1999 - WEEK 27 Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-05/5502 From: "xavier" Subject: Re : Re: True Sensitivity Yes indeed, we are much annoyed, and queen elizabeth ARE not amused:-) hahahah happy celebration of freedom, light of the free world! ...and materialistic empire:-( Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-05/5503 From: Rick Audette Subject: Re: True Sensitivity "I said earlier that this quality will often cause conflict between seekers in contact with the disciple. Why do you suppose this is? Can you think of other reasons why this balance is so essential?" The balanced disciple might play either side of the coin, while the crowd favors heads or tails. The sheep want everybody in the same flock and are unaccepting of those that have multiple allegiances. Jesus was looked down on, by some, because he hung out with "sinners", but many of those "sins" were of having other, different belief systems and not really sins at all. The high priests might have accepted Him better, if He had conformed to their lopsided view of the way things should be. Maintaining this balance is important to the disciple and all conscious entities, right down to quarks. An immature or nearsighted view, that the world ends at the two corners of your street, is constrictive and bad for the health. The courageous disciple has been around the block, a few times, as they say, and will defend and vouch for the fact that the world (and heaven) is much bigger and a bit more complex than your section of Sesame Street or the nucleus of a single atom. I remember line from an obscure radio play, called "Armageddon, a vegetarian hand grenade in three acts", stating "higher beings can see around obstacles and corners because they are way up there, above it all." When we seek oneness with higher beings, such communion brings with it, a sharing of these higher perceptions, just as sharing, among keysters, has granted them eyes that see around the world. Your eyes and ears in Plano, Texas, Rick -- ICQ 19753992 visit my web pages at http://www.ont.com/users/rea1/ Who said love should come easy Instant flame from a spark in the eye Even when it doesn't hurt you Love can make you cry Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-05/5504 From: J J Dewey Subject: Trust Let us itemize the discussed qualities so far: (1) Soul contact (2) Holding the mind steady in the light (3) Detachment when necessary. (4) The ability to either send or receive (5) Reflection - contemplation (6) Talent. (7) The power to initiate (8) The ability to create and sense a point of tension. (9) Willingness to sacrifice (10) Discernment (11) Perseverance (12) Inclusiveness (13) Harmlessness (14) Sensitivity (15) Trust (16) Balance Question concerning number 15: What are the areas where the disciple needs to demonstrate his trustworthiness as far as the inner teachers are concerned? How much should he trust others? How many times have each of us met someone in our lives who said something like this to us: "What's the matter don't you trust me?" This then seems to play upon the person's guilt and he gives in thinking he is doing a virtuous act and trusts the person whom he does not know that well with valuables of some kind. Than a short time after the trust was given the person who trusted finds himself totally betrayed. After this happens two or three times the trusting one often turns to the other extreme and then trusts no one and often becomes bitter. Both of these extremes are in bad judgment and not the way of the disciple. The example of the Brotherhood of Light is a good light for us to follow here. As one approaches discipleship and gains a desire to serve he tackles the problems of maya, controls his physical body and passions. Once this is accomplished, does the Brotherhood the trust him? Not yet. Why? Because he can still be led completely astray by glamour and wind up doing more harm than good for the work. Is he of no use then? He can be of great use, but the Brotherhood does not trust him to always take the right path for they know he is going to do take wrong paths several times yet. They will use him a much as possible with this in mind, but cannot give him or her the great responsibilities. As the disciple progresses on the path he eventually overcomes glamour and is no longer deceived through wrong emotions, overblown ego and most guilt. Does the Brotherhood now trust him? Their trust in him is increased as well as his power to serve, but still he is not trusted to always follow the path of light and therefore is still limited in endowments trusted to him. Why? Because he is not yet free from the great problem of illusion which can trap a person with reasonable purity, ego under wraps and a strong desire to serve. Then in the next round of progress the disciple slays this seemingly last dragon in the path and stands free of illusion, glamour and maya. Is he now trusted? Yes. He is now given a high degree of trust that he will not stray toward the left hand path and his responsibilities are increased according to his talents and abilities. So is he trusted completely? No one is trusted to never make mistakes. Even now the trust given to him will be with the realization that mistakes will be made, but the vision of the path will remain. Is it not possible then that an adept can fall to the dark side? No matter how high we go we always have free will. However while walking in the light after illusion is overcome the light is almost impossible to betray. Nevertheless, there does come another round of temptation when one progresses to a higher level as illustrated by the fall of Lucifer in the Bible. He was a highly evolved associate of the Ancient of Days and rebelled against the plan of the Great One and became a master of the dark path after his "fall from heaven." The disciple follows the example of the Brotherhood of Light and makes others earn trust before he gives it to them unconditionally. He always tries to give others the "benefit of the doubt," but where great harm can result by a betrayal he becomes very cautious and will watch his associates carefully until he can ascertain which parts of their makeup can be trusted and which cannot, which circumstances they will handle correctly and which they will not. Even though one who trusts too much may be a great guy and have a strong desire to serve such a one cannot yet be an accepted disciple for he may wind up trusting a part of the work to a con man who could destroy the whole. Next we'll talk about balance and in the meantime give you the seventeenth quality. Rick said something to the effect that if courage is not one of the qualities it should be. I agree, but many show significant courage before discipleship is reached. A certain type of courage is looked for that each has past the physical to the astral and mental levels and beyond. Djwahl Khul teaching through Alice A. Bailey beautifully coined the phrase "Divine Carelessness," but said virtually nothing about it. Nevertheless, his quality of courage we shall call the art of being divinely careless is the characteristic looked for. Contemplate this enigmatic phrase and tell us... Why in the world would this be a quality that is looked for? How do you suppose divine carelessness is different from the standard carelessness we see all about us? Glenys just presented a great account of the dangers the signers of he Declaration faced. Were they divinely careless? JJ Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-05/5505 From: Rick Audette Subject: Re: Trust "Contemplate this enigmatic phrase and tell us... Why in the world would this be a quality that is looked for? How do you suppose divine carelessness is different from the standard carelessness we see all about us?" Hmmm, this brings to mind a couple of stories from the past. The first is from ancient history, but don't quote me, because my reference library isn't as big as it used to be. Anyway, it seems this historian, Pliny or Josephus or some other ancient Roman dude, was writing of how hard it was for the soldiers of the empire to subdue this one group of tribes, probably the Celt Iberians, because they believed in reincarnation. Because of this belief, they were more fearless in battle, knowing that they had more than one life to give for the cause. I remember, in reading that, that was an odd plus side to such a belief, but it made sense then and seems to fit in with what we are talking about here. The other story comes from my own past. I had some friends, that were fringe members of an intentional community that I was part of. Often I would go to their house to hang out with them. It seems, the guy's wife found me a lot more likable than I knew and was always talking to her hubby of how Rick did this and Rick does that and he was beginning to get a little jealous. One day, I got over to their house a little before the husband got home from work and was talking with the wife. When Bubba got home, he was sure he had caught the fox in the hen house and pulled out his shotgun to chase me off. Knowing that his imagined fears were completely unfounded and not wanting to see a friendship end on a misunderstanding, I boldly sat down, at his table and told him that we needed to talk about this. By the end of our talk, he was full of apologies and offered me several gifts and proclaimed that I was now the one dude he could feel safest with being around his wife, in his absence. What could have been fatal, for me, turned out to be just another interesting anecdote in the life of this seeker. The disciple, through soul contact, has rid himself of many of the fears which ignorance brings on. He knows he is doing the "work" and acquires an aegis, from above, that will protect him, even when his guard is down. Of note here, this protection does not cover everything. You can't blatantly ignore what's "real" and expect immunity. If you park your car by the sign that says "towing will be strictly enforced", don't be surprised to find it gone, when you return (been there, done that). But, if you are focused on the light and doing your best, sometimes you will come through some tough sh**, smelling like a rose. Rick -- ICQ 19753992 visit my web pages at http://www.ont.com/users/rea1/ have you read "The Immortal" http://www.freeread.com *** Who said love should come easy Instant flame from a spark in the eye Even when it doesn't hurt you Love can make you cry Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-05/5506 From: (Richard/ Sharon) Subject: Divine Carelessness JJ asks "What is Divine Carelessness" This question been rolling around in my mind since you ask, and i have had some thoughts regarding this for quite some time, i am just not altogether sure how to frame them, perhaps by explaining my perception of GOD, i see us humans, on third density earth as babies in a nerf playpen (nerf is a soft rubbery type of material that is made into different forms, footballs baseballs, bats, etc. but it can't hurt/damage anything it hits) it is very safe, while in this playpen we are totally surrounded by our many possessions of war, hate and destruction as well as joy, peace and love that are also made of the same nerf material, meaning God KNOWS that whatever we do with these toys we can't be hurt (no such thing as death) or hurt others, so, He simply gives us our free will to learn what we need to learn from these "toys" knowing that we will absorb what we need to absorb and continue with our experiences this time or another. Lord, i wish i were able to make myself better understood with all this, but i guess after 2 nights of constant explosions (firecrackers?) by the neighborhood children (ages 5 to 55), this is probably as good as its going to get. Basically, i feel God Knows what we are doing and just lets us do it, and while to our earth thinking this is careless, to the Devine it just IS! Thanks for putting up with my rambling thoughts, they really are not as dis-jointed in my head as they are on this screen. Much love & light to all my fellow babies, sharon ^I^ ^I^ Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5507 From: Terrance R Brennan Subject: Well, this may be the last you hear from me for the next 30 days. It's 2am Central time right now, but despite the melatonin I took my anxiety of what I have to do today keeps me awake. At 8:00pm tonight I'll be checking myself into the Wisconsin House of Corrections--a fancy name here for jail--where I'll be staying until August 5th or 6th to fulfill one of the court-imposed punishments. Backing up a bit, on Thursday, March 25 1999 I ingested between 8-10 grams of my closet- grown hallucinogenic mushrooms (magic mushrooms) blended with a half cup of wine. Hallucinated heavily, thought I was going to die, dialed 911 and received medical attention. After given a clean bill of health I was promptly arrested. The following June 7 I pled guilty to "manufacture of an illegal substance." I was sentenced to 30 days in jail, 3 years probation including completing all 'appropriate' treatment programs, 100 hours of community service secure full-time employment and/or continue college education, pay a mandatory fine of $1000 and 6 month revocation of my driver's license, and finally pay the court costs and cost of residence while in jail. This was a felony so I'll never be able to legally own a handgun (never owned one to begin with), and of course I'll have to write that I'm a felon on every job application. I basically have to walk around with a big scarlet 'F' on my chest for life. Why did I experiment with mind-altering drugs? Because I wanted a miracle-cure to the disease of lack-of-focus, low motivation, depression, low self-esteem, inability to commit to anything, etc. I read reports of people having spiritual experiences that forever changed their lives' for the better-- like Near-Death-Experiencers for example. I found similar reports from those who'd 'tripped' on magic mushrooms--moments of eternity, meeting God, feelings of oneness--so I thought "That's for me." The rest is history. Aside from the legal, other negative consequences were a temporary degradation of my short- term memory (I'd be engaged in numerous activities all day and have a terrible time recalling later what I did with my day), reduced concentration, and who knows what else. The positive consequences were the things I learned from this experience: 1) you can't get to God through drugs (either that or it's just not my karma to reach God through any means whatsoever, drugs or otherwise), 2) don't provoke this government --they're REALLY serious about it's war on drugs, 3) that the greatest threat to our rights guaranteed through the Constitution is not foreign, but very local--this government and the way of thinking it supports, and finally 4) the number of people who truly understand what I'm talking about really are few and far between. I know there'll be people who disagree with my stance, but I still maintain that I did NOT take away anybody's right to Life, Liberty, or pursuit of happiness by experimenting with mushrooms. Obviously the Constitution--you know, that piece of parchment upon which was recorded the philosophy of a free society this country was founded on--doesn't mean much these days. My only regret was that I had to learn that the hard way. Yes, I think drugs like marijuana and magic mushrooms should be decriminalized--despite the hell I'm going through--because keeping them illegal takes away the very soil and nutrients the human spirit needs to grow. Imagine, if you will, all the decisions you made in your lifetime--good or bad--that brought you where you are today. Now imagine that for every bad decision you made you'd have to spend a year in jail. Do you really think you'd be where you are today if that really happened? 