Chapter 14: Accessing The Unknown—Living Life On A Wider Frequency Of Being-corrected

Chapter 14: Accessing The Unknown—Living Life On A Wider Frequency Of Being—Or, How The Word Became Flesh, And Dwelt Among And Within Us.

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” —attributed to Albert Einstein

      Part One:  Generally, the following chapters deal with spiritual healing in many forms, and humanity’s use of words and its neurolinguistic capacity.

     We all have access to infinity, and to each other, on levels that the conscious mind does not fully understand. The truth about each individual human life, and the collection that is called humanity, is that the sum total of all life influences each other directly and dramatically. Each moment of each day, our collective consciousness rains down upon us (or erupts within us) a wealth of information, and reaches our minds and hearts. We receive this information through the training, education, parental upbringing, media and news, the overall witnessing of life, our dreams and personal insights, as well as through some less obvious and poorly known and misunderstood means.  But there are those spiritual birds who fly in rarified air who have the powerful insight, and experience of, not only seeing the collective for what it is, but also seeing themselves as it.  To be able to experience, and then say, I AM THAT, opens up doors to perceptions far beyond what the minister at the local church, the favorite teacher at the University, or the beloved grandparent could ever teach or reveal.

Artist’s Conception Of Life Energy Field

Each of us is both a receiver, and transmitter, of information. We tend to believe that the information that we are passing is exchanged solely through our words, and our body language, yet there is another level as well, a level that remains poorly understood, ignored, or even denied..We all have access to Spirit, with its extra sensory perception, yet we risk ridicule from many sources, including those scientifically inclined, or religiously indoctrinated, should we ever experience its mystery and claim it for ourselves. Each of us has a life energy field, which has not yet been detected by science, but certainly has been detected by the sensitive beings within the shamanic tradition, as well as within the mystics of the human race over the aeons of the existence of life. This life energy field, or in Rupert Sheldrake’s terms, the morphic field, is the field that we not only radiate, but that we are immersed in from the collective, interacting fields of nearly eight billion other human beings now living, as well as all humans and precedent life that has ever lived.

     The scientific mind often points towards empirical evidence and rational thought first and foremost, leading many to only trust what can be quantified or verified. However, this dimension of existence that defies the confines of the observable world beckons—the realm of spiritual seeing. In navigating both the seen and unseen aspects of our reality, the world opens up in remarkable ways when we perceive beyond the surface.  We were created to appreciate this vision, with its capacity to see on much wider frequencies of being,

     Consider for a moment a work of art. At first glance, we see colors, forms, and lines—a literal representation of reality depicted on canvas. And, consider the same for a poem.  It  appears as a sealed packet of words, perhaps rhythmic in nature, or free flowing prose.. Yet, for art and for poetry,  as we delve deeper, a story unfolds, emotions rise, and truths, which no words could fully encapsulate, resonate with our very being. This is the essence of seeing truly—recognizing beneath the physical exteriors to the myriad of messages, and frequencies of existence waiting to be uncovered.

     To be a spiritual seer is to nurture one’s intuition, to hone an inner awareness that listens to the subtle frequencies of life. It calls for an attunement to that which is not always tangible or visible yet informs us through whispers in our psyche. Engaging with this spiritual dimension can enlighten our experience of the world, offering insights that pierce through the veils of mundane existence.  We can see every encounter and every event as laden with symbolism and rich with hidden threads seamlessly woven into the tapestry of our life. Such a perspective enhances our appreciation for the beauty and diversity surrounding us, fostering a deep understanding of interconnectedness and the feeling of an intimate relationship with the cosmos.

     We can inhabit a world replete with depth and symbolism. While spiritual insights are innately personal, they frequently echo universal experiences and hold an enduring appeal that crosses cultural and temporal boundaries.  Ours is a courageous journey that embraces the mysteries surrounding our existence, enriching life with a profound sense of wonder and purpose, and evoking the kind of intuitive knowing that touches the very soul. Striking a balance between these insights and rational practicality enriches our capacity to navigate the world meaningfully. Moreover, the rising interest in mindfulness and holistic practices signals a societal shift towards recognizing and valuing spiritual dimensions, with its expanding and awakening consciousness.

     As we consider our journey and those moments of intuitive knowing, we can explore our experience of spiritual seeing. No matter where finding ourself on the spectrum of belief, we can reflect, even if just as a thought experiment, on the richness that might unfold from perceiving beyond the physical to the immense landscape that underlies our reality.  We all have the capacity to be inspired by the great energy behind and beyond our senses, and to be mystics and spiritual savants, should we choose to follow that unseen light.  Is there not something deeply human about yearning for connection with the enigmatic and seeking unity within the wonders of existence?  As we open our eyes, the eyes of our heart and soul, and we might discover worlds uncharted and treasures unseen within the grand mystery we call life.

Spiritual Healing

     We have all heard of so-called miracle healings. Usually, there is someone on death’s doorstep, and the medical professionals are about to pass duties on to the in-hospital spiritual advisor when suddenly the patient turns the corner, wakes up, and lives. There are also those great stories of family legends like Aunt Louise, who had a heart attack on her farm in the middle of a Kansas cornfield, heard the voice of Jesus telling her not to worry as He is there, and then she was healed. Countless other documented instances of spiritual healing are not as noteworthy but are still significant for what they reveal about our innate capacities and spiritual connectedness.  And they make for such wonderful stories that publications like Guideposts magazine are filled cover to cover with such uplifting accounts,

 Spiritual healing implies a spirit that needs healing, a spirit within us that heals, or something within us that needs healing to enhance our experience of our Spirit. 

Which proposition is it, or can it be all three?  

And, what exactly is our Spirit?  

• Is Spirit the sum of the Zeitgeist of our culture, religion, family, and personal experiences?  
• Or does our Spirit include something even more fundamental than that, say the Spirit of our body, neighborhood, local geography, planet, and/or even the entire Universe?  
• Where is the Spirit of God in all of this?  
• What would our experience be if all of these Spirits were not of one primary Spirit but instead a multiplicity?
• What would our life experience be like if all the informing Spirits emanated from the One? 

     The concept of the human Spirit has intrigued philosophers, theologians, and truth seekers throughout history. It’s a topic that invites contemplation and reflection as we try to grasp what it means to be human. Is the human Spirit ineffable? Can it be characterized by our biology and our history as acculturated beings and individuals? And is there a connection between the human Spirit and the Holy Spirit? 

Let’s delve into these and many other questions while exploring the depths of the human Spirit.

     The human Spirit often called the intangible essence of our being, encompasses our thoughts, emotions, aspirations, and the driving force that propels us forward. The ethereal element gives rise to our consciousness, empathy capacity, and relentless pursuit of knowledge and meaning. In some traditions, our Spirit is the very breath we breathe. In other traditions, our Spirit is the words uttered and their impact upon those who listen.

     To understand the human Spirit, we must consider the impact of biology and cultural history. Our biological makeup, genetics, and neurochemistry influence our thoughts and actions. However, the interplay between biology and our lived experiences shapes the unique expression of the human Spirit.

     As we navigate through life, our spirits are molded by our upbringing, social environment, and the cultural influences that surround us. Our families, communities, and societal norms shape our values, beliefs, and individual identities. Yet, within these collective influences, we each possess a distinctive spirit that reflects our unique experiences and perspectives.

     The question arises for those with a religious or spiritual inclination: is there a connection between the human Spirit and the Holy Spirit? Some traditions teach that the Holy Spirit is the divine presence that dwells within each individual, guiding and illuminating their path. Whether one subscribes to this belief or not, exploring this relationship offers a glimpse into the profound connection between the human and the divine.

     Philosophers have grappled with the nature of the human Spirit for centuries, offering various theories and perspectives. From Plato’s concept of the soul to existentialist theories of authenticity and freedom, each philosophical viewpoint sheds light on different aspects of the human Spirit. These philosophical musings invite us to contemplate the depths of our existence and the nature of our being.

     Psychology provides valuable insights into the human Spirit, exploring its intricacies from a scientific and relationship-focused standpoint. Psychologists study our emotional experiences, cognitive processes, and factors contributing to our well-being. Their research helps us understand the human Spirit’s relationship to our mental and emotional states, shedding light on the complex interplay between our psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions.

     Spirituality, in its various forms, plays a significant role in understanding and experiencing the human Spirit. It offers a framework for exploring the depths of our being, seeking meaning beyond the material realm. We tap into a transcendent realm through meditation, prayer, mindfulness, ritual, sacred plant medicine, or a number of other practices connecting with something greater than ourselves and nurturing our spiritual well-being.

     Thus, the human Spirit is a multifaceted concept that defies simple definition. It emerges from the interplay of biology, history, culture, philosophy, psychology, and spirituality. It is deeply personal and intimately connected to our collective human experience and something ineffable that embraces our life force and the Universe concurrently. Exploring the human Spirit allows us to delve into the depths of our existence, ponder the mysteries of our being, and embrace the richness and complexity of not only what it means to be human but to be a part of an infinitely vaster universal holism. As we continue to contemplate, seek knowledge, and nurture our spirits, we honor the profound and awe-inspiring essence within each of us and the Universe that has spawned us.

     So, with this tentative exploration into the human Spirit, what might spiritual healing mean? At its core, spiritual healing addresses disease’s root causes rather than merely treating symptoms. We tap into a wellspring of healing potential by connecting with our inner selves, higher consciousness, or divine energy. Spiritual healing encompasses various practices, including energy healing, yoga, immersion in nature, meditation, insight, mindfulness, prayer, use of plant medicine, and rituals, all aimed at restoring balance and harmony within ourselves and the world around us.

    The power of the mind, faith, and belief lies at the heart of spiritual healing. The mind plays a vital role in influencing our overall well-being, and spiritual healing harnesses this power to create positive shifts in our physical and emotional states. Faith and belief in the healing process are catalysts that allow us to tap into our innate healing abilities and align with the universal energy that not only surrounds us but often lies dormant within us.

     There are many factors behind all of the physiological, emotional, and social diseases that being human exposes us to. All are treatable through some applied principles of spiritual healing, with many conditions being amenable to complete remission under exceptional circumstances, usually accompanied by the intense dedication of the sick person to travel upon new and elevated paths of understanding and take action in alignment with that new energy.

     Each individual’s journey to spiritual healing is unique. Exploring different techniques and finding what resonates with us is critical. It is essential to approach these practices openly, seeking guidance from experienced practitioners and trusted sources. We must trust our intuition and listen to our inner voice, as it guides us towards what feels authentic and transformative on our healing path.

     The benefits of spiritual healing extend far beyond the physical realm. While it can certainly contribute to physical health improvements, such as pain relief and immune system enhancement, its impact on our emotional well-being and spiritual growth is equally profound.

     Emotionally, spiritual healing provides a safe space for emotional release, healing past traumas, and reducing stress and anxiety. It allows us to connect with our inner wisdom and cultivate peace, resilience, and self-empowerment. Through spiritual practices, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, develop compassion, and foster healthy relationships.

     On a spiritual level, healing opens the door to profound growth and enlightenment. It enables us to transcend the limitations of our time-bound ego and connect with that timeless part that exists beyond our verbal understanding of ourselves. Spiritual healing can lead to a sense of new purpose, connection with the divine, and a greater understanding of the interconnectedness of all beings.

     While spiritual healing has gained widespread recognition, it has its fair share of criticism and skepticism. Some argue that its effectiveness is purely placebo or attribute the reported benefits to other factors. However, it is essential to approach these doubts with an open mind, recognizing that personal experiences and testimonials hold immense value. In the face of skepticism, remaining receptive to different perspectives and seeking knowledge and new personal experiences is crucial.

     We can be inspired by compelling stories about the transformative power of spiritual healing. Countless individuals have shared their experiences of remarkable healing and inner growth through spiritual practices, and I am one of them. Throughout this book, the reader has considered my evidence for the actuality of such experiences as I documented my many unions and inadvertent collisions with the mystery and potentiality of the Spirit.  

