Wednesday ~ July 8 ~ 10:00--11:30 AM Pacific Time
Live Call-In Number ~ (646) 478-0677
Click here to listen on Blog Talk Radio.
You can also catch it later in the archives.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Join Me for a Radio Interview on 5/26 at 5:00 PM PST
On Tuesday, May 26, I will be interviewed by intuitive channel Kristen White on her internet radio show, Reporting Live from the Universe with Kristen White. The show will broadcast live on Contact Talk Radio (www.contacttalkradio.com) from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Pacific Time. You can call in to the show at (877) 230-3062 or log into the chatroom with questions.
It's my first radio interview (except for the imaginary ones I've had with Oprah), and I'm very excited. We'll be talking about my new book, The Starfleet Messages. If you miss the show, you can listen to it in the Contact Talk archives.
Blessings,
Catherine
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Book Signing & Talk for THE STARFLEET MESSAGES
June 7, 2009 ~ 12:30 - 2:30 PMControversial Bookstore
3063 University Avenue
San Diego, California 92104
(619) 296-1560
Stop by and say "Hi"! I will give a brief talk, chat with guests, and sign copies of The Starfleet Messages. Regularly $16.95, the book will be on sale for $14.95 the day of the event!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Announcing...The Starfleet Messages!
I am very pleased to announce the release of my new book, The Starfleet Messages: A Galactic Guide to Spiritual Expansion. I hope you enjoy this brief promotional video.
Blessings,
Catherine
Blessings,
Catherine
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Karen Bishop Energy Alert - April 16, 2009
Ooooooh Wheeeeee! New Energy Arrives!
April 16, 2009
Welcome!
Massive blasts of energy are arriving now, pushing us ever closer to our very new beginnings. If you are one who is highly sensitive, you may be experiencing heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, anxiety, fear, and an over-all shakiness inside.
When these bursts of energy arrive, and we rarely have them anymore, they serve to shake things up, move a lot of energy, and push much to the surface. Auto accidents, personal accidents, feelings of being rattled, and great insecurities are other common symptoms that derive from great energy movement. And almost always when we make great change within, allergy symptoms and sinus headaches can appear for many as we are now vibrating vastly different from our outside circumstances, and this causes the resistance that at times can create allergies and sinus headaches.
As we near these very new beginnings, and near we are as we poise ourselves with one foot in the air, hovering over the landing of our very first step on a very new shore, we must be ready in every way. Anything within us that is not in alignment with new and higher ways of living and being, is now in the process of getting into alignment as we must meet the necessary requirements for our very new residency.
“Insecurities” are the earmark of this latest energy surge. When we are dangling in mid-air, before we reach that shore, we may feel insecure as well, as there is nothing yet to hold onto, to anchor into, or to land upon. But add to this a big energy surge, and the insecurities can feel tenfold.
Feeling suddenly insecure and afraid, again, as we are still poised in mid-air as well as having much pushing of old energies flying around within and without, can bring about strange and unsettling feelings indeed. We may suddenly change our plans abruptly, and now choose to grasp for an immediate fix in regard to something that will bring us some kind of security or shore. Or, we may make a new decision that involves giving us more of a long-term fix, or we may even hook up with anyone or everyone in order to find some kind of support and community for the time being.
But that is not what is really going on here, because when we do indeed connect again, after leaving and disconnecting from so much of the old, we will be enmeshed with very new and much more permanent and long-lasting connections than ever before. And they will feel glorious indeed.
When the energies begin moving like this, so much is moved out, that darkness can be flying around everywhere as well, and this does not help much when we may want to calm down. I just arrived at my daughter’s house for a visit of several days, and tonight we are moving the children’s beds into another bedroom, as Simeon says it is just too freaky sleeping by the window next to the street, as the window is “creeping” him out!
When darkness is moving around, it can make those of us who are sensitive feel jumpy, jittery, scared, and unnerved as well. And intense feelings of vulnerability are always present, even more so when so much density has departed in these new and higher vibrating realities we now find ourselves operating within.
These newly arriving energies are encouraging us to come together as well. Teamwork and unity are stars on the very near horizon. Thus, we are now being encouraged through this latest shift to examine within ourselves what needs adjusting in regard to unity and teamwork. Are you one who usually does it all, takes care of everything, and is very weary of doing so? Do others rarely help? Or are you one who likes to sit back and allow others to pull the load, perhaps not seeing that you need to participate more? Are you tired of being alone?
Has this latest energy shift rattled enough cages so that many are now willing to come together and share the burdens? Have you found your team, the souls you have chosen to allow into your sacred space, or perhaps feel oh so strongly that new arrivals are on the very near horizon?
