FINDING GOD ON THE TRAIN STORY BLOG - NOTES ON ENLIGHTENMENT

NewThoughtNoteForTheDay - SET IN SOULFUL STONE - Finding God On The Train -1.2.2015.

 

          JOIN US AT OUR MAIN LOCATION

          www.FindingGodOnTheTrain.com 

       Connect on Twitter @GodOnTheTrain

Facebook www.facebook.com/GodOnTheTrain

 

figment – a thing someone believes

to be real but that exists only in their

imagination.

 

So, it is Friday morning, January 2, 2015

and I am meditating in my sunroom.

I have slept late. I have my Bose noise

reducing headphones on to simulate

silence, since at this time of day, roughly

10 AM, at least  in my house, probably

in yours too, silence does not really exist.

 

Ann has decided to stay in bed, reading

her latest novel on iBooks, partly to give

me a few moments without distraction

to meditate. Gracie our Cavanese is at

my feet, the other dogs have found

comfortable spots in and around the

Christmas tree to take a breather.

 

The following comes to me late in

my thirty minute meditation:

 

The mind is a creative instrument,

 a vehicle for fantasy, imagining,

storytelling – enabling and allowing

a figment to take seed and grow,

find root and sprout, until it finds

the light of day, tangible form,

clear becoming.  We each must

strive to learn and master this

force of creation, of being.

 

Actually, this bit of guidance makes

sense,  given I have been thinking about

how to make 2015 more productive.

The years since I earnestly started this

spiritual writing project in 2009 - which

resulted in the creation of the blog you

are now reading, with the rollout of the

Finding God On The Train - The Book

on the left-hand sidebar of the blog -

have seemingly rushed by as the book

project continues to evolve, yet still

not actually completed. 

 

Somewhere, deep in my spiritual

center, I am detecting a faint but firm

voice saying – Come On Man – Let’s

Get This Thing Done!

 

If I could only clear my head, really

master the Law of Attraction or

Mind Action, this figment could

become, would become, a completed

book! I think of Ann, who has attracted

everything from dogs to houses, while

for me, for the most part, I am quite

happy to get a parking space now and

then. Hey, I am not complaining,

I have been well provided for spiritually,

but this year, I need some true divine

power to get over this finish the book

hump.

 

I received the following note in early

December. I feel it was offered as

helpful guidance for me, or anyone 

who reads the blog, in need of a boost

in mastering the art of creation.

  

SET IN SOULFUL STONE

 

First, we must believe our good,  

will arrive as planned; no caveat or

impediment, unconsidered, able to

immobilize our best efforts, no

nagging fear or lingering worry,

haunting, our clear intentions.

 

Next, our vision of complete success 

must be firmly held in thought, 

not in hope, but with undaunted

conviction, set in soulful stone,

a tune so appealing our every

thought is filled with its melody.

 

Then, with all this set in motion, 

we set out to prepare for this

eventuality alone, the place

settings arranged in proper order,

as we take our seats: our senses

already responding, savoring

what surely will be served.

 

AT 12.2.2014

 

When we are capable of approaching

our deepest intentions as described

above, I truly believe our figments

will take root and grow into tangible

form.  Over the next few posts I would

like to consider and elaborate on how

we might harness this clear power of

attraction.  

 

With Love, G.

NewThoughtNoteForTheDay - UNLEASHED AND READY - Finding God On The Train -1.8.2015.

 

          JOIN US AT OUR MAIN LOCATION

          www.FindingGodOnTheTrain.com 

       Connect on Twitter @GodOnTheTrain

Facebook www.facebook.com/GodOnTheTrain

 

Incantation – a series of words said as

a magic spell or a charm or a spiritual

ritual. In magic, occultism, or witchcraft

an incantation is often used with the

intention of casting a spell on an object

or person. As a spiritual device, it is

usually intended to invoke or praise

a deity.

 

Last week, we opened the new year of 2015

discussing the mind as a creative instrument,

especially as it pertains to the Law of Mind

Action or Attraction. We highlighted the

role of  “a figment” of the imagination,

using this term to represent the kindling

needed to start a fire of intention, one

that will result in actual tangible output,

in this law based process of cocreation.

