Spiritual Awareness

Master of Spiritual Awareness Essay by Rev. Alicia Gamble

This course was one of the best I have taken. I don't think there was anything I didn't like about it. It was written in a beautifully easy to understand way. The exercises were enjoyable as well as helpful. In fact, the whole thing was so good I don't know if just answering the questions can do it justice, but I will give it a try.

The first insight is about awakening, realizing that there are more than just the five senses and the physical world.

When we adopt the first insight into our present lives we start to realize that there is much more going on around us than meets the eye. If we start to pay more attention to the coincidences that happen in our lives we can start to see (and feel) something much bigger than us and our individual lives operating in the universe. What we once thought of as "blind luck" or "mere coincidence" is now seen (and felt and known) as meaningful divine assistance. The more we pay attention to the coincidences and synchronicities that happen in our lives, the more they occur and allow us to grow further spiritually.

The first insight for me was just confirmation of what I have always felt. For as long as I can remember I have always questioned and looked for the truth and reasons behind everything. I have always had an insatiable need for knowledge and to understand everything. Before I could even read I was fascinated with religion and peoples beliefs especially about God. As I grew this continued, for years I researched all different religious texts, and questioned people of all faiths but I never fully got the confirmation for what I felt deep inside of me. Finally, I simply "asked" to be led to the answers I was seeking, I just asked for help. Oddly enough, it was instant and in the form of a coincidence and everything has opened up from there.

 

The fourth insight was of particular interest to me as I have seen how people steal energy literally and through control repeatedly on an individual level. Though I saw what happens and how I didn't realize the immensity, nor full meaning until now. This insight shows that people treat each other in such violent manners all for the competition of energy. I have seen it time and again all because people don't realize they are fighting for human energy which does not and cannot ever provide the sense of completeness that people really hunger for. The only way to get that is from a connection with divine energy.

In order to begin to open up and share positive energy with others one must learn to tap into the universal energy. To do this we need to be able to surrender our need for control and open ourselves up. Then we need to be able to realize the feeling of being filled up. When we open ourselves up and we can receive energy, coincidences and all of the gifts from the universal intelligence start to flow more easily to us. Only then can the oneness of body, mind and spirit be found. Once we get to the point where we can feel real divine love (which is different than the earthly love we are used to) then through will alone we can send the energy back.

 

The main lesson for me in the seventh insight is to really pay attention. It is being fully present and watching what is going on in the environment around me, my thoughts and my interactions with people. To really be aware of these while staying connected and feeling and being love and the universal energy. To watch for people and things in the environment that seem to "shine" just a little brighter. To expect coincidences and for people to bring the information and/or answers I desire because we get all the answers and information we need from others. Which means it is especially important to be connected when dealing with people so we, and they, can receive what we are supposed to from each other.

Of particular interest is the fact that humans will change from the five sensory beings of today to the multi-sensory beings of the future. Five sensory beings live very much in the physical world feeling very detached and alone because they, for the most part, are limited to the five senses (taste, touch, smell, feeling and hearing) as their sensory experience of the world. Whereas, the multi-sensory beings we will/are becoming know that we are never alone, we are all part of the whole and that we all share in the creation of the physical world for our learning and growth. They understand that the intention behind every action creates its effect, that intention affects others as well as ourselves and that the effects of the intentions are not limited to the physical world. Five sensory beings on the other hand, do not perceive the effects of intentions, to them, the effects of actions are physical and do not always affect themselves or others.

 

In the next millennium we will be looking at a completely different way of life. We will see things like forests being left to grow and mature into powerful energy centers which people will live among or by, while tending to beautiful gardens. Things like food, Shelter and transportation will be automated and available to all, with no need for currency, overindulgence or laziness. There will be no need for power and control as people will live more intuitively always knowing what needs to be done and when, which will work in harmony with the actions of others.

Living with and acting on intuitions will help to satisfy people's sense of purpose as they watch their destinies unfold.

People, of their own accord, will start to decrease the population on the planet. They will experience a period of deep introspection then they will begin to realize how beautiful and spiritual the natural world really is. The things of nature will be revered for the great and powerful things that they are. There will be great demand to end any economic ventures that threaten the natural world. Pollution will no longer be a problem as there will be people who will intuit alternative solutions.

As this shift happens people will begin to realize that we are here to evolve spiritually through loving action, with this understanding our vibrational frequencies will change. As people raise their vibrational levels they will fulfill the purpose of human existence – Heaven on earth, where there is no division or separation, where we are all one.

This course is a must, especially for those who are feeling the energy shift or are worried about all the 2012 hype.

We are being presented with a wonderful opportunity to reshape ourselves and our world. Instead of fearing the changes ahead we should be embracing them and spend our time and energy learning how to encourage and grow with and into the wonderful new way of life that is emerging. I will definitely recommend this course to others as I think it is very important to get important powerful information like this out there. Thanks so much!

