Be Here Now

In the early 70's Ram Dass wrote a book, upon his return from India, called Be Here Now. As the title suggests he relates how understanding is only achieved through being in the present moment for that is the only reality that exists.
As one is able to achieve this he is able to see more clearly. Back in the day it was one of the books you would have if you were serious about the movement. Find someone who has it (if you don't) and borrow it.


Inevitably, as the veil is lifted, a multitude of questions arise as we strive to embrace the realization of our true self and reconcile it with the circumstances in which we find ourselves. It is never a question of past mistakes for each of us is exactly where he/she needs to be. The question is only what we do now and in the next minute. Is it an expression of love or something else? It's a simple idea, but after years of conditioning it does require effort. Many have addressed the issues that arise but I was particularly inspired by Eckhart Tolle's presentation in The Power of Now and sequel A New Earth. If you are not familiar with his work, it has been highly regarded by many and I assume its popularity reflects the fact that it resonates with those who have read these books. There are truly many wonderful and inspiring writings available today both on the Internet as well as in print, but if you don't have time to read the many then I would highly recommend these for getting up to speed fast.

Tolle draws on many sources to illustrate and explain the ideas he presents which are mostly not new ideas at all. He lovingly shares his own experience with despair and the powerful realization that eventually led him to writing so that others may benefit from his experience. He clearly explains how our egos are nurtured and the true self gets marginalized in the process. Once we see this we can begin to take control of our lives in a way that can bring the inner peace and joy and happiness that we all desire. Give it a shot. Maybe Now is the time!

May the Force Be with You

Fear not...

It could be argued that fear has become the primary motivating force for most people in this country - The Land of the Free.  It operates in big ways as in the fear of terrorism as well as subtly through advertising as in "you don't want to be seen without this" or "wouldn't you feel better (safer) living here" or  "wouldn't you sleep better knowing you're protected".
The drone is constant and people are constantly making choices based on these ideas - fictional scenarios based on someone's imagination in order to get us to make a particular choice from housing to clothing to elections.

But this is only the beginning. In school the youngest children are sometimes made to be fearful of doing something wrong, that is - what an authority says is wrong. In fact, submission to authority turns out to be one of the key elements in our educational system. It is constantly being challenged by some enlightened person or another but the beauty of a huge institution with an elaborate bureauracy is how slow it changes and how frequently the changes are totally opposite the best learning practices which is well understood by science.

So we become moulded into a submissive society and few notice except those who do and yell out, each in their own way, "Wake Up!" Many have described this condition in books, the Internet, and in films such as I Am, Thrive, Ethos, Zeitgeist, as well as Matrix, Avatar, Groundhog Day and others. Fortunately, due largely to the Internet the word is getting out and people are again beginning to question the reality we have created. This was the essence of the cultural evolution of the 60's and 70's, and though the power of our political/economic system prevailed over the forces of general awakening the vital groundwork for the present was established.  Now is the time.

As one awakes from the American Dream suddenly all things are possible such as a world without war. Profoundly George Carlin answers the question "why do they call it the American dream ?", "Because you have to be asleep to believe it." As awake individuals we can realize that fear is created in the mind since it is always one and usually many people telling a particular story over and over. To fear or not to fear that is the question. It is a choice. Shall we love our neighbor or kill him/her. Do we worry about what others think of us or just live a life of love and caring, held up as an ideal but not pursued since it would not permit the injustice inflicted on this planet in every way. Instead we allow ourselves to be persuaded that humans are sinful by nature and only after death (if you are "good") will you find a world where Love is the answer. What a crock of crap! Even the bible says we are created in the image of God and that means Love, and Jesus said anyone could be as he is and do what he does. I guess this is the part we are not supposed to believe - at least literally.

