Thoughts and Reflections
A Lovely Morning
This morning as I walked back from Parker Lusseau for my morning coffee, a man and his dog briskly passed me by. I heard a cheerful, "Good morning!" which caught me very off guard. This was before opening hours and I wasn't quite as energetic yet as he was. Perhaps he'd already had his coffee. Either way, my tired lips couldn't quite form the reply fast enough before he had passed, and he greeted another person behind me with a similar phrase. What a bright light he was!
As I continued my walk back to Luminata, I strangely became quite abashed at my surprise that he greeted me and others this morning. As a society focused on work, material, what chores and errands we need to run, and what things we have fallen behind on, we have become accustomed to living in our own headspaces for much of our lives! By itself this is hardly a negative habit, but we have isolated ourselves quite a bit in the outside world by always focusing on the 'next thing'. I was focused on getting back to work in time for opening, worrying about whether or not I locked my car...The list goes on, unfortunately. We needn't always be cheery and bright, or to fake it, as many of us need to be reminded sometimes. But given the opportunity to brighten yours and others day by a simple morning greeting can go a long way. I know it did for my mood today. When you feel like it, the next time you are greeted with an opportunity to lighten your mood, reach out and grab it!
--Leona
This morning as I walked back from Parker Lusseau for my morning coffee, a man and his dog briskly passed me by. I heard a cheerful, "Good morning!" which caught me very off guard. This was before opening hours and I wasn't quite as energetic yet as he was. Perhaps he'd already had his coffee. Either way, my tired lips couldn't quite form the reply fast enough before he had passed, and he greeted another person behind me with a similar phrase. What a bright light he was!
As I continued my walk back to Luminata, I strangely became quite abashed at my surprise that he greeted me and others this morning. As a society focused on work, material, what chores and errands we need to run, and what things we have fallen behind on, we have become accustomed to living in our own headspaces for much of our lives! By itself this is hardly a negative habit, but we have isolated ourselves quite a bit in the outside world by always focusing on the 'next thing'. I was focused on getting back to work in time for opening, worrying about whether or not I locked my car...The list goes on, unfortunately. We needn't always be cheery and bright, or to fake it, as many of us need to be reminded sometimes. But given the opportunity to brighten yours and others day by a simple morning greeting can go a long way. I know it did for my mood today. When you feel like it, the next time you are greeted with an opportunity to lighten your mood, reach out and grab it!
--Leona
Photo by Cindy Gustafson
An Archive from our founder, Emory Michael
The Soul’s Metamorphosis
Once I was late for an appointment and could not find my car keys. I looked everywhere frantically, thinking they were lost. Then I checked my pocket one more time. They were in my trouser pocket the whole time.
We already are that which we seek. The presence is our own I Am, here and now. The self that we seek is hiding in plain view, seeing through our own eyes, listening through our ears. It is our own awareness, in this moment.
The soul of the universe lives in each of us. Life is designed to help you reach the place where you become aware of this inner space. The whole evolving drama is designed to coax you to awaken. We may not think we are making progress, but we can be sure that as we persist in focusing on the inner light, more radiance shines from our hearts, for what we focus on multiplies. More grace and synchronicity will be magnetized to our field. Over time we change radically in our souls. Nature’s image of this change is the butterfly.
What for the caterpillar is the end of the world is for the butterfly a new creation. A caterpillar is a lowly creature, considered a pest by gardeners, that crawls on its stomach and consumes plants. By contrast, a butterfly is like a winged flower. It contributes to the economy of nature, pollinating plants, and is a thing of poetic beauty. Just as a caterpillar must build an inner protected world to grow wings and transform into a butterfly, so do we need to create a safe inner world in which our consciousness can metamorphose. The creation of this inner realm is the fruit of meditation, the inner activity by which we grow the wings of our soul and become contributors to life. As we grow the light in our souls, life becomes the joyful magic of living in the heart. -- Emory
The Soul’s Metamorphosis
Once I was late for an appointment and could not find my car keys. I looked everywhere frantically, thinking they were lost. Then I checked my pocket one more time. They were in my trouser pocket the whole time.
We already are that which we seek. The presence is our own I Am, here and now. The self that we seek is hiding in plain view, seeing through our own eyes, listening through our ears. It is our own awareness, in this moment.
The soul of the universe lives in each of us. Life is designed to help you reach the place where you become aware of this inner space. The whole evolving drama is designed to coax you to awaken. We may not think we are making progress, but we can be sure that as we persist in focusing on the inner light, more radiance shines from our hearts, for what we focus on multiplies. More grace and synchronicity will be magnetized to our field. Over time we change radically in our souls. Nature’s image of this change is the butterfly.
What for the caterpillar is the end of the world is for the butterfly a new creation. A caterpillar is a lowly creature, considered a pest by gardeners, that crawls on its stomach and consumes plants. By contrast, a butterfly is like a winged flower. It contributes to the economy of nature, pollinating plants, and is a thing of poetic beauty. Just as a caterpillar must build an inner protected world to grow wings and transform into a butterfly, so do we need to create a safe inner world in which our consciousness can metamorphose. The creation of this inner realm is the fruit of meditation, the inner activity by which we grow the wings of our soul and become contributors to life. As we grow the light in our souls, life becomes the joyful magic of living in the heart. -- Emory
Phot by Cottonbro
The Stories Inside Us
I once told the English folk tale of The Three Little Pigs to a class of Kindergarten children. Afterwards, a little girl looked up into my eyes with a face bright as that September day and said, “You must have a lot of stories inside your body.”
Her words convey the charming wisdom of childhood. We all have countless stories inside us. They fill every cell of our being, and can chain us to the past with hurt or shame. These stories are also a book of wisdom that leads to the portal of self-realization. Ironically, though our stories contain a wisdom as vast as the world, they are not who we are. Our stories contain a golden key to realization of who we are, yet of themselves will not open the door. Like signposts, they lead us to the cliff’s edge. To realize who we are and take flight into the cosmos of love, we must leap beyond our stories into the pure atmosphere of our inner being.
Our bodies live in the “world of stories” – this theater of light and shadow featuring the drama of our lives. The deepest part of us, our spirit, lives in a world of luminous serenity, untouched by confusion and sorrows. As we make the effort to connect with this inner light, we shine from the inside. We become allies with the magical force that brought the universe into being. -- Emory
The Stories Inside Us
I once told the English folk tale of The Three Little Pigs to a class of Kindergarten children. Afterwards, a little girl looked up into my eyes with a face bright as that September day and said, “You must have a lot of stories inside your body.”
Her words convey the charming wisdom of childhood. We all have countless stories inside us. They fill every cell of our being, and can chain us to the past with hurt or shame. These stories are also a book of wisdom that leads to the portal of self-realization. Ironically, though our stories contain a wisdom as vast as the world, they are not who we are. Our stories contain a golden key to realization of who we are, yet of themselves will not open the door. Like signposts, they lead us to the cliff’s edge. To realize who we are and take flight into the cosmos of love, we must leap beyond our stories into the pure atmosphere of our inner being.
Our bodies live in the “world of stories” – this theater of light and shadow featuring the drama of our lives. The deepest part of us, our spirit, lives in a world of luminous serenity, untouched by confusion and sorrows. As we make the effort to connect with this inner light, we shine from the inside. We become allies with the magical force that brought the universe into being. -- Emory
Melozzo da Forlì
The Magic of Attunement
A Persian folk tale describes three brothers from Serendip for whom things always fall into place, as if by magic. From this story we get the word serendipity, which describes the knack of being in the right place at the right time and having situations work out smoothly and gracefully. It does seem that some people are particularly blessed with this quality; perhaps it is no accident. They have created their good fortune by their own actions and emanations.
We can all increase our serendipity by releasing constructive forces through our words, thoughts, gestures, feelings, and actions. When you vibrate at a high level inwardly, you trigger a beneficial response from the heart of the cosmic life in which we live. It is as simple as applying the law of the echo: if you shout the words “I love you” against a canyon wall, the canyon returns the blessing. So it is in our lives. When we release constructive currents into the ocean of existence, these forces return to us on the wings of the sacred laws that govern life. When the “wavelengths” set in motion by our inner life resonate at a high level, we synchronize our subtle field with the higher dimensions from which stream joy, inspiration, and blessing. In this way we can become creators of our own and others good fortune. --Emory
Photo by Jose Aragones
The Treasure Within
There was once a tiny mountain surrounded by many high mountains. The tiny mountain looked with envy at the tall, majestic peaks that towered over it. In winter, snow covered the large peaks and people came from far and wide to ski on the slopes. In summer, adventurers climbed the high rocks, campers explored the trails, and children played in the meadows.
The tiny mountain felt ignored, unappreciated, and unloved. Then one day some people came and drilled deep holes into its interior. They were excited by what they found. Soon many visitors came to explore the small peak, for the tiny mountain was filled with gold, diamonds, and all manner of precious gems and jewels. The tiny mountain beamed with happiness and pride to know that deep within she had such a store of treasures.
Each of us is like this little mountain. Within each of us is a priceless treasure, the light and love of our eternal spirit. Each one's path to the discovery of this treasure is unique.
Jill Bolte Taylor, a Harvard-trained brain scientist and author of My Stroke of Insight, suffered a massive stroke in the left hemisphere of her brain. She writes, “In the absence of my left hemisphere’s analytical judgment, I was completely entranced by the feelings of tranquility, safety, blessedness, euphoria and omniscience. A piece of me yearned to be released completely from the captivity of this physical form, which throbbed with pain…”
Jill Taylor discovered a state of mind rooted in the ecstasy and wisdom of the deep self. Perhaps everyone has moments when they touch this place of happiness and inner knowing, but the harshness of life tramples over it. Fortunately, we don’t have to wait for accidents or traumas to discover the treasure within. We can consciously explore the inner reality. Meditation is a gateway to this inner dimension.
True meditation connects us to our source. Meditation is simple in essence. It’s about observing your mind, watching yourself, and gradually realizing you’re not the ever-arising stream of thoughts and feelings; you are the one doing the watching. The following story illustrates.
The Buddha and his disciple Ananda walk through the forest on a scorching day and cross a stream. Buddha says to Ananda, “I am thirsty. Take my bowl and go back to the stream and get me some water.” But when Ananda gets to the stream an ox has just crossed it, churning up the mud and debris from the bottom. The water is undrinkable, so he goes back and tells Buddha. The Buddha says,” Go back and wait for the mud to settle; when the water is clear, bring me a bowl of it.” So Ananda returns to the stream, sits on the bank watching the current and waits a long time for the mud to settle; then he brings water back for Buddha to drink. On the way he makes a great realization and exclaims to Buddha. “Today I have learned a great lesson. The mind is like the stream of water. I must learn to watch my mind until the mud and debris settle, the same way I watched the water of the stream. I will do this every day for the rest of my life.”
That is meditation. Watching the inner flow of thoughts and feelings, allowing the mud to settle. Meditation clarifies and refines our inner life, enabling us to align with the loving heart of the universe. In so doing, we discover the treasure within. --Emory
Photo by Jonas Kakaroto
The Most Powerful Medicine in the Universe
It's wise to remind ourselves that good health begins with a positive mental attitude. Poor health is often a result of worrisome thoughts, frazzled emotions and long-term bodily fatigue. Good nutrition and healthy sleep habits contribute enormously to our well-being. Healthy diet is essential, and eating wholesome natural foods (and avoiding highly processed foods laced with chemicals) creates a foundation for good health. Ultimately, our capacity to resist illness comes from a strong immune system built on the foundation of healthy body, mind, and spirit that invigorates and strengthens us on cellular levels. The greatest power to heal self and others comes from a mind imbued with the light of wisdom and a heart filled with kindness toward all life. The most powerful medicine in the universe is the emanation of a loving heart.
Share in the healing feeling, uplifting energies and atmosphere at Luminata as we seek the sacred through balance, serenity and equanimity in these time of awakening and discovery. -- Emory
January 2020 Conjunction of Saturn and Pluto
2020 promises to usher in a new era. The first weeks of this month feature a rare conjunction of the planets Saturn and Pluto (and other planets) in the astrological sign of Capricorn. This planetary conjunction in Capricorn happens rarely and is fraught with significance. The decade ahead will see sweeping changes in the world at large. Major institutions will change dramatically. Nation states and alliances of nations will be shaken to their core. Large institutions that we take for granted will be radically altered and in some cases will vanish entirely. Much that is familiar will change so that we will find ourselves in a much different world ten to fifteen years from now. No need to fear, the changes can be positive and life-enhancing and we can embrace what is to come. Those who live in accordance with the law of love, wisely and lovingly using their thought power to assist themselves and others, will find that a beautiful power will be active in their lives and relationships to bring about greater harmony and fulfillment. They will prosper and succeed who live in accordance with the words of the Roman poet Vergil when he wrote, “Let those love now who never loved before, let those who always loved, now love the more.”
Capricorn represents the Establishment, the standing order, the status quo. Saturn represents law, karma, the natural cycles of cause and effect. Pluto is transformation and regeneration. Mercury and the Sun also cross these planets, conjuncting them briefly. They act as triggers that set the energy in motion. These things will happen slowly, over the next 7-15 years. But the impacts will be enormous and felt universally. Political parties may dissolve or be re-organized; trust in government will fade as awareness of corruption grows. Shocking revelations will emerge, long suppressed, bringing to light truths about many falsified recent historical events, as well as corporate lies in the medical and other fields that are used to indoctrinate and control. People will quietly (and not so quietly) revolt against authoritarian controls.
Financial markets will be shaken. The US itself may fragment politically into smaller geographical regions. Global power centers will move from the West to the East. A new order will arise.
Many wonderful cultural and social movements will spring forth and inspiring events will take place. New and enlightened spiritual teachings and teachers will emerge. There will be a spiritual renaissance. It is important to align oneself with the light and live in harmony with divine law. Those who live by the sword will perish by the sword. Those who plant seeds of light and love will reap a golden harvest. Those who attune themselves to the light will find that streams of goodness will flow into their lives and a power outside their own efforts will work to bring harmony and happiness into their relationships. Whatever path one chooses, we will live in a greatly changed world fifteen years from now if not sooner. — Emory Michael
2020 promises to usher in a new era. The first weeks of this month feature a rare conjunction of the planets Saturn and Pluto (and other planets) in the astrological sign of Capricorn. This planetary conjunction in Capricorn happens rarely and is fraught with significance. The decade ahead will see sweeping changes in the world at large. Major institutions will change dramatically. Nation states and alliances of nations will be shaken to their core. Large institutions that we take for granted will be radically altered and in some cases will vanish entirely. Much that is familiar will change so that we will find ourselves in a much different world ten to fifteen years from now. No need to fear, the changes can be positive and life-enhancing and we can embrace what is to come. Those who live in accordance with the law of love, wisely and lovingly using their thought power to assist themselves and others, will find that a beautiful power will be active in their lives and relationships to bring about greater harmony and fulfillment. They will prosper and succeed who live in accordance with the words of the Roman poet Vergil when he wrote, “Let those love now who never loved before, let those who always loved, now love the more.”
Capricorn represents the Establishment, the standing order, the status quo. Saturn represents law, karma, the natural cycles of cause and effect. Pluto is transformation and regeneration. Mercury and the Sun also cross these planets, conjuncting them briefly. They act as triggers that set the energy in motion. These things will happen slowly, over the next 7-15 years. But the impacts will be enormous and felt universally. Political parties may dissolve or be re-organized; trust in government will fade as awareness of corruption grows. Shocking revelations will emerge, long suppressed, bringing to light truths about many falsified recent historical events, as well as corporate lies in the medical and other fields that are used to indoctrinate and control. People will quietly (and not so quietly) revolt against authoritarian controls.
Financial markets will be shaken. The US itself may fragment politically into smaller geographical regions. Global power centers will move from the West to the East. A new order will arise.
Many wonderful cultural and social movements will spring forth and inspiring events will take place. New and enlightened spiritual teachings and teachers will emerge. There will be a spiritual renaissance. It is important to align oneself with the light and live in harmony with divine law. Those who live by the sword will perish by the sword. Those who plant seeds of light and love will reap a golden harvest. Those who attune themselves to the light will find that streams of goodness will flow into their lives and a power outside their own efforts will work to bring harmony and happiness into their relationships. Whatever path one chooses, we will live in a greatly changed world fifteen years from now if not sooner. — Emory Michael
Photo by Michael Block
The Light That Guides Us
The course we set in life determines our ends. If you aim at nothing, you're sure to hit it. Throughout history, sailors and voyagers have set their courses by the stars. This is because the fixed stars offer clear and certain reference points by which to chart a direction. The fixed stars and constellations represent the divine thoughts and archetypes that are the background to earthly existence. Behind the scenes of physical life breathes an unseen universe of immense grandeur. Our individualized spirits are a part of this limitless universe of light and beauty. It is from this world that we have come, for we are spirit living in form and even our physical bodies are fashioned out of the condensed light that has a spiritual origin.
In order to chart our course through life, it is helpful to have a guide and reference point -- a kind of "star map" -- to lead us unerringly to our goals. Those who have seen beyond the veil of physical matter into the world of light have left roadmaps and guideposts in the form of the world's wisdom teachings. These can help us navigate the storms and straits of life and enable us to reach our destination. Studying the inspired messages of the world's illumined sages -- called by some the "perennial philosophy" -- will help us find our path into a world of truth and happiness. As we seek the light by expressing kindness and goodness, we discover an unquenchable stream of inspiration. In living serenely, we discover the source of truth that guides us from within, the "star" of our own divine nature. -- Emory Michael
The course we set in life determines our ends. If you aim at nothing, you're sure to hit it. Throughout history, sailors and voyagers have set their courses by the stars. This is because the fixed stars offer clear and certain reference points by which to chart a direction. The fixed stars and constellations represent the divine thoughts and archetypes that are the background to earthly existence. Behind the scenes of physical life breathes an unseen universe of immense grandeur. Our individualized spirits are a part of this limitless universe of light and beauty. It is from this world that we have come, for we are spirit living in form and even our physical bodies are fashioned out of the condensed light that has a spiritual origin.
In order to chart our course through life, it is helpful to have a guide and reference point -- a kind of "star map" -- to lead us unerringly to our goals. Those who have seen beyond the veil of physical matter into the world of light have left roadmaps and guideposts in the form of the world's wisdom teachings. These can help us navigate the storms and straits of life and enable us to reach our destination. Studying the inspired messages of the world's illumined sages -- called by some the "perennial philosophy" -- will help us find our path into a world of truth and happiness. As we seek the light by expressing kindness and goodness, we discover an unquenchable stream of inspiration. In living serenely, we discover the source of truth that guides us from within, the "star" of our own divine nature. -- Emory Michael
Photo by Sebastian Voortman
The Ocean of Life
We live in the universal ocean of life – a complex field of energies, elements and forces. By the law of affinity, we draw to ourselves the elements that correspond to the nature of our thoughts, feelings and deeds. Just as a fish absorbs from the water precisely the minerals and particles that correspond to its nature, so do each of us attract, from the great etheric ocean, forces that have an affinity with our inner makeup. If we change our “nature” – that is, the qualities of our inner world of thought, feeling, moods and imagination – we change the flow of forces we attract. Each impulse toward a better life instantly releases from the ocean of life elements that improve our world. When we send out thoughts of love – a vibration from the heart – the heart of the universe responds.
Thinking and feeling are sacred processes. Time-honored methods of meditation and prayer are ways to transform our inner life of thought and feeling and to unfold the qualities of our deeper self. These practices elevate our consciousness and link us to the divine source at the center of our being. They are a kind of sacred breathing – a reciprocal give and take from a higher world of celestial inspiration. When our inner life shines with the light of wisdom and the warmth of kindness, we release radiant loving currents into the ocean of existence. We link ourselves with the living Source that transforms us. – Emory Michael
We live in the universal ocean of life – a complex field of energies, elements and forces. By the law of affinity, we draw to ourselves the elements that correspond to the nature of our thoughts, feelings and deeds. Just as a fish absorbs from the water precisely the minerals and particles that correspond to its nature, so do each of us attract, from the great etheric ocean, forces that have an affinity with our inner makeup. If we change our “nature” – that is, the qualities of our inner world of thought, feeling, moods and imagination – we change the flow of forces we attract. Each impulse toward a better life instantly releases from the ocean of life elements that improve our world. When we send out thoughts of love – a vibration from the heart – the heart of the universe responds.
Thinking and feeling are sacred processes. Time-honored methods of meditation and prayer are ways to transform our inner life of thought and feeling and to unfold the qualities of our deeper self. These practices elevate our consciousness and link us to the divine source at the center of our being. They are a kind of sacred breathing – a reciprocal give and take from a higher world of celestial inspiration. When our inner life shines with the light of wisdom and the warmth of kindness, we release radiant loving currents into the ocean of existence. We link ourselves with the living Source that transforms us. – Emory Michael
The Heart of Giving
The universe rests upon the order and perfection of laws that govern life. Divine law manifests through every event and experience. These dynamic principles can be seen in the motion of the planets, the tides, or the fall of a leaf. The ancients called this perfect order of things by the name cosmos. The essence of religion, stripped of its dogma, is learning to live in harmony with the universal sacred laws.
The universe is an expression of light, and love is the essence of light. Nature, or matter, is a manifestation of divine love. Love is written into the heartbeat of the universe. The laws of nature are the manifestation of divine love, and love is expressed in giving. To give is to extend the love of God into earthly life. In giving, we align with the divine order of the universe. We liberate ourselves from darkness and take steps forward on the path of eternal light. In giving of ourselves, we become co-creators with the power that brought the universe into being. -- Emory Michael
The universe rests upon the order and perfection of laws that govern life. Divine law manifests through every event and experience. These dynamic principles can be seen in the motion of the planets, the tides, or the fall of a leaf. The ancients called this perfect order of things by the name cosmos. The essence of religion, stripped of its dogma, is learning to live in harmony with the universal sacred laws.
