“How do my beliefs about my origin affect my attitudes about myself?”
This was the guide question pondered on by the participants of last Tuesday (Aug.14) at the Inner Work Circle. As we reflected and shared our insights on the theme around the circle we heard stories of personal experiences and life journeys within the backdrop of each one’s respective faith tradition and spirituality.
Growing up with 13 siblings and having to share with one and all, each time every blessing (be it a whole loaf of bread, a slice of pie or a piece of apple) that is brought home by any member of the family—was how one sharer’s attitudes and values were greatly shaped by his origin. Generosity, truth, respect, and nonviolence—all these he was simply exposed to in the home as he grew up into what he is now.
Faith is also one aspect of the self that is supposed to be greatly influenced upon by one’s family- most especially the parents. Yet one sharer found himself away from his own family’s faith tradition and into another. One other sharer related his journey in and out of faith, losing God from his born-religion and finding God somewhere else.
Still, others (as the case of our Muslim brother who shared) have deeply grown rooted in their parents’ and ancestors’ faith having—found meaning and contentment in their religious lives, and never having the thought of uprooting from their origins cross their minds. Another sharer (a Catholic) also did not find it necessary to change religion even as she has opened up and explored other faiths. She realized that all religions teach the same essence anyway so there was no need for her to leave the faith she was born into—all she had to do was to adjust her perspective within the belief system and, more importantly, personalized it.
From the point of view of oriental spirituality (as shared by our Korean friend) change is most important, and it is the present moment that maters most. He pointed out that although the past (or origin) and the future (visions) are also important, neither of these actually exist. The only reality there is is the eternal now. It is in the here and now where and when we can amend the past and act for the future.
Whatever we do with this life path we found ourselves in, however we relate with the influence of our origin – whether with acceptance or with change—that is our choice. To each is his/her own journey. In fact, it is the uniqueness of each one’s journey that truly makes it special and incomparable with others’.
As pointed by another sharer: “In the end, it will just be between you and ‘your’ God.” So in a way, there are as many religions as there are people having unique relationships with God, the Infinite Source, our Supreme Origin and Ultimate Destination.
Therefore, each personal relationship with the Divine is valid and unquestionable. There lies the good news—we all come from one and the same Origin and, whether we like it or not, we are all headed towards one and the same Destination (some of us just loose our way and may take a long while to get there). It is a journey from the Infinite Divine and incarnating into the finite human existence, and then going back—through change, evolution and growth—towards realization of Wholeness and union with the Oneness of all.
Can’t wait to come full circle!
Shanti!
O.
Being Uniquely Human (Aug. 07, 2007 TIWC sharing)
Infinite Peace!
Despite the stormy weather, an intimate group of striving peacemakers braved the rains last Tuesday (Aug.7) at the Inner Work Circle to continue with their practice of self-awareness and transformation by reflecting and sharing insights on guide questions such as this one:
“What do I like about being uniquely human?”
The participants pondered on this and shared their insights from the perspective of their own faith traditions and personal experiences. We pondered on what sets us apart from other creatures and our unique nature as human beings.
Some pointed out our capability for compassion and love, while others emphasized the exceptional human intellect.
Indeed, if we are to trace the steps up the evolutionary ladder we will find us Homo Sapiens on top. We may see animals, especially fellow mammals exhibiting love and compassion, and even intelligence (remember the chimpanzees communicating with sign language?)—and yet we humans are seemingly above them all because of the degree of complexity and advancement we have evolved into.
Chimpanzees not only can communicate with sign language nowadays. I’ve heard they’re being trained to fly rocket ships into outer space! But, will you ever hear about them even dreaming about flying to the moon, let alone inventing space ships to take them there? No. Only we humans have the well-evolved cerebral cortex to do that (on Earth, that is).
Only us humans have that degree of capability and power to go beyond – to conceive of such a “beyond”, and to carve paths towards it. In fact, we humans are so intelligent we even have the ability to create inventions that can even wipe out our own species, as well as the rest of the planet! (Remember Hiroshima where 63 years ago the other day—August 6—the first atom bomb was dropped?). We have already invented a lot of things that now seem to be running beyond our control.
