New Law of Attraction

Previous info on Law of Attraction has showed the importance of what you think and feel in order to create the life you want. Both are important yet at a deeper layer we need to go beyond surface thoughts and feelings to deeper states of peace from which character qualities are formed. Character in fact is what attracts the best into our life. In this you and the universe are co-creators.

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Proper Website

The Nexus blog on WordPress has been a lot of fun and now given that we will have another book out in September 09, The Law of Attraction: How to Make It Work For You. We are delighted to have an inspiring Foreword in that book by Dr. Bernie Siegel, Introduction by Scott Shaw and an Endorsement by Joe Vitale.

With all the new developments with our writing, we are looking to have a proper website up and running soon. Any suggestions on what you’d like to see in our website that would make it inspiring, captivating and engaging for you?

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To Admit or Not To Admit, “I’m A Writer!”

Our journey of writing “Nexus” began during a seminar led by Richard G. Green. We didn’t know it then but Richard would become our writing mentor.

The seminar was about Native story-telling but you anyone was welcome to attend, Native and non-Native. During the seminar, Richard talked about the importance of finding your voice and how writing can be therapeutic. All interesting stuff but what really got us was when he described the eccentric fixtures of a writer’s mind.

While at a bus stop, most people are too busy with their own concerns. But not the writer who is busy checking everyone waiting at the bus-stop. She would create a whole story about each person from just watching them. Amazing Richard was completely describing us our innate curiosity for people and the world.

Most writers are in denial of the fact that they are writers. So, during the break, 6′2″ Richard stood over 5′2″ Deborah and firmly asked: “Are you a writer?”

She hesitantly answered “yes” not knowing what she was getting into. We felt an excitement from admitting that we’re writers. It’s amazing how much energy we put into not admitting something to yourself and when you do then you feel a release.

We had bought Richard’s book on writing, The Writing Experience, an Iroquois guide to written storytelling and used it as our guide to the fascinating world of story-telling………And that’s how our journey began as writers and it led to “Nexus.”

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SACRED SYMBOLS AS A LINK TO RELIGIOUS PATTERNS OF BELIEF & ETHOS/ RELIGION AS PROCESS

A unique contribution of Geertz, in terms of religious perspective, is his focus on how religions function in people’s lives. In this article I will focus precisely on how Geertz understands religious symbols to be a link of belief & ethos,  that mutually confirms one another and makes ethos justifiable.  I will also relate the use of religious symbols to Scripturalism, as a counter-tradition against maraboutism and illuminationism.  Geertz shows how religion helps the society and culture function as a whole.  Furthermore, from Geertz’s perspective, religion can be seen as a process, in face of changing patterns of belief and ethos.

Geertz describes the heart of religious perspective as:

“the conviction that values one holds are grounded in the inherent structure of reality, that between the way one ought to live and the way things really are there is an unbreakable inner connection.” (Geertz, 1968, 97)

The unbreakable inner connection that Geertz refers to, is achieved by means of sacred religious symbols.  What sacred symbols do for people (who maintain the symbols as sacred) is firstly to “formulate an image of the world’s construction” (97) and secondly they provide a “program for human conduct” (97).  The two aspects of sacred symbols mutually confirm one another.  The sacred symbols are “mere reflexes” (97) of one another and make the way people do things justifiable.  Such sacred symbols:

“render the world view believable and the ethos justifiable and they do it by involving each in support of the other” (97)

The framework to perceive reality is believable in response to the ethos it has been formed from.  The ethos is justifiable because the world view or framework is considered true.

One can see that in response to the above description, one of Geertz’s unique strengths (as a consequence from the study of religion) is delineating religious patterns.  The belief system acts as a symbolic sacred framework through which the truth of reality is understood.  The sacred symbol of belief also provides a guide for action and conduct in everyday life.

Geertz relates the sacred symbol, to the Indonesian and Moroccan Islamic cultures.  In doing so Geertz reveals religious patterns and social  process in both of these cultures.  According to Geertz, Indonesian illuminationism portrays a reality that is “an aesthetic hierarchy culminating in a void, and projects a style of life celebrating mental poise” (98).

