 Spiritual Protection
by Rev. Judith A. Baldwin
This excerpt
from the forthcoming book on the subject of
spiritual
protection reprinted here with permission.
It was
also included as Appendix B in Healing Lost Souls
by William
Baldwin (see Books).
When I am lecturing or
teaching, the most frequently asked questions are about how to protect
ourselves from interfering entities and destructive energies. In my
experience, spiritual protection is a way of life. It is not enough to
practice techniques, or to rely on ritual or ceremony. For at the end of
these, too often there is still the fear to face. What is needed is a
practical means of living in a state of invulnerability, regardless of the
unexpected, and in spite of the unknown.
Spiritual protection is like a great cathedral built over time. First we lay
in place the keystones of spiritual invulnerability. Then we carefully build
the archway to spiritual adeptness. Finally, after much practice, spiritual
invulnerability is in place and we are ever aware of it.
To be invulnerable requires that we become spiritually adult, as opposed to
remaining spiritually childish. Though this is not a particularly complex
task, it can seem demanding, probably because most of us would rather be
cared for than to care for ourselves. Fortunately, responsibility for
keeping the Spiritual Immune System healthy belongs with oneself, and
therefore something can be done about it. In fact being spiritually adult
looks a lot like a life well lived.
It may help to think of interfering entities and destructive energies as
“spiritual bacteria.” One is not upset by the idea that the bacteria which
plague the physical body must be controlled by daily hygiene. We neither
resist nor hide from this reality, we simply bathe, shampoo and brush
regularly. Why then should we be threatened by the reality that we must also
perform spiritual hygiene to keep ourselves from being overcome by
opportunistic spiritual bacteria?
Let us look closely at how we see ourselves. When you picture yourself do
you see a body? When you think of being safe or protected do you mean
keeping the physical body safe? When you worry about your loved ones, are
you imagining bodily harm? If “yes” is the answer to these questions, you
have spiritual homework to do.
We begin our remedial work in primary spiritual education with this
realization. No matter what, even if we are sleeping or standing still, we
are never guaranteed that the body will not be injured, or sicken, or die in
the next moment. If one of the great oaks that surround this building falls
onto the roof while I am writing this, it is likely I would be injured or
even killed.
No matter how carefully we tend to our physical well being, sooner or later
all bodies end. This is a fact that we must reckon with first. Nor can the
bodies of our beloved family or friends be saved. At any time, any
experience can end the body, and imprint or scar the soul.
The only indisputable guarantee is that the spirit, the original identity,
will always be perfectly safe. No matter what happens to the body or the
soul, the spirit remains unaffected and undamaged. For we who do not yet
know ourselves as spirit, who think of ourselves as body and soul, this
premise may seem strange, even threatening.
The fact that we are anxious and preoccupied with our physical safety is
telling. It speaks volumes about our lack of experience as spiritual beings.
It points out that we are most aware of ourselves as physical bodies, rather
than spirits having a physical adventure. This is a most important
distinction, and herein is the solution as well as the problem.
Most of us have been misinformed about protection. Usually, in our past
somewhere, we have been taught by authority figures and painful experiences,
that our best protection, or defense against harm, is an overt offense. So
we assume a defensive stance, attacking whatever seems threatening, even
before we are attacked. This we deem necessary in order to be safe from an
expected onslaught. Or we have been persuaded to rely on “outside
protection,” someone or something purported to be a more capable, or
“stronger” champion than we. These faulty teachings do nothing but confirm
our deepest fear that we are always vulnerable and unsafe because we are
somehow inherently compromised or flawed. Obviously this kind of teaching
has grounded us in the fearful tactics that fill the daily news.
If there could be one governing rule for masterful spiritual behavior, it
would be “Never meet force with force.” Force is not the almighty power of
the universe. Flow is. The ultimate spiritual “powers” are manifest in us
when we are in Flow, not when we have reduced ourselves to forceful, fearful
attempts to control and dominate. The most powerful warrior is one who never
has to draw the sword. If we would be free of the fear that makes us easy
prey to what is opportunistic and harmful, then we must know we are more
than just human. We must learn to be response-able rather than merely
react-able. Then threat is experienced differently. When we learn that the
“real” part of us cannot be threatened, and accept that the “unreal” part
can only exist temporarily, we are no longer at the mercy of perceived
menace. Thus invulnerability is not dependent upon conditions; body, mind,
soul and spirit live in the peace that surpasses circumstances and
understanding.
STRENGTHENING THE SPIRITUAL IMMUNE SYSTEM
Just as strengthening the physical immune system is but a temporary
expedient, in that when it is time for the body to end such care is no
longer required, so also is strengthening the spiritual immune system (SIS)
an interim strategy. However, the SIS does not wait for death to end its
viability. As soon as one begins to realize the power of the immutable
original identity, the need for constant vigilance against impending doom is
no longer the primary focus of the mind. Then the mind creates a much
different life. Where fear in its dreadful forms once filled life’s stage,
now the play is delightful, even laughable.
One only need fortify the spiritual immune system while one is in training
to remember the invulnerability of the original identity. This can be
likened to planting zucchini in a summer garden. In the beginning the plant
takes a bit of tending, but once it sprouts, there is zucchini all over the
place. So it is with “re-cog-nizing,” calling to mind, the capacities of the
spirit. The God-Almighty Spirit that is our original nature is indomitable,
impregnable, and unassailable. Now that is power!
Here is how we reawaken the sleeping giant that we truly are:
PAY ATTENTION
Paying attention is a great and ancient spiritual mastery. Few of us have
achieved any significant degree of proficiency in it. The keystone of
protection is the ability to pay attention.
Most of us live in a kind of trance. We are usually running on automatic. In
our overcrowded, overstressed, over-stimulated lives, we are scarcely able
to be aware of what we are doing today, much less recall what we did
yesterday. Therein lies the problem. If we are not attentive, we are not
conscious but hypnotized.
Because our attention span is so limited, we live in a kind of stupor, too
often bewildered about how we got where we are, and what happened along the
way. We cannot make responsible choices when entranced, because we forget we
are constantly choosing, with or without awareness. If asked about our
spiritual progress, we are likely to give ourselves more credit than is due
because we bewitch ourselves with delusions, whether they be of grandeur or
diminishment.