The universe is an expression of light, and love is the essence of light. Nature, or matter, is a manifestation of divine love. Love is written into the heartbeat of the universe. The laws of nature are the manifestation of divine love, and love is expressed in giving. To give is to extend the love of God into earthly life. In giving, we align with the divine order of the universe. We liberate ourselves from darkness and take steps forward on the path of eternal light. In giving of ourselves, we become co-creators with the power that brought the universe into being. -- Emory Michael
Photo by Tobias Bjorkli
Focus on the Wonders of the World
One day, friends Karla and Denise came into the store with a photo of their friend Michelle who had just passed away after a long bout with cancer. Karla and Denise lit up with enthusiasm and joy as they spoke about Michelle and her buoyant, invincible spirit. Despite her illness, Michelle never complained and was a source of inspiration to everyone around her until her passing. She often said, “I’m going to focus on the wonders of the world.”
Michelle captured in her attitude the secret of tapping into the fountain of eternal joy and spiritual life force, namely “to focus on the wonders of the world.” “There is always something beautiful to be found if you will look for it,” said the spirit teacher White Eagle. When we focus our attention on light, goodness and beauty, we draw these conditions toward us. As we seek the source of life within our inmost center, we tap into an inexhaustible current of inner radiance at the heart of universal being. This radiance streams through us, resolving countless difficulties and illuminating the path before us. Just as Michelle so courageously demonstrated in the severity of her illness, those who attune themselves to “the wonders of the world” and allow themselves to be inspired by goodness, truth, and beauty illumine their own minds and hearts and bless the world with their light. -- Emory Michael
One day, friends Karla and Denise came into the store with a photo of their friend Michelle who had just passed away after a long bout with cancer. Karla and Denise lit up with enthusiasm and joy as they spoke about Michelle and her buoyant, invincible spirit. Despite her illness, Michelle never complained and was a source of inspiration to everyone around her until her passing. She often said, “I’m going to focus on the wonders of the world.”
Michelle captured in her attitude the secret of tapping into the fountain of eternal joy and spiritual life force, namely “to focus on the wonders of the world.” “There is always something beautiful to be found if you will look for it,” said the spirit teacher White Eagle. When we focus our attention on light, goodness and beauty, we draw these conditions toward us. As we seek the source of life within our inmost center, we tap into an inexhaustible current of inner radiance at the heart of universal being. This radiance streams through us, resolving countless difficulties and illuminating the path before us. Just as Michelle so courageously demonstrated in the severity of her illness, those who attune themselves to “the wonders of the world” and allow themselves to be inspired by goodness, truth, and beauty illumine their own minds and hearts and bless the world with their light. -- Emory Michael
In Giving, We Receive
The universe loves us and wants to give us our heart’s desires, but we must learn to dance with the universe. That means to live in harmony with its inner music and the pulse of is divine heart. A young man I’ll call Ray came into our store and was looking at the cards. He asked lots of questions and after a while told me about an incident that had impacted him deeply. He was in a large grocery store and picked out a shopping cart. When he put something into the cart he noticed a woman’s purse at the bottom of the cart. A stream of voices ran through Ray’s head, some telling him to take the purse. He paused and walked up the front of the store. “Is there a manager on duty? “ he asked. “I’m the manager. How can I help you?” a young man said. “I found this purse in the shopping cart,” Ray said. “Someone must have left it.”
"She’s outside the store,” the manager said, as one of the store clerks ran outside to get the woman. The distraught woman came in, sobbing with gratitude that her purse had been found and returned. Ray handed her the purse and she hugged him. “Can I give you anything?” she asked. “You already have. You gave me a hug.”
Ray told me that he had learned so much from his incident. Had he listened to the voices tempting him to keep the purse, he would have felt guilty and ashamed. The joy he saw in the woman’s face when he returned it was more then enough reward for his conscientious deed. In the economy of nature, nothing is ever wasted; all has its place and everything is put to use. The same principle holds true in our lives, both inwardly and outwardly. No constructive effort is in vain. No prayer—no good thought—is ever wasted; no kind action fails to have some beneficial effect. Reciprocity governs all actions; every gift carries the seed of its own fruition, returning ultimately to benefit the one who gives. Each helpful, generous action becomes a seed planted in the garden of our life that eventually bears fruit that helps us, as well as others. Just as a pebble tossed into a pond has ongoing ripples, so also we may never know the ultimate effect of our good thoughts, words and deeds. Those who give lovingly become masters of life.
-- Emory Michael
The universe loves us and wants to give us our heart’s desires, but we must learn to dance with the universe. That means to live in harmony with its inner music and the pulse of is divine heart. A young man I’ll call Ray came into our store and was looking at the cards. He asked lots of questions and after a while told me about an incident that had impacted him deeply. He was in a large grocery store and picked out a shopping cart. When he put something into the cart he noticed a woman’s purse at the bottom of the cart. A stream of voices ran through Ray’s head, some telling him to take the purse. He paused and walked up the front of the store. “Is there a manager on duty? “ he asked. “I’m the manager. How can I help you?” a young man said. “I found this purse in the shopping cart,” Ray said. “Someone must have left it.”
"She’s outside the store,” the manager said, as one of the store clerks ran outside to get the woman. The distraught woman came in, sobbing with gratitude that her purse had been found and returned. Ray handed her the purse and she hugged him. “Can I give you anything?” she asked. “You already have. You gave me a hug.”
Ray told me that he had learned so much from his incident. Had he listened to the voices tempting him to keep the purse, he would have felt guilty and ashamed. The joy he saw in the woman’s face when he returned it was more then enough reward for his conscientious deed. In the economy of nature, nothing is ever wasted; all has its place and everything is put to use. The same principle holds true in our lives, both inwardly and outwardly. No constructive effort is in vain. No prayer—no good thought—is ever wasted; no kind action fails to have some beneficial effect. Reciprocity governs all actions; every gift carries the seed of its own fruition, returning ultimately to benefit the one who gives. Each helpful, generous action becomes a seed planted in the garden of our life that eventually bears fruit that helps us, as well as others. Just as a pebble tossed into a pond has ongoing ripples, so also we may never know the ultimate effect of our good thoughts, words and deeds. Those who give lovingly become masters of life.
-- Emory Michael
Photo by Nandhu Kumar
The Enduring Background of Wisdom
Think in terms of the smooth operation of divine spiritual law. A power is sweetly ordering all things. Learn to feel this power and acknowledge that it is streaming through your life circumstances. It is the enduring background of peace and wisdom that props up the scenery on the stage of your life. It is evolving your awareness and the consciousness of all living things. Seek to perceive how this loving, gentle, wise energy is working through all events, seeking to bring harmony and better conditions. The inscrutable intelligence of life is designed so that all things conspire together for good for all involved. Whatever confronts you as a test or challenge, remain calm and you will find yourself safely guided to an ultimately beneficial conclusion. Sow seeds of light and kindness in the garden of your consciousness and you will reap a harvest of happiness. -- Emory Michael
Think in terms of the smooth operation of divine spiritual law. A power is sweetly ordering all things. Learn to feel this power and acknowledge that it is streaming through your life circumstances. It is the enduring background of peace and wisdom that props up the scenery on the stage of your life. It is evolving your awareness and the consciousness of all living things. Seek to perceive how this loving, gentle, wise energy is working through all events, seeking to bring harmony and better conditions. The inscrutable intelligence of life is designed so that all things conspire together for good for all involved. Whatever confronts you as a test or challenge, remain calm and you will find yourself safely guided to an ultimately beneficial conclusion. Sow seeds of light and kindness in the garden of your consciousness and you will reap a harvest of happiness. -- Emory Michael
Photo by Javon Swaby
I've Waited All my Life For This
A little girl about five years old came into our shop with her mother, who let her buy some glow-in-the-dark stars. Beaming, the delighted little girl plunked the stars on the counter and said with great feeling, "I've waited all my life for these!"
Whether we've been waiting a few years or a long lifetime, what we desire is close at hand. Often by our attitudes and conflicted thoughts we push away from us the very things that bring happiness. "You are the veil that hides the paradise you seek," said the twelfth century mystic Saint Brendan of Ireland. In keeping our thoughts attuned to the ever-shining sun within us, we find a path of light open up before us.
As we open our hearts and radiate blessings to others, we release the light and love from within, dispelling darkness and drawing magic and love into our lives. In giving of ourselves, we harmonize with the universal law of love. As we seek the light by giving kindness and gentleness, we find that the source of light we seek is in our own hearts.
-- Emory Michael
A little girl about five years old came into our shop with her mother, who let her buy some glow-in-the-dark stars. Beaming, the delighted little girl plunked the stars on the counter and said with great feeling, "I've waited all my life for these!"
Whether we've been waiting a few years or a long lifetime, what we desire is close at hand. Often by our attitudes and conflicted thoughts we push away from us the very things that bring happiness. "You are the veil that hides the paradise you seek," said the twelfth century mystic Saint Brendan of Ireland. In keeping our thoughts attuned to the ever-shining sun within us, we find a path of light open up before us.
As we open our hearts and radiate blessings to others, we release the light and love from within, dispelling darkness and drawing magic and love into our lives. In giving of ourselves, we harmonize with the universal law of love. As we seek the light by giving kindness and gentleness, we find that the source of light we seek is in our own hearts.
-- Emory Michael
Melozzo da Forlì
Receiving the Light
The Sanskrit expression Namaste, which means, "I honor the light within you," is a refreshing reminder that the divine principle lives in each of us. This celestial spark may be covered over by layers of darkness, yet it pulsates in the heart of every human being. We search for the source of light in vain if we cannot see the divine in those around us. The more we see light in others, the more it will be active in ourselves and in our lives. And to receive the light, we must learn to release it through our own actions and thoughts. Love and light expressed draw to us the sunlight of the divine world, making our own souls radiant. Seeing the light of the soul in ourselves and others -- and releasing it through constructive thoughts, words, and actions -- is the cornerstone of sacred living. -- Emory Michael
The Sanskrit expression Namaste, which means, "I honor the light within you," is a refreshing reminder that the divine principle lives in each of us. This celestial spark may be covered over by layers of darkness, yet it pulsates in the heart of every human being. We search for the source of light in vain if we cannot see the divine in those around us. The more we see light in others, the more it will be active in ourselves and in our lives. And to receive the light, we must learn to release it through our own actions and thoughts. Love and light expressed draw to us the sunlight of the divine world, making our own souls radiant. Seeing the light of the soul in ourselves and others -- and releasing it through constructive thoughts, words, and actions -- is the cornerstone of sacred living. -- Emory Michael
Photo by Cindy Gustafson
The Living Book of Nature
To the sage, nature is a living book of great wisdom. Everything in nature bears the stamp of its divine authors, reflecting and revealing a higher intelligence that is present everywhere. The beauty of the natural world is healing for our soul and our senses, and lifts us into the enduring dimension of spirit. Just as nature can heal and inspire, so can we introduce elements into our inner lives that transform our perceptions and make the world more beautiful and harmonious. The goal is not to escape an illusory world of painful conditions. Rather, we are here to permeate the world with sacred influences. The highest motive in action is to make the world a better place by all we do.
A time is coming when people will realize that the greatest influence in their lives is their own presence. Each of us individually is the most powerful force at work in our world. The most important space in your environment is the space you occupy. Each person's field of awareness is a talisman for good, or otherwise. By working to illumine our thoughts and feelings with the eternal loving presence of spirit, we influence the world around us in a sacred manner. -- Emory Michael
To the sage, nature is a living book of great wisdom. Everything in nature bears the stamp of its divine authors, reflecting and revealing a higher intelligence that is present everywhere. The beauty of the natural world is healing for our soul and our senses, and lifts us into the enduring dimension of spirit. Just as nature can heal and inspire, so can we introduce elements into our inner lives that transform our perceptions and make the world more beautiful and harmonious. The goal is not to escape an illusory world of painful conditions. Rather, we are here to permeate the world with sacred influences. The highest motive in action is to make the world a better place by all we do.
A time is coming when people will realize that the greatest influence in their lives is their own presence. Each of us individually is the most powerful force at work in our world. The most important space in your environment is the space you occupy. Each person's field of awareness is a talisman for good, or otherwise. By working to illumine our thoughts and feelings with the eternal loving presence of spirit, we influence the world around us in a sacred manner. -- Emory Michael
Photo by Jonas Kakaroto
The Alchemy of Love
When we love something we begin to resemble it. If we love art, music, athletics, poetry, literature, or anything, we may begin to acquire skills in that area. Love awakens slumbering faculties, even genius. If you want to obtain anything of value in life, you must love it, because love is the most magnetic force in existence. Mastery in any area is the fruit of love.
The mysterious motive power at the core of human feelings is love. Love gives vitality to life. It is the driving force in human evolution. Within nature, love is the divine play of all forces and all elements -- the heavenly Lila, or dance, of Indian mythology. The feeling of love is the origin of contentment; it is the wellspring of joy. The secret of the alchemy of our souls is to never allow the currents of love within us to dry up. Love restores the wounded soul, for love is alive. -- Emory Michael
When we love something we begin to resemble it. If we love art, music, athletics, poetry, literature, or anything, we may begin to acquire skills in that area. Love awakens slumbering faculties, even genius. If you want to obtain anything of value in life, you must love it, because love is the most magnetic force in existence. Mastery in any area is the fruit of love.
The mysterious motive power at the core of human feelings is love. Love gives vitality to life. It is the driving force in human evolution. Within nature, love is the divine play of all forces and all elements -- the heavenly Lila, or dance, of Indian mythology. The feeling of love is the origin of contentment; it is the wellspring of joy. The secret of the alchemy of our souls is to never allow the currents of love within us to dry up. Love restores the wounded soul, for love is alive. -- Emory Michael
The Magic of Attunement
A Persian folk tale describes three brothers from Serendip for whom things always fall into place, as if by magic. From this story we get the word serendipity, which describes the knack of being in the right place at the right time and having situations work out smoothly and gracefully. Although it may seem some people are specially blessed with this quality; perhaps it is no accident. Perhaps they have created their good fortune by their own actions and emanations.
We can all increase our serendipity by releasing constructive forces through our words, thoughts, gestures, feelings, and actions. When you vibrate at a high level inwardly, you trigger a beneficial response from the heart of the cosmic life in which we live. It's as simple as applying the law of the echo: if you shout the words "I love you" against a canyon wall, the canyon returns the blessing. So it is in our lives. When we release constructive currents into the ocean of existence, these forces return to us on the wings of the sacred laws that govern life. When the "wavelengths" set in motion by our inner life resonate at a high level, we synchronize our subtle field with the higher dimensions from which stream joy, inspiration, and blessing. In this way we can become creators of our own and others good fortune. -- Emory Michael
The Subtle Laws
We take a giant step in our development as souls when we realize that a divine order of sacred laws governs life in matter. A "power" is wisely and artfully ordering all things. This power is hidden, yet visible in its outworking, just as we do not see the wind, yet we see its effects in the rustling of branches and the sweep of the clouds. This inscrutable living wisdom is designed so that all events and experiences conspire together for good for all involved. We grow the light in our souls as we learn to feel this power and recognize it streaming through our circumstances.
This sacred ordering of things is the manifestation of universal life -- present everywhere -- operating in all things, yet remaining beyond all things. It is the enduring background of peace and wisdom that props up the scenery on the stage of your life. This sacred order is evolving the consciousness of all beings. With practice and inner attentiveness, one may perceive this loving, gentle, wise energy working through all events, bringing harmony and better conditions. It works most effectively as we align ourselves with it by living constructively and lovingly. Whatever confronts you as a test or challenge, remain calm and you will find yourself safely delivered to the "other side" of the event in the stream of life. As we work with constructive forces, releasing light and goodness in our life's current, we can rest assured that all things will work together for good in our lives. -- Emory Michael
The Universal Heartbeat
Nature has one supreme law that organizes life in matter. It is revealed in the alternating pattern of our breath, our pulsing heartbeat, the cycles of day and night, sleeping and waking, the ebb and flow of tides, the coming and going of the seasons, even in the sequence of our footsteps. It is the universal heartbeat, the cosmic pulse of life. It is nature's way.
Everything we do creates ripples in the ocean of being. All our thoughts and actions, even slight gestures and facial expressions, send forces into space. Like our breath, our heartbeat, and the ebb and flow of the tides, these actions obey a two-way motion. The outflowing cause eventually returns to us as an effect. The forces we release into the currents of life return to us on the wings of universal motion. This is the law of the echo, the boomerang, the backlash. Life sends back to us, mirror-like, the effects of the causes we generate in all that we think, say, feel, and do.
To understand why your current situation has come about, you have to consider the driving forces. Sages know they can't escape the consequences of their own actions. Environment mirrors the driving forces of consciousness -- the oxen that lead the cart. Our thoughts, feelings, actions and intentions create our life. Your environment is your consciousness crystallized.
The law of causation is the supreme law of matter in motion, the primary driving force in nature. Balanced reciprocity is its heartbeat. When we act, the universe reacts; when we give, the universe gives back. Every effect is preceded by a cause; every action is followed by a reaction. In the measure that you give, so you receive. We give to ourselves and we take away. Each is the source of his experiences. Each is the author of her life.
Because the echo effect is not always immediate, many have yet to realize this truth. But the material universe is constructed upon this essential principle: our lives are impacted with the results of the forces we ourselves have released into the ocean of existence. Begin the day with love, live the day with love, end the day with love -- this is the way into the secrets of creation. -- Emory Michael
Photo by Jess Bailey Designs
Beauty
In the children's story Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney, a young girl sits on her grandfather's knee and says that when she is older she will go to faraway places and live by the sea. "There is one more thing you must do," said her grandfather. "You must do something to make the world more beautiful."
The eternal romance of the soul is its quest for beauty. The soul longs for beauty as a fulfillment of its search for meaning and love. Without beauty, the soul shrivels and dies. The source of beauty is the flame of light and love at the heart of our being -- the spirit self. The mission of Art is to manifest and create works of inspiration and beauty that mirror the eternal beauty of the spirit.
In the story of Miss Rumphius, the girl grows up and travels to far distant lands and eventually settles in a home by the sea. One day she is inspired by the dazzling wild lupine growing on the meadows nearby. She sends away for five bushels of lupine seed and spends each day wandering everywhere scattering the seeds. In the years to come the landscape is filled with the beautiful colors of the lupine she has planted. She has succeeded in making the world more beautiful.
This charming story is a reminder of our soul's mission. Our task is to draw out the light and beauty of our innermost source to make the world more beautiful and to enrich our own and others' lives. When we do this, we achieve our soul's purpose. -- Emory Michael
The Purpose of Life
Some people say the purpose of life is to find ourselves. Others that we are here to create ourselves. Both are right. We discover our spirit, our essence. And we create our souls. What does this mean? The ancient Vedic prayer of India beseeches: "Lead us from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, and from death to eternal life." Our spirit is our imperishable essence -- that which is luminous, real, and eternal. It is our inner self, the spark of light and love that resides at the core of our being. Tibetan Buddhists refer to "the jewel in the lotus of the heart." Our journey and purpose on earth is to discover this immortal, illustrious "jewel" -- the source of life and light within us.
In distinction, our soul is the evolving part of our inner life that we create on our journey in matter. The English poet John Keats said the earth is "the vale of soul making." On our earthly journey to discover who we are, we create our souls. The soul is a creation of feeling. Like a spider weaving its web, we fashion our souls as we develop our inner life in response to the often challenging experiences life brings us. If we think of the spirit as being "the jewel" in the lotus, the soul is the petals of the lotus that hold and cradle it. Our inner life of feelings, thoughts, emotions and energies is the ever-changing cauldron that in time will become a fit dwelling place for the immortal spark of spirit, the divinity within us.
The irony is that we cannot find ourselves until we have also created ourselves. In other words, we discover our immortal essence as we make our inner life a place of light and love that will be a worthy home for the magical being residing deep within us, our spirit self. Through times of quiet contemplation we can begin to draw close to our imperishable essence. Stilling the thought waves, we can sense the presence of the inner light. As this radiance illumines our inner life, a world of wisdom and beauty opens before us. As we grow in awareness of this light we fulfill our purpose in life. -- Emory Michael
Photo by Alex Andrews
The Essence of Creation
The universe is an idea in the mind of God. The physical world of so-called matter--which is really light set in motion and partially crystallized--is a manifestation of thoughts. Matter is condensed or solidified thought. Your personal universe is an interplay of ideas and forces set in motion in you and by you. The world is an out-picturing of the vibrations of thoughts. Take away the motion created by the activity of cosmic and human thinking and the world would disappear. Nothing matters more than what you are thinking. Nothing is more important than the nature of the thoughts you think. Thought stimulates feelings, and the emotional element added to thought provides the motivation to act. Your life is shaped by your mind and your mind is shaped by the desires that drive you. When you concentrate on a visual scenario you create an energetic blueprint that coalesces into the very conditions you visualize. Mind is the matrix of all things. The inner world of consciousness is the womb in which our future life gestates. Action brings into being the substance of our thoughts and our dreams. To create a better world, first picture it in your mind, and then take action to bring it about. This is the essence of the creative process. -- Emory Michael
Photo by Tobias Bjorkli
The Magic of Light
The greatest mystery is the mystery of light. When we discover the source of the light, we discover our very self, for our true nature is light. Through inner stillness, we grow in awareness of the light of our inmost essence.
The language of light is love. Love is written into the heartbeat of the universe. The laws of life are manifestations of divine love extended into nature, or matter. In order to comprehend this universe of light, one must love. In order to know oneself and to realize the inner light, one must become love. The universe has made its home within you. As we commune with the light, we discover the radiant inner cosmos. Life becomes the joyful magic of living in the heart. -- Emory Michael
The greatest mystery is the mystery of light. When we discover the source of the light, we discover our very self, for our true nature is light. Through inner stillness, we grow in awareness of the light of our inmost essence.
