At the age of six, I looked up at the altar in St. John’s the Evangelist Catholic Church wondering why there were only males leading the congregation. Being that I was female, I realized that I would never have a vital leadership role in the Catholic Church if I chose to. I became disinterested in Catholicism in kindergarten, even though I was required by my teachers and parents to continue attending mass two to three times each week.

Five years later, my parents allowed me to attend public school and to visit my friends’ churches. But I soon realized that their religions, as well as the majority of world religions, really weren’t much different than Catholicism. Because of this and other unexplainable rules and beliefs, I became disenchanted with religion.

When I returned to Minnesota in 2002, after living out-of-state for more than a decade, I had several good friends who had embraced New Age spirituality. Since I was eager to have some type of “spiritual” base and community, I looked into it. Yet again, I came to realize that New Age spirituality really wasn’t much different than any major religion.

I was drawn to the claims of the New Age movement – the focus of the individual’s approach to spiritual practices and philosophies coupled with the rejection of religious doctrine and dogma. But as I really began to examine the roots of New Age spirituality, I discovered that it’s not much different from the dogma I grew up with.

In the New Age movement, many still use the term God and refer to this entity as He, Him and Father. Humans are viewed as divine, and progressing toward a “Christ Consciousness.” Both of these terms limit our concepts of feminine power and energy and closely follow religious doctrine, which has been largely set up to sustain the patriarchal system.

Many major world religions also uphold some type of ethical guidelines, commandments or precepts to live by. Parents, teachers and bosses use the same concept to manage children, students and employees. It’s the concept of “cleaning your room so you can go out and play.” Sure, reasonable rules that respect others are helpful for a peaceful society. But it needs to be clear why these rules are in place. Religions typically use rules for social control with the belief that by honoring them, followers will be “elevated” in some fashion.

The law of Karma is similar to this in the New Age movement. Rather than give energy to the belief of Karma, why not simply entertain the concept of a self-fulfilling prophecy? Recognize that the results of our responsibility, or lack of responsibility, typically affect us in some manner.

Similar to the law of Karma, the idea that “you are the creator of your reality” is part of New Age spirituality. This statement places destiny into your own hands and away from external forces. It states that you have affected your current situation. Acknowledging that you can create good fortune in your life is very empowering. But this same concept becomes a problem when it is used to uphold guilt and shame and is steeped in the idea of original sin. If we use this concept to promote wallowing in the “bad” that has happened to us and how we are “bad” because we created it, then this concept is no different than the belief many religions advocate that humans are to be blamed for the imperfections of the world.

New Agers talk of ascension, higher, highest and movement upward toward a patriarchal idea of heaven, away from Mother Earth, which embodies the feminine principles of creation, nurturing, growth and power. New Age Spirituality also speaks of light and enlightenment. Light, in the very basic sense, comes from the sun, which again takes us upward – away from the feminine. The womb and the soil of the earth, from which life is created, are dark. Why is it that so many human beings have a fear of the dark? What is the belief that is lurking there? What is the fear?

Enlightenment is an 18th century philosophical movement characterized by the belief in the power of human reason. This term, so well-used, would literally keep us locked in the mind and in consciousness. The Sanskrit word, prajna, meaning pure and unqualified knowledge (beyond suffering) brings us to a more precise meaning than our English word, which involves reasoning, mind and thought, which is the root of suffering. A better term could replace enlightenment, such as awareness, perception or depth.

The New Age takes some of its concepts from many of the world’s religions, which have been drenched in the masculine voice and agenda. The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most important Hindu scriptures and considered to be one of the philosophical classics of the world, is a useful tool in ridding the reader of the need for outcome, but it is also a strong persuader in upholding war and aggression. By continuing to focus on the texts and icons from the world’s religions and the ideas of faith and hope, we bring the focus further away from the core and the depth of the self, which was the original concept and definition of the New Age movement.

In many ways, those in New Age spirituality are not fully utilizing the inherent knowledge that is within all of us. Many of us utilize psychics, readers, healers, teachers, channeling, products, oils, stones and other people and products to help us or guide us on our path. This can be very helpful as a support system. But we need to make sure we continue to embrace and step into our own power as we journey forth. Becoming dependent on external sources for our information is the antithesis of the independence that has defined New Age spirituality.

In a time when it is necessary to bring the focus back to the feminine, the earth, nature and the elements, we still remain far from our roots – our intuition and innate power. It is this feminine power that can bring about the necessary change we need as a society.

Take the opportunity to reawaken and embrace the feminine power that has been diminished for millennia in our patriarchal world, in dogma and in common language that has been perpetuated in the New Age movement. It is time to release the masculine traits – especially those of aggression, dominance, anger, destruction and control.

Take time to examine words and ideas before you say them. Don’t simply say something because it is common lingo used by the world around you. Doing that will keep you locked into dogma and doctrine. Be a critical, free thinker who can help us move forward into a New Age that actually enables us to step into our true depth and inherent power.

