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Topic- Experiencing the Journey

Experiencing the Journey

Have you had moments when the Journey was first and foremost in your life? When the rest of the world seemed to take a back seat, if only for a moment. Would love to hear of those special moments when enlightenment surrounded you or when a great leap forward came in your Journey.

If we are talking ASCENSION...
by: windsong_1950 (49/F/SE Michigan) 12/5/99 6:50 pm
Msg: 2 of 161
...this one sent me right straight up off the chair when it occurred to me. The following is one of my journal entries: Major "A-ha" today. John 15:1-6 KJV, paraphrased, reads, "I am the Vine and ye are the branches...if a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch and cast into the fire and burned." I formerly took this to mean that if God judged ME to no longer be useful that I would be punished. Here's where the "A-ha" comes in. Rather than interpreting as above, try this: As we go through life practicing different thought systems, instead of stubbornly hanging onto those which no longer serve a meaningful purpose only because it's what we've always been taught, we cast them aside to a lower level, which, symbolically speaking, would be a part of the world level of time and space or where we make our "hell-fire." At this point, it would be helpful to remember that what might be meaningful for one might not be for another. The Course [ACIM(c)] reminds us that if we choose to judge another's reality, we will be unable to escape judging our own, which is a refreshing way of interpreting John 7:1-2 KJV: "Judge not that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." September 29, 1997
 

My father
by: B_eamer (5/M/Calif.) 12/5/99 6:51 pm
Msg: 3 of 161
I will never forget when I felt my father talk to me long after he had passed away. He had suffered a long drawn out death. He ended up having four different cancers, a colostomy, half of his tounge and jaw removed, and years of incredible pain. I only hope when it comes my time to go that I have half the courage he did. It was amazing what he endured and the bravery he displayed the whole time. There was a time when I was thinking of him a lot and for one brief moment as I was taking a shower I felt My father communicate with me. It resonated in my chest. It was a remarkable feeling and totally caught me off gaurd. I didn't have to question who or what it was for I knew the instant I "heard" it that it was my father. "Hearing" his voice at that time gave me great comfort and peace. I got a lot of my questions answered in that breif meeting. It truly was a very special spiritual event which I will never forget.
 

An epiphany..
by: marietta_x (28/F) 12/6/99 10:43 am
Msg: 4 of 161
While attending a Sunday mass with my husband last spring a very unusual thing happened to me. First let me tell you I do not have a religous upbringing, and the only religion I was exposed to was a corrupt one. To make a long story short here is what happened: The priest was giving his sermon. I don't even really recall what it was about anymore, the experience overshadowed his words. But suddenly I was no longer sitting in the pew, my body was still very much there but it seemed as though it was merely a reflection of the physical aspect of me left behind and unimportant to me at that time. I was in an open area, the smells of cooking fires in the air, small ancient looking houses in an ancient time. It was all very strange to me yet familiar. Then there he was. The streets lined with people, some jeering some crying for this man who walked under the burdon of a cross. It was very chaotic and confusing and though I could still mentally see myself sitting in a church pew, I was not really there. I was part of this noisy crowd. Very awakening. I'm still not certain that it actualy happened, maybe I imagined the entire thing but it was very real at the time, my words here can't possibly lend the sense of awe that it filled me with.

Major A-ha!
by: sassafraswilds (50/F/Arkansas) 12/6/99 12:06 pm
Msg: 5 of 161
Hey Connie! You strummed a resonant chord with this one. My most significant life-altering moment came with the realization that scripture (like Johathan Livingston Seagull) is understandable at many ''levels'' and that one way to understand it is to look at every ''material object'' as a representation of an invisible spiritual attribute -and- that new levels of awareness may be gleaned by reading ''first person'' passages in the first person. For example, just so we understand each other, with your John 15 quote ("I am the Vine and ye are the branches...if a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch and cast into the fire and burned."), the ''I'' and the ''me'' are talking about the person reading the passage. So, when I read it, the I is my God-essence-me. When you read it, the I is your God-essence-me... okay? From this perspective, since ''I am the Vine'' the ''branches'' could be my ''spiritual limbs'' (aka: thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes). And, when I find these ''limbs'' to be dischordant, I cut them off an burn them. Anyway, the first time I saw scripture through these eyes I was so lifted up and carried away that I've been dancing on my tiptoes ever since. Wheee!!!
 

