OMTimes Magazine January B 2023 Edition

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Upshift-The Path to Evolution on Earth: Ervin Laslo Interview

26

5 Tips for Improving your Yoga Practice in the Wintertime

54

Devotional Practices Worldwide and Japamala

62

5 Ways To Find Your Soul Peeps

70

Our Lives, and How To Live Them

74 How to Practice Emotional SelfHealing?

124

5 Surefire Signs You are Facing an Existential Crisis

132

What are Your Secrets for Success in 2023?

140

My First Mind Science Journal and Workbook

144

154

Feng Shui: Reenergize Your Home in Wintertime

82

Reincarnation of Animals

92

How to Recognize Emotional Blackmail

102

Puzzling Paradoxes

114

OMTIMES.COM January 2022

Starting Anew OMTimes January 2 2023 Edition spotlights the Polymath Ervin László, a Hungarian philosopher of science, systems theorist, integral theorist, and originally a classical pianist. He is an advocate of the theory of quantum consciousness, and a believer in Human Potential.

In an exclusive interview with Sandra Sedgbeer, Ervin László discussed the last book "THE UPSHIFT: The Path to Healing and Evolution on Planet Earth, a groundbreaking work on bringing to light a new way to see our Evolutionary Journey

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ERVIN LÁSZLÓ:

The Upshift-The Path to Evolution on Earth

An Interview with Sandie Sedgbeer

THE UPSHIFT

Climate Change, the Pandemic, the Refugee Emergency, Poverty, conflict, and Violence. It's hard to imagine that there could be a positive side to these converging global crises. Still, according to this week's guest, they do have an unsuspected silver lining. They bring us to a tipping point where we can choose our destiny.

With me, today to outline the nature of this crucial point and share what each of us as conscious and responsible human beings can and must do to choose the right way forward is a world-renowned Hungarian philosopher of science systems theorist and integral theorist Ervin László.

A former professor of philosophy systems science and future studies at various universities in the US, Europe, and the Far East. Nobel Peace Prize nominee.

Ervin László is the author, co-author, and editor of 106 books and over 400 articles and research papers. Ervin László joins us now to talk about his latest book, The Upshift: The Path to Healing and Evolution on Planet Earth, which not only lays out a pathway to healing and evolution on planet Earth but also offers us a detailed guide to becoming the change we need to see in the world.

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If a little more of the crisis deepens, it will spread as it will probably in the next week. The motivation will grow until it becomes very evident to policymakers, politicians, business leaders, and everybody that we need to shift to another path. And the Path I would like to offer I called Upshift. And that is the option that we have. And I say, this is not a bad thing that is happening. It's a necessary thing. This rectification of our path has been overdue.

We didn't start yesterday the way we go, the way we have been going. This has been happening for most of the 21st century and the second half of the 20th century.

Sandie Sedgbeer: In your new book, the Upshift, you claim that humanity is at a historical turning point and that two paths are opening for us today. A path up to healing and evolution and a path down to crises and chaos. And the global crisis from which we are emerging holds vital lessons for our life and future. Tell me about those lessons.

Ervin László: Yeah, the bifurcation or evolution is branching off. If we continue the way we go, the path is downshifting because it's unsustainable. What we are doing needs to be rectified.

So, it's about time that something happened to rectify it. It's unlikely that we'll continue the way we have been, living through this crisis period as the need for change grows.

I have to say that I was pretty horrified by some of the things I read because I think the general public really doesn't know what's happening. I mean, they see the headlines and various newspaper reports. But you laid it out so well when you said that, in the mid 19 hundreds of the last century, there were about 1 billion people. Now we've got 7.8 billion people. It's grown so fast, and the cities aren't sustainable anymore because they're taken and not putting anything back into the system.

We don't know enough about these kinds of things, and I think that that is probably part of the problem is that the average person doesn't know.

So, for example, in 1972, my partners and colleagues and I published a report to the Club of Rome, which talked about the limits to growth, saying that it couldn't go on like this because a collapse would happen. And that didn't have much effect on the people we talked with about it, even though it only dealt with physical resources, primarily physical resources, and a few human resources. And we dealt mainly with politicians and policymakers addressing it.

So, it was a more limited thing. Today, we know it's a global phenomenon. We are at the limits of the kind of growth we have been exercising and subjecting ourselves to, which is a good thing. So, we can continue this discussion as you like, Sandie. I just want to say that the rectification of the past is overdue. We should be happy and grateful that it's happening before it's too late.

Sandie Sedgbeer: Absolutely. You know, the book, um, the book lays out some incredible statistics- it's a fabulous book OMTIMES\ JANUARY 2022

Ervin László: Well, there are ways we could know just by opening our eyes, but even more important is to open our hearts in our minds. That means allowing our consciousness to take in more of what is happening below the surface. Of course, the surface is what's in the daily news in every newspaper, standard media and television station, radio, and whatnot, which I think is general knowledge. But under the surface, what is really happening, what I'm telling you, what is happening is an interesting twopronged process.

On the surface part and on the piece like this would be a deep reservoir of events, a sphere of vibrations. There are various dimensions to this top dimension that increase chaos, confusion, disorientation, and depression. All these negative signs that you can make are growing very rapidly. But, underneath, there is something else happening underneath.

There is a reorientation from the individual, from the national, from the purely business, from the purest power politics section to something larger.

It is as if now humanity on this planet is beginning to organize itself, to live on this planet consciously. We didn't need to live consciously on the planet because, previously, our powers were limited. So, we couldn't do much harm. True, but We didn't do much good for the planet as a whole, but we couldn't harm it much because we had very limited powers. I mean, sort of up to 250 years ago. Then our powers slowly through the 20th century increased, and now they are so great, such vast powers that we can destroy all life on Earth.

We can be pushed into an unsustainable situation like Mars, an arid planet, and that means no life is possible. That's one of the worst scenarios, perhaps the worst scenario we could think of. But there are many other ways of unsustainability. Climate change is just an advanced sound, an advanced signal of it.

So underneath it all, there is something else happening. Now, when we talk about the problem, we talk about climate change. We talk about heating up the atmosphere in the same way. Then we talked about the refugee crisis. We talk about violence and war, the disheartening of people, and the conflicts of various atmospheres. We talk about the surface.

When we reach what is happening, we realize it's all a global phenomenon. It had become global. Before it was local, then it was national and local, and now it's become global. All the solutions are just the same way as all the problems are now on the global level. And that's remarkable because concerning this phenomenon, now something is being made to happen. And that's what's being made to happen, overcoming the problems we have been accumulating for the past 150 to 200 years.

And especially in the past, let's say, 20 or 25 years. And there's high time to do so, and humanity is becoming organized, reaching the global level, and trying to work out a way to live sustainably on this planet. So, today, probably already 8 billion people because many of these things are not registered on censuses.

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We estimate that about 8 billion people can live on this planet, so we don't kill each other, we don't destroy each other, and we don't remove the power and the ability to survive and thrive on this planet.

We allow our people to live in peace. There are various ways we can ensure that we can talk about it. Still, I just want to say the positive side is that something was long overdue, which is now taking place. It's a crisis, but a crisis is an opportunity.

Sandie Sedgbeer: I think that one of the words that underlie a lot of our problems is separation. We think everything is separate. We think that we are separate from one another, that we are all individuals, and it is now that people, especially with quantum science, are showing us that everything is connected. People are just beginning to realize that we survive as a collective, not as individuals.

Ervin László: Interestingly, you are saying this.

You're absolutely right. Einstein, who had never really fully accepted all the findings of the quantum sciences, kept a very matter-of-fact, practical turn of mind. And some of it's so fantastic that it's difficult to accept. But even though he said it very clearly, separateness is an illusion now coming through more and more in quantum physics and biology, quantum consciousness research, and quantum sociology. You can't do just one thing because one thing has so many other implications and consequences. But we can say that we can't do one thing because there is not one thing anybody can do.

We can whenever we do one thing, we address the whole system of connections of each of we are a part.

We are not outside. And that's a great advantage, a great benefit of the crisis in which we live. As we recognize. That's why we are not out of nature. We are not above it. We are not beyond it. And we have, we have had this so sophistry that we can overcome nature. We can become superior to nature. We can use technology to govern nature the way we want.

That we are learning that we can't do that. We are part of nature, we are part of the limits of life on Earth, but we are also part of the opportunity of life on Earth.

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So, you've got to rejoin and reconnect.

These are terms that are coming up more and more. I wrote the book about a year and a half ago, reconnecting to the source. But these terms are coming up every more.

Yes, we are not separate, we are one, and the scientists are telling us, but common sense and our consciousness itself to us, if we just allow our consciousness to receive that Information as we are getting when they are relaxed when we allow our mind to float and to encounter people, to experience nature, to experience the beauty and to experience love and all these experiences have a deep resonance.

We are now resonating with the world, with the changing world around us.

That's a marvelous opportunity.

Let's take it. If we wait too long, it's not guaranteed that we'll succeed because irreversibilities are occurring.

And if we wait too long, we find ourselves on a dead-end street. But we are not there. And I think the opportunity is now to get together and act together in light of who we are and the natural member of the Natural system. It's a beautiful thing to be. We thought it would just overcome it. We can do what we want. We can't do what we want. We have to do what there is in nature. It's a generous nature.

This is an evolutionary universe. It's a participatory universe. All of these things are coming through the new sciences. It's there in our instincts, in our intuition. So, let's listen to ourselves. That is the message I'd like to say. Listen, hear, and feels who we are. Watch what is around us, and you'll find the right way.

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The right way forward is the Upshift, which is a shift into togetherness.

Sandie Sedgbeer: Yeah. Your book, the Upshift, outlines several recommendations for overcoming the problems we are facing. Can you share some of those steps with us? Because I think a lot of people agree with everything we are saying, but they don't know where to start. What can they do? The pathway that you lay out in the book is very solid.

So, if you could just share some of the steps along that pathway.

Ervin László: There are several; there are many.

There is the simplest one, except for young kids in big cities, where it may not be so simple. But for many people, middle-aged people, a little bit middleclass people, it's possible; experience nature! You know, the Japanese word shinrin-yoku or something like that means forest bathing. Yes. It means going out into nature, into the taller trees, and where you lay down on the lawn, grass, or leaves. See the sky above you, the clouds. Hear the rustling of the winds and trees. See, I'm not a poet. I can't. I can't say that many words, but the fact is, if you allow yourself to experience nature, that's one way. It's not the only way, but there certainly is one way.

Another way, which I mentioned very briefly, is simply to allow., Allow your consciousness to access all Easter religions, the Easter spiritual systems, practically without exception. They all tell us, don't force what we want to achieve, to allow things to happen, and allow our minds to enter a larger dimension. We now know we are looking at the instrumental details of the waves admitted by our brain.

This EEG electroencephalograph waves. We know that in our everyday consciousness, there is a certain level of frequency that we pick up. Above it, we have an exultant consciousness, and deep, sudden inspirations can happen. So sudden exaltation can take place. But below it, there's another dimension, the alpha dimension, the theta dimension in which connections happen. So people feel themselves connecting to other people's minds or minds, unlike our bodies, which connect more indirectly. We are directly connected through the waves.

