Sunday, October 31, 2010
Church vs. Casino
This may come as a surprise to those of you not living in Las Vegas, but there are more Catholic churches there than casinos. Not surprisingly, some worshippers at Sunday services will give casino chips rather than cash when the basket is passed.
Since they get chips from so many different casinos, the churches have devised a method to collect the offerings. The churches send all their collected chips to a nearby Franciscan Monastery for sorting and then the chips are taken to the casinos of origin and cashed in.
This is done by the chip monks!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
A World Without Witches
A World Without Witches
by Robert F. Potts
Can you imagine a world without witches,
A world with all people the same?
Where the only known dragons are hiding in books,
And children are terribly tame?
A world without magic would be sad indeed.
I cannot imagine the pain
Of having a world where there's no Santa Claus,
Where wizards are searched for in vain.
Can you imagine a world without spells,
That science and businesses run?
And think of the sadness a unicorn feels
When he no longer plays in the sun
Can you imagine a world without witches,
No elves, and no magical pools?
And can you imagine how dull it would be
If all that we had were the schools?
I cannot imagine a world without witches,
A world with no magical wand.
A world without beauty, or even a dream,
Or a wood sprite of whom to be fond
They say I should grow up and be more mature,
Like a normal adult ought to do.
But I'd rather, at night, go to dance with a witch,
And I'll bet that you feel that way, too.
Friday, October 29, 2010
The Self Defeating Adult
The Self Defeating Adult
By Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D.
By Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D.
If you grew up in a family where alcohol was abused, alcoholism was present or sexual or physical abuse was a regular occurrence, you probably developed a self-defeating personality.
In order to survive growing up in a dysfunctional family unit, children learn adaptive habits that are necessary for them as children, but maladaptive or self-defeating later in life. In a very real sense, a child has to become sick in order to survive in a sick family. A child can become sick merely by imitation of those around him or her. After all, he or she is dependent on adults to learn about how to be in the world.
Regardless of how the self-defeating adults got that way, the pain and frustration, fear and guilt, depression and anger that results from their self-defeating behavior, is almost intolerable, and usually unimaginable.
Some common behaviors of self-defeating personalities may include:
1. The avoidance of, or sabotaging, pleasurable experiences. The most familiar situation, in which the person knows how to function, is one of pain or suffering. Therefore, he becomes anxious or uneasy when "things are going well," or when s/he "feels too good."
2. They are attracted to relationships with people who will hurt them or maintain their familiar level of suffering. They often find a partner who is as abusive as their primary-family member. They often believe they can redo their childhood experiences and fix themselves in the process...an unrealistic hope that is never realized. They are rarely attracted to anyone who genuinely cares for them or who consistently treats them well.
3. They rarely let people help them and may even actively prevent others from helping them. Help means they are weak. Weakness means they may not survive. Weakness means being vulnerable, or it can mean that pain or abandonment is forthcoming. This is a common belief developed by children whose "helpful" parents were also the source of abuse, or abandonment, or extreme inconsistency.
4. They often choose situations which are bound to lead to disappointment, failure, or maltreatment, even when alternative options are clearly available. They do not trust themselves in a positive situation. They only know how to function in a negative, painful environment.
5. They may feel guilty, anxious, or depressed if they happen to achieve a positive goal, develop a personal talent, or experience a positive personal event. After all, such things don't happen or are just a fluke or coincidence in their self-defeating world.
6. Self-defeating persons often provoke others to respond to them with anger or rejection, and then feel devastated (but "used to it") when the response they incited is forthcoming. For example, they may micro-manage their children, and then feel awful when the children don't "turn out" the way they had hoped.
7. They often engage in highly self-sacrificial activities. The martyr, who willingly sacrifices his/her own wants and needs in order to let others have what they want (and feel guilty for getting it).
If you have many of these defeating characteristics, it is time you updated your habit patterns to be more adaptive to what is happening in your life now that you are an adult. Identify and challenge the beliefs you learned as a child, and from which you are functioning today. Many of them are probably outdated and unrealistic to your current situation.
