TupeloKenyon.com » Belief Systems

Beyond the Brands of Truth

Tupelo — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:00:14 +0000

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Truth is one. Opinions are many. Or does the following sound more like the truth?

Truth is relative, depending upon the opinion of the beholder. Or how about this . . .

Truth depends upon your belief. If you believe something is true, that makes it true . . . true for you. Of course, if you don’t believe that statement, never mind, because your belief defines your truth in another direction.

Truth is Many

Obviously, there are many versions of truth . . . or at least, perceived truth. A quick glance around the planet reveals a dizzying array of diverse “truths.”

These truths are a reflection of the culture and century they are born into. Only a thousand years ago, the truths of the day included such gems as these:

• Bathing is hazardous to health.

• Women interested in learning about herbs and potions are witches and should be burned alive.

• The earth is flat and is the center of the universe.

• God demands that everyone subscribes to only one version of truth. All others are heretics and should be killed. (In the name of God, of course . . . yes, that’s the same God who decreed “Thou shalt not kill,” but this is an exception to that rule – a divine loophole in this particular brand of “truth.”)

“The belief that there is only one truth and that oneself is in possession of it seems to me the deepest root of all evil that is in the world.” - Max Born (1882-1970) - German physicist

The Birth of a Brand of Truth

When temporal truths become sanctioned policies of some official organization, they become brands. This is the truth about truth, and it has been this way for millenia. For many, the idea of truth is merely a brand that has been effectively marketed until it becomes a belief. A belief is simply a thought that is repeated over and over again. It is repeated because it’s in the interest of some brand of truth to have as many people as possible supporting their particular “take” on truth.

What’s Behind the Smoke and Mirrors?

An objective look at this phenomenon reveals that the various brands of truth have an agenda. Usually, the agenda is obvious – they want their brand to grow and prosper in order to increase the power base and affluence of those who are founders or stewards for each particular brand of truth.

Sometimes the agenda for a particular brand of truth is not so apparent. How do you get to the bottom of their motivation for spreading their particular brand? There’s one reliable method, proven effective through the millennia: Follow the money trail.

Lighthouses Through the Ages

Sure, there are altruistic individuals in every discipline, sincere and passionate about their personal insights and eager to share what they’ve learned. There have always been inspiring stories of discovery and wisdom in every culture, and people with a message worthy of being heard. This caliber of sincerity burns brightly through the centuries and helps to inspire us all to greater understanding.

Fortunately, every age has highly functioning individuals who serve as shining beacons, able to inspire others from within the culture of the times. They are able to use the language and thought forms of the day to help people take the next step toward new ideas, expanded beliefs and new truths.

“I call that mind free which jealously guards its intellectual rights and powers, which calls no man master, which does not content itself with a passive or hereditary faith, [and] receives new truth as an angel from Heaven.” - Woody Allen (b. 1935)

Dear God, Please Save Me from Your Followers

Historically, the problems begin whenever someone’s personal understanding of truth begins to congeal into a brand. The visionary may have no interest in creating anything resembling a brand, but life-enhancing ideas have a way of taking on a life of their own. Friends and associates become interested, then converted, then fervent, then passionate. They become disciples, then missionaries, then soldiers for “truth.”

They take it upon themselves to spread their particular adopted brand of truth far and wide, regardless of the intent of the founder. They make it their personal life mission to assure everyone knows about their brand. If they meet resistance, it must be overcome, because their crusade is true and just, and their brand must be spread, at all costs, even if deadly force is required. Whenever someone claims to have a monopoly on truth, history reminds us of the wisdom of walking (no, running!) in the opposite direction.

Adopted Truth

Some of these endorsees of “truth” are sincere and honestly believe they are devoting their lives to the mightiest of missions. Others are swept up in the frenzy of someone else’s truth, someone else’s belief, someone else’s habit of thought. They readily adopt someone else’s brand of truth because they don’t have one of their own

“Don’t let your special character and values, the secret that you know and no one else does, the truth — don’t let that get swallowed up by the great chewing complacency.” - Aesop (620-560 BC)

Is Truth Too Difficult?

Why are some so eager to adopt the truth of another? Perhaps they never realized the possibility of discovering their own personal truths. Maybe they are gullible and easily influenced by those who talk a good game. Maybe they are simply lazy and found it too much trouble to discover their own truth. They’d rather fit in, and go along with the crowd. It’s much easier to subscribe to some pre-packaged, ready-to-consume, bite-sized brand of truth – custom marketed to fit nicely into their busy lifestyle.

“It is proof of a base and low mind for one to wish to think with the masses or majority, merely because the majority is the majority. Truth does not change because it is, or is not, believed by a majority of the people.” - Giordano Bruno

“The high minded man must care more for the truth than for what people think.” - Aristotle (384-322 BC)

Truth Through the Ages

We can learn much from history and our race’s relationship with truth. By looking back with objectivity, we can look forward with more intelligence, keener insight and a sharper discernment for identifying personally appropriate truths.

“A lively, disinterested, persistent looking for truth is extraordinarily rare. Action and faith enslave thought, both of them in order not to be troubled or inconvenienced by reflection, criticism or doubt.” - Henri-Frédéric Amiel (1821-81)

We are living in a different world than the world of our ancestors. Our world is round, and like any other circle, there are no beginning or end points. We can thrive in an endless sea of ideas, and find our own place in the continuum of truths. We can pick and choose what fits best from this buffet of truth and marvel at our own potential of reaching for understandings we have yet to imagine.

