How important are beliefs? (Walking Through Illusions, Thompson)

     "The awful people around him [Paul, from the Bible] were the miracles waiting to happen."  We all have many hurdles to overcome throughout life including people who do things that are not good (steal, lie, cheat...)  Thompson, in Walking Through Illusion, clearly shows that these people are the catalyst to a miracle happening.  Instead of seeing someone as a robber or a cheater look at how they can be transformed, through a miracle, into a good person.
     Paul had a nemesis, Nero.  Paul was convinced in his attempt to condemn Nero.  He reasoned that God was involved in his beliefs because he followed God and that God is judging the good and the bad.  Therefore, he was justified in also judging Nero, explains Thompson.
     I know I have judged many times  because I think my beliefs are right and therefore I am justified in my judgment.  Every time I have found that I have no right to judge because my beliefs are my beliefs.  My actions are based upon my beliefs.  Beliefs are different from person to person.  I also don't know exactly what their going through and why they are behaving the way they are.  I have no right to judge.  Judgment is between God and you, not God, me and you.  Judging only hurts your relationships as it creates an uncommon ground between two people.  Betsy asks Jesus, in the dialogue of the book, why Paul wanted to share his beliefs so badly.  Jesus replies with a question, "More to the point, if he was happy in his beliefs, why did it matter who else had them?"  Good point!

Nourishment: Getting the support you need (Walking Through Illusion, Thompson)

    Everyday we do things for others and vice versa.  We get fulfillment from a job well done and support from our manager and peers.  It's this nourishment that Thompson, in Walking Through Illusion, speaks about that Paul, from the Bible, was seeking throughout his life.  Paul was a hard worker and was successful.  He learned a great lesson with his wealth; when he gave away the least of what he had, the least returned; when he gave away his best, the best returned to him states Thompson. 
     What was the last thing you gave and what did you receive in return?  



"Money as a gift is a lovely form of nourishment.  If it's around, use it well.  If it isn't, make good use of what is around."  Betsy Thompson

Morality (Walking Through Illusion, Thompson)

"You are the light you let in, the love you give, the beauty you define, and the reason you live."  Betsy Thompson

     In Thompson's book, Walking Through Illusion, she has a unique dialogue among Jesus and herself.  In the question of morality, Jesus says that he believes morality is uniquely defined in every moment of history; that each society has it's own morality to consider.  What may have been acceptable in the past may not be in today's society and vice versa.  For example women used to be seen as second class citizens and this was morally accepted, at least in public.   In today's world there are laws and punishments if a woman is not treated as an equal to her counterpart.
     Peter, the fisherman in the Bible, only knew his reality to be what he was feeling.  He was unfulfilled when he gave his fish away without enjoyment, says Thompson.  Furthermore, morally, he felt it was wrong to kill fish, a living thing on this Earth.  His illusion was that giving something would fulfill him but the reality is that his fulfillment came when he gave with enjoyment.  The only way for him to give with enjoyment is knowing that it was ok to morally kill the fish because that was the process of life, a way to continue human civilization.
     Thompson's main theme thus far is that life is a mirror to your life.  What you give out is what you get back.  What you are experiencing is what you are.  If Nate (my boyfriend) is being unloving to me it is because I am being unloving to him.  What in your life are you projecting onto others?  Morally, we all have our own beliefs and ideas on what it is.  How can we begin to see our mirrors and learn from them?

Obstacles of Life (Walking Through Illusion, Thompson)

     Thompson, in Walking Through Illusion, dives into the obstacles that Peter, the fisherman faced in the Bible.  Most of us have probably seen an episode of The Deadliest Catch and how difficult the life of a fisherman can be.   Peter realized when he fished with love he had a better day.  It didn't matter how good of a fisherman Peter was.  Thompson says, "When he fished for love, those on the shore couldn't wait for the catch.  When he fished for reward, those on shore avoided it."  As Thompson states it best, Peter was, "...not waiting for the fish to bite but waiting for the heart to right."  When the fish were not available to Peter he needed to self-reflect where in his heart he was not available to others.  Life is a mirror for us.  What you are not getting you are not giving.
      Another illusionary obstacle that Peter faced was sickness.  Thompson explains that physical sickness represents a deeper internal issue.  "e.g. an achy spine could mean a lack of support; a stiff neck could mean a stubborn stalemate; an achy shoulder could mean a painful burden."  Peter just needed to identify the problem, act on his own behalf to heal his issue.  Then, his illusion could move into reality. 
     It's ironic because I have a cold right now.  I have been so busy with social events, work, family and friends.   On top of that I have been double-booking my time by accident and needing to cancel one of the appointments.  I think I have caught a cold because my body is telling me to slow down similar to Peter's obstacle of getting sick.  I'm usually booked two weeks out with no time for just sitting and being alone.  Ahhh, it's nice to be sick right now.
   

