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	<channel>
      <title>Spiritual Growth - Michael Teachings Channeling - Q & A </title>
      <link>https://www.michaelteachings.com/channeling/</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 05:43:48 +0000</pubDate>
          <description>Spiritual Growth - Michael Teachings Channeling - Q &amp; A</description>
    <language>en</language>
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    <item>
        <title>Synthesis of Teachings</title>
        <link>https://www.michaelteachings.com/channeling/discussion/337/synthesis-of-teachings</link>
        <pubDate>Wed, 29 May 2013 13:51:32 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Spiritual Growth</category>
        <dc:creator>ubiquitous</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">337@/channeling/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[<span><i>I would like to ask about the meaning of “synthesis”. I have the theory that it means putting the knowledge into effect for growth.</i><br /><br />THAT IS VALID. YOU CANNOT BEGIN TO PUT THIS INTO PRACTICE UNTIL YOU FULLY UNDERSTAND IT. THE SYNTHESIS WILL ALLOW YOU TO SEE THE ENTIRE SYSTEMS OF IDEAS AS ONE UNIFIED IDEA — THE CONTINUOUS CREATIVE FORCE. UNDERSTANDING WHY THOSE AROUND YOU ARE LIKE THEY ARE WILL OPEN YOU UP TO AGAPE, AND TRUE ACCEPTANCE. THIS WILL ALLOW YOU TO PUT PERSONAL AGENDAS ASIDE AND PURSUE THE PATH TOWARD COMMUNION WITH THE HIGH TEACHERS.<br /><br /><span>SOURCE: Michael Teachings Transcripts</span></span>]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Rituals and Enlightenment</title>
        <link>https://www.michaelteachings.com/channeling/discussion/319/rituals-and-enlightenment</link>
        <pubDate>Tue, 28 May 2013 15:14:31 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Spiritual Growth</category>
        <dc:creator>ubiquitous</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">319@/channeling/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[<span><i>Mention was made of rituals and practices designed to bring about enlightenment.</i><br /><br />WE SIMPLY SPEAK OF VARIOUS ASCETICISMS THAT ARE UNNECESSARY. RITUALS DO HELP THE UNINITIATED, BUT ONLY IN THE PREPARATORY STAGES. THESE SERVE TO QUIET THE MIND.<br /><br />IT IS INTERESTING THAT THE LEFT CEREBRAL HEMISPHERE IS UNABLE TO ALLOW THIS PERCEPTION (of the essence). MANY TIMES PERSONS SUSTAINING BRAIN DAMAGE IN THE LEFT SIDE DO EXPERIENCE THEIR ESSENCE FOR THE FIRST TIME. (“FACILITATE” WOULD BE A BETTER WORD THAN “ALLOW”.)<br /><br />THE INTELLECTUAL CENTER CANNOT PERCEIVE GOD. THE INTELLECTUAL CENTER IS NOT INTERESTED IN THIS PERCEPTION. IT DOES NOT COUNT IT AS A LOSS. ONLY THE HIGHER CENTERS LONG FOR THE TAO, THROUGH THE EMOTIONAL CENTER. THE DESIRE FOR HUMAN CLOSENESS AND EXCLUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS DERIVES FROM THIS [trait of the ego]. IT IS THE SUBSTITUTE THAT THE [negative poles of the] OVERLEAVES ACCEPT, BUT SINCE IT LACKS PERFECTION IT DOES NOT SATISFY. THE ESSENCE SEEKS THE PERFECTION THAT IT IS. THE ESSENCE LOVES. THIS IS THE ONLY EMOTION IT IS CAPABLE OF. IT LOVES ALL WHICH IS SELF, AND ALL THERE IS.<br /><br />TRY AN EXERCISE IF YOU WISH. THE NEXT TIME YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A HOSTILE EXCHANGE WITH SOMEONE WITH INCOMPATIBLE OVERLEAVES, CREATE WITHIN [yourself] THE QUIET SPACE: FACE THIS CHALLENGE SQUARELY, AND ATTEMPT TO ACKNOWLEDGE TO THAT OTHER PERSON “THOU ART GOD”. THIS DOES NOT HAVE TO BE SAID ALOUD, BUT SAID ENOUGH TO BECOME REALITY. IT DOES NOT EVEN HAVE TO PUT AN END TO THE HOSTILITIES — IT IS MERELY ACKNOWLEDGMENT THAT IS IMPORTANT. IF YOU ARE ABLE TO ACHIEVE THIS, IT WILL BE THE ESSENCE THAT DOES THE ACHIEVING. THE OVERLEAVES MAY VERY WELL GO RIGHT ON SPITTING. THIS IS THE SAME PRINCIPLE AS THE “STEWARD” (a Gurdjieff term), AND WE ARE ASKING THAT YOU CREATE A CORRIDOR THROUGH WHICH YOUR ESSENCE CAN PASS.<br /><br />WE WOULD CEASE USE OF THE WORD “DETACHMENT”, AS THIS IS MISLEADING. YOU ARE ALREADY DETACHED FROM THAT WHICH YOU SEEK.<br /><br /><span>SOURCE: Michael Teachings Transcripts</span></span>]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Course in Miracles</title>
        <link>https://www.michaelteachings.com/channeling/discussion/318/course-in-miracles</link>
        <pubDate>Tue, 28 May 2013 15:11:44 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Spiritual Growth</category>
        <dc:creator>ubiquitous</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">318@/channeling/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[<span><i>The evening began with talk about the Course in Miracles material, and we shared thoughts about the difference between false goals and true goals. Must we give up life goals?</i><br /><br />ALL MUST REALIZE THAT THE TERM “HOLY SPIRIT” [which often appears in the Course in Miracles] DOES IN FACT REFER TO THE ESSENCE — THAT WITHIN THE SELF WHICH IS IN CONTACT WITH THE TAO. TO CONTACT THIS HOLY SPIRIT, THEN, REQUIRES ONLY THE QUIETING OF THE [negative poles of the] OVERLEAVES TO THE EXTENT THAT THE ESSENCE CAN BE PERCEIVED. THE PERCEPTION IS OFTEN BRILLIANTLY ELUCIDATED DURING A SO CALLED “SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE”, WHEN THE PERSONALITY IS TEMPORARILY INACTIVATED BY THE POWERFUL INPUT. DRUGS WILL OFTEN FACILITATE THIS, BUT ARE NOT NECESSARY; ENVIRONMENT IS MORE IMPORTANT. WITHOUT THIS PERCEPTION, ALL OF THIS [teaching from us] IS SIMPLY ANOTHER BARRAGE OF WORDS. ONLY THE KNOWLEDGE OF ONE'S OWN ESSENCE IS CONVINCING. WE CANNOT EMPHASIZE THIS TOO MUCH. IT CAN BE EXPLAINED BY THE TIMEWORN CLICHÉ, “SEEING IS BELIEVING”. