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Posts tagged ‘Tao’

Dreams -astral journeys

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Have you ever felt the draw to return to  your dream. You wake up and feel that where you’ve been, and what you’ve seen was so so very much a part of who you are.  Have you heard of  “astral projection”?  At one time, there was a lot of talk, discussion and study on the ability of the spiritual form to travel across space and explore other dimensions, and even visit family and friends.

I don’t hear a lot about that these days, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.  Maybe it is because I feel that my night time travels are an extension of my days or “awake” time.  I think it helped that my Mother always shared her dream experiences with me, so it wasn’t out of the ordinary.  Just matter of fact.  Like the TAO/God being a constant factor, it wasn’t a relationship I needed to find, it was part of my daily life, life breathing. Respect for nature and all mankind was natural because it was an extension of who I was.  Life is my studio, and I am the artist.

Dreams are part of my inventory, and astral journeys are part of my research.  Life is good, life is full, and most of all, life is love.

When you live with love in your heart, you enjoy the full spectrum of life.  Jai Guru Dev (TM)  Oyashikiri (PL)  Amen =^_^=

smilePencilphotography Q -SL

Transformations

Transformation “a marked change”

Today’s lesson is to realize that we have changed over time, and to take ownership of these changes.  “Discover the Joy of Transforming Yourself”     Change is ongoing, changes are a continuous factor in our lives, if I’m focused/mindful, would I think that the changes are that remarkable?  Hmm something to ponder don’t you think?  Certainly I see changes from when I was in a career phase, to how I am enjoying life now.  But I loved what I did, I loved the challenges of going in to work every day, certainly I did the grumbling and groaning along some of the paths, but over all it was rewarding to watch projects take shape and reach their goals.  Every day was a new beginning and I still practice that today.  I grew up believing and living with TAO (Universe/God) and the Taoist philosophy -the only constant in life is change – We are all ONE with the Universe… Transformations are part of life.  How are you doing with the changes in your life?

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“Count your Blessings” =^_^=     The key to change is within ...

May the Universe shine bright for you today  &  Love fill your world, today, tomorrow and always  Oyashikiri

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Good Morning everyone!

Good Morning everyone!

Finding our own happiness…is a lifelong opportunity to live a life of ” Art.”…
We each have our own unique personalities and lifestyles. Therefore,the path and journey is different for each one of us.

PL Precept # 2.. To live is to express One’s Self.
PL Precept #11 Always be with God/Tao

The great escape

Tired of all that snow, ice and weather roulette that Mother Nature has been throwing our way. In many places in North America, she has been having her fun doling out a droll mixture of nasty and nice.  While cities and towns around NY city were being bombarded with a nasty snow and ice storm, NY city itself was a balmy 70 degrees.   Totally unexpected for the unlucky tourists who arrived in their winter togs for Christmas in New York.  That is what life is, isn’t it. One adventure after another. No matter how well we think we have prepared for the day, something usually crops up that is totally not in the plans.

Instead of snow, I went in search of some tropical holiday ambiance.  Since it wasn’t practical for me to try to actually travel at this time of year,  like you I’ve seen the television coverage of the over crowded airports and all the delayed and cancelled flights, I went into the virtual world of Second Life.  In SL I can listen and watch the world go by in the comfort of my home.  Today I visited Eliza Wierwight’s Art of Christmas at PATRON,  it was my first time to visit her build , it won’t be the last.   She is a gifted artist.  Her art works are available for sale, with some items shown as 100% profit to one of her causes.

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She not only creates an amazing world for you to visit, she has an interest in saving the elephants of Asia.  There are places one can donate all through her build. Save the elephant Foundation.  http://www.saveelephant.org/index.html   (a Thai non profit organization)

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I went in to escape from the snow and the constant talk about the weather.  In doing so, I spent a pleasant half hour exploring the creativity of an artist till today that was unknown to me, and discovering  a cause that was also new to me.  In Canada, elephants are not top of mind.

December is a month of STRESS in capital letters.  Whether it is happy stress or anxious, sad, worrisome stress, no matter how you cut the cake, it is stress.  It seems everyone around me is being “stressed” about something,  There are warnings galore about making sure you don’t over exert when shoveling, that seniors dress properly for the cold weather, children and adults are being warned about the dangers of catching a virus/flu,  Of course a biggie is “don’t drink and drive”.  My two cents.  Remember to take time to pray/ meditate.    Make time for YOU.   Stay mindful and present.  No one else can do these things for you. You are the master/mistress of your life.

