Everything will seem right with the world when your mind, body and spirit are in harmony. However, it’s difficult to find inner peace through spiritual meditation if we do not have enough time for it. That is why we should reach back to the wisdom of traditional cultures and indigenous peoples. This way we can find beauty, cure our ills and ease our minds from restless anxiety in an era filled with the promises of high technology and modern medicine.

The philosophy of ancient times focuses on a holistic and interconnectedness approach. This ancient approach involves the practice of spiritual meditation and promoting long-term good health, rather than merely trying to correct health problems as they arise. This approach is not aimed at a single problem but is aimed at treating the whole person. This method has been an evolving idea that is gaining popularity now in the West. The vital concept of balancing a healthy mind and spirit with a healthy body is now gaining acceptance in the medical establishment.

Those who practice ancient forms of spiritual meditation emphasize the importance of awareness of the breath. The repetition of a word or phrase and the visualization of an object or a deity are also ancient forms of meditation. Many people find these different approaches of spiritual meditation more or less appropriate to their own needs. However, they may need to try several forms before they can adopt the form with which they feel most comfortable with.

However, many people also have fears or misconceptions about spiritual meditation. They are afraid that they may not have control of the situation and some also feel that meditation is some kind of odd religious practice. Nevertheless, it is perfectly possible to practice meditation outside of any religious context, although meditation forms a central part of some of the world religions,

A person can achieve balance if he or she obtains the ability to discover and draw from inner resources of health, strength and tranquility. It is important for people to tap into more sustainable practices of lasting energy, such as spiritual meditation in a modern culture dominated by unrealistic ideals of physical beauty and twenty-four hour positivism. Discovering clarity of mind, sense of purpose, physical well-being, and spiritual fulfillment within ourselves that truly defines peace has become increasingly difficult, and more important than ever in out present day and age.

Whatever you place your attention (focus) on in life is what you’ll find.

The problem is, many people would like one thing, but they’re looking for something totally different. What do I mean by this? Please let me explain something, “Whatever you think about most of the time is what you will discover or create in your life.” This is not a new age thought it is a matter of fact.

If you look around the room where you are currently sitting and focus on the color red, you will notice the things that are colored red. The same goes for your life.

If you are focusing on lack, loneliness, devastation, negativity, you will notice more of these things in your life. The contrary is true as well.

If you only focus on the positive things in life by changing the habit of your thoughts, you will soon be creating a better life. Although this is not a new concept for creating better things in life, it is still one of the most violated laws of attraction.

There is one step beyond thinking positive for creating a better life. If you want to create more positive things in your life, concentrate on what I call the Emotional/Spiritual Prototypes. This is where you imagine what you desire and then create the emotions of what you will possess when this particular thing is part of your every day existence. Do not concentrate on the particular thing but on the emotions that particular thing will give you.

By using the Emotional/Spiritual Prototype Technique, you will retrain your thinking to eliminate any thought that is not directed toward your intention. Also, you will actually create a void in the universe.

The void is created by you establishing the energy of your desire as if it already exists. In turn a vacuum is created and the universe will always fill a vacuum with the corresponding thing.

Remember you have been thinking adversary thoughts for a long time so the initial changing of habits may take a few days. Hang in there by continuing to focus your thoughts only on the Emotional/Spiritual Prototypes and soon your desire will come.

Isn’t it funny when you read about any successful person throughout history, they have all said exactly what I am sharing with you today. All successful people know the law of attraction exists and used it to achieve their greatness. If all successful people have used this technique to create their desires, don’t you think you should stop for a moment and consider the validity and power of this technique.

In Service,

Dr. Michael J. Duckett

Infidelity – cheating on one’s partner – is attributed to countless causes. The man (or woman’s) innate sexual desire, the behavior of another partner or even our own past sexual development. However, one reason people cheat is often overlooked. This is a spiritual trouble compelling an individual to be unfaithful.

