JOYSPIRITED

www.myspace.com/joyspirited

In the rain, I found a rainbow..the sun feeding life to its colors reflect upon my eye lense,the depth of its love...Mood: peaceful peacefulat 11:56 AM Jun 11 view more

  • JOYSPIRITED

  • 47 / Female
  • http://acudocweb.tripod.com/studio, Virginia, US
  • Last Login: 7/10/2009

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Comments

Displaying 25 of 276 comments
  • Jul 10 2009 12:38 AM

    Hi friends,

    The Green Man Poll is almost over, only 4 days remain! If you’ve been having trouble working out how to vote exactly, we’ve written an extensive guide to voting and posted it in a blog, which you can read by following this link

    http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=192575084&blogId=499349360

    Thank you so much for helping us out with this, we really couldn’t have got this far without you.

    Please vote every 24 hours if you can, at this point in the competition – it’s crucial.

    This link below will take you straight to our voting page.

    In Gratitude,
    Heal the Last Stand, at your service xxxx
  • Jul 9 2009 4:44 AM

    hey how ya doing?
  • Jun 19 2009 5:56 AM








  • Jun 18 2009 3:36 AM

    Blessings of Peace and Love

  • Jun 16 2009 2:18 AM

    Fly far beyond the clouds this evening. Past the countless bitter souls. To a divine place. where love is abundant and free of doubt. Know that you are loved and cherished by many.
  • Jun 12 2009 5:24 AM


    Beloved Friend,

    There is great power and healing energy in prayer.
    Prayer is a vital, living, dynamic spiritual force.

    Please allow us to be of service, let everyone come together to assist and express the love of the Divine.  Should you or anyone you know ever feel a need to be included in our healing prayer circle please let us know.

    When requesting healing prayer please send us your first and last name or that of the person you are asking healing for while including a description of the prayer request whether it be mental, emotional, physical, or spiritual.  Also requests for healing of Mother Earth and Beyond...

    And all-ways know, angels and guides are all around you waiting to be asked for their help.

    With Love, Peace & Grace Together As One,
    Cindy & Angels On Earth Healing Ministries Prayer Circle
    at TheAngelsOnEarth.org






  • May 22 2009 1:34 AM



    The Jesusita Fire in Santa Barbara, CA last week caused these two to take shelter together. The fawn is 3 days old and the bobcat about 3 weeks. The fawn came from somewhere in the fire and the bobcat from Carpenteria. They immediately bonded and snuggled together under a desk in the Santa Barbara County Dispatch Office for several hours.

    (5/15/09 - from Suzy Q Bell's tumbins)


  • May 15 2009 6:54 AM

    Have a good weekend ~ Love Tami

  • May 14 2009 10:56 PM

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  • May 10 2009 4:14 AM

    Have a great Sunday my dear ~Much Love Tami


    Flowers Comments

    Spicecomments.com - Flowers Comments

  • May 9 2009 10:55 PM

    This comment was sent by your friend via the SuperPoke Pets app. To block this app and all communications from it, click Here.


    -------------------------------------------
    Hey JOYSPIRITED ,

    I love playing with giles' ~s~bunny, my SuperPoke! Pet.

    Click here to get your own SuperPoke! Pet!!!..

    When our pets play together, we both earn lots of coins!

    --giles



    play is good & natural

    (I THINK!)

    g~

  • May 9 2009 5:35 AM

    have a great weekend Pictures, Images and Photos
    As we become conscious, we're learning, to separate ourselves from the behaviour of others. And were learning to take responsibility for our healing, regardless of the people around us. Just as we may have believed that we're unlovable, we can become skilled at practicing the belief that we are lovable. This new belief will improve the quality of our relationships. It will improve our most important relationships: our relationships with our self. We will be able to let others love us and become open to the love and friendship we deserve.
    Hugs & Blessings,
    Crystal
  • May 7 2009 6:17 PM




    LOVE AND BLESSINGS,

    HARMONY









    VISIT ME HERE;
    www.EternalFountain.ning.com
    www.TreesAndFaery.ning.com


  • May 6 2009 5:02 AM

    Mary Bradley Radio Show Interviews Dr David Gluck about LDN (who owns the LDN Website and lowdosenaltrexone support group on Yahoo).

    Take a Listen and learn All about LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone)

    http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mary-boyle-bradley

    LDN Stops and Slows the Progression of MS, Autoimmune Diseases and Cancers!!!

    Dr Gluck, Family and Friends take LDN.....