Rev. Alicia Gamble

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Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

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Buddhist Studies

Master of Buddhism Final Writing  by Val Frederick Course: Master of Buddhism, written by Tricia Stirling Topic: What did I learn, like and what this course meant to me. This course has given me the opportunity to learn the intricacies of Buddhism, the various versions of Buddhism and how this way of life changes lives.  I have taken this course now for twenty weeks and from that I don't see it so much as a World religion as much as I see it as a way of life.  For the most part what I have learned from these twenty weeks is how I see the world around me is different from others. I've claimed to be a Buddhist for sometime now, but that is the easy explanation.  In reality I've tried to live by the spiritual reality I call Valism. Yes that is the spiritual way of seeing the world, living amongst others and the desire to be treated as you treat others according to my own spiritual perceptions and objectives.  I've studied various spiritual ways for as long as I can remember.  Not happy any of the mainstream organized religions and how they want you to be a good person because of the threats from their higher power.  I don't believe an all good higher power wants us to be good or if we are not answer to his or her wrath. This so called fire and brimstone should not force their followers to be good but the desire to be good should come from within. I believe there is good in us all.  However it's our environment that has given each of us a different way to see our world and then we put up walls that prevent us from seeing the path of righteousness.  This leads many to see the world through different colored glass and that's when we loose sight of the good within. I've taken a lot of what I believe in from the readings of Mother Theresa, Mary Baker Eddy, Deepak Chopra, Martin Luther King, Jr., Desmond Tutu, Ravi Shankar and certainly the Dalai Lama.  From them I've taken what made sense to me and left the rest.  As the original pragmatist, Buddha once said, "Don't believe what I say out of blind devotion but follow me because it makes sense to you." I believe and hold true to what the Dalai Lama said, "Don't try to use what you learn from Buddhism to be a better Buddhist; use it to be a better Whatever-you-already-are."  Now combine that with the last words of Buddha, "Strive on untiringly" and you have Valism, my spiritual way of being. I like the way this course was written. It's presented in a down to earth way and it was easy to put myself in the readings week after week.  I learned Siddhartha was on a quest to enlightenment.  I learned life is about balancing; it is the middle way to enlightenment and not the extreme of poverty or the extreme of wealth.  Think of the music made by a sitar.  The music only continues if the strings are tightened just so.  If they are tightened too much, they break and the music dies.  If they are too loose there is no sound at all.  It takes being in the middle way and the strings being just so to hear the music. It is the middle way to reaching enlightenment. Siddhartha's search of enlightenment starts with the question of suffering and the solution to this suffering but honestly translated suffering is simply dissatisfaction.  There is suffering (dukkha).  There is a cause of suffering (craving).  There is the cessation of suffering (nirvana).  There is the eightfold path leading to the cessation of suffering. Buddha wanted his believers to question his words and find their own way. There was a story of a man finding Buddha sitting in meditation beneath a fig tree.  The man asked, "Who are you?"  The simple answer Buddha uttered was, "Remember me as, the one who woke up!" The pinnacle of my learning was when I realized there are three fires or poisons; greed, anger and ignorance.  To put these fires out we can only do so by turning these poisons around and that is with their opposites; generosity, compassion and wisdom. ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Chaplaincy Toolbox

When I am called out for Chaplain Duties (I call them Chaplain Calls, so that I can tell my wife I am off doing my calling), it can be at anytime, or place.  Therefore, my Toolbox is always in the pickup truck, ready to go.  In it I carry: 1.    3 Bibles a.    Small pocket size NIV b.    A larger Print NIV c.    A Roman Catholic Bible d.    At times I may take a Large Print American Bible, for services 2.    Day Timer a.    To keep track of appointments b.    Make Notes c.    Listing of Shelters (Boston Area)   i.    Homeless   ii.    Women   iii.    Men   iv.    Veterans d.    Emergency Numbers   i.    Police   ii.    Fire   iii.    Hospitals   iv.    Ambiances e.    Numbers of fellow Chaplains, Ministers, Priest and Rabies. (Good Friends) f.    Number of a Psychologist, who is also a good friend. 3.    A copy of the Minister's Handbook by Orlando Tibbetts.(Small) 4.    A copy of the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service Handbook (small) 5.    American Legion Chaplain's Manual. 6.    Military Service Chaplains' Manual (small). 7.    The Notebook from this course. 8.    A simple communion kit. (my own design) 9.    At times I use a Roman Collar, when the time is right for it. (Friar Tuck blue clergy shirt) But mostly I am in    street    close with a cross around my neck or shirt and tie with the cross. 10.    $5.00 minimum 11.    Cell phone 12.    Small Hand held Tape Recorder. 13.    Flash Light 14.    First Aid Kit. 15.    I use to carry a jack knife, but no more.  16.    I carry two Handkerchiefs 17.    Didn't think about music until now.  Maybe tapes, CDs, or a hymnal.  18.    I have a copy of The Common Book of Prayer.  Helps with services, confessions, and so on. All of this fits into a carry bag that goes over my shoulder, but mostly stays in the truck. I do have a Personal Computer which I don't use all that offend. It goes in its own case. Good to check my Email. And I have Bible software loaded on it. Blessing to Rev. Arthur Strafuss ********************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Religious Philosophy

