What if the World Ends This Month

What if the World Ends This Month?   It's hard to imagine that something that's been around for 4.5 billion years is goingto suddenly cease to exist this month. Especially on a specific date this month. And certainly, if not this month, then surely on December 21, 2012. Hundreds of internet stories, channelings, and/or prophecies, make it sound like the end is quite near.  Biblical passages are interpreted according to Armageddon beliefs, conspiracy theories are created to support a point of view, or the visible evidence of mother nature's wrath confirms the statement, See, we told you so!  Actually, with conditions on the planet seemingly so awful on every front, a huge shakeup just might be welcomed news all around.  But, I digress.  Things reached a fever pitch this year after a Comet named Elenin, entered our solar system in December 2010. Comets, are "dirty snowballs" primarily made up of loosely packed ice and dust. There are 4,185 identified comets in our solar system. Yet, why Comet Elenin's arrival caused such a big stir can only be attributed to the atmosphere of fear that prevails on our planet, which leaves most people feeling impotent.   It is claimed that Elenin will bring cataclysm to the planet such as we've not seen since Atlantis or Lemuria sank. Theories abound that Elenin's proximity to earth will cause a pole shift that will be preceded by three days of darkness. A recent website proclaimed with much certitude that a series of "pre-cataclysms" would occur between mid-August and September 5th. As soon as those dates passed without incident the website removed the dates and issued an update that the cataclysm had been replaced by "relatively small disasters" so that civilization could continue.   In the spirit of thoughtful discourse about the end times I did a little research. It seems that Comet Elenin will make its closest approach to earth on October 16th. For those who say it will create three days of darkness, that doesn't appear to be possible. Seen from the earth, the comet will not cross the face of the sun. Even if it did, the comet is but 2-3 miles across in size while the sun is 865,000 miles in diameter. For a comet of 2-3 miles in diameter to darken the sun (as in an eclipse) it would have to be 250 miles above the earth. This one is 22 million miles away.   Let's compare Elenin to the "Great Comet" Hale-Bopp which entered the solar system in 1997. It was visible to the naked eye for 18 months and seen by most people on earth. Hale-Bopp was estimated to be 25 miles in diameter. Yet what effect did it have on the planet? Yes, there were significant blizzards and then flooding in north America, but that was attributed to climate change, not the comet. There were other events that occurred in 1997 that had a much larger impact on humanity. Focusing on world events, 120 countries signed an agreement to eliminate land mines; the UN prohibition on Chemical Weapons went into effect; 150 countries signed the Kyoto Protocol on global warming; Britain gave Hong Kong back to China. If those events were influenced by Comet Hale-Bopp then I personally look forward to the arrival of little Elenin.   But if, (and that's a big IF) it should do what others suggest and the world does come to an end this month, what would you do? You've got twenty-eight days to live! How would you live those 28 days? What would you do different than you do now in your daily life? Would you head for high ground? So where would you go and what would you do?   Here's what I would do. To start, I wouldn't go anywhere for if the poles shift there is no high ground.  I also recognize that the earth is always in a state of releasing and purifying herself so perhaps this cleansing is long overdue. I also believe that our time in physical form is of a much shorter duration than our time in spirit form and it is to that spirit I would be returning. Therefore, I'd continue to look for the good in all while holding a vision of more enlightened ones returning to earth in a future time.     On a practical level, I'd talk every day with close friends, loved ones, or family, sharing our life stories, holding each other close and affirming love and kindness.  I'd go for walks in the morning and evening, catching breathtaking sunrises and sunsets that always make me feel closer to spirit.  Last, I'd light a candle, a stick of incense, sit down in meditation and wait. I'd do that all month until Elenin arrives.  Come to think of it, this is what I do every day!  So for me, this month won't be any different. What about you?  Om shanti, shanti, shanti!   ADDENDUM:  It seems Comet Elenin, made up of dust and ice, was felled by the sun's heat in late September.  A massive solar flare reduced it's size, visibility and impact.  The comet is all but forgotten.  Until the next fearful thing consumes our collective psyche.  ++++++++++++++ Jo Mooy - October, 2011

REMEMBER MIKE!

Remember Mike!

