ROBIN ARMSTRONG’S ZODIAC PREDICTIONS FOR JUNE 2012:

ARIES: MAR. 21 to APR. 20:

Take your time! Hurry up! You will accomplish more with charm than you will with words or force. As long as you don’t try to explain or share your ideas with others you will avoid the main pitfalls. Be careful about how much your freedoms make demands on the energies of others. Avoid direct confrontations with anyone in authority!

The Full Moon eclipse of June 4^th will be a positive one. Trust your instincts and go with the flow.  The New Moon of June 19^th will be positive and the most sensitive lunation of the year for Geminis. Try to get a little time to be alone.

Special Focus:

If you were born between Apr. 11^th and 14th you will feel that the world is resting onyour shoulders. You will feel restricted and even somewhat depressed. You will be tempted to walk away from the hassles, but you actually have too much to lose. You need to bide your time. Put up with the limitations around you and look for small ways to add new skills to your life. Be patient! This will pass!

TAURUS: APR. 20: to MAY 21

Steady progress and easy action will be the lot of most Taureans this month. Clarity will return and complications will lessen. Keeping physically active will be the key to success. There will be no need to sweat it, just go at your own speed. Little improvements will make a big difference. You will be luckier in the first half of the month than in the last half.

The Full Moon eclipse of June 4^th will be a relatively uneventful one. Just go with the flow and avoid loud and aggressive people. The New Moon of June 19 will also be relatively uneventful. Accentuate the positive. Smile!

Special Focus:

If you were born between May 19^th and 21^st then this will be the first month in a long time when confusion and self-pity will not increase. It will seem like a fog has lifted. The way ahead and the space around can now be seen for what it is. Unreliable people will be seen for what they are and will move away. Take a deep breath and relax!

GEMINI: MAY 21 to JUNE 21:

This will be a month filled with much charm and even more indulgence. You will be pumped up and quick to enjoy whatever comes your way. The undercurrent to all of this will surface whenever your enjoyments will be interfered with. This will show as a rather rowdy or argumentative temperament. Don’t complain! Let it go!

The Full Moon eclipse of June 4^th will bring contradictory energies to the surface for Geminis. A sarcastic impatience is likely to be the result. Don’t argue!. The New Moon of June 19 will be another sensitive and impressionable new moon one for Geminis. You will feel more unstable and would be wise to maintain a low profile.

Special Focus:

Those Geminis born between May 27^th and June 7^th will be especially charming this month. You will attract what you want. Taste and style will be accentuated. You will also find sudden minor disruptions to your indulgences. Don’t make a big deal about this disruptions, or you will spoil the very things that you like.

CANCER: JUNE 21 to JULY 23:

What if it should fail? What if it should fail? A little worry can make things more secure, but too much worry will cause further losses. This is a month when action will speak louder than words. Keep active and work to improve things. Worry about it and it will never get done. Take care of the little things and the big things will take care of themselves.

The Full Moon eclipse of June 4^th will be a relatively uneventful one. No big ups or downs. The New Moon of June 19 will also be a relatively calm one. Don’t explain. Just keep busy doing your own thing.

Special Focus:

Those of you born between July 11^th and July 13^th will feel as if the weight of the world is on your shoulders. There will be delays and a sense of inertia making you worry. The challenge here is to redefine your goals. One step back and five steps forward. Reassess your priorities. There is a need to make adjustments. There is only so much you can do. Effort towards a new direction will bring progress.

LEO: JULY 23 to AUG. 23:

This will be a month of spontaneous initiative for most Leos. Your ideas will meet with appreciation. Your choices will be very good ones. The pressures of responsibility will be easily handled. Relax and enjoy yourself, and enjoy the people around you. A little bit of effort will go a long way.

The Full Moon eclipse of June 4^th will be a positive one. You will be untouched by the anxieties of others. In fact, you may even profit from them. The New Moon of June 19^th will be a positive one. Trust your instincts an go with the flow. Smile and the world will smile with you.

Special Focus:

If you were born between July 23^rd and 28^th then there will be many opportunities for advancement or gain presenting themselves to you. The challenge will be to select properly. If something is not right or it disadvantages someone else, then leave it alone. If it helps others and hurts no one, pick it up quickly.

VIRGO: AUG. 23 to SEP. 23:

June will be the last month when the Force will be with you. Don’t squander it. Your initiatives will accomplish a lot. Anything you still have to do, try to get it done this month. Don’t let your energy get dissipated by choosing too much. You are better off cutting back on indulgence and driving hard for another month.

The Full Moon eclipse of June 4^th will be a stressful lunation for most Virgos. You will be pulled out in too many directions. Slow down. Drive carefully. The New Moon of June 19 will also be a stressful one for Virgos. Poor choices and hasty decisions could cost you. Be patient. Don’t push the river!

Special Focus:

If you were born between Sept. 1^st and 11^th then you will be sidetracked by personal preferences. You will be prone to making sudden purchases which are probably not in your best interest. A fool and his money will soon be parted! Let your mind concentrate on what you have to do rather than what you want to get!

LIBRA: SEPT. 23 to OCT. 23:

Life for Librans will be filled with contradictory priorities this month. There will be a spontaneous tendency to enjoy the moment. On the other hand there will be increasing worries about stability and future direction. Take care of the serious problems, and enjoy the little things. Do not try to communicate your worries to others.

The Full Moon eclipse of June 4^th will be a positive one. A little restraint will have a magical effect. The New Moon of June 19 will also be a positive one for Librans. Independent initiatives will work in your favour.

