INSPIRED AWAKENINGS

Well...! I think I have created my first blog! And hopefully you will find it not only interesting but INSPIRING.

I deeply feel there are many serious questions that are not being asked in the media, the churches, and even by "bloggers" and sites about personal development regarding the need for change in the world today. It is my hope that this site will inspire the courage to ask deep questions about how "personal development", the acquisition of "riches", needed "change" in the world, ties in with sustaining and adding beauty and harmony to the world, and why such attitudes are necessary in these times. It is my hope that women, artists, spiritual journeyors, and social activists will be the predominant guests and commentaries on this blog, and that men, including myself, will listen more than speak. I deeply feel it will be women who first to bring about the changes and creations needed in this world at this time.

So... before I state any of my thoughts. How about you considering for a moment...What are the difficulties the world faces today? How can any of those difficulties be faced with inspiration/courage/ and faith? What does that look like to you? Take a look at my first image, what does it say to you?

Now, I will note my own inspirations and concerns. Please note that I will give a few resource references. I ask that you consider doing the same: books, poems, images, websites, humour, groups...that are honest and show promise for creating more beautiful world. At the end of this blog I will note my particular vision for myself and the world. I invite you to write out yours, and how my vision and the visions of others might intertwine in joyful beautiful ways, and how we might together facilatate that process.

INSPIRATIONS AND CONCERNS:

In the past 75 years the world has seen the most tremendous influx of spiritual and creative possibilities. Gospels once hidden or attempted to be undisclosed have been found: ie. the Gospels of Thomas (though the Dead Sea Scrolls have yet to be available to the public). Possibilities for deeper spiritual understandings of Christian teachings have been made through clarifications in the Aramaic, and understandings around the development and transformations of the Bible have opened: ie. the Aramaic translations of George Lucas and others, and scholarly research in the development of the Bible: ie, Beyond Belief by Elaine Pagels.Indigenous teachings have been opened to the populace at large: the teachings of Sun Bear and others. The usefulness of other religious and spiritual modalities has been explored in the west: ie. the Buddhist "mindfulness" practices of Thich Nat Hahn; the practical wisdoms of Shamballa. Wisdoms through the emotions are being examined: Healing through the dark emotions by Miriam Greenspan. Reclaiming the earth traditions are being recalled and their significance revealed: The Twelve Wild Swans by Starhawk. There are many deep secular approaches to spirituality: from the works of Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now, to Julia Cameron's The Artist Way. There is extensive research regarding both new scientific methods and ancient means toward leading a fulfilling life of contribution: A Passion for the Possible by Jean Houston. As well.... spiritual communities are being developed that recognize that understanding and appreciation of seeming differences can lead to greater spiritual growth and contribution: from Interfaith Alliance, to Unitarian like churches, to Belief.net.

WHY HAS THERE BEEN A BURGENING OF SPIRITUAL POSSIBILITY?

hy? Why has this been happening? My own answer is that the world is now at a choice point. The history of our world has both taken us to a place where we have the capacity to embrace and use spiritual teachings at a higher creative level; AND this history has also brought humanity to a point where we must access the damage and danger we have caused to the planet. Note some of the major causes and reasons for concern for world difficulties: the Weather Makers by Tim Flannery; or note how governmental and economic systems have gone awry: The End of America: a letter to a young patriot by Naomi Wolf , and Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins; note what must be considered as we recognize that we are entering the greater universe and that others covet our planet and why (Allies of Humanity and Greater Community Spirituality by Marshall v. Summers). In other words, perhaps it is time to consider that humanity is at a choice point where we take either the low road (the one we have already travelled and where we have damaged the earth and its people extensively AND now have the capacity for irreparable harm to the planet) or we can take the high road (the road that honestly accesses where we are at presently and why, and open ourselves to deeper more loving options, old and new, that are now available worldwide and offer guidance and inspiration. It might be worthwhile to consider that the movents towards solution of world difficulties are the very avenues by which we can "Realize" a greater life. The consideration for how each of us plays a part in resolving world crisis is now a necessity in light of ...worldwide corporate and governmental movements toward fascism, global warming, environmental destruction, major economic difficulties, disease pandemics, and whewww.... yes even the possibility/probability of intervention into our world by forces not exactly benevolent (read why in Allies of Humanity).

