The Winter Solstice, Symbolism of Evergreens and Sacred Inspiration

Evergreen trees have special significance, symbolism, and purpose, especially during the season of the Winter Solstice. It is a mystical time of year for many traditions. It is a time of darkness and light, birth and rebirth, celebration and reflection, letting go and restarting in a New Year. The most ancient trees on the planet have witnessed this cycle many times. Even in the darkest and coldest time of the year, when all the other trees have dropped their leaves, the evergreens thrive and keep their life and color.

 Oregon Evergreens

When I first moved to Oregon, I could not help but notice that the State remained very green even through the winter years. Of course, this was because evergreens are abundant throughout the State. Pictured above is a view from Cape Perpetua, Oregon

Driving between Portland, Salem, and Eugene to the Oregon coast was like driving through a sea of green on the way to the ocean of blue.

My Denver Evergreen Neighbors

When I moved from Oregon to Denver, evergreen trees were still very close to my daily life experience.

The photo to the right is of two very large Silvertip evergreens next to where I used to live in Lakewood-Denver and were 20 feet from my front door next to Bear Creek trail.

They are majestic, thriving, and an inspiration every time I walked past them. They are Silvertips, my favorite type of evergreen and the most beautiful.

They remind me of the symbolism of the holiday tree during this season that has ancient roots that predate Christianity. The image of a tree of life or world tree occurs in many mythologies and traditions. J.R.R. Tolkien developed tree symbolism in his writings, drawing from ancient traditions and myths. These trees are living and stand year-round in their majesty and beauty.

Our Modern Culture Holiday Tree

For some, the traditional Christmas tree name has been replaced by the name Holiday Tree. Another name could be Sacred Tree. Whatever name you choose freely to call it, the evergreen tree as known in our modern culture can be very inspiring, without even knowing the ancient roots. The warmth of a lighted tree decorated with ornaments, special items, small gift cards, and an assortment of things that are meaningful to our families and us can be a centerpiece in the living room for all to enjoy. Gifts are placed under the tree, so it represents a very special place of giving and love between family and friends. It is like an altar for the sacred season and can be like an object of worship for what it represents. Almost everyone loves having an evergreen tree in the living room.

However, just as holiday trees are cut and separated from their roots to be placed in a living room, has our culture been cut off from the ancient symbols of the evergreen tree? Have we been cut off from a connection to the roots and the living energy of the Earth?

Ancient Roots of Tree Symbolism

Pre-Christian roots of tree symbolism, especially at the start of Winter connect with the Winter Solstice celebrations and traditions that are thousands of years old. These roots are still active in the astronomical and astrological significance of the Winter Solstice date, on December 21-22. In the Southern hemisphere, the Winter Solstice is precisely the opposite and occurs on June 21-22. The Summer Solstice in the Southern hemisphere occurs on December 21-22. The Earth has both going on at the same time, as opposites, similar to the balance of the circular Yin-Yang symbol. Just like a full moon, the solstices represent a powerful shift in astronomical energy, the darkest or lightest day of the year, depending on which hemisphere you are in.

When we connect with ancient traditions and symbolism of anything sacred, it can empower us to feel inspired that we are connected with the stories, the myths, the metaphors, and the archetypes of ancient tree wisdom in our DNA, our bones, our collective memory, and our souls.The redwoods are the most ancient of evergreen trees and can live for an average of 500-700 years and as long as 2000 years. While visiting an ancient redwood forest I had some unique experiences and I published a separate blog post about it. It is also the title of a book that I published that has a collection of inspirational blogs. The story is below the photo:

The Ancient Redwoods Spoke to Me

"On a second journey to the redwood forest at Jedediah Smith State Park in
California, I was shown something that was so sublime and beautiful that the image of it is embedded in my memory and my soul.

If you love trees and nature, then the Redwoods is a must-visit to experience their majesty, beauty, and subtle energies. These are ancient trees that can reach the height of a thirty-story building. Their trunks can be as wide as twenty-seven feet. They are old in that their age can be as long as two thousand years.

  "Awe" is one of the keywords in my book 333 Keywords to Change Your Life. I was in a state of awe during the entire time with the Redwoods but also especially during two experiences.

The first experience was in the early morning. There is a one-lane dirt road that goes through the park, and if you get there early enough before any other cars or people, you have the experience of being alone with this forest without other human distractions. At one point on the road, I had to pull over and walk towards one particular tree on the side of the road. The sunlight was coming through the upper canopy of the trees as rays of light that seemed like divine light. The experience was like I was in an ancient primeval forest, and I felt the presence of the trees in silence, and some unique energies that I have never felt before that cannot be described in words. It was a stunning experience.

  The second experience happened on the "Boy Scout Trail," a hike on what has been called one of the most pristine old-growth hiking trails on the planet. At one point, my attention was drawn to a tree off of the path. The trunk of the tree had a shape that was a profile of a Native American, and upon seeing it, I could not help but feel a whole range of mixed emotions. It was not carved by human hands, as it was an integrated part of the thick bark that the Redwoods are known for, which also takes various shapes with burls and natural changes. The eyes and eyelids, nose, mouth, and chin, are all there. It is an amazing display of nature that has a message for anyone who sees it. That message may vary for each person. For me, it was in retrospect the deep connections that we have to both ancient trees and ancient humanity, and in this area, in particular, it is sacred, and a reminder of the love and respect that we have for the Earth. The ancient Redwoods spoke to me in the deep and profound silence. And I am still listening."

Brainard Lake, Colorado

What is the symbolism of evergreen trees during the Winter Solstice season that can provide us with reflection and inspiration?

> The evergreens represent eternal life, that goes on even in the midst of Winter when all the other trees seem "dead." Egyptians viewed evergreens as a sign of victory over death and brought greens into their homes during the Winter Solstice.

> The evergreen trees also are connected to the Green Man mythology and archetype, which honors the Earth, especially the plant kingdom.

> Trees in general and evergreens during the Winter Solstice season not only are symbols but contain their spirit connected to the Divine Spirit within all things.

