Guest guest Posted May 6, 2004 Report Share Posted May 6, 2004 Welcome to an Article Update and words of Wisdom shared from INTUITION for 6th May 2004 In Sharing please pass this on to those who might find this of interest. Hi there I hope you had a wonderful week. It's takes much courage to be open to the Journey of the Spiritual path. For at times, we grew weary and tired but in the company of souls that are open to sharing. We become energised with light and hope that there is purpose to our passions. And in this understanding that all is as it is meant to be, we grow in wisdoms strength.... My humble lesson of the day. May you have a great weekend too. In thoughts and Love Iain " Life is a constant metamorphosis from one stage to another. But why do we live so hard against this fact? Why are we afraid? In truth, we never leave anything behind, but carry it inside. Nothing is ever lost, only when we try to hold on. Then all is lost. Our whole soul. But if we let go, then we can take everything with us, because we become strong in our own invisible centers, and the world becomes light. " ~ Jim Ralston INTUITION. . . .Awaken to the Journey within. http://intuition2vishnu.homestead.com Cape Town South Africa If someone forwarded this to you, why not visit the above site to obtain your own FREE subscription. Visit the Sites ARCHIVES (Previous Posted articles [123]) http://intuition2vishnu.homestead.com/otherarticals.html ARCHIVES for Articles on Intuition. (Previous Posted articles [19]) http://intuition2vishnu.homestead.com/articalsintuition.html To submit Articles, that Relates to an unfolding awareness or an expression of Intuition. Contact the above email address. Put as the subject: Article submissions. Article: SPIRITUALITY: JUMPSTARTING A CYCLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION? By Judy Marshall, Ph.D. Article: Beginning the Journey By Joel Serrano Reflections Living in Harmony with Self & Others Submitted Poetry to stir soulful echoes with: Where's home By Lorraine Edwards United Kingdom ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> SPIRITUALITY: JUMPSTARTING A CYCLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION? By Judy Marshall, Ph.D. www.psychmaster.com There is a general consensus that spirituality is good for you. This may be the only point of agreement about spirituality these days. Traditionally associated with religion or the occult, spiritual belief and practice in the 21st century are variously and personally defined. There is much disagreement, even conflict, between one perspective and another. Yet, from feeling refreshed after a yoga class to a sense of being re-born through a personal relationship with God, the benefits of spiritual expression and growth, however conceptualized, are certainly affirmed by the practicing individual. Why? There has been scientific research to explore this link between spiritual practice and reported sense of well-being, although the explanations given are entirely rational. It is noted that the brain patterns of individuals in prayer or meditation are similar to those seen in deep relaxation, which is considered a healthful state. Thus, it makes sense that people who incorporate regular periods of these activities into their lives would show an overall positive effect. It is pointed out that individuals who turn to prayer or meditation during times of crisis may actually be using coping strategies that are similar to biofeedback or the relaxation techniques taught in a therapist's office. From a purely psychological perspective, it is also acknowledged that there may be healthy byproducts to a " spiritual " lifestyle. People who are so oriented tend to get involved in groups of like-minded individuals, either as an avenue for worship or to work on projects that exemplify their values. There may be a network of social support and constructive interactions in the service of a common goal. There may also be more time spent in reflection, with an emphasis on self-examination, weighing moral choices, and finding meaning in life. Beyond the vague healthful effects described above, spirituality may be the most powerful psychological resource we have. As a clinical psychologist of twenty years, I have consistently observed that those individuals with spiritual investment (no matter what the religion or " spiritual " orientation) react similarly to each other, but differently from those for whom spirituality is unimportant, in dealing with emotional crises and difficult life events. The potential impact on a person's psychology is immense and can be transforming. Genuine commitment to spiritual belief and practice seems to result in paradigmatic shifts in the individual's experience. This translates into the discovery of new, positive feelings beyond purely psychological emotions, a meaningful " bigger picture " worldview, unique coping strategies, and a more rewarding and authentic sense of personal identity. Spiritual exploration and practice can be transformational on several levels psychologically. A kind of generic understanding of spirituality today is that it is how an individual finds a unique, nurturing, and deeply emotional connection with something greater than one's