This new shift in energy is doing all of that and more. It is preparing us for all we have ever wanted, for new and divine connections, and for happiness beyond our dreams. If we have been standing back in any way, we will now be encouraged to come together, as this is the beginning of our very new beginnings.
There is so much joy and change on the very near horizon…Ooooooh wheee! It is a sight to see!
During most of the month of March, things had finally settled down enough for me, that I was able to write the new mini-ebook (only two or three more pages to go!), and to also process, process, and process. I had so many aha’s that month, preparing me for letting go of holding all that energy for the planet for so long, that it was one amazing moment after another. And this is true for all of us.
If you are one who did not have the time or opportunity to do this yet, then this newly arriving energy that just came in with such a bog wallop, will do that for you, all by itself. It has moved so much energy, that even if you are indeed ready for your very new beginning, it might make you feel like you are having some kind of breakdown anyway! We are really preparing now in regard to aligning ourselves for what is ahead. Before we can move forward, then, anything that may be holding us back will need to be addressed. And this is, as always, simply a part of the process.
With a baby blowing raspberries in my ear and tugging at my cheek, it is time to go for now….until next time… Wheeeee! Are you ready?
With much love and gratitude,
Karen
www.emergingearthangels.com
April 16, 2009
Welcome!
Massive blasts of energy are arriving now, pushing us ever closer to our very new beginnings. If you are one who is highly sensitive, you may be experiencing heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, anxiety, fear, and an over-all shakiness inside.
When these bursts of energy arrive, and we rarely have them anymore, they serve to shake things up, move a lot of energy, and push much to the surface. Auto accidents, personal accidents, feelings of being rattled, and great insecurities are other common symptoms that derive from great energy movement. And almost always when we make great change within, allergy symptoms and sinus headaches can appear for many as we are now vibrating vastly different from our outside circumstances, and this causes the resistance that at times can create allergies and sinus headaches.
As we near these very new beginnings, and near we are as we poise ourselves with one foot in the air, hovering over the landing of our very first step on a very new shore, we must be ready in every way. Anything within us that is not in alignment with new and higher ways of living and being, is now in the process of getting into alignment as we must meet the necessary requirements for our very new residency.
“Insecurities” are the earmark of this latest energy surge. When we are dangling in mid-air, before we reach that shore, we may feel insecure as well, as there is nothing yet to hold onto, to anchor into, or to land upon. But add to this a big energy surge, and the insecurities can feel tenfold.
Feeling suddenly insecure and afraid, again, as we are still poised in mid-air as well as having much pushing of old energies flying around within and without, can bring about strange and unsettling feelings indeed. We may suddenly change our plans abruptly, and now choose to grasp for an immediate fix in regard to something that will bring us some kind of security or shore. Or, we may make a new decision that involves giving us more of a long-term fix, or we may even hook up with anyone or everyone in order to find some kind of support and community for the time being.
But that is not what is really going on here, because when we do indeed connect again, after leaving and disconnecting from so much of the old, we will be enmeshed with very new and much more permanent and long-lasting connections than ever before. And they will feel glorious indeed.
When the energies begin moving like this, so much is moved out, that darkness can be flying around everywhere as well, and this does not help much when we may want to calm down. I just arrived at my daughter’s house for a visit of several days, and tonight we are moving the children’s beds into another bedroom, as Simeon says it is just too freaky sleeping by the window next to the street, as the window is “creeping” him out!
When darkness is moving around, it can make those of us who are sensitive feel jumpy, jittery, scared, and unnerved as well. And intense feelings of vulnerability are always present, even more so when so much density has departed in these new and higher vibrating realities we now find ourselves operating within.
These newly arriving energies are encouraging us to come together as well. Teamwork and unity are stars on the very near horizon. Thus, we are now being encouraged through this latest shift to examine within ourselves what needs adjusting in regard to unity and teamwork. Are you one who usually does it all, takes care of everything, and is very weary of doing so? Do others rarely help? Or are you one who likes to sit back and allow others to pull the load, perhaps not seeing that you need to participate more? Are you tired of being alone?
Has this latest energy shift rattled enough cages so that many are now willing to come together and share the burdens? Have you found your team, the souls you have chosen to allow into your sacred space, or perhaps feel oh so strongly that new arrivals are on the very near horizon?
This new shift in energy is doing all of that and more. It is preparing us for all we have ever wanted, for new and divine connections, and for happiness beyond our dreams. If we have been standing back in any way, we will now be encouraged to come together, as this is the beginning of our very new beginnings.
There is so much joy and change on the very near horizon…Ooooooh wheee! It is a sight to see!
