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The Continuance of Existence Senior Issues Series Susan Helene Kramer |
Contents
Aging falls within the natural order of the physical universe. Aging is really just reconstruction. One form replacing another, being replaced by still another format. We accept change more easily with objects wearing out, than with our physical bodies wearing out, even though we know that the elements in objects that are worn out become in some way part of another object in the future, as atoms are ageless. The atoms composing all creation continue on and on, alternating in cycles of solidified and free energy, seen or unseen to the human eye.
We don't as easily accept the changes aging causes in our own bodies. Even if we resist the obvious process of change, change still happens. With us, the natural evolution is that as our physical body deteriorates, we feel the internal incentive to begin developing our consciousness. We begin the journey of exploring our timelessness. So the aging of our body is not a loss to us in the long run, it is a motivation for us to explore and expand in awareness of our soul's agelessness.
Others who observe the aging of our bodies are not necessarily aware that we may be regenerating, changing for the upward evolution of our internal and eternal conscious awareness. They do not realize that we are growing still, not in physical format, but growing into our expanded Self, our self that is an integral and eternal vibrant link in the entire seen and unseen creation.
But as we notice our bodies aging, it is our reminder, literally our wake-up call, to put our energy into the development of the esoteric qualities of love, kindness, caring - those qualities that expand our personal awareness of our interwoven life within all other life. When our current physical body ages so much that it no longer functions as the house for our mind and soul, we take up residence in an unseen but still conscious format in our progression in agelessness.
In format seen, format unseen, we continue on with unbroken consciousness of ourselves.
Acting for our own and others' highest good, is the best way to show we care. It is from the feeling that we are interrelated, intermeshed within creation, that we naturally act for the highest good. Eventually, we feel so comfortable interacting with others, that we realize that no one is really alone in consciousness.
Living and acting for the highest good of the situation is a process of processing, we take in, mull over, and come up with something different. And in that middle space we digest and integrate new insights into our consciousness, or we suffer indigestion by only partially understanding and analyzing what is going on with us and the situation.
While still digesting, before the additional insights are integrated usefully, our thoughts, words, and actions reflect our undigested state. While in distress, we are still in processing mode. Facing our issues of conflict takes courage and energy. Accepting that our goal is what benefits us, can facilitate processing. Living each moment for the highest perceived good flushes out discrepancies between our words and actions. As we live in
line with our highest thoughts and words, we purify our mind; pushing out undigested remnants of our past. As these old issues come up to our conscious mind, they can be burned up by our most current consciousness of what living for the highest good means to us.
Energy applied to living the highest
good
processes, digests, integrates
Resulting in clarity of mind
happiness in living
It is more of a challenge to show care and love with 'difficult' people. Their actions, or what they say, screech across the grooves in our mind, and we get uncomfortable feelings in our body while with or thinking about them.
We can protect ourselves from the
uncomfortable affects of difficult people by:
- Avoiding contact with them;
- Observing what they do or say,
while maintaining neutral feelings and
thoughts about them;
- Or, doing the opposite of being
the mental observer, by being surrendered and open to their form of expression,
allowing new grooves of a different reality to be recorded in our mind
and stored for reference. During this new recording, we do not have to
give up our own position or way of thinking; we are expanding our own experience
base.
Difficult people have yet to have contact and personal experience with their underlying state of harmony.
If we are the one others label 'difficult' and now want to get along with others harmoniously, we can take stock of the way we are handling situations in our life. We mainly learn by trial and error. After we have continual problems in relating harmoniously, we begin to ask ourselves why. After the reasons outside ourselves are exhausted, we are more motivated to begin personal self-improvement. This is usually the last resort, but the right place to get to know our underlying happy self. The sincere desire to know about ourselves, our Source, leads to experiencing our underlying harmony; which imbues our subsequent thoughts and actions with harmony. We begin having easier relationships in all aspect of living.
Beautiful uplifting music is made up of the harmonious blending of separate notes. We are each like notes of music, acting in phrases; and when conscious of our grace and balance, we form melodies and symphonies with everything around us.
Outer actions
Reflections of our state of consciousness
To be happy, to be able to show
others care and love
requires our underlying harmony
to fully play out with everyone
in a melodious symphony
In closing, when we see people who have a mental or physical condition that does not allow them to communicate themselves clearly through their body, they are in transition. This transition phase can go on interminably by our standards of 24 hours a day, but on the eternal clock it is but a short moment. Everyone, aware or not, lives in agelessness.
