More from Dorothy Starlite's retreat

Okay, this one happened on the last day of the September retreat, and it's the one that is haunting me.   Haunting, but not in a frightening way, just an awesome way.   I'm in awe.
This was the last retreat, on the evening before we all left.   There were 6 of us including Dorothy, and she asked us to picture a 6 pointed star, points at each woman there.   I don't remember if she put on music before we talked or not, but I do remember that she asked each of us what energies or guides we were inviting to be with us.   She asked me first.
Just before she asked me, I was "seeing" (visioning) a room just slightly to the left of the one we were in, and just a tiny bit higher.   The room was the same, but faded, not as firm as the one we were in.   There were 6 women in that one too, sitting next to or behind each of the women beside me.   The 6 pointed star touched each of them, and overlapped the 6 pointed star that touched each of us.   The figures were fuzzy, I don't know if they looked like us or not, but they were most definitely experiencing a meditation the same as we were.

I've mentioned before that I've been aware of the parallel Universes all of my life.   I didn't know what they were, didn't have a name for them, but knew there was something more.   This experience was the first time I've actually SEEN the 2 worlds connected, and experienced it.   The two worlds were, for a time, touching and encroaching on each other.  I know we can wander between worlds, and I've done a lot of it, but never before have I seen them completely meshed, joined, being ONE.

I wonder if they saw us too?   Or if each of the women in the other world, was somehow attached to one of my sisters sitting in the circle at Dorothy's?

This vision is still strongly with me, I haven't seen anything more like that, but it still feels very real.   I can close my eyes and picture it, and I'm back there.   It sounds simple, but it isn't, it's one of the most profound things I've experienced.

At Dorothy Starlite's

A few weeks ago I went to a retreat at Dorothy Starlite's.   She's been my teacher for many years, and has a sweet home very high up in the Colorado Rockies.   Elk, Deer, and red foxes regularly go through her yard, and in the morning we often hear the Elk bugling in the hills above her place.   It's magical, beautiful, and with Dorothy's guidance, deeply spiritual.   Each of us who comes to the retreats here, is on a quest to grow, to stretch our beliefs, to question everything, to find the Spirit in the deepest part of us.   We're called the Sisterhood of the Medicine Heart, and truly we are in each other's hearts.

I had several etheric experiences, of which I'll write the first one here, and others another time.    In one meditation session, we were looking for guides to show us an archetype.   I used the guides I've used for years, and suddenly "saw" another one.   I saw a man, wearing a long beige trenchcoat, carrying a suitcase.   The suitcase fell open and out spilled all of the religious, all sciences, the Cosmos, all visions, all parts of who I am.   I came to me that I am The Mystic Traveler.   That's my archetype.   An exploration of all of the above, not in a physical sense so much as in a spiritual/meditative sense.    I'm going to be exploring that archetype more over time.   Is anyone reading this, also feeling that they travel in the ether?   I'd love to hear what others are seeing and hearing and experiencing.

Dorothy at one point challenged us to meditate on the question, "What If Everything Is Possible?".    At first during the meditation I was in a lot of pain (injured knee & other stuff, likely old age), and I resented being held in my body.   I was drawn into focusing on those things I used to be passionate about, i.e., first piano, then flying.   Neither of those is still open to me, since my hands & feet don't cooperate very well.   However, once I got a bit deeper, I realized that it isn't just piano or airplanes that I miss, it's the PASSION that came with them.   Those events, those learnings, are in the past, but Passion isn't.   So what's my Passion now?   I think seeking God (in any sense of that word), or maybe some activity that leaves me completely absorbed.   Maybe a lover?   Maybe a cause?   Maybe teaching Reiki and more advanced healing techniques?   I want to be open to finding that passion, as I know it will overcome the pain and fragility of my age.  

So, okay, here's my Atman Project.   An Atman Project is anything that replaces God, whilst I'm on the Path to God.   PAIN is my Atman Project!   Transmuting pain is my goal.  I can do this through the Heart Center, which has no preconceptions, no preferences, no opinions, no agenda.   It will connect my ego with my soul.

I am a healer on the way to God, and will work at transmuting the pain to the point where it no longer interrupts that path.   I am dedicated to remaining open to new ways to find God in my life.   It feels right to wait for a "calling", instead of figuring it out.   Thus, I'm to remain open and watchful, but not projecting.  

So all of that (and more to come at a later time) are a part of my path in the current & parallel Universes.   Multi-verses?   I think there are many.

Does any of this connect with anyone?  

September 11th

Today we remember the 10th anniversary of 9/11, and I'm uncomfortable about it.   I've been thinking of this as our generation's Pearl Harbor,or the Holocaust, or Japan's Hiroshima, or so many other events that we also commemorate.   Yet, I don't feel as lifted by this, as I do in remembering the other events.  Why?

