Yesterday is now a dream and tomorrow but a vision, but today's moment well lived,
can make the past a path to fulfillment in the present.

It would seem reality as we think of it is as a dreamlike apparition
of "The Oneness of All" - The only true reality.

Goodness & Happiness naturally follow & flow outward
when in the "Higher Self." ~ bk

The hard times keep us a-growing while
the good times keep us a-going.

-bk

  I know I'm not what I ought to be,
               but I know I want to be.
- And I know that I am trying to be,
               and better than I used to be
    - And that someday ... I will be.

By emptying one's self each moment can be fully appreciated and transcendent qualities
realized to achieve a mindful elevated awareness and "lightness of being." Exemplified in the Japanese tea
ceremony as focused on the present and one, yet deeply aware of the sublime and timeless quality
and integrity of the whole.

Aspire, set your goals as high and wide as conceivable.
Look to your heart and higher nature for guidance and inspiration.

Being in one's higher-self naturally manifests serenity, sweetness of life and bliss ...
And creatively enhanced through happiness without reason.

"Without spirituality science is lame, and without science spirituality is blind".
Einstein

I consider myself neither an agnostic nor pantheist, for I'm only inclusive of reasonable
intuitive viewpoints of compassionate affinity as possibilities to continue to expand harmonious
personal and universal growth. - bk

The higher one rises in the "greater self" the less affected one is by worldly affairs & hardships.

Time & time again I am reminded one can only find true happiness & enduring fulfillment when "within the higher-self" ... while wondering what lesser impulses, cravings or distractions could have ever justified "leaving."

It would seem experience & time are required to remind us of the infinite worth & wondrous beauty fully awakened upon deciding to dwell within our true "home."

Life's foremost purpose is to teach ... to acquire wisdom, compassion & learn harmonious living ... all else is of lesser importance ... events observed & experienced reminders & guides.

A great barrier has been breached when one realizes their lower or limiting self is their most resistant adversary. Thereafter the way can be cleared and progress greatly increased.

That within the heart & which manifests outward there-from ... the qualities of kindness are of far greater value, influence & of enduring character than all other endeavors in life ... remembered & treasured above & beyond all else.

On every level all things to a degree are "alive" & in a sense possess individuality even though appearing as a whole singular. Each component or "individual" part needing continual recognition, appreciation & love for its optimal well being. It would be wise to appreciate how steadfast & wondrously one's body works together & its potential in part & whole given a multi-leveled intimate & loving relationship.

Life & Sexuality: "An angel on the bedpost or a demon in the mind ... ?"

There seems to be a great deal of attention given to sexuality especially if of a deviant nature. This is not surprising given its instinctually driven nature and the marketing opportunities present in modern societies. The logical mind finds such impulses puzzling, illogical and even humorous. The acculturated and cynical mind: often immoral, "dirty" with shades of regret/guilt etc. The heart, though fun loving ... gently conveys moderation while moving forward to ever greater compassion and refinement.

Essentially all one needs to face, resolve or rise above the travails of life & fulfill its greater purpose can be found within the "higher-self ... or heart". Drawing directly with purification of motive distills from the impurities of acculturation & ego "essence" integrating dignity & humility while lending clarity & insight to the mysteries of life.

Whether referred to as the Christ or Buddha within the "greater or higher-self" it is neither dependent or exclusive of such entities or faiths ... it's higher realms accessible to all seeking wisdom, purification of motive and goodness for its own sake.

Attachment is the fabric of illusion.

For one to acquire the right-mind to make appreciable progress it is first necessary to contemplate and understand on a deep encompassing level the value and elevating influence one's greater-self can have not only one's own well-being but all life.

To achieve a fair degree of consistency or ability to "stay in" this "greater self" it is important to realize one is not responsible for what seem the injustices of the world, only for one's responses ... favoring that which furthers harmonious relationships amongst all things.

