Resistance is futile

The idea of non-resistance is not new, although for many individuals it is.  Growing up in a Christian environment submitting to the will of God was part of the teaching, but it was never clear to me what was meant.  Those who chose a religious profession would speak of a "calling" and submitting to God's will, but what about everyone else. Years later as I explored the wisdom of the East I learned about the principle of non-resistance.  Eventually, I realized that non-resistance and submission were the same thing.

Whenever I think about this idea I am reminded of the well known refrain from the Star Trek series "resistance is futile".  In this case it referred to the power of the Borg, but I sensed that it had a more universal meaning.  Historically Power has always tried to convince people that they should be submissive, yet there have always been those who have chosen not to.  Freedom, although understood in many different ways, has always been a force in human evolution and has always eventually met the resistance of domination.  The benefits of violent revolution if any are short lived.  A popular view holds that our evil nature dooms us (until ?).

For me, and I expect for many others, the notion of competition never felt right, yet the culture I lived in embraced this idea in every way. What was I not getting? The cultural revolution of the 60's and 70's expressed another view - cooperation and caring as an expression of Love. Communal living became widespread and some people began to recognize that we are all connected. It could be said that seeds were planted then that are now bearing fruit. Literally millions of voices are proclaiming an unprecedented shift in human consciousness. What does this mean?

The Emperor's New Clothes is a favorite metaphor that describes the illusion that most people describe as "reality".  We are taught that the world is a certain way and accept what we are told because everyone says so despite the fact that most people have some experience that doesn't correspond to the accepted view.  We may ignore the experience and continue to go along with the "teaching".  Others may express the inner conflict with "unacceptable" behavior resulting in being labeled a misfit, most often a criminal or crazy. I believe depression is most often the consequence of the conflict between "the story" we are taught and the inner truth we feel but are unable to express.  In the story everyone pretends to see the invisible clothes until a child says, "the king is naked".  Perhaps the "flower children" were like the child in the story as they proclaimed the futility of materialism and war, and reminded us of the tyranny of big government and corporations.

As humans everywhere begin to comprehend the truth that has always been understood by a few the phrase "resistance is futile" makes sense, for it is the resistance to the truth that enslaves us and in effect is useless. It is useless because as we reject the truth of our true nature and the nature of the universe we are unable to experience the peace, joy and fulfillment that comes from this recognition.  Awakened, conscious or enlightened all refer to the realization that all life is connected to and the expression of the Universal Consciousness and is sacred.  The world we have created is the result of a story we've been told.  It is a false story because it denies our true nature of Love that is even expressed in the Bible by the statements of being created in God's image and "God is Love".

With this understanding we may begin to experience "the flow".  It is the feeling that comes from knowing that you are right where you need to be and it's all good. This is non-resistance.  There will always be challenges but this is the way we learn, and as we do unimaginable experiences begin to "happen".  Don't take my word for it.  Give up. "Won't you join us?"  Resistance is futile! 

Go with the flow!  May the Force be with You!

Waiting

I am waiting, yet experience continues.  If I am present I am able to see the beauty in-spite of the constant reminders that humanity is struggling, as I am, to understand its place in the universe.  I am on a journey.  Today, I am here surrounded by newly planted rice fields that create a sea of green.  Traffic is constantly going by as I am at a busy intersection with highway 99 north of Sacramento. I did not intentionally choose this spot to spend 5 days.  The vehicle I was driving chose this spot by surrendering the bearing for the main idler-pulley without which the vehicle can no longer operate.  This occurred at about 5pm on a Friday as most businesses were closing for the weekend that may have been able to provide the part I needed.  I called my friend 75 miles north of me where I was ultimately headed.  I informed of my situation after which he made inquires.  His results were the same as mine - nothing would happen until Monday. Thus began a 3 night stay.  Fortunately, I had all I needed to live comfortably. My friend volunteered to get the part and bring it to me which I thought would be the plan.  