During most of the month of March, things had finally settled down enough for me, that I was able to write the new mini-ebook (only two or three more pages to go!), and to also process, process, and process. I had so many aha’s that month, preparing me for letting go of holding all that energy for the planet for so long, that it was one amazing moment after another. And this is true for all of us.
If you are one who did not have the time or opportunity to do this yet, then this newly arriving energy that just came in with such a bog wallop, will do that for you, all by itself. It has moved so much energy, that even if you are indeed ready for your very new beginning, it might make you feel like you are having some kind of breakdown anyway! We are really preparing now in regard to aligning ourselves for what is ahead. Before we can move forward, then, anything that may be holding us back will need to be addressed. And this is, as always, simply a part of the process.
With a baby blowing raspberries in my ear and tugging at my cheek, it is time to go for now….until next time… Wheeeee! Are you ready?
With much love and gratitude,
Karen
www.emergingearthangels.com
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Metaphysics and Dogma
Metaphysics and New Age ideas offer exciting and empowering new ways to look at God and spirituality. Discovering this new way of thinking, acting, and being has literally changed my life, and perhaps even saved it. New Age teachings have provided a wonderful refuge, a place to connect with God and discover spirituality, and a place to affirm the existence of the afterlife. It’s a refuge for those who are tired of the harshness and judgment of traditional Christianity as practiced by some; of being told they are unworthy or sinners; of being told what their own truth is by others; of being told whom it is acceptable to love; of being given rules and commandments by which to live; and of even being told how to vote. These new teachings offer valuable tools for contacting the God within you, and bringing this awesome power into your lives; for creating prosperity; for developing an innate “knowing” as to the right path for you; even for preventing and healing illness and injury.
However, if not carefully presented, these teachings are open to misinterpretation and manipulation into “old-style” religious dogma. The summer before I started college, I worked at Red Clay State Historic Area, a park in Tennessee built to commemorate the place where the Cherokee Trail of Tears began, a forced removal and march of the entire Cherokee Nation (save a few hundred who hid in the Appalachian Mountains) from Red Clay, Tennessee, to their new, government-designated “home” in Oklahoma. An estimated 4,000 of the Nations’ members died on the Trail of Tears—from disease, starvation, exhaustion, dehydration, and exposure to the elements. Many Cherokees live in poverty today on the Oklahoma reservation.
They had been a peaceful nation, solving disputes between tribes by playing a game similar to today’s jai alai rather than resorting to violence. With the onslaught of so-called civilization, they had responded by creating their own formal government, devising their own alphabet, and circulating a Cherokee newspaper throughout the Cherokee territories. They were also a very spiritually-connected tribe.
One day, a woman came to the park to view our small museum, while I made myself available to answer questions. After viewing the exhibit, she said to me, “You know why the Cherokee Nation suffered so much, don’t you?”
Thinking I was going to hear some interesting historical and anthropological data, I said, “No, why?”
She answered, “Because they weren’t Christians.” Her view was that the Cherokees suffered, and many continue to suffer today, because God had cursed them as nonbelievers. I was pretty shocked by the woman’s words, and certain once again that I was not interested in her type of Christianity. Yet I’ve come to realize that many New Age teachings lead some people today to similar conclusions.
How, you might ask, could there be any such similarities? Please allow me to explain. I believe someone could easily interpret or misinterpret New Age and metaphysical teachings in such a way as to find fault with the Cherokees. First of all, the Universal Metaphysical Ministry (of which I happen to be a member) teaches that “all human suffering is the direct result of not following the Will of God.” If this is true, then an obvious conclusion would be that the Cherokees were not following the will of God. Or did it mean that the agents of the U.S. government were not following the will of God? Well, metaphysics seems to place the responsibility for one’s life and situation squarely on the shoulders of that particular soul, since we are all powerful creators in our own right.
Likewise, if our thoughts create our reality, then it might seem that the Cherokees were exhibiting negative thinking. Perhaps they did not meditate correctly, or use properly worded affirmations. Another possible reason for their suffering is that they were paying a karmic debt; in other words, they had committed bad deeds in a past or present life, and were now remitting payment for it. They therefore brought it on themselves, and got what they deserved—according to the Laws of the Universe.
These conclusions are not as uncommon as you might think. I have participated in a large online metaphysical forum in which people suggested that Donald Trump is “more spiritual” because he is wealthy and healthy; and that starving and AIDS-infected infants in Africa are souls who have “bad karma” as the result of committing bad acts in previous lifetimes. I am not prepared to say whether Donald Trump is more or less spiritual than anyone else, nor that these children have so-called bad karma. But I do feel that if people are judging others in this way as the result of exposure to New Age teachings, than we as metaphysical practitioners must make an effort to be more clear.