Transformation and change will be a featured theme in the upcoming Minneapolis Edge Life Expo, taking place November 14-15 at The Hyatt Regency, 1300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis. More than 150 exhibitors will attend, including intuitive readers, medical intuitives, integrative healing practitioners and those offering books and products to support holistic life. Highly acclaimed international, national and local authors and lecturers will speak each day for a nominal fee.

The following is a conversation with five of the featured speakers on change taking place now on our planet. They include local intuitive and author Kathryn Harwig, local channeler and healer Insiah Beckman, authors Kathryn and Dannion Brinkley, and hypnotherapist and author Dolores Cannon.

The Maya referred to this as the end of a phase of Creation that will lead those who are prepared into greater cosmic understanding and spiritual maturity. - Kathryn & Dannion Brinkley

We hear the word “change” so often right now, but hasn’t life on this planet always been in a state of flux? What makes this particular moment in history so important that we need to begin paying attention?
Kathryn & Dannion Brinkley: Roughly, every 26,000 years our galaxy travels through the Precession of the Equinox, which means that our planet enters a new age of growth through a process of transformation. During this shift (transformation), we will be subject to mass revelations from the higher frequencies. This is definitely a time for all of us to pay our undivided attention to everything going on around us. There are no such things as coincidences, and each occurrence in our lives has spiritual significance.

Kathryn Harwig: Life on this planet has always been in flux. What is different now more than at any time in known history is that no one on the planet is separated by physical boundaries any longer. Because of television, cell phones and, most importantly, the internet, what happens anywhere on the planet can be felt, seen and experienced by everyone within minutes. One hundred years ago (actually even 20 years ago) one person could reach enlightenment or perform a miracle and only a handful of people would observe it. Now, it would be on YouTube in a matter of minutes. Perhaps the seers and prophets who foretold the changes coming in 2011 and 2012 knew that by the time those years arrived, we would all be as interconnected as we now are. It is this very connectedness to each other that makes our planet ripe for instantaneous change.

Insiah Beckman: We are at the end of the Kali Yuga, the end of the Bronze Age and the beginning of the Golden Age. With the massive influx of light surging onto the planet, everything is in a state of a huge shift. The economy, Mother Earth, humanity and all life on this planet. Mother Earth, a sentient being, is going through her evolutionary cycle and so is all life on this planet. We are all part of her body – there is no separation, we are all one, what happens to one happens to all. In every moment and every second, consciousness is changing. You are not the same person you were yesterday. We are in a time of massive changes in our evolution as a species. Changes have really speeded up in the last few years and will culminate with the planetary alignment of the Winter Solstice in 2012. One should remember to stay out of fear – especially with all the negative predictions. Nothing is set in stone. Humanity has the capacity and the power to change any dire prediction to a more positive conclusion. Lightworkers all around the globe are working together with light beings to facilitate an easy and joyous transition.

Dolores Cannon: What people need to realize is that we are undergoing a great change in the world, and it’s the first time that it has ever happened in the history of the universe. An entire planet is going to be moving into another dimension. This started about 2003, when its effects became the most noticeable, and it will continue until 2012 and beyond. 2012 is not the end of the world. It’s the end of things as we know them right now. The Earth is changing its frequencies to ascend into this new vibration. This is something people are beginning to notice, because it affects the physical body. In order for us to shift dimension with the Earth, our bodies also have to change frequency and vibration. A lot of people are feeling physical discomfort due to this. People know something is going on, but they don’t know what it is. They go to the doctor, but doctors say nothing is wrong with them and put them on pills anyway. Some of the most noticeable physical effects are high blood pressure, heart palpitations, dizziness, disorientation, depression, and muscle aches and pains. Older people are feeling this the most, because their bodies have a harder time adapting to the change. Children and teens are having the easiest time, because they have come into their bodies with changes in their DNA already in place. Those in the middle, between the teens and the seniors, are having less severe symptoms but need to know what is happening. Such a massive change in vibration must be done gradually, in steps, or else the body would be destroyed. Your vibration or frequency will increase, and then it will level off and the symptoms will go away. And then it will do it again in a few months, and the symptoms will return. If people understand what is happening, it won’t be so hard on them.

We are poised on the brink of a massive evolutionary leap of the human species. - Kathryn Harwig

What is actually happening: Is the frequency of everything on Earth quickening? Are we moving from the 3rd to 5th Dimension? Are these the End Times as the Bible says, or is this the beginning of a New Age – and what does that really mean?
Kathryn & Dannion Brinkley: Yes, all of that is happening now. We are definitely moving into higher frequencies. We look at it as the end of one era, and the beginning of another. The Maya referred to this as the end of a phase of Creation that will lead those who are prepared into greater cosmic understanding and spiritual maturity.