In contrast, Gertz portrays Moroccan maraboutism with a conception of reality as “a field of spiritual energies nucleating in persons of individual men, and it projects a lifestyle of moral passion” (98).

According to the study by Anthony F. Wallace on The Prophetic Personality, in a situation of cultural crisis, a prophet will arise to lead the human community into a revitalization movement culminating in social and religious progress.  Geertz’s model of Moroccan maraboutism portrays Lyusi as the prophetic hero who arises and promotes progress in face of crisis, by means of confrontation, “strong-man politics” and the pious “virtue of a saint” (33).

In contrast, Indonesian illuminationism portrays a prophetic hero, who would be considered unmanly in Morocco.  Kalidaga is the Indonesian prophet who resolves the cultural crisis of Indonesia by means of stillness.  Geertz’s unique strength in the study of religion surfaces in the above examples.  He shows that religion does work; that religion is a process that creates change, progress and growth, that religion modifies, to try to help make society work.  In relation to the Indonesian and Moroccan culture, the sacred symbol of the prophet changed, because those types of forces were necessary to bring about progress in their specific cultures, even though both cultures were Islamic.  Geertz shows a concrete example of how sacred symbol, even though changing, links religious belief  (ie. the image of the prophet) to ethos (the type of action a people deem justifiable in order to achieve progress and resolution of cultural crisis).

Another of Geertz’s unique contributions to the study of religion is, understanding of religion as a pattern, an unconscious process of selection and absorption and re-working.  Geertz contrasts two quite different civilizations, the Moroccan and Indonesian in terms of a micro-level of study, by means of his own experiential research.  He then uses what is found in the micro-level study and applies it to the macro-level for an overall view of the process and patterns of religion–in terms of the analysis of culture and how religion grows out of and ultimately beyond  that culture (94).  A religious pattern according to Geertz, is a dialectic or religion transcending culture (and common sense) and vice versa.  Thus, Geertz leads one to understand religion and ethos (common sense action) in terms of one another.

The Scripturalist interlude is an example of a changing pattern at work in both the Indonesian and Moroccan civilizations.

The three forces whose impact is found (during the Scripturalist interlude) in both civiliztions are “the establishment of Western domination, the increasing influence of scholastic doctrinal…scriptural Islam, and the crystallization of the activist nation-state. These three processes of cultural, social change together have changed the “old-order” Indonesia and Morocco.  ‘A step backward often emerges before a leap itself is taken’ ” (69).  Both civiliztions have responded to social changes by stepping back into a re-discovery of the Scripture.  Scripturalism surfaces as the adaptive change of religion in response to the impact of social change.  Sacred symbols once again link the new frameworks of belief and ethos.  Through the altered social situation sacred symbols have transformed from:

“religious symbols of imagistic revelations of the Divine, evidences of God, to ideological assertions of the Divine’s importance, badges of piety …” (61)

This process has been common to both the Indonesian and Moroccan culture, as has been the “loss of spiritual self-confidence” (62)

As a result the attractiveness of the religions of Kalidaga and Lyusi is still present, but the certitude these traditions used to produce is not present, since social conditions have changed over time.  The Islamic Scripturalist Interlude has been an attempt to re-establish the “original” religious beliefs, while simultaneously being progressive and modern (63).

The Indonesian general scripturalist movement has been mostly associated with the word santri (religious student).  In Morocco it has centered around the same type of figure called a taleb. The movements were not highly organized.  What became of these movements, or shift back to ‘orthodox belief’ created the new ethos of pilgrimage to Mecca, the Muslim boarding school,  and the internal market system (67).  These three newly adapted ways of human action became sacred symbols, linking belief to action or ethos.  The Scripturalist interlude was the Islamic attempt to adapt religion in order to solve a situation of social response to:

“the industrial revolution, Western intrusion and domination, the decline of the aristocractic principle of government, and the triumph of radical nationalism” (57).