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What happens in our consciousness reflects what happens in other people's consciousness. And it reflects back on that. So, there are so many ways that we can relax. We can take the time to enjoy life, enjoy nature, and enjoy being what we are without all the worry, frustrations, and fear. That is now so much on the surface today.

Depression is a danger, all those things are dangerous, but we can be one with the universe. So is this poetry, no science? Yes. This is the new way of understanding who we are.

Sandie Sedgbeer: You've written in the book that one of the things that we can do is to rid ourselves of obsolete beliefs and assumptions. Can you outline some of those beliefs we need to eliminate and haven't?

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Ervin László: There a lot of them? And I think there's no substitute for just looking at the book. And in one chapter, I will try to summarize most of these.

Everything that's individualistic, in that separateness sense, the individuals great, you know, are all individuals. We want to serve the cause of the individual. But you have overdone it. We have separated ourselves from the collective, from the social systems. So, believe that there is only one country.

That's one thing. For example, it's only one country to which we owe allegiance. Never mind the rest: "There is only one country, our flag, nation, state," or whatever. And that's not who we are. And the rest is out, is outside of us. The rest is "they are strangers."

These are outdated and dangerous beliefs. We are also members of a family, members of a community, or members of a region, a state city, of course, of the nation.

But not only that, but beyond that, we are also human beings, members of the human family. And even more, the human family is a member of the system of life on Earth or what is known as the Gaian system.

They, we all of those things together, not exclusively.

One. We can have multiple identities, and we have a more embracing identity. It doesn't destroy the local identity. It just incorporates it and embraces it. We can't help it. We can't change that. Life on Earth has developed as a community, a communal form of existence.

But strangely enough, and I don't want to get into physics details now, I just want to mention that we know the way atoms come together using, for example, a so-called Pauli Exclusion principle, but also the whole atomic generation process, the nucleus, and the electron shells. These are not accidental conglomerations.

They are highly entuned elements, diverse elements coming together.

It's as if the nucleus of a hydrogen atom would love certain electrons and, given a pass, would accept them into its electron shells.

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That's a sort of particular metaphor, but every natural system is a system of diverse elements coming into harmony, coming into oneness.

And then when we recognize as their natural system, the other system with which we are in touch, to which we resonate, they are systems that we can embrace, that we can enter into ourselves, into us so that we become one with them. So, again, it seems like sophistry, poetry, and pure spirituality. Still, as you know and as you practice, spirituality is a great guide to what? To the right way to behave in the world.

But about the point I am trying to make, when you examine the highest levels of evolutionary development, the highest level of consciousness in people defines the higher level of spirituality.

And it's expressed as a sense of wellness, a sense of belonging, a sense of being part of something larger. William James, a great scientist and philosopher, said that the religious experience, which he was very much in awe of, he said, it's the experience of being part of something larger than we are. And that's now the experience that we need. Not just religious experience, spiritual experience, aesthetic experience, a natural experience, and the beliefs and convictions that go with it.

Not separateness, not just the individual alone, but you and I individuals are embracing a larger whole. That, I think, is a natural way.

It's the way in which we can feel it when we feel it. We feel closeness, we feel love, maybe.

And that's how we can go forward because that's how nature operates. The entire system of life on Earth, on this planet, is a system of highly integrated elements joining together in such a way that every part of the system is an essential part of the whole.

If you remove any one part, you damage the whole. If you remove a set of parts and allow them to work separately, you're creating disease in the whole. And that happens in the human body or any living body. Then we call it cancer. The Information, the embracing all things that's health, and that's part of joining others. Not by external links but by internal feeling and perceiving who we are, part of a larger whole, part of an evolving system on the planet. For example, the Gaian system, which I'm sure is also part of an evolution of life on other planets in myriad places in this enormously vast universe.

Sandie Sedgbeer: I read something the other day, a little headline that said if aliens landed on this planet, they wouldn't want to study humans. They would want to study ants because they have the system down. And they would want to know how ants have organized such an incredible system. So, it strikes me that we would do well to study ants ourselves and behave a little bit more as they do.

Ervin László: We don't know what it is that orients ants in such a fantastically coordinated way. So, the ant colony is not a good heap of separate individuals. It's really, you just look at it because you see the individual hands use your eyes. You can touch the individual hand, the insects, but actually, that's a whole system of which that, and that we have in mind that you look at, is only a manifestation, is a single, single level of expression. So the system that's real is the whole, you know, the great German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel said: "the truth is the whole." And that was what inspired many philosophies since then.

So it's not only the holistic philosophy of wholeness.

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We are looking for wholeness. But I will take exception to this premise of looking at the ants. If you want to study life on Earth, look at consciousness because what we have is something unique.

All things that consciousness that I want to say, but the way human consciousness is articulate, and can express itself, is able to perceive and respond to perception. That's more developed than any consciousness on this planet. So perhaps whales and dolphins together to come closer to it. We don't know exactly, but their environment is different environment.

Our terrestrial environment calls for highly articulate consciousness and manipulative consciousness, and we have that.

We can consciously choose to upshift to nature. And ants can't do that, even in a colony, unless it has a joint consciousness, a collective consciousness. I don't think so. But it's not impossible.

But they can't do that. Our consciousness is here for a purpose. It's to help us come back to living the life that we are meant to live A life of striving, a life of togetherness, a life of oneness. So, again, child's poetry, but it is the bottom line. That's the way to upshift. If you don't do that, we'll pay by running into more crises and difficulties. We can't block the evolutionary trend. It's there, and we are a part of it.

So let's study the consciousness that allows us to become conscious of people and nature.

Sandie Sedgbeer: Ervin László, you drafted, in collaboration with the Dalai Lama, a Manifesto on the spirit of Planetary Consciousness. Tell us about that manifesto.

Ervin László: It was a very interesting experience. It was quite an experience, and we are now interested enough. There's a project now to revive that dialogue, to make it an internet-based dialogue. This is Holiness. And today, I've been working on my input into that and quoting the Manifesto Planetary Consciousness. Interesting that you mentioned that because there's no way you could have known that this something came up yesterday.

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And I'm suggesting we should revive the dialogue with his Holiness, the Dalai Lama, and talk about the need for this kind of consciousness. Let me just say why it was such an interesting experience. At the time, I was staying in Auroville. Auroville is an international settlement in India but not formally part of India.

It's an international city in India with its own governing board. But, based on the ideas of Sri Aurobindo.

And at that time, I served as chairman of the Auroville board, looking at what Auroville was doing and trying to communicate it with the rest of the world so that there is support; and then spread the idea of Sri Aurobindo which is the more spiritual, high and uplifting ideas that you could imagine. Part of the great imaginings of independence for India, and the new thinking, the New India. So I was in Auroville, and his Holiness the Dalai Lama came to visit, and we sat down to talk. They allowed me to go to meet him.

His secretary said he has a few minutes, is very busy, and has planned his whole day out, but let's start talking.

And he asked me, what are you working on these days? And I said I have a sketch. I have a project I would like to say, a manifesto on a new kind of consciousness. And he said: " Can I read something?".Can you have something of it?

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I had it with me because that's what I was always thinking about those days.

So I started reading his Holiness, then suddenly everyone surrounding me said this, and that's how about that, and so on. And he ended up the rest of the day. His secretary was sitting there and noting it all down. He canceled all his other appointments. That day the evening came, and we had a few pages, which became the plan, the manifesto, or the Spirit of planetary Consciousness. And it was signed by, later on, a few months later, a year later, at the meeting that I organized at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

I'm a member of that academy. I was born in Budapest. And that at that meeting, his Holiness came to that meeting in the fall of 1996. We, besides the manifesto, are the spirit of planetary consciousness. So this was an experience, a spontaneous experience. Then we adopted this manifesto, and it's part of the work of the Club of Budapest with its 24 member clubs worldwide, and it is a set of distinguished individuals.

We are developing a new set because life doesn't go on forever. And there's a certain change, our attrition, and you'd have to want to bring in new members, especially young members. But we are trying to work on the consciousness, on the potentials of the human spirit, and bring that to people's attention. So that's one thing. Another project that is so relevant to what we are discussing is something I'm working on these days, just for the last two weeks.

Very recent, but very intensely good. I decided, and I'm joined by my good friend David Lauermann, the head of the Scientific Analytic Network. I decided we should ask thought leaders, deeply insightful scientists, and spiritual people. What do they think of the path that we need to take? In my book, The Upshift, I say, yes, the path to healing and the Evolution of Planet Earth. How do you look at this path without trying to suggest it to people? What should you look at? What do you think of it? Asking for insights from people, articulated people to write this out. I don't know what will come out of it. I've asked more than two thousand outstanding individuals in the past few days. I don't want to name any names, but they are people you would know. Ask them to write the path in five or six pages.

Give us an indication of what you think is the right thing. Is it right to shift forward, the right way to go? And the answers are coming in. Just today. I got two very important answers. Again, no names, but I'm very delighted to have them.

And I think by the end of this year, end of December, we will probably have two dozen or more contributions to what we then jointly call the imperatives, the upshift imperatives. And so it's another six months or so, and we'll publish that too. It follows the book the Upshift, but this time it goes and taps into mind the inside, the consciousness of 2000 or more thought leaders.

Sandie Sedgbeer: Just to go back to the manifesto. There were three clarion calls in that manifesto. Can you describe those to us?

Ervin László: Well, now you expect me to remember what I've written all this time, exactly?

Sandie Sedgbeer: I can tell you. Well, the first is the core of creativity and diversity, right?

Ervin László: Yes. Diversity is absolutely necessary. As I mentioned, even the atom has diverse elements if you want to join that whole.

This idea is that somehow things are just by things coming together into contact. And that's what makes a larger hole, just more of the same.

The larger whole is not more of the same. Even quantitatively, a whole is never the sum of the parts, and it is always something else. Wholeness is another factor. Diversity is to make wholes.

Nature makes wholes, creates wholes, creates molecules, cells, macromolecules, crystals or single-cell organisms, multi-cell organisms, ecology of organisms, and the planetary ecology.

These are all whole systems made of diverse plant parts.

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Oneness is not created by just adding one thing together or multiplying things. It is opening up to everything else but opening and embracing diversity and working with diversity. So that's something we already recognized in the late 20th century in the manifesto, which is becoming increasingly evident. The need for it becomes more evident as we want it today.

Sandie Sedgbeer: The second one is the call for responsibility.

Ervin László: It's an awful word, actually very often said. I'm just responsible when something goes wrong. And then people feel you are being accused of being responsible. So many things have gone wrong, and now the whole planetary system you're living in has gone off track. And so, my goodness, that means that we are responsible, but there is a call to assume responsibility for what we can do, for what we truly are, and do it to the best of our ability. What we can do is try to live together so all can live. And it's one of the things I'm saying in this book, that's ethics; living in a way that other people can also live.

I don't necessarily mean they have to live the same way, but it can also exist. They have often lived in a way that used up too many resources and too much energy, attention, and insight and Information, so many people were locked out of it. It's not ethical to do anything that others cannot share.

Today, this is close to 8 billion people. So at least in principle, you must be able to live in a way that enables or allows at least other people to live. As I said, not necessarily the same way we live their own way, live the way we can. We are also diverse, but to live, strive and become more of what we are, whole systems working together is all the life on the planet.