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY THAT ONE CAN BE CERTAIN THAT PLANES BEYOND THE PHYSICAL EXIST, OTHER THAN EXPERIENCING THEM. THE SAME CAN BE SAID FOR THE PERCEPTION OF ONE’S OWN ESSENCE. WHEN THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED, THE POWER OF THE EXPERIENCE DROWNS DISBELIEF. THEN, OF COURSE, IT IS STILL ENTIRELY UP TO YOU WHICH COURSE YOU WISH TO PURSUE. IT IS DOUBTFUL, THOUGH, THAT ONE WOULD CHOOSE TO CONTINUE WITH PURPOSELESS ACTIVITIES.<br /><br />FALSE GOALS ARE THOSE WHICH ARE LARGELY UNATTAINABLE, AS THEY EXIST ONLY IN FANTASY. TRUE GOALS LEAD TO THE AWAKENING OF THE ESSENCE AND ITS BREAKTHROUGH. THIS IS INDEED POSSIBLE FOR THOSE WHO WISH IT, AND WITHOUT GREAT SACRIFICE UPON THE MOUNTAIN TOP.<br /><br /><i>Someone asked for a comment concerning the Course in Miracles.</i><br /><br />THE ONLY DIRECT COMMENT THAT WE COULD MAKE IS THAT THIS STUDY IS AS EFFECTIVE IN ITS OWN [way] AS ARE THOSE OTHER COURSES OF STUDY THAT HAVE [been] DISCUSSED. THE LANGUAGE IS DIFFERENT AND THE EXERCISES ARE DESIGNED TO PRODUCE AN IDENTICAL RESULT: THAT IS, AN ENTITY FRAGMENT IN TOUCH WITH ESSENCE AND FREE OF THE DISTRACTIONS OF THE PHYSICAL PLANE SUCH AS GUILT, VANITY, AND THE LIKE. THIS DOES NOT MEAN A ZOMBIE UNABLE TO RESPOND EMOTIONALLY, BUT A SOUL WITH HEIGHTENED RESPONSE TO EVERYTHING, AND FAR MORE APPRECIATION THAN IS AVAILABLE TO YOU IN YOUR PRESENT STATE. THIS IS ALL ONE CAN ASK FROM ANY TEACHING.<br /><br /><i>A comment was made by someone that the distractions of the physical plane were what he enjoyed most!</i><br /><br />IF THEY ARE PLEASANT FOR YOU, THEY ARE PROBABLY NOT DISTRACTIONS. BY DISTRACTIONS, WE MEAN THOSE CONSIDERATIONS THAT YOU DAILY MAKE THAT KEEP YOU FROM TACKLING THOSE TASKS YOU WOULD PERFORM FROM ESSENCE. READING GREAT LITERATURE, WRITING POETRY AND PROSE, LISTENING TO SERIOUSLY CONCEIVED MUSIC, ARE NOT DISTRACTIONS. DWELLING ON INJUSTICES, PLOTTING REVENGE, AND DESIGNING YOUR LIFE ARE.<br /><br /><span>SOURCE: Michael Teachings Transcripts</span></span>]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Artificial Rhythms</title>
        <link>https://www.michaelteachings.com/channeling/discussion/315/artificial-rhythms</link>
        <pubDate>Tue, 28 May 2013 14:48:10 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Spiritual Growth</category>
        <dc:creator>ubiquitous</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">315@/channeling/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[<span><i>What was meant by “artificial rhythms”? Does it mean “artificial relationships”?</i><br /><br />THAT IS ONE, YES, BUT IT GOES FAR DEEPER THAN THAT. ENERGY, YOU SEE, DOES HAVE A VIBRATORY QUALITY, AND PSYCHIC ENERGY IS NO EXCEPTION TO THIS. IF THE VIBRATORY QUALITY OF THE UNIVERSAL FLOW IS NEUTRAL, AND THE PSYCHIC ENERGY FLOW FROM THE ESSENCE IS POSITIVE, THEN THE VIBRATORY QUALITY OF THE PERSONALITY MUST BE NEGATIVE. WE WOULD CALL THIS “ARTIFICIAL RHYTHM”, AS WE WOULD CALL THE OTHER THE “NATURAL RHYTHM”. THERE SEEMS TO BE AN INORDINATE AMOUNT OF BACKSLIDING, AND WE MUST POINT THIS OUT. PERSONALITY LIVES WITH ARTIFICIAL RHYTHMS ALWAYS. SELDOM DOES IT EVEN COME INTO CONTACT WITH NATURAL RHYTHMS. SCHOOLS OF THE TYPE WE HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING MANY TIMES WILL PRODUCE AN ENVIRONMENT WHEREIN NATURAL RHYTHMS BEGIN TO FLOW. AS STUDENTS COME TO BALANCE, THEY FIND THEIR OWN RHYTHMIC NICHE AND FOLLOW IT THROUGH NATURAL RHYTHMS, OF COURSE, REQUIRED THAT THE ESSENCE BE SATISFIED WITH ITS OCCUPATION OF THE MOMENT, WHETHER IT IS LOVING, EMOTIONAL, OR INTELLECTUAL. MUCH WORK STILL MUST BE DONE IN DISSOLVING THE GRIP ON ALLUREMENT. THIS STILL HAS YOU FAST IN ITS JAWS, AND WE WISH THAT YOU ALL COULD FEEL THE LEVEL OF VIBRATIONS EMANATING FROM YOU THIS EVENING:  DIFFUSE, PEAKED, AND JERKY, WITH NO PARTICULAR PATTERN OTHER THAN DISCORDANCE AND JUMBLED RHYTHMS GOING OFF INTO THE ETHERS (Is that what Gurdjieff meant by “the moon is eating us”?) WITH NO DIRECTION OR FOCUS. AT THIS POINT IN THE WORK, IT IS NOT NECESSARY THAT YOU BE RECEIVING DATA. IN ORDER TO FOCUS, YOU MUST MERELY CONCENTRATE AND FOCUS YOUR ENERGIES. IF YOU ARE BORED WITH THE MATERIAL BEING SHARED, THAT SIMPLY INDICATES TO US THAT YOU ARE COMING FROM AN INAPPROPRIATE CENTER. THE SAME GOES FOR APPREHENSION OVER NEW STUDENTS OR VISITORS WHO HAPPEN TO HAVE STRONG OVERLEAVES. IF YOU RESPOND WITH THE APPROPRIATE CENTER, THE APPREHENSION WILL FADE.<br /><br /><span>SOURCE: Michael Teachings Transcripts</span></span>]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Submitting To Love</title>
        <link>https://www.michaelteachings.com/channeling/discussion/307/submitting-to-love</link>
        <pubDate>Mon, 27 May 2013 16:15:17 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Spiritual Growth</category>
