Frog Playing Harp- 15th December 1991

YOU should be able to 'feel' the nature of any writing - even when the manuscript has been copied - by the mere touch of the fingertips. If you run the fingers along the print and retain the impressions that come from this initial encounter, there shall be something of the measure, content, vitality, essence and character of the intended message which lies within the word-formula.

Whilst of course, this may never take the place of a 'good read' with proper consideration of any work, it may be a useful exercise in later qualifying or comparing such first impressions, opposed to later, and review accordingly. For as mentioned earlier, words upon a page, do of themselves issue much into the ethers. Similar to all computations which are designed and set, they hold living qualities unique unto the intrinsic composition.

Not all works are favorable or compatible with one's current forms of thought or being. Some may upset, or of themselves be quite destructive and volatile, or of little significance.

One must not be overtaken by fads or by trivial behavior which confuses true insights with quick and easy novelties. But having made that apparent, it is also true to say that there are small practices which may assist the student in becoming in part, more sensitive, more aware of his environment, without rendering him consumed by such practices.

Another example of such a helpful tool is namely that of annunciating, in company or without, certain words which stimulate a most positive smile within. They need not be directly related to conversation or to positive implication, but personally call upon a smile and a relief, which helps break the tension and diverts the condensation of intense thought which hitherto has become noticeably restrictive.

For example: if I were to say to you, "Green jelly!" or "Happy holiday!", "Big teeth, great smile"!, "Foibles!", "Turtle on rye!", "Frog playing harp!" and so forth. Whatever invokes instantaneous cheer and gentle humour will suffice. It may appear as complete nonsense and an overindulgence would not be advisable, for there are institutions devoted to housing such people who maintain this sentence structure day long. However, cheery nonsensical exclamations, intermittently, can be useful - and surprisingly enough can actually assist in returning a certain sense of normalcy to a situation which is becoming over accentuated. For perspectives need shift, and radically each sentence requires punctuation.

Another helpful tip one might like to try: Choose a small vegetable or nut and try carrying it everywhere upon your person (in your pocket or in your bag) for a whole day. During the day take it out and examine it - it may be a cherry tomato, it may be a hazelnut; obviously the larger it is, the harder it will be to carry it comfortably. Study and befriend this whole fruit or vegetable or nut and appreciate its presence. Whether or not you care to eat it come night-time is another matter. In point of fact, you probably will not want to do so, but by entering into this small relationship you shall come to an unusual consideration for the species, whilst at the same time be imparted during that day, with aspects of its very character and vitality. Thus the flower in the lapel. You may decide this for yourself.

There are many little exercises which may be helpful in increasing one's awareness of sensitivities, and also observation of such. The natural world becomes a great teacher if we may begin to unlock and unravel the smallest of intricate and otherwise complicated messages.

How often when we speak to another man, are we caught by a particular feature and focus upon such physical attribute, and consciously or not we become persuaded that this is the man or woman before us. These are small exercises which awaken us to the truth that we must not be satisfied with casual impressions, or for that matter unconscious impressions which may be tangled up with mingled comparisons of our own.

Any study of fruit or of word in any respective region, will undeniably assist us to observe and study elsewhere in all encounters. So we strive to be wakeful and considerate, observant and not overly receptive, however knowledgeable of that which we are receptive to.

So we do not try to force the faculties and replace sensory experience for a world of subtle impressions, but rather try to determine the relationship of both, and our concurrent awareness of. Not to lose consciousness, but rather to be so stimulated that we become more refined and attuned in our daily consciousness, and therefore more generally content, for there is strength in such awareness. When symbols and features confuse us, when interpretation of the world appears unachievable, it is then that we are given over to stressful complaints; for we are uncomfortable and know not why.

If I carry a vegetable, I do not have to become as the vegetable. My days learning need not be satisfied by this one small exercise. However, it can be a very useful adjunct, especially as I introduce the vegetable to my world in all its aspects, and am given to consideration of that very life and vitality which speaks to me from him and his.

We are all representatives of our relations- each and every one of us. The powers and the impulses which stream down and through to that cherry tomato are cosmically inclined, a living representation of his god himself. That form is no accident, the color is by design.