Sandie Sedgbeer: And, of course, the third is the core of planetary consciousness.

Ervin László: I said it in the beginning, my goodness. Planetary consciousness, do you mean the consciousness of the planet? In the beginning, this was a relatively new term. This was not much used. Now people talk about planetary consciousness. They don't misunderstand it. Usually, they know it's a new human consciousness that embraces the planet. It's not the consciousness of the planet.

Even though I should add as a philosopher, I've convinced that all large bodies in the universe have their own consciousness. All complex bodies, including the Sandie Sedgbeer: I recently, um, interviewed Dr. Jude Currivan, who I know is a good friend of yours and sometimes a collaborator as well.

And I loved what Jude says in her new book, that we need to start seeing ourselves as Gaians, not Americans or Britain or whatever, but as Gaians, and then we will begin to understand that we are one.

Ervin László: Yeah. So, I said multiple identities. We have the largest identity, which means we are living beings in this universe, and that's already an identity. Not everything is a living being. The living beings that emerged are a particular articulate expression of the evolutionary drive toward creating complex and coherent systems

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Here I'm using one term, coherence. Coherence is so important because now we recognize that nature is coherent. And Einstein said. Also, it's almost a miracle that in this, all this wealth of chaos, the wealth of interactions that are happening in space and time, there's something coherent that is emerging, as coherent is a system of life. And even the universe, the planets, the system of planets, and the galaxies are themselves coherent systems from the initial chaos after the big bank; ever more coherence is emerging in space and time.

That's a great forward trend. That's the upshift trend. It's an attractor. I call it the holotropic attractor in my current work, whole, you know, toward wholeness. Tropic means trophism or something pulling you toward something that is an attraction toward the universe that appears to be attracted toward wholeness.

Wholeness means the joining together of those different diverse elements into wholeness. You know, and so recognizing or being part of that is our largest identity. Within that, multiple identities are part of life on Earth, a Gaian, and identity is certainly a very important element.

Sandie Sedgbeer: I find it really interesting; you were a concert pianist. You are still a pianist.

What do you think about music, all of the things that make music so wonderful and connect us to our souls? The same things you're talking about now, coherence, harmony, all of these qualities.

Do you notice, do you regard yourself as some kind of musician in the sense of what you are preaching about the planet?

Ervin László: I don't know how I regard myself. I mean, I'm a seeker. I try to find things, particularly that wholeness and harmony that you find in music, not in every kind of music.

I don't relate to music that is violent with percussion and whatnot. But it doesn't have to be sentimental songs but music, which is at a higher level, is a unit of perfection. Every element of it is perfect. When Mozart was asked by the Duke or Emperor at the time in Austria about actually writing too many notes, this was in the film. Amadeus, I think, he said: No, no, your highness, there are just as many notes as need to be. These are more, no less. Every note counts in a masterpiece; you can't remove any note without destroying wholeness, unity, and coherence.

You can't even just arbitrarily add anything.

So this is what I'm seeking. I'm seeking perfection where all things operate to maintain, to be the whole, the expression of art, the experience of art, the aesthetic experience is precisely that. So when we talked earlier about the ways that we can approach this higher level of upshifted consciousness, now talking about the nature experience, I would like to add the aesthetic experience of human artifacts, music, painting, and even dance in a way that we dance. You know, it's all human artifacts. And that the express wholeness and oneness and that experience, which is a high level of, a deep experience, a highly satisfactory experience of Oneness That I think is again, one of the ways that we can evolve our consciousness so that we move toward this higher level of Upshift that is so badly needed into work and that we can contribute to. And these are our pathways to move towards.

Sandie Sedgbeer: You created the upshift movement, which you are inviting everybody to join. What is its subjective and its mission?

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Ervin László: Okay, I can share with you, as I've written out the mission statement.

I can make it available. And when the time comes from to if you present that.

Next week, we will have a meeting in Rome, Italy, of the members of what we now call the WUM, the world Upshift movement, which has its own board.

It's registered formally as a movement at the so-called company's House in London, England. But it would be an international registration, and it'll have its own website developing the current websites, which remains, but it'll be developed as such. We have to emphasize the term world, which we added to it because it's not a local initiative in any sense. I would like it to be an initiative of the US Yes, certainly of Europe, but also the east, around the south. So, and I'm going to ask organizations, I said, I'll ask, ask the or radio on TV as well to see which way we could adhere to this Movement.

So it becomes an international, a world movement. I, myself, I may add, dislike and somewhat the mistrusted term international. We are not talking about Nexus nations being connected in some way. We're talking about transcending the level of nations so that we become global, which is what the spread needs to be. So world, a world movement.

That is our goal. And I hope to involve people at all levels of insight, education, and different interests to come together because it's our world and one world, and we are one with it. And so let's see how each of us can contribute to it. We all care. Let's be articulate. Let's talk to each other about that.

Sandie Sedgbeer: Can children become part of this Movement?

Ervin László: Children are part of this Movement.

OMTIMES\ JANUARY 2022

Sandie Sedgbeer: They are part of the Movement.

Ervin László: I think they only get corrupt when they go to school.

Sandie Sedgbeer: Yes, they do. They do. Yeah.

Okay. I mean, certainly, your book, "the Upshift, should be part of the school curriculum.

Ervin László: They're wonderful schools as well. I don't disregard that. But then we are told that we are only concerned with human affairs as though they will be separate. The only concern is our national interest as though it will be separate; then those are corrupting influences. I've been talking to people trying to develop an upshift in business. And I say that there are two terms that I found very dangerous.

One is in the business world, particularly, and one is private. It's a term. And the other is national. A private business. It's the private sector. We used to say that in Europe, when we had communism, we were looking for a private sector, a small sector, and more freedom. And I was happy with my parents belonging to the private sector. But now it's not a question of the private sector; it's all businesses practically private except for a very small part of enterprises.

But the question is, how did the private sector become public? Becomes part of the human enterprise. Not by taking it out of hand and time to organize it, to direct it by a group of people, managers or politicians, or whatnot.

But part, becoming by spirit, becoming a public enterprise, having the public, the human spirit as its guiding principles, profit,

yes, it needs to be to run the organization but not as an end and in itself and by itself, profit to become one, and part of a wholly diverse system, which you can call the Gaian system, which is the planetary system, which is a planetary consciousness. That is the great chance and the great challenge that we face.

Sandie Sedgbeer: If people started taking the steps that you advocate now, and now is the only time you know that they should be doing that, how long do you think it would take to turn things around?

Ervin László: Next week!

Sandie Sedgbeer: Next week?

Ervin László: Yes. Things could go very fast.

You see, the way ideas spread, insights and beliefs spread can be very rapid. There's an openness now because the old ways of thinking, believing, and feeling are breaking open.

The danger is that before reaching the new, natural way, you may break down in depression, fear, the negative attributes.

But if you don't break down in between, we reach the next level, and the next level will be beyond what we have today. So you have a higher level of up-shifted level, which could go very fast. Sure. Next week could be next year, but we don't have much time. We don't have decades. We have years. So let's get going with it.

Sandie Sedgbeer: We have a situation in England right now, especially in London, where many people concerned about climate change are taking radical actions. They are sitting on freeways and blocking traffic for hours on end.

They're standing on big bridges, et cetera.

OMTIMES\ JANUARY 2022

He started to create a more collective, a new human, as you call it, a new society, a proletarian society. But he did it by counterposing it to a negative movement, to the capitalist Movement So we are fighting the proletarian struggle fighting the capitalists and finding free enterprise. That became a very negative struggle among political groups. But the principle was good, actually, I must say. And there was also Mao in China, that completely reformed from the Hsinhai one day to the next and practically reformed the entire Chinese system, moving it to this new level. Not necessarily all the way. It could continue to be a racist practice. Still, it changed the future system tremendously into a completely They're doing all kinds of things. The other day, different one. So things can move very fast, a young woman in her mid-twenties was very, very fast. And when good ideas catch reported standing on top of one of our major hold, they also can move. Good ideas can go bridges. very deep. There was a being of this Earth on this planet whose beliefs whose personality They had to close the bridge down, and all the created the last change that changed the world traffic and the public were annoyed because they forever. So as known as Jesus Christ and the could not continue their normal daily life. But love that he brought forth radiated inspired this young woman was crying, but she said, I some disciples, and those disciples inspired know that everybody is going to hate me for some more. what I'm doing, but you are robbing me of my future. And it was such an emotive thing to hear And despite the repression of the classical and see this young woman crying and taking Roman empire, this Movement survived and such radical action, knowing that it would make spread and became Christianity as a force in her very unpopular. What would you advise that the world. Tremendous events happened from some of these young people do instead?

Hitler to Jesus. You know, the largest possible contrasts. So this is just a response to the Ervin László: Well, it's fine to take individual question. How long would it take? It can go action, but you're exposing yourself to a great very fast, but the deep changes take time to deal of criticism and a blockage. Try to create a happen. But to keep in mind that the time is movement, try to bring other people together. not likely to be very long because we don't But, of course, great sudden movements that simply have a long time for change to happen. happened very quickly in the 20th century were Things will break down if we don't act in time mostly negative. Not all, because Gandhi's insight or make the change happen. led to India's independence and a new way of looking at things. There was Castro's attempt to .So let's not worry about the time, let's start it, create a more egalitarian society in Cuba, but and it will go. It's, it's a snowball effect. It's a most of the great movements that got going very butterfly effect. You know, the idea of the fast had negative consequences. Lenin started butterfly effect of a butterfly flapping its wings very positively. in California? We create a storm in Mongolia.

OMTIMES\ January 2022

OMTIMES\ JANUARY 2022

It Amplifies. And It amplifies because we are dealing with a so-called turbulence system. It's a non-linear system. Lots of things can happen from one moment to the next. And this led the anthropologist Margaret Mead to say never doubt the power of a small group of people to change the world. I shared it. Nothing else ever had. I was still adding another thing.

Nothing else ever had. Especially when the world is unstable and it's already on the point of bifurcation, then the change can be very fast. So I'm optimistic about change, being able to happen and happen fast.

Let me come up with this last discussion, the last metaphor. Some biologists some decades ago came up with this concept of the hopeful monster.

Sandie Sedgbeer: The Russian writer Leo Tolstoy once said that the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do. So I guess we all need to get a bit crazier.

Sandie Sedgbeer: I think that's a really good note to end the show on Ervin László: thank you so much for joining us today.

Ervin László: Yes, I think it's almost necessary, but this means being a hopeful monster.

The hopeful monster is simply a mutation in a species ahead of its time. Which is now a monster because it doesn't fit the rest. And it's being exposed and expelled from the rest cause it's not understood. But then the change occurs when the mutation happens elsewhere to become the new species' forerunner. So that's why it's hopeful, but right now, it's a monster. So I would say let's be more and more hopeful monsters.

Ervin László: And it really was seriously a great pleasure on your part. So that you and your network are doing a wonderful job. So, it was my pleasure and privilege to talk with you.

Ervin László is a Hungarian Polymath, a philosopher of science, systems theorist, integral theorist, and originally a classical pianist. He is an advocate of the theory of quantum consciousness.

