Changes

But once the [[choices]] are there, my [[children]], you’ve all experienced the [[difficulty]] of following what you know to be right, in this case what would be most [[healthy]]. There are a thousand and one unhealthy temptations on all sides of you that offer substitutes for that [[essential]] [[will]] [[power]].  Consider for a [[moment]] all of your non-prescription [[drugs]] that have delighted and teased and enchanted [[humanity]] for so long now.  In this modern age, looking at the world-wide situation, you could say that the two most popular are [[caffeine]] and [[nicotine]]--caffeine in all the tea and coffee drinks, nicotine in all the tobacco products.  You rightfully call them stimulants.  These are substances you take into your [[body]] that seem to make it easier to get into physical effort, to get up and get going in the morning and throughout the day.  Probably the next two most popular stimulants are [[alcohol]] and [[cannabis]], though each is proscribed or illegal in certain [[cultures]].

But once the [[choices]] are there, my [[children]], you’ve all experienced the [[difficulty]] of following what you know to be right, in this case what would be most [[healthy]]. There are a thousand and one unhealthy temptations on all sides of you that offer substitutes for that [[essential]] [[will]] [[power]].  Consider for a [[moment]] all of your non-prescription [[drugs]] that have delighted and teased and enchanted [[humanity]] for so long now.  In this modern age, looking at the world-wide situation, you could say that the two most popular are [[caffeine]] and [[nicotine]]--caffeine in all the tea and coffee drinks, nicotine in all the tobacco products.  You rightfully call them stimulants.  These are substances you take into your [[body]] that seem to make it easier to get into physical effort, to get up and get going in the morning and throughout the day.  Probably the next two most popular stimulants are [[alcohol]] and [[cannabis]], though each is proscribed or illegal in certain [[cultures]].

(Stimulants and will power)  

(Stimulants and will power)  

The central fact of these stimulants, my children, is that they work.  They do the job.  But each has a cost to the human body and soul.  Those drugs that are smoked are certainly the most debilitating by putting the products of combustion directly on tender, sensitive lung tissue, and then the further effects of nicotine and the other by-products all through the body--the diseases that come about most certainly.  Yet the stimulants work else they would not be used so extensively.  But what of the will power they replace?  What about that old-fashioned notion of gumption?  What about the dignity you are able to earn through sheer will power, when the genuine accomplishment we speak of is done more or less on your own?  Almost without exception you’ve experienced this too, my children.

The central [[fact]] of these stimulants, my [[children]], is that they [[work]].  They do the job.  But each has a cost to the [[human]] [[body]] and [[soul]].  Those drugs that are smoked are certainly the most debilitating by putting the [[products]] of combustion directly on tender, sensitive [[lung tissue]], and then the further [[effects]] of [[nicotine]] and the other by-products all through the [[body]]--the diseases that come about most certainly.  Yet the stimulants work else they would not be used so extensively.  But what of the [[will]] [[power]] they replace?  What about that old-fashioned notion of gumption?  What about the [[dignity]] you are able to earn through sheer [[will]] [[power]], when the genuine accomplishment we speak of is done more or less on your own?  Almost without exception you’ve experienced this too, my children.

Here seems to be something not of ego, not of your notions of yourself, but something positively spiritually there when you decide to give up some unhealthy habit.  As day by day when you are able to do so, something of this will power seems to accumulate with a genuine freedom.  Might I suggest this is part of your soul, part of the wealth you are building as you go through life.  This is the ability to do things directly without any intermediary but good nutrition, good rest, and will power.

 

This is the direction we would have you lean toward, all the while you continue to prize above all, self-honesty--in your meditation, in your prayers.  Seek understanding and the true moral value of what you are doing.  Sit in your spiritual base and embrace all that you are, all that you are doing.  Keep that high standard of optimum health ever before you whether or not you are able to accomplish it, and just lean in that direction.  Do the best you can day by day, then let it all go and rest.  Forget about it and start anew: again and again.  Exercise that will of yours.  Earn that inner dignity you are capable of.  Put your mind and your spirit and your will power right down into that body of yours and don’t be driven out by even a great effort.  Be strong, my children.  Embrace all this physical human life has to offer you while you have it.

Here seems to be something not of [[ego]], not of your notions of yourself, but something positively [[spiritually]] there when you decide to give up some unhealthy [[habit]].  As day by day when you are able to do so, something of this will power seems to accumulate with a genuine [[freedom]].  Might I suggest this is part of your [[soul]], part of the [[wealth]] you are building as you go through life.  This is the [[ability]] to do [[things]] directly without any intermediary but good [[nutrition]], good [[rest]], and [[will]] [[power]].

You have an opportunity here that will stand you in good stead in the coming phases of your eternal life.  So cherish it, treasure it, feel that ache of real effort and know that this is how your body grows strong.  Trust in your Creator that He gave you the means to grow stronger.  As Mother said, how else can you know the sweetness of using your body fully, feeling that wonderful tiredness, then awakening the next morning with the miracle of how your body, all by itself, has healed and strengthened itself.  As your spiritual parents we would not want a single one of you to have missed this.

 

So encourage yourselves, my children, and encourage each other to get that daily activity it takes for optimum health.  In your science-fiction fantasies about an ideal future society, don’t forget this part.  You rarely see it in any of your movies.  It all starts with you, day by day.