Good thing we have the other human faculty that help us balance our decisions—the human heart. As far as how the degree of human compassion can be best illustrated, we can cite the example of how one man sacrificed himself to be hanged in the cross—not only for the sake of one other person—but for the whole world. And there are many other human beings like him who are called saints, masters, and heroes who willfully sacrifice their lives for the larger whole.
Speaking of willful decisions, another special human attribute given emphasis during the sharing is free will (some faith traditions believe that angels and other spiritual beings don’t even have free will, unlike humans). We are given the freedom to choose whether to use our human powers to create or destroy, choose to do good or evil, to open up to knowledge or to stay ignorant.
We humans are given free will by God, the Supreme Being, the Almighty Creator, the Great Spirit—another “beyond” that only humans can conceive/ be aware of. We humans possess the consciousness not only of ourselves (self-consciousness) and others (social consciousness) but also of the higher consciousness beyond ourselves. Indeed, the ultimate edge of being human is the Spirit, and our ability to become aware or to remember that we originally are spiritual beings. We are divine sparks of light and spirit that come from the Ultimate Divine Source.
“We are spiritual beings having human experiences—not merely human beings having spiritual experiences,” they say. It is, therefore, to be fully conscious of this gift of divinity that may be our purpose as humans.
Isn’t this an exciting earthly journey we are in? This being human—a unique combination of mind, heart & light, free-willingly maneuvering a body towards growth and full awareness of the Spirit!
Next Tuesday (Aug. 14) our discussions will be based on the following reflection questions: “How do my beliefs about where I come from affect my attitude towards my self? What are these beliefs telling me about my self, and who I am?"
Shanti!
O.
Despite the stormy weather, an intimate group of striving peacemakers braved the rains last Tuesday (Aug.7) at the Inner Work Circle to continue with their practice of self-awareness and transformation by reflecting and sharing insights on guide questions such as this one:
“What do I like about being uniquely human?”
The participants pondered on this and shared their insights from the perspective of their own faith traditions and personal experiences. We pondered on what sets us apart from other creatures and our unique nature as human beings.
Some pointed out our capability for compassion and love, while others emphasized the exceptional human intellect.
Indeed, if we are to trace the steps up the evolutionary ladder we will find us Homo Sapiens on top. We may see animals, especially fellow mammals exhibiting love and compassion, and even intelligence (remember the chimpanzees communicating with sign language?)—and yet we humans are seemingly above them all because of the degree of complexity and advancement we have evolved into.
Chimpanzees not only can communicate with sign language nowadays. I’ve heard they’re being trained to fly rocket ships into outer space! But, will you ever hear about them even dreaming about flying to the moon, let alone inventing space ships to take them there? No. Only we humans have the well-evolved cerebral cortex to do that (on Earth, that is).
Only us humans have that degree of capability and power to go beyond – to conceive of such a “beyond”, and to carve paths towards it. In fact, we humans are so intelligent we even have the ability to create inventions that can even wipe out our own species, as well as the rest of the planet! (Remember Hiroshima where 63 years ago the other day—August 6—the first atom bomb was dropped?). We have already invented a lot of things that now seem to be running beyond our control.
Good thing we have the other human faculty that help us balance our decisions—the human heart. As far as how the degree of human compassion can be best illustrated, we can cite the example of how one man sacrificed himself to be hanged in the cross—not only for the sake of one other person—but for the whole world. And there are many other human beings like him who are called saints, masters, and heroes who willfully sacrifice their lives for the larger whole.
Speaking of willful decisions, another special human attribute given emphasis during the sharing is free will (some faith traditions believe that angels and other spiritual beings don’t even have free will, unlike humans). We are given the freedom to choose whether to use our human powers to create or destroy, choose to do good or evil, to open up to knowledge or to stay ignorant.