THE UPSHIFT: The Path to Healing and Evolution on Planet Earth is the latest and most essential contribution to peace and well-being by Ervin Laszlo, considered one of the greatest thinkers and humanists of our time. His book is an antidote to the pessimism and inaction that spreads worldwide. It shows that we can meet the challenges that face us—the challenges of war and aggression, climate change and destitution, and the virus pandemic. Two paths are opening for us today: a path UP to healing and evolution and a path DOWN to crises and chaos.

This book tells you how you can move upward and upshift to a better world.

Those who have read its advanced drafts consider it a must-read for every awakened and responsible person on the planet. Open its pages and see why. It could change you and change the world around you.

If you want more information about Irving Laszlo's work, his books, and the upshift movement, visit upshiftmovement.com and ErvinLászlóbooks.com

INTERNATIONAL YOGA FESTIVAL

at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, (Himalayas), India

MARCH 8-14, 2023 Sadhvi Abha Saraswatiji

Dr. Tony Nader

Dr. Vandana Gurmukh Gurushabd Seane Corn Shiva Kaur Khalsa Singh Khalsa

Anand Mehrotra

Sivamani

Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji

Welcome All

Welcome Home Kia Miller

Tommy Rosen

Laura Plumb

Dr. Smita Naram

HS Arun

Stewart Gilchrist

Mohan Bhandari

Janet Attwood

...and more presenters from around the world

REGISTER TODAY!

WWW.INTERNATIONALYOGAFESTIVAL.ORG The world-famous International Yoga Festival is a truly historic celebration of yoga -Total Wellness and Oneness. Join us this year from March 8-14, 2023, for another incredible celebration with the world’s leading yogis on the banks of the sacred River Ganga, in the lap of the Himalayas.

/IntlYogaFest /InternationalYogaFestival

#IYF2023 #IYFPARMARTH

Health & Wellness Innovative new approaches to Healing as well as holistic methods for dealing with health issues and personal growth

5 Tips for Improving your Yoga Practice in the Wintertime

I

by Dixie Somers

n the traditional practice of yoga,

energy imbalances that affect your

changing seasons produce different

health and well-being. In addition,

elements that influence the body,

adjustments need to be made to keep

internally as well as externally. For

your circulatory and digestive systems

example, winter's low temperatures

functioning optimally. Here are five tips

and reduced humidity can lead to

to keep in mind for wintertime yoga.

OM TIMES | January 2023

LIVE HEALTHILY

PRACTICE FAITHFULLY

Keep a healthy lifestyle throughout

It may be tempting to stay in bed

the winter to maintain optimal

or curl up in a blanket in f ront of

health and get the most from

the TV when it's cold outside, but

your yoga practice. That means

your yoga practice is something you

plenty of physical activity and

should keep up with. Suppose you

consistently getting a good night's

start skipping sessions that were

rest. All the precautions should be

your steady routine before. In that

taken to stay healthy, including a

case, you're developing bad habits

diet of f resh foods. Eat balanced

that may impact your sense of self-

meals, and even though it's cold

discipline in the future, as well as

out, nibble on natural fruits, seeds,

the quality of results you get from it.

nuts, and raw vegetables as your

Establish a warm-up routine to better

snacks.

prepare your body for the cold.

OM TIMES | January 2023

KEEP WARM

PREVENT ILLNESS

Regular exercise and daily yoga will

Winter weather is the cold and

help you to fight the cold and feel

flu season. An upper respiratory

warmer. If you're used to going outside

infection can mean plugged-up

for yoga, just dress warmly and take

sinuses, sore throat, and fever,

a mat or blanket to lie on the frozen

making yoga more difficult. Be

ground. Or get used to doing it indoors.

sure to observe standard cold-

Always have your HVAC checked out

season practices, such as washing

by a company before the cold weather

your hands frequently, drinking

kicks in. Call a qualified HVAC company

plenty of liquids, especially citrus

for any heating issues so you can still

juice, and taking Vitamin C

feel comfortable during your routine.

supplements to be safe.

OM TIMES | January 2023

TRY TO BE POSITIVE

Snow, ice, and f reezing temperatures

Don't let the cold and gloomy

kinds of tasks. But your yoga routine

weather get you down. Be mindful

is too crucial to your well-being to

of the benefits that yoga gives

put aside.

can be an excuse for avoiding all

you. If you feel ill, your breathing exercises (pranayamas) can help to

Dixie Somers is a f reelance

clear chest congestion and support

writer and blogger for business,

your immune response. If you start

home, and family niches. Dixie

to really think that you're not up to

lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and

physical yoga, study books on the

is the proud mother of three

subject or go to classes to help boost

beautiful girls and wife to

your motivation.

a wonderful husband.

OM TIMES | January 2023

Simply Spiritual To perceive reality from a different perspective is to open oneself to the wonders and unlimited wealth of creation. Simply Spiritual offers the opportunity to visit new places, new methods, and different ways to perceive the vast human knowledge of our Universe.

Japamala and other Devotional Practices

By Ageless Wisdom Institute

OM TIMES | January 2023

J

apamala, better known

it means only "bead of beads. "We

in the West as a rosary of

then have two chains, one spiritual,

prayers, is an ancient object

"Japa," and another material,

used in various religious

"Mala." Thus, the spiritual energies

practices and spiritual devotions.

invoked "Japa" energize the "Mala."

For example, they are used in many

Generally, the "mala," used for the

cultures and religions to pace prayers

"japa" or "whisper," contains 108

or mantralizations. These beads

beads.

come in many different shapes, sizes, and materials. Depending on culture

It is believed that completing

or religion, they can have an unusual

the circuit of 108 mantras is one

number of beads.

more step on the path of spiritual upliftment. Each turn performed in

Hinduism and Buddhism use

the mala is a step on the ladder for

108 beads, always having a more

union with the divine ether.

significant account representing the Divinity, around which the 108

A Mala encourages its user to do the

distinct manifestations, returns,

japas daily.

or incarnations revolve. It is the representation of diversity that

THE DEVOTIONAL PRACTICE

revolves around a single unit.

Reciting japamalas is a most "Japa" is a Sanskrit word that comes

essential prayerful attitude for any

from the verbal root "jap," which

devotee who wants to approach

means "to whisper, to whisper." So

the mystical philosophy of Divinity.

"Japa" is the yogic Practice of the

It may consecrate Japamala to the

murmuring repetition of mantras,

Blessed Vishnu, Krishna, the Blessed

scripture passages, or the name of

Divine Mother, Christ, or God if you

a deity.

will. To make Japamalas is to worship the Divinity, and one humbles

The repetition of these mantras for

oneself. Therefore, adopt the

the "Japa," or a "chain," a "cord of

Practice of doing japamalas many

energy." Mala is a word with many

times a day. Every day facilitates an

meanings in Sanskrit, but in this case,

individual to advance blessedly.

OM TIMES | January 2023

HOW TO PRAY WITH JAPAMALAS

continuing until the end, until you complete the 108 accounts.

Your Rosary of prayer beads can

Hold the Japamala with one hand,

be magnetized with your mantra's

and with your thumb, turn the small

"Japa" power. You will need to

beads as you make your prayers or

practice every day for at least 40

repetitions of sacred mantras or Bija

days. After 108 days, the mala will

sounds. Hold the first count with your

be charged with the power of

thumb and make your first prayer

the mantra intoned/ whispered/

when you finish; pull the second

meditated. Then, you may place

account and continue your prayers,

it lightly on yourself or others to

OM TIMES | January 2023

transmit the energy of the mantra,

hold in their hands as they repeat

stored in the light mandala, formed in

their prayers. Then, they roll the beads

your' prayer rosary "or mala.

between their fingers as they repeat the name of Allah.

The ideal would be to use a different mala for each mantra. However, when

Christians have their "rosary" in their

using your mala with a new mantra,

hands as they pray their daily prayers.

the energy of the new mantra will

It is said that the word "rosary," which

begin to replace the power of the

has obvious similarities to the mala,

previous mantra, so we strongly

came from the traditional Hindu

recommend using a new one with

"Japamala."

each mantra, if possible, of course.

When Roman explorers came to Another good idea is to have a Mala

India and found the Prayer beads,

for each spiritual ray and chakra. Each

they heard "jap mala" instead of

of the seven major chakras carries the

"japa mala." "Jap" means "rose," and

energies of one of the seven major

a suitcase was then taken to the

consciousnesses of God. Store it in a

Roman Empire as a "Rosarium."

clean, holy place when you are not using your mala. The best place to

The Rosary has 50 beads separated

guard it is on a personal altar or on a

ten by ten by a larger one, and its

sacred statuette of a deity.

ends are joined in a cross. A Christian rosary has 54 beads (half of the

The mala beads are used so that a

eastern Rosary of 108 beads). All the

person can think about the meaning

hail Mary prayers are symbolized

of the mantra and his words as he

by the white roses, and all the 5

chants, without having to keep

Lord's prayers at the beginning of

counting the times he chants.

the sequences of ten Hail Marys are symbolized by the red Rose of Christ.

JAPAMALAS, A TRADITION IN VARIOUS RELIGIONS

When they decide to make a mantra more than 108 times, Hindus put one

Islamic tradition also has a rosary of

grain of rice every 108 times into a

prayer beads called "Tasbi," which they

bowl. Then, every time they get to

OM TIMES | January 2023

Meru (The central bead in a Japamala),

on each individual's will. What counts

they take a grain of rice from the bowl.

is the repetition of mantras.

In Tibetan Buddhism, it is common to

The Islamic tradition works with a

use larger malas, for example, malas

rosary of 99 beads. The Rosary is

that contain 111 beads. They count a

divided into three series of 33 beads,

suitcase like 100 beads and 11 extras

each representing one world. It is said

to make up for possible mistakes

that the missing bead to complete the

made along the way. In Buddhism,

hundredth is only found in Paradise.

the use of the malas can be done with either hand, and the fingers used for

Many materials are used to make the

counting can also be other, depending

mala beads throughout every culture.

OM TIMES | January 2023

In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, they

to the afterlife. Its price is high because

can use bone (animal bones, most

of its rarity. The purpose of this Bones

commonly ox) or sometimes human

malas is to pray, recite mantras and

bones, the bones of deceased Lamas,

meditate on cutting selfishness and

which are of great value.

strong attachments and cultivating a

SACRED HUMAN BONES OF NEPAL

free conscience.

Others use wood or seeds from the

Many Sacred and Holy Malas are made

Bodhi tree. Semi-precious stones such

of 108 fine human skull bones from

as coral and amethyst can be used, too.

Nepal. These are practicing Buddhist

However, the most used material for

skull bones that have already passed

the making of malas is sandalwood.

OM TIMES | January 2023

5 Ways To Find Your Soul Peeps

I

By John Holland

saw someone recently wearing

These are the like-minded people

a t-shirt that read: Where My

of a particular group or community

Peeps At? It made me smile

where you feel most comfortable.

because we all need our peeps

These are the members of

on our journey toward a more

your spiritual family where the

fulfilling and soulful life!

relationships are all about sharing, OM TIMES | January 2023

giving, and receiving energetically

I've met thousands of people at

from each other. These are like-

my workshops and online events

minded souls who are drawn

who are f rom all walks of life and

to each other, have similar

f rom all over the world and have

interests, will push you to be all

one thing in common: They're all

that you can be, challenge you,

on a spiritual quest to discover their

understand your point of view

soul and purpose. I really enjoy

and help you expand your mind

watching people come together,

and consciousness. These people

become f riends (sometimes for

in the f ront row of your cheering

life), and feel they can express

section accept you for who you

themselves with one another in a

are, encourage you to reach your

positive way. They no longer feel

goals and dreams, applaud your

alone or different. They have found

accomplishments, and are there

the members of their community—

when you stumble.

their peeps!