Although ones worldly goals and aspirations may be of a high order it's important not to allow frustration or what seems the inability to manifest them to deprive one of the personal serenity of the moment - To let go or rest when weary or encountering the heaviness of what seems insurmountable. For the reasons for such deprivations may be to instill the liberation and elevated perception realized when first acquiring appropriate order and priority. Bearing in mind the greater the personal transcendence (in the moment) the greater the ability to evoke positive change on multiple levels both externally and internally leading to ever greater awareness and fulfillment.

Might it not be possible if God does indeed exist we often unknowingly see or portray "him" as ourselves ... too small? Can we presume to be able pass on such a comprehensive nature through mere words let alone understand? Would there not be a finer more inclusive sense capable of reaching beyond our mental limits and human vulnerabilities?

Regardless, with due respect for all the possibilities what would seem most crucial is not the belief in or existence of God but the belief in good - Not the promise of heaven but its manifestation - Not the securance of salvation but the greater good.

Could it be rather than our higher-natures being reflective of God, are a reflection of our higher-natures?

Knowledge can be limited and prideful, often acquiring much but learning little of real worth. Whereas "the timeless stone of wisdom" is comprehensive yet humble, acquiring little but learning much of enduring value.

Why are we here?
Essentially we came into this world with its full range of choices and examples as observers and experiencers to internalize and carry forward that which is of real value.

It's better not to choose as an objective a particular, but a general value as guidance, such as the cultivation of wisdom, thereby remaining open to all opportunities for optimal growth.

Regarding local and world-wide intolerances:

It would seem, regardless of religious or philosophical affiliations, anyone cultivating purification of motive and the resulting unifying qualities, i.e. all-inclusiveness, compassion etc., would be in alignment with the divine, including the agnostic or atheist. " For there are many rooms in my mansion ".

Many are the self-limiting insecurities and distractions both cynical, righteous and otherwise on the path to the sacred. The simplest, most direct & self-purifying: To base ones motives on that which brings about the greatest sustainable harmony amongst all things without further expectation of reward.

Presently it may be essence, purification & illumination are better distilled & cultivated by disregarding the chaos of the religions, etc., of the world ... looking only to higher-self with purification of motive without expectation.

It could be that "God" on this plane or world is largely irrelevant and impersonal regarding injustice and learning important lessons of real value the bottom line.

Perhaps the universe ebbs and flows maintaining equilibrium while all are presented with
creative opportunities for greater harmonious refinement.

It would seem once a lesson is learned karmic debt need no longer apply.

Always look to the higher-self in times of difficulty. To minimize suffering to self & others when initially feeling frustration, anger or despair or otherwise overwhelmed immediately return to the wisdom & serenity of the higher-self for alternatives, understanding or acceptance in order to avoid greater hardship.

All the principle religions & many other perspectives include those having striven for essence who have achieved great wisdom & insight through heart centered purification of motive.

Most are consoled in life by the adoption of religions and/or the gratification derived from worldly achievements. Though such endeavors may have considerable merit it is the boundless "higher-self" rising above the worldly fog unhindered by acculturation which gains the higher ground & greater perspective.

Blessings - bk

Consolation for the weary:

When looking ahead the road forward seems so long and
unknown, yet when looking back you've come so far and learned so much.
As the greater meaning of this unfolds bear in mind the possibility at any
time a cumulative threshold or decisive insight could be reached in which
that called enlightenment or heaven is realized and thereby liberation achieved.

Therefore be comforted and at peace.

From the Harbors of Light Collection: Inspirational writings, thoughts for the day, literature,
poetry and prose from Brad Kalita, founder of Gathering Light ... a retreat.

Forward ~ Devastating Perfection

Copyright

Back ~ Morning's Light.

Music ~ Growing ~ by Brad Kalita, author, composer
and founder of Gathering Light Retreat.

Spirited Visionary Dreamscapes ~ Devastating Perfection ~ Lighter Shade of Blue.