The classical religious styles, illuminationism and maraboutism, no longer have the definition they once had.  Geertz shows, through his description of the Scripturalist interlude, the changing pattern of religion, as an interplay with a changing culture.

The result is described by Geertz as “radical fundamentalism and determined  modernism” (69).  Islam then becomes a “justification for modernity without itself actually becoming modern” (69).  The new figures of spirituality surface, during the scripturalist interlude, as President Sukarno and the Sultan Muhammed V. (instead of Kalidjaga and Lyusi of classical times).

Once again, we can see the emerging pattern of the prophet leader who tries to establish order out of a cultural crisis and change.  Sukarno promotes nationalism, humanitarianism, Democracy, Social Justice and Belief in God (85).  Mohammed V seemed to be of genuine piety and became a popular hero, leading an independent Morocco (80).  The Scripturalist Interlude reinforces Geertz’s religious perspective of religion as process.

In conclusion I have discussed a few of Geertz’s strengths in relation to the study of religion.  Geertz combines phenomenology, with social historical, and anthropological approaches to the study of religion.  Unique is his micro-level method of anthropological field research, applied to a macro-level understanding of the emerging patterns of religion.

Geertz has shown how religious symbols link belief with ethos and how Scripturalism has acted to further the process of religious and social change in Morocco and Indonesia.  The emerging process of changing religious patterns in mutual confirmation with social change, readily coalesce with the function of religion (within any civilization) as progressive, even though passing through a series of vicissitudes.

Works Cited

Geertz, Clifford.  Islam Observed, 1968, University of Chicago Press, Chicago.

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On “The Secret” by Dan Millman (Includes Amusing Video)

“The Secret” has offered many positive ideas, though I share many of the concerns expressed in this post by Dan Millman as highlighted in Balance “Secret Principles” with Compassion. Dan has respectfully critiqued “The Secret” with a succinct understanding.

As many of you know Dan is the author of many spiritually insightful books on personal transformation, including Way of the Peaceful Warrior, which has been made into a successful movie called Peaceful Warrior in 2006 starring Nick Nolte. Here is Dan’s insightful post on “The Secret”:

Some weeks ago, a young man wrote to us, declaring, “In six months I’m going to have three million dollars, the woman of my dreams, and a beautiful house – because I’ve seen . . . The Secret!

The Secret, for those of you who haven’t yet heard, has become an internet phenomenon. It began as an Australian television production featuring a number of well-known authors and pundits, speaking about the “Law of Attraction.” This law says that we attract or manifest into our lives what we think about or focus on or earnestly desire.

As fate would have it, the producers, in a stroke of foresight, ended up delivering this 90-minute program via internet. One can go to the web site, watch a dramatic teaser, sign up, pay a mere $4.95, and download the program to watch to one’s heart’s content — to learn “The Secret.”

I’m not surprised by the popularity of this program. Magical thinking has huge appeal for many – especially when it intersects with ideas from quantum physics and metaphysical science.

In this respectful critique, I’m going to first express what I genuinely like about the program:

I find much of the program up-beat, good hearted, encouraging. It also has excellent production values, cinematography, effects, and sound. And the editing is excellent. I’m especially impressed by the cutting-edge method of delivery — internet streaming — ushering in a new era of movies on demand with the click of a mouse.

I also like the message that what we bring into our lives begins with a vision, a longed-for aspiration — a good reminder for those of us who haven’t yet stretched the wings of possibility and allowed ourselves to embrace higher possibilities. If The Secret opens the way to expanded dreams, it serves a useful purpose.

What concerns me, however, are the program’s primary suppositions. The message, repeated in different words by the various guests, is that if we simply intend and visualize and dream big enough, we can “manifest” all our dreams — effortlessly, magically, mystically.

However, this “Law of Attraction” does not, in my view, qualify as a law at all. In my book, The Laws of Spirit, I present twelve spiritual laws (including, to name a few, the laws of balance, choices, process, faith . . . action, surrender, and unity) — laws which apply consistently and universally to everyday life. This quality of consistency is essential to any law, and differentiates it from proverbs, principles, or aphorisms, which may or may not apply. In other words, a law works every time here on Earth, much like the law of gravity.