These hypothetical conclusions I have drawn are not what I believe. I believe these may be possibilities (but not probabilities); but if we are looking to assign blame, we are clearly misinterpreting the spirit of most New Age teachings. I believe the reasons we incarnate here on Earth are as varied as the souls who come here. I believe these are possibilities among infinite other possibilities. I believe that there must be room for the mystery, because it is through reaching for the answers that we go inward, and stretch and expand as souls. It is the invitation that these great mysteries offer that leads to true wisdom, peace and serenity—to accessing one’s authentic power. I believe the emphasis should remain on the tools for doing so, and on the positive aspects of the wonderful ways we can create our reality through our thoughts, visions, and energy.
If we choose to teach the idea that all suffering is the direct result of not following the will of God, I believe it is crucial to define the word “suffering.” I very much favor Neale Donald Walsh’s description of suffering: “[S]uffering has nothing to do with events, but with one’s reaction to them.” Perhaps some of these souls incarnated into these conditions in order to teach others about kindness, compassion, and acceptance. I believe the possibilities are immeasurable, and are not necessarily about fault or blame.
With regard to money and material possessions, I admire the work of many in the field in teaching that money is neither evil, nor dirty; and that one does not have to take a vow of poverty or swear off all material goods in order to be “spiritual.” Nonetheless, many New Age teachers now imply that the lack of financial and material prosperity in one’s life indicates a lack of spiritual awareness, alignment, or consciousness.
I believe that it is important simply to teach that money is just energy, like everything else. While you may choose to attach a value judgment to it as good or evil, the Universe certainly does not. If it is something you choose to attract or attain, then there are wonderful metaphysical tools to assist with this. If it is something of which you have little, this is not necessarily a reflection of how evolved or Godly you are. It is simply what, on a deep soul level, you have chosen for yourself in this moment.
In light of these issues, I have created a list of suggestions to metaphysical practitioners in an effort to assure that our teachings are not misunderstood, and that we don’t fall into the inviting habit of presenting our views in a dogmatic fashion. These suggestions are as follows:
1. Be extremely cautious when using absolutes. Leave room for other possibilities. Metaphysics is an evolving field, just as you and I and the human race are constantly evolving.
2. Choose your words very carefully. Try to phrase things in such a way that, if quoted out of context, their meaning is not lost or open to misinterpretation.
3. Begin statements with “I believe,” or “some mystics believe,” or “many believe.” I know that I am much more likely to be receptive to what someone is teaching me if they begin in this way, rather than saying, “This is how it is.” In fact, I became interested in metaphysics in part because a spiritual teacher approached me in this manner, instead of handing down a sermon to me. This left room for my own belief systems, and was respectful to me as an autonomous thinker.
4. Do not explain or define everything. Leave room for the mystery, and for people’s own upbringing, beliefs, understandings, and culture. Remember, it is through reaching for the mystery that we connect to spirit and grow. Remember, it is through seeking answers to our unanswered questions that we expand.
5. Leave room for your client or audience’s own intuition, and honor and respect this intuition. Meditate upon the paradox that there can exist an Absolute Truth, as well as many truths. Remember, there are as many unique perspectives as there are souls on the planet.
6. Focus on the positive. I believe this is much more productive and expansive than focusing upon issues such blame, fault, or guilt.
7. Focus on the present and the future. Dwell on the past only insofar as it can inform the way your client or audience exists in the present. Past life experiences, for example, can providing deep understanding and healing in the present. It is your role to help the client understand and heal the consequences of past choices, not to encourage guilt or self-punishment.
8. By all means, avoid blaming or judgmental language. You are not here to criticize or denigrate yourself or other living embodiments of God.
9. Teach and share tools for connecting to spirit and expanding spiritually. I believe this is the heart of the metaphysical practitioner’s work. When we reach this space of Oneness, and share the feeling of unconditional love, joy, and expansion, then no one needs to be told that we are all One, and to love one another. When we are able to access our own Higher Mind and Inner Wisdom, then we intuitively know how to respond to situations from our Highest Self. Our will and God’s are one, and there is no need for fear, judgment, or dogma.
10. Empower. Empower. Empower. It is not your job, nor your place, to tell others how to live. It is important to honor every being’s path. What is important is empowering people to figure these things out on their own, from the space of their Higher Mind or God/Mind. It is not your role to teach them that they must come to you for their wisdom and their answers. Share your wisdom and your answers, but encourage them to find their own.
11. Stay open-minded, remain flexible, and keep learning. Energy, ideas, and people are always changing.
12. Lead by example, in thought, word and deed. Instead of telling people how to behave and what to choose, simply embody it. This is the empowering way to lead.