The simple task of observing, and acknowledging, which thoughts, words,
emotions, and actions one is choosing, is not only life-enhancing, it
creates a life of integrity. By noticing what kind of decisions and choices
we make, we discover a lot about our modus operandi. We learn we have a
tendency towards fearful fantasy. If the mind were not so powerfully
creative this would not matter, but our minds are immensely productive. The
mind is a non-stop manufacturing device. We supply the raw material, and it
produces.
So the question is: What do I want to produce? When I am oblivious, it is
easy for the mind to become limp, no spiritual muscles here. The absence of
attention allows the mind to grow the habit of focusing on what is dark,
fearful, hateful, angry, guilty and so on. This is an open-door invitation
to destruction.
Therefore, with everything I think, say, do and feel, I am always making a
“contribution” to my life, and to humankind. I am either contributing to the
light of the world, or adding to its darkness. What a (potentially)
wonderful or disastrous responsibility!
Homework: Commit to paying attention one day per month. Notice how quickly
you lapse into a hypnotic fog. When this happens, do not judge, condemn, or
beat yourself up. Merely notice. Then make a new choice to pay attention.
Choose again and again to pay attention. There is no limit on how many new
choices you can make. Keep bringing yourself back to attention. If you catch
yourself slipping, you are doing well, because you are paying attention.
At the end of the day take the tally of your attention quotient. Are there
activities, people, conditions (driving, household chores, boring
conversations, mundane tasks, eating, etc.) that contribute to your loss of
attention? Are you more or less aware at certain times of the day or night?
Do you resist paying attention, or refuse outright to do so?
This is helpful information to have. As you continue to flex the muscles of
your spiritual immune system, your awareness will expand as you reclaim
dominion in life.
THE TRIUNE LAW OF RIGHT LIVELIHOOD
THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS
What we think, say and do are the raw materials of creativity. We become, or
we manifest the in-kind product of our ideas, declarations and actions. It
is naive to believe we can ignore or bypass any of the three parts of these
“fate makers.” No amount of internal deal making will produce a different
result. Despite our equivocations, “purity of thought, word, and deed” is
not just for the boy scouts. If we want to enjoy peace of mind, well being,
and abundance, the laws of right livelihood must be practiced.
Thoughts
Everything originates in thought. We are a product of thought. All thoughts,
our own, other people’s, and the collective world thought, affect us.
Thoughtforms, the byproduct of our mental clarity or mental sludge, exalt or
congest our own lives and everyone else’s.
Thoughts are things. They take form and impact our lives and the world at
large. Until we fully comprehend that the power of our mind is sufficient to
“create” the world we live in, we can delude ourselves into believing that
so long as we are not aware what we are thinking, we will be spared the
consequences of those thoughts. All thoughts have consequences that are
causal in life. Ignorance of what we are creating with our thoughts is not a
protection from the repercussions of those thoughts.
Christ said to pray unceasingly. Could it be that focused attention is
“praying?” Especially when we “concentrate” a thought by feeling a strong
emotion, we are actually praying. I wonder if Christ meant we cannot but
“pray” unceasingly, since we are seldom without thought. If thought is the
instrument of creation, then regardless what we claim to be thinking (or
praying), we will receive as we have “asked,” or thought. Therefore,
questions for everyday, moment-to-moment consideration, might be
“What am I
‘asking’ for, or ‘praying’ for, right now?”
“What am I ‘growing’ with this thought?”
“In this moment, what is the quality of my thoughts?”
“What do my thoughts demand?”
“Is this thought beneficial or is it damaging?”
All thoughts “demand” a response. The quality of the thought determines if
it will either contribute to one’s own well being, and subsequently the
world’s well being; or will postpone or destroy well being. Such is the
power of the God-created mind. Consequently, we must be aware what it is we
are asking to receive. When we focus our thinking on what we would avoid,
what we do not want, what we fear, or what is destructive, dreadful, or
painful, we are actively praying for the unwanted to occur. Thus, our
“prayerful” thought empowers those things which are contrary to well-being,
or which oppose integrity of being.
It is simple to ascertain the quality of one’s thinking since there are only
two kinds of thought. Spiritually, energetically, psychologically, and
physically, thoughts are either:
(1) positive, loving, constructive, and peaceful; or
(2) the negative, hateful, destructive, and combative.
So if one’s thoughts are anxious, guilty, shameful, angry, hurtful,
resistant and so on, they do not make a contribution to well being, no
matter how we would justify them.
On the other hand, if one’s thoughts are gentle, compassionate, forgiving,
non-judgmental and nonviolent, they increase the flow of receiving and
giving well being. There are no exceptions to this fact. Equivocating or
rationalizing will have no effect whatsoever.
So if one’s “intention” is to make a positive contribution in life, but ones
thoughts are not of the above mentioned category-(1) type, the intention
will be overruled by the fact of in-kind consequence. In other words,
believe it or not, accept it or not, life constantly shows us what we are
actually thinking. Our job is to learn the truth about what is in our minds.
Homework: One day per month commit to observing your thinking. What you are
looking for is fear. Of course, before we can clean up our thinking, we must
first be aware how much of our thought is fear based. This is because fear
in any form will obstruct and interfere with our ability to give and receive
positive contributions.
An easy definition for fear is anything that is not positive, loving,
constructive, or peaceful. Thus, no matter what “hat” fear is wearing,
anything unlike the above definition is fear. That includes worry, anxiety,
cruelty, anger, guilt, blame, shame, resentment, jealousy and so on, are all
fear wearing a different hat. If you have the desire to justify or defend
the thinking, consider it fear. If you long to be right about what you are
thinking, treat this as fear. “Stinking thinking” exacts a severe toll on
well being.
When you discover yourself engaged in “stinking thinking,” do not chastise
yourself. Simply notice. If you are like the rest of us you may discover
that a large percentage of time is spent fantasizing on what is wrong in
your life, or the world’s horrific conditions, or what might befall you or
those you love, etc. Each time you catch yourself, simply make a new choice
to focus on what is lovely, or kind, compassionate, or gentle, or what is
beneficial to all, but do not define how that would look. Let Love do that.
