Sunday. Let’s all of us give our aWEsOMe performers a sunny Florida welcome! I am super excited to see them all again and meet Samadhi!
Then on Sunday about 4pm, we’ll begin gathering for the closing ceremonies, which will be highlighted by the largest drum circle in Florida! Bring your drum, bring your rattles and Tingsha cymbals (I’ll have mine!), and prepare to experience an aWEsOMe awakening, heart-expanding, and soul-connecting time!
For all of the information be sure to visit the official festival website: Awakening Into the Sun
Your soul-aligned friend in Connection.
Many blessings to you in ALL ways.
Check out this original song, Dogma. It’s one of my favorites, written by my husband and performed and recorded in a Nashville, TN studio. You can download it (it’s Track 1) from this link: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/chevyfordb26
A bit about me:
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice” and “Energy of Receiving”, available on Amazon.
Everyone knows the material world where we exist, as we experience it via our five senses: Sight, Sound, Touch, Taste, and Smell.
But not all of us have the ability to access all five senses. Not everyone an see or hear as well as another. Some of us are very sensitive in one or more ways. And fewer can access a sixth sense.
Of those who have the ability to perceive a sixth sense, how does that work?
Most cultures and religions teach that the sixth sense is an awareness of what’s beyond the veil.
The veil
When I met my unborn sister, Christina, in the ethereal realm (which I call the Grand Beyond), she first appeared to me as a little blue dot (read about that here).
Christina’s blue was a brilliant indigo cobalt hue, one that I hadn’t seen before, at least not one that I had paid much attention to before. Blue was my mother’s favorite color, but it wasn’t mine.
10 Things Unseen Mood Indigo
Nevertheless, blue, especially indigo cobalt are my favorite shades now, due to the spiritual connection I have with them, and with Christina. 💙🦋🌀
Christina gave me a glimpse beyond the veil that separates the living from those who exist on a different plane, or dimension–the Grand Beyond.
Why does the veil exist?
It seems only logical that the veil exists as a temporary boundary to keep those on the physical side focused on what’s going on in the material world.
Perhaps the veil offers us protection from the Sacred things we are scared of.
Some aspect of ourselves does not want to know what lies beneath or beyond.
I know people who won’t meditate because they are scared of what they might find. While practiced meditators look forward to the stillness that descends without worry or attachment.
From what I have learned and experienced, our Soul is always connected to the Grand Beyond. And if we want to peek behind the veil, if we have that desire, it’s possible, though for many it takes some dedication. That’s because most of us only believe we are our body. Plus, one must slip out of the Ego mind.
Like a woven tapestry, the lines that connect us ALL intersect. If we are not ready to accept this knowing, if our mental capacity (think electrical capacitors, but biological ones within our brain) is not quite ready, we might literally blow a fuse!
For some (who are already fairly spiritual), practicing deep breathing or silent meditation is all that is needed for access.
Others can work with a hypnotherapist to be guided into a deeply relaxed state. Or some may find that space during a massage, or while practicing yoga or qigong.
If words or sounds bother you, stillness may be all you need. If you have not mastered your mind yet, to let go of attachments, you may need a structured approach.
Access to the ethereal realms can be found in many ways. Some follow rules to open their Akashic records. Some meditate and chant. Some know their access beyond the veil is only a focused breath away.
I believe authentic intention with focused attention on the letting go of the Ego is all that is required. This allows you to sort of go into a fuzzy or haze-like space, and then, you are there.
What’s next?
Ask your questions.
Sit.
Wait for your answers.
When you feel complete, express that and offer your thanks.
Breathe in and out Gratitude for this Connected experience.
Ground and center yourself in the material NOW before going about physical tasks.
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books:“Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice”and“Energy of Receiving”,available on Amazon.
Obviously, not everyone can agree with everything or everyone. We may not like everyone. It seems that’s human nature.
We think different. We act different. We look and smell different. That doesn’t make us stupid, bad, or wrong.
The next time you are tempted to call someone dumb, illiterate, or crazy, take a moment and breathe.
Do you even know the meaning of the negative names you’re calling someone?
One of my family members is functionally illiterate, which is different than being illiterate. He was a slow reader all through school and couldn’t spell very well. He can read well enough to get by, holding good paying blue collar jobs his whole life and running businesses.
No one should call someone illiterate who has an extremely high IQ, runs billion dollar companies, and holds the highest political office in the country. A person can be intelligent, yet prefer not to be intellectual. Also, the mass number of Americans speak on a 4th grade level. When a politician (or other authority) uses doublespeak or legalize, the majority simply cannot relate.