13. When sharing your message, be kind, compassionate, and centered. It’s okay to stand up for what you believe in, as long as you do so with kindness, compassionate, acceptance, and an energy that radiates love. People can feel it.
14. Always allow others to question. Do not set yourself up as the ultimate authority on spiritual matters, and therefore beyond reproach. Certainly do not present yourself or your teachings as something to be blindly obeyed.
15. Outside of a professional setting, only offer very personal spiritual or intuitive advice or insight when asked. Do not use the teachings or your intuitive insight as a weapon or something hurtful in order to win a personal argument.
16. Beware of taking old, traditional religious ideas and simply re-labeling them with New Age “lingo.” This is an easy trap in which to fall. For example, be careful not to simply substitute “less evolved,” or “right and wrong” for good and evil. I am not suggesting that it is always inappropriate to use these words. I am suggesting that you not use these terms to articulate your judgments of people or situations.
17. TRUST that people will find their truth. People will find their way, and attract what they need in order to serve their soul’s purpose and evolution. Know that if people don’t find their truth in your teachings, they will find it elsewhere if they continue to seek it. Focus on teaching the tools, and remember the space we all find when we use them. This is the unity and the power. Remember the love, peace and serenity you feel—and the safety—when you connect with and embody the God within. I believe that the more we can help people connect with their divinity and consciously create their lives, the more we serve a higher purpose. But trust in God, and in the Universe.
The foregoing are simply suggestions of ways to insure that New Age and metaphysical teachings remain inviting, empowering, flexible, and expansive. These guidelines have been useful to me both as a spiritual counselor, and as someone who seeks to serve as a catalyst for the spiritual expansion of others. I offer them to you in the hope that they may be useful to you as well.
Namaste,
Catherine
However, if not carefully presented, these teachings are open to misinterpretation and manipulation into “old-style” religious dogma. The summer before I started college, I worked at Red Clay State Historic Area, a park in Tennessee built to commemorate the place where the Cherokee Trail of Tears began, a forced removal and march of the entire Cherokee Nation (save a few hundred who hid in the Appalachian Mountains) from Red Clay, Tennessee, to their new, government-designated “home” in Oklahoma. An estimated 4,000 of the Nations’ members died on the Trail of Tears—from disease, starvation, exhaustion, dehydration, and exposure to the elements. Many Cherokees live in poverty today on the Oklahoma reservation.
They had been a peaceful nation, solving disputes between tribes by playing a game similar to today’s jai alai rather than resorting to violence. With the onslaught of so-called civilization, they had responded by creating their own formal government, devising their own alphabet, and circulating a Cherokee newspaper throughout the Cherokee territories. They were also a very spiritually-connected tribe.
One day, a woman came to the park to view our small museum, while I made myself available to answer questions. After viewing the exhibit, she said to me, “You know why the Cherokee Nation suffered so much, don’t you?”
Thinking I was going to hear some interesting historical and anthropological data, I said, “No, why?”
She answered, “Because they weren’t Christians.” Her view was that the Cherokees suffered, and many continue to suffer today, because God had cursed them as nonbelievers. I was pretty shocked by the woman’s words, and certain once again that I was not interested in her type of Christianity. Yet I’ve come to realize that many New Age teachings lead some people today to similar conclusions.
How, you might ask, could there be any such similarities? Please allow me to explain. I believe someone could easily interpret or misinterpret New Age and metaphysical teachings in such a way as to find fault with the Cherokees. First of all, the Universal Metaphysical Ministry (of which I happen to be a member) teaches that “all human suffering is the direct result of not following the Will of God.” If this is true, then an obvious conclusion would be that the Cherokees were not following the will of God. Or did it mean that the agents of the U.S. government were not following the will of God? Well, metaphysics seems to place the responsibility for one’s life and situation squarely on the shoulders of that particular soul, since we are all powerful creators in our own right.
Likewise, if our thoughts create our reality, then it might seem that the Cherokees were exhibiting negative thinking. Perhaps they did not meditate correctly, or use properly worded affirmations. Another possible reason for their suffering is that they were paying a karmic debt; in other words, they had committed bad deeds in a past or present life, and were now remitting payment for it. They therefore brought it on themselves, and got what they deserved—according to the Laws of the Universe.
These conclusions are not as uncommon as you might think. I have participated in a large online metaphysical forum in which people suggested that Donald Trump is “more spiritual” because he is wealthy and healthy; and that starving and AIDS-infected infants in Africa are souls who have “bad karma” as the result of committing bad acts in previous lifetimes. I am not prepared to say whether Donald Trump is more or less spiritual than anyone else, nor that these children have so-called bad karma. But I do feel that if people are judging others in this way as the result of exposure to New Age teachings, than we as metaphysical practitioners must make an effort to be more clear.
