Defeating Daydream Syndrome

Have you ever noticed how when you take a trip you're often super excited to be at that place, only to find a bunch of locals who wish they were somewhere else? You know, the whole "grass is greener" thing? I'm constantly daydreaming, wishing I could be someplace else. Brazil, Lebanon, Portugal, Ethiopia, Iran. Everybody daydreams.

Dreams are great to have, to have something to set your intent towards and make your reality. I'm a huge dreamer (as I will share in my forthcoming book). But there's a downside to daydreaming. The beauty of life can be found all around us, right where we are right here and now. If we're too busy wishing we were someplace else we can miss everything that's right there where we are right now. I can remember traveling to Holland or Haiti and telling people I live in Florida. They would tell me that I'm lucky and wish they lived in Florida. Meanwhile, I wish I lived back in Pennsylvania or Haiti.

By all means, dream. Dream some more. When one dream is finished, dream again. Just don't forget to live in the "now." Cherish this moment right where you are. You'll never get it back. Don't waste so much time wishing you were someplace else (either physically, financially, career-wise, romantically) that you miss out on the miracle of right here, right now. Just be, and love being.

"Live in the 'now' and forever be at peace" - Eyedea

Learn to take a (cosmic) joke!

One of the single biggest factors in how we perceive and live our lives is our perception of God. Who do we perceive God/the universe to be? Is God angry, malevolent, non-existent? Or is God good, loving, and, dare I say it, "playful"? So many times in life we get caught by a misdirection by God and we get angry. What if the universe is just being playful with us, playing a cosmic joke? What if we learned to play along with the universe, and rather than get angry, we laugh along with it? How much different would our outlook on life be? How much more light-hearted would we be?

I sincerely believe that there are times when things happen to us for no other reason than for us to learn how to lighten up, take a joke, and laugh. Jesus did say that the "Kingdom of heaven is made of such as these (children)." What is the one thing that children know how to do so much better than adults? Play! Laugh! Have fun! It's time we unlearn our uber-seriousness and learn how to have fun and play again!

Where does this road lead?

I'm formally announcing on this blog what I've already announced on Facebook and Twitter. I've decided to gather the riches I've obtained through my short time in this earth and compile them all in one place to share with all. I am writing a book. The book will start off with a bit of an autobiography, followed by the events that transpired that lead me to my current view of life. The purpose being to share with others how I'm just a regular person who came to find freedom and healing from past wounds without hours of counseling. It all came from within, simply by aligning my perspective.

I never really envisioned myself as a writer, although I suppose it is the natural progression of things. I've long been told that I have a way with words, so I'm going to use that gift combined with my spiritual gifts to give my personal gift back to the Giver of all gifts. This blog is what gave me the idea of writing a book. If nothing else, my children will have a guide to life that they can share with their children and their children's children. It will be my legacy, my lasting mark on this earth that came from timeless truth that was here long before I was born and shall remain long after my body perishes.

My intent is for my audience to see themselves in the book, because it is the story of all of us. From what I've written so far, I can tell you that you will probably laugh, cry, and think. I began this blog to share the story of my journey. I never imagined it would lead to me writing a book, and I have no idea what will come next on this ride. I thank you all for your support during this process. I still have a larger goal that I'm working to achieve, and I believe that this book will just be one step closer into that direction.

Pride vs. Humility: A fresh perspective on why it matters

Before I delve into the main subject of this blog entry, I just wanted to provide a bit of background.

As has been the main theme of this blog, without divulging too much personal information, my life has been going through a big of a transition. It is a stretching, growing process. I recently had an event happen that has caused me to get shaken up a bit and get refocused. Hence, composing another blog entry. Through the process of this event, I've received further clarity into my greater vision, and doing what I have to do to bring this vision into reality.

