INNER LIGHT MInistries Journal
The Flow Following Of Loving
Volume 25 Number 2
August, 2013
by Jim Gordon, President of ILM
W
(from Facing Our Fears With Loving, 10/4/05)
hen I was in high school I signed up for a German class in order to fulfill the necessary language requirement. After my first day of German I went out into the hallway, looked at my schedule to see where I was supposed to go next, and suddenly realized that my next class, English, was in the same room and with the German teacher. I was horrified. I had such a fear of this woman. Her expression, confidence, and her fluidity of language made me feel so inadequate. Every day, all the German students would get up at the end of the class period and leave, and I would just sit there, trying to be invisible, and wait for the English students to come in. It was distressing to sit there by myself with her. She’d sit and work at her desk, look up at me from time to time, make a comment once in awhile. I never knew what to say. I didn’t want her talking to me. I just wanted her to pretend I wasn’t there. One day in my meditation, which was my prayer back then, as I was praying and sharing with the Lord, my German/English teacher walked in my prayer and stood right in front of me. This, of course, made me very upset. I said, “You’re not supposed to be in my prayer. You can’t be here. Go away. Go back to the school room.” Suddenly, my focus wasn’t on God anymore; it was on her. I tried to get around her, but she would move in front of me. No matter what I did, I couldn’t get past her and I couldn’t get her to go away. This went on day after day. I began to get mad at God because God wasn’t helping me no matter how much I pleaded. Finally, one day in the classroom, I realized that my teacher was reaching out to me in friendship. She was trying to participate with me, and it was up to me to reach out to her in the same manner. What I found interesting was that what I’d been giving the Lord in prayer – a reaching out, an offering of
vulnerability, of availability – I was feeling from her toward me. It felt strange when I recognized that the very same thing I was offering God in my prayer, she was offering me in friendship. It was then I knew I had to reciprocate. I wanted to reciprocate. We began talking, and I soon realized the depth that was there. In the beginning I was afraid of it. I was afraid of what I saw in her, of what I thought she represented in my life, and I allowed all those fears to stand between myself and the Lord. I began to let go of these fears and open to what she was offering, open to what Spirit was presenting to me. Over the next two years, she and I became the best of friends. We may not always be aware of what is standing between us and the Lord in our lives and in our meditation, so we have to pay attention. We can ask ourselves, “Is there a flow of loving? Is there a movement in some way that allows me to be aware that God is present right now, and I am present in God?” It may be as simple as seeing the blue or purple light in front of us, vibrating, pulsating, moving in us, through us, lifting us up; or it may be a feeling that becomes present in the moment as a sensation, or maybe a tingling. However we experience the movement of Loving, know that it is available to all of us, and it is for all of us to participate in. It’s up to each of us to move into the River of Loving, into that frequency that is moving in us and through us. If there’s something blocking you from being in the River of Loving, then ask the Lord to assist you in seeing what stands between you and the Lord, and assist you in its understanding. Regardless if you actually know what is blocking you or you are simply aware that there is a block in front of your loving the Lord, all you have to do is move into the loving with it. Love it all. Appreciate it all. Honor it all. The block will eventually be revealed to you … as well as the gift that always comes with it.
The Application of LAF
H
by Brian Yeakey, Vice President of ILM ow to move through our fears and defenses:
PROTECTION – ACCEPTANCE
FEAR – FORGIVENESS SELF-LOVE – LOVING
Protection – Acceptance WHAT are you protecting … in yourself or in others? Remember, it’s inside of You! So, what is it that you are protecting inside yourself … feelings, beliefs, self-image, expectations, desires, etc? Acknowledge and Accept what it is that you are protecting in yourself. Be honest. Take responsibility and ownership for what you are trying to protect, and be willing to confess (to yourself) … Only The Truth Will Set You Free!
Fear – Forgiveness WHY are you protecting yourself? What are you afraid of, inside yourself, that you or others may experience? Is it shame, guilt, judgment, not getting approval, being wrong or not being right, being hurt or hurting someone, not being loved, etc.? Forgive what it is that you are afraid could potentially happen to you or others … most importantly, Forgive Yourself! Forgive yourself for creating the fear! Forgive yourself for holding onto the fear. You have to let go in order to let God!
Self-Love – Loving What is it that you really want … love, worthiness, acceptance, joy, peace, etc.? Move into Loving Yourself! You have to love yourself first before you can get free of your fear, and before you can allow God and others to love You!
Diagnosis: Protection – Fear – Lack of Love Prescription: Loving + Acceptance + Forgiveness (LAF) Applying LAF on a daily basis = Spiritual Healing thus, Spiritual Freedom! 2
I nner L ight M inistries
Calendar
Classes & Programs: Autumn – Winter 2013 Presented by Jim Gordon and Brian Yeakey in Austin, Texas:
M
For additional information, call 512-306-1056.
