CURB YOGI

A yogi sat himself down on a curb in front of my car in a parking lot while I was shopping. While getting into my car he told me I was lucky, he could tell by my forehead. His long, sparse beard was twisted into two lengths, one on each side of his chin and drawn up like thin black ribbons against his skin along each side of his face, to disappear under a hat into I can’t even guess what. I sat down next to him and we talked about life and he told my future in little ways after fishing in little ways for the information he gave back to me. He said I would be happy after Dec. 25, I told him I already was, he said he knew, but my luck will change for the better. I said I already am lucky and don’t look for more. He said he knew, and regardless, it will and to make a wish. I couldn’t think of one, not one beyond the usual - causes of peace and plenty breaking out, and changing all that maybe just has to play out to see who we really are. He waited while I looked up and around trying to gather a wish, and he again asked for just one wish, and I fought for the words,"that my children and their children survive this." The "this" was undefined in my mind and heart, but in these words was a wave of profound sorrow more deeply felt than ever before over being part of the cause, for maybe many lifetimes of "this" and an even larger awareness of where I am in the larger picture of past, the very present and future. He immediately responded by asking for a fee. Unsurprised, even at having my wish and its undercurrent of thought seemingly blown off, I offered, he countered, I gave, he asked for more, for the orphans shown in a worn, laminated picture he’d just whipped out. My guess is these orphans are now probably middle aged, some of them sitting on curbs telling fortunes. I said, "no more."

I did, I paid a fee, and gladly, feeling somehow part of the workings that brought this man to me, part of the workings that created orphans in an impoverished and ignored part of the world. Somehow part of all things so different that didn’t in that moment seem different at all.

He ended up giving me a mala of tiny seeds with a little red tassel of beginning and end that was so small I doubted it would fit over my head without breaking. I tried, but it was so tight I suggested wearing it as a bracelet, but he insisted I try again, and it fairly glided over my head down onto my neck. It shouldn’t have, really, but it did.

After telling me to drink milk and eat a banana first thing every morning for good health, we parted. He saying, "Good bye, good lady, you have a lucky forehead". "Good bye, good sir, be well." The rest of the afternoon into evening into night was increasingly uncomfortable in all manner of feelings. Then out of nowhere I was remembering someone who it had been best then to let go, and I damned that teller of fortune, what had he done? Did I not give him enough? But by morning all those feelings had turned into a kind of new sweetness without reclaiming anything back into my life again The old way of remembering, the discomfort of all the feelings since that chance encounter on a curb and donning the mala were gone. No, can’t explain what happened, and maybe nothing really did. One thing I do know, I have one lucky forehead.

MAY THE BLUEBIRD OF HAPPINESS FOREVER SING...

...In Your Living Room

Dr. Robert always had a way of knowing when you needed a little pick-me-up. At the Astara center in Upland he would walk down the halls singing and come into each of our offices and greet us. During some tough times he provided a quiet understanding and comfort without even being told it was needed. One of the things I always remember him saying is “may the bluebird of happiness forever sing in your living room.” I always found this funny, yet spoken at the exact perfect times I needed it.

The other day I was walking through the lounge here at Astara and noticed a little glass bluebird. I turned it over and on the bottom it says “bluebird of happiness.” I smiled and thought of him. Then last night while at a restaurant I saw the same glass bluebird. I took this as a sign. I guess this is the month for signs as Rev. Steve had just spoke about Spirit Signs this last Sunday.

Thanks for the cheering up Dr. Robert, and to everyone...may the bluebird of happiness forever sing in your living room.

PLEASE EXCUSE ME ; - E....

Forgive me for interrupting but...(the but means never mind what i said before). ; - E... the drooling buck toothed vampire symbol really made me laugh out loud as well. Steve was loving making me LOL with different texting shorthand the other morning. Need all the help i can get these days~~~well always for that matter. Part of me sees me as the one interrupting all the time, because i do ya know. But...if i do not ask now when can i ask? Our wonderful Astarian staff is busting tush around here ALL the time. Blessed is who i am to be with my fellow Astarians each moment of the day in one way or another...excusing me...again i ask, how do you get what ya need and want if you do not allow yourself to 'PARDON ME' frequently?

Confessing to you 'guilty' is my name applies to my eight fellow staff members. We have all heard 98% of all phone calls are favors. So it is understandable when we go looking for answers be it on the phone, into others space, or stopping someone walking down the street, we are interrupting the flow of energy on some level.

Thank You profoundly for being kind, generous, and loving with your time, energy, and light~~~each and everyone i know and have the honor of being part of your experience now and always <3.

Peggy

MAY I INTERRUPT YOU FOR A MOMENT?

Do you ever find yourself interrupted by what you are doing by a phone call, a knock at the door or something that needs your immediate attention, maybe a crying child or a broken down car on the way to work? It’s hard to keep your cool and give the interruption, whatever form it may be in, your full attention. Thoughts may go through your head like–“ I was almost finished with what I was doing” or “why can’t I just get a moments peace to concentrate” or “not again!” This can also lead to anger and impatience with the source of the interruption, especially if it is a person, and after the dust settles we sometimes regret our reactions or not giving someone our full attention and caring in that moment.

Interruptions used to fall short of infuriating me. But I have recently discovered a calmness and acceptance of what I USED to consider an interruption. We are given 24 hours of the day. These 24 hours, or at least the waking portion of them are filled with the daily tasks of survival, getting from one place to the next and interacting with countless others. They are also an empty space for spiritual experiences and moments of seeing beyond this physical existence. What we think we should be doing for the entire time is not necessarily what God’s plan may be for us for the day.

Each “interruption” may possibly be an opportunity to see the synchronicity of the spiritual life we live in along with the physical we are so pre-occupied by at times. Taking a moment to see this and completely stopping what we are doing to give the person on the other end of the phone, or the person, or child standing before us our full attention, caring and patience with the realization that “this may be exactly what God wants me to be doing at this time, there is a reason why this has come at this moment and is supposed to be part of my day” can really make a difference in the quality of our lives, how we spend our day, and our interactions with others.

“You never know when you may be entertaining angels.” You also never know when a stranger may need some kindness on an unknown birthday, or after a loved one has passed, or is going through a really tuff time, like we all experience occasionally in life. A little tender loving care can go a long way and make the difference in turning what would have otherwise been considered a bad day, a good day—or even a great day.

God is speaking to us through “interruptions.” Are we listening? Of course, this is not something easily changed over night. We will still get angry and impatient sometimes, but the point is realization and practice, practice, practice. Sometimes it can be fun to practice seeing and doing something differently than we’ve done our whole lives. It’s great to try new things and an adventure to set out on a new way of thinking and acting. You just never know where it will take you!