"No no, I can't accept that.  It's too much. I can't let you do that!"  One of the women had just given the other a most meaningful gift of true friendship.  But the receiver would not allow herself to accept the generosity of her friend.  I watched the interchange as the protests continued from one to the other.   Seeing the impasse I stepped between them and offered this story to both of them.

After a year of searching, I found a kitchen cabinet island that perfectly matched the granite kitchen countertops.  The online order was so heavy it had to be shipped to the local UPS store.  I called Mike, the owner of the store and told him to be on the lookout for it and to warn him that it weighed over 250 pounds.  I also learned that the island cabinet had to be assembled so I asked Mike if he knew a handyman that could assemble it for me.  He didn't know of anyone so I figured I'd have to find one after the rolling cabinet was delivered.

About two weeks later there was a knock at the front door.  When I opened the door there was UPS Mike with the heavy shipment.  It wasn't in a shipping box.  The cabinet had been assembled.  Mike had rolled it up the driveway and wanted to place it in the kitchen for us.  I was flabbergasted with what he'd done.  Not only had he assembled it on his own time, but he had personally delivered it in his pickup truck. 

I offered to pay Mike for his labor and effort but he refused.  I insisted.  He still refused, saying it was his way of helping his customers.  Realizing he would not take any money, I went to a local restaurant and bought a gift card of dinner for two.  Very proudly I went to the UPS store and gave it to Mike.  He looked at the card, looked at me, and wistfully asked "Why did you do that?"  I said I wanted to show my appreciation.  Mike said, "But in doing that you just diminished my gift to you."  I felt about 6 inches tall.

When I told my friend that story, she got tears in her eyes and said she had never thought of a gift in that way before.  I assured her neither had I.  But I always remembered what Mike had done and more importantly what he'd said about diminishing his gift.  You see, Mike gave me much more than an assembled kitchen cabinet.  He taught me the true meaning of gift-giving and gift-receiving.  He taught me that it was okay to receive without one-upmanship.  He taught me that the gift of the heart cannot be genuinely given unless there's a receiver willing to accept and allow the gift.   

The three of us had an emotional hug as we digested the story of Mike.  When you're next tempted to refuse or overcompensate for a gift someone has done for you, Remember Mike! 

Jo - March 2011

Ascension Revisited

Ascension Revisited

My well-ordered world shifted in late 2005 after the death of my mother.  At the time, I couldn't explain what was welling up from inside but sensed my life was about to dramatically change.  It did.  A stellar job, a long term relationship, life-long friends, and a lifestyle that left me wanting for nothing, ended. 

Suddenly unencumbered,  I relocated to Sarasota Florida, moved into an empty house with my "desert island" books, some CD's and a few folding chairs.  In the uncluttered serenity of the house I spent hours in meditation trusting in the unseen and unknowable.  Within a very short time, new friends appeared who had similar interests in spiritual topics.  (You know who you are!)  They felt more familiar than people I'd known all my life.   

That move and those friends set a spiral in motion that allowed me to know Ascension not from what I'd read in books but as an experience.   I learned Ascension was about rising up out of the old to something much more beautiful, like a butterfly emerging from the caterpillar state. 

It's been five years since that move.  My personal changes were evident in 2005, but in retrospect the energies of Ascension moved me into completely new spiritual directions.  I still had the old skills that had served me well, but now I was using them differently.  Instead of organizing business projects like I did in my old life, I was now organizing spiritual events and ceremonies.  Instead of training new managers I was now teaching others how to use meditation and dreams to find their life purpose.  Instead of climbing the corporate ladder with an executive mentor, I was now on a level path with a spiritual master.  I discovered that I could live cheaper and on much less by getting rid of clutter and things I no longer needed.  I found I didn't have to be a consumer to be happy, instead joy was found through simple things like the magic of scent, sound and color in my small garden.  Most importantly, I learned that my beliefs, thoughts and actions affected not only my small circle of influence, but also had consequences in the unseen world.

