SPIRITUAL EXPLORATIONS – 366

WE ARE EXPLORING THE HEAVENLY ATTRIBUTE OF FREEDOM

+ We are called to create and enjoy a realm of compassion, peace, justice and sustainable abundance for all.

+ To this day I believe we are here on Earth to live, grow, and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom.

-- Rosa Parks

This was the Gratefulness Word for the Day on January 15, 2016

This is it, the final post:  Spiritual Exploration 366.  I did not know whether I could do it or not but I am writing this on December 14, 2016 with the satisfying realization that I accomplished my goal of posting 366 Spiritual Exploration posts in the leap year of 2016.  All 366 will be posted as of this day, December 14, 2016.  Thank you fellow explorers for sharing this adventure with me.

The daily posts on Facebook and Twitter and at abundancetrek.com will  come to an end as of December 31.  I am anticipating finding new ways to explore the 9 Attributes of Heaven and 12 Spiritual Practices. Suggestions welcome.

Let us renew our belief in the promise of freedom as Rosa Parks put it so clearly:

To this day I believe we are here on Earth to live, grow, and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom.

We can do this because:

We are intimately, intricately and infinitely connected by a matrix of unconditional, unlimited and uniting love which is miraculous, mysterious and marvelous.

We can remember who we are and what we can do because we are gloriously free to put our attention on creating and enjoying a realm of compassion, peace, justice and sustainable abundance for all with every breath.

Breathe deeply. Breathe fully. Be still. Be silent. Be centered. Be grounded. Lighten up. Loosen up. Let go. Let God. Celebrate. Enjoy. Be glad all over!

This is bliss.

+ The meme is in the Spirituality & Practice 12s Gallery on Attention.

+ I have work to do on the Abundancetrek Freedom page. Maybe you can help.  Send an email with the subject “Freedom” or “Heavenly Attributes” or “Guest Post” to John@abundancetrek.com.

+ You can always find a link to any of the Spiritual Explorations posts by going to http://abundancetrek.com/sepostsaccess.html

SPIRITUAL EXPLORATIONS – 365

WE ARE EXPLORING THE HEAVENLY ATTRIBUTE OF FREEDOM

+ We are called to create and enjoy a realm of compassion, peace, justice and sustainable abundance for all.

+

Just come to see that everything is passing on,

That nothing in your mind remains

The same for even the span of a breath.

If you see like that for even a moment,

Then for that moment you are free.

- Ji Aoi Isshi

This was the Daily Zen post on November 10, 2015.

+ Take this moment right now to see things as they really are and be free ... even for the span of a breath. Enjoy your freedom to embrace reality in its glorious, fascinating, infinite variety. It really is amazing.  You really are amazing.  Go ahead.  Freely enjoy reality.  As Anne Lamott puts it:

I think this is how we are supposed to be in the world -- present and in awe.

We are free to do so.  This is bliss.

+ I would love it if you offered a guest post.  And, I have work to do on the Abundancetrek Freedom page. Maybe you can help.  Send an email with the subject “Freedom” or “Heavenly Attributes” or “Guest Post” to John@abundancetrek.com.

+ You can always find a link to any of the Spiritual Explorations posts by going to http://abundancetrek.com/sepostsaccess.html

SPIRITUAL EXPLORATIONS – 363

WE ARE EXPLORING THE HEAVENLY ATTRIBUTE OF FREEDOM

+ We are called to create and enjoy a realm of compassion, peace, justice and sustainable abundance for all.

+ The movement of grace in our lives toward freedom is a mystery. So we simply say “Thanks."

-- Anne Lamott

+ In our freedom, we discover so much as we live our lives.  We are free to do so.  And there is always more to discover and enjoy.  This is bliss.

Here’s more wisdom from Anne Lamott:

I think this is how we are supposed to be in the world -- present and in awe.

And we are free to be present and in awe right now, right here and forever. Yes, this is bliss. 

+ The meme for this post is in the Spirituality & Practice 12s Gallery on Creativity.

+ I would love it if you offered a guest post.  And, I have work to do on the Abundancetrek Freedom page. Maybe you can help.  Send an email with the subject “Freedom” or “Heavenly Attributes” or “Guest Post” to John@abundancetrek.com.