Can You Imagine Truth a Thousand Years from Now

Just as our ancestors of a thousand years ago could never have imagined today’s recognized truths of stellar nurseries, black holes in the center of countless galaxies, and the vast space and unfathomable energy inside tiny atoms, there are truths still unknown to us that will continue to redefine who we are and how we fit into this mysterious universe we call home. There are many ways to understand bits and pieces of it and other ways to appreciate the mysteries, and they are all valid.

“No human being is constituted to know the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth; and even the best of men must be content with fragment, with partial glimpses, never the full fruition.” - Alan Marshall Beck (b, 1942)

All Things Change – Even Truth

Truth is a moving target. Our idea of truth grows as our capacity to understand unfolds. We do a serious disservice to ourselves and our fellow man and the entire universe whenever we get stuck on any one particular brand of truth . . . any one particular habit of thought.

“If what you seek is Truth, there is one thing you must have above all else…an unremitting readiness to admit you may be wrong.” - Anthony de Mello

We have an amazing brain, so powerful, we are just beginning to fathom its awesome potential. It’s a built-in tool to help us compare and analyze “truth.”

We have a heart to help us feel what is in alignment with who we really are.

And, we are soul with the capacity to know from direct personal experience what is truth for us, right here and right now.

“To make the right choices in life, you have to get in touch with your soul. To do this, you need to experience solitude, which most people are afraid of, because in the silence you hear the truth and know the solutions.” - Deepak K. Chopra (b. 1946)

If our personal truth morphs over time, that’s okay. Everything else in nature changes, so why should we be surprised when our understanding of truth grows? It is only natural for our personal truth to grow wider and deeper as our consciousness expands.

The New Age of Truth

The idea of warring brands of truth is part of our ancestor’s world and has no place in the reality of those of us interested in personal development and ongoing inspiration. We recognize the greatest gift is the gift of freedom – freedom to choose, explore and try out different brands of truth until the dawning of our own personal truth. This is our birthright and we demonstrate divine understanding best when we offer the same to our fellow man. Many paths can lead to the same destination.

“The opposite of a correct statement is a false statement. The opposite of a profound truth may well be another profound truth.” - Niels Henrik David Bohr (1885-1962) - Danish physicist, chemist

As a race, we no longer need an intermediary to tell us what we are allowed to believe, how to feel, how to think, and what to embrace as truth. We have everything we need to find our own truth . . . truth for us . . . in this present moment.

“What has not been examined impartially has not been well examined. Skepticism is therefore the first step toward truth.” - Denis Diderot (1713-84)

This understanding of personal truth has the power of transforming our world. Look at history for examples of all the wars waged and people killed because someone felt the need for their particular brand of truth to be validated. This idea is barbaric. We are better than that, and it’s time we start acting like it!

Let it Be

We can’t change those who are stuck pushing someone else’s brand of truth. They will continue to indulge in their drama and eventually die off (or be killed by someone flying the flag of some other brand). We can offer them kindness, tolerance and grant them the freedom to discover their own truth in their own way and in their own time.

“Today I bent the truth to be kind, and I have no regret, for I am far surer of what is kind than I am of what is true.” - Robert Brault

Meanwhile, we can commit to finding our own personal truth. We can hope our example will inspire others to look inside for their own truth rather than looking outside at the tumultuous world of competing brands of “truth.”

While reading, did you choose to hear the relaxing instrumental music linked at the beginning of this article? To learn more about it, click here.
Listen FREE to the songs below . . . chosen to enhance the ideas in this article.


	Way of the World Life is so huge . . . so diverse . . . the possibilities are literally infinite. What’s the best way to sort it all out and carve out a little niche of our own? ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor1} Trash Our Treasures People seem to have a history of awarding seemingly insignificant details with places of prominence in our lives, while ignoring or even destroying the most important aspects. ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor2} Soul in the Stars It feels good to try to see the bigger picture once in awhile,and to focus on gratitude for what we have, rather than the frustration of what we are lacking. ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor4} Within Without An atom and a solar system is virtually the same thing - mostly empty space! Even quantum physics is still wondering, "Is the universe a great big thing, or a great big thought?" ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor6} Same Olde Time Time - it’s so relative. "What if distant starlight shining in the endless sky is just the same, by a different name, as the twinkle in your eye?" ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor7} Be Kind Your example and the kindness shown to others can have a rippling affect that goes on and on. ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor9} Just One Step Just begin. If you will just get underway, the project itself gains momentum and carries you along to its completion. ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor12} Hell or a Whole Lotta Fun Nothing to do? How about too much to do? Our attitude seems to make the difference. ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescAnth.html#Anchor16} You Gotta Have Fun Our moments are fleeting . . . and finite. Too few to squander on "bad news". We must steer our attention deliberately in order to attract the kind of life we were born to live. ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescAnth.html#Anchor20} Songs by Tupelo