What you resist persists
Will we get mad at certain things or people? Probably. Everyone does from time to time. But to live a wholly vibrant and fulfilling life, self control (starting with mastering your thoughts and emotions), is your work. Let others be.
Consider these quotes of Neville Goddard:
Do not dwell on the imperfection of yourself or others. To do so, is to impress the subconscious with these limitations.
What you do not want done unto you, do not feel that it is done to you or another.
Every feeling makes a subconscious impression.
The dominant of two feelings is the one expressed.
Self control
Look at yourself. Are you perfect? And what is perfection about anyway? As I’ve written about before, expand your mind to find perfection in the imperfection. Life’s an art more than it is a science.
If you really feel stuck and can’t move beyond the low vibrational name calling, I suggest doing The Work, beginning with The Four Questions with Byron Katie: http://thework.com/en/do-work
Byron Katie quote
From doing The Work years ago, I ascertained that for most it’s nearly impossible (and not our job) to absolutely know some particular thing is true. I learned to watch and feel for how I feel in my body when I believe certain things are true (vs. how much better I feel when I let go of my judgment about whatever it is and move on to better feeling thoughts).
Again I ask, where’s the love?
Where’s the love?
Think about the times you wanted something and didn’t know exactly how to go about it.
It takes breaking a few eggs to make an omelette.
Only the pressure of gravity over time can create diamonds in the rubble. We’d waste our lives waiting for it to happen, wouldn’t we?
Directional
Allow and share LOVE in all directions, north, east, south, west, above, below, forward, and behind. Unseen and seen. Past, present, and future. Indeed, in ALL directions for the benefit of ALL.
Conditional
By its very definition, Love is unconditional. You can’t say, “I love you” and then get mad when your loved one does something you do not like. That would mean you only like that person when they meet your conditions.
You don’t know what’s best for everyone. Nor do you or I know everything. Honestly, none of us will ever know Everything.
Love everywhere
For about a year my daily routine had been to bow my head with hands together while turning and thanking each of the four directions, north, east, south, and west for all gifts and knowledge received.
One day, I realized that I had been missing something.
Now, I put my hands together and stand in silent Gratitude for ALL, above, below, in front of, behind, unseen, and seen. For those who have lived, and for those who will live.
Sending love
The gratitude and love I feel and send is unconditional. I must send it to those I disagree with, as much or more than to those I agree with, otherwise I am not growing or expanding my consciousness.
So, stop the name calling. It only reverberates back to you. And then you may be the one with egg on your face.
Namaste. OM
Original music
Check out this original song, I Know Stuff. My husband wrote this song and it was performed and recorded in a Nashville, TN studio. You can download it (it’s Track 13) from this link:https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/chevyfordband2
A bitabout me:
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books:“Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice”and“Energy of Receiving”,available on Amazon.
Isn’t it interesting that as the author of The fences of religion, I’m now making a case for a border wall? I’ve turned the kaleidoscope to look at this subject in a multitude of ways.
To every season, turn, turn, turn.
Information has recently come my way in defense of a U.S. and Mexican border wall, and I know many of my readers may be surprised (even disheartened), as to my feelings on this hotly debated issue.
But, as someone with skin in this (as my husband is one of the more than 800,000 furloughed workers–because 800,000 only counts the federal employees and my husband is a contractor), and much of NASA is closed down, I thought I should weigh in. I don’t have to go public with my opinion–so, grant me this before berating me, okay?
I’ve written about some deep topics on this blog before, though nothing political. That’s because as a registered Independent, I don’t vote in either primary election.
I was raised as a Republican, and changed to a Democrat in my 30s. Now, I’m pretty much fed up with the two major parties and lean towards the Green or Libertarian parties. We need to govern by the Constitution.
Wall of water
Remember the wall of water near the end of the movie, The Abyss?
Abyss wall of water
That’s kind of how I see this southern border wall issue. In the movie, the aliens needed to remain in the water, but Ed Harris needed to breathe, so they parted the water forming a water wall, yet continue to communicate.
In an upcoming article, I’ll tell you why I believe “the veil” is a temporary boundary.
Temporary
Walls are a temporary measure (all man made things are temporary), until hearts and minds change and there is no more need for “protection.”
Protection
Until the word, PROTECT, is removed from the dictionary, the constitution, oaths, etc. we need border security. We need to at least slow the flow of illegal immigrants from coming across the southern border. Besides, the democrats voted for the wall when Obama was president. They can vote for it now. I’m tired of the childish BS. And I’m really tired of the propaganda.