reverend adam rocke

essay: master of religious philosophy

This is my essay for the course entitled Master of Religious Philosophy by Robert Chamberlain as required to receive my certificate of completion. I start with some quotes that sum up some of this course content: "This religious function is to define our relationship with other people."( lesson 14); and the following: " Essentially what all three questions are addressing is the is of how we, as mortal human beings, relate to reality."(lesson 15). In lesson 16 one statement indicates –that with one exception, religions believe their followers should take an active role in the government and administration of society, that is, establishing, regulating and enforcing social structure. He goes on to indicate that groups tend to actively globalize their religion and the world would be a better place if everyone would simply convert to their faith. And, in lesson 22, a statement is made about differing religions and philosophies: " When all is said and done, these are not better or worse, they are simply different." Basically, after reading and studying this course various things become evident. It also becomes troubling as I will indicate in my closing remarks.

Religions serve the people who follow them the degree of difference in religions is also marked by the degrees of similarities.  No religion is greater or lesser in value. The complexities of various religions deal with the breakdown of certain elements and concepts. The noted authors of Smith and Russell indicate various tenets of religious content. Conceptually, I found that these comparisons were indicated in natural phenomenon and dealt with elements of ownership or guardianship of the world. Issues of science and religion are resolved by looking into the concepts of each and one can find that there is compatibility for these ideas as they tend to support each other rather than differentiate themselves in reality. Science is accounted for by definition as 'to know'. Derivations then go on to discuss 'omniscient' meaning omni (all) and scient (knowing). Thus one can contend that the use of science is by definition overlapping in religion. In science one deals with matters of knowledge or fact and in religion one deals with faith and cognitive thoughts not of science but of emotion and thought, values and meanings or invisible qualities and such. Are they incompatible? Quoted authors think not. They are answers to differing questions.

As I went through the course I saw many definitions to set most religions in their own context and then look at the thought that yes, there is both need for and goodness in concepts of people having religious beliefs. These do not interfere with matters of fact; they establish parameters for their followers to live by. Some consider superiority over the domain of the earth and others worship element of al natural things and preserve them. There is the psychological, natural and social means of religion to derive meanings of their practice. Additionally, religion is based on myth, doctrine scripture and sacred space. As one moved through the lesson in this complex analysis of philosophies, it becomes evident of why there are differing values of who is the way to follow. The dogma of these beliefs set them apart from one another.

When one compares various religions there is the issue of histories and translations and time variances that impact the differing thoughts within them. How did this history move forward and who controlled the ideas within is of great interest in comparing how things evolved in the religious practices. How did ones determine what is scared in there movements? All these factors and much more provide differing sets of thoughts for the followers and then religion is further complicated by defined regions of development. 

Humans believe in religion for various reasons and likely so the world will makes sense when there is not fact to determine why things happen. One has to look at the reason we believe. It seems to be human nature that we need answers to our question in life and this gives us religion to help us. No one wants to be without reason so if one thinks that we are of God's image then we act with the same qualities. The evil that occurs may not be because of God's wrath, but merely that absence of belief. Just as dark is the absence of light.

As one progresses through this course is explains many concepts and it is very complex in matters that are of theory relating to the end product. It shows examples of how we differ. However, what I found most interesting is the concept that in the political entities that have in essence banned religion, they have had to relax such bans as time has progress and the people go back to the concepts of the religious beliefs for support and this makes a community ultimately of people who have shared beliefs. So it is not so much as whether one is what religion, it is more that one has religion.

Another concept of the comparisons is how the world is viewed; are we superior to nature, a part of nature or are we responsible to nature. These are issues that also separate the philosophy that are followed.  These concepts too set up means for comparative elements of belief. Regions complexities of derivations can be looked at in many ways, but as mentioned above, the concept is to have it or not and to follow, or not. It appears as if mankind needs these guiding ideals to follow regardless of who thinks they are right or superior. My only interjected comment in all about religious philosophy is all should stand with equal value for those who wish to follow. Personally, I agree that is it choice and not my decision to push my beliefs on others. If they agree fine, and if not fine. I do believe and this course has opened up my ability to see differences and how beliefs are established.