Know Thyself - Ignore Comparisons and Be Yourself The average person is content to base self-knowledge on comparisons to other people. If this is the measure of self-knowledge, it is based on someone else’s standards. This practice misses the point of “Know Thyself.” Instead, it’s all about how to fit in. We are all unique individuals with our own strengths, talents and nudges leading us to embrace our own best life. True knowledge of self is attained from personal insights of looking inwardly rather than outwardly towards others. Six Killers of Individuality and Personal Independence Is the course of your life determined by your own internal road map or by a map made by someone else? Each of us can choose our direction deliberately and live a life custom sculpted. Each life can be as individually unique as the person living it. If you pattern your life after someone else, exactly what is it you have to offer? Life Drama as Blockage to Personal Development Some people seem to relish drama in their lives. They go from one catastrophe to another. They thrive on it as if drama is what makes them feel alive. You may be able to see that they are attracting these experiences by their daily thoughts and feelings. But, they don’t recognize it from within the narrow confines of their personal drama. To someone immersed in drama, the idea that they are creating it is completely foreign. With intent, practice and mindfulness, what was once considered drama that snowballed out of control becomes simply examples of the contrasts of life to help you sharpen your preferences and shape your desires. How to Live the Life of Your Dreams Through Intuition Intuition feels good. That should be enough of a clue it’s something that can be trusted. But, our culture has done a thorough job of instilling doubt about the wisdom of following our instincts. Instead, we are taught to think things through and be logical. These mental tools are important, but they were never intended to be used instead of intuition. They work better when used in conjunction with intuition. If we are open to it, we get nudges and insights to move us in the direction of our greatest joys, our most valuable contributions, and our most satisfying life. Those quiet whispers and gentle taps on the shoulder are examples of inner guidance in action - intuition. Inspire Yourself on Purpose - Inspiration from Inside Out Here are twelve common sense reminders on how to inspire yourself. The word “inspire” derives from root words that mean “in spirit” or “spirit within.” Although there’s always another step to take, these points are a natural result of recognizing and identifying with this realization of who we really are. Methods as Temporary Tools Instead of Lifetime Crutches We are obsessed with our methods. We become attached to our particular way of doing things. The trouble comes when we cling to an old method that we have outgrown. We feel bogged down and then stuck when our personal development potential is being limited by an outdated method. If your method feels more like a crutch than a tool, it’s time to take an objective look at it. Is the method in question bringing you peace and joy? Is it helping your personal growth, or is it just a familiar and comfortable habit of thought? Integrity Through Self-Reliance When you live your life as if the whisperings from your soul really matter, you are living life in your own way, on your own terms, based on your own realizations on what is right . . . what is good . . . and what is true for you. You are tuned into your own station. The signal you are receiving and the message you are broadcasting with the story of your life are both on the same frequency. You are joyfully and gratefully choosing your favorites from the buffet of life. Belief Systems vs. Knowing How do you discern between something known and a habitual thought - a belief? The first step is to recognize that the vast majority of our beliefs are based not upon our own personal experiences and revelations but upon anecdotal evidence and the recommendations of other people, past and present. How Do You Feel - About Inner Guidance? Is it a hunch? Is it a voice in your head? Is it something you feel? Don’t confuse what you feel with who you are. Once you are able to access this awareness of pure being and identify yourself with it, you won’t get carried away by whatever emotional cloud happens to be passing by. Celebrate life through one of the more subtle forms of communication available to us - inner guidance. Beyond Science, Philosophy and Religion Is truth absolute or relative? Is there anything beyond science, philosophy and religion? Many of the world’s top quantum physicists think there is. Celebrate life by stretching you imagination. Articles by Tupelo

How to Accelerate Manifestation

Tupelo — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:00:12 +0000

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Whenever a new desire or grand plan is born within us, the tendency is to share it with others. Every time we talk about it, the energy of the dream seems to deflate a little more, until it becomes merely a topic of idle chatter.

Why is that? How can we add to the excitement and urgency of our dreams instead, and speed up their manifestation?

The Two Faces of Reality

All of creation can be divided into two areas: the realm of the seen and the realm of the unseen. In other words, everything we can experience through our five senses is one face of reality. Everything that is beyond the reach of our five senses is the other face of reality. Both realms are equally valid, and they fit together perfectly.

When it comes to manifestation, we are naturally concerned with the things that can be enjoyed through our senses. But where do these things come from?

That is a question for the quantum physicists and the consensus is that particles are not to be congratulated for their own creation. In the grand scheme of creation, according to the current understanding of quantum mechanics, the basic building blocks of physical reality do not spring forth from other particles. Instead, the world experienced through our senses originates from the other face of reality – the one beyond the reach of our senses. This is not a new idea. Our understanding of science is simply allowing us to understand it in new ways.

“The pure impulse of dynamic creation is formless; and being formless, the creation it gives rise to can assume any and every form.” - Kabbalah (BC 1200?-700? AD)

So, how does this idea help us to manifest our dreams more efficiently?

Ego and Spirit

We can think of the two faces of reality as the face of ego and the face of spirit. Ego perpetuates the illusion that it is a separate entity, cut off from all others and cut off from its source. Spirit is one, all-powerful, and the source of all manifestation. (Remember the quantum physicists’ conclusion that particles do not beget particles – instead, they are created from the other side, the side of spirit.)

You Are Identified With Which Side?

As long as we identify ourselves with ego, we cut ourselves off from this infinite power of creativity and manifestation. When we identify ourselves with the other face of reality, the face of spirit, we regain the wondrous gifts of our source. If creativity and manifestation is our goal, it makes sense to reconnect with spirit, the prime source of all creativity and manifestation. It also makes sense to minimize our identification with ego and its self-serving viewpoint and narrow field of reference.

“Instead of identifying yourself as a physical being who occasionally has a spiritual experience, why not identify yourself as a spiritual being now having a physical experience?” – paraphrased from Dr. Wayne Dyer

Why Do We Want to Talk About It?

When a dream is born, ego wants to share it with others. Perhaps this sharing takes the form of bragging, motivated by its longing to feel special for having such big plans and grand ideas. Or, perhaps the ego is looking for validation and agreement from others because of its own insecurities.

But it’s a dead-end street. Here’s why:

As you begin to explain your dream, others ask questions and express doubts that make you feel the need to defend your position. Their questions and their doubts can poison your resolve and give you second thoughts about the viability of your direction.