Learn to be gentle with yourself. Allow others to care about you without feeling you have to protect yourself right out of receiving that love. Stop blaming yourself for your self-defeating habits. You were never taught otherwise.
Become curious about new ways of behaving that will make you a
"winner" in life rather than a "loser."
Allow yourself to heal from past hurts and emotional pain, by forgiving yourself and everyone who ever hurt you. Forgive them for your sake, not theirs.
Finally, learn to like yourself...the new self you are becoming now. You are out of the malfunctioning family from which you came.
You are in charge of your life now. Don't continue to expose yourself to painful people. Avoid those whose sickness is greater than your health. Make your primary goal becoming a whole and well person, and go for it. Having survived the worst, you deserve the best.
_____________
Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D.
Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D. is a Certified Life Coach and Licensed
Psychologist, specializing in life coaching and behavioral medicine.
Contact him: 3421 Polk Circle West, Wellington, CO. 80549. E-mail:
DrLloyd@CreatingLeaders.com, or LJTDAT@aol.com.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
How Quirky Are You?
Your Quirk Factor: 44% |
 You're a pretty quirky person, but you're just normal enough to hide it. Congratulations - you've fooled other people into thinking you're just like them! |
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
I've Learned...
I've learned - that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.
I've learned - that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.
I've learned - that it's not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.
I've learned - that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do.
I've learned - that you should always leave loved ones with loving words, it may be the last time you see them.
I've learned - that you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I've learned - that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I've learned - that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I've learned - that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I've learned - that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I've learned - that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I've learned - that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I've learned - that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
I've learned - that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I've learned - that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I've learned - that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I've learned - that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I've learned - that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I've learned - that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.
I've learned - that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.
I've learned - that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I've learned - that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings and standing up for what you believe.
Borrowed from a Friend
I've learned - that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.
I've learned - that it's not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.
I've learned - that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do.
I've learned - that you should always leave loved ones with loving words, it may be the last time you see them.
I've learned - that you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I've learned - that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I've learned - that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I've learned - that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I've learned - that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I've learned - that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I've learned - that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I've learned - that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
I've learned - that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I've learned - that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I've learned - that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I've learned - that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I've learned - that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I've learned - that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.
I've learned - that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.
I've learned - that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I've learned - that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings and standing up for what you believe.
Timeless quotes of wisdom
Borrowed from a Friend
Author Unknown
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Witches Reed of Chivalry
Witches Reed of Chivalry
------------------------------------
Insofar as the Craft of the Wise is the most ancient and most honorable creed of humankind, it behooves all who are Witches to act in ways that give respect to the Old Gods, to their sisters and brothers of the Craft, and to themselves.
Therefore, be it noted that:
Chivalry is a high code of honor which is of most ancient Celtic Pagan origin, and must be lived by all who follow the Old ways.
It must be kenned that thoughts and intent put forth on this Middle-Earth will wax strong in other worlds beyond, and return... bringing into creation, on this world, that which had been sent forth. Thus one should exercise discipline, for "as ye sow, so shall ye reap."
It is only by preparing our minds to be as Gods that we can ultimately attain godhead.
"This above all...to thine own self be true...."
A Witch's word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed oath. Thus, give thy word sparingly, but adhere to it like iron.
Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may be known.
Pass not unverified words about another, for hearsay is, in large part, a thing of falsehoods.
Be thou honest with others, and have them known that honesty is likewise expected of them.
The fury of the moment plays folly with the truth; to keep one's head is a virtue.
Contemplate always the consequences of thine acts upon others. Strive not to harm another.
Though there may be differences between those of the
Dignity, a gracious manner, and a good humour are much to be admired.
As a Witch, thou hast power, and thy powers wax strongly as wisdom increases. Therefore exercise discretion in the use thereof.
Courage and honor endure forever. Their echoes remain when the mountains have crumbled to dust.
Pledge friendship and fealty to those who so warrant. Strengthen others of the Brethren and they shall strengthen thee.
Thou shalt not reveal the secrets of another Witch or another Coven. Others have labored long and hard for them, and cherish them as treasures.
