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Global eBook Distribution List, and... My Personal Blog Page. Be warned, sometimes I actually have interesting things to say. |
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Pendants 1, 2, 3 |
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My sincere thanks and humble gratitude go out to all those from around the world who have purchased my eBook. Thank You!
Africa: SA, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kenilworth, KwaZulu-Natal, Scottburgh. Australia: Melbourne, Queensland, Annerley, Cashmere, Doveton, Mareeba, Sippy Downs, Victoria, Brisbane, Perth, Barden Ridge, Nar-Nar Goon, Wurdong Heights, New South Wales - Birrong Sidney, Glenfield Park, Lismore, Manilla, Metford, Murwillumbah, Narrabri, Western Australia, Port Hedland. Belgium: Tielen. Brazil: Sao Paolo. Canada: Alberta, AirDrie, Alix, Bowden, Calgary, Edmonton, St. Paul, St. Laurent, Deux Montagnes, Quebec, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Montreal, Ontario, Barrie, Beaverton, Bond Head, Nepean, Stouffville, Thornhill, Whitby, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Saint John, Cumberland, Lytton, Prince George, Port Hardy, Victoria, Nova Scotia, Head-of-Chezzetcook, Sydney Mines. Cyprus: Limassol. Denmark: Hoersholm, Kobenhavn (Copenhagen), Torup. Finland: Helsinki, Eneia. France: Carrières-sur-Seine. Germany: Berlin, Denklingen, Emsdetten, Kornwesthiem. Hungary: Budapest. Indonesia: Tomang Raya, Jakarta. Ireland: Dublin. Italy: Perugia. Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur. Mexico: Guadalajara, Jalisco. Netherlands: Amsterdam, Helmond, Papenhoven, Nederweert. New Zealand: Mt. Albert, Auckland, Karamea Buller. Philippines: Cebu City, Manila. Scotland: Aberdeen. Singapore: Singapore City, Tampines. Sweden: Stockholm. United Kingdom: London, Avon, Bristol, Buckinghamshire - Chesham, Stockwood, Lincolnshire, South Kelsey, Wiltshire, Chippenham, East Sussex, Eastbourne, North Yorkshire, Whitby, East Yorkshire, Beverley, Renfrewshire, Paisley, Surrey, Surbiton, Croydon, Newcastle Upon Tyne - Tyne and Wear, East Sussex - Eastbourne, Merseyside - Southport. USA: Entire Mainland, San Juan, Guayama, Puerto Rico, Alaska: Anchorage. Hawaii: Aiea, Kailua Kona. West Indies: Spanish Town, St. Catherine, Jamaica.
If you do not see your location and would like it included just drop me a note and I'll add it to the growing list. raymond@jewelrywirewrap.com |
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~ The Light of Night ~ The night flows through me like shadow crossing the veil, emerging at dawn in the glow of divine dreams. I have but to strike the light each morning and shine with the Love of God.
~ By Raymond S. Ihrig ~ 12/17/2011 08:42 PM (CST) |
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~ Do ~ All of the positive philosophical and spiritually uplifting stories and writings in the history of the world combined, will do not one iota of good nor benefit anyone, if not taken into the mouth of the mind, digested in the heart, absorbed by the soul, and issued forth as deeds.
~ By Raymond S. Ihrig ~ 06/29/2011 09:50 AM (CST) |
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"Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense." Buddha |
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Unity is the way to Peace and Compassion is the key to achieve it! ~ By Raymond S. Ihrig ~ 01/02/2011 10:23 PM (CST) |
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I AM, I wonder. I see, I ponder. I do, I blunder. I try again, I fly up yonder. I never stop. No, not for them. I AM free. I love that about Me! ~ By Raymond S. Ihrig ~ 12/02/2010 9:45 AM (CST) |
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I AM Love and so are You:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This is just the ponderings of a simple man who has been without many examples of love most of his life. It seems a rare thing. But then I realized that Love lives inside each person from the moment of birth; we are beings of Love. I AM Love and so are You!
Even as a new born babe we have the
capacity to Love. Our duality of lesson here on Earth alters, or modifies,
what we were born with, and some, like me, have to learn all over again to
develop and nurture Love on our own. And since Love is there, always has
been, then how we express ourselves determines our experience.
~ By Raymond S. Ihrig ~ 11/29/2010 11:35 AM (CST) |
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An account of my first Lakota Tribal Sweat Lodge Ceremony in Dripping Springs, Texas. The lodge was held on land owned by my Lakota friends Val and Ron Nemeth. The ceremony was poured by world renowned Lakota Elder, Musician, Instrument Maker, and Medicine Man, Steven Blue Horse. Left: Steven Blue Horse. Right: Raymond Ihrig. Photo taken by Elder George.
My initial thoughts right after the experience: It was humbling, physically very challenging, and uplifting beyond expectation. Truly magical to be among human beings. I feel honored and privileged to have joined the human race in this manner. The experience awakened something inside me, in addition to a blessing that I cannot at this time describe. Quite profound. Wish I had done this years ago.
The terms "Sweat Lodge" has dual meaning. Sweat Lodge is a Native American ceremony held in a sacred outdoor space within a sacred building. The terms denote both, a sacred ceremony and a sacred building. At first glance the structure might appear to some like an igloo, only without the little protruding entrance tunnel, and made with natural material instead of ice.