Your over-willingness to discuss your innermost dreams can be misinterpreted by others as an invitation for advice. In this case, you set yourself up for well intentioned, but misguided opinions about the logic, feasibility and rationality of your dreams, according to them. They may not understand that these dreams originate from the other side of reality, beyond the arena of such limitations as logic and rationality.

It’s important to recognize where such a retaliatory barrage comes from. Is it coming from the sphere of spirit, infusing your dreams with additional creativity and power to help speed up your manifestation? No, it’s coming from the face of ego, cut off from the power of all creation.

Why Do They Rain on Your Parade?

What motivates someone to throw such a wet blanket on your dreams? Are they jealous? Are they afraid you will succeed and excel and make them look bad? Even if their well-intentioned advice really does have your best interests at heart, what good can their ego-based viewpoint possibly do? So it’s best to quit talking about it and just do it.

Expressing Doubts About Your Own Dreams is Even Worse

Before you open your mouth to express doubts about a dream, ask yourself what you expect to accomplish. One of two things can happen:

1) The other person agrees completely and wholeheartedly, snowballing your small, previously insignificant doubt into an avalanche of negativity. This can take you off guard. It’s hard to recover from that. How do you go from back to the excitement of regaining the momentum of your dream?

2) The other person disagrees with you, so you keep talking to clarify your doubts and justify your position. You go on and on trying to make the other person understand why you are justified in doubting your dream. The more you do this, the bigger your doubt becomes until you kill your dream completely.

“Argue for your limitations and they are yours.” – Richard Bach (”Illusions”)

There’s no benefit in either scenario of chatting up your doubts, so it’s best to keep your mouth shut. Do a 180 in your mind and think about all the reasons why your dream will work. Or, put it on the shelf and reach for a bigger, better dream that inspires your excitement, commitment and enthusiasm for enlisting help from the other side of reality.

“Strength in numbers is the delight of the timid. The valiant in spirit glory in fighting alone.” – Gandhi (1869-1948)

An urge to talk about your deepest desires, your grandest dreams, as well as your doubts indicates a personal weakness looking for strength in numbers. The timid rarely reach their dreams. In fact, they usually don’t bother to try. They remain discontent, but mildly appeased as they look around the crowd and notice all the other unfulfilled people. From the vantage point of the ego, living a life of unfulfilled dreams seems normal.

“I’m taking a chance, a confident stance for jumping,
Here I go, who knows where I’ll land.
But I’m tired of all that bad news from the profits of doom,
I’ve noticed that their lives are not exactly in full bloom.

So I’m taking off their blinders, and throwing them away,
There’s so much more to living than the safe and narrow way.
The meek will surely inherit the earth . . .They won’t get very far,
While the bold go for adventure, exploring beyond the stars.

So I’ll encourage inspiration, and I’ll soak it up like a sponge,
Instead of terminal safety, I’m ready to take the plunge.
Instead of dying of caution, I’m living to take the plunge.”
- from the song, “Take the Plunge” by Tupelo Kenyon

Exceptions?

There’s an exception to every rule, and fortunately, some of us are blessed with people in our lives with which we can talk about such important matters. These “soul buddies” understand where we are coming from (or at least from where we are trying to remember to come) and base their responses accordingly.

If you broach the subject of a big important dream or goal, they may be encouraging and supportive or they may simply advise you to shut up about it and just do it.

If you find yourself in an energy vacuum and try to start a bitch and moan session, they might remind you to do an about face and list the positive aspects of your dream instead. Or, they may advise you to simply drop it and find a bigger dream.

If your soul buddy is in tune and tapped in at the moment of your conversation, it’s likely no harm will be done, because they too are learning to identify with the face of spirit. If you forget, it’s great to have someone to remind you. A person like that is invaluable beyond measure. Treasure them.

Rare soul buddies do not apply to most of the ideas in this article. This article is about the average person who is swallowed up in the world of the ego. Don’t give them the opportunity to compromise your dreams and goals born in the realm of spirit. They are not qualified to have a relevant comment, but that won’t stop them from making them anyway.

“He who wishes to exert a useful influence must be careful to insult nothing. Let him not be troubled by what seems absurd, but concentrate his energies to the creation of what is good. He must not demolish, but build. He must raise temples where mankind may come and partake of the purest pleasure.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832)

Your Dreams are Important

From the vantage point of the other face of reality, the face of spirit, you recognize that dreams and desires are born from within you for a purpose. As an individualized manifestation of spirit, you are on the leading edge of creation.

Your experience of embracing your dreams and working through the process toward their manifestation benefits all of life. The presence of the universe itself is becoming more than it was before because of your personal dreams and the process of manifestation. It’s a big job, an important job, being here on the physical side while being identified with the spiritual side. Why not embrace it in joy, marveling at the wonder of it all, and enjoy the experience to the fullest?

“Where there is joy there is creation. Where there is no joy there is no creation: know the nature of joy.” - Maitri Upanishads (c. BC 800-)

“I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success . . . Such emotions make a man forget food, sleep, friends, love, everything.” - Nikola Tesla

You don’t need the endorsement of the crowd to pursue your dreams. Keep your own counsel and trust your inner guidance to steer you toward your dreams. Your on-board, personal guidance system has the marvelous habit of steering you toward the people who can help you, while avoiding the rest. (See previous article, “How Do You Feel – About Inner Guidance.)

When you keep your dreams to yourself and resist the urge to chat about them, you are “valiant in spirit glory” as described by Gandhi, relying on your own source, spirit, to guide you in the most appropriate way. Nobody but your own inner self knows the most appropriate direction for you. Allow your manifestations in this realm of the senses to be inspired by, and spring forth from the other side – the inexhaustible face of spirit, beyond the reach of the senses.

