T H E ... S E A R C H ... F O R ... C E N T E R

NEW APPROACH

Our new approach for this section is to provide an area for working on various issues/problems related to creating a better world. Each new area will be introduced on this page. A table of links will be provided at the beginning that identifies the number of submissions received during the month for each area.

Every area that is created will have a page of it's own. Summary tables at the beginning of each of the area pages will describe key changes and new information will be identified in bold to facilitate focusing attention on what has been added in each month. The intent is for these pages to provide running commentaries that permit adding new inputs at any point in the discussion.

New submissions should include:

• The number of the question, statement, or topic that you are responding to accompanied by your response or input.
• New questions, issues, or topics that you feel should be addressed here along with whatever background material you care to submit that provides an introduction or context for discussion of the topic or issue.

So, what does it take to create a better world?

To start with, it takes a commitment. Until we take responsibility for our world and commit to act in a manner that is consistent with our VISION of what can be ... then we are pawns subject to whatever circumstances we find ourselves in.

I for ONE, choose not to be a pawn. I would rather be a king and create the world to be the playground for SPIRIT that it has always been meant to be. A playground where we realize our identity and true relationship to one another and to the ONE CONSCIOUSNESS, the source from which we spring.

This is not a major step ... it is our very birthright. We are co-creators in this reality. We live in a dream of our own making. It is only our limited awareness and understanding that makes the illusion seem so real. Yet, the illusion cannot hold up to examination. We have only to focus within to find the infinite source from which we spring. It has been there all along, awaiting our discovery of it, our very Self.

The Plan for a better world already exists in consciousness. We have only to allow the Plan to unfold by tapping our intuition, listening to the voice that speaks through it, and acting as it moves us to act. In so doing, we actively participate in the Great Work. It matters not whether we see the complete picture as individuals. The whole is coordinated by consciousness herself, just as the activities of all the cells in the body are coordinated by the brain and the mind that operates through the brain.

This only happens when we choose to cooperate with all Life, when we choose to allow LOVE to operate in our lives rather than FEAR. It takes a great deal of courage to have such faith in the unknown, to allow spirit do do her works through us. But, such is the only way for the world to be transformed in a manner that facilitates the true expression of whom and what we are, spirit enfleshed.

What can we as individuals do right now to make the world a better place?

We start by making a commitment to know our Self, and then to allow this Self full reign to express as it will in our lives. This is not a part time task. It is a full time activity that requires our full attention and conscious involvement. Until we find a way to awaken from our deep sleep ... we are virtually useless as the instruments of spirit. We wander through the illusion as a sleepwalker, unaware of what we do and who we are.

Increased awareness is the key. It is through such awareness that we tap the source of all Life. The first step in such awareness is awakening, that we may realize whom that we truly are and then choose to manifest this in all that we do. We are gods and goddesses all. As such, we have the ability to create our reality ... both individually and collectively.

Each day we can choose how we will spend our 24 hour allotment of time. We can choose to focus on the senses and the external world ... or we can choose to focus on the internal world, our direct connection to our eternal source. We can be bound by time and space, or we can be free to experience the limitless infinity that we are. We can choose to be passively entertained or we can choose to actively employ our imagination and creativity in bold new expressions of consciousness. It is always our choice.

Yet, at the same time, we must be careful to be detached from specific outcomes. It is not for us to decide from our limited and often selfish perspectives what this will be. It is for the ONE consciousness composed of many "I"s to make this call from the perspective of the whole. Detachment is not always easy. It does not mean doing things without enthusiasm, or with less than one's full intention and abilities. Dharma requires that we do everything that we are moved to do to the best of our ability. It does not permit of exceptions, ever. Yet, at the same time, we cannot be attached to specific outcomes. Both positive and negative attachments enslave us to the illusion, limiting our ability to carry out our specific duties in the manner that is required. This does not mean we cannot find joy and pleasure in what we do ... nor does it mean we cannot find sadness or pain under the appropriate conditions. What it means is that we must use moderation and not be carried to extremes in either direction. For, it is the extremes that blind us and prevent us from seeing the role we play from the larger perspective of spirit. We may not always like that which we must do ... especially if it brings pain or discomfort. Yet, we must do that which our dharma, our duty calls us to do. Undue attachment to material things, bodily comforts, emotions, and even thoughts can get in the way. Here we must be careful not to allow personal wants and likes/dislikes to unduly influence our choice of action or the manner in which we carry out our duty.

How about more practical advice?

Here, I am at a loss. Such guidance as provided above is what I consider "practical". But then, I understand that my perspective is quite different than most.

Treat your Self with the greatest reverence and respect. Then, extend this to others by treating them as you do your Self ... for they are just other aspects of the ONE, the I AM.

There is a saying "THAT I AM". It is helpful to retain this attitude toward every being and everything that you encounter. For, at some level, it expresses a very great truth. If you haven't already realized this, don't worry ... you will when you are ready and the time is appropriate. In the meantime ... just believe and act as if. Such is the key to fuller expression of spirit in this existence. It is amazing what can manifest in ones life when one chooses to live by a higher spiritual code. There is an awakening that occurs as one does this. The very expression somehow strikes a chord within one's soul ... it provides the instrument through which spirit can play her tunes and manifest greatness in one's life. It matters not whether one is a Pauper or a King, the soul is the most regal and royal thing manifesting within creation. It knows of its origin whether we consciously are aware of this or not.

Wayne