self. When we go " within, " certainly during prayer, meditation, or contemplation, there is a sense of going beyond ego, becoming merged with and transcendentally connected to others, the Universe or God. Whether or not such perceptions are ultimately explainable by science will not be addressed here. From a subjective and uniquely personal perspective, it is this sense of inner connection to something greater than ourselves that is the hub and dynamic of spiritual experience. It is this internal connection to something greater that becomes a haven, retreat, and existential lifeline. Over time, it may become a source of guidance, soothing, and even " unconditional love " in an individual's life. In addition to this awareness of " presence " or greater connection, the individual may seem to access other " spiritual " feelings beyond the more common, reactive psychological emotions. There may be reports of a soft-hued joy, peace, clarity, even certainty, which is perceived as a mental, but not intellectual " knowing. " With increased spiritual practice, such feelings begin to generalize beyond the meditative setting or activity. Spirituality may produce actual changes in learned, automatic thought patterns and behavior. Traditionally, spirituality has meant " living philosophy " or applying universal principles of faith, unity, and service in thought and action. This opens up an entirely different way to view one's self, one's life, and the surrounding world. Often spiritual individuals see themselves as living on two levels at once. They experience negative emotions and react to obstacles like everyone else, but their beliefs offer a " bigger picture " dimension or " perspective of wisdom " (which then competes with the immediate and reactive negative feelings). No matter how dark and long the tunnel, this can be an anchor and lifeline in the midst of emotional storm. The spiritual person also commits to seeing his or her own life as a meaningful journey, involving learning and purpose. Within this context, there is the opportunity to re-frame and transcend long-term psychological issues, trauma, and even biological challenges. There is also the directive to focus on and maximize the positive in one's life. As a result of all these factors, the sense of personal identity often transforms. Over time, spiritually committed individuals get in touch with and begin to live from an awareness of themselves as an evolving " soul " as opposed to the programmed psychological sense of self that develops out of childhood and cultural learning. Self-esteem becomes measured through spiritual values, which are not only authentic and positive, but paradoxically " ground " the individual as to how to deal with most situations in everyday living. Spiritual individuals also begin to recognize, respond to, and honor the " soul " in others. This leads to new and unexpected avenues of meaningful connection and relationship, and a willingness to take risks and try uncharacteristic positive behaviors, that are then reinforced as part of the individual's overall identity. In contrast to the psychological focus on " fixing " damage and problem areas, spirituality is progressive, a commitment, even lifestyle. Active spirituality opens up an ongoing cycle of personal transformation that can only build on itself, often subtly, but over time carries the potential for not only enhancing but re-configuring an individual's life. March 29, 2004 About Dr. Judy Marshall As a spiritual psychologist, Dr. Judy Marshall seeks to bridge the gap between spiritual and psychological understanding. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1983. In two decades of clinical practice, she has worked with many different groups, from children to the frail elderly, with particular interests in self-esteem, depression, creativity and aging. Her newly launched website, Psychmaster.com, provides basic, understandable information about psychology and spirituality. Psychmaster tapes, CDs and e-books-all written and narrated by Dr. Judy Marshall-seek to answer fundamental questions about how spirituality and psychology interact, the reality of mental health and illness, coping with the challenges and tragedies inherent in human existence and achieving actualization and fulfillment. For more information, contact Dr. Judy Marshall, Psychmaster, P.O. Box 401, Beverly Hills, CA 90213, 310-286-0443, www.psychmaster.com __________________________ __________________ Beginning the Journey By Joel Serrano Yearning for more than what we have, we set out on journeys. It can be a journey for money, for love, or for adventure. The journey I want to speak about here, is the journey we must all make if we want the mind, body, and soul to be one. This journey lasts from one night of pure emotions to a lifetime of pure confusion. But if we are to be ourselves, we must take the journey. What happens along the way of your journey, is for you to decide. When you have set the course to go on your journey, let it begin with understanding. We must understand a few basic things. One: Humans are not all alike, one will hate you and the other will love you. The difference in moods is the reason why humans are who they are. The knowledge