OM TIMES | January 2023

So, where are your peeps? First,

JOHN'S MESSAGE

let me say that you're not alone.

As members of my newsletter

Remember, you won't find your

community and My Soul Community,

like-minded community if you're

you're my peeps, and I'm yours!

constantly sitting at home. Is there a certain activity you like, perhaps

If you feel you're not part of a

a meditation group, book club, or

community/group, you resonate

online class you can look into? Most

with or believe no one out there

people enjoy each other's company,

understands you, please think again.

especially when they're all in sync

Your peeps are there. You just have

with a commonly shared activity or

to believe it, keep following your

passion.

spiritual practices, and your souls will come together. When this happens,

Here are some suggestions on how

you'll feel that you have known these

to find your peeps. Give one a try this

people your entire life!

week!

OM TIMES | January 2023

Attend more local events that you're

you, or possibly one that you may have

passionate about.

said in the past: "I want to help them."

Join an online community that focuses

Just keep believing in your thoughts,

on your favorite interests.

attracting exactly what you need.

Your peeps may even become your

Form your own club if you can't find one.

soul family. Reach out and explore.

Trust your feelings and have fun!

Take a class that you've had your heart set on. You'll meet so many different

If you know someone who may

people. You never know. Synchronicity

like to get this message, feel free

may be guiding you to this class.

to share these Soul Inspirations or recommend they join my newsletter

Volunteer! There are so many varied and

list. Equally, I'd love to hear your

different organizations that need help.

personal stories, so do share them on

But, trust me, there is one out there for

my Facebook and Instagram pages.

OM TIMES | January 2023

Your Lives, and How To Live Them

R

By William Bezanson

eincarnation is a valid

should be happy, relaxed, and

spiritual law of the

confident to optimize one's life.

universe. Therefore, people should study their

Most OMTimes readers very likely

previous lives for guidance on their

already know of the validity of

current and future lives. Overall, one

reincarnation, and they know how

OM TIMES | January 2023

to live their lives. If such is the case,

Second, my hope. I sincerely hope

save your time by not reading this

that humankind will wake up

article.

and finally realize that religion, in general, is mostly based on myths,

But, by now, I'll bet that I've got you

allegories, and folk tales. I hope that

hooked and that you will indeed read

most people switch to mysticism for

this article. Great!

their answers to cosmic questions.

Religion enables indirect union with

Your lives. (Plural). Yes, reincarnation

God through priestly teachings,

is a valid (spiritual) law of the

scriptural study, and corporate

universe.

worship. Mysticism, on the other hand, enables direct union with

The usual guidelines for living one's

God through spiritual study, psychic

life are f rom religious institutions.

practices, and individual spiritual

Some time ago, I was asked which

development.

religion would be the number one in the World in the next hundred years.

Now, speaking of mystical and

I interpreted "number one" to mean

spiritual matters, there are many

the highest number of members, and

writings that defend the laws of

for churches, this is often meant to be

karma and reincarnation. How else,

the highest number of "identifiable

except by karma and reincarnation,

givers." I have two answers: my guess

can one explain the death of an infant

and my hope.

child or the impoverished peasant born into suffering? Why should

First, my guess. I would guess that

one person be so "lucky" to have

the same religion that dominates

frequent fortunate circumstances

currently, namely Christianity, in its

while another has a long run of "bad

many variations, will be the number

luck?" Why should only the orthodox

one religion a hundred years from

Christian have the potential to be

now. I guess this situation is because

"saved," but another who was born

of inertia. Specifically, people don't

into a "heathen" environment and

like to make fundamental changes,

never learns of the Gospel be doomed

so they will resist switching to a

to damnation? Such a universe would

different religious affiliation.

be very unjust if the whims of God OM TIMES | January 2023

caused such inequities or if God could

As for "How to live (your lives)," I try

be persuaded to change Its mind by

to live my current life in three ways:

an appeal. Karma and reincarnation

being Happy, Relaxed, and Confident.

provide a much more rational and just

(I acknowledge this categorization

explanation.

as first suggested to me by Gary L. Stewart.) To my mind, Being

In my own case, I have had vivid

Happy involves working in and out;

experiences of seven of my previous

switching f rom religious affiliations

lives, f rom ancient China, through

to mystical orders; ceasing ineffective

southern France, Egypt, the Middle

praying to a deity over to mystical

East, Brazil, South Carolina, USA, as

healing; and other such spiritual

well as several less vivid memories

methods.

of other lives. As a result, I enjoy researching my former lives (what

Being Relaxed involves being a

I term "spiritual genealogy") much

generalist rather than a specialist;

more than who my ancestors were

realizing that spirituality is far

("physical genealogy").

more important than physicality; OM TIMES | January 2023

the outer life. Sports scores no longer matter. Weather reports no longer matter. Accumulating wealth no longer matters. What really matters in this life is preparing oneself for the next life. Preparation for the future automatically motivates you to clean up the present because you will want the World to be in better shape than it is currently when you return here in your next life.

This article is based on a book by the same title I am currently researching and writing, projected to be published in 2024. I hope that these words may be inspiring and focusing depending on your intuition to

for many readers.

enhance your reasoning; and others.

William Bezanson is a regular Finally, being Confident involves

contributor to OMTimes. After

creating your own future, rather than

retiring f rom an electrical

just drifting along, knowing how

engineering career, he

to separate the abstract from the

writes books on systems

concrete, and being content that

design, spirituality, and world

your actions are saving the World and

stewardship. He lives with his

others.

wife in Ottawa, Canada, and their children are scattered over

Overall, being mystical means

the earth's surface. His latest

following one's inner guidance, as

book is Bill's Collected Wisdom,

revealed through intuition, for using

available f rom online book

your life altruistically, cosmically, and

retailers. His website is www3.

in service to the World. One feels the

sympatico.ca/bezanson1.

call to an inner life for the benefit of OM TIMES | January 2023

OMTimes Magazine

Relax…

Let your worries drift away into the moment…

OMTimes is a free publication and can be delivered right to your inbox…

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OM Living For those living a more Conscious Lifestyle

Feng Shui: Reenergize Your Home in Wintertime

W

By Omtimes Staff

inter always ends

Winter is the Season of the

up being a time

Element of water

of more stillness, coziness, and just

being. So winter is naturally a "yin"

Feng Shui has five elements: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal.

season, A quieter, more reflective period that encourages us to spend

The Water Element is an essential

more time in the house with our

component in the field of Feng Shui.

loved ones.

Water represents intuition: the inner OM TIMES | January 2023

knowledge that allows the water

liveliness, refresh the air and prevent

element to guide you into a space of

the accumulation of bacteria in our

confidence. So enjoy the wintertime

homes during these months: citrus

to refuel, dream and plan changes in Citrus oils are more than pleasant

the next initial stages.

smells. They are among the most Winter is a time when the earth

useful essential oils. Just a few drops

breathes. Like a gestation period, it

of lemon or orange oil will increase

prepares to sustain life for another

the power of cleaning products. They

year. It offers us a particular time

disinfect surfaces, purify the air and

for introspection. By creating a cozy

release a pleasant f ragrance besides

and harmonious home during this

rejoicing those in a bad mood.

period, the house itself will help you stay attentive and cheerful at this

Do something new

time of year.

While you have more time indoors When winter seems to be creeping,

during the colder season, it is a great

purifying our homes with new energy

time to work on all the projects you

may be healing. Read more about

want to get started. Cooking is a

some Feng Shui remedies to organize

great way to add warmth and joy

your living space, making it brighter

to your home. Creating and trying

and warmer while staying in tune

new soups and stews with seasonal

with the season.

vegetables is a great way to connect with nature since we cannot get our

FENG SHUI REMEDIES FOR WINTER

hands on the garden at this time

MONTHS

of year. You can also try any other hobby you've always wanted to do

Clean Your Home With Citrus

Change the decoration of your home

With the cold, we have not opened

When the energy feels "stuck" in the

the windows for a long time, and the

winter, it may be time for a small

energy and air of our houses can be

environmental change. However,

tremendously stagnant. Fortunately,

instead of buying things for a new

there is a simple cure to raise

decoration, you may already have

OM TIMES | January 2023

what you need. Try to move a vase,

sensation by cooking healthy organic

an image, or even furniture from one

seasonal food such as pumpkins and

room to another. You may be surprised

Zucchini.

how the energy changes just by moving something that has not been

Create a meditation chant

touched for some time, emptying it, and giving it a new home. You can

We know that spring and summer

be inspired to redecorate your entire

months are full of yang and vibrant

house with just a unique view of what

energy. Yin energy is restful, silent,

you have Invite your friends to dinner.

and contemplative. Cultivate this seasonal energy, receiving it with open

Plan to celebrate the long winter

arms, renewing it for the more active

nights with friends. Make sure you

seasons. It is natural for all of us to

invite friends to dinner and share

want to engage in more yin activities

stories around the fire. Honor the taste

during the colder months, such as

OM TIMES | January 2023

reading, sleeping, and meditating.

Create a space with more comfortable pillows, armchairs, and candles to feel cozier with this energy of renewal.

Change Your Lamps During winter, we experience much more darkness, so we spend much more energy on interior lighting.

Therefore, this is the year to audit your home's lighting to ensure you use energy-efficient bulbs in all fixtures.

You can also add a few more daylight bulbs in certain areas to magnify your light entrance.

Let natural light enter It would be best if you worked to

Are there things in your closet that you

make the most of your full hours of

have not used for a long time? As you

light, and the best way to do that

redecorate and rearrange, you may find

is to leave natural light instead of

some things you do not really need. If

artificially illuminating your space.

you have not used the item in more than

Create a distinct area in your home

six months, it's time to say goodbye.

that captures more sun, warm with

On the other hand, if you are only

yang warm colors like burnt orange,

accumulating dust, you are increasing

yellows, and reds, with a heartfelt shot

your stagnant energy and need to go.

and cushions where you can curl up

In my Feng Shui consultations, I highly

with a good book. Always have some

recommend always analyzing what

good books.

works for you, what you can donate, and even reforming it for something

Make an assessment of what you

that can make you more useful.

really need

Creativity is the key!

OM TIMES | January 2023

Reincarnation of Animals DO OUR PETS REINCARNATE?

A

By Ministry Earth

nimals, like humans, are

According to several spiritual

beings endowed with

traditions, all individuals in the

Souls. Souls are part of

Animal Kingdom have a reincarnating

our eternal nature, so

soul. However, mammalian-class

it is entirely possible to claim that

animals have spirits closer to human

these beings (Non-Human Beings)

characteristics of evolution. The

also pass through the process of

reincarnation of animals is close to

evolution and reincarnation.

ours, except for the element of Free OM TIMES | January 2023

will, which only human beings seem

have a human conscience - the

to have.

reincarnation of animals is carried out according to their spiritual

After the departure of an animal f rom

needs.

earthly life, only its soul is repaired.