Special Focus:

If you were born between Oct 16 and 18 then these are the days of decision. You are feeling serious and will need to formulate a responsible vision or plan for the direction you are heading in. Define your goals. Discipline your activities to better activate your goals. There is no room for indecision here. You need a game plan!

SCORPIO: OCT. 23 to NOV. 22:

Misunderstandings will start to fade away. Your perception of people and things is getting clearer and you are less likely to exaggerate. A new wave of positive energy is approaching. This month communications will be highlighted. This will be an excellent month for self expression. When you talk, others will listen.

The Full Moon eclipse of June 4^th will be relatively uneventful for most Scorpios. Don’t be in a hurry to give away your best ideas. Enjoy what others have to say. The New Moon of June 19 will also be a relatively uneventful one. Expressions of sympathy will be appreciated.

Special Focus:

If you were born between Nov. 15^th and 18^th a deep feeling of uncertainty will prevail. You will be challenged to accentuate the positive. Negative expressions will cause further alienation, while sympathetic and supportive expression will be deeply appreciated. If you don’t have something good to say then don’t say. If an opportunity arises for you to give a compliment then do not hesitate.

SAGITTARIUS: NOV. 22 to DEC. 22:

This will be a very active month for Sagittarians. There will be many changes, but in matters of taste there will be challenges. You will not be able to please everyone, so prioritize your wish list. Protect the most import choices and be prepared to compromise on the others. Try not to argue over matters of taste.

The Full Moon eclipse of June 4^th will be a stressful one for Sagittarians. Your instincts will be off and your timing will suffer. Slow down! The New Moon of June 19 will also be a stressful one. Do  not act on gossip or hearsay, until it is confirmed. Even then a minimal reaction is advisable.

Special Focus:

If your birthday falls between Dec 6 and 20 then your patience will be tested this month. You will be trying to accomplish too much, too fast. You need to take a deep breath and slow down a little. Or at least become more efficient. Less talk more action! To dissipate adversity would be much wiser than to confront it.

CAPRICORN: DEC. 22 to JAN. 20:

Follow the energy and not the words. Don’t be distracted. Maintain efficiency. If you try to explain you will lose energy and invoke stupid reactions. If something has to be done, just do it! Don’t expect others to improve your circumstances. Avoid following the trivial pursuits of others. Stay on track!

The Full Moon eclipse of June 4^th will be a relatively uneventful one. Don’t get distracted by the conversation of others. The New Moon of June 19 will be a relatively uneventful one for Capricorns. Do not contend! Avoid loud and aggressive people!

Special Focus:

If your birthday falls between Dec. 29^th and 31^st, you will need to stay true to yourself. Do not give up control, even if disruptions appear. Others will not be able to control it as well as you. If someone lets you down, let go! Don’t look back. Maintain your personal discipline. Try to minimize vulnerabilities. Keep busy!

AQUARIUS: JAN. 20 to FEB. 19:

June will be a positive month for Aquarians. Communications will be highlighted. You will be very talkative and friendly. Laugh and enjoy yourself. Good will, will remove obstacles. Give people the benefit of the doubt and be prepared to laugh at silly little things. This is the time for social niceties rather than serious strategies.

The Full Moon eclipse of June 4^th will be a positive one. Trust your instincts. Smell the roses! The New Moon of June 19 will also be a positive one. A little appreciation for the ideas of others will open doorways and attract new friends.

Special Focus:

If your birthday falls between Feb 9^th and 12^th you will benefit from following a time plan this month. It will be easy for you to get distracted and go off track. The challenge will be to get the chores done quickly at the beginning of each day, so that there will be more time for playing as the day goes on.

PISCES: FEB. 19 to MAR. 20:

This will be a month of hard work and muscle power. If you start to complain, you will only make matters worse. Move out of the way! Let go of personal judgments. Just because you are being temporarily inconvenienced, does not justify a holy war! Chill out! Slow down, and drive defensively.

The Full Moon eclipse of June 4^th will be a stressful one. Keep your opinions to yourself. Silence is golden! The New Moon of June 19 will also be a stressful one. Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent.

Special Focus:

Those Pisces born in March will need to exercise anger management this month. Your impatience will cause your own demise. Acts of kindness, especially in the face of adversity will have long term positive repercussions. Give yourself extra time to get places. Unless you are cautious you will attract speeding tickets and mechanical problems. Go Slow!

Robin’s predictions are meant for entertainment and insight. Any serious decision made by astrology requires a full personalized horoscope to be calculated and studied.

For a personal consultation with Robin Armstrong, or to inquire about his School of Astrology or speaking engagements, or to be put on his email list, email Robin at info@thewakingdream.net  or phone (905) 841-8565, or visit the website at www.thewakingdream.net.

The RASA School of Astrology is continuing its scholarship program, whereby the full tuition for the four year study program is paid for. Anyone can apply, but special preference will be given to single parents, to those financially challenged or living in isolated areas, or those with special needs.  Two hundred and one scholarships were awarded in 2011, and more will be announced on March. 21, 2012. To apply go to www.rasa.ws and send in an email from there.

Robin will organize special outings and drum circles to the Forest Woodhenge. Call if you are interested. 905-841-8565.

Every month 3 lucky winners will be chosen from Robin’s email list. The prize this month is a thirty page interpretation of your horoscope. For a chance to win send an email to Robin. Once you are on the list you will be eligible win every month.

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Meditation is simple and transformative, yet it highly misunderstood. Some people think it is about controlling our mind or stopping our thinking, while others see it as both weird and wacky or boring and meaningless.

Yet meditation really just means being totally present, totally aware with whatever is happening. It is being with ourselves completely as we are. If the mind is thinking then we are aware of the thinking; if the body is moving then we are aware of the movement. Hence we have sitting meditation, sound meditation, walking meditation, even running meditation. It is not purposefully doing anything other than just being here and now.

