Keeping the Silence

I’ve fallen into the trap of telling people. I tell them the truth. I tell them the principles of this or that. I tell them how to do something they want to learn.

There’s nothing wrong with telling. Some people communicate concepts well using words. And some people learn well by hearing them. But most of all, people learn in the silence. They learn from living examples. So many times we talk, talk, talk, talk. When what we should do is walk, walk, walk, walk.

The key is not to ask others to do something we haven’t done ourselves. But to live the truth of what we’ve been given. Talk when needed, but the rest of the time, keep silent. Not out of lack, piety, limitation, inadequacy, or fear of speaking. But out of knowing, intuition, faith that our example is the Light.

People learn subconsciously. The mind is a sponge, even for those sad people who think they can’t learn anymore. Still, they are taking in information all the time. Why else do you think advertising works? It gets into the subconscious mind, takes root, and expresses as learning, buying, doing, being.

So, get into people’s minds. We can do this with words. But more than that, we do this by our actions. How do we look at people, physically? What expression is on our faces? How do we act around them? Is our body saying, “I have to go, hurry it up!” Do we turn away when people smile at us? Are we the first to offer a smile to someone we haven’t yet met? It’s about kindness, empathy, living in harmony with our fellow spiritual beings having a human experience.

Verbal communication is a God-given ability! And so is silent encouragement. What is the attitude we hold in our own subconscious mind? How does that affect our everyday mind that carries out daily tasks? How does it express itself in our actions?

Are we pure in heart, in the deepest levels of our minds? Because if not, people will know this, on some level of their own being. We are only responsible for ourselves, our own minds, hearts, bodies, and souls. But in being so responsible, we radiate something. We don’t live in a bubble. Every thought we think, every belief we subconsciously hold, every memory we shrink from, expresses itself. It is a part of our overall vibration. And when we speak, all that takes form, as words. And when we do not speak, all of that is contained in our silence.

So we first keep our own peaceful, loving, enfolding silence, a companionable silence flowing between God-mind and what we see as our personal existence. As we hold this gentle silence, we communicate with, to, and on behalf of others. Because whether we like to admit it or not, we are all one, one Life, one Mind, one Love, that contemplates itself.

Is our contemplation pure, or tainted by suppression of beliefs, thoughts, words and actions? Is it fear-based, or loving? Only we can really know that for ourselves, and this knowing takes place within the depths of the mind. In reality the mind is our only organ of sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell, and the much more subtle senses of intuition, feeling, emotion and psychic vibration.

By keeping our own silence, we unconsciously give others permission to let go and find comfort in their silence. This is how the world changes, in the quiet, little by little, through a process that goes unnoticed much of the time. But it’s the most important process that was ever created, it is the creation process itself.

In the beginning there was silence. And out of the silence, God spoke. May we learn to speak from this universal silence of peace and oneness, and may our world gently shift as a result.

And so it is!

Related

Keeping Your Own Council

How Affirmations Work

Affirmations are important to spiritual practice. But it’s not because they have magical power. It’s because they give the conscious mind something to focus on, and the subconscious mind something to integrate.

Affirmations are positive, present-tense statements of universal Truth. They recognize the ultimate spiritual reality underlying all things. Affirmations don’t deny that circumstances are what they are. However, they focus on the Truth that “this” is not all there is in Life. I.e. there’s more to life than what we perceive with the physical senses.

By choosing affirmations we lift our minds to something better than what’s worrying us. Einstein said, “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.” Affirmations raise the conscious mind above problem thoughts. At the same time, they give the subconscious mind a positive truth to integrate.

It’s amazing how many untruths lurk in the subconscious! Affirmations are one tool to establish new patterns and beliefs and restore a positive mental attitude.

Sometimes affirmations alone aren’t enough. So, affirmations are often paired with denials. The denial takes power from the negative. The affirmation gives power to universal Truth.

Keep in mind that “giving power” is relative. The reality is that the Truth never lost its power. We just stopped recognizing that power in our conscious awareness. Reclaiming the power of Truth means realizing it for ourselves, and not that Truth has ever been lost.

Below are some examples of affirmations and denials.

This financial situation is not permanent. I know that the universe is ever expanding, evolving and changing. I accept this positive change in my life now.

Fear has no power over me. I am a child of the Ultimate (Spirit or God), and good is my divine birthright. I accept this good now, on all levels of my mind and being. Thank you!