However, I would soon learn that the solution to my situation would be simpler than I had imagined and I already thought that was good fortune since it could have been much more precarious.  After it cooled a bit Saturday evening I took a bike ride only to discover a Catapillar parts and service shop (the type of engine I have) a mile from where I was parked. Wow! I said to myself, the Universe (say God if you like) provides.  The realization of this understanding is an unfolding process since we must reprogram ourselves from beliefs that we are in control.  This is often not an easy process having been brought up on the importance of self-reliance and similar notions.  These ideas regulate our behavior at a sub-conscious level meaning we must learn to operate more from a state of consciousness.  It has been said that perhaps 95% of the daily activity is performed at the sub-conscious or unconscious level.  From my own experience I do not find this difficult to believe.

It is these experiences that confirm for me the truths that so many now seem to be embracing; that as a species humanity is at a most significant juncture in its long evolutionary process.  It is as amazing as the metamorphosis of the caterpillar into the butterfly.  The analogy is so apt (I didn't think of it) since the environmental destructiveness that caterpillars can inflict is not unlike the human activities which likewise can be devastating though on a far larger scale.  But we are nearly full.  Having consumed voraciously we are about to fly. For the caterpillar we might say it is instinct which determines when it attaches itself to a branch and and creates the chrysalis.  While there have throughout history been beautiful beings who have shown us the way, it is only now that it is happening on a massive scale.  Many point to the role of technology in the worldwide connections being made, and while this is significant it is more than this.  The Internet only reflects the interest of those who use it. It is possible to use the Internet a great deal and be unaware that dramatic change is taking place in the world.  People are becoming aware by the millions.  The idea in  Ghandi's famous quote, "be the change you wish to see in the world" is transforming our basic beliefs.  We are realizing the power of consciousness and connection.  Even mainstream science is on the verge of recognizing these principles. The world is changing.

Though I didn't realize at the time I took the photo, my salvation was in the distance.  I believe it may be true that the solution to every problem is only a matter of "seeing" it.

The Denial Of Love

It is my belief that The United States has come to the point in its history when the denial of certain fundamental truths is manifesting itself in the form of suffering throughout the world.  The cause of the suffering did not begin with the founding of this country.  It could be argued that the seeds of our current dilemma were sewn more than two millennium ago when the matriarchal foundations of civilization were gradually subsumed by authoritarian patriarchal societies.  Nevertheless the journey of humanity, just as it is for every soul who walks upon the earth," is what it is".  The key to understanding is to learn.  Ironically, while science has acquired vast knowledge of the physical universe in which we live it has failed to understand the true nature of man -- until now.  Historically science has accepted that its methods could only apply to that which can be observed and the human spirit was not in that category, which was the domain of religion.  However the religion of western civilization, the so-called Judaeo Christian tradition, had become an authoritarian patriarchal institution itself and was primarily motivated by the desire for power rather than the spiritual evolution of the individual.  As nation-states expanded their domain through conquest and colonization with the support and collaboration of the church, the spiritual nature of human evolution was manipulated by religious dogma to support the top down monarchical system.  The world today is the consequence of this journey.   

It has become clear to me that all the problems we face as a global community stem from the denial of our true nature of Love. This fact is increasingly being realized though there have always been those (such as indigenous people) who have had this understanding.  Today the center of global domination is the U.S., and so it is we in particular who must awaken to the truths of which I and many others speak.  To the extent that we do not respond to the crisis at hand  suffering will increase. Many scenarios portray this hopeless vision yet the choice is ours. Do we choose Love or fear?  A simple question to which most people would respond by agreeing that it would be better if we acted from Love, yet don't believe it can be that way.  "There is too much evil in the world", they might say.  We have created a society based on fear.  We have been "programmed" in countless subtle and sometimes not so subtle ways to behave.  To not behave (out of fear of the consequences) in ways that are deemed acceptable is to invoke the wrath of the "Empire".  