~Jenny

FROM A FRIEND

Dear Astarians,

The following message was sent to me from Pam Rau the day after my mother made her transition. I wanted to share it with you....

No need to respond, unless I can do anything for you.

You know, and we know you know because our hearts are one in an ancient act of the sacred letting go of a soul - you know each of us are with you. May this time offer gently profound moments amid all else. And amid all else, despite all else, the huge thing of a Silver Cord retreating has quietly taken place - may it be the beginning of a blessed and powerful journey toward greater being.

Gentle arms, gentle wings surround you. Our hearts call your name with a great deal of love away from weariness and the sounds of a world that moves on as if nothing has happened, to which you will return soon enough. Never quite the same through these things, but more - always more.

We love you, and hold in love all that has taken place -- Take extra good care of yourself - listen and follow your own body's wisdom (just a reminder ...) and if you need anything, please - let this friend know

Pam

Love and Light, Rev. Peggy Tennent

THE TIME OF MY LIFE

Astarian Line White of Australia came to our PRANIC HEALING class i wrote of for the January VOICE. After Master Co walks us visually through and shares the TWIN HEARTS MEDITATION with us for the closing works of the priceless teaching of Grand Master Choa Kok Sui's Pranic Healing, the only words i could think of to say was "...profound...". Pretty much speechless was i. Full of Gratitude, moved to emotional tears of joy, and down right speechless with the blessing of love that radiated to and from a room full of like minds. As participants slowly began to begin gather their senses, saturated, no...overflowing with the same joy, blessings, and love experienced by myself, Line White hugged me. Sharing the energy of the oneness of our living life to the fullest, i asked her "...how would you describe you experience?" Only a moment of thought as her eyes seemed to look up, like she was looking in the card catalog for the words to express her experience...

"The time of my life." YES!!! The time of my life!!!

Later, after a bowl of minestrone soup we shared stories of times of our lives~~~i have been blessed with many wonderful times of my life. Memories i will always treasure. Thoughts, feelings, sounds, visions, knowings, realizations, and extra sensory perceptions of the profound blessings of love share from so many like minds this weekend will...are bathing Mother Earth, her inhabits, all consciousness...from rocks,the waters, plants, critters on all levels, to humankind all over the world are receiving the profound blessings of love through service, sharing, and the oneness of the "Divine Providence and the Great Ones, whose boundless love and blessings make everything possible." ( ACKNOWLEDGMENTS by Master Stephen Co in YOUR HANDS CAN HEAL YOU)

We are looking into getting an Advanced Pranic Healing class together with the outstanding teacher presenter and official representative of Grand Master Choa Kok Sui's works, and authorized U.S. senior instructor (and we all experienced why) in the near future. Exponentially generous gratitude to all concerned with the putting together of the most precious moments in more than fifty some attends~~~'The time of their life'.

Enthusiasm poured from Rev. Ruby Morrow as part of our Astara Sunday Service. A surprise visit from Dr. Robert Chaney come out like the energetic being we all know and love. You would of had to of been there! And i am sure Rev. Fred loved the music as well. All the '...Great Ones...' were with us...of THAT i am sure. Thank You each and every one.

REMEMBER our Pranic Healing Clinic the first Friday of the month. February 5th here at Astara from 2:30 till 4:30 pm is the first opportunity here in Rancho Cucamonga to experience Pranic Healing from advanced students from The American Institute of Asian Studies! Thomas Ashley Ferrand taught us..." those who are here, are the people who are supposed to be here..." Looking forward to your being here with us.

Love and Light to You and Yours Always,

peggy

WHAT TO DO ... WHAT TO DO?

I’m writing this from home – in the wee hours of the morning. Oddly, rising about 3am after three or four hours of sleep has become the norm for me. At first I fought it, but when months and months went by with seemingly little negative impact, I started to appreciate the extra time. Now, I’ve come to really value these quiet, pre-dawn hours. I work with prayer petitions, I meditate and I write. Lest you think I’m becoming a contemplative, I should tell you I also watch television, surf the web and even read novels. But back to this morning....

I finish my meditation, make some coffee and pick up my laptop. I’m stretched out in comfort, one dog at my side and the other sleeping at my feet, I sip on a cup of hot, sweet coffee as I write this, wondering briefly what I’ll have for breakfast. Oatmeal and fruit, maybe an omelette...? I just felt a little draft so I get up and set the heat a few degrees higher. The central heating kicks on.

I turn on the tv – CNN reporting on the earthquake in Haiti. While horrific scenes of death and devastation flash on the screen, the dog at my side cuddles up against my thigh and the one at my feet yawns and rolls over. The heater goes off and now the temperature’s perfect. I turn up the sound on the tv. The faces on the screen are twisted in agony, or worse yet, emotionless – almost as lifeless as those of the corpses piling up on the streets. Anderson Cooper’s eyes betray a flash of fear as he describes the stampede toward a rumored source of drinking water, he standing just yards from the rushing river of human desperation.

I want to turn off the tv now, or change channels to something banal, or at least turn down the sound again. But I can’t. It’s the old dilemma: I don’t want to look, but I can’t look away. It’s terrible, really unimaginably terrible, yet strangely surreal. The juxtaposition of my comfortable, serene life against this what? – this hell – strikes me yet again. I remember this feeling most recently after Hurricane Katrina and the Indian Ocean tsunami. This sense that we don’t live in the same world, those victims and me. How can we? Here I am, all secure and comfortable. And there they are, desperate, suffering, tortured. My worries and challenges, even the greatest tragedies of my life, just can’t be compared. Their situations are truly beyond my comprehension.

So what do I do with all these images that will continue to flash in my head long after the tv screen goes dark. What about the sound of the cries from the battered and dying still ringing in my ears? And those numbers and statistics that we’ll hear for weeks and months as they grow – rapidly and erratically at first, steady and slower as time passes? For me, there’s only one way to deal with this. I have to do something.

Denying that events happening on the other side of the globe really affect me doesn’t work anymore. (It never really worked, but I once tried to believe that.) Nor does telling myself that somehow those people are completely separate from me, inherently different and living in another world. I just know that’s not true. So I just have to do something.

Some believe prayer, simply praying for someone is a cop out. In our culture, it’s often the last resort – “all we can do now is pray.” Some believe that directed meditation, sending someone Light, is a platitude at best and bogus at worst. For me, prayer and meditation are the first things I do. Why? Because for the last two decades, I’ve seen countless miracles as a result of the humble efforts of dedicated Lightworkers. So first, last, and in between, I pray. And I meditate about what more I can do, how I can help on the physical plane. Then I try very hard to listen and follow my guidance. When I do, I know the horrific images and desperate cries may not disappear from my head – perhaps they never should – but I will be able to deal with them. I’ll receive the strength to do what I should, and the comfort that comes from expressing my true Self and accepting my purpose and mission here.