that everyone is different in some way, will lead you to one giant leap on your journey. Two: Your cravings are the reason the journey keeps lagging behind. Do not crave, and you will get. Simple as that. If you crave, then the thoughts in your mind are interrupted, and the flow of your mind, body, and soul is broken. Cravings of any kind lead you to believe that you need something to make you feel better, to make you better. The craving inside us all is what makes us lose touch with our inner being. Sometimes, we cannot stop our cravings from appearing, but it is up to us to stop them and to nurture that line of spirituality that makes us ourselves. Three: Everything is a surprise. People and cravings can be a surprise that cannot be stopped at certain times. We must deal with the fact that surprises are always around the corner, waiting to turn right in your face. We have to deal with these surprises by taking the shock of it and turning it to something we know. Surprises will abound on your journey, some of them good, some of them bad, but all of them worth it. There are a lot of things about your journey to understand, but the three above are what we need to focus on. Starting the journey with these understandings will make it more worthwhile and more meaningful to you, as a person. The journey begins on a grassy knoll. The bumps will be there, though, but an understanding will make the journey all the more exciting into what you can be and have always been. The length of this journey varies from person to person. You cannot just hop on a plane and hope that the destination is fun without giving yourself time to plan. You have to believe enough in yourself to let the journey expand itself. It can be one night or a lifetime, but the payoff, the fact that you have found your true self, is priceless. Journeys in the spiritual sense are, of course, about seeing yourself and what makes you believe in yourself. The journeys do not have to be to the ancient pyramids of Egypt, or to Machu Pichu, or even to your local church. Since the journey begins in your mind, then begin where your mind takes you, be it at home or work. A spiritual journey is an adventure no matter where you go, but where it ends is what makes it special. Good luck in all your journeys. About The Author Joel Serrano is still on his journey of finding his spiritual-self. As founder of Your Free, a non-profit spiritual organization for the enlightenment of all people, he can be contacted at: ajaloko His website is http://community.webtv.net/ajaloko/YourFree Let's all start our journey __________________________ _________________ Living in Harmony with Self & Other OK so the relative is not ultimately real, but we all still experience it on some level. So how do we just get along with others. The following guidelines will help you live in harmony with others. The His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama on Life 1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk. 2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson. 3. Follow the three R's: Respect for self, Respect for others and Responsibility for all your actions. 4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck. 5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly. 6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship. 7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it. 8. Spend some time alone every day. 9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values. 10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer. 11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time. 12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life. 13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past. 14. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality. 15. Be gentle with the earth. 16. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before. 17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other. __________________________ _________ Where's home By Lorraine Edwards When we're born We're born alone We've left the place we call home We're here to learn We're here to stay Until one day we find the way We find the truth We see the light We now know this is our plight Deep inside you find your soul And realise you've found your goal So when its time and you are done That's when life has just begun.. __________________________ _______ iain-intuition To submit poetry, that Relates to an unfolding awareness or an expression of Intuition. Contact the above email address. Put as the subject: Poetry submissions. http://intuition2vishnu.homestead.com/Poetrysubmittedsection.html " INTUITIVE QUOTES " http://intuition2vishnu.homestead.com/Intuitivequotes.html *** LINKS AND RESEARCH SITES (Listed links [42]) http://intuition2vishnu.homestead.com/Links.html iain-intuition To receive a monthly update of articles in a word document format, Contact the above email address. Put as the subject: Intuition Updates Comments are always welcome. Should you wish to please reply to this email with " " in the subject line. **************************************************************************** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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