    Hugs & Blessings,
    Crystal
  • Apr 30 2009 6:21 AM

    Do A Random Act of Kindness Today and Pay It Forward!!!!

    Here are some examples of Random Kind Acts. Get inspired and get involved.


    + Smile at a friend or stranger, at work or school
    + Donate something of value to a shelter
    + Donate time and/or money to a non-profit that helps others
    + Pay for the vehicle behind you next time your at a fast-food drive-thru* (one of my personal favorites, especially when getting my morning coffee -- most others are doing the same and their bill is usually less than $2 or $3)
    + Run erands for an elderly or shut-in neighbor
    + Cut your neighbor's lawn or clear snow from their walk
    + When crossing a border where there is a fixed-cost toll, pay for the vehicle behind you* (ask for the receipt if you want to be certain the toll is paid)
    + Call a family member you haven't spoken to in a long time -- forget the "why" and work to get the relationship back on track
    + Plant a garden/tree/plant in your neighborhood
    + Volunteer at a school in your community
    + Put a quarter in an expired parking meter
    + Smile and say "good morning/afternoon/evening" to everyone you come in contact with
    + Give up your seat on the bus to someone who may need it more
    + Mentor a child at a school/Mosque/Church/Synagogue in your community
    + Conserve energy and recycle when/where you are able

    * "Pay the deed forward and do something nice for someone today.
    "

    There is no limit to a person's capacity to give of themself.
    So what are you waiting for?

    Make the world a better place.


    Hugs & Blessings,
    Crystal

    Have A Great Day!!!
  • Apr 29 2009 11:06 PM

    Thank you for the add request and for visiting H.T.F.P. Taoist & Shamanic Study & Healing Center where we conduct Metaphysical, Martial and Medicinal sciences studies and practice.


    It’s great to have you as a friend!
    We hope you will take a moment to check out our sister sites; www.myspace.com/tribalwindsmusic is our healing music site, New Age/Tribal and www.myspace.com/enriqueoliveras is Enrique’s Fusion of R & B, Rap, Jazz, Latin, Caribbean and Pop.
    Stop by and enjoy!

    Maybe we’ll see you at workshops? The next one being this month - “Taoism – Living In Harmony Using The 5 Elements”. Check out our site for details or contact us @ HTFPCenter@Yahoo.com

    All the best,
    HTFP
  • Apr 28 2009 2:07 AM

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  • Apr 25 2009 6:49 PM

  • Apr 23 2009 7:13 PM



    Having completed the whole kundalini awakening . . . resting for a while in Sedona . . . choice and free will is returning to my life experience. Like springtime.


    Severe and painful illness is now clearing up with the light, the spring, prayer and healing from friends and the majestic magic of goji berries. I am blessed to regain health again. Like springtime.


    Happy new moon of many blessings !!!

    Happy Valborg and Beltane; the promise of spring turning into glorious summer !!!


  • Apr 23 2009 6:59 PM

    Just dropping in to say hello and to share the latest independent music to www.piknclik.com with you

  • Apr 23 2009 5:03 PM


    Blessings Sweetheart!

    ~ANGEL EXPERIENCES~
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    We would LOVE to hear about your Earth Angel experiences.

    The most memorable Random Acts of Kindness you have experienced or witnessed.


    Please send them in.......
    as I will be posting them on our website.




    Remember that the ordinary daily events become a blessing instead of a
    chore when you become aware of the visible and invisible team of angels that surround you…

    for what you give your attention to manifests <3



    Namaste,
    Cindy
    TheAngelsOnEarth.org
  • Apr 23 2009 11:07 AM


    ..Trying to contain God's overwhelming love for us,
    is like trying to hold the ocean in a thimble.

    Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
  • Apr 21 2009 2:45 AM

    Have a great week my dear friend ~ Much Love Tami


    Flowers Comments

    Spicecomments.com - Flowers Comments

  • Apr 16 2009 1:54 AM

    I'M TURNING IT ALL OVER NOW . . .




    MY ASTRONOMICAL HOSPITAL BILL, MY MOVE, MY PLANNING, MY THINKING, ALL OF IT . . .




    I'M TURNING IT ALL OVER NOW . . .


    I'M TURNING IT ALL OVER . . .




    MAY YOU BE BLESSED IN EVERY WAY ! ! !

