I am passing through this URL and the text below, as it is so well written and us brothers and sisters will appreciate the honesty of Michael Brown's writing. Please refer to the link to the referenced web site below.WHAT IS NOT ENLIGHTENMENT?By Michael BrownALL SEEKING TO EVOLVE INTO THEIR FULLEST POTENTIAL COME FACE TO FACE WITH THE CONCEPT OF "ENLIGHTENMENT". YET, FOR MOST THIS MYSTICAL STATE OF FULLY AWAKENED CONSCIOUSNESS REMAINS AN INTELLECTUAL CONCEPT; A STATE OF BEING AS UNATTAINABLE AS WINNING A NATIONAL LOTTERY. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT OUR CONCEPT OF ENLIGHTENMENT IS MISGUIDED? BECAUSE IF THIS IS SO, WE MAY BE STRIVING TO ACCOMPLISH A STATE OF BEING THAT MAY NOT EVEN EXIST.I used to think enlightenment was a singular experience in which there would be an internal cosmic firework display, followed by astounding revelations of biblical proportions, ending in the complete adjustment of my perceptual relationship with everything in this world. I approached and eagerly searched for this experience as a definite point of arrival in which I would finally understand everything, and simultaneously feel deliriously wonderful forever and ever, Amen! Was I so wrong! I am still open to such an inner experience, but as I continue my journey along the corridors of this life I am discovering that "enlightenment is definitely not what I thought it was". Thank God for that!First of all, just being aware there is a state of being called "enlightenment" is in itself an experience of enlightenment. Many humans are so bound by their past, by the consequences of their thoughts, words, and deeds, that all their energy is invested into survival. They do not even look up and ask, "Why is the sky blue?" They are just grateful that it is not raining on them that particular day. For such an individual to awaken to the idea that there is more to a life experience than endless sorrow, toil, and hardship, is enlightenment.Once I was able to let go of the misconception that enlightenment was a singular, explosive experience, and that it was actually something more realistic than an internal fireworks display followed by delirious grinning 24 hours a day, I became vulnerable to a completely different perspective; that enlightenment is ongoing, and will hopefully continue to be so eternally.Funnily enough, the experience that shook me out of my illusions about enlightenment occurred through an intimate relationship. When I was about 38 I was attracted to, and became intimately involved with a wonderful woman who was much younger than I. My mind told me this was not beneficial. Fortunately, my heart overrode my conservatism. It was during this relationship that I discovered the meaning of intimacy. I now love the word "intimacy"; for me its authentic meaning is revealed within the phonetics of the word: into-me-and-see. During that intimate encounter I realized that it was not enlightenment I was looking for at all; it was intimacy.I was desperately seeking intimacy with myself, with God, with nature, with my family, with all humans I encountered, with my cats, with my writing, with plants, with the falling rain, with my pain, with my dreams and visions, and with all the minute aspects of this experience we call "living our life", like washing dishes and doing laundry.Of course, intimacy, to be authentic, demands we consciously show up and be "present" with all our experiences. Realizing this, to me, was an enlightening moment. And, I only came to this realization by entering an experience my mind totally resisted. I then also realized that up until that moment I had been using my mind as the primary tool with which to seek enlightenment; I thought I could achieve it through thinking, understanding, and analysis. Again, I was mistaken.Today I am glad I am not enlightened, as in having arrived at a cosmic destination and receiving a "Degree in Enlightenment" from the multiverse establishing me as having accomplished "the ultimate spiritual task". Today I perceive enlightenment on many levels, and one of these is the acceptance that everyday is saturated with enlightening experiences, if I just let them in. Now my life is littered with ongoing potential points for enlightenment:Realizing I am responsible for my own experiences is enlightening.Realizing my Inner Presence is a shared experience is enlightening.Being grateful to God, whatever God may be for me, for every experience that comes my way, is enlightening.Knowing that my hardships are always a disguised blessing of potential growth and wisdom is enlightening.Knowing that nothing in my life happens by accident is enlightening.Being able to enjoy simple moments, like taking a walk and appreciating the scenery, is enlightening.Being willing to take small steps each day to nurture, heal, teach, and guide myself, is enlightening.Knowing the difference between reacting and responding is enlightening.Being able to extract the Dharma from my drama is enlightening.Being able to forgive myself, and therefore others, is enlightening.Being able to sit with another as they go through hardship, without feeling compelled to fiddle with their experience, is enlightening.Laughing at my own seriousness, or silliness, until my gut aches and tears