In any case, this “Law of Attraction,” as taught many decades ago by metaphysicians like Catherine Ponder and others, is certainly a positive and expansive idea. But dreams, desires and visions are only the beginning — they must be followed by focused effort over time – something barely mentioned in the “Secret” production.

Thomas Edison wrote, “We often miss opportunity because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” It has the ring of truth, doesn’t it? But suggesting that we need to work hard over time to achieve our goals doesn’t sell well. It isn’t sexy or fascinating, or sound much like a “Secret.” Common sense rarely does.

In “The Secret,” we personally witness a little boy who wishes and hopes for a bicycle—he thinks about it, visualizes a bike, cuts out pictures from a magazine. And lo and behold, one day he opens a door and there is his new bike! Personally, I would have been more drawn to see him walking a paper route, or doing chores to earn some money, or at least asking his parents directly for a special Christmas gift. Which reminds me of a story I relate in Living on Purpose:

Louie goes to church every Sunday and prays to God, “Dear Lord, I’ve been a good and devout man for many years, living according to your Laws, doing acts of charity, serving the poor, supporting my family. So please, please, let me win the lottery just once!” He repeats this plea every week for years, but his entreaties go unanswered. So Louie starts to pray to win the lottery every night and every day. Until one day, he hears a voice thunder down from the heavens: “Louie, will you at least go half-way with me and buy a ticket?”

That’s all I’m suggesting — a simple point ignored by “The Secret” — go to the effort to buy a ticket. Or as an Arabic sage once said, “Trust in God . . . but tie your camel.”

So if you wish to be successful, dream big, but start small — then connect the dots. In other words, start with a vision, then take baby steps. Neither dreaming nor wishing nor magical secrets get the laundry done.

The biggest issue I have with programs like The Secret (or other idealistic notions such as learning “positive thinking”) is that when their magical methods don’t work, we end up believing that it’s our fault, our lack, our fault. We believe that if we had truly deserved it, or really applied ourselves, or focused more intently, or visualized more clearly with a sincere heart, surely it would have worked.

The Secret, then, with its lovely and uplifting promise, is a foolproof supposition: If we don’t heal, manifest, get what we want, it’s due to our own lack of faith.

Or maybe it’s because we forgot the “taking action” part . . .

There are some successful people who claim to have mastered “The Secret” and who have manifested their dreams and desires. Few of them tell us about their years of struggle and labor and preparation.

By all means strive in the direction of your dreams! Visualize a grand life! Then get to work. While we cannot control the outcomes, we can control our efforts. And by making the effort, we increase the odds of creating a larger life.

I close with my warmest wishes, and with a reminder from Henry David Thoreau: “If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost. Now put foundations under them.”

You might also enjoy the following link to a short You Tube commentary on “The Secret” from an Advaita Vedanta perspective:

As a post-script, both for those who mistakenly believe that I support the message of “The Secret,” and also for those who believe I’m being unjustly critical, I offer another articulate blogger’s comments about “The Secret”.

by Dan Millman

Originally posted on www.danmillman.com

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New Ideas – How Do You Generate Them?

Debby and I have for the past few months had thoughts germinating about a new book that we’d like to work on together. What’s our new book about?

Well right now that’s a secret but we’ll post more information when the time is right. So stay tuned!

Our thoughts have been building up over the last few weeks. The other night, Debby put our thoughts down on paper and created a clear outline for our new book.

I started to think how new ideas are generated.

I’ve found deliberate thoughts on generating new ideas are less successful than when you’re in a “free-flow” discussion. This is the reason why brainstorming exercises work so well.

You’re using your intuitive, creative mind to generate ideas without interference from your conscious mind. Debby and I have found that free thought that arises from a relaxed, creative space often yields best results for coming up with new ideas.

You’ll find some great examples of brainstorming strategies at Gallaudet University page on “Pre-Writing Strategies.” Debby and I have successfully used many of these strategies to generate ideas for our current book, Nexus: A Neo Novel.