If you lapse back into fear, choose again, and again, and again. It takes
awhile to break the habit of being held captive by fear.
At the end of the day, take accounts of how much time is spent “praying”
fearfully. Success is catching yourself in fear, and consciously focusing on
something else. So if you make ten thousand new choices in a day you are
doing great!
Declarations
Words are energy. They are a powerful vibrational and tonal means of
creation. Throughout antiquity “the word” was considered a sacred power to
be used prudently. In ancient Greece, the pre-Socratic Stoics considered
Logos to be the rational principle of the cosmos, identified with God and
constituting the power of reason in the human soul. In St. John’s gospel,
Logos is said to be the creative word of God.
We humans are favored with the conscious creative use of the spoken and
written word. As part of our spiritual birthright, “the logos” is too often
ignored and taken for granted. Speaking is a privilege of the conscious
mind. In our daily lives we do not often consider the gift and the
consequence of the spoken word. Regularly we neglect the discipline of
intentional, careful use of our words. For the most part we pay little heed
to what we say, how we say it, or when. Such a lackadaisical attitude
regarding the power of our declarations has sometimes gotten us in trouble.
In days gone by, people realized that all words had issue. Agreements were
contracted by a person’s word. What one said had substance, and people were
categorized by whether their “word” was good or bad (which meant
meaningless). Now, however, we don’t seem to take our words as seriously as
we once did. Every day we say things without consideration of consequence.
We do not mean what we say, or what we mean, we will not say. In emotional
outbursts we blurt out cruel and vile words, words which compromise
ourselves, and any others in their path.
This is a mistake. Words are still as potent and meaningful as ever they
were; and like all volitional proclamations, enduring the consequences of
our words remains a great prerogative. We can have the fruits of our
pronouncements, or suffer the consequences of them.
Politicians battle with words, poets make love with words, storytellers
enchant with words. Words of wisdom uplift us. With words we bless or
condemn one another. By our word(s), we reveal the state of our relationship
with our divine nature, and with the Source of that nature.
Yet the use of profanity has become so pervasive that it is no longer
considered an insult to polite society. Profanity has become trendy and it
is fashionable to lace our conversations with words which foul the mouth and
taint the mind. We no longer flinch at the vulgarity we so regularly hear.
However, not so long ago scurrilous speaking and irreverent attitudes for
what is sacred was not a universally accepted part of speech. No culture can
afford to disregard the language of its people. We who casually adopt an
obscene way of speaking are greasing the slide to our own spiritual demise.
By our words, we declare it so.
For this reason, we must not allow our wounds, fears, or weaknesses to
“speak” for us. Unfortunately, this is often precisely what we do. Rather
than simply telling the truth “I do not feel like going out this evening,”
we beg off a commitment by claiming “I don’t feel so well. I think I am
coming down with something.”
This is not just using “our word” as an excuse, it is a proclamation for
making oneself sick. We make vows of pain, limitation and death; such as,
“This is to-die-for.” “I will never trust (men, women, you) again.” “I hate
you so much I wish you were dead.” We issue damaging proclamations:
“Marriages don’t work.” “Love never lasts.” “Relationships always fail.” “I
never succeed at anything.”
Remember, the creative universe takes everything we say or think as a
standing order to bring forth. It does not “do” jokes, slang or
colloquialism. Because we do not realize the power of “the word” we continue
to issue “orders” we do not want filled; and so we limit or harm ourselves,
and one another, by wrong use of this power. When we “call forth” wrongly,
whether we are aware of what we are saying or not, we deny ourselves the
power of “speaking into” what we do want. Thus do we continuously limit and
divert the power of our word.
Homework: Remembering you are not on a mission to belittle yourself, commit
one day per month to observing the nature of the day’s declarations. Look
for lies and avoidance of truth. Watch out for pronouncements that describe
you as flawed, unworthy, less than what you are (or could be). Take note of
“foul mouthed” speaking. Be aware how often “stinking thinking” is
accompanied by “stinking speaking.”
Your words are a personal advertisement for how you think of yourself. Ask
yourself, “what do I want on my billboard?” Be on alert for ill-favored ways
of speaking. When you catch yourself, choose to speak in a way that is
befitting a God-created being. You may be amazed how powerful this can make
you feel.
Actions
How many times have we heard the ancient adage: “Your actions speak louder
than your words.” To this we may add: “Your actions speak as loudly as your
thoughts.” We act out what we truly believe. So to discover what actually
lingers in the mind we simply watch what we do. There are not enough good
intentions or sweet words to cover up what we do. We may talk a different
story, we may swear our actions are not what we truly intended, but
nonetheless we always do what we believe, what is truly in our mindset. Our
behavior will tell the truth about who we think ourselves to be, and the
aftereffects are what our actions demand.
Though actions are not the primary shaper of life, they are the inseparable
companion to what is. Thoughts are the noun in the “sentence” of life, and
actions are the verb. Thoughts come first, actions follow, but both are
creative and elicit a response. We cannot avoid what our actions produce.
For example, when we think hatefully, speak hatefully, and act hatefully, we
invite hate into our lives.
When we discover that some of our actions are less than wholesome, there is
work to be done. Most of us, some of the time, fail to notice the
discrepancy between the idealized version of oneself, and the way we live or
show up in life. Like children, we have not learned when to say “yes” to
ourselves, and when to say “no.” Our behavioral boundaries have become
compromised by loosely defined, and often ignored, bad habits. Habits of
behavior are re-actions (repeated actions) which are reproduced without
responsible choice. Aristotle said: “We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence, then, is not an act, but a choice.” Since we are habitual
beings, let us make habits which feed the soul rather than starve it.
It is not enough to wish for different results. We must act differently.
Remember the word “decent?” Not so long ago it was in public usage
describing ordinary folk living a respectable, good life. Now the edges of
acceptable conduct are more loosely defined. What was “simply not done” is
no longer prescribed by the limits of common decency. The point beyond which
we will not go, no longer a fixed and reliable measure, flaps uselessly in
the wind of desire. “Beyond here there be dragons,” the inscription on maps
of old that warn of danger, could well be resurrected to remind us we are in
deep water.
