World Beyond

Romantic Hearts

While lounging about this morning I was fortunate enough to read in the Washington Post  Michael Dirda's excellently written review of the book My Mistress's Sparrow is Dead edited by Jeffrey Eugenides.  The book is a compilation of love stories written by a Who's Who list of famous authors.  Dirda's description of the book makes me want to rush out and buy it, which I'm sure I'll do as soon as I can drag myself off the couch. 

I've written a many messages about the power of love and following your heart, usually with regard to more serious or weighty matters than romantic love.  But, when you're in midst of love's iron grip on your heart, whether the thrill and excitement of falling in love or the pain and anguish of a break-up, is there anything more serious or weighty??

Almost a dozen years ago while far away from home I woke up and found myself in the midst of a loveless marriage.  I remember a conscious and even spoken desire to learn about love and experience true love in my life.  I'm talking the romantic kind of love here...not the new testament concept of charity or the love you feel for your children.  (All very important and instructional in their own ways.)

Since that day I feel as though I've been on a journey of discovery about love and myself.  At times it has been indescribably beautiful, and my heart has swelled with joy to the point of bursting.  At times it has been extremely painful, and my heart has swelled with pain to the point of bursting.  And looking back, I wouldn't have it any other way. 

My heart feels stronger, wiser, and I feel much more alive and creative than I ever was before.  That's what love can do for you.  Apparently, most of the stories in My Mistress's Sparrow is Dead focus on the pain and anguish aspect of love.  All I know is love is magical and a mystery.  You can only discover it by  accepting the risk and taking a leap, jumping into an oblivion that may result in a painful crash landing, but will always include a wonderful, wild ride.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm sure it won't be as instructional as the real thing but, I have a book to read.   

Gratitude

If the only prayer you say in your whole life is "Thank you," that would suffice.
                                           --Meister Eckhart

While on my walk today I was struck by an overwhelming feeling of gratitude.  Sometimes I think we get so caught up in our day-to-day existence that we forget all the things we should be thankful for.  Especially in America, during this long, drawn-out political season, it's too easy to focus on  the negative.  Politicians assault us with personal attacks and fear-mongering in order to win their votes.  We need to all step back and quit bitching about politics, about the economy, about that dumbass working in the cubicle across the way and be grateful for what we have.  ((It could be worse, you could be the dumbass.))  :)

I'm thankful for my family and friends in my life who share their time and talents with me.  Who take care of me and let me (sometimes) take care of them.  Who set a great example through their hard work and positive attitudes.  I'm grateful for the diversity of life and culture on this planet.  I'm grateful to live at this particular moment in time where widespread public knowledge, easy communication and other technological advances have increased our understanding of ourselves, the world and the universe.

Sure there are problems, we all have problems, personal problems, family problems, economic problems, environmental problems, etc.  But instead of getting wrapped up entirely in the downside, let's take a few moments (at least) each day to be thankful, to show our gratitude to those around us, to whatever God we worship, and then roll up our sleeves and work to make the world a little bit better place.

I wish you success and blessings as you continue your journey.

My Children

I am grateful to the universe for so many people and things in this world.  One group of people I am most thankful for is my children.  I have four, my oldest daughter turns 22 today, my next daughter is 19, my son is 17, and my youngest daughter turns 14 next month.  We currently live about 2000 miles apart, but we do see each other several times per year.  I am just finishing a four day visit.

I don't think everyone is meant to have kids in every incarnation, as there are different sets of lessons required for every individual each time around.  But for me, in this incarnation, children have been so important to me and have taught me so much about love and life that I couldn't have learned otherwise.  And at the age of 45, they keep me feeling young (somewhat).

Each one of them is so different, talented and special in their own way.  I am amazed at their uniqueness.  In some ways similar to each other, to their parents, but in most ways so very different.  It's great!  They bring me continual joy.  It's fun to watch them grow up and deal with the challenges life throws their way.  I am grateful to them and wish them health and happiness for the future.  I'm rooting for them.  They are my favorite team...Team Morrill.  I look forward to watching and being a part of how their lives unfold. 

To Rachel, Brittany, Corey and Lindsey: I love you!  Dad

What About Bob?