There are two major formations of spiritual reasons for infidelity. One is the case of an energetic or spiritual imbalance within a person. This can take the form of an imbalance of the chakras or aura. In a slightly related issue, it may also be a person re experiencing their own bad karma. A buildup of sudden influx of heavy, negative energy in the life of an individual may also cause them to behave in destructive fashions (such as being unfaithful).

The second is the case of an outside spiritual influence upon an individual to be unfaithful. This could be anything from a harmful spiritual entity seeking an ultimately bad outcome to a sexual spirit that places lust or desire within a person. Also included in this category would be spells and curses that don’t invoke any spirits, but are cast upon a person (such as some seduction or lust spells). Because these all involve outside spiritual influences they may be more difficult to overcome than internal imbalances such as in the first case.

Another spiritual reason that people cheat also crosses over into psychological reasons. It stems from a desire to be destructive to the self. This includes behaviors that are spiritually self-destructive, such as infidelity in the case of a loving and happy relationship (not necessarily including all relationships). Many times people act inexplicably, being unfaithful to their partners of many years despite the love and functionality that they have with their partner. Using a ritual or spiritual method to heal this self-destructive impulse is warranted in this situation.

We seek many reasons for unfaithful behaviors without looking at one of the most simple – the person has something spiritually wrong with them. However, this does not have to be the case permanently. There are countless options when it comes to healing a person’s spiritual condition and ultimately curing them of their infidelity. Elizabeth at Real Love Spells is a great resource for information and has a stop cheating spell that has become famous for its ability to change relationships. There are many other experienced and talented resources online for you as well.

In this article, I want to outline God’s strategic plan that He has already established to help you. You can implement this plan as part of your recovery strategy. His strategic plan is this: Come into alignment with the mandates of God’s Kingdom. One primary spiritual mandate of His Kingdom is that you have authority to speak over your circumstances. Your words can either curse or bless a situation. God has given you that executive privilege so invoke favor and success over your life and circumstances. Doing this will give you safe passage through this troubled economic season because He will establish what you invoke, if it honors Him. If you will trust Him, He will help you.

Let me briefly address the obvious personal steps you may need to take first. Evaluate your actual income and compare it to your actual expenses. Do you need to generate more income or reduce your expenses? Perhaps both need to be addressed. Saving money is always better than spending, so do what is necessary to correct your personal situation. This evaluation should be part of your recovery strategy. God is interested in both stewardship and providing your needs. Invite Him to help you with both.

Now let me focus in on implementing God’s strategic plan. First, of all you need to be willing to align yourself with the mandates of God’s Kingdom. Lay aside any pride and independence. Be willing to seek His counsel. Learn to listen to the Holy Spirit and then speak what He says.

You may need to also shift your concept of prayer. Prayer is both petitioning God and the voice of God speaking through you. God speaking through you is a key step in implementing His spiritual mandate in your life. The right to use this spiritual mandate rests in your relationship with God. When you are in right relationship with Him, you are **seated together with Him in Heavenly places. This position authorizes you to release His Kingdom into the earth. He has and will place His words in your mouth so you can ***establish the heavens and align the foundations of the earth. Your voice has great power when spoken in alignment with the spiritual mandates of God. Walk in the position God has designated for you and implement what He has given you.

Now this is how to implement. Instead of petitioning God to change your circumstances, begin to say what He would say through you. For example, I bless my work, I bless my finances, I bless my income and my expenses, I bless my skills, I bless my property, I bless my family, I bless my health, I bless my future opportunities and whatever else you need to bless. Tell debt, oppression, lack and other burdens to leave you. Ask God for wisdom as you do this. Remember, He will monitor, evaluate and sort out what is good from what is not good for you during this time. In other words, this spiritual mandate of speaking what God would say is not a free coupon that you can use to satisfy every craving and urge that comes your way. This is where many have fallen into serious trouble. However, if you will stick to the basics I have outlined above, God will honor you and bring you through this difficult economic time.

