January 2021 — Shamanic Meditation Studies – Conscious Dreaming!
Even though I could not adequately articulate it as a boy, I have always felt disenchanted with the odd mix of operational theologies featured in my (our) upbringing. The "ceramic" model of the universe is driven by the belief in a Supreme God that breathes life into the world, out of his own image. The other offering is the "automatic" model that supposes that conscious is a derivative of mind, and functions according to clock-like mechanical principles. Those nonsensical and contradictory belief driven life models never made any sense to me. And, they do not match what is expedience when I forget to think my way into existence. In addition, the idea of a permanent heaven and hell (eternal pain and eternal peace?!) ranks up there with Santa Claus, and the Easter bunny, etc.
In stark contrast to those still operational childish paradigms, the "shamanic dream" cosmology is driven by a relentless focus on an unfiltered view of reality. For those of us that recall past lives, have had out of body experiences, or are experienced bardo travelers, the shamanic dream model of life recognizes the timeless and ever-changing nature of reality. Whew…
The reality is that we can never forget who we are, only who we imagine ourselves to be. Let's continue to inspire and be inspired by each other to make this life into a waking dream. Please stop the search for something that cannot be found – only revealed.
Please carve some time out of your day, every day, to consciously make room for the interdependent nature of reality to find you and blossom within, and as you. It is hidden right in plain sight. In the space between two thoughts and two seemingly separate objects that appear in life. Please share what you uncover…
"An open heart is like the wilderness, often overlooked amongst the weeds."
Notes & noticing … coyotes howling far away in the dark while I stand outside with my dog before bed, 2 Ravens dancing on air courting as Spring is near, snow turbines whirling across the open land so gracefully, peaceful silence in the woods slowing me down on my skis as I remembered to chant the Gayatri Mantra 3x as I use to always do, drawing simple line sketches in my journal. To end I share a sweet line from Bob Brezsny this week, “Be a fount of fond feelings and cheerful empathy and nourishing ardor”. Namaste. Love.
Thank you all for the beautiful posts. I have been on my own silent retreat for the past several days, and felt buoyed up by your words.
I have found an unfiltered view of reality to be the key to being non-reactive and therefore the essence of experiencing and taking in everything as it is. The dissonance when I do not focus this way is clear immediately, so thanks for all the reminders.
Thanks for your comment about filters, Russ. I can’t be reminded often enough. I find when my doubt “concerning acts of initiative (and creation)” as Goethe would say, which may not be the doubt you were speaking of, but is one I face very often.
I tend to want an assurance of success before I start or before complete something. Perhaps judgement of success or failure is what brings in doubt. Maybe I should start something purely for the sake of doing it. Regardless of the result, with no expectations. In that perspective we call presence or more precisely awareness of presence I am open to the input of “the universe,” “providence,” a “higher power”…..whatever you prefer to call it. Then there is no doubt, just discovery.
Thanks for reminding me of that, as well.
I find this moment to be completely absent of the need for belief or disbelief. I can simply drop the filter and SEE what is. Beliefs are just another filter, or form of controls. Doubt is a sign pointing to a limiting belief or point of view. I often need reminders that I chose the red pill. lol
“A total surrender to the presence of the moment floods the diffuse and confusing aspects of the world of duality with the clear light of undivided presence. This subtle yet extremely powerful shift in energy encourages and inspires us to take in the unified nature of reality without any attachments, beliefs, or expectations. A clear knowing arises about the importance of adjusting the balance of attention between the finite impermanent world, and the spaciousness of the absolute. An Unfiltered Life – Doubts and Disillusionment. pg. 50
How powerful is disillusionment… an ode to doubt. Thank you Keshav – very helpful.
Russ, don’t settle for anything less then freedom, peace and unconditional love.
I’ve decided to drop my ‘agreement’ with the Judge, Prosecutor, Defendant & Victim. I’m settling out of court.
I found the homework, the first chapter of The Four Agreements & the Apostle Paul’s Letter to Romans to be invaluable in making my decision.
That’s the one Betty. Also, still sitting with the Fountain that came up for me when we were working together. That’s all right, the years show much the days never know. I miss you…
I remember the guided meditation you are referring to. The place where two rivers meet is special because of the amount of energy there, if I recall correctly. Thanks for the reminder.
I love that saying Lori. Thanks.
Many Rivers! Russ, that is strong and clear in so many ways. What an amazing experience! Quite the path of ancestors, guides and teachers who have helped you along the way. There’s the old expression, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” but really he’s been here with us all along and will continue to be. Thanks for sharing. I’m honored to sit in circle with with you.