And just this is transformative. It creates an inner spaciousness in which we can gently stop the endless ‘me-centered’ dramas, our mind that is like a drunken monkey leaping from one scenario to another.

“Meditation can mean really being focused on something, or it can mean letting go of all focus and simply being still,” says Gangaji in our book, Be The Change, How Meditation Can Transform You and the World. “It is not a matter of saying, ‘I am going to meditate,’ it is more like ‘I am just going to be here for a moment without doing anything, without following any thought.’ And, in that, there is peace, a surrendering the mind’s activity to this vast silence and spacious awareness. It is not anti-mind activity; it is simply that usually the mind is spinning round and round, so it is a stopping of that spin.”

Meditation is both an experience of oneness and the practice that enables us to be aware of this. When we make friends with ourselves we discover a freedom from habitual tendencies, from repetitive behavior, and we experience a great joy, peace, and unconditional happiness. It is, therefore, the greatest gift we can give ourselves.

But the world is like a magnet pulling us outward into all manner of distractions, so we often need help, methods or techniques, to remind us to just be still. We need to be guided inward. Here are six steps that can lead us in that inner direction:

Six Steps to Freedom

1. Create a daily practice even if it is just for 5 minutes. Meditation has an accumulative effect so by doing it for a few minutes every day is actually more helpful than an hour once a week.

2. Meditate for the sake of it without expectations, as it can cause stress and even a sense of failure if you look for results. No appointments, no disappointments!

3. Make friends with your breath. Focusing on the natural flow of your breathing will give your mind something to do and encourages your attention to go inward. In this way you also make friends with your meditation practice.

4. Make friends with your chattering monkey mind. When you are still your mind can seem very busy and distracting. Name this your monkey mind and don’t take it too seriously.

5. Commit to your peace. There is nothing more important than your peace, it is the core of your being, so make a commitment to being still and quiet regularly.

6. Do It

Meditation techniques are many and varied, but all that matters in being fully present. Try this:

Sit comfortably with your back straight.

Take a deep breath and let it go.

Be aware of each breath and silently count at the end of each out breath, up to five: Inhale, exhale, count one… inhale, exhale, count two… and so on for five breaths. Then start at one again. Just five breaths and back to one, following each breath in and silently counting. So simple.

Do this as many times as you want, breathing normally.

****

See our award-winning book: BE THE CHANGE, How Meditation Can Transform You and the World, forewords by the Dalai Lama and Robert Thurman, with contributors Jack Kornfield, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Byron Katie and many others.

Deb is the author of the award-winning YOUR BODY SPEAKS YOUR MIND, Decoding the Emotional, Psychological, and Spiritual Messages That Underlie Illness.

Our 3 meditation CD’s: Metta—Loving kindness and Forgiveness; Samadhi–Breath Awareness and Insight; and Yoga Nidra–Inner Conscious Relaxation, are available at: www.EdandDebShapiro.com

Ed and Deb Shapiro are the authors of BE THE CHANGE, How Meditation Can Transform You And The World, with forewords by the Dalai Lama and Robert Thurman and Winner of the 2010 Nautilus Gold Book Award. Deb is the author of the bestselling book, YOUR BODY SPEAKS YOUR MIND, winner of the 2007 Visionary Book Award. They are featured bloggers on Oprah.com/spirit, HuffingtonPost.com/Living, and Care2.com. They have 3 meditation CD’s: Metta — Loving Kindness and Forgiveness; Samadhi – Breath Awareness and Insight; and Yoga Nidra – Inner Conscious Relaxation. See: www.EdandDebShapiro.com

Read more from Ed and Deb Shapiro:

What The Buddha Might Say To President Obama by Ed and Deb Shapiro

Gitmo or Gandhi by Ed and Deb Shapiro

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Think Less! Live More!

Our greatest challenge in the learning, purification, and alignment process of life is our mind. The mind, expressing our will and ego, is developed as a result of our experiences, emotions, and intelligence. However, mind, ego and will are not in alignment with natural or spiritual laws. They are concerned with the way things “appear” to be, not what our experiences teach us on the spiritual level. It is only with a conscious effort that we can infuse the will and ego with the energy and power of the spirit.

When the will and ego are not in alignment with our spiritual mind, we have what the Yarubas call “a bad head”! A bad head is one that functions on its own without the guidance of Spirit or more experienced elders. It is what grandmothers in this country call being, “hardheaded” or “stubborn”; insisting that things are the way you want them to be when there is evidence to the contrary.

Having a bad or hard head means that we are not listening internally to the voice of Spirit, or externally, to voices of wisdom, which means we are not in alignment with Spirit or the laws of nature. In most cases misalignment also indicates that we live for physical pleasures and pursuits without concern for conscious contact with the true essence of our being. When we have a bad head, we rely on the distortions of the ego to determine what we need and how we are to go about meeting those needs.

When we lack conscious contact with the true essence of our being, our perceived needs lead us to actions that create what we call negative experiences. These needs are also created by emotions that result from our negative experiences. Our mind will mesh together what we experience and desire in order to form a thought.

Although thoughts govern how we respond throughout life, they may not be in alignment with the spiritual purpose or meaning of the experience. When we respond to physical thought alone, we are distracted by opinions, fears, the limitations of our experiences, and the influences of others. It is on the his level of thinking that we encounter the challenges and obstacles we often refer to as the problems of life, or “issues.”