The deconstruction of our bodies
is only a transition
in our progression of Self-awareness
Noticing that our bodies age
is an incentive, a wake up call
to explore and learn
about the agelessness of our being
As the moth nestled in a cocoon
seemingly slumbers unconsciously
it is in reality changing form
before breaking out into a format
allowing greater freedom
So we, too
can grow through kindliness
within the sheltered cocoon
of our aging bodies
and in one moment
break free
Forever expanded in consciousness
Forever aware of our agelessness
2. Balancing our Negative with Positive Traits as We Age
What we've set in motion stays in
motion
The direction we set in living
stays with us even more profoundly
as we age
It is with a great deal of will that
we must fight the inertia
of our slower metabolism
that comes with age
A slowed metabolism that keeps us
bound to our habits of a lifetime
because it takes more effort to
change
than to continue along the course
we've already charted
The problem with this natural slowing
of our metabolism
and its incumbent inertia
is that if we were already slightly
negative in our thinking throughout life
we probably will go even more strongly
down the negative track
in our attitudes, thoughts, and
actions
That is the force of aging
That is the force of inertia
To counteract the negative forces
in our life we must by our free will
substitute appreciations for what
we have left to enjoy
We must substitute the positive
attitude
that life is worthwhile
even if we can not think as quickly
or as sharply
as before
It is perfectly okay to spend more
time in planning, preparation
and carrying out our plans as we
age
Now we have the time
to savor each moment of the process
to the fullest
While in the outer active life of
our youth and middle age
we had our job schedule
or our family's schedule to adhere
to
Appreciation for each moment we have
as we age
carries its own positive energy
that imbues our thoughts and activities
with just the right amount of energy
we need to carry them out
without having to rush
And when we appreciate all we have
left
and each moment of the time we have
left upon planet earth
we age gracefully
fully using this stage
Because we do not have to rush around
on a schedule any longer
we can relax more fully into the
every present moment
With positive attitudes and appreciations
every moment of our present lives
we balance out our negative traits
perhaps brought on and accentuated
from the harriedness of pressured
living
In the depth of relaxation and restoration
possible
in a positive present moment
we come to experience that we have
more depth to ourselves
than we may have realized before
And in the depths of ourselves
we discover our internal, eternal
reservoir
supporting our everyday living
though slowed it may be
with an ever-flowing river of bliss
and joy
A rose plucked from the bush
continues to emit fragrantly
After leaving us physically
the presence of people
continue in our lives
through the influence they had
while with us
By acting caringly
we become aware
of the consciousness of continuance
Our caring actions a boomerang
returning to us
now and later
as an improved world
Existence continuing
from what's set before
Moving onward
Expanding by lovingness
Our path in life can be winding
Sometimes wide open in front of
us
Sometimes through a narrow gorge
When we reach an impassable cliff
it is better to consider other options
for getting around the obstacle
so that we can again move on smoothly
And, it is okay and necessary
to make course corrections
whenever we see a clearer or better
way
to proceed
Change is not failure. Rather, change using new information to get us to our destination more easily is the most efficient path on which to proceed. Even change many times on the way to our goals when a clearer way becomes visible is the best course of action to follow.
The need for course corrections can face us at any stage in the progress of any goal we are seeking, even when we are deeply entrenched along a specific path.
Allowing course corrections makes use of our intelligent, discerning, and creative faculties. We are given these aspects of mind to be able to adjust ourselves to changing circumstances and conditions in our lives, including career goals and relationships.
When we become aware that another action would be for the higher good of a situation we need to make a course correction to maintain our balance of peace of mind and an easeful body.
Our ultimate path in life is to act so that we maintain peace of mind and an easeful body while growing in consciousness of the whole of ourselves. And the whole of ourselves is not limited to our body, mind and emotions. It is the knowing that we use our body in action, our mind in creatively solving life's problems, and our emotions to show care as tools to get to know our infinite soul. Our soul, having far-reaching roots that are sunk in the infinite Spirit, invisible but ever present, experienced through the portal of our heart by our actions of unconditional love.
Course corrections
Necessary when needed
to regain or maintain
peace of mind and an easeful body
Course corrections
allowing us to reach our goals most
easily
To reach our ultimate goal
of knowing our soul
most easily
5. Every Day is a New Beginning
Every day is a new beginning
A chance to disarm the day's stress
into a beautiful outcome
by adapting and acting on the highest
good
allowing us to enjoy our time every
day
to be in a state of joy every day
Part One: Alignment with the Highest Good
When we awaken each day we have the opportunity and choice to live in a way that we can enjoy, that will bring joy into our life. And this is by acting for the highest good of each situation that the day presents. By acting for the highest good we are assuring ourselves peace of mind, peace of mind and an energized body.
The circumstances we are in from day to day may be repetitive and similar, but our own attitude and actions make the day painful or joyful for us. By our own attitudes and actions we are in charge of the outcome of each situation. When we are given lemons, we have the opportunity to make lemonade by 'sweetening' the outcome. We do that by taking one little nugget of truth out of an uncomfortable situation, and then using it as a stepping stone for improving the day's unresolved or inharmonious conflicts. By doing our part to be positive and constructive, by doing our best, we enjoy our native natural peace and ease. Conflict about what to do arises when we want to go with an idea we had our mind set on, before we have considered all the options.
Why feel attached or set to follow a specific course when a more easeful option becomes apparent? In the end what will best preserve our peace of mind is that resolve which feels most comfortable to us and benefits everyone involved. Looking ahead to the results of a planned action helps us evaluate the best course to follow. If a decision needs to be made quickly, following our conscience keeps our body relaxed and our mind peaceful and free of stress.