This is the direction we would have you lean toward, all the while you continue to prize above all, self-[[honesty]]--in your [[meditation]], in your [[prayers]].  Seek [[understanding]] and the true [[moral]] [[value]] of what you are [[doing]].  Sit in your spiritual base and [[embrace]] all that you are, all that you are doing.  Keep that high [[standard]] of optimum health ever before you whether or not you are able to accomplish it, and just lean in that direction.  Do the best you can day by day, then let it all go and rest.  Forget about it and start anew: again and again.  [[Exercise]] that will of yours.  Earn that inner [[dignity]] you are capable of.  Put your [[mind]] and your [[spirit]] and your will power right down into that [[body]] of yours and don’t be driven out by even a great effort.  Be strong, my children.  [[Embrace]] all this [[physical]] [[human]] life has to offer you while you have it.

 

You have an [[opportunity]] here that will stand you in good stead in the coming [[phases]] of your [[Ascension Career|eternal life]].  So cherish it, treasure it, [[feel]] that ache of real [[effort]] and know that this is how your [[body]] grows [[strong]].  Trust in your [[Creator]] that He gave you the means to [[grow]] stronger.  As [[Nebadonia|Mother]] said, how else can you know the sweetness of using your [[body]] fully, [[feeling]] that [[wonderful]] tiredness, then [[awakening]] the next morning with the [[miracle]] of how your body, all by itself, has [[healed]] and strengthened itself.  As your [[spiritual]] [[parents]], we would not want a single one of you to have missed this.

 

So [[encourage]] yourselves, my children, and encourage each other to get that daily [[activity]] it takes for optimum [[health]].  In your [[science-fiction]] fantasies about an [[ideal]] [[future]] [[society]], don’t forget this part.  You rarely see it in any of your [[movies]].  It all starts with you, day by day.

Now if you have any questions or comments this evening, certainly they shouldn’t be any effort at all.  

Now if you have any questions or comments this evening, certainly they shouldn’t be any effort at all.  

Student:  Thank you, Father Michael, for your love and support.  From time to time I ask for your peace to fill me, and sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t. I was wondering what I can do to get more of it?  I know it’s not you, it’s me.

Student:  Thank you, Father Michael, for your [[love]] and [[support]].  From time to time I ask for your [[peace]] to fill me, and sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t. I was [[wondering]] what I can do to get more of it?  I know it’s not you, it’s me.

(Accepting Michael’s peace)

(Accepting Michael’s peace)

MICHAEL:  Yes, my son.  In keeping with my lesson tonight, sometimes it takes effort and seems like real work.  Other times it seems to come of itself and can be experienced as fun.  But it always starts with your intention.  It always starts with your choice.  By your very ability to ignore us, so vital to your independence and freedom even from us and our Father; by your very ability to ignore us and the whole spiritual world, you have to choose to receive us.  As we’ve said before, God’s love is pouring down on your bare head like a driving rain.  It’s up to you to acknowledge it, and appreciate it.  All we suggest, my son, is that you open your soul for this.

MICHAEL:  Yes, my son.  In keeping with my lesson tonight, sometimes it takes [[effort]] and seems like real [[work]].  Other times it seems to come of itself and can be [[experienced]] as fun.  But it always starts with your [[intention]].  It always starts with your [[choice]].  By your very [[ability]] to ignore us, so vital to your [[independence]] and [[freedom]] even from us and [[our Father]]; by your very ability to ignore us and the whole [[spiritual]] world, you have to choose to receive us.  As we’ve said before, [[God]]’s [[love]] is pouring down on your bare head like a driving rain.  It’s up to you to acknowledge it, and appreciate it.  All we suggest, my son, is that you open your [[soul]] for this.

Stifle your pride--if that is what’s in the way--and genuinely appreciate all that spirit has for you.  It does take a humble heart and an appreciative soul to feel our presence.  Just keep the pure intention, my son.  Renew it as often as it pleases you.  Open yourself to us.  Give yourself some time in stillness, in meditation, to find that good, yearning attitude that lets us in.

 

Student:  How do I let you in?  I thought I had done it.  I mean I think I do it but it doesn’t seem to working very well.  It seems like there’s something in the way.

Stifle your [[pride]]--if that is what’s in the way--and genuinely [[appreciate]] all that [[spirit]] has for you.  It does take a [[humble]] [[heart]] and an appreciative [[soul]] to [[feel]] our [[presence]].  Just keep the [[pure]] [[intention]], my son.  Renew it as often as it [[pleases]] you.  Open yourself to us.  Give yourself some time in [[stillness]], in [[meditation]], to find that [[good]], yearning [[attitude]] that lets us in.

MICHAEL:  My son, it could very well be your expectations, which are still your own ideas of who we are and what our presence is.  We don’t literally speak in your mind, nor does your Father Fragment.  We’re not like a voice that talks to you.  We are a presence like the background to your consciousness itself, and so spirit is a very subtle thing.  We are ever so observant and respectful of your intention, of your will.  We are not intrusive, and so the best way is to give us some time.  Value our presence enough to set aside part of your life in pure meditation where you’re just sitting down and simply, but profoundly paying attention.  That is the price, and that’s what it takes to get beyond your own expectations of what this contact should be, this life of yours with us in it.  You have to gain some wonder at what it is, to discover anew each time.

 

Student:  How do I let you in?  I [[thought]] I had done it.  I mean I think I do it but it doesn’t seem to working very well.  It seems like there’s something in the way.