 

It is essential to note this cocreative law,

referred to here, conveys that the universe

is structured to create for us - whatever

we hold in thought with strong intention

and unwavering faith - with our minds,

figuratively, connected to a virtual 3D

printer, replicating our thoughts, in

real-life, tangible matter.  This is the

good news.

 

The not so good news is that our minds

suffer from Psychic Entropy and almost

unmanageable mind wandering, as we

reviewed in Chapter 10 of Finding God

On The Train titled Mind Control –

Control of Consciousness. Even if

we start out with the best of intentions,

often through this mental deterioration,

we find our figment lost in a negative

mindset, or at least, exhibiting far less

than unwavering belief.

 

This is where the use of affirmations -

affirmative declarations may assist us

with maintaining a conducive cocreative

inner environment. Let’s consider the

concept of “incantations,” to underscore

the need for these positive mantra based

statements, to be repeated like charms

or spells or chants - envisioning a shaman

or medicine man or women dancing and

chanting in our heads, possibly shaking

incense or some magic substance - creating

an endless loop of positive thought, a spell

of positivity, thus warding off the entropy

and the wandering mind from establishing

second guessing or disbelief.  

 

Now, with this in mind, read the note

below and consider taking some time

to craft a workable charm or spell,

to support whatever figment of intention

you would like to cocreate. Remember,

use your tailored incantation to avoid;

second-guessing, minimizing your efforts,  

or criticizing this entire process.

 

One of my favorite incantations is:

 

I am a magnet for positive outcomes.

All good comes to me now.

 

So, when you are unleashed and ready,

with a personalized incantation in hand,

start intending.

 

UNLEASHED AND READY

 

Affirm yourself, empower yourself,

with words and thoughts and visions

of strength, of confidence, of skillful

capacity, realizing the true power

you possess to create, to accomplish,

to bring to tangible form all you

intend.

 

It is time to infuse your heart,

soul, mind, and consciousness with

the beauty, the wonder, the splendor

of you – aligned and purposeful,

with you unleashed and ready for

positive action.

 

Today assess your inventory of natural

skills, abilities, talents and potentials –

knowing whatever you dream

will spring to life – unlimited,

unrestrained, without issue –

realizing and tapping into the

cocreative divine energy generating

with you, through you, for you!

 

AT 1.8.15

 

With Love, G.

 

 

NewThoughtNoteForTheDay - OUR DIVINE PARTNERSHIP - Finding God On The Train -1.9.2015.

 

          JOIN US AT OUR MAIN LOCATION

          www.FindingGodOnTheTrain.com 

       Connect on Twitter @GodOnTheTrain

Facebook www.facebook.com/GodOnTheTrain

 

The Law of Attraction, as it is most widely

known, proposes that God has set in motion

a natural/universal law, which enables each

of us, to attract into our lives, whatever we

so desire, as long as it is done with faith and

fully aligned intention.

 

As I write this, I am wondering if Jesus was

the originator of this Law of  Attraction concept,

for his central message centered on how to use

prayer effectively, to obtain what we desire or

intend. And of course, his use of prayer in

healing actually kickstarted the New Thought

movement.

 

 “Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith,

you will receive.”  (Matthew 21:22)

 

“Ask and it shall be given you; seek and you

shall find; knock and it will be opened to

you.” (Matthew 7:7)

 

Deepak Chopra, in his exceptional book, 

The Third Jesus, The Christ We Cannot

Ignore, explores this connection and 

much more.  

 

The note below, asks us to stretch, to see

beyond the limitations set in motion by

well-meaning, but misguided authorities.

I would have to guess, this warning probably

includes me: so please understand this

is my opinion or impression, not meant

to challenge yours.

 

Note, in this quest for a positive personal

spirituality, we who have declared spiritual

independence - spiritual freelancers so

to speak, all get to create our own approach,

believing what we wish; what actually works

for us; or moves us; and in the end, if desired:

free to tailor our own personal dogma.

I guess we might call this approach a

“personalized spirituality.”

 

In truth, I don’t really believe that we are

attracting “bad or evil” into our lives based

on the Law of Attraction. Seems to me, we

do this very well, without help, on our own

ego based efforts. 

 

I propose - our indwelling divine connection

knows what is essential for our authentic

development: is fully aware of our calling,

and cocreatively works with us - when we

cooperate and are aligned - to accomplish

what we truly need to fulfill our mission.

