Changes

I remembered the teaching of Jesus to remain for a time in [[silent]] [[receptivity]] after [[prayer]] to allow the Adjuster to speak to the listening soul (UB 1641:1). Over the years I have tried to [[practice]] this stillness after prayer but ashamedly have not regularly sought to fully quiet my mind in prayer and [[worship]]. In my prayer life, I am guilty of perhaps talking more than listening. The emphasis on silent cosmic [[contemplation]] (UB 622:4) and silent communion with the Father are certainly replete in ''The Urantia Book'', not to mention Jesus' living portrayal in his own life of frequently going apart, alone, for solitary communion (cf. UB 1754:6), as well as the times he sent [[the apostles]] out apart and alone to find the answer from within. So, I began the "stillness practice." I found this difficult and frustrating. At first it seemed I could not cease my mind chatter for more than a few nanoseconds at a time. Occasionally when I did reach a point of stillness, my mind would have to start a commentary on the [[process]], "Gee, I guess this is the stillness; I wonder if I will hear voices." Then I would space on in more thoughts despite myself. Some days I felt such emotional-physical agitation that I would have to stop and get up and go do some "very important" thing I had just remembered. Soon I learned that coffee (caffeine) is an anathema to the stillness—I'd be "futuring" or "pasting" but was rarely in the present.

I remembered the teaching of Jesus to remain for a time in [[silent]] [[receptivity]] after [[prayer]] to allow the Adjuster to speak to the listening soul (UB 1641:1). Over the years I have tried to [[practice]] this stillness after prayer but ashamedly have not regularly sought to fully quiet my mind in prayer and [[worship]]. In my prayer life, I am guilty of perhaps talking more than listening. The emphasis on silent cosmic [[contemplation]] (UB 622:4) and silent communion with the Father are certainly replete in ''The Urantia Book'', not to mention Jesus' living portrayal in his own life of frequently going apart, alone, for solitary communion (cf. UB 1754:6), as well as the times he sent [[the apostles]] out apart and alone to find the answer from within. So, I began the "stillness practice." I found this difficult and frustrating. At first it seemed I could not cease my mind chatter for more than a few nanoseconds at a time. Occasionally when I did reach a point of stillness, my mind would have to start a commentary on the [[process]], "Gee, I guess this is the stillness; I wonder if I will hear voices." Then I would space on in more thoughts despite myself. Some days I felt such emotional-physical agitation that I would have to stop and get up and go do some "very important" thing I had just remembered. Soon I learned that coffee (caffeine) is an anathema to the stillness—I'd be "futuring" or "pasting" but was rarely in the present.

I think each person is different [[chemically]], and each has to learn experientially what works best. White-knuckling through the stillness with gritty [[discipline]] did not work for me. The key is to [[relax]], to let tranquillity [[descend]] naturally and fill the body and mind. We know Jesus' teaching of "[[non-resistance]]," and I found resisting thoughts didn't work very well either. So, I did what I had learned in [[Transcendental Meditation]] but without the mantrum. I allowed thoughts and feelings just to pass by, and when I became aware that I was spacing off, I would gently stop myself and attempt to re-[[focus]] on that quiet place within where the Monitor resides, where the answers to all questions exist, where the [[Source and Center]] of my being is. It was hard not to [[chastise]] myself for my spacey tendency not to be in the here and now. [[Gradually]] I learned just to matter-of-factly re-focus without berating myself for failing. Slowly, too slowly for my temperament and impatience, my stillness times became easier, more nurturing. There was still variability from day to day, but more often now I would have twenty or so minutes pass without much [[time]] [[consciousness]]. Sometimes, not always, I felt relieved or refreshed after this quiet seeking meditation.

I think each person is different [[chemically]], and each has to learn experientially what works best. White-knuckling through the stillness with gritty [[discipline]] did not work for me. The key is to [[relax]], to let tranquillity [[descend]] naturally and fill the body and mind. We know Jesus' teaching of "[[non-resistance]]," and I found resisting thoughts didn't work very well either. So, I did what I had learned in [https://www.tm.org Transcendental Meditation] but without the mantrum. I allowed thoughts and feelings just to pass by, and when I became aware that I was spacing off, I would gently stop myself and attempt to re-[[focus]] on that quiet place within where the Monitor resides, where the answers to all questions exist, where the [[Source and Center]] of my being is. It was hard not to [[chastise]] myself for my spacey tendency not to be in the here and now. [[Gradually]] I learned just to matter-of-factly re-focus without berating myself for failing. Slowly, too slowly for my temperament and impatience, my stillness times became easier, more nurturing. There was still variability from day to day, but more often now I would have twenty or so minutes pass without much [[time]] [[consciousness]]. Sometimes, not always, I felt relieved or refreshed after this quiet seeking meditation.

