This post is a continuation from the talk I gave a few months ago regarding quantum physics and how it is rocking our worlds and changing how we look at this world we live in. Today’s concept is: Nothing is real.

Check out the Double-slit experiment –  http://www.doubleslitexperiment.com/

Basically, electrons are seen as clouds – what has been hypothesized is that they are viewed as clouds when no one is in the room. When someone enters the room, the atom (the basic building block of life – or so we used to think) doesn’t exist – it is a possibility.

What they found is what is known as the Observer effect. Electrons acted differently whether they were being observed or not. When a scientist viewed the electron cloud – it was no longer a cloud. The observer’s consciousness chose a spot for it to appear in and it did.

What does that mean? The point here is that everything is only a potential until  a choice is made about it. Consciousness is what makes these choices. Consciousness has an effect on matter and on our world or perceived reality.

Wow, can you imagine the possibilities???  More to come…

What is a contemplative practice?

It is a practice that can be active or still, religious or not, that brings you to the present moment, stills your mind chatter and helps you to focus, center and reconnect with yourself and the Divine.

Contemplative practices have many varied benefits, but in general, they tend to focus the mind and instill a deep sense of calm, peace and awareness. Every religion has some form of a contemplative practice within its arsenal of practices. Some of them include movement, such as the Sufi whirling dervishes or yoga; and some are much more still…such as meditation.

The benefits of incorporating a contemplative practice into your life include:

• Quiet the mind
• Develop Compassion
• Awaken consciousness
• Become aware of interconnectedness and unity
• Reduce Stress
• Enhance creativity and creative problem-solving
• Develop the ability to live proactively rather than reactively
• Ability to deal with the complexities of life

Some examples of Contemplative practices include:

Centering Prayer – this method has its roots in Christianity and the guidelines are as follows (taken from Wikipedia – according to Basil Pennington):
1.    Sit comfortably with your eyes closed, relax, and quiet yourself. Be in love and faith to God.
2.    Choose a sacred word that best supports your sincere intention to be in the Lord’s presence and open to His divine action within you (i.e. “Jesus”, “Lord,” “God,” “Savior,” “Abba,” “Divine,” “Shalom,” “Spirit,” “Love,” etc.).
3.    Let that word be gently present as your symbol of your sincere intention to be in the Lord’s presence and open to His divine action within you.
4.    Whenever you become aware of anything (thoughts, feelings, perceptions, images, associations, etc.), simply return to your sacred word, your anchor.

Remembrance – this is the standard practice of Sufism and is similar to Centering prayer in that a word (in this case, the name of God, Allah) is repeated over and over again, often done aloud. The focus is on the heart.  This technique is aimed to gently open the ear of the heart, to listen with the heart. With the ear of the heart you can hear the whispers of love from the divine.  The Ah sound opens the heart opens the crown chakra and the divine vibration flows in. The “La” sound, and the La sound splashes the love into our hearts, scooping it up and drawing the love into our center.  After several minutes the floodgates open and the heart is filled with divine love and mercy.   Old wounds are healed, old grudges are forgiven, fears melt away, and the heart leaps with gratitude before the awesome mercy of God.

Walking a Labyrinth
A labyrinth (unlike a maze) has only one path leading to the center and back out again. There are no dead ends.
When you walk a labyrinth, you meander back and forth, turning 180 degrees each time you enter a different circuit. As you shift your direction you also shift your awareness from right brain to left brain. This is one of the reasons the labyrinth can induce receptive states of consciousness. It can also help to balance the chakras.
Each person’s walk is a personal experience. How one walks and what one receives differs with each walk. Some people use the walk for clearing the mind and centering. Others enter with a question or concern. T

Prayer Beads these can include Catholic rosaries, Hindu/Sikh “mala” beads, Islamic “tasbih” beads, etc. The repetitive nature of the prayers associated with each bead tend to help you clear the mind and focus on the heart.

Some other practices I haven’t included her are yoga, tai chi, rituals and ceremonies, mindful walking…What kind of contemplative practices are part of your life now? If you have none, think about one or two that you’re willing to try. Even something as simple as a hot bath with scented candles once a week can do wonders for the soul!

There is a saying that “Peace is not about avoiding trouble, work and hardships. Rather Peace is the ability to remain calm in the midst of life’s challenges”. This is something that I have struggled with and still think about sometimes. It is really easy to feel at peace and ease when things are going well and you are generally happy about the state of your life.

However, when there is chaos around us or things don’t go as planned or we have expectations that aren’t met, we can start to feel that tide of emotion rising up within us – anxiety, anger, fear, worry,  … the list goes on.