Key References:

** Ephesians 2:6 -We are seated together with Christ in Heavenly places.

***Isaiah 51:16 – And I have put my words in your mouth, and have covered you in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, You are my people.

Mat 21:21 Jesus answered them, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you be able to do what has been done to the fig tree, but you will also say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen.

Mat 21:22 You will receive whatever you ask for in prayer, if you believe.

Flower of Life and Spiritual Transcendence    

The golden ratio or spiral is a unique relation existing in the universe between the whole and the part and has been in our consciousness for over 4000 years. Out of the golden ratio rises the golden spiral, whose familiar coil shape can be found everywhere in nature, such as in the structure of our DNA and fingerprints, sunflowers and seashells, storm clouds and tornadoes. Even a star cluster nebula like the Milky Way. The golden spiral, also called the flower of life, is a twirling pattern that forms out from a rectangle which has the golden ratio. What this means is–when this rectangle is squared, it leaves a smaller rectangle behind, and this smaller rectangle also has the same golden ratio as the original and when this is squared this also leaves a smaller rectangle behind and this continues on until the shapes become so small you can’t see them anymore. In other words, it goes on forever.

When you connect a curve through the opposite corners of these concentric rectangles, you form the golden spiral and the fact that it shows up in many growth patterns of plants, animals and even whole galaxies, makes us wonder if this unique shape is not the pattern of life. The principles of the golden spiral can also be seen in the design of buildings and architecture, as well as in art and literature. Golden proportions are to be found in music and even light. The Greeks, Romans, Egyptians and Chinese all depict golden ratio in their artwork. The Egyptians were probably the first to combine mathematics with art in the design of their pyramids. Pythagoras discovered the golden proportions of the human body and this has been portrayed by artists throughout the history of Greek art. Leonardo De Vinci found inspiration in the mathematics of art and nature and is almost certain he painted to conform to the golden ratio–especially the proportions set out in the Mona Lisa. 

Literature can draw on the golden ratio in the structure of words, sentences, paragraphs, chapters and pictures. Just as we see the existence of the spiral in our fingerprints and galaxies and in the creation of pyramids and paintings, the golden ratio also appears inside pages of a book, including the design of the cover, and this can be incredibly awe inspiring for the reader. This pattern of nature can be seen inside many art forms and has a universally stimulating effect on the mind. Enlightenment may be part of this pattern–a communication that is connecting consciousness through the language of the Universe.

Look at the soul as being a bridge between your mind and the intangible essence of your spirit, and that it is gently guiding your mind through a doorway of transcendence to a higher plane of awareness. By bringing the flower of life to words and pictures it can spiral your consciousness to a realization greater than itself. The golden spiral can spiral you to soul awakening. The flower of life transcends itself from the physical-mathematical form by which it is more commonly known (sacred geometry), into a spiritual equivalent we call unconditional love. This little flower of life transforms into the pattern of love. Truth seekers, poets and prophets teach love as being at the centre of all things. When your soul connects consciousness with the golden spiral you become love. Love is the infinite pattern of the Universe. And so are you. 

Our world needs to undergo an incredible transformation. We must heal our emotions and weary bodies. We should sincerely connect to spirit and love–the intrinsic nature in everything.

Most cultures throughout history, from Aztec to the Celtic, have documented a significant correlation with physical form and spirituality, clearly expressed through their art and sacred geometry, like the mandala; these beautiful, mesmerizing patterns bearing ritual and spiritual significance. Psychoanalyst Carl Jung identified with the mandala saying it was a representation of the unconscious self and believed these patterns were a means towards wholeness in personality. The discovery of the Mandelbrot Set, named after Benoit Mandelbrot, is a collection of numbers that form fractals.

These are objects that display self-similarity at various scales, and so we can journey into the wondrous world of fractal geometry, gliding through never-ending self-similarity repeating patterns arising from a simple definition. Quantum physicists show us that the substance of our reality is shaped, if not created, by our own consciousness. Both old and new worlds of thought now come together as science greets spirituality in a uniform field of thought. The Universe speaks to us and we ought to listen.