> Holly and mistletoe are also evergreens that thrive in Winter, have their traditions, and are associated with using evergreen trees during the season.

Beyond symbolism, evergreen pines have been used as sacred medicine for thousands of years by indigenous tribes. In an article titled "A Winter Shrine to the Sacred Pine," different parts of the tree are described as having medicinal properties and provides some basic recipes such as pine needle tea. 

(reference: http://www.thesacredscience.com/a-winter-shrine-to-the-sacred-pine/  )

In this sacred season, it is important to acknowledge the deeper symbolism and meaning of various traditions. 

Especially at the Winter Solstice, the symbolism of evergreen trees can remind us to celebrate life, with inspiration, love, and gratitude within this season and all seasons.

The Green Man and the Sacred Masculine

A Profile of a Native American as a Symbol of the Green Man Naturally Formed at the Base of a Redwood Tree
photo taken by David Lawrence Brown, Jedediah Smith State Park, Boy Scout Trail, 2013

And Technology Was ...
In the recent years we have experienced technology becoming more dominant with cell phones and other devices as an extension of our bodies, minds, and emotions. More communications are becoming digital. The pace of life seems to have accelerated, in part due to technology and speeds of information processing. Has the Internet taken over our lives?

What Does Nature Say if We Can or Cannot Hear the Message ?
Yet Nature also has her say in all of this. Since the total eclipse of the sun on August 21st 2017 , we have seen numerous disasters in Nature, including fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, record sized solar flares, and changing weather. Some or all may be attributed to global warming, and some may be the result of the eclipse, or other natural and unpredictable happenings of the Earth and Nature. Whatever the causes, Nature speaks with weather, storms, hurricanes, Full Moons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, tsunamis, and fires. Some call them acts of God. The Earth is what it is.

The Hidden Spirituality of Men and the Green Man
A book came into my life recently as a gift from a friend. The Hidden Spirituality of Men - Ten Metaphors to Awaken the Sacred Masculine. The author is Matthew Fox, who was a member of the Dominican Order for 34 years and the founder of the creation spirituality which was considered heretical by the Catholic hierarchy and he was expelled from the Dominican Order and the Catholic college where he was teaching. This book focuses on ten archetypes or metaphors of authentic masculinity, a sacred masculine that is not always openly acknowledged in our modern culture.  The Green Man is one of those archetypes.

Yin-Yang in Balance
In the circular symbol of  the Yin (feminine) and Yang (masculine) in Taoist philosophy, the two halves of the circle - the Yin and Yang - are in perfect balance, which is a message in itself ; the sacred feminine and the sacred masculine need to be in balance to fully reflect the divine metaphor of the unity of two as one. In theory this is inspiring. In reality we have a different experience.

The sacred masculine is connected to the Yang energy of the circle, and yet how is this Yang energy channeled, or used? It is more than obvious that in our history and culture it has been channeled as the "profane" masculine rather than the sacred masculine, as a general rule with exceptions. Fox describes how we need a "relationship of equality between the Yang and Yin powers within ourselves and within our cultural institutions". We are still a long way from that in our individual and collective experience. Yet we also know that things are changing in ways that may increase this relationship of equality.

Metaphors, Myths and Archetypes
Metaphors, myths and archetypes are still there deep within our instinctive memories, both individually and collectively. They are covered up by our busy lives, technology, cell phones, computers and the frenetic pace of modern culture. "Ultimately men are not 'problems to be solved', but deep, impenetrable mysteries. Each one carries many stories, many ancestors, many metaphors, and many archetypes in often hidden places." Do we need to discover more of the mystery of the sacred masculine in our lives?

The Green Man Archetype
The Green Man is one archetype that has come to the forefront recently with the dramatic natural disasters of 2017. Fox refers to another book that is a classic on this topic - "The Green Man: The Archetype of Our Oneness with the Earth" by Clive Hicks and the poet William Anderson. The Green Man is all about oneness with Nature, relationship to Nature, as opposed to the archetype of the modern era of "mastering Nature". What is the wisdom that we received from the natural disasters in terms of the Green Man archetype?

The Green Man is about wisdom in our relationship to the Earth, and a prime example is from Native American traditions that celebrated and respected the plants and trees that are the "green" life of the Earth. It is interesting to note that in the stories and traditions of many cultures as well as religious traditions, plants and trees have been used as metaphors to describe the sacredness of life. The tree of life, branches, seeds, vines, forest, fruits, and roots all strike a deep resonance within us if we are open to the wisdom of the Green Man and the sacred masculine.  It is no coincidence that the modern green movement uses the same color as the archetype. It shows a more conscious integration of the wisdom of honoring the Earth with recycling, preservation, and justice for protecting the Earth, oceans, and forests.

The Green Man archetype is also connected to the silence of Nature, as in silent seeds that contain the potential to become active in creation with a certain catalyst, or in the deep forest such as the redwoods where silence has its own language. The green man represents the yang in balance with yin in Nature. The sacred masculine in balance with the sacred feminine. The oneness of the two as shown in the circular symbol with a curving line between both.

There is a connection also of the Green Man archetype to Father Christmas, and ancient portrayals of him wearing a green suit, and with the tradition and symbolism of the Christmas Tree and the Winter Solstice celebrations.

How is a man's wisdom in relationship to the Earth an important part of spiritual practice, mindfulness, and daily conscious focus? Is it to celebrate the oneness of Nature and ourselves as a sacred and holy part of the creation? Is it to become one with the Green Man archetype in which we can love, support, enjoy, and respect the Divine Spirit in Nature, especially the "green" life of the Earth? Is it to acknowledge the balance of the sacred feminine or Yin within Nature, the Earth, and also as a part of ourselves? In a prior blog - The Ancient Redwoods Spoke to Me - I describe a profound experience of discovering a profile of a Native American naturally formed at the base of a redwood tree and the experience of silence in the redwood forest. It is the photo at the top of this blog. It also is a perfect example of the Green Man not only as a metaphor, but as a "living symbol" of the sacred masculine.