The following three spiritual healing experiences are precious to me, but by all means, they are not my only spiritual experiences.

• Recovering from the ravages of toxic male behavior throughout the first half of my life, a vision was given to me with the directions for the next steps for healing through reconnecting with our Divine Mother and Earth energy.
•  With the emotional turmoil and stress of having just terminated a marriage engagement the day before, I visited Marie Schmidt, an Infinite Way healing practitioner. After 15 minutes of meditation with her, my distress was replaced by peace and joy,  
• With a severe nasal infection, I visited our friend Mary M., a practicing Catholic who also believes in the power to heal others through the energy she can channel and allow to pass through her hands and body. After a beautiful ritual, she worked the energy to perfection and healed my sinus infection after her practice. 

   We embrace spiritual healing by acknowledging the intricate dance between our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves. We recognize that true healing lies in restoring balance, often between our masculine and feminine sides, between the needs of family, friends, and society and our own, between the natural world and our culture, between the verbal and non-verbal centers within ourselves, and harmony between factors on many other levels. It empowers us to actively participate in our well-being, fostering insight and self-awareness while facilitating profound transformation. These practices can enhance emotional well-being, promote a sense of interconnectedness, and provide solace during hardship. They offer an avenue for personal growth, allowing individuals to tap into their inner strength and resilience. By embracing spiritual healing, we open ourselves up to a world of infinite possibilities and the potential for profound transformation.

     Holistic health advocates, wellness enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers embrace the transformative power of spiritual healing. This journey must be undertaken with open hearts and minds while recognizing the potential to bring about profound shifts in our lives and the world around us. Our bodies take on enhanced importance as we remember that they serve as the temple of the living God while also being the vehicle for our consciousness during our walk over Mother Earth’s sacred grounds. Through this healing process, we can cultivate a more profound sense of well-being, compassion, and our purpose in this life. As a result, we can live on much broader frequencies of being.

     How do we presently view the world and ourselves? How we see ourselves and our relationship to the totality of life is the primary indicator of how well we function emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Remember, as the spiritual savants and quantum physicists keep pointing out, all we see is an out-picturing of our mind, with its concepts, prejudices, judgments, knowledge, love, empathy, and/or compassion. Unless we are enlightened and/or living in tune with divine power, our minds have just two primary advisors to it. These are our individual and collective experiences, or consciousness, and these forces peer through our eyes with us. Understanding how our memories, knowledge, and accumulated verbal competency guides our journey is always helpful, yet do we also have access to non-verbally based advisors, such as awe, wonder, joy, and the sacred silence of mystical union, so our awareness is not totally dependent on our accumulated verbal competency and previous knowledge. But with the understanding of verbally based awareness, we can gain insight into what it means to be aware without the movement of thought and knowledge through our minds.

     When studying history, a question is often asked: what was the Zeitgeist or the guiding Spirit of that age being examined? Yet, who is doing the studying of that history? That “who” has a Zeitgeist all their own, and while looking through their own lens (Zeitgeist), they impress that self-image unto that which is being observed. The observer is the observed. The seer is the seen. All that we see, or will ever see, unto eternity is ourselves, so what does our self look like culturally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically? Are we healthy, wealthy, and wise, or diseased, poor, and stupid, or living somewhere in between? That is our starting point, but for those on a spiritual journey of self-discovery and initiation into our highest spiritual potentials, we see only an ever-changing dynamic manifestation of a frequency of life energy ever expressing itself in wider frequency bands of expression. Remember, wherever we are on the infinite spectrum of life energy, all that we see is ourselves, so it behooves us if we want to see more of us; we must gather immense courage and determination to journey into the unknown and the so far, unknowable parts of ourselves rather than to be pilloried for eternity in a limited, well-known version of ourselves.

     If you have made it this far, then you are also curious about what it would be like to expand our perception beyond both what our Western Civilization’s history and knowledge provide for us with its Zeitgeist of the age and the limits of our biology and senses. If enabled or blessed with extraordinary vision, we can tap into experiences that transcend our understanding of reality. We will need our neurolinguistic capacity if we want to have some context for understanding our openings to the unknown and then communicate that experience to others. While language is a powerful tool, it also has limitations, and spiritual experiences often transcend their boundaries. We need the capacity for awareness, yet must that awareness be tethered to our neurolinguistic capacity and the preapproved common knowledge of society? In other words, can we see not only that which others have already painted for us with their words but something still beyond the reach of words? What would that look like, and, if we are inspired to, how would we paint that picture for others, using the limited and limiting words? We are all creators, so we must let more of our deep inspirations guide our creations.

     Understanding the cultural impact of preselected and collectively understood words we use could be helpful before any attempts to increase our personal bandwidths. Our neurolinguistic predispositions and biological and sensorial programming are important avenues of inquiry. Fortunately for those seeking a more cosmic consciousness, there is a neurobiological foundation for our potential for spiritual awakening, so we don’t necessarily need to leave our bodies, figuratively or literally, to have a supranormal experience. We might have to leave many or most of our body of culturally and individually derived beliefs behind.

If time will change your ways, don’t take too long—Madeleine Peyroux.

    In the humming vibrations of modern society, there exists a subtle yet pervasive force that shapes our perceptions, behaviors, and, ultimately, our being—this force is cultural conditioning. The invisible script guides the play of our lives, often without our conscious consent. One of the most profound yet overlooked aspects that our cultural conditioning has profoundly impacted is our perception of time. The verbally constructed concept of time shapes and limits our spiritual growth. Time is the ultimate playground of our goal-setting and achieving culture, and it becomes a controlling God for harried and unaware citizens.

     Time, as we know it, is a measurement, the framework within which our society operates, a conceptual scaffold erected by our collective minds. From seconds to centuries, our language is engrained with the essence of temporal measurement. This cultural artifact, seemingly indispensable, governs the rhythm of our existence. But what if this relentless segmentation of our life into pieces—past, present, and future—is the very thing that bars us from the depths of spiritual awareness? What if this constant pursuit of self-improvement and knowledge to build a better, more socially acceptable cultural ego strips us of our timeless self and chains us to the “I once was, I now am, I will become” treadmill of time?

     The fixation on time is an anchor cast deeply into the sea of our psyche. Herein lies the illusion—that our essence is somehow tethered to ticking a clock or turning a page on the calendar. This fixation tightens the noose around the expansive neck of spiritual awareness, strangling it with deadlines, schedules, and a chronic fear of ‘running out’ of time. Yet, in the realm of Spirit, time loses its dominion. Then we are in a state of deep meditation or profound connection with the Universe; the concept of time dissipates like mist under the morning sun. Can we be a human constantly on the time-bound train of becoming someone of increasing significance while still honoring the spiritual and timeless state that is the foundation for our very being and existence?

     As spiritual beings having a human experience, our constant rehearsal of yesterday and tomorrow distracts us from the eternity of now, the only moment where genuine spiritual connection and awakening can be realized. By dissecting our lives into fragments of time, we inadvertently close our eyes to the infinite tapestry of the present.

     Emerging from the stronghold of cultural conditioning is no simple feat. It requires conscious effort, heightened awareness, and an unyielding commitment to spiritual practice. Strategies to overcome the insidious influence of time on our spiritual well-being include mindfulness meditation, spending time in nature, and various forms of contemplative art. By engaging in practices that ground us in the now, we dial down the volume of the cultural narrative that insists on segmenting our existence and muffling our spiritual voice. We migrate from the crowded and noisy pastures of human becoming to the serene fields of human being..

     Breaking free from the construct of time to embrace spiritual awareness is akin to stepping into a boundless realm of possibility. Without the constraints of ‘have-to’s’ and ‘should-haves,’ we open ourselves to profound tranquility, deeper understanding, and an elevated sense of being. We begin to flow with the timeless rhythm of the Universe, aligning more with the spiritual essence of who we are than with the constructed identity handed down to us. The benefits of this alignment are immeasurable: clarity of thought, compassion towards self and others, and, indeed, a peace that surpasses all understanding.

     We stand at the precipice of an awakening, an invitation to scrutinize the scripts we’ve been given and authorize a new narrative for our existence—one where spiritual awareness burgeons in the fertile soil of the present. It’s a call to challenge the deep-seated cultural conditioning that grounds us temporally but divorces us spiritually. As we peel back the layers that conceal our true essence, we unlock a spiritual potential that is both liberating and transcendent.  We all must question the narrative—to shift the perception of time from a confining construct to a mere tool that serves us. This shift is not one of ease but necessity for those seeking spiritual growth. We step boldly into the timeless now, shedding the weighty cloak of cultural conditioning to reveal the luminescence of our spiritual being.

   Remember that the word, ultimately, is the container for our sense of self. All of the words and the knowledge created through the rational connection of those words and the nearly infinite interconnections between all of our words and knowledge form the matrix that is you and I as verbally conscious beings. Have you ever wondered how language shapes our perception of the world? How do our minds use words to construct meaning and make sense of our experiences? How does our culture and its collectively created consciousness influence those personal phenomena?   

    Neurolinguistics is the intersection of linguistics and neuroscience and offers profound insights into these questions and opens doors to understanding the depths of human consciousness and spirituality. Language is more than a mere tool for communication; it is a gateway to our inner world. Neurolinguistics examines the intricate relationship between language and the brain, exploring how our neural networks process and produce language. It reveals that our thoughts, emotions, and spiritual experiences are interconnected with the words we use and language structures.

   Neurolinguistics provides a unique lens through which we can explore spiritual awakening. Scientists have better understood how our brains facilitate these profound encounters by studying the neural processes associated with religious and mystical experiences. Neurolinguistic research suggests that specific linguistic patterns and metaphors shape our perception of the sacred and connect us to something greater than ourselves. A question always remains as they use the PET, CAT, and MRI brain scans as to whether an energy field of metaphysical activity is what stimulated the brain in specific regions in the first place, or if they originated within the neural substrates itself, or if there an ongoing bilateral communication between the two.

   While language is a powerful tool, it also has its limitations. Spiritual experiences often transcend the boundaries of language, entering a realm that is beyond words. Neurolinguistics allows us to explore these ineffable experiences by investigating the underlying neural substrates. It attempts to look beyond the surface of language and delve into the mysterious depths where the Spirit may be experienced. The study of neurolinguistics enhances our understanding of spirituality and bridges the gap between science and faith. Rather than viewing these realms as mutually exclusive, we can recognize how they intersect and inform one another. Neurolinguistics offers a framework that allows us to explore the neural underpinnings of spiritual experiences while honoring the profound truths that lie beyond the scope of scientific inquiry. Through this brief exploration of neurolinguistics and spirituality, open minds and open hearts can more easily embrace the mysteries of language, the complexities of the brain, and the wonders of the spiritual realm. By integrating science and spirituality, we can gain profound insights into our consciousness and expand our understanding of the world and our place within it. 

   In the vast landscape of human cognition, the relationship between neurolinguistic programming and free will presents a captivating paradox. Neurolinguistic programming, often called NLP, studies how language and communication impact our neurology, psychology, and behavior. It delves into the intricate dance between the mind and language, revealing words’ profound influence on our perception of reality. Language is a powerful tool that shapes our thoughts and emotions and guides our actions. Through NLP, we comprehend language’s immense power in constructing our subjective experience of the world. With its intricate neural networks, the brain processes language and embeds it deep within our subconscious. This programming forms the foundation of our beliefs, habits, and self-perception, dictating how we interact with ourselves and the world around us.

   As we navigate the realm of neurolinguistic programming, we inevitably encounter the philosophical debate surrounding free will. Are we genuinely autonomous beings capable of making independent choices, or are our decisions predetermined by the subconscious programming ingrained within us? Determinism, the belief that all events, including human actions, are ultimately determined by preceding causes, challenges the notion of free will. Advocates argue that our thoughts and behaviors arise from a complex web of biological, environmental, and genetic factors beyond our conscious control. Our every action is influenced by the intricate dance of neurons firing within our brain, choreographed by the language we have absorbed throughout our lives.