stream from my eyes is definitely massively enlightening.Trusting that what ever God is, is intimately aware of me, and so I can never really be alone, is enlightening.Now, throughout my experience, as I move from unconsciousness into added awareness, there are unlimited points for enlightenment. I also like to feel that because God is an unlimited experience, the journey into God-realization is an unlimited one. Just considering this and all the infinite possibilities it invites is enlightening.When we discover that enlightenment is not what we thought it was, then we enter a point of authentic enlightenment that opens a doorway to endless points of enlightenment.Discovering that enlightenment is "not what we thought it was" is cause for celebration! From this moment doorways within our minds and hearts open and the light of authenticity spills through the widening cracks of our dissolving misconceptions.To remain in this state of wonder requires keeping an open mind. Whenever we make our mind up about something, we simultaneously close a door to continued growth. Knowing that we make such errors along the way is enlightening. Knowing that there is always more to discover is enlightening. By approaching enlightenment in this way, as an endless journey of ongoing "Aha's!" we allow our life experiences to be an endless story that God is telling us so that we may discover and rediscover our unlimited, endless, eternal, and mysterious self.I am also open to being totally wrong about all of this. If I discover I am, this too will be enlightening.www.thepresenceportal.com
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This below quote from the Presence Process author, Michael Brown and is available through his web site, THE PRESENCE PORTAL."It’s not about feeling better – it’s about getting better at feeling."I forwarded my intent to manifest an Asheville Presence Circle to Michael Brown, and he strongly advises against any kind of support group. Below is a copy of his email to me.I'll be sitting with all this and feeling into how the planned event on February 20th can best be of service.HowardDear Howard,Thank you for your email.It is great you are following your heart in this matter.Personally, I do not do groups, nor do I supported any group forming around work intended to be self-facilitation. I am however not against others entering this experience.I have written extensively on the error we make when forming specialized groups to become more present, when our authentic group is already provided: being whomever we are with in any given moment.You may enjoy reading the article on the Writings page of the website called, "Let's Not Form Another Group". It will at least assist you to appreciate why I decline such invitations.If you feel this specialized group experience is a journey you need to take, I support you. However, I personally will not participate. I do appreciate the invite and all the heart-felt sentiment I know comes with it.I am pleased this work has been of use to you.Kindest regards,Michael.Hi Michael,Yes, any group that does not self-eliminate and point the user back into themselves is just another church, another institution that sabotages personal will and initiative and uses that consciousness to aggrandize its members.I have read your writings on "not another group" and am feeling into the entrapments and subtleties you cite.I will sit with this further.We each have to breathe for ourselves.Thanks for the clear response. It is so easy to muddy the waters, even with what would appear good intentions ;-) .Howard
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(C) 2009 Howard McQueenYour inner essence is quietly whispering"I can only be of service to theeif you surrender your controland let life be our Mystery.I will show you a lifelineout of the maelstrom of your miseryinto an every deepening acceptanceof our Mystery.You will be empowered by your authenticity,by letting us tend to the artistryreshaped from your surrendered energies.Step into yourself in this momentand let go.Only you can do this for yourselfyou needn't suffer any more.New structures of experiencewill form and coalescein this super-saturated, concentrate of love and respect"So as essence, I whisper again "open yourself to the potential and possibility.It is less than 1/8 inch awayand timeless, outside of things subject to expiry."~ ~ ~
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(c) 2009 Howard McQueenOur life experience is thisjourney into the unknowing.Feeling incapable of sustaining this experience,we fabricate destinations,reward-oriented goals and milestones:- make a lot of money- have a great orgasm- appear ultra competent- ...and we keep controlling to keep having ...and we freak when there appears to bea cessation, or not enough.All are destination-seeking,reality-manipulatingenergetic efforting experiences.The experience of being on a never ending unknowing journeyallows a natural unfolding,it does not force manipulative controlling,it invites the inner intuitive essence of usto be our guiding lightto align with our authenticity,lighting and illuminating new ways toshare and experience relationship with each other,and all things appearing in this quite mysteriousnot-knowing experience.