+ You can always find a link to any of the Spiritual Explorations posts by going to http://abundancetrek.com/sepostsaccess.html

SPIRITUAL EXPLORATIONS – 301

WE ARE EXPLORING THE HEAVENLY ATTRIBUTE OF ABUNDANCE.

+ We are called to create and enjoy a realm of compassion, peace, justice and sustainable abundance for all.

+ O how I laugh when I think of my vague indefinite riches. No run on my bank can drain it, for my wealth is not possession but enjoyment.
-- Henry David Thoreau
This was the Gratefulness Word for the Day on Monday, October 24, 2016.

+ Ralph Waldo Emerson once asked what we would do if the stars came out only once every thousand years. No one would sleep that night, of course. The world would create new religions overnight. We would be ecstatic, delirious, made rapturous by the glory of God. Instead, the stars come out every night, and we watch television.
-- Paul Hawken, from “You are Brilliant and the Earth Is Hiring,”2009 Commencement Address, University of Portland
This was the OneSpirit Daily Inspiration on Monday, October 24, 2016.

+ I try to be aware of the synchronicity of life events as much as possible.  I thought it was pretty neat that both of these quotes came up today (October 24,2016) just as I was looking for ideas which reflect my understanding of abundance.  I think Thoreau and Emerson and Hawken nailed it.

Synchronicity is a major theme of James Redfield, the author of The Celestine Prophecy. All of the now famous insights which he first offered in that wonderful book are found at Celestine Vision.  He has modified (perfected) these insights and added a few in the years following the publication of The Celestine Prophecy. Here is the first insight:

SYNCHRONICITY is the entry point, the measure of whether we’re connected spiritually. These “meaningful coincidences” are tiny miracles steering us toward the good life. They are always seeking first, to awaken us, and then to allow us to be guided by a spiritual connection to the unfolding of our intended destiny.  Staying in a state of alert expectation concerning the major questions of our lives, or the help we need, increases the frequency of Synchronistic answers. The secret is remembering, first thing in the morning, to watch for these magical Synchronistic moments.

I invite you to read the rest of the insights at http://www.celestinevision.com/the-12-celestine-insights/

+ Although Spirituality & Practice doesn’t have Abundance per se as a practice, they do offer an abundance of resources  on many practices which are all about abundance including:  Gratitude |  Wonder | Connections | Attention

Also, many of their Twelves Galleries focus on abundance.  With the following links you can quickly  choose among them >
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/galleries/category/12s
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/galleries/category/12s/2
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/galleries/category/12s/3
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/galleries/category/12s/4
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/galleries/category/12s/5
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/galleries/category/12s/6

+ I would love it if you offered a guest post.  And, I have work to do on the Abundancetrek Abundance page.  Maybe you can help.  Send an email with the subject “Abundance” or “Heavenly Attributes” or “Guest Post” to John@abundancetrek.com.

+ You can always find a link to any of the Spiritual Explorations posts by going to http://abundancetrek.com/sepostsaccess.html

SPIRITUAL EXPLORATIONS – 212

WE ARE EXPLORING THE PRACTICE OF HEAVENLINESS

+ If I penetrate to the depths of my own existence to the indefinable AM that is myself in its deepest roots, then through this deep center I pass into the infinite I AM which is the very Name of the Almighty.

-- Thomas Merton

< http://www.peterrussell.com/CIA/CIA11.php

+ OK, I will say it again (but with I AM this time):  

I AM intimately, intricately, infinitely connected in a matrix of unconditional, unlimited, uniting LOVE which is miraculous, mysterious and marvelous.

And so are you.  And again:  You are wonderful, fantastic, amazing, delightful, heavenly. 

For more I AM statements from many traditions, go to Peter Russell’s THE CHURCH OF I AM.

+ I would love it if you offered a guest post on this practice or any practice.  And, I have work to do on my Heavenlinesspage.  Maybe you can help.  Send an email with the subject “Heavenliness” or “Guest Post” to John@abundancetrek.com.

+ You can always find a link to any of the Spiritual Explorations posts by going to http://abundancetrek.com/sepostsaccess.html

SPIRITUAL EXPLORATIONS – 210

WE ARE EXPLORING THE PRACTICE OF HEAVENLINESS

+ The most beautiful and profound emotion we can experience is the sensation of the mystical. It is the sower of all true science. He (or she) to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead. —Albert Einstein

  

+ Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind.