My only closing remark is my concern for one value and that is superiority. The biggest detriment to religious freedom and in my opinion, to mankind is the belief, or I should say, if the belief exists that one group is superior to others and their role is to force all others to follow their personal religious doctrines. In other words, it is the concept that not that religion is the opiate to the people, but that superior is to the detriment of the people. Because then the only means is to either indoctrinate or forcibly instill their beliefs on all others. This has been the reason for taken this course, to see the evolution of religions, how they came to be and what they believe in. Ultimately, if left alone, all can coexist? However, reality is that this is not fact and there are those that wish to rule all through religious belief of superiority. This is the concern I have for the faith community. Will all others have to rise to assure that none are more than equal?

I found this course to be very enlightening and very and impressively complex in the analysis. Great work has been done by the author to show the various elements of religious belief systems. I highly recommend it for its content and thoroughness. Kudos to R. Chamberlain…

Sincerely,

Reverend  Adam Rocke

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Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Chaplaincy Studies

REVEREND ADAM ROCKE

ESSAY: MASTER OF THE CHAPLAINCY STUDIES

I have completed Rev. Daniel Moore's course on the Master of the Chaplaincy Studies.  As is required for certificate, this is my submission of the essay of the course and it's meaning to me.  The role of the chaplain comes down to the basic tenants that offer, in essence, an objective friend to those in need.  'Those in need', is a comment that one must consider as a chaplain.  Who are they and why do we think the may need a chaplain.  Is it brash self-centeredness for us to assume we can fill the role for those in need?  As one determines the role of the chaplaincy in progressing through this course, it is my opinion that it is in essence, a role of friendship and an open being for those who have the need.  This need is the need to commune with some sort of figure who can provide some connection to the things that may be happening in one's life at some point in time.

It is also not only an individualistic need of someone else, but a collective need of participants, groups, or families depending on situations.  Whether it be a religious mentor at a time of grief or of one who is to assume duties of a multitude of tasks in blessing, the chaplain is the one who acts as the connections to the spirit and needs of those of which they serve.  It may be an organized grouping or a visit to hospital, family or any number of a wide variety of issues.  The chaplain is the connection to the spirit for those of the need.  In time of disaster or family grieving, as well as,  in time of blessing for good intentions, the chaplain serves the function of the mediator of connection. 

A chaplain must be open and flexible and immediately able to adapt to the constituents of his duties.  As I moved through each lesson, it became so apparent of the value of this position in the culture of society and religion.  There are many who may have no religion or religious preference, but they all may have need for the soothing voice of an independent being who can be their for them to provide the inner and outer faith that one must be prepared for.  The chaplain may have to improvise to the moment.  They may have to give of themselves so that others may obtain peace and serenity.  It seems the chaplain is the crucial link in connecting for someone or groupings no matter the size of such, nor the religious preference.  One must be able to adapt.  As I conducted my reading I felt that manner in which one must give and the means in which they must make change on the spur of the moment.  If one lays dying and a chaplain is alone with them, all of the sudden family comes in grieving and going into a flurry of emotions, it is the chaplain that must step up, or even back away.  A chaplain can sit outside a room and privately in their inner thoughts and prayers still give blessing in the worst of situations. 

Now there is much one can say of the duties and as the Rev. Moore describes so well, one must be prepared and one must as take care of their own being to be able to minister to others.  They provide trick of the trade, so to speak, on how to be prepared and how to deal with conditions that one may be called upon to deal with.  It could be in a hospital, a prison, a field or any other type of setting.  Yet one will ask if prayer is desired and follow such directions. 

During the course of this study, I had personal experience with a chaplain while undergoing a very high-risk surgery.  I was fortunate that where I worked there was a reverend friend who new of my upcoming issue.  He new of my fears of cancer and of the risks of survival.  The morning of my surgery at 6:00 a.m., as my wife sat with me, out from behind the curtain, came my pal and friend and even mentor.  With him was his prayer book, an abbreviated bible, he always carries.  As I lay in fear and such we talked and I thanked him for being there.  Now he did not have to go out of his way to see me, but he chose to do so.  As we spoke and his calmness, strength and belief came forward, he provided comfort to me in his words and our genial chatter; and, as it came near to my operation, he asked if we could pray or if I was so inclined to consider.  Well of course I was ready and he opened his book and frankly I cannot remember even which verses he read to me.  He had selected ones that were pertaining to the area of my surgery and the verses were like a calm that came over me.  He held my hand and proceeded to give me and my wife the comfort I needed to go into the procedure. 

Well as luck will have it, I made it through as is obvious by this essay, but as I think back at what he did and his sacrifice to be with me and his holding my  hand and comforting words to my wife, were amazing.  I felt like I was in the hand of God and his spirit was with me as I was wheeled into the room.  And hours later that evening there was a call to us, from him giving us encouragement and asking of our needs and what he could do.  My response was you have given me the gift of your friendship and of God's spirit to watch over me.  I will forever keep that experience in my mind in relation to what the role of the chaplain is.  I experienced what I was in the midst of studying in the finest of moments and settings that one could ever hope for.  I not only felt comfort from his actions, but now a week after and after reading my lessons for the past few days to catch up, it is so very obvious to me what the good Rev. Moore is saying and what may pal showed me.