    LOVE,
    HARMONY

Details

  • Status: Single
  • Here for: Networking, Serious Relationships, Friends
  • Orientation: Straight
  • Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
  • Education: Post grad
  • Occupation: Living Love, Alternative Healthcare Practitioner

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About me:

My Website:http://acudocweb.tripod.com/studio/ An Acupuncturist who enjoys every aspect of her life, living the spiritual unconditional loving way, knowing that happiness comes from within. I choose to be happy and to grasp the fullness of positive choices made. I'm here for friendship, but also for love. Networking for natural and alternative healthcare, especially oriental medicine, and just plain having an outlet in which to share my joys and ideas, thoughts and emotions through blogging and email. I'm also here to commune with fellow lightworkers and healers in sharing of conscious energy and creativity for the best of all concerned. here's you'll find many soul touching original and personal spiritual path writings. It is my desire to connect with everyone in the oneness that is our true reality. wishing you light on your path, and a tickle of joy in your being, love and light, melanie joy----------------------------------------- feel free to comment on my blog:) ____________________________________________________ The most beautiful love affair of all takes place right within the heart. If you can relax enough to experience it through all the deep joys and sincere cries of life, a maturity of unconditional love and compassion result. Once you begin the path, there is no turning back; suffering is optional, evolution of the soul eternal... .....joyspirited -------------------------------------- My first real awakening was around 6-7yrs old, when i began to think about if this is all there is, when i went to my mother crying and asking, "mommy, what happens to us when we die, and what happens to us then?" she gently explained to me, for the first time, the process of life and rebirth. From this period onward, i began to study this process with the greatest of passion, the process of how spirit(consciousness) comes into physical manifestation and our spiritual connection via the human body. After having several very vivid and awake out-of-body experiences in childhood, it wasnt till 1987 that I had the biggie:) It was at a low point in my life, a divorced single parent,as spiritual of an upbringing that I had, adult life was nothing that I had expected it to be and sunk into a deep depression. One day, while my son was sleeping,I sat down on the bed next to him and prayed, asking if this is all there is, and what was the meaning for my life. I cried so hard. as i closed my eyes, i saw purple blobs before my eyelids. at that moment i felt my consciousness being taken down to my heart area, then it felt as if i were between my heart and head and immediately was projected out from my body and found myself in deep space. it was dark and before me was a large planet or orb. and beyond its horizon light was shining forth. as each ray shot up over the horizon, i felt this incredible joy, as each ray shot up over the horizon, it became more and more intense. i had never felt such love before. It was becoming so intense that I dont think i could have stood much more of it as i felt my physical body was going to die if i kept on. then thoughts of my son came to mind and how he needed his mother in this life, and that is when fear set it. the moment i felt fear, the planet stopped revolving and I was immediately brought back into my body. i got up from my kneeling position and was so shocked, I couldnt believe what had just happened. i felt that I was so loved. so much so that my whole chest was vibrating the incredible LOVE! The first thing i did was to call my mom and tell her what had just happened. I told her the only way i can describe it would be an orgasm of the heart! I was a bit embarrassed saying so but this feeling was so incredible and expansive, it lasted this intensely for three days. I believe this was the moment that changed my entire life. from this point on, i searched intentely and became very spiritual, meditating, chanting, joining groups, but nothing brought me close to this experience that i so wanted again and to understand what had happened to me. all i knew from this experience is that i was loved and that i had purpose, and was suppose to stay alive to raise my son. i had wonderful spiritual experiences but nothing coming close to this one. when chanting, the room would light up in white and purple and became so bright. i had had one experience after coming back from a meteor shower and sat down on my son's bed and felt like i did a flip flop(summer sault) inside my body and i saw what is called the electronic belt, that was attached to my waist, within it i saw living pictures of my life within bubbles. I saw how i had several options in my life and how it could go several ways. so then I began a desire for creating a healing light center, in which to help others through their spiritual transitions. I also was a big fan of organic home grown natural things of all sorts, growing our own foods, solar/alternative energies and housing, but was in no position to do so at the time. I had many synchronicity events of light houses and being led here and there so that i could learn adn become more sensitive to energy. as a child, i would perform energy healing, but i left it alone after a while and got interested in the usual things in life while growing up. at this point, as an adult, i began to work again with energy from a distance, healing the planet and people, directing light and asking for guidance for certain situations and events. when i got married a second time. I left my spirituality alone again and became so unsatisfied with life that my marriage fell apart. I was in my last year of acupuncture school when I had my first contact with an indescribable person/master via the internet. He made contact with me. i didnt know anything about him. we were both part of the david wilcox ascension 2000 messageboard. he had emailed me privately asking what sts and sto meant in my post and said he was embarrassed to ask on the message board, so emailed me privately. knowing nothing about this person, him giving nothing away, I somehow felt his energy,and my soul was leaping for joy as I felt this most incredible connection to this unknown person that i began to tell my friends, not knowing anything about a person who just emailed me, i felt he was my spiritual teacher and soulmate and felt like he was so much a part of me that when he emails, it feels like i am speaking to myself! now that is a weird but very real feeling!!! so without ever having mentioned the teacher/student relationship, we work into this type of relationship. he gives me an akashic reading and finds we are connected very closely at a soul level. i would have visions, where i would see stars in the night sky twinkling and i'd heard the words, 'Some things are written in the stars and a soul contract was written long ago'. then i'd see his email username glowing back and forth and then would come out of it with this incredible feeling that I am coming home! this wonderful person,through several years and hard earned discipline, this person unconditionally taught me strength,divine love,and self-worth, while helping me to let go and awaken my consciousness. he opened me to joy and helped me to stand alone on my own two feet, while gaining my strength through spirit connection. it was through this very advanced teacher, that I came to know the love in my heart again that i experienced back in 1987. the only thing which helped me, through specific spiritual exercises to become so close to spirit, my soul is finally content in oneness. So now, I have been working on my life purpose, and soul contract, and enjoying life with the spark of spirit twinkling in all things. It brings a deep appreciation and joy just in being here. I've also realized through this that there are layers upon layers of dimensions within the same space, thus contact with those on the otherside of life is very possible while maintaining a quite normal and healthy life right here. some call it mediumship. I just call it contact with spirit am happy to have made contact with both my parents on the other side. As an acupuncturist, I help other to reach a deeper level of meditation, balance and healing in their life, through energy treatments of several types.it is now a great joy to work with others and to always connect with spirit during treatment sessions and in daily life via everyone I meet and come in contact with. that is what is so beautiful about myspace.so many beautiful heartfelt people here:) Enjoy the Love....:) The next Three Videos are an excellent explanation of our connection between spirit and 3-d matter. ' ' ' ' ' ' ' title='Myspace Graphics'>Myspace Graphics..
Myspace Layouts....