We humans are given free will by God, the Supreme Being, the Almighty Creator, the Great Spirit—another “beyond” that only humans can conceive/ be aware of. We humans possess the consciousness not only of ourselves (self-consciousness) and others (social consciousness) but also of the higher consciousness beyond ourselves. Indeed, the ultimate edge of being human is the Spirit, and our ability to become aware or to remember that we originally are spiritual beings. We are divine sparks of light and spirit that come from the Ultimate Divine Source.
“We are spiritual beings having human experiences—not merely human beings having spiritual experiences,” they say. It is, therefore, to be fully conscious of this gift of divinity that may be our purpose as humans.
Isn’t this an exciting earthly journey we are in? This being human—a unique combination of mind, heart & light, free-willingly maneuvering a body towards growth and full awareness of the Spirit!
Next Tuesday (Aug. 14) our discussions will be based on the following reflection questions: “How do my beliefs about where I come from affect my attitude towards my self? What are these beliefs telling me about my self, and who I am?"
Shanti!
O.
What energizes you? (TIWC sharing - July 24, 2007)
Infinite Energy!
An energizing session was held last Tuesday (July 24) at the Inner Work Circle as an intimate group (sans our usual facilitators) gathered for an evening of reflective sharing and insightful conversations.
What are the things you do/eat/see/hear/experience which energize you? And what are those that drain you?
We each had our turns answering this question as we reflected on our experiences, discovered and became aware of our common answers, as well as our unique quirks.
According to the discussions, some of the things we do that energize most of us include: meditation, t’ai chi/ qi gong, dancing and being in and around nature (the beach, the moon, the green fields)-- the sight, sound, smell and the whole experience of nature. Indeed, nothing beats the undisputed number one energizer. It was even shared how one can actually cure a headache just by walking barefoot on the earth (or on the grass). Try it next time!
Music was also on top of the charts. Depending on the mood, one can get energized by soft relaxing music, or by upbeat, funky rhythm.
An all-time favorite from the ranks of food energizers is chocolate! Indeed, a common comfort food for everyone, chocolate (dark chocolate, that is) is also said to have health benefits—which include inducing endorphins or pain-relieving body-chemicals that fight depression.
Further into more experiences that keep us energized include being in the company of kindred souls or simply friends whose company uplifts your spirit. Sharing dreams, aspirations and just about anything to anyone—not just close friends—does help to unload and keep us from being drained. (And that’s partly why we were all here every Tuesday at the Inner Work—to be energize the self!).
On the other hand, some of the things that drain us include the sight, thought or experience of hopelessness, the death and dying, suffering and frustration, and injustice. We can usually identify people who can be called psychic vampires who knowingly or unknowingly suck your energies up. They are often those who are negative, pessimistic, angry and dependent people.
However and whatever drains us, the most important thing is to be aware. To be aware that we are being drained and to not allow ourselves to reach the point of “burn-out.” To be aware of what energizes us so that we can easily prevent dis-ease and loss of vitality, joy and wellness.
From now on until next Tuesday (July 31) we suggest you be mindful of your DREAMS—as this will be the topic of our next session… An Open Evening with Mr. Lucito de Jesus, dream counselor, who will share and facilitate on “The Spirituality of Dreams.” Get your dream record books ready…
See you then!
Shanti!
O.
An energizing session was held last Tuesday (July 24) at the Inner Work Circle as an intimate group (sans our usual facilitators) gathered for an evening of reflective sharing and insightful conversations.
What are the things you do/eat/see/hear/experience which energize you? And what are those that drain you?
We each had our turns answering this question as we reflected on our experiences, discovered and became aware of our common answers, as well as our unique quirks.
According to the discussions, some of the things we do that energize most of us include: meditation, t’ai chi/ qi gong, dancing and being in and around nature (the beach, the moon, the green fields)-- the sight, sound, smell and the whole experience of nature. Indeed, nothing beats the undisputed number one energizer. It was even shared how one can actually cure a headache just by walking barefoot on the earth (or on the grass). Try it next time!
Music was also on top of the charts. Depending on the mood, one can get energized by soft relaxing music, or by upbeat, funky rhythm.