The question really is one of protection. And anyone who’s read my blog, Take It Upon Yourself, knows how much I love to dig into the real questions. The deep questions.
When we get to the mindset that “it really is all good” and that there is “value in Everything”, perhaps the emphasis will shift from protection to compassion and connection (which is what I inherently desire). This is why I’ve been silent on this issue until now.
Under construction
I didn’t know until the other day that the Army Corp of Engineers is already building The WALL in sections, and replacing sections of old wall! So…this IS happening no matter what the Dems want.
Other walls
Israel has a wall. Israel says that wall is for border security. And from what I’ve read, Congress had no problem funding it (no problem continuing to send money to Israel though they have a wall). I don’t like what’s going on there either, but that’s another story and why I wouldn’t want to live there. Thank Omniscience I was born in THIS country.
The great wall of China certainly served a purpose in its time.
Great wall of China
Division in Nature
Every living thing has walls and borders—including us. It’s called skin. Cells have walls. Organs have walls. Walls are necessary to control order and flow.
If our blood vessels didn’t have walls, we wouldn’t live very long. So, it seems walls are needed to ensure things work. Division is necessary for a design to work.
Holism and Oneness simply allows for ALL to work.
One of the beautiful things about the Universe is how it organizes things, but I digress. I just don’t think walls are inherently bad. There is value in Everything.
Applying logic
For some time now, I’ve been on the fence about this whole issue, because by nature, I’m a “don’t fence me in” girl (note the picture of my granddaughter at the mountain top park fence), with one of my favorite songs from the 1960s being, “Tear Down the Fences.”
With my nature to explore, roam, etc. and be migratory (we are full-time RVers and I am of Native American heritage in part), I am all for having the freedom to move about. But, I can’t walk into someone else’s house uninvited. I can’t scale the wall of my favorite actors home without being shot. And I’m glad there are electric fences and armed guards around prisons.
But, as I looked at the picture of Jennifer at the fence today, my AHA moment was that the fence protected her from falling over the edge (of the mountain).
Don’t fence me in
Notes
Philosophically and spiritually, I agree with those who say that borders and walls separate. Obviously, right? I mean, I’m the one who writes that We Are All Connected. And for many years, I have said that you cannot legislate morality.
I watched the Berlin wall be taken down (and had a chunk of it), and supported the fall of the wall at the time. However, hearts and minds have to change first.
I am always seeking balance, and because I doubt much that is shared from the far left and the far right, any negative comments will be deleted.
Life’s short. Feel good. ❤️🦋☯️
Check out this original song, Ain’t Workin’ Blues. My husband wrote this song and it was performed and recorded in a Nashville, TN studio. You can download it (it’s Track 7) from this link: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/chevyfordb26
A bitabout me:
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books:“Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice”and“Energy of Receiving”,available on Amazon.
2019 looks to be starting off with a bang of metaphysical synchronicities. And I love it!
Happy New Year to ALL! Hang on as it might be a bumpy ride, but I feel it’s gonna knock our socks off when certain revelations are revealed.
Happy Metaphysical New Year
I’m excited for what this year’s going to bring. I’m content with Now, having learned to allow and flow as water over the rocks (obstacles) of life, laugh, love, focus more on what I enjoy (IN joy), and let go–really let go–of anything I can’t control (while understanding most is none of my business to try to control)!
Let’s do this.
Just BE.
Breathe.
Enjoy each moment.
Move our body.
Nourish ourselves.
Laugh.
Grow.
Relax.
And just be some more.
It’s our time, Now.
New to my blog?
Omniscience always strengthens me.
I have made a powerful Free Will (Conscious CHOICE) to use my unwashed brain to study and seek alignment with my soul, which is always connected to Omniscience LIMITLESS Creator God, as I continue to live, move and have my BEing.
I write about how we can shift our thinking from past conditioning.
I write about how we can take responsibility for ourselves “to show thyself approved.”
You’ll find scriptures in my blog, yet that makes me no better than anyone.
I was taught not to cast my pearls before swine, yet how can I judge?
I write to a global audience with the awareness that my words will reach who they will, and if they encourage or ease one person’s suffering, that is enough for me.
Here’s a link to a long study on the Beatitudes that I wrote:
I now help others know how they they align in every moment with Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresence and live free from dogma.
Call it what you will. I call it the Truth that sets each FREE!
Thank you. Peace ✌️
Namaste. OM
In a recent dream of my mother, she encouraged me to enjoy talking with my friends about sacred journeys and to see the book of Kells, which joyfully, I’ll be visiting in September 2019–see the link here:
P.S. I wrote the following 4 years ago, and it still applies:
Perfect example of “Bloom where you are planted” huh?! So I will also say, “…even if you can only produce ONE beautiful bloom!” Happy New Year everyone. Just BE happy where you are!
