Section Gamma  Lesson 3: The Life-Giving Habits of Self-Expression  Acceptance  The deadly habits spring from resistance to incoming information. This touches off a cycle of struggle as humans defend the inaccurate mental boundaries instead of identifying and removing them. The experience is then one of fear, self-preservation, and competition as prime motivators, and the creation of chaotic, "random," and often unpleasant events which seem to come out of nowhere. Resistance to incoming information is resistance to experience, and ultimately resistance to spiritual intention. Living from an operational base of deadly habits has reduced the human condition to a perpetual state of spiritual frustration---a state which is screaming "FIX THIS!!!"  We all know people who seem to be caught in this cycle of frustration. Their lives are filled with one crisis after another. Their solutions to the "crises" seem to only bring on more of the same. It would behoove them to read the above paragraph for a starter. Of course, the "Lessons" would be an even better place to start.  The solution is simple and profound. The answer is the antithesis of resistance---it is acceptance. Acceptance reverses the misplaced impulse to defend or self-preserve a limited mind by opening it wide to experience. Open acceptance faces the fear and moves through it, finding the belief source which is festering in the mind. Acceptance heeds the message of the fear and acts upon it correctively. Open acceptance allows the Earthly experience to be evaluated by spirit, liberating it from the judgments, physical illusion, and isolation of mind. When unimpeded by resistance and respected as the messengers of spirit, the feeling signals can at last be allowed to do their job. Then--- and only then ---can purposeful, meaningful, fulfilling experience begin.  Sometimes, even the "fear" of an experience can serve as a sufficient block to prevent the value of it from coming to the fore. It would serve us well to remember that Spirit in not intent on destroying us, rather it is our guide to evolvement.  Once restored upon the intended path, the individual is then reconnected with the Spirit and living in the Light. Human feeling then takes its rightful place as the internal guide. Its signals are carefully analyzed and acted upon, following the response rules. This tremendously speeds progress, leads to the intended joyous feeling state, the creation of desired meaningful events, and fosters an ever-expanding arena for spiritual development and expression. Fear becomes only a casual visitor, and only when learning is in order. And resistance is cast aside as a vestige of ignorance.  This is the promise of things to come, when Spirit begins to play a rightful role in our learning process. Just as the happiest child is one in a state of painless learning, so can we, as adults, reach that point (again) where mental and spiritual growth are a natural and joyous process.  Open acceptance creates a positive cycle of thought and action that can become habitual to instantly deliver optimal responses and experiences. Acceptance opens the door to each and every incoming experience, regardless of whether it feels good or bad. In fact, the earliest acceptance of the stuff that feels bad affords the quickest response time. This allows levels of fear and other pain to remain relatively minor and never to build to the horrific proportions now routinely experienced by far too many humans.  Ignorance feeds "fear" and too often exacerbates that which would remain a minor sensation so long as we understand the reason for it and place a higher value on the experience itself. We progress because we trust. This gives broader meaning to the whole concept of Faith.  The Role of Judgment  The key to building the habit of acceptance lies in understanding the nature of judgment. Many great leaders have heralded the warning message of human judgment, but it has not yet been correctly absorbed and applied. A clear understanding of the problem must start with a review of the capacities of mind.  Our propensity to "judge" others by a stricter standard than the one we apply to ourselves, has led to harsh actions and reprisals which, in turn, has lead to massive violence. We have labeled our actions as justifiable wars, but they were clearly much less noble.  The mind is a tremendous gift with incredible capabilities designed for the task of creating optimal spiritual expression in human experience.  Mind as a receptacle acts as gatekeeper, defining the bounds of individual self-identity. Mind as a computer performs rational, informational processing to store, classify, sort, merge and utilize ideas in incredibly useful ways. Decisions and conclusions result from such processing, which in turn, motivate thoughts and actions which are tested in the world. These thoughts and actions are thenevaluated against the external results that they achieve. If the strategies behind the actions are sound, they would meet with success in fulfilling spiritual needs in the world. This success would be signaled by good feelings. If mental belief strategies were not adequate, they would meet with failure and bad feelings. Such successes or failures then are remembered, and taken into the self-identity of the human.  While history does make an effort to record facts, it does not always do a very good job of recording and retaining the feelings that follow a particular line of action, even though the action at the time, was based upon a process that was considered most rational. In war, for example, it is usually the winners who write the version of the events that led up to and justified their actions. The alternative to "war" is seldom given adequate review because it was not one of the consequences.  