Shambhala Newsletter

IMAGINE

Imagine there's no heaven
  It's easy if you try
 No hell below us
  Above us only sky
  Imagine all the people
     Living for today... 
     Imagine there's no countries
       It isn't hard to do
        Nothing to kill or die for
          And no religion too
              Imagine all the people
                Living life in peace... 
           You may say I'm a dreamer
           But I'm not the only one
               I hope someday you'll join us
              And the world will be as one 
             Imagine no possessions
              I wonder if you can
               No need for greed or hunger
             A brotherhood of man
               Imagine all the people
                   Sharing all the world... 
               You may say I'm a dreamer
                But I'm not the only one
                 I hope someday you'll join us
                    And the world will live as one…
   

   The wonderful words of John Lennon’s song, words of unconditional love, joy without end, creativity, co-creation and peace, and the celebration of the human spirit, are so welcome as we move into a new time and dimension. I have played this over and over, and find there is not a word too many nor a word too few. It is perfect. When I was in Egypt with a group in September we sang this to remind ourselves of what is becoming and what can be and we sang it with all our hearts and souls in the Great Pyramid on the day of the Autumn Equinox. I like to think that John Lennon was there.
     There are many things that we can understand at this time that will help us move through with more grace and ease than seems possible. In times of great stress we know that through out history people come together to help and assist each other, perhaps for the very first time What a great opportunity we have here to reach out to others who are having the same difficulties with this transition that we are.
     The very subject of money seems to create separation between people and it has been used in many ways. In our hearts, we know that separation does not work and in our hearts we desire Oneness. Perhaps we can, even as we are listening to the news or reading the newspapers, become aware of what is happening on other levels. If this is difficult for you and you are unable to reach out to family, to friends and to neighbours, try asking some questions.  On one level you may hope the people around you may have the answers such as what is going to happen next. But the real questions that are being asked are ‘Can we be together? Can this energy between us be acknowledged? Will you let me love you? Will you love me?’ When we can find this way of coming together, of trusting and loving each other, many solutions can be found, for we all have different talents and resources and can share these to make life easier.
    Many of us have learned over the years to be self-reliant, and may find it difficult to ask for help in these challenging times. Yet, this is just the lesson that is waiting to be learned. To learn how to graciously ask for help when help is needed, to ask for it without regret or shame, but honestly and openly. ‘I need help’ ‘Can someone please help me?’ And even if someone says no, thank them, and move to another and repeat your request. Simply know that it is safe to ask for help, and to unlearn the lessons that you may have been taught as a child.
    Sometimes government intervention even of the most enlightened and helpful can backfire. The consequences are simply not known and can create more difficulties later on. Perhaps it is wise not to be dependant on any of the solutions that come forth, even if they seem to be the highest and the best, but instead to focus on what is happening in our own hearts. We have such a powerful opportunity at this time to learn from each other in a very profound and beautiful way and to ultimately end all separation. There is a sense that coming together, interacting, reaching out, needs to happen right now. Perhaps we could say that money and materialism has stood in the way of this and has been a great focus in our lives rather than understanding the value of the Heart and Soul.
    The answers to the questions at this time are more often found in the present and not in the past, so it’s important to be as present as possible so you can look forward into the future. The present is where your guides, helpers and inspiration help you most. Rather than analyse or judge the situation you may find yourself in, ask ‘What do I do now?’ By being in the fullness of your Being, and heart centered, it could be possible to help yourself and those around you who love you and resolve your present circumstances. You are not going to resolve them through analysis of past events. It is important to take action in the present moment, for resolution is in the present and not in the past. Living in the present is the only way to be!
     Life is so full of opportunity for greater love and greater community, but at the same time we have to let go of fear, just enough to see that others indeed, deserve our love and that we deserve theirs.
     Look again at the song ‘Imagine’, for you will have your own thoughts and feelings that will stir your heart and mind; sounds, poetry, art, and all kinds of ways of sharing with others. You may find yourself turning off the television for sometimes we need to be aware that in challenging times it is important to find something positive within ourselves, something beautiful and loving. As more and more information is given to us, we need a more balanced and loving perspective on what is happening. Anything that is healing, strengthening, hopeful and valuable is so welcome.
      Recently we have been swept up in the passion and excitement of the American elections and the anticipation of the Barack Obama presidency. Many walls came tumbling down on November 6th and this wave resonated with everyone across the globe as whites and blacks alike lost their heads in joy over this victory! At last we have a chance to bring about the end of racism and to know that people everywhere, all men and women, are created equal and that what really matters is their character and the strength of their heart is a victory indeed. I personally felt a wonderful, loving presence with him during his acceptance speech that touched my heart and soul. My feeling is that this 44th President will stay in integrity, honesty, and in loving communication. He can unite so much and bridge the divides that separate people and nations.
       Another way that you can help yourself and others around you through this time is appreciation. Appreciation is a level of consciousness much as fear is a level of consciousness, yet appreciation opens doors, whereas fear closes them. When I am asked to activate the DNA of someone I cannot do it unless they feel deep appreciation, praise and thankfulness. Only then will the DNA activate, and cellular memory become available. Please consider what appreciation in its myriad forms means to you, for it is one of the keys to entering this new time. Lets join together today to be appreciative, to be thankful and to give and receive praise. 
      Perhaps the greatest lesson that we are learning at this time is that separation of any sort, of any nature, in any way no longer serves us. We are moving now into Oneness, hand in hand, together. We have struggled so long and so hard through the centuries with polarity, with so many challenges, so many false doctrines and ideas and at last all the walls and barriers are coming down. We are one Heart, one Soul, and one Breath, in the Oneness of All That Is.
     The vision for the future is contained in the song. Please feel it, and let it go deep into your heart, for we are all dreamers within the New World, whether we are conscious of it or not. Speak what is in your Heart, say what is in your Heart, do not hide away and miss the opportunity to say ‘I love you. I am so glad you are in my life. I love you. I so admire what you are doing. I love you with all my heart.’ Let us bridge the divide that has been with us for so long. Let us make that step without judgement, without criticism, without jealousy. Let us make it in joy.
    The song brings ideas about Spiritual Maturity into the world and this is one of its most powerful messages but the very idea that religions themselves can be released, along with all other aspects of separation can be confusing. It would seem that John’s idea of this is to help people come to their own self-discovery, their own inner awareness of all the things that separate and divide one person from another. To release anything that will prevent our presence from manifesting, our knowledge of higher self, and the fullness of our love or to block the Oneness that allows us to know every level of our intimate interconnectedness to all beings.
    I find more and more people walk into Shambhala with their arms outstretched for a hug. The shaking of hands seems to have dropped away as the more intimate greeting is offered. They understand there is only love here, they feel it in their heart and they let go. This is the greatest joy to me, to have no separation with anyone. May it be the greatest joy to you as we all come home together.
      How you think and feel makes the difference, how you move through the hours of your day makes a difference. To rise up and be who you are, a magnificent Being of Light who has known great change that has long been forgotten in past millenniums. Who can come through this great change with grace, with the help of the Holy Spirit, and with all your guides and helpers who enfold you in their love at all times. Your highest Divine Nature will prevail, even though your feelings of vulnerability and fragility may be strong, and for the sensitives, emotions may swing from elation to depression. You will come through for you are the Light, and where there is Light there is Hope and where there is Hope there is a wonderful future that you will create as a co-creator upon this Earth.   Imagine, like John, how your world can be and never, never stop Dreaming the Dream. Above all, know that you are deeply, deeply loved now and always.

May Love and Joy be Yours Now and Forever,

Elisis