These hypothetical conclusions I have drawn are not what I believe. I believe these may be possibilities (but not probabilities); but if we are looking to assign blame, we are clearly misinterpreting the spirit of most New Age teachings. I believe the reasons we incarnate here on Earth are as varied as the souls who come here. I believe these are possibilities among infinite other possibilities. I believe that there must be room for the mystery, because it is through reaching for the answers that we go inward, and stretch and expand as souls. It is the invitation that these great mysteries offer that leads to true wisdom, peace and serenity—to accessing one’s authentic power. I believe the emphasis should remain on the tools for doing so, and on the positive aspects of the wonderful ways we can create our reality through our thoughts, visions, and energy.
If we choose to teach the idea that all suffering is the direct result of not following the will of God, I believe it is crucial to define the word “suffering.” I very much favor Neale Donald Walsh’s description of suffering: “[S]uffering has nothing to do with events, but with one’s reaction to them.” Perhaps some of these souls incarnated into these conditions in order to teach others about kindness, compassion, and acceptance. I believe the possibilities are immeasurable, and are not necessarily about fault or blame.
With regard to money and material possessions, I admire the work of many in the field in teaching that money is neither evil, nor dirty; and that one does not have to take a vow of poverty or swear off all material goods in order to be “spiritual.” Nonetheless, many New Age teachers now imply that the lack of financial and material prosperity in one’s life indicates a lack of spiritual awareness, alignment, or consciousness.
I believe that it is important simply to teach that money is just energy, like everything else. While you may choose to attach a value judgment to it as good or evil, the Universe certainly does not. If it is something you choose to attract or attain, then there are wonderful metaphysical tools to assist with this. If it is something of which you have little, this is not necessarily a reflection of how evolved or Godly you are. It is simply what, on a deep soul level, you have chosen for yourself in this moment.
In light of these issues, I have created a list of suggestions to metaphysical practitioners in an effort to assure that our teachings are not misunderstood, and that we don’t fall into the inviting habit of presenting our views in a dogmatic fashion. These suggestions are as follows:
1. Be extremely cautious when using absolutes. Leave room for other possibilities. Metaphysics is an evolving field, just as you and I and the human race are constantly evolving.
2. Choose your words very carefully. Try to phrase things in such a way that, if quoted out of context, their meaning is not lost or open to misinterpretation.
3. Begin statements with “I believe,” or “some mystics believe,” or “many believe.” I know that I am much more likely to be receptive to what someone is teaching me if they begin in this way, rather than saying, “This is how it is.” In fact, I became interested in metaphysics in part because a spiritual teacher approached me in this manner, instead of handing down a sermon to me. This left room for my own belief systems, and was respectful to me as an autonomous thinker.
4. Do not explain or define everything. Leave room for the mystery, and for people’s own upbringing, beliefs, understandings, and culture. Remember, it is through reaching for the mystery that we connect to spirit and grow. Remember, it is through seeking answers to our unanswered questions that we expand.
5. Leave room for your client or audience’s own intuition, and honor and respect this intuition. Meditate upon the paradox that there can exist an Absolute Truth, as well as many truths. Remember, there are as many unique perspectives as there are souls on the planet.
6. Focus on the positive. I believe this is much more productive and expansive than focusing upon issues such blame, fault, or guilt.
7. Focus on the present and the future. Dwell on the past only insofar as it can inform the way your client or audience exists in the present. Past life experiences, for example, can providing deep understanding and healing in the present. It is your role to help the client understand and heal the consequences of past choices, not to encourage guilt or self-punishment.
8. By all means, avoid blaming or judgmental language. You are not here to criticize or denigrate yourself or other living embodiments of God.
9. Teach and share tools for connecting to spirit and expanding spiritually. I believe this is the heart of the metaphysical practitioner’s work. When we reach this space of Oneness, and share the feeling of unconditional love, joy, and expansion, then no one needs to be told that we are all One, and to love one another. When we are able to access our own Higher Mind and Inner Wisdom, then we intuitively know how to respond to situations from our Highest Self. Our will and God’s are one, and there is no need for fear, judgment, or dogma.
10. Empower. Empower. Empower. It is not your job, nor your place, to tell others how to live. It is important to honor every being’s path. What is important is empowering people to figure these things out on their own, from the space of their Higher Mind or God/Mind. It is not your role to teach them that they must come to you for their wisdom and their answers. Share your wisdom and your answers, but encourage them to find their own.
11. Stay open-minded, remain flexible, and keep learning. Energy, ideas, and people are always changing.
12. Lead by example, in thought, word and deed. Instead of telling people how to behave and what to choose, simply embody it. This is the empowering way to lead.