If you’ve stuck with me up to this point, you’ve got patience – thanks. Thank you for helping me work through some of my feelings. If you’ve been deeply troubled by the devastation in Haiti, I hope something I wrote here may help you deal with your feelings and your desire to help. After all, we are all in this together.

– In Love & Light, Steve

THE LIGHT NEEDS TO SHINE

All we are called to be in the Light of who we are needs to shine on the people and land of Haiti.

Death and destruction came to every level - wealthy, poor, professionally religious, international representative, elderly, infants, man, woman, all levels of life were lost, whole buildings, mansions and small hovels, crumbled. To have the foundations of whatever life you’ve formed ripped from under you in under a minute, left with death and dying all about, scores of injured needing whatever help you can give - unable to feed, to wash, to set bones, to bind wounds, to quench your own thirst. To have most hospitals in ruin, and no electricity to power what little remains, to see little lives clinging to their love of lives gone, when mountains of rubble, once neighborhoods and streets, defy the gravity of the needs of so much suffering, Light in every manifestation is needed. Your Light, our Light as Astarians, and the Light of our collective Human Being. Be a voice today, be a prayer, give of yourself somehow, in blood or money, but first and last, now and ever, give in Light. To this day, to this place, give your Light.

This kind of loss and suffering become questions asking who I am - which sounds the feckless luxury we of a “first world” have of making everything about the individualized me - but these events do ask what kind of world and future I choose to support through my soul as it moves through this life. Thousands of miles from the extreme and sudden losses that have stripped other lives, other souls down to only that which is absolutely essential, the questions the suffering of this little land framed within the Tropic of Cancer begs to have answered becomes absolutely essential. Who am I? Who are We? Who is this One?

Any safety nets in place for the poorest people in the Western Hemisphere were fragile at best on January 12, and ceased to exist at all around 5 PM that afternoon. With roads impassable, help will be very long in coming. Since that moment there has been little or no food, no sanitation, no water and no assurance of the hows and when even basic resources will arrive. At this moment Hope must seem like one of those four letter words and we, if we believe truly we are One, of the One, have right before us the opportunity to help form which of those words will speak of who we are. At this moment there are very, very limited physical means of dealing with this tragedy, these tragedies, and why all we are called to be in the Light of who we are needs to shine on the people, the quick and the dead, of the land of Haiti.

LAYERS, LEVELS & LESSONS

Just a quick few words from here to you, to all of you who read them from, I think all of us. May you continue to be blessed and to know your blessings, no matter what you have been through this year, or what comes your way in the next.

Only minutes ago I was going through a book of the Degree Lessons, checking for any minor changes before it’s reprinted. On my monitor was Hubble’s sharpest view of the Orion Nebula. Playing on my little CD box was Mannheim Steamroller’s Holly and Ivy. Next up is Oh Holy Night, Cantique de Noel.

I mention these things because as I paused in my work with the Degree Lessons, I found myself drawn into the image of the Orion Nebula. I wondered about the light year thing and what the nebula really looked like in the light year of Orion when the shot was taken and how much it may have changed even since then. My eyes took in the layering upon layering of gorgeous billows and belchings, wisps and swirls of vapors and gasses holding red, white and orange spheres scattered randomly through it. Hundreds, thousands of them. An image of a moment in time, the time of Hubble taking a shot of a light year’s configuration of Orion. Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel. How much movement there must be, of the mists and gasses, the spheres expanding their trajectories, maybe rotating, spinning on axi, the gravitational pull of larger spheres, the suns of Orion bending space, creating orbits, pulling, pushing, kneading the nebula. And this is only one nebula in one galaxy. Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming.

Last night on BBC radio was a report from Bethlehem. There were the interviews of pilgrims, obviously touched and deeply moved by being there at Christmas time. Then the interviewer went to The Creche, not what you think. The Creche is a home for abandoned and abused children up to the age of five. He spoke with a few of them, asking their thoughts about Christmas and the manger scene that had been set up. Little voices said wise, touching, wonderful things. Then there was a commotion as a young woman, heavy into her first stage of labor entered. The people of The Creche had made arrangements with the woman some time back, and lately had become concerned that she hadn’t yet arrived. She was traveling alone from Palestinian territory on public transportation and been held up at various checkpoints along the way, six hours at Nablus alone. She was led away and the interviewer continued to talk with children and staff and describe the murals, the gardens and play areas. He interviewed the music teacher as little fingers strummed a guitar and giggles arose. Most of the babies and children there had been crippled in some way, either through their mother’s attempts to abort them, or through the abuse they suffered after daring to be born. He then described the golden stars hanging from the ceiling that had been made to honor the birth of Jesus. Mannheim Steamroller is now playing What Child Is This. And I don’t know. Just as I don’t know about the light year thing - maybe Orion hasn’t changed any more than the road to Bethlehem has. Seems it’s still an ardous, long, politically charged and perilous journey for some. For others the journey of a lifetime. For those born at The Creche, a chance, a hope, a start, and the first golden star many of them have seen in a troubled part of the world, in troubled bodies, some with hearts so broken the staff cannot find all the pieces.

A little baby girl was born in Bethlehem, in the land of Judea early this morning. Her name is Feya. Her mother is married, but the baby was not her husband’s. He had agreed to take his wife back, but without the child and sent her off alone for a difficult two day journey to Bethlehem. And so a child was born in the city of David, at The Creche, of a married mother and an unnamed father, but with quite a different outcome from the Bethlehem birth story we now celebrate.

Silent Night is playing now. The same song a German soldier sang so plaintively in the trenches one Christmas Eve that troops of two armies put down their weapons, shared provisions, stories and handshakes. They took up their arms again the day after Christmas and in battle the young soldier whose clear, pure voice had brought them together was shot dead.

Feya’s mother will leave her within the next day or so, never having seen or held her.

The BBC also reported that Rwanda, one of the first countries to institute Truth and Reconciliation Commissions following the genocide is now the first country to be land mine free.

A couple of lines from O Little Town of Bethlehem, third verse, I think, come to mind, How silently, how silently the wondrous Gift is given, Still God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven. . .

So many layers, levels, so many ways, so many Lessons, so many light years

In Dolce Jubilo

SHARING

Thanksgiving sharing came Monday November the 23rd of 2009. Staff, Board Members, and friends gathered here at Astara's center. Gifts of the culinary spectrum were as tasty as any banquet ever. The salivating at the herbal aromas and memories of past delicacy were going on all morning. Up until or prior to the prayer and getting into line to fill my plate was almost torture...almost...i am salivating now reliving the moments of this torturous positive pleasure.