As individuals, we are responsible for integrating our experiences and the spiritual interpretation of those experiences into our lives. In doing so, we must be mindful that our experiences will, in all ways, align with our belief system. In order to determine if your individual development process is working, you will need to ask yourself:

(1) How do I feel about what I am doing? And

(2) What do I believe is possible for me and my life?

Remember: What you believe determines what you see!

Now I’d like to share with you my favorite form of meditation, called “breath meditation.” I believe it is one of the most powerful, yet one of the easiest, meditations to learn.

Before we begin, let’s talk a bit about the mind. The mind is made up of wave patterns. When we think, it causes wave patterns to occur in the brain. There are four main types of brain waves. The pattern we are normally in when awake and thinking is called “beta wave” or “beta state.” When we are dropping off to sleep and the mind begins to quiet, that is “alpha state.” When we are asleep or quietly meditating, that is “theta state.” The deepest state of sleep or of meditation (where there is no body awareness) is called “delta state.”

The goal in meditation is to get you to the theta/delta stage. I have found that the breath meditation technique is one of the most effective ways to get to the deeper levels of meditation and still the mind. Most people who are new to meditation and are trying a variety of ways to meditate will vacillate between the beta and alpha states in their initial practice. These stages of meditation are relaxing and a wonderful experience, but as with all things in life, the more you practice, the better you will get. Eventually you will desire to quiet the mind at the theta/delta levels and will go to the deeper realms of meditation to achieve this stage.

Now let’s talk about this effective and helpful way to quiet the mind, called “breath meditation.” It can also be the most challenging way, because although it’s simplistic, it is not always easy to do. It is easy to learn but sometimes difficult to practice.

In this form of meditation, you simply “follow your breath.” Just observe your breathing with no mantra, no prayer word, just simple and quiet noticing of the breath. How it works is that you sit up straight in a quiet, comfortable place with your feet on the floor or legs crossed. As you sit there, watch or take notice of your breath. Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, and breathe out. You can breathe in through your mouth or your nose, it doesn’t’ matter. The only thing that matters is paying attention to your breath.

If something distracts you, simply come back to your breathing. When strenuous or uncomfortable thoughts arise (come to the surface), don’t try to ignore them or push them away but instead acknowledge them and go back to observing your breathing. Allow your attention to focus on that. Acknowledge any distractions, without being annoyed by them, and simply direct your awareness back to your breath. Eventually, thoughts will diminish, your mind will get quiet, and your brain patterns will begin to be at those deeper levels. You will find a deep peace that you may have never experienced before. Stresses will dissolve, and a sense of well-being will envelop you.

I encourage you to try the breath meditation and to practice it often. I also strongly suggest you meditate twice a day, once first thing in the morning and again just before bed at night. I find these times to be the easiest to make into a habit. We can meditate any time of the day or night, but it’s best to make a point of doing it twice daily and to establish a routine of morning and evening meditation. A sense of peace will develop in your life with regular practice. In my experience, breath meditation is one of the most powerful meditations in the universe.

The Breath Meditation is a simple technique.  In this form of meditation, what I want you to do is simply “follow your breath”.  Follow your breath with no mantra, no prayer word, just simple and quiet following of your breath.  How it works is that you sit in a quiet, comfortable place, sitting up with your feet on the floor or legs crossed.  As you are sitting there watch or take notice of your breath.  Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, and breathe out.  You can breathe in through your mouth or your nose, it doesn’t’ matter.  The only thing that matters is following your breath.  If something distracts you, simply come back to your breath.  When strenuous thoughts or uncomfortable thoughts arise or come to the surface, don’t try to ignore them or push them away but instead acknowledge them and go back to your breath.  Focus on your breath, nothing but your breath.  Again, any distractions are acknowledged but always to simply go back to your breath.  There are no thoughts, your mind will get quiet and still inside and your brain patterns will begin to go to those deeper levels.  You will find a deep peace that you may only experience when you are at a deep sleep at night; however, with meditation you are giving your mind this break during the day.  Stresses will go away and peace will come to you.

I encourage you to try the Breath Meditation and practice it often.  I also highly suggest you meditate twice a day, once first thing in the morning and again just before bed at night.  I find these times to be the easiest to make into a habit.  You can meditate at any time of day or night, but I highly suggest you make it a point to do so twice a day, once first thing in the morning and again just before bed at night.  The Breath Meditation is truly what I consider to be one of the most powerful meditations in the universe.

Dr. Robert Puff - About the Author:

Dr. Robert Puff, Ph.D. is a meditation expert, international speaker and has a blog athttp://www.Meditation-Enlightenment.com  He is the creator of the weekly Meditation For Health Podcast, available at http://www.MeditationForHealthPodcast.com  He has a weekly podcast that explores the world of Happiness at http://www.HappinessPodcast.org  If you would like to contact Dr. Puff, his e-mail address is DrPuff@cox.net

Read more on Meditation:

A Guided Video Meditation with Gangaji

6 Reasons Why Meditation Appears So Difficult by Ed and Deb Shapiro

The ongoing desire to discover an alternate fantastic reality, which is perfect and free of the limitations of time-space, begins is many people’s childhood. As children, we were often curious about who we are, and what this life is all about. In many cases, the death of a person we knew, have raised many questions about the after-life. The gnosis about existence of realms beyond is imprinted in the human collective experience. There is a vague memory in every individual’s mind regarding other dimensions of existence.

Where did we come from and what is the purpose of this life? This question is often asked by humans of all ages. Did we come to this world from another realm? Can life exist in other forms besides the one we live in? Can we access such realms? Can anyone see them?

In the second half of the 20th century, modern science has developed new tools to explain the existence of life in more than one dimension. According to the “String Theory”, the universe is spread in ten different dimensions consisting of different energy vibrations, and the universal energy field is composed of “membranes” and other esoteric shapes.