The language of light is love. Love is written into the heartbeat of the universe. The laws of life are manifestations of divine love extended into nature, or matter. In order to comprehend this universe of light, one must love. In order to know oneself and to realize the inner light, one must become love. The universe has made its home within you. As we commune with the light, we discover the radiant inner cosmos. Life becomes the joyful magic of living in the heart. -- Emory Michael
Photo by Sebastian Voortman
The Sun Inside Us
The sun is the source of all life on this planet. The sun's rays are healing, containing a magical essence that vivifies and inspires. This same power lives deep within every human being. It is our spirit spark - a divine ray at the heart of each individual life. The spirit -- our source -- is imbued with the brightness of life itself; it shines with life force, consciousness, and joy. As we grow in awareness of the presence of light within, we notice a spontaneous impulse to give. For it is in the nature of light to extend outward from itself in the accordance with the love principle that is the foundation of the universe. Beyond thought and emotion dwells this perennial light. Through inner stillness, we grow in awareness of the radiance of our spirit, the sun in our hearts. In awareness and expression of this inner light we realize the goal and purpose of our earthly journey. --Emory Michael
The sun is the source of all life on this planet. The sun's rays are healing, containing a magical essence that vivifies and inspires. This same power lives deep within every human being. It is our spirit spark - a divine ray at the heart of each individual life. The spirit -- our source -- is imbued with the brightness of life itself; it shines with life force, consciousness, and joy. As we grow in awareness of the presence of light within, we notice a spontaneous impulse to give. For it is in the nature of light to extend outward from itself in the accordance with the love principle that is the foundation of the universe. Beyond thought and emotion dwells this perennial light. Through inner stillness, we grow in awareness of the radiance of our spirit, the sun in our hearts. In awareness and expression of this inner light we realize the goal and purpose of our earthly journey. --Emory Michael
Phot by Emiliano Arano
You Are Not Your Thoughts
It comes as a profound revelation when we first realize we are not our thoughts. Our thoughts may be true or untrue, wise or foolish, but they are not who we are. At best they are indicators –– signposts –– pointing the way to one's essential nature. You are the silent space of being out of which thoughts arise. You are the source of perpetual awareness that is conscious of thoughts, can mold and shape thoughts, but does not identify with them.
Sages do not identify with thoughts, yet they employ dynamic thinking to create the kind of world they desire on the external. When thoughts are true and kind they liberate us from darkness, and create a world of harmony and peace. –– Emory Michael
You Are Not Your Thoughts
It comes as a profound revelation when we first realize we are not our thoughts. Our thoughts may be true or untrue, wise or foolish, but they are not who we are. At best they are indicators –– signposts –– pointing the way to one's essential nature. You are the silent space of being out of which thoughts arise. You are the source of perpetual awareness that is conscious of thoughts, can mold and shape thoughts, but does not identify with them.
Sages do not identify with thoughts, yet they employ dynamic thinking to create the kind of world they desire on the external. When thoughts are true and kind they liberate us from darkness, and create a world of harmony and peace. –– Emory Michael
The Happiness Within Us
Something inside us calls us to seek happiness. The place that calls us is also its source. Our own deepest nature is happiness itself. Yet we are deeply conditioned to search outside ourselves for the happiness for which we long. In so doing we look the wrong way. Happiness lives beneath our thoughts and feelings and is independent of possessions, sensations, or outer conditions. Though we can find temporary satisfaction in externals, when things go our way, lasting contentment springs from an inner fountain whose source is deeper than intellect and free of circumstance.
Happiness is a stream originating in our spiritual heart; it flows perpetually in us and through us. We discover this inner luminous current as we still the outer turbulence of mind and emotion and rest in the still heart of awareness. In feeling gratitude, serenity, and kindness, we remove the obstructions that hinder the stream of happiness. We allow this enduring essence to flow in us and through us consciously, blessing the world with the inexhaustible light of our spirit presence, the enduring source of the happiness we seek. -- Emory Michael
Photo by James Wheeler
The Power of Picturing
The greatest maladies are not the physical ones, but the dis-eases that afflict our minds. As we learn the truths of life, we realize that happiness is an inside job, a creation of our thoughts and attitudes. In discovering the awesome energy of our minds, we learn the power of picturing.
The power of a focused mind is a wonder of nature. When we focus on desired scenarios (excluding undesirable ones) we bring them into being. Successful individuals learn this skill, the art of positive picturing. Focusing on a desired outcome, we draw from the universal storehouse the resources we need to make our pictured goal a reality. Our thoughts make an impression on the subtle ethers and magnetize currents that have an affinity with our inner pictures. As we energize our dreams with the positive energy of constructive living, we create a vortex in our minds that attracts good to us. In radiating love and kindness, we become magnets for the miraculous. Our consciousness becomes a wish-fulfilling jewel, crystalizing our dreams into manifestation in our lives. -- Emory Michael
Photo by Nandhu Kumar
Secrets of Life
The divine worlds are working out a wise and loving purpose through the lives of every soul on earth. Each person has a unique task and role to play in the evolution of the world and of humanity. The wisdom we need to fulfill our task is often displayed in the living book of nature. Spring is the time for planting in anticipation of a future harvest. All of us are planting in the gardens of life and ultimately we reap what we sow. The season of harvest is sure to come. In the measure that we give, so does the living universe give back to us.
The greatest gift we can offer is to turn toward the light of the inner presence and become vessels for this radiance. As we fill our minds with wise thoughts of the sacred traditions we grow close to the light. Learning to quiet the mind and rest in stillness, we bring to awareness a deeper presence. In contact with the sacred center in our hearts, we become focal points for projecting light and wisdom in the world. Sowing seeds of light, we embody the transcendent. The secrets of life are revealed to those who love and cherish the light. -- Emory Michael
The Truth Within
The deepest truths live within our hearts, beneath the outer layers of mind and emotion. Our thoughts, even the best and brightest, do not and cannot reveal to us the mystery of our authentic identity. Our illumined thoughts, and those of the sacred traditions, are signposts on the way.
We have come as visitors to this place but we are only here on a journey. Our task is to draw out the light from our inmost center and make our individual lives a beacon for those around us. We are here to learn mastery over our minds, our emotions, our instincts, and to demonstrate mastery over the waves of matter. In time, we discover the inner light that cannot be extinguished -- the diamond brilliance in the nucleus of our souls that reveals the truth of our being and illumines our outer world with wisdom and understanding. In the awareness of this light we fulfill our mission and purpose in life. -- Emory Michael
Photo by Konevi
The Miracle Mind
Our spirit essence dwells in a world of eternal peace, untouched by the perpetual flux of matter. In contrast, our personalities -- the mind and the body -- inhabit the material realm of ever changing circumstance. The laws of cause and effect govern this world of material flux, the familiar world of the senses. To master life in the sensory theater of cause and effect requires that we get a handle on our thinking, for life in matter is governed by thought. Your life is shaped by your mind and your mind is shaped by what you desire to experience. Thinking creates motion in matter and draw to us events and circumstances that are in accord with the nature of our thoughts. When our thoughts are infused with the light of wisdom, we turn challenges into the fuel that enlightens us.
Thoughts are living things; they take wing and journey through space, returning to us in the form of events and circumstances. Thoughts are magnets that draw experience to us. The road we travel is paved with our thoughts, the building blocks of life. Over time, we mold ourselves in the image of our thinking. Those who think lovingly, kindly, and wisely develop the miracle mind, the mind of the sages. They build a bridge of light to their high self, the eternal spirit. On their journey through the spirals of matter, they discover the universe of endless creative energy that is seeking to flow through them. When we learn to connect our thinking with this source of life and energy we fashion our own miracles. — Emory Michael
Photo by Jonas Kakaroto
The Sacredness of Life
The new Mysteries declare that the earth is destined to become a sacred planet. The task of the future is to make the whole earth a sanctuary. The earth itself will be our temple, and our bodies also. We build the temple of our enlightenment by transforming our personalities -- our thoughts, feelings and power to act. The tools we use are light, love, and truth. In the future, each of us will be our own priest or priestess. Wherever we go we will be in the sacred temple of the mysteries. All will realize that life is sacred and we will unfold and realize the full potential of the divinity within us. Everywhere, humanity will affirm the sanctity and beauty of life.
-- Emory Michael.
The Light of the World
The dawning of the soul's light is the awakening of love within us. This is the goal of our quest -- that we awaken the spirit of loving-kindness and grow the light in our hearts. A way to unfold our inner light is through the practice of meditation.
True meditation is more powerful than any action. Meditation generates intense light in your field. It transform's your aura. If enough people meditate, it's like lighting dozens of candles in a dark room. The shadows fade. As thousands of people brighten their inner soul vibrations the whole world is influenced and gradually changes. Studies show that in communities where there are many individuals and groups that meditate, crime goes down. As we grow inwardly and open to the light of the indwelling spirit, we make our hearts and minds outposts for an exalted consciousness -- the frequency of the masters. The aura of an entire city can be transformed by the inner lives of a few people. It is through the lively, loving emanations of those who awaken inwardly that the subtle body of the planet will quicken. Meditation changes the world.
A time will come when the subtle field of the earth will be altered in its base resonant frequency and the power of so-called evil -- the power to do harm -- will be hampered. One day that power will be extinguished, and the gates of darkness and violence will be sealed. Each individual has a part to play in making this possible. Nothing matters more than your inner life -- your soul's radiance of light, love and goodness. Nothing is more vital than your efforts to live in accord with the laws of love and truth. This is the greatest gift you can give. Meditation kindles the eternal light that is honored symbolically in the annual sacred festivals. It is the key that unlocks the portal into the coming age of light.
-- Emory Michael
Your Inner Awakening
Human nature is a complex piece of design, a work of cosmic magnificence. We are multidimensional; our being encompasses all planes of matter and spirit. In essence our “design” is threefold — we are creatures of body, soul, and spirit. In addition to our familiar biological garment, we are made up of the soul, our inner life — our thoughts, feelings, memories, beliefs and seemingly hidden contemplations. This inner world is kaleidoscopic, always changing – a ferment of metamorphosing awareness. The nucleus of the soul is our eternal spirit, the spark of aware being that survives forever in a world of light, consciousness and bliss. The body is a vessel for the inner life of soul, and the soul is a vessel for the spirit. All three are a unity, permeated by the universal life force from which all life has emerged.
Our inner awakening is an identity shift that takes us from believing we are our thoughts and our bodies to realizing we are an inner radiance of being that cannot die. This radiance of being is the self, our true identity, a point of intuitive awareness in the nucleus of the heart. Heart means not simply the physical heart or the heart chakra. The heart is the center of our being. It is our essence, our spirit, the element in us that will never die. “Living in the heart” means abiding in the nucleus of our being, in the energetic source of our life force, where we are loving, content, and relaxed.
The mystery of God that fills all space and extends to the farthest reaches of the universe – this infinite majesty, power and beauty – is contained, whole and complete, within us. This is the great mystery, the secret, the most profound revelation. The God we seek resides within our spiritual heart. The universe lives within us in the fiery diamond that is the nucleus of our own heart center.
—Emory Michael
The Diamond in our Hearts
Like a fairy tale princess, human beings have fallen into an enchanted sleep, forgetting who we really are and why we are here. The kiss of awakening comes in a different way for each of us, but it eventually comes to all. The first step in spiritual practice is to become conscious of our inner life. We insert a new rhythm in our souls, sowing the seeds of daily reflection. The light of the soul dawns slowly in its gradual awakening.
From the perspective of spirit, the physical world resembles sandcastles on the beach. The tides of time dissolve all things. Matter is temporal and transitory; not even diamonds are forever. In contrast, there lives in each of us an immortal being. Sages discover this essential element, and live in a world of stability and serenity, unshaken by external change and upheaval. When we build on the foundation of spiritual awareness and put into operation constructive forces, we can live without fear of the future.
The nucleus of the self is a point of intuitive awareness in the center of the heart. By living in touch with this inner center, we light the candle of consciousness on the altar of our inner flame. A single flame can light ten thousand candles. As we grow in awareness of the inner light, we fulfill our purpose. We discover the sun inside, the diamond self that does endure forever. —Emory Michael
Photo by Travis Rupert
The Mystery Within
We are held in the embrace of fathomless wisdom and measureless love. All things come to assist us in awakening to the realization of the indwelling presence of eternal life. All experiences, even the harshest, may be turned to good account, and work ultimately to liberate us. Challenges teach us what nothing else can. Only by breaking its shell does a tiny chick awaken to a larger life. Only by falling from a tree does the hatchling learn to fly.
Without outer resistance, we might not generate the inner spiritual currents that illumine our consciousness with the light of our soul’s dynamic nucleus. No effort is in vain; all seeking leads us to the realization that what we are looking for is inside us, a heartbeat away; beneath our ordinary thoughts and feelings pulsates the mystery of our being.
Those who follow the path to their inner source discover they are children of a dynamic and inexhaustible life force. In blessing each moment, our own life becomes transformed for the better. The secrets of higher knowledge stream into us. We realize that we have always been on a path leading to discovery of the secrets of the world. In seeking wisdom, we fulfill the call of the hero and enter the stream that leads to liberation.
Within us is a reservoir of peace more powerful than our deepest fear. We access this timeless awareness by attuning to the light in the heart. Love opens the window to our inner radiance. As we attune to the light, we contact the sun in our hearts, eventually to live there, moment by moment. – Emory Michael
We are held in the embrace of fathomless wisdom and measureless love. All things come to assist us in awakening to the realization of the indwelling presence of eternal life. All experiences, even the harshest, may be turned to good account, and work ultimately to liberate us. Challenges teach us what nothing else can. Only by breaking its shell does a tiny chick awaken to a larger life. Only by falling from a tree does the hatchling learn to fly.
Without outer resistance, we might not generate the inner spiritual currents that illumine our consciousness with the light of our soul’s dynamic nucleus. No effort is in vain; all seeking leads us to the realization that what we are looking for is inside us, a heartbeat away; beneath our ordinary thoughts and feelings pulsates the mystery of our being.
Those who follow the path to their inner source discover they are children of a dynamic and inexhaustible life force. In blessing each moment, our own life becomes transformed for the better. The secrets of higher knowledge stream into us. We realize that we have always been on a path leading to discovery of the secrets of the world. In seeking wisdom, we fulfill the call of the hero and enter the stream that leads to liberation.
Within us is a reservoir of peace more powerful than our deepest fear. We access this timeless awareness by attuning to the light in the heart. Love opens the window to our inner radiance. As we attune to the light, we contact the sun in our hearts, eventually to live there, moment by moment. – Emory Michael
Photo by Magicbowls
The Magic Inside Us
You are a child of the universe and the universe seeks to express its light and love through you. The law of love is the grand law of life. The universe is based on this dynamic principle of equal giving and receiving of the expressions of love and light. Refusal to inflict harm is the passive application of the realization that we are all connected in the universal web, and that to hurt another is to hurt ourselves. Deliberately performing acts of conscious goodness is the positive application of this divine law. The limitless power of the universe is behind our actions.
The more we grasp that the physical universe is a sea of moving light, of light waves in motion, the more easily we can wake up to our essential nature, the stillness within. This enhances our power, for we then link up to the energy source that produces miracles. The power to create the life you want lies in the imaging power of your mind. When you focus on a particular outcome, you draw the pictured result into being. What you think about, you bring about.
What we long for we already possess within us. Happiness lives inside us, in the depths of our being. We discover the happiness we seek when we express love. We discover the cornucopia of abundance as we give. Give lovingly and the entire universe conspires to give lovingly back to you. The hands that give, receive. -- Emory Michael
You are a child of the universe and the universe seeks to express its light and love through you. The law of love is the grand law of life. The universe is based on this dynamic principle of equal giving and receiving of the expressions of love and light. Refusal to inflict harm is the passive application of the realization that we are all connected in the universal web, and that to hurt another is to hurt ourselves. Deliberately performing acts of conscious goodness is the positive application of this divine law. The limitless power of the universe is behind our actions.
The more we grasp that the physical universe is a sea of moving light, of light waves in motion, the more easily we can wake up to our essential nature, the stillness within. This enhances our power, for we then link up to the energy source that produces miracles. The power to create the life you want lies in the imaging power of your mind. When you focus on a particular outcome, you draw the pictured result into being. What you think about, you bring about.
What we long for we already possess within us. Happiness lives inside us, in the depths of our being. We discover the happiness we seek when we express love. We discover the cornucopia of abundance as we give. Give lovingly and the entire universe conspires to give lovingly back to you. The hands that give, receive. -- Emory Michael
Photo by Alex Andrews
Matter is Consciousness Crystallized
Science says that the smallest component of matter is a quanta, a packet of electro-magnetic energy. These microscopic packets of energy are oscillating wave fields of energy in motion. They breathe, or vibrate, as do all things. Their tiniest point of contraction is what we call a particle; its expansion phase we call a wave. Quanta are really the tiniest fragments or components of thought or consciousness. In other words, quanta are really units of consciousness. They are crystallized or materialized thought – thoughts made manifest. And that’s what matter is. Matter is the “solidified” or crystallized visible pole of the one unified field of energy or consciousness. Matter and spirit, or consciousness, are really two poles of the same basic “stuff.” This “stuff” is light – the substance of universal mind. —Emory Michael
Science says that the smallest component of matter is a quanta, a packet of electro-magnetic energy. These microscopic packets of energy are oscillating wave fields of energy in motion. They breathe, or vibrate, as do all things. Their tiniest point of contraction is what we call a particle; its expansion phase we call a wave. Quanta are really the tiniest fragments or components of thought or consciousness. In other words, quanta are really units of consciousness. They are crystallized or materialized thought – thoughts made manifest. And that’s what matter is. Matter is the “solidified” or crystallized visible pole of the one unified field of energy or consciousness. Matter and spirit, or consciousness, are really two poles of the same basic “stuff.” This “stuff” is light – the substance of universal mind. —Emory Michael
Photo by Inimafoto
Transcendent Mind
The mind is a Janus-headed creature with two faces, one that gazes into the material world, and one that is close to the divine world. The outer mind, what might be called the body mind, is tied to the senses and is naïve in its conclusion that the objective, “outer” world is the only reality. The inner or transcendent mind is close to the light, loves and yearns for the light. It is intuitive and inspirational in nature, poetic, philosophical, and in touch with the rays of truth that flow from the spirit. The higher, transcendent mind is linked closely with the indwelling spirit. It is what the Buddhists call bodhichitta, the wisdom mind.
We use the inner mind, the mind in the heart, in meditation. Gazing inward toward the light of the spirit, we draw close to the mystery of our true being, the presence of our eternal consciousness. We are on earth to awaken an awareness of that light. When you touch the spirit you transcend the earth’s limitations and the narrow confines of your physical body. Those who grow familiar with the deeper self touch the eternal, realizing that who they really are lives forever, beyond limits of the mortal frame and free from the dictates of destiny and fate. This is your true consciousness, your actual identity. Darkness cannot touch the real you.
– Emory Michael
The mind is a Janus-headed creature with two faces, one that gazes into the material world, and one that is close to the divine world. The outer mind, what might be called the body mind, is tied to the senses and is naïve in its conclusion that the objective, “outer” world is the only reality. The inner or transcendent mind is close to the light, loves and yearns for the light. It is intuitive and inspirational in nature, poetic, philosophical, and in touch with the rays of truth that flow from the spirit. The higher, transcendent mind is linked closely with the indwelling spirit. It is what the Buddhists call bodhichitta, the wisdom mind.
We use the inner mind, the mind in the heart, in meditation. Gazing inward toward the light of the spirit, we draw close to the mystery of our true being, the presence of our eternal consciousness. We are on earth to awaken an awareness of that light. When you touch the spirit you transcend the earth’s limitations and the narrow confines of your physical body. Those who grow familiar with the deeper self touch the eternal, realizing that who they really are lives forever, beyond limits of the mortal frame and free from the dictates of destiny and fate. This is your true consciousness, your actual identity. Darkness cannot touch the real you.
– Emory Michael
Photo by Nicollazzi Xiong
Inner Realization
Everyone knows that the mind thinks; few learn to use the mind to go beyond thought into the realm of realization. In advanced stages of meditation we learn to relax our minds in the inner Presence. This is not so much an exercise in concentration, but a gentle releasing of the mind into the deep state beyond thought. It is not dreaminess or an unconscious reverie, but a state of intense wakefulness and inner alertness. It’s as if we go into the sun beyond all clouds. The sun is a good metaphor for the God-self, or spirit. Clouds represent thoughts. We go above the clouds into the pure light of the ever-shining sun. As unwanted thoughts arise, we dissolve them in the radiant light of our own sun, by gently re-focusing on the inner light. It’s as if we break the surface of the water and rise into a higher, lighter and pure atmosphere of being. This simple and powerful form of meditation is gently focusing the mind on the indwelling spirit. In the awareness of this inner light is the fulfillment of your purpose on earth. -- Emory Michael
Everyone knows that the mind thinks; few learn to use the mind to go beyond thought into the realm of realization. In advanced stages of meditation we learn to relax our minds in the inner Presence. This is not so much an exercise in concentration, but a gentle releasing of the mind into the deep state beyond thought. It is not dreaminess or an unconscious reverie, but a state of intense wakefulness and inner alertness. It’s as if we go into the sun beyond all clouds. The sun is a good metaphor for the God-self, or spirit. Clouds represent thoughts. We go above the clouds into the pure light of the ever-shining sun. As unwanted thoughts arise, we dissolve them in the radiant light of our own sun, by gently re-focusing on the inner light. It’s as if we break the surface of the water and rise into a higher, lighter and pure atmosphere of being. This simple and powerful form of meditation is gently focusing the mind on the indwelling spirit. In the awareness of this inner light is the fulfillment of your purpose on earth. -- Emory Michael
The Mind of Light
You always have a choice in what you think – in how you choose to focus your awareness. As you develop and grow the light in your soul, you will learn how to use the power within the light to transform and remake all the conditions of your life. This power is developed when you work exclusively with the positive streams of thought and feeling that flow from your high self, the golden star above and within you. When we start to transform our minds by right thinking, we find that we are also on our way to creating a mind of light.
Humanity has long employed its outer aspect of mind, the mind that beholds the external objective world. It is only beginning to develop its inner mind, the mind that sees into the depths of being. When we want to experience the magic of the deeper self we must use the inner mind, the deeper mind. We look inside, turning the mind toward its source, and picture the inner light. The mind relaxes into it source and we cling to the inner self, our true being, the source of light within. —Emory Michael
You always have a choice in what you think – in how you choose to focus your awareness. As you develop and grow the light in your soul, you will learn how to use the power within the light to transform and remake all the conditions of your life. This power is developed when you work exclusively with the positive streams of thought and feeling that flow from your high self, the golden star above and within you. When we start to transform our minds by right thinking, we find that we are also on our way to creating a mind of light.