Those who follow the mysteries should be above reproach in the eyes of the world, and should always seek to make this so.
The laws of the land should be obeyed whenever possible and within reason, for in the main they have been chosen with wisdom for the well-being of all.
Have pride in thyself, and seek perfection in body and in mind. For the Lady hath said, "How canst thou honor another unless thou give honor to thyself firstly?"
Those who seek the Mysteries should consider themselves as select of the Gods, for it is they who lead the race of humankind to the highest of thrones and beyond to the very stars.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
One Flaw In Women
One Flaw In Women
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.
However,
If There Is One Flaw In Women,
It Is That They Forget Their Worth!
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.
However,
If There Is One Flaw In Women,
It Is That They Forget Their Worth!
Friday, October 22, 2010
True Friendship
Are you tired of all those sissy "friendship" poems that always sound good, but never actually come close to reality? Well, here is a series of promises that really speaks to true friendship:
When you are sad - I will help you get drunk and plot revenge against the sorry bastard who made you sad.
When you are blue - I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.
When you smile - I will know you finally got laid.
When you are scared - I will rag on you about it every chance I get.
When you are worried - I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be and to quit whining.
When you are confused - I will use little words.
When you are sick - Stay the hell away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.
When you fall - I will point and laugh at your clumsy ass
This is my oath...I pledge it till the end. Why? You may ask, because you are my friend.
Remember: A good friend will help you move. A really good friend will help you move a body. Let me know if I ever need to bring a shovel.
When you are sad - I will help you get drunk and plot revenge against the sorry bastard who made you sad.
When you are blue - I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.
When you smile - I will know you finally got laid.
When you are scared - I will rag on you about it every chance I get.
When you are worried - I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be and to quit whining.
When you are confused - I will use little words.
When you are sick - Stay the hell away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.
When you fall - I will point and laugh at your clumsy ass
This is my oath...I pledge it till the end. Why? You may ask, because you are my friend.
Remember: A good friend will help you move. A really good friend will help you move a body. Let me know if I ever need to bring a shovel.
Good & Incredibly Wonderful
Good & Incredibly Wonderful
This story, like all really good stories, begins a long, long time ago, in the time before time, in a place very far away yet, very near. In this place and time, there was a little girl who existed only in the thoughts and dreams of the Spirit of Love and Life. The Spirit knew that one day this little girl would become as real as the love and thoughts that persisted within. And sure enough, just as the Spirit knew it would happen, the little girl was conceived. The Spirit gave her life, and knew that she was and always would be good and incredibly wonderful.
For a very long time her mommy carried the little girl within herself. The little girl liked being there, because it was warm and felt very safe. The in-dwelling Spirit made sure she received everything a little girl might need in order to be born. So it was a very good place to be. It wasn't perfect, because she could tell that sometimes mommy and daddy were very glad that she was there but at other times they weren't glad at all. Sometimes they acted as if she didn't even exist. It's sad to say, but mommies and daddies can be that way, sometimes. But the Spirit of Love and Life loved the little girl always and knew that she was and always would be good and incredibly wonderful.
Eventually the time came for her to leave this familiar place and begin a new adventure in the world. She was a beautiful baby girl and everyone "oooh'ed and "aaah'ed over her. And she was a perfect baby girl. You can tell when babies are perfect, because they do baby things. And she did all kinds of baby things. She learned really well. Soon she learned how to tell when others were pleased by her and when they were not. Sometimes she forgot that her job was to be a baby girl, and she thought that her job was to please others. But it never was! And sometimes she felt very loved, but sometimes she didn't. When she didn't, she felt very sad and afraid and even lonely. She needed big people to protect her. Some of the time they did. But there were times when they didn't, and there were even times when big people hurt her very much and she was scared. But the Spirit loved her and helped her to do what she needed to do to survive and to learn how to grow up in an imperfect world. The Spirit knew that she was and would always be good and incredibly wonderful. And the Spirit loved her and continued to see that she had all that she needed to continue her life, even though the baby girl didn't know it. Just the same, every now and then the baby girl would know, "I am good and incredibly wonderful."