Gifts of sharing each others' being in an open bubbly atmosphere of Divine joy, happiness, and excitement of community is and was unlimited. The conversations i had the honor of being privy to, and part of were only maybe one fourteenth at best of all that was being enjoyed. The hugs, laughter, and enjoyment of topics of information really seemed a profoundly enormous treasure of life. Each person in attendance would need to spill their guts here to give a whole picture (no one spills their guts physically of course).

The subject of Dr. Willard's Water was only one small part of the conversation i was part contributor. Do you know of Dr. Willard's Water? Personally, Dr. Willard's Triple X (XXX) Water has been a part of my life since 1992 when a COPD diagnosis labeled my breathing difficulties. There are a number of respiratory factors being experienced that we do not need to elaborate about. Fact is putting sentences together often stimulated hard non-productive coughing, wheezing, and tearful attempts to catch my breath...and i turn red in the face easily. So peoples expressions looked like "Oh no...I am going to have to do CPR : 0 )" Seriously. One week there were three invaluable teachers unbeknownst to each other shared with me that i needed to drink Dr. Willard's Triple X Water. A half a glass the first day. A whole eight ounces the second day. Then all the water consumed was Willard. With in six months when retested for my lung conditions though doctors said there must of been a misdiagnosis. No one wanted to hear an alternative possibilities. I was off the breathing treatment. Medications to keep my airways open at night and steroids were no longer needed. When ever you take this wetter than water liquid, medications are enhanced. So if you are taking meds...you need to tell your Doc. Not that they will believe you will need less meds to do the same job, you do need to be very careful and aware of what is happening with your body.

So we chatted about sharing this information in The Voice...but there can be no claiming of 'HEALING' for reasons we do not need to express here. As ALWAYS i am open to your feedback and if your know of Dr. Willard's Water what your experiences have been. Your Thankfulness stories are more than welcome too. And~~~You are our Gift.

In Love, Light, and Divine Consciousness, Peggy

NATURE...NURTURE...OPPORTUNITIES

I am excited about a class we...Staff and The Board of Directors, took together here at Astara, our home away from home (pretty much a unanimous feeling among the group). Laura Miller our friend, family member, and fellow Astarian at heart shared her expertise, personal stories of example, and a tool box full of information which poured out upon each of us stimulating AHHAS left and right. Nature, nurture, and opportunities were some of the tools named for our utilization now and for always. Realizing this work is part of me forever, like the Book of Life, and other profound awareness. Today is a whole new life just like this month is the beginning of a New Year.

Personal brief "my name is..." kind of introductions were given by those of us who wanted to say a word or two, and we were reminded "...this is still a free country so no one is forced..." was one of the first of many laughs I enjoyed during the Paradigm Shift presentation. Three hours flew by and left me wanting more, much more. The homework and group chats about the assignment is expected and encouraged. Laura told us the best way to learn something new is to explain it to someone else. So here goes. Remember i love your feedback. Thank You for being in touch in advance.

We each have a bunch of perspectives we may of had since birth (or maybe even when in utero because as a fetus we experienced life as our limited awareness allowed). Name it: spirituality, religion, comfort zones, beliefs about everything, right or wrong, age, skills, death, life, rules, responsibilities, meanings of the way things have always been...we could go on almost unlimitedly. Every person has these and many more aspects to their being. Not everyone looks at the ONENESS OF ALL but the maybe the illusion (per A. Einstein) of the separateness of humanity. We are thinking of ways we can each learn to honor and humbly work with other personalities and behaviors which may seem like universes apart in understanding. Being willing to look at all (yes ALL) communications with suspending judgments and no evaluations of others and the self by giving a breath and thinking 'I can look at this differently'. I just counted 9 tools in this one sentence. {Allowing, looking,suspending judgments, evaluations, of others, & self,giving, thinking,"..."} Maybe I am pushing the balloon a little, but this is my take on a paradigm shift.

Nature of this perspective says ALL LIFE is precious. Nurture ALL Life. Each perspective is an opportunity to allow ourselves and others to be the best humankind has to offer Mother Earth, Divine Infinite Father, and ALL else everywhere for eternity. Exciting, to me this is exciting stuff to practice for at least this year or better. GOD SPEED.

In Love and Light from the Heart,

Peggy

RIGHT UNDER MY NOSE

Sometimes we’re just too close to a miracle to take it in and fully appreciate it....

As I sit here writing this morning, my dog Sam lies peacefully sleeping at my feet. Just last week, that wouldn’t have been possible for him. He’d been restless, uncomfortable and even his sleep was fitful. Now, as he softly "yips" in his sleep – maybe at a squirrel in his dreams – I realize I'm looking at a miracle.

Sam has faced a number of health issues in his ten years, starting the first night he was rescued from the pound, when he nearly succumbed to some mystery virus. Genetically malformed hips and knees have presented his greatest challenge – until recently. Early this year, a large mass on one of his legs proved to be malignant. It was surgically removed, but very involved with muscle and nerve tissue. Recurrence, or even spreading systemically, was likely. That’s when the petitions and prayers started.

Everything went fairly well with Sam until a few weeks ago, when I discovered a new little tumor on his belly – then another on his side, and yet one more on his neck! Those, along with subtle signs of pain, had me afraid to take him back to the vet. But I knew he had to go in. Biopsies were taken and miraculously, the new tissue samples were benign. By all indications, he’s still cancer-free. Yet the signs of pain remained, and even increased. Finally, x-rays revealed the source. Some pretty significant osteoarthritis around those hips was the culprit. And now, with the help of a pretty amazing new medicine, we’re clearly managing his pain.

At Astara’s center, we get calls, letters and email messages almost every day telling us about miraculous results from our prayer ministry. These accounts still never cease to amaze me. Yet right under my nose (or, more accurately, right at my feet) is my own little miracle and I confess, I didn’t recognize it for the miracle it is until this morning. Right under my nose....

I’m sharing this as a reminder to be on the lookout for the miracles in your life. And, remember to send in your petitions and use our prayer ministry. That’s what it’s there for – for you.

-- In Love & Light, Steve

THE JAG THAT NEVER WAS

I had my car “detailed” yesterday – washed, waxed, carpet and seats cleaned. I was admiring it as I drove in to the center this morning. It’s just a comfortable, 5-year-old sedan. Nothing special, but it runs well and looks nice. I’m happy with it. That, in fact, was the thought that hit me this morning: “Wow! I’m happy with it!”

Growing up in Southern California, it is difficult for a boy not to develop at least a mild case of “auto worship.” For most young men (including me), a car became much more than transportation. It represented manhood, reflected prosperity and taste, symbolized much more than the ability to get from place to place. Our cars became extensions of ourselves.

I think I had a different (new or new to me) car each year from my late teens all through my twenties. I loved my cars. I was partial to sports cars, mostly British, and dreamt of the day I’d have my own Jaguar. It was an “XKE” model I lusted after in my youth, a luxury sedan later on. That was where my thoughts went as I drove in this morning....