Many people have heard the terms “Guru” or “Spiritual Leader”. But it may be true that not many people have heard the term “Spiritual Catalyst”. While still similar in nature, the vocation of a Spiritual Catalyst can be quite different from the vocation of a Guru or Spiritual Leader. A person who is by definition “Spiritual” is someone who holds an essential, incorporeal, perhaps even supernatural approach to life, as opposed to someone who approaches life from a purely physical and corporeal standpoint.

A Catalyst by definition is a thing which precipitates an event or change, often without itself being affected. Therefore, a Spiritual Catalyst is a person who precipitates an event or a change on the level of spirit (the essential, incorporeal part of someone or something). Spiritual Catalysts, like gurus have attained a high level of spiritual authority, awareness and knowledge which enables them to guide others. They do not however, wish to become “Leaders” to their disciples as much as they wish to cause their disciples to question themselves and find answers within themselves.

It is the belief of a Spiritual Catalyst that if a person is caused to initiate their own exploration on the level of spirit, that a person will then become the conscious leaders of their own lives. As well as that if a person becomes the conscious creator and leader of their own life, it will inevitably lead to a form of living enlightenment; thereby allowing that person to live in a state of internal peace and joy.

A report of a comprehensive study of poverty in the UK in 2012, was edited by Esther Dermott and Gill Main (Universities of Bristol and Leeds respectively.) It was not about spiritual poverty but social exclusion. They found that those surveyed thought poverty is not being able to afford to live an ordinary social life, with adequate shelter and enough nourishment. The results were that, amongst other things, this requires at a minimum:

• A damp-free adequately warm home,
• Two meals a day,
• Transport for going to work, visiting or attending hospital, or being present at important ceremonies and social events.
• A washing machine
• A warm waterproof coat and all-weather shoes,
• Needed dentistry.

I can only guess what it would feel like to be very poor. Perhaps I might feel guilt, if I could not provide an adequate home for my family. Possibly horror, at seeing my children go hungry or lacking proper clothes for the cold winds of winter. Maybe a sense of isolation, if having no money to join in with usual social occasions. As to being homeless, I frankly can’t even begin to imagine the physical and emotional hardship involved in such material deprivation.

‘One can put up with poverty for a while when one is young, but it will inevitably wear a person down.’ (David Byrne, musician and filmmaker)

Spiritual poverty

When people have spiritual poverty, they tend to have feelings of emptiness, apathy, boredom, aimlessness, or alienation. You may be financially comfortable and have these experiences.

The poor are only too aware of their financial problems and what they don’t have. However, not all who experience spiritual poverty, realise they lack something important to do with inner well-being.

This could be us. What then might be missing from our lives? It could be not having a spirit of generosity. When one behaves in a mean way, then this can be seen by others but not necessarily noticed by oneself, at least at the time. Alternatively, our spiritual poverty might be an absence of patience. This is shown by acting on impulse perhaps to our own detriment. A shortage of moderation is revealed by self-indulgence. A dearth of kindness also springs to mind. This may be made known by our thoughtlessness in what we say or do.

In other words, spiritual poverty is an absence of what traditionally has been known as the various human virtues. I would suggest the New Testament notion of being ‘poor in spirit’ is to recognise this spiritual poverty in oneself.

Our limitations regarding alleviating poverty

If we are without money, there are probable limits on us as individuals in what we can do to relieve our own hardship. Likewise, there are constraints on what we can to stop the suffering of others in material poverty, given the widespread extent of social deprivation.Making, charitable donations to foodbanks, participating in community involvement for social action, and spending our free time volunteering, are some of the things that come to mind. However, we can perhaps do more about our own spiritual poverty.

Alleviating spiritual poverty

The trouble is a personal makeover is necessary to alleviate spiritual poverty. And that also sounds like a tall order. Who of us through our efforts alone can create spiritual wealth? Make ourselves into an altruistic person? Forgiving and tolerant towards those who offend or hurt us? Who of us can magic up a sense of contentment, peace, and joyful well-being? I for one can’t.