1 year in jail is exactly how long I'll have to spend if I try to escape from any of the imposed punishments. Well, it's now 1 hour and 15 minutes later and instead of trying to rouse some moral support I probably, instead, started some arguments. A word to the stubborn--the following advice is free. Even though you won't follow it I'd feel negligent (for about a day) if I didn't say this: Even though I think drugs should be legal I don't recommend messing around with 'em. I could've died or suffered some kind of brain damage and then you wouldn't be lucky enough to read what I'm typing you right now. But if you do with mushrooms--don't mix with alcohol, don't exceed 6 dried grams, and only trip with someone whose experienced. I'm 23, and have lots of life to live yet. What do you want on your tombstone? Rob Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5508 From: Diane Linen Subject: Re: HI Rob, We will be here waiting for you. This has to be a very difficult experience to have to go through. My thoughts and prayers go with you. You DO have a lot of life to live. Much love and hugs, Diane Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5509 From: Glenys Lowery Subject: Re: Divine Carelessness I would imagine that Divine Carelessness in this context would mean 'without care, worry or attachment to outcomes' - a Divine Indifference - rather than an admonition not to take care as we tread the Path of Discipleship. Some of the things which spring to mind that we should practise carelessness or indifference towards include: - external measures of the success or failure of our chosen service. By this I mean that if we are certain that the work we are undertaking is correct and appropriate ie confirmed by our souls, then it doesn't matter whether it appears to be succeeding or failing. If it appears to be the latter, it could just be that we haven't yet reached the point of tension in our endeavour or we are setting up something for someone else to continue ('one man sows, another reaps') - a corollary of this is that we can't expect to receive contact, recognition or acknowledgement from a Master. It may occur, of course, but if it does it's for a reason other than to make us feel good. So we could go through our entire lives working for the Light with the only acknowledgement we receive being through soul contact (and our soul group if we've learnt how to be open to it). It took me years to see this. I used to sit around like lazy ol' Garfield waiting for a higher being to tap me on the shoulder with a task to do. It took me ages to realise that wasn't going to happen. Now I don't mind either way - I'm practising a Divine Carelessness - of course, it almost goes without saying that we must not expect to receive the understanding and acknowledgement of others (the world). Taking the Path of High Resistance means that we will be alienated from almost everyone around us, including other seekers, as JJ has pointed out. I never think this is so bad because it throws us back on our own resources but I know it is a stumbling block for some. Until a few months ago there was a man in my life for whom I cared deeply but he was unable to reconcile my beliefs and desire to serve with his own unbelieving point of view and he perceived my spirituality as being a barrier between us. So I gave him up as I saw that his unrelenting position would increasingly create barriers between us and divert my energy from fulfilling the directives of my soul. I missed him but knew I made the right decision and at a certain level, was able to feel 'careless' about the situation. But then, I have always been uncompromising in that respect, although I acknowledge that it's not easy. Jesus often spoke about the separation from those we love that would take place once we made the decision to follow our Truth. It happens for sure but we have to practice Divine Carelessness when it does. - we have to be indifferent to the promptings of our personality which will always strive for the opposite of the highest service we can perform because it takes us out of our comfort zone. I had to face that one recently when deciding on whether or not to start a Synthesis Group - we have to develop an attitude of Divine Carelessness when the inevitable periods of pessimism and sense of futility appear in one's life - the dark night of the soul - including a recognition of their temporary, illusionary nature. We have to refuse to give those times any importance as we strive to serve. - we also have to be oblivious to the promptings of our physical comforts (note - not 'needs') and that's not as easy as it seems no matter how far along the Path we are. - then there is another kind of carelessness that a person gains when she discovers that she is a free agent spiritually speaking; when she realises she is free to express her divine nature in her own way without reference to anyone else. The freedom of self-determination is a powerful force once it is fully realised and it results in a responsible 'carelessness'. Bit it's late, I'm getting 'careless' with my typing and dreamtime beckons. BTW, it's been pointed out to me that I don't always practice what I preach. I freely admit that and stress that the above are ideals that I can only aspire to. But unless I strive for the highest I can achieve, I will never get anywhere. So please take it as read that I more often than not fall short of the mark. My only consolation is that I'm in very good company :-) Wishing you all Divine Carelessness in your lives - Love Glenys -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- I cannot walk an inch without trying to walk to God. - Anne Sexton Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5510 From: Marylin Subject: Re: Harmony and uniformity Paul Yu writes: "The parable of choir and example of 2+2=4 seem unfortunate because these gave the wrong impression of uniformity instead of harmony. All members in the choir sing the same notes with requirement of mathematical unchangeability. Individual variations seem buried alive: Isn't this the impression it gave?" Hi Paul and everyone Now that the modem is replaced I can see that i missed a lot but am now catching up. I miss Zia and pray that she will be kept safe and free from all harm. I love the Choir parable. I sang in the choir in high school and that gave me a basis to truly understand about "team work". But it never occurred to me to think of it in a mathematical way. Maybe I am feeling less about it, but I say the song every single day at least once and think of parts of the song often. Over a year ago, it occurred to me just once for a nano second that destructive forces, thoughts and feelings might be more in a negative sense, but then, just as swiftly, my inner self told me that it's okay. Go ahead and say them because the real issue is thanking the Father for protection against those things. So I say/sing in my heart all of the words (I memorized them a while back) in the exact sequence as they are given in the book. On occasion I loose my place and find myself repeating a stanza, but I don't even worry about that. I don't worry about my mood, whether good or not so good, I still say the song. After all, I do have to live with myself and if I don't say it, I'll just be upset with myself. I don't have a very good singing voice any more, but that's okay too. I can still "make a joyful noise unto the Lord." Love, Light, Peace and Harmony Marylin Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5511 From: AGiles Subject: Re: Rob I fully sympathize with you. True, I am 46 and made a foolish mistake of "violating probation"(having 4 cats when stated I couldn't for 2 years, even though the ones who sentenced me to that couldn't find them in the first place) I must spend 10 days in jail. Yes, I do understand what you mean about the constitution not meaning a dam thing . It didn't matter that I was never read the Miranda rights, I was questioned without an attorney present, small stuff like that, the law didn't want to hear that, I was the one spending the time in jail (likely I can split it into 5 weekends, only 4 more to go). Like you I experimented with drugs (of course when I was your age) and can understand the losses in your life that you are experiencing. There will be those of us that will be there with you in spirit. I hope that you will get this before you go. Feel free to be in contact with me before you go and after you get out. Lynne (who also walks that obscure path that so many have forgotten) Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5512 From: Glenys Lowery Subject: Re: Rob Well, Rob, you haven't started any arguments as far as I'm concerned. For what it's worth, I feel deeply for you and your situation. It's amazing the situations we set up for ourselves in order to learn some needed lesson or life skill. It sounds like you have grown tremendously through your experience and will no doubt continue to do so. That's all very well but right now you're feeling lost and afraid and any words of comfort I can offer would probably sound very empty. If I was going to recommend anything it would be to say the Song every day. It cannot fail to help you cope in the weeks ahead. For my part, I promise that I will include you in my prayers every day until you return to us. I will miss you and your posts very much. Go well. Love and prayers Glenys -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- I cannot walk an inchwithout trying to walk to God. - Anne Sexton Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5513 From: Marylin Subject: Re: A New Beginning ... a reply with JJ Dave Curtis writes: "I Love my wife dearly. Yet, oddly, I still have destructive thoughts and feelings about her. She smokes around me and my child, which really upsets me. She goes out every weekend to bars and drinks. She causes harm to herself and others, although she doesn't know it yet. I Love hear dearly, yet how can I not have some destructive thoughts and feelings in that situation? Love is not the answer to everything. Those who believe it is are being deceived." Hi Dave You have just asked the same questions I have often asked myself, wondering how on earth can anyone think destructive things and still be loving. Then I ran across the answer that has helped me to get through a lot of feelings I wasn't particularly happy with. "Compassion is the essence of love" And from the bible, "Hope is the essence of faith, the evidence of things unseen". So now, I finally know how to let myself "experience" feelings without letting them "get to me" in such a way that it affects my living in the physical world. (At least not for more than 24 hours) Hey, JJ, this is what I thought about asking you for a couple days ago when I didn't have access to the net. If to God a day is as a 1000 years and a 1000 years is as a day, then if dealing with negative feelings that take a while to deal with......does one do any harm to oneself? Love, Light, Peace and Harmony Marylin Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5514 From: Marylin Subject: Re: OT--Party Levitation Anyone? Glenys Lowery writes: "Hi folks. Has anyone ever been a part of or watched party levitation when it's actually worked? You know, that trick where 4 people lift a 5th person with only their fingers?" Hi Rob Boy, I haven't thought about this since I was 11 years old. That was when I had the opportunity take part in a levitation. The gal being levitated was overweight and the four of us doing the levitation were all under 100 lbs. We followed instructions and literally threw her into the air. Luckily she came down in a sitting position again and wasn't hurt. What an experience that was. Love, Light, Peace and Harmony Marylin Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5515 From: "xavier" Subject: Re: to Terrance: Drugs don't bring anything that the human abilities can't do. And drugs force it, with damage. (my opinion) BTW, people who develop their psychic abilities, like occultists, for instance who train to get down to deep sleep brain rythm in a few seconds, and act from there, well these people are most vulnerable to drugs, and not just hard ones, but a simple coffee or aspirin can heavily unbalance them. (what I read:-) So your motivation, as stated, is correct, in the limits of what you knew. Although risking your body on the limits of what you know is most unsafe, you'll agree. This leads me to the idea that the situation you created (sentence and jail and all) may be a good answer to what you asked. (oh oh oh I see anger rising:-) I once was sentenced to 100 hours of community job. I learned through this that the governmental justice is not the divine one:) (hard head of mine) . I ended up being offered a job, and a safe one (city gardener). All good presents. Of course there have been gloomy times in the police station then in the court palace jail, etc.. BUT the key person among tenths that I met (the judge;-)) was a human sensitive one. All the others croaked at me:-) (voices of the underworld:-) Getting enlightened through drugs, resolving emotional issues? Well if I recall the way I was desperate about my similar situation (what you described, self esteem etc..) I can understand that very well. The exit came completely out of the blue:-) The point here is that we are conscious only of a small part of ourselves. So you have been told already that you have much life ahead, then I'll add that you have much life around, behind and on the sides that your conscious mind doesn't see at all. They all get teamed (the sides:-) and working when the time comes. Apart from a "been there, got out" what else can I say? :-) Yes, many were much worse, and got out also, and with honors (Light) Is it your personality that revolts itself against the jaws it is locked in? It has to surrender anyway, sometime someway somewhere (and when you decide to accept to surrender). This is all growth process. The trouble is that our society labels this as depression, dark, destructive, no end tunnel, going down and destroying oneself, whereas it is a normal good growth process (especially for able souls). It is the period of my life I most grew in. I wish I had had more courage to go farther into the dark. I wrote about this here when the topic was the dark night of the soul. Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5516 From: "xavier" Subject: Re: Re: OT--Party Levitation Anyone? Marylin writes: "The gal being levitated was overweight and the four of us doing the levitation were all under 100 lbs. We followed instructions and literally threw her into the air. Luckily she came down in a sitting position again and wasn't hurt. What an experience that was." Now can someone describe this precisely? What are the "instructions"? (apart from accumulating the air element so much into the body that it floats away, of course:-)) this is for serious students:- ( LOL Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5517 From: Paul Yu Subject: Re: A word to Rob Hi Rob, This bad dream of yours is a continuation of your experimentation with life in order to grow. It might appear different from what it is ideally supposed to be, but that is all right. Truth can never be altered on account of our feelings or beliefs. All experiments and experiences of a person, no matter how difficult to understand and hard to bear, are conducive to growth for the person. You started rather early in life compared to a lot of others because you don't want to waste time and more importantly because you are ready for what you are attempting to achieve. If you were not fully aware of what you were trying to do as yet you will soon. I can assure you that you are not wasting time and energy in this experiment and other experiments to come. You were doing exactly what you chose to do even without being fully aware of it on the personality level. Trust is the word I offer you, Rob. Paul Yu SpiritualityABC SpiritualityESOTERIC http://onelitst.com Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5518 From: "xavier" Subject: Re : Trust J J Dewey writes: "Contemplate this enigmatic phrase and tell us... Why in the world would this be a quality that is looked for? How do you suppose divine carelessness is different from the standard carelessness we see all about us? Glenys just presented a great account of the dangers the signers of he Declaration faced. Were they divinely careless?" Well you just don't care about what is illusion, including matter, emotions and thoughts, if you have overcome the illusions therein. I mean that if the situation asks you to follow your soul against the pulls of the three planes, you laugh at their resistance. Or gladly give in. Of course this is madness to the social animal, very much like the fool (Le Mat) card of the Tarot. Do you see the picture? HE walks, nose up, straight towards a chasm. He looks ahead and above, not down. A fox is biting his upper leg. HE carries a small bag on a stick resting on his shoulder. He is dressed colorfully and somewhat clowny. Well to social consciousness, or personality one, this is a complete reverse of sanity. And in the tarot it represents the incarnation of divinity in man. So we must be able to be completely free of worry, and full of faith. (of course we also need responsibility, and earth consciousness, but this is another arcane:-) Yes you might call it "heaven responsibility". What children have so much and adults so little. It is the card with no number. The one with no name is the XIII. I love that arcane, it is 22 to me. (some say it is 21, but I don't feel it that way, 21 is the world alright.) It is also divine receptivity, femininity. Femininity to high energies. Women are most careful to earth energies. Men are freer, spermatozoids, little points, seeds. Yes it is also about marriage, between soul and personality. Divine one. hmm...:-) I like to talk about this:-) Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5519 From: Marylin Subject: Re: OTs Hi to all Just wanted to say that I really like the OTs. Even the ones that may not be in time with what we are learning at the time. In all of them there has been something to learn. And I especially love the ones that make me laugh. Laughter is such an important part of life. I read somewhere, a long time ago, that laughter felt from the heart borders on ecstacy. No wonder I get tears in my eyes when I laugh. Love, Light, Peace and Harmony Marylin Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5520 From: Lynne Subject: Re: A word to Rob Paul Very well said. It is true that we all learn and experience what we are meant to learn when the timing is right. I have found that out myself in the last few years Lynne Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5521 From: "xavier" Subject: Re : Re: A word to Rob Paul Yu writes: "Hi Rob, This bad dream of yours is a continuation of your experimentation with life in order to grow." Yes, I'll add a bit. In a crisis situation, the door opens for bad energies. JJ once talked about it. In my experience with the law, I had some days of very unbalanced, and vulnerable situations. Like people in jail looking at me strangely. Happily it remained emotional aggression. But someone might have created more. So my point is: a door may be open, through which bad things can happen, so it is the ideal time in life to "keep the mind steady in the light" for sure. This is like a wound, much can enter while it is open. Yet "the healing lies in the wound" (thanks icq friends for this). So please stay cool, humorous inside. If you begin creating anything in your head, it might very well manifest into trouble. Divine carelessness on topic for sure:-) You'll simply be without many protections, social ones, that you usually have. That's why you are afraid now, maybe, you already sense it coming. You must rely on yourself, and will be forced to: "here you are nobody", meaning you have no privilege and will be judged naked, with what you really are. Time to give up all the habits we have to rely on social powers (family, money, education, whatever) True qualities will shine. Fake ones will splitter. (real initiation situation:-) BTW, I'm most impressed by the qualities you show in your post. Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5522 From: "xavier" Subject: Re : Re : Re: A word to Rob Xavier writes: Time to give up all the habits we have to rely on social powers (family, money, education, whatever)" whiny emotional pressure on others doesn't work there. (remembering myself:-) Incredible how I had habits of an arrogant son of a rich family.:-) Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5523 From: Marylin Subject: Re: Zia's Leaving Diane Linen writes: "This is the main point of the list... to learn all we can from JJ. There will always be those who will both come and leave the list but this is their decision and not mine to question. I may believe it's their loss but that too is their decision. Onward and upward!" Diane, you read my mind. Especially the "not mine to question" part. Love, Light, Peace and Harmony Marylin Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5524 From: Marylin Subject: Re: Rob writes: "I'm 23, and have lots of life to live yet. What do you want on your tombstone?" Hi Rob You may not get this for 30 days but that's okay. Your experience brought the words "cause and effect" to mind. Also a question that I have wondered about for years. It says in Revelations (I think that's where it is) that no one can enter Heaven by the back door. At that time I was into things like ouija, etc. I wondered then if I was trying to enter through the back door. Don't forget us while you are there. If you say the song, keep on saying it. It can create miracles. See you when you get back. Love, Light, Peace and Harmony Marylin Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5525 From: Marylin Subject: Re: Re : Re: OT--Party Levitation Anyone? Xavier writes: "Now can someone describe this precisely? What are the "instructions"? (apart from accumulating the air element so much into the body that it floats away, of course:-)) this is for serious students:-( LOL" Hi Xavier I will try to remember but can't promise anything as it was 51 years ago. (good grief, I'm over half a century old) As I remember, the four of us had to stand at east, west, north, south points around our levitee and alternate our hands on her head. I think we were told to press lightly, count to 3 (or something like that) pull our hands out FAST, each one clasp her hands together with the thumbs extended and each at her assigned place, put the thumbs under the arms and the knees at the joints. I keep thinking this has something to do with static electricity. For the fun of it, (when I was little) I used to stand in the doorway between the kitchen and dining room, press the backs of my hands against the sides for a short time and when I stepped out, my arms would raise to the side by themselves. It felt like they were being pushed up. Static electricity again. Hope this helps. Love, Light, Peace and Harmony Marylin Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5526 From: Marylin Subject: Re: Back to the Basics J J Dewey writes: "(15) Trust Question: What are the areas where the disciple needs to demonstrate his trustworthiness as far as the inner teachers are concerned? How much should he trust others?" A disciple needs to demonstrate his trustworthiness, especially as far as the inner teachers are concerned in order to be true to himself. If he is always true to himself, then he will always be true to others. How much should he trust others? I will have to see what others here think about this. I am still asking myself the same question in everyday living. Love, Light, Peace and Harmony Marylin Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5527 From: "The Alps of Culross Studios" Aley Subject: Re: Back to the Basics "How much should he trust others? I will have to see what others here think about this. I am still asking myself the same question in everyday living." Hi, I have just joined the list and over these past months have thought a great deal about this. What I am finding for myself is that as I learn to trust the higher aspects of myself that I find that I can trust others in ways I hadn't thought possible. This inner trust seems to take me away from those who still need to deal with their own fears. Thank you Aley Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5528 From: Marylin Subject: Re: Key Issues J J Dewey writes: "I would be interested in knowing if others feel this way and if you do what is it that has been overlooked? Should we delay the teachings even more and handle these overlooked things?" Sometimes, I am a bit slow these days and it takes a little while to get straight in my mind what it is that I need to learn about. I think the teachings should continue along with allowances for overlooked things being brought up. "In the meantime the sixteenth quality of the disciple presents the key factor that causes confrontations such as has occurred here recently. This positive quality of the disciple brings conflict to the surface. Can you guess what it may be?" Could the 16th quality be conviction? It would be most difficult to do something that one is not convinced about. Love, Light, Peace and Harmony Marylin Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5529 From: Norman Fleshman Subject: Re: Back to the Basics A certain "holy man" asked a student...."Can I trust you?" The student thought for a moment and then replied, " You can trust me as long as I trust you." ... It seems that where, or, in whom, we place our trust does have a lot to do with our trustworthiness otherwise. ?? Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5530 From: (Richard/ Sharon) Subject: New Member Welcome to the family, Aley, nice to meet you, looking forward to getting to know you. blessings, sharon & richard ^I^ ^I^ Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5531 From: "xavier" Subject: Re : Re: Re : Re: OT--Party Levitation Anyone? Marylin writes: "For the fun of it, (when I was little) I used to stand in the doorway between the kitchen and dining room, press the backs of my hands against the sides for a short time and when I stepped out, my arms would raise to the side by themselves. It felt like they were being pushed up. Static electricity again." no, muscle response and latency, inertia. Gives unconscious muscular work. Or is it originated in the nerves? So this is it, your levitation?:-) Well static would be concrete also anyway. Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5532 From: (Richard/ Sharon) Subject: Rob's letter Rob, please don't think i'm being patronizing to you, but I KNOW that every situation carries a blessing, we may have to look a bit deeper in some cases than in others. I agree with much of what you say, i also think that some drugs should be decriminalized, for many reasons, one being medical. A dear friend's husband took a chance of becoming a criminal by obtaining marijuana for his wife dying of cancer. Rob, there is a reason for everything that happens, if you can do nothing else open yourself to receive our love that is being sent to you by the members of this list, we are really wonderful people and love very well, allow us to love you. blessings, sharon & richard Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5533 From: Marylin Subject: Re: Re : Re: Re : Re: OT--Party Levitation Anyone? Xavier writes: "themselves. It felt like they were being pushed up. Static electricity again. no, muscle response and latency, inertia. Gives unconscious muscular work. Or is it originated in the nerves? So this is it, your levitation?:-) Well static would be concrete also anyway." Oh well, I know very little about static electricity except I have been "zapped" after walking across a carpet. Other than that, I have no idea why the levitation works. Marylin Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5534 From: Diane Linen Subject: Re: Re : Re: Re : Re: OT--Party Levitation Anyone? Maybe it's magic? :-) Actually they are two completely different things. I've zapped my cats with static electricity. A shocking experience for us both. Diane Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5535 From: J J Dewey Subject: Rob - Divinely Careless? Rob, I feel for you my old friend. Have you been careless, divinely careless or a little of both? One would have to be in your shoes and know your heart and intentions to know for sure. If there is some divinity in your carelessness you will learn much in the next few months - as long as you listen to your soul. Love and support. JJ Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5536 From: Diane Linen Subject: Re: Trust J J Dewey wrote: "Question concerning number 15: What are the areas where the disciple needs to demonstrate his trustworthiness as far as the inner teachers are concerned? How much should he trust others?" I generally trust someone till they give me reason not to. It doesn't make me bitter but it does make me more wary with that person. I think if anything it saddens me to find they have done or said something that makes them untrustworthy. I don't give my friendship lightly nor do I give up friends easily. "How many times have each of us met someone in our lives who said something like this to us: "What's the matter don't you trust me?" This then seems to play upon the person's guilt and he gives in thinking he is doing a virtuous act and trusts the person whom he does not know that well with valuables of some kind." Just this last year someone asked me why didn't I trust them. This family member has proven she can't be trusted time and time again. It doesn't make me love her any less. "Than a short time after the trust was given the person who trusted finds himself totally betrayed. After this happens two or three times the trusting one often turns to the other extreme and then trusts no one and often becomes bitter." As I said, it just makes me sad that they can't be trusted like I would want to. "No matter how high we go we always have free will. However while walking in the light after illusion is overcome the light is almost impossible to betray. Nevertheless, there does come another round of temptation when one progresses to a higher level as illustrated by the fall of Lucifer in the Bible." Too often in the last few months I've felt that I am far from the point where I can do what is expected of us even on this list. I feel unworthy. Why do I stick with it? Perhaps it's hope that I will one day be more worthy. Diane ... the ever hopeful, ever seeking student Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5537 From: J J Dewey Subject: Trusting the Soul I think you underestimate yourself Diane. You are as worthy as the rest of us. One more thing on trust. If you receive a communication through your soul that you should trust someone then you should override your mental skepticism. I have never been disappointed when this has happened. I have also found the soul communications to be 100% correct when it told me not to trust someone. JJ Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5538 From: "xavier" Subject: Re : Re: Back to the Basics Warm welcome to the Alps up here:-) Aley writes: "Hi, I have just joined the list and over these past months have thought a great deal about this. Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5539 From: "xavier" Subject: Re : Re: Re : Re: Re : Re: OT--Party Levitation Anyone? Marylin wrote: "Oh well, I know very little about static electricity except I have been "zapped" after walking across a carpet. Other than that, I have no idea why the levitation works." It's like the trick of the arm: you put a pressure sideways, thus tensing your muscles that can raise your arm. When you stop asking your arm to raise, the muscles or nerves have inertia, and the arm raises, because the muscles do the job, although you stopped willing it. Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5540 From: (Richard/ Sharon) Subject: Worthiness Diane, i really believe that every human that is still 3D human and walking around is working on feeling worthy, worthy of our parents, our children, our spouses, our friends, and most especially GOD! On one episode of the TV show "Touched By An Angel" one of the lines was "I feel so unworthy of God's love", and the angel answered "That's the beauty of God's Grace everyone is and He loves us still" (or words to that effect) those words touched me deeply, now its my choice to continue to feel unworthy or to accept the love because it's mine, by Divine Grace and i'm a child of God. Your posts have meant a lot to me, Diane, and i thank you for being in my life. That gratitude is extended to each and every one of you on this list, past and present, you have all expanded my knowledge of the human and the Divine. blessings, Sharon ^I^ ^I^ Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5541 From: Brian Weis Subject: welcome to Aley Greetings, Aley. Now that you are in the "car", buckle up and hold on. It's a sometimes bumpy, but always joyous journey with the fellow Keysters. Smiles and miles... ~B. Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5542 From: "The Alps of Culross Studios" Aley Subject: Re: welcome to Aley Thank you, I am delighting in this list. I have been so hungry for this level of understanding and wisdom. I hate to admit it but it seemed as if every list I have joined of late has been a disappointment to me, but somehow this one seems different. Aley Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5543 From: Brian Weis Subject: Re: Worthiness Your words on this subject were very niece -- not to mention decidedly on target. I remember very clearly growing up in fear of my father, desiring to feel some sense of worth around him. Well, I did eventually come to know that I was worthy of his love and that he had always been proud of me... he just did not know how to show it. ~B. Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5544 From: "xavier" Subject: Re : Re: Trust Diane Linen wrote: "Too often in the last few months I've felt that I am far from the point where I can do what is expected of us even on this list. I feel unworthy. Why do I stick with it?" Yes, why do you stick with this feeling? :-) Go on, it opens up along the way. "Perhaps it's hope that I will one day be more worthy. Diane ... the ever hopeful, ever seeking student" Maybe does this come from the past. Then accept it, and try not letting this feeling overcome you. And don't hesitate to ask for compliments. Have faith, I wish you good "luck":-) Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5545 From: John Kosior Subject: Re: Re : Re: Trust Diane And All, Thought I'd throw in a couple thoughts on this. As for this feeling of worthiness or unworthiness, I'll say that I have no trouble accepting my unworthiness. I am completely unworthy. :) (and so are you) But, I'm also completely worthy. (And so are you) But we are worthy for a very simple reason. That's been the Father's intention. For us not to fail, and therefore to be called worthy. More than worthy, we will be (are) called "good" and "faithful". (The Creator's first intention will always match perfectly with the outcome) So if we can trust that God's first intention for us was that we would not fail. That we would be called worthy and good and faithful servants. Then it must stand to reason that no matter what the present, outer package "seems" like, or "feels" like, that if we accept God's good intent, we can also accept the ultimately matching outcome. So what about now? Now I know what it is to be unworthy. I've made this to be by the choices I've made along the way. There's no denying this. And in all of this, I can acknowledge "unworthiness". But, I know the Creator. I know His Heart. I know His intentions. And so I know the outcome. And so, as I accept more and more that this outcome is secure, I find myself living as if I were worthy, because I am. Now, to some, I know, the idea that any of us can be deemed "unworthy" is a thing to be scoffed at. But I say that in order to know what it was to be worthy, we've had to know what it feels like to not be. And now I do. But I also know that ultimately, I am worthy. (I love paradox) And so now I find myself at point of choice. Free to choose. Do I live from my memories of unworthiness, (and subsequently do the unworthy things that that person might do)? Or do I live from the ultimate reality that I am worthy, (and subsequently do the things that that person might do)? Hmmm. It's actually a lot tougher a decision than it sounds. (Well, it is for me anyway :) But the principle is sound. It always works, and so passes the test for me from the soul level as well as from the physical. But just for the sake of clarity, imagine this. You come home one evening to find that your spouse has baked your favorite pie. After eating a piece, your spouse asks you, "How's the pie?". And you give your answer either from honesty or from kindness. :) But in reality, can you really answer that question? Well, no, because you've only had a piece of the pie. In order to "know" the goodness of the pie, you would have to eat the whole thing. In order for me to "know" my worthiness, I needed to know what unworthy felt like. And so, as I do with most things, I eat the whole pie. Then when I do, it's then that I find that it's good. (Warning: The statement above is intended for "spiritual" use only. The writer assumes no responsibility for obesity in those who practice whole pie eating in the physical :o) Blessings Folks, John Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-07/5546 From: "xavier" Subject: Re : Re: welcome to Aley Aley wrote: "Thank you, I am delighting in this list I have been so hungry for this level of understanding and wisdom." Yes you remind me of what I now take for granted: the great understanding and human qualities that are here among us:-) Thanks to those who initiated the list. Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-06/5547 From: Rick Audette Subject: Finding God Go in peace Rob, I could not respond before you got locked up, but hope you will return to us, next month. For what it's worth, I've been there, done that, and then some. It does not matter, to me, where you were looking to find God, because you seek, you WILL find. Okay, maybe not in that "home brew", you made, tho' He was there, or in your cell, tho' He is there too, but I know you will find Him. They will make you take a 12 step program, when you are on probation and that is a VERY good way to find Him, if you do the steps. I know you will be fine. Don't worry about the big F on your shirt. Remember, JC and the 12 disciples all did time. I think it would be nice if those on the list, who are interested, would combine there best wishes in a snail mail letter to him. I know, if I was in his position, I would dearly treasure such a letter. I don't have the address of where he will be, but I'm sure, with all the seekers we have, that someone will find the address, within a day, then one volunteer could gather the posts, print them and mail them. Meanwhile, I will continue to picture him saying the song with us all, just as you all did for me, in my time of separation from the list, last spring. As far as I know, Rob is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, so that's where to start looking. A friend, Rick -- ICQ 19753992 visit my web pages at http://www.ont.com/users/rea1/ have you read "The Immortal" http://www.freeread.com *** Who said love should come easy Instant flame from a spark in the eye Even when it doesn't hurt you Love can make you cry Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-07/5548 From: J J Dewey Subject: Rob's Address Rick, That was a great idea to send the postings to Rob. I have his parents address somewhere. I'll see if I can dig it up. If I can I'll print him up all the postings everyone makes and send them to him in a week or so. So if anyone wants to post notes of good cheer to Rob there's a good chance we can get him delivered our writings. JJ Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-07/5549 From: J J Dewey Subject: Balance Question: Why would balance be so essential to the disciple and why would a balanced nature often bring conflict? Almost all people, with the exception of high disciples and adepts, swing back and forth like pendulums and only take a passing peek at the true midway point as they swing by it. It is the nature of almost all people to want to take a particular side, left or right, black or white, born again or new age. What is the reason for this? The answer: Because they do not have to think. When a particular side is taken there is always a special set of answers peculiar to that side and when one extreme or the other is embraced then one does not have to make any decisions or do any thinking because everything has been pre-formulated. Because of this tendency to take a side where formula answers exist the majority of people therefore turn into extremists, but because there are so many on each side of the extreme, the extremes seem normal. Where the extreme seems normal the one who has balance seems to be the extreme. Here is an example Many people in all religions believe that only this planet supports life. This belief is maintained even though it is the only one little orb in this universe of billions of galaxies with billions of star systems. All the lights in the sky are just for us to look at and enjoy. When you think of it this is indeed an extreme view not supported by logical or balanced thought. Many religions believe that a simple declaration of faith will suddenly make them enamored in the eyes of God and He will prepare a blissful place for then for eternity while more pleasant people who do not make the declaration will suffer untold torture for eternity. Does this idea seem balanced or extreme when you think about it? Many religious people believe that the earth and universe is only 6-10,000 years old even though there are mountains of evidence against it including the fact that we have spotted galaxies whose light has taken sixteen billion years to reach us. Metaphysical and new age people laugh at the religious extreme, but how about them? Are they also affected? Let's take a look. Many believe they are somehow immortal or al least just about immortal. Why? Merely because they believe it to be so or some alien (Zor) is coming to transform them. The question is why would the aliens pick them over a bunch of ranchers in Grangeville, Idaho? Or why would a mere act of belief make them immortal any more than the born againers belief will cart him off to heaven? Perhaps we have extremes on both sides of the belief system? Many believe every teaching they come across that claims to be channeled, even if one teaching contradicts another teaching. I have met New Agers who believe some channeled material that teaches reincarnation, for example, and then also believe other material that teaches that it is not true. Is it extremists to believe that two opposing doctrines are both correct? Verily, yes - unless there is some good explanation that tells us of a misunderstanding. Many believe that they have escaped he world of duality and live beyond polarity in bliss and oneness. But when you think about it your body as well as the earth around us is created out of duality. If we really escape duality then our bodies, this earth and universe would disappear as A Course in Miracles teaches. If we still see the world around us then we are still in duality. Isn't it extreme to believe that we are not affected by duality? Yes again. If you do not believe me stick your hand in boiling water and see if the duality affects you. Ask yourself why you even live in a house or apartment which protects you from the dualities of wind, rain and cold. Thus we see that there are extremists on both sides. And what happens when a balanced person, who looks at both sides, and makes an independent logical conclusion and tells them his opinion? If he tells the religious one that he is not saved any more than any other decent person such a one will often become angry, not because of an extreme position, but because of balance? What happens when a balanced one tells a New Ager that he has not escaped the polarities or that he is not on his last life or that he is not yet immortal? Again the extremist will become angry at a balanced point of view. Thus we see that balance in the disciple often leads to the path of high resistance and much discipline and perseverance is needed to plow through the strange teachings before a small path of real truth is open to view. Now we present quality eighteen: (18) Understanding and making efficient use of time How can we become more efficient in time management?_ How can we avoid wasting time? Is it possible to perform more than one task at a time? What is the principle behind the Sabbath of rest? Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-07/5550 From: Marylin Subject: Re: Re : Re: Re : Re: OT--Party Levitation Anyone? Diane Linen writes: "I've zapped my cats with static electricity. A shocking experience for us both." Meeoooooooow. Naughty Mama. lol Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-07/5551 From: Marylin Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re : Re: Re : Re: OT--Party Levitation Anyone? Xavier wrote: "It's like the trick of the arm: you put a pressure sideways, thus tensing your muscles that can raise your arm. When you stop asking your arm to raise the muscles or nerves have inertia, and the arm raises, because the muscles do the job, although you stopped willing it." Just had a thought. (I've been told that is dangerous) If these things can be done with the physical body, why couldn't they be done on other levels....the mental or spiritual.....or is that something we have been learning to do? We learn, we apply and we practice.....sorry, I often get "strange" thoughts like this. Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-07/5552 From: Marylin Subject: Re: Worthiness Sharon writes: "Touched By An Angel" one of the lines was "I feel so unworthy of God's love", and the angel answered "That's the beauty of God's Grace; everyone is and He loves us still" (or words to that effect) those words touched me deeply, now its my choice to " Hi Sharon "Touched By An Angel", my very favorite TV show. Tess said those words or words to that effect. I never tire of hearing them. Love, Light, Peace and Harmony Marylin Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-07/5553 From: Marylin Subject: Re: welcome to Aley Aley writes: "I am delighting in this list I have been so hungry for this level of understanding and wisdom." Welcome to the table Aley. Sit with us and enjoy the most sumptious meal that can be had anywhere. There is always room for one more. Love, Light, Peace and Harmony Marylin Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-07/5554 From: Marylin Subject: Re: Balance J J Dewey writes: "Now we present quality eighteen: (18) Understanding and making efficient use of time. How can we become more efficient in time management?" Time management....easy to do on the physical level (at least for me) but does this also apply to the spiritual level? Example of my past experiences: I have several things to do and stops to make and only a certain amount of time in which to do them so I can get back in time to make supper. Allowing for driving time and maybe a bit of chatting time with clerks, long lines, etc. I plan the route I will be going (also allowing for detours). Then, when I have finished my "chores", I will have "made a trip around the block", accomplished all that I wanted and possibly more and have more than enough time left over to prepare supper. "How can we avoid wasting time?" I think this comes down to the choices one makes. We can decide we want to get something done that we are not big on doing and jump right in to "get it out of our hair", or we can "put it off till later" thus wasting time. Personally, I like to do dishes immediately after supper because I prefer a clean kitchen. My grandsons would let the dishes set till they grow moss. Planning ahead with allowances for changes in the plans, seems to work pretty well for me. "Is it possible to perform more than one task at a time?" Of course it is. I put the wash in the washer, then, go out check on my veggie garden, pull a few weeds, come back in and sweep the kitchen floor, put the wash in the dryer, pull out some of the back posts I have printed off and read and reread and cogitate and ponder and come up with the thoughts that I have been told are "dangerous". Remove the wash from the dryer and fold and put it away. Through all of it, I am thinking about spiritual things and how they relate to my physical life and how can I accomplish that which I wish to accomplish. "What is the principle behind the Sabbath of rest?" "And on the seventh day God rested". I've read about many different religions and as many different views, but to me, personally, the Sabbath can occur at any time. As I sit here typing, I am "celebrating the Sabbath" as my full undivided attention is now on spiritual matters. Yes, I would like to stay here constantly, but then, how would the wash get done, the floor swept, the weeds pulled? So I guess I use a time management here in order to avoid wasting time by performing more than one task at a time so I can stop and rest on the Sabbath. Love, Light, Peace and Harmony Marylin Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-07/5555 From: Ed Fernandez Subject: Re: Rob, I'm sorry you had to experience the oppressive ignorance of our tightly controlled government. I agree with you that these things should be decriminalized...and there are more ways to God than anyone has realized...we just have to be sensible and discern with our hearts... Be yourself...and trust that! Sincerely, Maghavat You wrote: "At 8:00pm tonight I'll be checking myself into the Wisconsin House of Corrections-- a fancy name here for jail--where I'll be staying until August 5th or 6th to fulfill one of the court- imposed punishments." Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-07/5556 From: John Kosior Subject: Re: Balance J J Dewey wrote: "Now we present quality eighteen: (18) Understanding and making efficient use of time. How can we become more efficient in time management?" Hi Folks, Well, I'm going to try to keep my answer simple, since I seem to be in a bit of a writing slump these days. :) Ok, efficient, time management. Hmmm. I think I might feel more comfortable in describing a more "inefficient" tm model. How about this one? One can easily become less time efficient by simply griping and complaining more. And I mean all the time. Not just when we're late to work and stuck in traffic. But all the time. Like when you get to work, if you see a problem has been laid down on your desk, don't take it to task. Complain about it! And go make yourself a cup of coffee. And if you see any co-workers standing around, be sure to catch up with them, and if you get a chance, complain about the coffee, and listen to their complaints too. You never know, you may have missed a new angle on complaining. Then bring your complaining friends to see the problem that's been put upon you, and let them expand a bit on the complaints that you have. This can use an inordinate amount of time and deliver to you one of the most uninteresting times of inefficiency that you will ever not experience. Now, I have to say that I have met some wonderful examples of this model of inefficiency. And it's a delight to behold. To see how just one person can lead so many to do so little in as much time as is humanly possible, sometimes using upwards of 50% of their waking hours in idle bitchery, rather than proactive response. Of course this way of thinking goes home too. Where chores can be allowed to backlog for months if one is especially well versed in the art of avoidance through complaint. Hmmm. "The Art of Avoidance Through Complaint". Sounds like a book for our time. :) "How can we avoid wasting time?" Weeeeell, I suppose if we were to rise every day with the pure exhilaration of a child on Christmas morning, we might find ourselves a happier and more efficient manager of time throughout the day. :) "Is it possible to perform more than one task at a time?" Is it possible not to? I think we are extremely able to multi-task. The question is, can we focus on more than one task at a time. In my experience, I can say that the busier and more focused I become on a single-minded project or idea, the more focused I am with all things happening around me. Like today, when I was moving a computer desk, with computer set up on it, from one side of the room to the other. I had my mind focused upon that desk and the safety of that computer. So when the cords from the computer tangled with a high intensity halogen standing lamp and pulled it over, without dropping the desk or losing any focus, my leg shot out to catch the falling lamp only inches from impact on the floor. The point being, that if we can really focus on a single task, we will become able to focus on, and thus perform many. "What is the principle behind the Sabbath of rest?" I would say that this has to do with balance. To be balanced within activity and rest. The balance between creation and the enjoyment of that creation. Well, I was going to mention that I have been on the multi-tasking detail for the past couple weeks. New projects under way and much going on in many varied areas of my life. And it just occurred to me, how I have been finding writing very difficult lately. Hmmm. Perhaps I'm not as able to multi-task as I said earlier. Well, I guess it's back to the drawing board. Sorry about making you waste your time reading my previous answer. Maybe I should go make better use of my time and take a nap. :) Many and Varied Blessings Folks, John Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-07/5557 From: (Richard/ Sharon) Subject: Balance John, you are multi-talented you think and type and totally delight me all at the same time, I especially love the picture i receive of you catching the lamp before it hit the floor, talk about balance. Thank you. Love & light, sharon ^I^ ^I^ Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-07/5558 From: Rick Audette Subject: Re: Balance "How can we become more efficient in time management?" "How can we avoid wasting time?" "Is it possible to perform more than one task at a time?" "What is the principle behind the Sabbath of rest?" People are often amazed by the large number of creative projects and careers that I have been involved in. They ask me how do I ever find the time for all these things. The short answer is, I don't watch much television. The long answer is, I find it very difficult to do nothing, unless I choose to go to sleep. I am driven by a sense of needing to get something accomplished. It's hard for me to sit still long enough to meditate, go fishing, sit on a park bench or be a spectator at games or performances. I'd much rather be on stage or backstage than in the audience. So, my guess, as to how to avoid wasting time, would be to have lots of things that need doing. But these things should not be useless either. I am much more likely to work on things that I find interesting and I have so many interests that, even when I think I am wasting time, I'm getting more done than your average room full of people. How can I do more than one thing at a time? Well, lots of people know that I read a lot, but few have ever seen me reading. With the exception of books 1 and 2 of the Immortal, which were read cover to cover in one sitting, the majority of my reading has either been done on the subway (when I lived in Chicago) or while sitting on my porcelain throne. When I worked as a mechanic, I usually completed repairs in record time. As one hand wielded a wrench or screwdriver, to loosen a fastener, the other hand would be removing another loose screw and laying it down on the table in a neat pattern, so that reassembly would be more efficient. If I do happen to watch a little television, you can bet it will only be on in the background, while I'm busy working on some art project or sitting here working at the computer. What is this principle of Sabbath about? The word means rest and no matter how much you love doing something, if you don't take a break, now and then, you'll get burned out or worn out. I think the idea of setting aside one day of the week, for Sabbath, comes from a time when people didn't have so many interesting things to do with their time. If they hadn't been told to take a day of rest and reflection, they would have done the same things they did all week. To expand one's ring-pass-not, or to just be creative (same thing sorta), one has to step back from the canvas to see how the work is progressing and determine what more needs to be done. With all my interests, it's not hard to take a break from one thing while doing something else. Even still, there are times when my soul needs a break from being Rick. I like to think that while I sleep my soul goes on vacation to the higher worlds. I have other ways of resting too. I have a whole different persona that I can switch too. My alter ego is so different that you could take a picture of each of us, put them on the same page and most people wouldn't know they were the same individual (some of you know how true that is). This other person is much more relaxed and social than the "normal" me and can go to parties, hang out or just sit and do nothing. For most of my life this split personality was a hidden curse, until I learned the secrets of transmutation and turned it into a blessing. The secrets of transmutation and of making efficient use of time are simple. The trick is to have your soul do the scheduling and not let time or matter rule the soul. Rick, et al -- ICQ 19753992 visit my web pages at http://www.ont.com/users/rea1/ have you read "The Immortal" http://www.freeread.com Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-08/5559 From: Diane Linen Subject: Balance Management of time is one of the things I'm best at. I can calculate how long it will take me to get somewhere including all factors involved as well as how long to complete a project. As for performing more than one task at a time, well I've got that one nailed down too. I can be on the phone, watching tv and using the computer working on several different websites all the while. I used to have side by side tvs going to catch two programs at the same time. I know that's what vcrs are for but I never seem to watch what I've taped and end up taping over what I've previously taped. Nowadays I usually work on the computer and either have the tv or the radio on and sometimes talk on the phone to someone too. I don't seem to lose much in the process, although others might argue with that. :-) I've been known to have either ICQ or IM with two or three people chatting and have to go from one to the other. Diane Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-08/5560 From: Rick Audette Subject: Re: Rob's Address "That was a great idea to send the postings to Rob. I have his parents address somewhere. I'll see if I can dig it up. If I can I'll print him up all the postings everyone makes and send them to him in a week or so. So if anyone wants to post notes of good cheer to Rob there's a good chance we can get him delivered our writings." JJ I like that idea, JJ. I think it would be all the more special if Rob received this package from you. I know how nice I feel whenever I get mail or parcels from you :) You can pass on what I have already said to him and tell him I will be thinking of him each day until he returns. You can also tell him that I know of others, off list, that are also sending good vibes his way. Every cloud has a silver lining. Even though you may take a couple more years to see it, trust your older brother, that has been there and done that, some good will come of all of this. Spread some of our light, while you are there, with your brothers in chains. Most of them need it a lot more than you do. Love, Rick -- ICQ 19753992 visit my web pages at http://www.ont.com/users/rea1/ have you read "The Immortal" http://www.freeread.com *** Who said love should come easy Instant flame from a spark in the eye Even when it doesn't hurt you Love can make you cry Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-08/5561 From: Marylin Subject: Re: Balance John Kosior writes: "Sorry about making you waste your time reading my previous answer. Maybe I should go make better use of my time and take a nap. :) Many and Varied Blessings Folks, John" Hi John I have truly enjoyed reading your post. There are two sides to everything and you brought out this one beautifully. What a feat you performed keeping the halogen lamp from hitting the floor. Superhuman. As I was reading your post, my daughter had just gotten up to go to work and I heard her calling Max, our undersized Pekinese, asking him, "Are you going to stay in bed all day?" I went into fits of laughter between reading your post and imagining Max yelling back, "Yes". We all occasionally find ourselves at a plateau where nothing seems to be getting done, but I think more is happening than we are aware of during that time. It's like eating a bit too much at Thanksgiving and having to rest a bit to let everything settle down to a comfortable level. Love, Light, Peace and Harmony Marylin Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-08/5562 From: J J Dewey Subject: Divine Carelessness Divine Carelessness Question: Contemplate this enigmatic phrase and tell us... Why in the world would this be a quality that is looked for? How do you suppose divine carelessness is different from the standard carelessness we see all about us? Glenys gave us an interesting twist on this phrase. She seemed to present the idea of letting go of our cares as a means of achieving carelessness. In other words, we should not be too attached to our cares nor let the cares of the world interfere with our ability to serve humanity. This is indeed a quality needed by the disciple and may be part of a dual meaning of the phrase. The meaning I was probing for is a little different, however. I was thinking of careless in the normal sense of reckless abandon. Why then would a disciple ever be careless? Aren't the qualities e have been discussing those of one who takes care and is balanced and sensible? The answer is simple. In normal times the disciple is careful, rather than careless, about doing the right thing. But then there comes a time that a fork in the road is reached and a choice is presented. Like the parable in The Immortal the disciple must choose the path on the right, the one on the left or stand still and delay a decision through fear. Sometimes the disciple is in a situation where neither decision looks good and both paths seem reckless. In this case he must remember the injunction: "the wrong decision is better than no decision." The disciple makes his best decision and proceeds with a willingness to make corrections when error is revealed, but will continue on the path unless a higher way is revealed. To his friends and family the disciple may appear to be taking a careless and reckless action, but to the soul he is making a divine moving forward from darkness to greater light. Divine carelessness can also occur when the disciple is faced with a seemingly good decision and what seems to be a bad one. He could receive a communication through the soul to go with what appears to be a careless choice. Then again the disciple may be facing no particular choice and receive a spiritual communication to follow a path that seems to make little sense. To onlookers it seems that the person is being careless in his choice. This last circumstance happened to me in a memorable way. Those of you who read The Immortal will remember that I first took note of my wife-to-be when I was teaching a class on handwriting analysis and looked at a sample of her handwriting and realized that she had the qualities that I had always looked for in a companion. Some time later she attended another class I was teaching. As I was preparing to give the lesson I looked down at the audience and noticed her eyes looking at me in anticipation of what I was going to say. There was something about her look that deeply impressed me. I felt from her eyes that she had great faith that I was going to feed her soul with wonderful knowledge and understanding. I felt wonderful and terrible at the same time. It was wonderful that there was a person in the audience who expected great things of me, but it was terrible that my lesson material was just ordinary stuff and that I might disappoint her. I paused a moment in thought and decided to trash my entire lesson and searched my mind for something better to teach. As I contemplated, a phrase came to my mind that I had not given much thought to in the past. The phrase was: "divine carelessness." Something told me to talk on