A few weeks ago I was out in Utah, my home state, to attend some training and visit with my family.  Unfortunately, while I was out there, my brother-in-law's father passed away.  I was acquainted with Robert Maxwell Hacker, who everyone knew as Bob, only casually.  Growing up, I visited with him several times at my sister's house or at family parties.  But I haven't spent that much time in Utah over the past 25 years. 

I was able to attend Bob's funeral.  It was a special event as his children, grandchildren and friends all provided personal, poignant remembrances of Bob the man, Bob the father, and Bob the Grandpa. 

At a young age Bob was a bona fide war hero, a WWII veteran, flying carrier-based fighter aircraft in the Pacific.  He was honored with a moving graveside service provided by a local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans (a very worthwhile charitable organization).  But Bob's military career was little known to most of us...we just remember the friendly, hard-working air traffic controller or retired man-about-town.

Here's my direct, personal recollection of the man.  Hard-working and fun-loving.  Usually had a big smile on his face and a funny story to tell.  We talked about cars a lot.  Not much to go on really, but I can tell you a lot more about the man based on some indirect observations.

Bob was remembered fondly by his friends and the locals from the old neighborhood where I grew up.  A man always ready for some friendly conversation or willing to help when needed. 

But most of all he was well-loved by his family.  His daughter Becky and son Val stood by him and cared for him until the end, supported by Bob's many grandchildren.  Even his former wife, Faye, was there.  Now how many people have former spouses willing to help when the end is near, and even have nothing but kind words to say at the funeral? 

For me, Bob's family represents his true legacy and in many ways speak the loudest about the man.  Bob left behind a son and daughter who are kind and hard-working, just as he was.  Bob's grandchildren (my nieces and nephews) are (mostly) well-behaved, productive young folk, with a long list of talents and accomplishments, some of whom are starting young families of their own.  I'm sure there are some squabbles now and then, but the sisters and brothers, sons and daughters all get along well.  They take care of each other and their friends and extended family.  They love each other.

Now there are likely many reasons for this, but one common denominator is "Grandpa Bob".  A man who ensured some of his best traits were passed on to the next generation through personal instruction, but mostly through example.  He will definitely be missed, but will remain present in the hearts of his friends and family for years to come.   

Religion and the afterlife are always tricky subjects, especially in Utah.  But I do know without a shadow of a doubt that when it's time for us to move on to the next realm, and when we look for Grandpa Bob, he'll be there to meet us with a wave and his trademark smile. 

9/11 - Six Years Past

This message was originally posted to the original World Beyond website shortly after the 9/11 attacks in 2001.  Six years later, I'm re-publishing it here on this blog as I feel strongly that the principles discussed continue to be important.   

No words can comfort the loved ones of the victims of 11 September. Children, parents, spouses, siblings will all live with the tragedy never far from their thoughts or hearts. Their loss, during this mortal journey, is complete. However, they will reunited with their loved ones, to bask together in shared presence and love, at the end of this incarnation. Look forward to that time, but for now, live life to the fullest.

What can the rest of us learn from the tragic events? Certainly, we need to take steps to improve security and address the long-term problems in areas of the world that provide the environment terrorists operate in. Mindful not to provide the seeds for future tragedies based on misguided over-reactions. It will be a long process of engagement throughout the world, hopefully overcoming the elements of nationality and ideology that divide us. But these are outward things, things that many times either cannot be changed or change in ways not foreseen.

On an inward level, instead of focusing on revenge and retribution, we need to focus on how to grow from such a horrific experience. We need to understand the impermanence of the physical world. The World Trade Center, one of the world's most recognizable structures, a colossus, reduced to rubble in a matter of minutes.

We need to be more conscious of our own mortality. Thousands of people went off to work that day, just as they'd done day in and day out, just as we all do, only this time they didn't return. The same thing could happen to any of us, any day, any time. Death from an accident, or sickness will come upon us, for some sooner rather than later. We are constantly reminded of our mortality as we see examples of such deaths in the news, only the reminder given on 11 September was shockingly magnified.

Remember your own mortality, don't fear it. Death is simply the final act of a single incarnation. Through it we return to the spiritual realm. Our souls will then continue on their journey of growth, to include other births, lives and deaths. To find out more about this process, read some of the books listed on our reference page.