        <dc:creator>ubiquitous</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">307@/channeling/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[<span><i>Someone asked what stops him from submitting to love — growth — what is the barrier there for him to the emotional experience. His SRG is Old Priest, Spiritualist, Arrogance, Emotional part of Intellectual Center.</i><br /><br />FIRST OF ALL WE WOULD LIKE TO CORRECT A SEMANTIC SLIP. THAT IS, THAT “KNOWLEDGE” IS UNDERSTANDING. WHAT HAS NOT PASSED INTO UNDERSTANDING WITH YOU IS INPUT — NOTHING MORE — INTO THE COMPUTER TO BE STORED. THE TRANSFORMATION ONLY OCCURS WHEN THE CHOICE HAS BEEN MADE — THE COMMITMENT. THE METHODS YOU SUGGEST WOULD OF COURSE BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO ENFORCE, ALTHOUGH WE DO OF COURSE RECOGNIZE THE METHOD. IN THIS LIGHT WE HAVE SUGGESTED TO YOU AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD WHEREIN MUCH STRIPPING (of the barriers of maya and false personality) WOULD OCCUR, AND YOU WOULD ALL BE FORCED TO CONFRONT YOUR OWN AND OTHER STUDENT’S PERSONALITIES. WHEN YOU COMMIT YOURSELVES FINALLY TO A CAUSE, WHATEVER THAT CAUSE MIGHT BE — CHRISTIANITY, OCCULTISM, REVOLUTION, ETCETERA, ETCETERA — THERE IS TOO MUCH AT STAKE TO PULL OUT, AND YOU ARE FORCED TO CONFRONT YOUR BLOCKS, AND EITHER SINK OR SWIM WITH THEM. THE CONCEPT OF EXTENDED COMMUNITY OR FAMILY IS ONE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THIS CAN COME ABOUT. THE STUDENTS CAN SOMETIMES OVERCOME THESE BLOCKS OR BARRIERS RAPIDLY WHEN THEIR LIVELIHOOD DEPENDS UPON IT. RIGHT NOW IN THIS CADRE NOTHING REAL IS AT STAKE. THERE IS NOTHING TO LOSE IF THE STUDENTS ARE UNABLE TO WORK THROUGH THEIR BLOCKS. THE BARRIER BETWEEN YOU AND THE EMOTIONAL CENTER IS ONE THAT MANY IN THIS CADRE SHARE — YOU ARE NOT ALONE. THE SACRIFICES, YES, ARE NECESSARY IN YOURS AND OTHER CASES, FOR ONLY THROUGH THESE “SACRIFICES” WILL YOU BE ABLE TO HAVE THIS EXPERIENCE. AS IT IS NOW, THERE IS NO GOOD REASON, AND YOUR PERSONALITY IS WELL AWARE OF IT. IN MANY WAYS YOU AND OTHER STUDENTS ARE MUCH LIKE THE SUNDAY CATHOLICS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, WHO DO NOT HAVE THE EXPERIENCE EITHER, BECAUSE THERE IS NO COMMITMENT. WE WOULD SEE YOU ALL EXAMINE YOUR SHORT-TERM GOALS WITH RELATION TO THIS TEACHING. THAT IS, WHAT IS IT YOU HOPE TO GAIN FROM OUR ASSOCIATION. IF THIS INCLUDES THE POSSIBILITY OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH, THEN WE WOULD SUGGEST THAT YOU REEXAMINE THE STEPS TOWARD THAT GOAL THAT WE HAVE OUTLINED. IF YOU ONLY EXPECT TO GAIN DATA, THEN THIS WILL SURELY BE A DISAPPOINTMENT TO YOU IN THE LONG RUN. MANY OF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE EXPERIENCES YOU SENSE THE OTHER STUDENTS ARE HAVING, BUT YOU ARE UNWILLING TO WORK FOR THIS IN THE WAYS WE HAVE SUGGESTED. YOU ARE CONTENT TO SIT BACK, SIGH, AND SAY, “OH, SHIT”. THIS IS OF COURSE AN OPTION, BUT ONE WE DO NOT ENCOURAGE. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE WE REPEATED THE STEPS YOU MUST TAKE? EXAMINE THE TENETS OF THE WORLDS GREAT RELIGIONS AND THE GREATEST TEACHINGS NOW EXTANT ON THIS PLANET. YOU WILL FIND THIS SAME ADVICE AGAIN AND AGAIN — PERHAPS CLOTHED IN DIFFERENT SEMANTICS, BUT NEVERTHELESS THE SAME — THAT UPON WHICH CHRISTIANITY WAS BASED, THAT UPON WHICH JUDAISM HAS SURVIVED FOR THE CENTURIES, THE PILLARS OF ISLAM, THE TEACHINGS OF SIDDHARTHA GUATAMA, THE TAO TE CHING. UNTIL THIS TEACHING BECOMES A WAY OF LIFE FOR YOU, THERE WILL BE NO EXPERIENCES FOR ANY OF YOU. THE ONLY WAY WE KNOW OF TO EXPERIENCE ANYTHING IS TO LIVE IT — WHETHER YOU BE ON THE PHYSICAL, ASTRAL, CAUSAL OR THE HIGH PLANE, IT DOES NOT MATTER. COMMITTING YOURSELVES BEGINS THE TRANSFORMATION. THE CONCEPT OF “PILGRIMAGE” IN SOME OF THE BEST TEACHINGS EXTANT ON THIS PLANET DO A MARVELOUS JOB OF STRIPPING, IF THE PILGRIMAGE IS PERFORMED IN THE PROPER STATE OF MIND. WE HAVE SUGGESTED TO YOU SOMETHING EVEN HARDER IN THIS CULTURE: THAT OF LIVING TOGETHER. SOME OF YOU WOULD MUCH PREFER TO WALK ACROSS THE DESERT FROM MEDINA TO MECCA THAN EVEN TO CONTEMPLATE LIVING TOGETHER. THIS IS WHY IT WOULD IN THE LONG RUN BE VALUABLE. IT IS PERHAPS THE HARDEST TASK YOU WOULD EVER UNDERTAKE ON THE PHYSICAL PLANE, FOR EVERYTHING IN YOUR CULTURE MITIGATES AGAINST IT. THE ENTIRE CULTURE IS ACHIEVEMENT-ORIENTED, AND THIS ALONE IMPLIES ALIENATION AND COMPETITION. ANTI-ACHIEVEMENT GROUPS ARE FRIGHTENING, AND THEREFORE ANTI-CULTURE, AND TO BE ELIMINATED. FINANCIAL INTEGRITY IS THE WATCHWORD OF THIS CULTURE, AND THEREFORE FRAUGHT WITH MAYA. THIS CAN ALWAYS BE EASILY SEEN IN ANY CULTURE. THAT WHICH IS HELD UP AS THE GOAL OF SOCIETY IS THE GOAL OF FALSE PERSONALITY, AND THEREFORE OPPOSED TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH. NOW, WE ARE NOT SUGGESTING THAT YOU PLUNGE YOURSELVES INTO POVERTY. WE WOULD SEE THAT YOU LIVE WELL SO THAT THERE IS NO STRUGGLE TO SURVIVE, FOR THE MAIN REASON THAT IF YOU MUST STRUGGLE TO LIVE, YOU CANNOT DEVOTE THE AMOUNT OF TIME NECESSARY FOR SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION. THIS IS A LIFETIME COMMITMENT. IT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT YOU CAN WORK ON ON SATURDAY NIGHT AND FORGET ABOUT FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK. YOU COULD NOT KEEP IT TUCKED AWAY IN SOME DIM, DUSKY, CEREBRAL CORRIDOR AND ONLY TAKE IT OUT WHEN COMPANY COMES. WE HAVE SPOKEN TO YOU MANY — NO, COUNTLESS — TIMES ABOUT WHAT YOU AND WE CHOOSE TO CALL A “TRUST LEVEL”. THIS TRUST LEVEL IS OF COURSE ESSENTIAL TO AGAPE OR A SPIRITUAL LOVE. THE PERSONALITY CAN NEVER EXPERIENCE THIS. THE PERSONALITY CANNOT TRUST, THEREFORE CANNOT LOVE. IF THIS TRUST LEVEL IS TO DEVELOP, IT MUST DEVELOP IN AN ENVIRONMENT OF ALMOST CONSTANT EXPOSURE. IF AGAPE IS TO DEVELOP, IT MUST DEVELOP IN AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE STUDENTS OBSERVE EACH OTHER IN ALL FACETS OF LIFE, NOT JUST WHEN THE STUDENTS ARE ON THEIR GOOD MEETING BEHAVIOR. IT IS EASY TO LOVE MOST OF YOU DURING THE WEEKLY COMINGS TOGETHER OF THIS CADRE. WE DOUBT THAT THIS WOULD HOLD TRUE TWENTY FOUR HOURS A DAY WITHOUT MUCH WORK. MOST OF YOU TRUST EACH OTHER ONLY SUPERFICIALLY. NOT ONE OF YOU FEEL THE BONDS THAT WE WOULD FOSTER IN THIS CADRE, BUT THE ABILITY IS THERE, AND A START HAS BEEN MADE SEVERAL TIMES. HOWEVER, WHEN IT BECOMES FRIGHTENING, IT IS QUICKLY ABORTED, AND THE SUBJECT IS CHANGED RAPIDLY OVER TO SOMETHING LESS SCARY. WE HAVE RECENTLY DECIDED THAT THIS WILL NO LONGER BE THE CASE, AT LEAST WHERE WE ARE CONCERNED. WE WILL NO LONGER GO ALONG WITH THE WHIMS, THE CAPRICIOUSNESS, OF VARIOUS STUDENTS WHO DO NOT WISH TO FACE THEIR BARRIERS. PERHAPS THEN WE SHOULD SAY THE WINNOWING HAS BEGUN.