"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not;the world is filled with educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are alone omnipotent. 'Press on!' has been and always will be the answer to every human problem." Calvin Coolidge
Today is a good day. I have prayed, done a Kriya,mediated, prepared breakfast, and been a plumber! It's only 10:30 a.m. but I already feel an enormous sense of accomplishment. Also to note, my health is improving which always lends itself to my being more optimistic. Have you ever given yourself permission to be sick - knowing that when you do feel better you'll have more gratitude for your health? Just a question to ponder!
So on to my journey. This morning I awoke and rose with the sun! It's awe inspiring to know that in the stillness life speaks to me in a different tone. Quiet subtle whispers float into my conscious awareness. As I sat in the hot tub at 5:30 this morning...I called for God...three times out loud with a gentleness in my voice! A pleading like calling a lover...did God show up? In my world God showed up in the form of a cat. My cat Raindrop came to sit on the ledge of the hot tub! It sat and extended its paw yearning my love and affection. As I reached over and petted her soft warm fur I was reminded that God bestows upon us a love much like that of a beloved pet, unconditional love. I found much beauty in the moment savoring the love and affection of my purrfect little furry friend!
In my prayer room I sat in a humble posture (on my knees with my hands in prayer position) and prayed to the God of my understanding. Through personal experiences I have encountered a force in the universe beyond rational knowing, that force is what I pray to. At times, it helps for me to personalize my God by putting him/her in human form. But truly there is no human form massive enough to capture 1/10 of a fraction of the energy of that universal life force which I have experienced. I do borrow many of my pray practices from various Religions and Spiritual teachings, I was baptized at the age of seven...my Mother assures me that no matter what I do...it stuck, but if I had to clarify as a matter of social etiquette I would profess to be a Baptist Buddhist. (I know neither implies feminine entities now do they. Of course, we could reference the Wisdom of Solomon and the Divine Goddess Sophia...but I'm digressing again aren't I?) So I prayed a simple prayer to the Universal Life Force - remove my defects of character, knowledge of your will, and strength to persevere. I did not see a burning bush! I did not get asked a question. However, I did feel much grace in my life today. Grace as in it was not humanly possibly for me to be where I am today in my life...the Universe has granted me Grace...and for that, I am truly grateful!
After prayer I did my warm ups including 3 minutes of EGO eradication! (gotta get that out of the way real fast!!) Then, I felt compelled to do my favorite Kriya, the one for Subtle Knowing. This Kriya is comprised of 7 movements lasting 3 or more minutes, and includes a Mantra of WaHe Guru. There has been so much success with this particular one that I often return to it again and again for days and weeks on end! The practice of this Kriya targets the thyroid, pituitary, and pineal glands. It works on your subtle body, that part of your eing that understands beyond the obvious. When the subtle body is strong you are calm and masterful!
Following this Kriya I did a meditation. Meditation after this Kriya begins the realization that we are channel for truth and that to maintain race in the most graceful moments is the true human worth. I meditated first for focus and sweetness...until my knee ached and I could no longer let it go...and my foot feel asleep and I had to wake it up! Then I changed to an easy pose with my hands in Gian Mudra for Wisdom. And to be honest, I wanted to see Lagan. As has been the case thus far, I called his name and he appeared before me in my minds eye. You'd have thought it was my birthday - he let me run down the path and open an enormous basket! In the basket was DEDICATION. I asked him, "is dedication a reward?" Because, that's what it felt like - a present! And he said, that I was giving the gift. Huh? Dedication means To commit (oneself) to a particular course of thought or action, To set apart for a deity or for religious purposes; consecrate. Like when a baby is dedicated? He said, that dedication is the gift I have given during my morning prayer and meditation. But I thought this journey was about me developing character...not giving character.
As I pondered this conundrum during the day, I was reminded of a spiritual fellowship I belong to. In that fellowship we save ourselves by saving others, we lose our egos by helping others, and this I understand for just a moment what Lagan meant. Soul work apparently is the same way. My dedication to my morning routine is not only a gift to me, for me, for my own well being, the God of my Understanding is presented with a gift each morning when I show up to listen! And just like when I read "The Shack" my mind warped and I peeked around another corner!
The Birds were chirping today, the snow is falling, my dog is asleep in front of the fireplace, I meditated in a group today...and I feel peace for the moment.