I was sitting at the picnic table...
by: windsong_1950 (49/F/SE Michigan) 12/6/99 1:21 pm
Msg: 6 of 161
... doing my morning reading and journaling when this dawned on me, and I swear to God, Sass, I shot straight up I was so lifted. Remember the old hymn "Love Lifted Me"? I was so unburdened by that experience... Speaking of seeing something through "first person" eyes ... my Course friend from the Bootheel says that's "real"-eyesing as opposed to "anal"-eyesing :-).

Love, Connie
 
 

The Cross
by: reginald.k.williams 12/6/99 1:53 pm
Msg: 7 of 161
What you saw is nothing new. Jesus being taken to his death. The question is what does it mean to you. A man who had done nothing wrong was beaten, and killed so we could live. This holiday there will be many TV shows on showing the life of Christ and his death. These shows are watered down and do not show us what really happen to Jesus. Humans can be brutal, uncareing, and have no mercy. When you really understand how Jesus was treated the Cross means so much more. If you do not know the true meaning of the cross I would love to share it with you.
 
 
 

As of late I have
by: B_eamer (5/M/Calif.) 12/6/99 4:53 pm
Msg: 9 of 161
been wondering about the flip side of Jesus. Mainly his birth ( I guess with Christmas and all) and being one of the three wise men. What, if in a reflective moment, you are sitting astride your faithful camel when you get the feeling to find two other wise men, grab some frankinscense and Mirh and head towards a bright star looking for a manger. I am sure there had to be just a little second guessing going on in the heads of those three guys. "Now, just what the heck are we doing any way?" Then, just imagine the wonderous enlightenment they recieved when they finished the journey. That had to be quite a kick in the head. On a personal note, I had quite a busy strssful day at work until a relization hit opoun me. I reflected on this very board of Spiritual strength that has been gathered here with all the amazing contributions. I found myself suddenly at peace and centered and the rest of the day went much smoother. It was still hectic and busy, but I was at calm and refreshed. It was great. Thought I just might pass that along. I thank My higher power for this grand collection of wit, humor and knowledge.

Go in Peace.

Posted as a reply to: Msg 7 by reginald.k.williams
 
 
 

Really strange...
by: sassafraswilds (50/F/Arkansas) 12/6/99 4:57 pm
Msg: 10 of 161
I posted a reply to this message --- you gave me such a great laugh I couldn't resist. It went something like: ''anal''-eyesing vs ''real''-eyesing. HA-HA-HA-HA and AH-HA!!! But then a wierd thing happened. First the message was there, and then it was gone!!! Any idea what gives?

Posted as a reply to: Msg 6 by windsong_1950
 

Reginald...
by: marietta_x (28/F)
No, what I saw was certainly not new. It wasn't so much What/Who I saw, but How I
came to see it that held signifigance for me. Something akin to an OBE maybe, I don't
really know since I've never had one that I'm both aware and certain of.

I don't know if it was Jesus carrying that cross or not, I can't say it was because I was
not able to see his face. What does it mean to me? A very good question. I can't
honestly answer it. What I can do is tell you what the experience itself means to me,
has done for me.. it has broadened my conciousness and perhaps acted as a prelude
for a later experience that I have been told was a 'pseudo NDE'.

You're right about the shows being watered down for viewers to more easily accept. I
think the point of that might be to place the focus where it might be of better use, on the
positive.

I thank you for the offer to share with me the 'true meaning of the cross', but I prefer to
find my own way.

Love and Light to you.. Marietta
 
 

Marietta ...
by: B_eamer (5/M/Calif.) 12/7/99 3:33 am
Msg: 14 of 161
Seems to me that what you experienced was a heck of a lot more than just an OBE. From what I understand, having never experienced an OBE myself, you don't visit another realm while out of your body. Perhaps some time travel entered into the experience as well. I was surprised at how jaded Reginald's response was to your posting. I would have been quite amazed if I had undergone what you went through. I have discovered though that some of my most amazing spiritual experiences have happened when I have least expected them. Not sure words can descrbe the whens and whats, especially not in a sentence or two. Perhaps with this board we can discover others special times when the spirit grabs you big time and shakes up your world. I am courious. Marietta, have you had anything like that happen before or after that one time in church?

Posted as a reply to: Msg 12 by marietta_x
 
 

Journey to the Sea
by: postsoundguy 12/7/99 2:20 pm Msg: 16 of 161
Ever experience humbleness as a spiritual moment? I have this when I visit the shore. Also, when I build sand castles with my kids -- and in the process experience the immediate life around us (like these very tiny irridescent blue crabs). I have it too, when one of my children comes and sits in my lap. These might be quiet moments. But God most often whispers to me.

