Redefine Time between Birth & Death

 Notice a wise being comes to realize that true meaning of life is unrelated to anything that doesn't last. What has meaning is how you use the time you gift yourself between physical birth and death. What do you do with it? Most people do not see existence this way. They often seek to do the most in least time or focus on crossing items off a bucket list. Well, some would ask, what else is there?

We are born crying and often think life is about acquisitions, emotional rollercoasters and denying inner disturbances. If we feel bad, scared, uncomfortable, restless, we will do that which enables us to feel better, reduce pain. We are either clinging to what we think will feel better, or reaching outside for it. Then, we strive to keep it. We resist death unless we experience that which enables us to feel successful, comfortable, satisfied. Irony is, ego is insatiable.

The essence here, is why do we not feel okay? Films like the Matrix echo taking a pill can ease discomfort temporarily, but the root cause of unrest does not go away. Not a single thing we are trying to do in the external will solve what bothers us deep down. Trusted external authorities advise running after compensations or quick fixes for the problem we think we have. Yet, its not a lasting solution. We must deal with the root cause of our loneliness, discomfort, false beliefs. Spirituality is never about getting what you want or avoiding what you don't. Its about finding courage to uncover inner issues. Most people do not want to know about this. Most people are focused on quick fixes for external symptoms.

What if everything is pointing to the option of turning inward and seeing everything as experience without judgment? If we truly aim for lasting joy, turning inward is the only option. This is the source of happiness. When inner disturbance subsides, joy is all. The meaning of life is the experience of life itself, its about aliveness. If we feel whole and complete within ourself, then we can be happy anywhere. There is no loneliness when we know we are energy, interconnected with all. Every experience we have stretches the soul, enables it to grow and come full circle.

When we are okay, the struggle ceases. We can honour and appreciate every moment of our lives.  Many people do not know what its like to not feel fearful and needy.  Yet everyone can also outgrow this.  Every moment can feel fresh and new.  Every sunrise and sunset is like the first one. The experience you get to have is the one you are having. Make the most of wherever you are. That which is unfolding in front of us is where we are meant to focus.  Imagine wanting, fearing and needing are gone.  Be here now.

The reason you have trouble with decisions, is because you think there is something wrong. A spiritual person is experiencing the moment that is in front of him/her.  Life is neither for or against us.  Which part of the quantum field is wrong? Let go of whatever you think you need to be okay.

A wise person awakens and realizes external challenges point to issues going on inside the self. Stop avoiding and compensating for what is imbalanced inside. Stop attempting to control or blame others.  Situations and circumstanes are going to present regularly to trigger us.  Life bothers us until we have worked through all our inner "stuff." Awakening is realizing we have a minimum time between birth and death to expand experiences. We are inviting ourselves to love and honour every moment of existence like the sunset. In this instant, when our stuff is triggered, we can be more open and learn from it all. When we leave this 3D plane, we want to be more mature and evolved than when we arrived.  Every event in front of us has to come through us energetically.  Are you ready to grow, come back to God self? Let go of any lingering feelings you are not ok.

"Birth and death are simply passages, not of life, but of time. " -Sadhguru

Allow it to happen

Kundalini is a buzzword many people aspire to. Its the byproduct of spiritual advancement. In the West, people are taught to be ego-driven, self-centred, to focus on the goal, prize or destination rather than the path to get there. People are widely unaware of the reasons behind the process, its origins, and the collective motive for doing it. It is about contributing to evolving humanity. It was originally part of an initiation process. The energy generated here allows the mythical phoenix to arise from the ashes. 

An energetic view is its the rising of consciousness through chakras.  The cakra (Sanskrit) means “wheel” and refers to energy points in your body. They are thought to be spinning disks of energy that stay “open” unless blocked. The life force is a symbolic flow of energy that can rise in a very gradual and smooth process which is the natural course of things for some beings.  In ancient times, when one had a guide through processes, it was the traditional reflection of maturity and development. It can result naturally and spontaneously from living a pure and wholesome life.  Yet, in modern day, this is a rarity.

Many people are familliar with the Purusharthas (inherent values of the Universe: Artha (economic values) Kama (pleasure), Dharma (righteousness), and Moksha (liberation).

At a spiritual level, the Purusharthas are the blueprint for human fulfillment. Being mindful a satisfying, balanced, a meaningful life at the deepest, most holistic level of life. They offer a way of keeping you 'above board' so you make sound decisions. Knowing soulful goals brings meaning to your spiritual practice.

Purushartha implies “for the purpose of the divine Self. Take a moment and ask yourself, ‘Am I managing my life in a way to support my spiritual growth?’ and ‘What do I really, really want at the level of my Soul?’”

Consciousness opens or unfolds your potentiality relevant to where you are in life.  Issues arise if people take steps to rush this process.  For example, engage in intense spritual practices without proper preparation, purification and guidance is risky.  Without the proper containment of energy, guidance and interpretation of what is happening within, it can create more issues that you start with. In some cultures, a person is apprenticed to a master and goes through the process at a suitable pace for a disciple. 