The lodge is a dome shaped tree branch lattice that is thatched, or covered, with thick layers of blankets, traditionally animal skins, with a small flapped opening on the West end. When the opening is closed during ceremony it is pitch black inside. The lodge rests in a shallow depression on the ground with a small pit in the center some 3 feet wide or so by about 2 feet deep for holding special red hot fire heated stones. This particular lodge is in fact shaped similar to a turtle in that it is slightly oblong, taller at the center, just a little lower at the door, and tapered down toward the east facing rear. The natural building is about 5 feet tall at the highest point and is no more than 12 feet front to back and maybe 10 feet side to side.
There is a totem about 10 feet from the entrance of the lodge. It's a small grass covered dirt mount about 2 feet high and about 3 feet around. From the center stands a fairly straight 6 or 7 foot tall tree branch, or pole. Tied to the upper part of the pole are prayer flags, long strips of colored cloth on short strings. The position of the totem in relation to the lodge entrance represents a Turtle, or Turtle Earth Mother, where the totem is the head of the turtle and the lodge is the shell covered body.
Once the ceremony begins, prior to
entering the lodge, both the lodge and totem become the Turtle Earth Mother
and the space between the lodge and totem is then sacred. To walk
between them at this time is not allowed since doing so one walks on the
neck of the Turtle Earth Mother, destroying the sanctity of the space and
the ceremony is broken.
Last nights ceremony lasted for about 3.5 hours with 2.5 hours inside the lodge. Preparation for the ceremony began long before I arrived. Part of the preparation was the starting of the pit fire. Since Steven Blue Horse was to "pour" the ceremony he chose the size and number of stones to be placed in the fire for heating and use in the lodge. Each person brought a food offering for the group to enjoy afterward. An additional offering of tobacco from each person is placed in a large container for use by the group for making prayer ties. Each person makes their own. A pinch of tobacco is placed in the center of a small square swatch of colored cloth. Colors are Red, Green, Black, Yellow, and White. The cloth is then closed, or bunched, around the tobacco creating a little ball with a skirt as it's tied with cotton string. Successive bundles are made with the same string until a number of prayer bundles are linked together like a colorful necklace. As the tiny pouch is tied a personal prayer is spoken so that the little bundle then receives the energy of the prayer. Prayers are personal and can be anything from healing of the body or parts of the body, requests for abundance, release from sorrow, Spiritual healing or enlightenment, prayers for a friend, loved one, group, the Earth, whatever one wants or needs, of any nature, specific and/or general. A person's prayer tie is then as short or long as the number of prayers. For some they are a very long. My prayer tie included eight bundles, about a foot long.
The ceremony begins with placement of sacred items on the totem mound, including a cow skull facing the lodge door, smudging sage and a lit smudge pot, and then a brief prayer is spoken in the Lakota language by an elder. Strict ceremonial protocol is held from that point forward. Steven Blue Horse consecrated the gate keeper who then placed previously selected stones in the fire pit. After a time seven stones, one at a time, were taken from the fire to an elder sitting just inside the lodge opening who then set the stones into the lodge pit. The lodge was allowed to heat for a quarter hour or so.
Traditionally people are naked for the lodge ceremony. But modern sensibility toward modesty is observed. Men usually wear shorts, they can also wear a shirt if they want. Women wear light clothes, or upper and lower cloth wraps, or a single cloth wrap from the shoulders to the ground. Seating is random but the women line up outside and enter the lodge first and slowly make two semicircular rows on the right side of the lodge. One row next to the pit is formed first and then the second row behind them is made. This is so that no person crosses in front of another. Then the men follow suit and enter in two rows to the left observing the same protocol. This seating arrangement creates two concentric rings of people around the central pit. Steven Blue Horse entered last and took a position just inside the entrance to the right at the end of the women's rows next to the pit. Ron Nemeth took a position opposite Steven to the left of the entrance.
The lodge is small and comfortably accommodates up to 15 people. But we were 25 of us inside and with very little room to move physical contact was unavoidable. Everyone seemed relaxed and ready for the ceremony to begin so no one seemed to mind the close quarters; I didn't. By chance, or not, crawling on hands and knees, I made it to the prayer position, a place directly in the back at the eastern most point facing the door. I was told this was an honored place. It was also the area with the least amount of head room since the back portion of the lodge sloped down like the tapered back of a turtle. Hunched over crossed legged I wondered if the reason it was called an honorable prayer position because of the posture one has to assume and the immediate discomfort one experiences after settling down in such a special place? I was also informed afterward that I was sitting in the one spot that receives the brunt of the intense heat and steam because of the shape of the lodge.
Once inside the lodge everyone is allowed to settle in and begin to acclimate to the heat. We tucked our prayer ties behind the inside frame of the lodge so they dangle just above our heads while Steven Blue Horse called for more stones. Nine more stones were added to the seven already in place. A bucket of consecrated rain water is also brought in along with a ladle for "pouring." Steven arranged the sacred herbs and roots he would use for the ceremony in front of him on the ground.
From the back of the lodge all I could see was the gate keeper and Steven's silhouettes against the dim light of dusk through the lodge opening to the outside. The distorted peach colored glow shimmered and sparkled as the last stones were set and the door flap was closed and secured by the gate keeper who remained outside.
Steven acknowledged the first timers, including me, and then he shared the wisdom of his grandfather, saying that lodge ceremonies have a history of sacred intent and purpose but that people tend to be uptight about them. His grandfather taught him to be, "Sacred, but not too serious." When he said those words, the words of his grandfather, the atmosphere of the ceremony immediately lightened up and people began talking and laughing playfully for a few minutes while Steven made final preparations to begin. To me Steven provided a great gift. Words, those simple words released every ounce of tension I had built up inside myself for lack of understanding protocol or what was expected of me. In an instant I knew how to behave and I relaxed, realizing I could be myself and that all I really had to do was be aware and respectful of the occasion. Like magic the ceremony came to life with new energy, like an arrow went straight into my chest filling my heart with love and a deeply felt sense of belonging.