Shalom, PSG

Posted as a reply to: Msg 1 by B_eamer
 

A violent wake up call
by: omnieye (29/M/TEXAS) 12/7/99 6:28 pm
Msg: 17 of 161
Within the space of about an hour, I once fell into the darkest state of mind you could possibly imagine. It seemed as though I was going to become consumed by a complete void of despair. I'm NOT speaking metaphoricaly here. I was frightended beyond description. It took every ounce of concentration and strength of will I had to keep myself from going into hysteria. My conciousness was immediately cracked open beyond its percieved limits. I saw and understood things about myself that made me soul-sick. I was so paranoid that I was literally going to go mad on the spot... ...then I heard the still small voice of the Spirit ask, "why is there something rather than nothing?" then the Spirit answered, "because I AM." I was enlightened to a large extent about the nature of God in those few words. This became my anchor of hope during the next few months as I dealt with the trauma of that night. It was the most horrifyingly positive experince of my life! I caught glimpses of a greater perspective that I am now growing more slowly into. As someone mentioned earlier, this little post does no justice to the magnificence of the experience, nor does it even begin to convey how profound and surreal reality became that night and in the months to follow.

All is Grace, omnieye

Posted as a reply to: Msg 1 by B_eamer
 

Omnieye ...
by: B_eamer (5/M/Calif.) 12/8/99 4:57 pm Msg: 18 of 161
Thank you for sharing.

Posted as a reply to: Msg 17 by omnieye
 

hmmm....
by: marietta_x (28/F) 12/8/99 10:00 pm
Msg: 19 of 161
It seems Yahoo is eating my posts.. must be pretty hungry! Last night I posted to B_eamer and ominey and now they are both gone, maybe never arrived who knows in the world of Yahoo... I don't have time to re-write them tonight but I will try to get to it tmr at some point. Omnieye.. I do want to thank you for sharing your experience with us, truly amazing. I can relate to alot of what you wrote. Hopefully I will have time to write more tmr. B_eamer, in my phantom post I addressed your questions as well and would like to continue our conversation further. Now, if only I could remember all that I wrote to each of you! Til then..

Marietta

Posted as a reply to: Msg 18 by B_eamer
 
 

Omni ...
by: B_eamer (5/M/Calif.) 12/10/99 3:56 am
Msg: 21 of 161
Your experience was not of your doing. As I am sure you are aware, Evil is every bit as much a life force to be reckoned with as is the love and hope offered by our higher power. To me it sounds as though your very soul was being fought for. I can strongly relate to the fear that you experienced. Fortuneatly, my experiences have been much more subtle in the uptake, not nearly as abrupt. There are forces at work around us which some will only get a hint of. They will hear of stories such as yours and wonder. Their comprehension or knowledge of spiritual matters will not allow for an explanation to came about. That is ok. That is how it should be. For they do not have the strength and the power that would allow such a coontest for their soul to come about in the first place. I am so pleased that you manged to come away victoriuos. It dosen't mean that you will not be tested again. But with the knowledge that you have ascertained and the strength and fellowship you have encounterd here, I think the odds of the battle being as severe next time, just will not take place. You shall be victoriuos again. I shall be here for the understanding. You are a warrior. A fellow soldier of God. I am proud to meet you.

Please go in peace.

Posted as a reply to: Msg 17 by omnieye
 

One more try..
by: marietta_x (28/F) 12/10/99 4:46 pm
Msg: 22 of 161
... maybe this time Yahoo will let me in! I'll try the cut and paste next time if this is a bust, thanks for the tip. Omnieye, unlike B_eamer, I didn't get the idea that what you experienced was in any part evil. My first impression was of a battle yes, but within yourself - With yourself, nothing evil about that. Our conciousness contains layers on top of layers, the physical You is only a part of your total self. I loved what you wrote, "My conciousness was immediately cracked open beyond its percieved limits." You hit the nail right on the head on that one, 'percieved' limits. Maybe this experience of yours was the only way that your total self was able to get your attention and leap beyond the limits previously placed in your thoughts. Your profile reads that you are interested in expanding your spirituality, and learning about it. (I'm going on memory here, it was a quick glance a few days ago...) This has surely brought you to a new understanding of yourself, and your conciousness. I can truly relate to the chaos that you must have been thrown into. Suddenly thoughts and beliefs that once stood strongly on thier own are just not enough. Everything starts to be questioned, and nothing is the same anymore. It's just as you said, the most horrifying and positive experience. I hope to hear more from you.. - - B_eamer..... you asked if I had any other experiences such as the one I told you about while in church. Although I have had several experiences, this was the only one that happened while in church. There is one other in particular that was very strong, moreso than this one but I'm hesitant to relay it in a post. I'm not sure how it would be recieved, or if it would even be believed. I am interested in hearing about some of your experiences as well, if you feel like sharing that is.. I'm trying to remember the rest of your post, I don't have it in front of me at the moment. The one Yahoo or Y2K munched on was pretty lengthy, hope it satisfied thier appetites! Well this is all I have time for today anyway.. dinner needs to be concocted and seems I've been chosen for the task! Later ..