Carry as little money on your personage as possible. Folk prefer new notes, because they know instinctively that they are not tainted by past transactions, by fingerprints of countless eager hands. It is not so much to say that new money smells good, but rather old money smells exceedingly bad! That sickening smell awakes our sensitivities to the undesirous nature of those notes we carry with us.

A little bag of grain used to be carried in a similar fashion to the vegetable exercise outlined above. However the properties of seed react upon us in a different way and are not entirely suited to contemplation by the student. For seed contemplation may be far more overwhelming to the unprepared and underdeveloped, as it will speak not so much of characteristics, than of vitalities. Over-stimulation is never desirable.

Practicing the telling of a good story is not only a wonderful art, but a disciplinary exercise for consideration of others interest. It is vital that we should be aware of those times when our words become as lead, and those times when we impart meaningful and happy notes. It is true that a good story loses something in the telling, and therefore it is more significant that we should work upon just one, and so try to refine and bring into the telling that which genuinely gives something to the listener.

If we fail to be observant, if we choose to ignore the closed windows, so to speak, then we shall tire ourselves as well as others, when we are called to relay teachings or instructions, which albeit are worthwhile but lost in the manner of the telling. It is no less sincere to be so contrived. Language as an art is much given to improvisation these days -spontaneous outbursts can be stimulating indeed - and yet usually it is more the case that we do not speak with lively tongue, but rely on rehearsed repetition which is uncaptivating to all.

If a speaker has little love or enthusiasm for his subject, it is not surprising that he fails to impart or incite much interest either. Therefore, we are best given to speak firstly of that which we genuinely hold affection for, and to balance this with careful observation of he who we would give to, this our treasured concern.

Listening too, requires much intelligent review. Do we listen to another, simply awaiting the pause or the break, in which we may interject? Or do we listen to another, in order to glean and share experience and enhance the meeting, with a meeting of heart and mind?

When we are in company it is important that each and every one is comfortable, as comfortable as possible. Therefore it is first courtesy to ascertain this, before any conversation is to 'take off' - a shift of positions, of rooms, of appearances, foodstuffs and room temperature, personality adjustments and so forth. For as host to another, we are obliged to consider their requirements firstly and strive not to entertain or inform, but make as possible, a possible setting for a wonderful interplay of thoughtful argument (not as in argue) and experience the moments of unison to follow.

Therefore grumbling and complaints are out of the question, as these are unsettling and make all very uncomfortable. Apologies and confessions are great openers, as long as they do not bring grief to either party. People usually start from some point of agreement, and if you admit to some small failing they will usually consent, whilst at the same time become all the more relaxed.

Oil on Water- 11th December 1991

Charity, Mother of Virtue, Mother Charity, Angelos Caritas

WE may invoke a counter-magic, in order to set aright all of those invocations from those who blaspheme . . . One need not be surprised to discover the very real harm which does come, not from the innocent and not from he who is stupid, but out from he who does deny sorely that which he knows in heart and in conscience, and negates such true and proper inclinations, and rather emits vulgarities in nature, unproductive argument and devious, self-placed design.

We must answer not only the doubtful, the dubious, but moreover, the wretched; who in commonplace manner, defy and deny all spiritual heritage. And yes, they may take the form of believers also - many a criminal would mouth the words which insult his true thought, and vice versa. However, lies are lies, wherever, whoever; and it is a special task indeed to be both watchful and forthright when one encounters deceit and deception.

No one can 'make good' another man's wrongful or evil emission. But by careful and prudent perception, assaying fact from fancy, measuring man from word and discerning credibility, sensibility and motivation, one can be helped twofold: that the ethers be somewhat cleansed by such effort, and that self-reflection become more tardy and addressed with greater deliberation.

There are waves of lies that hang heavy, sometimes dormant, sometimes cloudy, around an area which encompasses a man or his house; or perhaps his meeting place. And we may enter into such an oppressed condition; and if sensitive to that environment, we may unknowingly suffer much confusion thereby. For alone we are as one glimmering speck amongst the refuse, and may easily be coerced into surrendering our identity to that which appears, more persuasively, to be a greater reality. So we must be mindful that we may call upon those who we desire to help us in our exploits, that we may go forth into a situation, not as one but with the undefiable stronghold of a veritable host, that the glimmer may become radiant, and permeate the greatest of heavily hung cloud-thought – oppressive, stagnant and pungent to the human condition.