Oh, we can and do pretend we do not know the difference between right and
wrong, but this kind of moral make believe exacts a cost from our well
being. Cause and effect simply will not be separated, no matter how hard we
try to find exceptions in our case. Do right, live right. That is right
livelihood.
Insanity could be defined as continuing to do the same thing while expecting
a different result. Children hurt themselves this way until they finally
connect the dots: “This act produces a result I do not like.” Finally it
registers: “Perhaps I should no longer do this.” Then the hurt stops!
“To look is one thing. To see what you look at is another. To understand
what you see is a third. To learn from what you understand is still
something else. But to act on what you learn is all that really matters.”
Anonymous
Homework: One day per month make your words match your actions and thoughts.
Yes, you read that right. When we actually state out loud what we are doing,
we get an in-our-face signpost that we cannot ignore. Awareness then is
unavoidable. By exposing and stating the truth about what you are doing, you
will come face to face with the distorted part of yourself. It will not be
able to hide behind “blind eyes” and denial. In other words, when you
“speak” what you do, you are ordering yourself to take note of the “real”
beliefs that linger behind the fictional beliefs.
Note particularly the “indecent” behaviors. Remember, however, you are not
to beat yourself up. This is not about punishment and guilt. It is about
discovery, honesty, and exercising the power of choice. Once such behavior
is uncovered, consciously choose to forgive yourself and pause a moment to
experience peace that is waiting to come to you. Peace will lead you “home”
to the real you.
IMPEDIMENTS TO WELL BEING
Though one may be well schooled in religious dogma and ritual, most of us
remain spiritually illiterate. Spiritual education has less to do with a
particular set of dogmatic rules, and more to do with knowing and applying
practical tools for sustaining “the good life” while facing the challenges
of physicality.
We humans spiritually founder as seemingly limitless threats to well being
proliferate in the world, in ourselves and our families, and on the job. Too
many of us are caught in a terrible and constant state of dread. Instead of
living in present moment possibility, we worry ourselves “to death” with
“what-if” thinking. Stressing in advance over what might be only adds to the
world-wide body of fear.
When we “paint” with fear on the canvas of life the work we produce is not
artful but awful. As we lock into imaginings of “what if,” we ignore “what
is,” and even during the peaceful times we wait for the next alarming event
to befall us. So often what we imagine is worse than what occurs. By
remaining stuck in what-if apprehension, “what is next” is also shaped by
fear. Remembering that we “grow” what we focus on, let us not propagate a
garden of horrors.
It is simple to recognize when and if one is thinking fearfully.
The three categories of creative thought are:
1. Fearful that looks to the future with frightful trepidation. By arguing
for “what-if” calamities, fear creates many alarming possibilities.
2. Peaceful that accepts “what is” in the present moment, and knows to trust
that all will be well in spite of appearances.
3. Neutral that has neither preference nor judgment, and rests calmly while
asking “what next?”
Fear
We speak now of the debilitating fears, not about the instinctual fear that
rises when the body’s survival is threatened. Though we may not realize it,
a disproportionate amount of our time is involved in some kind of fear
thought. It is shocking to discover we live as fearful primates. Fear is the
single most effective tool of the dark. Without our fear the darkness would
have very little influence on us.
As I see it, fear can be summarized within three main categories:
1. I will not get what I want.
2. I will lose what I have.
3. There is not enough to go around.
Honest examination of one’s mindset will likely lead, directly or
indirectly, to a hidden coffer of fears. Fear is a universal condition. Most
times it is the great barrier to human growth. As we grow older we learn
more and more fears so that by the time we reach maturity most of us are
loaded with them. Some would say this is gained wisdom, but fear is seldom
wise and more often ruinous to sane, calm response.
Teeming with uncertainty and change, life is one giant unknown. Unknowns
generate fears. Like signing a peace accord, when we cease to make war with
what we do not know, fears diminish. Eventually as we are consistent in
turning fear over to peace, fears disappear. If we do not ferret out the
fear, expose it and release it, the buried fear will putrefy and spread like
an infection of the mind.
The trick is not to deny the presence of fear, nor to attempt to banish it
by force. Admitting to fears, and acknowledging them openly, immediately
diffuses some of their harmful aspects. “Confessing” this way is sufficient
to unplug the emotional charge of fears which undermine calm, clear
thinking. Confessing can be an intensely empowering act of self reclamation.
“Unfriendlies,” whether they be self saboteurs or dark force interlopers,
use our secret fears and guilts as effective tools for twisting self worth
into self loathing. Fear of exposure must be active in us in order for these
secrets and fears to be used as a weapon against us. Therefore, self
disclosure of fears and mistakes puts us squarely in the light of remembered
strength and invulnerability.
Ask yourself: Am I thinking, or am I fearing? Fear is anything unlike peace,
love or well being. Therefore all worry, concern, anxiety, doubt,
uneasiness, revenge, anger, guilt, blame, condemnation, resistance, and so
on, is fear. No matter how slight the disturbance, it is nonetheless fear.
Just as a female cannot be a little bit pregnant, so also we cannot be a
little bit fearful. With our thoughts we are either “growing” fear and
thereby adding to the darkness, or we are “growing” peace and thereby
contributing to the light. It is that simple. That unequivocal. There is no
middle ground of fear. We are either fearful, or we are peaceful.
When I am fearful, I can be harmful. When I am loving, I can be helpful.
Love joins; this is healing. Fear separates; this is traumatic. What could
be clearer?
After twenty-five years of dedicated practice choosing peace instead of
fear, I am still amazed how quickly my mind can slip into fear fantasies. A
fear fantasy is an utterly fanciful thought that materializes from the thin
air of imaginary dread. I have caught myself creating a horrid outcome from
nothing more than the clay of fearful fiction. “What might be” is seldom as
bad as the speculations of my fearful mind. It is astounding how devoted to
terror the mind can be. If left unchecked, it will always distort unlimited
possibility to craft what is appalling rather than what is appealing.