Kathryn Harwig: These are end times and beginning times. Our old way of doing things doesn’t work anymore. We are seeing that demonstrated right now by way of our economic changes, with far more changes on the way. We are poised on the brink of a massive evolutionary leap of the human species. Primarily, it will be an intuitive leap, with telepathy becoming accepted and ultimately embraced. While that sounds positive, it will cause a certain amount of fear when people realize they are no longer separate from one another. Lying will be non-productive. Killing will be killing yourself. It will take some time for our species to settle into this new way of relating to each other and to our planet. Miracles will quit being miracles and just be a way of life. This will not happen overnight or in one year, but, it will happen very quickly compared to other evolutionary leaps. This is because we are all so connected to one another. Once a core group of people begin the shift, the rest will either follow or get out of the way.

Insiah Beckman: The frequency of the planet is definitely quickening and moving from 3rd density to 4th and subsequently to the 5th. Time as you know it does not exist. As Mother Earth experiences this shift, so is all humanity and all life on this planet. This is the ascension that has been prophesied in religious scriptures throughout the ages. Ascension does not mean “Rapture” as taught in some teachings. Ascension really means Humanity’s ascension, or rather, an awakening to a higher level of consciousness based on divine love and compassion. This also means changes in the DNA to more of a crystalline structure, where your molecules change from a dense level to more of an expanded level, with more space between them and, in time, to Oneness. It is time to reclaim our divine birthright as children of God and time to awaken to our truth of who we are! We are multidimensional beings having a human experience in this limited 3rd dimensional reality. It is now time to integrate all aspects of ourselves so that we are more in alignment with the energies of the New Earth. These are definitely not the End Times. Prophecies are probabilities. This is the beginning of the new and the end of the old paradigm.

Dolores Cannon: We’re just moving into another dimension, a higher frequency of vibration. Earth is the densest and slowest in the whole solar system, probably in the whole universe. Now, everyone is not going to go with this change. You can’t just change your frequency overnight. It has to be done gradually. Those who are steeped in negativity and karma are going to be held back. They will stay with the old Earth, with what they have created, because that’s all they know. And they will be hung up in karma where they can’t progress. If you’re interested in these changes taking place, then it’s a guarantee that you’re going to go to the new Earth. In my book, I say don’t worry about the ones who think like you do. They’re definitely going to go. And don’t worry about the ones who are deep in negativity, because you’re not going to be able to reach them. They’re going to have to do it on their own. It’s the ones in the middle who have to be told that something is happening, so they’ll understand what is going on right now. A lot of people don’t realize anything is going on. They don’t understand that there is a big change happening here. These are not the End Times. I’ve heard all of this and I’ve been interviewed on all of these documentaries where people think it’s the end of the world. No, it’s not. It’s all in your attitude, really. If you understand a wonderful time is coming, then you can adapt to it.

Kathryn Harwig: Many of us are seeing and will see these “unseen” witnesses. Primarily, they are observing what is happening on our planet. Those who wish to help are giving us information. Some, who wish to “mine” the fear that the changes are prompting, are encouraging us to feel fear. My guides, the Light Collective, are part of the group that is observing and cheerleading and supporting us by way of knowledge. They are urging us to stay away from fear-based emotions during this time. I am told that other than emotional support, knowledge and “cheerleading,” the “good guys” in the spirit realm are staying out of it. We live in a free will universe and what we do in these next few years is our choice. We aren’t likely to be rescued or aided in a physical sense. We will be aided, though, with information and emotional support and love.

Insiah Beckman: All of them – light beings, ascended masters, angels, our space family and many others – are assisting humanity and Mother Earth in every conceivable way to facilitate an easy and smooth transition to its ascension. As we are One, what happens to us affects all of creation. There are other planets that are ascending at the same time. You could say all creation is on an “alert” mode – keeping watch, assisting where they can without interfering with Humanity’s free will choices.

Dolores Cannon: They are watching. This is all up to us. It’s always been up to us. Earth is a planet that was created with free will. They’re here to help, but they cannot interfere. The angels have always been here to help, if we ask. But they can’t interfere. This is the biggest show in the universe. Everybody in outer space and in other dimensions is watching to see if we will be able to pull this off. It’s absolutely essential that we do this. In my lecture I will go into a lot more information about the big plan that they have to help us make this happen.

Make time for yourselves to allow these wonderful energies and frequencies to permeate your being. - Insiah Beckman

What does the average person really need to do consciously in response to what is taking place? Or do we need to just be present in the moment – awake and consciously aware as possible?
Kathryn & Dannion Brinkley: Certainly, staying in the moment – awake and consciously aware – is a great place to start! Our definition of being conscious means that we live in a perpetual state of love and gratitude. This is the time for each and every one of us to look for ways to be of service to one another and to Divine Spirit. Being alive at this point and time, in the history of the world, is a tremendous opportunity for personal growth and enlightenment.