So, how does one go about finding that deep well of calm within – especially in the moment of challenge? Here are a few techniques that might help you with this:

1.    Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) – this is one of a collection of techniques that use the body’s energetic meridians to effect emotional and physical change. It is also known as “tapping”. It has been used with great effect in any number of things, but its ability to deflect and lower panic and anxiety in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) patients is why I’ve listed it here. Basically, you tap on various meridian points (top of head, above eyebrow, side of eye, under eye, above lips, below, lips, below collar bone and under arm on side of body) with two or three fingers while reciting “Even though I (enter the feeling you are having here – e.g., feel worried), I deeply love and respect myself. Continue repeating this as you tap your way through the points. Check yourself after one round, if you still feel the feeling or another feeling, continue until you are at a neutral point. Get help from a good EFT practitioner if you need help.

2.    Remembrance – a Sufi practice of chanting the name of god (Allah) silently or under your breath repeatedly for 5 – 20 minutes. You can sit comfortably and if possible, close your eyes and place your hands over your heart area. This technique really helps you get into your heart space, which is where the calm resides.

3.    Chanting – An example of chanting would be the Hindu peace chant:

Asato maa,

Sadgamayaa
 Tamaso maa, Jyotirgamayaa ;

Mrityor maa, Amritam Gamayaa

Here is a link to a site that explains the meaning of the chant and some mp3 links so that you can listen to it.

http://www.eaglespace.com/spirit/asatomaa.php

There is something about the vibration of sound that can change your energy field instantly. If this chant is too complicated for you, try simply chanting “Ohm” over and over again until you start feeling calm.

There are many more ways to get to that place of peace. These are but a few techniques that I use regularly to get back to feeling calm and centered when I find myself feeling overwhelmed, worried, anxious, fearful, etc. And the beauty of them is that you don’t even need to know WHY you feel the way you do. Just do one of these and watch your blood pressure lower, your breath deepen and your connection with the Divine increase. What more could you ask for?

I had the honor last week of doing some energy healing an a beautiful little boy named Harrison. When I received the call, my heart went out to not only him, but also his parents. As I drove to the hospital, I kept thinking about what they must be going through – emotionally, spiritually, physically and financially.

When I got there and found Harrison with his Dad watching over him I fell in love! He is an adorable little boy. This little guy is so surrounded by love, it knocks you over! I worked on him for a while and then chatted with his father. (Mom was sick at home). I was so impressed with the philosophy that he had. What impressed me most was his acknowledgment that Harrison is perfect as he is, he is not hi body – he is his spirit, and that his purpose is bigger than we know. WOW!!!! These are the thing I talk about when discussing healing and these guys had learned it so quickly form this gorgeous child – his purpose is huge indeed! I know I came away from that short encounter changed.

If you’d like more information about Harrison, you can check out his website here:

http://www.hopeforharrison.org/

and if you feel like helping them out, I can tell you it’s a worthwhile cause!

Blessings,

Rev. Tricia

This is an excerpt from a talk a gave earlier this week…. The call recording along with transcript will be for sale on the site shortly.

Everything is energy. We are moving from Newtonian Physics in which everything is matter and living in a material world! In this model we live in a 3 dimensional world with the construct of time.

There is a distinction between Mind and Matter – one does not influence the other. In Newtonian medicine (modern western allopathic medicine) – everything is viewed at this level. If something on your body is not working right – a very mechanical solution is determined: cut it out or patch it up; or apply chemicals in the form of drugs to it.

The new physics is based on the Einsteinian view that E= mc2. In other words, matter is not the fundamental property of the Universe! ENERGY is!!!! This is why energy or vibrational medicine works: at the smallest level there really is no matter. There is Space with tiny bits of probability clouds. (More on this in a later) There is also no time…it is a construct we have created. To be continued…

If you find this fascinating, here are some resources you can check out to learn more about the new science of Quantum Physics and Vibrational Healing and how you can use it in your life!

Rev. Tricia

Love this short video with a really upbeat song!

Is this what you see around you everyday?

Let me show you a trick…

Your energy is contagious

Love is energy…where there is love, there is peace.

The vibrational energy of love is very magnetic

We are in this together

The love you are looking for outside of you is already in you

You know it’s true… you are love…

Stop looking outside of yourself – the true power is in you.

With Love all things are possible!

So let’s dust our wings off and get back in action!

We must be the change!

Radiate the energy of love and all will want to be near you.

You will attract your best life.