Humanity has long employed its outer aspect of mind, the mind that beholds the external objective world. It is only beginning to develop its inner mind, the mind that sees into the depths of being. When we want to experience the magic of the deeper self we must use the inner mind, the deeper mind. We look inside, turning the mind toward its source, and picture the inner light. The mind relaxes into it source and we cling to the inner self, our true being, the source of light within. —Emory Michael
New Year's Resolution
At the New Year, it is natural to look ahead with hope toward a better future. The custom of wishing oneself and others a year of success and happiness is a tradition rooted in deep wisdom. Human life is governed by subtle laws that cause each of us to create the world we will inhabit in the future. The building materials that shape this future world are our own thoughts, feelings, words, strivings and decisions. Circumstances don’t simply happen to us. It is the manner in which we think, feel and act that pull circumstances to us. Positive anticipation is a most powerful force. When we look forward with positive hope and expectation for better circumstances, we are in fact creating the very conditions we picture. When we think in terms of blessings, happiness and goodness, we are drawing these very things our way. By thinking in terms of progress, happiness, health and beautiful conditions, we call into operation the mysterious spiritual and creative forces that produce the very reflection of our inner activities of consciousness. For this reason it has been said: “we think in secret and it comes to pass, environment is our looking glass.” As we think in terms of goodness, beauty and light, we help create a better world for ourselves and others. — Emory Michael
At the New Year, it is natural to look ahead with hope toward a better future. The custom of wishing oneself and others a year of success and happiness is a tradition rooted in deep wisdom. Human life is governed by subtle laws that cause each of us to create the world we will inhabit in the future. The building materials that shape this future world are our own thoughts, feelings, words, strivings and decisions. Circumstances don’t simply happen to us. It is the manner in which we think, feel and act that pull circumstances to us. Positive anticipation is a most powerful force. When we look forward with positive hope and expectation for better circumstances, we are in fact creating the very conditions we picture. When we think in terms of blessings, happiness and goodness, we are drawing these very things our way. By thinking in terms of progress, happiness, health and beautiful conditions, we call into operation the mysterious spiritual and creative forces that produce the very reflection of our inner activities of consciousness. For this reason it has been said: “we think in secret and it comes to pass, environment is our looking glass.” As we think in terms of goodness, beauty and light, we help create a better world for ourselves and others. — Emory Michael
Photo by Pixabay
The Space Inside Us
A revealing incident in the life of Julius Caesar occurred during his campaign in Gaul. His officers found him seated on a rock, weeping. “What’s the matter?” they asked the future emperor of the Roman Empire. “Today I am thirty years old and have accomplished nothing,” he replied. “When Alexander the Great was thirty, he had already conquered the world!”
Caesar equated greatness with external conquests. But sages know that the true measure of greatness is the achievement of self-mastery and inner peace. Tyrants seek power over others; the wise seek power over themselves. Personal life mastery begins with getting a handle on our inner life, our thoughts, feelings and desires – the stallions that lead our chariot through life.
Sages know that there is an inner world, a vast and spacious universe inside us. External conquests ultimately mean nothing. What is important is to discover the inner universe of light from which we have come and in which our real self abides. For lasting peace to come on earth, individuals must discover the living waters of gentleness that flow through the awakened soul. Humanity must learn that subtle laws govern life, and as we sow, we reap. In the measure that we give, the universe gives back to us. Nations that sow the winds of violence will reap the whirlwind. Now more than ever we must learn to pray for peace and live with peace in our hearts. May peace prevail on earth. -- Emory Michael
A revealing incident in the life of Julius Caesar occurred during his campaign in Gaul. His officers found him seated on a rock, weeping. “What’s the matter?” they asked the future emperor of the Roman Empire. “Today I am thirty years old and have accomplished nothing,” he replied. “When Alexander the Great was thirty, he had already conquered the world!”
Caesar equated greatness with external conquests. But sages know that the true measure of greatness is the achievement of self-mastery and inner peace. Tyrants seek power over others; the wise seek power over themselves. Personal life mastery begins with getting a handle on our inner life, our thoughts, feelings and desires – the stallions that lead our chariot through life.
Sages know that there is an inner world, a vast and spacious universe inside us. External conquests ultimately mean nothing. What is important is to discover the inner universe of light from which we have come and in which our real self abides. For lasting peace to come on earth, individuals must discover the living waters of gentleness that flow through the awakened soul. Humanity must learn that subtle laws govern life, and as we sow, we reap. In the measure that we give, the universe gives back to us. Nations that sow the winds of violence will reap the whirlwind. Now more than ever we must learn to pray for peace and live with peace in our hearts. May peace prevail on earth. -- Emory Michael
Photo by Magicbowls
The Great Shift
The great shift of the ages occurs as we learn to operate from the inner or higher mind, the mind in the heart. We learn to transform our thinking from exclusively material concerns and to focus on the divine light. This does not make us impractical if done in the right way. It actually liberates us from imprisonment within material concerns and renders us more effective in life. The light we release by acting from within our spiritual mind or consciousness releases a tremendous power into our ordinary life that will make us more practical, dynamic and successful in dealing with material concerns. Most important, it makes our inner world brilliant with the light that flows from a higher level of our existence, for the realm of our spirit, our true and immortal self. —Emory Michael
The great shift of the ages occurs as we learn to operate from the inner or higher mind, the mind in the heart. We learn to transform our thinking from exclusively material concerns and to focus on the divine light. This does not make us impractical if done in the right way. It actually liberates us from imprisonment within material concerns and renders us more effective in life. The light we release by acting from within our spiritual mind or consciousness releases a tremendous power into our ordinary life that will make us more practical, dynamic and successful in dealing with material concerns. Most important, it makes our inner world brilliant with the light that flows from a higher level of our existence, for the realm of our spirit, our true and immortal self. —Emory Michael
The Beauty of Peace
Peace is an emanation of the inner Presence that centers all life. It is one of the supreme gifts of the spirit, and makes loving-kindness possible. Genuine peace is the foundation of all the traditional virtues. With peace in our minds and hearts, we can successfully negotiate the challenges of life. Peace in the heart means serenity in living. When our hearts are filled with peace, violence is impossible. A quiet and serene mind allows wisdom to take root in our consciousness. When we think thoughts of peace and direct our lives with respect for the rights of others, inner dignity takes hold in our character and bearing. Peace is a mighty power for good. True peace is a shield and anchor against any storm. It is the keynote of universal life. The song of the cosmos is harmony and tranquility. The universe is founded upon measureless peace. Underlying the waves of external existence rests an ocean of profound stillness. Our true nature, the presence of divinity in our hearts, is linked to these regions of eternal harmony. Peace enables us to connect with our inner light source through a listening heart. Those who live with inner tranquility and benign intentions toward others come under the influence of higher beings. With peace in our hearts, the emanations of our soul touch the heartstrings of others like a cool breeze and bestow serenity. Those who walk on earth with love in their hearts and peace in their footsteps come to understand the secret laws that govern life. The winds of universal harmony whisper to them the profound truths of life, and they come to know the secret wisdom that forms the foundation of life.
Christ said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.” Peace in the heart makes us into true and worthy children of the light of the universe, comrades with the angels, and unites us with harmonious chords of love with all creation. Those who live with tranquility in their souls enter the regions of universal understanding, and the consciousness of the one life-force finds a home in their minds. May peace prevail on Earth. — Emory Michael
Peace is an emanation of the inner Presence that centers all life. It is one of the supreme gifts of the spirit, and makes loving-kindness possible. Genuine peace is the foundation of all the traditional virtues. With peace in our minds and hearts, we can successfully negotiate the challenges of life. Peace in the heart means serenity in living. When our hearts are filled with peace, violence is impossible. A quiet and serene mind allows wisdom to take root in our consciousness. When we think thoughts of peace and direct our lives with respect for the rights of others, inner dignity takes hold in our character and bearing. Peace is a mighty power for good. True peace is a shield and anchor against any storm. It is the keynote of universal life. The song of the cosmos is harmony and tranquility. The universe is founded upon measureless peace. Underlying the waves of external existence rests an ocean of profound stillness. Our true nature, the presence of divinity in our hearts, is linked to these regions of eternal harmony. Peace enables us to connect with our inner light source through a listening heart. Those who live with inner tranquility and benign intentions toward others come under the influence of higher beings. With peace in our hearts, the emanations of our soul touch the heartstrings of others like a cool breeze and bestow serenity. Those who walk on earth with love in their hearts and peace in their footsteps come to understand the secret laws that govern life. The winds of universal harmony whisper to them the profound truths of life, and they come to know the secret wisdom that forms the foundation of life.
Christ said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.” Peace in the heart makes us into true and worthy children of the light of the universe, comrades with the angels, and unites us with harmonious chords of love with all creation. Those who live with tranquility in their souls enter the regions of universal understanding, and the consciousness of the one life-force finds a home in their minds. May peace prevail on Earth. — Emory Michael
The Fly in the Ointment
No matter how hard we work in the physical realm, no matter how we labor to improve our environment and perfect our outer life, we find that unforeseen problems crop up. Despite our best efforts to stay on top of things, from time to time we discover a fly in the ointment.
This is due to the very nature of matter, which is a condensation of light that is held in its pattern for only so long. Matter is always subject to the laws of change and disintegration. This dimension of 3-D is a world of light in motion, subject to change, and under the laws of disintegration and decay. Our world is a toll bridge always in need of repair. Although the laws that control matter are perfect, the outer world in itself does not display perfection. Perfection is a quality of the inmost spirit, and of the divine laws that govern life. It is in this inner realm that all masters establish residence. They know the outer world is treacherous, prone to sudden change and unforeseen crises. They live in a world of stability and serenity, unshaken by external change and upheaval. This is the firm foundation Christ spoke of in his parable of the two men who built their houses on different soils, one on shifting sands, the other on solid rock. When we build our life on the foundation of spiritual laws and principles and always put into operation forces that heal, bless and assist, we can live without fear of the future. All things conspire together for good in our lives when we connect to the light within and express constructive forces in all we think, say and do. Despite the irksome tests and trials that come to all of us and which are part of the very nature of material existence, we can find the realm of inner harmony, the dimension in which our spirit always dwells. We can live with equanimity when we connect with the inner source of light, and seek to live in awareness of all that is good, true and beautiful. This is the way of the masters, the way of wisdom, contentment and serenity. – Emory Michael
No matter how hard we work in the physical realm, no matter how we labor to improve our environment and perfect our outer life, we find that unforeseen problems crop up. Despite our best efforts to stay on top of things, from time to time we discover a fly in the ointment.
This is due to the very nature of matter, which is a condensation of light that is held in its pattern for only so long. Matter is always subject to the laws of change and disintegration. This dimension of 3-D is a world of light in motion, subject to change, and under the laws of disintegration and decay. Our world is a toll bridge always in need of repair. Although the laws that control matter are perfect, the outer world in itself does not display perfection. Perfection is a quality of the inmost spirit, and of the divine laws that govern life. It is in this inner realm that all masters establish residence. They know the outer world is treacherous, prone to sudden change and unforeseen crises. They live in a world of stability and serenity, unshaken by external change and upheaval. This is the firm foundation Christ spoke of in his parable of the two men who built their houses on different soils, one on shifting sands, the other on solid rock. When we build our life on the foundation of spiritual laws and principles and always put into operation forces that heal, bless and assist, we can live without fear of the future. All things conspire together for good in our lives when we connect to the light within and express constructive forces in all we think, say and do. Despite the irksome tests and trials that come to all of us and which are part of the very nature of material existence, we can find the realm of inner harmony, the dimension in which our spirit always dwells. We can live with equanimity when we connect with the inner source of light, and seek to live in awareness of all that is good, true and beautiful. This is the way of the masters, the way of wisdom, contentment and serenity. – Emory Michael
The Greater Self
The greatest experience we can have in life is the discovery that our real being lives in a world of light, free from darkness. The small self is confined to a tiny web of sensations within the microcosmic framework of the body and sense-bound lower mind. The divine self is linked to the universal ocean of life. We contact the higher divine self through our thoughts of love and our noblest feelings. As more and more people come under the influence of their infinite self and respond to the radiance of their higher being, shining like an inner sun, we will move out of the old paradigm of violence, exploitation and pettiness. Humanity will enter a new golden era when we learn to give up violence as a means of attempting to settle disputes. – Emory Michael
The greatest experience we can have in life is the discovery that our real being lives in a world of light, free from darkness. The small self is confined to a tiny web of sensations within the microcosmic framework of the body and sense-bound lower mind. The divine self is linked to the universal ocean of life. We contact the higher divine self through our thoughts of love and our noblest feelings. As more and more people come under the influence of their infinite self and respond to the radiance of their higher being, shining like an inner sun, we will move out of the old paradigm of violence, exploitation and pettiness. Humanity will enter a new golden era when we learn to give up violence as a means of attempting to settle disputes. – Emory Michael
Quantum King of the Universe
We live in a universal ocean of life-force, a quantum field of energy and possibility. Joy lives inside us, streaming from the spark of God planted in our hearts. All the masters have reminded us to look within to find the joy and fulfillment we seek. That which you seek is calling you, closer than hands and feet, nearer than breath and heartbeat. We don't seem to realize that the fragrance that causes us to search has its origin in our spiritual heart -- the flower at the center of our soul's garden. Our path into the future is fueled by our own consciousness, formed by what takes place in our own souls. Divine love is our essence, pulsing at our core--an essence not made of any earthly element. It is the sacred divine fire--older than the oldest star, yet younger than a newborn infant. To find the fountain of love within is the new path of awakening. Our lives are blessed when we learn to find the joy enfolded in each moment. Those who embrace the miracle of each day become wise. They become creators in the fields of life, quantum kings and queens of the universe. -- Emory Michael
We live in a universal ocean of life-force, a quantum field of energy and possibility. Joy lives inside us, streaming from the spark of God planted in our hearts. All the masters have reminded us to look within to find the joy and fulfillment we seek. That which you seek is calling you, closer than hands and feet, nearer than breath and heartbeat. We don't seem to realize that the fragrance that causes us to search has its origin in our spiritual heart -- the flower at the center of our soul's garden. Our path into the future is fueled by our own consciousness, formed by what takes place in our own souls. Divine love is our essence, pulsing at our core--an essence not made of any earthly element. It is the sacred divine fire--older than the oldest star, yet younger than a newborn infant. To find the fountain of love within is the new path of awakening. Our lives are blessed when we learn to find the joy enfolded in each moment. Those who embrace the miracle of each day become wise. They become creators in the fields of life, quantum kings and queens of the universe. -- Emory Michael
Living your Wisdom
Each of us is connected to a stream of living wisdom. It flows from the heart of the world and is linked to our own heart by a strand of golden light that originates in our eternal self. This higher or divine self can be pictured as a star or sun above us; this divine center of perennial radiance is united to the familiar personality of earth by a thread of light anchored in our heart center. We have unlimited wisdom within us; the trick is to be able to express that wisdom, especially in the trying moments of daily life. Our task on earth is to embody the eternal. This is easier said than done, for the small self is easily entangled in emotional conflicts, irritations and confused reactions to the “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” that confront us while living on this often trying planet. For this reason, the journey of development has often been likened to a razor edged path.
The good news is that we all have access to a limitless reservoir of understanding, knowledge, insight and truth. Our intuition is the voice of wisdom that springs from the depths of our being. What we call conscience is the whisper of living understanding speaking in the depths of our soul. We embody the eternal when we express kindness in the face of the trials of life. This does not mean abandoning our convictions, but it does imply refraining from lashing out destructively. The great masters advise us to overcome evil with good. This may be the hardest lesson to learn, but only by setting in motion currents of blessing can we create the inspired, harmonious, and luminous wave cycles required to create a new world. There is no greater wisdom than the actions that spring from a loving heart and a mind attuned to the eternal flame of intuitive perception at the center of the soul. Serenity in the soul leads to gentleness in our actions. When we can move gracefully through our tests with serenity and gentleness, we will find that we have stepped out of the shadows and are walking in the luminous company of the masters. —Emory Michael
Each of us is connected to a stream of living wisdom. It flows from the heart of the world and is linked to our own heart by a strand of golden light that originates in our eternal self. This higher or divine self can be pictured as a star or sun above us; this divine center of perennial radiance is united to the familiar personality of earth by a thread of light anchored in our heart center. We have unlimited wisdom within us; the trick is to be able to express that wisdom, especially in the trying moments of daily life. Our task on earth is to embody the eternal. This is easier said than done, for the small self is easily entangled in emotional conflicts, irritations and confused reactions to the “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” that confront us while living on this often trying planet. For this reason, the journey of development has often been likened to a razor edged path.
The good news is that we all have access to a limitless reservoir of understanding, knowledge, insight and truth. Our intuition is the voice of wisdom that springs from the depths of our being. What we call conscience is the whisper of living understanding speaking in the depths of our soul. We embody the eternal when we express kindness in the face of the trials of life. This does not mean abandoning our convictions, but it does imply refraining from lashing out destructively. The great masters advise us to overcome evil with good. This may be the hardest lesson to learn, but only by setting in motion currents of blessing can we create the inspired, harmonious, and luminous wave cycles required to create a new world. There is no greater wisdom than the actions that spring from a loving heart and a mind attuned to the eternal flame of intuitive perception at the center of the soul. Serenity in the soul leads to gentleness in our actions. When we can move gracefully through our tests with serenity and gentleness, we will find that we have stepped out of the shadows and are walking in the luminous company of the masters. —Emory Michael
The Shift Within
A new world is seeking to come to birth through us. The world cries out for an awakening, a quickening, a change of heart and mind. In order to enter an era of universal harmony—of fellowship and spiritual illumination—the old ways of exploitation and divisiveness must be transformed. The choices we make will determine our future.
All people want happiness and security. In the old model still in force today, various groups seek to dominate and exploit others to achieve their desired well-being and security. This invariably leads to fear, resentment and rebellion. Violence begets violence. In order to enter the age of universal harmony and right relationships, humanity must cease its age-old practices of exploitation—the long history of man’s inhumanity to man. We must learn that divine law governs life. In order to achieve permanent well-being, happiness and security, one must express love. Nations also must learn this truth. Individuals and nations that exploit, oppress and deceive will one day receive the return swing of the pendulum of reciprocity. Sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. As long as dominant groups use violence, deceit and unjust laws to exploit and subjugate, this world will experience wars and revolutions, for these are the bitter fruits of injustice. For peace to prevail there must be justice. Love extinguishes fear. When we act from a space of love, we transcend fear and make genuine peace possible. Those who gain insight into the unified field in which we are all interconnected—the fabric of life that links us together in the chain of life, could not possibly engage in cruelty or destruction of life. For they know that the life they harm is their very own.
We are in a time of tremendous importance to the human race and the life of this planet. The choices we make determine our ends. If enough of us choose the path of peace, truth and justice, the gates will swing open to the new era of universal wisdom, harmony and enlightenment. – Emory Michael
A new world is seeking to come to birth through us. The world cries out for an awakening, a quickening, a change of heart and mind. In order to enter an era of universal harmony—of fellowship and spiritual illumination—the old ways of exploitation and divisiveness must be transformed. The choices we make will determine our future.
All people want happiness and security. In the old model still in force today, various groups seek to dominate and exploit others to achieve their desired well-being and security. This invariably leads to fear, resentment and rebellion. Violence begets violence. In order to enter the age of universal harmony and right relationships, humanity must cease its age-old practices of exploitation—the long history of man’s inhumanity to man. We must learn that divine law governs life. In order to achieve permanent well-being, happiness and security, one must express love. Nations also must learn this truth. Individuals and nations that exploit, oppress and deceive will one day receive the return swing of the pendulum of reciprocity. Sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. As long as dominant groups use violence, deceit and unjust laws to exploit and subjugate, this world will experience wars and revolutions, for these are the bitter fruits of injustice. For peace to prevail there must be justice. Love extinguishes fear. When we act from a space of love, we transcend fear and make genuine peace possible. Those who gain insight into the unified field in which we are all interconnected—the fabric of life that links us together in the chain of life, could not possibly engage in cruelty or destruction of life. For they know that the life they harm is their very own.
We are in a time of tremendous importance to the human race and the life of this planet. The choices we make determine our ends. If enough of us choose the path of peace, truth and justice, the gates will swing open to the new era of universal wisdom, harmony and enlightenment. – Emory Michael
Angel by Melozzo da Forli
Bestowing the Life Force
The method of the sages is to radiate life force. This emanating of inner light and life is central to all spiritual growth and is the basis of true helpfulness to others. The Taoist masters call it "extending chi." As we emanate the inner light we create a shield around ourselves. We also send forth a subtle vibration of light that has a beneficial, vitalizing
influence on the physical and subtle bodies of those we contact. Perhaps the greatest gift we can give is the serene emanation that comes as result of our innermost contact with the true self. No practice is more valuable than this moment-by-moment awareness of the inner presence. It links us to the greater life in which we are a part, which protects us and binds us harmoniously to the larger ocean of light force.
No one can exist isolated from life. All are a part of the universal fabric. Because of the underlying web of universal unity, it follows that the only "sin" or error is to think and live as if you are separate from the rest of life. All things and all creatures are connected as threads in the garment of creation. As a result, one of the greatest virtues is to commit no harm. Those who live to bless others emanate the fragrance of universal unity and the sanctity of grace; they become agents of light and beauty, and the world resonates back to them its bounty. A tidal wave of blessing flows into the lives of those who realize their unity with the source and their kinship with all life. Their lives sound the magic keynote of harmony and they become friends of the universe, children of limitless life. --Emory Michael
The method of the sages is to radiate life force. This emanating of inner light and life is central to all spiritual growth and is the basis of true helpfulness to others. The Taoist masters call it "extending chi." As we emanate the inner light we create a shield around ourselves. We also send forth a subtle vibration of light that has a beneficial, vitalizing
influence on the physical and subtle bodies of those we contact. Perhaps the greatest gift we can give is the serene emanation that comes as result of our innermost contact with the true self. No practice is more valuable than this moment-by-moment awareness of the inner presence. It links us to the greater life in which we are a part, which protects us and binds us harmoniously to the larger ocean of light force.