The Green Man is just one of ten archetypes or metaphors described in the book  The Hidden Spirituality of Men - Ten Metaphors to Awaken the Sacred Masculine. The others are Father Sky, Icarus and Daedalus, Hunter-Gatherers, Spiritual Warriors, Masculine Sexuality - Numinous Sexuality, Our Cosmic and Animal Bodies, The Blue Man, Earth Father: The Fatherly Heart, Grandfather Sky: The Grandfather Heart. Maybe some or all are calling to us now in new ways, waiting for us to listen, respond, and become more aware of their presence in our lives.

On some level we already know the messages being sent from the sacred archetypes, since we carry the stories, the DNA of our ancestors, and the metaphors of life hidden within our sacred masculinity, our individual and collective memory, our sacred rituals, and our souls.






 

Towards the One - Henosis

"The invitation of the keyword “Oneness” is to explore the concept of unity and “find the reality of oneness.” In the classical ancient Greek language, “Henosis” is the word for mystical oneness, union, or unity. The concept has been applied to the unity that we have in spirit with the Divine Spirit, or God, that has been experienced by mystics and sages throughout the ages. There are many theories and paths towards oneness – as an isolated experience or as a permanent shift in consciousness. As Einstein so brilliantly stated, and as the ancient teachings in many traditions describe, we are already in a reality of Oneness. We just need to break through from our perceived duality and separateness from all of creation. We can have compassion to honor this process in ourselves and others."  ~ 333 Keywords to Change Your Life

The concept of oneness or the unity of all things and within all things is more than a concept when it is either experienced or celebrated on various levels and lived as a vision, an intent, a realization, or a joyful moment.

All of our life we are engaged in so many distractions, and rarely do we have time or create time to go within, deeply, to commune with Spirit and experience, even for a moment, a taste of eternity, of a divine moment, or of the oneness in all things. And yet it can happen in any given moment, when singing, listening to music, being in nature, making love, seeing hubble telescope images of the universe, dancing, doing yoga, or being inspired by wisdom, stories, and the resilience of the human spirit.

If there is a past behind us and a future ahead of us where are we going in Spirit? Towards the One?
What does that mean? It must be different for everyone, even if the same keywords are used.

What if the One is already here and now and there is no where to go? Yet we know where we have been and we are definitely not there anymore in our consciousness, our experience, our knowledge, and our world. We are here now, and in this moment, if we are mindful and conscious of our experience, then there may seem to be movement or progress towards something. Maybe that something is elusive, as we don't really know what it is or how it will manifest. Maybe we have a specific vision, idea, or intent of where we want to be.

It would seem that to move towards the One in time could also mean moving towards the One within the present moment. Like layers of an onion that are peeled off, we may experience the underlying Oneness beneath everything else piled on top of it.

How big can that pile be? Could it include some memories that we cannot seem to shake off as they had a deep impact on us? Could it include memories of people who wronged us or the wrongs that we did to others (imagined or real?). Could it include the changes in families, relationships, lost loved ones, births, marriages, and the blood that has been spilled in wars and violence in the history of the  world that we may carry in our collective consciousness, our DNA memory, our souls? If we watch television we feed ourselves a daily diet of this type of news and though we may think we are immune to it maybe there are subtle effects beyond our comprehension. It may seem to be a distraction of moving towards the One, if that is something that we care about.

There are many layers of the onion and maybe they will never all be peeled off and we will really see so much more about what reality is really like from the other side. What if we already are on the "other side" at the same time we are on "this side"? What if there are no "sides"?

The other side...imagine the possibilities of many different worlds and communities of spirit beings that are working together to help each other and those still here on the Earth plane, and who are still learning and evolving towards the One on the other side. In these places the colors and sounds and music and food and experiences are much more profound and rich than on the Earth. It could be as if the Divine Spirit reveals even more of the immense beauty of Creation at various levels of spiritual awakening on the other side. The concept of heaven and hell as a two story building just doesn't fit into the reality here. There are possibilities beyond our imagination of many mansions, millions of communities, all dedicated to the One, and all experiencing the Oneness in various ways and levels, beyond our Earthly experience.

If this possibility exists, and there are many sources that describe it, then we are on an eternal journey, and the Earth is only a part of the story. This journey towards Oneness could be an eternal one, as we experience Oneness in a million ways, and levels, and realize that the levels never end.

So when we are engaged in mindfulness and affirmations and prayers and thoughts about oneness and moving towards the One, let's remember to honor those who may be helping us from the other side, who are also still moving towards the One, and experiencing the One in ways that we may have not yet. Let's honor those who do not care or know about oneness, as they are also one with us on many levels. And with this reminder, maybe we can think of life as a dance with the One as well as moving towards the One, while at the same time being in the oneness of life every moment.

Written on July 13 2017 and just now updated November 18 2017, these are only a few thoughts that are streaming through on this Thursday summer night (July), and early morning (November). My hope and intent if you have read this far is that you will be blessed on your journey, and share those special moments of the journey with others who are also seeking oneness and deeper spiritual awakening in whatever ways works best for them.

Namaste
David Brown


 

Healthy and Inspiring Treats Before Sleep? Yes!

These treats are so delicious, so inspiring, and so nourishing, that I just had to write about them to share the experience. They have no calories, cause no heartburn, and are easy to swallow.

When I turned age 60 I had an epiphany. I realized that if we sleep an average of eight hours a night, or one third of the 24 hour day that I have been sleeping about one third of my life or twenty years! Like Rip Van Winkle. Then I thought about how I could empower or maximize my sleep time, and enhance one third of my life experience. This is just one of many ideas, and one that I love.