The best solution is not always the easiest way. We must have courage, summon up our energy by will power, and make affirmations to do what is best in each situation so that we can maintain peace of mind every day. It helps to remember that we will be living with the results of our decisions. When there is plenty of time to consider, write down all the options that come to mind. Make a pro and con list; then choose the course to follow. By looking at a problem as just an object, we create a little distance which gives us the perspective of seeing that the problem is an issue to be resolved that we are involved with, but that it is not part of our permanent being.
Issues come and go
but we remain
the constant amidst change
Sometimes we are so set in our mind on a certain track that we cannot disconnect ourselves and follow the better plan. But, by surrendering our attachment to our set ideas, our thinking expands and becomes open to considering other options. An ice cube is hard, frozen; but as it sits in water, it melts and blends into the whole glass of water. With us, as we allow our hardened perspectives to loosen, we blend, harmonize, with the options that are most easeful and peaceful with the whole of our life and our daily life in the world.
Equitable resolve
result of clear thinking
in tune with the highest good
Part Two: Living in our Center of Balance
If we feel agitation in our body or mind we can use mental and bodily relaxation techniques such as meditation, regulated breathing, hatha yoga, and walking to calm ourselves. While feeling calm we can reflect on the internal cause or causes of our unrest. After reflecting on the reasons and circumstances leading to our agitation we can best consider and plan how to make changes in our life that will allow us to regain our center of balance. By living in our center of balance our body feels energized and healthy, and our mind is calm, clear, and full of inspiration with the outlook that will serve the highest good of ourselves, others, and all creation.
Living in our center of balance allows us to experience our true self as an embodiment of joy. In joy we are energized and inspired to think, speak and act for the highest good as we go about our daily lives. As positive thoughts return positive results, and positive actions return positive reactions, we are ensuring ourselves of an uplifting daily life.
Truly ourselves
Living in our center of balance
Experiencing ourselves
as energized bodies of joy
by holding positive thoughts
producing positive results, daily
and every day to come
Part Three: Maintaining Daily Serenity
Science has shown that people who impose the least stress upon themselves live the longest - and those that stress themselves die earliest of stress-related disease. The people who handle stress the best also enjoy life more fully. Healthy stress or 'unhealthy' stress? Healthy stress lets us know that something needs to be resolved. Healthy stress turns into 'unhealthy' stress from not dealing with the something that needs to be resolved in a positive and constructive manner. What we need to do is deal with stress as temporary situations knowing they will eventually have a resolve.
Daily activities, by their very nature of action, are not serene in themselves. We can try,but it is physically impossible to make our actions serene. What we can make serene is our mental attitude while we are being busy and active. Serenity in the present comes from remembering that in the past every problem had a resolve. And, that therefore, every dilemma of the present moment and all future moments will have a resolve, also. If we truly keep this idea in mind we need not stray too far before recapturing our serenity.
A calm interior
even with a busy exterior
Maintained
Recaptured
by remembering that today's problems
and all future problems will eventually
by resolved
Every day is a new beginning
By adapting and acting on the highest
good
Joy maintained or
Joy regained
6. Faith and Trust, Useful Tools
Looking back in our lives, we see that all of our problems had workable solutions, showing us that current and future situations will also be resolved.
Knowing this, we can relax our tensions and misgivings about being able to cope with anything that comes up in our life.
Faith: the belief and trust that everything works out.
Faith and Trust
Useful tools
when recognized
as allowing us
to remain calm
Becoming aware
of the best workable solution
in each situation
In addition, by making our best effort from this point forward, we can have 100% faith that our future will bring us closer to realization and knowledge of our permanent reality of peace, bliss, and joy.
Getting up and out
when feeling down, or lying down
draws fresh energy into our body
uplifting our spirit
Freshly energized, our attitudes and perceptions clarify and sharpen. The grit of indecision and staleness fall away, just as a whirling strainer throws off chaff, preserving the nutritious kernel.
It takes initiative to get going. When feeling low, if we will take a moment to think back about how good we have felt during and after exercising, we will have the incentive to get ourselves out and energized again and again, relieving our down attitude and mood.
When lying low
For more energy
Sit up
Get up and move
There are positive and negative charges
within every atom of creation
These opposing energies interrelate,cooperate, causing motion, the flow of energy. Some energy solidifies, forming physical matter; some is felt, but unseen, as in heat and electricity.
When confronted with adversity in other people we can retain our peacefulness by assuming a neutral position. Example: While driving a car, we can go forward, backward, or remain in neutral, as at a stop light, to avoid a collision while traffic crosses our path.
Adversity in people, or a situation is 'cross traffic'.
Allowing their opposing energy to go by, while remaining in neutral, keeps us out of an 'accident' of conflict.
Our self-centeredness tempts us to pull out of neutral into conflict because we feel our point of view is being jeopardized. But, within the negative or opposing side of peace, there is no resolve that serves the highest good. Decisions out of strife fail, as they are not born of balance and harmony, nature's way to maintain universal order.