Don't fear death, accept it. Many religions teach you to fear death, fear hell, fear God. These religious leaders want to control you through fear. There is no place for fear when seeking true spirituality.

Accept death, understand it, be constantly aware of it. "Awareness of death begets real life."

Don't put off the important things. Hug your kids, tell them you love them. Love your spouse, or significant other.  Hold them, whisper to them how much they mean to you.

Spend time following your dreams, don't put them off. Make the world a better place. Live each moment prepared for death, leaving nothing unsaid, nothing undone.

By so doing, you eliminate the fear from your life. Fear of flying. Fear of anthrax. Fear of death. You maximize the opportunities this life offers you. Then, when your time is up and death comes knocking, whether it be in an accident or peacefully in your sleep, you will return to your spiritual home with no regrets from this life, the better prepared for future lives to come.

Hamster Wheel

Do you ever feel like you’re running on a hamster wheel….busily working, spinning away, but really getting nowhere? The hamster wheel is just another euphemism to describe aspects of the busy modern lives we lead. Others that come to mind are “stuck in a rut” or getting caught up in the “rat race”. Sometimes I refer to it as sleepwalking through life. We just go through the motions of our lives, put in our 8, 10, or 12 hour day at the office…then head home for some mindless chatter or to zone out and watch TV.

I do understand we need to work to survive, to pay the mortgage and provide for the kids. And that “stuck in a rut” feeling may not always be job-related. Maybe you’re a stay-at-home mom caring for your brood. Or a college student trapped with boring classes. I remember being a high school kid, unable to wait for the school year to end. I think we’ve all had those feelings at one point or another in our lives. I’m not sure these feeling can be avoided entirely, but I do have a few ideas on how they can be minimized.

a) Try to learn something new every day. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a class, researching a topic on the internet, or joining a friend for some stimulating conversation, there’s always something new you can learn.

b) Visit new surroundings. Take a weekend getaway to a nearby point of interest, go on a road trip. I’ve been fortunate to have a job that “forces” me to move around and travel…I definitely derive satisfaction from traveling to new locations.

c) Take a vacation. Okay, maybe the circumstances aren’t quite right for your dream 14-day Mediterranean Cruise, but just taking a couple days to head to the beach or some nearby mountain, or even just hanging out in your backyard will break you out of your “hamster wheel” existence.

d) Develop a creative outlet. Whether it’s knitting, restoring an old car, creative writing, painting landscapes, or dancing, find a way to let the “inner you” express yourself.

e) Appreciate beauty. I believe you can find something beautiful to appreciate no matter where you live. But, I think sometimes we become numb to our surroundings, that’s why items b and c are on the list. For those times when you aren’t traveling, just take a moment to pause and really examine your environment, whether it’s flowers blooming or birds singing or the new fallen snow, I’m quite certain you’ll discover something new and beautiful within view.

f) Be present in the moment. This ties in with item e. By truly being aware, you will see the world with a new perspective. Focused breathing is a good way to develop this type of presence.

g) Meditate. I’ve read a bunch of books touting a variety of particular methods. I’m not sure I believe there is only “one true way”. I recommend you find one that works for you and try to incorporate a daily practice.

Good luck and enjoy life!!

Religious Totalitarianism

Today at the gym as I trudged along on the treadmill, I read several articles from the latest edition of The Economist, my favorite news magazine.  An article on recycling made me think of recycling another old message from the original World Beyond website for my blog.  An article on the ongoing civil war in Sri Lanka (Muslim Tamil fighting Buddhist Sinhalese) helped me choose the article to recycle.

Although originally written in December of 2001, I think the topic is still relevant, as unfortunately there is plenty of religious totalitarianism remaining in today's world.

In that message, I used the following excerpts of an editorial written by Thomas L. Friedman of the New York Times on 27 Nov, 2001: 

If 9/11 was indeed the onset of World War III, we have to understand what this war is about. We're not fighting to eradicate "terrorism." Terrorism is just a tool. We're fighting to defeat an ideology: religious totalitarianism.

World War II and the cold war were fought to defeat secular totalitarianism - Nazism and Communism - and World War III is a battle against religious totalitarianism, a view of the world that my faith must reign supreme and can be affirmed and held passionately only if all others are negated. That's bin Ladenism.