The reason is that they do not have a

For example, let us say that a

system of consciousness as complex

dog was very loved in a particular

as ours to work with. At least not

family, and he died. His soul goes

in this plane of existence. For that

to a temporary spiritual plane and

reason, some spiritual schools regard

soon returns to the body of another

the process of reincarnation of

domestic animal to continue its

animals to be more agile and fluid

evolution.

than human reincarnation.

So, the question would be that Animals share with us the

in his new reincarnation, is it

privilege of having a soul.

possible for the animal to return

Pythagoras

to its "original" family? Yes, it is possible. Depending on the animal's

THE REINCARNATION OF ANIMALS:

needs, it can still have strong

WHERE DO THEY GO?

emotional bonds with a group of people, such as his original family,

Many families are concerned. They

promoting a feeling of happiness

think their pet has reincarnated

and concomitant evolution. This

elsewhere and is no longer loved by

is why some animals become our

the new owners. This is a thought

'Familiars."

that needs to be removed from your The real difference between

strain of thought.

humans and other animals is Animals and ourselves go through

that humans have a perception

reincarnation to evolve their souls,

of good and evil, just and unjust,

acquiring cognitive skills so they

etc. The sharing of a common

can one day be at peace on the

view in these matters makes

spiritual plane. With this in mind -

a household and a state.

and knowing that animals do not

Aristotle

OM TIMES | January 2023

IS IT CRAZY TO WORRY ABOUT

Animals reincarnate in caring

OUR ANIMAL REINCARNATION?

environments at their evolution levels. Therefore, the Beings

The reincarnation of animals is a crucial

of light that care for animal

step in the evolution of their species.

evolution always look for means and conditions to contribute to a

Domesticated animals that live with

progressive evolution process.

families will never regress to a wild environment. That is, it is not necessary

The best thing we do as human

to create a concern about dangerous

beings is love them to help our dear

whereabouts that may exist.

animals to good reincarnation.

OM TIMES | January 2023

The effective exchange of feelings

preserves purity and innocence that

and coziness is essential for animals

distinguish them f rom the fabric of

to evolve with more quality and

our own souls.

spirituality. The Seeds of love flourish within an animal soul and bloom into

Did you know that there is

many different noble sentiments,

an Animal heaven?

such as devotion, gratitude, loyalty, and adoration. Their Souls are

However, the most unfortunate

enriched by good energies, and

feature is that our animals have

they flourish, facilitating further

shorter lifespans.

development of a beautiful spiritual Yes, domestic animals that live

plane.

more than ten or twenty years are Animal Heaven: Where Do Animals

rare. But, after our friends leave,

Go after Death?

do we ask ourselves if there is a heaven for them? Or will we ever

It is a fact that an animal's death

meet again? These are questions

is unfortunate, especially when it

that afflict all those who have

comes to our fur babies. That pet

already lost an animal. Being that a

that we took care of since childhood

puppy, a cat, a bird, or some animal

suddenly, in an instant, can just

endowed with invincible love and

disappear, with them a piece of our

devotion.

hearts.

From this, we decided to study Many people become incredibly

more deeply about the fate of these

desperate, even entering into a

animal companions more:

depressive crisis.

Does Animal Heaven Exist?

The Non-Human Beings' essence, in other words, our animals, are

The sky of animals and that directed

different f rom human nature. They

at us is located in the divine

are beings who do not hold a grudge

Paradise. That is why we will be

and are always by our side, no

reunited with our f riends, who we

matter what the situation. Their soul

have learned to love in the earthly

OM TIMES | January 2023

life. This is because animals, as well

have malice as part of their dharmic

as humans, are beings with a soul.

programming.

The only difference that distinguishes

Their consciousness evolves more

us is that animals' consciousness

clearly. Therefore, animal minds are

is so pure that it is not blemished

not intensely opposed and divided

like ours. Therefore, they are also

between good and evil like ours.

regarded as "sinless," as they do not

For this reason, the mistreatment of

OM TIMES | January 2023

animals, in addition to being terrible,

Legend says that when four-legged

is unfair and exceptionally cruel.

angels (and any other creature we love) say goodbye to us, they cross the

Heavenly lives of Animals

Rainbow Bridge. On the other side of this bridge are fields and hills where

Even the animals that suffered the

animals can run, play, and enjoy their

most here on earth will find rest

childlike innocence, purity, and a deep

on the spiritual plane. All of them

sense of love.

will receive blessings and freedom to play, run, and live their essences

They say that there is enough space,

in peace. The only reason that can

food, and sun to make them all feel

sometimes make them thoughtful is

good on the other side of the Rainbow

to miss the owner.

Bridge.

In the same way that we will not

Furthermore, according to this legend,

forget them, they will also keep in

all those who were ill, mutilated or

their hearts the reminder that they

cruelly hurt have their health restored

were once very loved and how much

and overflowed with everlasting joy.

they also loved.

According to this beautiful legend, During this period, both will end

our f riends are happy and satisfied.

up thinking about each other. But,

Still, they miss someone special they

as still in earthly lives, we will suffer

left on the other side of the Rainbow

much more because animals in

Bridge.

heaven have an abundance of joy, and the feeling of pain or sadness

This beautiful legend fills our hearts

does not exist.

with hope in the face of the loss of our beloved animals. It also helps us

However, as soon as we meet our

metaphorically understand that it

faithful f riend, we will know that

remains in our hearts when an animal

even before we arrive, he will be

leaves this world, even though we

waiting for us and that all the time

may not enjoy its warmth physically.

spent waiting for this moment was

They live forever in our own version of

worth it.

Paradise.

OM TIMES | January 2023

Relationships

The interconnectiveness among all human beings and, consequently, the relationships among us are the focus of this section. The dynamics of the web of connections we make is one of the most prominent aspects of human existence: how we interlace with each other’s existence in a meaningful way.

How to Recognize Emotional Blackmail

E

By Ascending hearts

motional blackmail can

A blackmailer's goal is to manipulate

happen in friendships,

the other person and turn them into

family relations, or

someone who fulfills their desires.

romantic relationships.

Sometimes Blackmailing can be

OM TIMES | January 2023

done subtly so that the other person

someone telling your partner, "If you

may not even realize that it is being

do it again, it's all over!" These are

manipulated.

basic phrases in which there will be a later consequence if the order is not

Although it may seem difficult to

followed.

believe, a person who resorts to emotional blackmail is also insecure

How can we defend ourselves against

and weak. They need to recourse to

this kind of emotional blackmail?

blackmail to reach their goals since

First, making the blackmailer see

they do not see themselves as able to

that he is not capable of causing

achieve healthily. Although they tend

us fear. A threat or pressure always

to present themselves as very secure,

seeks to generate fear, and thus, the

well-mannered, reasonable, and self-

victim ends up obeying. However,

contained people.

if there is no fear or if we make the person feel that we are not feeling

Here are 4 ways to avoid Emotional

fear, we dismantle the manipulation.

blackmail and avoid falling into this type of manipulation.

The answer to an "If you do it again, it's all over" threat could be, "I'm free

1. EMOTIONAL BLACKMAIL

BY PRESSURE OR THREAT

to do whatever I want, and if that makes you want to leave me, I cannot do anything!" So the important

Manipulation of this kind consists of

thing is to make the person see that,

putting pressure on another person

instead of accepting the threat or

so that f reedom is limited. If one

punishment, we can face it, and not

does not do as one is asked to, there

for that, we will change our actions.

is a later punishment or a great deal of upset. The feeling presented by the victim in the face of this

2. EMOTIONAL BLACKMAIL THAT CREATES GUILT

manipulation is fear.

This Emotional blackmail creates a The typical phrase parents say to

sense of guilt in the victim, making

their young children is, "If you do

one believe oneself to be a bad

it again, you will be punished," or

person if one does not obey. Phrases

OM TIMES | January 2023

like "If you do it, it's because you

How do you stop this kind of

do not like me anymore," "After

emotional blackmail? First, making

everything I've done for you, this

the blackmailer see that we do not

is how you pay me?", "If you leave

feel bad as a consequence for not

me, I will get sick, and I will not be

following their orders.

able to bear it," "You disappoint me.

I thought you were a good person."

There are extreme cases, like the person who says, "If you leave me,

What they are looking to do with

I do not want to live." This would

these phrases is that the other

be the most exceptional example

person feels bad and guilty. This way,

because not feeling guilty in a case

the victim could be manipulated and

like this is complicated since we

consent to satisfy the other not to

would feel responsible for the health

get "bad on tape."

of the other. However, the reality is OM TIMES | January 2023

that each person owns his own life,

in a role in which he is right; he will

and we must live in freedom; we

try to become a kind of guide or the

cannot be attached to someone out

sane voice in a desert. To be able to

of pity or guilt because, after all, the

manipulate, the manipulator will

victim would be really the person

know perfectly the weaknesses of

manipulated in that case, and the one

the victim and will make the victims

suffering from emotional blackmail.

believe that they need his advice to be ready to go the right way.

3. EMOTIONAL BLACKMAIL THAT CREATES CONFUSING, DISTORTING REALITIES

He will try to create a kind of dependency in which the blackmailer will be the person in possession of

The blackmailer will try to deceive

the truth. It will have arguments that

situations until he can find himself

can come out over any situation to

OM TIMES | January 2023

make the victim realize that salvation is in ignorance.

4. EMOTIONAL BLACKMAIL THAT CREATES POSITIVE AND PRESENT PROMISES

How to stop this kind of distortion?

Simply Informing the manipulator

Another type of blackmail more

that each person sees things

hidden that does not even

differently and that we, whether

seem blackmail is the promise

wrong or not, wish to make the

of something very positive if we

decision that we think is the best for

manifest the desires of the other.

ourselves.

We are awarded or presented with something that we want very much,

So even if the blackmailer tries to

but only in the case we do what is

induce the victim to make a mistake,

requested of us by the blackmailer.

we can respond to him that we do not care whether we can make

Parents often do this to their

mistakes or not but want to be able

children, "when you get older, I'll

to make our own decisions.

give you a bike," or "If you behave OM TIMES | January 2023

with your grandmother, I'll buy you

Another similar form of

candy." If a child desires too much, it

Emotional blackmail is reminding

is normal for him to do his best to get

someone of the present data

what he wants.

and the amounts they owe, such as, "Do you remember the gifts

This is a positive case for emotional

I gave you? "Remember what

exchange because the outcome

I did for you? "Is like saying,

is something beneficial for both

subtly," I have given you many

parties. Still, there are other cases

material things, and therefore

where the exchange is an attempt

you must obey me. "

to deceive the victim, such as the case of a passionate person who

How not give in to this kind of

wants to win over a girl with financial

Emotional blackmail? Reminding

problems. The blackmailer offers

the blackmailer that everyone is

some "rewards" or "compensation"

f ree to pay or gift what they want,

in exchange that he knows would

and we are not obliged to return

convince the victim to date him.

the favor.

OM TIMES | January 2023

In any kind of relationship, be it in

wants to occupy another position,

a friendship or a loving relationship,

the internal alarm should go off. Even

we must feel the same, as equals to

if someone is in trouble, a healthy

the other. It is an exchange. It must

person helps reasonably. Still, if

be reciprocal; the moment someone

someone takes advantage of it to put

OM TIMES | January 2023

themselves in a "hero" position and

invalidate reason and come to a

leaves the other as a "victim that

point when we feel unable to make

needs to be saved," we can end up

decisions.

getting into a handling zone.