What Happens Right Before Sleep ?
Research or common knowledge has shown that the things that are focused on right before sleep can have a stronger impact on our minds, our subconscious, and our life. In a recent article "Ten Things That Successful People Do Before They Go to Sleep", the way the day ends is just as important as how it begins. LifeHack.org > https://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/10-things-most-successful-people-night-before-sleep.html

"The first thing you do before you go to sleep has a tendency to significantly affect your mindset and energy level the following day, as it regularly decides how well and the amount, you rest. Successful individuals understand that their prosperity begins and finishes with their mental and physical well-being, which is totally dependent upon their getting enough rest. That is the reason great sleep time schedules are a key custom for a significant number of them.This is what numerous successful individuals do just before they go to sleep" 

The Secret Meaning of "Treats" Revealed
What I am referring to as "treats" are not food at all, unless you consider them food for the soul. This is my abbreviated name for "spiritual mind treatments" as taught in the Science of Mind books and courses. A spiritual mind treatment is a form of affirmative prayer in which several things are affirmed within the prayer, allowing the mind to focus on the specific purpose of the prayer, and acknowledge the Divine Spirit as the co-creator of what we say, and desire to create.A spiritual mind treatment begins with a purpose.  The first part of the purpose is to identify the need or intention. This could be anything from I need a job, to wanting a relationship, or prosperity. That statement is re-worded to express the experience that will happen or is happening as a result of the affirmative prayer or spiritual mind treatment. An example would be that "this new job is happening now in my life and is amazing in the compensation, the manager, the people, and the opportunity".

Steps During the Affirmative Prayer / Meditation / Visualization
The first step is a recognition that there is an infinite Divine Spirit that is within all things and yet beyond all things, that transcendent Divine intelligence that is a reality, a blessing, full of Divine love and a peace that passes all understanding.

The next step is a statement of unification in which we affirm that we are one with this Divine Spirit, that there is no separation, and that the expression I am that I Am describes our oneness. We affirm and know and feel that we are already in union with this infinite love, and open to the deepening of 
this realization.

Then the next step is the realization where we accept and affirm the spiritual truth of our purpose. As an example, "this new job is happening now in my life now and is amazing in the compensation, the manager, the people, and the opportunity. This deep feeling of acceptance is felt at the very core of my being. It is happening now as I visualize it, feel it, and love the feeling that it is already done as the Divine Spirit within me and through me is creating it now."

Gratitude and thanksgiving is the fourth step in the spiritual mind treatment and affirmative prayer. We feel deep gratitude for the awareness of the Divine Spirit being present in our life. This outpouring of  thankfulness is felt with an open heart, not just our mind. A spiritual mind treatment is also a spiritual heart treatment, and we let our hearts open and deepen in sincere gratitude with love.

The final step is a release, where we affirm that our purpose and intention is co-created and integrated into the action of the laws of the universe. We let go, trust, and surrender to the process and to the infinite intelligence that knows our intention and purpose. "And so it is" is a closing statement that affirms it as already happening.

These treatments can be done spontaneously, created in the moment, or recorded on a CD in your own voice, or listened to on a pre-recorded CD by an expert in spiritual mind treatments.  I happen to enjoy listening to CD (or the same files uploaded to my Icloud) that has several spiritual mind treatments on it, and I consider them a powerful part of my daily spiritual practice. This includes listening to one or more just before sleep, in the middle of the night if I wake up and cannot go back to sleep, and sometimes in the morning to start the day.

The CD that I use is by Dr Roger Teel, senior minister at Mile Hi Church in Lakewood, a suburb of Denver. The recordings are beautifully worded and include soothing piano music. These are so inspiring as they acknowledge the oneness of my spirit with the Divine Spirit, and within the specific topic of the treatment. It is one of the most inspiring CD's I have ever listened to in my life.
The treatments, or "treats" as I refer to them are on specific topics. These include prosperity, spiritual growth, relationships, guidance, and health. One of the most powerful aspects of these are the affirmation of oneness, and the keywords used to describe this both intellectually and emotionally as a devotional prayer. If I was going to write a full review of this CD, it would get 5 stars and a rave review. It is available at the Works of Heart Bookstore at Mile Hi Church.

If we are going to be sleeping for one third of the rest of our life, then healthy, powerful "treats" are just one idea that can empower our sleep, infuse our subconscious with deep truths, and inspire us as we are listening to words of wisdom with love and gratitude. 

The Healing of Politics - A New Vision and a New "Vibe"

Really? The healing of politics? Impossible? Hard to believe? So was the election. Read on.


I think it needs to be put out there so I decided to write this from a perspective of inspiration and healing, not any particular political position.

What if we witnessed the greatest breakthrough in political history?
What Would Mark Twain Say?

This is actually not an authentic quote from Mark Twain. However let's use this quote anyway and apply it to the politics of today. Mark Twain had quotes about politics. Mainly humor and satire. Those have their place.

Obviously, politics may never be healed in the sense that everyone agrees on everything exactly the same way. However, what the vision is for the purpose of this blog is that everyone who is a decision maker agrees to work together with compromise and negotiation with a goal to create one of the most surprising and amazing moments in our political history. Yes. Imagine that.

Imagine what would happen when it becomes "cool" for both sides (Congress, Executive branch) to start working together. The news and media focus starts to shift from what's wrong to "look at what is being done to make things right". The public consensus starts to warm up to the idea. Hard to believe? So was the election. 

The Vibe Shifts to a New Paradigm
The vision is that the "vibe" shifts and everyone who represents us (Congress, White House) starts working together through compromise to create positive changes for our country. The voice of the American people who they represent start encouraging it. This starts happening now, not four years from now. As Mark Twain reminds us, "life is short, break the rules". The vision for this is the realization that the "same old same old" style of polarization and opposition (rules) will not work for getting things done for those represented.  "Life is short". Who wants to wait four years? Let's break those "rules" now! Again, in the December 2012 Huffington Post article "Healing America's Political Divide", the ideas were put forth for this. That was four years ago and here we are today, with the same challenge. Is it time to be open minded about a shift? A new paradigm? A breakthrough?