At just the right time, the baby girl became a little girl. And she was a perfect little girl because she was and did all the things little girls are to be and do. That's what it means to be a perfect little girl, you know. But the world in which she lived was not perfect and there were times in which she was hurt terribly, sometimes even by those who were supposed to love and protect her. There were times in which she felt loved by mommy and daddy and other important big people, but sometimes she didn't. Then she was very sad, frightened, and lonely.
Once again the little girl would become confused about what she was and what she was supposed to be and do. Sometimes she thought she was supposed to be like big people, but she wasn't. Sometimes she forgot she was really supposed to be a little girl and do little girl things. Much of the time she thought she was supposed to make other people happy. There were even moments when she thought she was a bad girl, because others weren't happy or because they hurt her. But that was not true. She was a very good little girl. Really, she was and always would be good and incredibly wonderful. She wanted someone to love and protect her, and there were times when it seemed that no one did. The Spirit loved her and knew that she was and would always be good and incredibly wonderful. The Spirit always saw to it that she had all that she needed to continue her life, even though the little girl didn't know it. But from time to time the little girl would hear from within herself, "I am good and incredibly wonderful."
When she became a big girl, she was a perfect big girl, because she was and did all the things big girls are to be and do. And the Spirit loved her and continued to provide all the resources she needed - even though she didn't know it. More and more often she became caught up in being and doing what others wanted and expected of her. She longed to become a young woman who could be and do what she wanted to be and do, if only she could remember what that was. If ever there was a time in which she was not perfect, it was when she was trying to be somebody or something other than herself. But even that was sometimes a gift of the Spirit, because it was one of the resources she needed in order to continue her life. There were times when she was very sad, lonely, and frightened. She wondered if she could ever be loved or if she would ever find someone to protect her. All the while, the Spirit loved her and knew that she was and always would be good and incredibly wonderful. As always, the Spirit saw that she had all that she needed to continue her life. The big girl wondered about the voice she sometimes heard from within herself saying, "I am good and incredibly wonderful."
No one knows the time at which a big girl becomes a woman. But at just the right time it happened. And she was beautiful and perfect as women are. But she didn't know it! Because she didn't know it, life was usually very confusing. She tried her best to do and be what she thought she was supposed to do and be. She didn't know that she was already perfect because she was what she was: a beautiful woman conceived and nurtured by the Spirit of Love and Life. She was sure she needed someone to protect her from the dangers of life, because even as a woman, she still found that she was sometimes hurt by those she had hoped would love and protect her. She did not know that she was courageous and powerful in and of herself. As time passed, she came to know that her painful past contributed to her turbulent present. She was confident that the time had come for her to find a way to be freed from the invisible chains that had kept her captive for so long. It was then that she discovered within herself the courage and power she needed to begin the healing process. She knew she must find out about herself, about who she was and who she was to be. And she wanted to know more about this hunch she had about herself, the hunch that told her, "I am good and incredibly wonderful." Only the courageous begin the journey that leads to self-discovery.
And this woman is very courageous, good and incredibly wonderful.
Her journey began by visiting some very important people, the most important people in her life. First she visited the baby girl she was before she was born. She saw the Spirit loving and giving life to that yet to be born child. The Spirit nurtured her; and she knew that she is very good and incredibly wonderful.
Then she visited the baby girl that she once had been and saw that she was a perfect baby, a baby whom she could love. And so she loved that baby girl. She held the baby girl and told her how much she loved her and that she was a perfect baby girl. She gave the baby girl all the love she would ever need. And she knew that she is good and incredibly wonderful.
Next, she visited the little girl that had been so hurt, frightened, and alone. Immediately she understood that she was a perfect little girl, good and incredibly wonderful. She loved her and explained that she is perfect just the way she is. She explained that big people sometimes do cruel, stupid things. Little girls are just little girls and that's the perfect thing for them to be. And she told her how proud she is of her for the way in which she had come through such terrible times. She saw that the little girl had been truly resourceful in order to survive. And she knew that she is good and incredibly wonderful.