Bloom even if you can only produce one flower
Check out this original song, When I Dream. My husband wrote this song and it was performed and recorded in a Nashville, TN studio. You can download it (it’s Track 11) from this link: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/chevyfordb26
A bitabout me:
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books:“Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice”and“Energy of Receiving”,available on Amazon.
After 8.5 years of full-time RV living in Florida in a 2010 Carriage Carri-Lite 5th wheel, our automatic transfer switch melted yesterday totally changing our perspective on RVing.
Now, here’s the thing. We didn’t know we had a transfer switch or where it was. And it was poorly placed–hidden under the floor and had plywood around it (making it a tinderbox situation), 2 feet from our bed! (This is what it looked like after we unscrewed and removed two wood panels.)
generator transfer switch hidden location
Yes, even when we opened our basement (underneath) storage, there were plywood panels that had no labels on them as to what was behind them.
IOTA burned melted generator transfer switch
Documentation
I got out the RV owner’s manual and there was nothing diagramed or documented about it! And the RV manufacturer went out of business a year after we bought the 5th wheel, so there’s that.
ITS-50R Recalled melted generator transfer switch
IOTA ITS-50R recalled generator automatic transfer switch
The dealer we bought it from, Lazy Days in Seffner, Florida near Tampa, has never stood behind anything that’s went wrong with this coach since day one!
Yesterday, an electrician who just happened to be at our mobile home / RV park, and my husband literally had to sniff to find it (I couldn’t smell anything burning but they did). This was after our power went completely off. No AC power, no DC.
Could have burned
We shudder to think we could have been killed in this rig.
And we have no recourse!
I found there was a recall on the transfer switch, but nobody notified us! I say the dealer is culpable!!!
Screen capture from recall
And nearly 600 people are potentially also living in a death trap!
Reading from the nhtsa.gov PDF about the recall it states:
Manufacturers voluntarily initiate many of these recalls, while others are either influenced by NHTSA investigations or ordered by NHTSA via the courts . If a safety defect is discovered, the manufacturer must notify NHTSA, as well as vehicle or equipment owners, dealers, and distributors . The manufacturer is then required to remedy the problem at no charge to the owner . NHTSA is responsible for monitoring the manufacturer’s corrective action to ensure successful completion of the recall campaign .
What is this quality inspection good for?!?
RV quality inspection sticker
Thus, this experience has us rethinking our living situation.
Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions as to what we should do? Legal recourse?
Be careful out there!
We Are All Connected. OM
Many blessings to you in ALL ways.
Check out this original song, No Apologies. It’s one of my husband’s tunes – performed and recorded in Nashville, TN. You can download it (it’s Track 1) from this link: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/chevyfordb1
A bit about me:
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice” and “Energy of Receiving”, available on Amazon.
While my son and I helped dad pack things up, after my dad was mentally and emotionally able to sell the property and mobile home in south Florida where we’d first landed after relocating in 1985 from West Virginia, I found several things that answered some questions I’d had for many years.
Diary pages
Along with several diary pages that mom had written in the 1960s and 1970s, I found an unsigned letter to her that made me question which is more important taking advice from family or from friends.
The statement in the letter that got me was, “I’m disappointed in you that you feel that your friends understand you better than your family (and me).”
Old typed letter
Who wrote it?
I have an idea of who the letter is from, but I am not sure. It was typed, single spaced on one sheet of paper.
As of this moment, it doesn’t matter to me who wrote the letter.
I will say that it ended on what I would consider to be a positive note, though still preachy.
“Don’t continually think about what is in your past. Let’s live for the future.”
Now, as for me, “I’ve had my share of sad kicks in my face, but I have come through” (to quote from one of my favorite Queen songs, We Are The Champions).
I haven’t cried much in the last year since mom passed, mostly because I still communicate with her in subtle ways, and I am keenly aware of her continuation in my life by occurring synchronicities.
Yet, today, I cried.
I had meditated and upon coming out of meditation, I was filled with emotion. I cried and spoke the following aloud:
Family reflect who we were; friends reflect who we are.
Family reflect who we once were, or who we were in the past. But, our friends reflect who we are now, who we’ve become, and how much we’ve grown (or not). That’s why we sometimes tend to love our friends more than our family. Yet, some of us (like me), who are very blessed, have family we are also friends with and who we want to spend eternity with. Time limits us, but thankfully (Thank you, God), that eternity is not limited.