Affirmations can be long or short, simple or more complex. What matters most is whether they work for you. Do they light that divine spark within you? If they don’t, they’re just not right for you. But if they speak to your heart and soul, while keeping your mind occupied, you’ve found something that will serve you well.

If these affirmations don’t work for you, and even if they do, I would encourage you to write your own. Create a quiet time and place, and go within to discover the affirmations that will remind you of the Truth when life feels overwhelming. Meditation is beyond the scope of this article, but daily meditation is important to keep in touch with the Truth of your being. Because this Truth is the source and substance of all affirmations.

Mental Attitude: In Limericks

Short forms, sometimes called micropoetry, can serve as reminders of right thinking and more than that, of the reality that we are spiritual beings first and foremost. And little poems are fun! 🙂

O the feeling of having no luck
And of being run down by a truck!
But there is a way thru
What to think and to do
Is decide that you’ll put on some pluck!

There’s a time and a place for the rules
And a purpose for those we call fools.
There’s a cage for the stressed
And a stage for the blessed.
Is it bars or the stars that you choose?

All the creatures are God’s, even mice,
And the people you don’t think are nice.
Speak and act with his grace
When you’re feeling distaste:
What you give, you get back at least twice!

For more mystical Limericks,
Click here.

Feet Sure Program

aka Bless’d Feet

They stand for us through every day;
We take but little heed–
Unless they hurt, and then we moan,
Because they are in need!

They keep us upright, grounded firm,
Supporting all we do.
It’s time we gave some credit back,
Where it is truly due.

The God of all created them
That we may feel the earth
And know a strong connection to
This planet of our birth.

They root and keep us stabelized,
The bones in harmony.
In gratitude we realize
The blessing of our feet!

And may we now take care of them,
Each muscle, bone and toe!
For in their strength we see the God
Who guides us as we go.

They stand each day in harmony
And keep the body firm.
For wondrous feet we give You thanks
And praise You as we learn!

God is at the Yard Sale

God is at the yard sale.

In the piles of junk, God waits. In the people so excited to find that special thing, those canning jars, fishing tackle, car parts, musical instruments, God stirs.

God breathes in those who know, “All right, it’s time. Time for this, that, this and that to go. It’s no use to me anymore. It’s junk but maybe someone else can use it.”

God is in the relief they feel when someone buys up their old stuff. God is in the coins and bills exchanged. God is in the joy of having money to save or spend, and having a clean basement, closet or garage.

God is in the people who go home ecstatic, the kids with their new old stuffed animals, The mothers with their purses and skirts, crock pots and someone else’s nana’s china. The bachelors with their motorcycle helmets and tool boxes. The fathers with their swing sets, slides, play houses, breathing a sigh of relief, “Thank God it’s in good condition!” Realizing they got a bargain and they’re grateful for it, even though they tell you only women are bargain hunters.

God is at the yard sale. Within the stereotypes, within the piles of junk, inside the bargain hunters, and right there guiding the people who decide what to sell. God is there. At the yard sale and beyond, before, and after.

So the next time you visit a yard sale, and you will, you know, remember: God is in the people passing on their things. God is in the things themselves, that like their former owners, are getting a clean slate today. And God is in you, yes, even at a yard sale.

Economy

Be careful
Invest wisely
Don’t invest at all
Play the lottery
Or don’t
Because no matter what

It’s bad, it’s doomed
The final word is gloom!

Worry
Pay your debts
Or create more
Get another job
Or don’t, after all, there are none left
Because no matter what

It’s bad, it’s doomed
The final word is gloom!

They say it’s flat
I say it’s round
They say it’s recession
I call it opportunity
They analyze what could help us
I turn within
Because no matter what

The bad, the doom,
The final word of gloom?

It’s just THEIR word!
For I have heard
A still, small voice
That says, “Your choice!

The Truth within?
Or hopeless spin?
Expanding Life?
Or toil and strife?

The depths of peace?
Or desperate pleas?
You choose The One
Or think there’s none.

For I am here
To free and clear
The path that winds
Within your mind.

I give you Light
Thru day and night!
But you must take
And let it make
Reality
In what you see!

For Good is yours…
Eternally!

Music Tells the Story

Another song written over 10 years ago that expresses more truth than I realized at the time. Listen to the songs on the radio today. And think back to songs you heard and/or enjoyed as a child or teenager. What do they all have in common? They tell the story of society’s values–or lack thereof–and paint a general picture of human consciousness.

For example, think about what, if anything, today’s songs say about the following:

Love relationships?