Who I'd like to meet:

CONNECTING WITH OUR SOUL GROUP..... a heart connection and soul stirring,have or having had the desire of divine passion that brings you into the awareness of peace and unconditional love while a feeling of coming home within the oneness that we are. Photobucket ...... MY GRAND BABY GIRL....:) India Arie - Ready For Love (Live) This video says it all, India sings it so beautifully.... Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket

Interests

  • General

    Photobucket LOVE IS IN THE AIR...!!!!!!

    Water Reflections MySpace Comments and Graphics

    Comments - Graphics - Layouts - Photobucket

    ..... Photobucket This is the latest testimony of a patient/client I am now working with. I feel so blessed by hearing the recovery people are making. As they take part in their healing process,healing occurs at all levels. what a blessing... April 30th,2008 I feel that I have a testimony and need to share this. I was involved in an auto accident on August 13, 2004, suffered a soft tissue injury, that left me in constant pain. I went through two physical therapists from September, 2004 through April 2007, just to be told that I would have to learn how to tolerate the pain that I suffered. I also visited an Orthopedist who also said that he had done all that he could for me and even stated that he had done more for me than any other patient he had. I also tried a cortisone shot that left me in more pain than I was already experiencing. Finally, he recommended that I see an acupuncture doctor. There was no way that I would even consider seeing an acupuncture doctor. After 6 months of pain without therapy, I was willing to try anything. I just could not believe that sticking needles into a person's body (accupuncture) would actually make them feel better. After my initial accupuncture visit, I did not think that I would return, but I started feeling a little relief and was told by the therapist and a few friends that I should try it again. Well, I have to admit, I have not felt this good since prior to my accident. I don't have the restrictions in the movement of my arm, neck and shoulder as I had for the last 3 1/2 years. I feel much better, now that the pain is minimized. I now recommend acupuncture to many and look forward to my weekly visits. In addition, my co-workers and friends all feel that my attitude has improved since I've been taking acupuncture, and not in as much pain. I thank God that he put Dr. Myers in my life. Sondra J./Fredericksburg,VA. Photobucket Photobucket Conviction of The Heart-Kenny Loggins
  • Music