Inspire Yourself on Purpose

Meditation is helpful. Sit quietly and watch the screen of your mind. Notice your breathing. Allow your busy mind to gradually become quieter, naturally. Listen.

Regardless of what religion or philosophy you subscribe to, you can become still and ask to be shown whatever you need to know. No mumbo jumbo is required – no rituals, no ceremony – only pure intent is required. (See previous articles, “Simple Toning Meditation” and “Guided Meditation for Self-Healing and Personal Development.”)

Ask your guides, your guardian angels, your guru, savior, favorite saint, or the deepest and purest, wisest part of yourself, who has always been identified with the other side of reality, for contact. Ask them to show you whatever you need to know. Mean it.

And then be still. You are inviting creativity and manifestation from the other side, the side of spirit, into this side of physical reality. Be receptive. Be sincere. Be ready.

When it comes, you will recognize it by the way it makes you feel. However your answer(s) come to you, they will likely sound like music to your ears.

“Music is the harmonious voice of creation; an echo of the invisible world.” - Giuseppe Mazzini (1805-72)

Be Your Own Best Friend

If you need someone to help you sort it all out or just someone to talk to, try talking to yourself by journaling. Write down your thoughts and feelings whenever you feel the need for more clarity.

Your journal won’t try to talk you out of anything or try to “talk some sense into you,” and it won’t ask misguided questions that put you on the spot to defend your position. Journaling gives you the opportunity to communicate with the deeper, wiser, more centered part of yourself. It helps you stay in closer touch with the part of yourself based on the spiritual side of life, and helps you recognize the thoughts, feelings and attitudes that originate from this arena of the senses, this narrower side of life – the land of the ego.

Identifying and recognizing ego-based thoughts is a good step in the right direction toward more efficient manifestation. With this awareness, it’s easier to turn to the other face of creation, the face of spirit, and proceed with the process of manifesting with the confidence, power and creativity of the universe behind you.

Fly with the wind. Float downstream. Let the creative power of all creation, spirit, be the wind beneath your wings and the stream beneath your canoe.

While reading, did you choose to hear the relaxing instrumental music linked at the beginning of this article? To learn more about it, click here.

Listen FREE to the song samples below . . . chosen to enhance the ideas in this article.


	Take the Plunge Their advice is "for your own good", but the last thing you need to hear is their worst-case scenario. ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor11} Hell or a Whole Lotta Fun Nothing to do? How about too much to do? Our attitude seems to make the difference. ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescAnth.html#Anchor16} Trash Our Treasures People seem to have a history of awarding seemingly insignificant details with places of prominence in our lives, while ignoring or even destroying the most important aspects. ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor2} Miracle in Disguise Synchronicity is such a positive and hopeful idea, it begs the question, "Why not actively look for it and even expect it, as long as it feels good?" ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor11} Angels Around Us Is it your higher self, or your guardian angel, or perhaps an over-active imagination? ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor3} Here A love song to the beloved and/or to the larger part of ourselves. ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor16} Love is Who You Are - Live Version "What is love, anyway?" Is it something you give or get, have or make? Or could it be, down deep, simply who we are? ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHTu.html#Anchor19} Within Without An atom and a solar system is virtually the same thing - mostly empty space! Even quantum physics is still wondering, "Is the universe a great big thing, or a great big thought?" ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor6} Songs by Tupelo



How Do You Feel About Inner Guidance? Is it a hunch? Is it a voice in your head? Is it something you feel? Don’t confuse what you feel with who you are. Once you are able to access this awareness of pure being and identify yourself with it, you won’t get carried away by whatever emotional cloud happens to be passing by. Celebrate life through one of the more subtle forms of communication available to us - inner guidance. Simple Toning Meditation When it comes to meditation and contemplation, all we really need is a simple technique that produces obvious results. Celebrate life through this easy method of calming the mind and getting in closer touch with your inner being. Guided Meditation for Self-Healing and Personal Development It’s helpful to have a helping hand once in awhile. I was fortunate to have friends show me how to meditate. It was just friends showing friends something cool . . . because they could. Or maybe it was some kind of big brother / big sister program for the spiritually ripe. It was easy. It was casual. It was a life-changing experience. Beyond Science, Philosophy and Religion Is truth absolute or relative? Is there anything beyond science, philosophy and religion? Many of the world’s top quantum physicists think there is. Celebrate life by stretching you imagination. The Dilemma of Desire What is desire? Where does it come from? Why do we have it? Does it serve us in a positive way, or does it distract us and keep us perpetually in discontent? This article sheds some light on these important questions so that each of us can find our own answers. Belief Systems vs. Knowing How do you discern between something known and a habitual thought - a belief? The first step is to recognize that the vast majority of our beliefs are based not upon our own personal experiences and revelations but upon anecdotal evidence and the recommendations of other people, past and present. Goal Setting or Let Go and Let God There are two approaches people use to manifest their desires. Some set goals. Others surrender and presume the universe is conspiring to deliver to them their every desire without strain, in its own way and in its own time. Which way is better? Can these two methods be used together? Choose the Companionship of Positive People Who Inspire You If the people you spend the most time with are inspiring, supportive, encouraging, and they demonstrate qualities you want to emulate - great, you are on the right track. If not, it’s up to you to do something about it. Life is too short to put up with other people’s pity parties, bitch-and-moan marathons, and oh-woe-is-me clubs. Good Listener Secrets - Listen with Your Heart When someone is talking to you, do you hear with your ears, monitor with your mind, or listen with your heart? Invest a few minutes thinking about the importance of listening well - a deliberate conscious act - and watch your relationships grow to a new level of closeness and understanding. Inspire Yourself on Purpose - Inspiration from Inside Out Here are twelve common sense reminders on how to inspire yourself. The word “inspire” derives from root words that mean “in spirit” or “spirit within.” Although there’s always another step to take, these points are a natural result of recognizing and identifying with this realization of who we really are. Ego or Soul? Who’s Driving Even though I identify my sense of self with soul, there seems to be another “something” inside forever jockeying for position and making its presence known. This is the ego. What’s the difference? How can you know which one is in charge? What are their characteristics? Since I prefer peace to mayhem and contentment to perpetual, blind striving, my goal is to keep soul in the driver’s seat as often as possible. Instead of an either/or situation, I like the idea of soul and ego peacefully coexisting in a manner that best serves the greater good. How to Live the Life of Your Dreams Through Intuition Intuition feels good. That should be enough of a clue it’s something that can be trusted. But, our culture has done a thorough job of instilling doubt about the wisdom of following our instincts. Instead, we are taught to think things through and be logical. These mental tools are important, but they were never intended to be used instead of intuition. They work better when used in conjunction with intuition. If we are open to it, we get nudges and insights to move us in the direction of our greatest joys, our most valuable contributions, and our most satisfying life. Those quiet whispers and gentle taps on the shoulder are examples of inner guidance in action - intuition. Articles by Tupelo