But unlike Nazism, religious totalitarianism can't be fought by armies alone. It has to be fought in schools, mosques, churches and synagogues, and can be defeated only with the help of imams, rabbis and priests.

The generals we need to fight this war are people like Rabbi David Hartman, from the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. What first attracted me to Rabbi Hartman when I reported from Jerusalem was his contention that unless Jews reinterpreted their faith in a way that embraced modernity, without weakening religious passion, and in a way that affirmed that God speaks multiple languages and is not exhausted by just one faith, they would have no future in the land of Israel. And what also impressed me was that he knew where the battlefield was. He set up his own schools in Israel to compete with fundamentalist Jews, Muslims and Christians, who used their schools to preach exclusivist religious visions.

After recently visiting the Islamic madrasa in Pakistan where many Taliban leaders were educated, and seeing the fundamentalist religious education the young boys there were being given, I telephoned Rabbi Hartman and asked: How do we battle religious totalitarianism? He answered: "All faiths that come out of the biblical tradition - Judaism, Christianity and Islam - have the tendency to believe that they have the exclusive truth. When the Taliban wiped out the Buddhist statues, that's what they were saying. But others have said it too. The opposite of religious totalitarianism is an ideology of pluralism - an ideology that embraces religious diversity and the idea that my faith can be nurtured without claiming exclusive truth. America is the Mecca of that ideology, and that is what bin Laden hates and that is why America had to be destroyed."

The future of the world may well be decided by how we fight this war. Can Islam, Christianity and Judaism know that God speaks Arabic on Fridays, Hebrew on Saturdays and Latin on Sundays, and that he welcomes different human beings approaching him through their own history, out of their language and cultural heritage? "Is single-minded fanaticism a necessity for passion and religious survival, or can we have a multilingual view of God - a notion that God is not exhausted by just one religious path?" asked Rabbi Hartman.

Many Jews and Christians have already argued that the answer to that question is yes, and some have gone back to their sacred texts to reinterpret their traditions to embrace modernity and pluralism, and to create space for secularism and alternative faiths. Others - Christian and Jewish fundamentalists - have rejected this notion, and that is what the battle is about within their faiths…Although there is a deep moral impulse in Islam for justice, charity and compassion, Islam has not developed a dominant religious philosophy that allows equal recognition of alternative faith communities."

Rabbi Hartman's "multilingual view of God", mentioned in the above article, is a view which needs to spread throughout the world. Until we can discard the notion that our beliefs (be they Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist or Hindu) constitute the "one true path" the world will remain filled with conflict and violence.

And the issue is larger than just religion. Whenever force, destruction, or violent acts are used to impose your views, you are on the wrong path. There are many such examples today: anti-abortion bombers, anti-trade activists, white supremacists, animal rights activists, etc. As long as you are anti- anything, as long as you are consumed by hate, as long as you resort to violence, you are dooming yourself, and those around you, to a life of misery.

It is still possible to oppose ideas you find distasteful. You don't have to become a spineless moral relativist. Stand up for what you believe, just remember to approach the problem with love, and allow others to hold views that don't necessarily match yours. As a wise woman once told me, "reasonable people agree to disagree."

Respect other's beliefs, and accept the fact that you don't have a corner on the wisdom market.

Get over yourself.

Don't blindly accept the dogmas you've grown up with, social dogmas, religious dogmas, political dogmas. Open your eyes. Question your beliefs. Meditate and tune into the universal truth. It's amazing how much is out there ready to be learned. Armed with love and this new outlook, you can make a difference in your family and in your community.

Circumstances

"Circumstances--what are circumstances?  I make circumstances."  --Napoleon Bonaparte

Do you ever look at someone else and wish you were them?  Maybe they're more beautiful.  Maybe they have more money.  Maybe they exercise more power.

Do you ever look at someone else and breathe a sigh of relief that you aren't them?  Maybe they seem a little bit duller.  Maybe they're fat or ugly.  Maybe they're just mean-spirited.

Why are they the way they are?

Why are you the way you are?

Why are each of us in our own current circumstances?  Is it luck?  Fate?  Punishment?