Classes:
Jim and Brian’s class is held once a month on the following Sundays (see schedule below and please note time for each class), at Lake Travis Event Center, 411 Ranch Road, 620 South in Lakeway, TX (see directions below). Monthly classes include spiritual teachings, Q&A, and meditation. Jim and Brian assist participants to become more deeply aware of the Spirit within. No charge.
onthly
Sundays: AUG 18
Please take note of locations for the meetings. –
Class: 2-4 pm. Jim and Brian’s recorded meditations, as well as
excerpts from talks arranged with music, to create more time for meditation. At Bill Stratton’s home. For directions call 512-388-7350.
SEPT 15 –
Potluck: 12-1:30 pm & Class with Q&A: 1:30-6:30 pm*
–
Potluck: 12-1:30 pm & Class with Q&A: 1:30-6:30 pm*
OCT 6
Lake Travis Event Center, 411 Ranch Road, 620 South in Lakeway.
Lake Travis Event Center, 411 Ranch Road, 620 South in Lakeway.
NOV 10
–
Potluck: 12-1:30 pm & Class with Q&A: 1:30-6:30 pm* Lake Travis Event Center, 411 Ranch Road, 620 South in Lakeway.
DEC 15
–
Potluck: 12-1:30 pm & Class with Q&A: 1:30-6:30 pm* Lake Travis Event Center, 411 Ranch Road, 620 South in Lakeway.
Directions to Lake Travis Event Center, 411 Ranch Road, 620 South in Lakeway, TX. From N. Austin/Round Rock: FM 620/ RR 620. Road name changes to FM 620 West/RR 620 West. Take ramp left and follow signs to TX 45 TOLL West. Take ramp for FM 620 W/RR 620 W. Continue on FM 620/RR 620. Arrive at 411 RR, 620 South, Lakeway TX. From South Austin: Take TX-1 Loop South. Take ramp right to TX 71 West/US 290 toward Johnson City and Llano. Take ramp to TX 290 West/71 West. Keep straight on US 290 West/71 West. Keep right on TX 71 West. Turn right on FM 620 South. Continue on FM RR 620 South. Arrive at 411 RR, 620 South, Lakeway TX.
For additional information, call Laura Doggett at 512-306-1056.
* Ending times are approximate.
3
(ILM Calendar continues on pages 4-9)
ILM presents:
in England
Saturday, October 12 Potluck, Sharing and Q&A with Jim im Gordon ordon and Brian rian Yeakey eakey Time of Event: Potluck 12 noon-1:30 pm Sharing and Q&A 1:30-6 pm*
Where: Caroline Rose’s, Flat 9, Woolwich House, 183 Lawrie Park Gardens, Sydenham, London Please contact Caroline at 0208-778-9430 for information and directions.
Monday, October 14 Potluck, Sharing and Q&A with Jim and Brian Time of Event: Potluck 12 noon-1:30 pm, Sharing and Q&A 1:30-6 pm* Where here: Susanne and Stephie Cook’s, 41 Charlewood Road, Burgess Hill, Sussex Please contact Stephiecook@hotmail.com or 0044 7788234337, or Susannecook@fsmail.net or 0044 7754805525 for information and directions. Both contact numbers are available on WhatsAPP (free text) as well as VIBER (free text or free calls). (WhatsAPP or VIBER apps can be used anywhere in the world - all you need is wifi.)
Wednesday, October 16-Sunday, October 20 Experiencing The Divine Meditative Retreat with Jim and Brian
Time of Event: Wednesday at 4 pm thru Sunday at 3 pm.* Where here: Dunford House, Heyshott, Midhurst, West Sussex Cost: Single Occupancy - £370, Double Occupancy (per person) - £335 £50/person deposit is required to register. For more information contact Susanne Cook at 44 1444 871316. To register call Laura Doggett at 512-306-1056, e-mail ilmadmin@ilm.org, or online at ilm.org. If you’d like to support someone with a scholarship please see the last page regarding donations.
Saturday, October 26 Potluck, Sharing and Q&A with Jim and Brian Time ime of of Event vent: Potluck 12 noon noon-1:30 pm pm, Sharing and and Q&A 1:30-6 pm pm* Where here: Caroline Rose’s (see address above) Please contact Caroline at 0208-778-9430 for information and directions. * Ending times are approximate. 4
(ILM Calendar continues on next page)
•
Holiday Events in Austin:
Hallowe-ee-een Party
•
THURSday, oct 31 at 6:30 pm at Bill Stratton’s home. For further information email billstratton@ilm.org.
It’s a batty potluck!
So prepare your gholish delight, and fly on over to Bill’s unearthly haunt, where we’ll feast Addam’s family style with a cackle and a cringe. Costumes are a plus - make us howl! (Optional, of course.) All are creepily welcome -
And beware!
C°c
Coins For Kids
O ur Coins For Kids Christmas service project is coming up ...
so if you’ve been saving your coins or wondering what you might like to do as an expression of service this year, consider participating with us as we once again go on a joyful gift shopping spree for children in need at Christmas time.