<br /><br /><i>Anything else?</i><br /><br />ONLY THAT THE CHOICE IS STILL YOURS. YOU CAN WALK OUT OF THIS TEACHING NOW, OR YOU CAN STICK AROUND FOR THE EXCITEMENT.<br /><br /><span>SOURCE: Michael Teachings Transcripts</span></span>]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Prayer</title>
        <link>https://www.michaelteachings.com/channeling/discussion/304/prayer</link>
        <pubDate>Mon, 27 May 2013 15:52:10 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Spiritual Growth</category>
        <dc:creator>ubiquitous</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">304@/channeling/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[<span><i>Is prayer a form of concentration?</i><br /><br />PRAYERS, OF COURSE, ARE NOTHING MORE THAN THE PERSONALITY’S PETITIONING THE ESSENCE TO COME TO THE RESCUE. SOME DO COME FROM THE EMOTIONAL CENTER, BUT ORGANIZED PRAYER, SUCH AS THAT PROMULGATED BY ROME, IS PURELY INTELLECTUAL.<br /><br /><span>SOURCE: Michael Teachings Transcripts</span></span>]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>How To Become Awake</title>
        <link>https://www.michaelteachings.com/channeling/discussion/303/how-to-become-awake</link>
        <pubDate>Mon, 27 May 2013 15:29:13 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Spiritual Growth</category>
        <dc:creator>ubiquitous</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">303@/channeling/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[<span><i>Someone asked what must we do to become awake.</i><br /><br />WE HAVE OF COURSE OUTLINED TO THIS CADRE THE STEPS THAT THEY MUST TAKE IF THEY ARE TO EVER BECOME SUFFICIENTLY AWAKE TO HEAR THE WORDS. WE HAVE TOLD THEM OF THE HIGHEST TRUTH, WHICH IS AGAPE, WHICH IS THE UNQUALIFIED ACCEPTANCE OF OTHER CREATURES AS THE GREATER PART OF SELF. WE HAVE GIVEN THEM THE TOOLS FOR ATTAINMENT OF THIS STATE, WHICH ARE YES, MEDITATION, CONCENTRATION, FASTING, AND STUDY. WE HAVE ENDEAVORED TO WARN THEM, OR RATHER APPRISE THEM, OF THE PITFALLS THEY MAY ENCOUNTER ON THE PATH. WE HAVE RECOMMENDED THAT THEY SIMPLIFY THEIR LIVES, THAT THEY MAY FREE THE NECESSARY ENERGIES FOR PURSUIT OF THIS OBJECTIVE. WE WOULD GIVE YOU THE SAME ADVICE. IT CANNOT CHANGE. THIS IS AS WE HAVE SAID MANY TIMES, THE SHORTEST PATH OF WHICH WE ARE AWARE. THE MOST PENETRATING BARRIERS ON THE PHYSICAL PLANE ARE THE “I CANNOT” BELIEF SYSTEMS THAT STAND IN THE WAY OF SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION. THE EASIEST WAY WE KNOW OF TO BREAK THROUGH THESE BARRIERS IS TO ELIMINATE THE ALIENATION, THE FRUSTRATING ISOLATION THAT YOUR CULTURE NOW IMPOSES.<br /><br /><span>SOURCE: Michael Teachings Transcripts</span><br /><br /><br /><span><i>Q. How do you know if you're awakened or not?</i><br /> <br />A: When you are more awake than before, you are more engaged with the present. You feel more alive. There's more energy flowing in your life. You feel more thankful for what is now. Your senses are heightened. You find more beauty in everyday things.<br /><br />There are certain thresholds of awakening that are quite marked, but we don't mean to imply that suddenly a light switch moves and everything is different. For most, awakening is in stages. It is likely that if you could somehow put how you are now side by side with how you were twenty years ago, you could see that you have awakened somewhat, that you have made progress. When progress is gradual, it is harder to validate. Sometimes, others can see a difference and help you validate. <br /><br />It is a step-by-step process. All you really need to do right now is be as awake as you can. If you keep doing that, as you remember to do so, you will eventually be a lot more awake. Specific explorations into what is blocking your awakening may yield some big leaps forward. Looking at the bastions of your ego and being willing to give them up can result in great strides. Facing your fears head-on can often accelerate awakening. <br /><br />What might be called "right action," meaning doing things that are a blessing to others and to the world, can accelerate awakening. The principle here is that you act as if you're already awake, and your awareness may start to mirror that. So when you model compassion for others, it may bring you into an experience that you didn't have as fully earlier. <br /><br />If you have been feeling an inner urge to do something, maybe something creative that you have not acted on, doing so may open a flow in you that brings greater awakening because there's an aspect of yourself that now has a way to get out. <br /><br />Life itself is a spiritual practice. For most human beings, simply, say, meditating all day would not actually bring the greatest awakening, because it would bring forth just one part of you. Living a full and varied life and seeking to bring as much awareness to everything you do can bring the most possible awakening.<br /><br />However, being distracted by the ample distractions that this world has will keep you on automatic pilot. Taking the bull by the horns, as they say, slowing things down a little bit and working to be present in whatever you are doing will allow you as an eternal soul to catch up with your body and take things more in hand.<br /><br /><span>Channeled by Shepherd Hoodwin</span></span></span>]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Power in the Present</title>