It takes humility to accept that we are spiritually impoverished. That what we lack is vitally important and that we cannot create it by ourselves alone.

I believe there are important obstacles that hinder us from receiving spiritual riches. One stumbling block is a sense of self-satisfaction. Another is a denial there is any transpersonal source of virtue beyond us. According to this approach, it is crucial to recognise that spiritual wealth comes from a universal warmth of spirit and light of intelligence that exceeds our own limited minds.

It’s not shameful to ask for needed help. It’s not a sign of unworthiness. We do not have to condemn ourselves as ‘sinners’ deserving punishment. But it does require a humble attitude. Actually, I believe this means no longer attaching ourselves to aspects of our own ego – self-intelligence, self-importance, self-reliance. Necessary is an emptying of self so we can be filled with light and love.

Christ – a role model of spiritual poverty

One well-known role model for humble attitude is Jesus Christ. In my reading of the Gospel account, he comes over as having been assertive in putting forward his teachings. Nevertheless, he did not act as if he were better than other people. Neither did he seek power and social status. Instead he ate meals with people who respectable society looked down upon. I mean those called ‘tax collectors’ and ‘sinners’. On his last night alive, he acted as a servant to his own followers by washing and drying their feet. And he rode past the crowds into Jerusalem on the back of a humble donkey.

As a child the narrator writes that he obeyed his parents in Nazareth where the family lived. His obedience as an adult to his spiritual ‘Father’ was a more obvious feature of the story. For example, when anxious about his future, he nevertheless prayed for help. He would do not what he wanted, but his ‘Father’s’ will. And he carried this promise out in not retaliating against those who were cruel towards him. Even to the point of allowing them to torture and kill him. In other words, he emptied his ‘self’ of self-gratification, self-aggrandisement, and other egoistic states of mind that I would suggest get in the way of receiving rich spiritual gifts.

Like Christ, we also can learn to stop clinging to ego. Instead, recognising our poverty of spirit and seeking help for it.

‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ (Jesus Christ)

A spiritual person following the path of spirituality is utterly alone. The world around him is not a world of things and beings but one of thoughts and memories.

As a seeker walks on the path of spirituality, he encounters the same obstacles in a finer and subtler form at each stage of his spiritual journey. Determined will and undaunted effort are only equipment for success on the path of spirituality

It is very difficult to measure progress in spirituality. It may be that when a seeker feels exalted and over- confident that he is really making good progress, he may be actually going downhill. On the other hand, it may be that the seeker feels totally lost, confused and in jeopardy may be really making a very good progress.

All forms of meditation and spiritual practices have been a means of turning off the outside world in an effort to open a channel within, through which the higher forces could enter inside, the invisible could be perceived and the presence of the God could be felt.

In higher path of spirituality whenever you attain a state of inner peace, tranquillity, relaxation and is aware of body-mind and soul simultaneously your own body gives definite signs of spiritual advancement or evolution concerning with perfect harmony of nervous system. Harmonization and synchronization of one’s natural forces and energies result with regular practice of spiritual techniques.

During puberty our bodies undergoes a series of physical, mental, emotional and hormonal changes that will transition us childhood to adulthood. Some common signs of puberty are like growing up body parts, hair sprouting, getting facial hair, cracking and deepening of voice and sexual development etc.

So there must be some visible and obvious set of standard or milestones which are definite indicative signs of spiritual progress known as spiritual puberty. There are many certain and specific signs by which a seekers’ progress in the spiritual path can be ascertained.

Two very important and observational indicators of advanced progress in spirituality are

Opening of Sushumna Nadi

It is a strict law that on any spiritual path, whatever consciously or unconsciously, unless the kundalini is awakened, no benefit of any kind is obtained. Whenever by devotion, knowledge, by renunciation, by divine grace, yoga, asana postures, meditation, by austerities or by shaktipaat, when the kundalini is awaken and begins to move upward through the Sushumna Nadi then only higher level spiritual progress is indicated and this is the fixed rule.