My stillness times improved as I took advice from the teaching mission transcripts I had available. Teacher [[Daniel]] suggested imagining a still reflective [[lake]] or a white ball of [[light]]. But my ball of light would not stay still, and in walking down the [[memory]] lane of my travel-log of still lakes, I found I couldn't keep them very still either. Somehow there were always ripples or [[waves]], and if I succeeded at quieting these, a fish would pop up. I took much solace in the words of Daniel that even a few seconds of stillness with intent to find [[God]] were worth more than can be imagined. I [[persisted]]. I struggled. I was jealous of my friends who seemed to easily take the stillness and achieve teacher contact. I heard teacher [[Ham]] say that auditory stimulation was especially distracting. So, I purchased 28 db sound attenuators (plastic ear muffs) and wore a blindfold. Ah ha! This was better, but no magic [[panacea]]. I continued to beseech [[the Father]] for help. Eventually, I began to have contact with "otherness" by asking questions after I had given thanks and established a degree of silent [[communion]]. The sense of "otherness" for me was very, very subtle. At first it was like my alter ego answering my own questions. But occasionally there would be a hint or clue of higher contact. Sometimes it was the quickness of the answer to my [[inquiry]]. Sometimes it was the wording—just a twinge different from my style. Sometimes it was the character or timbre of the "[[voice]]" in my mind. Often it was the [[feeling]]-tone that accompanied the stillness time. I should add, I don't hear voices. My contact is [[intuitive]] or else word-thoughts in my mind.

My stillness times improved as I took advice from the teaching mission transcripts I had available. Teacher [[Daniel]] suggested imagining a still reflective [[lake]] or a white ball of [[light]]. But my ball of light would not stay still, and in walking down the [[memory]] lane of my travel-log of still lakes, I found I couldn't keep them very still either. Somehow there were always ripples or [[waves]], and if I succeeded at quieting these, a fish would pop up. I took much solace in the words of Daniel that even a few seconds of stillness with intent to find [[God]] were worth more than can be imagined. I [[persisted]]. I struggled. I was jealous of my friends who seemed to easily take the stillness and achieve teacher contact. I heard teacher [[Ham]] say that auditory stimulation was especially distracting. So, I purchased 28 db sound attenuators (plastic ear muffs) and wore a blindfold. Ah ha! This was better, but no magic [[panacea]]. I continued to beseech [[the Father]] for help. Eventually, I began to have contact with "otherness" by asking questions after I had given thanks and established a degree of silent [[communion]]. The sense of "otherness" for me was very, very subtle. At first it was like my alter ego answering my own questions. But occasionally there would be a hint or clue of higher contact. Sometimes it was the quickness of the answer to my [[inquiry]]. Sometimes it was the wording—just a twinge different from my style. Sometimes it was the character or timbre of the "[[voice]]" in my mind. Often it was the [[feeling]]-tone that accompanied the stillness time. I should add, I don't hear voices. My contact is [[intuitive]] or else word-thoughts in my mind.

Everyone is unique, and the style of [[teacher contact]] seems to be unique to each mortal. Some people hear voices outside the head, up and to the left side, or behind. Some hear inner voices. Some have [[thought]]-[[words]]. Some see visualizations. Some experience a complex [[array]] of intuitive communications for which I am at a loss for words. Some people have more strong gut level reactions. Seeking is what is important and even teacher contact may be of little value unless the fruits are shown in [[soul growth]]. It is not words, but the sense of [[God's love]] that really counts. Has your spiritual life been richer lately? Perhaps you are having teacher contact, and simply don't realize it yet.

Everyone is unique, and the style of [[teacher contact]] seems to be unique to each mortal. Some people hear voices outside the head, up and to the left side, or behind. Some hear inner voices. Some have [[thought]]-[[words]]. Some see visualizations. Some experience a complex [[array]] of intuitive communications for which I am at a loss for words. Some people have more strong gut level reactions. Seeking is what is important and even teacher contact may be of little value unless the fruits are shown in [[soul growth]]. It is not words, but the sense of [[God's love]] that really counts. Has your spiritual life been richer lately? Perhaps you are having teacher contact, and simply don't realize it yet.

==Could it be the Devil?==

==Could it be the Devil?==

[[Caligastia]] is said in ''The Urantia Book'' to "still be free on [[Urantia]] to prosecute his nefarious designs." (UB 610:1) Is he insidiously working to destroy the Urantia readership through the "sordid practice of spiritualism"? Is the teaching mission another devilish scheme to take over [[your mind]]?

[[Caligastia]] is said in ''The Urantia Book'' to "still be free on [[Urantia]] to prosecute his nefarious designs." (UB 610:1) Is he insidiously working to destroy the Urantia readership through the "sordid practice of spiritualism"? Is the teaching mission another devilish scheme to take over [[your mind]]?

Why a will creature chooses to reject love is truly unfathomable to me. Nonetheless, I believe that Caligastia is naught. My soul soars as I realize that the torturous hand of the wicked Prince is gone. As I look out upon the world, I see that the numbing spectacle of pain and anger is at worst the momentum of the past, that destructiveness from here forward is entirely human choosing. It is the infinite Father's desire that not one shall be lost, but He is so respectful of each of us that no creature is forced to continue life against his own will. What a cosmic coup de gras is the Father's merciful obliteration of those who choose not to be. What a wonder of cosmic justice, this adjudication by the Ancients of Days, the fulfillment of God's great gift to us, freedom of creature will.