I share this because we are too often impatient with ourselves when
practicing mind change. The human mind has been shaped by untold eons of
change, fear, and distortion. Do not expect instant gratification. The
fearful mind is a tenacious adversary to well being. The key is to keep
going. When you stay on the lookout for fear, and replace it with its
nemesis, compassion, delight, kindness, tranquility, you are bound to
succeed. Life will improve, and you will have yourself to thank for it, and
that leads to gentleness and self respect. You are teaching yourself that
you are worth the effort!
Homework: Ask yourself all through the day, am I fearing or am I thinking?
You may be surprised to discover how often what you assume is “thinking” is
actually “fearing.” No matter how many times you catch yourself in fear, be
thrilled over the discovery because now you can give the fear to peace.
Before retiring, take accounts: How much of my time is spent being fearful?
How am I growing my fear? When am I most fearful? What triggers fear in me?
As you go to sleep remember: Peace is love gently lifting you out of fear
into safekeeping.
Ignorance
As a people we don’t want to hear about ignorance, because we don’t like the
word. First of all we assume ignorance means that we are stupid. However
ignorance comes from the word ignore which means “the condition of being
uneducated, unaware, or uninformed.”
By our lack of attention, and because of our fear of being flawed or
unworthy, we are “persuaded” to ignore a limitless amount of available
information. We discount, reject and shrug off all kinds of useful
information. If we ignore, the position we are assuming is that of our rear
end being exposed as our head is in the sand. When we convince ourselves,
“if I refuse to believe this is happening, it cannot be happening,” we add
to the load of spiritual fiction that compromises our life.
What is worse, we are often involved in some form of organized, dogmatic
belief system that encourages ignorance. Some of these beliefs demand that
ignorance be perpetuated, so we make promises to stay ignorant, or even to
proselytize ignorance.
Ignorance is second only to fear as a threat to our balance and safety. To
be ignorant is to take for granted any aspect of life by relying solely on
another persons say-so, believing their experience, values, beliefs or
authority to be supremely valuable, while disregarding one’s own valuable
experience.
Life can be simplified when we reduce it to two fundamental activities:
doing and leaving undone, or in spiritual terms, learning and unlearning.
When doing or leaving undone is prompted by one’s own inner knowing, wisdom
is gained. However, incessant doing without the promptings of spiritual
guidance can leave us hopelessly striving without any gain in personal
experience. Life can be consumed by ever-more doing, until at last one
realizes she can never do enough to be good enough, or sure enough, or safe
enough, or accomplished enough.
Doing or learning by imitation leaves us stranded somewhere outside our own
lives without any experience to guide us. Doing or learning, prompted by
one’s own inner urging, and embellished by experience and revelation,
provides certainty from a deep, inner reality. It does not substitute the
outer reality for the inner, and considers the inner knowing at least as
valuable as what is perceived outwardly. This is how self respect grows,
flowers, and spreads its seeds of wisdom.
Homework: Regularly pause long enough in the frenzy of doing to “look
around” for the guidance and information that is always available. Be sure
to look in the unexpected “places,” like your heart, your still mind when it
is not straining to know, spontaneous gifts of wisdom from friends and
strangers, billboards, movies, books, license plates. Everything is
“speaking” if you would but notice.
Pause by quiet pause, choose knowing in place of ignorance. You are never
without guidance and help, and you must be still long enough to realize it
is coming to you.
Denial
Many of us are products of the New Age Movement. In the 1960’s we learned
that we could handle everything with affirmations. We affirmed that: “Every
day in every way we are getting better and better.” We assumed that
endlessly saying this would really have impact. We did not know enough to do
the necessary spiritual homework of preparing the mind to integrate the
deeper meaning of affirmation that it may be brought forth into experience
that is impactful.
Further, we learned “If I do not believe ‘it’ is real, ‘it’ is not real.”
This kind of spiritual shortsightedness has no protection in it. Many of us
are still functioning within that framework. We would like to think we have
left it behind, yet we still live as if wishing will make “it” so. This is
spiritual denial and it is “slippery” in the ways it tantalizes us into
believing about ourselves what is so only in potential.
When denial is nothing more than disowning what is frightening or
threatening in the mind, it is no different from other forms of
make-believe. Like the lion in the Wizard of Oz, no matter how many times he
said “I do have a heart. I do! I do! I do!” his heart was not real until he
tested his resolve and courageously took a stand. Then did he truly know he
had a heart, and it was stalwart.
However, there is a valuable spiritual use for denial that is too often
forgotten or ignored. That is to knowingly deny that anything or anyone
outside oneself can truly do us harm. This form of spiritual denial rests in
the unshakable knowledge that “what” we are, that is spirit, cannot be
altered or affected, ever, by anyone or anything. This kind of knowing
underpins the experience of spiritual invulnerability and serves us well in
the dark night of the soul.
Homework: Regularly keep a sharp eye out for falsehoods that convince us of
“wished for” spiritual accomplishments. Lying to oneself leaves one caught
between opposing “truths.” Being two-faced is a spiritual vice which teaches
us not to trust ourselves. If we need to speak of our accomplishments, make
them public, and be recognized for them, we probably have not achieved any
noteworthy degree of mastery. Spiritual arrogance masks a doubtful heart and
uncertain mind.
INDISPENSABLE TOOLS
Cleaning the Mindset
Interesting word, “mind-set.” It describes the window through which we view
life, and the world around us. The mindset is comprised of beliefs,
attitudes, thoughts, judgments, assumptions, ideals, prejudices, values and
preferences. These are formed, established, accepted and held as “truth” as
dictated by life’s authoritative institutions, such as family, religion,
government, culture, academia, medicine, economy and so on.
“Belief” is a currently popular label for anything that cannot be fully
understood or identified. There are three kinds of belief:
1. Those we know we have.
2. Those we don’t know we have.
3. Those we long for.
Belief determines perception. Through the spectacles of belief does one
perceive. If beliefs are thick or compressed, they magnify. If they are
soiled, they obscure or deceive. Yet if they are regularly polished by the
fingers of an examining mind, they allow for new experiences based on
updated information; and new experiences can be teaching tools.