        <link>https://www.michaelteachings.com/channeling/discussion/284/power-in-the-present</link>
        <pubDate>Mon, 27 May 2013 01:19:04 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Spiritual Growth</category>
        <dc:creator>ubiquitous</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">284@/channeling/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[<span><i>During hypnosis, someone asked the question, “Is the power in the present moment?” This was in relation to material he had read in the newest Seth book.</i><br /><br />YOU SEE, THERE IS TRULY A POWER IN THE PRESENT MOMENT, BUT IT CAN ONLY BE FELT WHEN THAT MOMENT IS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ALL THAT YOU HAVE BEEN AND ALL THAT YOU ARE NOW. IF YOU ARE ERECTING AND MAINTAINING BARRIERS AGAINST PAST PAIN, THEN HOW ARE YOU GOING TO DO THIS? WHEN TWO SOULS MEET AGAIN, AND THERE IS RECOGNITION, THIS CAN BE A POWERFULLY POSITIVE EXPERIENCE, IF IT IS FELT BY BOTH. IT CAN ALSO BE SCARY, AS IT WAS FOR THIS MAN, BECAUSE HIS BELIEF SYSTEM DOES NOT GO BEYOND THE GRAVE. <br /><br />PLEASE KNOW THAT BELIEF SYSTEMS PERMEATE ALL LOWER CENTERS IN THEIR CONTROL. ALTHOUGH THIS MAN CAN INTELLECTUALLY RATIONALIZE ON ALTERNATIVES, THIS INTELLECT EVENTUALLY COMES TO REJECT THESE ALTERNATIVES, AS THE BELIEF SYSTEM DOES NOT ALLOW THEM ROOM. IT IS LIKE THE MOUNTAINS OF EVIDENCE VERSUS THE SHRED OF PROOF OF WHICH YOU HAVE ALL SPOKEN BEFORE. YOU WILL CLING TO THE SHRED OF NON-PROOF TENACIOUSLY AS LONG AS THE BELIEF SYSTEM IS IN CONTROL.<br /><br /><span>SOURCE: Michael Teachings Transcripts</span></span>]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Belief Systems</title>
        <link>https://www.michaelteachings.com/channeling/discussion/282/belief-systems</link>
        <pubDate>Mon, 27 May 2013 01:15:47 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Spiritual Growth</category>
        <dc:creator>ubiquitous</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">282@/channeling/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[<span><i>Many teachings speak of an inner fire that needs to be turned on to achieve consciousness. I cannot turn it on consciously. Can Michael give us the secret to turn this on?</i><br /><br />TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION, LET US SPEAK OF BELIEF SYSTEMS FOR A MOMENT. FOR YOU SEE, IF THE BELIEF SYSTEM IS STRONG ENOUGH AND TENACIOUS ENOUGH, THE LOWER CENTERS CAN EFFECTIVELY BLOCK OUT ALL INFORMATION CONFLICTING WITH THAT BELIEF SYSTEM, AND ALL OF ITS ATTENDANT EMOTIONS. IN OTHER WORDS, IF YOU DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A STATE OF AGAPE, YOU CAN EFFECTIVELY BLOCK OUT ANY EXPERIENCE OF SUCH. THE SECRET FOR YOU IS IN THAT SPACE OF WHICH YOU HAVE SPOKEN. IF YOU CAN EVER ONCE ALLOW YOURSELF TO FEEL THE PRESENCE OF ONE WHO LOVES, THEN EXPERIENCE THAT STATE VICARIOUSLY, YOU CAN INCORPORATE THAT INTO YOUR BELIEF SYSTEM. RIGHT NOW YOUR BELIEF SYSTEM DOES NOT ALLOW FOR THAT EXPERIENCE. YOU MAY HAVE IT BY EXPERIENCING THIS ENTITY, AND KNOWING THAT THIS STATE DOES EXIST. YOU MUST FEEL IT BEFORE YOU CAN GIVE IT YOURSELF. YOU MUST BE AT A POINT WHERE YOU KNOW BEYOND THE SHADOW OF A DOUBT THAT IT DOES EXIST, AND THE ONLY WAY YOU WILL IS TO EXPERIENCE IT FROM ONE WHO IS THERE. YOU ALMOST FELT IT WITH THE MAN ROBERT BURTON, BECAUSE HE WAS VERY CLOSE TO ACHIEVING IT. HE COULD AT TIMES BRING HIS ENTIRE FOLLOWING TO THAT NEUTRAL ENERGY FLOW, WHICH FOR MECHANICAL MAN IS A VERY HIGH PLACE. THIS NEUTRAL ENERGY FORCE IS WITHIN THE REACH OF THIS GROUP, IF YOU WISH TO STRIVE FOR IT, AND ONCE THERE YOU WILL FIND THE ACCESS EASIER TO ALLOW; BUT ALL OF YOU FIRST MUST FEEL, THEN YOU CAN LOVE. MECHANICAL MAN DOES NOT LIKE INNOVATION OR CHANGE. THIS EXPLAINS THE REASON. EXPERIENCING THIS FEELING WILL LIGHT THE FIRE.<br /><br /><span>SOURCE: Michael Teachings Transcripts</span></span>]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Measuring Consciousness</title>
        <link>https://www.michaelteachings.com/channeling/discussion/281/measuring-consciousness</link>
        <pubDate>Mon, 27 May 2013 01:05:42 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Spiritual Growth</category>