Day 3: Gifts (Walking Through Illusion, Betsy Otter Thomspon)

     Most of us love to receive gifts and it turns out that giving gifts is also an enjoyable experience.  Giving gifts is a way of letting someone know how much you care and appreciate them.  Betsy, in Walking Through Illusion, says that when gifts are given they are recycled in universal substance.  Gifts are returned with added power to those who received into the universe.  A gift that Jesus gave was love to everyone he came across.  He believed that if he acted on the love he hoped to receive, then acts of love would return.  Bartholomew, from the Bible, learns that as he gave others (for their needs) his needs were also fulfilled.  His life was better the more he gave.
     Not all gifts need to be bought with money.  There are many other gifts that you have that are free such as your time, an ear to listen to a friend or stranger in need, your joy or encouragement even a trade of a service.  One of my favorite gifts to give and receive is active listening.  I have worked through many of my issues with friends who have actively listened and given me feedback.  What gifts do you have to share with others? 

Day 2: Reform (Walking Through Illusion, Betsy Thompson)

"If you think you have to change others to be happy, no one is going to change for the better from knowing you."  Betsy Otter Thompson

     Reform is the process in which people and structures change, hopefully, for the better.  Bartholomew, from the Bible, was born into wealth and stature.  He tried to create reform on the outside through his family's business, contributions to charities, and in politics.  Although, he still had a hole in his heart regardless of all he had done and this caused him to be a harsh man to others.  He picked on everyone else for not being like him; orderly, neat, conscientious.  None of the reform on the outside could change him on the inside.  This was his illusion until he discovered to reform with love.  He often neglected to work out of love therefore he was unhappy and blamed others for his unhappiness.  His perspective was skewed and caused the emptiness he had.
     Reform, change for the better, is a process to be done with love.  In this way it is meaningful.  We all have different perspectives on what is right and wrong.  Through another person's eyes we can begin to reform our thoughts and beliefs for the better.  Add love to your reform and happiness will fill any hole that you may have.

Day 1: Walking Through Illusion by Betsy Otter Thompson

     Walking Through Illusion by Betsy Otter Thompson is the next book I will be blogging about.  In this thoughtful and eye opening book she connects with the energy of Jesus.  She dives into various lives from the Bible realizing that they are similar to her life; same experiences, feelings, triumphs and hardships. She connects the audience with each character and exposes the life lessons of each story.  In life it is our own perspective that we see the world through.  Looking through another person's eyes can reveal more than what is just right or wrong in your eyes.  This awareness is the catalyst to more compassion, love and understanding in your life.  She has a unique and intimate question and answer format with Jesus about the characters in the Bible.  Each character has to deal with their illusions including Jesus.  Some of these illusions include approval, fairness, acceptance and time. 
     I am very intrigued by this concept of learning through the lives of the characters in the Bible. This will be a book full of new ideas, a fresh perspective and lessons of life to build our character and love for ourselves and each other.  This is not a book about Christianity but a book of breaking through the illusions of life.  Come join me on this unique journey and unusual perspective.

Overview of Walking Through Illusion book from Betsy Otter Thompson's webpage, http://www.betsythompson.com:
– Jesus speaks of the People who shared his Journey – features a series of stories about biblical people who either knew Jesus or knew of him, and were influenced by him in one way or another. It is not a book about Christianity; it is about people who lived long before Christianity began. The book makes no attempt to preach religion; the author believes that we don’t take our beliefs with us when we leave here; we take the love we found from having them.
The stories are less about the picture these people might have lived and more about the emotions they might have experienced. Each chapter focuses on the growth of a particular person and each chapter is complete within itself with a specific theme.

The persons and themes featured include:

• Bartholomew: He learned that meaningful goals were those that offered love.
• Paul: He came to realize that God didn’t take sides; God reflected the side Paul took.
• John: He learned that fairness only came when fairness had been given.
• Mary Magdalene: She hated her situation until she realized that love changed her situation.
• Aaron: He discovered that handicapped people were those who ignored their strengths.
• Judas: He forgot that to betray another was to betray himself.
• Pilate: He killed to stay alive but a part of him died anyway.