 

MICHAEL:  My son, it could very well be your [[expectation]]s, which are still your own [[ideas]] of who we are and what our [[presence]] is.  We don’t [[literally]] speak in your [[mind]], nor does your [[Father Fragment]].  We’re not like a [[voice]] that talks to you.  We are a [[presence]] like the background to your [[consciousness]] itself, and so [[spirit]] is a very [[subtle]] [[thing]].  We are ever so [[observant]] and [[respectful]] of your [[intention]], of your [[will]].  We are not intrusive, and so the best way is to give us some [[time]].  [[Value]] our presence enough to set aside part of your life in [[pure]] [[meditation]] where you’re just sitting down and simply, but [[profoundl]]y paying [[attention]].  That is the price, and that’s what it takes to get beyond your own [[expectation]]s of what this contact should be, this life of yours with us in it.  You have to gain some [[wonder]] at what it is, to [[discover]] anew each time.

 

Student:  Thank you, Father Michael, it does indeed make sense.

Student:  Thank you, Father Michael, it does indeed make sense.

MICHAEL:  You have to be wiling to try.  You have to have that basic intention to want to know what stillness is.  At first it takes a lot of patience because you have to get beyond the expectations of what you think it should be--to really appreciate what it is, this life of yours, this God-given life of yours, my son.  Open your heart.  Let wonder fill your soul because none of this--not you, not all the people you’ve known in your whole life--none of this had to be.  It is a pure gift of God’s.  Taking a little time out to appreciate it is the most sincere worship of all.

 

MICHAEL:  You have to be wiling to try.  You have to have that [[Foundation|basic]] [[intention]] to want to know what [[stillness]] is.  At first it takes a lot of [[patience]] because you have to get beyond the expectations of what you think it should be--to really [[appreciate]] what it is, this life of yours, this God-given life of yours, my son.  Open your [[heart]].  Let [[wonder]] fill your [[soul]] because none of this--not you, not all the people you’ve known in your whole life--none of this had to be.  It is a [[pure]] [[gift]] of God’s.  Taking a little time out to appreciate it is the most [[sincere]] [[worship]] of all.

 

Student:  Thanks again.

Student:  Thanks again.

MICHAEL:  You’re welcome, my son.  My peace is here; open your heart and feel it.                                             

 

MICHAEL:  You’re [[welcome]], my son.  My [[peace]] is here; open your [[heart]] and [[feel]] it.                                             

   

   

(Psychosomatic illness)

(Psychosomatic illness)

   

   

MICHAEL:  Yes, my son, what are some of the symptoms of this?

MICHAEL:  Yes, my son, what are some of the [[symptom]]s of this?

   

   

Student:  I get infections in my ears and nose and throat, and once or twice every winter it seems to do the same thing.  My ears get blocked, and it finally occurred to me this must be something other than the healthy things I do--the prevention work, because the exact same thing keeps reoccurring.

Student:  I get [[infection]]s in my ears and nose and throat, and once or twice every winter it seems to do the same thing.  My ears get blocked, and it finally occurred to me this must be something other than the [[health]]y [[things]] I do--the prevention [[work]], because the exact same thing keeps reoccurring.

   

   

MICHAEL: I don’t want to embarrass you with something that seems too simple perhaps, but you are right now in one of the worst seasons in this part of the country for allergies--these gorgeous enormous yellow acacia trees of yours are some of the very worst for respiratory irritation.  Are you sure this is not just happening every spring?

MICHAEL: I don’t want to embarrass you with something that seems too simple perhaps, but you are right now in one of the worst seasons in this part of the country for allergies--these gorgeous enormous yellow [[acacia trees]] of yours are some of the very worst for respiratory irritation.  Are you sure this is not just happening every spring?

   

   

Student:  Well, it’s winter, so I don’t know if that…

Student:  Well, it’s winter, so I don’t know if that…

   

   

MICHAEL, laughing:  But everything’s blooming!  It may still be winter--technically, by the calendar--but these hundreds of acacias and other trees surrounding you are at their peak of producing pollen right now.

MICHAEL, laughing:  But everything’s blooming!  It may still be winter--technically, by the [[calendar]]--but these hundreds of acacias and other trees surrounding you are at their peak of producing pollen right now.

   

   

Student, laughing along:  Maybe!  I had no idea.  I didn’t think of that.  I’ll look into this.

Student, laughing along:  Maybe!  I had no [[idea]].  I didn’t think of that.  I’ll look into this.

   

   

MICHAEL:  There are truly psychosomatic disabilities, and again, not to seem too simplistic about this, but these are dysfunctions within the self, as if the self is at war with itself, or disconnected with itself, or not communicating with itself.  It can result in a kind of negative feed-back loop within the self where so much mental worry about the symptoms can only exacerbate them with the added stress.  To get out of this condition it helps to keep in mind the necessity, and then too the reward of engaging material reality.  

MICHAEL:  There are truly psychosomatic disabilities, and again, not to seem too simplistic about this, but these are [[dysfunction]]s within the self, as if the self is at [[war]] with itself, or disconnected with itself, or not [[communicating]] with itself.  It can result in a kind of [[negative]] [[feedback]] loop within the self where so much mental [[worry]] about the symptoms can only exacerbate them with the added [[stress]].  To get out of this condition it helps to keep in [[mind]] the [[necessity]], and then too the reward of engaging [[material]] [[reality]].  