Sweat Lodge activity is not for the faint hearted or
physically challenged people. If I had to guess I would say the
temperature hovered around 150° degrees Fahrenheit (65.5°
C) with brief respites as red hot stones were replenished 4 separate times
at about 30 minute intervals. Even with the flap open to bring in more
stones and water it was still at least 100°
degrees (37.7°
C) inside.
It wasn't long before my feet, then legs, began to tingle, becoming dead dumb within an hour. My hips and low back began to ache, muscle spasms and twitching ensued. I had to move and managed to stretch one leg, then swapped the other. I still could not sit straight up. Sitting cross legged and hunched over with a back injury was taking its toll. The situation made it physically too painful to continue so I asked to be excused.
Blue Horse offered
his very gentle personal encouragement for me to stay. Several tribe
members also provided their compassionate support. Blue Horse uttered
something in his native Lakota language and several tribe members huddled closer
together so I could stretch my back and legs at the back of the lodge. The tribe came together
for me and said a special prayer. I felt the group energy focus on my
situation. Their strength seemed to fill me and I managed to see it
through to the end. The entire tribe, especially the elders,
were very compassionate and supportive. I could not have been more
honored and blessed to have experienced this ancient sacred ritual cleansing
and prayer ceremony. And it was even more special when people I had
only just met prior to entering the lodge came together in a show of great
personal respect and understanding. I have never experienced anything like that before,
like brothers and sisters I never knew I had. I was in the presence of
real human beings and magical energy. Truly magnificent and wonderful. 11/09/2010 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM (CST) |
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On man, I've really gotten into expressing my political views and ideals on Facebook in the last few months. I've found my Representatives and elected officials and I'm really giving them a piece of my mind. It's like getting involved in politics. And it almost feels like I'm doing something good for our country.
Politicians and politics has angered me and I just can't keep my mouth shut any longer. If nothing else it allows me to vent by expressing my views. Some people just get mad. But I understand the reasons and do not blame them or find fault. It's good that people have feelings enough to show anger. Perhaps something I say will motivate the right person into running for office. America is in serious trouble and we need people of good conscience to stand and be counted as Citizen Candidates.
If you're not already to run for office, get involved in the political process, even on Facebook. Speak up America! You are welcome to join me: Facebook. |
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A Father’s Lesson
Some things I’ve known, memories and recent
experiences, came together with new meaning today. My children are indeed
here on this Earth to teach their ol’ Dad some important life lessons.
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One Step, Two Places
Judge nothing, for therein lies the secret to Peaceful Existence, Calmness of Spirit, a Compassionate and Understanding Character, Enduring Patience, Love for All Things, and Recognition of who and where you are.
If you can cease judgment of all things, sit quietly alone and create Serenity in your mind, allow it to fill your heart and consciousness even for a moment, and there, in that gap of stillness where life does not filter perceptions and internal dialogue stops, God waits for you and speaks through intuition, ready to fill you up with the Love that is always there for you.
A moment of solace softens the veil, reach through Dear One and touch the face of God, for it is you. You! are the Living Light. You! have the power to pierce the darkness and rip open the cloak of duality and see in the glow of your own Divinity. The drama and turmoil swirling around your life, all the worries, the feelings of hopeless despair, even within the teeth of overwhelming fear, all of it, washed away with your awareness.
And in that special place of yours created through stillness of mind, a path is before you, every step illuminated, each footfall nurtured by the Love of God, and faith rises to support you in all that matters most, with clarity and awareness of who you really are.
With every foot upon the ground Mother Earth knows you and your presence here. The very dirt upon which you stand is moved, her waters quicken as the air draws breath around you, the Universe harkens, and ALL awaken to your presence, Dear Angelic Human Being!
As you make your way, o'er time and time again, the Angels sing your sacred honored name. Beloved Spirit, your path on Earth and Heaven entwined, one step, two places at a time.
Blessed is the human being who walks with God.
Blessings, Raymond 8 /11/2009 10:20AM (CST) |
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On September 9th, 1997 I awoke from peaceful sleep conscious of the following thoughts and wrote them down:
Possibilities ~~~~~~~~~~ Life is a string of possibilities sewn by a common thread and tailored to oneself. As God is the tailor, the fit therefore is perfect. The style however, is up to you! ~ ~ © 9/9/1997 RSIhrig ~
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Then, eleven years to the day upon waking, came this:
Pure Love ~~~~~~~~~ Life is the purest form of love. Realizing your own existence connects you to that love. Our life experiences are the lessons that bring us to this truth. Walk your path as the love you are, and live in peace with yourself. Others will recognize the truth in you and know love too.
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These were sleeping dreams that I remember bringing with me through transition from sleep to wakefulness.
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The following is an accounting of a deeply personal experience; an aspect of my personal life I chose to share for several reasons. Among them is the hope that the story will enrich the spiritual quest of the reader and perhaps be of benefit in some positive way. A Spiritual request for enlightened thought and understanding:
Over the last several years an incredible number, more than usual, of unpleasant interactions with others have occurred in my life that defied explanation and understanding. And depending on perspective they were not necessarily bad things, just unexplainable, hurtful, actions by friends, family, former coworkers and colleagues, and total strangers, intensely focused directly at me; completely undeserved and inappropriate instances that leave me reeling to say the least. If feeling impaled through the heart is a definition of "reeling?" The intensity of those feelings is only slightly different depending on who is doing the impaling. But the core result on emotional, spiritual, and intellectual levels is the same.