Enchantments may weave almost any design, for there are creators who are deft and proficient, whom we may not so readily apply ourselves to, whatever the good wish or motivation. When one remembers the folk tales in this regard, it is important to note that one must firstly retain their individuality no matter what they may happen upon exterialy; and hold fast with both sword and shield, fearless and confident, and ready for that one moment of certain application. 

Many a saint held fast and would not give over his divine identity - the point was of renouncement; the price to many would appear so great. Are we to negate or negotiate our freedom, or our greatest loves, simply to appease some fiend or foul-mouthed renegade? How often we are put to the test, by neighbor, who unwittingly seeks our compliance and our complaisance. And do we surrender or do we hold fast?

Remembering also that an aggressive response is also a form of denial of that true certainty. If we are to answer the tribulations that affront the world of thought then we are not by measure to spark the flame with more of the same. We cannot be over-sure, we cannot be sustained by pride alone, we cannot endeavor to offer the cherished gifts of wisdom along with insults and condemnation.

And so there is a precarious mix afforded us whereupon we are duty-bound to answer all untruths, firstly within ourselves and secondly, back to the world; but by being so transformed that they may injure no more.

It is a steady regulation that is therefore required. We may ever work for such development, that we ourselves become as regulatory monitors of each and every confrontation. To do this, we also ask for assistance, for we must realize that we cannot and do not stand alone in this dark and dreary place. It does happen sometimes, that one may stand in dense fog, and not see even his own hand, until he holds it closer to his eyes. So we are not to be misguided or mistaken, that those Powers of assistance are at too far a distance as to be called upon, for verily, they are at 'arm's length' and awaiting; humbly awaiting.

Such oppression is manifest wherever people dwell. In part, in measure, we do carry burdensome preponderances of our own, we know too well. Oft times people seek out company which shares similar densities and weights which stifle spirit and true happinesses. There is little alleviation in this, and comfort is no more extraordinary. However, folk generate more of the same with gloomy and earthbound results. The promulgation of such oppressive thought-clouds, becomes representative of a soul-condition that is so recognized it becomes assumed that this is the very plane of consciousness.

If a man is to live with too much of this murky pollution - in dullness and in clouds of darkness - then he is so accustomed and begins to view the entire world with 'night-eyes'. Then the contrast - when the clouds are: lifted away, shafted away, drifting away - becomes awesome and painful, and so brilliant as to cause momentarily another form of blindness. So they mistake their newly acquired vision for yet a greater way to blindness and are so confused that they are inclined to immediately withdraw back into the shadows from where they are attuned. Would that they might confront the grand realities long enough to be more accustomed, they would then enjoy the 'revelations' which are so often called for.

The soul lies adrift like oil upon the water, and as one unto another, the mingle of one's wakeful consciousness and soul-consciousness, relate to each other according to the levels of visibility.

And He who stands with the Heavenly lamp, may cause men to take a fright at the length of their own shadows - but also too, to see the world as is and not in sorrow. For a real smile is far more potent than one thousand masks - what use is a party, if there is nothing to rejoice? How often men fake gaiety and try to assume frivolity, when truly they sorrow together.

Condemnation & Charity- 9th December 1991

Whilst men dig graves for other men,
And women bring the new life in;
How busy we are, how busy we be,
How short the longest life,
How long our misery.

THERE are two types of condemnation: one is conversant, by which experience measures fault and future mistake; whilst the other is but an uneducated bias, which is all too quick with bile and venom, and judgment which is extraordinarily unfounded. Therefore if we are to judge wisely and correctly it is as former sinners who have fallen from Grace herself. Whether by firsthand recollection or by imprint on memory lost to a former age, nonetheless the guilt and blood past spent has left its remorse and admonishments upon us. 

Were we to judge and proclaim our innocence complete, then we would be misrepresented; and mistaken also in gauging our brother's future regret. Therefore we perceive all men to be holy, with none other so perfect as to be compared with the Father. Rather, we are all with guilt and folly and all of splendid origins. Here lies great and greater paradox. Here we may enjoy humility and yet disgrace.