    It all begins with the conviction of the heart. Waking up to what we truly desire from the heart and begin living it. from there, we awaken the senses of reality and see clearer each day. That we choose to live our path untainted by others people’s perceptions and awaken to new ones of our own as well as beginning to live them. We not longer just talk the path, we begin walking it too. Consistently growing in the reality that we are all of one race, that we are consciousness which is ‘Love’. From this awareness of the heart’s true nature, we grow into realization that we are such existence and what bliss it is….:) From a dear friend and former Client that listens to her heart and acts: ____________________________ Energy-healing is a secret treasure! Current mood: enlightened The secret treasure of energy healing that you have taught me has served me well. I am no longer on medication and on my way to recovery by reducing stress, eating differently, and using energy healing techniques that you have taught me. I have lost ten pounds in one month and I feel GREAT!!! Thank you!!! You are definately a gifted teacher on energy healing. Cocheti MySpace URL: http://www.myspace.com/cocheti ____________________________ Other recent written Testimonies: Melanie was my acupuncturist here in AZ. I highly recommend Melanie. She is not only very compassionate and caring, but she knows oriental medicine so well. Melanie helped me though a back injury along with grief and stress issues that affected most of my mass muscles. Doctors would only give me pain medication and electrical shock treatments (Tense Unit) to alleviate the pain. Melanie went beyond Western medicine and did energy treatments to balance out my energy thus eliminating the pain without medication. She would give me tips on how to work with my energy and take care of my body in a natural way by suggesting natural remedies that worked without side effects. I miss you Melanie. I wish you were here! I can't find anyone as good as you. P.G.,Arizona ___________________________ I can definitely attest to Melanie's abilites as a wonderful acupuncturist and healer. Not only was she a joy to visit every time, it seemed as if she could address any issue. I was a traveling nurse in AZ and had a very crazy schedule and was also going through a period of transition. If I was tired, Melanie knew how to open meridians and channels to energize me, and vice versa if I needed more rest. She was even able to open my body open to "dumping toxins" more effectively after I had been bitten by a scorpion. After seeing her, I nearly forgot that I had been bitten at all. I think my most enjoyable treatment was the cupping. I am not sure what it is called but it felt so good! I live in Wilmington, NC and have yet to find someone who can Melanie's standard. I would highly recommend seeing her! Blessings, M.B.,North Carolina
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    Photobucket Photobucket . . Photobucket . . Photobucket . . Photobucket . . Photobucket This pic shows an area of acupuncture meridians along the back.
    What American accent do you have?
    Your Result: The West
     

    Your accent is the lowest common denominator of American speech. Unless you're a SoCal surfer, no one thinks you have an accent. And really, you may not even be from the West at all, you could easily be from Florida or one of those big Southern cities like Dallas or Atlanta.

    The Midland
     
    Boston
     
    North Central
     
    The South
     
    Philadelphia
     
    The Northeast
     
    The Inland North
     
    What American accent do you have?
    Quiz Created on GoToQuiz
  • Heroes

    In Recognition of the Consciousness Bloomers: These are folks that give off powerful spiritual presence just by talking or being around them. There are many more non-mentioned, and others to be added, reminding self that each person to be included is one who follows their heart with an open mind... Blessings and Namaste for your divine presence in this world. Michael St. Clair Photobucket Photobucket . . . Alan Watts . . Photobucket Eckhart Tolle . . Barthalamew . . Gandi . . One of the new found Masters of enlightenment who embodies unconditional divine love and gives of true self; AMMA . . . Ben Franklin . . Rainbowtide(Jean-Marc) . . Michael Burgwin . . Mike Eggleston . . Kyle . . Melissa Martin . . Lonny Jarrett . . . . Bradley Myers . . . . Rev Yao . . . . Michael Bathurst . . . Donald Jennings . . . . I will be adding many names to this list from time to time. If you would like to be added to this list or taken from this list, please let me know. In a way, we are to all be on this list. the only difference is when consciousness comes to light in a person and begins to walk their path of compassion, peace,and love of the authentic true self of being.

    Marvelous Exciting Lover Adeptly Needing Intense, Erotic Joy and Overwhelming Yeses
    Get Your Sexy Name