At last she took the baby girl and the little girl to visit the big girl she had been not so very long before. They played together, and talked, and cried, and hugged, and did all the things that needed to be done to show their love and respect for each other. They told each other how wonderful and resourceful they had been and that each of them is and always will be good and incredibly wonderful. And then each in turn told the woman how proud they are of her, how proud they are to be a part of her. And they each knew that they are loved and are lovable. They know they love each other and that the ever present Spirit loves them. They are perfect just the way they are. Each affirmed that indeed, "I am good and incredibly wonderful." And as they hugged, they became one within the woman, each contributing to who she is, each an important part of who she is to become.
On that day, the day in which she came together within herself, the day in which she could say out loud, "I am good and incredibly wonderful," she began the transforming journey toward becoming a woman of wisdom. The woman of wisdom, lives in and by the power of the Spirit of Love and Life. She knows wondrous things and is a life giving force to those who recognize and value her for who she is. She is no longer destroyed by the cruel and shameful things that have happened or that might happen to her, for she is free to act and to be herself, to be true to her own spirit. She can relate to whomever she chooses in ways she chooses. She no longer needs anyone to protect her. She is healer and lover of herself and of all who open themselves to her. She is no longer driven by fear, because she knows she is resourceful and responsible only for herself. Her own resourcefulness, self-worth, and the presence of the indwelling Spirit enable her to live peacefully in an imperfect world. The world's imperfections have been overcome. And she knows that she shall live eternally. For she is powerful! She is invincible! She is good and incredibly wonderful!
by Larry R. Wells
For a very long time her mommy carried the little girl within herself. The little girl liked being there, because it was warm and felt very safe. The in-dwelling Spirit made sure she received everything a little girl might need in order to be born. So it was a very good place to be. It wasn't perfect, because she could tell that sometimes mommy and daddy were very glad that she was there but at other times they weren't glad at all. Sometimes they acted as if she didn't even exist. It's sad to say, but mommies and daddies can be that way, sometimes. But the Spirit of Love and Life loved the little girl always and knew that she was and always would be good and incredibly wonderful.
Eventually the time came for her to leave this familiar place and begin a new adventure in the world. She was a beautiful baby girl and everyone "oooh'ed and "aaah'ed over her. And she was a perfect baby girl. You can tell when babies are perfect, because they do baby things. And she did all kinds of baby things. She learned really well. Soon she learned how to tell when others were pleased by her and when they were not. Sometimes she forgot that her job was to be a baby girl, and she thought that her job was to please others. But it never was! And sometimes she felt very loved, but sometimes she didn't. When she didn't, she felt very sad and afraid and even lonely. She needed big people to protect her. Some of the time they did. But there were times when they didn't, and there were even times when big people hurt her very much and she was scared. But the Spirit loved her and helped her to do what she needed to do to survive and to learn how to grow up in an imperfect world. The Spirit knew that she was and would always be good and incredibly wonderful. And the Spirit loved her and continued to see that she had all that she needed to continue her life, even though the baby girl didn't know it. Just the same, every now and then the baby girl would know, "I am good and incredibly wonderful."
At just the right time, the baby girl became a little girl. And she was a perfect little girl because she was and did all the things little girls are to be and do. That's what it means to be a perfect little girl, you know. But the world in which she lived was not perfect and there were times in which she was hurt terribly, sometimes even by those who were supposed to love and protect her. There were times in which she felt loved by mommy and daddy and other important big people, but sometimes she didn't. Then she was very sad, frightened, and lonely.
Once again the little girl would become confused about what she was and what she was supposed to be and do. Sometimes she thought she was supposed to be like big people, but she wasn't. Sometimes she forgot she was really supposed to be a little girl and do little girl things. Much of the time she thought she was supposed to make other people happy. There were even moments when she thought she was a bad girl, because others weren't happy or because they hurt her. But that was not true. She was a very good little girl. Really, she was and always would be good and incredibly wonderful. She wanted someone to love and protect her, and there were times when it seemed that no one did. The Spirit loved her and knew that she was and would always be good and incredibly wonderful. The Spirit always saw to it that she had all that she needed to continue her life, even though the little girl didn't know it. But from time to time the little girl would hear from within herself, "I am good and incredibly wonderful."