Kathryn Harwig: The most important thing that any of us can do is to consciously choose to stay out of a fear state. There will be things happening that will seem frightening and concerning. “Staying out of fear” is easy to say and hard to do, but it is possible, at least most of the time. Staying conscious and present in the moment is important. Learning to quiet your mind so that your intuitive voice and your guides can speak is critical. Releasing judgment whenever possible will help a lot. Things will be happening that will be tempting to judge. But, we will not have all the information to even decide if something is good or bad. Learning to go with the flow would be a good habit to develop. A sense of humor will help a lot in these times, too.

Insiah Beckman: One has to be aware and be more conscious of these energies that have been coming through more intensely in the last few years. People are feeling the intensity of the bombardments of light on this planet and are experiencing all kinds of aches, pains and a lack of energy. This is all due to releasing the old and integrating these new frequencies as Humanity transforms into Beings of Light and Love. Make time for yourselves to allow these wonderful energies and frequencies to permeate your being. When you are feeling out of sorts, take a few moments, spend time in your favorite sanctuary, listen to your heart, meditate or go for a walk in nature. Nature is a great healer. Allow and be with the flow. Just be!

Dolores Cannon: Yes, there are two definite things people must do before they can move into the new Earth. First, they must get rid of karma. Karma will hold you to the old Earth. A lot of it comes from family issues. I tell people in my hypnotherapy work that they must forgive and let go. People say, “How can I forgive them? You don’t know what they did to me.” But by holding onto it, you are holding onto karma, and you are only hurting yourself. You’re not hurting the other person. Forgive them, release them and let them go – with love. When you do that, you are free and you can move into the new Earth. Secondly, people need to get rid of fear. Fear is the strongest emotion a human has. Fear is paralyzing, debilitating, and it holds you back. Don’t get caught up in fear, with what’s on TV, the newspapers and the doom and gloom. Think for yourself, make up your own mind and release fear.

Don't get caught up in fear, with what's on TV, the newspapers and the doom and gloom. Think for yourself, make up your own mind and release fear. - Dolores Cannon

What message are you being given now, or have received recently, about momentous changes that will take place on this planet in the next four years?
Kathryn & Dannion Brinkley: The potential for climate changes and catastrophic events remains very real. Everyone needs to take the necessary precautions to protect their families during these chaotic times. A shift in the present paradigm could result in a magnetic shift of the Earth. So, a three-month supply of water, food, medicine and basic fuel is an excellent idea right now. However, collective human consciousness can exhibit a vastly stabilizing affect on the state of the Earth. Each random act of kindness and spiritual activism will serve to secure our future. As greater numbers of us begin the quest for spiritual awakening, the greater our chance will be for a calm and successful transition into the next phase of Creation, one that promises us an expanded reality of ourselves as spiritual beings in physical form.

Kathryn Harwig: The most momentous changes will be inside of us, not outside of us. Of course, there will be earthquakes and fires and floods, but no more than we always have had. The huge changes will be in our power to create and our ability to be intuitive. With those powers will come challenges as our society evolves into a society of telepaths. Do not think that it will be a peaceful, easy, ride. Many people will strongly resist these changes, make fun of and then even persecute the wayshowers. In the next four years, I am told the economy will continue to create havoc and more jobs will be lost. We are being urged to find ways of supporting ourselves that do not necessarily look to anyone else, including the government. I am also told there are huge advances in medicine and in the way our bodies respond to medicine that will increase the average life expectancy dramatically. This, too, will have social consequences as our society has to decide how to deal with a larger population or decrease the number of children being born. Many souls will decide not to come to this planet during this time, and some, who do not wish to ride out this wave, will decide to leave in unusual ways.

Insiah Beckman: The message that I have been given is not to fear any changes, but to allow and honor the transition. Yes, changes are all around us. It is difficult in the human experience to be detached. The important thing is to be aware and check yourself. The next four years could either be tumultuous for some and easy for others, depending entirely on how one adopts and engages the change. If one is in a state of denial, union with Self and Oneness will be a constant battle. Those who are in a state of acceptance and surrender will experience an easier time with the transition.

Dolores Cannon: My information says that it looks like there is hope, that this shift to a higher dimension will take place. For a while, they thought it looked like we were going to end up destroying the Earth. They were very unhappy and sad about what they were seeing. They were really worried about it, but finally it looks like there will be a chance that we will make it. What I will be talking about in my lecture is how we are going to do it. I constantly ask for more information about the shifting to the new Earth, and they tell me, “We can’t tell you, because we don’t even know. We don’t have the answers, because this has never happened before.” They do say that it’s vital that we do make this shift in order to survive. It’s going to be quite wonderful. People don’t realize how wonderful it’s going to be. The old Earth will be where all of the wars and catastrophe and negativity will be left.