Numerology Clues of New Beginnings

Tupelo — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 06:12:26 +0000

For instrumental music while reading, choose: hi-fi (broadband) or low-fi.

Numerology is an ancient study of numbers. How it works is deep and a little mysterious, but it’s simple to use. Even without understanding the details of why it works, we can still learn from it.

It’s just another tool in our spiritual tool bag to provide us with information and inspiration.

Like electricity, we can benefit from it as easily as flipping a switch, even if we don’t know (or care) about the technical details at work behind the scene.

Numerology 101

Here’s a quick overview of numerology at a basic level. By adding up all the numbers represented by your birth date and name, you arrive at a single important number that can reveal amazingly accurate insights about your personality, your personal attributes, and clues about how to live your best life.

There’s an excellent book that goes into fascinating detail about how to benefit from the discoveries of numerology. It’s called, The Life You Were Born to Live: A Guide to Finding Your Life Purpose - by Dan Millman. There’s a short review about it on my recommended book review page.

Wow Factors on Every Page

Several times, I have shared this book with groups of friends and family. Every time, we have been amazed at the uncanny accuracy of the personality traits and other personal attributes the book details for people with particular master numbers.

Common comments are, “Wow, that sounds just like me” . . . and “That’s exactly like my wife” . . . or “She may not admit it, but that describes my brother perfectly!” There are always several “aha” moments every time we share the book. It’s a great way to better understand the people who mean a lot to you. Some employers even “run the numbers” on perspective employees before hiring them to gain extra insight into the person’s inner worlds.

Numerology is a fascinating field, if only from the standpoint of curiosity, but this article is about an aspect of it that has the potential to affect us all. Some aspects of numerology pertain to one individual at a time, while others can have a global influence.

As Easy as 1, 2, 3

This article was written at the end of the year 2007. Add up all those numbers and you get 9, which represents completion. Add up the numbers in the year 2008, and you get 1, which represents a new beginning. Of course, every year ends with the idea of completion and every year gets underway with the idea of a new beginning. The outgoing year adds up to a 9 with the incoming year adding up to a 1 exactly once per decade. What makes this particular cusp different is this is the last time it will happen before the year 2012.

2012 is Synonymous with Big Earth Changes

The year 2012 is famous in metaphysical and new age circles as the end of the Mayan calendar. It marks the cusp of a major shift in energy worldwide. Adding up the numbers of 2012 gives us the number 5, which represents change. 2008 is also a year of presidential elections in the U.S., a new beginning that will likely bring changes with worldwide effects.

Energy Dips, Cusps, and Lulls

There seems to be a lull between the completion of the old and the beginning of the new. The energy takes a dip and resets itself to zero before getting ramped up into the fresh energy of the new beginning. Apparently, these energy dips are a natural part of the ebb and flow of life on planet earth.

So, if you are experiencing a dip in energy in your personal life, don’t beat yourself up about it. It may have very little to do with you personally and very much to do with the energy of the planet recalibrating itself, getting ready to take it up a notch.

All living things and all aspects of nature have cycles and seasons beyond our understanding and often beyond our notice. Still, we may feel the subtle effects of these changes, even though we may not be able to put our finger on the exact cause. We can pooh-pooh the whole thing as the workings of someone’s over-active imagination, or we can choose to play along, if only out of natural, childlike curiosity . . . just in case there is insight to be found by the adventurous spirit.

Get Profound Inspiration from a Prime Source

Another interesting source of information about numerology and energetic changes can be found in the work of Lee Carroll. (I mentioned him in a previous article, “Kryon Discovery Retreat Review.”) Lee’s work, for the last 18 years has provided a unique perspective on the changes so many of us feel individually, as well as the changes our entire planet is undergoing.

The information at Lee’s website is all free, and there is a lot of it. He has presented compelling insights at the United Nations on seven different occasions, and those transcripts can also be read on his website. He’s also written a dozen books that have been translated into over a hundred editions worldwide.

If this kind of channeled “woo-woo” (his word) doesn’t scare you off because it’s different from whatever you have grown accustomed to, there is a whole new world of inspiration, insight and understanding to be found (free) at http:www.kryon.com.