Three ways to donate: 1. Drop off your coins/donation at one of Jim and Brian’s Sunday classes by SUNDAY, NOV 10 2. Donate online by going to ilm.org and clicking on Donations in the menu list. Follow the instructions and be sure to select Coins for Kids as the Donation Type 3. Mail a check to: ILM, 3267 Bee Caves Rd, Suite 107-515, Austin, TX 78746. (Donations to ILM’s Coins For Kids are tax deductible.)
Shopping Day will be on Sunday, Nov 24 Meet at 9:30 am at the Super Target at I-35 and Parmer.
C°c Christmas Potluck Party: Join us for ILM’s Christmas celebration on Saturday, DEC 14
The celebration begins
•
at 4 pm at Lake Travis Event Center, 411 Ranch Road, 620 South in Lakeway. (See page 3 for directions.) It’s a potluck so bring a dish to share.
For additional information for this gathering, call Laura Doggett at 512-306-1056.
5
(ILM Calendar continues on next page)
•
I nner L Light M inistries Calendar in Austin:
ILM Community Potluck Nights:
These community nights are intended for the ILM spiritual community to gather together in loving friendship at Laura Kesten’s home on the 1st Saturday of every month for fun, laughter, and great food. Everyone is welcome. Bring a dish if you want to add to the potluck. Starts 5-5:30 pm. 13210 Calf Roping Trail, Austin Park on the street or at the pool/park and walk a short block
2013: SEP 7, OCT 5, NOV 2, DEC 7 & 2014: JAN 4, FEB 1, MAR 1 For additional information, call Laura Kesten at 512-323-2058 or 512-658-4117, or email laurakesten@ilm.org.
Send Us Your Email Address, Choose Green Journals, and Update Mail Since we are doing our best to communicate with our ILM members through the internet, please send
(or update) your email address to your local representative, or to Laura Doggett at ilmadmin@ilm.org.
Also, if you would like to forego the paper route and published please let us know. Each time a new send an email notification with a link to download email address and put “Choose Green Journal”
receive an email notification when the ILM Journal is Journal becomes available (3 times per year) we will the latest Journal in PDF format. Send us your in the subject to ilmadmin@ilm.org.
Finally, if we don’t have your mailing address, or you’ve had any recent address changes, please notify your local representative or email that information to ilmadmin@ilm.org.
Welcome Welcome to to Inner Inner Light Light Ministries Ministries Introductory Introductory Packet Packet In this packet you will find ILM’s book Love and Loving,
the CD: An Introduction To ILM, the CD: Understanding The ‘Inner’ Pathway, the CD: Lotus Meditation, ILM’s brochure: Inner Light Ministries Guidelines For Initiation And Initiates, and a copy of our latest newsletter.
All of these materials have been selected to give a newcomer a better understanding of who we are and what we’re about. If you would like an Introductory Packet for yourself or someone else, just let us know. Call us, email us, or write us! Feel free to take a look at our website too: www.ilm.org (see more information on page 10). We are happy to do what we can to assist you on your spiritual journey. Blessings of Peace, Joy and Loving To You! – Jim Gordon, Brian Yeakey, and the ILM Staff 6
(ILM Calendar continues on next page)
•
Holiday Events in Ft. Wayne: Child At Heart Program:
•
HOWL-oween Pumpkin Transcendence Thursday, oct 27 at 6-7:30 pm
It’s that time in the Midwest
for the children and children-at-heart to come together for carving and lighting up our transformational pumpkins.
(More Child At Heart on next page.)
C°c
Coins For Kids Our Midwest Coins For Kids Christmas service project is coming up ... Come join the jolly ILM “elves” as we shop and wrap for our local adopted Christmas family!
Shopping Night will be on MONday, DEC 2.
Meet at 7 pm at Wal-Mart on Coldwater Rd. Please let us know by Nov. 25 if you can join the shopping elves!
Gift-Wrapping Night will be on TUESday, DEC 3. Meet at 6:30 pm at the ILM Midwest Center. (Note: pizzas and sodas will be provided.) Extra bows, boxes, gift tags, and tape are always welcome!
C°c Christmas Party:
Join us for the Festival of Light celebration on Friday, DEC 13 at 7 pm Come light up the night! Join us for feasting and singing and making the season bright at the ILM Christmas Party. This is not a potluck, but be prepared to eat! The meal is our way of welcoming our ILM family to our “holiday home” in gratitude for the loving you bring us all year round. The gift of your presence is all that is needed to make the celebration complete! At Steven & Anita’s home in Fort Wayne. Everyone is welcome!
•
7
(ILM Calendar continues on next page)
•
I nner L Light M inistries Calendar Presented by Steven McAfee, Midwest Coordinator:
For additional information, call Steven at 260-485-2167 or e-mail stevenmcafee@ilm.org. uesday Class Series: Steven offers a series of weekly ILM classes in Fort Wayne on Tuesday T nights from 7-8:30 pm at the ILM Midwest Center. The classes are open to anyone, and are intended to
awaken and inspire our loving devotion to God. No charge. Donations are welcome.