Handling adversity
Pausing, waiting
while opposing energy passes by
Later, conflict neutralized
by cooperative action
A positive outcome to adversity
Our lives are like honey combs
with spaces to fill our time
as we choose
Most spaces filled
with activities
to maintain our body
and lifestyle
We also have spaces available
for the intertwinings of relationship
As we relate one on one
we weave our threads of separateness
into a tapestry
which seems solid and permanent
When a personal relationship disintegrates
we feel pain
as the cloth of our bonding is torn
to shreds
It hurts to rip apart
from the relationships we create
To once again establish
our peace and harmony
we can begin reweaving the torn
threads
into a more refined tapestry
By upgrading our self-centered feelings into caringness, we relax and regain our sense of balance and harmony. Evolution is a natural building and tearing down process that makes space for refined and redesigned structures. A relationship fails to be a relationship when one or both can no longer grow within the current set of circumstances, conditions, and interactions.
It is okay to begin rebuilding with a different set of circumstances and another person. We again take up our threads and begin reweaving a new and more refined pattern into our relationship cloth. It is the natural evolution.
Eventually we create
an intimate relationship
out of mutual unconditional caring
love
steeped in harmony
withstanding external pressure and
changes
It is a tapestry whose threads are as pure liquid silver, whose lightness and lovingness is eternal, and indestructible by mortal happenings. This kind of relationship is created when we live our life lovingly for the highest good of ourselves, and simultaneously for the highest good of the relationship.
The pain of disintegration is a fiery refining process. Consciously allowing, surrendering, and letting go of an unworkable relationship forms a bridge to a better life for both.
We create our reality as we choose
based on past experience and insights
In one area or another
we're in process of building up
or tearing down
Pain is perceived
when we feel we've lost
But in reality we're rearranging
to fulfill our needs and desires
and learning to relate
with unconditional love
After walking through a doorway
we close the door behind us
In death
We have already crossed
into the Garden of Eden
when we shed our physical body
That's how all transitions occur
Beginning anew
Beginning something new
means we've left something else
behind
We've left something else behind
but not forgotten
As every event
Every experience in our life
Contributes to the whole
of who we now are
Tolerance arises from a state
of mental relaxation
that allows us to remain calm
when we see others acting in a way
we think should be different
Caring love begets tolerance:
When we care about others, we act
for them as a support system
We are not there to make another
person's decisions
unless we are entrusted with others
well-being
(such as for a little child or a
childish adult)
To do so, robs another of control
and ownership of their moment
The mental relaxation of patience
allows us to tolerate differences
from ourselves
that we perceive in others:
their age, feelings, opinions, attitudes,
religious beliefs,
political positions, appearances,
habits, actions, and on and on
We are living in the large fish
bowl of the world
our different perspectives on a
given topic
allowing many ideas to float in
the brine
With the attitude of caring love,
peace, patience, and tolerance
ideas promoting the greatest good
arise to the surface of our consciousness
into clear light
ready to benefit all creation
Patience and Tolerance
Accepting differences
remaining peaceful
recognizing that each of us
has the right to determine our reality
Caring love
Being supportive
while not taking away another's
right
to determine their reality
Why are we Impatient and Intolerant?
As humans we reach out to others
to fill a void in life
We seek to find our completeness
in the company of another
or by possession of an object
as if what another or anything outside
of ourselves can offer
will make us happy
We expect a certain behavior from
our mate
and are often disappointed
Disillusionment and sadness follow
when our mate does not fulfill our
desires
We often keep looking to new people
in search of happiness
We become impatient and intolerant
when we realize
the world outside of ourselves cannot
give us happiness
But where does happiness lie?
We know happiness exists
because we see happiness in other
people
Until we discover that our source
of happiness is being carried along
right within us
at every moment of our lives
we will continue to look outside
of ourselves
for a source to make us happy
We remain impatient and intolerant
with our relationships
and dealings in the world
until we learn to relax into our
own internal state of happiness
Happiness, a Quality of our Soul
Happiness is dependent on no outside
stimulus
to be felt or attained
Happiness is part of our real nature
always present
but covered by the disillusionment
in mortal life
that an outward quest will give
us lasting and fulfilling satisfactions
If we look inwardly
reflecting on an action that we
performed out of caring
we will remember that we then felt
happy
That is a true experience of happiness
in life
If every action performed is done
with the mental attitude of caring
then happiness will naturally be
uppermost
in our consciousness
Even acts which seem selfish on the
surface
because they are done for ourselves
such as taking good care of our
body
by eating properly, bathing, resting,
and exercise
are not selfish if our attitude
is to preserve our life
This kind of 'selfishness' is right
and necessary
So, again, happiness in life is a
personal quality
present in all, felt by those who
genuinely care for others
patience and tolerance arising in
us
from our relaxed state of mind
Human Love to Perfect Love
Human love becomes perfect love
the manifestation of the soul's
true nature
by consciously caring and acting
for the highest good of others
Energy used in a positive manner
keeps caring and loving feelings
uppermost in our mind
Energy comes to us all the time
via food, sunlight, air, and water
And, additionally
if we allow our body to be perfectly
still
sitting, standing, or lying down