   The specific words and phrases we choose profoundly impact our thoughts and behaviors within neurolinguistic programming. Language acts as a lens through which we perceive reality, shaping our understanding of self and others. It constructs the narratives that govern our lives. Consider the power of positive affirmations. By consciously choosing uplifting words and phrases, we can reprogram our minds to embrace optimism, resilience, and self-belief.

     Similarly, the words we use to describe ourselves and our experiences can empower or limit us. The simple act of reframing negative self-talk can unlock tremendous personal growth and transformation. Moreover, linguistic patterns like metaphors and storytelling can bypass the critical mind and directly influence our subconscious. They ignite emotions, shape our beliefs, and inspire action. Through the strategic use of language, we can create profound shifts in our lives and the lives of others.

   While the subconscious programming of our minds exerts a powerful influence, it is not an insurmountable force. We can reclaim our free will and reshape our reality by cultivating awareness and consciously choosing our words. Here are some strategies to embark on this transformative journey:

1. Self-Reflection: Engage in introspection to identify limiting beliefs and patterns of thought. Question their origins and challenge their validity.
2. Conscious Language Use: Select words and phrases that empower and align with your desired reality. Use positive affirmations and reframe negative self-talk.
3. Mindfulness Practice: Cultivate present-moment awareness to observe your thoughts and language patterns. This enables you to consciously choose your words before they become automatic responses.
4. Neuroplasticity Exercises: Engage in activities that promote neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire itself. This might include learning new languages, engaging in creative pursuits, practicing visualization exercises, and/or micro-dosing psilocybin mushrooms.
5. Seek Support: Connect with like-minded individuals on a similar journey of self-discovery and transformation. Surround yourself with a community that supports and encourages your growth.

   The study of neurolinguistic programming not only aligns with scientific principles but also intersects with spiritual concepts. The power of language to shape our reality echoes the teachings of ancient wisdom traditions. Whether we view it scientifically or spiritually, the message remains the same: our words hold immense creative power. As we embrace the art of conscious language use, we embark on a path of personal growth and transformation. We realize that our reality is not fixed but rather malleable, waiting to be reshaped by the profound influence of our words. By harnessing the synergy between neurolinguistic programming and free will, we unlock the potential to create a life that aligns with our deepest desires and aspirations.

   In the intricate dance of neurolinguistic programming and free will, we find both the limitations and the incredible potential of the human mind. We construct our realities through language, shaping our thoughts, beliefs, and actions. While the subconscious programming within us still exerts a profound influence, we can reclaim our free will and consciously choose the words that guide our lives. We must make our unconscious and subconscious parts conscious for any hope of free will. One significant facet of our transformative journey is embracing deliberate language use and reshaping our realities. By becoming aware of the intricate dance between neurolinguistic programming and free will, we awaken to the immense power we hold within ourselves. By seeing where we are influenced by cultural stereotypes and historical archetypes, we can choose words wisely and co-create a world filled with authenticity, growth, and limitless possibilities with others.

   The hardware and the firmware supporting our consciousness can be regarded as a deterministic neural network. It is of utmost importance for those seeking a life in a broader frequency of being to understand our software, for this is where changes in perception are most easily facilitated and where proof resides that we have access to free will. Some studies indicate that we can even change how our brains process information on a hardware level. In some studies, men can think globally like women after neurolinguistic reprogramming. Also, their brain structures became modified over an extended period, so there is some malleability on the hardware level. This is not a common experience, but it is usually inspired by those men who are totally disillusioned with their lives and actualized through a long-term dedication to having their perceptual worlds wholly changed.

     Wise people continue to seek truth and meaning in the complexities of the language, culture, and consciousness that their lives are woven into. Language and culture are two intertwined facets that shape our understanding of the world. They provide the supporting framework for the consciousness through which we perceive, interpret, and communicate our experiences. One fascinating aspect of this relationship is the distinction between non-duality and duality-based languages and cultures. Non-duality and duality represent fundamental concepts that influence our perception of reality. Non-duality emphasizes the interconnectedness and unity of all things, while duality underscores the existence of opposites and distinctions.

     An essential foundation for our creation of meaning is the linguistic portals our culture creates through language to understand the Universe, as duality-based civilizations like ours may embrace higher truths and frequencies with different verbal structures than those from non-dualistic cultures. The underlying concepts of both modes may point to the same reality, but actions taken by the respective adherents will often differ. As we explore the broader frequencies of being, this is important to remember, for what is considered supernatural in dualistic realities may be regarded as just aspects of a typical human experience in non-dualistic modes of thinking.

       English-speaking cultures often rely on binary distinctions, such as good/bad, right/wrong, or black/white. This language categorizes and compartmentalizes the world, emphasizing individualism and independent thinking. The emphasis on clear-cut distinctions can manifest in legal systems, social norms, and even religious beliefs. Our culture often views reality through the lens of opposites, which can shape how we perceive and relate to the world around us.

     Our foundation in a dualistic language style needs to be more robust and adequate to verbally convey the truth that entertaining the more expansive, comprehensive frequencies of spiritual experience encompasses. The nature of the last sentence shows the embedded dichotomy in our dualistic culture, for in many non-dualistic cultures, there is no difference between the human and the spiritual experience, for they are One. Westerners on a “spiritual path” would be regarded as just stating the obvious for some indigenous peoples, for all of their lives and paths are, by their very non-dualistic nature, spiritual. As has been said, Spirit is the infinite path we all walk upon and requires no belief. Therefore, there is no need for any specialized path.  

At the heart of every philosophical debate, there lies a tension between opposing thoughts, begging us to choose a side. But thousands of years before such dichotomies squeezed the vast spectrum of human thought into binary categories, our ancestors viewed the world through a non-dualistic lens. Non-dualistic thinking is not merely a historical footnote but a cornerstone of our cognitive evolution.  Long before the Greeks espoused their dualisms, ancient civilizations embraced holistic worldviews. Eastern philosophies, such as Taoism and Buddhism, thrived on principles that highlighted harmony and interdependence rather than conflict and division. The oldest sacred texts of India, the Vedas, expounded a cosmic unity transcending all apparent separations. This approach permeated the way societies functioned, influencing their culture, law, and daily life significantly.

Non-dualistic thinking predates the analytical mindsets that prevail in the modern world. Cognitive evolution did not leap from primitive simplicity to complex binary logic. Instead, it blossomed from an implicit understanding that life cannot be neatly categorized. This kind of holistic cognition shaped our earliest social constructions and problem-solving strategies, enabling us to create nuanced responses to the world’s complexity.  The widespread non-dualistic sentiment provided a foundation for cultures that prioritized collective well-being and harmony with nature over individualism and exploitation. It influenced art, creating works that evoke an inseparable bond between humans and the cosmos, and governance, where the leader was often seen as a part of a larger whole.

Despite its pervasive historical presence, non-dualistic thinking faces criticism. Some argue it defies the clarity and decisiveness needed for progress. Others assert that without categorization and differentiation, we could not have developed science and technology. Although these criticisms hold validity, they overlook the balance non-dualistic thinking can bring to our overly polarized society. In our era defined by division and conflict, rediscovering the value of non-dualistic thinking could lead to a more cohesive world. As an integral part of our cognitive evolution, non-dualistic thinking may well be a necessary platform for the next leap in our collective journey—an evolution of consciousness that recognizes the ancient wisdom embedded in the tapestry of life’s interwoven patterns. To weave forward, we must acknowledge the threads behind us.

     Several languages and cultures embrace non-dualistic perspectives. For example, many indigenous cultures, such as Native American, Aboriginal, and African tribes, view the world holistically, acknowledging the interdependence of all living beings. Languages spoken in these cultures often reflect this interconnectedness through their grammar, vocabulary, and metaphors. Non-duality-based languages tend to employ contextual and relational thinking. They prioritize harmony, cooperation, and a holistic understanding of the world. This perspective is reflected in cultural practices, such as rituals that honor the interconnectedness of nature, communal decision-making processes, and a collective sense of responsibility towards the environment.

     In a world often divided by boundaries, opinions, and ideologies, the language of non-duality transcends this with the understanding that everything in existence is interconnected and fundamentally one. Non-duality encourages us to move beyond separation and embrace the inherent unity of all beings. While non-duality is often associated with spiritual and philosophical teachings, its essence can be found in cultures and tribes around the globe. From the Advaita Vedanta philosophy in India to the Native American tribes’ respect for the interconnectedness of all living beings, non-duality permeates the fabric of different societies. The Maori people of New Zealand, the San Bushmen of Africa, and the Taoist philosophy in China are just a few examples of cultures that embody non-duality in their unique ways.

     These cultures express their understanding of non-duality through various practices, rituals, and art forms. Traditional ceremonies bring communities together to celebrate the interconnectedness of life. Art, music, and dance forms serve as mediums to express the unity of all things. The intricate mandalas in Tibetan Buddhism, the rhythmic beats of African drums, and the graceful movements of Balinese dance reflect the inherent oneness and harmony in non-dual cultures. Verbal and non-verbal communication, such as storytelling and symbolic gestures, also play a significant role in conveying the language of non-duality.

     For spiritual seekers, non-dual cultures offer profound wisdom and guidance. Immersion in these cultures and their teachings can lead to transformative experiences and a deeper understanding of one’s place in the world. By embracing non-duality, seekers often find purpose, interconnectedness, and inner peace. The teachings and practices of non-dual cultures provide a roadmap for navigating life’s challenges, fostering personal growth, and cultivating a sense of meaning and well-being. Non-dualistic philosophies emphasize the illusion of separation, the impermanence of individual identities, and the fundamental unity of existence. Whether it is the Hindu concept of Advaita (non-dualism), the Buddhist concept of interdependence, or the indigenous wisdom of interconnectedness, these teachings remind us that the boundaries we perceive are merely constructs of the mind.

      As we journey towards our real self and true nature, we are confronted with the challenges that arise from our deep-seated attachment to dualistic thinking. The allure of certainty, the comfort of familiar dichotomies—these can hinder our ability to embrace a holistic understanding of the world. Yet, it is precisely in transcending these limitations that we can begin to access the harmony and understanding that lie at the heart of inspired perceptions.  Even in the midst of the chaos, unpredictability, randomness, dualistic philosophies, and misinformed theology and secularism of our age, with a more unconditioned mind with an enlightened perspective, an enhanced vision can open the doors of perception to a life already existing on much wider frequency of being.

     The Parable of the Wheat and Tares in Matthew 13:24-30 offers a profound lesson in embracing unity amidst diversity. In this parable, wheat and tares grow together, representing the coexistence of good and evil in the world. It is not for us to separate them, but to recognize their interplay and strive for harmony within our own lives.  We can see how and why others cling so tightly to their perceptions, yet understand that a much more expansive and nuanced view is appropriate. . By doing so, we align ourselves with an exalted vision of unity, transcending the limitations of dualistic thinking.

     The words of St. Augustine are reminders that our perception is limited, while God’s vision is boundless. “For God does not see in the same manner as man sees…For man sees bodies through a body.” Our human understanding is confined by the constraints of our physical existence, whereas divine perception transcends these limitations, encompassing the entirety of creation. To cultivate a more unlimited perception, we must engage in spiritual practices that expand our consciousness and open our hearts, while healing from whatever grief and trauma that still burdens us. Through prayer, meditation, seeing the other as a loving extension of the true self we share, letting go of the thought controls inculcated into us by our family and culture that cause us to feel inadequate and disconnected from divine love, insight into our woundedness, and contemplation, we can tap into the dormant wisdom that often lies unrecognized within us and align ourselves with the order and unity that an unconditioned, or a mystically empowered mind sees.