In human body there are 72,000 nadis or channels through which prana circulates. There are 10 important Nadi out of which 3 are most important. Sushumna is the main Nadi and it flows through the central canal within the spinal cord, is responsible for all spiritual awareness. Ida is situated to left side of Sushumna controls all mental functions while Pingla situated at the right side of Sushumna controls all vital functions of the body.

Ida is related to breathe flow in the left nostril and the parasympathetic nervous system while the Pingla is related to the breath flow in the right nostril and the sympathetic nervous system.

Unless Ida and Pingla are balanced there will be many hindrances to spiritual progress. The balance occurs naturally as a definite sign of advanced spiritual puberty.Opening of Sushumna is indicated by breathing through both nostrils simultaneously. When Ida and Pingla are flowing together the third flow of Sushumna Nadi is opened.

In higher spiritual path when the body [Pingla] and mind [Ida] are balanced and synchronised a third force spiritual energy arises, this is a definite sign of spiritual puberty, when you breathe from both nostrils simultaneously.

Khechari mudra

Khechari mudra is a simple but very important technique which is utilized in many spiritual techniques. It involves folding the tongue back and placing it against the upper palate. In Kechari mudra the prana is located above the nasopharynex, eliminating the need for respiration of the tissue and cells and placing the body in a state of suspended animation or hibernation.

Khechari is induced naturally to a seeker in higher state of spirituality. It is a neurological switch which indicates a state of the purified nervous system. Khechari is an ecstatic connection that illuminates our entire nervous system. It is the higher spiritual practices which send us into Khechari, when every cells or fiber of our being wants self-realization or enlightenment the tongue automatically rolls back and go up or in mild form we can say that it may touch the upper palate.

Khechari fosters the major sexual neuron-opening in the head. Khechari as a spiritual puberty is a constant internal orgy of radiating ecstatic bliss which indicates the cosmic sexual union of Shiv and Shakti or Yin and Yang.

So opening of Sushumna Nadi or breathing from both nostrils and Khechari mudra or rolling back of tongue and touching upper palate are the definite signs of spiritual puberty, resulting from purified and enlightened and illuminated nervous system. These two signs indicate the higher spiritual transformation of the seeker.

BY

GEETA JHA [SPIRITUAL HEALER]

INDIA

For most people a spiritual encounter means having a vision, maybe coming face to face with a ghost or experiencing the supernatural. The truth is we all have spiritual encounters every day and every moment of our lives. Some are more severe than others for the strength and depth they may signify. Below are some examples of spiritual encounters and why a spiritual encounter is relevant to us.

1. Spiritual encounters in the physical realm

a) Communication

When we communicate with each other we use words and mannerisms that pass on our message across to each other. However beneath the surface is our intention behind these words and the spirit of what we wish the outcome to be. We may wish it to be in favor of our needs or for those of others but the fact remains that our spirits desire something from the outcome. By this same token the person we communicate with also wishes something of us or for themselves. The expressions that we exhibit, whether it is a frown or a smile may define our demeanor, however God looks within our hearts to search for what spirit we carry within us at the time. This type of spiritual encounter can be very subtle and escape the eye if we were having a passive discussion.

Example: A simple example is asking for directions. We start out being as polite as we can be because we seek help. This is the spirit of humility. If who we ask is unhelpful and rude, then we face a spirit or arrogance. We may react negatively and respond in kind. This has changed our spirit of humility to one of arrogance. In the end we have been tempted and failed. On the other hand we may ignore them. This is the spirit of forgiveness.

In the bible a good example to use as reference here is the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this he demonstrated a spirit of kindness.

b) Thoughts

Another type of spiritual encounter is when we deliberate about things. It could be preparing for an interview, recovering from a relationship, amending a relationship or celebrating success. In these different scenarios our thoughts are transpired to our actions and we can recognize the type of spirit that is within us.