The more beliefs we have the harder it is to live the way we want. Too many
beliefs, and we are conflicted, confused and confounded. Often spiritual
growth is sabotaged by transparent, invisible, or lost beliefs that were
implanted by authority figures before one was mature enough to realize the
nature and consequence of the belief.
For the most part, we are not familiar with the beliefs that are stored in
the closet of the mind. Rarely do we pick through that closet of beliefs to
weed out what no longer fits, to discard hand-me-downs that no longer suit,
and give away what does not serve. No one taught us we are capable of being
the source of our own beliefs and thoughts, and it is purposeful to align
one’s beliefs and actions with one’s inner guidance and goals.
However, too often the mindset mandates habitual reactions to unexamined
beliefs, assumptions, judgments, values, ideals etc. Eventually these
“harden” into mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual residue. These
residues influence and determine the quality of our lives by concretizing
misconceptions, misinterpretations, misperceptions and misbeliefs.
Who has not had to confront a mind that is set, rock hard in its
determination not to warm to a new idea, no matter how much sense it makes.
I call this “Popsicle mind.” “Popsicle minds” have been hard for so long
that the door to the mind is frozen shut. When this condition is extreme, it
can tolerate only “artificially sweetened” delusions that support its close
mindedness.
Though it may appear that special measures are required to “thaw” a frozen
mind, this is not so. All it takes is a little willingness to make the mind
supple with one choice at a time.
What would life be like if our mindset was representative of what we
actually choose to believe? Well, actually it is! Life accurately mirrors
what we truly believe. We are that powerful, that skilled in actualizing our
beliefs, whether we know it or not, and whether we believe it or not. That
being the case, it behooves us to become familiar with what we warehouse
within the belief “system.”
What would we be like if our mindset became a mind-in-flow? If we put aside
rigidity and updated and regularly renewed the mind? What if we chose to be
guided by perennial inner wisdom of the soul? What if?
Homework: Twice per year, New Year’s Day and your birthday, spend half a day
“cleaning out” the closet of the mind. Get rid of what is outdated, outworn,
useless, inappropriate, and does not fit anymore.
COMPANIONS ON THE ROAD TO WHOLENESS
Accountability and Responsibility
Somewhere along the way to remembering what we are, we lost or put aside our
response-ability and instead we opted for react-ability. That is, for
whatever reason, we do not respond to what is currently happening, but
instead we continue to react to what happened in the past as though it was
happening now. It is as if we carry the past forward and plunk it down in
the present. In this way we continuously revisit or re-experience the hurts,
mistakes, and perils of the past. Thus do we condemn ourselves to relive
what is destructive, rather than creating anew in the present. Re-action is
automatic, response is choosing in the present moment, with awareness.
Eventually this is habit forming, and we are no longer response-able but are
only react-able. In this way the exquisite privilege of choice is lost to
us, since we can only choose when we are “in response.”
Put another way then, responsibility is being able to respond so as to be
the source or cause of what is preferable and helpful in life, now, in this
moment. Since we are always “sourcing” or “causing” something, the question
becomes: sourcing or causing what.
Being accountable means that I am answerable for my choices. In other words,
I accept the consequences of my choices. Further I realize it is likely I
shall be “called to account” for my choices. Such is the groundwork of wise
stewardship.
This great spiritual privilege we would cast away imagining we could then be
free of liability. Such short-sightedness misses the point. As long as one
is accountable, the choice, the event, and the consequence are inseparable.
Therefore, one is never “under the thumb” of an outside authority. One is
self determined, able to correct, heal and recreate anew rather than remain
controlled and enslaved by what one sees as a greater authority than
herself. The misunderstanding and misuse of authority and accountability
keeps us imprisoned in powerlessness and ineffectuality. We have a choice.
If the “choice” muscle has grown flaccid with misuse or lack of use, then
exercise it.
We are all graced with opportunities to demonstrate spiritual, mental,
emotional, and physical competence. How, or if, we maximize these
opportunities is up to us. Secreted in each and every situation, including
the most mundane and ordinary, is the potential to be high-minded. If we
choose to ignore the opportunity, then we have missed the point of
experience.
We humans want all the liberties and freedoms of the masterful, but we don’t
want the accountability. It behooves us to first look only to ourselves for
all problems and all solutions. Radical responsibility brings radical power.
If there’s a problem here, I caused it. This is how we realize the solutions
are here, with us, where the problems are.
Finally liberated from the Nazi death camps, Dr. Viktor Frankl came to New
York and eventually traveled to California. After visiting America, Dr.
Frankl said he never could understand how we could have a Statue of Liberty
on the east coast without a “Statue of Responsibility” on the west coast.
Homework: Adopt the attitude: If there is a problem in my life, the common
denominator is I am always at the scene of the “accident.” If I see a
problem, I am in the problem, I am an undeniable part of it. Viewing
problems from this perspective can change one’s life. Now what am I going to
do about it? Make a different choice!
Authority
“Response-ableness” is a blessing, not a curse, and not a duty. It is by
being response-able that we claim our authority, that is to author our own
lives. To be deprived of the privilege of response-ableness is to always be
controlled by some outside authority; someone or something which is bigger,
stronger, more powerful, holier, etc., than we. To turn away from response-ableness
is to disclaim our original nature, and thereby “slide sideways” into
thinking ourselves as less than we were created to be.
We of this generation, certainly in the West, are determined to assign
authorship of life to something outside of ourselves. We insist on it in
most aspects of life. We deify the institutions in our society until our
experience is really dominated by authority figures (parents, teachers,
doctors, ministers/priests, police, lawyers, politicians, the powers that
be), situations, circumstances, crises, and so on. Thereby we continue to
give over our power to someone or something else until we are finally “out
of control.” Thus we give away dominion by relinquishing self control. It
would seem we really don’t mind paying the price of being without
sovereignty, so long we do not have to be the responsible authority in our
own life. The buck no longer stops here; it gets passed along to whichever
“tyrant” will snatch it up.