We ski downhill occasionally on Sundays, up on a mountain named Madonna where the Evergreen trees have such strength and flexibility, adapted perfectly for holding large amounts of accumulated snow that insulates them, making them look like marshmallow trees! I love to ski, but really I love being in/on the mountain, grateful to be there, grateful they share their space and beauty. We interweave nicely. Below the chair you can see snowshoe hare tracks, hear the chickadees, watch the crows and ravens fly about. Sharing space as well as can be. I wonder what they think of it, us, flying first on a metal chair to go up, then flying down on our feet strapped to boards… for now I’m grateful I can still keep flying this way, and be in that magically world of winter scape. Namaste.
Hi Lori, yes, on a power journey a man who was known as “where two rivers meet”, referred to me as “many rivers”. I remember only the translation of the names, but can’t remember the native american words themselves. while I hadn’t told this to Keshav, on one of my first guided meditations, Keshav had us visualize a place where two rivers meet. It was even more exciting given that this was the one who told me that someone would find me and teach me the old ways. Turned out it was Keshav. Also as coincident would have it, my grandmother’s maiden name was
“rivers” and her father or grandfather was born on the Penobscot reservation. Such a powerful experience.
After realizing I had left the house without my mask for the second time, I proceeded to drop a few fuck yous .and went charging into my house. As I was making my way inside a face popped up into my head that was laughing hysterically. I smirked, but initially reacted as if happiness wasn’t welcomed. The laughing increased ,and I couldn’t resist. I had absolutely no choice but to be taken by this energy. This was a great reminder that suffering is an option, not a permanent state of being. I will say after going through these bouts of resistance, letting go is an easier choice.
Thanks Russ, I heard your call. What is your calling card?
“Omakiya Yazzi” It fits! Interesting topic Lori, thanks for sharing.
Good advice, Lori: Dropping trying and opening to all is here.
We have sat in circle after circle. Holding space and light-ing the way. On this path of healing and service, here is another way we can support both those in form and those without. Sharing the way we would like to connect to others when we are without form. For me, it is the word “Omakiya” – a Lakota word for “Help”. My personal pronunciation of this is “O-mock-E-O”. It is a word that resonates with me, a heartfelt prayer that travels and is heard. I would like to add the Navajo word “Yazzie” (YA-see) meaning little. It calls to my heart. Omakiya Yazzie – my personal calling card. While that is how others can call me, I would like to suggest that a second way be offered. A way that those still in form can acknowledge one that has drops form. During Saturday group, Mary Ann-ness was noticed. Coming through as a scent, feeling, memory or an object or past stories of hawks. I’m sitting with how to connect by dropping any trying and opening more to all that is here.
Yesterday’s “Om Chant” group was the perfect selection of Om and (meditation?) music. Very powerful. Thank you.
Blessings to all from a Barred Owl this morning… silently witnessing me fill the bird feeders, just hanging out… good plan for today I needed to slow down.
Love. Namaste.
Russ, you inspire me as you step up again and again. I’m glad you are here now. As you shared, the love and support of the circle is the perfect place to wake up.
Thank you Keshav and thank you Lori. As I’ve shared with Lori, I’m inspired by her courage in that she persistently puts herself out there when working with difficult and intimate topics. I willfully chose to do so and I was amazed at how difficult it’s been. The sense of vulnerability was almost unbearable. Amazing how we wish to be seen, until we are seen. Especially so as I am a deeply private person in general. I recognized ego’s need to overshadow our True nature and so doubled down and posted a second timed. I’m glad to see in person how light exposes and sterilizes the nonsensical nature of ego and body mind. How liberating! I would urge everyone to share some of their deeper challenges and expose them to the light that we share so carefully and lovingly here in the group. Namaste
Lady Gaga opened the flood gates when she sang her version of the National Anthem. There was a sense of relief (the movie "Waiting to Exhale comes to mind" as I sobbed in exhalation, and exaltation. The sobs continued throughout and the words of the poet Amanda Gorman sealed the deal – set the intent for me. Instead of beating myself up for missing the boat on the wearing of pearls yesterday, I simply put them on today. This was a great day in our history. I need to take one step at a time in not getting entangled on FB with the negative comments to my posts about how wonderful the inauguration was and how I hope for unity. I have to remember to be patient. The last four years need to come down brick by brick….and it has started with the Executive Orders. Peace and Love. We all need to commit to "Be the change you wish to see in the world" Ghandi
My heart broke open at the sight of our new Vice Present performing her duties. Ironically, by swearing in three new and diverse senators. Some days (here in the dream of the planet) seem to shine brighter…
I find that as old stories begin to fall away, that they hang on with a desperate vengeance. The death throws take aim at me and challenge the very core of my sense of self. Then I remember how difficult is the process of waking from a long and terrible nightmare. I am strengthened knowing that the circle is unconcerned with where I’ve come from, and is instead grateful that I’m here now. Our love and devotion to be of service to one another is a much needed reprieve and a perfect place to wake up to. Thank you all for the love acceptance and healing energy.