Late last Friday night, into early Saturday morning, I was discussing this with my friend and explaining the synchronicities I had experienced earlier in that day which lead me to believe that in spite of my current visible circumstances, I am indeed on the right path. As we sat outside talking, around 2 AM, I began looking at the stars and telling my friend how I never really was a star watcher but lately I've been feeding upon a lot of discussion of ancient wisdom and their knowledge of cosmology and astronomy. He pulled out an app on his phone that shows the names of the stars, planets, and constellations. Then a pop-up within the app said "Happy Astronomy Day!" October 4 is Astronomy Day. Astronomy Day occurs twice a year, and on that day people will get together for star watching parties. It was the first time I'd star watched in at least a decade, if not 15 years or longer.

The following day I reflected upon the significance of the date. Astronomy Day: 10/4/14. 10+4=14. So I figured there must be something for me in this number 14. So I Googled it, and here is what I found (from the same source that hit me with the significance of the number 15 earlier this year):

http://sacredscribesangelnumbers.blogspot.com/2011/06/angel-number-14.html

"Angel Number 14 is a message from the angels asking that you keep your focus,positive affirmations and intentions on manifesting your goals and aspirations. 
Repeating Angel Number 14 can be a sign from your angels that they are there to assist you with manifesting your true desires.
Angel Number 14 is a message that if you act with caution and wisdom you will be successful in business, money matters and life in general.  Begin worthwhile projects that will bring long-term benefits and future success.
Angel Number 14 encourages progressive change, renewal and growth, and tells you to share your knowledge and wisdom with others.  It also tells you that what you put your efforts towards will reap rewards in the future."

It's pretty much dead on for where I am right now. What does this have to do with this particular blog entry? When do I get to the actual subject at hand? Well, if I'm to take some of this message for me, I have to take all of it. "...tells you to share your knowledge and wisdom with others..." Now, I'm a humble man and I'm content with just living my life, fully aware of the impact that even my smallest actions can have on the great big world around me. But the more I step out of my comfort zone and actually interact with others, the more it hits me that most people don't think like me. I'm different. And while I don't consider myself wise, nor to have any great knowledge that isn't available to anyone else, I do seem to have a particular insight and wisdom that the world would benefit if more people shared this perspective.

So here we are. One of the things I was talking about with my friend is the issue of Pride vs. Humility. He has long been skeptical of the existence of God, especially as revealed through the Bible. I like to say that I found God through the Bible. And while I may scare many Christians away, the God I've come to find, from what I've seen and experienced, is far too grand to be confined into a single human train of thought. I don't think that God is so insecure in Himself (Herself, if you will) that God gets worked up over the name you call God. God is more a force than a name. And while God has a nature and characteristics, naming things is man's turf. Don't get tripped up on semantics. It's the concepts and intent that matter.

So this friend has recently found himself surrounded by Christians who are constantly preaching to him. He considers me as one of the Christians that have been placed into his life, but says I'm different because I don't preach to him (Although I did kind of go off on a tirade one early morning in Prague, but that's a different story). For me, this is simply because I've glimpsed the divine manuscript of life and I don't find it my place to convince others of God. There is nothing more personal than our own souls, and it is our own souls who must make this voyage of personal discovery to find out who God is, who we are, and our relationship to God. In glimpsing this, I am convinced that everybody is exactly where they need to be right now. I don't worry about the person going through the struggle, because I've come to understand that all things work for good. It's simply a matter of now having a big picture/grand scheme perspective. I like to call it an eternal perspective. 

So my friend complained about Christians telling him that rich people can't get to heaven. I explained to him that the Bible says nothing of the sort. People are twisting the words of Jesus. Jesus did say "It is easier to get a camel through the needle of an eye than for a rich man to enter heaven." But Jesus was a spiritually conscious man. He did not say that people with a lot of money can't go to heaven. What he was referring to is people who deem themselves as rich and powerful, and therefore have no need for God. One doesn't need to have a lot of money to be arrogant and think themselves rich. 