V
S pecial ideo Conferences: Live from Austin! Special live video presentations with Jim and Brian via the magic of technology! See YOU at the ILM Center. AUG 6, OCT 1
7-9:30 pm
ILM Midwest Center
Donation
C
: More fun community events are on their way! Please RSVP the ILM ommunity Nights week before so we can plan accordingly. AUG 3
7-9:30 pm
Movie Night
ILM Midwest Center
Child At Heart: This program is an opportunity for children and the people who love them to come participate in fun activities together in ILM. DEC 8
2-4:30 pm
Cookie Decorating/Polar Express
ILM Midwest Center
Donation
T P : The WTP program will be devoted to studying the Path of Sound and Light W in ancient Jewish and Christian texts. The studies will include selections from the Bible, Kabbalah, and alking
he
ath
the Gnostic writings. In addition to the regular Sunday afternoon monthly meetings, there will be periodic day-long Saturday workshops. While the program is designed as a year-long study, it is NOT necessary or required to attend every month to benefit from it. No charge. AUG 4, SEP 1 SEP 2 OCT 5
2-4:30 pm Regular Meeting ILM Midwest Center 12-4 pm Special Labor Day get-together at Kathy Stark’s 10-5 pm Day-Long Meeting ILM Midwest Center
Donation Donation
New Year-Long Program for 2014: Potluck and sharing to introduce the brand-new monthly program taking place in the new year. NOV 10
1-2 pm Potluck/2-3:30 pm Meeting
ILM Midwest Center
Donation
: Prior registration is required. Registration forms are available at the ILM Midwest Center R or upon request. Please call Steven or Anita at (260) 485-2167 for more information. Space is limited. etreats
NOV 14-17 I Am Awakening retreat
GilChrist
Three Rivers, Mich.
$225 per person
S : Steven occasionally serves as a guest speaker at various churches and spiritual Sgroups in the Midwest. Please call Steven for more information. unday
ervices
AUG 11, OCT 27, NOV 10 11 am SEPT 15 10:30 am
T
Brigade of Light Unity
Ft. Wayne Ft. Wayne
Donation Donation
he choice to join with Loving is always available to you.
– Steven McAfee 8
(ILM Worldwide Calendar continues on next page)
I nner L Light M inistries Calendar Community ILM Meetings
•
and
Events Worldwide:
Kalamazoo: Call the contact person for the following events.
S G : Tuesday Study Group meetings will be on Sundays! Also, the meetings S are now combined with a potluck each month – yummy!! Call Judy Richards at 269-349-3943 or e-mail unday
tudy
roup
jg.richards@charter.net for more information. SEP 15, OCT 27, NOV 17 S G T carolee12@chartermi.net. hursday
tudy
roup:
12:30-4 pm
Dallas:
4715 Thistle Mill Court
No charge
For more informationall Carolyn Dailey at (269) 327-6851 or e-mail:
AUG 22, SEP 26, OCT 24, NOV 20
•
1-3 pm
2485 Brahms Avenue, Portage, Mich
No charge
Call Jason Baker at 972-571-8511 for dates, times and directions.
M
eeting: Each meeting will consist of a short meditation and listening to a class CD by Jim and Brian. If interested please check with Jason for the most current date, time, and location.
•
Deerfield Beach: Call Victoria Eng at 310-980-2224 to RSVP and get dates and directions.
: The focus of each evening is on spiritual awakening and connecting to the Loving through M listening to an ILM meditation and talk by Jim and Brian. eeting
Alternate Wednesdays
•
6 pm
Deerfield Beach, Florida
No charge
Hawaii: Call the contact person for the following events.
1. Call Nadine Ferraro at 808-988-7509, or 551-3123 (cell) for directions. eeting: Join us in a one-hour ILM meditation followed by a community gathering.
M
Mondays
6-7:30 pm
Manoa Valley, Honolulu
No charge
2. Call Brian Samo Ross at 808-247-3305 or 554-3305 (cell) for directions. eeting: Join us for a Jim and Brian meditation and talk followed by a potluck.
M
2nd Sunday
10 am
Kaneohe, Oahu
No charge
3. Call Kelsie and Donogh McSherry at 808-638-0380 for directions. eeting: Join us for a Jim and Brian half hour talk and half hour meditation followed by a potluck.
M
3rd Sunday
•
4-6:30 pm
London, England:
North Shore of Oahu
No charge
Call Nanna Brincker at 0207-485-0699 for directions.