 

I do believe, we are the hands and feet

of God, and must take an active –

“constructive” – role in the cocreative

process. This may be the reason why

success seems to come to those who are

prepared, and willing,  to work hard

to accomplish their intentions. It makes

even more ense, that to be aligned refers

to our being constructively involved in

what we wish to attract.

 

Your thoughts?

 

OUR DIVINE PARTNERSHIP

 

We often must stretch to see beyond

the limitations placed on God and humanity,

by well meaning, but misguided authorities,

realizing instead the integral relationship,

which exists between the creative force

and the constructive, effort based, force.

 

As we understand and fully accept

the creative nature of God, let us take

advantage of this gift and grace, seeking

guidance and direction, asking for insight

and suggestions, allowing God to inspire

our plans and make clear the way forward.

 

Then, let us realize our individual

constructive effort is required, we must

implement the actions needed, lay

the bricks, plant the seeds, gather

the resources to support the undertaking,

doing what needs to be done, and in

the end, reap the harvest of our divine

partnership.

 

AT 1.9.15

 

With Love, G. 

NewThoughtNoteForTheDay - PACE SETTING - Finding God On The Train -1.16.2015.

 

          JOIN US AT OUR MAIN LOCATION

          www.FindingGodOnTheTrain.com 

       Connect on Twitter @GodOnTheTrain

Facebook www.facebook.com/GodOnTheTrain

 

The pace of this week keeps shifting.

It started Sunday morning with the

birth of our grandchild: then joyfully

entertaining the other grandchildren

while Mom, Dad, and baby recuperated,

acclimated in the hospital for a few days –

Ann and I having a blast until I realize

I am not feeling so well - wise decision

to see the quick care doctor - viral infection

detected, pharmacy required, antibiotics

ingested - with a sensible quarantine

to protect the baby warranted - gears

shifting, lots of sleeping, brakes applied,

a bit isolated - waiting to feel better and

look less  infectious.

 

I am not known for speed, and in fact,

relate well to Leonard Cohen’s song

Slow, featured on his latest CD titled

Popular Problems, offered below

for listening from iTunes. Here

are some of the key Slow lyrics.

 

Download 01 Slow

 

I'm slowing down the tune

I never liked it fast

You want to get there soon

I want to get there last

 

It's not because I'm old

It's not the life I led

I always liked it slow

That's what my momma said

 

I'm lacing up my shoe

But I don't want to run

I'll get here when I do

Don't need no starting gun

 

It's not because I'm old

And it's not what dying does

I always liked it slow

Slow is in my blood

 

I always liked it slow:

I never liked it fast

With you it's got to go:

With me it's got to last..,

 

Leonard Cohen - Slow Lyrics

 

I guess I have always liked it slow.

I think I recent the notion that

I need to move faster. Ann, is the

exact opposite, she is the pace

car, pushing the pack that follows

(usually me) to increase speed

to keep up. I rarely do.

 

Having grown up in high tech,

where the flashy new tools have

always set the pace, I believe it is

essential that we all set our own

pace. I have seen too many people

pushed to exhaustion in hopes of

keeping up. In the end, few do.

So, the advice below to set our own

pace is worth considering, even if

others refuse to slow down.

 

PACE SETTING

 

Today we accept the pace of our

lives, without struggle or resistance,

realizing that to keep up or lag

behind is only a frustration,

if we choose to maintain the speed

set by others, or mandated by

circumstance.

 

Let us adjust the pace to meet

our needs, to fit our optimal speed,

knowing that quality work is never

rushed or haphazardly achieved,

but requires caring concern and

careful performance.

 

So as we proceed at our own pace

today, making it clear to all of our

intent, regaining a sense of serenity

and sanity, let us be aware of the

positive impact of our momentum

adjustment; time to cooperate, time

to assist, time to succeed together.

 

AT 1.16.15

 

Thank you for reading.

 

With Love, G.

NewThoughtNoteForTheDay - FAVOR BASED CONFLICT RESOLUTION - Finding God On The Train -1.22.2015.