   

   

As long as you are dealing only with yourself or another person, there is such a large psychological component involved.  But working with a piece of wood or stone, say in carving a little sculpture, or working on your car; they don’t care who is involved with them.  There is an honesty of Natural Law you get back from working with a piece of material reality, including your living body, which is very soothing to the soul.  It can break the negative feedback loop of self-defeating pity or an overly-anxious focus on oneself.  It’s a way out of these.  It’s a way of engaging something that is wonderfully (Michael laughs) indifferent.  And then consider what you can make with things, as well as the physical-ness of using your body.  Think of all the great skills and craftsmanship that you’ve evolved collectively in your civilizations, and then you encourage in each individual’s life--all those abilities involving dexterity and agility and precision, as well as the mental qualities of determination and persistence.  This is what Mother Spirit and I would not have you miss in your life.

As long as you are dealing only with yourself or another person, there is such a large [[psychological]] component involved.  But working with a piece of wood or stone, say in carving a little [[sculpture]], or working on your car; they don’t care who is involved with them.  There is an [[honesty]] of [[Natural Law]] you get back from working with a piece of [[material]] [[reality]], including your living [[body]], which is very soothing to the [[soul]].  It can break the [[negative]] [[feedback]] loop of self-defeating [[pity]] or an overly-[[anxious]] [[focus]] on oneself.  It’s a way out of these.  It’s a way of engaging something that is wonderfully (Michael laughs) indifferent.  And then consider what you can make with [[things]], as well as the [[physical]]-ness of using your [[body]].  Think of all the great [[skills]] and craftsmanship that you’ve evolved [[collectively]] in your [[civilizations]], and then you [[encourage]] in each [[individual]]’s life--all those abilities involving dexterity and agility and precision, as well as the mental [[qualities]] of [[determination]] and [[persistence]].  This is what [[Mother Spirit]] and I would not have you miss in your life.

This contact with physical reality continues, after your death, on the Mansion worlds.  In fact your abilities will be greatly enhanced with the bodies you will have and their expanded perceptions.  But it starts here; it’s always now.  We just sorrow so much to see such untold suffering; we can’t begin to express to you how much suffering and disease we register from this inactivity, especially as you get older.

   

   

(Attitude=ability and willingness)

(Attitude=ability and willingness)

   

   

As your Urantia book expresses it: your attitude is both your ability and your willingness to relate to the situation in which you find yourself, and from the standpoint of your personality and your will-power, this includes your own body.  What is your attitude, your willingness and your ability to use this magnificent, living connection with reality you were given?  How open are you to exploring what your body really thrives on?  That’s quite a challenge not only for yourself but also for the various societies within your overall culture.  How do you find that much good physical activity for everybody to do, and at all ages so you can eliminate much of what you call aging?  And don’t forget the fun aspects of this, the delightful sports and games that keep you interested and alive.  That would be a cure for so much of your so-called psychosomatic ailments.  

As your [[Urantia book]] [[expresses]] it: your [[attitude]] is both your ability and your willingness to [[relate]] to the situation in which you find yourself, and from the [[standpoint]] of your [[personality]] and your [[will]]-[[power]], this includes your own [[body]].  What is your attitude, your willingness and your ability to use this [[magnificent]], living [[connection]] with [[reality]] you were given?  How open are you to [[exploring]] what your body really thrives on?  That’s quite a [[challenge]] not only for yourself but also for the various [[societies]] within your overall [[culture]].  How do you find that much good physical activity for everybody to do, and at all ages so you can eliminate much of what you call [[aging]]?  And don’t forget the fun aspects of this, the delightful [[sports]] and [[games]] that keep you interested and alive.  That would be a cure for so much of your so-called [[psychosomatic ailments]].  

   

   

Student:  Oh!--just flat-out exercise?

Student:  Oh!--just flat-out [[exercise]]?

   

   

MICHAEL:  Just relating to something physical, both within and outside yourself that obeys unvarying Natural Law that doesn’t care about you one way or another, but gives you an honest feedback.  It’s not going to soothe away your mistakes like an over-indulgent parent, nor pamper your self-pitying temper.  The material world responds in a way you can trust absolutely, all the way from the microscopic nanosecond to the interstellar reaches measured in the billions of light-years.  True, you’ve not begun to plumb the depths nor touch the extent of Natural Law so far, yet what you have discovered is absolutely consistent in its reactions.  Relating to it enables you to escape what we’ve called the prison of self.  This is one more key that unlocks the door to health.  Your physical activity enables you to contact something that is truly objective, and this is what your understanding needs to grow.  We realize that so many of you do belittle things like hobbies, or social activities like sports or dancing, but these are such a saving grace.  You can share your physical-ness with others--of which I’ll make brief, but playful mention of your lovers.  This is that soul-fulfilling fun you carry with you into the challenges of the future.  This too is what you were made for.

MICHAEL:  Just relating to something [[physical]], both within and outside yourself that obeys unvarying [[Natural Law]] that doesn’t care about you one way or another, but gives you an [[honest]] [[feedback]].  It’s not going to soothe away your mistakes like an over-indulgent [[parent]], nor pamper your self-pitying temper.  The material world [[responds]] in a way you can [[trust]] [[absolute]]ly, all the way from the microscopic [[nanosecond]] to the interstellar reaches [[measured]] in the billions of [[light-year]]s.  True, you’ve not begun to [[Fathom|plumb]] the depths nor [[touch]] the extent of Natural Law so far, yet what you have [[discovered]] is absolutely consistent in its [[reactions]].  Relating to it enables you to escape what we’ve called the prison of self.  This is one more key that unlocks the door to [[health]].  Your physical activity enables you to contact something that is truly [[objective]], and this is what your [[understanding]] needs to grow.  We [[realize]] that so many of you do belittle [[things]] like hobbies, or social activities like sports or dancing, but these are such a saving [[grace]].  You can share your physical-ness with others--of which I’ll make brief, but playful mention of your lovers.  This is that [[soul]]-fulfilling fun you carry with you into the [[challenges]] of the [[future]].  This too is what you were made for.

   

   

Student:  Am I right then you’re saying that literal, physical activity is the solution for all sorts of psychological and psychosomatic disease?  

Student:  Am I right then you’re saying that [[literal]], [[physical]] [[activity]] is the solution for all sorts of [[psychological]] and [[psychosomatic disease]]?  

   

   

MICHAEL:  Certainly!

MICHAEL:  Certainly!

   

   

Student:  I don’t think I’ve ever heard you put it that way.  Again, because it’s something entirely outside the self, it gets you outside some inner self-defeating or disease-making vicious circle.  

Student:  I don’t think I’ve ever heard you put it that way.  Again, because it’s something entirely outside the self, it gets you outside some inner self-defeating or [[disease]]-making vicious [[circle]].  

   

   

MICHAEL:  Yes, especially the ones that are unconsciously--and I stress their unconscious nature--the ones that are unconsciously designed to get attention, either from your own self or from others.  When you engage some physical activity you are face to face with a kind of saving indifference to all your unconscious machinations and stratagems; and that’s good.  Take that little sculpture: when you carve out a piece of wood or stone, you have to follow its structure and cut according to the grain and nature of this particular piece, here and now.  Stretching both your body and your mind are also ways of tuning in to here and now.  And then there’s the genuine accomplishment as well, a supple body and an agile mind.

MICHAEL:  Yes, especially the ones that are [[unconsciously]]--and I stress their unconscious [[nature]]--the ones that are unconsciously [[designed]] to get [[attention]], either from your own self or from others.  When you engage some physical activity you are face to face with a kind of saving indifference to all your unconscious machinations and stratagems; and that’s good.  Take that little [[sculpture]]: when you carve out a piece of wood or stone, you have to follow its [[structure]] and cut according to the grain and [[nature]] of this particular piece, here and now.  Stretching both your [[body]] and your [[mind]] are also ways of tuning in to [[Present|here and now]].  And then there’s the genuine accomplishment as well, a supple [[body]] and an agile [[mind]].

   

   

I think you can see now, my son, how much of your modern, highly labor-saving culture doesn’t even consider this as an intrinsic part of an ideal or utopian society.  There’s not a lot of physical activity in their vision of a desirable future.  So many think of a wonderful future as the exact opposite, where a person doesn’t have to do anything; everything is done for you by exquisite machinery.  What an actual hell on earth, though, that would be; and already is for so many, in terms of their physical and mental suffering.

I think you can see now, my son, how much of your modern, highly labor-saving [[culture]] doesn’t even consider this as an intrinsic part of an [[ideal]] or [[utopian]] [[society]].  There’s not a lot of physical activity in their [[vision]] of a desirable [[future]].  So many think of a [[wonderful]] future as the exact [[opposite]], where a person doesn’t have to do anything; everything is done for you by exquisite [[machine]]ry.  What an actual hell on earth, though, that would be; and already is for so many, in terms of their physical and mental suffering.

   

   

Student:  Who are these people--people who sit in offices and stare into computer screens?

Student:  Who are these people--people who sit in offices and stare into computer screens?

   

   

MICHAEL:  More clear across the board, at all levels and parts of society: anyone who doesn’t get enough physical activity to keep them in optimum health.  

MICHAEL:  More clear across the board, at all levels and parts of [[society]]: anyone who doesn’t get enough physical activity to keep them in optimum [[health]].  

   

   

Student:  Can you actually quantify this?  Does this mean two hours a day?  Is there any sense of that in what you’re saying?

Student:  Can you actually [[quantify]] this?  Does this mean two hours a day?  Is there any sense of that in what you’re saying?

   

   

(Modern societies’ deficit of physical activity)  

(Modern societies’ deficit of physical activity)  

   

   

The sheer amount of physical-ness that you are deficit in your societies we hesitate to suggest because it would be daunting; but it is enormous.  How much of your crime is due to the fact you have both youngsters and older folks without really good, nourishing work to do?  To what degree are your societies collectively responsible for not providing this good work?  Why are your cities lit up at night?  Why, when your precious, and necessary, and expensive energy is the means of life itself, why are you pouring billions of kilowatts of energy up into the cold of space every night?  What does that cost?  Has it something to do with fear?--of crime?  After all, you do have your flashlights, and cars and bicycles have their headlights when you are out and about after dark.

The sheer [[Quantity|amount]] of [[physical]]-ness that you are deficit in your [[societies]] we hesitate to suggest because it would be daunting; but it is enormous.  How much of your [[crime]] is due to the fact you have both youngsters and older folks without really [[good]], nourishing [[work]] to do?  To what [[degree]] are your [[societies]] [[collectively]] [[responsible]] for not providing this good work?  Why are your cities lit up at night?  Why, when your precious, and [[necessary]], and expensive [[energy]] is the means of life itself, why are you pouring billions of kilowatts of energy up into the cold of [[space]] every night?[Light Pollution} What does that cost?  Has it something to do with [[fear]]?--of crime?  After all, you do have your flashlights, and cars and bicycles have their headlights when you are out and about after [[dark]].