An all-time favorite from the ranks of food energizers is chocolate! Indeed, a common comfort food for everyone, chocolate (dark chocolate, that is) is also said to have health benefits—which include inducing endorphins or pain-relieving body-chemicals that fight depression.
Further into more experiences that keep us energized include being in the company of kindred souls or simply friends whose company uplifts your spirit. Sharing dreams, aspirations and just about anything to anyone—not just close friends—does help to unload and keep us from being drained. (And that’s partly why we were all here every Tuesday at the Inner Work—to be energize the self!).
On the other hand, some of the things that drain us include the sight, thought or experience of hopelessness, the death and dying, suffering and frustration, and injustice. We can usually identify people who can be called psychic vampires who knowingly or unknowingly suck your energies up. They are often those who are negative, pessimistic, angry and dependent people.
However and whatever drains us, the most important thing is to be aware. To be aware that we are being drained and to not allow ourselves to reach the point of “burn-out.” To be aware of what energizes us so that we can easily prevent dis-ease and loss of vitality, joy and wellness.
From now on until next Tuesday (July 31) we suggest you be mindful of your DREAMS—as this will be the topic of our next session… An Open Evening with Mr. Lucito de Jesus, dream counselor, who will share and facilitate on “The Spirituality of Dreams.” Get your dream record books ready…
See you then!
Shanti!
O.
Smell & Taste (TIWC- July 17, 2007)
Infinite Oneness!
The topic last Tuesday (July 17th) at the Inner Work circle was the Sense of Smell and Taste. It not a usual theme for reflection and sharing and it may not seem that significant but as it turned out we had a rich sharing after all.
The sense of smell and taste are indeed very connected. We were reminded how we all usually have our taste buds crippled whenever we catch a cold or we have a clogged nose. Indeed our olfactory system is needed by the tongue to perceive fully the different kinds of tastes. This is how we can also figure out by simply smelling if a new kind of food in front of us is palatable or not.
I remember learning that for snakes it’s the opposite. They say that snakes smell the surroundings (to detect preys maybe, or other creatures) through their tongue—this is why they flick their two-pronged antenna-like tongues most of the time.
Some say scents and aromas can trigger memories more strongly than the other senses. I’ve heard somewhere that the olfactory nerve is the shortest—and therefore, closest—nerve that connects to the brain. That could be the explanation.
On another note, the olfactory sense becomes a significant topic when we mention the term “pheromones”. We all know what these are for especially among animals. So how will procreation be without these? Although human pheromones have not yet been scientifically proven, we all know already the effect of perfumes and aroma when it comes to romance and “procreation”.
Speaking of aromas, another popular term nowadays is aromatherapy—which pertains to a mode of relaxation and anti-stress treatment. Indeed, the “fastfood complex” in the modern times have led us to take for granted the simple blessings like the taste of real food. Along with the lack of nutrients that go with fastfood is the attitude of “getting it over with”, or the habit of chit-chatting and even watching TV while eating—and not minding the food, the “gifts from God’s bounty.” One sharer said, “it is our turn to bless the food by being aware of it while we take it in and appreciating it as divine blessings.”
I’ve heard of a meditation exercise (Zen perhaps) wherein each participant is asked to eat one raisin for one minute. This leads one to savor the raisin fully—its taste, its texture, etc. Talk about mindfulness. That’s what we call “chewing meditation.” (We should all try it sometimes!)
There’s an expression when we are being reminded to de-stress, relax, and take rest from the daily rush of the mundane routine. We usually say: “Stop and smell the flowers.”
Now we can add to that: “Stop and taste your food”.
The last session was a bit different as we reversed the order of the regular format. We started first with the sharing on the theme and at around 7:11pm before we proceeded with meditation for about half an hour. This was so to specially connect with many other people around the world who also meditated in that same hour in conscious oneness. A world wide movement has taken this initiative to synergetically gather people to pray and meditate together all at the same time to enforce and empower what is called the grid of human consciousness for peace and healing in the world. The session ended with movement meditation through Q-Gong body-mind relaxation exercises.