This kind of subjective relinquishment of power is not limited to physical
life. We do it in our spiritual life as well when we look for something
outside of ourselves to make “it” better. Even when we talk about the
“spirit within” what we almost always mean is the “spirit without.” Our
inner looking is actually looking out for the answer, a looking out for the
deus ex machina, a “helper from heaven.” Rarely do we trust that help can
come from within one’s own “be-ing-ness,” or the holiness within which is
our true nature.
No being of light will do for us what is our privilege to do for ourselves.
Why? Because to do so is to discredit we who believe we are less than able,
and therefore add to the measure of imagined helplessness. This is not to
say there is not help from the divine. It is to clarify that help comes in
teaching mode rather than doing-for mode. Beings of light teach us to be
self sufficient that we may remember we are children of light. Like all
children we whine for someone “greater” to do “it” for us. Yet a good
“parent” always helps us to learn how to do “it” for ourselves. This is not
cruelty. It is love.
Homework: Allow the body to tell you what the mind refuses to say. Pay
attention to the bodily signals (goosebumps, thrills, prickles, tingles,
sighs, racing heart, change in breathing, and so on) that indicate something
worth noting is happening. The body is a great communicator and it often
recognizes what the mind discounts. You do not make this earthly journey
alone. Mighty companions are always with you. You may be oblivious to all
kinds of guidance and assistance. Pay attention—and ask for help.
Discipline
Note: Before we go further I will tell you of a spiritual choice I long ago
made. That is, for me, the divine is exemplified by the Holy Spirit. I chose
this feminine aspect of the define because (1) of the interface the Holy
Spirit has with earth and we humans; and (2) because of the qualities of the
Holy Spirit. In my experience the Holy Spirit is the guide, care taker,
nurturer, advocate, and teacher. Also the Holy Spirit helps me make
corrections, and gives succor, sanctuary, solace and comfort. The Holy
Spirit is with me as I journey through life. I abide and rest in the Holy
Spirit.
I share this not to influence your choice but to clarify mine.
Most of us do not much like discipline. It asks too much of us. After all,
we are “free spirits” with “free will” who do not want anyone telling us
what to do or how to do it. Yet without discipline, that is the “training
expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially
training that produces moral or mental improvement” spiritual awareness will
not develop. Regardless which spiritual philosophy we choose, by discipline
is meant the daily, regular, ongoing commitment to “still” the “monkey mind”
and make an experiential connection to that which is holy, or beyond the
distractions of finite physical life.
The core word in discipline is “disciple.” To be a disciple means to be “an
active adherent.” We are being asked to actively initiate and maintain a
relationship with the divine. This is just like cultivating a relationship
with a would-be friend. The first step in sustaining a good friendship is
keeping in touch. It is exactly the same with God.
It does not matter what we call that which is sacred, Holy Spirit, Universal
Mind, higher self, inner knower, God, angels, divine mother, or the heart.
What matters is that we connect with It, and are intimate with It. The form
this connection takes is not as important as sustaining the relationship.
Whether we think of this as meditation, contemplation, prayer, or
communication, regardless what we call It, we must make contact. Then we
must “grow” this relationship. What is needed is more than a fleeting or
occasional nod towards the divine. It is not sufficient to only cry for help
while ignoring God all the other times. This bond has to be as vital and
juicy, as personal and unlimited as the river that flows between beloveds.
Realize that lack of concentration is not the only problem we have with
discipline. Rather it is our misbelief that none of us, especially oneself,
is (really) worth the consistent vigilance that spiritual discipline
demands. This is one of our worst self deceptions: the deeply disguised and
disheartening belief that we are, at our core, flawed and therefore not
worth the effort it takes to rebuild our spiritual awareness. In every case
of spiritual self deception, the problem is always we have thought wrongly
about what we are.
Homework: Begin with only 5 minutes in the morning, and 5 minutes in the
evening. Set aside this time to simply “tune into” the stillness that is
already present inside oneself. This is more a “not doing” than a “doing.”
Stillness is there. Peace and calm are there. Persevere. Make contact.
Witnessing
Along with forgiveness, “right witnessing” is perhaps our most important
function as citizens of a spiritually sick world. We can only be healers one
for another when we insist on seeing everyone as spiritually worthy, in
spite of all appearances to the contrary. This “spiritual service” is
especially crucial when one is temporarily unable to do this for oneself.
There are times when people lose touch with their original nature. To
remember for another when she is in the pits of darkness, be it a spiritual,
mental, emotional, or physical crisis, is how we function as agents of
repair for each other, and for the entire world. “Holding” someone as light
while they cannot do this for themselves can be an immense relief. Plus it
is profoundly healing just to know someone would do this.
“Holding as light” is as simple as imagining or visualizing the person awash
with light. Keep in mind the image of that person as light. Look right past
any appearances to the contrary. Mentally insist on maintaining the picture
of them as filled to overflowing with bright, clear, white light. Whenever
they come to mind, see them this way. One cannot do this too often for
themselves, for another, and for the world. Humans are desperately in need
of this kind of radiant, loving care of one another.
What seems to be an unlikely theory is supported by the work of Rupert
Sheldrake, a British scientist. In his theory of morphogenetic fields he
offers fascinating evidence that once enough people embrace an idea it
achieves sufficient persuasive power to influence others at large. We have
heard of this as the “Hundredth Monkey” principle.
What exciting possibilities this portends! A spiritual grass-roots movement
to compassionately hold all humans as light. Whether manifesting as light or
something less, not one of us is to be left behind. Such spiritual
generosity could actually lift humankind out of the dregs irreconcilable
cruelty. Remember: We are always contributing to the light or the dark.
Homework: Practice holding another as light, especially when you have judged
them otherwise; or when they are temporarily forgetful of their own original
nature; or when they appear to be unworthy of such kindness. (Especially do
this with yourself. We are harsh and often merciless with our own “little”
frightened selves.)
FOR CORRECTION OF ERRORS
Forgiveness
Though misunderstood, forgiveness is perhaps the greatest healing tool on
earth, and the most efficient means for keeping us in successful
relationship with life.
Unfortunately most of us have been taught wrongly about forgiveness.
Consequently, too few have a true understanding of forgiveness and are
therefore deprived of its far-reaching benefits.
There is a way to forgive that leaves everyone feeling like they’ve won.