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(c) 2009 Howard McQueenThe belief that the physical worldis happening to us,rather than through us,creates a mountain of mischief.The perception and interpretationof what is happening outsideis all a matter for our interiorto shape and decide.Our emotional discomfort is the lens,the pain body, the active agentthat hi-jacks our awarenessand our thinking mind make-believesthe physical worldis out to get us.Hey, the evidence is like everywhere, right?Our work is to be present to whatever is arisingespecially those emotional discomforts we've hidden away.In reclaiming these hi-jacking energies,we return to ourselves the original giftsto tune into the vibration of un-filtered,unconditional Loveand be living in Grace, completely gratefulfor all of living, all encounterswith whatever life is serving up in this moment.~ ~ ~
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A transformational book, The Presence Process is both an introductory as well as an experiential lesson book in becoming present. This just may be the book to begin implementing "The Power of Now" into our being - HM.The integrative Approachby Michael Brown(excerpted from the book, The Presence Process)"The nature of being born into a conditional world means that we all had physical, mental and/or emotional experiences that were uncomfortable. Our authentic essence is that we are unconditional beings and so entering any conditional experience is on some level traumatic."AN INVITATIONI am just committing (Oct-08) to undertaking the process as defined and offered through this book. I am interested in starting up a fellowship circle (or some sort of event) to connect individuals undertaking this work. If you are interested in this, please drop me a note - howard@mcq.com.
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(c) 2009 Howard McQueenThe sacred body-mind relationshipshort-circuited and kidnappedand the crimeimmaculately covered over.The ego-mind now installed as confidantexposed as secret-agent-man,gestapo, dark SS Nazi oppressive synergy."I am the creator and sustainerof all your indispensable,external worldly creature comforts and securities"proclaims the bravado of ego.More covertly, its modus operandiis saboteur,sadistically snipping off all the green chutes of inner growth.Keep drama alive, the hyper-drive vanity bonfireswhile oxygen-deprived stunted embers does it stoke,covering over and laying down a deep toxic screen of smokefeeding and breeding caution and conformity,an all out fear-based political mutilation and mongering.Well-now, the conflict generator,caught in the bright spotlight of awareness;Watch in ultra slow motion the sleight of handthe magic of redirection,the corrupt subterfuge machinery spinning up.I for onecall upon and invokethe Holy energies of True Jihad be provoked.Practiced in deep sacred reverence forauthentic life,with my newly appointed left-tenant trinityof Grace-Compassion-Lovethis Catch-22 situation is beingrewritten, reworked and alteredwith the dynamisms of radicaltruth and authenticity.***I watched the movie Valkyrie for its message that boldness must step up and oppose the oppressor, else we are all lost.From The Presence Process, by Michael BrownThe integrative Approach"The nature of being born into a conditional world means that we all had physical, mental and/or emotional experiences that were uncomfortable. Our authentic essence is that we are unconditional beings and so entering any conditional experiences is on some level traumatic."
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c) 2009 Howard McQueenA special diet-conscious potluck lunch was enjoyed by four of us the other day.- home made chicken and vegetable soup- Caesar salad (dressing optional, romaine with a drizzling of balsamic reduction for those observing a cheese-free diet)- gluten-free baked crackersTwo of the four at lunch had returned from their their ten day shamanic cleansing rituals. A new member to the luncheon group opened up conversation around the practices of Tantric sex, as well as polyamory.The opening discussion ranged anywhere from how do we treat our body sacredly, ingesting nourishment, to healing remedies that are, on occasion, needed to flush out toxins and stuck emotional energies.We then each offered up our own personal examples of how groups of individuals can choose to participate in the nourishment of intimacy. These practices ranged from participating in puppy piles, gathering in circles and singing campfire songs, playing music together, devotional singing and chanting, line dancing and the list goes on and on and on (perhaps you care to share your example?).We then slipped into a conversation centered around sacred sex and the practices of engaging in sex for pleasure, intimacy and to even provoke healing. Tantric sex, from the male perspective, involves holding and re-circulating the heightened chi. This is accomplished by the male being aroused up to the edge of orgasm/ejaculation, and then relaxing so that ejaculation does not occur. Instead, the pent up masculine energies are flooded through the energy body to provide nourishment and healing to the entire being.Our new addition to the lunch group spoke confidently about his migration to polyamory. One of the introductory exercises he cited in a polyamory gathering deals with building muscles in boundary setting. Each person was to mingle amongst the group (upwards