this subject and that is what I did. As I taught the words freely came to me and as I delivered them I saw Artie's (my wife's real name) eyes widen and felt she was absorbing every word with joy. I felt as if there was no one else in the room but her and me. The discourse I delivered was beyond my normal ability and I found myself learning along with the students as I heard some of the teachings coming from my mouth for the first time. I have always wished I had a tape recording of that class because it was probably the most spiritual presentation I have ever made and after I finished I knew within myself that all souls were fed and were satisfied. I won't give all the details, but after the class I talked with Artie and she said to me a phrase I will always cherish: "You made love to our minds," she said. Right around this time lightening struck us both at the same instant and we both fell instantly in love. I asked her if she felt something unusual. She said she did, but wasn't sure what this instant-in-love feeling meant. I told her it meant we were going to be seeing more of each other. Three days later I carelessly proposed to her even though we had never had had one official date together. She weakly resisted, saying that things were happening too fast, but then said yes. Some of my friends thought that I was being careless and impulsive but because I was following guidance through my soul I knew I was dong the right thing. Now over ten years later I still know I did the right thing and all my friends and family now agree with me. Rick mentioned that courage ought to be on this list. He is right, but the disciple will have courage on three levels rather than one and the disciple will have to show courage where the correct decision is not so cut and dry. Let us suppose you are a fireman and you see that a child needs rescued from a burning building. You know there is a certain amount of risk in rescuing the kid, but you enter the building anyway. This is physical courage and is very admirable, but many people who are not disciples possess it. Suppose now you are not a fireman, but a regular guy, and have a phobia of fires and are in the same situation. Now in order to save the child you must not only have physical courage, but emotional courage. The emotional fear can be a much larger obstacle than the physical fear. Now let us go to a third level of courage. You are a fireman again and discover a child in a burning building, but it would not just be risky as before to save the child, but you would be plunging yourself into certain death. Many thoughts go through your mind. You are at the scene and know the risks much better than any one will after the fire is out. If you do not rescue the child you sense the child's parents and possibly some other firefighters will think you are a coward. In addition you will have to deal with your own feelings of failure. Then you think of your own children who depend upon you and weigh their loss of a father compared to the glory of dying in a fruitless rescue attempt. You painfully decide not to rescue the child. Think of it... Sometimes it takes the greatest courage to put yourself in a position where others may call you a coward because they think you have no courage. On the other hand, you may be in this situation and it appears that a rescue will be certain death and you may hear the voice of the soul telling you to proceed and that you will be protected and the child saved. In this case you will show great spiritual courage by proceeding as you mentally consider the certain doom. George Washington showed this second type of courage. I do not remember all the details but my memory of reading a biography of him gores something like this. Washington and his army appeared to be in a no win confrontation with the British and it appeared that the logical thing to do was retreat. This was a tactic that Washington used many times before to save his men so this was the expected move. Instead, Washington commanded his men to charge the enemy. After the command was issued every single man found himself frozen still in fear and not one of them proceeded forward into what was a great risk. Washington saw that his men were paralyzed in fear, but he knew from soul communication that they must make the move so he charged the British all alone. As he charged the British hundreds of bullets were shot at him as he rode right up to the British lines and cruised aside them for a while and then rode back to join his men. As he rejoined his men and they saw that bullets had grazed his clothing, but he was unharmed and they felt ashamed for their lack of courage. Then Washington spoke again: "Do I have to charge them alone again or will you follow?" This time every single man followed and they won a great victory. Now the books on Washington did not make any mention of the Spirit or Soul, but I know beyond doubt that he charged the British because his soul gave him assurance and he had the spiritual guts to follow. Reflecting on true courage as this and Glenys' story from our Founding Fathers really makes one even more disgusted with the gutlessness of present leaders doesn't it? Even after Washington became President he actually led a regiment in person to take care of the Whiskey Rebellion. That would be comparable to Clinton leading a battalion in an invasion of Kosovo before the peace agreement with him as a prime target. Hard to imagine isn't it? Washington did not just perform one or two acts of courage, but many. Long before the Revolutionary war during the French and Indian War Washington fought so bravely against the Indians that he was thought by some of them to be a God and was known as the great white warrior who could not be killed. Perhaps Washington's greatest act of courage was his refusal to become a king when the privilege was offered to him. Few men in that age would have had the courage to say no. To many Washington was just careless and lucky, but to those who know he was divinely careless. Without his divine carelessness this nation just may not be. Time to proceed to Quality 19 which is: Service before personal growth. For the beginning seeker personal growth is number one, but as one proceeds upon the path something else comes to the forefront. Service to humanity is seen as much more important than the progression of the tiny self. Why is this such an important quality? To the disciple approaching the path of service it may seem that personal growth will be sacrificed, but is this the case? What are the personal benefits of unselfish service? Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-08/5563 From: Anni Ida West Subject: Re: Balance JJ wrote: "Now we present quality eighteen: (18) Understanding and making efficient use of time How can we become more efficient in time management? How can we avoid wasting time? Is it possible to perform more than one task at a time? What is the principle behind the Sabbath of rest?" Time is one of my favourite subjects - maybe because there are SO many things I want to do every day :-)) I have learned that I am most efficient when I focus consciously on one thing at a time. You could say it is when I am present here and now. Trying not to focus on the next thing to do or what I should have done already, just keeping my focus on what I AM doing :-)) I seem to get more done that way. But of course I can have many balls in the air at the same time: preparing food, washing the dishes, helping my daughter with math etc. I just put the washing of the dishes on autopilot and focus on my daughter or the food after what is needed - but I try to focus 100% on one of the things at a time. The focus might shift very fast between the 3, and it is when I loose focus and makes the salad while focusing on my daughter's question that I put too much onion into the salad or pour too much oil or something like that. Then it takes me much longer afterwards to correct my mistakes. I think I can only focus on one thing at a time, but I can shift very fast between them. Learning the hard way I now know that the Sabbath of rest is very necessary. It is sort of the time you take to be quiet, evaluate your actions, thoughts, feelings etc. You need rest to find the peace within. As Rick puts it: step back and watch what you are doing and if and how you should change some approaches. To me the Sabbath of rest might be just my 20 minutes of looking within I try to do every morning, it does not have to be a Sabbath = a day. In fact it never is like that to me. The Sabbath of rest to me is shorter periods when I step back and watch my myself. Well, now off to a new task that needs to be done - practising aura sight - I found that one on your page, JJ, and it is great - it gives me a lot of extra energy! Love and light Anni Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-09/5564 From: "Doreen Esberk" Subject: Re: Digest No. 1999-07-06 of The Keys of Knowledge List Hello Dear one!! I do not even pretend to know how to respond to your message. My heart is breaking for you....beloved child!!!!! I have no idea of what to say to you....except that perhaps you... acted out... more that I would have dared to There has never been a question of drugs in my present life..... however.... I somehow feel your pain and agony! Know always that if you need a friend... I am here for you! Know always.... that... even though I do not understand the situation.....I hear your plea.... sense your heart and spirit ... and I am.... YOUR FRIEND! Sincerely Doreen Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-09/5565 From: Marylin Subject: Re: Divine Carelessness J J Dewey writes: "Time to proceed to Quality 19 which is: Service before personal growth." "For the beginning seeker personal growth is number one, but as one proceeds upon the path something else comes to the forefront. Service to humanity is seen as much more important than the progression of the tiny self." "Why is this such an important quality? " I see service to humanity as really important, possibly even more than myself, but when we perform a service for another we are also performing that same service for ourselves simultaneously. It's a one for all, all for one situation. Service becomes a learning point whether negative or positive, in that the word itself is a very large word. Service covers many things besides fixing a car. To the disciple approaching the path of service it may seem that personal growth will be sacrificed, but is this the case? I feel that personal growth stops for no one. If it did we might still be in the second dimension. I feel that all people are constantly performing a service regardless of what they think or feel or believe. Doesn't matter whether they believe it or not. If they smile or frown at another, they have done the other a service. I think "intent" is the big factor behind the service. "What are the personal benefits of unselfish service? " I have many hopes and dreams on this one. But the benefits of unselfish service, I think, are for me, the privilege of having access to higher knowledge as we are getting here. Being able to communicate with all of you is something I hoped for for years. That is a personal benefit beyond words for me. I am going to follow my soul urging at this time and tell you about a dream I had about 30 years ago. I was in this place of what I could only think and feel was pure love. There were a lot of other people around of all races and colors. And the feeling of love was almost overwhelming. We were communicating, but not with words. Everyone was planning to go to something wonderful that was going to happen. They would have to go over a low rise at the edge of the valley we were in. I was unable to see over the rise. I really wanted to go with them. I looked behind me and there was a pen with about a dozen or so sheep in it. I looked back at the people, they all smiled and gave me hugs and I smiled back happy for them. I watched them go over the rise and felt a longing to be with them. But as I turned back to the sheep, I understood that it was my turn to watch them. At that point the sheep changed into children and I woke up. I understand the meaning of my dream, or memory dream. But also it shows a service that must be performed. My immediate benefit from it? Memory. Love, Light, Peace and Harmony Marylin Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-09/5566 From: "Jennifer Hampson" Subject: Love JJ wrote "For the beginning seeker personal growth is number one, but as one proceeds upon the path something else comes to the forefront. Service to humanity is seen as much more important than the progression of the tiny self." "Why is this such an important quality? To the disciple approaching the path of service it may seem that personal growth will be sacrificed, but is this the case? What are the personal benefits of unselfish service?" Once a person has reached a certain level of personal development his or her little self becomes sort of boring and petty in the light of the real Self and the love of Self/Others/God that has been discovered. The desire to want to share the sense of peace and love (words don't do it justice) with others and to help them out of the suffering that accompanies focus on the little self, is tremendously strong. Perhaps it stems from the realization of how connected you are to everyone. They are all like your family, or even closer, like a part of you, and you can see through the surface layers and see God in them and you love them because they are God but you realize they don't recognize it (if they did they wouldn't dislike themselves and do the destructive, hurtful things to themselves and to Life itself, they would respect and value themselves and all of creation, and know they are worthy.) If only I, as a therapist could help the people who come to me to see themselves as I now do, their magnificence, their unique and vital contribution to the whole, and not as 'the problem' with which they come to me........ (well, I am doing all I can to discover how best to communicate this so it 'hits home'. In fact it is part of my reason for soaking up all your teachings as I do, JJ.) There is no sacrifice about any such endeavour. It is natural. It doesn't even take courage in my view. In fact it takes more courage to go against what one knows to be true and 'right'. (The tricky bit is in discerning what is true and 'right' from what is not, and in not getting sucked in by temptations.) Personal growth, even though it no longer factors in the person's 'raison d'etre' (I love the French language, Xavier) or reason for doing what she does, just keeps happening. It is just that the person becomes 'bigger' because the 'person' in 'person'al growth now includes all other persons. (!*?!?!) I am fortunate enough to know someone who is evolved enough to live entirely at the level of the Soul if he chose. When I asked him why he didn't, he told me "because it's not about me anymore". Love Jennifer JJ, I so loved hearing about how you and Artie met and fell in love. It inspires me and gives me hope to know such things happen. Also, thank Artie for me because I know her support allows you to be here with us as often as you are. Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-09/5567 From: "David Curtis" Subject: Re: Divine Carelessness J J Dewey writes: "Time to proceed to Quality 19 which is: Service before personal growth. For the beginning seeker personal growth is number one, but as one proceeds upon the path something else comes to the forefront. Service to humanity is seen as much more important than the progression of the tiny self." "Why is this such an important quality? To the disciple approaching the path of service it may seem that personal growth will be sacrificed, but is this the case? What are the personal benefits of unselfish service?" I'm beginning to wonder if we should just ask, "Is there a quality that one need NOT have to become a disciple?" .. Sounds like it would be easier to answer. (For the sarcastically impaired, I'm kidding) I'm not sure how the disciple could be fooled into thinking unselfish service slows personal growth. It seems to me that it would greatly increase personal growth. You pay off Karma, you learn as you teach, you make other people's lives better which makes yours better, and you follow the Path of Highest Resistance which we all know accelerates personal growth. This quality is probably the most useful quality to the Brotherhood, for what good are you if you do not aid in helping other people become disciples as well? The benefit of unselfish service is that you help to improve the quality of life for the whole of humanity. You are a part of that whole, which means your quality of life also increases. That's the only thing the disciple really needs to worry about. Once the disciple starts acting on selfish motivations, he/she moves away from being of much use to the Brotherhood. - Dave Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-09/5568 From: Ed Fernandez Subject: Re: Divine Carelessness "Service before personal growth. For the beginning seeker personal growth is number one, but as one proceeds upon the path something else comes to the forefront. Service to humanity is seen as much more important than the progression of the tiny self. Why is this such an important quality?" It has been stated and restated that achieving/realizing one's own enlightenment is the greatest service that one can make to humanity. When one heals oneself, one significantly heals the collective...and makes it that much easier for others to follow suit. While I have followed this assumption in the past, and grown significantly as a result, I'm not sure about it's absolute truth. I suppose I can see reasons why it is so, and reasons why it may not be so as well. I desire to serve humanity...and there are so many ways to do so...it can be quite dizzying at times... Peace, Love, and Pork, ;) Maghavat Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-10/5569 From: Glenys Lowery Subject: Re: Divine Carelessness J J Dewey wrote: "Time to proceed to Quality 19 which is: Service before personal growth. For the beginning seeker personal growth is number one, but as one proceeds upon the path something else comes to the forefront. Service to humanity is seen as much more important than the progression of the tiny self." "Why is this such an important quality? To the disciple approaching the path of service it may seem that personal growth will be sacrificed, but is this the case? What are the personal benefits of unselfish service?" I, too, enjoyed your story about how you and Artie fell in love, JJ. There's nothing like a love story to warm the heart and remind one of the finer qualities that humans can display, such as love. It seems to me that once people reach a certain level of knowledge and understanding, they will not progress much further without serving and that the way to develop the inner life is by following the way of active outer service. People may increase their intellectual knowledge but without the heart knowledge that grows in and through service, any intellectual gains will be sterile and lifeless. We know that the next evolutionary step for humankind is through group development so that service to the group should be of paramount importance. But individual growth is a natural consequence of group service and, in fact, is a key to continuing individual development. Blavatsky reminded us of this when she said, 'Knowledge increases in proportion to its use - that is, the more we teach the more we learn'. You could include other qualities in the statement as well eg the more we love, the more we learn to love or the more we express wisdom, the more wisdom is given to us etc. So the way I see it, Use It or Lose It! And the way to use it is to serve. Love Glenys -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The most dangerous moment comes with victory. - Napoleon Bonaparte Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-10/5570 From: J J Dewey Subject: Time on our Side Dave is right. We are developing quite a list here. Even so there are many generic goodly qualities that are not included and a number of inclusions here that many have not considered before. Overall this list is a unique, never before itemized exposition of real discipleship qualities. At first I thought we may cover around a dozen qualities, but when we hit twelve I realized that there were still others that needed to be included. We will quit at twenty qualities and I admit that we still could come up with other's of importance, but overall I think we have a list of the most important qualities that would be good for all of us to review now and then. Rick's idea of printing them up and posting them in a place available for reflection is a good one. Finally, here is the complete list, including number twenty, soon to be discussed: (1) Soul contact (2) Holding the mind steady in the light (3) Detachment when necessary. (4) The ability to either send or receive (5) Reflection - contemplation (6) Talent. (7) The power to initiate (8) The ability to create and sense a point of tension. (9) Willingness to sacrifice (10) Discernment (11) Perseverance (12) Inclusiveness (13) Harmlessness (14) Sensitivity (15) Trust (16) Balance (17) Divine Carelessness (18) Understanding and making efficient use of time (19) Service before personal growth. (20) The acceptance and understanding of freedom The Question which is centered around quality eighteen is: Understanding and making efficient use of time How can we become more efficient in time management? How can we avoid wasting time? Is it possible to perform more than one task at a time? What is the principle behind the Sabbath of rest? Anni, Maryli n, Rick, Diane and John gave great examples of efficient use of time.. John catching the light was perhaps the highlight. Now I will try and add to their wise foundation. Why do you suppose the efficient use of time is a quality looked for by the Great Lives who guide the race of men/women? As we approach the Aquarian Age this quality is becoming much more essential than it was in times past. A thousand years ago a dedication to the work was more important than the use of time, for many disciples who were dedicated had lots of free time to do their jobs. Now times have changed and many dedicated disciples are faced with so many demands that the only way to fill them all is to squeeze use out of time in ways that were never dreamed of by the disciples of Jesus who leisurely sat on hills listening to their Master teach. It is true that earlier disciples faced perils that thankfully we are not facing in the present, but we face multi use stress that we have to overcome and master. What good is a dedicated disciple who wants to save the world, but just cannot find the time to perform even simple tasks in the service of humanity??? He may be sharp as a tack, high in consciousness, love all people and dolphins, read tons of books, but if the Brotherhood has to put a stake by him to see if he moves anywhere from day to day then all is in vain. The working disciple will find that one of the main uses of the principle of sacrifice in this age is in the wise juggling of time. He will find he may have to do the following: (1) Get less sleep than desired. (2) Sacrifice personal learning and growth so he can have more time to serve. (3) Sacrifice time that could be spent in earning money to gain time to serve. (4) Sacrifice fun loving activities to gain hours to serve. (5) Sacrifice quality relationship time to gain hours to serve. This type of sacrifice separates the serious disciples from the wanna bees. Many there are who feel qualified and want to do a great work, but it has to be on their terms at their leisure. The Brotherhood look for a disciples that can be trusted to get a job done even if they face almost impossible odds in finding the time. In addition to sacrificing to gain time the disciple must find extra hours to serve by efficient time management. We will not spend a lot of time on this subjects as many fine books have been written on the subject and all servers of the race should be familiar with the basic principles they espouse. I will just name a couple that may be useful. Do not scatter yourself too thin. If you have a dozen items that need accomplished one must focus the needed attention on each of the items in order of importance. Perhaps more time is wasted in scattering energies too thin by flitting from one thing to another, than any other thing. If you have more to accomplish than you have time here is what the time mangers suggest. (1) Write down all the tasks you have to accomplish. (2) Number them in order of importance. (3) Start with number one and keep your focus on it until it is accomplished and then move to number two. Many people who have switched from randomness to this simple formula have reported a 100% increase in accomplishment. In the midst of work there will always be one task that will be the a main focus of attention. Often it is possible to get the work down so you are on a type of automatic pilot which allows one to put some attention on other tasks allowing the worker to accomplish multiple things at once. Several of you posted interesting accounts of how you accomplish this in your lives. Einstein was also a great example of this. He created the Theory of Relativity in the midst of doing his regular work at the Copyright Office. The funny thing is that after he had financial success and had all his time free to devote to science he was never able to come up with such great innovative thoughts as he did when he had to juggle his activities on several levels to create free time. Circumstances of making a living forced Einstein to put great focus on his efforts to manifest causing the creation of a point of tension that revealed one of the greatest theories of all time. He seemed a little discouraged later in life that he was never able duplicate such an accomplishment. Had Einstein understood the principle of creating the point of tension he may have accomplished even more than he did. We must learn to be like the early Einstein. If we have to work at a "regular job" to make money then we must look for opportunities to accomplish certain other activities on the side without neglecting our obligatory work. If you have to do housework and cooking you can listen to tapes, TV or something educational. One of my favorite times to make use of my time is while driving. I often listen to books on tape and find that most of my attention is free to think about the words as my driving is on automatic pilot. True, I miss a turn now and then, but its worth it. If you are in some type of situation where you are forced to wait such as a doctor's office, laundromat or union hall, you may have difficulty spotting fellow disciples, but you will see definite signs of non disciples. They will be the ones just sitting there staring into empty space doing nothing with their time. From my observations I would guess that 70-80% of the general populace do absolutely nothing with this valuable waiting time. Then there may be one out of ten reading People Magazine or the National Enquirer. This is better than nothing. Then there will be another one out of ten either sleeping or doing some necessary work such as tending to kids or writing something. Sleeping in spare time is good if it gives you more time and performance later on. Finally, maybe one out of ten (usually less) will be using this waiting time to read, study or meditate, anything to make maximum use of time. One of the purposes of the contorted positions in yoga is to teach the student to be able to focus on the inner meditation while the outer form is crying for attention. This is a real aid in teaching the student to make multiple use of time. When the difficult positions become too easy that is the time to switch to other distracting positions to keep the dual discipline sharp. Disciples today make life their yoga. Is there a lot of noise in the background trying to distract you? Learn to tune it out as you would ignore your stretching legs in the lotus position and focus on the goal. Do you have three kids vying for your attention? Learn to give them what they need while maintaining your inner peace. Has a fight with your friend, boss or lover? Learn to direct that anger to a harmless place and proceed with your prime direction. The disciples in the West today have an even more difficult yoga than do those in the east. The number of distractions of the present age are legion and provide opportunities for discipline as never existed before. Question: What is the principle behind the Sabbath of rest? The Bible tells us that God created the world in six periods of time and then sat back in the seventh period and looked upon His work and "saw that it was good." The true Sabbath is a period of reflection on work performed to see whether or not the work done is taking you in the right direction. If the work is not "good," then the worker must change direction or start another work that will be good. If the disciple just plows ahead without stopping to reflect on his work then sooner or later the work will proceed upon a wrong path and disaster will result. The religions today teach that on the Sabbath we should just cease from work pretty much do nothing, but notice that is not what the God of the Bible did? Notice that in Genesis Chapter Two that God created the Garden of Eden and the physical bodies of man and woman on the seventh day? God continued to work on in to the seventh day, but during this period also took time to reflect to make sure His work was 'good." Even so must we take whatever time is necessary to reflect on our labors and make sure they are headed the right direction. This is indeed a holy period of time for without it wholeness (holiness) cannot be manifested. The last and twentieth quality is: (20) The acceptance and understanding of freedom What is true freedom? Is real freedom obvious or do many advocate actions in the name of freedom that really lead to loss of freedom? What are some of these illusions? Can freedom for the few be obtained through the loss of freedom for many? Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-10/5571 From: Rick Audette Subject: Re: Time on our Side What is true freedom? It's easy to see why the nature of true freedom is so misunderstood. Even the definitions, given in the dictionary, don't keep one from misinterpreting the principle. We could break it down like this; Free = unrestricted Dom = dominion, sphere of influence Where most go wrong is in taking this to mean, no influence at all, in short anarchy of one sort or another. I once lived in a commune, where anarchy ruled and can safely say that anarchy is the death knell of any society or system. The entire universe is a set of hierarchical systems or dominions, linked by their opposite poles of plus/minus, male/female, yin/yang which connect them in an ordered dance that keeps the whole thing going and growing. The anarchistic form of freedom breaks these life giving bonds and can only lead to chaos. True freedom comes with finding your place in the dance and learning it's ordered steps, to become one with a beautiful creation, which is a joy to behold and be a part of. Waltzing in Texas, Rick -- ICQ 19753992 visit my web pages at http://www.ont.com/users/rea1/ have you read "The Immortal" http://www.freeread.com Stop ! Playing those childish games. Give me help, what's your name? Ain't got time for the same ol' thing. Anyway, what I meant to say, Is come dancing with me. Is there anything I'd rather do Than be out there moving with you I'd say, I'd rather be dancing with you Dance, dance, dance Rather be dancing with you Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-10/5572 From: Marylin Subject: Re: Time on our Side J J Dewey writes: "The last and twentieth quality is: 20) The acceptance and understanding of freedom What is true freedom?" I am not really sure that I know what "true freedom" is. I guess the truth is, is that I have never really thought about it before, but just accepted it. Is it like the Bill of Rights which lists all kinds of so-called freedoms but does little to uphold any? Or is it the freedom that I now feel in my choices of learning, doing (even doing is sometimes limited by another). Is it a bit of both? If I look within, freedom for me is singing the song, learning about the qualities and being able to activate them in my life. "Is real freedom obvious or do many advocate actions in the name of freedom that really lead to loss of freedom? " I don't think real freedom is all that obvious. It has been my experience recently that if I demonstrate a freedom, it is met with resistance that could lead to loss of freedom. "What are some of these illusions?" It seems that freedom as heard out in the population refers to things like the freeing of the slaves, but have they really been freed? In the 2nd WW when the Jewish people were freed from the concentration camps, I heard a lot of negative bias about them in my young days. "Can freedom for the few be obtained through the loss of freedom for many?" This is not logical. Right now it is difficult to explain my position on this as I am having trouble putting words to the pictures in my mind. So, maybe freedom is really a "state of mind", a way of thinking and believing, searching and learning. Maybe it has little to do with the physical except in the two examples I gave. It occurs to me that we, ourselves, make the choice of being free or not being free. So if we find ourselves in a place that seems to restrict our freedom, then we have the choice of remaining there or of "leaving"/letting go of the restriction. I have more questions than answers about freedom. Love, Light, Peace and Harmony Marylin Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-10/5573 From: Clive Culbertson Subject: Re: Time on our Side Dear Friends, My first thought about freedom is the Wiccan/Pagan saying, Do what you will and harm none(including your self).People don't see sometimes that a freedom you deny your neighbour is a freedom you deny yourself. I heard a couple of stories recently that illustrate this point. I don't remember the exact locations(in USA)for these stories. Some fundi Christians took exception to Pagans celebrating the Festivals in local forests and parks. They got the courts to ban the Pagans celebrating publicly. It only took a short time before the Pagans realised that the legislation also allowed them the right to stop local Christians celebrating publicly as well. Needless to say the law was quickly removed. In another state some Pagan children were banned from wearing Pentacles at school. Local Christians hailed this as a success for Christians everywhere. It didn't take local Pagans long to realised the same legislation could be used to stop Christian children wearing crosses and crucifixes. Once Christians realised they had yet again shot themselves in the foot the legislation was removed. Sorry I have been in lurk mode for a while. I am working lots at the moment (thank goodness). I am enjoying the excellent posts. Thank you everyone. So glad I am on this list with such a wonderful bunch of people. Lots of Love and Best Wishes, Clive. http://homepage.virgin.net/clive.culbertson JJ wrote: "or do many advocate actions in the name of freedom that really lead to loss of freedom? What are some of these illusions? Can freedom for the few be obtained through the loss of freedom for many?" Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-10/5574 From: Susi Subject: Re: Time on our Side Most excellent examples Clive. I have had to utilize time management lately as well and responding to the list though I would love to in detail has not made it to the top of my list yet. Seems it keeps getting bumped down as each day brings new tasks to complete. This whole month feels as though I will be over whelmed. On another list I think Chris Wynters?? I read something as I scanned the posts and that was to consciously listen to myself breath twice before and after each task I do and I might be amazed at how much more I accomplish in a day. (this is what I remembered of the post it is not verbatim) Yesterday I did this all day getting ready to have 7 people arrive from CA to my little tiny cabin in Montana that already contains the five of us in my immediate family and still maintaining the three different businesses that I juggle. Seems cleaning the house for the past month and doing laundry (well at least folding it and putting it away) have been the lowest task on my list of priorities so there was not a mound but instead a mountain of laundry to be tended along with two bedrooms of young little boys toys and garbage that needed to be cleaned. I've completed almost all of it to my amazement and did utilize the breathing technique through out the day. I had forgotten this amazing little trick that I had learned so many years ago and it really does work......I accomplished almost twice what I normally do in a day and still had plenty of time for sleep ;-) Just thought I would pass this on real quick before I go back to breathing and scurrying. Many Blessings;-) Susi Alexander The Healing Hearth "http://www.healinghearth.com" 1379 Bourne Ridge Rd. Victor, MT 59875 (406) 961-3356 ph/fax Toll free 1-877-937-7246 Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-10/5575 From: "Jennifer Hampson" Subject: Qualities of service and freedom I know JJ that you prefer to hear our own thoughts but sometimes others say things so much more eloquently, especially when one is too tired to think for oneself! This is my excuse for the following quotations..... A few words relevant to discussion about personal growth and service, from Don Juan in Journey to Ixtlan... "I don't have any personal history. One day I found out that personal history was no longer necessary for me and, like drinking, I dropped it." (On second thought, it probably is only relevant if you really stretch the imagination!) Try this one.... "This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one: the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can." George Bernard Shaw (the beginning of a passage from Man and Superman, Act 3) It reminds me of Buckminster Fuller who was on the verge of committing suicide when he decided that since his life was over anyway, he would not kill himself but dedicate his existence to others. This one is on the subject of freedom, and I am in total agreement with it...... "A self that does not assume responsibility for its world, has no freedom, spontaneity, choice and hence, no joy." Heidegger Love Jen Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-10/5576 From: Marylin Subject: Re: Time on our Side Clive Culbertson writes: t only took a short time before the Pagans realised that the legislation also allowed them the right to stop local Christians celebrating publicly" Hi Clive Glad to meet you. That is quite a story, one that wasn't released here in the deep south. I still can't understand why all people are separated into either the Christian or the Pagan groups. When people have asked me, for years now, what my religion was I have usually told them I am a Baptist student of metaphysics. It really puzzles them but I have no intention of confusing them. I used to consider my self a Christian, until I began asking questions that my pastor would give a standard "we aren't supposed to know" or "that knowledge will be added unto us". Trouble is they don't know that it can be added in the now rather than waiting till after death, something I look upon as a birth into life. I don't know how long you have been "lurking" but personally I have found my niche here and am in the process of learning to apply what I learn to my everyday life. And wonderful things are beginning to happen. I am sure we are all looking forward to hearing from you again. Love, Light, Peace and Harmony Marylin Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-10/5577 From: Diane Linen Subject: Re: Time on our Side Marylin wrote: "I used to consider my self a Christian, until I began asking questions that my pastor would give a standard "we aren't supposed to know" or "that knowledge will be added unto us". I was born a Catholic and attended the Catholic school the first 3 grades. I used to ask the nuns questions and was given "It's a mystery" as an answer. This of course, never satisfied me. Thus began my quest for the answers to my questions. "Trouble is they don't know that it can be added in the now rather than waiting till after death," Wise words Marylin. Diane Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-11/5578 From: Glenys Lowery Subject: Re: Time on our Side J J Dewey wrote: "The working disciple will find that one of the main uses of the principle of sacrifice in this age is in the wise juggling of time. He will find he may have to do the following:" (1) Get less sleep than desired. (2) Sacrifice personal learning and growth so he can have more time to serve. (3) Sacrifice time that could be spent in earning money to gain time to serve. (4) Sacrifice fun loving activities to gain hours to serve. (5) Sacrifice quality relationship time to gain hours to serve." I would imagine that it is when disciples are faced with these and similar decisions that they would have to watch for the danger of slipping from a service to sacrifice mentality, JJ. "The last and twentieth quality is: (20) The acceptance and understanding of freedom What is true freedom? Is real freedom obvious or do many advocate actions in the name of freedom that really lead to loss of freedom? What are some of these illusions? Can freedom for the few be obtained through the loss of freedom for many?" I suppose there are as many types of freedom as there are abuses of them. The obvious definition of freedom is to not have any kind of bondage in one's life - no limitations or barriers. This is easy to accept when talking about external freedoms such as those identified by Roosevelt : the freedom of speech and expression, the freedom to worship God in one's own way, freedom from want or economic freedom and freedom from fear of physical aggression. We tend to take these freedoms for granted in Western nations although if you think about them we haven't achieved them all yet. But it seems to me that the very nations that espouse these freedoms also abuse them. The attitude seems to be 'we believe in freedom for all as long as it is our definition of freedom that we're talking about'. So we see NATO nations invade a sovereign nation - Kosovo - in the name of freedom even though it is an act that is contrary to all the accepted notions of freedom. We see the country that gave us the great maxim 'Liberty Equality Fraternity' bomb the Greenpeace ship, the Rainbow Warrior, not only in NZ territorial waters but when it was moored in a NZ harbour, killing one man. The reason for this was to minimize the peaceful protests Greenpeace were organizing at France's testing of nuclear weapons in the South Pacific. I'm sure everyone on this list can name all sorts of abuses that 'free' people inflict on the not-so- free or powerless. Of course, this only goes to show that the so-called 'free' people aren't so free anyway because you can't gain freedom by taking away the freedom of another. On another level, freedom involves freedom of choice and the right to self-determination. It is a state of mind rather than an outward condition of being. It is a fundamental principle that individuals (and humankind) have the right to determine their own destinies, that free will cannot be infringed at any cost. We would all agree with that but how often have we tried to impose our ideas on others because we're convinced that we're right and they're wrong? Who are we to say they're wrong? And who are we to deny them the opportunity to find that out in their own way and own time? All we can do is help them move on to the Path of Light by our own living example. Only they have the freedom to turn on the light of love in their own hearts and only they can learn their lessons. It is hard when we're dealing with people we love but there comes a time when we have to trust their own souls to lead them correctly. We also have to seek the freedom to be guided by our own souls. This means that we have to expose and deal with every maya, glamour and illusion that besets us. This isn't easy because they're not easily identified and acknowledged. I've heard people say that they no longer have any problems with illusion, that they're conquered all that would hold them back from experiencing true freedom. Well, all I can say is, Pull the Other One! Another illusion! Even the Masters are tested as they seek higher ways to serve. We have to be ever vigilant if we are to break free from the shackles that enslave us. And then are we truly free? Well, it seems to me that once someone has made a decision to serve and becomes a disciple, they are locked into a set way of manifesting their service within universal laws. Of course, they can turn back but it only delays the inevitable - they will eventually return to serve in the same or some other capacity. (And speaking of universal laws, we can't really be free while they still operate. Apart from Acts of God, we are subject to the Laws of Karma, Cause and Effect etc that limits our freedom) It's ironic that true freedom lies in service; by willing choosing to forgo some personal freedoms in favour of enhancing collective freedom. It is only then that we can sing that wonderful Negro spiritual with real meaning: Free At Last! Free At Last! Thank God Almighty We're Free At Last! Love Glenys -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- At the end of the way is freedom. Until then, patience. ~ Gautama Buddha Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-11/5579 From: J J Dewey Subject: Creation My Friends, I have been working on a book about The Molecular Relationship for some time and I am going to begin posting it here. This order was briefly mentioned in the book and it was stated that a new name in harmony with this age would be given to it. In past ages it was generally not known what a molecule or atom was, so it had to be called something else. Because this first section has graphics you'll have to go to my web page to begin reading. Please go to: http://www.freeread.com/MR1.htm Post No. keys-l: /1999-07-11/5580 From: "Dave Curtis" Subject: Re: Time on our Side "(20) The acceptance and understanding of freedom What is true freedom?" (Please excuse the thinking outloud. It's 3:00AM and I'm just spewing whatever comes to mind.) Freedom... We don't understand freedom when we run around taking guns out of peoples' hands. We don't understand freedom when we scream at people, and tell them they cannot practice polygamy. We don't understand freedom when we take away your money by force to pay for an overbearing, tyrant government whose money management skills are worse than my 2 year old daughters. We don't understand freedom when we move into other countries, forcing them to do things our way, or be bombed and killed. We don't understand freedom when we run around telling people they can't do this, or they can't do that. Freedom is precious and rare. Those so mislead that they are enslaved by their debt (Karmic or otherwise) are not free. Freedom is the ability to make a DECISION, and accept whatever consequence may come of it. Freedom is knowing that you cannot take away freedom from others, without losing your own. Freedom is not security, but it is the right to defend yourself. Freedom is the right to use the power of DECISION. Freedom is the right to be who you really are. It's the right to see through all illusion, to see only truth. It's the right to teach and learn. It's the right to love, and the right to hate. Freedom is the right to make your Decision, choose your path, and arrive at your destination. Finally, Freedom is your right to fight for freedom. "Can freedom for the few be obtained through the loss of freedom for many?" Freedom for the few is illusionary if it is gained by the loss of freedom for many. To be truly free, we must understand that we cannot take away the rights of our Brothers and Sisters. (Do I sound like a preacher yet?) If we take away their rights, we also take away our own. If you fight for a ban on guns, and you win, you too must give up your guns. You also give up your right to defend yourself from a potentially dangerous criminal, or