Kathryn Harwig: I have been given the ability to hear Guides and Spirits and allow my guides to speak through me. I must admit I am not sure that is a mission. Some of the time I am not even sure it is a gift. But, their information has been beneficial to me and, I believe, to many who have heard them speak. So, I continue to channel the Light Collective and allow them to give their information to people. My other “mission” is to feel and express joy as much as possible. I hope by doing so, I model a different way of living and being. And, my passion for travel is to learn what all the world looks and feels like. I am not sure if that benefits anyone but me, but, it certainly gives me joy.

Insiah Beckman: I had a visitation by a very well known light being to share and assist people who are ready for their expansion and integration of self, who are ready to take their power back and reclaim the fullness of their being. In other words: “Union with self and with Oneness.”

Dolores Cannon: I am now traveling all over the world to share this message. In addition, I’m still doing hypnotherapy. And I’m doing a lot with healing, because the technique I’ve developed with my hypnosis is not like any other hypnosis technique out there. We have instantaneous healings. We’re having miracles happen everywhere I go with this. So my mission is to teach the healing technique of my hypnosis method, and also along the way to deliver the information they told me to deliver. People all over the world are responding wonderfully. I just returned from my first trip to South Africa, and the response was tremendous. Everyone wants to think of hope. We’re all one. Everywhere I go, the people are the same. There are no differences at all. They all want to care for their families, have a good job and have a nice place to live. Nobody wants war. They don’t want the negativity. Everybody is alike. There is no difference in us. I always tell people, “If you traveled more, there wouldn’t be wars. There wouldn’t be violence. We’d find out that we’re all the same. We all want the same thing.”

Kathryn Harwig: I will be channeling my guides, The Light Collective, who have asked to speak on their eight principles for inner peace and joyful living. These principles, which are very simple and yet extremely profound, can, if incorporated into a person’s life, transform not only that person but the world around them. In these upcoming times, it is more crucial than ever before to have a type of plan for joyful living. As the Light Collective has said, “If you measure your worth by what you own, perhaps you will be disappointed. If you measure your worth by how your life is going, then perhaps you will be joyful. Perhaps it is not the value of your homes that you measure your worth by, but the value of your life. A question to ask would be, “Are you happier when you make more money, or when your house is worth more?” If not, perhaps you would look at joy as a commodity, and invest In joy.

Insiah Beckman: The title of my talk is “Reconnect with your Divine Self.” I will be providing channeled information on the coming energy shift leading up to 2012 and will respond to questions from the audience. Many souls are lost in a myriad of life’s challenges. They will be provided with the tools to reconnect with their divine selves and learn to handle the chaos that most of humanity is presently experiencing. It is time to reclaim your power and your true nature of loving self and others.

Dolores Cannon: I will be speaking about the New Earth. This is the same thing that is written about in the Bible, in Revelation, about the new Heaven and the old Earth. I’ve been all around the world talking about this. I’m heading now to England for a conference there, and then I will be going to Russia. I’ve been to Russia four times this past year. I’m doing a lot of work there with doctors, teaching my technique. Then I’ll be back for a talk in Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and then I’ll be going to Istanbul for a huge conference on 2012.

Lately, it seems that all we are talking, reading and hearing about on the news is the economy and, more specifically, when it will “recover.” We are in the midst of amazing times, and the politician and pundits are working on all sorts of plans to “stimulate” the economy for a full recovery.

Well, I am not at all certain the economy will recover. I am actually not that convinced it is even sick. And I am rather certain that no amount of stimulation will change what is happening.

Words like “recovery” and “stimulus” are tossed around as if they have a real meaning. Recovery, at least in the dictionary, is defined as “a return to a normal state of health, mind or strength.” I don’t know about you, but I really hope what we have had in the past is NOT normal. It is not normal, in my opinion, for 10 percent of the people to control 90 percent of the world’s resources. It isn’t healthy to spend more than we make and use credit cards to cover the difference. It isn’t strong to let people run Ponzi schemes for years and years and then claim no one noticed. And it certainly is not sane to use up the planet’s resources for today and leave nothing for tomorrow. We all know this. We just are not all that crazy about what it takes to change it.

What we are embarking on now is not an economic recovery. It is an economic rebirth. We are on a course for the dawning of a new age. And no amount of stimulus is going to change that.

In the meantime, we are all in for a lot of changes. Yes, some of the things that are happening are not pleasant. I feel very sorry for everyone who is losing jobs and retirement nest eggs (myself included). But, as a person who has followed metaphysical teachings for a very long time, I am also excited and encouraged to see the world changing.

My guides have told me that there are three guideposts that will help us find sanity in these times of change. They are authenticity, simplicity and community.