I then mentioned how the single most misquoted verse in the Bible is "Money is the root of all evil." The Bible doesn't say that. They are misquoting 1 Timothy 6:10, which says that "The LOVE is money is A root of ALL KINDS of evil." I then told him that pride is the root of all evil. It was pride that caused Lucifer to liken himself as beautiful and have no need of Creator God and be cast down from heaven. It is pride/arrogance. It is thinking that we, ourselves, are God. It is considering ourselves to be greater than we are, and better than others. When one doesn't consider themselves as better than others, one doesn't mistreat or exploit others.

My friend has had discussions about pride before. He understood that it was pretty much thinking that you don't need God. So I explained to him why it matters. Is it a matter of ending up in Heaven vs. Hell in the afterlife? I'll leave that up to the theologians. But this is what I explained to him, in a perspective that even left me a bit speechless after having explaining it:

Heaven vs. Hell and afterlife aside, my friend is spiritual and understands the one-ness of all. Even scientifically speaking, we all come from the same original source. And when taking into consideration the transmutation of energy and our relationship to the grander whole, we never do die. A chicken that eats feed converts it to energy, which then helps it grow and develop muscle, which man will take to eat and convert to fuel. The chicken has died, but hasn't died. It now lives as fuel and energy for a human. So when a person's body dies, the energy that breathed life into the body simply becomes another form of energy. 

What does this have to do with pride? Well, God isn't concerned with whether or not creation thinks they need God. The force that is God goes on whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. It is a matter of scientific and spiritual Law. Such as the Law of Gravity. It existed long before an apple fell onto Isaac Newton's head. It didn't need acknowledgement in order to be. But when we consider ourselves to be better than others we are out of the natural flow of the universe. We are out of sync. And we cannot function properly if we are out of sync. I likened it to a piston thinking that it didn't need the rest of the engine. But we are all just one part of the whole. But humility says "I am just a part of the whole" It acknowledges its place.

Now, our place as a part of the whole is a topic for another blog post. Knowing who we are is humbling yet empowering at the same time. And I explained this to my friend. But I told him that the divine manuscript will go on whether we acknowledge our role or not. And when all is said and done, even if we don't acknowledge the greater whole, we still play our part. But here's the kicker: Don't you think life would be so much more fulfilling if we ARE aware? If we ARE conscious? When we are ignorant of this we are constantly chasing, never satisfied. When we are aware we are grateful and not easily moved by circumstance. 

Jesus said that He came that we may have "Life more abundantly." This is the fulfilled life. A TRULY rich life. And no, it has nothing to do with money. 

(For the record, my personal view on money itself is that it is a tool in the world economic system in which we live. I am not opposed to people accumulating money for themselves, so long as it's not at the expense of others. I simply believe that money doesn't make a person rich. This doesn't mean that people should live without it - it simply doesn't equal a fulfilled life by itself).

The Tortoise and the Hair

This post doesn't really have much to do with hair, other than the fact that my long hair has become a bit of my identity (See my profile description). No, this blog post is more about the tortoise. Well, turtles. And more signs along my journey.

Yesterday morning I was feeling physically exhausted. I'd spent Saturday afternoon helping my best friend help someone move. It was just the two of us, as the man we were moving for is out of the country. It was a great workout and great fun, just physically exhausting. I texted my friend that I was going to go for a jog as more of a spiritual exercise, since my body didn't have much to give. He replied that he, too, was exhausted and sore.

So I go for my jog and come across a rogue turtle:

Why are you wandering out of your pond, Mr. Turtle?

I took a picture of the turtle and posted it on Facebook, then went along my way.

This morning, still feeling a bit worn out, I decide to go for another jog to get out in the sun and meditate. As I come around the area where I saw the turtle yesterday I'm wondering if there is any spiritual significance to turtles. So I Googled "Spiritual significance of turtles" and see this:

http://www.universeofsymbolism.com/turtle-symbolism.html

"Turtle spirit animal gracefully teaches us the art of adapting to new surroundings and environments ... Brings the gifts of longevity, blessings, journey ... Carries the energies of self pace, patience, protection ... The turtle has the wisdom of knowing that all things come in perfect and divine timing."