     While the language of non-duality holds immense wisdom, it is not immune to challenges and misinterpretations. Cultural appropriation and commodification can dilute the profound teachings and distort their essence. Misunderstandings and misconceptions can arise when non-dual concepts are taken out of context or oversimplified by those raised in Germanic and Indo-European speaking cultures (Germanic includes English). It is crucial to approach non-dual cultures with respect, humility, and a genuine desire to learn and understand. Cultivating non-duality principles in a world often driven by division and conflict can help bridge the gaps and promote acceptance, empathy, and unity. We can integrate non-dualistic principles into our daily lives by practicing mindfulness, embracing diversity, and recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings. We contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society by actively embracing non-duality. We open ourselves to a much wider frequency of being.

     Now is the perfect time to perform a thought experiment guaranteed to eventually enable all of us to see a wider frequency of being. The fundamental assumption behind duality is that there is an observer and what they observe. I won’t reenter Descartes’s theories here, for in truth, the observer and the observed arise as one, and not in any contrived sequence a few philosophers of knowledge love to self-promote.

     So, let us begin.  I stand here, look out from myself, and see the so-called objects of my perception. Let’s say that in my perceptual field, I see you. Here is where things get complicated. If I accept that there is but one Spirit animating humanity, I can no longer see you as an object of my perception, for you are the very extension of that sacred Universal Spirit that I am, and, hopefully, I am for you, too. In an absolute sense, you can’t be real, for there is only I. As Jesus stated, “I Am that I Am”. Guess what? You and I are that I Am as well. “You” can’t be real, no matter how complex and carefully you assembled yourself through your own neurolinguistic programming; there is no duality; you and I arise as One, having a different perspective of ourselves simultaneously through two apparently different biological beings. So, I am is prominent, isn’t it? Come on, you can’t be real in any absolute sense, but we still can find ways to enjoy our illusion of separation or destroy ourselves and each other if we don’t take our perceptions of differences more lightly. The complications come when we see projections of the unhealed human collective consciousness through our perceptual field. I mean, who wants to be One with the mass murderer on Death Row, the homeless person dying from a fentanyl overdose, or the angry daughter-in-law whose hateful tirades have destroyed family unity?

Yes, Namaste, eh?

Let us raise a toast to our growth in wider frequencies of being!

     Remember, within each word is the meaning of all words, or each word is a hologram of our whole language. Within each human is embedded the experience of all human beings. Each human being is a hologram of the whole. We have to see the interconnectedness of all, or we miss the meanings available through living on a wider frequency of being.

     Let’s bring it back home to me for a moment. If I is primary, in fact, the ultimate truth, then I need to be careful how I craft it in my speech. If I say that I am a retired electrician, I am the son of Beryl and Corinne Paullin, I live in Milwaukie, Oregon, I hike, run, and bike, etc. I am just verbally affirming facts about my existence, which, neurologically, are already fixed paths in my brain. These are my knowns, and they may indicate healthy choices and behavior, but they are no longer new paths of consciousness, are they? They are familiar, perhaps even part of the sacred routines, yet nothing new is happening in our neural networks; once they become habits, is it?   

    Where is neuroplasticity to be found? To travel new paths of consciousness, to become aware of higher frequencies of bring, we must break out of our verbal ruts from time to time and proclaim new paths for ourselves. A good start would be to affirm that we are embarking on new paths of consciousness and then choose a new direction. Our narratives then have to adjust for the changes and new words used, and thus, new neural links are created. I am no longer a retired electrician because I am now a writer and a free Spirit enjoying freedom of choice as to how I live each day. And then I do it! Boy, I now have a vast new narrative! Attempt these new activities, and then new experiences and words backfill into our body of knowledge, creating an upgraded sense of ourselves.

     In healing teachings like Christian Science, The Infinite Way, and even Alcoholics Anonymous, we are required to accrue a new vocabulary. In AA, the recovery vocabulary is built through practicing its 12 steps. In the Infinite Way and Christian Science, the vocabulary of the omnipresence and omnipotence of God in all of our affairs and the often illusory nature of our visual and verbal world predominates. But in all cases, we have to practice, practice, practice until the truth becomes us, for without the healing consciousness, there are few healing miracles. We must build that consciousness of truth, as it has no way to develop within us spontaneously, save through the rare divine or miraculous intervention. We need words, and probably lots of them, to build a better consciousness that embraces the truth that we want to experience and express through our lives.

     Sometimes, the greatest healing techniques have already been developed, so in this case, I don’t need to reinvent the wheel.  The 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, spiritually reinterpreted, is a great supportive tool for those seeking an experience on a wider frequency of being.  

12 Steps Revised To Reflect My Spiritual Experience

1. Through our extended suffering, we finally found the desire to want it to end. We admitted that when we become self-destructively habituated to any substance, situation, or perception, or judgment and/or lack of forgiveness in our relationships with others, we lose our freedom of choice, bring unnecessary trauma into our lives, and into the lives of others, and, thus, fail to achieve any lasting sense of inner peace and joy. We finally realize that our lives have been lived unconsciously, and have become unmanageable as a result of that neglect.

2. With our newfound hope and openness for change, came the desire to begin to awaken to higher possibilities for our lives. We realized that, in our essence, we have an interior, though neglected, power that will heal us and restore us to balance, if we pursue it in earnest. We now realize that we have not been living up to our full potential as human beings.

3. We decided to turn our will, and our lives, over to the care of our higher interior power. We become open to the possibility of embracing a new Truth in our lives. We want to access the power to continuously evolve, and we want to cultivate our hearts to be more loving to ourselves and to others. We decide to let go of ANYTHING that impedes our progress toward happiness, healing and wholeness. We realize that without the deepest of desires, and intentions, to change our behavior, we will not be transformed.

4. We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. We have lived a life without a high sense of self-esteem, and we have made unfortunate choices because of the scarcity consciousness that has resulted from it. We realize that when we find the blocks to our evolution and become willing to remove them, our newfound insight will guide our paths with precision to the Truth of our existence. This is our entrance onto the path of mindfulness and higher consciousness.

5. We admitted that we were not being truthful with ourselves and with others, and by talking with another whom we may trust, yet not be beholden to, about our errors in judgment and in actions towards ourselves and others, we can better deal with the shame and self-judgment that so often arises from the deadly secrets that we once felt that we must keep. Just by honestly talking with someone else, our burdens can be lifted. Our secrets need no longer keep us imprisoned, and mentally ill. When two or more people come together in the spirit of truth and honesty, mutual compassion and empathy also become part of the gathering.

6. We became entirely willing to let go of our attachments to unhealthy attitudes, behavior, and people. We wish to see clearly, without the limitations of our past, of our family history, and of our cultural conditioning, with all of their embedded trauma.

7. We open our hearts through humility and the willingness to change to embrace a new possibility in our lives. Our newfound sense of connection with our higher interior power inspires us to become more grateful for the gifts that we now have, and we are now spiritually preparing to finally give back to the world in a meaningful, positive way. We want to finally let go of all of the emotionally charged memories that keep us trapped in a dead past. Rejoice, for the old demons are being transformed into the new angels!

8. While we were unconscious of our higher potential as human beings, we brought emotional, spiritual and perhaps even physical harm to other innocent beings, and we want to try to bring healing and peace to those who have suffered from the effects of our ignorance. We realize that through the mirror of all of our relationships, dysfunctional or otherwise, we are granted a view into how we truly see ourselves. We want to see through the eyes of Truth, and not through the pain and suffering that unfulfilled relationships may have brought to us.

9. We made direct amends wherever possible to all people we may have brought harm to, except when to do so would bring further injury to them or to others. Our guilt will not be assuaged at the expense of others. We make full application of our newfound wisdom, and our renewed desire to bring no harm to any sentient being. We want our world, and our sense of self, to feel safe from further attacks from us, and our honest disclosure of our mistakes to those impacted by our errors in judgment will continue to support that intention.

10. We continued to take personal inventory, and, when wrong, promptly admit it. We have become honest with ourselves. We practice mindfulness and continue to develop our capacity for insight into ourselves. We now know ourselves, and we now know many of the potential impediments to experiencing and expressing the Truth of our being. We no longer solely abide in old modes of thought, and now we are more focused on the beauty of the present moment.

11. We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with the Truth of our being, praying only for knowledge of Truth, and the willingness to live within its infinite domain. We now understand that this whole process of recovery is a meditation on life and that the evolving, healing life that we are now experiencing is our living prayer. Each time we drink from the deep interior waters revealed to us by meditation, more of our painful dreams are dissolved. We finally realize that the capacity to change, to evolve, to grow in our infinite spirit is the whole point of our human existence. We are now traveling upon new paths of consciousness.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we attempted to carry our message of recovery to our world while continuing to practice these principles in all our affairs. We have finally become whole, and are now conscious, caring human beings. We have accepted full personal responsibility for our lives, including healing our past and keeping our present balanced and harmonious, and we no longer blame others for who we are now. We are now experiencing prosperity on many levels, and have witnessed the healing of ourselves. We have saved the world—from ourselves. Our life is now our truest teacher. We realize that we have no power to bring salvation to others, yet, it is our responsibility to point to the way of healing for others who may still be suffering, and who may finally become interested in overcoming their limitations.

 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by the Word; and without the Word was not any thing made that was made.  In the Word was life; and the life was the light of humankind–New Testament, Book Of John:1

The pursuit of origins is a pillar of human curiosity, and one of the most mystical quests is the search for the very first word uttered at the dawn of human consciousness. It’s a venture that compels us to examine the roots of our own being because, to query the origin of language, is to probe the essence of humanity itself.

Human evolution is a mosaic paved with countless wonders, but language is among the most transformative. Words have built empires, kindled romances, crafted laws, and birthed entire civilizations. Consider the stirrings of language in our ancestral past, an audacious step igniting the gift of complex communication. Hence, its origin isn’t just an artefact of evolution – it is the very framework of our collective identity.

Where sentient thoughts began, language surely followed, invisible and intangible, yet potent. The dawn of consciousness is inseparable from the birth of language. That first spark of awareness may have been a solitary insight or glimmer in one mind which was then taught to a peer, or to a child.  This started the collective awakening to, first, verbal communication, and then, probably much later, written or symbolic communication.  

I did not speak until I was four years old.  I was taken to several medical professionals to determine if I was physically or socially deficient.  I understood the language of others, and I had many  thoughts, but I could not form my own words.  My sister claims that she spoke for me.  One day, out of the blue, I started having a stream of memories erupt in my mind, and for the first time I started talking.  I talked so much that my father marveled at the miracle of my speech, yet wondered if I would ever shut up and let others talk.  I remember the excitement of communicating, of having words exploding in my mind.  I suddenly knew things my parents were in disbelief that I could even know.  My experience roughly parallels that of the young Helen Keller, whose story illuminates the profound leap from signs to symbols, from sensation to understanding. The unlocking of her language at the water pump epitomizes that pivotal moment in the history and origin of the ego or self – when representation and meaning merged into clarity and a miraculous sense of a unique identity. 

This journey from void to voice is not simply a linguistic leap but a cognitive transformation. Our brain’s intricate dance of synapses and neurons, crafting symbols, assigning meaning, shaping the tapestry of language progressively as we evolve – a process as natural to us now as breathing, yet as miraculous as the cosmos.

The Biblical book of John, attributed to a student of St, Paul and of mysticism, touches the greatest mystery, and asserts there was a ‘first’ word.  Perhaps it’s a symphony still in crescendo, each note purposeful, bequeathing us the legacy of thought, emotion, and connection. It’s not merely about mysticism or historical linguistics; it’s about touching the fabric of what it means to be sentient, to be able to articulate the narrative of our own existence.

Contemplating the word prompts us to marvel at the enigma of consciousness and language. It beckons every pondering soul to dive into its depths. We trace back through millennia, seeking a kinship with those ancestors who, under the same stars, gave voice to their inner worlds. Let us sustain that legacy of wonder, stitching our reflections into the tapestry of a question as enduring as the human spirit itself.

So what are words, exactly, and what are their relationships to healing, and even to God?