When she became a big girl, she was a perfect big girl, because she was and did all the things big girls are to be and do. And the Spirit loved her and continued to provide all the resources she needed - even though she didn't know it. More and more often she became caught up in being and doing what others wanted and expected of her. She longed to become a young woman who could be and do what she wanted to be and do, if only she could remember what that was. If ever there was a time in which she was not perfect, it was when she was trying to be somebody or something other than herself. But even that was sometimes a gift of the Spirit, because it was one of the resources she needed in order to continue her life. There were times when she was very sad, lonely, and frightened. She wondered if she could ever be loved or if she would ever find someone to protect her. All the while, the Spirit loved her and knew that she was and always would be good and incredibly wonderful. As always, the Spirit saw that she had all that she needed to continue her life. The big girl wondered about the voice she sometimes heard from within herself saying, "I am good and incredibly wonderful."
No one knows the time at which a big girl becomes a woman. But at just the right time it happened. And she was beautiful and perfect as women are. But she didn't know it! Because she didn't know it, life was usually very confusing. She tried her best to do and be what she thought she was supposed to do and be. She didn't know that she was already perfect because she was what she was: a beautiful woman conceived and nurtured by the Spirit of Love and Life. She was sure she needed someone to protect her from the dangers of life, because even as a woman, she still found that she was sometimes hurt by those she had hoped would love and protect her. She did not know that she was courageous and powerful in and of herself. As time passed, she came to know that her painful past contributed to her turbulent present. She was confident that the time had come for her to find a way to be freed from the invisible chains that had kept her captive for so long. It was then that she discovered within herself the courage and power she needed to begin the healing process. She knew she must find out about herself, about who she was and who she was to be. And she wanted to know more about this hunch she had about herself, the hunch that told her, "I am good and incredibly wonderful." Only the courageous begin the journey that leads to self-discovery.
And this woman is very courageous, good and incredibly wonderful.
Her journey began by visiting some very important people, the most important people in her life. First she visited the baby girl she was before she was born. She saw the Spirit loving and giving life to that yet to be born child. The Spirit nurtured her; and she knew that she is very good and incredibly wonderful.
Then she visited the baby girl that she once had been and saw that she was a perfect baby, a baby whom she could love. And so she loved that baby girl. She held the baby girl and told her how much she loved her and that she was a perfect baby girl. She gave the baby girl all the love she would ever need. And she knew that she is good and incredibly wonderful.
Next, she visited the little girl that had been so hurt, frightened, and alone. Immediately she understood that she was a perfect little girl, good and incredibly wonderful. She loved her and explained that she is perfect just the way she is. She explained that big people sometimes do cruel, stupid things. Little girls are just little girls and that's the perfect thing for them to be. And she told her how proud she is of her for the way in which she had come through such terrible times. She saw that the little girl had been truly resourceful in order to survive. And she knew that she is good and incredibly wonderful.
At last she took the baby girl and the little girl to visit the big girl she had been not so very long before. They played together, and talked, and cried, and hugged, and did all the things that needed to be done to show their love and respect for each other. They told each other how wonderful and resourceful they had been and that each of them is and always will be good and incredibly wonderful. And then each in turn told the woman how proud they are of her, how proud they are to be a part of her. And they each knew that they are loved and are lovable. They know they love each other and that the ever present Spirit loves them. They are perfect just the way they are. Each affirmed that indeed, "I am good and incredibly wonderful." And as they hugged, they became one within the woman, each contributing to who she is, each an important part of who she is to become.