Here’s something that’s true for most of us. We’re stuck in a box, or bottle. Even if its clear.
The box or bottle I’m referring to? The fences (rules) of religion—even when religion supposedly isn’t involved.
From a dream
Dream: Mom was reminding me about all the notations she had made in her Bible about “No gossip”, and “not to gossip.”
And that’s because all learning must be Experiential learning—coming from direct experience, which is also why Jesus said let thy speech be yay or nay. He knew that we can never really know the truth of another.
Someone may try to warn you of another. But we all experience each other differently because who we are in any given moment, elicits something different from the person. Many times we’ve experienced this. It’s the situation when one divorced person marries another and they get along gloriously. The “bad” partner may get along with another just fine.
Each of us experience life differently. We just can never fully know someone. People lie. People pretend.
I think most of us want to put our best self forward—but, for most this involves wearing a kind of mask. Call it the mask of pretense. It’s the face of kindness, compassion, peace, or love, while inside ourselves we feel anger, resentment, sadness, jealousy, or regret.
Thank you.
I miss you mama. Thank you. Thank you for teaching me everything I needed to know (when you could barely talk anymore), by looking in my eyes and placing your hand on the side of my face. And for always living in utter GRATITUDE the last years of your life (though your surroundings were not as you once would have wanted). You came to a place of not knowing or of acceptance, it doesn’t matter which, because you were grateful. You became Grace.
I only cry because I never got to tell you how much I got that lesson, how deeply I learned that last lesson from you. I continue forward, with understanding.
Nothing really matters, or everything matters. Each of us get to choose. Who do you love?
We Are All Connected. OM
Many blessings to you in ALL ways.
UPDATE: I found the rest of the letter, and it was NOT from whom I had thought! And the rest of it brought the earlier statements into balance with love and grace, so I have learned another lesson. I continue to feel Gratitude. Tears! 😭
A bit about me:
Check out this original song, Didn’t I Tell You. My husband wrote this song and it was performed and recorded in a Nashville, TN studio. You can download it (it’s Track 6) from this link: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/chevyfordb2
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice” and “Energy of Receiving”, available on Amazon.
The fences (rules) of the religions of the world are somewhat similar. Have you noticed that?
Defining the rules
By definition, the rules of religion are the dogma, doctrine, or set of beliefs taught by a religious entity, whether that be a denomination, or sect. Of course, political parties, institutions of higher education, civic organizations and others can have dogmatic rules of order too, but for purposes of this discussion, I’ll limit my scope to faith oriented groups.
The rules of engagement can be based on written texts, such as the Holy Bible, of which exist a variety of translations and versions, but also taught by example. Before written texts, the rules were passed down through repetitive stories.
If you attend a synagogue, mosque, or church, you by no doubt, know there are many rules you should follow–whether you believe in all of them or not.
Walled church
Short version: Fences (rules) are restricting.
Is it any wonder that we are so divided?
I believe we’ve been restricted (and segregated) for far too long. It is time to think deeper, broader.
When I think of God, I’m referring to LIMITLESS Omniscience. I use the name “God” in this article as it is the most widely known name to represent the Highest Sacred diety, Creator, or Source.
Every religion seems to define God differently. Some, even say that God is the personage of Jesus–and then go about portraying Jesus in different ways. Even with all the variety of beliefs, I stand by the fact that We Are All Connected. And I feel people (with or without faith) have more in common than we realize.
To me, the point is that each of us should be a living testimony of God because we are a fractal of Omniscience. Taking care of our body temple, aligning with our soul, mastering our mind, thoughts, heart, emotions, and impulses. The Kingdom of God is in our own hands. Omniscience looks upon our heart and sees our intentions.
My intention by writing this article is to open the eyes of some, and provide you with a broader understanding of your neighbor. You know, the one you’ve been taught to Love.
The long version:
Thus, here are the GENERAL RULES (noting if applicable to specific religions) I discovered that can keep followers fenced in (like a herd of sheep) to a particular faith.
Defining God. Speaking of God, who is God? The organization will tell you, in fact, preach to you, about their idea of who and what God is and if there’s only one, or many. Who are WE to attempt to define God? How presumptuous of us mere humans!
Defining Heaven. Everything about what Heaven is and how to get in is taught to you via your religion. There are rules specific to that, which are primarily the rules of the religious organization, because that’s the goal of most organized religions.