Next Tuesday (July 24) our reflections will center around the following questions: What makes me feel most energetic and alive? What makes me feel tired and low (What drains me)? What are the things I like and don’t like(doing, eating, seeing, experiencing)?
Until then, let us dream, wishper, and realize for the world:
Active compassion…
Conscious oneness…
Teamwork and harmony...
Dynamic Peace…
Synergy…
Shanti!
O.
The topic last Tuesday (July 17th) at the Inner Work circle was the Sense of Smell and Taste. It not a usual theme for reflection and sharing and it may not seem that significant but as it turned out we had a rich sharing after all.
The sense of smell and taste are indeed very connected. We were reminded how we all usually have our taste buds crippled whenever we catch a cold or we have a clogged nose. Indeed our olfactory system is needed by the tongue to perceive fully the different kinds of tastes. This is how we can also figure out by simply smelling if a new kind of food in front of us is palatable or not.
I remember learning that for snakes it’s the opposite. They say that snakes smell the surroundings (to detect preys maybe, or other creatures) through their tongue—this is why they flick their two-pronged antenna-like tongues most of the time.
Some say scents and aromas can trigger memories more strongly than the other senses. I’ve heard somewhere that the olfactory nerve is the shortest—and therefore, closest—nerve that connects to the brain. That could be the explanation.
On another note, the olfactory sense becomes a significant topic when we mention the term “pheromones”. We all know what these are for especially among animals. So how will procreation be without these? Although human pheromones have not yet been scientifically proven, we all know already the effect of perfumes and aroma when it comes to romance and “procreation”.
Speaking of aromas, another popular term nowadays is aromatherapy—which pertains to a mode of relaxation and anti-stress treatment. Indeed, the “fastfood complex” in the modern times have led us to take for granted the simple blessings like the taste of real food. Along with the lack of nutrients that go with fastfood is the attitude of “getting it over with”, or the habit of chit-chatting and even watching TV while eating—and not minding the food, the “gifts from God’s bounty.” One sharer said, “it is our turn to bless the food by being aware of it while we take it in and appreciating it as divine blessings.”
I’ve heard of a meditation exercise (Zen perhaps) wherein each participant is asked to eat one raisin for one minute. This leads one to savor the raisin fully—its taste, its texture, etc. Talk about mindfulness. That’s what we call “chewing meditation.” (We should all try it sometimes!)
There’s an expression when we are being reminded to de-stress, relax, and take rest from the daily rush of the mundane routine. We usually say: “Stop and smell the flowers.”
Now we can add to that: “Stop and taste your food”.
The last session was a bit different as we reversed the order of the regular format. We started first with the sharing on the theme and at around 7:11pm before we proceeded with meditation for about half an hour. This was so to specially connect with many other people around the world who also meditated in that same hour in conscious oneness. A world wide movement has taken this initiative to synergetically gather people to pray and meditate together all at the same time to enforce and empower what is called the grid of human consciousness for peace and healing in the world. The session ended with movement meditation through Q-Gong body-mind relaxation exercises.
Next Tuesday (July 24) our reflections will center around the following questions: What makes me feel most energetic and alive? What makes me feel tired and low (What drains me)? What are the things I like and don’t like(doing, eating, seeing, experiencing)?
Until then, let us dream, wishper, and realize for the world:
Active compassion…
Conscious oneness…
Teamwork and harmony...
Dynamic Peace…
Synergy…
Shanti!
O.
Oneness (TIWC - July 10, 2007)
Infinite Peace!
Oneness was the theme last Tuesday (July 10th) @ the Inner Work Circle and our main facilitator aptly was Mr. Ding Reyes- advocate of synergy and conscious oneness.
To start off the discussions Ding engaged the group in a creative activity to illustrate the key points. We all had papers and pencils, and we were asked to draw the object infront of us in the middle – a glass of iced water. From this exercise, the concept of oneness was expounded on…
What prevents oneness, as pointed out, is separation. What leads to separation are boundaries.