The Realm of Matter:

All that exists, seen or unseen, is an infinite field of being, composed of one dimensional strings that vibrate in an infinite spectrum of frequencies. The infinite energy field contains all that there is, it is the source where all forms of life exist. At the lowest range of this wide ray of frequencies, there is a “thickening” of energy fields.  The lowest frequencies which crystallize into matter, are known to us as the “physical” world (dimension), which is measurable, and can be recognized by our 5 senses. All other forms of life, which vibrate in higher frequencies that are beyond human perception, create the parallel realities of other realms. Scientists assume that parallel realities were created by the “missing” 80% of the mass released after the “Big Bang”. This mass was transformed into energy fields that compose the other dimensions. Different theories suggest that we exist in the 3rd dimension (out of 10). This is the most condensed energy field which enables the formation of matter. Other dimensions contain different forms of life, with different levels of consciousness in different frequencies. All the physical attributes known to us at our physical world, such as electro-magnetic fields, gravitation, and nuclear energy, are singular manifestations of the universal energy.

The Kabbalistic Outlook:

According to the mystical Kabbalah, which investigates universal secrets and the essence of life, we can learn that the reality we are aware of represents a tiny section of the whole. The Kabbalah indicates that the larger part of existence, the dimensions that we cannot perceive with our human limitations, is indeed the reality itself and our physical life is just an illusion.

The Kabbalistic “Ten Sefirot” – or Ten Spheres – is a clear manifestation of the ten dimensions of the universe.  The nine higher spheres existed before our physical world has been formed. The highest sphere is “Keter” (Crown) – a dimension of eternal light, the source of everything that was created, a dimension with no limitations. The following eight spheres are stemmed out of the highest sphere, and actualize their previous sphere as their energetic consistency become more and more condensed. The energetic volume of every sphere is one tenth of its previous sphere. The world in which we live is the sphere named “Malchut” – (kingdom), the realm of matter.

The Scientific Perspective:

The theory of parallel dimensions was first contemplated by scientists in Princeton University. A recent research by Prof. David Dutch of Oxford University has proven the theory of parallel worlds. He claims that we can only see a minimal portion of the large reality. Our world is only one of many possible hidden realities, only one single form of existence out of infinite dimensions that exist at the same time. According to quantum physics, there is more than one universe, and we can interact with alternate dimensions of being.

Parallel realities may exist by different physical laws of time and space. Their transpirations can be manifestations of another set of possibilities that are alternative to the occurrences we witness in our own reality. They may be happening just a few millimeters away from us, but we cannot be aware of them because their energetic frequencies are unperceived by us.

Accessing Alternate Dimensions:

The human soul, which is an integral part of the immense universal energy field, has a subconscious connection with different forms of being. As humans, we are “trapped” in a physical body that limits our large vision of the universe. Consciously, we can only be aware of aspects that can be absorbed by our five senses. People who developed their sixth sense can access knowledge which is beyond the physical existence.

According to modern physics, the passage between our dimension and parallel realities is in the form of “black holes” or “worm tunnels” that exist in some mysterious locations in the universe. Mankind has vague memories (or traces of memories) of other existing dimensions, and there is an ongoing quest to overcome the limitations of the mind and access the large picture.

Humans are able to connect with alternate realities in some conditions:

As our souls leave our bodies during sleep, they can access higher realms and get recharged and reset.  According to the Kabbalah, the sleep process is considered as some form of death, when the soul departs from the body. Practicing Jews have a special morning prayer to thank God for returning the soul back into the body upon awakening.

Where Can You See Parallel Worlds?

Art got the answer: Surreal art is characterized by images that come directly from the subconscious mind. As known in metaphysics, the subconscious mind is the medium through which our souls are connected to universal wisdom. Universal wisdom is an infinite pool that contains all information and endless possibilities.

The art world, especially the surreal, visionary and fantasy genres, suggest a glimpse into the vast range ofpossibilities that exist beyond normal human perception. Some surrealist artists are, in fact, sort of clairvoyants who absorb images from alternate forms of being. According to social perception, they “capture” visuals through channeling.

Rene Magritte’s painting “The human Condition” is a clear illustration of one plane (The image on the canvas) merges with another (The actual landscape in the back). Magritte’s famous “Chateau des Pyrenees” depicts a huge rock floating over the ocean, with a castle built on its top.

Well – everybody knows that a huge boulder cannot float in the air – but can this scene be possible in a dimension that has a different set of physical laws?

Remedios Varo, a Mexican surrealist, is a terrific example of a clairvoyant artist. Her paintings depict a series of fantasy scenes that seem to be taken from alternate worlds: Look at her painting “The Alchemist” and see reality extending from one dimension to another.

Another member of this group of artists is Orna ben-Shoshan, a fascinating self-taught visionary artist. Her paintings originate from a mysterious, far-out world and reveal colorful esoteric occurrences, in which creatures and objects interact in unpredictable ways. The metaphysical atmosphere in her creations draws the viewer into a journey through alternative realities. As a life-long student of Kabbalah and mysticism, Orna has always been fascinated with the gateway points – the borders between different dimensions. Her artwork reflects a wide range of potentials, as she explores the different aspects of transformation from one form of existence to another. Here are a few examples that illustrate her inductions: In her painting “shedding Heavy Traces“, two figures are carrying a person whose upper body emerges from an open carrier. The person is on his way “out” of this world – he is on the verge of leaving this realm of existence (death) and progresses into another dimension. His lower body has already disappeared into what can be interpreted as “nothingness”. On his departure he drops away heavy packages that symbolize the material load he had to carry throughout his life in the physical realm. The painting “Four Twin Souls” depicts four figures, that exist in one dimension, and being spiritually fed by their clone entities that live in another dimension.