By now if you have read my previous blogs you may be saying that I am repeating myself.  Perhaps I do have a one-track mind since wherever I start I seem to end up at the same place:

     Love is the answer

     Be the Change

     Peace is the Way

The better world we seek will come about as a result of each of us becoming aware that we are the answer.  The truth is that we are by nature beings of Love. Studies now show this and a most compelling movie "I Am" makes this very clear.  As we begin to express our true nature as caring and compassionate beings with those with whom we are around each day the energy of Love will grow.  As I have said before this is not easy because so much of what we believe is based on fear, but we must do it and we can. Whatever ones circumstances it is possible to transform a situation of despair, hopelessness, suffering or anger with the power of Love.  Each day commit yourself to listening to your Heart for this is the source of Love and embrace the attitude of gratitude.  The more I practice these principles the more natural it becomes and the experience of peace and joy grows in proportion.  Discover your truth.  There is nothing more important!

Live Simply

Live simply, that others may simply live.  When I first saw this injunction I realized that it embodied the basic truth that everything is connected.  This understanding can be a powerful force for bringing about change both inwardly and outwardly as well as locally and globally.  Personally it motivates me to thoughtfully consider my choices with respect to the impact on others and indeed our Mother the earth.  This is not easy since most people reading this will have evolved in a culture that they were told was God's gift to mankind, to do with what they wanted.  Even though we now know in our hearts this is wrong, nevertheless  the process towards equality, freedom and justice, ideals we have always held to be valid, is not easy.  Again, the difficulty is not related to governments or corporations changing their ways.  It is the challenge of awakening millions of people from their slumber.  

As I've mentioned before I am greatly encouraged by changes taking place already.  There is a greater awareness by many especially younger people of the importance of cooperation instead of competing for ones self-interest.  More people understand the concept of ecosystem and the connectedness of all life on the planet particularly within the environmental/conservation movement. Sustainability has become a word used more and more frequently in every context most significantly with regard to the question of life itself.  Yet the challenges of implementation are complex, mainly because it now involves over 7 billion humans who's lives are becoming more and more intertwined.

It is not logical to imagine that it would be better if we all lived off the "grid", but it is reasonable to imagine that our amazing technology if applied appropriately  can be helpful. It is also reasonable to imagine that we can become more conscious of our "carbon footprint" and make changes to our habitual patterns.  As an example:  When I was young everyone had a clothesline and they  used it.  Today they are seldom seen in many neighborhoods.  Dryers consume lots of energy whether gas or electric.  Granted that dryers are convenient but hanging clothes to dry does not reduce ones standard of living. It does involve a little more time but if our lives are so rushed that we can't do basic chores then probably there are bigger issues that need to be worked out. As you can see we once again have come to the place where the world we want depends on each of us changing to be in harmony with a world that is just and sustainable.  In Sanskrit the word "prama" refers to a dynamic balance that is seen readily in the natural world but is just as relevant at every level of human existence.

Reflection

I have noticed that for me reflection is integral to the process of awareness.  It is often said that experience is the "best" teacher.  I believe it might be said that it is the only teacher, but we do not learn from experience alone.  Clearly, there are many unhappy people who appear to make poor choices resulting in undesirable consequences repeatedly.  So it is not just experience, but also understanding.  If we understand then we learn.  For me, reflection is the process of transforming experience into understanding that leads to awareness or greater consciousness. To be fully conscious is to be in the Now.