Just this past weekend a store clerk witnessed my scuffle of words with one, then two, patrons (strangers even unto themselves) who pounced on me with brutal verbal reprimands, like vultures on carrion. One patron said something to me that in turn provided the confidence for another patron, obviously offended as well, to follow suite and jump right in; total strangers teaming up on me. I won't discuss specifics because I'd have to detail the situation and nuances in order provide a clear picture of the overall event, which is irrelevant to the core issue. You'll understand more in a minute. But so you'll have a basic idea, both patrons were already in the check out line with trolleys full of garden supplies and I cued up with a single item in what appeared to be a second line next to them. I kept to myself and said nothing to anyone until I was verbally sucker punched by the first patron and a few seconds later ganged up on by the second patron - both men.
Anyway, after the frenzied interaction with these two strangers the clerk asked if I was alright. And for the first time in my life, "one" witness, among many over the long years, came forward and confidently provided unsolicited moral and emotional support (the energy is truly different these days because open support for me like that has never happened before, ever). There were a dozen or so people standing around who snapped to attentive ignorance as if nothing was happening. When I humbly apologized for seemingly causing a scene, the clerk said I had done nothing wrong (I really didn't need to apologize, but I often do in order to de-escalate things). The clerk smiled, and in a gesture of pure compassion, put his hand on my shoulder, leaned directly to my ear and said, "those two behaved horribly. I saw the whole thing and they were wrong. You were completely innocent. Let me tell you a story..." And without hesitation or concern for the other people standing in line the clerk then told a short story that had some sort of moral lesson. It was a situation he'd experienced that had a lesson he felt was relevant enough to share with me on the spot...unfortunately I couldn't make out the whole story because of my damaged hearing, I just nodded, smiled politely, shook his hand in thanks, and I departed with a little bit of my countenance back.
The incident was very hurtful and emotionally upsetting. My limited hearing seemed to get worse in those moments afterward as millions of bits of information and images raced through my mind in an effort to make sense of the chaos over what had just happened; info overload created a slow motion sensation, as if having been drugged. Everything moved very slowly. My vision was streaked and blurry and my auditory senses became clogged in a brain numbing fog as I slowly walked to my car in total dismay and utter confusion. I felt like a slow motion pin-ball bumping my way between people, the exit door, and the parking lot, in a mindless zombie-like stupor. I actually had to sit in the car for a few minutes to allow my head to clear before I could take off.
I suppose some people would have taken the incident with a grain, or fail to realize what happened and ignore it, and some would have become indignant, perhaps even angry. And for a moment, while sitting in the car, I did get angry. But the anger subsided when I realized, "it happened again!"
When I got home I also realized I'd seen the store clerk before so I decided I would go back to the store sometime during the week to ask the clerk to retell his story. It was obviously important to him, he felt it would help me in some way or he would not have told the story in the first place. And strangely enough it did help in spite of gaps in my understanding.
It just goes to show how things are perceived and absorbed on several levels of awareness because for me, his words and actions went deep into my very being with a level of understanding in spite of not having heard everything he said. I felt a great sense of relief, of belonging, and of having done the right thing after all. "The right thing" was standing up for myself this time, not allowing those two to bully me even though one man was a foot taller than me (I'm 5'6") and the other guy, about my size, got right in my face. I backed him down by getting into his, with a fiery eyed intent to put him on the ground had he touched me. Both men were caught off guard and surprised by my reaction. The big guy slithered away as if a little smaller and the other non-gentleman turned indignantly and walked straight away in apparent frustration for not having intimidated me.
I really felt the need to go back to the store because the clerk seems like someone I should get to know. He has a very nice disposition and I'm sure he won't mind helping me out again, especially if asked in a much calmer situation. Another strange thing, he appears to be about half my age (I was 50 at the time). But what age are we really? I mean chronological age has no meaning when dealing with matters of a spiritual nature - but that's another subject.
Intuitively I know such events hold spiritual significance since they happen with alarming regularity. But even so I don't handle them well in the moment. Well, that's what others tell me anyway. When they do occur, an instantaneous assessment is made of the situation and I'll swiftly take some sort of action. This ability comes from many years of dealing with rapidly changing circumstances, sometimes in do-or-die situations (literally life and death), and I am rarely incorrect; the fact I am still alive proves that, and a fact that others have also told me. A former colleague once said, "You're as right as rain, man!" No, I was not a police officer; it was a previous role that to the uninformed might appear quite socially unacceptable, even sinister to some. But it was a job that I loved and extremely proud to have been a part. Anyway, if a situation warrants, defensive action kicks into overdrive with all speed and I'll confront these people immediately, exactly where they stand, regardless of venue and with equal or greater directness (as in this situation); which I know is a piece of the core puzzle I am trying to understand and put together.
Admittedly, I have a short fuse when it comes to being treated unfairly, most especially, and only, when such behavior is oppressive and/or harmful. And it doesn't matter if it's me that's being treated badly or someone else; without hesitation I'll rush to defend, even to my own detriment, which is very often the case. You might say that I am, contrary to the popular, and the only definition I can find, a right fighter.
Okay, so now you know. I am a Right-Fighter as defined by the later.