 

          JOIN US AT OUR MAIN LOCATION

          www.FindingGodOnTheTrain.com 

       Connect on Twitter @GodOnTheTrain

Facebook www.facebook.com/GodOnTheTrain

 

conflict – a serious disagreement

or argument, typically a protracted

one; 2. a prolonged struggle; 3. an

incompatibility between two or

more opinions, principles, or

interests.

 

tumult – 1. a loud, confused noise,

esp. one caused by a large mass

of people. 2. confusion or disorder.

 

grace – the condition or fact of

being favored by someone.

  

Conflict, I believe, is a natural by-product

of life. It is, the precursor to growth in

all its personas. Yet, with conflict comes

discord, strain, and instability.

 

Unchecked conflict between adversaries

leads to all out hostility, and often,

much worse. In our personal lives it

results in a sky-rocketing divorce rate,

family trauma, abuse, and worse.

In this age of potential nuclear self-

annihilation, conflict resolution is

certainly worth humankind's addressing

and mastering.

 

Let’s start out with the following note –

then take a few moments to discuss

its message for us regarding conflict.

 

BEYOND THE TUMULT

 

When conflict does arrive, let us

look above and beyond its tumult,

understanding the full and fresh

perspective exists when we focus

on truth, rather than emotional

commotion.

 

As we do, let us remain calm and

confident, fully assured that our

required contribution minimizes

contention or favoritism, offering

an example of grace and common

sense, acknowledging that kindness

and decency must direct our actions.

 

With this approach as our guide, we

are able to relinquish all consternation

or concern – restoring and maintaining

tranquility and inner peace – even

as others may rant and rail, our hands

are steady, our hearts intact!

 

AT 1.21.15

 

The note, above, instructs us that when

conflict does arrive, we should consider

the following approaches: 1. focus on

the truth; 2. be an example of grace and

common sense; 3. remain calm and

confident; 4. minimize contention or

favoritism; 5. let kindness and decency

direct our actions.

 

The payoff for practicing this method

of  conflict resolution, we are told, is

that we maintain our inner peace and

tranquility -  even while others may be

ranting and railing.  More essentially,

I would imagine, by choosing not to fan

the flames of the initial conflict emotions,

we would avoid exacerbating the situation,

which often results in corollary conflicts,

even worse than the original.

 

Ok, as is often the case with spiritually

related guidance, these approaches,

at first appear to be a stretch – on a  

par in complexity with “really” loving

our neighbor as ourselves, or turning

the other cheek.

 

Let me explain what I mean by this.

The instruction given in the note:

 “to be an example of grace”-  may

be directing us not just to be graceful,

but that we should treat those involved

in the conflict, our adversaries, with

“favor,”  keeping in mind that “grace,”

from a spiritual perspective, refers to

the actual granting of God’s favor.

 

So when participating in our conflict

resolution, we would favor our

adversary, rather than ourselves,

with the expectation, that the other

side would focus on our being favored,

as we, in turn, would work to ensure

our opponent is favored in the resolution

of the conflict.  Sort of mutual favoring,

or you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.

 

Quite revolutionary. Almost what

you would expect if you were able

to ask Jesus how to resolve a conflict.

Would it work? Possibly yes, but only

with a major reworking of humankind’s

approach to the world and conflict

resolution.

 

In reality, it appears that the reason

why most major conflicts remain

unresolved, is our desire to be favored

in the process, by concessions from the

opposing  party, rather than showing

favor, we would, in most cases, prefer

a - we win and you lose scenario.

Resolution is unlikely, and as we have

discovered, in our politics, our foreign

relations, and in our personal lives –

a multitude of conflicts are never resolved.

 

The fear at the heart of most conflicts

is that the other party will be favored,

rather than our side.  To proceed with

favor would underscore the importance

of maintaining a win–win paradigm of

problem solving, and not being afraid

if the other side even does a little bit

better, that is, is favored. In reality,

this could mean that both sides are

favored.   

 

I doubt this strategy would be adopted

in the Middle East negotiations, but

how about applying it to the handling

of our interpersonal conflicts, with

those we care about, and love. What

if we shifted our paradigm, and decide

to be an example of favor - ensuring 

that favor wins out, rather than 

dominance.

 

So, what do you think about this

“favor” based, or oriented, conflict

resolution, we have been considering?