   

   

If you are wondering where you get the resources to put everyone to good work, consider this saving, along with what it costs to maintain your criminal justice systems, your jails and prisons, your police and security forces, let alone how your society would be transformed in every way by so much genuine accomplishment.  This is the full challenge.  

If you are [[wondering]] where you get the [[resources]] to put everyone to good work, consider this saving, along with what it costs to maintain your criminal [[justice]] [[systems]], your jails and prisons, your police and [[security]] forces, let alone how your society would be [[transformed]] in every way by so much genuine accomplishment.  This is the full [[challenge]].  

   

   

Here we are talking about visions of an ideal society.  What are you aiming yourselves toward?  How do you envision a better world?  Just how physically active do you see those more wonderfully advanced folks of the future?  

Here we are talking about [[visions]] of an [[ideal]] [[society]].  What are you aiming yourselves toward?  How do you envision a better world?  Just how physically active do you see those more wonderfully advanced folks of the future?  

   

   

Student:  On very advanced planets you have in Nebadon, I take it then that these worlds have turned these problems around and have all sorts of hobbies and exercises, and everybody is working, and everybody understands this--obviously.  That’s what you’re saying, right?

Student:  On very advanced planets you have in [[Nebadon]], I take it then that these worlds have turned these problems around and have all sorts of hobbies and exercises, and everybody is working, and everybody understands this--obviously.  That’s what you’re saying, right?

   

   

MICHAEL:  Yes.  Urantia, in not having a literal Planetary Prince, and then too, no physical Material Son and Daughter--Adam and Eve--on the surface; this historical fact has deprived you of developing a more uniform world-wide culture.  So while you are, on one hand, living in outer space, on the other hand you have actual near-stone-age tribes.  There is no universal culture where these more advanced things are taught from birth.  So yes, on the more advanced planets where people live to be hundreds of years of age, this is not only because of the continuing evolution of the human body, but also all the good work and nutrition that have encouraged the body to evolve all along the way.  

MICHAEL:  Yes.  [[Urantia]], in not having a [[literal]] [[Planetary Prince]], and then too, no physical [[Material Son and Daughter]]--[[Adam and Eve]]--on the [[surface]]; this [[historical]] [[fact]] has deprived you of developing a more [[uniform]] world-wide [[culture]].  So while you are, on one hand, living in [[outer space]], on the other hand you have actual near-[[Primitive|stone-age]] tribes.  There is no [[universal]] [[culture]] where these more advanced [[things]] are taught from birth.  So yes, on the more advanced planets where people live to be hundreds of years of age, this is not only because of the continuing [[evolution]] of the [[human]] [[body]], but also all the good work and nutrition that have encouraged the body to evolve all along the way.  

   

   

On Urantia you do have examples of older men and women in their nineties out there walking miles a day, wondering what is it--all these others in only their seventies or so perishing right and left?  They’re out there in the sun and rain and snow, churning along.  It’s something I enjoyed in my life among you.  Only the Urantia book has the true story of all the dozens of different jobs I had, and how I learned so much of men’s and women’s labors by working alongside them.  Then too, think of how much of my life I spent just walking and talking with my followers as we went from place to place.

On [[Urantia]] you do have examples of older men and women in their nineties out there walking miles a day, wondering what is it--all these others in only their seventies or so perishing right and left?  They’re out there in the sun and rain and snow, churning along.  It’s something I enjoyed in my life among you.  Only the [[Urantia book]] has the true [[story]] of all the dozens of [[different]] jobs I had, and how I learned so much of [[men]]’s and [[women]]’s labors by working alongside them.  Then too, [[think]] of how much of my life I spent just walking and talking with my followers as we went from place to place.

   

   

Student:  It’s been a wonderful lesson on an unexpected subject.  

Student:  It’s been a [[wonderful]] lesson on an unexpected subject.  

   

   

MICHAEL:  Yes, my son.  So many folks consider the spirit as something that has nothing to do with the physical-ness of human life--almost contra-distinct from it.  We have to remind them that spirit is all-inclusive and is the actual creative origin of the physical.  For our part, we delight in the pattern-beings we and our Life Carrier Sons make--you.  (Michael laughs)

MICHAEL:  Yes, my son.  So many folks consider the [[spirit]] as something that has nothing to do with the [[physical]]-ness of human life--almost contra-distinct from it.  We have to remind them that spirit is all-inclusive and is the [[actual]] [[creative]] [[origin]] of the physical.  For our part, we delight in the [[pattern]]-[[beings]] we and our [[Life Carrier]] Sons make--you.  (Michael laughs)

   

   

Student:  Pattern-beings?

Student:  Pattern-beings?

   

   

MICHAEL:  Yes, the very pattern that you are as a human being, distinct from an angel or other order of personal being.

MICHAEL:  Yes, the very [[pattern]] that you are as a [[human being]], distinct from an [[angel]] or other order of [[personal]] [[being]].

   

   

Student, laughing:  Well, it makes me want to run out and play basketball--a lot!

Student, laughing:  Well, it makes me want to run out and play basketball--a lot!

   

   

MICHAEL:  That’s the idea.  The desire’s right there under the surface.

MICHAEL:  That’s the [[idea]].  The [[desire]]’s right there under the [[surface]].

   

   

Student:  Yeah, the desire’s there, but it doesn’t seem to work out.  There’s a lot of young people out there on the court.