Now we’re using them to generate ideas for our new book. We tend to use “Brainstorm,” “Outline” and “Mapping” in generating ideas. Which one will you use to unleash your creative powers?

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Eucalyptus From Head to Toe: Natural Healing and Relaxation

By Deborah Morrison

Published in Alive Magazine Sept. 2000

…here’s a practical approach to promote healing and relaxation…

Green eucalyptus leaves are sweet, with a fresh, woody aroma. The genus name “eucalyptus” is derived from “eu,” meaning well and “kalyptos,” meaning cover. Aromatherapists and herbalists may interpret the name to mean “that which covers well a variety of common conditions.”

The oil of eucalyptus has been distilled since the late 1700s for chest problems and colic and is for external use only. It induces sweating and acts as a stimulant, antibacterial and astringent (cleanser). It’s also useful for stuffy noses and relieves respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, flu, asthma and coughs.

In aromatherapy, eucalyptus promotes activity, vitality and energy. The massage oil is effective for sore and aching muscles. Blend the following essential oils for a medicinal massage:

20 drops eucalyptus

20 drops rosewood

20 drops lavender

5 drops peppermint

5 drops wintergreen

Mix 36 drops of this blend with three ounces of sweet almond oil and shake. Massage into fatigued, aching muscles and joints.

To relieve pain from an aching back, neck and shoulders, arthritis, rheumatism, bursitis, stiffness or muscle soreness, first apply moist heat or take a hot bath with four drops of eucalyptus oil in the bath water.

For asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis and emphysema, place a few drops of eucalyptus oil on a cloth and inhale through the mouth, then exhale through the nose for 30 seconds. This also relieves symptoms of colds and flu, coughs, sinus and sinus headaches, stuffy nose or hay fever. Massage abdomen and chest for lower respiratory discomfort.

To heal cold sores on the outside of the mouth, dry the affected area with a cloth and then apply eucalyptus oil directly to the sore with your finger or a cotton swab. Repeat this process at least three times every 12 hours.

For rashes and insect bites, apply the oil directly to the affected area and repeat several times a day as needed. Four to five drops of eucalyptus oil in a foot bath provides relief to sore feet.

Eucalyptus is an antiseptic and the strongest natural germicide known. Apply to sores, cuts and abrasions, rashes, insect bites, minor burns and sunburn as necessary to promote healing.

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Body, Mind, Spirit: Healing With Crystals

Body, Mind, Spirit: Healing With Crystals

By Deborah Morrison

“Ultimately you are just consciousness itself. When you effortlessly and continuously dwell in and act from this consciousness you will be able to work perfectly with quartz crystals…or anything.” (Silbey, 1987, 51)

I have set out in this article to arrive at a holistic appreciation of the art of healing with quartz crystals. Firstly, I will describe what quartz crystals are physically and esoterically. Secondly, I will discuss the basics of healing with quartz crystals. Thirdly, I will describe in further detail some specifics in relation to crystal healing. Finally, I will describe crystal healing in relation to the ancient civilization Atlantis.

Physically quartz crystals are formed by three basic methods. Quartz crystals are formed from magma or fiery gases of the earth’s interior. Also quartz crystals can be formed in the volcanic lava streams which reach the earth’s surface. The molten material solidifies as it cools; atoms group together to form the regularity that determines the shape and composition of the crystal. (Raphaell, 1985, 4)

Sulfur crystals grow in vents in volcanic regions. The hot mineralized gases condense into a solid state as the vapors escape from the inner earth. This type of crystal includes sulfur. (Raphaell, 4)

Calcite crystals form from water solutions, or grow near the earth’s surface with the help of organisms. These crystals are known as sedimentary minerals. Air, water, wind and ice are the erosion factors that dissolve the earth’s materials that occasionally crystallize, and form calcite. (Raphaell, 4)

No one knows for sure how long it takes for most crystals to form. Some think it may take thousands of years. Others say that when the elements are right, crystals could form in an instant. (Raphaell, 5)

