Changes

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Marin TM Group—Mill Valley, California, U.S.A.

===Topic: ''There Is No Substitute for Experience''===

 

 

(The necessity for experience)

===TR: [[JL]]===

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T/R-JL

 

 

Prayer: Dear Michael and Mother Spirit, Tonight we want to thank You for introducing us to the spiritual idea of self-forgetfulness--the inner strength and self assurance that allows us to let go of ourselves and turn all of our attention outwards, where we can light up our world and perceive the infinite detail of Gods’ creation. This enables us to really be there for others, to meet the eyes of everyone we encounter, and reflect them back to themselves, with an assurance of their absolute reality in our eyes. Then best of all, we find ourselves, our lives, peopled with such wondrous individuals. So for this we are truly thankful. Amen.

Prayer: Dear Michael and Mother Spirit, Tonight we want to thank You for introducing us to the spiritual idea of self-forgetfulness--the inner strength and self assurance that allows us to let go of ourselves and turn all of our attention outwards, where we can light up our world and perceive the infinite detail of Gods’ creation. This enables us to really be there for others, to meet the eyes of everyone we encounter, and reflect them back to themselves, with an assurance of their absolute reality in our eyes. Then best of all, we find ourselves, our lives, peopled with such wondrous individuals. So for this we are truly thankful. Amen.

(The necessity for experience)

* Experience (The necessity for experience)

MICHAEL: Good evening, My sons, My peace be upon you. This is your spiritual father, Michael, and your dear brother in this human life I shared with you. I ask you to keep this in mind during those times you may be tempted to wonder if, when the harder tasks before you seem a bit too much, when you feel the full depth of your being an experiential being, a being primarily of growing experience day to day; if you are tempted to wonder, is this really necessary for you to build up a potentially immortal soul? Remember that I too had to learn this way.

MICHAEL: Good evening, My sons, My peace be upon you. This is your spiritual father, Michael, and your dear brother in this human life I shared with you. I ask you to keep this in mind during those times you may be tempted to wonder if, when the harder tasks before you seem a bit too much, when you feel the full depth of your being an experiential being, a being primarily of growing experience day to day; if you are tempted to wonder, is this really necessary for you to build up a potentially immortal soul? Remember that I too had to learn this way.

 

Though I have been Father to human beings on many millions of evolutionary worlds similar to Urantia, still I had to experience, if you will--from the inside out, what it was to be a human being walking on the earth, in order to gain the full sovereignty of the local universe of Nebadon and fulfill My potential as a Creator Son. There is just no substitute for experience. Which is why, from a metaphysical point of view, you can think of this as the reason why our Father chose to create this enormous universe out here in time and space, and then people it with beings as vast as those who create spiral nebula which will in time give rise to millions of suns and their planetary systems--these gigantic beings, all the way down to human beings. And then create this universe in such a way that every personal being has genuine, meaningful work to do to move the evolution of the whole affair one more step forward each and every day.

Though I have been Father to human beings on many millions of evolutionary worlds similar to Urantia, still I had to experience, if you will--from the inside out, what it was to be a human being walking on the earth, in order to gain the full sovereignty of the local universe of Nebadon and fulfill My potential as a Creator Son. There is just no substitute for experience. Which is why, from a metaphysical point of view, you can think of this as the reason why our Father chose to create this enormous universe out here in time and space, and then people it with beings as vast as those who create spiral nebula which will in time give rise to millions of suns and their planetary systems--these gigantic beings, all the way down to human beings. And then create this universe in such a way that every personal being has genuine, meaningful work to do to move the evolution of the whole affair one more step forward each and every day.

I know this is something unimaginably enormous to consider. As Mother Spirit reminded you last week, the cultural diversity on your own planet is far, far beyond the realization of any one person. You could not literally travel enough around the world in a thousand lifetimes, let alone one, to even begin to comprehend the diversity on this one planet. Yet We would have you feel at home in this enormity.

I know this is something unimaginably enormous to consider. As Mother Spirit reminded you last week, the cultural diversity on your own planet is far, far beyond the realization of any one person. You could not literally travel enough around the world in a thousand lifetimes, let alone one, to even begin to comprehend the diversity on this one planet. Yet We would have you feel at home in this enormity.

(Being at home in the universe)

* Home (Being at home in the universe)

Friendship and love are of such a nature that two people by themselves can create their own universe and feel happy and fulfilled within it. Then even beyond this, you yourselves alone in company with your Heavenly Father and all the celestial friends you are surrounded with, you can feel complete and at home.