I realized I’m never going to have that Jaguar now. And I admit it, the realization sparked a moment of deep sadness. Yet that did only last for a moment, because as quickly as the realization came, I understood why I’ll never have a Jag. I don’t really care about one anymore. It’s just another car and I really don’t care much about cars – or things, for that matter – anymore. Not like I once did. And that realization gave me a sense of freedom and joy far greater than any shiny new convertible ever did or could.

I think spiritual growth is measured, in part, by these little “ah ha” moments we all experience from time to time. Suddenly, we realize that our priorities have shifted, our values have changed or we see some other sign that Spirit is working in our lives – and that we’re allowing it!

There’s nothing wrong with wanting a new car, be it basic or luxury. There’s nothing wrong with wanting or buying “things.” I pass along the car story because for me, it was a big deal. I know we all have little signs in our lives that are indications of our personal growth – if we notice them. That’s why I shared this experience with you, to remind you to pay attention for the little signs in your life. I know we can each use the encouragement they offer.

– In Love & Light, Steve

SKILLS

Learning to assess my skills on a conscious level is new territory unfolding all about everything that comes into my awareness...life. Skills such as what are my feelings in reference to all questions, actions, and input of information on a moment to moment basis. Reacting to stimuli is a very old pattern for me, for all of us from birth I am told. Then responding with a breath gives me the moment to process how best to possibly respond. The breath allows for the oxygen to fill the cells and spaces everywhere else for a clearer flow or vibration in a split second. Giving permission to respond with 'I will get back to you on that', or maybe no words but just a pause to look at how the input feels from a gut level in the now.

Skill learning process does not come easy for me and the feedback tells of a less than positive response. Uncomfortable feelings at best for some. I am taking responsibility for coming from my heart in the moment of the decision making process which does not help all concerned by any means. The clearing prayer I love helps me profoundly. I am sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you. And then Albert Einstein being one of my heroes allows me to utilize a partial quote "...It takes a touch of genius-- and a lot of courage-- to move in the opposite direction." This supports and fits the idea of coming from my heart in this moment of life. Genius no! Compassionate yes.

As always, gratitude is mine for the feedback that helps me be a better servant of my perception of God's will. This or better I pray. Thy will be done.

In Love and Light, Peggy Tennent

SUBTLE CHANGES

I know people say we don't really have seasons in Southern California. Or that we do have two -- hot and smoggy, and not as hot and smoggy. We do have four seasons here, though. Honest! They're just more subtle than in most places.

I was thinking about seasons yesterday morning when I stepped outside with the dogs. Something was different. The air, the light, the temperature, the humidity -- there was a subtle shift from the morning before, and all the mornings of summer. A week or so short of the equinox, fall has come to Southern California. My realization was confirmed yesterday evening when I was again outside with the dogs. There was a gentle breeze of cool air; even a slight edge of crispness. Definitely the characteristics of autumn here.

I've rarely seen the dramatic signs of fall common to other climates. They are beautiful. Yet there's a kind of beauty in the subtle signs we see here, too. I think the fact that we have to look more closely, work harder at discovering these signs helps us to appreciate what we notice even more. It also helps us fine tune our senses and powers of observation.

Spiritual growth in ourselves and others is frequently a gradual process. Rarely does our growth come in overnight spurts, where we suddenly awaken one morning to a whole new self. The changes are usually very subtle. It takes some effort to recognize them. Yet if we make that effort, we more fully appreciate ourselves and others, and the work we're all doing toward soul growth. The encouragement is always helpful.

I hope you enjoy the change of season wherever you are. And even if the change doesn't usher in your favorite weather, that you can appreciate both the obvious and not-so-obvious signs of nature's intricate plan around you.

HOLY SMOKE

ADVICE TO MYSELF

[The following piece is a blog post from an Astarian in the United Kingdom, writer and artist Rory Mackay. I enjoy his writing and ocassionally visit his blog. When I read this post, I knew I wanted to share it with you. Fortunately, he consented. Thanks, Rory.]

Advice To Myself

The question is: if you could go back in time to when you first arrived on the planet and could give yourself a pep talk, what would you say?? (This is assuming, of course, that the baby 'you' could understand what you were saying!)

Well, upon some reflection, this is what I had to tell my younger self:

Welcome to life, buddy. It's not what you're used to - but it is what it is. It sometimes hurts, but again that's just the way it is. Try not to lose the innocence and openness you came in with, and when the mind starts to develop, just keep an eye on it. It, and its subsidiary, the 'ego' will want to take over the show. It will be desperate to impose its vision of what reality 'should' be and it will cause to to suffer greatly when its efforts are thwarted (and oftentimes even when it succeeds). You are not your thoughts and the world/others/life are not what you 'think' they are. Thought cannot ever encapsulate truth, so just remember to use the mind as the tool it is without being used BY it and thus becoming a tool yourself.

Let life unfold around you and enjoy it, without the need to overly control it. By all means change what you want, but don't base your happiness solely upon achieving those changes. Let go more and don't labour under the delusion that you have to work everything out with your head, that you have to judge, label, compartmentalise everything, including yourself and others.

'End the struggle and dance with life'...

Other people will often behave like jerks, but this is no reflection on you (or even, at a deeper level, them - at least not who they truly are. It's just unconscious, conditioned behaviour). So don't take it personally. It's never personal. You will be prone to chronic self doubt, but learn to see through it and follow your heart anyway.

Try to see the good in everyone, no matter how deeply it's buried.

Try to see the good in every situation, cos it's always there.

Try to fear and stress less and laugh and love more.

Try to let go of the past and future (they don't really exist, anyways) and stay fully anchored in the present moment.

Don't be blind to the beauty around you. Listen to great music (there's a fab music project named 'Enigma' that you might want to check out).

Make whatever kind of art and tell whatever stories you want to without any care to what the world might make of it. 'The world' doesn't know half as much as it would have you believe.

Don't eat yellow snow.

-- Rory Mackay  

DR. EARLYNE'S ROSARY PRAYERS

After offering a rosary bracelet as one of the gift options for Astara's Fundraiser, many Astarians have asked for instructions based on Dr. Earlyne's version of praying the rosary. In the question and answer section on page 164 of her book The Madonna And The Coming Light, Dr. Ealryne shares her feelings and personal method of using the rosary:

(Q) Try as I will I simply can't say the rosary. To repeat the words over and over is not for me. I lose my meditation, get bored, and resentful of the time spent in apparent uselessness.

(A) Nor can I. I remember reading about the life of St. Teresa the Little Flower who said quite frankly, "I cannot say the rosary." I, too, find it difficult So I say seven *Our Fathers and seven *Hail Marys. After that, I just talk to her, asking healing for others and peace in the world. I close by saying one *Glory Be. So don't worry about saying the traditional words--make up your own. The idea is to "tune in" with a higher Source to call down blessings.