As we struggle with the decisions that need to be made, they suggest that we use these three things to aid us. It is important, they say, to determine who we are. We need to become our authentic selves. For many years we have let the media and the marketers tell us what we want and need. In this new era, it is up to us to decide for ourselves. Like children, we need to grow and determine our own likes and dislikes and what we really need and what we have merely been told we want. What makes us authentic will be different for each person. 

The simplicity, my guides suggest, is not only to live in a frugal manner, but to live in a simple fashion. Choose the “easy button.” Our lives are amazingly complex. In this new era, there are many ways to simplify our schedules, our obligations and our spending patterns. We will be challenged to find them.

Lastly, we are ushering in a whole new era of community. We may find that our McMansions are better suited for extended than single families. We will be drawn to communities where we can walk to our jobs, or better yet, work from our homes. We will hone in on our inherent desire to be in community with those of like minds.

When the dust clears, (and it will) the new era will be one of peace and a true prosperity that comes from having joy and peace of mind in our investment portfolios. As the Light Collective advises, we will invest in joy.

We are participating in an explosion of new age teaching, interest in Eastern
religion, and a general curiosity about the usefulness of everyday spiritual
practice. When you turn on the television, it seems just about every talk show
host is discussing how to maximize human potential and help viewers become a
more advanced version of self.

In our effort to reach higher, spirituality is a major interest in the books we read, the classes we take and the inner peace we want to find. Accordingly, there is growing dialogue concerning differences between traditional religious teaching and a form of spiritual practice termed: everyday spirituality or spirituality of the market place. Interestingly enough, the usefulness of spiritual practice in everyday life is an ancient teaching that lies at the heart of human development systems, such as Sufism in which travelers are taught, through ordinary daily activity, to align with the Higher and make life a prayer.

To help travelers add this practical approach, we will examine the basic difference between traditional religious form and spirituality; offering various "things to know, and things to do" while following a personal spiritual path.Religion
may be compared
To a great river that feeds the land.
The River winds its way as a mighty force
And smaller tributaries are formed
to serve the distant regions.
Some are satisfied
To drink of the small stream
And forget they must travel
The river to its Source.
Beyond the river’s gate
The Ocean is waiting.

Religion & Spirituality

For spiritual travelers, at some point, it becomes clear that New Age and Eastern systems offer techniques that speak to the basic difference between religious form and personal spiritual experience. While all traditional religious systems are based upon spiritual teachings, inner personal experience is not always emphasized and many travelers leave the religion of their birth with a deep, inner hunger that religious form did not completely fill.

In the beginning stages of any learning, adherence to form is essential. As the traveler matures in his or her traditional religious training, a deeper more personal experience may be available. However, many travelers leave for a variety of reasons or get "turned off" long before this happens. One of my spiritual teachers used to say: "After you have studied with me and experienced the Light, you will return to the religion of your birth and become a better Christian, Jew or Muslim."

• External form. In viewing traditional religious teaching and spiritual experience, it is important to discuss the difference between internal and external reality. Most of us are familiar with the external form of religious teaching. Usually this was the presentation offered during our early childhood and emphasized standard prayers, teachings and a social prescription directed at a large segment of humanity. Over the centuries, this is the part that looks different, because it is, and it changes. External form varies depending upon culture, geography, historical context and the changing needs of the receiving community. Because this part is not the same, and is tied to time and place, it confuses people. This is the part that travelers argue and fight about.

• Internal form. Internally, all forms at their highest level are one, united in spirit. The internal or spiritual essence which gives life to the external religious form is a living, vibrant element. This part, termed the Light in some presentations, is the inner core or life current to the external form. This is the part that fuels the updating of the Teaching into a newer presentation, and the grace that enables the living teacher or exemplar to function. This is the spiritual essence that the New Age traveler seeks to embrace, and become one with.

Religion is like a beautiful maiden, who to fit the changing weather, wears an assortment of clothing. Some days, because the weather is cold or sunny, her outer garments are different. If you were to describe her on these days, one day she would be the maiden in the tall woolen hat, scarf across her face and long coat, and on another day, the women in the light, bright, yellow cotton dress. On the first day, not seeing her covered face, some observers might be fooled and argue or disagree about the woman’s identity or description on the second day; not realizing underneath the various clothing, it is the same young woman wearing the light cotton dress.

Things to Know

To help spiritual travelers realize their own inner potential, we will examine some of the postulants or learning statements that must be understood about everyday spirituality.

• You already are spiritual. This is true, and it is an overriding theme of New Age systems and Eastern traditions. We are spiritual beings who have entered the earth phase to learn, experience, serve and be co-creators. When you are ready, no one can stand between you and personal, inner, spiritual experience. However, getting ready to unlock your own experience is the challenge, often requiring learning the right things, in the right order, with the right people.