-- Albert Einstein

+ Einstein is definitely one of my favorite spiritual guides.  He is known for his great scientific mind.  He needs to be known for what he taught us about so much more than his brilliant scientific breakthroughs.  He thought outside the box in so many ways and taught us all to do so as have so many other wise teachers.  We awaken to our true identity, our heavenliness, when we are willing to think outside the box, when we are willing and eager to “wonder and stand rapt in awe” even if we need to take risks, to be courageous.  This is an amazing journey.  Thank you for being a companion sharing this adventure.  

+ I would love it if you offered a guest post on this practice or any practice.  And, I have work to do on my Heavenlinesspage.  Maybe you can help.  Send an email with the subject “Heavenliness” or “Guest Post” to John@abundancetrek.com.

+ You can always find a link to any of the Spiritual Explorations posts by going to http://abundancetrek.com/sepostsaccess.html

SPIRITUAL EXPLORATIONS – 172

WE ARE EXPLORING THE PRACTICE OF SIMPLICITY

+ What we are really talking about here is the act of getting current and staying current with ourselves. We are talking about the act of checking in, honoring ourselves, our intentions, perceptions, and intuitions. We are talking about something very simple that is often difficult to do amid hurly-burly. We are talking about paying attention to what we love.

— Julia Cameron in The Vein of Gold

+ I think that an attitude of gratitude is a good description of a life lived simply wonderfully.  We all know these wonderful people.  You are one of these wonderful people displaying kindness, gentleness, joy, compassion, hope, freedom and you are simply amazing.  Yes, you. 

+ Julia Cameron is one of the S&P Living Spiritual Teachers.

+ Simplicity is not one of the 37 Spirituality & Practice practices BUT put Simplicity in their Search Engine and you come up with 314 items including 117 quotes, 156 books, 11 practices, 9 teachers, 1 arts link, 11 e-courses, 7 films and 1 blog as of 6/4/16.  Go to http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/search/?q=Simplicity

+ I would love it if you offered a guest post on this practice or any practice.  And, I have work to do on my Simplicity Page.   Maybe you can help.  Send an email with the subject “Simplicity” or “Guest Post” to John@abundancetrek.com.

+ You can always find a link to any of the Spiritual Explorations posts by going to http://abundancetrek.com/sepostsaccess.html

SPIRITUAL EXPLORATIONS -- 163

SPIRITUAL EXPLORATIONS – 163

 WE ARE EXPLORING THE PRACTICE OF SIMPLICITY

+

Simply Faith

To rest in the arms of our Creator

To love in each action of the day

To resist the urge to seek self- importance

To simply be in awe.

To speak in the face of injustice

To make room for silent moments

To sit comfortably with living and dying

To remember the stories of lifetimes of faith.

To grieve for those lost and loved

To release what is captive in me

To work in great darkness and great light

To celebrate with a joyful heart.

To be a peaceful presence in a world full of distress

To abide in the heart of God

To heal the whole person

To simply be.

To integrate a loving touch and prayer

To speak and honor the Spirit.

To look into the eyes of God in each person I meet

To be grateful.

Simply faith – complex work of the heart belonging to God.

-- Carol Tippe 2013

+ “To simply be in awe” is a wondrous thing.  We can move into this wondrous, heavenly state of being through these practices. This really is an Amazing Journey.

In these Journey of the Soul practices of Simplicity, Delight and Heavenliness we move beyond our earthly limits as much as possible. But, paradoxically, we become more committed to our planet than ever before. It may be a temporary home but it is a wonderful place to spend some time.

That said, let’s see if we can reduce our attachment to it because there really is something better. Heaven is home. Home sweet home. Only heaven can satisfy us totally. We are in heaven right now.  We simply need to become fully aware of this greater reality which surrounds us and completes us. We don’t have to die to get there. But the part of us that is fake does need to die and that’s what happens in all of these practices and particularly these Journey of the Soul practices.

Simplicity, as the song says, is simply a gift. Every one of these practices is a gift, a gift from heaven, your true home.  You are a gifted, heavenly being right now, right here.  Yes you are.