13. When sharing your message, be kind, compassionate, and centered. It’s okay to stand up for what you believe in, as long as you do so with kindness, compassionate, acceptance, and an energy that radiates love. People can feel it.
14. Always allow others to question. Do not set yourself up as the ultimate authority on spiritual matters, and therefore beyond reproach. Certainly do not present yourself or your teachings as something to be blindly obeyed.
15. Outside of a professional setting, only offer very personal spiritual or intuitive advice or insight when asked. Do not use the teachings or your intuitive insight as a weapon or something hurtful in order to win a personal argument.
16. Beware of taking old, traditional religious ideas and simply re-labeling them with New Age “lingo.” This is an easy trap in which to fall. For example, be careful not to simply substitute “less evolved,” or “right and wrong” for good and evil. I am not suggesting that it is always inappropriate to use these words. I am suggesting that you not use these terms to articulate your judgments of people or situations.
17. TRUST that people will find their truth. People will find their way, and attract what they need in order to serve their soul’s purpose and evolution. Know that if people don’t find their truth in your teachings, they will find it elsewhere if they continue to seek it. Focus on teaching the tools, and remember the space we all find when we use them. This is the unity and the power. Remember the love, peace and serenity you feel—and the safety—when you connect with and embody the God within. I believe that the more we can help people connect with their divinity and consciously create their lives, the more we serve a higher purpose. But trust in God, and in the Universe.
The foregoing are simply suggestions of ways to insure that New Age and metaphysical teachings remain inviting, empowering, flexible, and expansive. These guidelines have been useful to me both as a spiritual counselor, and as someone who seeks to serve as a catalyst for the spiritual expansion of others. I offer them to you in the hope that they may be useful to you as well.
Namaste,
Catherine
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Creative Transformations Newsletter
The latest newsletter from Karen Mehringer, M.A. Karen is an author, inspirational speaker, psychotherapist, life transformation coach, and the founder of Creative Transformations.
Creating Infinite Possibilities in Uncertain Times
“Don't waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
There is a tendency when catastrophic events happen for us to get sucked into the drama, fear and negativity. Recalling 9/11, I remember feeling great sadness and shock when listening to the radio and hearing accounts of the many lives that had been affected by this tragedy. At the time, I did not see the events televised, yet I felt the emotions of the collective conscious. I felt fearful, paralyzed and drained of my life force energy.
Currently, as we are undergoing tumultuous and uncertain times with regards to our political and economic climate, it is easy to focus on the negative and to get swallowed up in the chaos and fear. What happens when we become consumed by negativity and fear? A sense of clinging and holding on pervades our thoughts, and a feeling of constriction overcomes our bodies, which subsequently blocks the flow of creation and abundance in our lives. For example, we may worry about our finances and thus cling to what we have for fear of losing more. As a result, our bodies tense up. We develop shoulder and neck strain, stomach aches, tension headaches, etc. This constriction then cuts off our connection to God/Source and robs us of feeling joyful and at peace. From this place, we become stuck and are unable to see or act on the possibilities for new creation.
More than ever we need to engage in spiritual practices that help us connect to the truth of who we really are as expansive spiritual beings. Within us is an infinite well of abundance and joy ready to overflow in our lives if we allow it. This is the Source energy we are made of and the same Source that will assist us in developing creative solutions to our current challenges. As more and more of us tap into this Source of creation and open to the possibilities, our collective conscious will shift. No longer paralyzed, we will be inspired into positive action. Unified in hope and love, we will be able to create the world of our dreams.
The following are tips to assist you to connect to Source during these times:
Spend quality time in nature, noticing the beauty and abundance in creation.
Engage in activities that bring you joy like spending time with your loved ones, playing music, singing, dancing, etc.
During meditation, visualize light and love within every cell of your being, while also surrounding you like a blanket with warmth, security and comfort.
Engage in a creative project to assist you with being fully present and centered in your heart.
Surround yourself with positive and supportive people.
Watch uplifting, inspiring and funny movies.
Practice gratitude on a daily basis (see previous article for tips).
Create an affirmation such as “I am open to receiving an infinite flow of abundance in my life.” Write it on a 3x5 card and say it frequently.
As we focus our thoughts, attention and energy on a positive outcome and on the many blessings already in our lives, we open the door to infinite possibilities not only for our selves, but our communities and the planet as well. This time offers an incredible opening for conscious creation. What do you want to create? It’s your choice.
“If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream.”