Marietta

Posted as a reply to: Msg 17 by omnieye
 
 

B eamer
by: safford13 12/10/99 5:04 pm
Msg: 23 of 161
I just wanted to stop in to admit how I admire your courage. You've been humble and centered,and haven't spoken of it-so,I shall. It is no mean feat to observe the pain and death of a Dad. Then to emerge,and create a thread that speaks to the constructive nature of a journey. A great blessing is this irresistable nature of your creativity,B eamer I look forward to a long life to this thread-and,interrelating within it from time to time. May you always be a bearer of light, Saff

Posted as a reply to: Msg 1 by B_eamer
 
 

Thanks safford ...
by: B_eamer (5/M/Calif.) 12/10/99 9:18 pm
Msg: 24 of 161
This board brings out a very responsible side of me. Being creative has never been a great chore for me. I look forward to your postings. We are all blessed to have you aboard. I shall carry forth the light.

Posted as a reply to: Msg 23 by safford13

Marietta,
by: B_eamer (5/M/Calif.) 12/10/99 9:31 pm
Msg: 25 of 161
Ther has been a gradual understanding that has come over the Internet community, I feel, That allows for greater freedom of expression of the unexplained. But I, as you, am not sure of posting what may be examined recklessly. As I am sure, these are very personal moments that would be hard for most to comprehend, much less understand. I am hoping that with time and the new millinieum approaching, our fears will eease and the flow of dialog of this nature shall be percieved in the right light. I thought both you and Omnieye showed great courage in exposing the experiences that you've had. There is one matter that I can relate that may be of interest. (Continued on next post I hope)

Posted as a reply to: Msg 22 by marietta_x

The shelving Unit ...
by: B_eamer (5/M/Calif.) 12/10/99 9:47 pm
Msg: 26 of 161
I had constructed a large wooden shelving unit that was attached to the wall of our bedroom with Large wooden screws that were sunk into the 2 x 4's inside the wall. The screws went through small metal plates that attached to the back of the Shelving unit. There were three screws spaced as the studs in the wall were spaced, one for each plate. At the time, I had been seriously questioning some of the knowledge that I had been gaining in my journey. Doubt was a very strong factor then. I demanded proof. I wanted to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that what I questioned was real. One night, my wife and I came home from dinner. I entered into our bedroom and turned on the light. There, on the Antique white painted wall was the dark stained wooden shelving unit hanging by one screw. It hung at almost a 45 degree angle from the horizontal. It was a sight I shall never forget. The kicker was that the screws were still in the wall. The holes in the metal plates were ( and still are) smaller than the heads of the screws. There is no logical or physical way the plates merely slipped over the heads of the screws. In fact, I had to ruin the screws in order to remove them from the Studs in the walls to rehang the unit. I got my answer. In spades.

A little more detail...
by: omnieye (29/M/TEXAS) 12/10/99 10:27 pm
Msg: 27 of 161
Thank you B_eamer and marieta_x for your interest in my experience and your words of encouragement. I think that both of you are right in some sense about the nature of my experience. My experience, I believe, was revelatory. Before then my conciousness was mainly limited to emotions and linguistic thoughts. That night my mind transcended thought and became "experientially aware". When I came back to my rational mind I was so confused and disconcerted about the nature of reality! I became "mystically aware" of my literal demons which wore my face. I "saw" the evil I feel, think, and do as the manifestation of the evil I am. The callousness of my conscience was torn away and I "saw" how ugly evil really is, that no sin, no matter how small, was insignificant. I was terrorized to the brink of madness. I "saw" my lack of trust and submission to God and felt as though I would be swallowed by despair and left in a literal eternal reality of lonely darkness. But the SPIRIT "showed" me that GOD is LIFE and LOVE. That LIFE IS and that LOVE heals and restores, bringing all things back into UNITY. I now realize that my pilgrimage is one of the heart, to realize salvation and DIVINE UNION by allowing GOD'S GRACE to transform my soul and the whole of my being into LOVE.