"If we love, the heart goes deeper to reveal our true identity. If we don't love, more opportunities arrive through which to do so."  Betsy Otter Thompson in Walking through Illusion.

Day 37: Soul Power...The Conclusion (Cleanse, Ford)

      Peace is what we are all truly seeking.  In order to do achieve true peace we need to let go of the past, present and future and just be. Allow life to be as it is.  "Remember that you are a divine being living a human experience, not a human being struggling to be divine." says Debbie.  Learn to rely on your guide, your Source.

Debbie's New Rules for Your New Life:
1.  Upon waking up, breathe deeply and ask to be reminded of why you are here and what your deepest desire is for the day.
2.  Bring your attention fully to the task at hand.  Appreciate that you are alive today.
3.  Treat your body as if it is the most precious child you have every held.
4.  Let go and let God.
5.  Accept your life as it is today.
6.  Acknowledge yourself for every good task you accomplish...until you are blushing.
7.  Donate whatever is taking up space around you that you no longer want or use.
8.  Allow your adult self to take control of your adolescent self.  You are an emotional being that you are fully responsible for.
9.  Admit when you are wrong.
10.  Release anger, resentments and grudges quickly and voice them over, privately, to the divine force within.
11.  Have fun!  Find pleasure in your work and with your family.
12.  The best way to get love is to give love.  Give love to as many people today as you can.

     Lastly, remember, that everything that you have and are going through has a purpose.  One that is here to give you the exact experiences you need to deliver your unique gift to the world.  Debbie requests that you become one with your guide, your source; one heart, one mind and one mission.

Day 36: The Light of Possibility (Cleanse, Ford)

   This is the last day of your consciousness cleanse.  What possibility is there for you?  Your foundation has been dug open and reseeded.  The growth is from this point forward.  Continue to plant seeds as well as yielding the fruits of your labor.  Debbie wants us to trust our inner instincts and intuition.  We should say 'no' when we need to and not compromise our highest selves. 
    In this point in the journey my intentions are to be selfless.  I will give as much as I can of myself without expecting anything in return.  I will trust in God to fulfill me in all my areas that need to be fulfilled instead of relying on others to fill that space.  I will relax in everything I do knowing that life is to be enjoyed and fun.  My life will be lived giving to others, as much as I can.  I will be kind to others and actively listen to their needs.  My needs are important but I do not have to stress about them getting fulfilled because they already are.  I will be unwavering in my attitude and mood.  I will accept other people's attitude's and moods and try to give them as much love and compassion as I can to lift them higher.

Day 35: The Light of Compassion (Clease, Ford)

   Compassion is allowing your divine heart to become your compass.  Instead of looking at your own past hurts and judgments you "...look through God's heart to influence your thoughts, feelings and perception." says Debbie, in The Consciousness Cleanse. Reality to you is different from my reality.  We have different view points based upon our religion, race, social status, education, friends and family.  Debbie says that compassion "...is the key to living outside the confines of the ego's limitations and having an expanded perception of reality."  Compassion is what takes us out of the egotistical "me" state and into the "How can I serve the world?" state.  In this state we are not hurt and we do not have fear because we have no need to protect ourselves because we know that God has a bigger plan than we can see.  Lastly, Debbie states, that "A compassionate heart will lift you out of the pain and suffering of your own world, because it knows that everyone is doing the best they can, given their state of consciousness and the histories they're dragging behind them." 
     With compassion we can see that people are often limited to their past hurts and act out of their pain.  I don't mean to yell at my boyfriend but when I do it's because of some past pain that I haven't dealt with or some false belief or expectation.  I don't yell because I am deliberately an unkind person.  It's now, looking through the divine heart, that we can begin to stop taking things so personally.  Most likely someone's unkind actions toward you are not about you.  I know I'm very sensitive to other people.  Every time I think someone is mad at me they are not.  Usually, it's something they are going through that has nothing to do with me.  Let's begin with compassion because we don't know everyone's story.

Day 34: The Light of Purpose (Cleanse, Ford)

    Your purpose can be tricky to discover, especially when you have been told what you are and are not good at.  It's easiest to stick with where our lives have taken us so far.  You do have an overall purpose in this lifetime.  The way to discover it is to look way into the future to when you have already passed on.  What will people say your contribution was?  How long will you be remembered after you pass?  Debbie, in The Consciousness Cleanse, is not saying that you have to accomplish something that the world calls big but it could be in your positive influence with the people that come across your path everyday in the job you are doing right now!  Being a success is following your purpose.
     When my dad passed, 7 years ago, he left his legacy of being kind toward anyone (I mean anyone!), giving as much as he could of his services and spreading God's cheer into other lives.  I continue to look to him as an example on giving and loving others.  He did it unconditionally, from his heart.  His funeral was packed because of all the lives he had touched.  When I come across people who knew him, to this day, they always put in a kind word about him, that they still think about him, how they learned life lessons from him and that they miss his presence.  What a legacy my dad left!  What legacy will you leave?