Everyone experiences challenging interactions with others at some point, or on rare occasions. I mean, that's just part of the human experience; we cannot possibly get along with everyone all the time. If there were just an occasional tussle or confrontation I know I wouldn't be so disturbed by them. It's really very easy to deal with an obnoxious, rude, or combative person; occasionally. Even if it isn't easy and an incident is not handled well, one might not be so hard on themselves since they don't occur very often. It can be overlooked, no big deal.
It's likely these incidents would not affect me so much if they didn't happen "aaaall the damn time!" So it becomes difficult to manage these "in your face" incidents. These out of the blue, sometimes shocking, events disturb me greatly. But I have to deal with them. And, 99% of the time they occur in a crowd of people. I can be standing in a line, sitting in a stadium or at a concert, riding a bus, attending a meeting, anywhere there are a number of people around me in close proximity, minding my own damn business, and confrontation erupts for no apparent reason. I struggle to know if I did the right thing by rushing to defend or standing up for myself. Often questioning my own motives, behavior, actions, words, the spherical impact on those around me, and those indirectly affected later through word of mouth storytelling, and the energy created and absorbed into everything.
These incidents result in a personal wrestling match as I grapple with my own thoughts and behavior. They deeply affect me and are quite difficult to get over and move on; my thoughts linger over the event for days, sometimes weeks. And a few of them have even been on my mind for years because the emotional effects were so dynamically horrible, almost debilitating. Lingering over them is not a bad thing. Not at all like living with emotional baggage or prejudice just under the surface; of which most are unaware. No, it's a soul searching, a preponderance of deeper meaning, of contemplation and reflection with intent to understand these seemingly random chaotic events in my life. I keep these poignant memories alive and fresh to maintain awareness at all times as I look for possible answers through other synchronistic events.
Through years of introspection I came to realize that I, and perhaps others like me (wish I knew these folks), are often targets on a subconscious level for unbalanced people. Merely standing in their presence causes undesirable reactions, like the event last weekend. Even my own father has commented on the frequency of these incredibly unfortunate and amazingly inexplicable events. Unfair as they seem, it has become clear that these are really just unbalanced people, and on a subconscious level they sense something in me that frightens them and they become fearful. This fear then bubbles up tickling their awareness just enough to cause an irritation that suddenly sinks to the gut where fear becomes instinct that quickly manifests into ill will and then action of confrontation takes place. Often with incredibly malicious intent. Like a wolf backed into an inescapable canyon . Several times there was a threat of violence. Yet somehow I have always managed to squelch violent potentials or deflect them. Don't ask me how because I don't know; although I think it may simply be the inner light of a broader perspective that through some word or action of spiritual truth shone into their dark place and they stopped or ran away.
There were even a few incidents where firearms were involved. One day an individual shoved a fully loaded Browning High-Power 9mm automatic handgun in my gut and pulled the trigger; a malicious, truly evil, person with intent to murder. To our mutual surprise, and his detriment for a change, the pistol failed to discharge. Police later found the pistol to be in perfect working order; one officer, literally scratching his head, commented that I must have been protected by divine intervention. He could not understand why the handgun failed.
I am convinced these unbalanced people are unaware of their feelings or what is happening to them. From my perspective they seem to behave instinctively. Clueless to comprehend what or why, and like automatons, ruled by programming. In many of these cases it seems like biological programming on the lowest vibrational order, the fear emotion. And they simply react by lashing out; at me!
This is the difference between an enlightened person and one who is perhaps not as spiritually evolved. This is not an arrogant or derogatory statement, nor is it judgmental. Some people just vibrate at a very low level and never "task" themselves (yes task, it must be a conscious effort) with a higher order of thought. They never look inward or ask themselves the loaded questions:
Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Does God really exist? How can I find, touch, and know, God?
And they will follow their karmic groove all the way to the end as they take their last breath here on Earth.
All people, everyone, are on their own esoteric path. It is neither right or wrong and I respect that everyone has free choice to live within a station they choose. Whether they ask themselves these esoteric questions or not, there is no judgment; for all are Dearly Loved by God. All of humanity has the potential to make certain connections, broaden their understanding, and think on a higher vibrational level. Asking those very questions does that. It is this permission that sets legions of Angels in motion to fulfill your quest for spiritual understanding. If you don't ask these basic questions it's just fine by God. Nothing terrible will happen to you if you don't, this is a free choice world. God intended it so and it is so. You will return home with the same party everyone gets, you are loved unconditionally by God.
However, to those that knock, it shall be opened. They who seek, shall indeed find. Ask, and they shall receive. It is a slow, free choice, process. A path to enlightenment. People on this path will pop out of their karmic groove and open themselves up to receive God. These people hold the light, and have a profound effect upon the world and the universe - they are Lightworkers.
You'd think with such clarity I could handle these frequent situations differently and everything would be good and fine in my world. Well, no one is perfect, we all have our challenges, and this one is mine. While the realization does provide a measure of peacefulness, I know there's a much bigger picture and I am not connecting the dots as quickly as I'd like. God does indeed work in mysterious ways. It's like seeing with perfect clarity to a point and everything else is fuzzy, details are indiscernible. If you wear glasses or contact lenses you know how frustrating it is to look at something you really want to see when you don't have them.
Events like the one that happened in the store the other day occur with unsettling regularity. Obviously something I need to learn, but I am weary of them and I need the answer I know exists. It's also much greater than a behavioral issue for my part because I've changed my behavior. Consciously reacting differently when these events occur in an effort to know the answer. This is no joke, unpleasant situations pop up so often I can consciously plug in different behaviors in an effort to see which one finally solves the puzzle. Whether I am calm and peaceful, allow a situation to unfold without interference, or take up the sword, it does not seem to matter. Events keep coming, wave after wave, and when I least expect them too; I'm often blindsided just like this last event. They are dynamic events, all different in some way, yet the same. A core lesson involved every single time.