Briefly, the word is a symbolic bridge created from the silence or turbulence within ourselves to the point where our mind is focused at a particular time, creating verbal awareness to represent that which is sensorially perceived,. The spoken word is an auditory assemblage of symbols used to exchange information, create resonance, or deter, distract, or attack the other.  The word is a symbol created to represent a static object or dynamic process being witnessed or recorded as memory, ultimately used as a building block in creating knowledge.  The Word of God, literally, is the verbal bridge formed between the divine  silence within a prophet or seer to the place in consciousness where non-God realized humanity resides to bring them back to balance and in alignment with Spiritual intentions,

     Words hold a remarkable power within human communication. They are the building blocks of our thoughts, the vehicles through which we express our emotions and the tools that shape our understanding of the world. But beyond their functional role, words profoundly impact our consciousness and even establish us with a separate identity. It is time to delve into the intricate relationship between words and our perception of self and reality.

     From the moment we learn our first words as children, language becomes an essential part of our lives. We communicate our thoughts, feelings, and experiences through words. We rely on words to express our deepest emotions, share our knowledge, and connect with others. But the influence of words extends far beyond simple communication. They have the power to shape our consciousness and contribute to the formation of our individual and collective identity.

     Language is not merely a tool for communication; it is intricately intertwined with our cognitive processes and perception of the world. The words we use to describe our experiences and the concepts we learn through language shape our thoughts and influence how we perceive reality. For example, cultures with multiple words for various shades of color might have a heightened sensitivity to those distinctions compared to cultures with fewer color-specific words.

     Human language is a dynamic and ever-evolving system. New words are constantly being created to keep up with society’s changing needs and experiences. This creative aspect of language allows us to adapt, innovate, and express new concepts and ideas. The process of inventing words showcases our capacity for creativity and reflects the human quest for understanding, exploration, and self-expression.

     Language is deeply intertwined with culture and plays a significant role in shaping cultural identity. The words we use reflect our respective cultures’ values, beliefs, and experiences. They carry the weight of historical narratives, social norms, and collective memory. Through language, we express our cultural identity and preserve and transmit our heritage from one generation to the next.

     While words contribute to our collective identity, they also play a crucial role in forming our individual sense of self. We each form personal associations and emotional connections with words based on our unique experiences. Certain words can evoke strong emotions, trigger memories, or symbolize important life milestones. The words we describe ourselves and others reflect our values, aspirations, and self-perception.

     Words have immense power in society, both for better and for worse. Persuasive language and rhetoric can sway public opinion, mobilize the masses, and instigate social change. They can be used to inspire and empower individuals or to manipulate and control. Throughout history, influential speeches and written works have shaped the course of nations and sparked revolutions. The careful use of words can bring people together, bridge divides, and foster understanding.

     Beyond their impact on society, words also hold the key to our mental and emotional well-being. Positive and affirming language has the potential to uplift, motivate, and heal. t shapes our self-perception, boosts our confidence, and influences our overall outlook on life. On the other hand, negative words or self-talk can reinforce limiting beliefs, breed self-doubt, and contribute to mental and emotional distress. Conscious use of language can be a powerful tool for cultivating a positive mind-body connection.

     Words are much more than a means of communication. They are intricately woven into the fabric of our consciousness and shape our perception of self and reality. The creation and use of words are a testament to the human capacity for creativity, innovation, and expression. Let us appreciate words’ transformative potential in our personal lives and the broader context of society. Using words consciously and responsibly can harness their power to foster understanding, empathy, and positive change.

     So, let us cherish the gift of language and embrace the profound impact of words on our consciousness and identity. Let us use our words as connection, empowerment, and growth instruments.

     Words hold a profound significance in our lives. They serve as the bridge between our innermost thoughts, emotions, and the world around us. From the moment we learn to speak, words become our companions in communication and self-expression. But have you ever wondered about the deeper connection between words and our inner selves? It is time to uncover the transformative power of words, from bridging the silence within us to healing trauma and expanding our consciousness.

     In a world filled with constant chatter, the importance of words cannot be overstated. They enable us to convey our thoughts, connect with others, and share our unique perspectives. But beyond their utilitarian function, words possess a mystical quality that goes far beyond surface-level communication. They can evoke emotions, inspire change, and shape our world understanding. It is through words that we communicate not only with others but also with ourselves.

     Words serve as a bridge, connecting the silent divine within us to the conscious aspects of our minds. They allow us to voice our deepest desires, fears, and aspirations. Then, we express ourselves through words; we bring forth the wisdom and insights that reside within our souls. In doing so, we bridge the gap between our inner selves and the external reality we inhabit. Words become the conduit through which our thoughts and emotions find resonance in the world.

     Yet, there are times when silence prevails. Traumatic experiences can leave us speechless, rendering us unable to express the depths of our pain or make sense of our emotions. Silence becomes a shield, protecting us from the overwhelming weight of our experiences. In these moments, words fail us, leaving us isolated and disconnected from ourselves and those around us. But even in silence, words linger, waiting for us to find the courage to give them a voice.

     Words become powerful healing tools when we find the strength to break the silence. They allow us to confront our trauma, express our emotions, and embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery. Through journaling, poetry, or even therapy, we can harness the therapeutic power of words to process our experiences and find solace. Finding the right words to articulate our pain gives us a sense of release and clarity that paves the way for healing.

   Our choice of words reflects our inner state and shapes our perception of reality. The language we use influences our consciousness, framing our thoughts and shaping our worldview. By becoming aware of the words we employ, we can cultivate a more conscious relationship with ourselves and the world. Through deliberate language use, we can expand our awareness and deepen our understanding of the interconnectedness of all beings.

    One of the most profound aspects of words is their ability to liberate silenced narratives. By giving voice to untold stories, we empower ourselves and others to confront societal taboos and challenge oppressive systems. Through storytelling, we create spaces for marginalized voices to be heard, fostering empathy, understanding, and social change. Words become instruments of liberation, allowing us to reclaim our power and rewrite the narratives that shape our lives.

     As spiritual seekers, psychology enthusiasts, and self-reflection readers, we are called to recognize the transformative power of words. They can bridge the silence within us, heal our deepest wounds, and expand our consciousness. Let us embrace the gift of words in our journey of self-discovery and healing. By harnessing the power of language, we can navigate the depths of our souls, uplift others, and create a more compassionate and connected world. Let us honor the words flowing through us and remember that our voices have the potential for profound change.

Then Jesus demanded “What is your name?”  The tormented man replied “My name is Legion, for we are many.”

     When we speak of the voices that guide us – attributed often to God, the Devil, or even our own conscience – what we’re truly referencing are the fragments of our identity that we’ve severed ties with as an unskilled mechanism for dealing with overwhelming challenges, and/or coping with trauma. These parts of our psyche, exiled due to immature responses to life and/or psychological wounding, persist within us, influencing our actions and decisions as semi-conscious or unconscious advisors.

     Trauma, most often inflicted by others, can leave indelible marks on our psyche. To protect ourselves from the pain and confusion these wounds cause, our minds sometimes perform an act of self-preservation called disassociation. These disassociated parts of ourselves hold emotions, memories, and impulses that our conscious self finds too overwhelming or contradictory to own. Consequently, we exile them, not out of malice but as a means to survive emotionally.

     The voices, whether we hear them as encouragement, temptation, or correction, can be potent. Imagine them as manifestations of our exiled selves – ‘God’ representing our aspirations and morality, ‘the Devil’ personifying our suppressed impulses and desires, and our ‘conscience’ acting as the mediator, the voice of our true self. These voices are not infallible deities or omnipotent forces but rather reflections of our deepest selves, trying to converse with the parts of us that we consciously acknowledge.

     Why should we reclaim these exiled parts? Because integration is the path to healing. By acknowledging these voices as elements of our being, we invite a reunion with lost aspects of ourselves. This journey towards wholeness requires us to confront pain, reassess our narrative, and heal wounds we’ve long ignored. It is in this brave exploration and acceptance that we find true self-discovery.

     Reconnecting with these inner voices has profound benefits. It can lead to a heightened sense of self-awareness and inner peace. With intention and practice, we can discern which voices offer guidance towards authenticity and which perpetuate our wounding. Embracing these parts with compassion allows us to live more fully, richly, and true to ourselves.

     In our overly judgmental dualistic culture where we are conditioned to externalize good and evil or right and wrong, looking inward to discover their origins can be an act of radical self-acceptance. Cultivate a practice of self-reflection, respond to these voices with curiosity instead of fear, and allow humility to guide us towards understanding and integration.

     Connecting, or reconnecting, with all inner and outer voices is the ultimate of the union with Life while still incarnated within our human bodies.  To hear and recognize every sound, be it the wind tickling the leaves, the creek meandering through the meadow, the abrasive call of the crow, the song of the whale, the howl of the wolf, the meow of the cat, the screams of a person being assaulted, the anger of the Christian Nationalist, the rhetoric of the Trump Republican, the sound of ambulance rushing to a drug overdose victim, the anguish of the parents who just lost their daughter to gun violence, the call for love from a special one who betrayed us and we now consider unworthy of our love, or the cries of our long neglected inner child are the vibrations emanating from our One True Self.  If we no longer are turning away from our Self, and now tuning into all vibrations, listening deeply to all sounds, hearing all voices, and responding with love, empathy, and compassion to all, we have come back home to our infinite spiritual heritage, and are now living on the widest frequency of being.

Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, and ?

     The journeys inwards and outwards are not simple ones, but are laden with the promise of personal evolution. If we dare to tune in to the voices both within and without– the forsaken advisors of our exile – we might just reclaim the wholeness of our being. Exploration and integration of these voices are not signs of madness but of profound courage, as we reach towards that ultimate goal, the mystical union with God, the Universe, and Mother Earth.. May we each have the bravery to face all voices, the wisdom to understand them, and the openheartedness to grow through them.

DREAMS

Are dreams just whispers from our biology, creations sprung from dreamtime imaginations, windows to our subconscious minds, hints of wisdom from our higher power,  portals to other people’s lives, or even remote viewing of our past lives?

Since the dawn of time, dreams have been a source of mystery and fascination. They are the stories our minds weave while we sleep, tales that often escape the grasp of our waking consciousness. But what are dreams really for? Are they critical cogs in the machine of our biological existence or do they serve a purpose.
Since the dawn of time, dreams have been a source of mystery and fascination. They are the stories our minds weave while we sleep, tales that often escape the grasp of our waking consciousness. But what are dreams really for? Are they critical cogs in the machine of our biological existence or do they serve a purpose beyond the physical realm? This blog post explores dreams from various lenses – biological, psychological, neurological, and spiritual – to delve into the origins and value of this nocturnal phenomenon.

Neurologically, dreams are a consequence of brain activity during REM sleep. Studies with brain scans have shown that certain areas of the brain – like the amygdala, involved in processing emotions, are active during this state. Some neuroscientists speculate that dreaming is a byproduct of these electrical impulses and serves no direct purpose. However, other theories suggest dreaming could be a way the brain processes emotions or encodes memories.  Research has even linked specific types of brain activity with the content of dreams. Scans have shown that the visual cortex’s activity may relate to the vivid imagery of dreams, whereas the limbic system’s activation might correlate with the emotional content.

On a more mystical plane, many believe that dreams hold spiritual significance, acting as messages from the divine or the subconscious. Dreams often weave intricate symbolisms that many spiritual traditions interpret as signposts for guidance, warnings, or insights into one’s deep self.  Cultures throughout history have used dreams to make decisions or predict future events. A comparative analysis across cultures shows that despite the vast differences in interpretation, many agree on the potent spiritual value of dreams. Personal stories abound of individuals claiming that dreams led to life-transforming realizations and decisions, implying a higher significance to these nighttime visions.

What then are the origins of dreams? Evolutionary theories suggest dreams might have assisted our ancestors in survival, giving them a ‘safe space’ to simulate dangerous situations and practice responses. As cultures evolved, so did the understanding and appreciation of dreams, imbuing them with religious and spiritual importance.  Yet the real value of dreams might not lie in any one perspective but rather in the interplay of all. They can be as much about biological programming as they are about confronting psychological truths or connecting with the universe’s deeper mysteries.