Yet, in modern times, with access to the Internet and bombardments of information, people often work on their own without background insights. The ego would have us believe that we do not require external teachers or gurus.  To take a substance or engage in practices on a whim might evoke extreme experiences, but not everyone is equipped to intergrate that. Some people take drugs or intensify practices and  get shaken up without anyone to guide them. So, if the process does not unfold naturally,  the issue is never consciousness or kundalini energy, but the state of receptiveness of the body vessel. What happens sometimes is people attempt to get somewhere they have not created an energetic basis to sustain.

My own process has involved opening myself to progressively more intense flows of energy.  To simply have energy flowing without blockages would be pure bliss (satchitananda). However, trembling typically reaches a hiatus where a person cannot handle any more charge or electrical flow and must then take a rest. The process may then, in due time, begin again.

To surrender to the flow allows it to flow down through the crown, integrate all the koshas into harmony. This energy is divine intelligence, knows precisely what you need for soul evolution.  Some blockages are shaken out through kriyas (body's spontneous movements). We are invited to feel into discomfort, relax to allow energy  to flow freely.  Does the pain have a memory or emotion attached to it? One may lead to flashes of others as part of the process of releasing blockages. Does the intensity flowing through have a sound? Release it.

In Kundalini meditation, you can work to awaken this energy, go through your process and achieve enlightenment through a combination of techniques, including:

1. deep breathing (breathwork)
2. mudras (hand movements)
3. mantras (phrases)
4. physical movements (kriyas)

Live the Hero's Journey

(Visionary art- "Soul's Journey by Rassouli)

Notice ongoing upheavals mean we each encounter challenges and are confronted with some very tough decisions. Some view this as opportunity for soul growth. Old mindsets or thinking may be threatened. Intuition or spirit within compels us to take steps to move ahead. These situations are meant to test us, strengthen us, and hone our complete trust or surrender to the unknown.

Although yoga echoes we each embody all we need, much like genetic material in a seed only unleashed in proper conditions, core knowing arises in stages based on evolving consciousness.

So, according to Joseph Campbell, we are on a Hero's journey. That is, we are each the hero of our own epic tale. At pivotal moments, we get calls to action, such as direct threats to our safety, family, ethics, way of life or to peace of our community. Our comfort zone is disrupted to prompt us to go on a quest. This compels automatic writing to join dots of our unique journey.

If we refuse the call to take steps the heart knows are necessary to be in harmony with our core essence, we are repeatedly prompted with situations that evoke our discomfort. Still, if we doubt our abilities to move forward, or make excuses, refuse to take full and complete responsibility, resist change, buy into fear, we suffer, until we get the message to let go of the familliar, trust ourselves more.

At key stages, we invite mentors into our lives to guide us back on track, to see and accept our own light. They could give us an object, insight into issues we face, wise advice, practical training, even inspire self-confidence. Whatever the mentors provide, this serves to dispel our doubts and fears, give us strength, courage, humour to propel ahead through stages of our soul journey. As a teaching resonates, this moves us forward, gives us confidence to rise to the next level, take the next step of our path or destiny.

As we integrate new energy, our focus of attention and priorities shift. Ready to act on a call to adventure, we recognize the physical, spiritual or emotional, or multidimensional nature of our journey. Each of us may go willingly or may be pushed. Either way, we must cross the threshold between the familiar and unfamilliar worlds. It may be leaving home, a relationship or job or just doing something else we fear. However, as new thresholds present, taking action to face fear signifies our commitment to the unknown journey and whatever it may have in store for us.

Once out of our comfort zone, we are confronted with an ever more difficult series of challenges that repeatedly test us. Obstacles are thrown across our path; whether they be physical hurdles or people presenting to thwart our progress. We must overcome each challenge that arises on the journey towards the ultimate goal or transmutation of energy.

Its tricky at times, but we must learn who can be trusted and who can't. We may earn allies and meet enemies who will, each in their own way, help prepare use for the greater ordeals. This is the stage where our skills and/or powers are tested and every obstacle that we face helps us gain deeper insight into our patterns, character and ultimately deeper soul insight.

At some stage, we encounter unforeseen danger or magnify an inner conflict which up until now, we have not had to face. Through the course of experience, we prepare before taking that final leap into the great unknown. We may once again face some of the doubts and fears that first surfaced during our original call to adventure. We may take time to reflect on the sensitive nature of our journey and the treacherous road ahead to find courage to continue. This magnifies tension in view of the ultimate test.

The Supreme Ordeal may be a dangerous physical test or a deep inner crisis that we must face to survive or for the world in which we live to continue. Whether it be facing his greatest fear or most deadly foe, we must draw upon all of our skills and experiences gathered upon the path to overcome this difficult challenge.

Only through some form of "death" can we be reborn, know the symbolic resurrection that somehow grants us greater power or insight necessary in order to fulfill our destiny. This is the high-point of our story and where everything we value is put on the line. If we fail, we will either die or life as we know it will never be the same.