 

Ancient texts and modern oracles said that in this time called Ascension the earth and humanity would move from the 3^rd dimension to the 4^th.  Today, it certainly feels like we're living in two worlds.  Part of humanity continues to squarely inhabit the 3^rd while the other is gently sliding into the 4^th.  While the 3D world continues to be stable and solid, has laws governing it, and functions in old familiar ways, it is visibly changing.  Physically, the oceans are warming, ice caps are melting, and food sources are drying up.  Mentally there's angst, fear and uncertainty about the future.  Emotionally, wars continue to be fought at a personal and tribal level.  On the spiritual level religion is being questioned as individuals struggle to understand its long held role amid their personal search for truth.

On the 3^rd Dimensional level, we continue to react to old problems with stagnant ideas.  Fear and anxiety govern most actions.  When changes do happen, most feel powerless to do anything about them.  In that dimension it's hard to hope for better solutions or to experience a better life. 

In the 4^th Dimensional level ease predominates.  In that dimension, form is shaped by thought, time is instantaneous, and consciousness alters both the third and fourth dimensions.  On the physical level disease is managed energetically or is non-existent.  On the mental level the nature of the soul is explored.  On the emotional level high ideals drive behavior.  Finally, on the spiritual level the goal is experiencing enlightenment.  Those in fourth dimensional consciousness know they are part of a mystical journey that will birth a lighter and more refined state of human. 

So where are we collectively on Ascension?  We're in the initiation phase.  But how we move through it is up to each individual.  If you're reading these articles on Ascension, you're probably aware of some of these changes.  Thirty years ago very few people would have seen the articles much less known about the topic.  Today thousands of articles and websites like it are widely read online.  The entire world has become wirelessly connected by keystrokes or through the latest images on nightly news. 

If you Google "Ascension of Earth" 4.8 million references appear.  A search on "Spirituality" generates 32.5M results while a search on "Life Purpose" yields 92.7 million references.  If you type the word "God" on the Google reference line 427 million hits occur.  All of these "hits" tell a story, provide information, or share obscure or arcane knowledge on spiritual topics.  If you spend focused time online, in meditation, or in intensely creative endeavors, you'll find yourself existing between the alpha and theta brain-wave stage where you'll often lose track of time, space, or even your physical needs.  These activities take you out of the 3^rd dimension and into the 4^th where a fluid world, filled with new concepts, inspiring ideals and endless possibilities exist.

But in 4^th Dimensional consciousness, there's a noticeable change.  What we think about the universe and our relation to it is much more heart-centered.  We're able to feel compassion for the global family that is desperately trying to erase feelings of lack, separation, and fear.  More than that, we are actively engaged in a solution, and committed to making the world a better place.  Through effortless efforts our thoughts, our behaviors, and our beliefs are focused on that goal!

During this time of Ascension, more and more people are searching for and finding spiritual ideals, teachers, masters or practices to guide them.  They've heard the real call of their life's purpose and are acting upon it.  No longer slaves to the rational world, they now work with complementary "Soul Groups" offering self-less service and loving healing to others.  They know they do not have to be physically present to affect change.  They only have to be present in consciousness. 

These are the initiates of Ascension whose thoughts and behavior, flowing freely through the 4^th dimension, entrains others who are on the same wave-length.  In this quantum field filled with hope and love, global consciousness is collectively uplifted.  Ascension means courageously living from the heart center, and compassionately caring about the plight of our fellow humans. In that dimensional place, a new world built on love and harmony evolves and together we all ascend.

Jo - December 2010

10.10.10 - A Catalytic Date

Triple-digit calendar dates are Gregorian calendar numerological points in time that began on the first month of 2001 and will end on the 12^th month of 2012.  The rare dates, 1/1/1 through 12/12/12, correspond to the twelve months of the year and the twelve astrological signs.  As we approach 2012, the dates have become energetic focal points for people to come together.
While most people outside the metaphysical communities have no awareness of the meaning of the dates, the three digits are energetic trigger-points that cause us to focus on the date as a time of personal and planetary healing.  United in thought and intention with people all over the world, these dates can accelerate catalytic changes in us and serve as point-in-time frequency markers.  When we hold a noble intention on these days, it gives us an opportunity to check on our state of consciousness, and to recalibrate ourselves as we prepare for the end times of the Mayan Long Count calendar. 