The evaluation step is where the confusion over judgment lies. The mind is unlimited in what it can contain and how complex it can become. It can creatively evaluate any scenario based upon its beliefs---including rationalization, psychic blaming, and even delusion--- virtually anything goes within the powerful "brain". Mind has no way within its own boundaries to determine the accuracy of its evaluation. Mind, by itself, cannot measure the rightness or wrongness of its choices. It requires the spirit; an understanding of its intention, and how it speaks through the language of human feeling.  To take "mind" to that next step requires a willingness to trust our spiritual nature and to recognize that mind, alone, can not be the ultimate arbitrator of our actions.  The dangerous kind of human judgment is that which allows mind to perform the evaluation all by itself. This is a profound point: Mind alone cannot---and therefore should not---judge.  To expand the term human judgement to its optimum meaning is to include not only the functions of mind in the decision making process, but to incorporate our feelings. If a decision is not followed by a deep satisfaction of having done the truly right thing, then we are likely to have excluded Spirit from the process.  Recall the problem of Emotional Boundaries. The purpose of mental boundaries is to separate one human from another, to provide a uniquely individual focus of experience, and to allow that focus to freely direct and choose life events. Boundaries of mind are intended to continuously expand as the purpose of self-development is carried out. In contrast, boundaries of spirit are those defined by the Creator and encoded within the body. They must not be changed. They must be actively maintained, protected and defended to ensure at minimum, self preservation, and ultimately, the intended purposeful self-expression. The mind must be as actively developed as the spirit must be actively defended to accomplish the fully-intended human experience.  The "Mind" spends a lot of time resisting that which the "Spirit" suggests when, in fact, if the Spirit were not so often ignored, it would be able to play a greater role in the Mind's decision-making process.  But motivation to defend spiritual boundaries can mistakenly direct the mind to stop developing and defend its current state. This creates the problem of human judgment. A defensive mind closes itself to experience and cuts itself off from the necessary spiritual evaluation. For the mind cannot go outside of itself to bring in new information without conscious involvement of its master. It can only base its decisions upon that which already exists as knowledge, belief, attitude or habit. As we know, there are no garbage chutes in the house of mind where the faulty ideas are automatically shuttled away. Slivers can sit side by side with gems until they are noticed and actively removed. They are noticed only through conscious feeling experience. Such evaluative information must be actively invited--- accepted---into the mind.  Probably, one of the most effective methods of setting ourselves up to experience this sorting process, is to quiet the mind to a state of listening to our inner voice and inviting our Spiritual nature to speak to us through that "voice". This tactic is often referred to as meditation.  The feedback cycle is dependent upon action. Action, and the feeling experience that follows, is the only way to invite new evaluation information. Test actions invoke the spiritual judge and allow feelings to determine how well the mind is equipped to meet spiritual needs. Then corrective actions ---Right, Light and Fight responses---follow the feelings which adapt the mind or alter the world to facilitate spiritual expression. This may seem like simply a trial and error process absent of any pre-guidance, but it is the least we can do providing we factor in some degree of reflection following our actions. Eventually, our Spiritual nature incorporates our Mental nature and we have to spend less time apologizing for our errors.  The judgment problem arises when the mind evaluates---judges---a situation by itself before active experience, in a habitual sequence of thoughts that result in limiting action choices. Such habit can allow the mind to direct actions which avoid and resist the very experience for which the spirit cries out. But since mind creates events, based upon its contents, it will also attract unpleasant events which point out the same inadequacies it is defending. Such a person will fall "victim" to "bad luck," accidents," or "misfortunes"---all of which mirror perfectly the limiting beliefs that create them. This is a dangerous cycle of misdirected will energy and self-preservationary impulse, which relegates humans to a brutish and minimal physical experience now the norm on earth. This is the condition which must be relieved. It is now time to heed this timeless message: judge not.  When "bad" things happen to good people, these events can serve as educational mirrors, designed (with the help of memory) to educate us in altering the process of our lives. It is not our Spiritual nature that demands that we suffer. It is, rather, our false pride that results in the consequences that are meant to deter us from our wrongful thinking habits.  In short, the mind must accept---even seek out---experience in order to keep itself aligned with spiritual intention. Mind simply must be actively developed. It is a common understanding that the human brain only uses one tenth of its capabilities. This is simply due to the lack of adequate mental self-development. Until the mind is harnessed, the feeling route to spiritual intent must be fully utilized, for the actual percentage of harnessed mind power is much lower. Humans have not yet even imagined the mental potential which awaits within.  Yet, there are no limits to what we can imagine!  