while remaining fully awake
our mind will follow the lead and
calm down, relax
becoming aware of the inner sound
of creation
This is the state of meditation
Union with our Creative Source
This vibratory hum, perceived in
our brain
under the top of our skull
underlies all of our changing thoughts
This very peaceful
yet highly energized vibration
is a constant presence that we can
attune with
to more fully energize our mental
and physical states of existence
This happens because when we are
feeling peaceful, yet energized
we are not putting up negative blocks
to our natural spring of ever-new
happiness
that is arising from our own soul
into our body and mind
As the nature of our soul is not
limited
by having a physical or mental form
we are drawing from the infinite
supply house
of the energy supporting our soul
This intense revitalizing energy
carries us along
without any effort on our part
except that we must keep a positive,
caring attitude
avoiding the roadblock of stilted
negative, self-defeating attitudes
and their subsequent self-limiting
thoughts and actions
We're called to practice every day
Patience show in every way
Patience that develops attitudes
of tolerance
Tolerance for our own shortcomings
Tolerance for other's shortcomings
and the patience to accept them
all…
The boon of meditation and positive
attitudes
Calming our mind
Energizing our body
A fuller experience of happiness
arising from within
Swelling out
upon our waking consciousness
Transformation revealing
that lasting happiness
is free from dependence on stimulants
accumulation of possessions
and relationships out of neediness
Transformation into awareness
that what is here
is for our use
in the process of progressing
Process, Processing
Progressing in Consciousness
And a reminder
that while we are here
The Love of our Creator
unites us all together as One
We are One now
We have always been One
One Spirit
permeating every atom of creation
We become aware in ourselves
that the throb of the Energy-Spirited
All-encompassing Vibrant Force
While One
Manifests through each of us
in our thoughts and actions
A Loving Spirit
Animating
Sustaining us
from and with
Unlimited Consciousness
We gallop along through life
And using courage to proceed
become more proficient as we go
First, we practice mounting the horse
then walking, trotting, and at last
galloping
the wind rushing by
invigorating, enlivening
We have more energy to enjoy life by maintaining our balance. And following the directive of our conscience keeps us steady in the saddle of life's galloping horse.
In order to hear our conscience, we need a healthy body, calm mind, and positive loving attitudes.
Living should be a balance of work and play, incorporating caringness. By maintaining our balance, we most easily hear our conscience telling us the surest, safest routes to use for the many adventures we take down the road of life.
We feel best, happiest and satisfied by keeping on course while journeying.
Straddling the horse of life
happily well-seated
by following our conscience
beginning to end
Relaxed and Safe
Feeling relaxed and safe in our body allows us to confront any issue or person who disagrees with, or threatens our values. Everyone and everything influences us, but we have free will to choose our reactions.
We fear an encounter when we feel we will have to give up our position or attitudes, or be coerced into doing what feels uncomfortable to us.
Before confronting a conflict we need to remember what our body felt like when we were enjoying an activity, relive again the warmth circulating throughout us. We are in control and master of our actions and reactions. We can practice feeling this way by just bringing a happy thought to our mind, while in a safe setting.
When a potential conflict threatens, we need to remember what our body felt like during our practice session, and then relax into that state of consciousness, feeling whole, complete, and safe in our body and in control of our mind. No one can influence us without our permission. We are entitled to our own ideas and values. We do not have to take on uncomfortable or unacceptable ideas. We must use courage to preserve our ideas and integrity.
Bravely, while feeling safe and secure in our body, we should confront those issues holding us back from freely expressing ourselves in the world.
We each can and must learn to be courageous in order to expand and experience our humanness within humanity, fully.
Courageousness reborn
when we accept our birthright
to fully Be
Courage to Live our Convictions
Children show courage from infancy, putting forth great energy in their struggle to reach adulthood.
It takes courage to do anything new, to keep expanding. Sometimes, as adults, we reach a level of comfortableness, coping with life sufficiently well to just stop putting forth more effort into growth and expansion. But why be content to live short of the mark?
Courage requires a positive attitude, opening us, exposing us to the vibrant energy of our inner Source. When we feel this vibrancy energizing our body we feel we can soar. We feel the strength of will to overcome what we have been resisting. Positive attitudes bring up the energy within us to again be courageous, as we once were as children.
Life is for living and experiencing
fully
in the highest way we can
As adults we have learned the keys to survival. We now have time to reach for the fulfillment of inner awareness, time to search out our roots of existence and human-beingness.
Courage. Let's use its energy to search out and discover more profound levels of consciousness by becoming an inner explorer.
For inner discovery we were born
Let's have the sincere courage
to discover our Self
Developing Sincerity
Sincerity is having the full intention of carrying out our words as promised.
Sincerity
a rarity
We often shade our feelings and thoughts. It requires courage to say and act upon our convictions, but sincere communication achieves our goals most expeditiously. We avoid roundabout explanations. And others see us as stable and trustworthy.
In our words and actions, sincerity allows us to relax, because we are acting from our true Self, our Self that knows and acts on truth. And when we are relaxed into the saddle of life, firmly mounted in the seat of our Self, others around us relax more, too.