No one can exist isolated from life. All are a part of the universal fabric. Because of the underlying web of universal unity, it follows that the only "sin" or error is to think and live as if you are separate from the rest of life. All things and all creatures are connected as threads in the garment of creation. As a result, one of the greatest virtues is to commit no harm. Those who live to bless others emanate the fragrance of universal unity and the sanctity of grace; they become agents of light and beauty, and the world resonates back to them its bounty. A tidal wave of blessing flows into the lives of those who realize their unity with the source and their kinship with all life. Their lives sound the magic keynote of harmony and they become friends of the universe, children of limitless life. --Emory Michael
Photo by Irina Iriser
The Secret of the Future
The secret of the wisdom teachings of the world is that every human being is destined to someday bring forth a higher being from within. We belong to a golden race of heroes whose origins are in the eternal light and whose destiny lies in the eternal, endless cosmos. Nature is never in a hurry for it knows it has eternity before it. Human beings are anxious because we do not realize that we too have eternity before us. When we contemplate our future self, a being of angelic splendor takes shape in our minds. The path to the realization of the hidden splendor within us lies before us each day. It is not necessary to go anywhere, but to seek within, beneath our ordinary thoughts and feelings, where a hidden treasure awaits discovery. Within us, the deepest mysteries slumber. From within us the stream of eternal wisdom flows, seeking an entrance into our hearts and minds. We tap into this stream when we listen with our hearts. —Emory Michael
The secret of the wisdom teachings of the world is that every human being is destined to someday bring forth a higher being from within. We belong to a golden race of heroes whose origins are in the eternal light and whose destiny lies in the eternal, endless cosmos. Nature is never in a hurry for it knows it has eternity before it. Human beings are anxious because we do not realize that we too have eternity before us. When we contemplate our future self, a being of angelic splendor takes shape in our minds. The path to the realization of the hidden splendor within us lies before us each day. It is not necessary to go anywhere, but to seek within, beneath our ordinary thoughts and feelings, where a hidden treasure awaits discovery. Within us, the deepest mysteries slumber. From within us the stream of eternal wisdom flows, seeking an entrance into our hearts and minds. We tap into this stream when we listen with our hearts. —Emory Michael
Photo by James Wheeler
Consciousness Creates the World
Modern science is obsessed with the chase for subatomic particles and obscure phenomena. Over time this will give way to the realization that the true building blocks of matter are ideas. The world is a creation of consciousness—of thinking mind. Behind the changing scenes of physical matter pulses the depths of spiritual being from which all life springs; matter comes into being in accordance with the intention of cosmic intelligence.
Only thought and consciousness can give meaning to life. A mass of clay seems to be nothing in itself, but in the mind and hands of a skilled artist it can become a creation of beauty, a masterpiece of art. It is mind and consciousness that give meaning to substance. We are not merely children of matter; we are the self-created offspring of a divine stream of light and love. Our origins are in the eternal light. —Emory Michael
Modern science is obsessed with the chase for subatomic particles and obscure phenomena. Over time this will give way to the realization that the true building blocks of matter are ideas. The world is a creation of consciousness—of thinking mind. Behind the changing scenes of physical matter pulses the depths of spiritual being from which all life springs; matter comes into being in accordance with the intention of cosmic intelligence.
Only thought and consciousness can give meaning to life. A mass of clay seems to be nothing in itself, but in the mind and hands of a skilled artist it can become a creation of beauty, a masterpiece of art. It is mind and consciousness that give meaning to substance. We are not merely children of matter; we are the self-created offspring of a divine stream of light and love. Our origins are in the eternal light. —Emory Michael
The Magic of Gratitude
Gratitude is one of the most beautiful inner qualities. Gratitude expands the radiance of the heart and triggers a response from the larger life of which we are a part, putting us in touch with the heart of the universe and all its power. The grateful state of mind releases a force from within, which like a breath of the divine, works to eliminate negativity from one’s life. Gratitude brings inner peace, serenity, and tranquility of spirit—the precursors of true wisdom. Thankfulness counters arrogance, a quality that turns people away.
The grateful attitude is an inexhaustible source of renewal and rejuvenation. When we express thankfulness by our inner attitude, we release a mysterious power from our minds and hearts that has a healing, beneficial influence. We begin to emanate an indefinable quality that others feel or perceive and which attracts them to us. Gratitude smoothes out countless difficulties and unlocks a portal into nature’s treasure house of safeguarded secrets. Those who give thanks for life’s experiences come under the influence of higher beings. Gratitude is the magic that leads to a happy life. —Emory Michael
Gratitude is one of the most beautiful inner qualities. Gratitude expands the radiance of the heart and triggers a response from the larger life of which we are a part, putting us in touch with the heart of the universe and all its power. The grateful state of mind releases a force from within, which like a breath of the divine, works to eliminate negativity from one’s life. Gratitude brings inner peace, serenity, and tranquility of spirit—the precursors of true wisdom. Thankfulness counters arrogance, a quality that turns people away.
The grateful attitude is an inexhaustible source of renewal and rejuvenation. When we express thankfulness by our inner attitude, we release a mysterious power from our minds and hearts that has a healing, beneficial influence. We begin to emanate an indefinable quality that others feel or perceive and which attracts them to us. Gratitude smoothes out countless difficulties and unlocks a portal into nature’s treasure house of safeguarded secrets. Those who give thanks for life’s experiences come under the influence of higher beings. Gratitude is the magic that leads to a happy life. —Emory Michael
The Golden Thread
In the great myth of ancient Athens, the hero Theseus is sentenced to be fed to the Minotaur, a monstrous creature--half man, half bull--that dwells in a labyrinth beneath the palace of the Minoan king. The king's daughter Ariadne loves Theseus, and seeking to save him from certain death, gives him a ball of golden thread that he ties to the door of the labyrinth and unwinds on his way into the dreadful maze. Theseus is able to defeat the Minotaur, and following the golden thread he finds his way back safely to the surface where Ariadne awaits him.
The mythic imagery contains deep insight. The journey of life is not for the faint-hearted. It takes courage to confront the issues and dangers that face each of us, represented by the Minotaur in the story. And to find our way, we need the truths revealed in the teachings of light that comprise the ancient and eternal wisdom which flows from the depths of the spirit. This is represented by Ariadne's golden thread. If we have the light we have life's essential element; without this light, we are like a ship at sea without a compass or star map.
Just as the fire of the sun is the source of earth's light, so also is the fire of the divine spirit in the heart the source of light which illumines a life. This light has its origins in love, symbolized by Ariadne in the ancient myth. Love is the supreme idea of Divine Intelligence, of which this universe is the expression. Because of this, the light that we emanate increases proportionally to the love within our hearts. The inner light is also the source of all the good that comes into our life. The way to overcome the dangers represented by the Minotaur in the ancient Greek tale is through the practice of love, goodness and wisdom. Those who live by love hold in their hands the golden thread of eternal light. --Emory Michael
In the great myth of ancient Athens, the hero Theseus is sentenced to be fed to the Minotaur, a monstrous creature--half man, half bull--that dwells in a labyrinth beneath the palace of the Minoan king. The king's daughter Ariadne loves Theseus, and seeking to save him from certain death, gives him a ball of golden thread that he ties to the door of the labyrinth and unwinds on his way into the dreadful maze. Theseus is able to defeat the Minotaur, and following the golden thread he finds his way back safely to the surface where Ariadne awaits him.
The mythic imagery contains deep insight. The journey of life is not for the faint-hearted. It takes courage to confront the issues and dangers that face each of us, represented by the Minotaur in the story. And to find our way, we need the truths revealed in the teachings of light that comprise the ancient and eternal wisdom which flows from the depths of the spirit. This is represented by Ariadne's golden thread. If we have the light we have life's essential element; without this light, we are like a ship at sea without a compass or star map.
Just as the fire of the sun is the source of earth's light, so also is the fire of the divine spirit in the heart the source of light which illumines a life. This light has its origins in love, symbolized by Ariadne in the ancient myth. Love is the supreme idea of Divine Intelligence, of which this universe is the expression. Because of this, the light that we emanate increases proportionally to the love within our hearts. The inner light is also the source of all the good that comes into our life. The way to overcome the dangers represented by the Minotaur in the ancient Greek tale is through the practice of love, goodness and wisdom. Those who live by love hold in their hands the golden thread of eternal light. --Emory Michael
The Journey of the Hero
The myths, legends and folk tales of the world describe symbolically the journey of self development to a higher state of consciousness. This archetypal quest is a journey of discovery that leads to inner awakening. On his or her quest, the hero or heroine goes though many trials, ordeals and tribulations. Invariably, they are asked at some point to achieve the impossible. So it is for all of us on a path of inner development. There comes a time when life requires that we accomplish "the impossible." The secret is this: that in the effort to achieve such a goal, that which appears impossible becomes possible. There is magic in the will. And we are bolstered by what Joseph Campbell calls "supernatural aid"—the golden thread of wisdom and inspiration that flows from the inner dimensions of universal life. We belong to a race of heroes whose origins and destiny are immeasurably profound.
Through our inner striving we connect to the secret opening in ourselves through which the inexhaustible life force of our own inner sun streams into earthly life. The two points by which we contact this living stream of light are in our hearts and in our minds. The stream through the mind is the golden living wisdom of divine understanding. The stream entering our hearts is the warmth of universal love. The fountain from which these two streams flow is inexhaustible and eternal. All who desire may undertake the heroic journey. Those who do so will discover they are children of a dynamic and inexhaustible life force. In striving for a deeper wisdom, we fulfill the call of the hero and enter the eternal stream that leads to liberation. —Emory Michael
The myths, legends and folk tales of the world describe symbolically the journey of self development to a higher state of consciousness. This archetypal quest is a journey of discovery that leads to inner awakening. On his or her quest, the hero or heroine goes though many trials, ordeals and tribulations. Invariably, they are asked at some point to achieve the impossible. So it is for all of us on a path of inner development. There comes a time when life requires that we accomplish "the impossible." The secret is this: that in the effort to achieve such a goal, that which appears impossible becomes possible. There is magic in the will. And we are bolstered by what Joseph Campbell calls "supernatural aid"—the golden thread of wisdom and inspiration that flows from the inner dimensions of universal life. We belong to a race of heroes whose origins and destiny are immeasurably profound.
Through our inner striving we connect to the secret opening in ourselves through which the inexhaustible life force of our own inner sun streams into earthly life. The two points by which we contact this living stream of light are in our hearts and in our minds. The stream through the mind is the golden living wisdom of divine understanding. The stream entering our hearts is the warmth of universal love. The fountain from which these two streams flow is inexhaustible and eternal. All who desire may undertake the heroic journey. Those who do so will discover they are children of a dynamic and inexhaustible life force. In striving for a deeper wisdom, we fulfill the call of the hero and enter the eternal stream that leads to liberation. —Emory Michael
Photo by Ben Cheung
The Engine of Life
Thinking is the engine of life that creates the world. The world is a projection of our minds. Each of us creates our personal world by the activity of our thinking. When we slow our minds and observe its contents, we enter the world of meditation. Meditation is coming to know your inner life. It is the creation of a conscious inner life—not one randomly thrust upon us by environment, but one we shape and mold by our inner attention and contemplative activity. Meditation slows our inner world. When the movement of our inner world ceases completely, the inner doors of perception open onto the landscape of inner space, the eternal “kingdom of heaven.” Meditation enables us to make the most important discovery possible, the realization of the eternal self within. —Emory Michael
Thinking is the engine of life that creates the world. The world is a projection of our minds. Each of us creates our personal world by the activity of our thinking. When we slow our minds and observe its contents, we enter the world of meditation. Meditation is coming to know your inner life. It is the creation of a conscious inner life—not one randomly thrust upon us by environment, but one we shape and mold by our inner attention and contemplative activity. Meditation slows our inner world. When the movement of our inner world ceases completely, the inner doors of perception open onto the landscape of inner space, the eternal “kingdom of heaven.” Meditation enables us to make the most important discovery possible, the realization of the eternal self within. —Emory Michael
Footprints in the Sky
Life is an art. The art of living is to put love into everything you do, for loving thoughts and actions create beauty. The feeling of love is the most exalted emotion, and also the most constructive, uplifting and life-bestowing. Love is also life’s most magical and powerful experience. When we act with love we achieve the state of grace, or the harmony of feelings. It may not always be possible to feel love, especially in trying circumstances, yet we can approach the art of loving through gratitude and enthusiasm.
Enthusiasm and gratitude have a close affinity to love; one might say they are love’s companions. Enthusiasm introduces positive energy into our thoughts and actions. Gratitude is a harbinger or gateway to love. When to love seems beyond our capacity, it is possible to make the effort to be grateful, even during difficult moments. An apocryphal tale is told of Christ walking with his disciples when they came upon a dead and rotting animal carcass. The disciples groaned at the awful stench. “What beautiful teeth the creature had,” responded Christ.
The great teachers tell us that there is always something beautiful to behold if we search for it. Gratitude induces the state of grace--the feeling of living close to the divine world. Those who walk in gratitude and love walk in grace and beauty. Their lives are imbued with the magical feeling that streams from God’s essence, a quintessence that flows through us. Its nature is light, love and serenity. Serenity is achieved when we can accept that ultimately all things conspire together for good. When we give lovingly of ourselves we walk on air. When we live in the state of grace prompted by love’s whisper in our soul, we leave our footprints in the sky. —Emory Michael
Life is an art. The art of living is to put love into everything you do, for loving thoughts and actions create beauty. The feeling of love is the most exalted emotion, and also the most constructive, uplifting and life-bestowing. Love is also life’s most magical and powerful experience. When we act with love we achieve the state of grace, or the harmony of feelings. It may not always be possible to feel love, especially in trying circumstances, yet we can approach the art of loving through gratitude and enthusiasm.
Enthusiasm and gratitude have a close affinity to love; one might say they are love’s companions. Enthusiasm introduces positive energy into our thoughts and actions. Gratitude is a harbinger or gateway to love. When to love seems beyond our capacity, it is possible to make the effort to be grateful, even during difficult moments. An apocryphal tale is told of Christ walking with his disciples when they came upon a dead and rotting animal carcass. The disciples groaned at the awful stench. “What beautiful teeth the creature had,” responded Christ.
The great teachers tell us that there is always something beautiful to behold if we search for it. Gratitude induces the state of grace--the feeling of living close to the divine world. Those who walk in gratitude and love walk in grace and beauty. Their lives are imbued with the magical feeling that streams from God’s essence, a quintessence that flows through us. Its nature is light, love and serenity. Serenity is achieved when we can accept that ultimately all things conspire together for good. When we give lovingly of ourselves we walk on air. When we live in the state of grace prompted by love’s whisper in our soul, we leave our footprints in the sky. —Emory Michael
Photo by Pixabay
The Law of the Seed
The law of the seed is the fundamental law of life and living. The nature of the seed determines the plant that unfolds and the fruits it eventually gives forth. If you want oranges, it won’t do to plant blueberries. Our desires, thoughts, words, and actions are also like living seeds. They mature and develop and one day produce “fruit” in our own and other’s lives. The nature of the “seeds”—that is, our thoughts and actions—will determine the harvest. Positive thoughts and acts produce positive, beneficial results.
Every human being is by nature a living seed, as well. Our spirit-self is a seed that has been planted on earth. What will be the fruits produced by our life? A great teacher once said, “By their fruits you will know them.” All human beings are known by their fruits—in other words, by the results and influence of their lives. The seeds we sow determine the harvest. When we plant our selves squarely in the divine life, the life of love and harmony with the benign laws that govern existence, we begin to unfold our higher power and potential. New forces awaken in us that lead to new life. We discover inner riches and an immortal fountain in our souls. As we express the love and goodness of the spirit seed in our hearts, our lives bear rich fruit that become a blessing to others. Our influence becomes like an oasis in the desert where those we love may find shelter, assistance and guidance. Plant seeds of love in the garden of life and you will reap a luminous, joyful harvest. —Emory Michael
The law of the seed is the fundamental law of life and living. The nature of the seed determines the plant that unfolds and the fruits it eventually gives forth. If you want oranges, it won’t do to plant blueberries. Our desires, thoughts, words, and actions are also like living seeds. They mature and develop and one day produce “fruit” in our own and other’s lives. The nature of the “seeds”—that is, our thoughts and actions—will determine the harvest. Positive thoughts and acts produce positive, beneficial results.
Every human being is by nature a living seed, as well. Our spirit-self is a seed that has been planted on earth. What will be the fruits produced by our life? A great teacher once said, “By their fruits you will know them.” All human beings are known by their fruits—in other words, by the results and influence of their lives. The seeds we sow determine the harvest. When we plant our selves squarely in the divine life, the life of love and harmony with the benign laws that govern existence, we begin to unfold our higher power and potential. New forces awaken in us that lead to new life. We discover inner riches and an immortal fountain in our souls. As we express the love and goodness of the spirit seed in our hearts, our lives bear rich fruit that become a blessing to others. Our influence becomes like an oasis in the desert where those we love may find shelter, assistance and guidance. Plant seeds of love in the garden of life and you will reap a luminous, joyful harvest. —Emory Michael
Photo by Nicollazzi Xiong
The Diamond that Endures
From the standpoint of our deeper self, the physical world we inhabit resembles sandcastles on the beach. The tides of time dissolve all things. Matter is temporal and transitory; not even diamonds are forever. Of course, the material world we inhabit is very real to our senses, but it is nonetheless ephemeral. Everything changes; all things pass. In contrast, there lives in each of us a perfect being—an immortal presence. We are on earth to discover this limitless being within. The ancient sages outlined a way of life that led to the discovery of the immortal principle within the soul. They advised us to seek and live by the eternal values—the living truths that lead from darkness to light and from the unreal to the real. We contact the source of light within through luminous thoughts, loving feelings, and helpful actions. As we grow in awareness of the inner light, we fulfill our purpose in this world. We discover the eternal presence—the diamond self that does endure forever. —Emory Michael.
From the standpoint of our deeper self, the physical world we inhabit resembles sandcastles on the beach. The tides of time dissolve all things. Matter is temporal and transitory; not even diamonds are forever. Of course, the material world we inhabit is very real to our senses, but it is nonetheless ephemeral. Everything changes; all things pass. In contrast, there lives in each of us a perfect being—an immortal presence. We are on earth to discover this limitless being within. The ancient sages outlined a way of life that led to the discovery of the immortal principle within the soul. They advised us to seek and live by the eternal values—the living truths that lead from darkness to light and from the unreal to the real. We contact the source of light within through luminous thoughts, loving feelings, and helpful actions. As we grow in awareness of the inner light, we fulfill our purpose in this world. We discover the eternal presence—the diamond self that does endure forever. —Emory Michael.
Photo by Mia Michael
Polishing the Mirror
Suzuki Roshi once said to his students of Zen meditation “You are all already perfect…” and after a pause added, “… and you could also use some improvement.” Although comical, his statement reveals a paradox of human nature. In our essential nature—our spiritual core essence—we are perfect and complete even now. Yet everyone knows that that in terms of character and the qualities of our inner life we are from perfect; we could all “use some improvement.”
The self—our spiritual essence—manifests through the lens of our personality. Spiritual activity is the process of polishing the lens and making our thoughts and perceptions a more perfect revealer of the inner light and love of our essence. Another way to picture this activity is to say that we polish the mirror of our hearts in order to more perfectly reflect the light that shines from the star of our eternal spirit. The spiritual path connotes a journey, a process of self developing. It is the inner work that transforms us. Like the sculptor who removes all the unnecessary stone in order to reveal the perfect image he holds in his mind, so also do we remove the nonessential elements that veil our true nature. Inner development is the alchemy that refines us into pure gold. The gold is already there, but mixed with common or “base” metals. The gold, the pure shining essence of our intrinsic nature, needs to be separated from the dross. By dwelling on the good, the true, and the beautiful, we refine our inner soul nature—our habitual thoughts, feelings and perceptions—that part of us that “needs improvement.” By focusing on the light and inner radiance of the divine within, we attain self knowledge and inner serenity. As we polish the lens of our perceptions and feelings, we more perfectly focus the light that shines from the center of our hearts—the eternal jewel of our essential self. —Emory Michael
Suzuki Roshi once said to his students of Zen meditation “You are all already perfect…” and after a pause added, “… and you could also use some improvement.” Although comical, his statement reveals a paradox of human nature. In our essential nature—our spiritual core essence—we are perfect and complete even now. Yet everyone knows that that in terms of character and the qualities of our inner life we are from perfect; we could all “use some improvement.”