This definitely resonated with me. But then I thought to myself, "Not everything has a spiritual lesson in it. But isn't that what being awakened is all about? Seeing the signs and lessons in all of the small things? Lord, if this is from You, let me see another turtle today."

I kept on jogging. As I finished my jog, I did NOT see another turtle. As I turned into my neighborhood I felt satisfied, still. Then I caught a glimpse of a bumper sticker on a car that said "Live a Little on the Wild Side." I said to myself, "Yes! That's for me!"

Then I look at the other bumper stickers on the car, and what do I see? A sea turtle.

I've maintained peace along my journey in spite of circumstances. I have faith that everything is for a reason, and everything comes in perfect time. This wasn't about learning that specific lesson. I've caught a small glimpse of the divine manuscript of life and trust the author. No, this wasn't about that. This, to me, was just a matter of being romanced. Life is a dance and the entire universe a love song. We just need to pay attention and be in tuned to hear the song and dance. Today, I danced.

Expanding

I took a nice jog this morning. I enjoy my outdoor jogs because I often receive a lot of insight in those moments of worship. As I was jogging I was reflecting about what I've been going through in recent weeks. Honestly, I've been going through a very deep, dark place. The worst depression I can ever remember going through. But it was going through this that I've come to understand that I am not my mind (epiphany #1 on this link, which I stumbled across on the day I was at my darkest and just a few hours after my mother texted me, "You are not your mind.") This was a liberating revelation. I literally went from a place of dark depression to surreal peace and joy within minutes of grasping this. But that isn't exactly what this blog entry is about.

Along with that text from my mother, she kept texting me "Expand....expand....expand." She was speaking to my spirit, as she's done since the most comfortable days of my embodiment (there's no place like Mommy's womb). She did not expect a reply from me, and I'm sure she knew that I knew what she was doing. So as I head down a stretch of my jog I got to contemplating expansion and growth. Because I like to work out (I see all things as being related, so I try to take care of my body with the exception of my ice cream addiction), my mind went to the place of muscle growth. Because faith is like a muscle. In order for there to be muscle cell growth the old muscle must be torn prior to expanding. 

All growth is a stretching, expansion. Where there is life there is expansion. Life begets life. There is also death of the old to make way for the new. From the time you began reading this up to right now countless cells of your body have died and countless more have grown in their place. If we are to grow in faith (which, as I just pointed out, is a simple Law of the Universe - life begets life), then we must go through a stretching, an expansion. This is the place where I have been. The death to the old, stretching, expansion can be painful at times, but new wine is put into new wineskin because of its ability to stretch and expand (Matthew 9:17). 

Now, as I turned the street corner on my jog contemplating this I counted 15 lizards scurry across my way over a 1/4 mile stretch. So that brought me back to my mother, once again, and an experience she had with a lizard yesterday (read full experience here). 

"Teaches listening to intuition in dreams, visions and perceptions throughout the day. Be aware of the emotions surrounding your impressions. Aids in illuminating fears and doubts and how to change them. Lizard can teach about objective and compassionate detachment. Do you need time to rest and relax or step back from a situation? Is it time to move forward? When lizard appears, listen carefully to your inner guidance of feelings and emotions. He will give strength in taking the next steps."

Going out in a place of faith can be frightening. But during this time I have learned to detach myself from my fearful thoughts. I am spirit. I am love and light. I can say "Be still my soul," and fearlessly step out to my destiny with peace. And in learning this through first-hand experience, I am expanding. And in expanding, this vessel increases its capacity of the divine essence. More room to love. Brighter light to shine.

So I Googled "significance of the number 15" since I counted 15 lizards.

The Meaning of Numbers: The Number 15

The number 15 in the Bible pictures rest, which comes after deliverance, represented by fourteen. The 15th day of the first Hebrew month (Nisan) is the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a day of rest for the children of Israel (and for Christians). The 15th day of the 7th Hebrew month begins the Feast of Tabernacles, also a day of rest.