Consider that the world we live in has two essential spiritual/religious thought systems. One is based upon reality, and one is based upon fear and its projections. The first thought system, most often buried within religious "beliefs", is that there is an inherent spiritual intelligence within us. When there is recognition, and the following of that inherent spiritual intelligence, we can "co" create with it to a degree such that we extend God's love, beauty, compassion and harmony into the world.

The second thought system which has been predominant in the world is the idea that humankind is "separate" from its creative source. This idea of "separation" can be recognized within the various beliefs of many religions, as well by an the anthropomorphic view of God. This "separated" idea and manner of living may be conscious or not; but the result is a way of life dominated by Fear. Fears in turn causes humanity to strive to "Get" something outside of themselves for relief and absolution of the stress of fear. The "Getting" process this process results in various systems of competition, the attempt at domination, and distortions of reality.

The burgeoning of spiritual information and a new spiritual message in the world point out the various avenues by which people and society can recognize and utilize their inherent inclusion with creation. Through the use of inherent spiritual "Knowledge" in resolving issues and delimmas of this world, individuals, and humanity as a whole, can restore the "EXPERIENCE" of its oneness with each other, the Creator, and all of creation. The process of moving into this experience involves first meeting the primary NEEDS of the individual as directed by inherent spiritual "Knowing" (this initial stage is often referred to as "intuition"). These personal NEEDS regard four foundations for human life:health, relationship, providership, and spiritual practice. As the individual learns to be with creative substance in the satisfaction of these needs, they are drawn to and through various portals to recognize that ones life is all embracing and is about creating harmony with nature, the universe, and all life. In this we are not "puppets" to this inner spiritual intelligence but are given the means to create and enjoy our creations in terms of the inherent directions of harmony, beauty, love, truth and goodness. The process of "Creating the Good Life" then is not narcissistic

but naturally involves looking at and rectifying where we there has been error, individually and collectively, and then honoring what should first be honored, the wisdom of spiritual intelligence within. Thereby even error, great difficulty, becomes the means towards "reclaiming" the essential experience of the creator within.

So what's the problem? As I see it, the problem is that many have not come to be aware of the difference between the two systems, or if recognized have not come to the point of valuing themselves and all life enough to find a "Practice" whereby they are "With" this inherent intelligent life substance and creating through it not merely for themselves but for all life. Then there is the difficulty of having the willingness and courage to look at one's own errors, the errors of the world, and move in a wise and productive manner. Many are still unwilling to consider these directions. BUT...MANY ARE!!! And those that are have the OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE INSPIRED AWAKENINGS for those that are still dragging their feet, and are in denial of the significance of the difficulties at hand.

A HELPFUL FRAMING OF DIFFULTIES

"My Errors Give Birth to My Knowlege" "It is pointless to justify error, but error can bringyou to value truth, and in this can lead to true Knowledge. This is its onlly possible value. We do not condone error, but if error occurs, we wish to make it serve your truest need so that you may learn from it and repeat it no more. It is not merely for you to forge your errors, for you cannot do that. It is not merely for you to justify your errors as pure service to y0ou, for they have indeed been painful. The pain and tribulation of error must be accepted, for this will teach you what is real and what is not, what to value and what not to value" quote from Steps to Knowledge practice step 26 by Marshall v. Summers.

The consideration of the above first concerns ourselves. However, as this lesson is practiced, one comes to recognize where our actions or lack of actions, have tacitly or consciously aided various directions destructive to both the natural directions of the "real world" (environment and such, or governmental/social systems that enhance or lay obstruction to freedom-socially/intellectually, even genetically) and the recognition and practice of the inherent creative substance/Knowledge. Thereby, the resolution of error gives recognition to the nature of interdependence within ourselves, and within the life of the world and universe.