GOD Bless, omnieye

Posted as a reply to: Msg 22 by marietta_x
Posted as a reply to: Msg 25 by B_eamer
 
 

My first experience:
by: avatarmundi (44/M/MI) 12/11/99 12:28 am
Msg: 28 of 161
Back in 1971 I became what was known as a 'Jesus Freak'. I had dropped into a meeting/worship service...beautiful music, everybody was friendly, loving... During that first meeting Something happened to me, an ecstatic feeling I had never had before. For years I continued to hang-out with those good people hoping to recreate or re-encounter that wonderful feeling...to no avail.

Peace, Avatar

Posted as a reply to: Msg 1 by B_eamer
 

My second experience:
by: avatarmundi (44/M/MI) 12/11/99 12:55 am
Msg: 29 of 161
After being a 'good' little Christian for a while I started to have questions...the more I studied the bible the more questions I had. Finally, I started pestering ministers for answers and all they could say was 'I dunno read the bible, seek the Lord'...Finally one day I fully grasped the significance of the eternal damnation teaching...I was crushed... I was breathless and felt like dying...my heart, my soul could no longer, in good conscience accept it...I felt an overwhelming compassion for the billions and billions of people condemned to eternal torment by the 'christian' god. At that moment I renounced the faith I had, and I renounced a seemingly evil and cruel god. I was willing to go to hell if I was wrong, I was going to stick to what I believed was right. That was the hardest thing I had ever had to do...I was empty and heart-broken. In time, I rediscovered Christianity by studying the various religions of this world and seeing the universal similarities. In time I came to call myself a 'Mystic' Christian. This is, of course, very brief and compressed.

Peace, Avatar

Posted as a reply to: Msg 1 by B_eamer
 
 

Msg: 30 of 161
During a personal crisis, back in 1981, I chose to turn within and meditate rather than do the usual panic routine. After a few minutes I started to calm down...and then something 'happened'. The calmness continued to deepen, I became completely detached and indifferent to what I had previously considered a disaster. I 'knew' that all was well. My girl-friend, at that time, told me she could see lights around me. The feeling was complete ecstatic peacefulness(yes, I know that sounds contradictory) and at the time I experienced a state of complete fearlessness. This lasted for nearly a week. And no, I have never used drugs in my life.

Peace, Avatar

Posted as a reply to: Msg 1 by B_eamer
 

My fourth and continuing experience:
by: avatarmundi (44/M/MI) 12/11/99 1:37 am
Msg: 31 of 161
In 1986-87 I discovered crystals. Previously I had thought them to be just pretty rocks... how wrong I was! After a meditation session a friend of mine brought out a large amethyst crystal and let me hold it and Bang! I was feeling pretty high and just stood there holding this crystal for some time. Since that time I became progressively more sensitive to the effects of energy from most any source. One night I had a very vivid dream that I was approached by geometric/crystalline beings of light. They asked for permission to be with me to observe the coming events in my life. I said it was OK. And now it continues,

Peace, Avatar

Posted as a reply to: Msg 1 by B_eamer

Hi avatar,
by: daisyforaday (43/F/ME) 12/11/99 4:16 am
Msg: 32 of 161
I just read about your experience(s). No wonder you are on the Path! Doesn't it make you sorry for the ones who refuse to see? In the Light, D

Posted as a reply to: Msg 30 by avatarmundi
 

Since 1987, this being
by: B_eamer (5/M/Calif.) 12/11/99 6:15 am
Msg: 33 of 161
very soon 2000, 13 years of accompaniment. That is awsome. You are truly blessed. Obviously, communication is reciprocal. To me, this is so exciting.

#1. I do believe you. I have never in my life heard of crystalline geometric beings of light before. I also believe that this board is an extremly honest board. In other words, till someone points out beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is a lie, I believe you.

#2. The courage demonstrated here is beyond my imagination. I soon hope to be as courageous.

#3. I have been courious about crystals for quite a while. Perhaps, a new leg of my journey has appraoched ...

#4. So many questions. How, why, from where, ... this is so amazing.

#5. Do you feel effects of energy from certain places or locations on the Internet?

#6. Consider accompaniment for 44 years.

Posted as a reply to: Msg 31 by avatarmundi
 

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