Lest these two accounts concerning the rosary cause you to think one must pray the rosary or else be a part of a world calamity, again the Mother simply wants us to attune our own inner divinity to a higher Source. Call it prayer, call it meditation, call it "living in the light." The picture of the white light gives clear evidence that divine attunement calls down a shield of light energy which acts as a barrier and an armor of substance which protects one from destructive forces.

Mary has consistently said that her appearances in Medjugorje--and her long stay there, since 1981--is to announce that she is preparing the way for the return of her son Jesus. These promises point directly to the coming of the light--the coming of the light energy which will bombard our atmosphere with a spiritual force so powerful the mind must think light, must think love, must think of the return of the male and female forms of the divine, in Christianity represented as Jesus and Mary.

*Here are some traditional versions of these prayers, feel free, as Dr. Earlyne mentioned, to make up your own prayers or alter these versions to ones that feel best for you:

Hail Mary

Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus.

Holy Mary, mother of God,

Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Our Father

Our Father who art in heaven, hollowed by thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors;

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom and the glory and the power forever and ever.

(Here is an alternative and beautiful version that can be used in place of The Our Father:)

The Aramaic Prayer Of Jesus

as translated from Aramaic by Saadi Neil Douglas-Klotz of the Sufi Order Of The West:

O, Birther of the Cosmos, focus your light within us -- make it useful

Create your reign of unity now

Your one desire then acts with ours,

As in all light,

So in all forms,

Grant us what we need each day in bread and insight:

Loose the cords of mistakes binding us,

As we release the strands we hold of other's guilt.

Don't let surface things delude us,

But free us from what holds us back.

From you is born all ruling will,

The power and the life to do,

The song that beautifies all,

From age to age it renews.

I affirm this with my whole being.

Glory Be

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was is in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

A TRIBUTE TO FRIENDS

One of the great benefits for me of spending nearly 20 years on staff at Astara has been watching the amazing growth of my coworkers. We have a pretty supportive, nurturing working environment, and one that offers each of us the daily opportunity for inspiration and direction as we walk our individual spiritual paths.

I've truly witnessed miracles around me at Astara's Center. I've seen shy, insecure personalities drawn out by Spirit to become inspirational teachers. I've seen individuals who once limited themselves to mediocrity blossom and flourish. I've seen disbelievers find deep faith -- and put it to work in their lives. I've seen demonstrations of the power of positive thought very literally transform lives. And I've seen levels of true humility and cooperation at work every day in the working environment we share.

I would like to tell you just a bit about each of these incredible people I get to work with. Without invading their privacy, I want to share just a few aspects of the incredible growth I've seen and the marvelous traits of these dedicated individuals....

You will see -- for the very first time -- a Voice column from our Pam Rau in the upcoming August issue. She has been blogging here, too. Pam isn't just a great writer, she is an amazingly deep thinker. She sees and describes things in a way that provokes deep thought in others, too, and that's a rare talent. This aspect of Pam has been within her always, but the courage to share it is a mark of tremendous growth. I feel privileged to have witnessed it.

Our General Manager, Dean Zakich, has been with us for about 8 years. Dean's personal and professional growth have been nothing short of phenomenal. On a professional level, he has molded himself to be exactly what Astara needs from him, and personally, I've watched him become an truly whole and balanced individual. Dean "maintains his center" in so many challenging situations and demonstrates his growth on an almost daily basis.

Beth Hickerson. What can you say about someone who has achieved and become nearly everything she puts her mind to? Beth has learned that she can create her life with her thought forms and has done so time and again. She has also tapped into the creative element of her soul in a way that few of us do. Beth started as a receptionist at Astara, some 17 years ago, and is now our whole Graphics Department -- and a lot more. Sometimes I think of Beth as an "idea machine" and she inspires my creativity.

Sally Fleck manages our member records and has been with Astara for 22 years. She has made the difficult transition from a traditional paper file system to a completely electronic one. And that's not all. She has weathered three -- yes, three -- database program changes, each of which turned her job completely upside down for months at a time. The thing I admire most about Sally is how, in her later years, she continues to grow, not just professionally but personally. Sally has become a wonderful person to work with -- and to call my friend.

Our Jenny -- Jennifer Miller -- worked with us for 9 years, left us for awhile, and returned 3 years ago. Jenny is a special person. She came to us with many skills and aptitudes, but was initially tentative about displaying them. I feel like we're still discovering the layers, the depth within Jenny. She is another good writer, with great perspective. Quite a bit younger than the rest of us, it's exciting to watch her develop and grow. If the growth we've seen so far is any indication, Jenny has quite a future in store.

William Dane in Shipping and Receiving is a rare individual -- such a big heart and gentle spirit! Will displays a level of caring that manifests in all areas of his life, even in the more mundane aspects of his job. A dedicated conservationist, Will recently wrote a piece for The Voice that showed we have yet another writer in our midst. He deftly conveyed his passion in his writing, inspiring others with his words. I hope you get to hear more from Will soon.

Our newest staffer is Ruth Navarro in accounting. In her second year now, Ruth's enthusiasm has raised the energy level of the whole staff. She, like Beth, is an "idea machine." She has come up with new ways to simplify systems, organize tasks, and most importantly -- to better serve members. She is dedicated to help Astara thrive and that dedication shows in everything she does. Most inspirational to me is Ruth's willingness and desire to learn. She seeks out additional work and bugs us to teach her and give her more responsibilities. Only at Astara....

Last but certainly not least is my colleague Rev. Peggy Tennent. Peggy has been one of the most challenged among us. By that I mean that circumstances have conspired to require Peggy to step forward time and time again, and she's always done so competently and with a smile. I know it hasn't always been easy for her. Rev. Ruby's retirement, and both Sita and Fred's transitions left gaping holes in many areas, many of which Peggy helped fill. From writing, to speaking, to spiritual counseling, Peggy has been hit with sudden professional and personal challenges. I so admire her courage and positive attitude in facing these. I really don't think the word "no" is in Peggy's vocabulary.

I'm grateful for this opportunity to recognize the wonderful, dedicated group we have here at Astara's Center. Aside from you -- our members -- these people are the reason I've been with Astara all these years, and am still happy about going to work every day.

[The above photo was taken when we all went out to lunch together last month. From the left: Jenny, Beth, Peggy, Will, Ruth, Dean, me, Pam, Ruby and Sally. Ruby's retired now, but still joins us for some of our gatherings.]

-- In Love & Light, Steve

A LEGACY OF LOVE

I was working on my talk for this coming Sunday -- Father's Day -- when I realized it was the 10th anniversary of my dad's pasing. Respecting Dad's wishes, we actually turned off his life support systems on Father's Day. The memory is somehow both poignant and soothing....