• They usually boast about their

SIGNS TO DETECT AN EMOTIONAL BLACKMAILER

lives and properties since they seek to be seen as "heroes or saviors." Therefore, people

• For one, talking with them

with low self-esteem are more

can be stressful because they

likely to fall into the hands of

continually change the subject

manipulators, as they may be

of the conversation, change their

overcharged.

strategy and try to confuse the victim until they find the weak

"They want to be the ones who

spot where they feel they can

dominate the conversations and are

manipulate.

always right; they are not flexible and do not know how to listen. As a result, they tend to speak much

• When we are in front of a manipulator, the sensations tend

more than they can hear.

to speak more than the reason, especially if you are an empath.

• They do not like to receive

Therefore, we should always

advice since they consider it is

watch our emotions; if we meet

insulting to their intelligence.

a healthy person, the feelings will also be healthy, but if we

• They change their moods

are faced with a blackmailer,

quickly, since if they manage

it is widespread for us to feel

to manipulate, they are happy,

uncomfortable, unwell, frustrated,

but if the victim resists, their

and undecided.

features can change in a matter of seconds.

On the one hand, our mind may realize something is not going

• They wish at all times to nullify

well. Still, on the other hand, the

the opinion of the other, making

fears and blackmail we receive may

only theirs valid and accurate.

OM TIMES | January 2023

Metaphysics

Puzzling Paradoxes

A

By Royce Amy Morales

paradox is a complex,

Like a political debate of two equals,

entangled, messy place

there is no winner.

to find yourself. It means that you are sitting in

Lately, humanity is finding itself

a duality, with two sides of equal

thrashing about in some massive

power, both sides pulling at you,

dualities. The amount of divisiveness,

believing they are right.

right/wrong thinking, desire to fight OM TIMES | January 2023

or flee, and needing something

WHERE DOES DUALISTIC

external for happiness are all signs

THINKING COME FROM?

of dualities.

The truth is you have already These attitudes are indicative of

accomplished that high-level

feeling divided from within.

spiritual task. Maybe before you were even a toddler.

On this evolutionary journey we have chosen to be on, duality is the

You entered this physical world in

final f rontier to get past an essential

a non-dualistic state; everything is

spiritual goal. However, there is no

the same, and I am connected to all

user manual explaining how to get

consciousness. However, within a few

there, and non-duality goes counter

months, you recognized yourself as

to everything we have been taught.

an individual and started dividing life between yourself and others.

Giving opposing labels to things seems a logical choice. Think

Plus, in order to have control

about how often your thoughts

over you, and assuring you would

divide something into two sides.

acceptably fit into society, parents

You watch a movie and criticize

labeled some things you did as good,

it as good or a waste of time. You

some as bad, some choices as right,

meet someone and immediately

and some as wrong. Naturally, you

determine if you should continue a

wanted to please them, trying to

relationship or chalk them off. You

keep or gain their approval, so you

judge a political party as senseless,

bought those dualities. Thus, their

yet you continue to dutifully vote for

value system became your own.

them.

Even before you entered school, you What would it look like to no longer

were taught by use of comparisons.

perceive the world and all that

Nighttime is for sleeping, and

happens as divided into two parts?

daytime is for playing. Sweets are for

How can that happen? Is it possible

dessert not dinner. Spring is better

to reach a spiritual place of “is-ness,”

than winter. Happiness is good, and

seeing reality as one unified field?

sadness is bad.

OM TIMES | January 2023

Teachers continued using this form to

high alert doing its assigned job to

educate you, defining concepts using

make sure you survive. It then made

one to explain the other.

decisions about yourself, others and life to assure you were safe from then on.

Seeing life dualistically comes from another source even more powerful an

Those decisions became your inner

influence than how you were raised or

programming.

what you were taught: Subconscious, From those survival-based thoughts,

fear-based programming.

you divided the world into certain As a young child, prior to developing

things symbolizing survival and

your ability to think logically, you

other things as perceived threats.

experienced incidents that contained

Then, based on those etched-in

some degree of pain and/or loss.

subconscious programs, you began

During those moments, your survival-

observing life in a generalized,

based consciousness jumps to

separated, dualistic way.

OM TIMES | January 2023

No amount of logic or reasoning can change that viewpoint since it feels like truth and keeps you safe.

Perceiving life non-dualistically feels like death to your primitive mind.

DEALING WITH DUALITY There are ways to shift out of dualistic thinking. Mindfulness and observing those false notions can help. Notice the judgments, the right-wrong labels you automatically put on things. Generally, those notions contain various triggers, negative emotions, and physical sensations.

Then, do an inner check to see if you have the same or similar judgments

Without duality, you experience

of yourself. This can be as simple as

things exactly as they are like seeing

catching yourself thinking he is an

a flower as just a flower rather than a

idiot and asking yourself where do

beautiful object that brings joy to the

I believe I’m an idiot?

receiver on Valentine’s Day.

Duality vanishes when you see

THE POWER OF SPIRITUAL

yourself as one with others. You

EXPERIENCES

experience that we are all the same, manifesting in unique ways,

Spiritual experiences, before your

choosing to be here to help wake

mind attempts to describe or make

each other up to whatever denial

sense of them, are non-dualistic. A

we are in. The willingness to look

spontaneous out-of-body experience

honestly at what is being reflected

is simply that until you return and

takes you back to connectedness, to

try to understand logically what

oneness.

happened or give it a good/bad label.

OM TIMES | January 2023

With more spiritual experiences,

Your personal history is not the source

you change how you see them and

of who you are and how you perceive

live from them. That enlightenment

things. Getting past dualities takes

will be how you live your life and

mindful work, not avoiding them.

experience different situations.

It means a part of you has shifted,

THE ULTIMATE GOAL

and there will be many more transformations to experience.

Although there is a place for dualistic thinking in this physical reality, once

Those light bulb moments change

dualities start dissolving, life takes

your awareness of reality, but your

on a feeling of connectedness and

fear-based consciousness is often the

expansiveness. Obliterating it can

main boss. Resolve those old incidents

be as simple as recognizing where it

that are subconsciously running you,

comes from, determining whether it

having you divide yourself into dual

is truth, a need to be right, or an effort

aspects that divide the world.

to prove something.

OM TIMES | January 2023

Your values may change and

That does not mean that you are

become more “world-centric,” caring

eliminating all differences. Instead,

about the entire world instead of

it means you see the differences as

something smaller like your tribe,

connected, like a yin/yang symbol.

society, or nation.

Life is an ongoing dance of not You may still care about those

knowing and revelation. It is quite an

smaller entities, but your primary

adventure discovering that you don’t

orientation is toward the health of

know and yet you do. However, with

the whole planet. You identify as a

each passing year, you are mellowing

global citizen, part of the human

out and not as drastically dividing

family rather than just a nation. You

things.

pursue causes like social justice, human rights, animal rights, and

Your spiritual journey escorts you

the environment. Your concern is

to experience that everything is the

about the entire web of life you are

same even though things change

part of, especially the evolution of

from minute to minute in this

consciousness.

physical reality. The ultimate goal is self-realization and then letting go of

SEE IT, KNOW IT

self. Having a glimpse of a spiritual state can start the process, dangling a carrot of possibility.

Start to envision life without duality. Realize that you are already non-dualistic, rediscovering your

Keep in mind what St. Francis said:

connectedness. Allow yourself to

“What we are looking for is what is

remember experiences of non-

looking.”

duality. Perhaps times you did not even realize that was what they were.

The ultimate non-dualistic truth is simple: All is love. It is your true

Wherever you are on your spiritual

nature and does not need an

journey, know that it is possible. Be

opposite to exist. And, if love is

open to living in a nondual state.

who you are, there is no loss. How

Don’t try to fake getting there by

could there be a loss if you are

using spiritual bypass techniques.

everything?

OM TIMES | January 2023

We grow as individuals as we face challenges and overcome life’s obstacles. This section is dedicated to helping you chart your course

Personal Growth & Development

How to Practice Emotional Self-Healing?

H

By OMTimes

ow we see ourselves

Many people took advantage of

had changed since the

the more secluded time to better

pandemic's beginning

care of their skin and hair, and skin

when we were forced to

care recipes began circulating on

think about our health and look at

the internet. It became an object of

Self Care through a new lens.

consumption to post that photo in

OM TIMES | January 2023

a bathrobe, surrounded by candles,

about what is acceptable, negotiable,

with masks and hydration in the hair

or not and base your relationships

and a glass of good wine in hand.

on that basis. It may be difficult at first, but knowing how to say "no"

However, self-care goes far beyond

is a powerful way to take care of

aesthetic care.

yourself and avoid potentially painful situations.

There is emotional self-care, which is just as important, if not more so. After

Wanting to please others has a name:

all, what's the use of having perfect

"People Pleaser."

skin and shiny, soft hair if, internally, there are criticisms, judgments, and

Intend to Live life with "Gusto."

unhappiness with who you are?

It is very common, especially in the So, in addition to aesthetic care,

busy routine of most people, that

which is also important, it is essential

emotions are not experienced as

to take care of mental health, and

they should. That's when internal

that's where emotional self-care

repressions come into play, the

comes in.

difficulties in understanding what you're feeling and the escape of

Self-care is nothing more than

some emotions. However, none of

taking care of yourself, as the name

this is healthy: emotions are part

suggests; when there is a concern

of the human condition. Therefore,

with emotional self-care, what is at

knowing how to identify and feel

stake is being well, inside and out.

them in all their power is important.

TEN WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-CARE WITH EMPHASIS ON SELF-HEALING

GET USED TO JOURNALING: WRITE A JOURNAL Often, writing about what you feel

Setting limits: Learn how to say No.

can help a lot in the process of self-knowledge. It doesn't have to

In relationships with others, it is

be a diary per se. It can be a lined

essential to set clear boundaries

notebook or any other notebook you

OM TIMES | January 2023

have on hand. The most important

keep people who are bad for you

thing is to create the habit of writing

in your life. So keep around people

about what you feel, how your day

who make you happy, honest

went, and what you felt. This helps

and true to you, support you, and

to recognize internal processes and,

accept you for who you are.

accordingly, improve emotional

FEELING DEPRESSED? SEEK HELP

health.

TRY TO KEEP ALL YOUR RELATIONSHIPS HEALTHY

Expert help is recommended in most cases, as it provides what no

There is little point in following all

f riend or family member can: an

the steps of emotional self-care if you

impartial and qualified exchange

OM TIMES | January 2023

that will help you in the process of

you f rom the problematic issues.

self-knowledge. In addition, several

Try writing a list of things you

professionals serve for free or

are grateful for. It could be in the

charge more affordable value.

diary, some app, or even mentally.

PRACTICE GRATITUDE

The important thing is to always remember that there is so much to be thankful for every day.

Although it has become a cliché to talk about gratitude, the tip here is to learn to be grateful for the good

LEARN TO HAVE SELFCOMPASSION

things that happen daily in your life.