Holy Book. Almost every organized religion or faith, has a Holy book, whether it be a Bible, Book of Morman, Doctrine & Covenants, Qur’an, Hadith, Torah (Pentateuch), Tanach, Mishnah, Talmud and Midrash, Upanishads, Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, Tao Te Ching, Sutras, Tripitaka, or other. There are many Holy books, yet most people are only aware of a fraction of these, much less have they bothered to read from any of them. And then, within these books, there are hundreds of various translations.
Remember that pretend phone game most of us learned in elementary school where each would whisper a word in the child’s ear next to you? By the time the word was passed around the circle, the word at the end was totally different than the word spoken in the beginning! It’s kind of like that when it comes to gaining any kind of understanding of God from one version of one book. And books can divide, especially when one group says their book describes the ONLY way to God and Heaven.
Know the “Word of God.” Whatever scripture the religion uses, you’d better read it, know it, memorize it and such, so you’ll not be tempted to go in any other direction. And only read the specific translation the faith deems “true.” Far be it from you to read any other scripture, indeed your religion will likely tell you that any other spiritual type of work is devilish.
Beliefs. Do good things. Follow the commands. And if you don’t, confess your sins to someone else and ask God to forgive you. God forbid you do anything wrong = sin. And saying there’s no God (blasphemy), well, that will land you right in some eternal burning lake of fire. Eeks!
Fellowship. It feels good to congregate with people of like-mind. And they want to keep you thinking the same way. If you think or speak outside of the box, you’ll receive everything from a discouraging look to a stern lecture. Of course each congregation tends to segregate and limit who can attend.
Membership. Following attendance, but with stricter rules, is membership. Once you’ve been attending for awhile you are invited to become a privileged “member.” And once invited, you had better become a member, else, be damned. Once a member, never question your membership or you run the high risk of being booted out, ostracized, banished, or worse. Some faiths go so far as to ever let you see your family again, as is the case with the Amish and Scientologists.
Money. To keep the faith going, build and maintain churches, pay the clergy, and so on, members are highly encouraged to donate 10 percent (or some certain set percentage) of money in tithes to the organization. And unless you serve on the budget committee, you are never to question where the money goes.
Recruit. The religion must grow and keep their numbers up–to keep the money flowing in and the morale up. By keeping morale high, it sets the organization up for boasting that their God is bigger than another organization’s God.
Conversely, though the religion wants to grow, many will limit who can join. This is limiting, restrictive, and such a paradox!
Symbology. Some might call these statues, icons, idols, monuments, totems, or other types of engraved symbols that memorialize and pay tribute to the religion. There are caves, paintings, geometric designs (circles, spirals, wheels, and crosses) roads, hills, alters, man made items (rugs, mats, knives, beads, stained glass), celestial bodies (like the sun, moon, and stars), statues of saints or other revered entities. The list is nearly endless. If you can observe it and draw it, it’s probably associated with some religion.
Rituals. Or not. Being quiet, making certain sounds, singing, dancing, smudging, standing, sitting, or kneeling at prescribed times and places and with a certain goal in mind (to either reach or please God, or the essence of our soul). Placing hands together in prayer pose, kneeling on one or both knees, or using prayer beads (Catholics), or prayer rugs or mats (Muslims). And of course, the rituals of blessings, baptisms, and confessing one to another or to a priest (someone who’s supposed to be living a righteous life).
Prayer. Some sort of memorized prayers, or rites and methods are often taught. Along with the previous ritual involved in praying, whether it be how to pray, when to pray (at a certain time of day or night), kneeling, standing, or lying flat on the ground. In the Islamic religion prayers are directional–always toward Mecca.
Thoughts. Speaking of prayer, we are not only taught to pray, but what words make up a good prayer. We are always asking for something. Usually for ourselves more than for others, but of course, praying for a better situation for others is supposed to be the best prayers, as what we ask God to do for others, God will also do for us.
Meditation. Most Western religions do not allow meditation, either in church or outside of it. (Unity based organizations allow and encourage meditation.) Sometimes an organization will use the term meditation, but it’s use is defined by meditating on a particular scripture passage (Christian) or mantra (Hinduism). We wouldn’t want you falling into a deep mental abyss.
Clothing. Every organized religions loves to set a standard dress code, whether by written rule or by peer pressure. Each member promotes the standard to visitors begin to conform over time. Naturally, (cough) God deserves to see us in our best attire. And for the ladies, modest attire–typically a dress that covers most of the body. Some prescribe head coverings.
Buildings. The members typically always meet in a building, whether it be a church, synagogue, temple, spiritual center, ashram, or other. This almost always involves meeting in a building that someone will need to pay for, and maintain, which leads members to believe that donations and tithes must be given without question.
