posted September 08, 2005 08:23 PM         

Self-evaluation… It encourages one to reach the very depths of their being in order to evolve into an awakened spiritual state. As a result, the circumstances surrounding one’s life, and the world in which one resides, can be greatly influenced in a positive manner…

Introspection takes enormous courage, for it causes one to examine and evaluate every aspect of the mortal personality and existence. Through this process, one becomes empowered as one discovers that each individual creates their own mortal reality; the Supreme Being’s generous gift of freewill.

By acknowledging our personality traits, recognizing them as diamonds in the rough, we become more sensitive to how our personalities and the examples we set touch the lives of others. As such, we begin to acknowledge that we are responsible for our actions and futures; instead of blaming external circumstances that have surrounded our lives.

Too many times, one chooses to become a victim of external influences. Through awakening to the power within, we regain control of our lives in this moment - the present - for no one can control anyone unless they have been awarded the power to do so. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to choose how their beings will evolve from external life circumstances, whether positive or negative.

It is also very important not to misinterpret the word ‘power’, for true power does not demand control over others through fear. This is a gross misuse of power. However, the proper use of power will benefit the individual’s life and the world around us as it manifests beauty through its proper use; such as the power of love, forgiveness, acceptance and positive change.

Choosing to become victims of our mortal ego’s and circumstances enslaves one’s being with negativity and creates violent storms in the life process.However, by eliminating its ‘false’ power, the storms quickly pass. It is only then that one may witness the beauty that is created by them. Many times, these storms manifest in order to capture our undivided attention, for every storm has the potential to replenish and strengthen the mortal being. Thus, one is able to rebuild greater spiritual foundations through discovering their inner strength and connection with the Supreme Being, if they are able to identify the purpose behind the destruction. As well, it is important not to merely ‘patch’ the damaged result, for one will be ill prepared to withstand the next storm.

Taking responsibility for our lives empowers us to diminish the victim within. As such, if we view the violent storms in our lives as opportunities to strengthen ourselves; and give daily thanks to the Supreme Being for the opportunity to evolve; we would perhaps recognize the invaluable worth in self-examination… After all, sometimes one needs to demolish a portion of an existing foundation that has weakened in order to replace it with pillars of strength…

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posted December 31, 2005 01:55 PM         

Thanks!

Love and Light and Magic!

posted December 31, 2005 04:55 PM         

lovely

and

pink

fairy dust

posted January 01, 2006 03:11 PM         

quote:

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TEAR DOWN THIS HOUSE

A hundred thousand new houses can be built
from the transparent yellow carnelian buried beneath

and the only way to get to that
is to do the work of demolishing and then

digging under the foundation. With that value in
hand all the new construction will be done

without effort. And anyway, sooner or later this house
will fall on its own. The jewel treasure will be

uncovered, but it won't be yours then. The buried
wealth is your pay for doing the demolition,

the pick and the shovel work. If you wait and just
let it happen, you'll bite your hand and say,

“I didn't do as I knew I should have." This
is a rented house. You don't own the deed.

You have a lease, and you've set up a little shop,
where you barely make a living sewing patches

on torn clothing. Yet only a few feet underneath
are two veins, pure red and bright gold carnelian.

Take the pickaxe and pry the foundation.
You've got to quit this seamstress work.

What does the patch-sewing mean you ask? Eating
and drinking. The heavy cloak of the body

is always getting torn. You patch it with food
and other restless ego-satisfactions. Rip up

one board from the shop floor and look into
the basement. You'll see two glints in the dirt.

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an editor's note

quote:

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The house that must be torn down is the false ego structure, the identity overlaid by culture, and the soap-opera self of what you think you want. The pickax of fierce attention work dismantles this illusion, and discovers the treasure that is beyond experience, the jewel lights of our other eyes. The hidden treasure image contains a beautiful Islamic cosmology: God created the universe because he wanted to be known. Rumi's commentary is that when human beings do their pickax work, that happens!

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