Sincerity a rarity
Harmony of words in action
Allowing peace
Relaxation
Masters of our Destiny
No matter what our age
we are students of life
till we, by being courageous
maintain our life harmoniously
Till we choose for the best resolve
in each situation
regardless of temptation for self-gratification
Mastering our destiny
when we act consistently on what
is best
self-centeredness surrendered
Consciousness rendered
Time
Given quality
Brightened capacity
Flows through our lives
as liquid silver
Liquid silver; valuable, held dear, expandable, expendable.
Time is flowing with a variable volume. When we are energetic we get more done in an hour than we would at a casual pace.
One hour may by 60 minutes, but we can make it more valuable, liquid silver, by increasing the quality we put into that 60 minutes.
All aspects of living can have the quality of liquid silver if we always act from our highest consciousness. Each moment we use our free will to decide how to act. We can upgrade, viewing our time as precious silver; or downgrade, viewing our time as dust, to be whisked away. Our choice.
Journeying in Time
Taking a leisurely drive, we enjoy the passing scenery without worrying about our destination.
During the journey of living we should enjoy what every moment holds, without putting off our goal of happiness or fulfillment for the distant future. We limit our opportunity to enjoy the present by thinking the future will be better.
Life's a string of connected events
giving shape to our time
Integral links
in the whole experience
of living
We enjoy the present moment with the depth and insight we have gained in living. Past positive attitudes and choices compound, leading us to naturally fulfilling outcomes in the present. And today's positive actions continue this process into our future.
Living each moment
from our highest consciousness
Insures a continuously more fulfilling
Experience of life
Self-knowledge Improves the Quality of our Time
Self-knowledge: Knowing and being able to draw from our inner Source.
Self-knowledge forms the foundation for building a happy, fulfilling life. When our actions are inline with the highest good we are contributing to our sense of wholeness and well-being, just as a house built upon a foundation with straight and true lumber creates a framework that perfectly supports its visible outer coverings.
By our actions we are known
With the insight of self-knowledge
we can create beautifully
Self-knowledge is like drinking from an ever-flowing spring of clarity. When we need guidance in any situation, the way that preserves our personal peace comes to mind. It is an open telephone line, directly from the pervading universal cellular harmony to our conscious mind. The more we converse on this open direct line to our all-knowing Source, the more we can use and incorporate these directives reliably. After awhile, the flow becomes so integrated into our waking consciousness, that the best resolve is automatic. This is open communication in its purest sense, the ultimate application of self-knowledge.
Some techniques to develop the connection with our Source are: ethical living, caring actions, meditation, and self-analysis.
Self-knowledge
Brought out from within
Imbues our daily actions
With truth and harmony
Personal
Integrity
Increases
the Quality of our Time
Personal integrity is living in accordance with our highest state of consciousness.
We continuously create our reality by our choices, moment to moment, creating and maintaining harmony by following our conscience and acting for the highest good.
Personal integrity
takes courage
We are being courageous in living according to our conscience, when it would be easy to hide from others the fact that we are not following our conscience. It is easier to slide down the hill of life, maintaining or digressing in our current state of consciousness, than to follow the sometimes hard climb up the path of what we know is right. The reward for continually upgrading our personal integrity is that we become more conscious of our harmonious self-effulgent nature.
Through living with personal integrity, others notice that we can be trusted. We become a trustworthy friend, an asset to our world family.
By integrating our highest consciousness
we enjoy the most happiness in living
Plotting a Course Unlimited
What dimension is unlimited by time, place, space?
Lovingness
Caring beyond ourselves brings warm-feeling energy into our body, into our waking consciousness, to be used in our interactions. Lovingness propels us to break free from the idea that we have a limited supply of mental, emotional, and physical energy.
The unlimited energy
brought on by our lovingness
catapults us beyond
the concept of limitation
Our inner guide, our conscience, is awakened and developed by our being unconditionally loving in our daily living. As we incorporate lovingness into every circumstance in living, we preserve our awareness of harmony and connectedness as interwoven threads in the cloth of creation.
Plotting a course unlimited
unbounded by time, place, space
when using the energy brought on
by lovingness
The Transience of Form in Time
In conclusion some thoughts...
Our bodies change a lot over our
lifetime
from a speck at conception
to billions of cells at maturity
in a state of flux, renewal, continually
All the while our body is changing
it is occupied
by the same consciousness
our Self
In whatever form our body appears
at whatever age
we are always able to say
It is me
During all the changes
of our body and surroundings
we preserve our happiness
by adapting to
and accepting the format of the
moment
gracefully flowing from this moment's
form
into the next
Within the changing format
of energy and matter
a consciousness exists, persists
untouched by change
that is not bounded by limitations
of time
Our connection
within the unchanging consciousness
is our feeling of lovingness
manifested in caring actions
Lovingness stands on its own
The transient forms of time and energy
used in expressions of love
is how we make our time
as liquid silver
Each moment
is transitory to the next
Life is a long series of transitions, moment to moment, hour to hour, day to day, birth to childhood, to adulthood, to death, to after death.