Namaste.
Thank you Keshav and everyone for the shared journies yesterday…I dreamed of a black wolf last night.
This morning I cuddled into the corner of my couch with a cup of matcha tea, my cat and a new book to read. Ever since my trip to Idaho, last September, I have enjoyed reading in the pre-dawn darkness. The first chapter titled, “Finding a Distant Reality.” It fit so much to what we were all sharing yesterday, I wanted to share an edited synopsis…a conversation between teacher and apprentice…
Agnes Whistling Elk and Lynn Andrews.
“What is the first step to dreaming?”
“An ability to visualize?”
“Visualization is essential but what is behind being able to visualize?”
“Being able to believe in your imagination?”
“Thats right. But remember believing is a tricky concept. A belief structure not only limits your imagining, but also limits your entire consciousness”
“Would a better word be trusting?”
“Yes, trusting what comes is a part of loving. It is your trust that builds the bridge between this physical dream we live in and the dream of your spirit. The bridge or connection then is trust. Let yourself float. Let yourself float with the river. To find the river of your spirit is to find freedom. Just float with the water and let the Great Spirit flow with you.”
Namaste,
Raven
“
Thank you for the insightful and revealing post Missy! As a young child I was aware that my real job was to be found; my quest to find, only gets in the way.
My most visceral flying as a child was on the ropes of a flagpole. We moved to Falmouth MA when I was 7, and next door a summer house had a tall flag pole and the ropes were attached and I could hold on and run and push myself off and get really flying around that flag pole… that’s what I remember and I feel it still as I tell this, like I can enter that state of being there which wasn’t in this reality, I believe at 7,8 we still entered the other realms so easily with our imagination, play, time and space. The hanging in mid air as we jumped off those high swing sets or Rooftops as Keshav would do, that makes me smile, thank you everyone for sharing… now I plan to really Play today, we have more generous snow falling, and I think I can turn it up a notch!
Love. Namaste.
“I was just trying to make the right mistake “ Robbie Robertson – How to become Clairvoyant 2011
(Payment works Keshav)
Thank you for the birthday wishes. See you all this afternoon.
Hope you had a nice birthday yesterday Betty. I look forward to seeing everyone on zoom today!
Namaste…cherise
I am still in the process of updating my website. However, I did find a way to install a Paypal button on the site – under the Payments Header.
I shared a meme on Facebook and Twitter. It was a meme of compassion for Ivanka and Jared. They are about to experience the first episode of Schitts Creek. See you all tomorrow!
Happy Birthday Betty
Happy Birthday Betty!!! Xo
Happy Birthday Betty! Hope you have a wonderful day. I love and appreciate you.
Happy Birthday Betty!!
This may sound simplistic, but judging myself for judging is obviously an energy drain. That pathology gets old real fast when we consciously take on the role of an indifferent Witness – aware of the ways that we belittle ourselves.
Yes Russ, my experience is when I do anything with the intention of making something go away it digs in harder. If I meditate in order to get peace the peace does not come. Some would say what you resist persists. Keshav has pointed out that by seeking something you are overlooking what is already here. My experience is that when I open to something that I wish to resist, opening and letting it annihilate me, I am opening to what is and at the same time opening to what is already here, the peace of presence. But it can not be done with expectations. Then I am back to doing to get something, which doesn’t work.
Betty, the ego trying to stay relevant. I understand, thank you for your insights. I’m grateful.
Russ: We judge through our ego. The ego wants to be special. But sometimes it turns on itself with self-judgement because it has failed. We are here to learn from experience and that process can be painful. Please forgive yourself with the same forgiveness you would give to others. One of the things we learn from “failure” is compassion for others. Go Beyond ego to the perspective of non-judgement. In presence (awareness) there is no judgement for self and others. Just the realization that there in no one, just One. Then you will see yourself as the beautiful being that I see.
I have noticed that consultation with mind instead of quelling the matter, it actually perpetuates it thus pulling me from peace and clear awareness. The more i ‘try’, the more it persists.
Agitated Thoughts… I’m doing the very things you warn against in the Quote of The Week Keshav. I judge myself and these feelings of guilt and self loathing; and mind, while in the guise of helping is actually perpetuating pain, stress and suffering. For me, it seems self inflicted wounds run deepest.
Happy Birthday Donna! It’s wonderful tp have you in my life. Thank you for being you.