- Martin Luther King, Jr., The Trumpet of Conscience
“Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live as one.” – John Lennon
Sail Into Your Dreams
Denver WorkshopAre you living the life of your dreams? Do you feel energized and inspired by your life? Do you make empowered decisions based on your heart's deepest desires? Are you clear about the direction you are heading? Do you take risks to follow your dreams? If you answered "no" to any of these questions, this workshop may be able to assist you. You will work on:
Stepping more fully into your power
Connecting with your passions and vital life force energy
Gaining clarity about your dreams and desires
Transforming fears and limiting beliefs
Engaging more fully in life
Dates/Location: Sunday, November 16th from 1-4pm. In Denver at People House - 3035 W 25th Avenue (www.peoplehouse.org)
Format: To include activities such as workbook exercises, guided meditations, journaling, and group sharing.
Investment: $39 including snacks and materials
Registration: Please reserve your space by calling Karen at (303) 562-8517 or e-mailing creativetransformations@yahoo.com.
Experience Renewed Purpose and Passion!
With many blessings of love, joy and prosperity on your journey! Karen
Contact Information: (303) 562-8517, creativetransformations@yahoo.com, www.LiveAPurposefulLife.com
Creating Infinite Possibilities in Uncertain Times
“Don't waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
There is a tendency when catastrophic events happen for us to get sucked into the drama, fear and negativity. Recalling 9/11, I remember feeling great sadness and shock when listening to the radio and hearing accounts of the many lives that had been affected by this tragedy. At the time, I did not see the events televised, yet I felt the emotions of the collective conscious. I felt fearful, paralyzed and drained of my life force energy.
Currently, as we are undergoing tumultuous and uncertain times with regards to our political and economic climate, it is easy to focus on the negative and to get swallowed up in the chaos and fear. What happens when we become consumed by negativity and fear? A sense of clinging and holding on pervades our thoughts, and a feeling of constriction overcomes our bodies, which subsequently blocks the flow of creation and abundance in our lives. For example, we may worry about our finances and thus cling to what we have for fear of losing more. As a result, our bodies tense up. We develop shoulder and neck strain, stomach aches, tension headaches, etc. This constriction then cuts off our connection to God/Source and robs us of feeling joyful and at peace. From this place, we become stuck and are unable to see or act on the possibilities for new creation.
More than ever we need to engage in spiritual practices that help us connect to the truth of who we really are as expansive spiritual beings. Within us is an infinite well of abundance and joy ready to overflow in our lives if we allow it. This is the Source energy we are made of and the same Source that will assist us in developing creative solutions to our current challenges. As more and more of us tap into this Source of creation and open to the possibilities, our collective conscious will shift. No longer paralyzed, we will be inspired into positive action. Unified in hope and love, we will be able to create the world of our dreams.
The following are tips to assist you to connect to Source during these times:
Spend quality time in nature, noticing the beauty and abundance in creation.
Engage in activities that bring you joy like spending time with your loved ones, playing music, singing, dancing, etc.
During meditation, visualize light and love within every cell of your being, while also surrounding you like a blanket with warmth, security and comfort.
Engage in a creative project to assist you with being fully present and centered in your heart.
Surround yourself with positive and supportive people.
Watch uplifting, inspiring and funny movies.
Practice gratitude on a daily basis (see previous article for tips).
Create an affirmation such as “I am open to receiving an infinite flow of abundance in my life.” Write it on a 3x5 card and say it frequently.
As we focus our thoughts, attention and energy on a positive outcome and on the many blessings already in our lives, we open the door to infinite possibilities not only for our selves, but our communities and the planet as well. This time offers an incredible opening for conscious creation. What do you want to create? It’s your choice.
“If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream.”
- Martin Luther King, Jr., The Trumpet of Conscience
“Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live as one.” – John Lennon
Sail Into Your Dreams
Denver WorkshopAre you living the life of your dreams? Do you feel energized and inspired by your life? Do you make empowered decisions based on your heart's deepest desires? Are you clear about the direction you are heading? Do you take risks to follow your dreams? If you answered "no" to any of these questions, this workshop may be able to assist you. You will work on:
Stepping more fully into your power
Connecting with your passions and vital life force energy
Gaining clarity about your dreams and desires
Transforming fears and limiting beliefs
Engaging more fully in life
Dates/Location: Sunday, November 16th from 1-4pm. In Denver at People House - 3035 W 25th Avenue (www.peoplehouse.org)
Format: To include activities such as workbook exercises, guided meditations, journaling, and group sharing.
Investment: $39 including snacks and materials
Registration: Please reserve your space by calling Karen at (303) 562-8517 or e-mailing creativetransformations@yahoo.com.
Experience Renewed Purpose and Passion!
With many blessings of love, joy and prosperity on your journey! Karen
Contact Information: (303) 562-8517, creativetransformations@yahoo.com, www.LiveAPurposefulLife.com