Reflection is not dwelling on the past and passing judgement as to mistakes and success. These notions are created by the ego-self to deflect us - our true higher self - from the truth that we are all connected and Life in this form is the journey to that understanding.  Each day, each moment we are challenged to demonstrate - to express our understanding. As we grow we are drawn toward the light but are held captive by our attachments, and so it is said "attachment is suffering".  But the Force is our nature - the Force is Love - it is, in fact, our nature to love, care and cooperate with each other.  As we connect to our true self we recognize this truth, and if we reflect upon those experiences that have brought us "true" happiness we realize that it is when we acted from the unselfish concern of others. I say true happiness in contrast to the illusion of happiness that most people believe is happiness.  If it has anything to do with satisfying the needs of the ego-self it is not about love and therefore will never bring true happiness.  Indeed some would argue that the word happiness does not convey the right idea since it has been so misused.  Joy and peace are commonly used to express the feelings associated with loving actions.  The words are not important, it is our feelings that reveal our level of understanding - our consciousness.

Truth

"In accordance with fact or reality"

The confusion comes in defining reality.  Science decided it could do that although philosophy preceded science.  In fact science evolved as an offshoot of philosophy.  Finally, after a couple of thousand years thanks to the clever or very sick shenanigans of a small number of people,  a rapidly growing number of humans are realizing that what we've been led to believe is "reality" is not really quite right, especially the part that says we need a bunch of rich guys who think they are God's gift to humanity telling us what we need and don't need while they ruin the planet on which we depend for our lives.  Considering all the money that's been spent on space I suspect their plan is to take off in rocket ships and do the same thing somewhere else while those of us remaining get stuck with the mess.  Clearly this is a critical time.  The quicker we can stop the plunder and devastation the sooner the healing can begin.

This is just one example of the deception.  Yet we cannot ignore our responsibility for as it has been said "it takes two to Tango" and "you can't con an honest man".  In other words it is the story of idol worship.  When Moses came down from the mountain he was so angry because the people had turned to idol worship - "golden images" etc - that he broke the tablets in his fury.  There has always been those who realize that the ultimate truth is Life itself.  Most if not all indigenous cultures have this understanding and have survived thousands of year, maybe 40,000 or more they say for the Australian Aborigine,  while western culture in just a few hundred years has seriously mucked it up.  I believe the early Christians were for the most part idealistic maybe utopian.  But Rome had a better idea.  They figured out a way to co-opt the Christians and with a little slight of hand created a belief system that let you appear"holy" while allowing you to worship idols also.  This was the great deception upon which a multitude of lies ensued and Western Civilization evolved. If the debauchery got too crazy you could always say "the devil made you do it" which worked much of the time.  In fact, with a little gold placed in the right hands it almost always worked.

 There have always been prophets who attempted to reveal truth but the rulers knew the game since they created the rules.  For hundreds of years heretics were ostracized and if that didn't stop them burning usually did.  Eventually, burning gave way to more sophisticated ways of stifling descent.   But funny thing, just like in "terrorism" you kill one and a dozen more pop up to take his place.  And so it went until today.   Now, thanks to technology the Truth has become obvious, even to the unenlightened, that all Life is connected.  This is a fundamental understanding and seriously undermines what many believe about Reality.  It also requires us, as I've suggested before, to assess and reassess the choices we make each day and consider their consequences, both in terms of the physical impact on the planet and the human cost.  Millions of people just like you and me are needlessly suffering.  We must change.

This is what awakening is about, and higher consciousness, and enlightenment.  It is not an idea it's an action - as in the action of choosing.   That is what is meant by " be the change", for as we reprogram ourselves after thousands of years in bondage we will manifest the "heaven" that was prophesied.  There can be no coercion.  Each human must freely choose.  We may choose wisely or we may choose poorly.  The greatest challenge may be convincing people they have a choice.  Of course, this is what "they" don't want you to know.  Nevertheless, change is happening.  Throughout the world we are discovering the truth and making changes.  You won't hear it from mainstream media very often, but thanks to the Internet we know.  Today they are called pioneers because they break new ground almost everyday.  Each of us must manifest their highest "calling" for this is why we are here now.  We must think like a virus who infects all it contacts, but just like two thousand years ago its about the "good news".  The news? We're all One, brothers and sisters, and if we work together, cooperate, and truly practice the Golden Rule we will manifest heaven.  It is our destiny.  Let's do it now!