Clarity of Purpose  Building habits of acceptance rely upon clarity ofpurpose. The only way to rise above the automatic, biological imperative of self-preservation of body, is to actively focus upon the higher purpose of self-development of mind for expression of spirit. This is the true goal of the preservationary impulse---to keep humans alive until they finally answer the jammed signal of spiritual feeling and awaken to their intended purpose---the Divine human purpose of self-development and expression.  This seems to suggest that we can purposefully continue to exist in the physical so long as we choose to continue to focus our minds upon the higher purpose of spiritual self-expression. In acquainting ourselves with our inner being, this message should probably be reiterated habitually, if we wish to preserve our mental existence in this physical environment.  It bears repeating that the human purpose is to fully express spirit in the physical form. This requires first the development of mind---the vehicle of expression in the physical experience. Cultural, mental self development is the only route to physical, genetic, spiritual self-expression.  It would be the intent and purpose of these "Lessons" to aid us in this effort. It is for this purpose that I make this effort to express my reflections on the information given and would encourage anyone else to do likewise. - Lloyd J. Klapperich To focus with clarity upon purpose is to see beyond the momentary impulse to self-preserve, compete, or violate. With consciousness of purpose certain feelings automatically signal the need for mental development. The mind can then seek and create strategies which broaden its boundaries under the ever-present direction of spirit. Purpose is the shining beacon which pierces the darkness, guiding humans toward spiritual reward.  We each have an obligation to develop ourselves to the fullest and, in doing so, we teach others by example to do likewise.  Faith In Spirit  From purpose springs the next replacement belief---foundational faith in spirit. Purpose points the way but faith empowers the movement. Faith allows spirit to energize the body and mind. Faith in individual spirit is faith in Universal Spirit. Those who live in faith, bear life's challenges without the draining heaviness of doubt and fear. Faith in spirit brings optimism, energy, vigor, and vitality to every action.  When we say, "I am one with the Universe", we are acknowledging that our spirit nature is a part of the Universal Spirit and that our experiences are a part of the whole and, finally, that we are not alone in our challenges. To that degree, we are like waves in an "Ocean of Being".  Faith in spirit already belongs to each and every human being. Although it may be buried deep beneath the trappings of belief, or the pains of fear and doubt, it is there. Recognition of spirit is hardwired into the human body and it is "felt" in many natural, universal, human experiences. It comes in a flood of feeling---that swell of love and joy from within upon connecting with Universal Spirit.  A parent feels it for his/her children and vice versa. We experience it in the love for another or a connection with the nature around us. It is the opposite of fear and anger and it becomes apparent to us at the most unexpected moments of our life.  This feeling may have been associated with any number of experiences, but each held the common quality of resonance with the Creator---that unmistakable feeling of divine joy upon recognition and attunement to the ever-presence and intention of All That Is. It is a feeling which begins in the solar plexus, the energy center just below the heart, and washes through the body-mind, bringing a peace-like contentment, and an instantaneous unshakable knowledge of the meaning, wisdom, beauty, order and rightness of the universe.  If we are fortunate to have it only once or twice in a lifetime, it is an experience that we never forget. Ironically, it is an experience that, if we were made aware of it being the normal part of our nature, we could have on a regular basis.  This feeling may have accompanied an interaction with nature's wonders of creation, in a moment of awe and appreciation of a fawn in a thicket, a magic sunset, the unfolding of petals of a flower, or a starry night sky. Or it may have been associated with the unmistakable communion of spirits, that deep connection experienced as love. It may have been a moment where the soul was moved to tears by a powerful, creative expression of another kindred spirit, be it musical, artistic or poetic. Or it may have been experienced through a moment of creative insight---a breakthrough in understanding.  Whatever the experience might be, it is the personal recognition of what Native Americans know as an expression of the "Great Spirit." It is, of course, "All That Is".  It may have been experienced through a religious framework, wherein the presence of the Creator or other higher powers are simply known and felt within each fiber of the being. The unmistakable presence of spirit may have poured forth from the eyes of a newborn child whose ancient wisdom and powerful soul now lie swaddled within soft fresh pink flesh. It may have come in the form of a miraculous event or the message of a dream or from another altered state of consciousness. But the spirit has been ever-present, and may be revealed through a review of each and every life experience that has moved one to tears in resonance with universal joy, with each recognition strengthening the power of faith.  The "how's" and "wherefore's" are innumerable but secondary to the fact that as a part of the Universal Whole, we can and should be experiencing the Spiritual Nature of our created environment and appreciate the source of the power which creates it.  The spirit is hardly a foreign concept---it is a familiar presence. Each and every human being is already on some level attuned to the presence of spirit, with a corresponding level of faith.  The variance in our state of enlightenment lies within our awareness of the above.  