Clearly, dreams are multifaceted in their significance and importance. They are a nexus where our biological, psychological, neurological, and spiritual selves meet. Well beyond mere scientific curiosity, this intersection offers rich insights into the complexities of human consciousness and experience. With each dream we remember upon waking, we glimpse a reflection of our inner workings – and potentially, the essence of what it means to be human.

We all dream, whether we recall them, or not.  Often, those who can recall their dreams have no context with which to interpret them, and the dreams are often  just casually dismissed.  But there are many of us who have developed a context of understanding for our dream works, and pay keen attention to them.  My dreams have always been an important part of my life, and I consider them as messages from many facets of my Self.

In 1964, at 8 years of age I had a most amazing, realistic dream.  This was during a period of time when I slept very little, as I usually got to sleep no earlier than midnight, no matter how early I went to bed.  I laid in bed and reviewed the day every night before sleep, and see where I could have done things better, or said something a little differently.   My dreams had finally evolved beyond the continuous nightmare phase that I was accustomed to, prior to age 8.

THE DREAM:

The priest, having received his directive from “on high”, then returned to his village along the lake in the high mountain region.  He gathered all of the villagers together, and informed them that they were to take every golden figurine, every sacred symbol that they owned, and they were to throw them all into the lake, and never to think about them again.  Then, he told each villager that they must each go into their own home, and face the “evil one” without any protection or care from any of their gods or their symbols of the sacred.

Who was that boy who had that dream?  Is this dream message as valid today as it was, perhaps many years ago?  What kind of life is there to experience once the forces of darkness within one’s own soul have been overcome?  More will be revealed.  I have had many more experiences in adulthood, some of a very profound nature.  The pieces of the puzzle of my life are being integrated into a bigger picture.

It was a bit early for me to be learning about idolatry,  facing my shadow, and psychological projection, but the dream felt very real.  It may have been a portal for viewing the greatest teaching frim an ancestors life’s, but I will never know for sure,

As I make sense of my own experience, so I make sense of the whole of life.

I used to have a dream journal, which I misplaced in a piece of luggage unused for over a decade. I would “wake up” without really being awake, and write some of the damnedest stuff, sometimes. Then, I would not even remember ever writing it. This is one of many that I never recalled writing. I found this one while on vacation in Japan in 2019

In April of 1987, after I had been sober for about one month after 16 years of hell, I had a series of three dreams, on three consecutive nights.

In the first dream, I was an early teenager, hanging out with 4 or 5 other boys, who were my buddies.  My name, in the dream, was Bobby Clements.

In the second dream, we are all enlisting, as a group, to enter WWII.  We told the recruiter that we all wanted to fly on the same plane, or we would not accept service.  We were promised that the Air Force would do everything in their power to make sure that we all were on duty in the same location, and, perhaps, share space on the same military aircraft

In the third dream, I am piloting an aircraft, with all of my buddies assuming support roles.  We are flying into anti-aircraft shelling turbulence, and I can no longer keep the aircraft under control.  My buddies stay in their positions, but apparently whatever hit us from below, is a fatal blow.  I know that we are all going to die.  The dream ends.

I researched Bobby Clements substantially for two months (prior to advent of the internet) later in 1987.  I had seen a park with the last name that I was researching south of Salem towards the coast, and drove to Philomath, Oregon with my wife Sharon, researching the Clements family there, but I came up short.

Several decades later, my sister took up the search for me.  My sister is a STRONG BELIEVER in reincarnation, and she has memories from her own past life experiences.

In her research, she came up with Robert “Bobby” Kelly Clements, of Nova Scotia, Canada.. Robert flew a Lancaster bomber for the RAF out of England, and he was allowed to hand pick his crew, according to the records. He picked his five Nova Scotia friends!

His story was identical to what I saw in the three dream sequence, according to the family reports that she had read about “Bobby”, too.

Umm, Bobby was an electrician prior to his enlistment.  As an eight year old, I wanted to become an electrician more than anything, save becoming an Air Force pilot.  I had a full ride scholarship to the Air Force, was in the ROTC at the U of Portland, then dropped out due to my first wife’s severe health issues.

I eventually retired, as an electrician, in 2016,.

I tried to commit suicide in 1986, when I finally realized that my childhood dreams of being, first an Air Force pilot, and then an astronaut, were never, ever to be realized in this incarnation.

Eerie!

Here is my letter to my sister, acknowledging the experience:

PENTAX Image

Like a bumblebee, whose body is too big for his wings, it lifts up its heart, and then it sings, and then it flies. . . I want to fly, don’t you want to fly?-—Jerry Florence, and Alliance.

Recently, I was reading my journal from March of 1989. There was an entry about a mysterious dream that I had on March 17, 1988, where I am looking for a discarded ring with 8 jewels. After feverishly looking about, I locate 7 of the jewels, and not the mounting, or the eighth jewel. The last jewel will be found mounted to the lost ring itself, the thought comes to me. I am with an unknown girlfriend at the time, though there is sadness associated with this friendship. I know that this “unknown woman” is not the final jewel, and my search must continue. The dream tells me that this is a view of the future, so when I woke up, I was a little more than just skeptical, to say the least.

I was with Laurie H. at the time of the dream. I first met her in an ACOA (adult children of alcoholics) meeting in October of 1987. Laurie and I were engaged at that time, though several weeks after the dream we cancelled the engagement, in June of that year. This opened the door to an eerie conclusion to this story, and yet another story of healing.

In 2020, my wife Sharon, who I had been married to since 1994, showed me the ring that she bought for our 2nd wedding ceremony, a fun family gathering in Las Vegas, in 2004. Sharon bought the ring in Portland, prior to our leaving for Las Vegas, and I was not involved in its purchase, though I asked her, prior to leaving, if she had a ring for our 2nd marriage. She then went to purchase it at Mother Goose, a store in Portland.

seven jeweled ring with big stone

On it was mounted 7 small stones, with one large green eighth stone distinguishing the setting. I had seen it before, and yet never understood its significance, until I re-read my journal. WOW, the ring, and the story, straight from the dream! Sharon had never seen my journal before (it has been in storage since 1989), and I have never discussed its contents with her, either, nor had I even thought about it once in the intervening years.  It was quite the coincidence, sychronicity, or dream viewing of an as yet indeterminate future.

Looking at my history, I have witnessed many dreams inspired by the Mystery

In 2017 our dear friend June T. was visiting her brother Dale in Medford, Oregon. Dale was very sick at the time. In a Friday evening dream, I was in an unfamiliar bathroom, and I had fallen between the toilet and the wall. I was quite distressed in the dream. That next morning, Sharon and June talked on the phone, and June told her that Dale had fallen between the toilet and wall, while she watched helplessly. Coincidence?

In the spring of 1992, while Sharon and I were living in Rock Creek, I had another amazing dream, and it is the miracle of love, and trust and innocence that enables me to share it.  In this dream, I was in my grandfather’s home, sleeping in the bedroom that i always slept in as a child.  A “fierce, fiery cluster, or orb, of pure light and love” hovered over me, and though it did not have human form, I knew it to be my grandfather.  I was being drawn into his love light, and I knew that, for me to continue, this energy would destroy my body because my body was too weak to support this “fire of love” that came to me.  I did not care, for I had finally found what I was looking for, and I began to rise up, and attempt to join with it, knowing my “body” would be destroyed in the process.

Now, in real time, in the physical world, my body was shaking and almost convulsing, and, to Sharon, my “crying and distress” showed that I was having a nightmare.  In her concern, she woke me up, and I had never felt so disappointed to have to wake up, as it ripped me away from this most remarkable inner experience. It is also remarkable how absolutely parallel this inner experience in the dream was to my own grandfather’s experience on the operating table, when he was “ripped back into this world” against his will.

But the dream carried many fruits with it into the world that our bodies inhabit  (Also, the prayer of gratitude-Grandfather, Great Spirit, Thank You, appeared in my mind and heart back then, as well).  I knew that if I wanted to entertain, or to even host, the higher vibrations of love, my body (both physical body and the body of thought constituting myself), must become much stronger, and more open to the powerful energies of Love’s universe.  I came to realize that I must improve my physical conditioning and my dietary choices, and continue to be engaged with like minded individuals and groups of people, where energy can be exchanged.

Matthew Fox Workshop, April 2017

We attended Matthew Fox’s Cosmic Christ Workshop in Tacoma, April 2017. After Friday evening’s seminar about mysticism with the Master Spiritual Teacher, Matthew Fox, we returned to our hotel room, to rest up for the next morning’s follow-up workshop on the Cosmic Christ. I had quite the deep, peaceful sleep, which lasted six hours for me. Prior to awakening, I had a most interesting, powerful dream. What was/is fascinating about this dream is how absolutely awake I was, while having the dream.

In the dream, I opened a door, and walked into a room that was well lit. The room seemed neither familiar, or unfamiliar to me. Inside of the room there was a man standing, who was also neither familiar or unfamiliar to me, as well. He greeted me, holding a cup out to me in his hand. He gently offered it to me, and for a moment I considered what it’s contents might be. I then knew that if I drank from it, I would become “intoxicated”, but of a different nature that was still consistent with the path of “sobriety” I currently walked upon. I then noticed a table, where an opened map laid open upon it. The man walked with me to the table, still holding the cup.

I looked at the map, and it was a topographic style map, similar to what I might use for traveling and/or hiking with. There were two distinct areas to it. The path or road, on the right side of the map, had only one dark, solid line drawn from the bottom to the top of the map. But, the section on the left side of the map had several dotted lines that only remotely “paralleled” the route on the right side of the map. I had no judgement about each of the path styles, yet I remained curious about the several dotted line paths, which intersected each other, while also “snaking” their unique routes up the map. I noted also that the “dotted line” paths also did not ever cross the path of the solid, dark line, though all of the paths had no distinct starting, or end point.

At the Cosmic Christ workshop Saturday morning, Matthew asked if anyone had a dream that they wanted to share in the big group. Not being a “realized person”, I felt uncomfortable sharing the dream. But when it came time for a break, I took a book to Matthew for signing, and shared my dream with him. He refused to tell me what it might mean, but he had a smile on his face, and told me to let it tell me it’s meaning.

On our drive home, Sharon White took controls of the car, and I started telling her the dream again. It was then that the horripilations began in earnest, and the full meaning came through me. A complete mystical understanding, and teaching, was built into that dream, and it was then I realized that I had indeed drunk from the cup of the Spirit. Yes, I became quite “intoxicated” with Spirit, and I knew then that we had truly been blessed again by the Master Teacher.  There were new paths of consciousness to be traveled, and they were indicated by the dotted line, intersecting and interweaving paths.  The solid line on the right, which I had no interest in, was the established ways of knowing and seeing, and the continuation of the structure of the past.  BORING!

This dream was a complete spiritual teaching, and for that, Great Spirit, I thank you, and my gratitude to you will be expressed through the life that you live through me, for now and all time to come. Yes, mysticism, the heart of all vibrant, evolving religions, also can be a personal reality. It is not, however, for those clinging to structured understandings of life.

By nature and practice I am not a religious person, though I have joined with the community of many theologians who believe that dreams are one of God’s (or, Higher Power, Universe, Healing, Spirit, Grandfather Great Spirit, The One, etc.)primary ways of getting our attention. In the absolute, there is little difference between what we experience through our dreams and through our so-called waking reality. Awake or asleep, internally we respond in real time to what we witness as if both experiences have equal footing in reality. So could God/Truth be trying to tell us something while we are sleeping? Here are six spiritually significant dreams that may be more than meets the mind’s eye.:

Dreams have long been regarded as a window into our subconscious and a channel for personal healing. They possess the power to illuminate hidden emotions, offer guidance, and even facilitate profound transformations. I have personally experienced the therapeutic nature of dreams, where they have acted as a catalyst for powerful healing processes. In one instance, I had a dream that seemed to reveal fragments of a past life experience. This dream was so vivid and emotionally charged that it compelled me to seek interpretation and explore the concept of past lives further.