Esoterically, crystals are composed of protons, neutrons and electrons. All of physical creation is formed from variations of these atoms. The manner in which various atoms join together determines which molecules form and what will manifest physically as a result. (Raphaell, 4) The metaphysics of quartz crystal formation is further described as follows:

In the formation of crystalline structures, such as clear quartz, the atoms join

in perfect unity and harmony…the pulsating molecules vibrate at the same

frequency. (Raphaell,2)

When examined closely these vibrating units of energy are not really matter at all, but rather subtle vibrations attuned to the cosmic force. (Raphaell, 2) Further:

Crystals are capable of receiving, containing, projecting, emanating,

refracting, and reflecting light, which is the highest form of energy

known in the physical universe. (Raphaell, 3)

Esoterically crystals can assist in the active awakening of humanity, by teaching us how to align ourselves with the essence that creates and comprises the universe. Limitations of the mind can be transcended and :

The doors to the higher dimensions and inner planes swing wide open.

(Raphaell,3)

Thus far I have discussed what quartz crystals are physically and esoterically. Next I will discuss the basics of healing with crystals.

When healing with crystals one works with the subtle essence of energy, rather than that of matter. Change in the vibrations of this energy essence ultimately affects the related vibrations on the physical level. Quartz crystal healing is essentially subtle energy work to manifest positive changes physically. Quartz crystals do this because:

They have extremely high and exact rates of vibration that can be

precisely manipulated due to the crystal’s tendency to resonate in

harmony with any vibration with which it is brought into contact.

(Silbey, 191)

All healing processes that focus on the removal of symptoms should also concentrate on healing the source of the dysfunction. True healing should re-create a balance. Physical and mental illness, stress and emotional pain as well as other forms of suffering are the:

Result from a state of imbalance or disharmony. So true healing is

primarily focused on the re-creation of natural harmony in and

between the physical, mental and emotional bodies. (Silbey, 191)

I have thus far described in general the basics in relation to quartz crystal healing. Essentially quartz crystal healing involves working with the subtle energies in order to re-establish harmony and thereby ease suffering. Subsequently I will delineate some of the specifics in relation to working with quartz crystals as a dynamic method of healing.

There are many specific, active healing methods that may be used with quartz crystals. During crystal healing, the loving help of the healer’s soul is invoked:

When the positive radiation through the healer overcomes the negative

condition of the patient, healing will result. (Baker, 1875, 162)

First, when healing with crystals, make sure to clear the room, oneself, and whatever crystals used for healing. Next, the healer must be grounded and balanced. Quartz crystals are cleared by soaking them in salt water over-night, or leaving them in the sun for a day. Another way to clear crystals is by projecting a focused mental thought, or visualization that the crystal is cleared. A crystal may be programmed by the healer to perform the functions of healing. To do this the healer holds the crystal, and while gazing into it, projects the mental thought or affirmation that the particular crystal vibrate with healing energies. (Silbey, 192)

One method that may be used as a crystal healing is in relation to the chakras. First, by the use of a pendulum held in front of each chakra successively, the healer can determine the specific bio-energetic pattern of a particular chakra. The size and direction of the pendulum movement indicates the amount and direction of energy flowing through the chakra. For example:

A clock wise movement of the pendulum denotes a psycho-dynamically

open chakra…counter-clockwise, the chakra is psycho-dynamically

closed…any elliptical swing of the pendulum indicates a right/left side

imbalance of energy flow in the body etc. (Brennan, 1988, 82)

The size of the circle made by the pendulum is related to the chakra’s strength and the amount of energy flowing through it. Good health is achieved by balancing the chakras to create an even flow of energy through them all. To achieve the balanced flow of energies, the healer can use quartz crystals in relation to each particular chakra. A clear quartz crystal may be used, by pointing it directly at a particular chakra. The chakra may be in need of energizing, the flow of energies may need to be corrected. Perhaps the chakra needs to be balanced with the other chakras. By directing the high vibrations of a quartz crystal toward each chakra successively, the balance of healing may be achieved.