Contrary to what “churchianity” has taught about forgiveness, it is not
about someone from a lofty, righteous position looking down upon a lowly,
ne’er-do-well, and deigning to bestow pardon and mercy.
Forgiveness is not what some therapists are wont to do. That is, to
endlessly repeat the “processing” of grievances, thereby bringing them
forward from the past into the present where they can continue to taint the
life one could be living now.
Neither is forgiveness the New Age habit of burying unresolved injuries and
injustices under sugar-coated affirmations. Pretending to let the hurt go
only insures it will fester and resurface more virulently at some other
inopportune time.
Forgiveness is never about disowning one’s deeply felt injuries; nor does it
make believe that heinous behavior did not occur. Forgiveness neither denies
crime, injustice, or atrocity nor does it condone. What forgiveness does is
bring relief from the pain, grief and paralysis of injury. Real or imagined,
injury feels the same. Therefore forgiveness does not necessarily attempt to
psychoanalyze what is so for the ones who suffer. Rather it simply makes
what hurts go away.
Forgiveness, more than anything else, chips away at, and finally disappears,
the fear and darkness hiding in our minds and hearts that it may not
continue to poison life. Wherever unforgiveness is lurking there will also
likely be guilt, anger, blame, shame, and the desire for revenge. These
destructive emotions lay out a welcome mat for the onslaught of a multitude
of anti-life energies. Whether the unforgiveness frees another or oneself,
the gift of forgiveness places a protective and comforting “Band-Aid” over
the parts of the psyche that have been injured and scarred.
However, we can’t “do” forgiveness by ourselves. The truth is we need help
to forgive. If we are still “hot and suffering,” or if we have “cooled down
and hardened,” we may be blinded to the larger view of what is happening,
why it is occurring, and how to escape the perplexing tangle of it. We need
the exquisite clarity of the Inner Teacher who sees what is good for all and
knows how to implement it. When we turn to the Inner Teacher to help us to
forgive, we are tutored in mind, heart and soul healing. Thus does
forgiveness heal the scars of the soul, the broken heart, and the mistakes
of the mind, that we may be saved from repeating the fearsome patterns
unforgiveness evokes.
Here are the basic steps of forgiveness:
1. Recognize you have a problem. You are caught in the cycle of anger,
guilt, accusation, projection and futility.
2. Be willing that forgiveness could occur—in spite of yourself. No matter
how impossible or unlikely this may seem. (This step is immensely helpful
when you are still “bleeding” from the wound.)
3. Acknowledge that it does not feel good to live like this. There must be a
better way.
4. Call to the Holy Spirit for help. Say “Give me another way to see this.”
5. Gladly accept the new “pictures” of what happened, what it was for, what
effect it has had, what it means for the future. In other words, be willing
to accept that there is (or might be) another way to see this. You may not
know what it is, but it is possible. (If you honestly cannot yet accept any
new perspective, at least include the new ones with your own perspective.)
6. Give over the desire for vengeance, or justice, or vindication to the
Holy Spirit. Literally hand it over. Get rid of it.
7. Take a moment to receive the peaceful relief that surely comes.
Homework: Practice forgiveness as soon as you notice you are “out of love,”
any time you feel fear in any form. Forgiveness can be as immediate as your
willingness to call for help. The greatest news of all is, it is not we who
“do” forgiveness. It is the Holy Spirit. So if you are feeling “I cannot
forgive,” be aware that is the truth. Your job is to be willing that
forgiveness is possible, to accept that something else besides what you
experienced could have happened, and to look at what that might be as it
comes to you. All the rest is in the “hands” of the Holy Spirit.
Undoing the Consequences
This technique is another effective healing agent for the correction of
“insanities” (and all forms of fear are insane), and the undoing of the
consequences. As soon as possible after a mistake, misthought, mishap, ask
the Holy Spirit within to help you undo the consequences of your fearful
thoughts. Then name the particular error of mind or fear, and describe it
briefly.
“I ask the Holy Spirit within to help me undo the consequences of my insane
thought about . Thank You.” (Gratitude is a major transformative power.)
The power of our connection with the Holy Spirit is unlimited. We can reach
into the past, present, or future, and get help cleaning up the “messes” our
disturbed thinking or troubled behavior may have made. Should we slip into
revisiting or reclaiming our fearful thoughts by recalling them, simply
repeat the process. Fortunately we are allotted an unlimited number of “undoings.”
Homework: As often as necessary, undo the consequences of mistakes by
calling them back and collapsing the thought bubble (like in cartoons) that
would become a potential damaging thought form.
I have seen this effect miraculous corrections. The stories from people who
use it are remarkable.
Try it. It takes the sting out of being “only human,” and fortifies the
experience of being so much more.
SUMMARY
We adorn our bodies with crystals, amulets, medals, thinking they will bring
power and protection. We cling to objects believing they will ward off an
attack. We attend ceremonies and perform rituals hoping they will save us
from the dark when all the time it is in our own minds.
Ninety-five percent of all our problems would already be tended to if we
were to live as though we recognize what we are, and by our mindset we are
either strengthening or weakening the Spiritual Immune System. There really
is so little for us to do, and so very much for us to remember.
Invulnerability is always about being; protection is about heeding.
If we will ask ourselves: “Does this thought/opinion/action add to the light
or darkness of this world?” then we can make a difference, in our own life
and in the world. We are always contributing to the light or to the
darkness. We are either the instruments of repair we are meant to be, or we
are being used as tools of destruction.
We cannot seek after mastery while neglecting its basic requirements. Though
we sometimes believe ourselves inadequate to the task, this basic spiritual
curriculum is not too difficult for us to master for “ye [we] are gods.”
We are perfectly safe divine beings of light, manifesting love as life. We
are already, always, in full possession of invincible invulnerability. What
we lack is the awareness of our original identity. It is the inability or
refusal to “know thySelf” that deprives us of the gifts of our spiritual
heritage. We are, by our own hand, co-makers of our travails. We cannot but
be what we were created to be. No matter what. No exceptions. However, we
must realize what that is. And we must accept it. We are now, and will
always be, the holy, and therefore safe, children of the God.
And that is protection.
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