It isn’t enough to just do things that make us happy, we need to find outcomes that include those around us.  Like that little pebble that drops into pond.  It creates a little plop, and slowly one ripple begins, then two, three and soon the pond has many expanding ripples that reach out and merge  till all the water has felt the impact of the little pebble.   Be the catalyst of a  happy day.  Share your smile, keep your internal batteries charged, stay tuned to GOD/TAO and bring your mega watt smile along with you in all you do.   LIFE IS ART

smilePencilThe challenges we deal with in life make us stronger!

PL Precept # 11  Always be with God   (PL Church of Perfect Liberty)

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Money and “things”

This is one of the seasons where it seems a lot of money is either being spent, or credit is being used. We all know that when we use credit, the debt is one more thing added to the financial stress we carry most of the year.  Many do it anyway.  It is very hard to resist all the marketing and highly paid for advertisements that bombard us from all directions.  If you live in an urban area, and visit any shopping center or mall, you are blinded by colourful lights and beckoning elves and snowmen.  I must get a zillion sale notices starting in  November about just what I need added to my already cluttered life if I am to enjoy a good “Christmas”

The truth is,  we don’t need anything from a retail store to make us happy.  Happiness is a state of mind.  Happiness that is acquired through a purchase soon losses its luster and appeal.  That electronic must have soon is replaced by something fancier and more sophisticated. The dress or outfit once worn a few times is no longer to be seen in.

The Value of Money and Things Depends on How you Choose to Use Them. (PL teaching)  Money and things are materials for your self-expression. Use them to their fullest for the sake of others and society. (Church of Perfect Liberty)

World Peace starts from Peace at Home and in Our Hearts.  Inner Peace is the greatest gift of all.

Have a wonderful day everyone, be happy.

Blessings, Oyashikiri

photography – Q                smilePencil

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Vulnerabilities

Vulnerabilities

A warrior takes every person as an adversary
He/she sees all their vulnerable points.
And trains to eliminate his/her own
Only the way of the sage eliminates all weaknesses.
The sage goes beyond concepts of protection,competition,honour and righteousness, and has no fear of death

The sage knows life is merely an illusion.
Life is but one dream flowing into another.  Tao –Deng Ming-Dao

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A healthy mind is clear and uncluttered, always opened to the heavens/UNIVERSE

Whatever the optimal time of the day for you, set aside time to cultivate your connection/ bond with God/Tao.

virtual photography –Home of the Blue Lotus Clan

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Prayer

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Give your best effort with a prayerful Mind.

God Resides in a prayerful mind. The Universe responds to sincerity (Makoto)

Believe that even if you don’t have what you think you need, you WILL find a way!  If you are fixated on “what you don’t have” you will not be blessed with wisdom and a way to solve your problems.  Think creatively to get past any obstacles in your way.

Holly & Mistletoe

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So many parties and events, there is a lot to do during the holidays =^_ ^=  What happens when and if you are simply not the party type, or like being in crowds.  One of the lessons in PL (Perfect Liberty) is to appreciate who you are, your situation, likes and preferences. As an artist who can easily get lost in writing or creative expressions, I tend to forget what time of day it is, or even at times, what day it is.

In PL, we have daily opportunities to speak with or have personal consultations with the PL minister of the church.  If you are not near an actual physical church, all the PL ministers no matter where they are will “meet” with you, via phone, internet, Skype, whatever means they have at their disposal to “meet” with you.

Each one of us has our own unique personality and lifestyle.  Therefore, it is different for each individual how they practice the “True Way” (TAO/PL)  We all seek happiness in our own way.

Last night when I couldn’t sleep, I wandered my favourite shopping haunts looking for a red dress for the holiday season.  No not to go to parties, no-where really, but because it pleases me to dress up.  Like the days when I designed fashions for my doll models, now I can do it in the virtual world, it is a form of artistic expression.one I never seem to tire of.   LIFE IS ART

Look and you shall find ….  5 little words to remember, in all aspects of your life. =^_^=  You need to continue and persevere to make your wishes and goals come true.  God is here for you, God is everywhere ALL the time.