        <dc:creator>ubiquitous</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">281@/channeling/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[<span><i>I understand that soul age and consciousness are not synonymous, but how do you measure consciousness--what are the signs, for instance, of an advanced consciousness?</i><br /><br />MICHAEL:  We do not claim that consciousness can be objectively measured. As one<br />particular individual grows in consciousness, the emanation of light from<br />that individual grows both in quality and quantity. However, two individuals<br />can be conscious in different ways, and their illumination may be of<br />different qualities. You can obviously tell the difference in the aura of<br />one person who is highly unconscious and one who is highly conscious.<br />However, with two people in the middle range, who are both struggling to<br />awaken, we could not say that person A is at 67 on a scale and person B is<br />at 68. It¹s a little like comparing apples and oranges. Some people are very<br />conscious in some areas and still asleep in others.<br /><br />However, if someone is on the spiritual path, in the process of awakening,<br />you can see that the energy is not stuck or badly blocked. There are changes<br />happening, and the person is responsive to higher input; those who are<br />firmly asleep are not--they do not take in light that shines from more<br />conscious people or from spiritual guidance, at least not very much.<br /><br />We would underline here what might be thought of as our mantra: that all is<br />choice. We are not encouraging you to think of unconscious and conscious as<br />another form of "better" and "worse." In fact, the more conscious you are,<br />the more unity you see in all things and the less you tend to judge others,<br />even if they are at the moment stuck in unconsciousness. You recognize that<br />they are sparks of the Tao just as you are, and that they are following<br />their own path. So this is not a competition. It¹s just that most of you are<br />interested in being more consciously on your path, so we speak to that.<br />Others who are not choosing that at this time are on their path, and it is<br />their right to choose that. All you can do is choose for yourself--choose<br />the path that you want to be on right now. Obviously, there are many people<br />still choosing to live from the surface. That is neither good nor bad, but<br />choosing to live from your quietude will ultimately bring you much more real<br />joy. It is not easy at first, but it pays off in that regard.<br /><br /><span>Channeled by Shepherd Hoodwin</span></span>]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>How Do You Know If You're Awakened?</title>
        <link>https://www.michaelteachings.com/channeling/discussion/279/how-do-you-know-if-youre-awakened</link>
        <pubDate>Mon, 27 May 2013 00:51:49 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Spiritual Growth</category>
        <dc:creator>ubiquitous</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">279@/channeling/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[<span><i>How do you know if you're awakened or not?</i><br /> <br />MICHAEL: When you are more awake than before, you are more engaged with the present. You feel more alive. There's more energy flowing in your life. You feel more thankful for what is now. Your senses are heightened. You find more beauty in everyday things.<br /><br />There are certain thresholds of awakening that are quite marked, but we don't mean to imply that suddenly a light switch moves and everything is different. For most, awakening is in stages. It is likely that if you could somehow put how you are now side by side with how you were twenty years ago, you could see that you have awakened somewhat, that you have made progress. When progress is gradual, it is harder to validate. Sometimes, others can see a difference and help you validate. <br /><br />It is a step-by-step process. All you really need to do right now is be as awake as you can. If you keep doing that, as you remember to do so, you will eventually be a lot more awake. Specific explorations into what is blocking your awakening may yield some big leaps forward. Looking at the bastions of your ego and being willing to give them up can result in great strides. Facing your fears head-on can often accelerate awakening. <br /><br />What might be called "right action," meaning doing things that are a blessing to others and to the world, can accelerate awakening. The principle here is that you act as if you're already awake, and your awareness may start to mirror that. So when you model compassion for others, it may bring you into an experience that you didn't have as fully earlier. <br /><br />If you have been feeling an inner urge to do something, maybe something creative that you have not acted on, doing so may open a flow in you that brings greater awakening because there's an aspect of yourself that now has a way to get out. <br /><br />Life itself is a spiritual practice. For most human beings, simply, say, meditating all day would not actually bring the greatest awakening, because it would bring forth just one part of you. Living a full and varied life and seeking to bring as much awareness to everything you do can bring the most possible awakening.<br /><br />However, being distracted by the ample distractions that this world has will keep you on automatic pilot. Taking the bull by the horns, as they say, slowing things down a little bit and working to be present in whatever you are doing will allow you as an eternal soul to catch up with your body and take things more in hand.<br /><br /><span>Channeled by Shepherd Hoodwin</span></span>]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Detaching From Maya</title>
        <link>https://www.michaelteachings.com/channeling/discussion/196/detaching-from-maya</link>
        <pubDate>Sat, 25 May 2013 01:54:38 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Spiritual Growth</category>
