Death is a Gift

“Death is not the end. Death can never be the end. Death is the road. Life is the traveler. The Soul is the Guide” ~ Sri Chinmoy

We fear death because we don't know it. But I suspect it is a blessed state, free from the illusion of mortality, where the dead rejoice in sublime reunion with the Divine source who created them. So to kill loses its ghastly power, as the temporal world is revealed to be the only hell and the departed come to know it as a dream from which they have finally been awakened.

“I do not fear death. I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was born, and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience from it.” ~ Mark Twain

We are all dreaming this dream within the One mind. The One mind is awake, aware and fully present. There is no reality outside of the One mind and this reality is good, pure, whole Love. Our seeming human reality is false, and as we sleep in this dream, we believe ourselves to be separate, vulnerable and limited. Our individual experience within the collective dream depends upon our thoughts, emotions, actions and beliefs. Through these channels our dream life is formulated. Let us cease to fill this dream life with fear.

“Remembering that you are going to die one day is the best way to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. Follow your heart.” ~ Steve Jobs

We may experience loss or gain, lack or plenty, joy or despair, comedy or tragedy, all projections of our own personal vibrations and how they interact with the collective energy field. Both human and elemental forces will be shaped by each individual consciousness as it interfaces with mass thought. We experience this as our life, yet despite its apparent solidity, it is a dream and illusory. It is false, shifting and malleable. This dream is but a lesson to awaken us, to enlighten our minds to their true place of origin. 
   
“After your death you will be what you were before your birth.” ~ Arthur Schopenhauer

The essence mind, which is the mind of God, is not dreaming. God is fully awake. God does not die, suffer, lack or in any way know discord. There are no storms, murders, devastations, fears, worries or anxieties in the One mind - the One true life. These are all human conceptions within a false, substance-less dream. In reality we are eternal beings, delighting in infinite life, glorious being with no beginning nor end. We are at peace, in joy and free. Nothing can harm us in reality. Each and every one of us is protected and held in the embrace of the great One love. 

 “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” ~ Mark Twain

Bless all continuously, turn away from all appearances and embrace the Real life for your attainment of Truth. Look only to the Highest. Face your gaze upwards and see that the fields are already ripe with harvest. The day has already come for your salvation. Now is the moment of freedom from pain, sorrow, injustice, destruction and death. This release can only come presently. It exists nowhere else but here, now. You must claim it, despite all seeming evidence to the contrary. Wake up. Wake up. It is time to wake up. Come out of your dream. See the face of God and be free. Die before you die.
  
“Death – the last sleep? No, it is the final awakening.” ~ Walter Scott

For more on this, read my book, Death is a Gift: Keys to Eternal Life

Our Third Eye

The third eye, a meta organ located in the area of the pineal gland, is dormant in most due to our modern day focus on the material and physical as primary modes of being. Philosophers have long described the pineal gland in esoteric ways, the seat of the soul according to Descartes. Unfortunately for many of us, this mystical gland is of little use due to the calcifying effects of the standard diet, lifestyle and state of mind. The ancient Egyptians realized the significance of the third eye as a gateway to higher consciousness and perhaps, used this mystical mechanism to build the pyramids. If it is true that we have a sixth sense which bridges the mind, body and spirit, a visioning faculty with the power to align with Divine creative principle; why aren't we in tune with it?

We know that physically the pineal gland is a vital organ for producing the hormones, serotonin and melatonin. These hormones are essential in our experiencing restful sleep and positive emotions. But what can accessing the portal beyond the tangible organ do for our spiritual growth and path to enlightenment? In Egyptian mythology, the eye was understood as active in the seeing process. As opposed to a passive receptive organ, the eye was believed to be a participant in what was seen. This myth alludes to our power to shape our life experiences through how and what we give forth from our inner vision. Imagine sending directive energy through the third eye out into the world for healing, upliftment and rejuvenation.

In Taoist tradition the sound of Om is associated with the third eye and initiates are encouraged to chant this mantra while focusing on the mid point between the eyes. In Christian mystical lore, the attunement to the third eye is likened to having "the mind of Christ" - a state of mind whereby everything is harmonized and elevated to a sublime, perfect synergy. The unified consciousness represented by our third eye may just be the path necessary for the restoration of humanity's lost communion with the Divine.