I dedicated my next Voice column to Dad and I'd like to share it with you here, a decade later, in this new forum. Happy Father's Day, Dad.

A Legacy of Love

I'm dedicating this month's column to my dad. I had to say goodbye to him a few weeks ago -- is was actually on Father's Day -- as he left this world behind for the higher planes. Dad had a full and rich life and suffered very little at the end, no small consolation for my mother, sister, brother and me. And we'd known Dad's time with us was winding down for awhile before he went. Still, it's so very hard to face the physical finality...

I don't want to write now about Dad's transition, though. I want to write about his life. I want to thank him, in this small way, for some of the things he taught me and for the example he set for me which has played such a large role in my life. And I want to share some of that with you.

I think my father's main lesson in this life was centered around love. He never really knew the love of a mother or father, in any concrete or ongoing sense, and I think he spent the better part of the first half of his life trying to fill the hole that left inside him. This emptiness led him to seek an understanding of love, of its nature and Source, and more importantly it drove him to learn to receive and express love himself. Thanks in large part to my mother and their half-century marriage, Dad left this world surrounded by love, filled with love and cradled in the arms of love's Infinite Source.

Thanks, Dad. Love has become a central theme in my life, too. I've come to believe there isn't anything else more important. You helped me shape my values in a way that places actions above acquisitions, caring above competition, people above things.... You helped me see there is nothing I can own or accomplish that will ever be more important than the love of family and friends and humanity. You also showed me how important it was to learn to love myself, before I could really learn to love anyone else.

Thanks, too, for my self confidence, Pop. You told me more often than anyone else that I could do anything I put my mind to. You first introduced me to The Power of Positive Thinking and to the seeds of so many ideas and philosophies that have become important to me, that have helped me shape my personal philosophy of life, and in turn, those who I've helped....

Thanks, Dad, for the stubbornness I inherited from you. It's served me well at times, when I needed the tenacity to just hang in and push through no matter what. It's offered me valuable lessons, too, at those times when I wouldn't give up (though I should have) and caused myself pain. In fact, thanks for every difficult habit or trait I learned or inherited from you. You know, the ones I used to curse you for. I know now -- I've known for some time, really -- that they've each played a part in making me the man I am today. Since I'm pretty happy with who that guy is today, I can't help but be thankful for everything that helped me get here.

Finally, Dad, thanks for showing me -- especially in your later years -- that it's okay for a man to show his feelings. Were it not for that, I don't think I'd be able to share my feelings so freely right now in this column. And I know that my tears wouldn't be flowing as freely....

Bye, Dad. I'm sure going to be happy to be on the same plane with you again.

I love you.

Thanks for letting me share this with you in honor of my dad.

-- In Love & Light, Steve

THIRSTY FISH

The zen of the deliberate pairing of these two words rolled a day that had been going along just fine over on its side. My mind went to the symbol of Pisces - two fish most often shown facing opposite directions, and then to another symbol - the single fish of Christianity, and how at the very beginning of this Age, while on the cross the man Jesus in his suffering said, perhaps for all of humanity, "I thirst." This led to thinking how, or so it seems, at the end of this Piscean Age, heavily influenced in one way or another by the many forms of Christianity, so much of the world is still suffering in thirst, still in want and need of drinking life-giving waters while swimming in seas of belief, surrounded by, immersed, unslaked in oceans of so many expressions of faith. Even the thirst within systems of faith plays out through the abuse of body, mind, and spirit, through dogmatic extremes.

There are many kinds of thirst, but basic to all is a condition which needs to be addressed. Physical dehydration often produces mental confusion, like two fish swimming away from one another. In my thinking it seemed that in this part of the world we live out our own creation of societal confusion through things, the accessibilities, over indulgences, consumption, the abundance of opportunities for good and its opposite, and even fears, everything we need to do anything we want until collectively we move in opposite directions in our believing and living, looking for both while thinking they are one, and that that one is a world of achieved contentment for those who have the most after winning all the battles. And maybe it can be, but for now, for most, one fish is swimming toward what we believe we want, the other toward what we already have in the spirit waters of our own deep wells. For so long the two fish have thirsted in their loneliness of each other, their separateness and all the things that in this time they do not have in common. Fear and its manifestations, all its reasons for being, does not swim long with wisdom. Wisdom does not swim with apathy or self-indulgence or the ignorance of ignoring.

Sometimes the fish of Pisces are shown in a circle, a symbol of flow into union. The period of merging Ages has put this circle into motion, and it will rotate faster and faster until the two fish become one. We can see this in the events all around and inside as the two fish of us chase one another, mouths open, reaching for the other's tail. Maybe, maybe, we've been brought together in consciousness to help give our energies to which fish swallows, or merges, with the other. If we collectively still don't know why or for what we thirst, or even that we do, or if we do know and are not fully willing to swim toward it, then how ready, really, are we to begin the next age, the beginning of the upward swing of evolutionary ascent? What do we bring to it, what kind of offering, what kind of thirst?

It also came to mind that the symbol for the age we are entering is the Water Bearer, a figure pouring life-giving waters from large urns, almost as if this thirst, and how great it would be, was anticipated. This magnanimous, unconditional pouring of fresh, healing, rarified waters is only part of what awaits. But we must remember that it is the hungriest fish who will receive them, and only one of the fish will flourish in the drinking of it. Do you remember the story Sita recounted so long ago about the Two Wolves?

The zen of the illogical pairing of the two words, "thirsty fish." is that they did their job in producing an active meditation within. I hope you, too, find this deceptively little koan starkly unignorable and reach your own meaning, because the truth of it is, in this forum I'm given a chance to write as if I know something and in this I make myself laugh, knowing that for you I may not. The groundwater is the same, but what percolates into it is, for now (and may always be), different at each well. Drink deeply and often.

Namaste ~~

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS

I recently received a letter from a member who asked two questions that serious seekers often ask. I thought I'd share my answers here, in case any of you have the same questions or concerns. Please remember that we at Astara offer our opinions and experience in a spirit of help -- not control. If your opinions or experiences don't match ours, or if you don't find our guidance helpful, we won't be troubled or offended. We understand that there are as many different ways to walk a spiritual path as there are individuals on our planet.

You bring up two broad and commonly asked questions in your letter. Serious seekers are often confused/troubled by these questions: Which/how many specific practices to add to their personal spiritual routine. And, if one should stick exclusively to one path, or work with several....