: Join us for a 2-hour meditation at 42A Montpelier Grove London NW5 2XE, or join us M on skype at 4 pm for the meditation (please log on 10 minutes before). Please let Nanna know your skype eeting
name. AUG 11, SEPT 1 & 22, NOV 3 & 24, DEC 15 (Sundays) 9
4 pm
No charge
New New CD CD -- T The he S Sacred acred N Name ame O Off G God od,, K Karmic armic C Completion ompletion,, and and S Spiritual piritual A Awakening wakening Excerpt:
I
n the meditation practice, chanting the Sacred Name of God, which is given at initiation, or chanting the Hu or Ani-Hu, are the very keys to the kingdom within. When we fully realize the power of God’s loving in those words, we will begin to awaken, and come into the greater knowing of the spiritual essence of who we are. It’s important to understand that God’s grace and loving are anchored in these words, and so as we chant them within, our consciousness will begin to open by which we can receive that grace thus, participate in the greater action of Spirit. It truly is amazing. – Brian Yeakey
Recent CDs: (Also available on-line)
The Greater Action Of Freedom And Liberation
Know Your Self As God Knows You
Fulfillment Through Loving
Communion In Action
(For complete listing of ILM Products and ordering information see next page.)
ILM.org — the Inner Light Ministries Website
• • • • •
Jim and Brian’s Spiritual Sharings – listen on-line or download to your computer or MP3 ILM Journals – the most recent issue as well as archives Calendar of Events – find out what’s going on by geographic location or by minister Order CDs – you can get any and all of ILM’s CDs online “Initiates Only” section – find out about Initiates events and listen to talks for Initiates
Initiate’s Handbook Initiates, remember to check out the Initiate’s Handbook in the Initiates Only section
of the website. Whether you are newly initiated or a long-time initiate, this most current version of the Handbook contains information that will be of special significance to you on your daily walk on the Path. Check out our recently updated http://www.ILM.org today! 10
Inner Light Ministries
To order please place a check mark (or a “2” if you want 2 of any title) next to the title of the CD of your choice(s) below.
A Path Of Sound And Light
You can also place an order at ILM’s website, www.ILM.org.
ILM Audio CDs
To Be Or Not To Be* The Living Loving Essence* The Tenth Door* Becoming Soul Liberated* ILM’s Toolbox: LAF* Wake Up, Wake Up!* The Three Fold Path* The Pearl Of Great Price* A Simple Way — The Path Of ILM Understanding The ‘Inner’ Pathway The Path Of Sound And Light Waking Up In Spirit What Separates Us From Our Loving A Frequency Of Change For A New Millennium A Soul’s Journey (Manifesting) Abundance I } CD Set (Manifesting) Abundance II Keys to Inner Communication You as a Communicator, You as a Creator and A Meditation The Levels To Soul And Beyond Our Right Relationship With God The Path Of Neutrality Lord, Make Me Worthy and The Master In Your Heart
The Sacred Name Of God, Karmic NEW (2008) Completion, and Spiritual Awakening The Greater Action Of Freedom (2012) And Liberation (2007) Know Your Self As God Knows You (2007) Fulfillment Through Loving (2009) Communion In Action (1998) The Story Of Creation (2005) Living Spirit In This Physical Creation Living Your Loving, (2010) Fulfilling Your Creativity My Journey Of Becoming (2009) A Spiritual Teacher (2007) Fulfillment Of The Soul (2009) An Introduction To ILM* The Action Of Initiation and (2008) The Power Of The Name (2006) Discipleship* (2005) Simplicity and Journaling* (2007) The Action Of Giving And Receiving* (2006) Enter Into The Journey Of Loving* (2006) The Pathway As A Classroom* (2006) Returning Back Into Spirit* (2006) Loving Who You Are* * This CD set includes a Meditation and Talk.
CDs On Meditation
(2000) (1999) (1997) (1997) (1992) (1992) (1991) (1991) (1990) (1985)
ILM Books By Jim Gordon
Lotus Meditation by Jim Gordon The Spiritual Path Meditation by Jim Gordon The Heart Of God Meditation by Brian Yeakey
Love and Loving (Revised)
CD Set {
Meditations by Jim Gordon
(2006) (2005) (2005) (2005) (1999) (2005) (2003) (2003) (2003) (2003) (2002) (2001) (2001)
NEW
The Knowing of God (Revised)
This CD is the remastering of the tape “Two Meditations” with the addition of the “Golden Pool” meditation.
Order Information & Postage Payment Since ILM is a spiritual pathway that is here to assist each person on their journey, our products are all available free of charge. You are welcome to order as many of the titles as you wish with the understanding that we will send you up to two of each item per order. There is a charge of $1.00 per item to cover shipping costs. In addition, donations towards replenishing the CDs and books are gratefully accepted. Checks may be made payable to Inner Light Ministries and sent to: Inner Light Ministries, PO Box 164332, Austin, Texas 78716.
The Staff of the Shepherd (Revised) (If using a credit card, write the name, address, phone number that corresponds to the card)
Name: Street Address: City & State: Daytime Phone: (
)
Check or money order enclosed Charge my:
Visa
MasterCard
Card Number: Expiration Date: Signature
Total Amount:
$ ©
Inner Light Ministries, A Path Of Sound And Light
Q& A with Jim
Q:
(Taken from Q & A class session of early 2013)
reflection of the truth. So when someone is in the world representing God, we have to ask ourselves, which voice are they really listening to?