If you accept the premise that the earth is a giant school-house, then our individual life circumstances are the best possible training ground for the particular lessons we stand in need of at this stage of our existence.   The most important thing for us to do is to step back and llik at our lives, discover what lessons we need to learn and then go to work on them.  I've found the best way to do this is to contemplate, or meditate.  Read good books.  Find a quiet spot to think about their meaning and the purpose of your life.  Do some research.  You'll find a method that works for you, if you really desire it.  The answers will come.

Some people are so caught up in their day-to-day existence, they never look at the big picture and take the time to grow.  It's easy to get caught up in work, or soap-operas, or video games, or 1001 other distractions.  Before you know it, your life is over, and you may have just slept through class.  Chances are, if you're reading this message, you aren't one of these people.  You are searching for meaning.  Here's what I believe the meaning of life is:

At some point prior to coming to Earth, you freely chose to be born into your present circumstances, knowing what lessons you needed to learn.  The challenge now is to get in touch with your spiritual self and take advantage of your situation to learn and grow as much as possible.  The obstacles, the pain, the suffering you've endured (and may face in the future) were all meant to teach you about love, determination and courage.  This life is designed as a personal tutorial to increase your spiritual understanding and awareness.

We're all on a path toward becoming one with God.  We're all at different points along the path.  In fact, there isn't just one path, there are an infinite number.  As we gain understanding, empathy, compassion and the capacity to love, we grow closer to God.  We make progress along our path.  It's an individual journey, yet we're meant to help others along the way.  The interaction with other souls, other works in progress, is the main feature of our school-house.  Our family members and closest friends are our main classmates, and we work through many "group projects" with them.

We need to demonstrate our love and patience in the way we deal with others along the way.  They're working toward oneness, just as you are.  They may be conscious of it, or oblivious.  They may be kinder than us, they may be hard-hearted.  They may be making the most of their time here, or wasting it.  Either way we need to treat them with kindness.

We may make mistakes, they may make mistakes...here is where the grand principle of forgiveness factors in.  At different points in our life, we'll need to learn how to forgive others...and we'll need to seek and accept forgiveness from others.

I think we're back to the simple things here, the golden rule.  We should treat all others with respect,  the way we want to be treated, no matter their faith, political party, nationality, or skin color.  Some may be further along the path than us...they shouldn't be envied.  Others may be well behind us...they shouldn't be ridiculed.  We're neither better nor worse than they are...we're just in different circumstances.  Different places along the journey.

At some point we'll be held accountable for our actions here.  This isn't some final judgment where souls are condemned to everlasting hell-fire.  We'll actively participate in this life-review.  We'll be our own harshest critics.  The way we handled things here will determine our future circumstances.  I'm quite certain during this life-review it won't matter how much money we had, how many employees we had, what kind of car we drove, how many advanced degrees we earned, how beautiful we were...the material things just won't matter.

What seems so real to us now is just a temporary illusion.  How we develop our soul is what's important.  It's what we take with us.  It's what's real.  I hope we can all stay in touch with this spiritual reality.  Let's truly create a World Beyond by making the most of the opportunities and circumstances we find ourselves in. 

Religion and Truth

I grew up as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Mormons.  I enjoyed my  youth, mostly enjoyed going to church and the feeling of participating in something sacred and helping others.  I went on a mission for the Church to Japan.  As I grew older though, I began to feel I'd outgrown the shell of organized religion.  Questions and discrepancies with doctrine grew.  During the spring of Y2K, a wave of inspiration hit me, and over the past seven years, I've tried to track my own spiritual development by means of organizing my thoughts and feelings on the World Beyond website.

I think organized religions are a means to raise people's consciousness, but once a person truly incorporates their teachings, they no longer serve a purpose. Over the past seven years I've learned a great many truths, many of which tie n with Mormon doctrine, many which do not.

Every nation is granted the religion it deserves, what God feels will best serve their culture. The truth from God is interpreted through the lens of their cultural mindset. Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, Buddha, Joseph Smith, and others, each received the truth, coming from a higher plane, and each did their best to spread their religion to the world. The world (culture by culture) benefited enormously from their revelations. Those who truly incorporated the teachings of these enlightened souls made great strides in the growth of their own souls.
                           