Quick and Complete Overview

On Lee’s Kryon website, there is a new series of five articles called, “The Lightworker’s Handbook.” These articles do an excellent job of encapsulating some of the most profound information revealed in the last 18 years. If you are interested in exploring the numerology ideas hinted at in this article, listen to the free audio .mp3 called, “2007-2008 Transition” presented at the Smithfield Theater: smithfield.mp3. The ideas are expanded upon in another free .mp3 called Longmont_08.mp3.

Exciting Times Ahead

New beginnings are good. These energetic lulls represent exciting times to come, full of promise and potential. This article is my last one of the year. The first article I wrote for this website, at the beginning of 2007, is called, “The Power of Beginning.” It is just as relevant today, at the end of the year as it was when it was written on January first.

I am forever grateful to people like Dan Millman and Lee Carroll, angels in disguise, who dedicate their lives to providing us with glimpses of the more subtle aspects of life. Their passion for the truth and their life’s work has the potential to make a profound difference in the quality of our lives if we are willing to consider new ideas with an open mind.

I am grateful and excited about wrapping up another year with a sense of accomplishment and completion, but my attention, energy and passion is focused ahead on the potential and promise of the next new beginning.

While reading, did you choose to hear the relaxing instrumental music linked at the beginning of this article? To learn more about it, click here.

Listen FREE to the songs below . . . chosen to enhance the ideas in this article.


Wrap Your Wings Around Some call it intuition; others call it inner guidance. Whatever it is, once you begin to rely on it, it "sounds" mighty quiet when it seems to stop. ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor4} Compass Spin What would life on earth look like if our perspective allowed us to see centuries passing in the wink of an eye? ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor8} A Heartbeat in Eternity’s Highway In the grand scheme of things, what’s the difference between a single moment and all of eternity? What’s the point of reference? ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor17} Angels Around Us Is it your higher self, or your guardian angel, or perhaps an over-active imagination? ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor3} Here A love song to the beloved and/or to the larger part of ourselves. ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor16} Songs by Tupelo



The Power of Beginning The most important part of any project is the beginning. Just begin and follow through and you will be amazed at the momentum. . The creative power of the universe responds by lining up the details to bring it into manifestation. Coincidences begin to occur. Your job is to choose and then begin. Kryon Discovery Retreat Review After an inspiring weekend at the Sunrise Ranch, I drove away deeply grateful that there are people like Lee Carroll in the world, and Dr. Sid Wolf, and Dr. Amber Wolf, and my wife Janey - busy going about the work they are inspired to do. They move us, open us up to new potentials, and help us see the bigger picture. These angels-in-disguise offer the wisdom of their experience to bring us understanding, laughter and joy in the sacred process of our own personal development. Inspire Yourself on Purpose - Inspiration from Inside Out Here are twelve common sense reminders on how to inspire yourself. The word “inspire” derives from root words that mean “in spirit” or “spirit within.” Although there’s always another step to take, these points are a natural result of recognizing and identifying with this realization of who we really are. Articles by Tupelo

Ego or Soul? Who’s Driving?

Tupelo — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 12:00:21 +0000

For instrumental music while reading, choose: hi-fi (broadband) or low-fi.

I’ve found it helpful to think of two separate entities who inhabit my body. First, this is an important distinction. You often hear of someone claiming to “have” a soul. The viewpoint inferred by this choice of words begs the question, “If you have a soul, who is having it? The body? The mind?”

To me, it seems more accurate (and more useful) to think about it the other way around. That is, soul is who I am (who we all are) and we now have a body.

Even though I identify my sense of self with soul, there seems to be another “something” inside forever jockeying for position and making its presence known. This is the ego.

What’s the difference? How can you know which one is in charge? What are their characteristics?

Soul’s Attributes

Soul is all about peace and contentment. Soul perceives the outer world through the five senses via the mind. Soul perceives the inner world through knowing, feelings, emotions, hunches, nudges, dreams, daydreams, inner sight and inner sound.

“Thinking, understanding, reasoning, willing, call not these Soul! They are its actions, but they are not its essence.” - Akhenaton (d. c.1354 BC) - Egyptian king

Ego desperately needs to be right. If it can’t be right, the next best thing is that it needs others to be wrong. Ego is alone and unconnected to others. It is driven to compete with all the others, so that it can be recognized as best. If not best, at least better. The ego’s sense of self is wrapped up in titles, awards and achievements. It must be continuously recognized by others for its accomplishments and special-ness.

Ego’s Characteristics

Ego needs stuff – the more, the better. It is identified with possessions and the perceived prestige that accompanies them.

“Many could forgo heavy meals, a full wardrobe, a fine house, et cetera; it is the ego they cannot forgo.” - Gandhi (1869-1948)

The ego is engaged in a never-ending striving for more. It is never satisfied, never content, and never at peace. In fact, those things are considered threats to the ego – if you were totally peaceful, why would anyone need an ego? Ego may delude itself into thinking its striving, pushing and shoving is driven by a longing for peace, but the truth is, its striving is driven by the love of striving.

Ego Needs – Soul Is

Peace and contentment is the domain of the soul. Soul doesn’t “need” anything and is perfectly happy just to be. Soul is fulfilled by its attention on the present moment and whatever circumstances come with it. Soul has no longing for things or awards or recognition or outcomes. These are all in the realm of ego. Whatever it takes to remain peaceful, that is the objective of soul.

Soul does not shrink from experience – in fact, it relishes experiences that allow it to grow in awareness. Therefore, soul doesn’t mind possessions – it just remains detached from them with the understanding that they are all temporary.