"It’s going to be difficult, but not impossible. Instead of demonizing each other, Haidt’s view is that we need to make the effort to understand and respect each other’s views even if we disagree. That doesn’t mean capitulating. It’s called being open-minded." - Huffington Post 2012.

"Forgive Quickly, Kiss Slowly, and Love Truly"
Then we have the next part of the "quote" from Mark Twain that when applied to politics may be the most healing of all. The vision of "forgive quickly, kiss slowly, and love truly" is when the past is forgiven, freeing up a huge amount of energy to create positive changes together through compromise. Then the metaphor of "kiss slowly and love truly" applies to the what the healing of the politics would look like metaphorically as it shifts from division and stalemate to working together for positive change. Imagine that. Working together for positive change.

The process becomes something that once started, takes on a life of its own, and everyone (well almost) in the process loves the new dynamic, and the new vibe. The release of positive energy into the process of compromise and getting things done is amazing. The whole country gets excited over the "new vibe". Songs are written about it. History is made. Everyone wins. The world changes.

The Big Changes Coming May Take a Few Years

"What this means is that the current global frustration, cynicism, and despondency over current conditions is likely to remain present until real innovation, novelty, and the pursuit of unity associated with newness and a new era get markedly underway at the start of the next decade. However, that doesn't mean that the awareness and demand of necessary changes to be made cannot start before then." - Ray Merriman, 2017 Astrological Forecast

However the stars line up, there is always great resistance to change, and that may continue to grow until a point where the demands for change outweighs the resistance and a major reset starts to take place. For example, if nothing is done to make positive changes in our country for the next three years due to a stalemate in Congress, and the media's negative focus, the forces for change may create the opportunity for new leaders, new systems, new styles of government, and new economic models, not just in the U.S. but worldwide. Holding a positive vision for positive change for three years is the challenge if needed, even if we want it to happen now.  Imagine the media focusing on positive changes that are happening. For three years. 

The Unspoken Keyword for 2017
The vision is that inspiration becomes the unspoken keyword for politics in 2017 and beyond. Just like innovation in business creates new openings and solutions, inspiration and innovation in politics creates a new opening for positive negotiation and a compromised and fair results-driven agenda.

Imagine that if this kind of paradigm shift started to happen, what the results would be. Imagine one of the most amazing positive moments in political history happening and everyone getting credit for it, not just one person or party.

This is just a vision. An idea. What is your vision? What do you want to see happen? Maybe we can all collectively create something that would not only happen here in the U.S. but have ripples across the world with other countries.

"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one" - John Lennon , Imagine

For similar perspectives, see the blogs:

Sacred Activism - Why I Stand in the Eye of the Hurricane

Inspiration - The Keyword for 2017 


notes/ resources etc
In December 2012 the Huffington Post published an article "Healing America's Political Divide". That was five years ago and here we are today...are they discussing it now?

Yes, sort of...after the election...11/21/16 Three Ways to Heal a Divided Trump America
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeff-singh/3-ways-to-heal-a-divided-_b_13069740.html

March 14 2017 - Changing How We Heal Political Divisions Just Might Help Us Heal Them
- Our Democracy may Depend on It
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/political-science-research-michael-neblo_us_58c1d1e1e4b0ed71826b5854
     

Living in the Question - A Liquid Elixir of Life ?

this blog was published July 18 2017

The Elusive Elixir of Life

The elusive elixir of life concept has a history in ancient traditions, especially in China and India, where legends and scriptures over thousands of years described various herbs and other substances that would have a healing effect or increase the longevity of life, or even bestow eternal life. The holy grail is also an example of a sacred elixir that grants eternal life. Using the word "liquid" as an acronym, we can explore how living in the question is one form of a spiritual "elixir of life". L-i-q-u-i-d refers to living in the question under the influence of the Divine. 

If You Were a Young Poet

If you were a young poet and you received a letter from your mentor that encouraged you to live in the question rather than the answer, how would you respond?

When we are younger in life it seems that we are seeking answers to all the questions that we have about life. It's a normal part of learning. It's interesting that the search for answers becomes a lifelong process as we change and age and may seek to experience life on a deeper level. The self-help industry has boomed because of this. There's always a new book, another event, workshop, or podcast to help us with answers, or to ask new questions. Are we are all like young poets when we live in the question?

Is There Secret Wisdom Contained in the Question?

Is there is a secret contained in the question that has all possibilities of the answer? Could the answer sometimes be framed in the shapes of other questions? The Zen masters knew this. The wise use of questions would cause the mind of the student to leap outside of the box of intellectual understanding. The parables and riddles and use of questions in the Jewish tradition and also by the master Jesus of Nazareth are also excellent examples. Many traditions recognize this as a way of sharing wisdom.

Living in the Question Now

Questions can be both empowering and frustrating. It depends on who is asking, and what the response is. Living in the question is being open to all possibilities. Questioning something out of criticism or doubt is a whole different vibe. The concept of living in the question was referred to in a letter to a student by Rainer Maria Rilke, a mystic and renowned German poet:

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.” ― Rainer Maria Rilke , Letters to a Young Poet

Rilke encourages the young poet to "live the questions now", and not seek the answers. To love the questions even though the answers may not be forthcoming. 

Is Living in the Question an Invitation to View Life as a Young Poet?
This may be a good idea to add into our "toolbox" or approach to how we live our life here and now. By "living in the question" we don't need to know all the answers, and it leaves the question open- ended for more insights and possible deeper meanings when we are ready to receive them. The "answers" may also come as insights, aha moments, or subtle openings of wisdom within our heart and mind. Is living in the question an invitation to view life as a young poet?

By "living in the question", we can experience a deeper hidden knowledge or wisdom that may be experienced as an inner knowing, or  a state of consciousness or being that cannot be defined by words as answers.   

Although there are sophisticated methods and systems that use questions such as the Socratic Method, a simple approach is to always be open about new possibilities with whatever information we receive, knowing that there are many possibilities of the information that may not have been revealed yet.  