+ Simplicity is not one of the 37 Spirituality & Practice practices BUT put Simplicity in their Search Engine and you come up with 314 items including 117 quotes, 156 books, 11 practices, 9 teachers, 1 arts link, 11 e-courses, 7 films and 1 blog as of 6/4/16.  Go to http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/search/?q=Simplicity

+ I would love it if you offered a guest post on this practice or any practice.  And, I have work to do on my Simplicity Page.   Maybe you can help.  Send an email with the subject “Simplicity” or “Guest Post” to John@abundancetrek.com.

+ You can always find a link to any of the Spiritual Explorations posts by going to http://abundancetrek.com/sepostsaccess.html

SPIRITUAL EXPLORATIONS – 159

WE ARE EXPLORING THE PRACTICE OF HOLINESS

+ I think this is how we are supposed to be in the world -- present and in awe.

-- Anne Lamott

+ Every moment is holy.  Everything we do is holy.  Every breath is holy.  Everything we think, feel, say or do is holy. So, let us practice Holiness at all times and in all places.  It really is an awesome practice leading us ultimately to the amazing practices of Simplicity, Delight and Heavenliness, the Journey of the Soul practices which we will explore beginning with SE161 or 2 SE posts beyond this one. 

+ Holiness is not one of the 37 Spirituality & Practice practices BUT put Holiness in their Search Engine and you come up with 460 items including 227 quotes, 168 books, 28 practices, 14 teachers, 12 arts links, 7 e-courses, 3 films and 1 blog as of 5/11/16.  Go to http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/search/?q=holiness.

+ The Body gets a lot of attention from Spirituality and Practice as you can see when you go to a link to “Body” on their search engine. You will find 1611 items as of 4/26/16.

+ I would love it if you offered a guest post on this practice or any practice.  And, I have work to do on my Holiness Page.   Maybe you can help.  Send an email with the subject “Holiness” or “Guest Post” to John@abundancetrek.com.

+ You can always find a link to any of the Spiritual Explorations posts by going to http://abundancetrek.com/sepostsaccess.html

SPIRITUAL EXPLORATIONS – 141

WE ARE EXPLORING THE PRACTICE OF HOLINESS

+ When your life is filled with the desire to see the holiness in everyday life, something magical happens. -- Harold Kushner

+ Life is amazing, really wonderful, very holy.  Our bodies are in constant contact with this wonder.  It really is magical.   

+ Holiness is the ninth of the twelve Abundancetrek practices and the final practice of the Journey of the Body which began with Solitude and then continued with Devotion.

+ Holiness is not one of the 37 Spirituality & Practice practices BUT put Holiness in their Search Engine and you come up with 460 items including 227 quotes, 168 books, 28 practices, 14 teachers, 12 arts links, 7 e-courses, 3 films and 1 blog as of 5/11/16.  Go to http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/search/?q=holiness.

+ The Body gets a lot of attention from Spirituality and Practice as you can see when you go to a link to “Body” on their search engine. You will find 1611 items as of 4/26/16.

+ I would love it if you offered a guest post on this practice or any practice.  And, I have work to do on my Holiness Page.   Maybe you can help.  Send an email with the subject “Holiness” or “Guest Post” to John@abundancetrek.com.

+ You can always find a link to any of the Spiritual Explorations posts by going to http://abundancetrek.com/sepostsaccess.html

SPIRITUAL EXPLORATIONS -- 82

WE ARE EXPLORING THE PRACTICE OF DISCERNMENT

+ I think this is how we are supposed to be in the world -- present and in awe.

-- Anne Lamott

+ Discernment happens when our attitude is gratitude, when we realize how wonderful life is, how precious, how beautiful, how awesome, how amazing.  Now that we know are practicing stillness, detachment, humility and silence, we can discern our purpose, our mission, our next step.  These precious moments of discernment are crucial in the journey of the heart and its main purpose: Healing. 

What is your unique purpose, the mission you called to accomplish, your next step?  What is your intention for today on this journey?  I do not ask these questions to burden you.  I ask these questions only to make your life awesome.  When you are in the zone of your life purpose, your calling, your mission, you are awesome and you become one with all of creation.

I invite you to enjoy “Everything is Awesome” sung by Tegan and Sara for the Lego Movie.

  

+ Spirituality & Practice offers many resources on the practice of discernment.

+ I have work to do on my Discernment page. Maybe you can help. Send an email with the subject “Discernment” to John@abundancetrek.com.

+ You can always find a link to any of the Spiritual Explorations posts by going to http://abundancetrek.com/sepostsaccess.html