I think everyone can reach the state of enlightenment where they can add to the enlightenment of others, maybe not on the scale of the great religious leaders mentioned above, but certainly to those they come into contact with. And when you think about it, isn't that what the previous religious leaders did? They worked among their own contemporaries trying to lift them up to a higher place. Hopefully, we can somehow achieve a similar result.
                           
That's the impetus behind World Beyond. My goal is to provide information others may find useful to help them progress along their own journey. Take the time to read some of the information posted here...I'm sure you'll find some of it beneficial.  Not that I have all the answers, or even any of the answers. In reality, no one else can decide what you need. Each individual has to make that decision. Find the truths that work for you and live them.
                           
I think we can all come up with the answers we personally need, if we're willing to search. I honestly believe one of the results of the monumental changes of the past century is the marginalization of organized religion.   Now, we each have the opportunity to make our spiritual journeys as individuals. We don't need a priest to intercede on our behalf. We don't have to follow archaic beliefs, traditions handed down by men whose primary goal was to maintain power and control over their flock, rather than help their flock grow spiritually.
                           
The means are readily available for like-minded individuals to share their thoughts and grow together. Take the opportunity. I hope you find this blog useful.  Please leave a comment to share your insights, or contact me via email. I want to hear from you.  Also, please share what you find with others.
                           
The Mormon religion was a vehicle that took me a long way down the path of enlightenment.  Then, the  terrain changed, I left the vehicle and travel the next phase of the journey on foot. May God bless each of you on your own journey. I hope to meet many of you along the way.

Finding Your Own Truth

In a previous post ("The Impact of Past Lives on the Present") I mentioned that one of the guiding concepts of this site is to help individuals find "their truth".  There are a wide variety of ways to learn and discover truth in this world.

One way is through increased levels of personal meditation.  Let me preface this by saying I'm no master meditator, I don't spend a large amount of time, but I do try and do it several times a day.  When I began this journey, I wondered why so many people suggested meditation, I really didn't understand what it had to offer. Well, here's something that helped make it "click" for me.  This quote is from Carlos Castaneda, "Whenever the internal dialogue stops, the world collapses, and extraordinary facets of ourselves surface, as though they had been kept heavily guarded by our words." Done properly, meditation turns off our internal dialogue, and helps us discover those extraordinary things, or that part of God, hidden within us.

Dreams are another way of discovering your own life's purpose.  While many of my dreams are just bizarre or about subjects not really related to spirituality, (I have great "adventure-movie" dreams), at times I've gained insight by remembering and paying attention to my dreams.

If you've looked around this site a bit, you'll realize I love to read and incorporate new ideas discovered within good books into my life.  Many times a particular quote or section of a book will provide a flash of inspiration to help solve a personal problem or reevaluate a course of action.

I also believe many things have to be learned through experience.  Despite the vast repositories of spiritual advice contained in sacred books throughout the world, despite advice gleaned from web-sites or received from friends, there are simply some things you have to figure out for yourself.  Mostly this is done through trial and error, or the "school of hard knocks".  These lessons of life are the whole reason we exist in this schoolhouse we call earth.  Many of these lessons are taught through family relationships, your personal relationships with parents, siblings and children.

Each one of us has different lessons to learn.  No one can learn your lessons for you. No one can do the work for you.  No one can make you do it, it must come from within.  Certainly, we can help each other along the way by providing insight and encouragement, but the lessons are ours to learn.  Isn't that what makes life so wonderful though? The joy of discovering new things.  New things about God, the universe, and ourselves.

Some lessons one person struggles with here on earth may be a piece of cake to someone else. We come to earth with a core of knowledge gathered from previous lives.  We don't remember it all directly, but it makes up facets of our personalities, our strengths and our weaknesses. We need compassion when dealing with others struggling with problems. Perhaps we've just been fortunate enough to have learned and incorporated that lesson in a previous life.  When it comes to our weaknesses, we need to relish the challenge of overcoming them.  We need to confront them head on, and if they knock us down, we need to get up, dust ourselves off, laugh, and confront them again.  Help will be provided to us, if we seek it, and we continue to work.  We all have the capability to grow and become more God-like by overcoming these weaknesses and learning these sometimes difficult lessons. My prayer is that we continue to do so, and by so doing, we develop a World Beyond the one we currently reside in.  A better world, a world closer to God.