I was on this side of receiving such goodness and faith and it provides one with the example of what it is to have such a person there for one's needs.  As I progressed in the course and this last week of recovery, I had a sense of completeness and felt that I too could be able to know what it was like to have such a person be there.  I had past conversations with hospital chaplains because of family illnesses, and they were meaningful.  However my experience of being the one in the bed and having the service of one who I am trying to be, was nothing short of a miracle of coincidence.  And yet, there seems to be a fate of connection that I have benefited from during this course.  I cannot understand why this happened when it did.  But, I am thankful that the actual course occurred to me and I was party to the teachings and receipt of what was placed on the table to me by this course.

So in conclusion, I hope that I have gained the insight of the course and I have experienced it first hand as a benefit of life and I hold dear the lessons within.  As I review what I have read, it becomes so evident of the role and need for the chaplain to go forth.  And, I am blessed with actual experience to understand what the role truly can be.  I hope it will make me better in my directions in the future to accomplish the same type of benefit to others.

 Now as asked, how can this course be improved, I am not sure.  Personally, I think it met my needs and showed me how one must be ready to do the commitment of the position if so gifted to receive such commission to do so.  Being of a non-affiliated religious direction, it is more difficult to make the inroads to be considered for such a position.  And yet, in everyday life it is something I do each and everyday, via an email or phone call or contact.  I find that I use this training now in most situations as I recognize them happening and that my non-affiliation, still allows me to act in the capacity of helping to fill the needs of others.

So, basically this is my submission.  I have no negative critique.  I think the course was one of almost a feeling of pleasantry in how it comes across and it is one where others who may take it, should feel the content flow in a positive manner.  I am glad I had this opportunity to learn from it. It is provided in a manner that gives the feel of a chaplain writing it and for that, I think it is very positive and serves well to all who may take it.

Sincerely ,

Reverend Adam Rocke

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To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link.

Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church. 

Spirituality

Defining Spirituality Essay

      I will begin my essay by first stating that I have never been much of a reader, let alone a person who enjoys studying information in books.  I have learned that what comes from books are always someone else's beliefs or opinions that may or may not resonate with your individual life lessons.  Everything that I know in regards to my own understanding of spiritual truth, are things that I discovered on my own.  They involve my own personal experiences, research and discovery.  While some insights were gained from material I was guided to read, such information was merely a tool in which to propel me forward within my own understanding.  I have learned that there is no definitive source of "truth" in the world, however, there are many sources of information that provide keys to helping unlock our own individual understanding of truth and this individual understanding applies directly to our current soul age.  What this means is that we can only understand information that our soul is ready for- if we are not ready for it, then we will not be able to comprehend it in this particular lifetime.

      What I have come to know is that our soul incarnates into human form in order to learn, grow and evolve, which involves numerous lifetimes.  Basically, our physical world is nothing but a classroom for our consciousness.  As beings of conscious energy, we are connected to all things, and as such, we are also always connected to our creator (God).  Each new lifetime results in the creation of a new temporary personality (self/ego), which we explore the world through.  Death is nothing but a transition to the next lifetime, or if you are at the end of your human lessons, you will move to the next level of lessons and experiences, whether that is another dimension or plane of existence. 

      Mature and old souls are much more aware of their spirituality, while younger souls are scarcely able to comprehend such things.  It should then be of no surprise to learn that an overwhelming majority of souls currently on this planet are younger souls.  New souls have had to be created as the planet's population increased, which happens if there aren't any previous souls ready to reincarnate.  Everything about our new incarnated life was predesigned - who our parents would be (genetic makeup), where we live, astrological alignment, etc.  From that design, we would be assured of experiencing things that would help us learn whatever lesson(s) our soul decided to learn during the next lifetime.  Nothing is ever "predestined", which is why it takes many many lifetimes to evolve to the next soul age.  Souls may get trapped in ego, never following their guidance and learn their life's lesson, so they recycle and repeat until they learn what they need to learn to move forward.

      Yet, within each new incarnation, we are still connected to the experiences of our previous lifetimes.  While we may not readily remember them while incarnated, we still have a 'sense' of the past. 

      There is, of course, a lot more detail involved, but I'm just trying to give an overview of some of the things that I have learned during my own life's journey.  As for my own soul age, I am reaching the end of the road for my human incarnations.  It wasn't until I came to understand the lesson of soul ages, that I realized why I've felt so detached from humanity during this life.  Part of the process of the final transitioning is the gradual disconnect from humanity, as we prepare to move forward into the next evolutionary state.