Photo from http://www.diamondlightlmw.com

Here is a video meditation to stimulate your third eye~

Rumi Love

"Love is the bridge between you and everything." ~Rumi

Rumi, the great Sufi poet, was a master of words. He wrote volumes on the synergy between heart wisdom and the testimony of the senses. His poetry forever graces us with wonder, joy and lightness of being. In each of these magical little clay pots is included a message of love from Rumi's vast written collection. In this way, they act as tiny vessels of heartfelt sentiments from the giver to the gifted. Their earthy colors and handmade allure coalesce well with the poignant, stirring songs spilled forth from the heart of Rumi. Each tiny scroll tucked inside and sealed with a cork holds a hand written inspiration meant to be cherished when read both aloud and silently by the beloved.

"Submit to love without thinking."

"I am yours, don't give yourself back to me."

"Love rests on no foundation, it is an endless ocean with no beginning and no end."

"Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of that which you truly love."

"Close your eyes, fall in love, stay there."

Order your very own Rumi Love Pot here~

Lotus Flower

Sometimes it is good to just sit still and do nothing. Daily life can be so hectic if moments are not taken to simply be and nothing else. Motionless sitting in the easy version of the yoga Lotus pose can bring about a centering of the mind, body and spirit. This pose can open up a congested heart and free a troubled mind, bringing about an expanded sense of awareness while decompressing the body. Taking time to consciously relax is what we all need, away from the TV, internet, phone and other distractions. When seated in this asana you will find that tensions stored in a compressed, anxious and tight body begin to release immediately. A more positive and trusting outlook is established and maintained by continued practice of advanced Lotus, as well as its beginner variations. A great position from which to pray or meditate, Lotus pose is like a flower whose petals open at dawn revealing more beauty which each expression.

If you are uneasy, stretching into Lotus can bring serenity.

If your mind is racing, easing into Lotus pose can bring peace.

If you have back or hip pain, Lotus can help relieve it.

If you suffer from exhaustion, Lotus pose can increase vitality and bring on more restful sleep.

This simple, easy pose is synonymous with tranquility, peace and joy. Try it and experience these benefits first-hand~

I AM Prayer

Listen to an audio excerpt from my new book, I AM: You Power This Life. This excerpt is of a prayer from the final chapter of the book. The full version can be found here. Peace~

Tree

Muscle tone in your legs is one of the first things to go when a sedentary, computer-centered life sets in. That is why it so good to get up from your laptop every few hours and stand in Tree pose. Vrikshasana in its call for balance and poise, tones the leg muscles, strengthens the spine and increases flexibility in the feet. A great pose for core building, Tree will increase your coordination, teach you patience and calm your mind.

Like a tree's trunk you become rooted in your sense of self and grounded with conviction, while also expressing freedom, expansion and a heavenward gaze like the branches and leaves. Hunching over at your desk is commonplace I know, but the spine wants to fully extend, as does the spirit. Open your shoulders with Tree pose to increase your range of motion and improve posture. Daily practice of this asana will bring waves of inner strength, self-confidence and peace to balance the fast-paced excesses of modern life.

On Your Toes

 

 

If you are looking for a way to tone your bottom half without sweaty workouts and countless squat sessions, try Tiptoe pose. A pose which calls for agility and balance, Tiptoe will offer you a calm and peaceful alternative to the standard exercise fare. This asana opens your hips, stretches your thigh muscles, and increases flexibility in your knees, toes and ankles. 

Due to the level of attention and focus required in the intermediate variations of this pose, its practice develops a sharpened mental focus, while also improving your memory and balance. Pictured here is a stretch to help you work up to the advanced level of Tiptoe.

In the advanced level of this pose, the benefits for men are said to outweigh the perks of Viagra! Apparently, the stretch resulting form crossing one leg over the other while still balancing on the toes of one foot, rev up the veins through which semen passes, unblocking and clearing them. The effects of this activity include increased sexual stamina, deepened orgasm and impotency prevention. Surely, this is a pose that will keep you on your toes!