Since the start of the 21^st century, we've seen much more activity as groups come together to hold gatherings in recognition of the triune dates.  Many have traveled to Egypt, Peru, or Mayan lands to participate in sacred rituals or ceremonies organized by the native peoples on 7/7/7, 8/8/8 and 9/9/9.  Others developed or synchronized local events that united their efforts with those in far-away places.  As the decade has proceeded and we've come closer to the Year Zero end-date of the Mayan Long Count calendar, the events have become even more common. 
While the Gregorian calendar is not aligned with the Mayan Calendar per se, there's general consensus that something unique is happening at this time on earth and we need to step up our intentions of purpose and good-will.  Global communications via the internet or television show us daily how old systems and ways of thinking are collapsing.  New scientific telescopes trained on the solar system and the galaxies dissolve old beliefs and enlighten us with information about the origin of the universe and our place in it.  If nothing else the new findings stir great debate about our cosmology. 

Yet other changes are also underway, though perhaps not as evident.  Instead of waiting for religious or governmental leaders to lead the way, the people themselves are responding to the changes or directing that which they want to see.  They are engaging in local projects of self-reliance while still caring or looking out for their neighbors.  There's a sense that we're all in this together and only by joining with like-minded resolve can we address and endure the changes that are affecting us. 

While it was always common to celebrate seasonal changes like the equinoxes and solstices the annual triune dates have become beacons of hope to help awaken humanity.  This month we celebrate a rare triple-digit calendar date that happens once a millennium.  It is the 10^th day of the 10^th month of the 10^th year.On 10.10.10 we are summoned to hold sacred space.  On 10.10.10 we calm ourselves from the chaotic mind.  On 10.10.10 we invoke the guidance of self-mastery.  On 10.10.10, we join in ceremony with others who are also called to hold the time sacred.  On 10.10.10 we rise above our limitations and affirm that we are much more than we have ever been.  On 10.10.10 we open our hearts in loving compassion, for our own self-healing and for that of the planet.

But there's more than this happening on 10.10.10.  The date, unique as it is, serves as a catalyst to remind us that not only this date but any date, can be proclaimed sacred.  Any day that calls us together in harmony creates a vibration of unity.  Any day that opens boundlessness in thought lights up an energetic field.  Any day that allows us to live in the heart, begins our awakening.  Any day that reduces tension and dissolves separation between people is a fine day.  On 10.10.10 we are reminded that humanity can indeed achieve illumination by living in the heart and holding sacred every day.

Jo - September 2010

The Benches

The Benches

No matter if it's the world stage or a small residential community, behind most perceived impressions of a given event or situation there's always something else transpiring.  Yet, we never know how an overt action by some individuals might change events, altering the outcome for the greater good.

In this situation, behind the idyllic image presented to the outside world of a harmonic residential area, disharmony was lurking.Four miles of park-like walkways grace the over-55 community.  Residents are out on the trails every day walking their dogs, exercising, or bike riding past the manicured gardens and lawns.  Occasionally, an elderly spouse can be seen pushing the wheelchair of a sick partner.  What sets the community apart is consistent friendliness.  Neighbors will always say hello as they pass one another on the sidewalks or wave as they drive by.  However, noticing the advanced age of some residents, a recommendation was made to the Board that benches be installed along the walkways so older, tired, or ill walkers could rest. 

It seemed like an easy solution to install a few benches.  But that was not the case.  After the proposal was made, unpleasant debates and nasty comments raged for months about the wisdom or necessity of the benches.  While most wanted the benches, a vocal group expressed major objections.  Finally, after a vote by a quorum of residents, the Board, in an attempt to please everyone, made a decision to install "two trial benches."

The benches were placed in a tranquil area near two large lakes next to a main walkway.   Within days of placing the benches by the lakes, residents were shocked when they discovered one of them had been spray painted with black paint.  The word "NO!" was scrawled across the slats.  The shocking part was that this was not the act of outsiders.   The community is walled, gated and has 24 hour security guards.  It was done by someone inside the gates.  Discussion followed and the offending paint was removed. But the bench remained.  But soon after the first incident, the second bench was found tossed into the lake.  Concerned with the bad manners, the Board sent a notice saying that new benches would be permanently installed in concrete, regardless of the adolescent behavior on the part of a few.  The vandalism stopped.