      With this knowledge, I began the Defining Spiritualism course.

      Upon completion, I came away with mixed feelings about the course, mainly because of disagreements with the author.  While he says at the end that he never attempted to be objective, it truly showed through several comments he makes throughout the course.  I also find it quite odd that a course primarily written to showcase various forms of spiritual philosophy was written by an author who basically says at the end that he doesn't even believe in philosophy. 

      However, from a historical overview perspective on philosophy, I enjoyed the course.  I think the background information and the various schools of thought were well done.  I was not, however, in agreement with some of the author's personal conclusions. 

      Here are some of those disagreements that I discovered during the course, which is based upon my own perception of what was written - right or wrong. 

·        The author believes that 'thought' can never answer the question regarding spiritual truth. 

I believe this is wrong based upon my own personal experiences.  There are numerous ways to reach insight and truths, and if you are ready to understand something, then you will be guided to that information through whatever means you're ready for.  How can intuition be followed, if you aren't able to understand or trust the intuition through thought?  Words may be a limiting factor, but again, if you are ready, information will be decoded enough for you to understand.  Yet, some of the things I have come to learn, even I cannot put them into words… but then again, this information was for me on my path, not meant for everyone else. 

Many things have come to me during what I call, "thought meditation".  A question will appear in my mind, something profound that I want to understand… and as I sat pondering the idea, an answer or understanding would be shared with me.  Simply, you have to be open to finding guidance and truths through any means available- emotional, mental, and intuitive. 

Synchronistic events are what I consider to be thought-related guidance.  While some events may be intuitive, the vast majority are things that occur which are meant to make us 'think' about what they mean.  They help us to question, ponder, and dig deeper for information within ourselves.  Truly, when you can achieve trust in combined mental, emotional and intuitive guidance, you will begin to understand everything on a much deeper level.

·        The author believes that, "when you realize you know nothing and then begin to realize that there is nothing to be known, it is then that you come to know everything."

I strongly disagree.  This concept would basically mean that there is truly no point to our existence, other than just existing.  Yet, I know that our entire existence is as a vessel for our soul to learn, therefore, there is quite a LOT to be known.  It would be wiser to say, "I do not know everything and never will," then to say you know nothing and there is nothing to ever know.

However, the fact remains, while incarnated, we will never know everything, because if we truly did learn everything, we would cease to be able to have a human experience.  How could one know everything, and still see and interact as a normal human with the world around them?  Such a thing would be impossible.  However, the author does refer to this concept by saying, "The universal truth cannot be learned, cannot be understood and cannot be taught.  It cannot even be known as it is so vastly beyond the confines of the self that the self cannot exist in its presence," although I'm not sure if he even understood the point he was making.  Our mission isn't to become spontaneously enlightened in one fell swoop, but to gradually develop enlightenment through numerous lifetimes of experiences and lessons. 

Furthermore, the author's statement does bring up a good point in that, "The universal truth… cannot be taught."  This is true because we are programmed to only be able to understand what we're ready for, what our soul age is capable of grasping.  Ever wonder why you can discuss something with someone, show them proof of what you're saying, but they will simply just stare at you blankly, unable to comprehend what you're saying?  The fact is they are not ready to understand it; their soul hasn't reached the level where they are ready to understand what you are trying to teach them. 

·        The author also made personal statements sounding like fact such as, "Help the people you minister to by encouraging social interaction.  This is such a necessary part of the human condition…"

I can personally tell you that this is not true.  That is the problem with many people, they teach in terms of absolute fact based upon their own personal beliefs and assumptions, that they leave those who don't fit that mold, feeling like there is something wrong with them.  Throughout my life I have never really enjoyed interacting with other people, I have never really felt a need to, and when I did interact, it felt somewhat foreign to me.  Yet, those who understand about spiritual progression know that once the soul has grown to an advanced level, they begin to drift away from mundane human interactions.  The fact is, by the time our soul reaches advanced levels, we have already, "been there, done that" in so many previous lifetimes, that it just no longer holds meaning for us anymore.  While people around us are excited about events or traveling, etc… we just have a sense that we've already done it, so why bother doing it again.  It is easy to become frustrated and even more reclusive during this time, because so many people think there is something wrong with us, because we're not behaving like everyone else.  The fact is, we are just aware of so much more than everyone else, that forcing ourselves to behave like them is just pointless to us.

I think as ministers or anyone for that matter on a profound spiritual journey, would do well to avoid seeing in personal absolutes when it comes to teaching others.  This was just one example I highlighted in the course, but there were several others I found while reading.

I do want to touch upon one final idea that the author mentioned. 

·        When he described the Buddhist idea of nirvana and how western people have a problem with that.