As awake and ultimately enlightened humans we are creating a new vision which each day is increasing geometrically. We are connecting through networks and in community. It is all about thinking globally and acting locally. Every action we make locally now has a global impact from the food we eat to the clothes we buy and the energy we consume. This is the downside of waking and the basis for "ignorance is bliss". To be awake means to be responsible for the entity we call ourself. If its true that our nature is to cooperate and care rather than competing and conquering then the path is clear and a "peace and love" world is the only Way. This is what I'm saying. "Imagine" - a world with no borders? Etc., etc., etc. Be the Change, this is the challenge for each of us, and believe me it is a challenge, but it's nothing we can't do. In fact it has been done (go here) and is being done now. Of course these models don't correspond to the American Dream and so are not even discussed In the "main stream". Fear not, for I bring you good tidings. The age old dream of heaven on earth is alive and well and is becoming - "on earth as it is in heaven".

see here

Know Thyself

Know thyself is a maxim that dates back thousands of years. It is said to be on the Luxor Temple in Egypt which was begun around 1500 BCE. It is more often associated with the Delphi Temple in Greece.

Awakening

A term frequently used in describing the process of change is awaken. It refers to the idea that most of us have not been truly aware of how the world works as well as how we as individuals function. Now, however, that is rapidly changing as a multitude of voices are spreading the word as I am doing in this blog.
Much has been written throughout history about not being fully aware. The bible frequently makes reference to veiled eyes or being blinded by the "darkness". Even further back the Vedic writings speak of maya and the illusory nature of reality. These references apply to both the "inner" and "outer" human experience.

With regard to the outer world of government, institutions and economics etc., there has always been individuals who understood their true nature and sought to enlighten others but in times when the ability to communicate was limited the impact was small. Jesus would be one of the few who it would appear gained a large enough following that it threatened the existing elite, so he was executed as one would expect. The followers were so tenacious that it required the elite to co-opt the movement in order to control it. The Roman Catholic Church that was created skillfully modified the message to not threaten the power structure, and dealt harshly with anyone who would question it. For over a thousand years the church executed and banished thousands of "heretics" and that doesn't include the Crusades which, of course, was simply a cleverly disguised quest for power and control over more people not unlike the "war on terrorism" today.

Now, instant worldwide communication has changed the dynamic. It is no coincidence that this is happening in a time when the need for change is more critical than it has ever been in history. The devastation of the planet brought about by human greed and ignorance has reached epic proportions and truly threatens life for billions of humans not to mention all other forms of life upon which we depend. Of course the threat of a nuclear holocaust is still alive and well. However, people are recognizing these threats on a scale that has never before been possible. How we respond is the great challenge we are faced with.

To begin with...

Birth 2012, an event inspired by the Mayan calendar to celebrate the unfolding of a new world - a world of peace and love, has motivated me to accept a greater commitment to the movement.  It has become my belief that the process of change begins with embracing the vision that a better world is not only possible but necessary to the survival of life as we know it.

As it is for all of us, my journey is one of self discovery and as the excitement builds around the evolutionary revolution I finally no longer feel like the "stranger in a strange land".  Each day I discover that my passion to create a different world is now shared by millions of others -  the realization of which has been brought about by the miracle of modern technology.

It seems to me that there are two critical steps to begin. The first is to believe in the vision of a world based on peace and love. This is not a new idea. It has been spoken of and even prophesied from the earliest times in human history, but the dark side has prevailed until now in perpetuating the myth of the sinful nature of man. At last we arrive at a time when the truth is becoming known - that we are Divine beings with the power to transform our reality and that we are all connected.  The second step necessary to realize the new world is the inner transformation - to "be the change you want to see in the world".  As we embrace an attitude of caring and compassion and the awareness of our connection to each other the choices we make begin to change.  Evidence of the positive energy shift is everywhere once the veil is lifted and we see.

In the days ahead I will share my journey of discovery including the challenges I face with the hope that it may provide encouragement for others. There is no doubt that humanity is "one" not only by virtue of our biological nature but more significantly by the very essence of our being. It is this understanding now supported undeniably by scientific research that will propel us forward. Already people everywhere are manifesting this greater awareness, yet if your picture of the world comes from the mainstream media you may not notice any change at all. It is through the countless efforts of millions of people that we will come together in peace and love in spite of those ( who are really few in number) who will stubbornly hold on to the myths of ancient times. It is what it is and it is all good.

May the Force be with you,

Norman

Links:  http://www.peacefulsocieties.org/