I think the reason I feel more comfortable with remembering the Holocaust, is that it reminds us always of the dangers of letting prejudice rule.   I can remember Hiroshima because it reminds me of the horrors of what we think we have to do to win a war.    I can remember Pearl Harbor because the memorial in Honolulu clearly remembers those servicemen who lost their lives in bravery rather than remembering an enemy.   In every case, we remember something that changed the way we think, something that changed us, something we won't let happen again.  In every case, the following years brought changes that lifted us.

With the 9/11 attacks, the lessons are more obscure.   It feels as if we're simply remembering that we were victims.   We were told by the President that we should go shopping, rather than the way Roosevelt handled it...... by saying we needed to come together, and we needed to conserve resources.    This time, we only remember we were shocked, we were sad, we were frightened, and we're still paranoid about terrorist attacks.   In other words, mostly what we learned is that we're vulnerable and helpless.   In some cases, people are even feeling an intense prejudice against an entire religion, and an entire culture.   

I'm so very much in touch with honoring the incredibly brave men and women in New York who raced into burning buildings to rescue whoever they could.   Today they're on my mind, in my heart.   This is what we should take away from 9/11, not the victimology.   Could it happen again?  yes.   Can we guarantee it won't happen again?  no.  But nonetheless, we learned just how brave people can be, and that's what we should take away with us.   Let the memory of those people lift us, rather than letting a few terrorists drag us down.

So okay, friends, this isn't about parallel Universes or the Cosmos or alternative realities.   Or is it?

The Guru

It's hard to believe that it's been nearly 2 months since I posted!   Things have been moving here, my mind, my emotions, my spirit.   However, the biggest news hit me in the last few weeks, and now it's time to pass it on.

Most of you know that I've been intrigued and a followed of the guru Ram Dass, for many years.   In fact, since his l960's book "Be Here Now" was published.   I've read his books, still have most of them, though have given away many copies of "Be Here Now" when people wanted them.   Then I just go buy another, smiling because I know the word is spreading.   The word is, of course, Love.   Ram Dass teaches love, heart awareness, loving kindness, as did his own guru, Maraj-ji.

About 10 years ago, not long after his stroke, Ram Dass was in Portland, and of course I went.   It was a scorching hot evening, no a/c in the building, and those of us there coped with the heat but it was worth it.   Ram Dass talked to us, Krishna Das was there doing chanting, it was a spectacularly wonderful evening.

A couple of years ago, I became aware of a website for Ram Dass' library, and a group that is working to keep his work alive, both in books and taped lectures.   I joined the website immediately, ordered some tapes to listen to in my car, and was thrilled in several cases to even hear his beautiful voice.

About a year ago, I had a new awareness, i.e., that he was doing monthly telecasts!   I signed up, and for a modest donation was included.   At that time, I decided to become very, very brave.   I wrote Ram Dass an email, and asked if he would consider being my guru.   I also asked if this was possible, since we've never met, and what he might want in the way of compensation.   He responded quickly, YES.   YES!  Wow.  He told me his recompense would be what I give to others in my Reiki and grief counseling practice.  

In this last year, I've had occasion to talk to Ram Dass, one on one, via Skype.  Again, WOW.   Okay, I know that's not the best or most descriptive word, but there it is.  WOW.   I'm not remembering exactly what we talked about, but I do know that a short meditation at the end of these sessions, is amazing.  

So.... that brings us up to the present, and my joy.   I've been invited to go to Ram Dass' home in Hawaii, and to spend a few days in his home, seeing him a few times one on one, and doing a self-directed meditation retreat.   I can't believe it.   I've talked with his secretary several times since that first phone call, and have now made airline reservations from November 3rd to November 9th, to be with my guru.   In person,   One on One.  To be in his presence.  

I'm elated, joyful, and filled with loving awareness.  

I'm still studying writings and lectures of Michio Kaku and Amit Goswami, finding the scientific connect with God/Spirit, but the trip to meet and be in the presence of Ram Dass simply overshadows just about everything.

Genetic traits?

I'm wondering if many people are aware of talents that get passed down through their families?   I must say that I don't do well at hitting a baseball, or singing an aria, or balancing a corporate budget, but from my grandmother I seem to have inherited an interest in the healing arts, and in mysticism, perhaps even the ability to walk in different worlds.  Some in my family have had visions, have teletransported, have been naturally drawn to the mystic arts.   All people have talents to share, so I don't think this is unusual or "weird" at all.  
I know that my grandmother had the gift, and I believe my mother did too, although she suppressed it.   I know my daughter has the gift, but at this time in her life is too busy to fully develop it.
This last weekend, my family threw a beautiful birthday party for me, with more blessings than I can count.   I had a chance to talk a bit with several of my grandchildren, and one for sure seems to have the gift, and maybe 2 or even 3 others do too. 
One of my goals for this next year is to get to know my grandchildren better.   As I age, I find myself drawn to being a mentor to young people who are seeking the same path I'm on.   What a wonder it would be, if I could mentor my own grandchild!
Anyone out there having thoughts like this, in their own families?

How many Universes are there?