Example: Let us assume that we have received a positive response from a job interview. This would give us the spirit of joy. We start dreaming up scenarios of what we shall do with the money we earn. Our joy needs to be celebrated and so we call up friends. Maybe even decide to thank God. This is a spirit of joy, and gratitude for the mercy that God has shown us.

In the bible a good example to use as reference are the evil thoughts that King Saul had of David. In this example although Saul had once been an anointed when he hated David for his courage he was possessed by the spirit of evil and jealousy.

2. Spiritual encounters in the spiritual realm

a) Visions

These spiritual encounters are obvious ones because we exist in spirit and what we experience is spiritual. This is a gift from God to those whom he wishes to reach in this manner. Some examples of this in the bible is the experience of the Prophets, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and John in the book of Revelation.

b) Dreams

This is also spiritual, almost similar to that of a vision and once more the experience is shared in the spiritual realm. Examples of this in the bible are the dreams experienced by Daniel and Joseph and many more.

3. Importance of spiritual encounters

Why it is important to understand what a spiritual encounter means is to teach us at all times where our spirit is and how we can abide in faith to the word of God. In the physical realm we need to have control of what we do and what we say and the intention behind these actions. Knowing what a spiritual encounter is guides us through this. In the spiritual realm we learn that things are now beyond our control and instead of living in fright we allow God to take control of the situation.

Spiritual development happens through many ways that will be unique to each individual. But we can simplify it to the 4 things we must do in order for spiritual awakening to happen.

The first factor to spiritual development is daily practice. For most people, some form of meditation is the main part of their practice. Pick a meditation technique that works for you and practice it every day. It could be silently repeating a mantra. It could be using self-inquiry or silently repeating “I am” to help you rest in the feeling of being or awareness. It could be just being aware of what is in this moment. What is most important is that the practice works for you enough that you will stay with it for a period of time.

The second part of spiritual development is taking care of your mind and body. Diet is extremely important. What you put into your body has a large effect on your awareness and subtle energy. Exercise is also very important to keep your body healthy and to help the flow of subtle energy. What you put into your mind through television, music and other media also has a deep effect on you.

The third factor to spiritual development which many people overlook is the awakening of the subtle energy within you, also known as Shakti or Kundalini energy. When this energy is awakened in you, you feel it as peace or bliss or love. Not as an emotion but something extremely profound that attracts you. You are feeling the essence of what you are, what everything is. By receiving Shakti, you given a direct experience of spiritual awakening in the form of energy. It is this energy that leads you to spiritual awakening.

There are 2 main ways you awaken this energy. One is through the direct transmission from a fully enlightened teacher that can transmit Shakti. You may have to travel far to find and enlightened teacher that can transmit Shakti to you. The easier way is through sound which you can read about in the end of this article. Without this spiritual energy, your spiritual development will be go very slowly.

When you do these 3 things; daily meditation practice, taking care of the body and mind, and receive Shakti on a regular basis, you will start to awaken to feelings of peace, bliss, love and silence. Your awareness will increase which leads to the fourth factor to spiritual development.

The fourth factor to spiritual development and spiritual awakening is surrender. As your awareness and experience of peace, bliss, love and silence increases, it will start to unravel you sense of being a separate “me.” You may feel mental or emotional upheaval for periods of time and these times are incredibly important.

Because if you can surrender and just allow what comes up to be in awareness, without resistance, without trying to change it but just allow it in full acceptance, then you become free of the limiting perception you have of yourself and your life. Your sense of being a separate ‘me’ begins to relax into oneness. You come to realize the one consciousness that you are and everything is. In this realization, spiritual awakening happens.

If you are looking for an easy way to receive Shakti as talked about earlier, you can receive it in your own home through sound. Just by listening to this “Shakti Music” you receive Shakti and begin to feel it as bliss. Then you can enjoy this experience of bliss anytime you choose just by listening to the CDs.