The self—our spiritual essence—manifests through the lens of our personality. Spiritual activity is the process of polishing the lens and making our thoughts and perceptions a more perfect revealer of the inner light and love of our essence. Another way to picture this activity is to say that we polish the mirror of our hearts in order to more perfectly reflect the light that shines from the star of our eternal spirit. The spiritual path connotes a journey, a process of self developing. It is the inner work that transforms us. Like the sculptor who removes all the unnecessary stone in order to reveal the perfect image he holds in his mind, so also do we remove the nonessential elements that veil our true nature. Inner development is the alchemy that refines us into pure gold. The gold is already there, but mixed with common or “base” metals. The gold, the pure shining essence of our intrinsic nature, needs to be separated from the dross. By dwelling on the good, the true, and the beautiful, we refine our inner soul nature—our habitual thoughts, feelings and perceptions—that part of us that “needs improvement.” By focusing on the light and inner radiance of the divine within, we attain self knowledge and inner serenity. As we polish the lens of our perceptions and feelings, we more perfectly focus the light that shines from the center of our hearts—the eternal jewel of our essential self. —Emory Michael
Photo by Mota Junior
The Essence of Creation
The universe is an idea in the mind of God. The physical world of so-called matter—which is really light set in motion and partially crystallized—is a manifestation of thoughts. Matter is condensed or solidified thought. Your personal universe is an interplay of ideas and forces set in motion in you and by you. The world is an out-picturing of the vibrations of thoughts. Take away the motion created by the activity of cosmic and human thinking and the world would disappear. Nothing matters more than what you are thinking. Nothing is more important than the nature of the thoughts you think. Thought stimulates feelings, and the emotional element added to thought provides the motivation to act. Your life is shaped by your mind and your mind is shaped by the desires that drive you. When you concentrate on a visual scenario you create an energetic blueprint that coalesces into the very conditions you visualize. Mind is the matrix of all things. The inner world of consciousness is the womb in which our future life gestates. Action brings into being the substance of our thoughts and our dreams. To create a better world, first picture it in your mind, and then take action to bring it about. This is the essence of creative process. —Emory Michael
The universe is an idea in the mind of God. The physical world of so-called matter—which is really light set in motion and partially crystallized—is a manifestation of thoughts. Matter is condensed or solidified thought. Your personal universe is an interplay of ideas and forces set in motion in you and by you. The world is an out-picturing of the vibrations of thoughts. Take away the motion created by the activity of cosmic and human thinking and the world would disappear. Nothing matters more than what you are thinking. Nothing is more important than the nature of the thoughts you think. Thought stimulates feelings, and the emotional element added to thought provides the motivation to act. Your life is shaped by your mind and your mind is shaped by the desires that drive you. When you concentrate on a visual scenario you create an energetic blueprint that coalesces into the very conditions you visualize. Mind is the matrix of all things. The inner world of consciousness is the womb in which our future life gestates. Action brings into being the substance of our thoughts and our dreams. To create a better world, first picture it in your mind, and then take action to bring it about. This is the essence of creative process. —Emory Michael
The Slumbering Spark
In every human being the divine spark sleeps. Through the process of spiritual awakening the spark stirs to life and the flame of love and light burns ever more brightly. We fan the flame by thoughts imbued with wisdom and by elevated feelings of inspiration, kindness and serenity. Beneath our ordinary thoughts and feelings the deepest mystery lies hidden—the mystery of our own true self. Everyone bears the divine within them. Our personalities mask the secret self. Each of us is god in disguise.
By subtle alterations in our ordinary thoughts and feelings we make strides in our development. Like a layer of clouds hiding the sun, the star of our higher nature is masked beneath the gloom of dark thoughts and hardened feelings. Spiritual activity is the alchemy that refines our inner life. We need the pressure of inner attention to transform the soul into its diamond nature, reflecting the brilliance of the inner star of the spirit. As we create the right conditions in our own minds and hearts, we experience a great awakening, and the descent of the eternal light that transforms us. The greatest moment in our soul evolution is when we discover that our essential self lives in the eternal dimensions of light and love, freed from earthly darkness or harm. Through inner practice we learn to contact this light and bring it into our lives through thoughts and actions that uplift, assist and inspire. This is the eternal path that leads to the universal heights of perennial wisdom and eternal love. –– Emory Michael
In every human being the divine spark sleeps. Through the process of spiritual awakening the spark stirs to life and the flame of love and light burns ever more brightly. We fan the flame by thoughts imbued with wisdom and by elevated feelings of inspiration, kindness and serenity. Beneath our ordinary thoughts and feelings the deepest mystery lies hidden—the mystery of our own true self. Everyone bears the divine within them. Our personalities mask the secret self. Each of us is god in disguise.
By subtle alterations in our ordinary thoughts and feelings we make strides in our development. Like a layer of clouds hiding the sun, the star of our higher nature is masked beneath the gloom of dark thoughts and hardened feelings. Spiritual activity is the alchemy that refines our inner life. We need the pressure of inner attention to transform the soul into its diamond nature, reflecting the brilliance of the inner star of the spirit. As we create the right conditions in our own minds and hearts, we experience a great awakening, and the descent of the eternal light that transforms us. The greatest moment in our soul evolution is when we discover that our essential self lives in the eternal dimensions of light and love, freed from earthly darkness or harm. Through inner practice we learn to contact this light and bring it into our lives through thoughts and actions that uplift, assist and inspire. This is the eternal path that leads to the universal heights of perennial wisdom and eternal love. –– Emory Michael
The Water of Life
From ancient India comes a touching tale that imaginatively describes the human condition. The divine prophet Krishna asks his friend and pupil Narada to fetch a glass of water. Narada knocks on a cottage door in the village and an entrancing girl with almond eyes and a bewitching smile invites him in. Smitten with love, Narada asks the parents of the young girl if he might marry her. Soon they are wed in festive celebration and over time Narada becomes a landowner with many children. The years pass and his children grow; the valley is filled with his relatives. Then one day a flood sweeps through the valley, destroying the village and sweeping away all of Narada’s loved ones. As he walks heartbroken along the hills he hears someone behind him. Turning he sees Krishna, eyes dancing with light. “Narada,” says the seer. “Where is my glass of water?”
Each of us is on a voyage in which we have forgotten our divine origins. On this journey we discover that every human being carries in themselves the original, primordial light. Our personalities mask this ineffable radiance; each of us is God in disguise. The origins of human life and of the human spirit are immeasurably profound. Human life is essentially infinite… without end. It is infinite in both directions of time, toward the past and toward the future. Our origins are before this life, and our future destiny extends into the endless spiritual cosmos. Our finite minds cannot comprehend the infinite, nor can our intellects even grasp our true identity. We are children of the eternal light; our spirit is of God.
The inner practices that illumine our lives are those that make us aware of the deeper presence of peace from which springs the primordial light. Interior practices of awareness develop a kind of interior sensing that in time reveal the mystery of oneself. The highest calling is to be able to anchor on earth the stream of divine life that originates in the core of your being—your original presence. In so doing we embody the infinite, and make the divine visible and present on earth. In your awareness of this light is the fulfillment of your purpose on earth. When you can sustain the feeling of inner serenity, regardless of what is taking place in the external, your life and consciousness will be forever transformed. The mystery of true inner peace lies in the deep consciousness of our spirit selves—in the awareness that who we truly are is not the flesh and bones inside our skin, but the energetic structure of an inner cosmos that is available to our minds and hearts here and now.
Out of our future self and future consciousness—available to us even now— will come the solution to the present crisis. From humanity’s oceanic depths in the spirit will surface the solutions to the frightful dilemmas that grip our world today. To have faith in the future is to realize that the human spirit has only begun to tap the qualities within it. Greatest of these is the capacity to love. When humanity can learn the secret of itself and give forth kindness and goodness from the unquenchable fountain in the heart we will discover the secret of turning darkness to light. We will rediscover that we still carry Krishna’s glass of water. Its contents pour from an unquenchable fountain in the heart of the world. From an interior cosmos that is our own deepest self. When we discover thesource of our own inmost essence, we will have found the eternal waters of life.—Emory Michael
Each of us is on a voyage in which we have forgotten our divine origins. On this journey we discover that every human being carries in themselves the original, primordial light. Our personalities mask this ineffable radiance; each of us is God in disguise. The origins of human life and of the human spirit are immeasurably profound. Human life is essentially infinite… without end. It is infinite in both directions of time, toward the past and toward the future. Our origins are before this life, and our future destiny extends into the endless spiritual cosmos. Our finite minds cannot comprehend the infinite, nor can our intellects even grasp our true identity. We are children of the eternal light; our spirit is of God.
The inner practices that illumine our lives are those that make us aware of the deeper presence of peace from which springs the primordial light. Interior practices of awareness develop a kind of interior sensing that in time reveal the mystery of oneself. The highest calling is to be able to anchor on earth the stream of divine life that originates in the core of your being—your original presence. In so doing we embody the infinite, and make the divine visible and present on earth. In your awareness of this light is the fulfillment of your purpose on earth. When you can sustain the feeling of inner serenity, regardless of what is taking place in the external, your life and consciousness will be forever transformed. The mystery of true inner peace lies in the deep consciousness of our spirit selves—in the awareness that who we truly are is not the flesh and bones inside our skin, but the energetic structure of an inner cosmos that is available to our minds and hearts here and now.
Out of our future self and future consciousness—available to us even now— will come the solution to the present crisis. From humanity’s oceanic depths in the spirit will surface the solutions to the frightful dilemmas that grip our world today. To have faith in the future is to realize that the human spirit has only begun to tap the qualities within it. Greatest of these is the capacity to love. When humanity can learn the secret of itself and give forth kindness and goodness from the unquenchable fountain in the heart we will discover the secret of turning darkness to light. We will rediscover that we still carry Krishna’s glass of water. Its contents pour from an unquenchable fountain in the heart of the world. From an interior cosmos that is our own deepest self. When we discover thesource of our own inmost essence, we will have found the eternal waters of life.—Emory Michael
Light Arising
There are two streams in creation that manifest in all of nature's processes. One stream is that of life and growth, of rebirth and flourishing renewal. This is most apparent at spring time, when nature bursts forth in an abundant expression of new foliage and life. The other stream is that of decay and death; it, too, is always apparent in nature and also in human life. These two streams are two aspects of one dynamic cycle, like in-breath and out-breath, day and night, or the ebb and flow of the tides. We think of the stream of decay and dissolution as being aligned with the downward pull of gravity. In contrast, the forces of life, growth and renewal lift us toward the sun. This stream is aligned with a force that might be called levity.
The only way to really defy gravity is to get on the side of levity. In other words, the way to resist the forces of deterioration and decay is to join up with the forces of light and love—the stream of life that raises us into radiant health and prosperity. This is the stream that builds, that works constructively, and that gives lovingly. When we align ourselves with the luminous stream that creates and gives out of an inexhaustible inner abundance, we overcome the forces that would drag us down into ill health or deterioration. When our thoughts are filled with understanding, and imbued with wisdom and insight, our feelings respond in kind. We open the portals of inner warmth, kindness and gratitude. These positive emotions link us to the upward rising stream that brings ever new life to both body and soul. —Emory Michael
The only way to really defy gravity is to get on the side of levity. In other words, the way to resist the forces of deterioration and decay is to join up with the forces of light and love—the stream of life that raises us into radiant health and prosperity. This is the stream that builds, that works constructively, and that gives lovingly. When we align ourselves with the luminous stream that creates and gives out of an inexhaustible inner abundance, we overcome the forces that would drag us down into ill health or deterioration. When our thoughts are filled with understanding, and imbued with wisdom and insight, our feelings respond in kind. We open the portals of inner warmth, kindness and gratitude. These positive emotions link us to the upward rising stream that brings ever new life to both body and soul. —Emory Michael
Makers of Beauty
The universe lives in each of us, whispering its song. The entire theater of creation is a dramatization of the love principle of giving. The secret of success is to work with love, putting love into everything you do. This creates beauty, for love is the mother of beauty. Those who give lovingly are blessed by the forces they themselves set in motion. The giving hand gathers. When actions spring from loving thoughts we create a condition of harmony that is the apex of human endeavor. Love is the motivating force of the universe.
The inner transformation that puts us on the side of beauty, creation and abundance can be compared to the extraordinary journey of the butterfly. The lowly caterpillar devours living things—leaving a trail of waste and destruction—the hallmark of a true pest. As if tiring of its destructive ways, some mysterious urge prompts it to wrap itself in fine threads it produces out of its own inner activity. Within the secret world of the cocoon the caterpillar undergoes a miraculous development and emerges in time as the lovely butterfly, one of the most poetic of nature's creatures—as graceful as a winged flower—that pollinates blossoms and gives life to future generations.
The butterfly is the symbol of the human soul that grows out of its destructive phase and becomes a benefactor to the world. The power of extending love and light from within leads us on our journey of inner development. If your life is coming apart at the seams consider starting a campaign of giving. This does not only mean giving with the hands but also emanating love from the heart. Get on the side of light and love by initiating actions that bestow blessings and
create beauty. The more we give of that which is good, helpful, and loving, the more of the same we receive. In so doing we become makers of beauty. Love creates an alliance with the cosmos.
Each of us has the power to open the floodgates of life's rewards. Creating beauty makes life an art. The practice of goodness uplifts one's inner life and leads to the interior "transformation of soul" that is at the heart of authentic spiritual activity. Those who persist in thinking and acting lovingly step into a universe of miracles. —Emory Michael
The inner transformation that puts us on the side of beauty, creation and abundance can be compared to the extraordinary journey of the butterfly. The lowly caterpillar devours living things—leaving a trail of waste and destruction—the hallmark of a true pest. As if tiring of its destructive ways, some mysterious urge prompts it to wrap itself in fine threads it produces out of its own inner activity. Within the secret world of the cocoon the caterpillar undergoes a miraculous development and emerges in time as the lovely butterfly, one of the most poetic of nature's creatures—as graceful as a winged flower—that pollinates blossoms and gives life to future generations.
The butterfly is the symbol of the human soul that grows out of its destructive phase and becomes a benefactor to the world. The power of extending love and light from within leads us on our journey of inner development. If your life is coming apart at the seams consider starting a campaign of giving. This does not only mean giving with the hands but also emanating love from the heart. Get on the side of light and love by initiating actions that bestow blessings and
create beauty. The more we give of that which is good, helpful, and loving, the more of the same we receive. In so doing we become makers of beauty. Love creates an alliance with the cosmos.
Each of us has the power to open the floodgates of life's rewards. Creating beauty makes life an art. The practice of goodness uplifts one's inner life and leads to the interior "transformation of soul" that is at the heart of authentic spiritual activity. Those who persist in thinking and acting lovingly step into a universe of miracles. —Emory Michael
The Path of Happiness
Human beings are not created to suffer. Suffering is the legacy of our collective past, the bitter fruit of decisions that caused harm. As harm is eclipsed, suffering fades. Still, it is not possible to avoid a measure of suffering and sorrow while on earth in this age, for loss is the experience of the modern consciousness. Because we experience loss, we suffer. In times ahead, joy will eclipse sorrow as the way of awakening.
Because we are multidimensional, who we are remains mysterious. Joy lives inside us, streaming from the spark of God planted in our hearts. All the masters have reminded us to look within to find the God we seek. That which you seek is calling you, closer than hands and feet, nearer than breath and heartbeat. We don’t seem to realize that the fragrance that causes us to search has its origin in our spiritual heart—the flower at the center of our soul’s garden. Our path into the future is fueled by our own consciousness, formed by what takes place in our own souls. Divine love is our essence, pulsing at our core. This essence is not made of bricks and mortar, or of any earthly element. It is the sacred divine fire—older than the oldest star—yet younger than a newborn infant. To find the fountain of love within is the new path of awakening. Fortunate are those who embrace the miracle of each day. Blessed are those who find the joy enfolded in each moment. —Emory Michael
Because we are multidimensional, who we are remains mysterious. Joy lives inside us, streaming from the spark of God planted in our hearts. All the masters have reminded us to look within to find the God we seek. That which you seek is calling you, closer than hands and feet, nearer than breath and heartbeat. We don’t seem to realize that the fragrance that causes us to search has its origin in our spiritual heart—the flower at the center of our soul’s garden. Our path into the future is fueled by our own consciousness, formed by what takes place in our own souls. Divine love is our essence, pulsing at our core. This essence is not made of bricks and mortar, or of any earthly element. It is the sacred divine fire—older than the oldest star—yet younger than a newborn infant. To find the fountain of love within is the new path of awakening. Fortunate are those who embrace the miracle of each day. Blessed are those who find the joy enfolded in each moment. —Emory Michael
Everything Interpenetrates Everything Else
We are all interconnected. Everything interpenetrates everything else. Like the interweaving of a Celtic knot, all living things are spun together in the unified fabric of life. Nothing is of itself alone. All things are inseparably connected in the singular field of universal life. And so it is true—what you do to another you do to yourself. This is the fundamental law of life—the law of love. With a realization of this law in one’s heart, how can one harm any living creature? Those who carry this truth in their hearts will love and be loved by all living things. Ignorance of this law leads to actions which are a form of madness or insanity, for only an insane person would cause harm to himself. Yet this is what individuals and nations of the world are doing in the current insane violence occurring in the theater of the world. Due to the inviolable law of reciprocity, compensation or karma—call it what you will—the waves set in motion by your actions will come back to their point of origin.
When we live with love in our hearts and gratitude for the opportunities set before us, thankfulness for life itself, we vibrate in harmony with the great unseen heart of the universe. Through the law of love we draw to ourselves the blessings stored up for us by the heart of the universe. Individuals who live this law of love and kinship with life transform their feelings into the high octaves of creativity and happiness; they are the true pioneers, and the first of the new wave of illumined souls to enter the ocean of divine peace, love and contentment.
—Emory Michael
When we live with love in our hearts and gratitude for the opportunities set before us, thankfulness for life itself, we vibrate in harmony with the great unseen heart of the universe. Through the law of love we draw to ourselves the blessings stored up for us by the heart of the universe. Individuals who live this law of love and kinship with life transform their feelings into the high octaves of creativity and happiness; they are the true pioneers, and the first of the new wave of illumined souls to enter the ocean of divine peace, love and contentment.
—Emory Michael
The Wisdom from Within
The wisdom and guidance you seek flows from within. Others can act as mirrors and help you to clarify issues, but no one else has the answers for your life. The light you seek pulsates from the center of your soul. The God you seek is your own deepest self. Those who seek happiness in things possess only the things, for happiness is not in things, but in the light streaming from our own inner star.
The world is so fashioned that all things in creation are inter-connected by flux threads of light. The universal fabric is one unified luminous tapestry. The song in your heart is carried by these light threads across the universe. Not only do our thoughts reach to the farthest star, but our inner life creates wave currents in the subtle atmosphere and impacts the life fields of those around us. Your thoughts of love touch countless hearts. Not only do we “rub shoulders” with others, but our fields interweave and our auras commingle. We live not to ourselves alone, for we influence those around us by all we think, say and do. One person thinking truth— and living in harmony with the perennial wisdom—can elevate her environment and all whom she contacts. There is no limit to how far the light may extend from us to help and heal.
The greatest moment in our evolution as souls is when we experience that we live in the eternal light, and that darkness cannot hurt us. The way to contact the light is through the cultivation of an elevated inner life. We invite the light by entertaining thoughts of goodness, truth and beauty. We harness the light by allowing ourselves to be guided by the wisdom that moves the worlds. And as we increasingly live from this luminous center of inspiration and guidance, our lives dance in harmony with the same love that moves the sun, the planets and the stars.
—Emory Michael
The world is so fashioned that all things in creation are inter-connected by flux threads of light. The universal fabric is one unified luminous tapestry. The song in your heart is carried by these light threads across the universe. Not only do our thoughts reach to the farthest star, but our inner life creates wave currents in the subtle atmosphere and impacts the life fields of those around us. Your thoughts of love touch countless hearts. Not only do we “rub shoulders” with others, but our fields interweave and our auras commingle. We live not to ourselves alone, for we influence those around us by all we think, say and do. One person thinking truth— and living in harmony with the perennial wisdom—can elevate her environment and all whom she contacts. There is no limit to how far the light may extend from us to help and heal.
The greatest moment in our evolution as souls is when we experience that we live in the eternal light, and that darkness cannot hurt us. The way to contact the light is through the cultivation of an elevated inner life. We invite the light by entertaining thoughts of goodness, truth and beauty. We harness the light by allowing ourselves to be guided by the wisdom that moves the worlds. And as we increasingly live from this luminous center of inspiration and guidance, our lives dance in harmony with the same love that moves the sun, the planets and the stars.
—Emory Michael
Finding the Balance
The realization of the eternal light within you is the dawn of an eternity of happiness. Everything your soul needs for its contentment is contained in its relationship with the eternal divine. There are two fundamental poles of your being—your spiritual essence is one pole, and your bodily life of sensation and movement is the other. The most important element of life—leading to life’s greatest experience—is the realization of the eternal spiritual spark within. The greatest thing that can happen to anyone is the discovery of the existence of the core essence of one’s being. The purpose of all spiritual traditions and practices is to lead to this awakening—the realization that you are a spark of eternal divine fire living temporarily in a material world. Ignorance of the spirit is the source of much misery. Action not grounded in the wisdom that flows from inner realization often lead to errors of judgment and painful results.
Yet it is also true that when contemplative practices are accented to the detriment of bodily existence—not balanced with vigorous physical expression—there is a weakness of will and a loss of vital energy. The master knows the truth of the indwelling spirit, and also knows how to live energetically in this physical world of kaleidoscopic change. You must live fully in this world of matter, which is really light in motion. To find the balance and to live masterfully in the sensory world of bodily existence, we need to act—to be dynamically involved with life. Life’s challenge is to balance spirit and matter within the context of a life that gives rise to joyous living. When our hearts are filled with the love that flows from the spirit, our actions in the world are guided by that love. We then sow seeds of light in the field of life and reap a joyful harvest. —Emory Michael
Yet it is also true that when contemplative practices are accented to the detriment of bodily existence—not balanced with vigorous physical expression—there is a weakness of will and a loss of vital energy. The master knows the truth of the indwelling spirit, and also knows how to live energetically in this physical world of kaleidoscopic change. You must live fully in this world of matter, which is really light in motion. To find the balance and to live masterfully in the sensory world of bodily existence, we need to act—to be dynamically involved with life. Life’s challenge is to balance spirit and matter within the context of a life that gives rise to joyous living. When our hearts are filled with the love that flows from the spirit, our actions in the world are guided by that love. We then sow seeds of light in the field of life and reap a joyful harvest. —Emory Michael
Your Life's Trajectory
All movement is spiral. All direction is curved. When you work lovingly and appreciatively, you align yourself with the ascending spiral of soul evolution that is lifting all creatures to a higher state of being. Your life trajectory becomes an ever ascending spiral of light, beauty and happiness. This does not mean there won’t be times of trial and despondency; but as we work persistently with the qualities of the eternal self within, we engage the positive emotions of life that liberate us from darkness and negativity. The source of life within us is a fountain from which streams perennial wisdom and renewal. Daily contact with this center of radiant divine life gives us strength for living and elevates our consciousness. This gives us the resilience that enables us to turn darkness to light, sadness to joy and brings our mind under the influence of eternal wisdom. In this way our soul is sustained on its trajectory into the living light that heals and renews.