On that day, the day in which she came together within herself, the day in which she could say out loud, "I am good and incredibly wonderful," she began the transforming journey toward becoming a woman of wisdom. The woman of wisdom, lives in and by the power of the Spirit of Love and Life. She knows wondrous things and is a life giving force to those who recognize and value her for who she is. She is no longer destroyed by the cruel and shameful things that have happened or that might happen to her, for she is free to act and to be herself, to be true to her own spirit. She can relate to whomever she chooses in ways she chooses. She no longer needs anyone to protect her. She is healer and lover of herself and of all who open themselves to her. She is no longer driven by fear, because she knows she is resourceful and responsible only for herself. Her own resourcefulness, self-worth, and the presence of the indwelling Spirit enable her to live peacefully in an imperfect world. The world's imperfections have been overcome. And she knows that she shall live eternally. For she is powerful! She is invincible! She is good and incredibly wonderful!
by Larry R. Wells
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Words of Wisdom
1. No one can ruin your day without YOUR permission.
2. Most people will be about as happy, as they decide to be.
3. Others can stop you temporarily, but only you can do it permanently.
4. Whatever you are willing to put up with, is exactly what you will have.
5. Success stops when you do.
6. When your ship comes in make sure you are willing to unload it.
7. You will never "have it all together."
8. Life is a journey...not a destination. Enjoy the trip!
9. The biggest lie on the planet: "When I get what I want I will be happy."
10. The best way to escape your problem is to solve it.
11. I've learned that ultimately, 'takers' lose and 'givers' win.
12. Life's precious moments don't have value, unless they are shared.
13. If you don't start, it's certain you won't arrive.
14. We often fear the thing we want the most.
15. Everyone hears what you say. Friends listen to what you have to say.
Best friends listen to what you don't say!
16. Yesterday was the deadline for all
17. Look for opportunities...not guarantees.
18. Life is what's coming....not what was.
19. Success is getting up one more time.
20. Now is the most interesting time of all.
21. When things go wrong.....don't go with them.
22. Sometimes the majority only means that all the fools are on the same side.
23. Goddess can mend all broken hearts. You just have to give her all the pieces.
24. A person who asks a question might be a fool for five minutes, but a person who
doesn't ask, is a fool forever...
25. A best friend is like a four leaf clover hard to find, and lucky to have.
26. A friend is someone who reaches for your hand but touches your heart.
27. A coincidence is when Goddess performs a miracle, and decides to remain anonymous.
28. I don't have to attend every argument I'm invited to.
29. Our eyes are placed in front because it is more important to look ahead than to look back.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Picture of the Day
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Astral Projection
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Astral projection (or astral travel) is a controversial interpretation of out-of-body experiences (OOBEs) achieved either consciously or via lucid dreaming, deep meditation, or use of psychotropics. Proponents of astral projection maintain that their consciousness or soul has transferred into an astral body (or "double"), which moves in tandem with the physical body in a parallel world known as the astral plane.
Schools of thought
There are two general schools of thought on the nature of astral projection; these can broadly be defined as the mystical model and the phasing model.
Mystical model
The mystical model includes a large variety of belief systems and astral maps, but they are tied together by their belief that astral projection takes place outside of the actual physical body. A more subtle energy body is believed to carry the consciousness outside of the physical body, and as one progresses to more advanced levels of the astral plane, more subtle bodies are realized and consciousness is transferred to turn to each of them. (Other mystical models assume only one subtle body.) The subtle body is attached to the physical body by means of an energetic connection which usually takes the appearance of a silver cord 'plugging' into the chakras like an umbilical cord.
Phasing model
The phasing model, which was defined by Robert Monroe, contains the belief that it is impossible to actually leave the body in the truest sense of the word, and that the astral planes and the physical world are merely points on the long spectrum of consciousness. When a person projects, they actually "phase" into another area of consciousness and the locales it contains. This can be likened to tuning a radio to another station. This viewpoint can be seen as a logical progression of the realisation that external reality is actually an internally created state (see Postmodernism).