"It takes great learning to understand that all things, events, encounters and circumstances are helpful" Course in Miracles.

"When any situation arise which tempts you to become disturbed, say There is another way of looking at this." Course in Miracles

" I will stop complaining about the world" "Complaining about the world means that it is not meeting your idealism. Complaining about the world means that you do not recognize that you have come here to work (create). Complaining about the world does not help you understand its predicaments. Complaining about the world means you do not understan d the world as it is. Your complaints indicate that some expectation has been disappointed. These disappointments are necessary for you to begin to understand the world as it is and to understand yourself as you truly are." Steps to Knowledge Practice Step 66. by Marshall v. Summers.

In brief, every percieved difficulty and error has a silver lining. This is my take on life and the world situation at hand. For a more in depth look at the this matter, there is a new spiritual teaching in the world [ see newmessage dot org] that is about the nature our times and the great need for recognizing one's inner knowings, building spiritual community, and the need for contribution. Whether you accept the "messages" as an "authentic new revelation" that can enhance all religious and spiritual endeavors does not nescessarily matter, as the outlook and perspective submitted can be found to be true, accurate, and have the potential for love and community. Consider first perhaps, the messages regarding love, faith, and the great waves of change.

My own artistic "Inspired Awakenings" is about taking an honest look at both the beauty and difficulties of the world and finding creative inspiration through the questions they engender.

Well, there I've said it.

NOW FOR SOME IMAGES THAT MIGHT SPARK

INSPIRED AWAKENINGS

Photo#2 Where is the mother, is she not seen, will we take sufficient care of her, sustain her, that our children are cared for in return?

Photo#3 Rhythms of the earth and life, is my life and actions in harmony with them?

Photo Image # 4 Will our endeavors create a delightful world for our present children and the children of the future?

Photo Image #5 Will we begin to recognize where our manner of living has caused loss, an embalance in the fabric of nature and within our own lives?

Photo Image #6 Will we recognize that grief plays a part in the recognition of our ability to be compassionate and move toward a greater beauty and harmony?

Photo Image #7 Will we recognize that this matter is not about a particular species, the spotted owl or the wolf; but that it is about the interdependent nature of all life?

Photo Image #8 Will we begin to recognize that life has deeper communications, and that the roads and pathways to those communications are now open for us to explore, enjoy, and create in the most wondrous of ways?

Photo Image #9 Will we recognize that nature itself can offer communications that go far beyond our libraries, if we will but be still and be present WITH its life.

Photo Image #10 Will it be recognized that the arts play a delightful role in this journey? The visual arts make the mental image clear of possibilities that can be created. Music stirs the heart and spirit to move forward. Dance embodies the life of the desired within the body. Literature clarifies again, asks the pertinent questions, and makes the journey

MY VISION:

My own vision is that I have the finances to create abundant "comparative" images like what you have seen. That I have the finances, contacts, networks, to sell these images in a manner that helps the environment in an abundant manner (think hundreds of thousands to billions). That I collaborate with numerous people in a joyful way such that we create a world movement that exhibits freedom FROM tyranny of any kind be it corporate/government/religious or extraterrestrial and one that more than ever before exhibits a freedom FOR contribution of sustainable beauty, harmony, justice and fairness... for not merely ourselves but everyone and mother earth itself. This vision I embody and move toward each moment, and soon I will be joined by the numbers of others necessary for it to ring true on a worldwide basis.

YOUR COMMENTS/RESOURCES/ AND THOUGHTS ON HOW TO

CREATE THIS VISION AND...
TRAVERSE THESE TIMES WITH APLOMB AND INSPIRATION

HOW WILL WE TOGETHER CREATE INSPIRED AWAKENINGS?