Friendship and love are of such a nature that two people by themselves can create their own universe and feel happy and fulfilled within it. Then even beyond this, you yourselves alone in company with your Heavenly Father and all the celestial friends you are surrounded with, you can feel complete and at home.

Consider how this is possible. We have suggested that the essence of yourself, a unique personality created by God, was created with these physical and mental and spiritual dimensions to engage all these corresponding dimensions of His reality. So you were made for this, and the full realization of the fact leads you home. And this is a dynamic and vibrantly alive, changing and growing home in which you find yourself. Every aspect of reality you encounter is growing. Material is constantly being created right within the seven Super Universes, which are in turn being prolifically peopled with a fantastic blossoming of individual personal beings, all the way from human beings on up.

Consider how this is possible. We have suggested that the essence of yourself, a unique personality created by God, was created with these physical and mental and spiritual dimensions to engage all these corresponding dimensions of His reality. So you were made for this, and the full realization of the fact leads you home. And this is a dynamic and vibrantly alive, changing and growing home in which you find yourself. Every aspect of reality you encounter is growing. Material is constantly being created right within the seven Super Universes, which are in turn being prolifically peopled with a fantastic blossoming of individual personal beings, all the way from human beings on up.

(How your soul will grow in the future)

* Soul (How your soul will grow in the future)

Then consider that aspect of God’s personality, the person-hood of the Supreme Being, who experiences all of this and grows with this experience. Let yourselves be a bit awestruck with the realization that, as you sit in your comfortable chairs on the surface of this tiny planet, this is all happening right now. You might as well relax and enjoy it. It’s real. It’s out there happening moment by moment, and so much of it awaits you. There’s a clear path from your life here on this evolutionary planet, all the way to Paradise, however many billions and billions of years of your time it may take you.

Then consider that aspect of God’s personality, the person-hood of the Supreme Being, who experiences all of this and grows with this experience. Let yourselves be a bit awestruck with the realization that, as you sit in your comfortable chairs on the surface of this tiny planet, this is all happening right now. You might as well relax and enjoy it. It’s real. It’s out there happening moment by moment, and so much of it awaits you. There’s a clear path from your life here on this evolutionary planet, all the way to Paradise, however many billions and billions of years of your time it may take you.

Now consider the dimension of time. In the sequence of events, you may find yourselves looking for your home as if somehow, when you weren’t paying quite enough attention, it got away from you. You find yourself in new, perhaps even frightening territory, which may seem on first contact to be somewhat inimical to your wellbeing. You’ve all had this experience, because past the age of being teenagers you’ve all had to leave home just as the young birds are encouraged to spread their untried wings and leave the nest. So too you’ve had to spread the wings of your courage and leave home and go out into a very large world indeed. And you had to learn to make yourself a home in this strange new land beyond your familiar neighborhood or small town.

Now consider the dimension of time. In the sequence of events, you may find yourselves looking for your home as if somehow, when you weren’t paying quite enough attention, it got away from you. You find yourself in new, perhaps even frightening territory, which may seem on first contact to be somewhat inimical to your wellbeing. You’ve all had this experience, because past the age of being teenagers you’ve all had to leave home just as the young birds are encouraged to spread their untried wings and leave the nest. So too you’ve had to spread the wings of your courage and leave home and go out into a very large world indeed. And you had to learn to make yourself a home in this strange new land beyond your familiar neighborhood or small town.

(Home is within you—your soul)

* Home (Home is within you—your soul)

Some of your most wonderful memories are of this time when everything seemed rather strange and, at times, more than a bit scary. But you found your way. You grew your abilities and, in the midst of all this activity, you became aware of something growing inside you. Perhaps you only touched on it briefly before you would lose it again. But there came those first intimations of something growing within you. This was your soul, and it intimated that all this experience was giving you the sure knowledge your home was inside you--whether or not you had any notion whatsoever about a Fragment of God being your companion.

Some of your most wonderful memories are of this time when everything seemed rather strange and, at times, more than a bit scary. But you found your way. You grew your abilities and, in the midst of all this activity, you became aware of something growing inside you. Perhaps you only touched on it briefly before you would lose it again. But there came those first intimations of something growing within you. This was your soul, and it intimated that all this experience was giving you the sure knowledge your home was inside you--whether or not you had any notion whatsoever about a Fragment of God being your companion.