Security. Lock it up. Protect it. Only go to the religious building when it’s open. And be on time. The building is there for groups, not for individuals or families to take shelter during a crisis. Their insurance rates would go up. This is perhaps one of the most ludicrous reasons for NOT believing that worshippers need an assembly building in which to meet. Talk about FAITH! Oh, ye of little faith! Do you not remember that EVERYTHING belongs to God?
Defend it. Similar to Security, Membership, and Recruitment, followers of various religions typically feel the need to defend the belief. Why? Will the dogma of the faith fall apart without people ready and willing to sacrifice all to defend it?
Timing. This rule goes hand in hand with rituals and having to go into buildings. Don’t go in or out, stay seated until you are directed to stand or kneel, and exit at the end of the service in an orderly fashion.
Children. This could also come under the heading of Behavior. Don’t allow your children to be disruptive during any assembly meeting. Children must obey their parents and guardians.
Joy. Don’t smile too much, or be too happy. Serving God is serious business. Someone might think you’re up to something if you’re always joyful.
Curiousity. Don’t bother asking any tough spiritual questions. And never talk down, back to, or get uppity with any member of the clergy.
Adherence. Be sure to follow all of the rules to the best of your ability, never mind what the preacher, priest, or other leader is doing (pay no attention to the man behind the curtain). All religions teach some sort of “right action.”
Needs. Look how far down the list we find “needs.” Is it any wonder so many of us have a hard time when it comes to “receiving”?
When you need help (for a health, spiritual, family, relationship, or financial matter) call the clergy.
Do you do that? If not, why not?
Don’t you believe that they’ll be there for you? Isn’t that one of their primary duties, beside getting to know who God is, studying, and healing people? The clergy is supposed to be there for you in your time of need. They exist in these roles to pray with you, instruct, and guide you in right action. They’re supposed to visit with you in your home if need be. They’re even supposed to offer you monetary support when you need it (though it’s likely they won’t pay your bills).
Did I miss anything?
I’d like this to be an open dialogue, so please comment of any rules I missed, or rules you feel you should follow that I haven’t mentioned.
As I’ve written before, an Omniscient LIMITLESS God, Creator, Source Energy can never be fully understood as that would be like trying to see every glint of sun on every wave in the ocean, and more—all at the same time.
I believe for every question there is an answer, but that those answers will not cover every question because there are limitless scenarios in which one could ask the same question, thus putting a different spin on the answer.
Christians believe Jesus will return, but then they don’t believe in reincarnation. And that sounds like a logic problem to me.
NOTE: I credit my beloved mother with the phrase, “fences of religion.” How can that be? Well, I woke up early the morning of Oct. 25th, 2018, after a dream I’d had of my mother (who’s part of the Grand Beyond). In the dream, mom inspired me (and has prodded me a few times since) to write this blog article. We’re all part of Omniscience, believe it or not. Omniscience isn’t a belief to me, it’s a knowing. And the more I connect and align to the essence of my soul, the more I feel the “realness” of that knowing. OM
Tear down the fences and love one another right now. ❤️🦋🌀
We Are All Connected. OM
Many blessings to you in ALL ways.
Check out this original song, Dogma. It’s one of my favorites, written by my husband and performed and recorded in a Nashville, TN studio. You can download it (it’s Track 1) from this link: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/chevyfordb26
A bit about me:
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice” and “Energy of Receiving”, available on Amazon.
As a highly sensitive person (HSP) I wanted to stay with my friend at an outdoor cafe and enjoy our visit, but a roaring motorcycle went by and the noise overwhelmed me!
I lost touch with the truth of who I am. I got rattled. I almost picked up my stuff and left, as I was quite literally… BESIDE MYSELF!
Beside myself
A fuller version of the story:
I had arrived 10 minutes early to Ionie’s cafe in Sarasota, Florida on a beautiful Saturday afternoon (Jan. 17th, 2015)– a week after my birthday.
A dear friend and I had previously agreed (earlier that same day) to meet at 1pm there and though she is usually early, she wasn’t on this particular day. I don’t state this to judge, only to establish a precursor to my story.
The last time we had met there, we sat outside and I was prepared to sit outside, but when I arrived I noticed that both outdoor deck tables were full so, I proceeded inside to find a table. It was a fairly busy time there.
My friend arrived a few minutes after 1 (I did not note the exact time because I had been relaxing, listening to the peaceful music and drinking a beet juice drink and water).
As she arrived, we said hello and hugged briefly and she asked if we could sit outside. I told her the tables were full and she said, she’d seen an empty one on the way in (possibly so, things change of course). I said “There wasn’t one available when I came in”, and that I preferred to stay inside (I don’t know why, perhaps because I’d become comfortable). Having none of that however, my friend went back outside to hold the table and asked our server, if we could move my things out there.