I suppose that if we're to decide there are several Universes, we must first determine that "matter" is real.   Not to be too silly about this point, but I feel sure that matter is real, because I have yet to be able to walk through walls.  
In listening to physicists who are now studying the Quantum universe, they appear now to believe there are many Universes.   "Uni" meaning "One", perhaps now we should refer to them as "Multiverses".   Some physicists are now using this new term.   It's hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that science is now postulating that there are many Universes, that there are parallel Universes, and that time/space can be bent and shifted.   For those of us who walk in two worlds (or more), this postulation feels more than a little delayed.   The ancient ones, the Shamans of tribes throughout the world, walked in many worlds, all of which felt real to them.   Even shape-shifting may just be transferrence from one world to the next, and back again.

I'd love to hear from others who have contemplated the existence of other worlds.   Can we perhaps set up a forum here, and chat about it?   Perhaps we can share our own experiences and beliefs.  

Heart Gifts

This being the month of my birth, and the completion of 70 trips around the sun, I felt I should do something in gratitude.   My friend Jayna suggested that we all take our birth month, and give a Heart-Gift each day.   I started on June 1st, and am consciously doing a heart-gift, then writing it down in a little journal I keep.   The idea isn't to keep tabs on what I do, but rather to keep a reminder of what I want to give.   My idea of a heart-gift is that it isn't material, and each gift remains a secret known only to me.   It can be as simple as a kindness to someone who needs it, or leaving an extra big tip at a restaurant, or silently sending a prayer when aware of someone who is suffering.   I think it needs to be a conscious and specific gift, not just trying to be "good" for part of the day.   So far (it's now just 6 days into June) it's been wonderful, and I can imagine that by the end of June I may want to make it a constant practice.

A beautiful Sunday experience

This afternoon I had the joy of witnessing a truly beautiful happening.   There's a church service in the Park Blocks in Portland, every Sunday, where communion is offered to all who attend.   It's their hope that the homeless will attend, and will feel free to attend this outdoor, free, open, spiritual connection.  
This morning the Minister who led the short service, was engaged by a homeless woman, who was apparently suffering from mental illness.   She wanted very much to be a part of the service, but was the kind of person we see now and then, who doesn't connect very well, though they certainly try.    She tried, by constant talking and by trying to be a part of the service.   We've all seen this before, but I was simply blown away by the way this Minister handled it.   The woman was treated with utmost respect, was allowed and even encouraged to tell her story even when it made no sense to us.   He asked her to come up to help him break bread for the communion.   He blessed her with a gift of a cross, and I know he was connecting with her on a level very much higher than most of us experience.
I wish I had better words to describe this, but I don't.   It was so very obvious to all of us, that this Minister acted directly from his heart, with love, with respect, with dignity.   It made quite an impact on me.
I'm not a member of this church, I'm not a Christian, I'm Jewish/Buddhist & a little Hindu, but I hope I can go to this service in the park another time.   No matter the type of religion, it's all about God, and this is a Minister who absolutely believes that.

Can we live in two worlds?

For the last few days I feel that I've been living with 1 foot in each world.   One foot is solidly here, yet another part of me feels like I'm on the border of a parallel world.   It isn't linear (life, death, rebirth), but rather circular, i.e., happening all at the same time.    Is it possible that other lives are being led in another Universe, at the same time, rather than reincarnation?   Possibly even on other planets?   Who else has had these experiences?

Amit Goswami

Prof/Dr Goswami was a professor at U of Oregon for 20+ years, and I've been a fan since becoming aware of his books.   I just got the new DVD "Quantum Activist", watched it once, decided I need to watch it....  oh..... say.....  20 times.    It isn't possible to completely grasp it all in one viewing.   His thesis is that science is just now learning that we don't live in a completely material world, but rather one of consciousness that brings the material into being.   His challenge to us is to allow the paradigm shift.  
Depending on time/schedules, I'd invite you to come watch it with me, if you don't want to order the DVD yourself.  

Does God laugh?

Yes, I believe She does.   Just after I started this blog, a partial (containing a couple of front teeth) broke, scraping up the inside of my cheek.  Ouch!   Well, I'm laughing too, because now that I've decided to do a blog about science, God, and all the Mystery, I'm going to be staying home and quiet and not going anywhere.  
Does that make my dentist GOD?   Okay, not really, but she's pretty close!

An opening gambit

In high hopes that people will join, this is my first attempt at a blog.   My life appears dedicated to searching for truth, or love, or God, or whatever esoteric complexity leaps into my mind.   What do each of us believe? 
I think God is real, yet not as painted by religious scholars.
I think we're here to learn Love, complete unconditional Love.
I think we're much more than our physical forms, and that our world is much more than the material.
Over the years I've been Jewish, Buddhist, Wiccan, Hindu, and New Age.  
I no longer think it's necessary to choose a religion, yet I'm likely headed toward joining a religious affiliation simply for the companionship and fellowship. 
I'm politically a progressive Liberal, yet open to constructive and intelligent view from any angle.
I'll be posting here from time to time, and am in hopes that I'll hear from others.  
Let's get discussion going!