After defeating the inner enemy, reframing death and overcoming our greatest personal challenge, we are ultimately transformed into a new state, emerging from battle as a stronger person and often with a symbolic transformation.

What we gain may present as an object of great value or power, a secret, greater knowledge or insight, or even reconciliation with a loved one or self and existence. Whatever form or state the treasure is, it facilitates our return to and focus on a new World.

At this point in the Hero's journey, its like a reverse echo of the Call to Adventure. We come full circle, create a new sense of "home" with an earned reward. Anticipation of danger is replaced with that of acclaim, vindication, absolution or even exoneration of self or someone close to us, the external. The moment arises when we must choose between personal gain and Higher Cause.

This is the climax in which the Hero must have his final and most dangerous encounter with symbolic death. The final battle also represents something far greater than our physical existence with its outcome having far-reaching consequences to our Ordinary World and the lives of those we left behind on our quest.

If we fail, others will suffer and this places more weight upon our shoulders. Ultimately we will succeed, move through obstacles and emerge from battle purified and reborn. We emerge as a mature, enlightened being. Through the course of our journey, we learn and unlearn, face dangers, even death but start a new life. Our return may inspire hope to those once forgotten, offer a direct solution to their problems or perhaps a new perspective.

The final reward may be literal or metaphoric. It could be a cause for celebration, self-realization or an end to strife. Whatever it is, it represents three things: change, success, proof of our journey. The return "home", to true nature, signals things will never be the same

5 Tips to Live More Fully

Consider 5 Tips to Live more fully. 

 

1. Be true to yourself 

What you the most pressing issues in your life? Safety and survival are key.  Live a life that aligns with your own values, dreams, rather than trying to put up appearances or meet the expectations of others. Embrace your authenticity and follow a heartfelt path.

2. Prioritize what truly matters

How long have you been enduring key challenges? Perhaps long enough? Now is the moment to make new choices.  Stop getting caught up in appearances, pursuit of material things or societal notions of success. Instead, focus on relationship with self, what brings joy, love, and fulfillment.

3. Express your feelings

What are you working to resolve? How have choices so far been working out for you?  Do not suppress your emotions or keep your thoughts and feelings hidden. Practice honest and open communication, expressing your emotions and needs in a respectful manner. This can lead to deeper connections and more meaningful relationships or, simply guides you out of a situation that may not be good for your soul and overall well-being.

4. Cultivate friendships

Make time for your friends and nurture those relationships. Prioritize human connection and invest in meaningful connections that bring support, joy, and shared experiences.  Value interconnectedness.

5. Choose joy

Allow yourself to experience joy and happiness. Don't postpone happiness for some unknown time or wait for external circumstances to dictate your well-being. Find joy in the present moment and actively seek out activities and experiences that bring you happiness. Remind yourself you create your conditions and can change thoughts as well as circumstances. Many underestimate the power of intentiom. 

Be the Phoenix that transcends cycles

Notice the phoenix is a universal symbol of death and rebirth. It echoes what exists beyond cycles of regeneration, deeper transformation, transmutation, immortality. Referred to as a "thunderbird" in Native American cultures, this creature is widely felt to shape weather, wield inner power and abundance.

As a dream symbol, the phoenix echoes we are each a portal to a new reality. As energy, we dematerialize and rematerialize or re-invent ourselves. Our projections reflect state of our inner world. Every moment, we are source of our own fire and ashes, embody courage to face challenges, know soul itself is indestructible.

So, essence of being continues after death. The energy of consciousness is eternal. Even though our current physical body, 5 aggregates (physical form, feeling, perception, mental formation & consciousness), this physical energy may disappear, wider consciousness is. Truth is beyond belief. Energy continues. Awareness linked to our individual body is impermanent as it depends on things to be aware of.

To go beyond ego’s false ideas before physical death, allows transcendence. Yet, until that uncontrolled (unconscious) energy is exhausted, the cycle of death and rebirth continues. So, after death, soul returns, maybe in a dualistic realm similar to here where pleasure and pain, fear and happiness are available. But in another uncontrolled rebirth, we might be reborn as an animal or in what we call hell.

Come what may, hell doesn’t mean an endless situation or a place we cannot escape. Hell is not a permanent state. It is also not something outside of us that we have to fight. Hell is a vibration of consciousness. Hellish environments arise from our consciousness, from negative projections. Thus, feelings and frequencies create our reality. Contrary to popular belief, hell is not a burning place waiting for those who deserve punishment. Nobody but ourselves puts us here. When our consciousness is ready, our hologram materializes based on vibration.

Rebirth, disease and death—these are basic human sufferings. But the nature of hell is extreme suffering that is far greater than the usual human sufferings. Despite its intensity, that state is also impermanent. It does not last and is not static and unchangeable. When the energy for that state of consciousness ends, another arises, until one stabilizes the cycles and is fazed by nothing.

Turns out, mental projection creates every experience, not belief. Discomfort may arise, whether you believe in it or not. It all comes back to energy vibration, frequency and inner magic. We are each like a phoenix that has unforeseen potential to unleash.