Day 33: The Light of Transcendence (Cleanse, Ford)

     Have you ever felt all alone in this big world?  Most of the time it feels as if we are separate from everyone else and that no one understands.  The truth is that we are not separate but connected.  Ford, in The Consciousness Cleanse, insists that we must embrace our connection with each other and the divine.  She says that, "...denying your divinity will cause you to act out in ways that you never intended."  This is because the human "I" cannot feel worthy enough of expressing the greatness of God's gifts.  These gifts need to be shared amongst each other to ignite a light inside of each soul that comes across your path, says Debbie. 
     Believe in your divinity and your connection with God.  We are not alone.  We can bless and thank God for working through us.  I have the gift of including people in conversations, making sure that everyone feels loved and important.  What gift do you have and share with the world?  What are the gifts of others that have made an impact on you?  We are all connected and all have gifts to share with each other.  We are all on the same journey just different paths.  Remember we can rely on God for guidance and clarity.

Day 32: The Light of Devotion (Cleanse, Ford)

   Devotion takes rejuvenation, every day.  It needs your decision to choose to be aware of the light within you and to make the right choices for your path.  Debbie, in The Consciousness Cleanse, states that, "Devotion has you shift your priorities from an outer-driven life to an inner-inspired  life."  It is your devotion that will lead  you along your personal purpose in this life. 
     Moving forward on your path requires new action according to the present and not the past.  Before, when you used to live based upon your past, is different from now on.  The choice is to be devoted to this moment, this day, to be your highest self, your "most vibrant expression" says Debbie.
     I choose to be devoted today to my health (drink less, exercise more), spirit (listen and pray more) and my family (spend more quality time).

Day 31: The light of God's will (Cleanse, Ford)

     "God has a plan for you, I can promise you that.  It's not that you're special, and it's not that you're not special.  It's that your life is sacred.  There is and always has been a path for your soul, and if you follow that path, it will lead you to the inner utopia that your soul longs to experience in this lifetime." says Debbie as she explains the importance of our existence.   Everything you do not only affects you but everyone else too.  Its similar to the idea that if you share a smile with a stranger then they pass it on and so on. Eventually reaching the other side of the world to a small girl who has just been abandoned by her father who desperately needs to know that there are people who care for her. This may be an extreme example, but you probably get the picture.  All that we do affects everyone else. Your role is important.  Debbie encourages us to follow your path by following God's will for your life and not your ego's will. 
     I had lunch with my mom today and we were discussing that to be truly fulfilled we need to be connected to spirit.  We need to be living in the moment because that is when we are truly connected to all.  Mostly, we need to love ourselves because when we do everything falls into place.  All of your expectations of others giving you what you need (ie. love) falls away because you are fulfilling your own need of love.  When we get our feelings hurt it's usually because we are disappointed in someone for not fulfilling our expectations and need for love.  Instead of relying on someone else for that love why not rely on yourself and your source for that love?  You have the power, right now, to provide for yourself what  you cannot receive from others. 

Day 30: The Future: The light of Realization (Cleanse, Ford)

     For the past seven days Debbie has been teaching us how to dig into our present life and take out all the negative thought patterns and habits in our lives so we can make room for our future.  She says that, "Now you are ready to reseed your sacred garden-to deliberately and purposefully encode your consciousness with fresh, high-vibration thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and images."  We can now begin to lay the groundwork of a life we have always dreamed about.  That's the beauty of the future, points out Debbie, that it is right now.

Day 1 of "The Future": The light of Realization
     This can be done by consciously committing to the "moment-by-moment practice of choosing higher states of awareness." says Debbie.  There is a choice made if you will be happy or sad, regretful or hopeful, joyous or depressed. All you need to do is be aware and make the choice to live at your highest state.  We are to pick three frequencies to lay the foundation of our future.  I choose compassion, free-will and kindness.  What three do you choose?