Since the permanent benches were installed, a different tone prevailed in the community.  Attitudes shifted once the concrete was set.  Whatever reservations or objections people previously had about the benches were gone.  The sounds of laughter and chatter could be heard throughout the day, as different residents appeared at the benches at different times of the day.  The benches became gathering places where people exchanged stories about their dogs, their days, or their lives.  If someone was ill, the word quickly went out.  If there was a birthday, good wishes were relayed.  Even the dogs seemed to enjoy the space, cavorting with their own new fur-friends. 

Just as the Benches became a focal point for the fears and intolerance of some individuals in a small community, so a proposed community-center located two blocks from the scene of great devastation and horror has become the rallying point of intolerance and fear among another group of people.  Heated discussions about immigration or building mosques continue to agitate citizens and governments.  Xenophobia has become one of the barometers in how we treat one another.  Yet, most religious and spiritual leaders call for mutual respect and tolerance in the name of their religions.  

Fear seems to be the driving force behind many ill-mannered discussions.  Fear of the unknown.  Fear of change.  Fear of someone who is not of the same culture or upbringing.  Fear that there won't be enough.  Or fear that someone will get something they're not entitled to.  In this abundant universe there's always more than enough for everyone. But most don't believe that.

What do we believe? How do we stack up when faced with something unfamiliar, or when faced with our fears? Do we judge every hateful act by a person's religion, culture or country?  The residential community didn't characterize the acts of vandalism on the benches by religion or culture.  They merely called it childish and boorish.  But they persevered in serving the common good.

The message of the gentle, mystic teacher Inayat Khan was unity.  He felt if all of humanity could be brought together we would rise above the differences and distinctions that separate us.  In working towards the unity of all religions, he envisioned a prayer service that honored all the religious traditions of the world as equal sources of spirituality.  The service became known as Universal Worship.

Cooler heads brought discordant factions in a small residential community together when The Benches became gathering places of laughter and easy conversation.  Is it possible that a different dialogue regarding Ground Zero might take place that brings people together rather than pulls them apart?  What if, instead of condemning a community center that is not even visible to Ground Zero, open-minded people embraced the idea of Unity suggested by Inayat Khan? 

Could you imagine a garden-like setting where 8 stone plaques and 8 stone benches are placed in a circle at Ground Zero?  Each stone and bench would be inscribed with the symbol and the name of one of the 8 major religions of the world.  Perhaps future visitors to Ground Zero might sit in the circle of benches and see the unity of all religions and all people instead of the horrors of disharmony that caused the destruction.  Maybe the benches might become gathering places where people from all cultures come to exchange good wishes.  Maybe the charter of the United Nations which includes "respect, universal peace, and the harmonizing action of nations" might be recorded in that garden.  Maybe it's worth considering some benches. 

Jo - September 2010

Tibetan Monks - White Tara Sand Mandala

Tibetan Monks White Tara Sand Mandala

Gala Rinpoche with colored sands

If you didn't see the White Tara Sand Mandala painted by the monks of Drepung Loseling Monastery you missed a spectacular event. As part of the program called The Mystical Arts of Tibet, five monks spent a week painting a four-foot sand mandala in the Grand Foyer of the Van Wezel. In all the artistic traditions of Tantric Buddhism, painting with colored sand ranks as one of the most unique and exquisite.

I had the opportunity to spend five easy afternoons with the head of the monastery, Gala Rinpoche, talking about mandalas, meditation, Buddhism, illusion and impermanence. He explained that the monks go through three years of rigorous training to learn this art. It

Day 2

includes meditation, geometry, breath control and a final initiation. In the shadow of a shrine to his Holiness the Dalai Lama, Gala Rinpoche explained that the monks had dedicated their meditations and intentions to White Tara who was in the center of the Mandala. Rinpoche explained how all emanations of the Goddess of Compassion (Red Tara, White Tara, etc.) emerged from the central Green Tara.

The monks spent the week meticulously creating the sand mandala from marble "dust" which had been colored using only vegetable and fruit dyes. In more ancient times, the sand was pulverized precious and semi-precious stones with lapis lazuli used for blue, amethyst for purple, rubies for red and emeralds for green. The

Community Mandala

mandala is delicately created grain by grain to generate the healing energies of the Goddess of Compassion upon all sentient beings.