Why a will creature chooses to reject love is truly unfathomable to me. Nonetheless, I believe that Caligastia is naught. My soul soars as I realize that the torturous hand of the wicked Prince is gone. As I look out upon the world, I see that the numbing spectacle of pain and anger is at worst the momentum of the past, that destructiveness from here forward is entirely human choosing. It is the infinite Father's desire that not one shall be lost, but He is so respectful of each of us that no creature is forced to continue life against his own will. What a cosmic coup de gras is the Father's merciful obliteration of those who choose not to be. What a wonder of cosmic justice, this adjudication by the Ancients of Days, the fulfillment of God's great gift to us, freedom of creature will.

=="Fear not."==

*"Fear not." (UB 1103, 1582, 1820)

I found that there is no need to fear a hostile take-over from within. It is the Kingdom of Heaven that is within. It is God that is within, not celestial corruption, "...you may rest in the assurance that there is one inner bastion, the citadel of the spirit, which is absolutely unassailable...." (UB 1096:5) (I especially like that word "absolutely;" that's pretty unassailable in my opinion. And yes, I have dedicated my soul to God's keeping.)

I found that there is no need to fear a hostile take-over from within. It is the Kingdom of Heaven that is within. It is God that is within, not celestial corruption, "...you may rest in the assurance that there is one inner bastion, the citadel of the spirit, which is absolutely unassailable...." (UB 1096:5) (I especially like that word "absolutely;" that's pretty unassailable in my opinion. And yes, I have dedicated my soul to God's keeping.)

The teachers are clearly here to teach us more about spiritual living. They are not here to work wonders or provide empirical confirmation of their reality. That is the work of the Spirit of Truth. I am rather impressed by how consistent the teachers are in not working "wonders" or "proofs" of their functioning. I remember that Jesus was repeatedly pressed to show the people a "sign" that he was from God, but he steadfastly refused to appeal to the miracle-seeking nature of humankind. The teachers seem to follow a similar policy. They very rarely answer questions about politics, social issues, science, and other worldly matters. We must learn and earn our own way through faith and daily struggles with the grit of life. I see the teachers as respecting us so much as not to diminish our agondonter status nor our right to progressive soul growth through free will decisions.

The teachers are clearly here to teach us more about spiritual living. They are not here to work wonders or provide empirical confirmation of their reality. That is the work of the Spirit of Truth. I am rather impressed by how consistent the teachers are in not working "wonders" or "proofs" of their functioning. I remember that Jesus was repeatedly pressed to show the people a "sign" that he was from God, but he steadfastly refused to appeal to the miracle-seeking nature of humankind. The teachers seem to follow a similar policy. They very rarely answer questions about politics, social issues, science, and other worldly matters. We must learn and earn our own way through faith and daily struggles with the grit of life. I see the teachers as respecting us so much as not to diminish our agondonter status nor our right to progressive soul growth through free will decisions.

==Preconceptions based on The Urantia Book==

==Preconceptions based on The Urantia Book==

In December of 1991, I began to listen to tapes of Ham's transmissions to the Woods Cross group in Utah. I was surprised at how many preconceptions I had developed from reading The Urantia Book. I thought, if "celestials" are contacting us, surely it will be this way or that way, more perfect, not an isolated communication with unknown people. Why wouldn't the celestials visualize as Gabriel did for Mary, the mother of Jesus, or as had happened on the Mount of Transfiguration? Why would contact be made via humans where unconscious material from the transmitter might contaminate the message? Why didn't they use computers or some other technology for accuracy? Why did some people call Ham "father Ham"? Why did so many of the messages seem to be a "pablumized" version of The Urantia Book? The Urantia Book is so precise, comprehensive, and eloquent. There seems very little in the mission transcripts that adds to what is already in The Urantia Book. Even the teachers admit to being imperfect and making errors, yet clearly acknowledge The Urantia Book as nearly error free.

In December of 1991, I began to listen to tapes of Ham's transmissions to the Woods Cross group in Utah. I was surprised at how many preconceptions I had developed from reading The Urantia Book. I thought, if "celestials" are contacting us, surely it will be this way or that way, more perfect, not an isolated communication with unknown people. Why wouldn't the celestials visualize as Gabriel did for Mary, the mother of Jesus, or as had happened on the Mount of Transfiguration? Why would contact be made via humans where unconscious material from the transmitter might contaminate the message? Why didn't they use computers or some other technology for accuracy? Why did some people call Ham "father Ham"? Why did so many of the messages seem to be a "pablumized" version of The Urantia Book? The Urantia Book is so precise, comprehensive, and eloquent. There seems very little in the mission transcripts that adds to what is already in The Urantia Book. Even the teachers admit to being imperfect and making errors, yet clearly acknowledge The Urantia Book as nearly error free.