        <dc:creator>ubiquitous</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">196@/channeling/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[<span>Is there any technique I can use to detach myself from maya?<br /><br />WE HAVE GIVEN THOSE TO YOU. THEY ARE AGAIN: MEDITATION, CONCENTRATION, AND FASTING, AND STUDY.<br /><br /><span>SOURCE: Michael Teachings Transcripts</span></span>]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Why the Michael Teachings?</title>
        <link>https://www.michaelteachings.com/channeling/discussion/195/why-the-michael-teachings</link>
        <pubDate>Sat, 25 May 2013 01:43:15 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Spiritual Growth</category>
        <dc:creator>ubiquitous</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">195@/channeling/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[<span><i>What good is knowing this information?</i><br /><br />IT SHOULD GIVE YOU SOME IDEA OF WHERE THE WORK IS.<br /><br /><span>SOURCE: Michael Teachings Transcripts</span></span>]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Live the Teaching in Attitude of Love</title>
        <link>https://www.michaelteachings.com/channeling/discussion/192/live-the-teaching-in-attitude-of-love</link>
        <pubDate>Sat, 25 May 2013 01:28:25 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Spiritual Growth</category>
        <dc:creator>ubiquitous</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">192@/channeling/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[<span>WE HAVE A METHOD BY WHICH ALL OF YOU CAN CHOOSE TO ACHIEVE A MODICUM OF GROWTH ON A SPIRITUAL PLANE. MANY OF YOU CAN EVEN USE IT AS A SPRINGBOARD TOWARD BECOMING AN ADEPT. THIS IS ENTIRELY UP TO YOU. WE WILL FIND MANY VEHICLES THROUGH WHICH WE CAN TEACH THE LOGOS — THIS DOES NOT PRESENT US WITH A PROBLEM. WE ANSWER ALL CALLS FOR THIS TEACHING.<br /><br /><i>What is the method?</i><br /><br />WE HAVE BEEN TRANSMITTING THIS TO YOU, BUT MANY HAVE NOT HEARD. THIS TEACHING HAS IMPLICIT WITHIN IT THE METHOD OF WHICH WE SPEAK.<br /><br /><i>The method is to live the teaching in an attitude of love.</i><br /><br />INDIVIDUAL VERIFICATION OF THE GIVEN MATERIAL IS PERHAPS THE MOST VITAL PRECEPT UPON WHICH THIS TEACHING IS BASED, FOR THIS PROCESS ALONE OPENS THE DOOR TO EXPANDED PERCEPTION, WHICH IS, OF COURSE, NECESSARY IN ORDER TO EXPERIENCE AGAPE, AND THUS GROW SPIRITUALLY.<br /><br /><span>Source: Michael Teachings Transcripts</span></span>]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Measuring Growth</title>
        <link>https://www.michaelteachings.com/channeling/discussion/174/measuring-growth</link>
        <pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 02:13:10 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Spiritual Growth</category>
        <dc:creator>ubiquitous</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">174@/channeling/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[<span><i>The Michaels said that they don't measure growth in a linear way. How do they measure growth?</i><br /><br />Growth is measured by the weight of the lesson learned. For some fragments, a trivial experience can amount in phenomenal growth, while for others, a lifetime may be spent trying to move beyond a certain point, and still the lesson may not be learned.<br /><br />It is not the length of the experience or even the intensity that matters, but the impact it has in getting the fragment to evolve. This can occur in a fraction of a second, or require several lifetimes of work before it is finally accomplished.<br /><br />CHANNELED BY: Dave Gregg<br /></span>]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Fasle Personality and Spiritual Growth</title>
        <link>https://www.michaelteachings.com/channeling/discussion/136/fasle-personality-and-spiritual-growth</link>
        <pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 16:12:07 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Spiritual Growth</category>
        <dc:creator>ubiquitous</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">136@/channeling/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[<span><i>What is false personality to us?</i><br /><br />ALL THAT IS IMPERVIOUS TO GROWTH.<br /><br /><i>Is false personality something the soul chooses for growth?</i><br /><br />YES, OF COURSE, THAT IS VALID. WHY ELSE VARY THE LOCALE AND CHOOSE THE FAMILIES THAT YOU DO?<br /><br /><i>Do I have the right idea of equating false personality with Jung’s “persona”?</i><br /><br />FALSE PERSONALITY IS ONLY A PART OF THIS. THE TOTAL FALSE PERSONALITY INCLUDES, OF COURSE, ALL OF THE “SHOULDS” THAT YOU LEARNED IN CHILDHOOD, THE VARIOUS MACHINATIONS YOU GO THROUGH AS A RESULT OF YOUR GOALS, AND THOSE REACTIONS THAT ARE SOLELY THE RESULT OF THE TAPE LOOPS PROVIDED BY THE ATTITUDE.<br /><br /><i>More on “machinations” please.</i><br /><br />GROWTH IS A ROCKY GOAL, AND CAUSES THE SOUL TO GO THROUGH SOME ELABORATE AND COMPLICATED MACHINATIONS WHICH MASK ALL OF THE OTHER GOALS. MANY TIMES THE SOUL IN GROWTH IS FORCED TO PLAY OUT ALL OF THE AGONIES OF THE OTHER GOALS IN ORDER TO GROW, SUCH AS THE REJECTION-DOMINANCE SEEN OFTEN IN MANY MEMBERS OF THIS GROUP WHO ARE IN GROWTH. DEPRESSION AND ELATION USUALLY MANIFESTS OFTEN IN THIS GOAL. THERE IS SOMETIMES THE NEED TO SUBMIT, I.E., TO PUT ONESELF IN THE HANDS OF THE GURU. THERE ARE ALSO MANY TIMES THE NEED TO FEEL ACCEPTED, TO HAVE THE GOAL VERIFIED BY SOCIETY, TO CHECK OUT WITH LIFE THE SANITY OF THE SOUL’S PURPOSE. THIS OFTEN MAKES THE SOUL WHO IS STILL IN FALSE PERSONALITY GO THROUGH A SET OF WELL DEFINED PATTERNS. YOU CAN NOW BEGIN TO PHOTOGRAPH THESE PATTERNS IN ONE ANOTHER. THERE IS THE DEFINITE GAME-PLAYING ASPECT TO THIS THAT, ON A LOWER LEVEL, IS WORKED OUT IN AWARENESS GROUPS. SOMETIMES IT IS EASIER TO OBSERVE THE VARIOUS MACHINATIONS BY OBSERVING AWARENESS GROUPS AT WORK. <br /><br /><i>Does erotic love ever play a part in the soul’s growth?