This creates a positive feeling about

Most people have a very

the storyline without alienating

overwhelming internal judgment

OM TIMES | January 2023

OM TIMES | January 2023

about themselves. It's destructive criticism, meaning internal comments that no one would make to any f riend. Therefore, it is essential to have self-compassion and acceptance and learn to identify when this internal "judge," loaded with negativity, appears.

MEDITATE Meditation is an accessible practice, and its main objective is to calm the mind and help in self-knowledge. If you find it difficult to meditate for a long time, try starting with 5 minutes and increasing the time as you feel more comfortable. In meditation,

you want to be. Far beyond the

it is normal for thoughts to arise,

material things you want to have,

and as soon as they arise, don't

think about the person you want to

scold yourself, just let them flow

become, what's important to you,

and disappear. One of the simplest

and what your priorities are. Fight

techniques is to focus on breathing.

for it and see your life acquire a new

Still, there are several ways to

meaning.

meditate, suitable for the most varied profiles.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

HAVE A PURPOSE: ESTABLISH SHORT GOALS FOR YOUR LIFE

Emotional self-care also involves taking care of yourself externally. So, take care of your appearance, dress as you like, choose healthy foods,

From time to time, stop to reflect

drink water, and sleep well. All of this

on the kind of life you want to have,

helps in the process of feeling good

what you want to achieve, and where

about yourself in all aspects.

OM TIMES | January 2023

5 Surefire Signs You are Facing an Existential Crisis

E

By Cathedral of the Soul

xistential crises are

In other words, the existential crisis

phases of deep reflection,

is natural for the human being and,

marked mainly by

when well lived or understood,

personal conflict, that can

it can represent a moment of

arise at any moment.

transformation for the individual, such OM TIMES | January 2023

as attaining self-knowledge, moral

it, will make the appearance of other

and emotional maturation, personal

symptoms favorable.

growth, and even spiritual awakening.

2. Does not feel like being with anyone But if the symptoms are not correctly "worked out," the person facing an

As your mind is already in constant

existential crisis may suffer much

turmoil, the person with existential

more, drowning in various disorders,

crisis seeks to isolate himself to find a

phobias, depression, and isolationist

balance in his thoughts.

behaviors.

Also, mental fatigue eliminates any According to psychologists, five

desire to make social interactions,

main symptoms characterize most

such as hanging out with f riends or

existential crises.

even being in the company of family members.

Find out if you have any of them: Playing in bed, listening to music, 1. Anxiety and mental fatigue

or watching movies is one of the people's favorite shows during this

This is considered one of the most

phase.

common signs of an existential crisis, the famous psychological fatigue.

"There is no worse death curse than the humdrum daily

Even the person pretending to be

existence of the living dead."

reflective, and "calm" can endure the

― Anthon St. Maarten

reigns of total chaos inside his head.

A constant whirlwind of thoughts,

3. Pessimism and discouragement

usually pessimistic, filled with lower emotions that make the individual

Defeating ideas and thoughts also

extraordinarily anxious and exhausted.

prevail in those who go through this type of crisis. The existential crisis

Like other body muscles, the human

typically develops f rom an impactful

mind also needs moments of rest.

event, such as the death of a loved

Otherwise, stress increases and, with

one, the loss of a job, reaching

OM TIMES | January 2023

certain years of life, among other

"Somebody took my actual

traumatic and stressful affairs.

physical presence away and substituted this"

In these situations, the person

― Philip K. Dick, A Maze of Death

tends to reflect on his life, 4. Feeling lost in the world

questioning the values and decisions that followed until that moment. For this reason, before

Perhaps it is one of the most striking

the various unanswered questions,

features of the existential crisis.

a latent feeling of helplessness

As our whole existence is put into

begins to grow, as if nothing could

reflection, the feeling of uncertainty,

be resolved and the anguish will

bewilderment, and insecurity is quite

never disappear.

intense.

OM TIMES | January 2023

We do not know how to act or

consequences such as mood swings,

what we want for the future.

sleep, and changes in one's appetite.

Impotence and passivity are

For example, some people eagerly

agonizing; if not adequately

eat when anxious, while others lose

addressed, these emotions

their will to eat.

will eventually lead to a depressive picture. The sense of

Thus, those facing an existential

Powerlessness will tend to grow.

crisis may also have insomnia and loss of appetite, causing the immune

5. Changes in appetite

system to weaken, making room for the disease to appear.

The constant anxiety and nervousness also trigger physical

How to deal with an existential crisis?

OM TIMES | January 2023

OM TIMES | January 2023

As stated, existential crises can be

• Practice some Chants to modify

beneficial to our maturation and self-

the vibrational f requencies of

knowledge. But for this, this phase

your subtle bodies, namely your

must be lived with care. Otherwise,

emotional body.

the consequences will be disastrous for the future of the person.

But beware, if you feel that no matter how hard you try to understand the

Since the existential crisis consists of

reasons for your introspection, the

a reflexive conflict over the individual

symptoms do not go away, nor you

nature, an excellent exercise to

just cannot handle it yourself, by all

help overcome this moment is to

means, seek someone's help.

question. Why am I feeling this way?

Why do I not think I can? Why do

Finding the follow-up of a

I not feel motivated?

psychologist or a counselor should be your first step if you do not know

In almost every aspect of life, the

how to overcome an existential

first step in finding a solution is to

crisis.

correctly identify the problem. That is why it is essential to reflect to

Cathedral of the Soul intends

understand the source that triggers

to undertake the challenge of

your feelings.

creating a multidimensional healing space dedicated to

• Try to distract your mind from pessimistic ideas.

those who seek to enrich, enlighten and heal themselves

• Focus your mind on productive,

while serving and assisting in

relaxing activities that will relieve

the healing of others. Cathedral

you of the weight of the anguish

of the Soul is one of the

of this crisis.

many spiritual outreaches of

• Take control of your life and

Humanity Healing International,

understand that it is okay not to

a registered 501-C3 nonprofit

have all the answers we seek.

with Church status.

• Use some Affirmation to train your mind again into a more

cathedralofthesoul.org

optimist pattern OM TIMES | January 2023

What are Your Secrets for Success in 2023?

THE SEVEN SECRETS FOR SUCCESS

P

By Marcia Sirota, MD.

eople are always posting

to do well without having to work for

articles about the secrets

it. Unfortunately, the writers of these

to success. Still, many of

blogs are perpetrating a common yet

these blogs suffer from

dangerous myth.

a lack of common sense. All those tips for “quick and easy” success are

Only a tiny proportion of the

pandering to a segment that wants

population is lucky, and everything

OM TIMES | January 2023

happens to come easily to them. So, for

about anything else. This quality really

most of us, the first secret to success is

separates successful people from not-

that it will take work if we want to do

so-successful ones. Consistent effort

well.

over time is what counts, not doing the work only when we’re in the mood

Here’s my 2023 list of the seven

to work. When we can buckle down

secrets for real and lasting success.

and get it done, even when we’re tired

Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on

or it isn’t fun, we’re going to reap the

your way to being your best self and

greatest rewards.

living your best life!

Silence the inner critic. For many Put in the time and effort. We wish

people, there’s a voice in our heads

it weren’t the case, but there’s no

that’s always ready to put us down,

shortcut to success. Even those who

undermine our confidence, criticize

are extremely talented will still need to

our efforts or tell us that nothing

put in the work to achieve their goals.

short of perfection is acceptable. But,

The good news is that the more we do,

unfortunately, that “inner critic” won’t

the more skilled we become, so over

help us succeed. On the contrary, it

time, we’re bound to perfect our craft,

can demoralize us or even paralyze our

whatever it is. Plus, when things come

efforts. Any successful person will tell

too easily, we miss out on that feeling

you they don’t have or don’t listen to

of pride and accomplishment. Instead,

negative self-talk. But, if you want to

deep down, we feel like we cheated, so

succeed, you must do the same.

we can’t fully enjoy our success. But, when we’ve worked hard for it, success

Always work toward a positive;

tastes sweet. We feel like we’re putting

never away from a negative.

in our best effort, which has paid off.

I can’t tell you how often I’ve heard

We can enjoy and appreciate the

someone say, “I can’t mess up” or

results of all our hard work.

“I can’t fail.” Instead, they need to say, “I will succeed” or “I can do it.”

There’s no substitute for self-

When we try to avoid a negative

discipline. Successful people do the

outcome, we become focused on the

work even when they’re tired, not in

negative instead of putting our energy

the mood, or would rather do just

into creating a positive outcome.

OM TIMES | January 2023

When we focus on the negative, we

to have the right attitude, a willingness

inadvertently create the negative.

sometimes to make sacrifices and

Success is only possible if we focus on

give up a bit of fun to succeed. With

the positive.

our eyes on the prize, we’ll reap the rewards. If all we want to do is a party,

Attitude is everything. An overly-

the only reward will be a hangover and

entitled, spoiled brat who expects

possibly a set of bad habits.

everything to be handed to them on a silver platter is not going to get much

Persevere. Sometimes, there are

out of life. The energy we put in is the

setbacks. Sometimes, the challenges

energy we get out of all our endeavors.

can seem overwhelming. But we

A lazy or unmotivated person will

need to keep pushing through,

never achieve great things. We’ve got

no matter how hard it gets. The

OM TIMES | January 2023

difference between a successful

back from adversity or never achieve

entrepreneur and the mediocre

real success. We need to heed the old

one is perseverance. The difference

saying, “When life gives you lemons,

between the successful artist and

make lemonade.” When we mess up,

the unsuccessful one is very often

we can use it as a learning opportunity.

perseverance. We can have all the

When we fail, we can use it as an

talent and ability in the world, but if we

opportunity for growth. Instead of

give up when the going gets rough,

letting the hard times stop us, we must

real success will always elude us.

get up, wipe ourselves off, and keep going forward no matter what.

Resilience is key. We can’t allow difficulties, challenges, failures, or losses

Sign up here for my free monthly

to stop us. We must learn to bounce

wellness newsletter

OM TIMES | January 2023

Books

My First Mind Science Journal and Workbook The My First Mind Science Journal and Workbook is a spiritual journal workbook that includes plans for the year pages, weekly planner, monthly planner & daily planner pages. It also includes energy lessons and techniques of psychic energy protection, cord cutting, and other energy techniques.

With My First Mind Science Journal and Workbook, you can take back control and create a vision for your life, raise your vibrations, become more aware of your energies, keep track of your plans and goals and incorporate them into your monthly, weekly, and daily agenda. Raise your vibrations and frequencies with daily prayers, affirmations, and positive thinking exercises.

Stop procrastinating and start turning your big dreams into reality!

This planner workbook covers positive affirmative prayers, law of attraction exercises, daily affirmations, gratitude dairy, and vision board pages which will help increase your mental awareness plus attract manifestations into existence faster. balance. And become your best self by setting monthly/weekly/daily goals. Incorporate a gratitude journal, daily affirmative prayers, and affirmation techniques for a more inspired, spiritually aware, and happier everyday life.

My first Mind Science planner and workbook is a great alignment match for the spiritual-hearted being living inside each and every one. If you love the law of attraction and believe in the powers of your mind, then you will learn more about frequencies, self-authority, shifting energies, and higher vibration habits and get to experience life from a higher perspective of beingness.

For more information, or to purchase the book, click the cover or visit: Amazon.com

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