“The self-controlled soul, who moves amongst sense objects, free from either attachment or repulsion, he wins eternal Peace.” - Bhagavad Gita (c. BC 400)

All possessions are loaners, to be enjoyed in the moment, and easily released when it’s time. Possessions come and possessions go – the sense of being “I am” remains to experience each of them in the moment of now. From the viewpoint of soul, all things are temporary playthings, capable of providing amusement and a richness of experience, but never to be allowed to get in the way of peace and contentment.

Relatively Peaceful Coexistance

I notice both of these viewpoints active within myself on any particular day. Even though I have made the conscious decision to identify with soul, ego elbows its way to the forefront quite often with its petty needs and inconsiderate attitudes.

It doesn’t have to be an on-going, internal war between the two. To function in the world, we seem to need both soul and ego. The problems arise when the ego is allowed to run amuck in an unsupervised manner. When ego is under the watchful eye of soul, a workable balance can be achieved.

“Our ego is our silent partner–too often with a controlling interest.” - Cullen Hightower

Shrinking Ego / Growing Soul Visualization

When I was first learning the benefits of meditation about forty years ago, I often pondered these two seemingly opposite viewpoints that co-existed in my head and heart. I realized that ego could be put under the control of soul and eventually began to enjoy occasional success at deliberately choosing soul as the captain. It’s not easy (ego is a relentless competitor), but with diligence and discipline, an ever-increasing percentage of moments had soul in the driver’s seat.

“To make the right choices in life, you have to get in touch with your soul. To do this, you need to experience solitude, which most people are afraid of, because in the silence you hear the truth and know the solutions.” - Deepak K. Chopra (b. 1946)

In meditation, I focused my attention on a mental image of soul and ego. In my mind’s eye, I saw each of them as glowing orbs of light roughly equal in size, filling the mental screen. I noticed as I was successful in diminishing the size, power and importance of ego, its orb shrunk and soul had more room to grow into. It seemed so simple . . . as “A” shrinks, “B” is allowed to expand.

It was a helpful image that now, forty years later, I still use. I don’t think of it as an inner battle that will someday be won or lost. Instead, it is a spiritual exercise that reminds me that both soul and ego are necessary to function in the world.

“Meditation is the soul’s perspective glass.” - Owen Felltham (1602?-68)

Since I prefer peace to mayhem and contentment to perpetual, blind striving, my goal is to keep soul in the driver’s seat as often as possible. Instead of an either/or situation, I like the idea of soul and ego peacefully coexisting in a manner that best serves the greater good. Communication between the two is encouraged, so as often as possible, balance is the outcome.

“The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience.” - Emily Elizabeth Dickinson (1830-86)

In my meditations, I still envision the ego shrinking which automatically allows more “room” for soul to grow into. And whenever I notice a strong desire to be “right” or notice a thought of superiority or an urge for needless competition, I try to remember to take the old ego down a notch and allow soul to resume its rightful place in the driver’s seat.

While reading, did you choose to hear the relaxing instrumental music linked at the beginning of this article? To learn more about it, click here.

Listen FREE to the songs below . . . chosen to enhance the ideas in this article.


	May You Have Joy Have you ever felt a warm appreciation for someone in your life, and just wanted to wish them well? ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#anchor12} Who is the Watcher Explores the silent witness within and the idea that life occurs in this present moment. Always. ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor-14} A Heartbeat in Eternity’s Highway In the grand scheme of things, what’s the difference between a single moment and all of eternity? What’s the point of reference? ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor17} Soul in the Stars It feels good to try to see the bigger picture once in awhile,and to focus on gratitude for what we have, rather than the frustration of what we are lacking. ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor4} Blue Water Water and the sea are such perfect metaphors for the larger reality we are all immersed in. ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor6} Story Belt Celebrates the importance of keeping things in perspective while being a part of the bigger picture. ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor8} Love is Who You Are "What is love, anyway?" Is it something you give or get, have or make? Or could it be, down deep, simply who we are? ^{http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor1} Songs by Tupelo



How Do You Feel About Inner Guidance? Is it a hunch? Is it a voice in your head? Is it something you feel? Don’t confuse what you feel with who you are. Once you are able to access this awareness of pure being and identify yourself with it, you won’t get carried away by whatever emotional cloud happens to be passing by. Celebrate life through one of the more subtle forms of communication available to us - inner guidance. The Dilemma of Desire What is desire? Where does it come from? Why do we have it? Does it serve us in a positive way, or does it distract us and keep us perpetually in discontent? This article sheds some light on these important questions so that each of us can find our own answers. Action and Satisfaction A satisfying life includes time for doing balanced by time for being , embracing and celebrating all aspects of life. Being, doing, having . . . all these things are important ingredients of our package of life experience. Denying any aspect of it only serves to diminish our joy of living a full, inspired, and satisfying life. Integrity Through Self-Reliance When you live your life as if the whisperings from your soul really matter, you are living life in your own way, on your own terms, based on your own realizations on what is right . . . what is good . . . and what is true for you. You are tuned into your own station. The signal you are receiving and the message you are broadcasting with the story of your life are both on the same frequency. You are joyfully and gratefully choosing your favorites from the buffet of life. Balancing Desire with Contentment It’s a fine line we walk between wanting more and feeling satisfied with what we have. Desire is unavoidable - it comes with the territory. So, the trick is to find the balance. There’s a middle ground to be found where deep feelings of contentment and satisfaction are spiced with the delicious excitement of something more on the horizon. Articles by Tupelo