I gave in (another precursor) and just as I sat down outside a VERY loud motorcycle went by and I proclaimed that it was the reason I did not want to sit there. She said, “We sat out here the last time”, and I should have said, “Yes, and I didn’t like it” and “since we sat outside before, let’s try inside today.” After all, I had invited her to join me – as I had been there several times by myself. But, I didn’t. I allowed myself to be manipulated, after all, I love change and am flexible to the desire of others (many times to my detriment though)!
Lessons learned
At any rate, the point of this writing this now is my logical attempt to put words around the experience of the FEELING that overtook me. When that motorcycle went by, I felt as though I was going to come OUT of my skin!! My entire nervous system shook. My hands and legs trembled. I went back inside of the cafe to reclaim the previous table with thoughts in my mind of leaving. But I wanted to preserve the friendship and felt if I reacted in a dramatic way, I might rock the boat. As well, I have written book chapters about “Connections” and “Being open to receive” so I opted within my mind to find a way to overcome my reaction, noting to mySelf in that moment that I may be overreacting.
How it ended
My friend had came back in and tried to reassure me that they had another table out to the side of the building (not on the street) where we could move the chairs from the other outdoor deck table in order to sit in a quieter spot. Thus, compromising (or giving in), we sat under a tree by the parking lot. It was a bit easier on my senses.
I awkwardly explained to her that I needed to calm myself. I sat utterly quiet. I repositioned my chair, made my body comfortable, and breathed for about the count of ten.
After settling in to the new outdoor spot, the conversation we had over the course of 2 hours, was very beautiful, engaging, and I even expressed to her how I was learning to handle events like what had just happened. I had felt my central nervous system was burned out, as I worked in another town (at that time) and had to wear headphones most everyday because of the city and office noise.
An emergency vehicle went by at one point and I expressed (in a bit easier way this time) that this also disturbed me. It mostly aggravated me (I put my fingers in my ears while the siren was sounded) because when they turned off the siren, I took my fingers out of my ears, then they immediately sounded the siren again! Ugh!! I rhetorically asked, “Why can’t they just leave it on until they get to wherever it is they’re going”?
When it was time to leave, we exchanged a hug and my friend genuinely thanked me for sitting outside. And in that moment I knew we would not have had our lovely visit if I had left earlier when I was mad over the initial irritation.
What I learned from this experience
Allowing this moment to be as it is and just be aware of it;
I must always reach for the best feeling thought and comfort myself;
Just breathe;
Touch an acupressure point or focus on one and breathe;
I may not always express or articulate my pain or displeasure appropriately, but I can at least let the person know that I need a few moments to center myself.
Later on that day, I recognized my emotional balance and growth. And that at no point in this experience, which I called an “assault on my senses” did I cry! Even just a year or so prior, I may have cried during, or after the experience, or when I would later recount the story to my husband. Hmmm… change is GOOD!
I learned that I am my perceptions. I learned what the true nature of “I” is.
Listening.
Perceiving.
Observing.
With Attention.
The real me is the “I” that is underneath all of the circumstances of my life.
In the moment of non-thinking is Attention.
Timeless, untouched by time. I before it becomes this or that. Just “I”.
My first guru of the Eastern arts and teacher, Ram Giri Braun, taught me this wonderful mantra in 2008:
“I am loving awareness.”
He said this is not for the mind, this is from Ram Dass. It is not meant to make sense. It’s about feeling something. Get in touch with YOU. Get in touch with the lovable YOU that’s inside of you.
Ram Giri taught me Open Attention and HeartSourcing.
On Jan. 31st, 2015 I took a class at Suncoast Jin Shin Jyutsu with Michelle Giambra in Sarasota, FL. At the beginning of the class Michelle stated that, “Synchronicities abound.” And then another lady in the class said, “We love the synchronicities that abound here”! Beautiful!
Note: The first four letters in Michelle’s last name are, “G-I-A-M” like the online TV channel I love GIAM, that later changed their name to GAIA: https://www.gaia.com )
I learned there are ways to hold my body that will calm me, ease tension, and anxiety! Break-throughs!!
We Are All Connected. OM
Many blessings to you in ALL ways.
Check out this original song, No Permanent Damage. It’s one of my husband’s tunes – performed and recorded in Nashville, TN. You can download it (it’s Track 4) from this link: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/chevyfordb15
A bit about me:
An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice” and “Energy of Receiving”, available on Amazon.