We have access to vast amounts of information - more than ever before in history - with the internet,  websites, YouTube, podcasts, seminars, workshops, books and blogs. It is easy to take all the information that we have on a topic and set limits on it as if we know enough about it. 

The concept of "living in the question" is to be open about the information that we receive. To know that there are possible new insights, and a new awareness of deeper understanding. It can be a refreshing new perspective and experience compared to "living in the answer". If we are open to a Divine Spirit within life then is it possible that questions help to create an opening to receive in ways beyond our own control?

LIQUID is an acronym for Living In the Question Under the Influence of the Divine. Could living in the question be one of the many sacred liquid elixirs of life?

Initiation - A Keyword for Sacred Experience

"One of the more subtle and profound initiations is not conducted by people, but by a Divine Spirit in which we can be transformed, renewed, reborn, or energized into a new level of knowledge and experience. This can happen outside of any organized religion, as a mystical experience, to anyone at any time. Dogma and authoritative belief systems are not required."
~ 333 Keywords to Change Your Life - "Initiate"

What is a Sacred Initiation?

The traditional reference of a formal initiation is to mark a rite of passage, by admission to a group or organization. Sometimes a reference to birth and death are used to describe dying to the old self and being reborn. Examples include baptism, bar mitzvah, secret vows, ceremonies, physical challenges to overcome, or a realization of the quest to drink from the metaphorical cup of the Holy Grail. Commonly there is a teacher/student, guru/disciple or Master/initiate relationship with a ceremony or ritual. A sacred initiation is not formal. An example is an "informal" baptism by the Divine Spirit compared to a ritual baptism by water. 

"The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” - John 3:8

A sacred initiation is a spiritual experience that seems to help you cross a threshold, and changes your life in some way. This can happen without a human intermediary, through acts of a Divine Spirit. In this type of informal initiation, we can be transformed, renewed, reborn, or energized into a new level of knowledge and experience. 

When Does an Initiation Happen?
Anything can be a catalyst or trigger for an initiation experience. It does not need to be a formal ceremony or ritual, although those have evolved to give external symbolism and reverence to represent or affirm an internal or external change in life. It can also be something that seems "normal" at the time but in retrospect it may be seen as an initiation as a result of what happened in consciousness. It can happen at any time or place.

Can a book can be a catalyst for a sacred initiation?

At age eighteen, a few years before I had a sacred puja ceremony initiation experience, I was given the book Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda and just reading it was a dramatic  experience for me. It had the effect of taking my very limited consciousness and awareness of spiritual realities to a whole new level. I looked at life differently after that, inspired by the possibilities of learning and having deeper levels of experience. It was like a sacred initiation as it was the beginning of a spiritual journey that continues onward and upward. On this journey I have had different types of initiations, and they continue occasionally to this day. Writing is a form of initiation, when a threshold is crossed and new ideas or words come into the mind to create, express, and share with others, inspired by a muse or Divine Spirit.

May the Divine Spirit be like a wind or breeze in our life, even though we do not know where or when it may happen. And as initiates, may it bless our soul, spirit, and consciousness with an initiation as a sacred experience. Are you ready?

~ David Lawrence Brown

A Mandala of Life - Changing the Future Now

“The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

“The mandala is an archetypal image whose occurrence is attested throughout the ages. It signifies the wholeness of the Self. This circular image represents the wholeness of the psychic ground or, to put it in mythic terms, the divinity incarnate in man… I saw that everything, all paths I had been following, all steps I had taken, were leading back to a single point — namely, to the mid-point. It became increasingly plain to me that the mandala is the center. It is the exponent of all paths. It is the path to the center, to individuation. I knew that in finding the mandala as an expression of the self I had attained what was for me the ultimate.” ~ Carl Jung

An interesting idea to reflect on is that we are living now in the future of yesterday.

A mandala represents the sacred
 geometry in all creation

We made decisions, created plans, worked on issues, removed limitations in our beliefs for change, maybe moved to a new location or changed jobs, and whatever else to be here now. This also applies collectively.

What are we doing now to create or change the coming weeks, months and years in our life?

In our world?

The following is an excerpt from the keyword "future" in the book 333 Keywords to Change Your Life.    

Future as a Keyword for Positive Change
"The invitation of the keyword “Future” is to consider if our present life was the result of our previous and present thoughts, desires, and emotions. What if the programming of advertising, culture, limiting beliefs, and negative emotional experiences in the past affected our future then – and we are living it now? What have we already cleared? How can we change our future more powerfully than we previously thought?

What if by using faith, belief, affirmations, visualizations, meditations, a positive attitude, and a wide range of resources you could neutralize or delete past programming and transform your life today and in the future? What if you started to see results in the future – one week from now? One month? One year? For the rest of your life?" (1)

Changing Our Future Collectively
This also applies collectively. How are we creating our future by our collective thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and views? With all of the turbulence of news and views in the past year and ongoing this seems to be relevant. Peace in our lifetime is a beautiful goal. A vision of a world without war? Why not? End world hunger? Yes. Sustainable growth? yes. Biotechnology and stem cell research? yes. Innovation in solving global challenges? Yes! 1977 was forty years ago. Back then organic was a fringe idea. Now it is mainstream. Imagine an amazing world forty years from now. Does fear get in the way? Maybe we can replace that with love. Love of the earth. Love of the Divine Spirit. Love of others. Love of our self and all living things. And love of the future possibilities for humanity. 

Our love and our life can be like a mandala. We create patterns of thoughts and feelings. May these patterns be aligned with the Divine Spirit and sacred geometry of all creation. And so it is. Amen.

(1) Brown, David Lawrence (2017-01-27). 333 Keywords to Change Your Life (Kindle Locations 2960-2964). David Lawrence Brown. Kindle Edition. 

Why 333 Keywords?

People often ask why there are 333 keywords in the book that I wrote and self-published. It's an interesting story, and not as unique as I had thought. Many people see different number combinations on a regular basis. It's a form of synchronicity as well as a mystery.