of 150 people) and make sure that they were able to say "No" to at least three individuals. The idea was to activate and engage the no response that might have atrophied in some participants. This was followed by talking about the experiences, then making sure that everyone was very clear that asking for and receiving permission is a critical element in building trust.I know a number of folks that admittedly adhere to serial monogamy relationship, i.e. one lover-at-a-time over their life span. This is their current comfort zone.When I imagine being engaged with several lovers at a time (and at the same time), and to bring a conscious capacity to engage each and all in conscious intimacy, uncertainty and mild anxiety arises within my body.I remember (Ha! you might exclaim) the early 1970s as a period when lots of folks were experimenting with sexuality (bi-sexuality, group sex, tantric sex). There were always a variety of drugs around then as well, so pure consciousness states were often covered over with recreational and altered experience states. This was also the time that Federico Fellini was directing a number of masterful films that explored the inner psyche of man (Jungian psychology) and the erotica of sexuality. These movies are highly recommended for anyone wanting to widen their interests relating to human sexuality. Just participating in watching the movies will stir sensations and feelings inside you.For example:Amarcord (1973)Casanova (1976)City of Women (1980)Satyricon (1969)I've just updated my Netflix Queue ;-) !In my opinion, seek the counsel of your inner self before you launch off into a radical departure from what has been your established sexual comfort zone and continue to rely upon plain old common sense. I subscribed to eHarmony several years ago and I thought the eHarmony common sense guide to first contact with another was helpful.Gaining a deeper appreciation for your inner sexuality can make you more comfortable in your skin, as well as more comfortable sharing physical contact (hugs, kissing) - so long as you continue to appreciate the boundaries of others and the longings that may be like pots boiling over on your inner stove, as well as the stoves of others. Many of us out there may be extremely “needy” for intimacy.Anyone caring to share their stories and experiences may contact me directly. As always, I will maintain confidentiality. Howard@mcq.com
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We ride on our own blessings,along with all the other noble steeds -aroused by the provocations of our teachers and predecessorsA friend in Arizona recently cited the bolded line above and provided the following response.Of particular significance to me this day is the line: "We ride on our own blessings." Daily blessing was the major theme of the letter I just wrote Marketa an hour ago. The writing of that letter made me determined to do much more of it at gratitude log, on Twitter, at Facebook - without fail.Let us daily increase in: wisdom, love, gratitude, reverence, healing, peace, joy, happiness, laughter and prosperity.Love and Blessings X 10,If we don’t feel blessed, then we should perhaps ask ourselves if we have accepted living as “cursed”. Let me share with you my former symptoms of feeling cursed, and how it came about that I was able to shake off and ultimately lay down the curse.My curseI cursed my mom and especially my dad a lot,because they seemingly failed me,passing on their cursed experiences –they were the first that passed the spell, the curse, on to me.I slipped into this obsession of condemning them, as well as myself,then projected this condemnation everywhere and on everyone else.I cursed life itself, when it did not give me exactly what I wanted.In those times, I really berated and depreciated myself.I poked and prodded my wounded selfInto full inflammation, anger, aggressionThis hell I conjured up and made of my self.And one day all this projection reversed itselfAnd I saw the carnage and wreckage, the absence of love I’d brought to myselfI then spent a couple of years enrapt with trying to redeem myself.Till all of a sudden, that fever broke as wellMy blessings in AbundanceIn prayer, I laid myself open to all that had beenAnd there came to me a rightness of seeingin this momentary refrainof non-doing.Then there was up-rootingThen there was a longing, a desire, a bloomingand sense of belonging to a vast unconditional loveA fellowship to be cultivated within.Then there were profound expressions of fellowship with othersLaying down a template for telling truth as this moment unfolds.Then a commitment to work on laying down defensive and offensive actsTo be wide open and vulnerable to life.Then, a deeper appreciation for Prayer: A Radical Response to Life [1]That opened me to rise up with non-aggression and defend,internally and externally, the right conditionsfor love to be incubated, encouraged,cultivated, practiced, shared, and sealed with blessings.These seals of blessings,swim and play in our spirit ocean,as energetic potential for what can be,Come play with them and becomeinfected and transformed by their gentle, loving nature,their innocence, their seemingly naïveté,their accumulated depth of wisdom in loving and acceptingall that is, all that can be realized,by responding to the callings of your blessed inner Self.[1] Prayer: A Radical Response to Life, by Matthew Fox
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