I have a bit of a churchy question. Last Sunday at the church I attend, the Old Testament reading was about the children of God complaining to Moses about being sent into the desert without much food. Years ago, after hearing a story such as this, I would’ve said, “Well, if that’s the way God treats us, I want no part of Him,” but I know that these stories are just what the church teaches us.
Those who wrote the books in the Bible, as well as those who wrote in other traditions, often listened to the voice of the Lord of this creation, and his voice is of vengeance, mind, and jealousy. The Lord of this creation set up all laws to reflect karma, debt, fear, and control. The voice of God, on the other hand, says, “No, it’s Loving, it’s joyfulness, it’s forgiveness, it’s acceptance, and it is for us to look inward and upward toward Him, the source of all creation. So we have to read very carefully and ask, “Are these the words of the Lord of creation or the Lord of all creation?”
A: You have to realize that any holy book, including the Bible, was written by the mind of man and not by the hand of God, even though religions would have us believe that the Bible was written by God. Some of the Bible is more inspired and closer to the original teachings of the spiritual teacher who was sharing at the time, such as Moses, but it was really written out of the mind of man. Moses was a spiritual teacher who wasn’t trying to do anything other than to assist people in getting spiritually awake. At that same time, he also led the nation out of Egypt and into freedom, and of course, that’s more a political action. So he was making political statements for the people about how to govern and set up laws in the world, as well as sharing spiritual laws and showing them how to do their spiritual journey. After his death, the mind of man tried to make sense of it all and as a result, the physical laws got mixed up with the spiritual laws.
Q: I think they should be in two colors. (laughter) A: They are – black and white (laughter), but people don’t read the white lines. So I would say forgive the people who wrote the bibles, forgive the people who teach the bibles, and then forget it because salvation is not in those books; salvation is in you. It’s up to you to go inside and let go of all that illusion. Illusion is of the world. Let go of it all. Go inside and find the simple truth, which is Loving; and just follow the light, follow the sound, follow the Loving, and you will come to that place of clarity and understanding. The things that Brian and I understand we get from our own inner journey, through our own experience, and then we can read a book and interpret it. We can give you interpretation, not because we’re scripturally knowledgeable, but because we understand the scripture through our experience.
Subsequently, books of the Bible were written in Hebrew, and then later translated into Greek, Latin, and English. These translations also added to the misinterpretations along the way. Today there are hundreds of translations in written and oral forms.
The key is to first let go of it all. Set the Bible and other spiritual readings aside for right now, and pick up something new called meditation. Do the meditation every day as a daily practice. Also, whenever there’s a doubt or a fear, meditate. Whenever there’s a doubt or a fear, give it up to God and say, “Lord I don’t know what to do with this so I give it to you, and I give it to you in Loving.” God will give to you the understanding and the clarity that you seek.
So, the question is, in all of that, where is the Word of God? We have to realize that there is the Lord God, creator of all things, and then there is the Lord of this physical creation. The Lord God, creator of all, created this creation including the Lord of this creation. It is the Lord of this creation that created the illusion in which we live, and of course, is a poor 12
Q& A
with
Q:
Brian
(Taken from Q & A class session of 12/09/12)
that’s in reaction and which you’re trying to protect.
The more I work my way to living in a greater state of openness and loving, the more vulnerable I seem to be to negativity. It doesn’t bounce off me like it used to; instead, it feels like it’s going right into me. How can I get it to go through me so I’m not curling up in reaction to it?
All I’m doing right now is helping to define things. The first step is that when you’re feeling sensitive, recognize that you’re in protection mode, and when you’re feeling attacked, then recognize you’re in reaction. Then, you can take a step back and begin to love, accept, and forgive the reaction inside you, because this is ultimately going to heal whatever you are protecting. Practice LAF every day, every time you become sensitive to the negative energy of the world, of the fear, etc. People think that by standing in their truth that it means telling people off. It makes no difference what we do out here with others – we can cower behind the shield, or we can get in their face – it just doesn’t matter. It’s not about the outer expression.
A:
That’s the key right there, but I think you’re misinterpreting vulnerability. Vulnerability is freedom. Vulnerability is what lets negativity go right through. If it’s not going right through, you’re not being vulnerable.
Q:
So, help me understand the difference.
A:
First of all, what I would do is replace the word “vulnerability” as you’ve defined it, with the word “sensitivity,” because as we wake up more spiritually we’ll often become more sensitive, or aware, to the different energies and frequencies that move about this world.
Q:
‘I don’t change my behavior’ as opposed to ‘I do change my behavior’?
A:
Yes, and to get to that point, taking a step back can be taking care of yourself so that when you feel inflicted upon, you can start to have a clearer space where you can practice LAF with that part of you that’s in reaction, and the change will come from within. Then, when those situations show up again, you’ll begin to notice that you have less and less of a reaction, until one day you say, “Oh my God! There it is! I don’t really want to be around that, so I’m going to go and do something else…” and the negativity goes right on by. Now you’re acting out of freedom of choice rather than reacting and protecting.