No one man may pride himself on a glory surpassing his brother; no one may endure without the love and leverage, the grace and forgiveness of his kin and King. Who may be truly exalted, and beyond tears? Tears for those misguided and tears of triumphs to come. We do not lay down our face in the mud that others may not soil their feet. Conversely, we do not seek to walk on the backs of the fallen. Greater happinesses are to be found in the most humble and holy of recognitions.

Condemnation which calls not from the conscience, is self which has met with the trials of martyrdom, and made weak by the actions of destruction and denial. Those men who spit and defile the sacred imaginings, who scorn and scoff and know not the slightest of true repentance - these we must pray for; and pray for we might, for they are sorry and forlorn, stupid to the heavenly world and the presence of God.

Men would seek to steal with vanity vain that which is most worthless, and cannot beg and address He on high for that which would be given to sustain them. Where is the sensibility? Where is the cherished love for humanity? That we should put more credence in folly filled exploits and give over to impermanent passions which beguile and distort and make feeble the gentle empowered constitution?

Charity is a gentle soul indeed. She asks for nothing, she is steadfast and with fortitude. She is so developed that she may bring many a gift; not the least being motivation to those she has tended. For those who implore Charity, calling forth on behalf of others, are tended to also - infilled with her sweet presence. Much is made known to them who are faithful servants to her calling, for it is she who has domain over many a secret and a wisdom.

Those who seek kingdoms may be content with regions of swamp where the cold-blooded reptilians slither and slosh. But they may not know of those places which are truly marvelous and well worth exploring. They may not be shown entrance or pass into realms given over to great dreams, worlds whereupon visions are made and become manifest, worlds of substance: dream-substance, dreams of inspiration not of fancy. If they would but consult Charity and heed her slight ways, then perhaps these worlds would become apparent and made known . . .

Goodness, Greatness & Glory- 20th November 1991

SURELY with clarity, we do not perceive our troubled lot; for if we knew such sad predicament we would be forlornly dashed irrevocably. Moreover still, as we endure with enhanced fascination and untiring curiosities, we also lack grave insights as to the true order of magnificent glory in which we are haloed and bathe in daily. For as indicated, extremes are never so desirous- extremes that would shatter and break apart a man in the very sensing. So we quietly have knowing which is both linked but separate, distinct from the experience of such enlightenment.

We are cast into abstraction and extraction to distill and purify the potent expressions of our innermost and outermost being. We come into a life that is all consuming; our consciousness is bound for a term with only the sweet relief that slumber brings. We are so enmeshed in both subtle and blatant actualities that our thoughts may be stern one moment and flip the other, and our duality of inner man coupled with earthly consciousness walks the world semi-incognito.

Outer dance is inner joy manifest. Outer song expressed is active creation fulfilled.

The grey and sullen tones that conspire from the tongues of the dubious and the doubt-filled, that lack the resonance of he who would truly be in clarity, are dull and listless and without reflection. Whilst the higher strivings of an awakening soul who maintains that perplexity is no deterrent to his efforts of perception, the man who at best is defiant of the doubting ways - those doubting ways which are negligent of beauty, but brimful of conceit - at worst is humbled by this his unknowing.

If we fail or we falter it is not because we are frail and unwary, nor is it because we are unloved. For all failure as perceived through these our earthly eyes is but skip and joy to our highermost being, who is ever mindful of further opportunities made possible with greater consequences.

There can be no delight derived from sorrow, not even that of our own, but there can be delight in the fruit and the promise which specifies that all sorrow will pass and touches not our true being. That the days ahead are much the brighter; and if we have ever come to know of great happiness, if only briefly have we kissed the cheek of her loveliness, then surely we must be patient and expectant of her coming again.

Remorse and deep regret are imprinted on each soul stained with misgivings of error and immorality. We all share the questions which cannot set the past aright within the very spectrum of what has been. Only may we address such regret in future callings which will and do present themselves again. In this we have great hope and sense; and time is limitless for all of this to be resolved.

Know then peace in times of struggle. Acknowledge yes, the outer world constantly and meet all obligations faithfully. And when the earth crumbles away, know the fortitude that comes only with a strong regard for that which is truly essential and enduring.

Be shameful of your sins, but not so completely that that you deny your divinity. Give to each man similar regard. For we will all be made bare, as bare and as beautiful as the babes who enter into the world, held tight as we tremble in the bosom of Heaven's sweet nurture.