If you have any questions or comments this evening, I certainly welcome them. I would always wish you to feel at home with Me.

If you have any questions or comments this evening, I certainly welcome them. I would always wish you to feel at home with Me.

 

Student: Dear Michael, I would ask for some more insight on how we exchange our minds for the mind of Jesus, or Your mind--what that really means? It seems to be offered with almost exact words in the Urantia Book, that we can exchange our minds for Your mind. I would appreciate help in that direction.

Student: Dear Michael, I would ask for some more insight on how we exchange our minds for the mind of Jesus, or Your mind--what that really means? It seems to be offered with almost exact words in the Urantia Book, that we can exchange our minds for Your mind. I would appreciate help in that direction.

(How to have the mind of Jesus)

* Mind (How to have the mind of Jesus)

MICHAEL: Yes, V, you can think of this as a transformation of mind, if you wish. Indeed, this is what the bulk of our teaching has been pointing at. And We have tried to express in your language in many ways, the notion of being open, of realizing your human reality is not only continuing--shall We say, you have to learn how to get up in the morning, for you are facing a whole eternity of mornings—but that each morning is also unique and different.

MICHAEL: Yes, V, you can think of this as a transformation of mind, if you wish. Indeed, this is what the bulk of our teaching has been pointing at. And We have tried to express in your language in many ways, the notion of being open, of realizing your human reality is not only continuing--shall We say, you have to learn how to get up in the morning, for you are facing a whole eternity of mornings—but that each morning is also unique and different.

Student: Father Michael, a friend of mine asked me what You and Mother have said about marriage. I said that Your relationship with Mother, the love and Your respect and the way You coordinate Yourselves was the inspiration for the human institute of marriage. Would you care to comment any more about that?

Student: Father Michael, a friend of mine asked me what You and Mother have said about marriage. I said that Your relationship with Mother, the love and Your respect and the way You coordinate Yourselves was the inspiration for the human institute of marriage. Would you care to comment any more about that?

(What marriage is)

* Marriage (What marriage is)

MICHAEL: Well C, it’s certain Mother Spirit and I represent on a human level what you can think of as a polarity of personality, where personality is being projected by God in a dual, complementary way. As you know, this difference occurs even in the extra-human realms of the Material Sons and Daughters of the local systems, immortal beings above the human level who are, nevertheless, male and female, who have and raise children somewhat similar to the way you do. When a Material Son and Daughter came to Urantia as Adam and Eve, they gave the primitive tribal peoples of those days an example of two persons voluntarily of their free will submitting themselves to each other, and thereby being enabled to enter into a singleness of body and mind and spirit that far transcended a simple addition of their separate personalities.

MICHAEL: Well C, it’s certain Mother Spirit and I represent on a human level what you can think of as a polarity of personality, where personality is being projected by God in a dual, complementary way. As you know, this difference occurs even in the extra-human realms of the Material Sons and Daughters of the local systems, immortal beings above the human level who are, nevertheless, male and female, who have and raise children somewhat similar to the way you do. When a Material Son and Daughter came to Urantia as Adam and Eve, they gave the primitive tribal peoples of those days an example of two persons voluntarily of their free will submitting themselves to each other, and thereby being enabled to enter into a singleness of body and mind and spirit that far transcended a simple addition of their separate personalities.

I wish or even pray for an insight of how I can choose--in a sense, using Christ’s Mind, the mind of Jesus, and the mind of Michael--to see what is the will of God for my soul and the souls of those that my decision influences.

I wish or even pray for an insight of how I can choose--in a sense, using Christ’s Mind, the mind of Jesus, and the mind of Michael--to see what is the will of God for my soul and the souls of those that my decision influences.

(The spiritual, creative dimension of making decisions)

* Creativity (The spiritual, creative dimension of making decisions)

MICHAEL: Yes, My son, I understand your situation. What you are seeking is very much a function of wisdom, and this is why it is considered Mother Spirit’s greatest dimension--as She said last week, very akin to your own soul which is this living repository of your life’s experiences. This, with Her help, is literally all you have to work with in projecting various courses of action into the future. Here it helps to realize what I mentioned to V, that no matter what choice you make at this time, have faith in yourself that you will continue to grow in your creativity, so no matter what choice you make and what situation you find yourself in, in the future, if you are faithful to yourself now in this continuous spiritual growth, you will find yourself capable of handling that situation. You will be capable at these future times of making the right decisions.

