View source for 2000-05-28-Spiritual Awakening

From Nordan Symposia

← 2000-05-28-Spiritual Awakening

You do not have permission to edit this page, for the following reason:

---

You can view and copy the source of this page.

[[Image:lighterstill.jpg]][[File:Teaching_buddha_small.jpg|right|frame]] ==Heading== ===Topic: ''Spiritual Awakening''=== ===Group: [[Nashville TeaM]]=== ==Facilitators== ===Teacher: [[Ham]]=== ===TR: [[Rebecca]]=== ==Session== ===Opening=== Ham: Greetings, children, I am Ham and I am [[grateful]] that you have all come together here this day. Our lesson this evening shall consist of underscoring several [[concepts]] we have previously [[discussed]]. ===Lesson=== ===='''''[[Awakening]]'''''==== The first concept or understanding we shall discuss is spiritual [[awakening]]. Sometimes this happens in an instant and you see your [[life]] and its [[meaning]] suddenly very clearly. Other times it is a [[gradual]] [[process]] of small [[steps]] walking toward the [[light]] of [[truth]] but most often it is a combination of the two. [[Ta|The Father's spirit]] who lives within you can at certain times flash [[insight]] or truth or awakening into your mind and you will [[experience]] a few moments of [[enlightenment]]. This often happens at crucial [[life]] [[junctures]] or consequent upon a major life [[decision]] so that your [[thinking]] is advanced , your decision reinforced, and your understanding is broadened in a [[moment]]. Then, of course, the moment passes and you are left to [[ponder]] its [[meaning]] and often attempt to regain that [[feeling]] of sublime [[peace]] and that unfathomable [[wisdom]] which has come and gone. Sometimes years pass and you find yourself back on the treadmill of everyday living trying to advance in the [[normal]] every day sense but that [[experience]] serves to keep [[guiding]] you on an [[unconscious]] level and you are often advancing spiritually even if at times you don't feel you are. In that way, you are like a little chipmunk darting about feeding on the [[seeds]] and the flowers and the Father is [[leading]] you by giving you little morsels to follow and though you may dart here and there you are still advancing towards him. [[The Father]] beckons with his [[love]]. Never does he [[force]] or overawe the human [[mind]]. Do not [[fear]] that if you haven't [[received]] one of these [[sublime]] [[experiences]] for a while that you are somehow [[becoming]] less [[worthy]] of them. [[The Father]] lives within you and he knows what to give you at each time because his whole [[purpose]] is to pull you toward him even as you do this willingly and walk forward on your own. ===='''''[[Love]]'''''==== The second [[concept]] I wish to speak about is that of [[love]] and your [[experience]] of love and loving is somewhat similar in that you have periods of [[openness]], [[joy]], love freely [[expressed]] and then periods where you feel more withdrawn, more [[private]], perhaps more [[confused]] about your [[feelings]]. This is also normal and part of the [[process]]. There are times when you feel filled with love and loving towards everybody you meet. These are times of spiritual [[openness]] and times of lessened [[fear]] of love. Every person has some fears lurking within which tend to [[manifest]] in the closing off of the [[love]] [[impulse]]. This does not mean that you are losing ground [[spiritually]], but you should be aware that it is fear that inhibits love and when you give into these fears you are like to little chipmunk who runs way over to the side to pick up the acorns he [[decides]] would be better. When you give into the fear impulse, you very likely [[simultaneously]] [[camouflage]] it with the cloak of [[ego]] [[determination]]. That ego self says, "I will [[judge]], I will [[decide]], I will accomplish, etc." But, you must understand that this [[feeling]] it borne of [[fear]] of love. Love requires a [[surrendering]], a certain [[passivity]], a [[patience]], a willingness to wait upon the Father's will. The [[ego]] self falsely claims, "I must do such and such or else such and such...." It is the [[self]] that is judging, determining, and [[initiating]] [[action]]. When you are living a life of Father- initiated action, there is tranquility, a sense of [[peace]], and non urgency, and always a willingness to enjoy the [[moment]] and to live in the now rather than plotting the next move. ===='''''[[Listening]]'''''==== Which comes to the next point I wish to make and that is [[listening]] to God. Waiting upon God and listening to God are the same. It is a willingness to take the reins out of your own hands and place them in [[the Father]]'s. In this, you [[initiate]] [[action]] that you feel led to do or [[inspired]] to do but you do not [[worry]] about the results of those actions. You do not say, "this must lead to this then to this". You [[simply]] take the [[action]] and allow [[the Father]]'s will to work from then on. None of you can ever know all the [[ramifications]] of each of your [[actions]]. Many things happen from something you [[initiated]] that you will never know about and [[trusting]] God is trusting this. The [[wisdom]] of man is [[limited]] and his [[actions]] seem to affect only that which he can see but there are many, many [[reactions]] to every action you take. When you wait upon [[the Father]] and follow his will you can know that the actions you take results in the greater [[good]]. When you take action based on your own [[ego]] needs, those [[ramifications]] can be quite mixed. That is why it is important to always [[examine]] your [[heart]] and pray that you may fulfill the Father's will for you to the best of your [[abilities]]. Are there any questions at this time? ===Dialogue=== ===='''''[[Healing]]'''''==== Q: Ham, last Sunday I had a [[strange]] [[experience]] that prevented me from being here and at the time it seemed [[negative]] and frightened me. I felt like I had some spiritual [[awakening]] and that I needed some [[emotional]] cleaning of house and I am meeting some [[resistance]] from [[family]] members. I wonder if I am going about it the right way and any [[insight]] you might have into the [[experience]] and how I am feeling now would be great. Ham: Of course my dear. Often times [[spiritual growth]] requires emotional [[healing]] and this healing requires a willingness to [[accept]] the [[scars]] that have been inflicted during various points in your [[development]]. Realize that you don't need to bring others along with you, that it isn't [[necessary]] that these things be revisited with those who [[participated]] with you at an earlier time. You can experience [[healing]] by understanding and meeting those old experiences yourself and you must realize that your [[perspective]] on these things is different than the other people. Everyone has to go through this experience themselves and everyone has to find [[understanding]] for themselves in their own way. You have much [[support]] for this emotional healing, but be [[careful]] not to require something from someone who is not ready to give it to you because you will hurt yourself all over again. ===='''''[[Baptism]]'''''==== Q: Marian says, she would like to ask Ham for a personal message and would also like to ask how he [[feels]] about [[baptism]], if it is important to be baptized. She thinks her [[relationship]] with [[the Father]] is good, but in [[reading]] the [[Bible]] it stresses the importance of being baptized and this [[confuses]] her. Ham: My dear, you are doing well. [[John the Baptist|John]], who was called ''the Baptist'' said it best when he [[explained]] that I baptize with water but there will come another who will baptize you with the [[spirit]]. The [[Sot|Spirit of Jesus]] literally floods all around you and if you open your [[heart]] to it, to his [[sublime]] [[comfort]] and appealing [[truth]] you are baptized by that spirit, not once but many times. He [[embraces]] you as his daughter, even now, and his spirit washes through you. Jesus does not require the use of human hands or material [[water]] in order to claim you as his own. Be at ease, for you are [[thinking]] rightly. ===='''''[[Relationship]]'''''==== Q: We have a question from Norbert. He asks for a personal message regarding [[love]] and [[relationships]] for him. Ham: Of course. All [[human]] [[relations]] will [[eventually]] be based in [[love]], but until that time, love seems to be withheld and dolled out depending on many things but most in [[response]] to your own [[fears]] and insecurities. Every person fears [[rejection]] and therefore fears to love or to love too much. You must come to [[understand]] that you are never rejected by God and once you feel firmly and forever [[secure]] in that love, then you are much more secure in your [[experience]] of human love. Humans often mistake the [[absence]] of a [[reciprocal]] [[affection]] from others as [[proof]] of their unlovingness and this is very sad to see for it is entirely [[erroneous]]. Learn first to love God with all your heart and all your [[soul]]. Next, learn to love yourself and to [[accept]] yourself as God accepts you. Then, you can have a [[relationship]] with another that is built on a true [[foundation]]. Q: Ham, may I have a personal message tonight please. Ham: Certainly. Son, you are doing exceptionally well. Your [[progress]] is steady and sure. As you find more [[security]] in God's love for you, you find also more security within yourself and in your place in the world. Walk forth with [[confidence]] and expand your love as you do so. He who walks encircled by love dwells in [[peace]]. Q: I think I am going to ask for a personal message too please Ham. Ham: Daughter, you do well. You are going through a [[renewed]] [[process]] of self-[[discovery]] and a broadened [[self-understanding]]. You have much less [[fear]] than even one year ago and you have begun to truly experience a love for yourself and that must deepen even more. Remember that you are truly [[blessed]] love and [[protected]] from the spiritual [[forces]] that [[surround]] you and uphold you. Dwell in [[peace]] and be at ease. Q: Ham, do you have a personal message for me tonight? Ham: Of course my son, go forth in peace. You are coming very far in [[intellectual]] development and [[spiritual]] [[development]]. Your overall [[integration]] of all these things is very good. You have received a personal [[seraphic guardian]] who watches over you and [[protects]] you. You are a beloved son of God whose [[destiny]] now is [[assured]] here and in the [[life hereafter]]. Dwell in [[love]] and in [[peace]] my son. You are doing very, very well. Q: Do you have anything for Esmirelda? Ham: Of course. Daughter, you needn't struggle with yourself. Continue to [[pray]] and to give over your [[burdens]] to [[the Father]]. Do not [[fear]] for the way forward is easy. Q: Elena? Ham: Daughter, you are doing very well. You are finding new [[wells]] of [[faith]] and of [[hope]] within you. Pray for [[guidance]] and remember the [[stillness]] and you will be shown the way that is right for you. Fear not, all is well. Q: Rebecca? Ham: Daughter, you are doing well. Be at [[peace]] and put down the last vestiges of [[worry]] or a troubled heart. Live fully a life of [[love]] and self-[[expression]] in that love. Continue to work along the lines we have given you and all is well. Q: Jarad? Ham: Jarad, you do well. You are finding a self-[[assurance]] that is deeper than you have known. You are finding a self-love that is also deeper than you have known before. Continue to have [[faith]] in your spiritual [[guidance]] and also in your [[self]], in your inner resources. Q: Ham, do you have a message for me tonight please? Ham: Of course my son, you are pursuing the [[spiritual]] [[path]] with a [[determination]] that is refreshing. I know that you have moments of [[doubt]] and even a [[feeling]] of doubt in your own [[faith]] but this is borne mostly of momentary [[fear]] or even of [[fatigue]] and becoming too tired because you tend to push yourself. Continue to come to [[the well]] that is within you, that you can find in [[stillness]]. Refresh yourself with that connection to that which is [[holy]] and give yourself seasons of [[rest]]. Q: Ham do you any input for me this evening? Ham: Son, you are doing very well. You have come far and yet you continue to delve deeply into [[your soul]] and to strive for [[self-understanding]] and [[awareness]]. Remember that [[the Father]]'s hand is always within your reach and that you are never [[alone]]. Remember that [[the Master]] himself loves you and [[embraces]] you with his spirit. Remember, that [[the universe]] is your [[home]] and you have a secure and even honored place within it. Go in [[peace]] my son, you do very well. Q: Do you have message for Charlie B? Ham: Certain, son. You are [[learning]] well the lessons of time. You are finding that [[life]] is beginning to be somewhat easier for you as you let go of the [[illusion]] that you are upholding your life and those of your [[family]] and [[friends]]. Also, do not [[worry]] if you stub your toe on the great walk toward [[the Father]]. Allow for your [[humanness]] and be at peace. Q: Do you have [[feedback]] for me this week? Ham: Yes, son. You do well. You are coming to a place where [[possibilities]] are opening. Rely upon your inner [[guidance]] as you make your way forward among these possibilities. Have [[faith]] in yourself son and faith in your [[ability]] to [[discern]] [[the Father]]'s will. Go in that way where [[love]] is expanding. ===Closing=== Are there any further questions? Very well, then, once again until next week, my [[prayers]] and my love go with you each. [[Category: The Teaching Mission: Dialogues]] [[Category: Nashville TeaM]] [[Category: Ham]] [[Category: Rebecca]] [[Category: Awakening]] [[Category: Love]] [[Category: Listening]] [[Category: Healing]] [[Category: Baptism]] [[Category: Relationship]] [[Category: 2000]]

Return to 2000-05-28-Spiritual Awakening.