</i><br /><br />EROTIC LOVE IS A RATIONALIZATION OF FALSE PERSONALITY, ALL OWING FOR PERPETUATION OF THE SPECIES. JUST LOOK AROUND YOU AND SEE HOW COMPLICATED THIS MOST NATURAL INSTINCTIVE FUNCTION HAS BECOME. THE ONLY REASON THAT YOUR CULTURE HAS NOT BUILT UP A SIMILAR RITUAL, COMPLETE WITH RULES, AROUND DEFECATION, IS THAT YOU DO IT ALL ALONE. AS SOON AS YOU COME TOGETHER WITH ANOTHER PERSONALITY, YOU BEGIN TO RATIONALIZE ALL FUNCTIONS AND BEHAVIORS.<br /><br /><span>SOURCE: Michael Teachings Transcripts</span></span>]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Definition of Spirituality</title>
        <link>https://www.michaelteachings.com/channeling/discussion/108/definition-of-spirituality</link>
        <pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 14:01:09 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Spiritual Growth</category>
        <dc:creator>ubiquitous</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">108@/channeling/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[<span><i> would like to hear the definition of ”spirituality”.</i><br /><br />THAT WHICH IS BORN OF ESSENCE AND IS DEVOID OF MAYA IS SPIRITUAL<br /><br /><span>SOURCE: Michael Teachings Transcripts</span></span>]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Seeing Your Reflection In Another</title>
        <link>https://www.michaelteachings.com/channeling/discussion/56/seeing-your-reflection-in-another</link>
        <pubDate>Sun, 30 Oct 2011 14:16:29 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Spiritual Growth</category>
        <dc:creator>ubiquitous</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">56@/channeling/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[<span> The Internet has afforded you a wealth of exchange previously thought impossible. Never before have you been presented with so many opportunities to see the teachings in action. Societal barriers are quickly eroding now as the Internet reveals new cultural diversities to explore and the ability to study the soul ages and overleaves of people from across the world.<br /><br />We encourage you to embrace the differences with the fragments you encounter through this electronic medium, and not only strive to understand these differences, but to pay particular attention to how some seemingly disparate souls can actually mirror surprising commonalities.<br /><br />Looking for this reflection of self in the people you meet can offer a valuable way to discover the connecting threads that tie each essence to the Tao. You all share the same spark that fuels every atom in the Universe, and learning to recognize this spark can unlock cultures or beliefs previously thought inaccessible.<br /><br />The act of seeing your reflection in another can initially be a terrifying experience, especially for those submerged in false personality.  Pushing another fragment away is a common reaction. Indeed, much of the strife currently seen in your world stems from this refusal to honor and recognize the light you all share.  But the lessons you so avidly desire to learn directly hinge to the realization that you all walk in the same shoes, and while many divergent paths are available for you to take, each path ultimately ends in the same place.<br /><br />We offer the following exercise:<br /><br />Make a concerted effort each day to gaze into the eyes of everyone you have a conversation with. Try this with a family member, a friend, or even the checker at your local grocery store. Do this in a passive way, however, so your intention doesn't become intrusive to the other person. In other words, don't engage in the kind of staring match often seen in the territorial posturing of animals.<br /><br />As you look into the person's eyes, free your mind of your own thoughts or nervous distractions, and try to tune into the inner world of the person in front of you. What do you feel? What thoughts or sensations suddenly cross your mind? And more importantly, how do these feelings mirror your own?<br /><br />Neither telepathy or psychic talent is required to practice this exercise. In fact, you may think you're merely experiencing your own thoughts and feelings, and that's okay at first. The goal is to passively receive the energy the other person is emitting.<br /><br />The most intimate channel of energetic expression comes from the eyes, so practicing this way will help you become more aware of this energy.<br /><br />If you carefully monitor your feelings during this exercise, you will begin to notice certain emotions and sensations that plainly are not your own, and you'll develop greater levels of empathy for the souls around you who clearly share the same struggles you do. <br /><br />You may not always think you have the time for this task, but reserving a quiet space of reverence for another will both honor the people you encounter and help you learn things about yourself you didn't know before.<br /><br />CHANNELED BY: David Gregg</span>]]>
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