Many more practices and exercises were included in the Degree Lessons than one would ever need in order to offer variety. You are encouraged to use what calls to you, what fits your life and schedule, and leave the rest. I would add that seeking guidance from your personal teachers or Masters in the Higher Dimensions can help you decide. I'd also add that trying some, letting them go as your circumstances and needs change, and trying others can be beneficial. Some, though, will never likely serve you and that's fine. (I, for example, have never, nor am likely to ever stand on my head.) The real point is to practice something with dedication and regularity. The progress and benefits don't come otherwise.

That leads nicely to, "one path, two, or more?" My answer would be: "Draw from many and make it one -- yours." Yet few seekers are comfortable with this. They want a tried and true, well marked path to follow up that mountain. Both can and do work -- each for different kinds of people. The risk of never really "getting anywhere" as you jump from path to path is genuine -- IF one really isn't learning along the way. I would suggest that even an ascent focusing on one single path will likely have many setbacks and backtracks....

I have found for myself that my path is a conglomeration of many, many traditions, philosophies and religions. Sure, I have floundered, but I don't think I have used this method to procrastinate, or that it has held me back. Although, it clearly can do both. That really depends on one's level of dedication. Perhaps the image of the honeybee gathering pollen looks random and frenetic to some, but the bee is attaining his objective nonetheless....

Also for myself, I've looked elsewhere when I've been told I must follow one path or one teacher exclusively. I've chosen to do just that at various times in my life, but of my own choosing, and I have always moved on at some point. I think that's how it's meant to be. Remember, we all have the Ultimate Teacher within.

I'd like to thank the Astarian who asked these questions. I hope my thoughts helped you with these areas of concern.

2012 & 11:11

In the February 2009 issue of The Voice, Astara featured a book called The 11:11 Phenomenon by Michael Neil Stanton and Zera Starchild. I have seen 11:11 for years, and it is always at a time when I am having a spiritual thought, or attempting to change something for the better in my life. I see it on the clock, and when I see it, I see it as a confirmation that I am on the right track, and that angels are present.

But I also feel a sense of it leading up to something for all of us, a sign that something will be completed and that when it is completed, we are not alone, we are loved, protected, and held in the palms of hands that are so happy, excited and eager to see us as individuals, as a planet, and maybe even as a universe succeed in our part of the divine plan. I often see pinpoints of exploding light, sometimes these lights are a violet iridescent blue, sometimes a bright white light, like a star exploding. Often when I see these, and then for some reason look over at the clock, it is 11:11, and I can’t help but smile and feel a sense of relief.

I would like to mention here that the date of the end of the Mayan Calendar is December 21st, 2012. This is the Winter Solstice, which will occur at 11:11 Universal Time. Why is it that 11:11 and other master numbers are showing up for so many of us right now? I can’t wait to see how everything will tie in together. We have a comfort, to those who are in tune to the signs. Maybe a lot of us are seeing 11:11 as a reminder to prepare ourselves spiritually so that we may enter the shift easily, and seamlessly. So that what is to perhaps be a joyful and positive experience does not seem foreign, unknown or scarey to us as we go through these changes and whatever changes are coming.

In a future blog, I will explore some interesting scientific and spiritual facts that correspond to each other surrounding 2012 and 11:11.

BRAIN REFERENCES IN "ASTARA'S BOOK OF LIFE"

Through 6th degree lesson 21

"Of this world and another" is a Dr. Earlyne Chaney frequent saying per Dr. Sita Chaney. Doctors Robert and Earlyne Chaneys' only child has shared with us how numerous times her mother utilized this phrase to teach spiritual lessons to their daughter, then she to us. Profound blessings are ours for the legacy the Chaneys gave to us all through Astara's Book Of Life, stories of all varieties, along with personal experience on so many levels. Preparing for the Fire Initiation and Memorial Weekend, 2009, this quote about the invisible world and the greater vast unknown world be it in our minds eye, the mystic world, or science facts of 1 in 1 million bits of information (some say 1 in 4 billion bits of information per second), it all seems the same. I have heard our bodies are only aware of 2000 of the 4 billion (or was it million;( bits of sensory input. Body, environment, and time are what the conscious mind is aware of in each moment. "Of this world and another" continues to prove true from many different sources.

Quantum science supports this idea and teaches us if we change our direction, changer our filters (education) we change our reality. Our experiences, education, beliefs (which are a bunch of thoughts), we change our reality. Filters only let in SIMILAR realities pass through to become our reality. Like minds allow in the possibilities. There is a story about headlights on a very dark road. We see what our headlights shine light upon.

In the morning sunlight the beauty is revealed that was always there. Imagine the wondrous infinite possibilities. Reality is not solid or set in stone, it changes with information. In this day and age there is more education at the blink of an eye than ever before in known human history.

Ancient healing is depicted in all that we have at our fingertips. Vast ranges of possibilities from you name it…water, metals, earth, air, ethers, sounds, colors, plants, animals, and aspects of said items have been part of what people and all life did and does to permute well being. I am highly impressed at the infinite wisdom to be drawn upon.

The brain, breath, and divine mind energy recognize that human beings are much more than a physical body and incorporates a body of life energy which is sensitive, feeling, knowing with a spiritual essence of Self.

We get there is no exact definition of "spiritual consciousness" but modern sciences for over a century has known that consciousness and matter are intertwined. Medical science is still in the 19th century machinery. New methods of testing which meet scientific standards are out there now, and getting better with each day. With like minded communities we make the changes and lift the veil to other worlds.

Thanks profoundly, and thank you from the deepest parts of our energetic healing being as always as NOW.

2012

Many of you are aware of all the information out there on 2012. Astara has featured many books on this subject recently. There are several different views, both spiritual and scientific about what will occur during the Winter Equinox of 2012. When we first started hearing of 2012, it seemed like eons away. But now, here were are in 2009, only three years away. There are several prophecies surrounding this time, we have the Mayan Calendar, the Hopi Prophecies, and many others. Many of the events that were said would occur up until this time, have occurred, or are occurring now.

It seems the first inclination of our human side is to grasp onto the "doomsday" predictions of 2012. The visions and warnings that the earth's poles will literally shift and send us into a state of mass destruction and chaos, or that earth will be hit by a huge asteroid, etc.... And then there are the Armageddon predictions. These breed fear, and also deny the existence of an all loving God who created us all and put us all here at this time for a specific purpose that fits in with the whole picture of spiritual evolution. In the Tom Robbins book, Skinny Legs and All, there is a character who says that she has a hard time believing in a God that would suddenly slam on the brakes and send us all flying through the windshield. I also have a hard time believing in such a God.

I believe in a God, that while we drive the vehicle and may make some wrong turns, in our personal lives, as well as humanity as a whole, will intervene in every way possible to ensure that we arrive safely at our set destination. So, it appears, from our view and beliefs as spiritual beings, that what we are leading up to is a transformation. A transformation that is happening in a time frame and way that all spiritual progress does, gradually, methodically, amazingly....

More on this and 11:11 next week.