Kinds of projection
Astral projection
The traveller finds him- or herself in an apparently real domain without exact parallels to any physical setting. The environments here range from populated to un-populated, artificial to natural to completely abstract environments and from beautific to horrific. Here, normal physical laws often do not apply and humans can often, for example, float or fly. Quality of physical detail ranges from crude and un-detailed and depressing to bright, vivid and fascinating as detailed, among other writers, by Robert Bruce in his Astral Dynamics (1999) Travelers may travel from one realm to the other. Projectors may find access to visions of the past or future and to the Akashic records accessible from here. Many travelers have theorized that people having dreams actually travel to the astral realms, unaware, and, again as reported in Astral Dynamics, travelers have reported seeing dreamers enact dream scenarios on the astral plane, unaware of the more extensive and varied non-physical environment surrounding them.
Real time projection
In contrast to "astral" projection, the traditional understanding of out-of-body experiences involves the projector (or traveller) moving about in (usually invisible) ghost-like form in the a world resembling mundane physical reality. This world, may, however have minor differences between the physical reality world we know and travelers may encounter non-human astral entities. Practioners sometimes refer to this practice as Real Time Projection (RTP) and the mundane world as the Real Time Zone. From the Real Time Zone, travellers can access "the astral".
Virtual reality projection
Part astral projection and part real time projection, called Virtual Reality Projection by most, is when a projector claims to move on the physical plane and interact with the astral plane at the same time. An example of this is the projector walking into a "real" poster or picture and being transported to a perfect reconstruction of this place/world, via the concentrated experiences and thoughts of every beholder of the concept of the picture.
Research
Robert Monroe, founder of the Monroe Institute, published several accounts of his experiences of astral projection, including Far Journeys (ISBN 0385231822). Monroe
An exhaustive reference, which includes techniques and types of out-of-body experiences and related phenomena, is the 1,200+ page Projectiology by Dr. Waldo Vieira, MD (ISBN 8586019585), which has over 1,907 bibliographic entries from sources in 18 languages on the topic.
Astral projection and the Bible
The Bible describes people as being "in the spirit" while receiving prophecy (eg. Ezekiel 37:1, 1 Chronicles 12:18, Revelation 1:10, 4:7, 17:3, 21:10). Many biblical scholars attribute this to being in a dream-like state or trance. The terminology of the mystical model of astral projection is also found in Ecclesiastes 12:6-12:7:
"Remember [your Creator] — before the silver cord is severed,
or the golden bowl is broken;
before the pitcher is shattered at the spring,
or the wheel broken at the well,
and the dust returns to the ground it came from,
and the spirit returns to God who gave it."
See also
- Esotericism
- Metaphysics
- Mysticism
- Occultism
- Personal reality
- Protoscience
- Pseudoscience
- Parapsychology
- Sleep paralysis
- Hynaogia
- Tattva vision
- Teleportation
- Trance channelling
- Yoga Nidra
Major proponents
- Robert Monroe
- Sylvan Muldoon
- Ingo Swann
- Robert Bruce
- J.H Brennan
- Robert Peterson
References and Further Reading
- Astral Projection Techniques and eBook For Astral Projection Reading, by Edward Green
- Astral Worship, by J. H. Hill
- A community dedicated twords helping new astral projectors and old-timers alike
- A comprehensive bibliography of the out-of-body experience
- Gnosticweb & Astralweb - Free Online Course in Astral Travel & Much More
- Astral Projection and Other Metaphysical Subjects
- Skeptics dictionary entry on Astral travel
- Article on Astral travel
- Information about astral projection.
- Spiritual Travel - A Spiritual Approach to Astral Projection and Out-Of-Body Experience
- Astral Dynamics --- Robert Bruce's Energy, Chakra and Astral site after Astral Pulse became slightly too crowded
- Articles on Astral Travel
- Out-of-body experience & astral projection info & forum
- Dictionary of the History of Ideas: Cosmic Voyages
- Frequently Asked Questions About Astral Travel
- Robert Bruce's Treatise on Astral Projection
- William Buhlman's Astral Projection Information
- Technology Induced Altered States
- Astral Voyage - articles on astral projection
- Astral Crossroads - Illustrated astral theories
Forums on Astral Projection
- Astral Dynamics
- AstralWeb
- Astral Society
- Astral Pulse
- Jonas Ridgeway, Astral Projection Forum
- Gnosticweb