    Hahaha! I thought this was funny but true:)) Here's more. A personality test:)) Your Keirsey Temperament Sorter Results indicates that your personality type is that of the All Idealists (NFs) share the following core characteristics: * Idealists pride themselves on being loving, kindhearted, and authentic. * Idealists are enthusiastic, they trust their intuition, yearn for romance, seek their true self, prize meaningful relationships, and dream of attaining wisdom. * Idealists tend to be giving, trusting, spiritual, and they are focused on personal journeys and human potentials. * Idealists make intense mates, nurturing parents, and inspirational leaders. Idealists, as a temperament, are passionately concerned with personal growth and development. Idealists strive to discover who they are and how they can become their best possible self -- always this quest for self-knowledge and self-improvement drives their imagination. And they want to help others make the journey. Idealists are naturally drawn to working with people, and whether in education or counseling, in social services or personnel work, in journalism or the ministry, they are gifted at helping others find their way in life, often inspiring them to grow as individuals and to fulfill their potentials. Idealists are sure that friendly cooperation is the best way for people to achieve their goals. Conflict and confrontation upset them because they seem to put up angry barriers between people. Idealists dream of creating harmonious, even caring personal relations, and they have a unique talent for helping people get along with each other and work together for the good of all. Such interpersonal harmony might be a romantic ideal, but then Idealists are incurable romantics who prefer to focus on what might be, rather than what is. The real, practical world is only a starting place for Idealists; they believe that life is filled with possibilities waiting to be realized, rich with meanings calling out to be understood. This idea of a mystical or spiritual dimension to life, the "not visible" or the "not yet" that can only be known through intuition or by a leap of faith, is far more important to Idealists than the world of material things. Highly ethical in their actions, Idealists hold themselves to a strict standard of personal integrity. They must be true to themselves and to others, and they can be quite hard on themselves when they are dishonest, or when they are false or insincere. More often, however, Idealists are the very soul of kindness. Particularly in their personal relationships, Idealists are without question filled with love and good will. They believe in giving of themselves to help others; they cherish a few warm, sensitive friendships; they strive for a special rapport with their children; and in marriage they wish to find a "soulmate," someone with whom they can bond emotionally and spiritually, sharing their deepest feelings and their complex inner worlds. Idealists are relatively rare, making up no more than 15 to 20 percent of the population. But their ability to inspire people with their enthusiasm and their idealism has given them influence far beyond their numbers. ' ' ' water reacting to sound ' ' ' animation of an atom. this is similar to what i saw in april/2008 when i woke up in my living room(from sleeping on the couch) and viewing this with my physical eyes, except it was around three feet large in diameter and near the ceiling,suspended in air, reddish pink center and the electronic rings/orbits were much thicker, bluegreenish and besides rotating in their orbit, they also pulsated left to right then back left again at the same time. it was soooo much more alive and electrical than the animation here depicts! incredible stuff. spirit said, I was being allowed to view energy that I had formed of my consciousness that was getting ready to move into physical existence. It was a VERY shocking and amazing experience and i could do nothing but look in shock with the biggest eyes as yes, my physical eyes were very open along 'with' my third eye and yes, I was scared as it was so powerful, i knew it could take a person out easily, especially a physical body,and and no, i do not take drugs of any kind:))I consider it a blessing to be able to experience this part of the creation process of life. ' ' ' ' ' ' This is like a ‘credence’ to living. Once you begin to awaken, this is how it is more and more. Very beautiful… was given to me by my spiritual teacher a few years back, and cherished as one of the best writings on surrendering. The Awakening.... A time comes in your life when you finally get it...when, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out...ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying and blaming and struggling to hold on. Then, like a child quieting down after a tantrum, you blink back your tears and begin to look at the world through new eyes. This is your awakening. You realize it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change, or for happiness, safety and security to magically appear over the next horizon. You realize that in the real world there aren't always fairy tale endings, and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you... and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance. You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are... and that's OK. They are entitled to their own views and opinions. You learn the importance of loving and championing yourself... and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval. You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you - or didn't do for you - and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected. You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that everything isn't always about you. So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself... and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance. You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties... and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness. You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. You begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for. You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with. You learn that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix. You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life. You learn that you don't know everything, it's not your job to save the world and that you can't teach a pig to sing. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake. Then you learn about love. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You learn that alone does not mean lonely. You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO. You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs. You learn that your body really is your temple. You begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin to eat a balanced diet, drink more water, and take more time to exercise. You learn that being tired fuels doubt, fear, and uncertainty and so you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play. You learn that, for the most part, you get in life what you believe you deserve, and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different than working toward making it happen. More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone, and that it's OK to risk asking for help. You learn the only thing you must truly fear is fear itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your own terms. You learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom. You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people... and you learn not to always take it personally. You learn that nobody's punishing you and everything isn't always somebody's fault. It's just life happening. You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls. You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you. You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower. Then, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever settle for less than your heart's desire. You make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility. You hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind. You understand that nobody can love as you do or give themselves as you do Just because you are You… Finally, with courage in your heart, you take a stand, you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best you can. 1999, by Sonny Carroll