Happy Birthday again to Donna and Cherise and Happy Almost Birthday to Betty – That’s a whole lot of celebrating!
Happy BD Donna and Cherise!
I have been sitting with the ‘burden of judgement’, noticing how easily I can distinguish between beliefs that I don’t hold and others that I prefer. But in the end they are both blockades to real freedom. I cannot assign the quality of “good” or “bad” beliefs and then expect to be able to see through an unfiltered view of reality. Namaste
Happy birthday Donna…have a beautiful day…I love you!
Happy Birthday Donna!
Happy Birthday Donna! Love you! Diane.
That was beautiful Missy…thank you…
In the silence of the morning, an offering in song and stillness, I read these words upon the pages of a little book I was reading and wanted to share them with all of you…
“Beneath our days, beneath our community, beneath even our culture and our history, lies a layer of meaning. It has a logic, and it has a life. It pivots on the movements of the stars and pulsates with the drumbeat of the seasons. Here thunder shapes the voice of God, the birds reveal the ways of motherhood. Plants scream when pulled, and flourish when exposed to song. Our strength reflects what the landscape demands; rocks reveal the shape of protection. The spirits of our fathers put a face upon our courage and bears teach men to dance. Life is lived in a symphony of revelation, and children learn to fear the shadow or to celebrate the light.”
“A Haunting Reverence” … Kent Nerburn
Yes let’s celebrate where and what we can, it’s the equality to being Aware of what we simply have right here. The sky I look up to stops me, the clouds the other day were moving toward the Sun but they never could completely cover it… the woodpecker out on the dead tree drumming as I finished my ski, my skiing as my exercise and emotional release and the snow I need to even be able to do that , along with my body working well. All the connections. I was humbled, stopped, and honored to hear and see the interview with Gabby Giffords this morning, the 10th anniversary today of the shooting in Tucson, where you folks in this circle have moved to.. I see her today and say ‘What a lady, what an inspiration!’ Her message was to Be a Leader, be an inspiration, and I’ll hold that today and going forward in my heart. Her husband Mark, how strong a support he is too, and now your Senator… Wow! Let’s do this together, be here for each other and for those in all our circles in our lives. Love. Namaste. PS in silence last night I saw a Heart with hands circling and squeezing a Peace sign with so much Love…
I have always questioned the teachings of the Catholic Church! While I always did and always will embrace and love the teachings of Jesus I could not buy into the man made doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. I now realize that I pretty much relied on my direct experiences even growing up! And appreciate Keshav’s waking me up to the truth ! While I am grateful for having the opportunity to grow up in a Christian religion (a good base I’d say) now I am shedding all the untrue beliefs associated with it yet holding onto and embracing what is true for me. I always had a problem with being taught to fear GOD/Jesus and judgment day! How could I be condemned and be forgiven at the same time?
Ahhh, finally got a replacement after a coffee mishap last month. Happy belated birthday Cherise. Hope it was a great day. I find it extremely difficult to let go of previous perspectives on the topic of Cosmologies. Am really melting into experiences to light the way. I have been sitting with this even before the assignment. I have found "Closed" religions to cause separation and conflict, in our personal lives and world wide. And I have found "right action" to be a far more pure benefactor. I have experienced great solace and guidance with Jesus, having concluded his intent and purpose to be far different than main steam Christianity would have me believe. I also have very clear experiences in my interactions with a 'divine spirit' experience and have walked in a "peace which surpasses all understanding". It is to bath in Love and Grace. I have dreamed myself apart from that, though I find light and guidance within our group and Keshav's teachings. I remain grateful for both. With Love, Russ
Stepping in and out of separation is such a clear way to describe old thought patterns that ebb and flow like the tide. I am so greatful to be witness to all of them while I float atop and balance my boat. The waves can be turbulent at times or shift to a clear mirror of glass. Either way, its perfect to me…I willingly embrace all of it. Turbulence is not a burden but a stunning mirror…allowing one the choice to reflect and choose.
Namaste…love to all…
As Joe said, there are simple reminders everywhere and the only requirement is the willingness to be reminded and the willingness to open to that peace that is always here.
Beautiful post Joe!
Happy birthday Cherise- I have been a bit caught up in the the dream of separation, fueled by stories that either happened years ago or events that have never actually happened at all. These stories always go into a self that is not good enough or that will be fucked over by the world. Simultaneously, there always seems to be an awareness of the “simple” things-The feel of cool air in my lungs or sunlight passing through the clouds. These simple reminders appear everywhere, and offer a break from the illusion that eternal hell is the only choice.
Happy Birthday Cherise. Love you
Happy Birthday Cherise!