Money?

Health?

Stress?

Birth, life, and death?

Relaxation–or not!

When songs speak of these things, it’s usually in a negative way:

I lost my love and now he/she has to pay.

I’m broke. (The end i.e. therefore I am nothing)

I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired. But I can’t do anything about it so I’ll just complain…

I’m stressed, so I’ll escape into something else (drugs, alcohol, sex, shopping, even reading or watching movies. Oh, and coffee, anyone?)

Birth: Kids are expensive, another mouth to feed. And for women especially, pain, sacrifice, and a perceived loss of identity.

Life: What’s the point? I’m lost. Don’t know where to go but I want to return to where I’ve been. Living in the past, “The good ol’ days…” I.e. we don’t live in the present moment, even in our music!

Death: I want to die–in one breath. This world is not my home–but not said in a positive way. And yet, where will I go after death? And what about all my stuff?

Relax? Me? But what will I do then?

In short, songs are just as focused on negativity as, well, everything else we produce! And why is that? Because above all, we have a negative state of mind, heart, being, and personal identity.

Listen to even a few popular songs, and you’ll probably discover the same thing.

And so: I charge myself and fellow songwriters to picture something better: a spiritually whole, mentally sound, emotionally strong, and physically healthy person, and to hold this vision for every person. Holding this vision is why I’m a spiritually-oriented songwriter, and for this I give thanks!

And for everyone who listens to music, as most of us do, please, listen consciously! And start choosing music that lifts you up, instead of validating negativity.

Music Tells the Story – Lyrics

Instruments: Acoustic guitar, keyboard, soprano recorder.

1. In today’s society
Of fun, things and propriety,
The music tells a lot, you know,
Of when we come and where we go.
For all time, through many things,
The music tells the way it is.

2. In the 1920’s, too,
The people questioned what was true.
The music told of fun and dress,
Of things found out, and questions asked.
For all time, through many things,
The music tells the way it is.

3. Back when the whites owned the blacks
And stood whipping their tired backs,
The slave songs told of God’s great Peace,
For they knew they would leave this place.
For all time, through many things,
The music tells the way it is.

Repeat 1.

And so it is!

I think a thought,
And so it is!
I may not see it now.
But at some time
The God of Mind
Will bring it back around.

So with each thought,
Which is a prayer,
I let God reign in me:
Thought manifests
To take or bless;
Which do I choose to see?

I think a thought
And may it be
From Higher Consciousness!
And when it’s mine
To have in time,
The good will manifest!
–And so it is!

Woman

I wrote this song in early 2011, while exploring Goddess-centered spirituality. I share it here in honor of International Women’s Day – but more than this, honoring all people and our Great Creator! It’s time we see our gender as a blessing and not a difference, curse, crutch, or hindrance! This applies to our personal gender and everyone else’s. May we truly know, and thus experience, that we are indeed all One, regardless of physical form!

Woman – Lyrics

Instrument: soprano Flea ukulele

Note: This was recorded outside, so I apologize for the background noise. And this is not my usual ukulele tuning – this is reentrant/high G, and I usually play linear/low G. 🙂

1. Woman so soft
Woman so sweet
Woman so gentle
Woman so strong
Woman of love
Woman of peace
Woman complete
Sing your beautiful song!

2. Woman of earth
Woman of air
Woman of water
Woman of fire
Woman of birth
Woman of life
Woman of laughter
Now express your desire!

3. Woman in body
Woman in mind
Woman in spirit
Open your eyes!
Know who you are
Claim who you’ve been
For you will be
All that you can let in!

Repeat 1.

Sing your beautiful song! (3x total)

Download Album Version

The album version is new and improved! Check it out on
Mother Nature Sings.

Love – The Simplest of Songs

I wrote this in 2003, and it still rings true for me. In honor of
February and its vibrations of love,
this seemed like a great song to share.

On a side note, purple has gradually become one of my favorite colors. I won’t go into why and how… Suffice it to say that, thankfully, people do change, and do learn to embrace more than we used to! ❤

Love – Lyrics

Instrument: 76-key Casio keyboard (model unknown)

1. Once I searched for a Love that would never die;
True faithfulness on which I could rely.
OOO
Refrain:

2. I was lonely but had, o so much to share;
So, I hoped and I prayed for One who would care.
OOO
Refrain: (3 times)

Refrain:
Love transcends all borders and fills the empty!
I longed so for this and the joy that it brings,
And You have shown me a Love like this.