Student:  Yeah, the desire’s there, but it doesn’t seem to work out.  There’s a lot of young people out there on the court.

   

   

MICHAEL, laughing:  Yes--a lot of ego to swallow.  You just gotta get out there.

MICHAEL, laughing:  Yes--a lot of [[ego]] to swallow.  You just gotta get out there.

   

   

Student:  OK!--I’ll shoot some hoops for you.  Thank you.

Student:  OK!--I’ll shoot some hoops for you.  Thank you.

Student:  Yes, Michael, there are people who are deathly allergic to our acacia trees, even becoming really depressed.  I was involved with one!  So that’s often the case.

Student:  Yes, Michael, there are people who are deathly allergic to our acacia trees, even becoming really depressed.  I was involved with one!  So that’s often the case.

   

   

Back to your point: I’ve seen studies about how, if we get caught up in negative thoughts, we need to go out and shoot some hoops, or go for a hike, or just get out and breathe and get the energy moving.  I know if I feel stagnant within myself I’m not good for anyone.  So I get out--especially if the sun’s shining.

Back to your point: I’ve seen studies about how, if we get caught up in negative thoughts, we need to go out and shoot some hoops, or go for a hike, or just get out and [[breathe]] and get the [[energy]] moving.  I know if I feel stagnant within myself I’m not good for anyone.  So I get out--especially if the sun’s shining.  

I remember from a talk by Wayne Dryer (Sp?) that if we do an act of kindness, even something simple like opening a car door for someone, or giving someone a flower, the serotonin level in our bodies rises, and that leads to a greater sense of well-being and happiness.  Not only that, it affects the person we’re being kind to.  So it’s a win-win-win situation.  That act of kindness can have a ripple effect on to others as well.

   

   

About physical-ness, I wonder if maybe we don’t really love being human and having a body--not romantic love, but what it means to be human.  For some it just means having a nine-to-five job--if they have a job--or working two jobs to make ends meet.  They may get a lot of physical activity done, but there’s no attitude of love, only survival--and there’s a distinction there.  There’s got to be more an unconditional love, love that has no boundaries or limits, no ego to it.

I remember from a talk by [http://www.drwaynedyer.com/ Wayne Dyer] (Sp?) that if we do an [[act]] of [[kindness]], even something simple like opening a car door for someone, or giving someone a flower, the [[serotonin]] level in our bodies rises, and that leads to a greater sense of [[Health|well-being]] and [[happiness]].  Not only that, it affects the person we’re being kind to.  So it’s a win-win-win situation.  That act of kindness can have a ripple effect on to others as well.

   

   

(Love heals and connects)  

(Love heals and connects)  

   

   

MICHAEL:  Thank you, my son, I take your meaning very much to heart.  Love truly is a wonderful dimension of healing and connecting, and I specifically intended to include romantic love.  That is part of the pattern we created you to enjoy, and it certainly does fill the souls of endless billions of folks.

MICHAEL:  Thank you, my son, I take your [[meaning]] very much to [[heart]].  Love truly is a [[wonderful]] [[dimension]] of [[healing]] and [[connecting]], and I specifically intended to include [[romantic]] [[love]].  That is part of the [[pattern]] we created you to enjoy, and it certainly does fill the [[souls]] of endless billions of folks.

   

   

Student, laughing:  Yes, we have lots of poetry about it.

Student, laughing:  Yes, we have lots of [[poetry]] about it.

   

   

MICHAEL:  And a lot of pure, innocent fun--although that might seem an oxymoron to some.  But all kinds of love, yes.  It’s essentially wanting something really good and fine for someone else.   

MICHAEL:  And a lot of [[pure]], innocent fun--although that might seem an oxymoron to some.  But all kinds of love, yes.  It’s [[essentially]] wanting something really [[good]] and fine for someone else.   

   

   

Student:  I went to a bookstore meeting on Quantum Touch, and although I was the only person there with the presenter, he demonstrated how it’s just the laying on of hands to various parts of the body to facilitate healing.  It’s just love, unconditional love.  Through certain techniques, and breathing, you’re able to precipitate healing even on things like cancers and respiratory problems--maybe not immediately, but over time.  It doesn’t matter if the patient is skeptical; it depends more on the part of the healer.  I’d like to alleviate--in my small realm--some of the suffering I see, but not in any intrusive way, or, what’s the word--I don’t want to proselytize, but do it in a quiet, simple, unassuming way.  There are already enough people who want to call attention to themselves and their organizations.  

Student:  I went to a bookstore meeting on [http://www.quantumtouch.com/ Quantum Touch], and although I was the only [[person]] there with the presenter, he [[demonstrated]] how it’s just the laying on of hands to various parts of the [[body]] to facilitate [[healing]].  It’s just [[love]], unconditional love.  Through certain [[techniques]], and [[breathing]], you’re able to precipitate healing even on [[things]] like cancers and respiratory problems--maybe not [[immediate]]ly, but over time.  It doesn’t matter if the patient is [[skeptical]]; it depends more on the part of the healer.  I’d like to alleviate--in my small realm--some of the suffering I see, but not in any intrusive way, or, what’s the [[word]]--I don’t want to proselytize, but do it in a quiet, simple, unassuming way.  There are already enough people who want to call [[attention]] to themselves and their [[organization]]s.  

   

   

So I’m kind-of asking--and I know what you’re going to say--is this something I ought to look into?  And you’re going to say, Yes!  Or: Do what you want!  Because, as I’ve mentioned, I do have an allergy to organizations.  I need to come from my own point of view.  I just wanted to throw that out there.