—Emory Michael
—Emory Michael
Morning Prayer
Oh Great Spirit, teach me to carry you within my heart, even as you carry me within your heart. May the peace and love of your heart fill mine with love for all beings. May the world be encircled with love. May peace come to planet earth. --Emory Michael
Love Wins
A universal law operates through every interchange in life. Thanks to the reciprocity at the heart of all action, we benefit our lives in the measure that we benefit the lives of others. Life is what we make it; we reap what we sow. Love always wins, for love creates and brings new life. We grow as individuals and improve our own situation when our efforts, personally and professionally, improve the life conditions of others. When we give, the universe gives back. The love we bestow is the love we receive. When we learn to apply love on the wings of this universal law we become masters of our destiny. When we give love, we create a beautiful life now and in the future, for love always wins. —Emory Michael
The Importance of Right Thinking
Quantum science is on the edge of rediscovering the wisdom of the ancient sages—the recognition that we live in a vibratory universe of thought waves. With it comes the realization that matter is living light, light in motion. Your life is a record of your thinking. What you think today you become tomorrow. To transform your experience, transform your thoughts. To change your life, change your mind. The world is chaotic today because mass thinking is based on greed, theft and domination over others. The universe gives back to you what you give to others. When thinking is hinged to the universal law of love—of balanced giving and regiving—the world will know peace. This planet will change for the better when enough people change their thinking to encompass goodness, truth and beauty.
Nothing is more important than the thoughts you dwell upon. When you succeed in aligning your dominant thoughts with the pole star of eternal wisdom, you permanently alter your destiny. When you shift your mind from darkness to light and from uncertainty to inner conviction you stabilize and inspire your life. Many problems dissolve when we get our thoughts right. Nothing matters more than the cultivation of an inner life that nurtures the spirit. This is why we are here—to unfold the inner light that leads to the discovery of the immortal spark within.
Although it is human nature to rebel at unpleasant circumstances, these very challenges are the conditions best suited for our advancement. Life mastery begins when we grasp hold of the reins of thinking, and begin to live in harmony with the law of love. We receive in the measure that we give. By our thoughts we make the world. When our thoughts harmonize with the universal heartbeat based on the law of constructive giving, we will find ourselves on the cusp of inner and outer liberation. When we realize that what we do to our neighbor we do to ourselves, the world will move into the promised golden age. —Emory Michael
Nothing is more important than the thoughts you dwell upon. When you succeed in aligning your dominant thoughts with the pole star of eternal wisdom, you permanently alter your destiny. When you shift your mind from darkness to light and from uncertainty to inner conviction you stabilize and inspire your life. Many problems dissolve when we get our thoughts right. Nothing matters more than the cultivation of an inner life that nurtures the spirit. This is why we are here—to unfold the inner light that leads to the discovery of the immortal spark within.
Although it is human nature to rebel at unpleasant circumstances, these very challenges are the conditions best suited for our advancement. Life mastery begins when we grasp hold of the reins of thinking, and begin to live in harmony with the law of love. We receive in the measure that we give. By our thoughts we make the world. When our thoughts harmonize with the universal heartbeat based on the law of constructive giving, we will find ourselves on the cusp of inner and outer liberation. When we realize that what we do to our neighbor we do to ourselves, the world will move into the promised golden age. —Emory Michael
Heaven on Earth
It’s been said that heaven is a place where people love each other and care for each other. Loving people can be an easy thing, or the most difficult of all things. To love in a true sense, one must learn to see beyond appearances—to get beyond personality, to the deeper self. That means first being able to approach in one’s own mind and heart the deeper self—the center of peace and love within. Compassion and understanding flow like a living stream from the heart attuned to the universal in oneself and others. Achieving serenity in our thoughts makes it possible to embody a more loving presence in the heart. In awareness of your inner light is the fulfillment of your purpose on earth. Keep in your heart, like a shining jewel, the thought of this golden inner presence, and share the light with others. This is the way to bring heaven on earth. --Emory Michael
Courting the Miraculous
Each of us has the power to create our own miracles. The law of miracles is accessible when we realize that we live in a light-wave universe, and that our essential nature is light. By raising the frequency of our thoughts and feelings, we touch the light of our deeper selves; we open ourselves to receive a stream of blessings. As we think and act in harmony with the essential goodness of life, we draw goodness to ourselves. Nothing matters more than the nature of the thoughts we hold in our minds. When we shift our thoughts from darkness to light and cultivate thoughts that nurture our spirit, we open ourselves to a luminous universe of blessings. When our thoughts are constructive and focused on the outcomes we desire, we create our own miracles.
--Emory Michael
--Emory Michael
New Year's Resolution
At the New Year, it is natural to look ahead with hope toward a better future. The custom of wishing oneself and others a year of success and happiness is a tradition rooted in deep wisdom. Human life is governed by subtle laws that cause each of us to create the world we will inhabit in the future. The building materials that shape this future world are our own thoughts, feelings, words, strivings and decisions. Circumstances don’t simply happen to us. It is the manner in which we think, feel and act that pull circumstances to us. Positive anticipation is a most powerful force. When we look forward with positive hope and expectation for better circumstances, we are in fact creating the very conditions we picture. When we think in terms of blessings, happiness and goodness, we are drawing these very things our way. By thinking in terms of progress, happiness, health and beautiful conditions, we call into operation the mysterious spiritual and creative forces that produce the very reflection of our inner activities of consciousness. For this reason it has been said: “we think in secret and it comes to pass, environment is our looking glass.” As we think in terms of goodness, beauty and light, we help create a better world for ourselves and others. — Emory Michael
The Law of Blessing
We are all familiar with the request for God’s blessing upon a person or upon a nation. People ask for God’s blessings for the military, for individuals, for any manner of things. It is a lovely and healthy sentiment when we wish blessings, for a blessing is a bestowal of good. The idea of blessing is often misunderstood and misapplied, however, as if God listens to us and bends his ear towards certain supplications or requests for favors, and declines others. The same holds true for prayer. People pray as if petitioning a royal personage on a throne who dispenses favors based upon the sincerity of the request. It is common now to read or hear people requesting God’s blessing upon a particular nation, as if God would not also want to bless the inhabitants of other lands, or might favor some children of the universe over others. This matter of blessing deserves some clarification.
In the mystical view, God—or divine intelligence, or the universal mind—looks upon all with an equal glance. The universal laws do not favor any individual, group, or nation over any other individual, group or nation. All are equal in the sight of the universal, divine consciousness. And this heavenly consciousness is not capable of “negative” emotions, hatred or any destructive or mean-spirited attitude. The characteristics of the divine are serenity, bliss, understanding and the qualities of the loving heart. In every action and transaction of life the divine intelligence plays its part, having set into operation the universal laws of balance and reciprocity, which always work. The heartbeat of the universe is the cosmic pulse of life; it echoes back to us the very forces we set in motion. Like the law of gravity, the law applies equally to all. Those who cause destruction or harm will feel the reverse pendulum swing of the very actions they have caused. The same applies to those who live lovingly and kindly. In this action of universal law we see the real meaning of blessing and the power to bless. Looked at from this view, God does not visit special blessings upon us in the manner of favors granted; we bless or harm ourselves by the manner in which we think, speak and act. To bring blessings on oneself one must bestow blessings on others.
One night a homeless man came into our shop with his dog. As he searched through the selection of candles he struck up a conversation with a woman buying a book for her children. Realizing that the man intended to spend the night in a tent with his dog and had little money, she offered to pay for his candle. As the man left the store, he turned to the woman and said, “God will bless you for your kindness.” His words revealed the truth of the law of blessing. We are blessed by the blessings we bestow on others.
Each of us has the power to bless. Blessing is the radiance of love and goodness streaming from our hearts and our souls. Those who live kindly and lovingly bring blessings on those whose lives they touch and they also bring blessings on themselves. When we use our gifts and knowledge to bless, heal and uplift, we ourselves are blessed by the forces we set in motion. And we are blessed as well by the invisible powers who act as agents of the universal wisdom.
—Emory Michael
In the mystical view, God—or divine intelligence, or the universal mind—looks upon all with an equal glance. The universal laws do not favor any individual, group, or nation over any other individual, group or nation. All are equal in the sight of the universal, divine consciousness. And this heavenly consciousness is not capable of “negative” emotions, hatred or any destructive or mean-spirited attitude. The characteristics of the divine are serenity, bliss, understanding and the qualities of the loving heart. In every action and transaction of life the divine intelligence plays its part, having set into operation the universal laws of balance and reciprocity, which always work. The heartbeat of the universe is the cosmic pulse of life; it echoes back to us the very forces we set in motion. Like the law of gravity, the law applies equally to all. Those who cause destruction or harm will feel the reverse pendulum swing of the very actions they have caused. The same applies to those who live lovingly and kindly. In this action of universal law we see the real meaning of blessing and the power to bless. Looked at from this view, God does not visit special blessings upon us in the manner of favors granted; we bless or harm ourselves by the manner in which we think, speak and act. To bring blessings on oneself one must bestow blessings on others.
One night a homeless man came into our shop with his dog. As he searched through the selection of candles he struck up a conversation with a woman buying a book for her children. Realizing that the man intended to spend the night in a tent with his dog and had little money, she offered to pay for his candle. As the man left the store, he turned to the woman and said, “God will bless you for your kindness.” His words revealed the truth of the law of blessing. We are blessed by the blessings we bestow on others.
Each of us has the power to bless. Blessing is the radiance of love and goodness streaming from our hearts and our souls. Those who live kindly and lovingly bring blessings on those whose lives they touch and they also bring blessings on themselves. When we use our gifts and knowledge to bless, heal and uplift, we ourselves are blessed by the forces we set in motion. And we are blessed as well by the invisible powers who act as agents of the universal wisdom.
—Emory Michael
The New World
A new world is seeking to come to birth through us. The world cries out for an awakening, a quickening, a change of heart and mind. In order to enter an era of universal harmony—of fellowship and spiritual illumination—the old ways of exploitation and divisiveness must be transformed. The choices we make will determine our future.
All people want happiness and security. In the old model still in force today, various groups seek to dominate and exploit others to achieve their desired well-being and security. This invariably leads to fear, resentment and rebellion. Violence begets violence. In order to enter the age of universal harmony and right relationships, humanity must cease its age-old practices of exploitation—the long history of man’s inhumanity to man. We must learn that divine law governs life. In order to achieve permanent well-being, happiness and security, one must express love. Nations also must learn this truth. Individuals and nations that exploit, oppress and deceive will one day receive the return swing of the pendulum of reciprocity. Sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. As long as dominant groups use violence, deceit and unjust laws to exploit and subjugate, this world will experience wars and revolutions, for these are the bitter fruits of injustice. For peace to prevail there must be justice. Love extinguishes fear. When we act from a space of love, we transcend fear and make genuine peace possible. Those who gain insight into the unified field in which we are all interconnected—the fabric of life that links us together in the chain of life, could not possibly engage in cruelty or destruction of life. For they know that the life they harm is their very own.
We are in a time of tremendous importance to the human race and the life of this planet. The choices we make determine our ends. If enough of us choose the path of peace, truth and justice, the gates will swing open to the new era of universal wisdom, harmony and enlightenment. —Emory Michael
All people want happiness and security. In the old model still in force today, various groups seek to dominate and exploit others to achieve their desired well-being and security. This invariably leads to fear, resentment and rebellion. Violence begets violence. In order to enter the age of universal harmony and right relationships, humanity must cease its age-old practices of exploitation—the long history of man’s inhumanity to man. We must learn that divine law governs life. In order to achieve permanent well-being, happiness and security, one must express love. Nations also must learn this truth. Individuals and nations that exploit, oppress and deceive will one day receive the return swing of the pendulum of reciprocity. Sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. As long as dominant groups use violence, deceit and unjust laws to exploit and subjugate, this world will experience wars and revolutions, for these are the bitter fruits of injustice. For peace to prevail there must be justice. Love extinguishes fear. When we act from a space of love, we transcend fear and make genuine peace possible. Those who gain insight into the unified field in which we are all interconnected—the fabric of life that links us together in the chain of life, could not possibly engage in cruelty or destruction of life. For they know that the life they harm is their very own.
We are in a time of tremendous importance to the human race and the life of this planet. The choices we make determine our ends. If enough of us choose the path of peace, truth and justice, the gates will swing open to the new era of universal wisdom, harmony and enlightenment. —Emory Michael
Seeds of Light
The universe is designed by a supreme intelligence to give to us what we want in life, provided we live constructively and give bountifully from the storehouse of light and love within us. If we sow seeds of love and helpfulness, we can rest assured that the seeds we have planted in the field of life will eventually bear sweet fruit. The law is a two-way cycle of giving and receiving. We must see that our half of the cycle—the seeds we plant in the garden of our lives in the form of thoughts, words and actions—are productive, helpful and constructive. The universe, or Divine Intelligence, controls the second half of the cycle and will always give back to us in full measure in accordance to the way we ourselves have given. When our thinking and our actions are filled with love, we can happily anticipate the recompense coming to us as ordained by the fathomless wisdom behind and beneath this material world of flux we inhabit here on earth. Give lovingly and the entire universe conspires to give lovingly back to you. The portals of universal bounty swing open and we receive in full measure in accord with the manner of our own giving. Nothing can prevent your highest good from coming to you when you sow beneficial seeds in the garden of life. —Emory Michael
The Source of Your Power
Divine Intelligence thinks the world into existence. The “two hands of God” are thinking and desire, which together mold and shape substance by setting light waves into motion. You also think your world into being. Your life up till now is a record of your thinking. Your life ahead will be a record of what you think and desire now and in the future. You can do and become whatever you desire to do and become, so long as you work constructively and avoid throwing needless obstacles in your path by negativity or acts that cause harm.
All energy in the universe springs from spirit and from mind. Thought and desire are the twin stallions that draw your chariot through life. The third force that completes the trinity of personal empowerment is will—the power to act. Little is possible without action. Dreams are still-born unless accompanied by deeds in the world. When you harness the power of your thoughts and your dreams by engaging in wise action, you energize the drama of your life. You become your own “divine director,” creating the theater of motion which is your life. The power you need springs from within. Whatever you desire to do you will be given the power to do. –Emory Michael
All energy in the universe springs from spirit and from mind. Thought and desire are the twin stallions that draw your chariot through life. The third force that completes the trinity of personal empowerment is will—the power to act. Little is possible without action. Dreams are still-born unless accompanied by deeds in the world. When you harness the power of your thoughts and your dreams by engaging in wise action, you energize the drama of your life. You become your own “divine director,” creating the theater of motion which is your life. The power you need springs from within. Whatever you desire to do you will be given the power to do. –Emory Michael
The Geometry of Life
Pythagoras said that “God geometrizes.” Goethe said that “Geometry is frozen music.” Geometric patterns lie at the center of seeds. Nature weaves a web of patterns that is built upon an invisible framework of perfect geometry. This underlying grid is the living matrix of oscillating wave fields that form the universal framework. Underlying all of the manifestations of life is a perfect harmony and order—sometimes called “divine order.” We all know that life seems far from perfect, but the underlying law that governs events is perfect. Perfection is not to be found in human character or in the creatures of nature—perfection is found in the law that guides and orchestrates the manifestations of life and events.
What this means for us as individuals striving for happiness is that our task is to live in harmony with this perfect law by attuning ourselves to the love and light of our higher nature and, insofar as is possible, to always release constructive and beneficial currents into the ocean of life through our thoughts, words and actions. The universal wisdom takes the seeds we sow in the field of life and weaves a perfect pattern, turning all things to good in the long view. As we live with the consciousness of a higher good, we are following the ancient instructions of the sages who taught humankind to walk the path that leads from darkness to light, from sadness to joy, and from death to eternal life. When we so live, we are harmonizing with the sacred geometry that creates divine order in our life. -–Emory Michael
What this means for us as individuals striving for happiness is that our task is to live in harmony with this perfect law by attuning ourselves to the love and light of our higher nature and, insofar as is possible, to always release constructive and beneficial currents into the ocean of life through our thoughts, words and actions. The universal wisdom takes the seeds we sow in the field of life and weaves a perfect pattern, turning all things to good in the long view. As we live with the consciousness of a higher good, we are following the ancient instructions of the sages who taught humankind to walk the path that leads from darkness to light, from sadness to joy, and from death to eternal life. When we so live, we are harmonizing with the sacred geometry that creates divine order in our life. -–Emory Michael
Trapped in the Mirror
The ancient sages of India said that “only that which is eternal is real.” Defined as such, our familiar material reality with its constant change and eventual mortality is not the ultimate reality. The “real world” is the world of our soul, and especially our spirit, the core essence of our nature. We create this impermanent, dancing world of matter in which we find ourselves—what the ancient eastern sages called maya—out of our higher mind and eternal divine spirit. This physical world we inhabit while on earth is an extension of our consciousness—the dancing interplay of light and motion set into action by the eternal law of causation. The outer world mirrors our mind, and we so easily get trapped in the mirror. But our bodies are no more our true selves than the reflection in a mirror is who we really are.
We come to know our essence, our real self, when we get familiar with the still point of deep knowing that is beneath all ordinary thought and feeling. In meditation and deep contemplation we enter the stillness at the heart of our soul—the realm of the infinite and eternal spirit. The only way into this world is through love, all discordant emotions bar the way. That is why gratitude and kindness are so important in the various spiritual traditions. Meditation unfolds the spiritual qualities that lead to the light of our own divinity. By cultivating a spirit of loving kindness, we contact the world of light, the "kingdom of heaven" within. —Emory Michael
We come to know our essence, our real self, when we get familiar with the still point of deep knowing that is beneath all ordinary thought and feeling. In meditation and deep contemplation we enter the stillness at the heart of our soul—the realm of the infinite and eternal spirit. The only way into this world is through love, all discordant emotions bar the way. That is why gratitude and kindness are so important in the various spiritual traditions. Meditation unfolds the spiritual qualities that lead to the light of our own divinity. By cultivating a spirit of loving kindness, we contact the world of light, the "kingdom of heaven" within. —Emory Michael
The Two Worlds
We live simultaneously in two worlds—the world of spirit, our true home, and here on earth in our familiar physical bodies and environment. The world of matter is a temporal world, the spiritual world is eternal. We live even now in this higher spiritual world, but few have unfolded the inner sensory means to perceive this world while here on earth. The organs of perception that enable us to become conscious even now in these higher worlds are the energy centers or "chakras" in our subtle bodies that we unfold through the experiences of life coupled with spiritual practice, especially the practice of meditation. We are on earth to weave the light of our souls and develop the inner-sensory perception that reveals the divine worlds to us in as vivid clarity as our physical senses behold the physical realm. We need the fire of love and the pressure of wisdom in order for our souls to become divine.
Most people tend to identify with the physical body, thinking that it is the self. As we progress, we identify more with the spirit within. The soul oscillates between these two worlds—matter and spirit—until that time when it becomes strong in its inner realization of the eternal light. Through the experiences of living we gather the wisdom that is retained in the soul as the living jewels of insight and understanding, the virtues of higher knowing. For this reason we have come to earth—to grow the light in our souls so that we may unite in full consciousness with the divine spirit even while living in physical bodies here on earth. —Emory Michael
Most people tend to identify with the physical body, thinking that it is the self. As we progress, we identify more with the spirit within. The soul oscillates between these two worlds—matter and spirit—until that time when it becomes strong in its inner realization of the eternal light. Through the experiences of living we gather the wisdom that is retained in the soul as the living jewels of insight and understanding, the virtues of higher knowing. For this reason we have come to earth—to grow the light in our souls so that we may unite in full consciousness with the divine spirit even while living in physical bodies here on earth. —Emory Michael
Energy for Life
What is the source of energy that fuels our lives? Is it in our bodies? Or does it originate somewhere else? The sages, adepts and illumined ones tell us that the primordial energy springs not from matter, but from within our souls. The source of power is in our spirit. That power is extended to us, not by some whim of the Creator, but in direct proportion to our intentions and desires. Thoughts themselves, no matter how lofty or inspired, do not give us the power and the will to act until they have been well-mixed with feelings. Our thoughts inspire feelings which are the springboard to action. The creative person is impelled by love for the art that moves her soul, and it is this feeling of love that inspires all true artists and geniuses. Love and desire are the coiled springs that give energy to our lives and provide the fuel for any achievement. When you focus on what you love and truly value in life, the energy you need flows from the universal reservoir of the spirit in the measure of your love and striving. Intentions are the seeds that give birth to our deeds. —Emory Michael
The Universal Heartbeat
Life is a process of thought. Life is thought. What we call "matter" is light waves of motion set into activity by thinking. Things are really thoughts—crystallized thoughts and ideas. The world is an embodiment of mind. Matter is pure thought. Time is just the sequence in the unfolding organic flow of ideas taking form to express the desire of the thinker, whether the thinker be a human being or a cosmic being. One day humanity will realize that matter is the vibration of thoughts. Creation expresses the oscillations or pulsations of thinking. All things “breathe”—they pulsate in periodic sequence. This is the heartbeat of life. Even our thoughts breathe. They concentrate, then relax or “decentrate.” Concentration compresses light waves and winds them into tight spirals. Taken far enough, this process is what forms dense objects. The decompression phase of the thought cycle unwinds these dense spirals, resulting in decay and dissolution of matter.