Visitors had the opportunity to try their hand at the art of sand painting in a community mandala. It was not as easy as it looked. Several students from Ringling School of Art began the mandala with a floral pattern in the center before others joined in.

The Sand Mandala is a representation of the aspects of illusion and impermanence.

Urn - Deconstructed Mandala

was deconstructed at the end of the week. The deconstruction signified the impermanence of all existence. The sands were swept up in a sacred ceremony and placed in a bronze urn covered with silken altar cloths. It was then poured into the bay where the waters of the Gulf would carry the healing energies throughout the world.
++++++++

Jo - April 5, 2010

2010 - Looking Beyond the Changes

With the new year barely one month old, significant earth stresses have already been recorded around the planet. Lunar eclipses, solar eclipses, and 3 near earth planets in retrograde all happened in a two week window of linear time. Sizeable earthquakes have rocked countries on both sides of the world. We will need to be consciously aware of everything that is happening around us and tread gently and with ease, remembering there's a greater purpose unfolding in the chaos and remember that all will be well.

Consider the cold weather that the world experienced in January. 32 American states including Florida, were at freezing temperatures for weeks. Recorded temps (not wind chill) were -44 for a high in the northern plains states while in mid-January Alaska was a balmy 35. China reported the worst winter in hundreds of years, bringing in the military to clear snow that was more than 5 feet deep.

The cold weather forced us to retreat inside, not just physically but also to go within; to hunker down and to spend time on introspection. I don't know about you, but it sure felt sweet to be inside the reflective cocoon of quiet and inner space for several weeks. Even the native plants pulled back their energy as they were shielded in protective covers or foam barriers. In the reflection time, everything felt unsettled as though things were falling apart. There was increased sensitivity, both physically and psychically. Many reported crying for no reason, feeling fearful, reclusive, and wanting to be alone away from crowds. There was a strong feeling of being untethered to anything tangible.

Many shared with me that they felt more in tune with spirit since the turn of the year. Their dreams were more vivid or filled with guidance. In several cases it was as though inner guidance was more present than its ever been before. One person reported that she was about to drive through an intersection as she had the green light. She felt a powerful urge to stop the car. Without hesitation she slammed on the brakes as a speeding car ran the red light right, passing just a few feet in front of her car. She said at that speed and the proximity of the cars, airbags would not have deployed.

I had a powerful protective experience as well. I was on my way to CVS, gathering my jacket, wallet and cell phone. I had a powerful urge come over me that said, "Don't go now!" I tried to shake it off but the feeling was even more demanding so I went back to my regular work.

Ten minutes later I called CVS to find out if the product I'd ordered for Peru had come in. The phone rang and rang and rang. There were 30 rings or more before someone answered the phone. As I was about to hang up, a breathless voice answered by apologizing for the delay in taking the call. She told me the store had "been robbed by a gunman ten minutes ago" and they were all quite shaken. Had I left earlier I'd have been there during the robbery.

In the energy connection of quantum physics I wondered if my presence during the robbery might have caused a different outcome. We'll never know. But I do know the urgency and 'sound' of the message "Don't go now!" was clear and that I listened to it.

Since the Winter Solstice the light has shifted noticeably. The messenger and the messages of spirit are speaking to us clearly and many are "getting it." A few years ago we might have felt a ping of inspiration or knowing in answer to a question or a situation that we were facing. The answer would usually materialize in physical form after a few months. Now it's an instantaneous happening!

We have entered the borders of the new world where the light of the New Sun is illuminating our energy fields. That light brings instant opportunities to fulfill desires, to heal, and to serve the global family. As you read these words, we are preparing to meet with like minded souls in Peru who have heard the call of the New Sun. In your meditations, practices or thoughts, join us in this sacred ceremony on February 14th where the New Sun is reactivated into the hearts of humanity. Pray that we enter the gates with ease and in harmonic union. Remain grounded and focus on the desired effect. From that place go gracefully into the heart center and radiate the illumined light within.

Jo - Feb. 1, 2010