We can easefully flow and allow change as it naturally occurs, and in this way grow in fullness and maturity, ripening well as fruits on the tree ripen and share with whomever need them. Or, we can mentally, emotionally, and physically resist the changes, which happen anyway.
Resisting change takes more energy than flowing and accepting. It is harder to stand still against the pounding ocean surf than to float atop the waves. Resistance or acceptance is our choice.
We resist the change of transition
out of fear of the unknown
But the underlying reality
is always harmoniously flowing
for our highest good
and it feels good
Conscious transitions lead on an upward curve into greater awareness of our whole composite nature, which is powered by a permanent electric-type energy that we call spiritual energy, sustaining us through all the transitory moments of eternity.
Perhaps the greatest transition we
fear
is the moment before physical death
The fear of that one millionth of
a second transition
occupies and uses up a lot of the
energy
of the moments before death
It makes more sense to observe mother nature and note that all physical forms only change from physical to energy to physical to energy over and over again. No atom on any plane of existence is ever lost, only in one of its various momentary forms. We can't see energy with our physical eyes so we think that when a physical form disintegrates it is gone forever. Nature itself disproves this. Physics disproves this. The physical has only made a transition to the invisible energy and will probably come into another physical form some day.
There are no breaks or spaces of emptiness in the transition between the various states of being. Whether mineral, plant, animal, or human, there is absolutely no way there could ever be a void of consciousness during transitions.
Transitions
a process of change
Watch a paper burn. First the paper is just as it is. Then the lit match touches the paper causing a slight discoloration where the paper is converting to heat energy and then, before our eyes we fully feel and see the heat and flame, the energy, manifesting itself. Then we see a pile of ash. The ash mixed into the earth nourishes a new seedling, perhaps again becoming paper later on. All that we observed were transitions of matter to energy to matter. Was there ever an empty space, a state of nothingness? No.
Our physical death is a transition
to our state of energy
There is no break in consciousness
no empty space
as this occurs
When we sleep at night our waking consciousness withdraws from the sense organs, rests, then returns upon waking. Later that day consciousness again withdraws. We survive that transition of energy being in our limbs to energy being withdrawn from our limbs, back and forth every day. We do not experience any discomfort or sense of loss as our senses withdraw and we fall into sleep. We continue on. We easefully make the transition every day.
From these observations we see that all life continues on, only its visible form disappears from our physical sight. We can feel our unseen oneness with our family and friends, feel our unseen ties at this moment, those ties not dependent on anyone's physical presence with us, when we are feeling the energy form of manifestation that we call love.
The energy of love
A continuing stream of spirit
pervading every atom
of every state of being, form, and
consciousness
in the form and format of harmony
The harmony of transition
coming from mentally allowing
change in format
transition of form
The energy of love
remaining the constant
Traumatic events
Life-changes in our reality
that affect us
emotionally, mentally, and physically
What changes is changed, there is no reversing. We can use our free will to either resist, or adapt gracefully.
During trauma it is okay to allow ourselves to feel and express naturally. Knowing that there will be a level plateau ahead for recuperation, allows us to express ourselves fully, as befits the current situation, and then go on.
Experiencing fully
Learning and growing
Experiencing some more
Learning and growing
into the full blossoming
of our humanity
Every event
Compounding
into the whole of who we are
at this moment
Ever changing
Ever growing
throughout the sequence of
life's events
17. Traveling Through Transitions
Transition
Traveling to an unfamiliar destination
along an unknown road
Body, mind, and emotions are tuned to a higher pitch during transitions, drawing on our reserves. To do what is unfamiliar takes more concentrated energy than repeating habitual actions.
We can draw in fresh energy to help us keep up with above normal need by increasing aerobic activity, and upgrading our store of energy through deep relaxation and meditation.
During major transitions, such as the death of a loved one, keeping some familiar habits in our daily routine provides us continuity and stability, giving the untraveled road ahead an underlying stable base.
Traveling through transition
occurs more easily
by carrying along baggage
of familiar habits and activities
And incorporating
meditation and relaxation
into our routine
18. Truly Ourselves, Living in our Center of Balance
We know we are being true to ourselves
if our body feels relaxed
and our mind is peaceful
while living our lives
If we feel agitation in our body or mind we can use mental and bodily relaxation techniques such as meditation, regulated breathing, hatha yoga, and walking to calm ourselves.
While feeling calm we can reflect on the internal cause or causes of our unrest. After reflecting on the reasons and circumstances that led to our agitation we can best consider and plan how to make changes in our life that will allow us to regain our center of balance.
Living in our center of balance
our body feels energized and healthy
Our mind is calm, clear, and full
of inspiration
with the outlook that will serve
the highest good
of ourselves, others, and all creation
Living in our center of balance
allows us to experience our True
Self
as an embodiment of joy
In joy we are energized and inspired
to think, speak, and act for the
highest good
As positive thoughts return positive
results
and positive actions return positive
reactions
we are insuring ourselves an uplifting
daily life now
and every day to come
Truly ourselves
by living in our center of balance
Experiencing ourselves
as energized bodies of joy
by holding positive thoughts
producing positive results, daily
and every day to come
Experiencing ourselves, fully
as energized bodies of joy
At our beginning on earth we come as pure, clean canvasses. As our own artist, we fill up our canvas with our impressions from living. Some impressions we retain because they are beautiful to the inner eye, our conscience, and some aspects we refine till the entire canvas is a completely balanced, beautiful, inspiring masterpiece.