Every light wave corpuscle has the properties of a mirror and reflects itself throughout the universe. Due to the mirror-like reflective properties of light-waves, all actions are repeated everywhere. As a result, all actions are universal as well as local. What happens anywhere happens everywhere. Our thinking belongs not to ourselves alone but is universal in nature. Our thoughts are reflected and repeated throughout universal space by the mirror waves of light of which all creation is composed. Our thoughts create our bodies and our life circumstances, and they have an effect on the entire universal structure as well. You are the universe.—Emory Michael
Every light wave corpuscle has the properties of a mirror and reflects itself throughout the universe. Due to the mirror-like reflective properties of light-waves, all actions are repeated everywhere. As a result, all actions are universal as well as local. What happens anywhere happens everywhere. Our thinking belongs not to ourselves alone but is universal in nature. Our thoughts are reflected and repeated throughout universal space by the mirror waves of light of which all creation is composed. Our thoughts create our bodies and our life circumstances, and they have an effect on the entire universal structure as well. You are the universe.—Emory Michael
The Secret of Life
We are on earth to learn the meaning of love—how to live in gratitude, gentleness and kindness. This is the secret of existence. The only way to find this love is to uncover the inner light of our eternal selves. When we do this, we discover the treasure of life, and we become like the great sages and masters who have found this path in ages prior. When we learn the secret way of love we find at the same moment the door to happiness. We discover that in rightly expressing the love and light of our inner selves we express the method of true service, the spontaneous outpouring of the inner light. This path is beyond dogmas and creed, beyond all doctrines. It is a method of utter simplicity, but it is not easy. Only when we can forgo the desire to “get even” and allow this mystery to work by applying the law of causation on the wings of love, can we move into the inner kingdom of eternal light—the kingdom of heaven that Jesus and other masters have spoken about. This is the way of the future for all humanity. When a sufficient number of individuals find the keys to their inner kingdom this earth will enter its golden age of illumination, happiness and love.—Emory Michael
The Law of Life
As yet human beings are like infants in a nursery. We are only beginning to understand what life is all about. With advances in the new physics, the ancient views of mystics, sages and saints is being corroborated by science. Our universe is a living, pulsing organism, and we are all interrelated units in the great unified field of life. Life is governed by a coherent law, and what we do to another we do to ourselves. All of our actions initiate a cycle of two-way motion. The first half of the cycle is toward the environment; the last half of the cycle is back to us. What we give we receive. The pendulum of reciprocity is at the heart of all action, and thinking is a form of action. In fact, our thoughts are what set matter in motion, for matter is made up of light waves put in motion by thinking, desire and will. Take away the motion of light waves and the physical universe would vanish.
The love principle is at the heart of life. This law of life is a two edged sword—a door that swings both ways. What we do to another we do to ourselves. The only way to avoid harm is not to commit any. With a new understanding, a new world is coming into being. The law of life is the law of love.
In the future people will want to help and assist others as a basic life policy. People will love each other and care for each other. The old ways of exploitation and cruelty will vanish with the coming new consciousness built upon a comprehension of divine or natural law. Cruelty and violence in all their forms will be seen as primitive, outdated modes of behavior. Love will be validated by science as the law at the heart of all action. By the recoil effect of the law of love, we receive into our lives the very forces we ourselves have initiated. Put love into your work and your love comes back to bless you. The origin of our experience is within our own mind, heart and will. We are the authors of our destiny. We are the makers of our soul.—Emory Michael
The love principle is at the heart of life. This law of life is a two edged sword—a door that swings both ways. What we do to another we do to ourselves. The only way to avoid harm is not to commit any. With a new understanding, a new world is coming into being. The law of life is the law of love.
In the future people will want to help and assist others as a basic life policy. People will love each other and care for each other. The old ways of exploitation and cruelty will vanish with the coming new consciousness built upon a comprehension of divine or natural law. Cruelty and violence in all their forms will be seen as primitive, outdated modes of behavior. Love will be validated by science as the law at the heart of all action. By the recoil effect of the law of love, we receive into our lives the very forces we ourselves have initiated. Put love into your work and your love comes back to bless you. The origin of our experience is within our own mind, heart and will. We are the authors of our destiny. We are the makers of our soul.—Emory Michael
Everyday at the Movies
Life is a theater of motion, and our thoughts create the motion that our senses perceive as matter. The universe of matter-in-motion is comparable to a universal cinema screen on which are projected the contents of our inner life. It is a theatrical drama in which each of us plays our roles. This world of changing scenery, this dance of cause and effect, is a make believe world that our senses perceive to be solid and “real.” Each day the curtain opens on a new scene or series of scenes in the divine drama, and each night the curtain drops. But the play is as imaginary as a movie, or any staged drama put on in a theater. This does not mean it is not important or of great significance, for it does matter mightily. Still, it is only a make believe world, the world of karma-land—the coming and going of all the characters from “central casting”—and each one of us is the hero or heroine in our own personal drama.
The way we get control of the drama of our lives is by taking charge of our inner world of consciousness—our thoughts, words and decisions. These are the levers by which we engineer our lives; they are the “screenplay writers” that create the dramatic script. The path of personal mastery begins when we harness the awesome power of our thoughts and focus on the outcomes we desire. When we learn to direct the movies in our mind, the drama of our outer lives becomes the masterpiece that only love and light can create.—Emory Michael
The way we get control of the drama of our lives is by taking charge of our inner world of consciousness—our thoughts, words and decisions. These are the levers by which we engineer our lives; they are the “screenplay writers” that create the dramatic script. The path of personal mastery begins when we harness the awesome power of our thoughts and focus on the outcomes we desire. When we learn to direct the movies in our mind, the drama of our outer lives becomes the masterpiece that only love and light can create.—Emory Michael
The Power of Focus
Concentration and focus in our thinking multiplies power in the direction of attaining the goal we desire. This can be a material goal or a spiritual one. The desire for spiritual illumination, when backed by focused effort, leads us in the direction we are seeking. Concentration is the most powerful personal force multiplier in your toolbox of powers. When you combine focused thinking with loving, constructive actions, you have the power of the universe behind you to achieve your ambitions. Concentration crystallizes thoughts into material reality and draws to us the very circumstances on which we focus the image-making faculty of our minds. —Emory Michael
The Dance of Life
Life has been described as a game. When we learn the rules we can win at the game of life. This is a useful metaphor, but life is actually more of a dance or play. It is a theater of motion, an interaction of energy and activity between participants. The dance of life follows the rhythms of universal reciprocity or exchange—as reflected in the alternation of breathing, the rhythm of heart and lung, or the cycles of day and night, the tides and the seasons. Seen as a game, the ones who win are those who give the most of themselves. Seen as a dance, the most successful participants are those who learn to synchronize their “footsteps”—that is, the activities of their lives—with the universal heartbeat of pulsating harmony. When we give our best and most beautiful, we discover the secrets of happiness. When we live in harmony with life, harming none, and bestowing blessings through acts of kindness and by dwelling in positive goodness, we master the dance of life. Life becomes a grand theater, pulsating with the celebration of harmonious reciprocity. When a significant nucleus of humans learn that the dance of life is an orchestration of loving gestures that heal, bless and assist, we will move out of the current dark age characterized by cruelty, exploitation and institutionalized thievery. Those who give their best become masters of their lives and are blessed with the joy of living in harmony with the serene music of the dance of life. —Emory Michael
The Universal Mirror
The universe is like a great mirror or sounding board that reflects back to us what we project into it. When we reflect kindness, goodness and serenity into the universal mirror, the mirror—that is, our personal environment—reflects back these same qualities to us in the form of circumstances and events. Why then do we experience harshness, trials and difficulties when we are living with kindness and goodness? It is because the past is connected to the present by invisible cords of cause and effect. All that we have ever thought, felt, or done is connected to this moment. “The now” encompasses the past as well as present, even when we are not dwelling in memories or past occurrences.
Externals may not always be to our liking, yet if we dig deeper and see beyond the momentary images of the universal mirror as displayed in our environment—the kaleidoscopic phantasmagoria of ever-changing externals—we are blessed with the vision of our deeper self that lives in a world of perpetual beauty, light, and happiness untouched by destiny or fate. In touching the garment of this higher awareness we also transform our external lives; in time our circumstances reflect the inner qualities of this self-luminous spark of eternal life that we are drawing into the chalice of our lives. Gradually, the universal mirror becomes a magical reflector of the good, true and beautiful—and we walk in the blessed and eternal light of the divine spirit. —Emory Michael
Externals may not always be to our liking, yet if we dig deeper and see beyond the momentary images of the universal mirror as displayed in our environment—the kaleidoscopic phantasmagoria of ever-changing externals—we are blessed with the vision of our deeper self that lives in a world of perpetual beauty, light, and happiness untouched by destiny or fate. In touching the garment of this higher awareness we also transform our external lives; in time our circumstances reflect the inner qualities of this self-luminous spark of eternal life that we are drawing into the chalice of our lives. Gradually, the universal mirror becomes a magical reflector of the good, true and beautiful—and we walk in the blessed and eternal light of the divine spirit. —Emory Michael
Right Action
The concept of right action permeates the wisdom traditions of the world. This is because it is not enough merely to think rightly, as essential as this is. Right thinking—thinking imbued with wisdom, kindness, truth and consideration for others—is the foundation for a sacred life. But in order for thoughts to take root and transform your life, they must be accompanied by right action. The term “righteousness,” so often used in western scriptures, is derived from the idea of right action. When we live in harmony with the sacred laws of life by committing no harm, and by actions that uplift and assist, we are synchronizing our lives with the universal spirit of love. When we draw down light and beauty by loving deeds, we create beauty in our environment, and enrich our own life and the lives of those around us. —Emory Michael
You Are the Universe
Thinking is creative—it creates our world and our future. By our thoughts we build our lives. To transform yourself transform your mind. Whatever you desire to do you can do. The power of the universe pulses within your desire, for the whole universe lives in each of us. The seed power of the universal spirit lives in our hearts. When you work constructively, the universe works with you to achieve your goals. Whatever you desire to do that is for the benefit of yourself and others you will be given the power to do. The greater the intensity of desire, the greater the stream of energy that flows into you from the universal powerhouse. “Do the deed,” said Emerson, “and you shall have the power.” In the measure that we give, so do we receive. As you give, the universe gives back. When you give out love, the strength of the universe is with you, for the heart of the universe beats in measured wavelengths of love’s desire for itself. Seek the light of your Self by giving out love and gentleness and you will know the secret of life—that you are the universe. —Emory Michael
Seat of the Soul
The seat of sensations is in the body, but the spiritual heart is the seat of the soul. This is the place of inner stillness from which love emanates. Love is the source of happiness in an individual’s world. When our thoughts are brightened by love and appreciation of that which is beautiful and true, we create an elevated atmosphere around ourselves, and in the space in which we live. Goodness and kindness create beauty around us and in us—an atmosphere of sunshine where flowers can grow and blossom. —Emory Michael
Ever New Life
When we acknowledge that as human beings we are certain to make errors in judgment, we can learn to be more forgiving of ourselves and others. In some ways, forgiving ourselves is one of the most difficult tasks. But we must forgive if we are to move forward. We cannot change the past; we can only absorb the wisdom of experience and grow from here. Resentment is an acid in the soul, forgiveness a healing balm. Healing comes with the sun of a new day, and from living in the ever-new joy of the spirit. Gratitude for our existence opens us to a wider universe, and makes new life and new growth possible. The wheel of life turns again with every new day, and our renewed efforts to give creatively will align us with the mysterious restorative forces of ever youthful spirit. Our gratitude makes love possible and love gives birth to renewed life -- the eternal spark of hope and happiness. –Emory Michael
Tattoos on the Soul
The noblest thoughts, feelings and aspirations generated by your aspiring inner life create a vortex in your soul that draws down the radiant energies of the higher self. This is why a spiritual practice is so important, and why over time it recreates us – we emerge as new beings – reborn in the light of our eternal spirit. Elevated, inspired thoughts -- self-created or selected from the world’s wisdom writings -- when held repeatedly in the mind over time create new channels or grooves in our energy bodies – new circuitry in the subtle soul field within and about us. In this way we forge a template of inner illumination. Each inspired thought, sacred image or elevated affirmation or mantra becomes a kind of “etheric blueprint” imprinted in the subtle field of your energy body—the dynamic soul field of your evolving potential. These implanted ethereal picture imprints or “soul tattoos” reshape not only your inner life, but also your external circumstances. Over time your destiny is altered. Your soul emanations become beautiful to others and your influence reaches to the farthest stars. -- Emory Michael
The Magic of Creativity
When we live creatively, even if it is only the inner creativity of prayer and striving, we become artists. We lift our lives out of the prosaic and commonplace into the poetic and magical. Our lives take on conscious meaning and purpose, and we leave a footprint that gives direction to those who follow after. —Emory Michael
The Economy of Giving
In the economy of nature, nothing is ever wasted; all has its place and everything is put to use; the same principle holds true in our lives, both inwardly and outwardly. No constructive effort is in vain. No prayer—no good thought—is ever wasted; no kind action fails to have some beneficial effect. Reciprocity governs all actions; every gift carries the seed of its own fruition, returning ultimately to benefit the one who gives. Each helpful, generous action becomes a seed planted in the garden of our life, eventually bearing fruit that helps us, as well as others. Just as a pebble tossed into a pond has ongoing ripples, so also we may never know the ultimate effect of our good thoughts, words and deeds. Those who give lovingly become masters of their lives.
—Emory Michael
—Emory Michael
The Way of Life
The universe is an expression of light—the light of cosmic intelligence, or God. Love is the essence of light. The light of nature—what we call matter—is infused with love, for God is love. In its most basic form this universal love manifests as balance and reciprocity. When we give, the universe gives back.
The language of light is love. Love is written into the heartbeat of the universe. The laws of life are manifestations of divine love extended into nature, or matter. In order to comprehend this universe of light, one must love. In order to know oneself and to know God, one must become love.
The basis of universal law is self-responsibility through the practice of kindness. Self responsibility—the dynamics of love expressed in action—is affirmed in the words: “As you sow, so shall you reap.” Put another way, what you do to another you do to yourself. Plant golden seeds of goodness in the field of your life and you will reap a harvest of light in the form of joy and serenity. —Emory Michael
The language of light is love. Love is written into the heartbeat of the universe. The laws of life are manifestations of divine love extended into nature, or matter. In order to comprehend this universe of light, one must love. In order to know oneself and to know God, one must become love.
The basis of universal law is self-responsibility through the practice of kindness. Self responsibility—the dynamics of love expressed in action—is affirmed in the words: “As you sow, so shall you reap.” Put another way, what you do to another you do to yourself. Plant golden seeds of goodness in the field of your life and you will reap a harvest of light in the form of joy and serenity. —Emory Michael
The Watercourse Way
The greatest experience we can have in our lives is the discovery of the inexhaustible reservoir of light and power within our spirit essence, the heart of our being. From within, one receives the eternal wisdom. It streams from an inner sun as bright as the sun on the clearest day. We may find within our heart a portal that leads to a universe far grander even than the external universe revealed by the physical senses. This inner world is our true home, the realm in which our spirit, the higher self, eternally abides. We contact that luminous energy by a loving disposition and a generous attitude to life. Darkness cannot touch us when we radiate the light.
Our efforts to contact the source and live in the light will not weaken us or lead to escapism from this world. Rather, a living contact with the inner light gives strength and inspiration for living. Many obstacles and rough spots are removed by a gentle attitude and by the emanation of positive goodness that flows from within us as a result of our efforts to attune ourselves to the divine within. This is the Taoist approach, the watercourse way, of gentleness and serenity that removes obstacles by kindness rather than by force. Love is the greatest power in the universe. —Emory Michael
Thoughts are Magnetic
Thoughts are really living things; they take wing and journey through space, returning to us in the form of events and circumstances. Our thoughts are the magnets that draw experience to us. The road we travel is paved with our thoughts, the building blocks of life. Over time, we mold ourselves in the image of our thinking. There is an unbreakable connection between our inner world of thoughts and feelings and our outer world of circumstance. Ultimately, our environment is an image or reflection of our inner world of consciousness—our environment mirrors our mind. If we refrain from destructive thinking and focus on the good, true and beautiful our personal world will come to reflect the harmony we create in the temple of our souls. —Emory Michael
Our efforts to contact the source and live in the light will not weaken us or lead to escapism from this world. Rather, a living contact with the inner light gives strength and inspiration for living. Many obstacles and rough spots are removed by a gentle attitude and by the emanation of positive goodness that flows from within us as a result of our efforts to attune ourselves to the divine within. This is the Taoist approach, the watercourse way, of gentleness and serenity that removes obstacles by kindness rather than by force. Love is the greatest power in the universe. —Emory Michael
Thoughts are Magnetic
Thoughts are really living things; they take wing and journey through space, returning to us in the form of events and circumstances. Our thoughts are the magnets that draw experience to us. The road we travel is paved with our thoughts, the building blocks of life. Over time, we mold ourselves in the image of our thinking. There is an unbreakable connection between our inner world of thoughts and feelings and our outer world of circumstance. Ultimately, our environment is an image or reflection of our inner world of consciousness—our environment mirrors our mind. If we refrain from destructive thinking and focus on the good, true and beautiful our personal world will come to reflect the harmony we create in the temple of our souls. —Emory Michael
Inner Life
Success and happiness begin with a right orientation to our inner life. At a certain point it dawns on us that we are more than the chemicals that make up our bodies—more even than our minds. Who we are in our essential nature is awesome and spectacular. Who we are in our essence cannot die, cannot be hurt or defeated. This immense power within us is eternal—the awesome power of our spirit selves.
In order to contact and harness this power, it matters greatly what we are thinking and feeling. Our work on ourselves is really focused on our inner lives, our consciousness of what is going on inside our psychic or soul field. What is going on inside your mind and heart right now? What outcomes are you focusing on? If you will concentrate on the outworking of good, you draw positive results into your life. The point is that certain thoughts and feelings connect us to the dynamo of light and power within us—others build a wall between us and the source. Some types of thoughts expand the light and love in our hearts, while others diminish that light. The spiritual path—the work we do on ourselves—begins with being selective with what we project onto the screen of consciousness. The light is always shining within us, just as the sun is always shining above the clouds, even on the stormiest day. But we must connect ourselves to that light source—the inner sun of life—by choosing the right kinds of thoughts and feelings to entertain and cultivate. Gratitude and kindness open the doors of perception to the divine light within. Be grateful for the opportunities of this day. —Emory Michael
Nature is a Living Book
Nature is a living book of great wisdom, and if we contemplate the pages of that book—the living scenes of the natural world—many mysteries are revealed to us. When we consider the beauty of a spider’s web, the splendid gossamer of an insect’s wing, or the extraordinary intricacies of sea shells, we realize that nature unfolds its creations in accordance with exact laws and geometric precision. Nature everywhere displays harmony, symmetry and artistry in its manifestations. The geometric and artistic precision in nature also plays out in the unfolding of human life, albeit not always evident when the “art work,” that is our life, is under construction. But in the grand scale of life, as well as in the minutest details, a perfect outworking of wisdom is at work. All happenings are governed by divine and harmonious law, called “cosmos” (order) by the ancients, (in distinction to chaos, or disorder.) All events in life are orchestrated by a subtle, sublime intelligence, called in the east the play of shakti or the dance of consciousness—the divine dance of the gods.
An inexhaustible flow of spiritual power is at work behind the scenes of life, and the hidden hand of wisdom puts all things in order in due time. The best way to harmonize our lives with this greater scheme of wisdom is to abide in harmony and kinship with life, realizing that what we do to another we do ultimately to ourselves. This is what it means to work with cosmic intelligence. The power to heal a broken bone comes not from us but from God, but we must properly set the bone or risk becoming crippled. When we properly “set” our lives by living in harmony with the law of universal kinship, we allow the divine healing power to flow through our affairs and set all things aright. As we set in motion constructive forces on the wings of the law of causation, we can rest assured that all will work out for good in our lives. —Emory Michael
In order to contact and harness this power, it matters greatly what we are thinking and feeling. Our work on ourselves is really focused on our inner lives, our consciousness of what is going on inside our psychic or soul field. What is going on inside your mind and heart right now? What outcomes are you focusing on? If you will concentrate on the outworking of good, you draw positive results into your life. The point is that certain thoughts and feelings connect us to the dynamo of light and power within us—others build a wall between us and the source. Some types of thoughts expand the light and love in our hearts, while others diminish that light. The spiritual path—the work we do on ourselves—begins with being selective with what we project onto the screen of consciousness. The light is always shining within us, just as the sun is always shining above the clouds, even on the stormiest day. But we must connect ourselves to that light source—the inner sun of life—by choosing the right kinds of thoughts and feelings to entertain and cultivate. Gratitude and kindness open the doors of perception to the divine light within. Be grateful for the opportunities of this day. —Emory Michael
Nature is a Living Book
Nature is a living book of great wisdom, and if we contemplate the pages of that book—the living scenes of the natural world—many mysteries are revealed to us. When we consider the beauty of a spider’s web, the splendid gossamer of an insect’s wing, or the extraordinary intricacies of sea shells, we realize that nature unfolds its creations in accordance with exact laws and geometric precision. Nature everywhere displays harmony, symmetry and artistry in its manifestations. The geometric and artistic precision in nature also plays out in the unfolding of human life, albeit not always evident when the “art work,” that is our life, is under construction. But in the grand scale of life, as well as in the minutest details, a perfect outworking of wisdom is at work. All happenings are governed by divine and harmonious law, called “cosmos” (order) by the ancients, (in distinction to chaos, or disorder.) All events in life are orchestrated by a subtle, sublime intelligence, called in the east the play of shakti or the dance of consciousness—the divine dance of the gods.
An inexhaustible flow of spiritual power is at work behind the scenes of life, and the hidden hand of wisdom puts all things in order in due time. The best way to harmonize our lives with this greater scheme of wisdom is to abide in harmony and kinship with life, realizing that what we do to another we do ultimately to ourselves. This is what it means to work with cosmic intelligence. The power to heal a broken bone comes not from us but from God, but we must properly set the bone or risk becoming crippled. When we properly “set” our lives by living in harmony with the law of universal kinship, we allow the divine healing power to flow through our affairs and set all things aright. As we set in motion constructive forces on the wings of the law of causation, we can rest assured that all will work out for good in our lives. —Emory Michael
Truth is an Inside Job
Truth is an inside job. The greatest moment in our evolution as souls is when we experience the truth—that we live in the eternal light, freed from darkness. The light of this truth streams from an inner sun. From within, one receives the eternal wisdom. The universe lives in each of us and dwells in our hearts. Darkness cannot touch us as we radiate the light.
The love you feel is what carries you forward. Love and enthusiasm are energies that propel us into a new world and immunize us from harm. Like a heavenly wind, our love and positive energy brush back opposition and serenely sweep away obstructions in our path. The secret to a perfect life is to bless each moment with love, light and peace. —Emory Michael
The love you feel is what carries you forward. Love and enthusiasm are energies that propel us into a new world and immunize us from harm. Like a heavenly wind, our love and positive energy brush back opposition and serenely sweep away obstructions in our path. The secret to a perfect life is to bless each moment with love, light and peace. —Emory Michael