So I’m kind-of asking--and I know what you’re going to say--is this something I ought to look into?  And you’re going to say, Yes!  Or: Do what you want!  Because, as I’ve mentioned, I do have an allergy to organizations.  I need to come from my own [[point of view]].  I just wanted to throw that out there.

   

   

MICHAEL:  Well, my son, I would only add that there is a difference between expectations--which tend to be rather specific, as I mentioned to C this evening--and a more general, life-affirming enthusiasm and acceptance for whatever you encounter.  That is how I would suggest you approach this possibility: with enthusiasm and your desire to be of loving service to others.  With these you can’t go wrong.  As long as you stay honest and true to that orientation, and be really open and flexible to what comes about: why not?  Think of the good you can do.  

MICHAEL:  Well, my son, I would only add that there is a [[difference]] between [[expectations]]--which tend to be rather specific, as I mentioned to C this evening--and a more general, life-affirming [[enthusiasm]] and acceptance for whatever you encounter.  That is how I would suggest you approach this [[possibility]]: with [[enthusiasm]] and your [[desire]] to be of loving [[service]] to others.  With these you can’t go wrong.  As long as you stay [[honest]] and true to that [[orientation]], and be really open and [[flexible]] to what comes about: why not?  Think of the good you can do.  

   

   

Student:  Where was I thinking about expectations?  Where is that coming from?

Student:  Where was I thinking about expectations?  Where is that coming from?

   

   

MICHAEL, laughing:  Oh!--I didn’t know if you were.  You were asking whether to do this or not, and I was just saying: you already have some idea of what it is.  (OK)  Yet that may not be what it is--what it could turn out to be.  You have to go there without any specific expectations--you know, be really open-minded--in order to see what it is, and what it might be for you.

MICHAEL, [[laughing]]:  Oh!--I didn’t know if you were.  You were asking whether to do this or not, and I was just saying: you already have some [[idea]] of what it is.  (OK)  Yet that may not be what it is--what it could turn out to be.  You have to go there without any specific expectations--you know, be really [[Open Ended|open-minded]]--in order to see what it is, and what it might be for you.

(Enthusiasm V.S. expectations)

(Enthusiasm V.S. expectations)

   

   

If you approach things--even organizations--with an open mind and a general, broad enthusiasm for helping others, you’ll find that the healers are healed as much as those they treat.  The joy of giving, and genuine accomplishment--there is no substitute for them.  These were some of my great glories when I was physically among you to start this Correcting Time on Urantia.

If you approach [[things]]--even [[organizations]]--with an open mind and a general, broad [[enthusiasm]] for helping others, you’ll find that the healers are healed as much as those they treat.  The [[joy]] of giving, and genuine accomplishment--there is no substitute for them.  These were some of my great [[glories]] when I was physically among you to start this [[Correcting Time]] on [[Urantia]].

   

   

Student:  Well, thank you.

Student:  Well, thank you.

   

   

MICHAEL:  You’re welcome.

MICHAEL:  You’re welcome.

   

   

It’s quite a [[challenge]] to look out there on all your young [[men]] and [[women]] and come up with the good [[work]] they need so desperately, and are so hungry for, in spite of their shows of laziness or [[rebellion]].  It’s called [[leadership]]--leading by example.  It’s looking at your own life first of all, and using those muscles, and feeling what a good thing it is to work these [[bodies]] of yours.  Know the deep [[joy]] you can get this way; make it a real part of your life.  Consider it [[spiritual]] [[generosity]] to give your bodies the activity they need to [[heal]] and grow [[strong]].  Lean into it, my children.  [[Embrace]] the [[challenge]].  Appreciate this [[God]]-given life you have by way of the bodies [[Mother Spirit]] and I [[designed]].

It’s quite a challenge to look out there on all your young men and women and come up with the good work they need so desperately, and are so hungry for, in spite of their shows of laziness or rebellion.  It’s called leadership--leading by example.  It’s looking at your own life first of all, and using those muscles, and feeling what a good thing it is to work these bodies of yours.  Know the deep joy you can get this way; make it a real part of your life.  Consider it spiritual generosity to give your bodies the activity they need to heal and grow strong.  Lean into it, my children.  Embrace the challenge.  Appreciate this God-given life you have by way of the bodies Mother Spirit and I designed.

   

   

We hope these last few lessons have pointed the way.  We do see it happening.  We do see individuals turning that existential corner in their own lives and embracing so much more physical activity than what is strictly required of them.  It is the way forward, the way to have life and have it more abundantly.  

We [[hope]] these last few lessons have pointed the way.  We do see it happening.  We do see [[individuals]] turning that [[existential]] corner in their own lives and embracing so much more [[physical]] [[activity]] than what is strictly required of them.  It is the way forward, the way to have life and have it more abundantly.  

   

   

Good evening.  Be in my peace.   

Good evening.  Be in my [[peace]].   

[[Category: The Teaching Mission: Dialogues]]

[[Category: The Teaching Mission: Dialogues]]

[[Category: 11:11 Progress Group]]

[[Category: Marin TeaM]]

[[Category: Thought Adjuster]]

[[Category: Unknown]]

[[Category: Supreme]]

[[Category: Body]]

[[Category: Healing]]

[[Category: Enthusiasm]]

[[Category: Expectation]]

[[Category: 2010]]

[[Category: 2010]]