These things may also be a test of character and spiritual development. But I have to wonder, a test for what purpose or for whom? I have placed my character map over the energy in an effort to connect the spiritual dots, but so far comprehension has remained incomplete. No, there is far deeper spiritual purpose involved. It is why I posted my thoughts on the subject here today - ask and ye shall receive.
So many years of grappling with cause and effect have created a burning desire to know and understand. My hope is that by "putting it out there in the ethers," since this is one option I have yet to try, is that an epiphany of enlightened thought will fill my consciousness and/or create the synchronicity of events that will lead me to the answers I seek, and require. I must know the solution, how to handle these events with greater understanding, composure, and peacefulness, so that I can grow, learn, and move on.
And finally, it has occurred to me, perhaps I am the catalyst for lessons that others require for their personal growth? We do, after all, live in a symbiotic, and synchronistic, circle of energy. What I don't understand is, why does it seem like it's always at my expense? They must therefore be two fold or two way lessons.
Either way, I must know the truth of it and obtain the solution no matter how long it takes. I will never relinquish my power, free choice, and I will never stop the quest for spiritual growth and personal development, commonly called enlightenment. The term Enlightenment carries the 4 energy. Enlightenment has 13 characters. This in turn has Numerological Significance. The number 1 means New Beginnings. The number 3 is the Catalyst. One and Three equal Four, and the 4 means Growth. To become enlightened means one must grow; it is never ending.
While spiritually I know that understanding will come, the 4D linear human side of me is quite frustrated and saying, "what the frak is taking so damned long? Get on with it!"
Blessings, Raymond 5/4/2009 I think I've tapped my spiritual jar with this post because I have felt a shift in the way I am thinking about a great many aspects of my life that have been put on the back burner for a long time. I am not exactly sure how they relate in the context of this posting, but perhaps there is a correlation, so I will keep an open mind. I know one thing for sure, I am on the brink of making a major life changing decision, which, again, does not seem to relate in any way. But since I asked Spirit for understanding I have to look at it as if it does. There are no coincidences.
5/19/2009 Another issue:
A couple of dear friends who own a local metaphysical store held their first ever meeting of like minds last Thursday. There were eight of us total, all strangers to me, except the two store owners, so five people I did not know before that day. One individual seemed to dominate the meeting with epiphanies she garnered from books she'd read. This was indeed part of the purpose for the meeting, and those to come.
She cited examples of life experiences applied with the knowledge and most attendees seemed to accept her stories of changing other people with positive thoughts. She described her tumultuous relationship with her husband and how he changed almost immediately when she held thoughts about how she wanted him to behave; she said she visualized in her mind only pleasant interactions with him. I interpreted them as "her terms." She claimed problems with her husband, and other people, simply vanished through the applied methodology.
A couple of the attendees asked her questions that to me seemed to be based in total belief in what she was saying. She responded with confident assurance, stating the behavior modification that occurred in her husband was nothing short of miraculous and everyone can change their lives by thinking positively. I never heard anything about her personal growth, what she learned, how she changed, or anything specific about the relationship with her husband, only that she changed someone else in accord with how she wanted them to behave through positive thoughts or mental imagery.
Some of the attendees seemed as though they had all the credibility needed in order to believe in her and what she had done. From my perspective, I realized that chances are fairly good that preconditioning through already having heard of "the power of positive thinking" in some form or another played an important role in establishing instant acceptance by a few in the group who readily accepted what she claims to have done.
On another level this person and I are somewhat alike, we can make things happen by shear force of will; a domineering and formidable character armed with facts, knowledge, determination, experience, control, and confidence, which often produces desired results. I certainly identified with her on that level because I am that person when I need to be. But I have learned that force of will often causes unintended consequences. I have drawn down that approach for the most part because it's almost always not the right path in the end. Even though I got things done, known in some circles as "the bulldog," with an uncanny ability to see the facts and the truth in things, quickly identify problems, and slice right through red tape.
There are many more personal consequences associated with being that way than any good derived by it; that I can tell. Except perhaps where coming to the aide of another person is best served. More often than not though, I suffer in some way, and often unknowingly create collateral damage until it was too late. But that's me, on my path, learning and growing, and I do not apologize for it.
While I am certainly an advocate of positive thinking, and I have even tried to do as she explained, without success I might add, deep down I know that changing your own situation through thoughts of changing another person into what you want them to be is dubious; unless those thoughts alter ones own actions and foster positive thoughts toward another and do not have direction for them, only light, love, and compassion. I have learned that one can no more change another by thinking of changing them, than we can change the orbit of planets in the Pleiades star cluster by wishing it so. Such thoughts are selfish, do not last, end in utter frustration, and in my view do not have a higher purpose. While the intention may be genuine, actively attempting to change others through positive thinking is an act of desperation through a lack of understanding where the responsibility truly lies; it's a denial of self, filtered through the egos' need to control. It lacks balance and is doomed to failure.
I sensed she was not honest with the group, that she was trying to impose herself as an authority figure by cleverly manipulating the group using a well known mantra to give herself credibility. It was clear she is grappling with acceptance and personal worth issues; just like me. I did become a bit resentful because of what she seemed to be doing, but I remained quiet and open minded.
My friends seemed to support what she was saying, but I was a bit confused not knowing if it was out of politeness or because they believed it? Then I began to wonder if perhaps there was an aspect to the meeting I was not aware of or if my understanding of discussions was out of tune with the meaning.