Orna’s painting “Departure” shows a woman carrying a pod, approaching a staircase through which she will embark on her travel into another dimension. The angel at the top of the staircase unveils the passage to her.

In her painting “The Elevator” two figures are carried in a wooden box over a hallucinated plane. Their faces are covered so that they can’t see the journey’s track.

A winged figure carries the cargo through air. This is a scene that deals with metaphysical transformation – as the passengers in the box are being moved from one level of consciousness to the other.

Travelling through air, diffusing from one plane into another, riding a floating structure, opening a door to the void, climbing a staircase, or dissolving landscapes – there are many possible ways shown by art as a means to pass into alternate dimensions. If you are curious about the worlds beyond – this is the place to see  them.

As the human memories of parallel life forms fade when a soul is reincarnated into a new physical body, glimpses of memory may appear in our minds time and again, for a fraction of a second. Capture these visions! These moments of enlightenment come to remind us that our earthly life is just one of infinite possibilities in the mighty universe that created us.

Orna Ben-Shoshan

Orna Ben-Shoshan has been an auto deduct artist for the past 30 years. Her artwork was exhibited in numerous locations in the USA, Europe and Israel. Her Major motivation as a visual artist is to share her visions with others to expand their consciousness and inspire new ways of thinking. To see more of her artwork, please visit: http://www.ben-shoshan.com During 2008, Orna has embarked on a new and challenging project: Her artwork became the theme of a new set of reading cards: “King Solomon Cards”, a new and innovative divination tool which combines her metaphysical art with ancient Kabalistic symbols. Please visit: http://www.k-s-cards.com to learn more.

Read more from VividLife.me:

What You Want Already Exists by Hemal Radia

MANIFESTING MIRACLES By Cynthia James

Gangaji will be offering a free open webcast on Sunday May 20 at 11:00  AM pacific time. After that, you can join her for a Silent Retreat at Fallen Leaf Lake, South Lake Tahoe, CA, beginning May 29. Visitwww.gangaji.org for more information about Gangaji and her upcoming events, including the monthly Webcast / Conference Series, With Gangaji, which is currently undergoing an in-depth study of Hidden Treasure.

Gangaji shares a simple message – “This is an invitation to shift your allegiance from the activities of your mind to the eternal presence of your being.” Born in Texas in 1942, Gangaji grew up in Mississippi. After graduating from the University of Mississippi in 1964, she married and had a daughter. In 1972, she moved to San Francisco where she began exploring deeper levels of her being. She took Bodhisattva vows, practiced Zen and Vipassana meditation, helped run a Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Center, and had a career as an acupuncturist in the San Francisco Bay area. Despite her successes, Gangaji continued to experience a deep and persistent longing for fulfillment. She pursued many paths to change her life including relationship, motherhood, political activism, career, and spiritual practice, but even the greatest of her successes ultimately came up short. In the wake of her disillusionment, she made a final prayer for true help. In 1990, the answer to her prayer came unexpectedly, taking her to India and to the meeting that would change everything. There on the banks of the river Ganga, she met Sri H.W.L. Poonja, also known as Papaji, who opened the floodgates of self-recognition. In this meeting, Gangaji’s personal story of suffering ended and the promise of a true life began to flower and unfold. Today, Gangaji travels the world speaking to seekers from all walks of life. A teacher and author, she shares her direct experience of the essential message she received from Papaji and offers it to all who want to discover a true and lasting fulfillment. Through her life and words, she powerfully articulates how it is really possible to discover the truth of who you are and to be true to that discovery. Gangaji’s website www.gangaji.org

The experience of the gift of life, of the grace of life, is a mysterious blessing we celebrate and bow to. Grace is the answer to our prayers, and yet it is free of our bidding. How joyous to bask in even an instant of surprising good fortune. How sweetly humbling to be delivered from misfortune.

We most easily and delightedly recognize grace in its form of deliverance. Yet it has another, equally humbling, equally mysterious face. The horrific face of grace can fill us with dread and fear when it appears, but if we are willing to welcome it — as we welcome the good news of the grace of bounty — it too brings us home. In whatever form it presents itself, grace reveals home as free and at peace. Grace is the messenger of the silent core of us, regardless of any tumult on the surface.

Who can truly comprehend what we each have to experience in our lives? We know of horrible experiences, diseases, wars, loss and degradation that many have to go through. And we also hear from many of the surprising grace present with the loss and pain: grace’s horrific face.

This is not the face of grace that we want. We want grace that is easy and beautiful and flowing. We usually — at least initially — resist grace that is ugly and painful. You must have experienced certain events, however they have shown up, as unwanted. If you are still resisting some unwanted event in your life and are willing to open to it now, you can find the grace in that very moment.

Grace does not require you to want something that you do not want. What is required is that you tell the truth about what simply and irrevocably is. What is required is that you stop fighting and hiding from what is. When these utterly simple and deeply challenging requirements are met, the innate grace of your own consciousness naturally reveals who you are and what you can bear.

We have many ideas about what we can bear. These ideas are the reflections of our fear. We doubt our capacity to meet what life and the changes in life give us. But when the willingness to tell the truth in open stillness comes, capacity is discovered.

Part of the horrific grace of being a human being is the knowledge that non-existence is at the end of the arc of our lifetime. We avoid death — other’s or our own — but when death comes close, the possibility is just as close for the discovery of great horrific grace. We don’t want to die. It may sometimes seems dying would be easier than meeting the challenge of living, but you wouldn’t be reading this if you hadn’t chosen life. And yet death will come.