The "problem" basically stem from the human ego.  The human ego causes us to believe that we are special, we are perfect, we deserve to live forever, and that ceasing to exist means everything about our life was pointless.  However, if people understood death as I do, they would realize the errors of such thinking.  If any person can honestly look in the mirror and see all of the times they have judged others, been prejudicial, been angry with someone, hated someone, wanted to get even… once they honestly remember those things, can they truly say that they "deserve" to be immortal?  Would they want a heaven or afterlife with the same judgmental, prejudice people they currently walk the earth with?  Personally, I can say without hesitation that I would not want my human life's "personality" to be immortal.  I would not want to think, act, or react with this faulty human-ego process.  I know that beyond this skin, my consciousness is void of such fallibility, so why would I desire to see it tarnished by forever by human ego?

      In closing, I'd like to add my favorite Buddhist quote, "Do not believe something, just because I have said it."  I tell this to everyone I talk to about what I have learned.  Therefore, I tell you now, do not believe what I have told you and do not believe what you read or hear, believe only that which you experience yourself, directly.  Because if you cannot trust yourself, if you can't believe your own personal experiences, then how can you trust and believe in something outside of yourself?  The answers lie within, not outside of you.

Thank you for reading.

With Blessings.

-Rev. Bradley

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Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

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Chaplaincy Studies

What I Have Learned.

Final Essay for Master of Chaplaincy Course

Rev. Arthur Strafuss

Now that I am at the end of another class I look back with a smile and admiration for the instructor and staff that supported me through this.  During this time I was appointed to the position of Chaplain in the American Legion.  I owe this position directly to the taking of the course. 

My assignment is to answer the following:

What did I learn from this course?
What helped me the most?
What could be improved in this course?
What do we hope to accomplish after taking this course?

The most important things of the course for me were the assignments. The getting and digging out the information, and the information was a storehouse, for me.  From this I have made a data base of all this information that I can bring up or go online to get what I need. 

The most important things that help me the most were:

A.     Learning about other type of chaplains, as the Animal Chaplain, which help pet owner through lost of a pet and consoling them their pet is sick or being hospitalizes.  I was surprise to find out that many Seeing Eye dog owners need that form of help through the hard time with their dog.

B.     Police and Fire Chaplains was a surprise in the duties of a chaplain may differ in many ways.  The Chaplain in my town covers both Fire and Police.  He does not live in the town, and is only on call.  In a city like Boston the chaplain is more of a face to face presents. Not just on call but out on call with the Fire Department or Police.  They can't share both departments.

C.    The need for a partner in my ministry. That can be a friend first and then a soul friend later, after we know and work with each other for awhile.   It needs time to know each other's strengths, and weaknesses and how we can help each other in our ministry.  It would e great to share a ministry together, helping others, reading sermons, and help with classes.

D.     Massachusetts Suicide Prevention Program

The goal of the Suicide Prevention Program is to reduce the number of suicides, suicide attempts and self-injury among Massachusetts residents. We do this by:
1.          Raising awareness of suicide as a public health problem
2.          Providing support to communities, agencies and individuals interested in suicide prevention
3.          Providing education and training for professionals and caregivers
4.           Funding community-based suicide prevention and mental health promotion programs
5.          Supporting and collaborating with state, regional and community suicide prevention coalitions

I am open supporting and encouraging communities to collaborate across disciplines to prevent suicide and suicide attempts across the lifespan. In our area, teen suicide is on the rise.  I may have an opportunity to help in the High Schools to get a handle on this problem.

E.      I loved the Tool kit.  What I am finding is the kit depends on what I am doing.  I am cutting back on the Bibles to carry around and the communion kit but I still keep then in the care.  I am also reinstalled my CB Radio back in the trunk.

F.      I like the lesion on active listening

There are two parts to active listening

1,   Have the ability to listen, make eye contact, body language, and giving the speaker your attention. Not to me distracted by cell-phone, noses, actions in the street, and so on.  This gives the message that you see what the speaker is saying is important and that you have an active interest in the subject.  This technique is best used on a one on one session, in which you are trying to help this person through something.  Be prepared for a lot of talk going into dead ends.  Theses session go for a long time until something comes out that you can actually help with.

2,   Having the ability to understand what the speaker is saying is the other.  This can be a smile, quick and shot comments, and sharing your own story.

Word of caution, I am a good listener, I have been most of my life, when dealing with a lonely single person male or female, do not get out the wrong massage.  You may need to make a boundary, or rule of the session that should not be broken.  It very easy to fall into this trap, I have and that is why I state the ground rules first.  It is call transference. I made the mistake of going out for coffee after the session.

What I would change:

A.     Fix the Forum.  I am still having problem with it.

B.     Would like to see Counseling as a complete course as part of this program.  It would help people like me that do not have any counseling history.

C.    More Internet resources, as in helps in consulting, and to Chaplain Organizations.

What do we hope to accomplish after taking this course?