The idea of spirit communication through dreams has fascinated humanity throughout history. Many cultures believe that dreams provide a gateway for spirits to connect with the living. I have encountered instances where I felt a deep and inexplicable connection with a spirit of a deceased friend or family member in my dreams. The experiences I’ve had, along with countless anecdotes from others, reinforce the belief that dreams can serve as a conduit for spiritual connections.

Imagine stepping into a dream and finding ourselves in an unfamiliar time and place, experiencing events that feel oddly familiar. These dreams, often referred to as past life dreams, offer glimpses into our previous incarnations. Some believe that these dreams provide insights into our present lives, shedding light on unresolved issues or patterns that continue to influence us. Exploring dreams as windows into past lives presents an opportunity for self-reflection, self-discovery, and a deeper understanding of our existence.

It is important to remember that dreams, spirit connections, and past lives are deeply personal experiences. Each individual’s journey is unique, and interpretations will vary. What may hold profound meaning for one person may not resonate with another. Embracing the infinite possibilities of the mystical realm encourages us to approach these experiences with an open mind and a sense of wonder.

Key Takeaways:

• Dreams possess transformative powers, offering avenues for personal healing and self-discovery.
• Dreams can provide windows into past lives, offering insights and lessons for our present existence.
• Channeling spirits through dreams can provide a profound connection with the spiritual realm.
• Personal experiences and interpretations of dreams and spirit connections contribute to an individual’s spiritual growth.

As we navigate the beautifully complex realm of dreams, spirits, and past lives, let us embrace the mysteries that unfold before us. Each dream, each spirit encounter, and each realization serves as a building block in our spiritual journeys. So, let us continue to explore, learn, and grow, as we unravel the extraordinary possibilities that lie within the mystical realm.

1. Visitation Dreams
It’s common to have a visitation dream after a loved one passes. The deceased often appear in bodily form, healthy and luminous, in order to communicate an important message: “I’m okay.”, or “There is nothing to fear about death”. I have had several of these dreams over the years, with my most recent experience revolving around the recent death of a good friend.

2. Prophetic Dreams
Many people have had a “dream that came true.” Our dreams may use our past experiences to produce a probable series of future events—showing us patterns that help us make better choices when we’re awake. I have had several dreams that have predicted EXACTLY events that were to happen, yet they remain unreliable predictors of the future, because the future is always changing, depending upon changes made in the present.

3. Warning Dreams
God—and our body—can sometimes speak in dreams to warn us about imminent danger, especially regarding health. We may dream of a specific body part or even receive a verbal warning. In a 2015 study of women diagnosed with breast cancer, 83 percent had dreams that were more vivid than normal. And 44 percent reported hearing specific words like “breast cancer” or “tumor.”

4. Healing Dreams
These are the internal creations that bring us from an “out of balance” place into “harmony and balance.” They often involve a mystical encounter. I have experienced many healing dreams, I had one amazing dream with my deceased grandpa Henry which, to this day, inspires and confounds me.

5. Heavenly Dreams
According to a 1989 study, more than half of healthy young adults who dreamed of death spent a significant amount of time in that dream in heaven. These dreamers sometimes go down a tunnel or pathway and arrive at heavenly destinations. They also frequently encounter deceased loved ones. I have had dreams where I have heard the songs and sounds of the “angels of heaven”, carrying a message of beauty beyond my ability to describe or define.

6. Mutual Dreams
A mutual dream is when two people—typically in separate locations—dream of the same thing at the same time. According to a 2017 study, shared dreams are 80 percent identical on average. They often occur between close friends or relatives. Interestingly, 4 percent of these dreams are shared by strangers. A most profound realization and insight may come to the dreamer, that the collective mind of man dreams through individuals, and individuals dream through the collective mind of mankind. We are one, after all, you and I.

7. Projection Dreams

In 2007, I was able to see that my sense of self had to include the much more expansive collective self that we all share as being conscious members of the human race.  In a dream, I was shown how all of us may project ourselves into another human beings’ experience in our dream world, and experience their version of reality for a moment or two.  If you have ever awakened from a dream, shaking from the experience of living in a very real, but alien, life experience, you have walked across the mysterious threshold into a higher dimension of understanding our self.

Wisdom and insight are available through our “dream channels”. Atheists and agnostics have the same capacity as the saints, as far as the ability to access dream wisdom goes. One of the more amazing dreams that I have had in recent years was the previously mentioned dream involving June Thomas’s brother Dale. We are much closer than we presently believe, and our beliefs keep us more separate as a human beings, than together as spiritual beings. June is much more like me, and attuned with me, than I am comfortable with, some times.

The same is true of ALL OF HUMANITY.

We all are capable of traveling into higher dimensions of being, carried by the mysteries and majesty of our dreams.

Sexuality and Transcendence

I would be neglectful of one of the most powerful biological and spiritual urges if I bypassed human sexuality. Sexuality, in all its simplicity and complexity, has long been a subject of fascination and controversy.  While sex can be sacred and transformative, it is essential to acknowledge its primal nature.The biological urge that drives us towards sexual connection is deeply rooted in our animal magnetism. It is a natural, instinctual force that has been with us since the dawn of humanity.

Sexuality is a fundamental aspect of human nature, encompassing our physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. However, society often reduces it to a purely biological urge and  to the economic needs for procreation to support an expanding economy,  while often trying to confine it  to  just the realm of marital intimacy. By expanding our understanding of sexuality, we can transcend societal constructs and embrace its potential for personal and spiritual development.

Sexual intimacy has the potential to be more than just a physical act—it has the power to forge a profound connection between two individuals. In moments of deep connection, an ethereal bond is formed, transcending the boundaries of the physical realm. Through shared vulnerability and genuine love, we touch a part of our souls that words fail to capture. These experiences are not mere coincidences; they are glimpses of the power of bodily, emotional, and spiritual unity.  By recognizing and embracing this aspect of our sexuality, we can approach it with a sense of reverence and respect.

Beyond the physical pleasures and societal taboos, there lies a deeper dimension—a spiritual significance that often goes unnoticed. The intersection of sex and spirituality opens the door to realms where we can explore the concept of sacred biology, the transformative power of orgasms, and the ethical considerations surrounding sexual relations outside of marriage.

Sacred biology is a concept that invites us to view our bodies and sexuality through a lens of reverence and spirituality. It encompasses the understanding that our bodies are not merely vessels of pleasure but sacred instruments of connection, creation, and transcendence. Through scientific and philosophical explorations, we can come to appreciate the intricate interplay of hormones, neurotransmitters, and energetic exchanges that occur during sexual experiences. Sacred biology reminds us that our bodies are gifts, deserving of love, respect, and responsible stewardship.

Orgasms, often relegated to the realm of pleasure, possess a deeper significance in the realm of spirituality. As energy courses through our bodies, reaching its climax in an orgasmic release, we experience a profound shift in consciousness. Some religious and spiritual texts speak of the spiritual enlightenment that can be attained through the union of body and spirit. In these moments of heightened awareness, we catch a fleeting glimpse of the divine.

When approached consciously and with intention, sex can be an alchemical process that catalyzes personal transformation and higher consciousness. It has the potential to merge our physical, emotional, and spiritual energies, creating a powerful crucible for growth and self-realization. Through the power of sex, we can tap into our full potential and awaken dormant aspects of ourselves.

While recognizing the spiritual significance of sex, it is essential to address the ethical considerations surrounding sexual activities outside of marriage. Cultural and religious norms have long shaped our understanding of sexuality, often placing restrictions and boundaries around its expression. However, as we navigate the complexities of our modern world, it is crucial to engage in open and honest conversations about the ethics of consensual sexual relations outside the confines of traditional marriage. Each individual must grapple with their own moral compass, guided by compassion, respect, and mutual consent.

Unfortunately, the sacred nature of sex has often been misunderstood, leading to taboos, shame, and distorted narratives surrounding sexuality. Society’s conditioning and cultural norms have perpetuated a sense of guilt and secrecy around sex, hindering our ability to explore its spiritual dimensions fully. It is crucial to challenge these misunderstandings and embrace a more holistic and integrated perspective on sex and spirituality.

It is essential to recognize and honor the spiritual significance of sex. By embracing the profound connection experienced during sexual intercourse, acknowledging the transformative power of orgasms, and engaging in ethical considerations surrounding sexual activities, we can navigate the realms of sex and spirituality with wisdom and compassion. Let us remember that our bodies are vessels of divine energy and that sexuality, when approached with reverence and love, has the potential to enrich our lives and awaken the spirit within us.

Exploring the connection between sexuality and spirituality is not without its challenges and controversies. It challenges societal norms, religious dogma, and cultural conditioning. It requires us to question ingrained beliefs and embark on a path less traveled. However, it is through embracing these challenges that we can break free from limitations, expand our consciousness, and experience profound personal transformation.

In the realm where sexuality and spirituality intersect, lies a gateway to higher consciousness, personal growth, and self-realization. By embracing the sacredness of sex, understanding its primal nature, and exploring its transformative power, we can tap into a wellspring of wisdom, connection, and expanded consciousness. To embark on this journey with an open heart and mind, we can embrace the exploration of sexuality and spirituality as a pathway to profound personal growth and an expanding consciousness. 

Through an enlightened sexuality we can all live life on a much wider frequency of being,

Psychedelics and Spiritual Healing

Imagine unlocking the doors of perception, peering into realms of the mind previously unexplored, and discovering new pathways to healing and self-discovery. Welcome to the world of psychedelics. Psychedelics, such as ketamine, psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, Ayahuasca, and DMT, have long fascinated humanity with their ability to induce profound experiences. 

Psychedelics have a rich history dating back centuries, intertwined with various cultures and spiritual practices. Ancient civilizations, such as the Aztecs and indigenous tribes of the Amazon, incorporated psychedelics into rituals and ceremonies, considering them gateways to divine realms and sources of profound wisdom. By exploring these historical uses,  insight may be gained into the enduring fascination and reverence for these substances.

There are many personal stories and case studies available that provide powerful glimpses into the transformative potential of psychedelics. These narratives highlight the deeply profound experiences that individuals have undergone, often leading to insights, emotional healing, and personal growth. While personal stories should not be considered scientific evidence, they offer valuable perspectives on the impact psychedelics have had on many lives. 

In the last two years, there have been several articles posted in Psychology Today, and in other scientific, spiritual and healing newsletters, about the possibility of some forms of psychedelics being useful in the treatment of depression and other mood disorders, as well as being an incredible aid to dying patients who may be facing the fear of death. Modern research may be confirming what has already been witnessed by many users of these mind-altering substances over the years.

Psychedelia comes under a different class of psychotropic experience than alcohol, pot, amphetamines, narcotics, or downers. They were referred to as mind-expanding drugs during the period when they were most popular, which began in the 1960s and extended through the 1970s period. I found psychedelics to be extremely challenging to use, yet they brought into my awareness some amazing and logic-defying experiences.  I even had exotic, supra-normal types of personal events on several occasions.

The legal status of psychedelics varies across different countries and jurisdictions. While some psychedelics remain classified as Schedule I substances, impeding research and therapeutic use, there are signs of shifting attitudes. In recent years, breakthroughs in scientific research and growing public interest have led to legislative changes, allowing for expanded research and even decriminalization in certain regions.

In the early 1970s, I used LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) close to twenty times. The trip would last up to 12 hours. I was also introduced to DMT, which was called “the businessman’s LSD” because it only lasted about 2-3 hours (who has the time for an all-day adventure?).  I also used peyote once, and mushrooms on several occasions, but I had no extraordinary experiences with their use.  LSD worked its magic for me in the 1970s, but I had no intention through its use to permanently erase the ego. Many who used LSD too frequently damaged their mental health, so there is a limit to suspending the ego chemically.

If you need psychedelics, natural or man-made, to get where you want to go spiritually, emotionally and/or physically, proceed with care.

Ram Dass would certainly approve.

Me?