This attunement must be identified, reinforced, and credited for that which it is, for the faith to strengthen. Regardless of the cultural trappings or disguises, spirit itself is the root source of each incident of illumination, of raw joy, and of inspired awe. When the trappings are stripped bare, particularly the ones which carry religious dogma, a pure and deep concept of spirit shall emerge. All faith in a God or Creator should be clearly understood as faith in spirit---Universal Spirit in each of its individual apportionments. Faith in spirit is the trust that spiritual knowledge lies within, not without. It is not dependent upon any one thought system, religion, culture, political perspective, leader, supernatural entity, or any other intermediary. It is rightful, reachable, and ever-present within each human being. Connecting to the Universal Truth is to once and forever establish faith in spirit.  The only sacrifice necessary to attain this, is time. We need only set aside a brief period every day to exercise an intent. If we need to do it in a particular edifice or with a certain group, then so be it. But we need nothing more than a place of comfort and a commitment to seek. The rest will follow.  To have faith in Spirit is to have faith in the Creator and the Creations. It is to rest assured that chaos and suffering is an aberration of the physical experience, not a naturally intended condition. To have faith in spirit, is to know without doubt, fear or hesitation, thatthere is meaning in each and every life event; that each experience is a message from Spirit to mind that can reveal its rightful intention. To have faith in Spirit is to search for the spiritual wisdom in each physical event.  Nature gets a bad rap in times of chaotic events and is too often portrayed as an enemy of the human race, acting irrationally and reeking havoc as some mindless and callous force. Those steeped in religious fundamentals will even attribute such dire consequences as an act of an angry God. Either attitude is demeaning to the essence of All That Is. Once we can come to realize the role we play in creating our own reality, we will be able to avoid all that we currently fail to understand or fully appreciate.  Accountability & The Law of Attraction  Faith in Spirit leads to more ready acceptance of each and every opportunity to learn. It provides the courage to push past the growing pain and into broader mental and physical horizons. Acceptance is faith in the Spirit's presence within, and feeling signature upon every physical experience. Faith in Spirit recognizes the creative power of mind. Thus, acceptance begins with a mindset that each and every experience is one that has been attracted by that human being. Acceptance begins with accountability for life's events.  By accepting the Spiritual part of our nature as innate to our being, we take a step forward in understanding our role in the physical environment which we have created and the experiences in this environment.  For indeed, the creative mind attracts experience which perfectly reflects its beliefs and intentions. There are no accidents, evil or mysterious forces that decide which probable event will occur physically. It is simply mind creating that which it thinks the person desires. It can only do this based upon what it knows and believes. It can do no more or less. One of the rare guarantees in life is that physical experience will always accurately reflect the parameters of mind ---slivers and all.  Thus, each experience is a portrait of our creation. The bad news is that we create our own reality. The good news is that we create our own reality. The only question we have to answer is the "why" we are having the experiences we do. The obvious answer is that our beliefs are the governing factor.  Desire is the emotional spiritual force---the Will energy---which has remained misunderstood. Thus,  each emotion--- whether positive or negative---is interpreted by mind as desire. Desire is intention and feelings communicate intention. Emotion empowers the belief that signals it and creates that event. Given the fact that most mental contents have bypassed the spiritual judge, many beliefs are not aligned with spiritual intention. This means the events they create are not those actually intended by Spirit, they will be unpleasant and will bring emotional pain.  We can get beyond this situation by first examining our beliefs to determine if they are aligned with "Spiritual Intention". Then we can adjust them (or simply allow our minds to) until they do reflect this intention.  The mind is the controller; it holds the ideas, beliefs and values to create experience. Feeling is the key to unlock the creative power of mind. Thus, the mind will continue to create that which it holds, pain and all, so that humans can recognize and accept accountability for the cause and effect relationship between belief and experience.  It is not the intention of Spirit that we should live our lives in pain, although this "pain" can serve a positive purpose in giving us the necessary feedback to alert us that our beliefs and our Spiritual nature are not in alignment. Supplied with this information, we can "change" our mind regarding our beliefs, until our experiences contain less pain.  Remember, once Spirit enters flesh it delegates the creation of reality to the mind---the portal of individual human experience. The pain of spiritual frustration exists to inform mind that its contents need re-examination. Instead of understanding this message, humans have created many wildly exotic---yet faulty---beliefs to explain why "bad things happen to good people". Superstitious meaning is assigned, external controllers are identified and the internal power remains unclaimed. This adds further limitation to mind, and sets up the cycle of blame and victimhood. This is the norm of human consciousness at this time. Is it any wonder then, why humans only use a mere one tenth of their mental capability?  