The blank canvas was clear, but by our good deeds and expanded consciousness the completed masterpiece is radiant.
Steps to building the masterpiece:
1. The Golden Rule: Treat others
as we would like to be treated. This means to harm no one by
words, deeds, or even thoughts.
Thought vibrations travel between us over unseen paths, as the law of this
universe is that for every action there is a comparable reaction. When
we initiate good acts, our reward is that good experiences happen to us.
Initiate an evil or negative thought, word, or deed and the reward will
bounce back as an unhappy or painful event. Like for like. In this light,
if we keep a positive attitude and help as opportunity arises, we will
feel good in the moment and set the stage for further positive happenings.
2. Spending time in meditation: A still body helps still our mind. In the stillness of meditation we come to observe an inner vibration apart from our physical sense of hearing, and apart from our thoughts. Tuning in to this always present, constant, self-sustaining vibration calms us even more. The peace attained by observing this inner sound allows our mind to become very calm. Then we are able to listen to our inner voice of conscience which knows right from wrong and what is for the highest good of all concerned in our present dilemma.
So, by following the golden rule and by meditating, we set the stage for our balanced development and add to the beauty of the masterpiece of our lives that we are creating.
Attitude Makes a Difference
When we keep a positive attitude in following the golden rule, we are more likely to see good solutions.
A simple chore is boring to some and joyful to others. How can this be? The action performed is the same. The difference lies in one's attitude.
When performing actions with only thoughts of how we ourselves will benefit, we don't find lasting peace, contentment, happiness. Self-centeredness causes our mind to continually think of ways to please itself. No feelings of joy are felt because the whims of the mind preoccupy our time.
A caring attitude
with those around us
brings up our heart feelings
a warmness we feel in our body
and in our uplifted, expanded attitude
When we perform our daily work with the attitude of caring, we feel good. Just the attitude of caring draws energy into our body. The more caring we become, building up our level of happiness, the more we see the wisdom of our positive actions.
Wisdom
Experience, analyses, right deduction: Wisdom
Wisdom comes
from making the effort to learn
from every action
If we analyze and apply these lessons
in succeeding times
a best choice comes more easily
Wisdom provides a wise dome. The dome covers us with a shield against wrong action. When wisdom is achieved, the right easeful way seems the natural way.
A way to project wisdom right now is to have caring feelings for all people and the creation. When we act from our heart, we do what is best for all. When our mind is clouded by selfishness we can not make the best decision. When we act from lovingness we are doing only good.
Ultimately
we attain and begin living in wisdom
Our lives becoming
easeful, peaceful, useful, and happy
When we realize this happiness
we are realizing our immortal soul
Happiness is a quality
unaffected by time, place, or circumstance
Happiness is always with us
felt when we act in harmony
with our fellow human
and all creation
Purity
Purity is another quality that contributes to us creating a beautiful masterpiece of our soul. Purity is the highest level of consciousness we can realize. It is the eternal essence of each atom of us and the universe.
Living purely
maintains
our peaceful mind
When a cut glass crystal is squeaky clean, sun light shining through reflects out perfectly. When our mind is cleaned and purified by right living the divine light reflects out perfectly. The divine light serves as a beacon and model to all. As a lighthouse beacon shows ships the way to safety from a turbulent ocean storm, so the divine light shining from the pure person guides and points the way for others that they may come home safely to their full soul awareness, full soul development.
Pure of heart
Clear of mind
Life is calm
All is fine
Being conscious that everything we think and do has an affect on us and others, should spark us to aim for inner purity if we want to realize our easeful, peaceful Self, our soul in its fullness.
While here on earth
having become a reflection
a reflection of pure love
We will no longer need to revisit
No longer need the transitory elements
of body and mind
We will fly free
just as we see a butterfly emerging
flying free of its confines
free from the confines of its cocoon
As with the butterfly
we are released from the confines
of our body and mind cocoon
freely expanding
freely expanding in joy!
Copyright © 1998-2011
Susan Helene Kramer
Santa Barbara,
California USA
Amsterdam, The
Netherlands
Published by Creations
in Consciousness
email susan@susankramer.com
Meditation and Yoga Midlife and Beyond Ebook - For midlife and older. 30
sitting and standing poses that help the physical body maintain or
regain motion balance, (as in not falling over) and remain supple. Adapted from standard yoga poses.
10 meditation techniques follow to give you a choice in various
circumstances and include a meditation breathing technique, how to use
a mala and mantra, sitting, walking and stress reduction meditations,
and meditation for spiritual healing, developing intuition and memory
skills. Yoga philosophy follows and includes a variety of virtues. Illustrated
with photos of all the poses. 107 pages. |