For about fifteen years I have seen the number 333 on a regular, spontaneous basis. I know, it's not something that is your usual event during any given day or night. Many times I have woken up and looked at the clock and it is exactly 3:33 am. It took me a while to get used to it as a regular occurrence. It also has has shown up in a variety of ways over the years. My driver's license, the three digit CSV code on the back of my credit card, the room capacity at a P.F. Chang's, car license plates, gas prices, a Starbucks receipt, the time of text messages, are a few examples.

If you Google it, there are different interpretations of what 333 means. Doreen Virtue says that the true meaning of 333 "refers to the Trinity, and means that you are receiving divine protection, help, and guidance....if you are seeing a lot of 3's then it is an Angel Number sign." It is also considered a sacred number in numerology, has a geometry of three triangles and was mentioned in the writings of Pythagoras.

I can live in the question about the various meanings, and accept it as well as other possibilities that are not yet known. Another interpretation is that it is a message that I need to keep all three parts of my being in balance; mind, body and spirit. I'm working on it.

Since I am also fascinated with words, writing, and books, I thought at one point if I could find 333 words in the dictionary that could relate to making positive changes in life, then maybe a book would come out of it. And it did. Having a background in Internet marketing, I decided to use the term keywords. For each keyword in the book, there is an inspiring quote, an expanded definition, an affirmation, a one minute meditation, and three questions to provide ideas for journaling about the keyword or thinking about how it is integrated into your life. The book is 612 pages long.

The book has had several reviews and one in particular was done by a professional book reviewer, Tim Larison, quoted below. The price is $3.33. That just seemed to be the right amount for the Kindle edition on Amazon. There is also a free "Look Inside" feature.
Amazon Link: 333 Keywords to Change Your Life

"I received a complementary copy of this book for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.

“Words and affirmations can change your life,” writes David Lawrence Brown in his book 333 Keywords to Change Your Life. “Words that are positive in themselves or that elicit positive thoughts, memories, and experiences are important to add into our ‘self-talk,’ thoughts, goals, and communications with others.” For anyone who values the power of affirmations, Brown has created a wonderful resource to enhance your own spiritual growth.

Each of the “333 keywords” is a word you might think about on any given day. Say you are holding a grudge against someone and you realize forgiveness can get you out of your funk. Look up “forgiveness” in 333 Keywords and you’ll find a quote related to forgiveness (“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong,” – Mahatma Gandhi). You’ll find a three paragraph description of what forgiveness is all about, you’ll find a forgiveness affirmation, a one minute meditation related to forgiveness, and a writing exercise to help you through your own forgiveness process. Brown gives a similar treatment to his 332 other key words, with short one or two page treatments on words from Abundance to Yoga.

I was impressed with the amount of research that went into 333 Keywords. From my twitter feed you know I love inspirational quotes, and the quote associated with each key word is worth the price of the book alone. I also found the affirmations powerful, the meditations useful, and the writing exercises helpful for each key word.

333 Keywords is best used as a reference book, to take off the shelf when you need help in a particular area of your life. Or read a one word treatment each day as part of your spiritual practice. 333 Keywords is not a book to be rushed through – rather savor each word and the wisdom Brown imparts related to that word.

“Everyone has their own journey in life and we are blessed with the freedom of choice as to how we want to live,” the author writes. “Whatever we need to change, or work on, or seek improvement in, affirmations and keywords can help us on the journey.” Brown’s 333 Keywords will certainly aid in my spiritual journey – it has a prominent place on my bookshelf and I will refer to it often." - Tim Larison , Amazon Review 

The Mystical Light of Easter and Passover

I love and cherish the Divine Spirit that is the inspiration for the sacred rituals, celebrations, ceremonies, traditions, and faith within all religions. There are ancient festivals of Spring, that predate Christianity. This time of year is Easter and Passover, and while I am not exclusively Christian or Jewish, I honor and respect this sacred time of the year. The hymns, songs, music, liturgies, chants, prayers, benedictions, and blessings are all beautiful in their own way, developed and created to celebrate life, freedom of the spirit, and love of the Divine.

Is the Mystical Light Inclusive?
The mystical light of the Divine Spirit is not exclusive to any time of year or to any particular faith. It is eternal, a "living light",  and is always shining upon us and within us, beyond the quantum physics of measurement of time and space. However at this time of year there is a collective focus around the world of the symbols and rituals of faith.

Is the Resurrection of Life Happening Now?

Is it possible that the resurrection of life beyond death is already happening now within everyone in that our spirit is eternal beyond the aging and death of physical reality?

Even though this could be seen as a belief, by "living in the question" it opens up possibilities beyond our comprehension, and we can acknowledge that there are mysteries in creation that we do not yet know, and that we have an open mind to explore. Imagine the journeys of a life beyond this one when we experience the exodus from this world into other kingdoms.  

The Mystical Light of the Kingdom of Heaven and Passover

Light in the Hebrew tradition represents Divine presence. The light of candles during Passover and Easter represents the Divine presence of protection during the exodus as well as the mystical light of the Divine Spirit within us. It has been said that the primary calling of Jesus was to initiate the kingdom of heaven. Jesus fully embodied the mystical light of the Divine Spirit with healing, teachings, and the Divine presence or kingdom of heaven within him. He stated that the kingdom of heaven is also within us.  

May the Christ consciousness of the mystical living light be celebrated as the kingdom of heaven within us, and may the love of the Divine Spirit that transcends and is also within all religions be with us now during these sacred holidays and within every eternal moment.  Amen- Namaste - AHO

Inspiration - The Keyword for 2017

If you think that another keyword describes what is going on with news and views out there, then you are spot on. However, what keyword is needed for 2017 to balance things out a bit?  This is an invitation to get inspired this year, even in the midst of uninspiring news.

We all need inspiration for happiness, good health, and to enjoy life. To live life without being inspired is just not as fun. Inspiration is like a waterfall. It is always flowing beautifully into the river of life below, waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.

Here's ten ideas to get inspired or remain inspired for the rest of the year, if this is something that you want more of in your life.