When we were asked to draw ice and clouds we automatically drew (black) lines to define the boundaries of these images (in reality, there are no lines around them-- just edges). This is how natural and automatic it is for us to create boundaries while trying to define objects, images and even concepts. This can be illustrated in many more ways, especially through those optical illusion images and puzzles. Our physical senses naturally rely on these adjustments and modifications we create in order to perceive.
This holds true with concepts or phenomenon in which we naturally need to label or categorize into words in order to define and make sense of them. Lines, words, labels are boundaries which, though maybe useful, are also what causes separation and gets in the way of oneness.
These boundaries are tools, very useful tools indeed. But like all other tools, we use these for particular tasks only and we leave them behind or set them aside while we no longer need them (unless you’re a handyman by profession—but even they need to set their tools aside while not at work!). The point is we should not all the time identify ourselves with and be fixated to these tools-- these boundaries, these words/terms, these labels and categories, these belief systems, this skin color, this body, this ego.
Much as our individual selves, our own experiences are our reality, so is the reality beyond the Self – the “others” or (a better term Ding suggests: “our fellows”).
The challenge now that we need to respond to is transcending the boundaries that limit us to our individual selves, and expanding our experiences and our realities to include our belongingness to each other, our interdependence and interconnectedness— our being part of the Bigger Self (“OurSELF”).
Next Tuesday (July 17) we will be exploring the senses we have not yet taken up: “Taste & Smell”.
What kinds of odors, scents/aromas are memorable to me? What memories do these bring back to me?
What particular food do I like and don’t like? What food will I allow myself to take? What food will I not allow myself to take?
Prepare to share your reflections on Tuesday and let’s learn more again (or be aware again) about ourselves as we strive to be the change we wish to see in the world.
See you then!
Shanti!
O.
Oneness was the theme last Tuesday (July 10th) @ the Inner Work Circle and our main facilitator aptly was Mr. Ding Reyes- advocate of synergy and conscious oneness.
To start off the discussions Ding engaged the group in a creative activity to illustrate the key points. We all had papers and pencils, and we were asked to draw the object infront of us in the middle – a glass of iced water. From this exercise, the concept of oneness was expounded on…
What prevents oneness, as pointed out, is separation. What leads to separation are boundaries.
When we were asked to draw ice and clouds we automatically drew (black) lines to define the boundaries of these images (in reality, there are no lines around them-- just edges). This is how natural and automatic it is for us to create boundaries while trying to define objects, images and even concepts. This can be illustrated in many more ways, especially through those optical illusion images and puzzles. Our physical senses naturally rely on these adjustments and modifications we create in order to perceive.
This holds true with concepts or phenomenon in which we naturally need to label or categorize into words in order to define and make sense of them. Lines, words, labels are boundaries which, though maybe useful, are also what causes separation and gets in the way of oneness.
These boundaries are tools, very useful tools indeed. But like all other tools, we use these for particular tasks only and we leave them behind or set them aside while we no longer need them (unless you’re a handyman by profession—but even they need to set their tools aside while not at work!). The point is we should not all the time identify ourselves with and be fixated to these tools-- these boundaries, these words/terms, these labels and categories, these belief systems, this skin color, this body, this ego.
Much as our individual selves, our own experiences are our reality, so is the reality beyond the Self – the “others” or (a better term Ding suggests: “our fellows”).
The challenge now that we need to respond to is transcending the boundaries that limit us to our individual selves, and expanding our experiences and our realities to include our belongingness to each other, our interdependence and interconnectedness— our being part of the Bigger Self (“OurSELF”).
Next Tuesday (July 17) we will be exploring the senses we have not yet taken up: “Taste & Smell”.
What kinds of odors, scents/aromas are memorable to me? What memories do these bring back to me?
What particular food do I like and don’t like? What food will I allow myself to take? What food will I not allow myself to take?
Prepare to share your reflections on Tuesday and let’s learn more again (or be aware again) about ourselves as we strive to be the change we wish to see in the world.
See you then!
Shanti!
O.
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