Another method of healing with crystals is to have the person lie down, then:

Surround their body with amethyst stones and place a rose quartz on

their heart centre. A single-terminated crystal placed at their feet,

pointing outward, will allow unwanted energy to leave the body.

Another stone pointing outward from the crown of the head will

discourage unwanted vibrations from entering. Do as you feel guided to do.

(Silbey, 192)

The healer can next work with opening and

energizing the charka points and energy meridians. This can be done by pointing the crystal toward the specific chakra and directing energy, and mental affirmations to realign any discrepancies in the person’s energetic field. After healing the chakra centres, next sweep through the entire energy field. Single terminated clear quartz crystals are effective for this type of healing work. The crystal should be held in the right hand and swept over the entire energy field of the person. Then, the healer should be sensitive to the subtle vibrations experienced. For example:

feel the crystal drawing your hand around in a spiral to a place right in

the center that feels like a pull or a tug, as if you were pulling something

out of the body with the crystal. Then toss what you pulled out off your

crystal and into the earth, where the negativity associated with the illness

can be transmuted. (Silbey, 194)

When the healer is finished the healing session, the room should once again be cleared to transmute any negative energy left in the space.

Finally, there will be:

An intuitive interaction between you, the crystal, and the body you

are working on. You will start to feel guided as you work around the

body. You will start to feel guided…As you “hear” or sense these things,

listen to them: listen to the inner intuitive voice. (Silbey, 195)

The more a crystal healer works with this intuitive voice the stronger it will become.

In essence it is the “spirit” going through the healer that does the healing. Crystals are

healing tools used to enhance the process of spiritual healing.

In the final section of this article I will relate the use of quartz crystals to the ancient

civilization Atlantis. The source of power for Atlantis is believed to be quartz crystals.

One of the first structures thought to be erected in Atlantis was the great healing Temple

(89,000 B.C.). The people who lived at this time were considered to be very advance

beings who basically “walked in the light” (Alper, 1981, 3) and did not want to become

involved in negative energies. The Temple was believed to be constructed of a marble

type material. Upon entering the Temple, there was a huge circular room. In the center

of the room was a table made of a metallic alloy, containing silver, ground crystal dust,

and copper. The table was supported by a pyramid made of crystal. Around the entire

circumference of the room were cubicles used as healing chambers. The cubicles were

composed of walls made of crystals. When people became afflicted they were placed in

the cubicles and energized by the appropriate rays. The cubicles assisted in accelerating

their rate of vibration. (Alper, 7)

During the time of Atlantis it is believed that crystals were used in a variety of ways;

Generation of power, construction of buildings, and for many forms of healing. Perhaps some of these techniques can be successfully employed by spiritual healers of today who feel attracted to integrating quartz crystals into their healing practice.

In conclusion I have touched upon the basics in terms of the physical and esoteric description of quartz crystals. In terms of healing quartz crystals can be used to successfully modify thoughts, emotions and our physical bodies. States of disharmony can be changed to harmony. The heightened vibration rate of crystals can enhance healing at all levels of one’s being. Finally, it is fascinating to learn of the various uses of quartz crystals with respect to healing in the ancient civilization of Atlantis. It is my hope that quartz crystals may become more widely understood and appreciated. It is also my hope that those working with quartz crystals may remain forever open to the revision of higher Truth, for the purposes of advancement in the field of healing with quartz crystals.

Author’s note: healing methods suggested to be used as a complement to professional medical advice.

Works Cited

Alper, Dr. Frank Exploring Atlantis Vol. I 1981

Adamis Enterprises

Phoenix, Arizona

U.S.A.

Baker, Dr. Douglas Esoteric Healing 1975

Douglas Baker

Herts., England

Brennan, Barbara Hands of Light 1988

Bantam Books

New York, New York

U.S.A.

Raphaell, Katrina Crystal Enlightenment 1985

Aurora Press

Santa Fe, New Mexico

U.S.A.

Silbey, Uma The Complete Crystal Guidebook 1987

Bantam Books

New York, New York

U.S.A.