A.     I am going through a hard time right now.  Once I get through it I will be developing my still as a Chaplain in the American Legion, and using that position to open up more opportunities as a Chaplain.

B.      I am continuing my courses to work toward the Master's in Chaplaincy and then on to the Doctorates.

C.     I would like to join a professional chaplain organization, for the purpose of my own education and fellowship.

D.     Still Thinking about the Unemployment Chaplain.  I think there is a need there.  People go through the most trying time when they have lost their jobs.  Families break up, things fall apart and never get back together again.   People need to know that God is there and She/He is waiting to be ask for any help that is needed. When all is lost, there is always God. That needs to be convened, that they are not alone, that there is hope.  That a personal relationship with God (no matter how you see God) needs to be established, then prepare for something to happen.

E.      I still plain to work in Education, but God Centered no matter where I am.

Now that is the end of the last lesson.  I wish to thank Daniel Moore and Amy for their help and support.

Blessing to all and the good work you do.

Rev Arthur Strafuss

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The Universal Life Church, is free place to become ordained,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button to get started today.

The ULC Seminary was created to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. The  Universal Life Church has grown over the years and its Seminary has added the continual growth of the church.

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Metaphysical Healing

Metaphysical Healing

I am glad to be at the ending of a new beginning, by taking this course.  It has been a wonderful learning journey.  What I most enjoyed about taking the course was the many references that were made to traditional African healing modalities.  I felt it reconnected me back to a portion of myself.  This was the riches portion of the course for it connects to a long line of ancestral healers.  Learning about how to heal myself, has proved to be a wonderful healing tool.  On several occasions during this course I have used the tools and found them to be very effective. 

 I have always had the gift of healing myself, but I now have more confidence than ever in my ability to heal.  I also learned about the different roles of traditional healers and how they rebuild relationships within physical and spiritual communities and how they utilize herbs, seawater and other tools for healing.  Additionally, I learned about the different body systems, and how they are connected to the meridians and chakra systems.  This vast and sometimes complicated knowledge was broken down into simple understandable components that enriched my knowledge of the body.  

Before going into a healing session it is important that one has been thoroughly cleansed and spiritually aligned and in tuned so they can be an effective, cleansed and open vessel to receive assistance from the spirit world, this would also apply to both physically present healing sessions or distant healing sessions. Conducing healing sessions requires one to be able to use various induction methods that are dependent on the personality of the client. I also learned how to go about lining with my client, and what professional office procedures to use for patient intake, follow up and develop a system of accurate record keeping.  Not only did I learn how to address the physical illnesses of the body, but also how to address spiritual issues, such as how to do soul retrievals, and perform spiritual baths, facials, etc that can aid in the spiritual and physical healing of a patient.  

I thought the course was through in its content and it is up to the student to study and practice the lessons in order to become an effective spiritual and metaphysical healer.  I would have like to receive more information on how to set up a office and healing practice.  I am thankful for this course and realize it is time for me to begin to use it as a practice.   Just recently I lost my job and am feeling a strong call to begin to do my spiritual work full time as a method of earning an income.  Thank you for the years of toll, strife, joy, success and spiritual growth that you have been given to be able to gift others with the knowledge to do the work of spirit. I am sending much light your way, for having made my path brighter, and for validating the work of spirit in my life.

             May the spirit of creation continue to bless you in all your endeavors to maintain this ancient traditional practice.

Rev. Dr. Edonna Alexandria

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Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wiccan Studies

Lessons Of Life In Wicca By Rev James Chambers        There are many lessons that we have all gone through in the course of life and through ULC and I have learned a lot through the course of both. I have learned about the powers with in every living cell of the body and how they come to life in the very presence of time and space when you are in your sacred space all alone but yet so very much not alone for even the wind sounds out a tune of worship when on your knees in the very presence of the Divine or Goddess that it's hard to say how you ever lived without her in your daily life. I've learned that even the trees have a breath of life, a spark of hope, a shimmer of praise in the very presence of her grace. I learned to be one with myself and the universe and that in doing so I have everything I need or will ever need right at my thoughts, all I have to do is think it and it's on its way. I've learned that it is not in how, why or even when you come to this realization of the love of the Goddess, but only that you will and we all will in our on time and it only matters  that we do realize that she is calling all her children saying Let the sleeping giants arise, Let my people call my name once more upon this land and I shall walk with thee. Drink from me and I shall give you life, power and freedom. I shall give you all your hearts desires. When this time shall come a cloud shall descend upon you all in my name and you shall be filled with power and blessings to descend to the next plane. Come out from the woods my children! Come out! This is one of the greatest courses on Wicca I have ever taken online it would benefit even the strongest of hearts to take this course. Thank you so much for your stance in this world. Blessed be.         Rev. James Chambers ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar