The Body

What is this body that I inhabit? Until very recently, I would simply have answered, "This is me." Study and meditation have let me to an understanding that this body and I are very different things, even though we are bound together for a time. Spirit has chosen this body as its physical manifestation of that part of itself that is my consciousness. Still, I did not begin to understand these concepts at an intuitive level until I was able to perceive my body as a part of the physical Universe. I believe that, for my entire life up to that moment, I thought of my body and the Universe as qualitatively distinct concepts. Here I am, and there that is, and we interact, but we are separate and, therefore, independent of each other on some fundamental level.

Of course, it is absurd to believe that the body is not a part of the physical Universe. Clearly it is subject to the laws of physics and chemistry like all other material things. I never had trouble understanding the application of physical laws to other humans, animals, and plants; yet somehow my ego managed to cling emotionally to the notion that this body is "special" and "me".

Identification with the body no doubt has many consequences. I may believe that I can bring fulfillment to myself by gratifying the body. Conversely, if I have feelings of dislike toward myself, I may seek to punish the body. Most importantly, I may identify with the ego, that mental construct that is attached to the body yet uniquely capable of self-dislike.

Because my body is part of Nature, I owe it the same respect and love that I feel for the rest of the Universe. God is in Nature, and It is in me.

Meditation is not meant to connect my individuality with God, but to re-unite Spirit with itself by stilling the noise of thought and allowing the fundamental unity to emerge.

Resistance and Surrender

I must give up resistance in order to be able to see what is needed, and to take whatever steps are necessary.

Resistance blinds me to values and priorities.

Resistance sometimes takes the form of being distracted by trivial things or even by other worthwhile activities.

Surrender is necessary in order to see clearly. When I see clearly, proactivity happens. My natural inclination is to do right things.

No Limitations

First, accept that there is a presence vastly greater than yourself.
Then, accept that this greater presence is also yourself, and that the only limitations on you are those that you allow.

I Forgive the Past

I forgive the past.
I release the past.

I am nothing but what I am;
Everything has happened as it should.
I love my life.
I live in the Now.
Everything I have done,
And everything I have created around me,
Has been for the purpose of bringing me here and now.
This is the best place I can be,
This is the only place I can be.
I love this world and everything in it.
I am satisfied with myself.
I am growing stronger, happier and closer to God every day.
Bathed in the warmth of Spirit, I am blissful and at peace.
God gives me everything I need, and everything I truly want.
Prosperity is now my intention.
Abundance is now my intention.
I am God's perfect, unique child.
I am loved.
I am appreciated.
I fill my space with love.
And so it is.

Thankfulness

I am thankful for Spirit that gives life, love, and purpose.

I am thankful for the love of those who are close to me, whether they are physically near or far away, and whether they are in this life or the next.

I am thankful for the prosperity that Spirit gives, and the secure knowledge that all my needs are provided for.

I am thankful for personal liberty, and the way freedom is manifest in this time and place. I am mindful of the sacrifices others have made to preserve and protect it.

I am thankful for the awareness of my connection through Spirit with all beings, and for the feeling of love that unites all souls.

I reach out in compassion to those of my brothers and sisters who are lost in separation, in pain, or in grief; who are beset by sorrow, anger, or fear. I pray that their connection with Spirit may be restored, and that they may rediscover that peace, love, and joy are all that exist.

And so it is.

Sadness

Sadness is what I feel when I am separated from Spirit.

Sadness is a sign that I need to reconnect with the God within.

Sadness is what I feel when the perfect unfolding of the Universe is hidden from my sight for a time.

Sadness comes when I forget that all souls are one, throughout eternity, and that physical separation does not diminish that Unity.

Sadness affects me when I passively observe the suffering and separation of others, rather than offering them my joy.

Sadness is what I feel when I forget the power of prayer.

Happiness

The sole purpose of life is to create happiness. Your ego tells you that you will be happy if you possess many things - if you have the things that others have. However, possessions and privileges are not the way to happiness. True happiness comes from finding contentment in the present moment.