In the horrific knowledge that what we don’t want (death, loss) will come regardless of our desires, there is an indescribable grace that is available. The fact that you have the gift of a human life with reflective consciousness allows you to open your consciousness, rather than to engage in the usual habitual strategies of denial.

The Tibetans speak about this precious human life. I used to doubt the preciousness of a human life because it seemed that the cows, in their unconsciousness of inevitable death might actually have a better life. But what are the cows doing in the pasture? They are waiting for the slaughterhouse. Even the lilies of the field, though not doing anything, simply living and being beautiful, are dead soon enough. We too are headed for the slaughterhouse, we too will be dead soon enough. And because of the horrific grace of consciousness we can meet that inevitability.

If we stop at the horror, if we try to find something to cover it or fix it or distract ourselves from it, we deny ourselves the grace of it. When there is enough willingness to face what has been avoided, the preciousness of every moment of every limited life form is celebrated and welcomed. Facing the horror of changes and endings allows us to fully participate in both what is inherently transitory and what is changeless.

Precious human life. Precious life form. Precious moment of every life — the cow’s life until it is slaughtered or the lily’s life until it wilts — how precious it is to be conscious of being and not being.

This blog is adapted from a talk given by Gangaji at Kripalu Center, MA in September 2011. Gangaji’s new book Hidden Treasure: Uncovering the Truth in Your Life Story, was published in September 2011 by Tacher/Penguin. In this life-changing book, Gangaji uses the telling of her own life story to help readers uncover the truth in their own. Publisher’s Weekly said, “This gently flowing but often disarming volume invites readers to examine the narratives that shape them, and is a call to pass beyond personal stories to find a deeper, more universal self.”

Gangaji will be offering a free open webcast on Sunday May 20 at 11:00  AM pacific time. After that, you can join her for a Silent Retreat at Fallen Leaf Lake, South Lake Tahoe, CA, beginning May 29. Visit www.gangaji.org for more information about Gangaji and her upcoming events, including the monthly Webcast / Conference Series, With Gangaji, which is currently undergoing an in-depth study of Hidden Treasure.

Gangaji shares a simple message – “This is an invitation to shift your allegiance from the activities of your mind to the eternal presence of your being.” Born in Texas in 1942, Gangaji grew up in Mississippi. After graduating from the University of Mississippi in 1964, she married and had a daughter. In 1972, she moved to San Francisco where she began exploring deeper levels of her being. She took Bodhisattva vows, practiced Zen and Vipassana meditation, helped run a Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Center, and had a career as an acupuncturist in the San Francisco Bay area. Despite her successes, Gangaji continued to experience a deep and persistent longing for fulfillment. She pursued many paths to change her life including relationship, motherhood, political activism, career, and spiritual practice, but even the greatest of her successes ultimately came up short. In the wake of her disillusionment, she made a final prayer for true help. In 1990, the answer to her prayer came unexpectedly, taking her to India and to the meeting that would change everything. There on the banks of the river Ganga, she met Sri H.W.L. Poonja, also known as Papaji, who opened the floodgates of self-recognition. In this meeting, Gangaji’s personal story of suffering ended and the promise of a true life began to flower and unfold. Today, Gangaji travels the world speaking to seekers from all walks of life. A teacher and author, she shares her direct experience of the essential message she received from Papaji and offers it to all who want to discover a true and lasting fulfillment. Through her life and words, she powerfully articulates how it is really possible to discover the truth of who you are and to be true to that discovery. Gangaji’s website www.gangaji.org

Read more from Gangaji:

The Point of Authentic Inquiry by Gangaji

Going Inside ~ Direct Experience Is Like a True Kiss by Gangaji

Technorati Tags: authenticity, awakening, Death, enlightenment, grace, humanity, loss, spiritual awakening, Spirituality

I want to personally invite you to one of the most inspirational and transformational events of the year, organized and founded by the incredible Liz Dawn Donahue. Liz founded Celebrate Your Life 10 Years ago with her late mother Arielle Wolfe, with an intent to help shift the consciousness of the planet one event at a time. I have attended and sponsored this event for the last 3 years and it is my absolute joy to invite you to come along with us for a weekend in Chicago like no other…

Sincerely,

Shayne Traviss, Founder of VividLife.me

Celebrate Your Life is a life-changing experience!

Are you ready to create the life you desire and give it more meaning and purpose?

People travel from all over the world to Chicago to attend Celebrate Your Life – designed to offer you ways to create your best, most fulfilling, meaningful and joyous life from all aspects of your being.

In four inspring days, you will attend life-changing workshops and keynote lectures with over 15 of the country’s top spiritual, personal growth and metaphysical teachers in the world including:

Marianne Williamson Don Miguel Ruiz Neale Donald Walsch James Van Praagh Caroline Myss Colette Baron Reid John Holland James Redfield Michael Beckwith. . . .and MANY MORE!!!

Celebrate Your Life begins on Friday, June 8th and goes until Monday, June 11th and takes place at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center. Stay for all four days or just the weekend! It’s your choice!

CLICK HERE TO SEE A COMPLETE LIST OF SPEAKERS & CONFERENCE DETAILS!!!

The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows. Buddha

With six months to go before the next election, President Obama has officially launched his campaign. This is an important time for him not to take anything for granted, but also to stay true to his beliefs and ethics.