YOU are loved.. today and everyday.

picture was taken in Exile @ Covet  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Covet/105/40/30

outfit is from PurpleMoon  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Etherea/167/71/22   the leopard shoes are from  Shoenique Designs  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Shoenique%20Designs/128/49/23

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Church – Prayer-Meditation

church - prayer

What church you attend, and how you pray, this is very personal. Only something you can decide. What is important is that you pray. That communication with the Divine/Universe is a constant part of your life on a daily basis.
Always be open to the words/direction/guidance of God/TAO

nov.29_002Call it meditation, call it prayer, call it anything you want, but make the time every day to keep in touch with your “inner voice”  Whether you believe it or not, you are connected to the Universe, in all you say, do, everything.

nov.29_001Some of us pray in a formal church, and many of us, have our own private places where we find our quiet and calm.  The formality of a church can be daunting, and to some boring.  In life I have found that no matter where I’ve gone, or what the circumstances, the people/souls I’ve connected with, no matter the outer appearance, were spiritual in their own way.  ie. in SL, behind every avatar is a human being with a heart that lives and breathes.  In life, everyone we meet has a heart that beats, they live with feelings, hurts and bruises, and have loved and lost just like you and I.

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This church in SL is open to everyone.  It is run by a church in the States.  when you arrive at the church, you can obtain a notecard that gives you the information on the how and why of the church.  I’ve cut and paste the first part of the note card for you.

“I hope that you will find sweet kindness here. My SL name is Pelagius Friend (see the note on Pelagius at the bottom of this notecard). My RL name is Benhardt Fraumann and I am a Presbyterian Minister who serves a RL church just outside New York City. My RL website…if you ever want to hear a homily is http://www.communitypc.org. ”   He then goes on to explain the concept of the church and talk about Monk represented in their build, it is very interesting.   Pelagius (350-418 A.D. Approximate)

This is not the only church to provide a place for the many thousands of players in SL. ( PL is also present in SL along with many many others)

Offer sincere words and demonstrate acts of kindness, today and always.  Live with World Peace in your hearts. Blessings today, tomorrow and always.nov.29_003http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Born/178/63/29

photos-Second Life,Church of the Dawntreader, Q

Now I lay me down to sleep

Now I lay me down to sleep – is a song /prayer that I heard as a child.  Maybe you remember it.

the following are the lyrics that I got on the web should you not remember the prayer.  It has been revised several times and there are copies on the web for your to browse should you wish to do so.  I extrapolated the following from the web dictionary. Perhaps the earliest version was written by Joseph Addison in an essay appearing in The Spectator on March 8, 1711. It says:

When I lay me down to Sleep,
I recommend my self to his care;
when I awake, I give my self up to his Direction.

A later version printed in The New England Primer goes:

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
If I shall die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take. Amen.

This little prayer has been playing in my head now for a week or so.  I wonder why it only seems to address itself to the younger generation.  Perhaps it is because I have been getting my “house in order” shedding, and recycling that I feel this little prayer is one that should be for all ages.  Especially those of us who are nearing our golden years.  As I packed and filled yet another bag for the Salvation Army, I thought of this, and wanted to pass it along.  I’ve seen to many friends pass on into the “great beyond” and their “treasures” and possessions became “stuff” to be rid of by family or persons unknown depending on the situation.

We don’t like to talk about such events, but that is what life is, we come, we live, we leave.  In the “we live”part, we deal with all sorts of challenges and adventures, our collections, our memories, how many of them do we actually look at and actually “see” as the years pass by.  In cleaning up I relived a lot of fun moments (during the collection) but I also realized that a lot of what I had /have was no longer being used, admired, or even much thought of.

Its cold outside, why do I need  a dozen or so hoodies, when it comes time to wear one, I usually wear the same one or two all the time. Someone else can benefit from them, they are in good condition, warm and in a thrift shop will be very affordable.  I used to like my “Designer” labels, and would enjoy just looking at the variety in my cupboards.  I used my leather purses for decorating and staging a “look” along my walls or hanging from a door.  Now I’ve kept only a few that I “may” use at some time or another.  I’ve come to terms with the “need” I had for wanting to “possess” (comes from being a child born during the war) =^_^=

Anyway, just musing out loud.  What do you think, isn’t the above prayer a good one for each and every one of us?

PL Precept #11  Always be with God

That said, remember to live with a smile in your heart.  Pass it on!  smilePencil

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