• Living in the world blocks spiritual experience. For the most part, everyday activity, work and worry block the inner awareness from coming forward. When focusing on daily life, the "noise" or vibration of this activity prevents the inner awareness from being accessed and perceived. With a period of training, travelers can be taught to operate both streams of consciousness simultaneously. However, this is not a static condition. The capacity to tune in and use the higher consciousness, comes and goes, depending upon the traveler’s capacity and higher needs of the situation.

• Consciously, we create our own reality. All life operates through consciousness, which is awareness and energy on multiple physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. Through our soul, which is comprised of a spiritual energy fabric, we create our own multiple level realities, every moment of the day. And because we are both different and the same, we share reality we both agree upon and experience uniquely.

• A completed person adds spiritual awareness. The goal of spiritual paths is to add a measure of conscious, spiritual awareness to the traveler’s individual life and day. This awareness serves as an enriching, enabling element so the traveler can complete daily and higher functions. Each traveler is unique, and as such has an individual life plan that ultimately leads them to join in as co-creator, helping to influence their own and higher destiny of others. Traditionally, in this realm, the completed person is God’s deputy or vicegerent.

• Living exemplars. In many New Age and Eastern traditions, the living teacher or exemplar serves as guide to lead the traveler higher. Through the grace of the path, this person serves higher functions, enabling others to embrace their own latent capacity. This person has a duty to discharge and uses the natural, spiritual laws to help others reach completion. Unfortunately, there are many imitators, and travelers need to be cautious. By tradition, the authentic teacher is the earth’s greatest resource.

• Religion as business. In every age, religion and spirituality have been used as a camouflage and business – a way to gain power, money or satisfy personal emotional needs. Just because something is wrapped in spiritual garb, it does not mean that it will not take from you. In fact, this tendency to use spiritual forms to achieve selfish and harmful ends, historically, has driven many away and thrown one religion against another. In our world today, this is one of the most harmful elements.

• Use your common sense. In selecting a path, if something seems to be too good or easy, it probably is. The traveler needs to be wary of systems that "guarantee success in 10 easy steps." In this endeavor, no one can guarantee anything; your progress along the Path is dependent upon your correct effort and the Grace of God. Also, some Paths prescribe a certain dress, way to look or similarity of action; they are not flexible about this and codes are strictly enforced. If you are uncomfortable with these rules, or there seems to be too much emphasis upon the Master, listen to your inner own voice; it is there to protect you. Remnant sects abound, and your own individual Path should be as natural to you as drinking a fresh, clear glass of water.

• Selecting a path. The reason there are many Paths is that travelers are different, with changing needs. If you are not satisfied with the religion of your birth, ask and petition The Radiances of Truth for a new path to open to you. When it appears, follow it to completion. Remember, in this matter, there are two considerations: What Path seems most natural? What Path reaches out and embraces you?

• Life as Prayer. In some traditions, the goal of the spiritual traveler is to make their life a prayer, through intention and focused energy, to turn every action into an act of remembrance and service for the Higher Destiny. Each of us is familiar with going to work or school and using all of our talents and energy to get ahead so we can personally gain or feel more fulfilled. Similarly, in every action, the spiritual traveler works hard to remember and serve God.

• Diversity of Spiritual Experience. Every traveler has spiritual experience. These experiences are natural and emerge, in part, from our very composition. Many times, these experiences are often not understood as such to be spiritual. They are seemingly mysterious and usually quickly forgotten. Often, they may come in the form of an intuition about something that occurs or a happy, positive energy and sense of being connected to everything. Traditionally, spiritual experiences are given so the traveler can learn and move forward. These are not the goal of the journey; they are foretastes of a higher state of awareness, which is as varied and natural as spiritual travelers themselves. Typically, in time with training, travelers recognize these experiences as spiritual, because they are unlike other forms of mental or emotional consciousness, and they learn to move beyond them.

Things to Do

To help prepare travelers for their own spiritual experience, the following techniques, actions and exercises are offered.

• Quiet, alone time. Daily, each traveler needs to set aside 10-20 minutes to travel inward. This is personal time where the external noise of the world can be turned off and an examination of the many parts of self may be conducted. Even busy mothers or executives must be "selfish" about this and take the time to do something for self. Over time, we must identify the many selves so we can push them aside for a time and unlock what lies beyond daily consciousness. Going inward may be accomplished through prayer, journaling, meditation, or at day’s end, observing the repeating patterns of thought.

• Travel inward. Find a hobby or activity that you enjoy where you can express your inner self. If it is working on a craft, reading uplifting material, gardening, going for a walk, listening to relaxing music, collecting coins or taking a yoga or exercise class. You want to learn to express the many, hidden parts. Each of us has a creative, spiritual potential, and in the beginning you must make time to explore and refine it. Once experienced, the creative expression of the artist or craftsmen, where numerous factors come together, will help expand your daily consciousness and help you begin to perceive what is possible.