I am not a businessman. I took the long path to my salvation. I know that we each are responsible for our spiritual salvation, not an ancient prophet or savior, or any new drug. My experience tells me that we each need to work long, and hard, to achieve our spiritual goals. No one will do this work for us. Our ego is not the enemy, as ignorance, self-delusion, and stupidity are the real culprits. Intelligence formed from listening to the silence within and having that insight inform our knowledge and memories will bring salvation to our planet, and to ourselves. Negating the value of the ego rather than fine-tuning it will not accomplish anything significant, other than further damaging one’s sense of self-esteem.

Work with integrity upon your traumas.

Work with integrity upon your spiritual path.

If you can’t find the sacred silence without Nature’s help, then, by all means, take advantage of her magic.

But beware of the consequences of bringing a highly chaotic mindset to this process.  I recommend that you first have experienced a measure of healing.  Otherwise, you may not find what you are looking for, except more chaos..

I never saw the use of LSD or psychedelics as dangerous or self-destructive, but instead as a delightful and eye-opening vacation from all of the dark certainties and crystallized structures of thought that characterized my troubled early life.  It all depends on the state of the mind, and our intentions, to determine if the use of mind-altering chemicals is to be considered drug abuse or part of an evolutionary healing consciousness.

Psychedelics, and their use, could take a whole volume if I were to describe and define all of my experiences with them over the period 1972-1980. I used LSD and mescaline during my high school years over twenty times, from early 1972 through the summer of 1973. In college, I did not use them hardly at all, nor did I use them much after that, perhaps using them once or twice a year until 1980, when I ceased their usage..

The first time that I used LSD I was a sophomore in high school. I had no desire to ever use the drug as I was afraid of the potential effects on me. But, my sister Pam’s friend, Terry P., gave me a small pill that had been saturated with LSD liquid to give to her. Pam, at this point in her life, had no desire for the drug, so she gave it back to me and told me to return it to Terry. I kept it and then decided to try an ever-so-small amount of it, in case I had a dangerous reaction to it. I grabbed a razor blade, and scraped about one-fourth off of the pill, and ingested it, and then took a bus to downtown Portland, to hang out at the city library. An amazing feeling overtook me about one hour later. I became euphoric, and I had never felt so good in my life!  I felt peace, and love for everybody and everything, and being only fifteen years old and having never experienced such an energy before, I thought that I had found the promised land. There were no visual or auditory hallucinations, because the dose was so low, and that was just fine with me. It took longer than usual to sleep that night, as my mind remained on high alert well into the early morning hours. There was no hangover nor did I regret taking the risk of using the drug.

Another time, while still a sophomore in high school, I attended a concert at Washington Park, where a man sold me something called DMT, which he called the businessman’s LSD because its effects only lasted 2-3 hours, versus the 10-13 hours LSD’s effects may cause. I became euphoric on this drug, and I had a fascinating experience. Every person that I would encounter for the next two hours, I felt an incredible kinship with. I also felt as if I could understand them at some level way beyond my normal capacity. It was as if I was able to feel all of their good thoughts, so to speak. So, it was an experience of the elimination of fear for me when dealing with strangers, and it gave me the sense of being connected with everybody at a level impossible to achieve while in a normal state. A more sedate and sane variation of this experience was to come to me more naturally fifteen years later, after recovery from drug addiction and alcohol abuse .

While a senior in high school I had another LSD experience worth commenting upon, when Marc A., Mike K. and I took LSD together. Mike had already dropped out of high school, and had his own “rat castle” so we enjoyed LSD’s effects at Mike’s place, out of public view. One amazing effect was that somehow Marc and I became entrained so that we would see the same hallucinations at the same time. I was now taking the drug in high enough doses that hallucinations were quite prominent. One of the biggest prolonged laughs that we all had together was when Mike turned into the Devil himself, with red horns, a tail, and a red face. Of course, Mike could not see it, but Marc and I saw him transform Exactly at the same time, and we could not stop laughing for ten minutes!!

One final experience that seems to have significance is one time I had secured a variation of LSD called Orange Sunshine while attending a summer concert at Delta Park in north Portland. The pill itself was a small phosphorescent orange color, and boy did it pack a wallop! Any kind of visual image or scene had the likelihood of changing into almost anything else, seemingly spontaneously. When I say that the walls were melting at times, if I was in a room, the walls did melt with the most wonderful synesthesia of blending colors and sounds. My psychological set was eliminated as well, meaning all of my personality was no longer accessible, so I was witnessing and experiencing the moment without my normal ways of experiencing reality through my conditioning. It was an incredible, disorienting, wild, and transformative experience while under LSD’s influence. I was to have a drug-induced awakening where I realized that I was the one controlling my very reality, and through the focus of my will and my heart, I could change what I was witnessing in the world. This took on rather bizarre manifestations, with colors swirling through new images, sometimes appearing as if some sort of internal kaleidoscope were projecting images out into my visual field, ALL UNDER MY CONTROL.

When I saw how I could also experience people in a thousand different ways, depending on the position of my internal kaleidoscope, I came to realize that I had a lot more say in how I experienced my fellow man than I ever realized. I can understand why Richard Alpert (Ram Dass), Timothy Leary, Bill Wilson, and so many other pioneers in the modern-day exploration of human consciousness have used LSD. LSD, under the right conditions, can reveal the awesome powers and potential of the unconditioned human mind. It can be temporarily transformational and quite beautiful, and, potentially, dangerous, as well.

I found that the older I got, the less of a positive experience that I had with psychedelics so I stopped all use. In 1980, I used LSD for the last time, sharing the experience with Dan Dietz.  I had trouble coming down from the experience, and it took two days to return to my normal psychological set.  That second day, I feared that I would never return to normal and that I would be stuck for the rest of my life in this in-between state of anxiety and mental illness.  I was never tempted to use LSD again.

While there is a huge potential upside to the use of psychedelics, there can also be a downside to their use, and the person contemplating mind-altering drugs should research this subject, as if for an upper graduate degree. There are Ayahuasca excursions into the Amazon jungle, and now, local retreats, where shamans administer a concoction to the participants seeking a deeper understanding of their own life, and their spiritual connection with the absolute. Many, many suffering, dying people with death terrors, and addicts, alcoholics, and mentally ill human beings can greatly benefit from this form of therapy. 

There are terminally ill patients therapeutically using psychedelics, which has been shown to reduce or eliminate “death terrors” for such patients, while also providing profound guidance for those terminally ill persons. Those seeking such experiences can find appropriate therapists who have access to these drugs and are willing to administer them to the appropriate patient, but they don’t advertise these capabilities on their websites.

I do not regret ever having used a psychedelic drug. As there are logical reasons for using them again, I am now considering them as viable therapeutic options. There are many great stories now available about the use of psychedelics in therapeutic and quasi-therapeutic settings..  It is not my intention to become just another cheerleader for those who want to use or continue to use them.  Yet, through writings such as this I may become perceived as a proponent for the human experimentation of these mind-altering substances and their potential application for improving mental health and spiritual awareness. 

So be it.

Psychedelics worked for me with the intentions, or lack of them, that I entertained for their use in the 1970s. The positive aspects of mind expansion without drugs have occurred for me in adulthood, and I value all such mind-altering and expanding experiences that have led to enhanced insight, wisdom, and healing for me. From 1987 through 2022, I was satisfied with my connection to the higher power that I had developed through the practice of meditation and mindfulness, exercise, healthy food, and social connections. 

Bill Wilson of AA renown, 20 years after his own recovery from alcoholism in 1935, engaged in psychedelic therapy for his chronic depression, beginning in 1955. He believed that this therapy would be of great benefit to those recovering people who could not find, or experience, God (or Cosmic Energy, Spirit, Higher Power, etc).  Deepak Chopra, the ever popular spiritual teacher, is also a strong proponent of this mind opening intervention. Gabor Mate, Dick Schwarz, and other internationally known healers are firmly in support of this form of healing.

I attended my first PIR (psychedelics in recovery) meetings at the Alano Club, Portland on Thursday, October 12th, 2023. I also attended my first AA meeting in that same recovery house in 1981. I have attended nearly a thousand meetings there from 1984 through the early 1990’s. I have extensive experience and training in recovery issues. I have had a few relapses over the intervening years between 1980 and now, with the most dangerous ones in the 1980s while I was still unconscious. I have finally learned how to not fear alcohol consumption, but, instead, to practice mindful drinking, when I choose to consume such beverages. I still enjoy long periods of abstinence from drinking alcohol, whenever my spirit calls for a break. One of my longest breaks was 19 years, which ended when I had a malignant melanoma diagnosis in 2005. This led to a period in my life where I abused oxycontin to the point of needing two years of therapy to heal from that humbling experience.

Abstinence from intoxicating, mind numbing drugs and practicing mindful drinking is part of a new understanding of recovery for me. But the biggest and most profound part of recovery is enhancing my spiritual connection, and embracing an indigenous/shamanic, Christian mystical, personal inquiry and insight practice coupled with continued 12 Step work ,and a Zen Buddhist approach to viewing reality.  This conscious work began in 1971 when I first practiced meditation, and 1972 when I first listened to Alan Watts, the Zen Buddhist master.  Watts’ death in 1973, and drug addiction and alcohol abuse took me away from all practices when I entered college.

My usage of LSD in the early 1970’s revealed to me a vast, creative beauty embodied within the unexplored regions of my consciousness. But, at those late teenage years when I first used LSD, I did not have sufficient spiritual/emotional maturity with its enhanced context to support continued expanding consciousness.

Sharon and I have been studying therapeutic applications and the benefits of psychedelics for years.  Microdosing of psilocybin began for my wife and I late in 2022. I had my first journey with a facilitator in October of 2022, with dramatic and healing insights gained into the wounds that early trauma, and then culturally acquired trauma, left upon my heart/soul.  This has allowed me to explore new paths of healing from an auto-immune disorder that has recently plagued me.  I am not rejecting Western Medicine, yet using expensive medications with side-effects for the rest of my life is an unappealing option.  If I can reach in consciousness the source of my dysfunction, I may be able to remove the factor(s) that encourage the continuance of my auto-immune disorder.

We continue to move in greater circles of understanding and towards our own infinite unfolding as conscious beings. Inquiring minds such as our own want to know what are the best options for healing from trauma/ptsd, enhanced brain health, and continuous spiritual growth, while receiving positive social support, rather than negative judgments from others. We are now in contact, and have befriended, several facilitators of this mode of healing and insight.  All the healing potential in the world has zero value, unless we access it, and put it into real-life practice.

While psychedelics show promise for mental health and personal growth, it is essential to be aware of potential risks and safety considerations. Psychedelic experiences can be intense and emotionally challenging, requiring careful preparation, adequate support, and a suitable environment. Risks include adverse psychological reactions, potential exacerbation of pre-existing conditions, and interactions with certain medications. It is crucial to approach psychedelics with respect, informed guidance, and a thorough understanding of individual factors and contraindications.

The potential of psychedelics for healing and insight is a compelling field of research and exploration. From their historical use in ancient cultures to the current resurgence of interest in therapeutic applications, psychedelics offer a unique lens into the human mind and its capacity for growth and transformation. As research continues to unfold and legal barriers evolve, it is an exciting time for individuals, mental health professionals, and researchers alike to explore the potential benefits of these substances.

Nature is a true healer. Mankind’s separation from Nature, and disrespect and disregard for its human/animal body  is what creates many diseases, forms of mental illness, wayward politics and religions and Capitalism. Be careful when you follow the masses, for often the “m” is silent. When many are hypnotized by the same delusion, it is called mass hypnosis, which includes many religions, and, of course, Capitalism. 

My advise to all is use extra caution when the latest trends, or even resurgence of ancient ones,  captivate the attention of the general public, including within politics, religion, spirituality and psychedelic use.  

Part Two:  Mysticism, Meditation, Mindfulness, Energy Healing, Immersion In Nature, Yoga and Other Exercise, Prayer, Non-Local Healing, Astral Traveling, VooDoo, Black Magic, Witchcraft. . . . .  . .