God told Abraham in a vision, just as the sun was setting to begin Nisan 15 on the Hebrew calendar, that his descendants would end up as slaves in a foreign country (Egypt). They would, however, eventually be set free (Genesis 15:12 - 16). Many years later in Egypt, God miraculously delivered Israel’s firstborn from the death angel just as Passover began after sunset (Nisan 14). Then, 24 hours later (just as the sun was setting to begin Nisan 15), the children of Israel began to leave Egypt (Exodus 12:40 - 41). This night is referred to as the 'night to be much observed' (Exodus 12:40 - 42, Deuteronomy 16:1). God's prophecy of freedom, given to Abraham on Nisan 15, was fulfilled years later on the exact same day.After dying on the cross, Jesus' body is placed in a Garden Tomb as the sun was setting to begin Nisan 15 in 30 A.D. (Matthew 27:57 - 61, Luke 23:50 - 55, John 19:38 - 42).

ANGEL NUMBER 15

Number 15 is a blend of the vibrations of the number 1 and number 5.  Number 1 relates to new beginnings, activity and assertiveness, tenacity, achievement and success.  Number 5 resonates with the attributes of making life choices and important changes, adaptability and versatility, resourcefulness, motivation and idealism. Number 5 also relates to doing things your own way.  Number 15 tells of independence, sensitivity, creativity, teaching others, and the energy of love.

Angel Number 15 is a message from your angels that your ideas and thoughts are prompting you to make some much needed changes in your life.  Your angels are encouraging and guiding you to make positive life choices and are supporting you through these transitions.  Have no fear about making these major life changes as in the long-term they will prove to be of great benefit to you and others.  You will be ridding yourself of old restraints and constraints and will be making room for ‘new’ to enter your life.  

Angel Number 15 is a message to keep your thoughts and actions focused upon your goals and aspirations in order to manifest your highest ideals.  Use positive affirmations and visualizations in order to keep your outlook bright and receptive.

Angel Number 15 is also a message to use your initiative and personal tenacity when making choices that concern your own well being and life path as only you know your true heart’s desires.  You have the inner-wisdom, talents and abilities to achieve all that you strive to.

I'll end this with a confession. My mother is always talking to me about angels, and the other day she was telling me to command my angels. I didn't say anything to her, but I thought to myself, "I don't even really think I believe in angels. She's the one who's had angelic experiences, but I can't recall ever having an experience of my own with angels." 

Be aware of the emotions surrounding your impressions. Aids in illuminating fears and doubts and how to change them. Lizard can teach about objective and compassionate detachment. Do you need time to rest and relax or step back from a situation? Is it time to move forward? When lizard appears, listen carefully to your inner guidance of feelings and emotions.

UPDATE 6 April 2014:

I was reminded by my friend that I also found $15 worth of change in my house while doing a thorough cleaning in January. 

Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

A little over two months ago (right around the time of my last blog post) I went on an epic cleaning kick. I spent 10 days cleaning every corner of my home and car from top to bottom. No detail went untouched. I didn't understand this drive when I first got the urge, but as I got lost in this process I came to see how deeply spiritual the experience was.

As I cleaned, I saw that there were some things that I kept thinking that I needed that I had all along - I had simply neglected them. I gathered every last stray penny I found, put them in rolls and deposited them in the bank. Over $15 worth. We often hear people talking about being thankful for the little things and seeing how blessed we truly are. Well why don't we do the same with the smallest unit of currency that we possess? We treat them with disdain, often relegating them to a place underneath our couch cushions or in a random drawer. But every last penny we possess is a gift.

I came to see that neglecting my home was a reflection of how I viewed myself. If I visit somebody else's home, I take extra caution to keep everything as clean as possible out of respect for my host. Why would I be so negligent to my own home? Do I not think that I, to, deserve to be treated with such high regard and respect?

Since going on this cleaning kick I've made it a routine to dust and vacuum every Sunday morning. It is a spiritual act for me. Everything is related, and how we treat our homes and our bodies is a direct reflection of what we think we deserve, whether consciously or subconsciously. If you're looking for some spiritual insight, I recommend doing a thorough cleaning. Try it and see what you learn about yourself.