It is extremely hard to stay balanced during difficult and challenging times, as there are always those who want to bring you down, who disagree, criticize, or act like they know better. It is obvious that it will be a nasty presidential campaign. Both Obama’s religion and his birthplace are constantly questioned yet he holds his head high, speaks calmly and intelligently, and seems to have no malice. His reaction to such dissenters has simply shown his determination to keep going forward. As he said: “What we can do, as flawed as we are, is still see God in other people, and do our best to help them find their own grace. That’s what I strive to do, that’s what I pray to do every day.”

When people speak badly about you, you should respond in this way: Keep a steady heart and do not reply with harsh words. Practice letting go of resentment, and accept that another’s hostility is the spur to your understanding. Be kind, adopt a generous standpoint, treat your enemy as a friend, and suffuse your world with affectionate thoughts, far-reaching and widespread, limitless and free from hate. Buddha

The Buddha’s teaching is based on our interdependence and interconnectedness. In a very broad sense, the role of the president is similar — to recognize how we all affect each other, which is our basic interconnectedness. Obama’s recent announcement of his support of gay marriage is an example of this, as it reflects the desire that all beings be treated equally. As Obama said four years ago: “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

We are delighted that Obama has recognized gay marriage as a fundamental right, for the soul is neither male nor female, gay or straight. The latest Newsweek features an image of Obama with a rainbow-colored halo above his head. The cover story is: “The First Gay President.” We all breathe the same air, drink the same water, eat, sleep, and want to be happy. Love is not determined by gender. Why should anyone be denied the right to live the life they want, as long as they are not creating suffering for another? When we first met with the Dalai Lama at his residence in northern India we prostrated before him, as is the custom. He quickly lifted us up saying, “We are all equal here.”

But the differences between us can be huge. Although Obama pledged bipartisanship, in the last four years we have seen the worst partisanship ever, with the Republicans determined to say “no” to whatever Obama proposes. To find unity, we have to go beyond those differences; we have to surrender our own needs for the benefit of all. In the process, our enemies can teach us great patience and even compassion!

It is a man’s own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways. Buddha

Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule. Buddha

There have been some great achievements in the last four years as well as promises that haven’t been kept. But perfection is knowing ones own imperfections, which gives us the ability to get up each time we fall.

Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without. Buddha

Ed and Deb Shapiro are the authors of BE THE CHANGE, How Meditation Can Transform You And The World, with forewords by the Dalai Lama and Robert Thurman and Winner of the 2010 Nautilus Gold Book Award. Deb is the author of the bestselling book, YOUR BODY SPEAKS YOUR MIND, winner of the 2007 Visionary Book Award. They are featured bloggers on Oprah.com/spirit, HuffingtonPost.com/Living, and Care2.com. They have 3 meditation CD’s: Metta — Loving Kindness and Forgiveness; Samadhi – Breath Awareness and Insight; and Yoga Nidra – Inner Conscious Relaxation. See: www.EdandDebShapiro.com

Read more from Ed and Deb Shapiro:

Gitmo or Gandhi by Ed and Deb Shapiro

Why Do We Enjoy Making Fun of Others? by Ed and Deb Shapiro

Technorati Tags: appreciation, authenticity, gay, gratitude, inspiration, personal development, politics, self-discovery, Spirituality

The definitions and concepts around “Mother” have radically changed over the last 100 years. Today both women and men are mothers. Between adoption, foster care and with advanced fertility technology like egg donation and surrogacy, almost anyone can have a child. Gone are age limits. Increasingly we are seeing baby boomers raise their grandchildren. People like Oprah Winfrey are mothering an entire generation without ever having given birth. And in 2012, the qualities that make a great mother require an infinite blending and balancing of both the feminine and the masculine. All these radical shifts in this area alone are living testament as to how our reality is fluid and changing.

I have been so inspired and influenced by the Divine Feminine in my life. From the moment I was born I was surrounded by strong influences that didn’t just show love – they embodied unconditional love. My well-being was nurtured and their imprints are as much a part of me today as the color of my eyes.

You too are the divine reflection of sacred mother personified. This truth knows no gender. You are the infinite possibilities of unconditional love. This truth embraces your divinity and your humanity. You are the limitless strength and wisdom of Mother Nature and the infinite cosmos. This truth withstands all changes and the test of time. As a Divine Being you embody all energies and are boundless potential. The sacred intertwining of all aspects within brings about acute awareness and intuition, greater clarity, heightened compassion, limitless spontaneity and profound appreciation. Ultimately you are mothering you! And this most sacred relationship is at the heart of your own health, well-being, serenity, and ability to flow with life as it unfolds until the day you transition.

When you have the courage to be infinite – life meets you in a space of infinite possibilities. Live your destiny. Celebrate and mother every aspect of you and feel your heart expand. Appreciate every chapter of life as it has unfolded for every experience has brought you to this Divine Appointment, and for that I am deeply grateful.

However you define mother, celebrate the play of these aspects within. Prioritize you. Silently whisper or shout from the rafters, “Happy Mother’s Day to Me.”

Happy Mother’s Day 2012!

Panache Desai is an inspirational visionary and contemporary spiritual master whose gift of vibrational transformation has inspired and shifted the lives of tens of thousands. He shares eternal truths, inspirational insights, and vibrational tools to create the life of your dreams. Panache is a modern-day avatar who acts as a direct link to Divine consciousness empowering people of all ages, economic and educational backgrounds to transform their lives by connecting them with their limitless Divine nature. Young, hip and funny, Panache brings his global community together weekly via LIVE webcasting. http://www.panachedesai.com/

Read more from Panache Desai:

If You Could Question God? by Panache Desai

You Were Born For Greatness by Panache Desai

Technorati Tags: divine feminine, evolution, internal harmony, mother's day, panache desai, Panache Desai blog, Personal Growth, spiritual teacher, what makes a great mother?