I will certainly add this to my list of

evolutionary approaches that would

take humankind to a new level of

consciousness. 

 

I also plan to give it some more thought

and work to incorporate it in my life

on a trial basis. I will report back with

what happens.  

 

With love, G. 

 

NewThoughtNoteForTheDay - TRULY ENTHUSIASTIC - Finding God On The Train -1.23.2015.

 

          JOIN US AT OUR MAIN LOCATION

          www.FindingGodOnTheTrain.com 

       Connect on Twitter @GodOnTheTrain

Facebook www.facebook.com/GodOnTheTrain

 

enthusiastic - having or showing

intense and eager enjoyment,

interest, or approval.

 

TRULY ENTHUSIASTIC

 

One drop of authentic enthusiasm

will spark a miracle, impassion

a lifeless enterprise, send countless

on crusades empowered to prevail,

wake us from our sleep, committed

and determined.

 

This elixir formed within our souls,

one part inspiration, another of pure

faith, blended with motivation,

seasoned with just a touch of whimsy,

packed carefully in courage and

determination.

 

With it, no impediment, obstacle, or

foe can thwart us; without it, our acts

are hollow, our steps inconsequential,

our motives unclear – so here, now,

this day, let us vow never to be without

it – truly enthusiastic at our soulful

core!

 

AT 1.22.15

 

With Love, G.

NewThoughtNoteForTheDay - WHEN GOD IS POURING - Finding God On The Train -1.26.2015.

          JOIN US AT OUR MAIN LOCATION

          www.FindingGodOnTheTrain.com 

       Connect on Twitter @GodOnTheTrain

Facebook www.facebook.com/GodOnTheTrain

 

WHEN GOD IS POURING

 

Let us not expect less when more

pertains, driven by some foolish

notion of our worthiness, or confused

impression of appropriate desire –

instead; when God is pouring, may

we lift our most substantial cup,

to capture every intended drop.

 

As we do this, may our twisted

notions of scarcity and self-denial

seem pointless in the strong and

ample flow of God’s favor – the heavy

drops of good fortune, the abundant

grace anointing us.

 

Far and wide, let us strip any and all

limitations we adhere to a boundless

God, prepared to receive even more

than this, if so ordained – replacing

joy for temperance, wonder for frugality,

heaven on earth for simple accommodation.

 

AT 1.26.15

 

With Love, G. 

NewThoughtNoteForTheDay - STILL WRONG - Finding God On The Train -1.29.2015.

        JOIN US AT OUR MAIN LOCATION

          www.FindingGodOnTheTrain.com 

       Connect on Twitter @GodOnTheTrain

Facebook www.facebook.com/GodOnTheTrain

 

equivocation – the use of ambiguous

language to conceal the truth or avoid

committing oneself; prevarication.

 

prevaricate – speak or act in an

evasive way.

 

My graduate school business education

coincided with a reawakening of the

need to teach business ethics.

The phrase “situational ethics” had

gained popularity, and the results

of this equivocation had created its

own havoc.

 

After hours of classroom discussion,

we all realized that, in the end, no

matter how you look at it, truth is

truth and wrong, is usually, just

wrong. Although I find the concept

of sin archaic, right and wrong,

the golden rule, still seem to work

in confusing situations.

 

Individually, personally, when we

are faced with these questionable

issues, few of us would be confused

between right and wrong. But, on

the job, where group decisions are

the norm, a sort of group ethics is

encountered, and what seems

questionable may be explained

away, or just equivocated.

 

As the note below describes, these

times are not so easy for those

who resist. It takes a special kind

of courage to remind our co-corkers,

and especially our superiors, that

what is being considered: is just

clearly wrong.

 

STILL WRONG

 

No matter what some may say or do,

there is no partial truth or almost right –

these equivocations may soothe a

flexible conscience, yet the reality

of these misinterpretations are still

wrong.

 

Even when the sleight of hand is

masterful, with no one likely to notice,

the art of deception leaves all involved

impacted – some through loss of value,

others through loss of personal worth.

 

These times are never easy for those

who must resist, those who must

remind those swayed that no one

has the right to promote a wrong,

no one has a right to take away

what has been earned, even in

the name of a higher purpose.

 

AT 1.29.15

 

With Love, G.