The question is are you more vulnerable and free, or are you just more sensitive and aware and these energies of the world are affecting you? If they’re affecting you, then it’s good to be honest with yourself, and say, “It’s affecting me. I’m sensitive and aware of it, but I’m now in reaction.” Remember, ‘reaction’ is a sense of ‘protection’ – there’s some part inside us trying to protect itself because we’re scared of something. Fear is protection, and it is the residing element of this world. What’s the way out? Loving. How do we do that? Vulnerability. Being sensitive is a wonderful way in becoming aware of what’s going on and in getting greater clarity as to how we can take care of ourselves in that moment. When we’re truly open, it’s our loving and neutrality that will allow this energy to just pass on through.
Q:
So neither pulling back nor stepping forward – they’re both the same thing?
A: The world is about ‘fight’ or ‘flight’, which is based on fear and protection, and we’ll get nowhere with that. We’ve done this for lifetimes – kill or be killed; eventually we say, “I can’t win.” That’s where meditation comes in. Instead of trying to have the perfect life, instead of trying to get everything into balance – meditation will take us on a journey of getting free of all that holds us here in bondage, and lead us back to our true Home.
Q: I guess I’m still missing it. When I feel open, I also feel more vulnerable to attack. A:
You just used the word ‘attack’ – that’s not vulnerable. That sounds to me like ‘protection’. If you feel it as an attack, then there’s something inside you 13
Being On This Path
A
by Laura Kesten, ILM Minister to make for dinner. I tried a thousand times to imagine what it was like for my friend, but I could not really know what she was going through, because it’s not an experience I know yet for myself. I know I will die, as all living things do, but I am still, right now, contracted with the physical.
few months ago, a dear, sweet friend of mine passed. I had the sacred honor of spending time with her during the remainder of her life. She shared openly about her experience of still having one foot in this world where she had to eat, shower, brush her teeth, fill the birdfeeder, pay bills, etc. while at the same time, the other foot was already stepping into the next world as she knew she’d soon pass. None of what she was doing in the world was of any “real” import, or held any “real” meaning anymore, for her. This juxtaposition of leaving behind one reality and stepping into the next offered her an opportunity to let go of all that she had still held onto in the physical – relationships, worries, past events, etc.; and she had to let go of all the things she’d planned for the future. She also had to let go of all the things that helped develop who she’d become in this body, in this mind, as a fruitful and creative being.
Being on this path, we know that God wants our soul to be here to experience all that He wants us to experience, and that, when the time comes, He will call our soul Home. On the Path of Sound and Light, we know that we are called Home before we physically die. We know this through the longing that we feel to go Home. While still in the body, we know we can begin that journey back Home to God right now. Being in the human form is a blessed opportunity, because it is only in the human form that we even experience the soul’s yearning to return Home. While in the physical body, we can begin this part of our journey by doing our daily meditation practice and, at the same time, decide what’s for dinner, or clean the house, or think about making a deadline at work.
Although my friend had been on the Sound and Light Path for many years and understood the journey of the soul, there were times she was very scared of what that “next” would be. She was concerned about whether or not she had lived her life well, and if she had done enough meditation so that her soul could return Home to God and not have to come into another embodiment. At times, she’d even question if the path she’d spent her lifetime practicing was, in fact, the path of truth, of liberation. Then she’d meditate or talk with Jim and Brian, and just by the practice of meditation or hearing the sound of her spiritual teachers’ voices, she’d align with the truth again, and the fear would subside. Ultimately, she knew that meditation was key and LAF were tools in getting her soul liberated, and so she meditated and practiced LAF every day right to the completion of her life.
Many years ago I developed a retreat called “Off the Beaten Path.” Jim and Brian came one afternoon during the retreat, and the participants and I were sitting with them having a wonderful sharing. Jim then asked me why I called the retreat ‘Off the Beaten Path’. I said that we are so used to following along the rugged and well-used path that we have to get off to know that the beaten path is of the world. He said, “Why not call it ‘On the Beaten Path’ and have the worn down path be that which we journey to God?” Right now, in the body, walk the spiritual path every day, and make that path become the beaten path by which you tread, that straight and narrow pathway Home to Spirit. Follow the spiritual teacher(s) who have beaten down the path before you, who know the pathway Home, and who are ever guiding you to do the same, who are ever reminding you of the direction your soul truly yearns.
During my time with her, I’d think about my own life, my own death, and I’d think about what it will be like for me to leave all that I know here behind, and then in my next thought I’d think about what I was going 14
Looking At God
L
by Steven McAfee, ILM Minister
ike many of you, I’ve gone through phases in my life when I looked for God outside in the world around me. I wanted to find the right church, or that special spot of land, or the perfect spiritual community. This was a conscious spiritual search, and I was serious about it. I spent hours and hours reading, practicing techniques, visiting sacred places, and listening to a lot of words through a lot of people.
much better than what I had found in the world, that I began to want to live only inside. I wanted to escape the world, to hide from its disappointments and pain. I thought that the answer to my search was to turn away from the world in an attempt to look only toward God. I did this by trying to keep all my attention rigidly fixed on going Home to God and getting away from all that I feared through liberating my soul, hence getting the heck out of here and going Home to God.