Isn’t this what we all want?

Touch someone’s heart – be happy no matter what!

This is where we are meant to be always!

Love is everything!

Love is what holds the universe and all that is in it together.

Love is the most powerful energy in the Universe!

See how truly powerful you are!

Be the change you want to see. Smile from the heart and love others as you are loved.

Love is energy – pass it forward!

Do you live in a hostile or non-hostile universe?

This video explains some common misconceptions about our health and our universe. Including the idea that we can’t change our genetics. We believe we are victims of our heredity.

We now know from the study of Epigenetic control (i.e., control above the genes) that our perception of our environment can change our genetic code. You are limited only by your perception and belief of the world you live in – this is what affects your genes

Did you know that 2/3 of all medical healing is accomplished through the placebo effect?

They also explain the idea of the Nocebo effect – that a negative belief can hurt you as much as a positive belief can heal you. The function of the mind is to create coherence between your beliefs and the reality of your experience.

How often have you heard about the concept of spontaneous remission – when terminal patients decide to just enjoy life and Let go, their disease is cured. Know that as fast as you change your perception is as fast as you re-program your cells.

What are your beliefs about the role of your mind in your health and not just your health, but your life in general?

I’m often asked – what is an Interfaith minister? My short answer is that as someone who has studied and has an understanding of all the faiths, I can more easily minister to people from their own viewpoint. While I have my own personal spiritual path, I can work with someone from their own path without the need to convince them of my way or convert them to another way. I believe that we are unique individuals and God, Spirit, Allah, the Universe, etc. speaks to us in many ways. Different ways resonate with different people, and so they can follow a path that leads to the Divine that works for them. The director of my seminary, Rev. Diane Berke states:

“The implications of the“>A Course In Miracles” teaches that a universal theology is impossible, but that a universal experience is not only possible but necessary if we are to awaken from the dream of separation that has led to so much suffering. Experience is the realm of practice, and it is here that we can truly meet and enrace one another as brothers and sisters.

It is my sincere hope that this manual will be a support for you on your journey. And may the fruits of our individual and collective practice be of benefit to all living beings, and to the earth.”

Blessings,

Rev. Tricia

Dreams: Your Connection to Source

In this three day workshop you will:

• Understand how to recall dreams
• Discover what you can use to aid the dream state, such as special stones, essential oils, herbs, bells, and symbols
• Develop the skill of astral travel and lucid dreaming
• Use dreams to connect with your angels, animal totems, and master guides
• Connect with loved ones who have passed on
• Gain mystical messages
• Activate your Dream Shield and meet your Dream Guide
• Learn the most common dreams and their meanings.

You will also discover how to incubate and program dreams for:

• Past-life exploration
• Far-viewing
• Manifesting your desires
• Earth healing
• Chakra balancing
• Finding a soul mate in your dream state before meeting in person

I will teach you how to decipher the meanings
of dreams with several tools. You’ll learn:

• The mystical use of a dream journal
• The art of gestalting a dream
• The power of “drawing” the dream
• Ways to create and use a dream dictionary
• Free association
• The Replay Method
• Moon cycles and seasons and their impact on dreams
• The special meanings of colors
• The meaning of numbers
• Ancient Chinese Clock Dream Interpretation.

3 Sundays, January 16, 23 30, 2011

NiaMoves, Houston

$75 or $60 if paid before January 10, 2011

There will also be a follow-up phone session with me and the opportunity to join a dream group for analyzing dreams.

Location: Spectrum Center, Houston, TX

Suggested Donation: $20

This once a month Women’s Circle will provide a sacred and safe space to experience the power of the Feminine and your personal connection to that strength and Divine birthright.  The focus of the group will be to offer practical and spiritual support for women in their everyday lives.

Women of all ages and all spiritual paths are welcome. Bring a friend and make this Circle part of your life. Women have gathered in sacred, healing circles for thousands of years. Reconnect to the essence of your Being.

This group will meet once a month 7 PM – 9 PM at Spectrum Center and is open for you to come each month or whenever you feel like it.

2011 Dates and Topics of Discussion:

January 26 – Meet and Greet and Discuss what we want from this group in 2011

February 23

March 30

April 27

May 25

June 22

Please feel free to bring a friend and a snack to share afterward if you like. We will begin sharply at 7 PM and the circle will go for approximately an hour and a half. Afterward, we will drink tea and eat light snacks in community.

While you can show up that evening, it is preferable that you RSVP since it helps me to prepare. If you are planning on attending, please send me an email at: patricia@theblissfulsoul.com.