1) Take time for your inspiration
It is important in our busy schedules to make time for inspiration. Block out an hour or two half hours and turn off the cell phone. Manage your inspiration time as well as you manage the rest of your day. You deserve it. 

2) Love
Love can be experienced in so many ways to receive as well as give inspiration. Use love with the ideas that follow, and possibly as an ongoing reminder of the joy it can bring and is bringing every day.

3) Music
Not just any music. Music that is inspiring. Music that you love. Your favorites. Google it if you want more ideas.  Some classical music can be very inspiring. Pachebel Canon in D Major, Elgar Nimrod from "Enigma Variations", Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, and many others.  Using headphones could be another idea, while sitting, focusing on just the music, and letting go of all other thoughts.

3) Inspiring quotes
Your favorites, new ones, printed out to view daily, or used in your communications. Sharing inspiring quotes. Googling inspiring quotes. Checking out Goodreads as a source of hundreds of inspiring quotes on any topic. Sign on to the daily emails that send out inspiration into your inbox every day.

Brene Brown - The Power of Vulnerabilty

4) Inspiring YouTube Videos or Movies
On YouTube there are quite a large number of inspiring videos such as singing flash mobs, people overcoming challenges, or your favorite songs being performed. The most popular Ted Talks of all time has some inspirational talks such as Brene Brown's "The Power of Vulnerability".  View a Google search result for lists: "most inspirational movies"

 5) Get Out in Nature with Friends or Family
The ones who will help support your inspiration. You know who they are. Any activity together that is inspiring such as a sunset walk, a hike to a waterfall, a scenic road trip, or even a week in Cancun or Hawaii. 

6) Stunning photography and Art
A photography website such as 500px.com can be searched based on your preferences. Search for waterfalls, flowers, ocean, rivers, and other inspiring topics. Enjoy the view.

7) Books
Enjoy an inspiring story with a new novel, or great novel that you loved can be read again. Self help books are abundant and there's so many to choose from on  Goodreads, your Amazon wish list, or browsing a bookstore or library. Books can be very inspirational and take us on a journey that we have not been on before.

8) Animal companions or contact
If you own a pet, share the love in new ways that inspires both of you. If you don't visit a pet store or zoo.

9) Church, or Other Organizations and Events
Based on your preferences there are many places to get inspired. Seminars, workshops, support groups are a few ideas.

10) Meditation, prayer, spiritual inspiration
Whether it is a guided meditation on a CD, or your own meditation or prayer, inspiration came come up from the depths within your soul. Depending on your beliefs or faith, a Divine Spirit is always a source of inspiration.

Although inspiration can be important at any time, it is especially needed now, individually and collectively. The adventure of discovering new inspiration every day, and throughout the day can be a fun and rewarding experience. Inspiration is the keyword for 2017.

"The invitation of the keyword “Inspiration” is to ask how we can be uplifted, encouraged, motivated, and moved deeply in ways that allow us to be invigorated or energized to love our life and live with more passion, awareness, confidence, creativity and happiness."
 ~ David Lawrence Brown,  333 Keywords to Change Your Life 

#inspiration

Sacred Activism - Why I Stand in the "Eye of the Hurricane"

published March 15 2017

John Lennon's song Imagine is a song of sacred activism

The eye of the hurricane is that calm center surrounded by turbulent winds. As a metaphor, it works for me as to how I show up and choose to be with news and world events.

On November 12 2016, the day after the election, I posted some modified lyrics from the song Imagine by John Lennon on Facebook. The whole country was in an intense emotional state. That intensity continues to this day. The lyrics that I posted were : 

"Imagine ALL the people in our country

praying for healing our country every day

When there is a will, there can be a way

It isn't hard to do or say, or is it? we choose our own way

You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one

 Thank you, John Lennon, for the lyrics...I changed them a bit just for fun."

David Brown

In 1973 I walked into the student union of Chico State University and told the organizers who were planning another "peace" anti-war march the next day that the march will not be effective if they are yelling negative slogans to the public and other students such as "1-2-3-4 we don't want your f____ing war" which happened the day before.

I said that the example of Martin Luther King to march in silence would be ten times more powerful and that people would "listen to the silence" rather than being offended at being yelled at. I left the meeting after saying what I felt compelled to say. The next day there was a silent march. Hundreds participated and experienced it. It was a powerful expression of "sacred activism".

Today I stand in the eye of the "hurricane" in full awareness of the turbulent winds of opinions, news, fear, negativity, and divisiveness. This is not a passive stance. I choose what organizations, events, and people that I want to support. I choose what thoughts, vibes, prayers, and feelings that I have towards the "turbulent winds" of the hurricane. These are ways in how I engage in sacred activism. The other is meditation.

Today I stand for love and respect, forgiveness and compassion, justice, happiness, health, freedom, and life for all of humanity, including all world leaders.

Sacred activism, for me, is not being against something. It is for something. It is unifying not divisive, loving, not fearful, compassionate, and not violent. I love the vibe.

Conscious spirit-led activism honors the divine spirit (or whatever name is chosen for that subtle connection) within all humanity and all living things, including the earth, which supports all living things.

I honor and have a deep respect for those leaders who have demonstrated this in their own lives and changed the world, including Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, the Dalai Lama, John Lennon and Mother Teresa, to name a few. I honor and respect all views, including those different than mine, recognizing that everyone has the right to believe, choose, and have their own opinions, whether they are informed or not, or have studied all the issues or not. There is no shame or blame or judgment, as this seems to perpetuate divisiveness. 

I acknowledge that a spiritual revolution is going on that is affecting all areas of life in positive ways, and it is not organized or controlled or led by any one movement, organization, or faith or belief system. It is a global conscious awakening to new possibilities, solutions to challenges, economic sustainability, and a blessing to all people in the world, especially children. 

" Imagine all the people, Living life in peace". (John Lennon, Imagine)

Peace in our lifetime is already starting to happen now. Can you imagine it? Feel it?