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Inspired by Nature

What inspires an individual’s creativity in writing and other arts? The answer to this question would vary with each individual as perception shapes what is defined as “inspirational.” Though certain sources of inspiration have a common thread, since they are rooted in our shared human experiences. Life gives us everyday opportunities to experience inspiration , though we need our senses open to receive it.

One of the best sources of inspiration can be found in nature, which can inspire us to great poetic heights as evident in To Autumn by John Keats. Beauty of nature creates an aesthetic feeling that is uplifting and enlivens the senses. My writing partner, Deborah Morrison, wrote a beautiful passage “Beauty of Nature” in our book Nexus: A Neo Novel, which depicts the ecstatic experience of Logan Andrews as he is inspired by the beauty that surrounds him on a hilltop.

I find that stepping into natural landscapes changes my perception, since the contours and lines are rounded and less defined there. In cityscapes, everything is harsh and sharply defined and our sensibilities need to step away from the starkness of the city to be reinvigourated. We can compare the sharp boxed buildings found in many cities to the softness of trees found in nature.

This is why I make time to commune with nature and attune to her rhythms. In Southern Ontario, I also enjoy the seasons change. Deborah’s Sacred Circle is one of my favourite poems on the sense of wonder around seasonal changes. Copies of her first poetry book, Mystical Poetry, are now a rare item. In fact, a few weeks ago a used copy sold for around $200 on Amazon Canada. So someone out there is truly inspired by her poems.

The beauty of nature is inspiring at many levels and as artists we struggle to capture our experience of it. How to describe the intricacies of a snowflake? Or the migration of birds, butterflies, whales and other animals? Or the sunset on a beach? Sometimes we find the words or the image to commit to canvas. At other times the inspiration is there, yet we struggle to communicate the essence of our experience. The pristine experience is rarefied through our artistic endeavours.

We welcome you to share on what you find inspiring about nature. Or your own experiences of nature expressed in your own words or art.

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Balance "Secret Principles" with Compassion

“The Secret” reinforces an important message of taking inventory of our thoughts and focusing them in a positive direction to create life changes that we desire. This is a wonderful message, yet without critical examination and thoughtful application, the ideas can prove unskillful in our interactions with individuals who suffer.

The idea that we attract everything through our thoughts is on the one hand a powerful message. However, it can also be a dangerous message when taken to an extreme perspective. We can end up blaming victims for their plight, such as: Individuals in poverty, survivors of disasters, the disabled or the abused.

I believe that at critical moments such as with Hurricane Katrina or with the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004, our desire to alleviate suffering is most important. The extreme perspective can also assign wrongful thinking for causing diseases or illnesses. I feel uncomfortable when positive thinking is taken this far because it can allow us to become distant from another person’s need or suffering, since we can at some level just say, “Well, they must have brought this upon themselves.”

If taken to an extreme this perspective of our thoughts alone ultimately influencing the universe can approach arrogance. Certainly our thoughts, intentions and our ability to select our reaction to events are powerful tools for personal transformation, yet this message needs to be balanced with humility and compassion. Thoughts play an important role, yet at times our response needs to come from the heart not the head..

At a human level, we need to balance our positive thinking attitudes with compassion for ourselves and others. When individuals are in need, our hearts need to respond to them with empathy, care and understanding. If our positive thoughts disconnect us from compassion, then even if we succeed at an individual level, we may fail at a social level – we may achieve material success but lose our “soul” in the process.

When we approach positive thinking or “the law of attraction” with a mechanical attitude, then we risk limiting our growth to self-interest rather than growing in our compassion. From a higher perspective, we know that spiritual growth starts within our hearts and is not limited to our thoughts alone. The mind and heart work in harmony in order to create a life that is fulfilling at all levels.

In “NEXUS: A Neo Novel” our focus has been on personal transformation� of people who in one way or another are stuck. Through the journey of people in our book, we discover many insights to expand both our mind and our heart – to develop a positive mind along with a compassionate heart.

Peace & blessings,
Arvind Singh
Co-author of Nexus

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