Day 29: The Power of Truth (Cleanse, Ford)

     Often we hear some insight and we vow to practice it and become the best person we know ourselves to be.  We begin to practice for a day but then find ourselves in a negative mood once again.  How come we can't stay connected to our higher selves at all times?  We know it's right and it feels good but it just seems impossible.  When our lives start to take over our thoughts we are forgetting our truth and succumbing to old thought patterns and behaviors says Debbie in The Consciousness Cleanse.  To find our truth we need to know our truth.  Look at what is going right in your life and what isn't.  Are you in a rut and focusing only on the negative aspects of your life?  The truth is that we have positive and negative aspects to our lives including all the gray areas.  To find your truth begin looking at every part.  Find out your truth.
     A lie that I believe to be true is that Nate thinks the worst of me.  The truth is that he does not.  He reminds me of this little lie I continue to believe but then I quickly forget after a day.  Debbie says the reason we forget is due to laziness.  We must keep trying to remember and live the truth.  I have drawn a sun on my hand to remind me to look at the bright side when I am with Nate; that he does not think the worst of me.  What lies are you holding onto?  And why not begin believing in the truth?

Day 28: The Power of the Present (Cleanse, Ford)

Being present in this moment can be difficult. Our thoughts are constantly trying to take us back or forward in time. It can be exhausting. Have you ever been completely present in the moment of now? It feels peaceful. All you have to do is be aware of everything you are doing in this moment. What are you touching with your hands, smelling with your nose, tasting with your mouth? Being aware of your senses will help to bring you into the present. Debbie says that, "Your mind is at rest because there is nowhere else to go and nothing else to do. There is no past to haunt you or pull you backward, And there is no future to wish for or fantasies to maintain." Being completely present means that you are not in denial, not pretending and not avoiding anything in your life says Debbie. If we are to deal with what is right now, then we don't need to carry any past sorrow or pain with us because it would have been dealt with at that moment. We won't need to worry about the future because we will trust that we will be able to deal with it at that moment. This moment is precious.

Day 27: The Power of Risk (Cleanse, Ford)

     My dad used to say that if you don't like the way something is right now, wait, and it will change.  This is a guarantee.  Debbie says that, "...things will not be the same tomorrow as they are today."  You have the ability to make real change in your life or mundane changes.   You can choose to eat the same meals every week, wake up at the same time everyday, read a book before bedtime every night etc.  There is nothing wrong with any of these things but how risky are they?  With risk comes real change states Debbie.  Risk is not to be feared but embraced.  Have you noticed when you do something for the first time how much fun and exciting it is?  That's because you are taking a risk of doing something you have never experienced before.  In the end you have grown and made a real change in your life.  Debbie challenges us to ask ourselves today, "What can I do that is different?" instead of "What can I do that is the same today?"  The goal is that with risk you will feel happier, healthier and more fulfilled. 

     I have a daily routine just as you probably do also.  It works but I am intrigued by this notion.  Tonight I was going to read a little in my apartment.  Instead I'm going to go to the lobby of my apartment and read on the couch they have there.  I'm already excited.  I think it will be a nice change and a risk since it's not in the safety of my own place.  I think tomorrow I will wear my hair in a pony tail just for a change.  It's true that when we switch it up life is a little more exciting and fun.  What can you do differently?

Day 26: The Power of Acceptance (Cleanse, Ford)

     Debbie starts out saying that, "To live powerfully in the present, you must be able to accept life as it is today."  Accepting what is occurring now is the next step in the Consciousness Cleanse.  Remember, we do not have to do any of this alone as we learned in the last chapter of the power of humility.  All we need to do is ask our source for guidance and counseling.  There are two steps to accepting the present moment, states Debbie; your past is your past and it will never be anything different; shit happens and there is nothing you can do about it.  "Accepting these truths is a part of becoming an emotionally responsible adult and a humble servant of the divine." Debbie reminds us.  Every challenge is an opportunity for growth. 
     A struggle I'm going through right now is how to deal with Nate's mood from work when I get home.  He works from home while I work at an office.  I have a 30 minute drive to unwind from the day's work while he has zero.  I have a hard time dealing with his "bad" mood.  I've tried joking, ignoring, sympathizing, listening but it still gets to me that he can't just snap out of it once the computer is turned off.  I know it's not fair for me to have such a large expectation on his behavior but, I do.  I let his mood affect my mood.  I try so hard to be positive when I get home so we can enjoy our evening.  Why can't he do the same?  Debbie's answer is that shit happens.  I can't change him.  I need to take responsibility for my own feelings, thoughts and actions.  I need to ask my source for guidance in this situation.  Maybe instead of trying so hard to change him I will just let him be and I will just be as I am in my mood.  Let's see what happens...