MICHAEL: Yes, My son, I understand your situation. What you are seeking is very much a function of wisdom, and this is why it is considered Mother Spirit’s greatest dimension--as She said last week, very akin to your own soul which is this living repository of your life’s experiences. This, with Her help, is literally all you have to work with in projecting various courses of action into the future. Here it helps to realize what I mentioned to V, that no matter what choice you make at this time, have faith in yourself that you will continue to grow in your creativity, so no matter what choice you make and what situation you find yourself in, in the future, if you are faithful to yourself now in this continuous spiritual growth, you will find yourself capable of handling that situation. You will be capable at these future times of making the right decisions.

Student: That is the question. And there are times though, too, where I feel my voice goes unheard, or un-listened to. So I tend to shut down, which is not healthy, obviously. So it’s during those moments of very great pain; that’s where I question my future.

Student: That is the question. And there are times though, too, where I feel my voice goes unheard, or un-listened to. So I tend to shut down, which is not healthy, obviously. So it’s during those moments of very great pain; that’s where I question my future.

(Sharing decisions with your partners and friends)

* Decisions (Sharing decisions with your partners and friends)

MICHAEL: My son, consider that between any two people who wish to establish a true sharing friendship, which is so much a part of this spiritual marriage, there are moments of what I would call a necessary nakedness. You have an expression of, baring your soul. This is not easy for in doing so you are stepping out toward irrevocable or irretrievable confrontations and exchanges which will determine whether or not you and another can unite on a level of spirit and soul. But there is no way around this--for the very possible spiritual triumph of truth that people do know and experience at times like this.

MICHAEL: My son, consider that between any two people who wish to establish a true sharing friendship, which is so much a part of this spiritual marriage, there are moments of what I would call a necessary nakedness. You have an expression of, baring your soul. This is not easy for in doing so you are stepping out toward irrevocable or irretrievable confrontations and exchanges which will determine whether or not you and another can unite on a level of spirit and soul. But there is no way around this--for the very possible spiritual triumph of truth that people do know and experience at times like this.

MICHAEL: Yes, My son. Continue to act with love and consideration. But ultimately you have to go with what you truly feel is the wisest thing to do. Now rest in My peace awhile.

MICHAEL: Yes, My son. Continue to act with love and consideration. But ultimately you have to go with what you truly feel is the wisest thing to do. Now rest in My peace awhile.

(Mind and spirit—meaning and value)

* Value (Mind and spirit—meaning and value)

Well, My children, I think you are receiving and experiencing My lesson of this evening because you are struggling to maintain contact with your deepest sense of meaning--of what means what, sometimes what costs what, what is worth what. And so you are led on to the spiritual realm of value. Meaning, in the larger sense, points to the relationships between things. But beneath this and above it and surrounding it is the spiritual dimension of value.

Well, My children, I think you are receiving and experiencing My lesson of this evening because you are struggling to maintain contact with your deepest sense of meaning--of what means what, sometimes what costs what, what is worth what. And so you are led on to the spiritual realm of value. Meaning, in the larger sense, points to the relationships between things. But beneath this and above it and surrounding it is the spiritual dimension of value.

So as you wrestle with decisions and weigh alternatives, this is what you are feeling for. What is the best way to proceed? What is the right decision? And you find it leads right back to yourself. Since so much is dependent on your free will, you find yourself facing this ultimate question: what do you want to do? You find, as you have this evening, this is not some arbitrary or self-indulgent, capricious thing, but one of the most difficult decisions to make. But you can rest assured that your sincerity in seeking this self-knowledge is what preserves the meaning of human life that is your truest and most fundamental home out here in time and space. This is the nest you build for yourselves out in this enormous, strange, and somewhat scary universe. For this is what makes the adventure real and worth living.

So as you wrestle with decisions and weigh alternatives, this is what you are feeling for. What is the best way to proceed? What is the right decision? And you find it leads right back to yourself. Since so much is dependent on your free will, you find yourself facing this ultimate question: what do you want to do? You find, as you have this evening, this is not some arbitrary or self-indulgent, capricious thing, but one of the most difficult decisions to make. But you can rest assured that your sincerity in seeking this self-knowledge is what preserves the meaning of human life that is your truest and most fundamental home out here in time and space. This is the nest you build for yourselves out in this enormous, strange, and somewhat scary universe. For this is what makes the adventure real and worth living.