What I do know is my esoteric truth; change yourself, not others. Look inward with a desire to know yourself. Any good thoughts you have toward another should be from a perspective of love, their higher good, without personal filters or what you wish upon them, and to illuminate their free choice and not judge what they choose even if you do not agree with it or if it does not directly benefit you. I did not hear or feel as if they were discussing the personal aspect of envisioning pleasant interactions, without imposing will or desire on another.
Maybe I missed something, but that is not how it all sounded. How this applies to my story in the store is this; as I am in a situation where these unfortunate incidences often occur, my thoughts reflect my higher good. While my vision involves behavior and pleasant interactions, the intent is not to change others, but to have a good personal experience. When I go to a concert it's for the pleasure of listening to a favorite band or orchestra, singer, or performance. Or I'll go to my daughter's Christmas play with the intention of enjoyment in watching her performance, knowing my responsibility as a parent is to support, nurture, and enrich her life through loving involvement and just being there for her.
I do not entertain thoughts of personal confrontation while I'm at these events, yet negative interactions do occur. My conscious thought must be pure good intent, not specifics about others, but my good in general. This is the way of the New Age energy, for me. In taking responsibility for my own thoughts, I have realized I can no longer sit on the fence, for good to come of things I must expect them. It is so for me. 6/02/2009 |
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A Day of Reflection
My sister's made light-hearted fun of my 50th birthday in an email, stating, “We’re in our 40’s and you’re not! Heheheheheheh!" (Scooby-Doo laugh) And my mother exclaimed, “it’s only fair!”
The 50 year milestone loomed like a darkness for years, then became a paper tiger once the passage was made. There are many physical and emotional reminders of a youthful past. But without this contrast it would not be possible to appreciate various stages of life. This birthday came and went without fanfare, although a deep sense of gratitude permeated a very pleasurable day in circular reflection. Hard earned knowledge and wisdom mingled with thoughts of the future, filled with anticipation, and empowered with creative ability only possible through experience of having lived so arduously long. Blatant arrogance, stupidity, lots of anger, reckless irresponsible and selfish behavior, are but wisps of mist blown from the surface of an incredibly vast ocean; the torrent of which, for the most part, has settled into a peaceful, more balanced understanding of life in general. The ocean sparkles with the beauty of a broader perspective. And reaching the horizon is no longer as important as realizing we are not floating upon the expanse but are part of it. The next 50 years will be interesting, bountiful, and grand indeed.
RSIhrig 2/5/2009 |
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On November 5th, 2008... ...the world changed overnight. Even before sunrise this morning we witnessed the dawning of a new era. Right before our eyes the illumination of the human race shone like a beacon of hope and healing. The people of the earth have received the message. Shine On Barack Obama!
© 2008 RSIhrig |
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January 20th, 2009 America transmuted our founding ideals into reality and evolved with honor and integrity into a society representative of equality. Humanity expanded its perspective, and for a moment the earth paused, united as one, in the light of truth.
President Barack Obama is indeed the celebrate of collective consciousness who now stands upon a path illuminated by the hope and intent of the people of the United States of America and the world.
With each footfall of creative power is set a stone that others may follow in joy, optimism, and the excitement that comes with confident hope, compassion, and determination to forge that which has never existed before;
True Global Citizenship, Fair and Balanced Trade, Responsible Management of our Natural Resources, Development and Deployment of Alternative Sources of Energy, Peace and Prosperity for the Entire Human Race.
© 2009 RSIhrig |
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Personal Note Regarding My Jewelry
All of my jewelry is designed and created with joy and an understanding of the energy and metaphysical aspects of the stones, metals, nature, and other elements used; including colors, numerology, spiritual significance, and balance with our natural world. People have told me they were attracted to certain pieces because they are grounding, often capturing the true radiance of the individual who wears them. The jewelry grabs attention, but it's the person who is noticed and then the jewelry is admired. This effect is the secret energy associated with thoughtfully made personal adornments that you cannot get with manufactured jewelry. Diamonds and gold have their place, but Jewelry Wire Wrap pieces speak in a subtle and alluring way that attracts the kind of attention you want - loving and peaceful. |
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Quality, Detail, and Craftsmanship
In addition to the ethereal aspects of my work, I am uncompromising when it comes to tangible quality, detail, and craftsmanship. I use only natural, high quality stones and materials, and hand make many of the closures, coil crimps, and other elements that set my work apart from the crowd. Time and careful consideration are integral to every design, with special attention to the smallest detail. If I use pre-made findings like hooks, toggles, jump rings, and other elements, I make certain they are of the best quality available.
I am often criticized for being "to picky," and I'll admit that I frequently obsess over the dumbest things. But I'd rather take a little longer, or use more expensive materials, and create pieces that will last and be admired for a long time, than to produce anything less than the best. When a piece goes up for sale that means I am personally satisfied with it, and those who know me, or already own my work, understand what that means; you will to. Great care is taken to remaster the natural elements into my personally hand-crafted products, and with that comes peace of mind in knowing others maintain pride in ownership. And so knowing is the most satisfying return of all. |
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The History of Wire Jewelry
W ire jewelry has a rich history that dates back well over 7,000 years, around the time when humans discovered how to create useful items from copper. Natural progression suggests that designs made of plant fibers by stone age people is the likely origin of wire jewelry. My work is infused with this history, life energy, and the relationship humans have with the natural world. My eBook, Pop With Pizzazz Jewelry, is not some stuffy dead-pan nomenclature or cook-book style manual, it's personal from me to you. So the guidance here is as much a story as it is a learning experience. I sincerely hope you enjoy making jewelry as much as I do.