Cultivating Peace

I recently read a wonderful book entitled "Cultivating Peace" written by James O'Dea. He has been involved in many peace related and conflict resolution efforts throughout the world. What he discovered over the years was that in order to be effective as an agent of peace one must be "at peace" within - as within so it will be without. It is another way of saying, "be the change you wish to experience in the world".  In effect as we experience peace in our lives we become agents of peace. So the question must always be, are we at peace? If not, why not? As we examine the present moment - the Now - and ask this question we begin the process of self-evaluation. It is the essence of the admonition to "Know Thyself". Usually, the knowledge we must seek is related to that which we believe in the sense that our choices are a manifestation of our beliefs.

If I believe that I may only be at peace in a particular situation whether physical or situational then I will be unhappy if not in that place. On the other hand, if my peace does not depend on a particular expectation then it is possible to be at peace. Though this is only the beginning, it is an important understanding. Buddhism suggests three ideas that may be used in evaluating our emotions that in part create our reality: non-attachment, non-resistance, and non-judgement. This can actually be condensed to simply attachment since resistance and judgement are really just attachments to particular beliefs, hence "Attachment is Suffering". Then we must ask, what are we attached to and why? To the extent that we free ourselves from attachment we truly become "Free" which is an inherent aspect of our essence - the human spirit.

At this point many become discouraged because they imagine that only by renouncing "a worldly" existence, as some do, can peace be achieved, and therefore they resign themselves to an unhappy life because they do not feel compelled to become a nun or live in a cave. However, one could say that the ego has made this rationalization since it allows us to accept a reality that is filled with unnecessary pain and suffering. It is simply a belief that has been perpetuated for thousands of years and is what it is. Nevertheless, the truth of our "true self" has always been known and has been passed down through the generations by those who have come to understand their true nature. It is this truth with which we must concern ourselves because it is this truth that brings peace.

An important part of the process is healing, but healing can only take place after we acknowledge the pain. The acknowledgement is both personal and collective and involves truth and reconciliation. We must affirm the truth of who we are with the understanding of our uniqueness and our essential part in the grand scheme of the universe for we now know that "Everything is Connected". Peace is the fruit of Love. God is Love. We are God therefore it is simply our true nature to manifest Love. As we manifest Love we create peace and so it is said "Peace is the Way". Ultimately pain and suffering is an illusion created by the ego-self to obscure our true self. It is always the ego-self that is attached to the world and in a sense creates the reality in which we live. As we connect with our true self we begin the process of healing as we embrace forgiveness.

To have a world of peace we must know peace. To be at peace only requires that we manifest our true nature which is love and that is always done in the present moment. Love is always standing at the door and knocking and forgiveness is the action that opens the door. Whenever possible we must seek forgiveness of those we have injured by accepting the truth that Love is our true nature. Of course, if one believes that our nature is survival of the fittest then apologies are unnecessary and the infliction of much pain and suffering becomes inevitable. This is the world that most people accept because we have been unaware of Truth, and so to "know thyself" is to know truth - the truth of who we are - beams of light shinning in the darkness.

For millions it is the dawn and though yet dim must precede a growing light. We must fuel our fires (or crank up the voltage) by removing the obstacles of peace - resistance, judgement and attachment. We must question all beliefs and accept only that which the Heart, not the ego-mind, knows to be true; for it is in the heart that the true self resides. As we accept the truth of Love we will accept our connectedness to everyone and everything which frees us from judgment and resistance. As you focus now on this very moment you will realize how all that has preceded this moment has brought you to where you are now and in your heart you will know "it is all good". Causality implies purpose and creation is an act of consciousness. Through consciousness (the consciousness of our Love essence) we create peace. You could also say that when the egos' love of power is subdued by the Love within our heart we experience peace.

Be The Change!
Love is the answer, peace is the Way,
It is what it is and it's all good.
May the Force be with You!