• Give to others. Part of healthy, balanced living and ordinary social duty is being part of a family or community, and giving to others. If you have time, volunteer once a week at the local hospital, or nightly help your children do their homework. Perhaps listen to the problems of a neighbor, join the local food pantry or routinely give to your favorite charity. This activity of giving should be entered into freely, without resentment or repeated troubling thoughts like, "People tell me I need to do this." If you cannot do this without displeasure, wait until you can – then observe the many benefits.

• Seek the higher road. Most of us know what the right thing is. We are born with an inner sense of correct action and helping others. In your conversation and daily activity, try to help, not hurt; as a guide, listen to your own inner voice, which is a natural barometer. In the healthy personality, there is a balance between our own needs and the needs of others. It is only when we are fearful, angry or hurt that we seek to do harm. When possible, avoid action when you are feeling this way.

• Pray. As part of our childhood, most of us have been taught specific prayers, some of which become part of our lives and others we leave behind. Usually, specific prayers are different than praying. Prayer is a song that arises from your heart that you wish to share with God. This is a communication that springs from your very essence and cannot be taught; it is already part of you. Daily, spend time talking with God. On a deep inner level, there is a part that is most like God. Experience that part. That is our spiritual center and has traditionally been called "the heart."

• Consciousness-building activity. Daily in the beginning, each traveler needs to add consciousness expanding and focusing activity. One of the most familiar exercises is meditation, because it teaches many things: skills like concentration, focus, and switching attention back to the focus word or object. If you have trouble meditating, try another activity, such as prayer or Reflecting the Light. This type of exercise may be learned from a book, class or a teacher. For many, it is part of the learning required, to still and push aside that which stands in our way. Usually, specific exercises are bridges to something else, and as such, intended for fixed periods.

• Physical exercise / healthy living. Because we are multi-level beings, we must maintain a balance or healthy level of homeostasis so that we can access what lies deep within. When we are in physical or emotional pain, it is very difficult to travel inward. When our muscles are tense and we are experiencing troubling, repeating thoughts, the journey inward is further slowed. That is why often the prescription to make the daily, inner journey is begun with a cleansing of sorts. As a form of readiness, a hot, relaxing shower to clean-off the "dirt" of the day, or a deep breathing exercise to connect with our inner rhythm and bring refreshing air and oxygen into our system, is often suggested. Relaxing, cleansing activity helps tune and make us ready to connect with our inner current.

• Intention. Just about any activity may be done for the Higher Destiny. When we are vacuuming the house, driving our children to school or commuting to work, by offering up this activity to the Higher, the activity becomes something we no longer do for self, but to make the world a little better. When you arise in the morning, who do you go to work for? Are you working solely for self or to help others and yourself? Are you picking up children at the sitters and raising them to be more complete people, or better consumers of all the things they want? Begin to consider your motivation and intention, so you can turn it over to the higher, and travel further.

• Repeating the Holy Name. In some traditions, travelers are taught by very slowly repeating the Holy Name, with love and reverence over and over, throughout the day and their lives, they will reach journey’s end. Attached to this Name there is Light and energy. When you align with the Highest, gradually, you become one with the Highest. Throughout the day, try this simple technique of repeating the Name. See what happens. What do you have to lose?

• Practice gratitude. When you are feeling down, sad or depressed, practice gratitude. When you are at your lowest, take a personal inventory and name those things for which you are grateful. Thank yourself or thank the universe for placing these things, people or events into your life. Do this over and over. By using this repetitive cycle of replacement thought, which recounts the good in your life, you will change your consciousness and the energy being created. This more positive thought pattern has healthy and regenerating energy attached to it. Everyone has many things for which they can be grateful. Think about it.

• Good deeds. Daily, do something positive, generous or helpful for another person. Make a list of good deeds or positive actions that you want to accomplish for others. In performing this positive activity, the good feelings you generate will be your reward and the energy attached to your feelings, gradually, will change you. If you no longer need to do these things to help feel better, then do these things for others and the Higher Destiny. By making your deeds an offering, you will be joining in the Higher Destiny and consciously moving along the Path.

• Take a Class. If you have time, take a class on spirituality or read a new self- improvement book. Challenge yourself to learn something new and examine what is happening in this exciting world. Do not be afraid to critically examine your own or society’s most cherished beliefs, because that is how the journey to personal enlightenment and higher knowledge begin.

Life as PrayerFor the Sufi, daily life and traveling down the highway is potentially a prayer. Every moment is an opportunity to align personal action with the Higher Impulse. Through intention and by temporarily surrendering individual need, the spiritual traveler makes their commute to work a prayer of joyfulness and service.

For further discussion on consciousness-building exercises or to learn more about daily activity as spiritual practice, the reader is referred to Dr. Stewart Bitkoff’s recently published book, A Commuter’s Guide to Enlightenment (Llewellyn Worldwide, 2008). It is available at all book stores, online venues, or linking through www.thedeeganproject.com.