Blessings,
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Healing Spirit
~ Some of my work is infused with radiant energy through an ancient Hawaiian healing prayer called Ho-Oponopono (Ho-Opono-Pono). This simple prayer is known as "the prayer to make things right." These sacred prayer pieces hold great personal healing power. To activate the piece, all you need to do is give Spirit, your Higher-Self, permission to work with you, and with pure intent, recite the prayer. A description stating its healing purpose, among other attributes if known, will be prominent on those listings.
Do not be fooled by the simplicity of this prayer. Reciting the sacred words, in any order, has very powerful and uniquely special energy - the energy to clear negativity and restore balance in your life and health: you can rid yourself of guilt, ill will, animosity / anger, hurt feelings, low self-esteem / self worth, and many, many more negative thoughts and feelings that no longer serve you. Even thoughts that can actually make you sick. As you may know, or have surmised, thoughts affect things. The Ho-Oponopono energy is no different and affects physical matter, and the subtle energies around you, in profound ways.
As the negative is released through reciting the prayer, a vacuum is created within and around you. Since you no longer hold negativity, then love, peace, and compassion, comes flowing in, and personal balance begins to occur. The energy then flows out from you, a prayer field that surrounds and precedes you wherever you go.
If you hold a mental image of a person that has hurt you in some way, clear all thoughts of fault, circumstance, and judgment, by reciting the prayer over and over as you mentally look this person in the eyes. Or simply recite the prayer until you feel better. Then each time you think about that person, say the prayer however many times you feel is appropriate, even once can be of great benefit. You will be amazed by the profound and glorious effect this will have deep inside your soul. Your Higher-Self, Spirit Guides, and legions of Angels, will muster to the cause as you give intent.
~ If you require an example it is easy enough to make your own. However, here's something from my personal life that I never speak of, but I am willing to share it with you:
This very prayer allowed for the healing of my relationship with my mother and step-father. Much negative drama ruled our lives and permeated every aspect of my up bringing. Our relationship spiraled into the depths of despair and hopelessness well into my adulthood; which eventually lead to an act of self preservation where I removed myself from all contact with them for over 7 years. We were all deeply affected by circumstances and over time we clung to the hurt and pain because that is all there was; I withdrew from the world and became a very angry person. Within that 7 year estrangement I did a lot of soul searching, a reckoning with myself, and many epiphanies occurred. When I discovered the Ho-Opono-Pono prayer and applied it as described above, the anger toward my mother and step-father subsided, then faded away, and no longer consumed my life. Then one day, out of the blue, my mom called, and a miraculous thing happened; I felt the need to answer the phone. Many years of blackness became illuminated in that instant and suddenly, karmic predisposition evaporated, and the negative relationship was replaced with a positive one; we talk and see each other often to this day. Like I said, do not under estimate the power of this simple prayer.
~ Blessing (reciting) material objects with this prayer changes the matter itself. Objects will hold the energy of your prayer and intent and is transmitted to places, other things, and humans. Consider this...
If you've seen TV shows and / or know someone with psychic abilities, you know they can obtain mental images or impressions from personal items they touch or get close to. Often a medium or psychic will ask to hold a personal object or piece of clothing - ring a bell? What's reported on TV however, is almost always the negative aspects because it makes for better TV. But the opposite is also true. And you don't have to be psychic to pick up this energy either. Everyone has the natural ability to pick up, or perceive, subtle energies, but most are not aware of it. Mainly because they don't understand what they are feeling, or they choose to ignore this passive guidance - their intuition.
I use this prayer often and I sometimes bless jewelry I make as it's being made. This requires mental focus because pieces often take many hours, even days, to create. As the piece is being made I am focused on the raw or natural materials and elements that will eventually manifest and I recite the mantra over and over again throughout the creative process until the piece is finished. Once complete it "is" deeply infused with the great eternal healing power of the Ho-Opono-Pono energy. Each Ho-Opono-Pono piece then becomes a sacred and very spiritual, esoteric, object that will help you connect with your angelic divinity, your higher-self, or the "I AM." Many people are deeply moved by this special jewelry, often becoming acutely aware of the love of God upon them as they hold or wear such a piece. They experience the warm loving sensation of acceptance and peacefulness bubbling over into a profound sense of self worth. After activation you will begin the healing process in all areas of your life and you will know that YOU are indeed dearly loved.
Ho-Opono-Pono Prayer and Mantra The verse can be recited in any order.
~ I Am Sorry Please Forgive Me I Love You Thank You
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Blessings, Raymond |
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Think you're here by mere chance? If you listened to "the wee small voice" inside and acted upon your intuition, you'll realize your connection with Spirit and the synchronicity of purpose that evolved to bring you here. Indeed there is reason for your arrival to these pages.
Blessed is the human being who has awakened and seeks to know God and understand themselves and their own, true, divinity.
And when you look into
the mirror each day, recognize the Angel looking back, and without a doubt
know you are a piece of
A new energy has settled upon the mantle of humankind, a golden-white loving warmth, like honey, thick and rich with potential, that now lives and glows within. Cast your light upon the Earth that all may live in peace, abundance, and happiness.
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There's no agenda or affiliation with any group, nor do I want to push anything upon another. All I can offer is a perspective through my own life's experiences, and if something I say or write has significance or meaning for you, then it is quite alright to accept it as your own esoteric truth. That is what human angels do. |
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