Between You and the Divine

Continually, you fight over your spiritual practices. 

Laws are created to protect some practices while restricting others. What this proves, and what you reflect to the world, is that your faith is weak.

If you have a strong connection to the Divine, by whichever name you call it; that connection can never be severed.

You fight not for the right to your spiritual practices, but for the right to practice them in front of others and to force others to practice as you do.

Long before there was religion, there was safety in numbers. 

A united group, with similar beliefs and ideas was less likely to be killed by a predator, and the larger the group, the more it would be able to assert its domination over others.

The practices you hold dear, are older than religion itself. 

Much like the caveman (or woman), the time has come to put down your spears and realize that you do belong to one group: the human race.

You are all headed in the same direction even if you choose separate paths. You can discover this now, or wait until your fears have resulted in the very devastation and death you have been worried about.

There are as many religions as there are people on Earth, for each, despite his spiritual practice, has a unique connection to Spirit. No one else experiences this connection in exactly the same way.

Spirituality should always make you feel lighter, stronger and more connected to life and those around you. If your practice makes you fearful or angry, then perhaps you should rethink it.

There is a better way. It is the path of love......for all, those you hate and those you agree with. No one can take your Divine experience away from you, except....you.~Silas

Don't Be Afraid to Ask

When spiritual artists create portraits of angels, fairies and guides, they are usually shown, being helpful, rescuing and giving words of comfort.

Nothing would make them happier than this, yet too often it does not happen until it is too late.

More than likely, if these artists painted your spiritual helpers as they spend most of their time, you would see them wringing their hands and shaking their heads with disappointment.

Your silly belief systems have convinced you that only those with special abilities and talents have the right to speak to these beings. 

It is actually those of you who have the least (or so you believe) aptitude for psychic vision and communication that these guides wish to contact. 

You do not need to hear a voice in your head, or see an angel or fairy in front of you to receive guidance and help. 

Know your question or problem. Ask it. Then sit in silence. You may get an answer, a word, a vision or idea. You may see a physical sign. 

Take a breath. Focus on your heart and take the action you feel guided to take. 

Even mistakes lead you further down the path. Don't get frustrated if you seem to misunderstand what your guides are telling you. 

It is like learning a foreign language. You cannot do it in one day. Talk to your guides daily. Ask for little things to practice this communication. 

Do not assume that no one is listening because your dreams have not yet been realized. 

Your requests are always answered. In most cases, the one who is not listening is you.

Putting Down the Gavel

You have many new churches and new spiritual philosophies that tell you they are free of judgment.

The word  “ judgment” is used as though it is something evil. 

If not for judgment, the human race would not exist. You would have walked through ancient fire pits and jumped off of high cliffs, believing nothing could harm you.

In this modern age, you would be walking in traffic which would be driving in all lanes , in different directions, crossing lines and running red lights.

Judgment, used effectively, is a good thing.

One of the first things and infant learns to do is judge.

He learns that a very loud wail will bring food and a clean diaper. She learns that if she cries, she will be picked up and cuddled.

All of childhood is spent in judgment.  A child learns that a stove is hot and can hurt. He learns that hitting others brings punishment or retaliation.

Judgment has a purpose. It is like a condiment in a meal. You need just the right amount. Too much will spoil the entire dish.

So, how can you tell when enough judgment is enough? Using the meal analogy, it is when you stop salting your own food and start sprinkling on your neighbor’s plate.

The purpose of judgment is to show how something affects you. If it does not affect you and you continue to hold on to judgment about it, then  you create chaos and separation.

“But what about injustice? Murder? Thievery?” you ask. 

Of course, you must take whatever action you feel moved to take.  Judgment comes when you demand that others do the same. 

You may feel  moved by a particular philosophy or religion. You may decide to join, attend services, write or blog about it. Good for you, if it serves to improve your life.

Just do not ask others to do the same. This is asking them to relinquish their right to free will. It is asking them to suspend their right to think for themselves and make their own decisions.

You may tell them what you feel, but you will cause separation if you run after them if they choose another path.  You will cause friction and anger if you insist that they see things your way.

Suggesting that their failure to see things your way is caused by a lack of intelligence will come back to you.  It will not likely be pleasant as karma does not teach that way.

So how do you resolve this judgment thing? We will not tell you as we do not wish to affect your free thinking, a but we would suggest that when you find yourself feeling judgmental about a person or situation or retaliating against judgment with judgment, ask yourself:  “How does this affect me?”

If it doesn’t, walk away. Find out why you are bothered. Then let it go.

It is our judgment that this will make you feel better, but do not take our word for it. Think and decide for yourself.

This is your right as a citizen of Earth.  Exercise it. ~Silas

Judgment of Judgment is Judgment

The human race is a multicolored patchwork quilt of beliefs, ideologies and behavior patterns. This is a good thing. You cannot imagine how boring your life would be if it were otherwise.

For your entertainment, you have been provided with companions whose ideas may be different from your own. 

This is a good opportunity for learning and spiritual growth.

Why do their words upset you?  Do they make you feel angry? Sad? Victimized?

What does this say about your own beliefs and how might others perceive you?

It is all right to have a different set of ideas and beliefs. It keeps you on your toes and makes you think. It shows you where your emotional triggers are and gives you an opportunity to work through them.

You can look at another and say, “That is not what I want, feel or believe,” without attacking them. 

You can state your own ideas and do not have to respond or reason with your detractors. 

You do not know what it is like to be the other person; therefore, you do not know how your own words or actions might be affecting them. 

An offhanded remark may bring up a traumatic memory from the past, and the person will feel defensive.  They may lash out in their attempt to deal with strong emotions.

Do not judge them too harshly. Let them know they have been heard, and agree to disagree.

People, like animals, lash out when they feel wounded. 

You may feel that you have been judged harshly. You may feel that the other person has no right to do this. 

You may feel that they are wrong, close-minded and inflexible.

Congratulations, Your Honor!  You are now the judge.

You have a right to defend yourself if attacked, but a preemptive strike against them or a devastating attack will only make the situation worse.

Judgment leads to more judgment. Spiritual maturity gives you the ability to stand nearby and say, “That’s your reality. Thank you for sharing.”

Early in life, judgment is important. It teaches you not to touch a hot stove or walk into a door. 

As you grow, you learn that these behaviors do not serve you and you avoid them.

The stove isn’t bad. It’s just not a good idea to touch the burners.

Someone who has never seen a stove doesn’t know this. Have compassion for them.

Don’t judge the judges. If you feel the need, then walk up to a door and yell at it for being in your way. 

You will get the same level of satisfaction, without spreading more fear and anger.

The door will continue to serve you no matter what you think about it. ~Silas