We have been enjoying a festive season in Asia in the past few days. The Lunar New Year is a time for families and friends to get together not just for ethnic Chinese families but for other ethnic races too, especially here in Singapore.
Gathering together with families is not always easy for many people. Amidst the celebrations, inevitably there will be buttons pushed and emotional reactions from family members. Every year I observe this common phenomena within my own family and amongst relatives. The bigger the celebration, the more buttons will be pushed, the louder the voices as each person is trying to prove the other person wrong, and themselves right. These arguments do not just end there, gossips about the 'fight' will go on until the next family gathering.
It is so true that the people closest to us are our greatest teachers. For they reflect to us that which we need to heal within ourselves, and tests on so many levels are being dished out. At the end of it all, it is just the ego's game that is being played. Or rather we have all played into the ego's game.
As I observed the arguments or 'discussions' as they would like to call it, I noticed the body language, the veins popping up on their necks, their eyes fiery with irritation/frustration/anger, their loud poisonous words, their distorted facial expressions, I think to myself the negative ego sure has an ability to make everything look un-beautiful. I think sometimes people fall sick from festive celebrations not just because of over eating but really because of getting their buttons pushed and manifesting these less than harmonious rhythm within their physical & etheric/emotional/mental bodies. This is why I am not surprised that many people shun away from family gatherings during the festive season.
Despite all of these, I do see the good in family gatherings and festive celebrations. It allows us to celebrate our similarities, and our common goal to strive for harmony, peace and love. Despite all the arguments and ego fights, deep down within everyone there is a desire to want to belong, a desire to find common grounds.
The best thing about family gatherings is the opportunities it gives us to transcend the negative ego, the opportunities to move beyond getting our buttons pushed. To practice being magnanimous. And the opportunity to be the better example.
I look forward to the next festive celebration with my family and relatives because I know that achieving true harmony with our fellow human beings take tremendous amount of work. And the work really begins with self first.
Our family is truly our master teacher. And I am not giving up on my family!
Showing posts with label Contemplation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Contemplation. Show all posts
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Friday, February 01, 2008
The outer and the inner
Yesterday, my husband Toby observed that during our hour long lunch break at the food centre he saw over 20 ladies who were focused on their outer appearance in one way or another. I gathered that he meant they were either looking at themselves in their compact mirrors, adjusting their clothes or refreshing their make up in public.
Yes, we live in a world that focuses too much on the outer form and not on the inner essence. I think women (and some men) in general spend at least 1/3 of their income on things to beautify themselves. Not that there is anything wrong with this, but too much focus on this and not enough on nourishing and cultivating their inner self is causing imbalances that will take lifetimes to transform.
As a counselor, I have counseled many attractive and beautiful people (both inside and outside) who just cannot see what is there to love about themselves. Many dislike how they look, the shape they have, and so on......interestingly, the more they disliked themselves, the less attractive they became! Even when they have bought their beauty through a makeover, slimming centres and so on, there is still a void within that needs to be addressed.
Recently, I read an article that was written by a motivational speaker who advocates the importance of good looks and that it is one of the most important things in looking for a partner! And this article was in a mainstream magazine that is widely distributed. No wonder our world is so mixed up! The media from newspapers, television to movies have made such a big negative impact on the consciousness of humanity that people have totally lost sight of what is really important in life. Botox is as easy to obtain as a latte these days.
I am concern when people say to my daughter who is only two(!) that she is very pretty. It is not that I do not agree with them but what kind of a world is she growing up in when people place their focus on her outer beauty and not on her inner qualities? She is being 'taught' by the world that the outer form is more important that her inner essence.
Of course I do see the importance in dressing well (as in clean and presentable clothes), having a sense of style, having good hygiene practices, being healthy and so on but I certainly believe it is very important to keep these in balance by investing one's time and energy on cultivating one's spiritual psychological wisdom. What is the point in looking pretty if one is not exactly as deep as a well.
It will take many generations to reprogram mass consciousness on the importance of balancing the outer form with the inner essence. Not just as a lip service, but in a real and concrete way where people no longer have judgments about outer appearances. Where every shape and form is appreciated for its own unique beauty. Where there is no competition, comparison and envy on which is better.
We can hope but it really begins with us now. If we make the change within ourselves, we will make a more powerful impact on those around us and for generations to come.
Yes, we live in a world that focuses too much on the outer form and not on the inner essence. I think women (and some men) in general spend at least 1/3 of their income on things to beautify themselves. Not that there is anything wrong with this, but too much focus on this and not enough on nourishing and cultivating their inner self is causing imbalances that will take lifetimes to transform.
As a counselor, I have counseled many attractive and beautiful people (both inside and outside) who just cannot see what is there to love about themselves. Many dislike how they look, the shape they have, and so on......interestingly, the more they disliked themselves, the less attractive they became! Even when they have bought their beauty through a makeover, slimming centres and so on, there is still a void within that needs to be addressed.
Recently, I read an article that was written by a motivational speaker who advocates the importance of good looks and that it is one of the most important things in looking for a partner! And this article was in a mainstream magazine that is widely distributed. No wonder our world is so mixed up! The media from newspapers, television to movies have made such a big negative impact on the consciousness of humanity that people have totally lost sight of what is really important in life. Botox is as easy to obtain as a latte these days.
I am concern when people say to my daughter who is only two(!) that she is very pretty. It is not that I do not agree with them but what kind of a world is she growing up in when people place their focus on her outer beauty and not on her inner qualities? She is being 'taught' by the world that the outer form is more important that her inner essence.
Of course I do see the importance in dressing well (as in clean and presentable clothes), having a sense of style, having good hygiene practices, being healthy and so on but I certainly believe it is very important to keep these in balance by investing one's time and energy on cultivating one's spiritual psychological wisdom. What is the point in looking pretty if one is not exactly as deep as a well.
It will take many generations to reprogram mass consciousness on the importance of balancing the outer form with the inner essence. Not just as a lip service, but in a real and concrete way where people no longer have judgments about outer appearances. Where every shape and form is appreciated for its own unique beauty. Where there is no competition, comparison and envy on which is better.
We can hope but it really begins with us now. If we make the change within ourselves, we will make a more powerful impact on those around us and for generations to come.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Whose Responsibility Is it?
It just amazes me how many spiritual people do not consider social responsibility their responsibility. I have heard of so many spiritual people, some holding positions of leadership who have total disregard to laws because they think that man made laws are not important once they 'align' with spiritual laws.
In Asia, we see the rampant production of illegal copy items from clothes, handbags to VCDs/DVDs. The masses purchase these items for selfish gratification, and they do so mostly due to greed, ignorance, the lack of understanding of the laws whether earthly or karmic or other reasons. Spiritual practitioners who discuss Karma over tea with friends will not even bat an eye lid when purchasing illegal DVDs, photocopying spiritual books(!) and 'stealing' other people's ideas. How can the earth and humanity enter the Golden Age and become 'enlightened' if people have no basic respect for others?
If we wish to walk on the path of Self & God realization, then we must strive to align every aspect of our lives with God/Spiritual/Ascended Masters' consciousness and take responsibility for all our actions. The laws of Karma are not just present in our spiritual work, or our spiritual relationships, they are present even in how we feed our physical bodies, in our thoughts and our mundane actions on earth.
As spiritual practitioners if we do not set better examples, then who will?
In Asia, we see the rampant production of illegal copy items from clothes, handbags to VCDs/DVDs. The masses purchase these items for selfish gratification, and they do so mostly due to greed, ignorance, the lack of understanding of the laws whether earthly or karmic or other reasons. Spiritual practitioners who discuss Karma over tea with friends will not even bat an eye lid when purchasing illegal DVDs, photocopying spiritual books(!) and 'stealing' other people's ideas. How can the earth and humanity enter the Golden Age and become 'enlightened' if people have no basic respect for others?
If we wish to walk on the path of Self & God realization, then we must strive to align every aspect of our lives with God/Spiritual/Ascended Masters' consciousness and take responsibility for all our actions. The laws of Karma are not just present in our spiritual work, or our spiritual relationships, they are present even in how we feed our physical bodies, in our thoughts and our mundane actions on earth.
As spiritual practitioners if we do not set better examples, then who will?
Friday, October 19, 2007
Words of Inspiration
Every Being In The Universe Has The Potentiality Of Transcending The Senses. Even The Little Worm Will One Day Transcend The Senses And Reach God. No Life Will Be A Failure. There Is No Such Thing As Failure In The Universe! --Sai Baba
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
From Sai Inspires
All must cultivate the spirit of equal-mindedness. This is the mark of a true human being. It is the spirit of serenity in which one looks upon praise or blame, honour or dishonour, pleasure or pain alike. We tend to shrivel up when somebody abuses us. The whole world looks gloomy. We swell with pride when anybody praises us. What we should cultivate is an attitude in which we remain unaffected in both the situations. Shanthi (mental tranquility) is necessary for experiencing the truth of the Self. There is no greater thing on earth than peace of mind. Every effort must be made to acquire Shanthi. - Sai Baba. Divine Discourse, May 26, 1985.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Beauty
This one is really interesting. It illustrates the point of how much mass consciousness controls our perception and our sense of reality. So if we wish to be Masters and God and Self realised beings, we need to move against the flow of mass consciousness and not be victimised by the negative ego. Check this out link
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
"keep the mind steady in the light"
One of the things I enjoy most in the work that I do is the many opportunities I have in a day to keep affirming God/Spiritual/Christ/Buddha/Krishna consciousness. Whether it is through teaching, healing or channeling private sessions, I feel so blessed to be repeating affirmations all day long.
Recently three people commented in separate emails that I must be very busy and I said to one of them that it is good to be busy in a good sense as it keeps me out of mischief! I truly believe this. I find that if I use my energies and time inefficiently even while I am relaxing, for example reading a novel that is not positive consciousness focused, it is very easy for the mind to be led astray. It is for this reason, I am now very careful about what I read even for relaxation.
There are so many things in life that can distract us from being the best that we can be at every moment of our lives. And it is quite amazing how our mind trips us up when we do not own our personal power even for a second. I've had many experiences in the past few weeks that have shown me how the negative ego was able to steer me away from my intentions, even ever so subtly. Nothing like good lessons in life to keep one on track!
And so affirm, affirm, affirm God/Spiritual/Christ/Buddha/Krishna consciousness to "keep the mind steady in the light" as DK would say.
May the light be with you in body, mind and spirit....
Recently three people commented in separate emails that I must be very busy and I said to one of them that it is good to be busy in a good sense as it keeps me out of mischief! I truly believe this. I find that if I use my energies and time inefficiently even while I am relaxing, for example reading a novel that is not positive consciousness focused, it is very easy for the mind to be led astray. It is for this reason, I am now very careful about what I read even for relaxation.
There are so many things in life that can distract us from being the best that we can be at every moment of our lives. And it is quite amazing how our mind trips us up when we do not own our personal power even for a second. I've had many experiences in the past few weeks that have shown me how the negative ego was able to steer me away from my intentions, even ever so subtly. Nothing like good lessons in life to keep one on track!
And so affirm, affirm, affirm God/Spiritual/Christ/Buddha/Krishna consciousness to "keep the mind steady in the light" as DK would say.
May the light be with you in body, mind and spirit....
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Spiritual Idealism
There are many things in life i feel very passionate about. There are also many things connected to my spiritual growth that I am especially devoted to in terms of reaching the highest ideal. This morning, when I was on the teleconference call with the other I AM U branch leaders and we were talking about the 6th ray and what it means to have spiritual idealism, it made me realise that I have many spiritual ideals that I aim to bring into perfection and most importantly to demonstrate and ground them.
One of these things that I am an advocate of is maintaining clear boundaries. To me, practicing clear boundaries with others on the physical, emotional, psychological, psychic, spiritual levels are about respect, honour and unconditional love/service. I hold this as one of my strengths that allow me to do my work effectively and I must say that I learned a lot about involved detachment and clear boundaries from Kuan Yin. She is the Master of Compassion but she is so crystal clear on where she stands as a teacher, healer and Bodhisattva. I feel her energy and strength whenever I feel challenged in this area of my development....and she never fails to give me a wake up call should I falter! A million thanks to Kuan Yin :-)
Anyway, what I want to share is that it is so important for spiritual practitioners to have spiritual ideals. Spiritual ideals give us a sense of focus, gives us a sense of becoming the best that we can become, it also allows us to dream the impossible dream! The 6th ray also teaches us that spiritual idealism must be grounded as practical service on earth.....
Let's aspire to bring Heaven down to Earth in a real way.
Om Mani Padme Hum
One of these things that I am an advocate of is maintaining clear boundaries. To me, practicing clear boundaries with others on the physical, emotional, psychological, psychic, spiritual levels are about respect, honour and unconditional love/service. I hold this as one of my strengths that allow me to do my work effectively and I must say that I learned a lot about involved detachment and clear boundaries from Kuan Yin. She is the Master of Compassion but she is so crystal clear on where she stands as a teacher, healer and Bodhisattva. I feel her energy and strength whenever I feel challenged in this area of my development....and she never fails to give me a wake up call should I falter! A million thanks to Kuan Yin :-)
Anyway, what I want to share is that it is so important for spiritual practitioners to have spiritual ideals. Spiritual ideals give us a sense of focus, gives us a sense of becoming the best that we can become, it also allows us to dream the impossible dream! The 6th ray also teaches us that spiritual idealism must be grounded as practical service on earth.....
Let's aspire to bring Heaven down to Earth in a real way.
Om Mani Padme Hum
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Thought for the day
If You Think That Something Small Cannot Make A Difference—Try Going To Sleep With A Mosquito In The Room. – Unknown
Friday, June 15, 2007
Teleportation!
A long haul return flight produces 10 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere per passenger!
What is the solution?
Can we stop traveling when the world in a sense has become smaller and the reasons to travel include family, friends and work? There is no one single solution that can solve this challenge.
However, I do believe that every small positive act can help to re-balance our atmosphere such as recycling, reducing the use of one's car if public transport is so readily available, stop supporting budget airlines etc
Perhaps the idea of teleportation (which is an integrated ascended master ability!) is the way to go. This brings us back to the work that we must do - developing and refining our consciousness.
What is the solution?
Can we stop traveling when the world in a sense has become smaller and the reasons to travel include family, friends and work? There is no one single solution that can solve this challenge.
However, I do believe that every small positive act can help to re-balance our atmosphere such as recycling, reducing the use of one's car if public transport is so readily available, stop supporting budget airlines etc
Perhaps the idea of teleportation (which is an integrated ascended master ability!) is the way to go. This brings us back to the work that we must do - developing and refining our consciousness.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Consumerism
One of the things in which we feel very strongly about that is certainly part of the path of God and Self realization is taking care of the earth effectively and properly. Toby and I used to carry our re-cyclable junk by bus to recycling points as there were no recycling bins in the area where we live. People ask us why we bother? I was amazed by the question. We put in a request for recycling bins to be installed, and it took months because of red tapes. But eventually, they arrived!
Now that we have moved, there are no re-cycling bins in this estate! Toby has to carry 5-8kg of tins, plastic, glass to the estate 10 mins walk away to do it, this is far easier than traveling by bus to recycling points. We are putting up a request yet again for recycling bins here.
In our modern society, we consume too much of everything. As we were getting ready to move, we had to throw so much stuff, and we are not even the type that shop for pleasure only out of necessity! Why do people consume so much without thinking of the effect it has on the earth? It is certainly out of habit, mass consciousness programming and lack of education.
I believe that 'lightworkers' must do more than just meditate, build light bodies, read spiritual books and so forth, we must be more informed, live by example, educate, practice taking care of the earth (recycle, re-use, consume less, buy less). It is the practical things that we do on earth that counts.
What is a lightworker? Someone who 'lightens' the load of the earth and the people on earth!
I hope this inspires you to do your part for the earth.
Visit this link for some interesting read:
Now that we have moved, there are no re-cycling bins in this estate! Toby has to carry 5-8kg of tins, plastic, glass to the estate 10 mins walk away to do it, this is far easier than traveling by bus to recycling points. We are putting up a request yet again for recycling bins here.
In our modern society, we consume too much of everything. As we were getting ready to move, we had to throw so much stuff, and we are not even the type that shop for pleasure only out of necessity! Why do people consume so much without thinking of the effect it has on the earth? It is certainly out of habit, mass consciousness programming and lack of education.
I believe that 'lightworkers' must do more than just meditate, build light bodies, read spiritual books and so forth, we must be more informed, live by example, educate, practice taking care of the earth (recycle, re-use, consume less, buy less). It is the practical things that we do on earth that counts.
What is a lightworker? Someone who 'lightens' the load of the earth and the people on earth!
I hope this inspires you to do your part for the earth.
Visit this link for some interesting read:
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Moved!
We have finally moved and slowly settling in. And in a few days' we will be packing up again to leave for Europe! It has been very hectic to say the least.
The past few days felt like months - dealing with contractors, minor renovations, movers, daughter falling ill, unpacking, getting furniture together, packing for europe and helping the dog and cat get used to the new home (the cat is still stressed and not doing her business in her litter box!), service work, emails, students, clients, getting the mini Wesak celebration here organized and so on.....
Looking forward to a good break may just be an understatement! LOL.
It is times like these, I feel that indeed the time before Wesak is truly the most challenging! But we're keeping our heads above water and really enjoying the moments. As I sit here in my new office, I rejoice as I see my collection of crystals sitting on my window sill looking happy in the light!
Looking forward to Wesak in Vienna!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Keys
After much obstacles and challenges, we are finally getting the keys to our new home this evening. We've been very busy juggling work, being parents and packing! It feels good to go through all our stuff and 'spring clean', about half of our things are thrown away, given away or for the garage sale. Even with so much going on, I think to myself, if only the KEYS to self and God realization was this easy to attain ;-)
I must add that there were many tests in dealing with property agents (not ours, but others, our agents are true gems! we are blessed!), property sellers, bankers, lawyers etc, but I enjoyed it because we were put in the 'marketplace' so to speak, to practice what we preach. Some of the obstacles we encountered were 'first time' challenges even for our very experienced property agents. This brings me back to Mother Teresa's quote: "I know God will not give me anything that I can't handle. I just wish He wouldn't trust me so much."
I laugh as I look at the challenges as comic relief. The negative ego does try so hard to be present in mindsets creating limited lens, illusional thinking, blindspots. One such example was an agent who bombarded me with text messages - praising himself, and he even 'stalked' us, he knew which property we were looking at and where we were at. The negative ego is very bizarre.
On hindsight, these strange encounters and experiences do indeed hold the KEY to self and God realization! :-)
I must add that there were many tests in dealing with property agents (not ours, but others, our agents are true gems! we are blessed!), property sellers, bankers, lawyers etc, but I enjoyed it because we were put in the 'marketplace' so to speak, to practice what we preach. Some of the obstacles we encountered were 'first time' challenges even for our very experienced property agents. This brings me back to Mother Teresa's quote: "I know God will not give me anything that I can't handle. I just wish He wouldn't trust me so much."
I laugh as I look at the challenges as comic relief. The negative ego does try so hard to be present in mindsets creating limited lens, illusional thinking, blindspots. One such example was an agent who bombarded me with text messages - praising himself, and he even 'stalked' us, he knew which property we were looking at and where we were at. The negative ego is very bizarre.
On hindsight, these strange encounters and experiences do indeed hold the KEY to self and God realization! :-)
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Time will tell
Someone mentioned to me today that time flies and I started to ponder upon why on certain days time seemed shorter while other days seemed longer.
On days that seemed longer (in a positive way!), I found that I was feeling more energized and not weighed down by the many things I have to complete. Making lists helps me to become more organized. Finishing what I need to do today instead of pushing it till tomorrow (even though the deadline is not till next week) does free up my energies - i feel lighter not only on an energetic level/psychic level but certainly on the physical level too. Even as my things to do list gets longer with more responsibilities, I feel lighter and free-er and I am able to appreciate my time and how I spend it. I wonder if this is what the Masters refer to as "learning to manipulate time". For how we use time is dependent on our perspective of it and our attitude towards it and really has little to do with time itself.
I look forward to many more long days and quality time ahead.
On days that seemed longer (in a positive way!), I found that I was feeling more energized and not weighed down by the many things I have to complete. Making lists helps me to become more organized. Finishing what I need to do today instead of pushing it till tomorrow (even though the deadline is not till next week) does free up my energies - i feel lighter not only on an energetic level/psychic level but certainly on the physical level too. Even as my things to do list gets longer with more responsibilities, I feel lighter and free-er and I am able to appreciate my time and how I spend it. I wonder if this is what the Masters refer to as "learning to manipulate time". For how we use time is dependent on our perspective of it and our attitude towards it and really has little to do with time itself.
I look forward to many more long days and quality time ahead.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Yearning for more
When I first started on my spiritual path, I always felt that there was more to what I can do and offer in my service work. I always felt that there must be something bigger and beyond what I was experiencing. I think it is this thirst and yearning for more, to feel more in alignment with who I AM, that fueled my passion to serve others.
I am still feeling this yearning, and know that at every step of progress I make, I will be able to share more, serve more, and transform my experience/mistakes I have made and gift of hindsight to assist others. I like this journey of life (Thank God! :-) and serving others makes it more complete.
For those of you who knew Dr Stone, you will know the kind of example he has shown in how he served others. I've learned so much from him. He taught me that everything we do in life is ultimately about our attitude towards it - do we come from spiritual/God/Christ consciousness or the negative ego consciousness. And I've used his wisdom to help me to change my attitude about everything I do, including very small mundane things such as doing the laundry.
So I honour this famous quote, "Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water". This is my inspiration towards my spiritual growth and service work.
Namaste,
Shamala
I am still feeling this yearning, and know that at every step of progress I make, I will be able to share more, serve more, and transform my experience/mistakes I have made and gift of hindsight to assist others. I like this journey of life (Thank God! :-) and serving others makes it more complete.
For those of you who knew Dr Stone, you will know the kind of example he has shown in how he served others. I've learned so much from him. He taught me that everything we do in life is ultimately about our attitude towards it - do we come from spiritual/God/Christ consciousness or the negative ego consciousness. And I've used his wisdom to help me to change my attitude about everything I do, including very small mundane things such as doing the laundry.
So I honour this famous quote, "Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water". This is my inspiration towards my spiritual growth and service work.
Namaste,
Shamala
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