Creating & Being Inspired By An Altar

I never consciously set out to create an altar.  It happened over time.  Just like everything, it changes, evolves. It gets cluttered then clarifies.  Without realizing it, its orientation shifted from my facing West to East when I  rearranged the room. Behind it is the Atlantic Ocean, perhaps 1500 feet away?

Each piece has meaning.  There are reminders of ancestry, friendship, kinship with fellow students, support, new energy, great masters, art and creativity.  The senses are included.  I used to have books on the altar, but no more. 

There is a play on words:  alter and altar.  One is a verb, one is a noun. The words have different meaning.  Yet, there is a subtle difference in the essence of the meaning behind each word.  Indeed, an altar does alter something within us.

Soul Without Shame, Chapter 9 of Partner Study

We're on Chapter 9, which covers personal will.  I've had a number of insights, most of which will not be shared here.  One has crystallized to a new level.  I've transitioned from judging what's best for others to being aware of engaging in the habit.  Now there is awareness of refraining from doing it.  At some point the idea of judging what's best for another will not even enter my awareness.  It seems to be a stepping stone to the notion "the meek shall inherit the Earth".  True and strong humility is hopefully ahead!  All of the greats demonstrated this quality, consistently and beautifully.

Mindscape of Alan Moore

I watched (absorbed) this documentary for the 6th or 7th time over the weekend.  This insightful film offers a glimpse into the philosophy of an avant garde, brilliant mind.  The video can be viewed for free on You Tube and Hulu.

Favorite dialogue from a favorite film, Harold & Maude

From the final scene, while saying the final goodbye:

Harold:  I love you Maude.
Maude:  Oh Harold, that's wonderful.  Go and love some more. 

This final exchange is so wonderful and significant.  We can move beyond attachment to a specific person to experience love.

It goes without saying but...

... no one should use anything posted here as a substitute for sound medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice.  There was no particular reason for my writing this but for the sake of clarity this statement will be re-posted every so often.

Russell Targ on Remote Perception

"The secret is, there is no secret, it's not hard to do."

"Psychic abilities are real, available and free."

"... the ancient Hindus, Patanjali, 500 years before Christ, had it right. Patanjali wrote a handbook describing how to get in touch with your psychic abilities on the path to transcendence. The yoga sutras.  Of course Patanjali said you're not going to be interested in the fact that you can look into the future or look into the distance, that is just a stumbling block on the road to transcendence but he felt that the aspirant should know that you will run into these paranormal abilities so you shouldn't get attached to them."

Book Recommendation: Being And Vibration by Joseph Rael with Mary Elizabeth Marlow

This book came recommended by a friend who studies with Mary Elizabeth Marlow.  Every paragraph offers a richness of wisdom. The A.R.E. library has the VHS version of the Joseph Rael interview from Thinking Allowed.  Here is a 10-minute clip:

http://www.thinkingallowed.com/2jrael.html