I was also on what I thought to be a conscious physical search: I wanted to find the perfect job that suited my talents, paid extremely well, allowed me to work with people I liked, and most importantly, fulfilled my “calling” to make a difference in the world. And, not least, I wanted to find that lifetime partner who would make me always feel whole, understood, and loved; and with whom I could have a happy family, one where we always love each another and always get along. Most of these searches in the world, of course, left me frustrated, and even, at times, cynical. At best, they did not live up to my hopes and expectations, causing me much disappointment and discouragement.
What I discovered, once again, was that I created separation within my consciousness that actually became another block between God and me. I placed the world and all those in it outside of God (as if anyone or anything could ever exist outside of God!) … and again felt frustrated and unfulfilled. By becoming so fearful of creating more attachments to the world, I was actually living in a state of “unconscious fear,” instead of a “consciousness of loving” that I so longed for. What I have finally come to realize is that I don’t get my personal freedom by avoiding my life, nor do I liberate my soul by fearing and shunning a world that is part of God’s creation. I’ve learned that what I need to do is keep looking at God – not just God in the heavens of the spiritual realms, but the living Presence of God within me and within all that is – in this world, in the next world, in all worlds, and beyond all worlds.
A big turning point in my life came definitively when I shifted my search for God and my happiness from looking out in the world to looking inside. The more I focused inward, the more I realized that I was responsible for my own happiness in life. I understood that the kind of perfection I was looking for in others, in the world, and even in myself, did not exist. I was hunting for an illusion that I myself had created. As I laid that illusion aside, I found it easier to accept people as they are, to accept the world as it is, and to accept myself as I am even when I do not live up to my own standards.
If I can only see God when my eyes are closed, then I am still blind to part of God. I want to see and embrace the fullness of God’s Being, and that means loving all of God, including all of God’s creation. I need to release the fear of all that keeps me from the God I love so much and who loves me so much. If I give my life to God’s Loving, then I want to give it completely – here in the world and there beyond; it is then that I am fully liberated, both “there,” at Home in His arms in the realms of Spirit, and here, right now in this moment. This is the journey I am on … to come into Oneness by looking at God.
How did I do this? I re-focused my efforts on finding God within me. I delved into meditation and inner self-study with great devotion, and I began to awaken, and open more to God’s loving Presence within me. And it was wonderful! It was so wonderful, and so 15
Inner Light Ministries ®
PRESORTED FIRST CLASS MAIL U.S. POSTAGE PAID AUSTIN, TEXAS
A Path of Sound and Light
Editorial and Publishing Office P.O. Box 164332 Austin, Texas 78716-4332 Phone: 512-306-1056 Forwarding Service Requested
PERMIT NO. 1149
NNER LIGHT IGHT MInistries Inistries Journal INNER
About ILM I nner Light Ministries (ILM) is a non-profit
organization dedicated to teaching spiritual awakening through an inner practice of meditation. This meditation practice is an inner path through which the soul transcends the physical realms of creation to its true home in the spiritual realms within the heart of God. In spiritual teachings and literature this inner path is often referred to as “The Path of Sound and Light,” “The Path of The Holy Spirit,” “The Path of Love,” or simply as “The Path,” or “The Way.” ILM offers initiation into this meditation practice enabling one to fully experience this inner journey of awakening. To provide support for those individuals interested in this path, Inner Light Ministries offers numerous publications, materials, programs, and services, which encourage devotion to God and support a life-long practice of meditation, spiritual study, and service.
Mailing List To keep our present mailing system up-to-date, please check the spelling of your name, street and city. If there is an error, please notify us by phone (512-306-1056), e-mail (ilmadmin@ilm.org) or by mail (PO Box 164332, Austin, TX 78716-4332). Thank you.
Donations Donations to Inner Light Ministries are gratefully accepted, and help us support: 1. ILM events, production of CDs, the ILM Journal, and books. 2. Scholarships toward supporting members taking ILM retreats and workshops. 3. ILM’s Christmas time project: Coins For Kids. Checks may be made payable to Inner Light Ministries and sent to: Inner Light Ministries, 3267 Bee Caves Rd, Suite 107-515 Austin, TX 78746. Or to make a donation by credit card, go to ILM’s website at www.ilm.org. Donations are tax deductible.
Inner Light Main Office: Jim Gordon, Brian Yeakey, P.O. Box 164332, Austin, TX 78716-4332; Financial Office: 3267 Bee Ministries : Caves Rd, Suite 107-515 Austin, TX 78746; Midwest Office: Steven McAfee, P.O. Box 5139, Fort Wayne, IN 46895