We would rather come up with excuses why we have unhappiness in our lives than consider the possibility that we are simply creating this unhappiness by hanging on to limiting beliefs. When someone near to us dies, we can mourn their passing to the point of a mental breakdown, or we can rejoice for them as they step into a reality free of pain. Unfortunately, since beliefs tend to continue for people as they go into their next environment, much of the happiness they could be experiencing is being postponed.  The following idea bears repeating---heed this crucial universal truth: There are no accidents, evil or mysterious external forces that decide which probable event will occur physically. It is simply mind creating that which it thinks the person desires. Desire is communicated through feelings. Feelings spring from beliefs. Beliefs must be carefully selected under the direction of Spirit, for mental belief creates physical reality. This is the Law of Attraction.  ...and it is our own mind (not someone else's) which is doing the creating. The feelings of fear and anxiety are within ourselves, waiting for someone who might fan the flame. But we supply the fuel and we control the fire. The more negative our beliefs, the more smoke created to obscure our vision of the guiding light within ourselves. Beliefs are like magnets. They draw to us those experiences we think we should be having.  Individual mind is the creator of individual experience and should be held accountable. With this ultimate truth, the most beneficial mindset is to take immediate ownership and responsibility for each experience so that it can be used to find limitations of mind. This is the habit of accountability. Accountability honors the incoming voice of Spirit by looking to mind for answers. Accountability respects the Law Of Attraction. Accountability is seeking mental cause through faith in spiritual effect. Accountability counteracts the psychic blaming which creates the cycle of resistance, limitation and pain. Accountability is looking to self for learning opportunities. Accountability is the habit of mind that ushers the Right Response to emotional pain. To be accountable is to think and live by the credo: "I attract that which happens to me."  If we find the mind's "limitations", we know that our respective beliefs put them there. There is a point somewhere in everyone's existence when we must lay down the cross of victimhood and pick up the cloak of accountability. The time for this is overdue!  Accountability provides its own reward. For example: Recall our person driving to work, relying upon many physical and mental habits. Recall how another driver dangerously cuts in front, grabbing our driver's attention for corrective action. This situation would most certainly bring sudden emotional arousal within our driver, first fear, and then likely anger. It would be very easy and quite natural to direct the anger at the errant driver, and perhaps a physical retaliation of fist shaking or other such gestures.  Rude or thoughtless behavior, responded to with road rage, completes a cycle. Breaking the cycle takes the experience to a new level. If we truly believe that we do attract our experiences, then this is an experience so dramatic, that its lesson can hardly be ignored.  Although this would have a certain valid justification, it gives the power of the moment to the errant driver. This would reinforce the belief that the world is full of idiots whose ignorant actions can leave devastating effects upon innocent others---in this case a potential car "accident". There is utter powerlessness in this belief, which will be echoed by anger which might spoil an otherwise lovely day. Most competent human drivers have experienced such a moment, and can recognize how they have allowed such oafs to drive away with their power. This is simply due to the unconscious, habitual response of resistance and blame.  Whatever tactics we utilize to protect ourselves while driving a vehicle, be they the use of a seat belt or something more metaphysical, such as surrounding one's vehicle with a white, protective light, we can empower this action by remembering that we are in the physical to learn how to create our own reality and the Lessons of Life come to us only when they are needed.  Now imagine instead, at the moment of the incident, our driver uses the emotion to examine the existing beliefs. Accountability is to think---the moment composure is regained---"Whoa! What did I do to attract that into my life???" Was I paying adequate attention to the road? Do I believe that accidents can occur? Do I believe the "laws of probability" I was taught in the school, that I must have a certain number of accidents corresponding to number of miles driven? Do I secretly want to get my money's worth out of my insurance payments? Do I believe in karma? Did I wrong that jerk in another life? Do I expect such things to happen inevitably? Do I have adequate tolerance and compassion for such people?"  The answer to any one of those questions is a step along the way to broadening our perspective on our inevitable life experiences. It also can be a step toward bringing more harmony into our lives, along with more peace and abundance. Ultimately, it leads to recognizing and benefitting from our creative potential.  Any of these self-reflective thoughts can lead to mental housekeeping. Even the slightest liberating mental shift is highly beneficial. Looking to self for cause keeps the power and uses the emotional arousal to develop the self, not preserve self-limitation by blaming another. Perhaps our driver ended the event by reaffirming the dominant mindset of compassion for those less enlightened, and eliminating a lesser, but conflicting, belief in the power of ignorance. The feeling of fear or anger would cease and the day could continue as planned, or perhaps with the energy retained and the mood protected, it would unfold with even more positive events.  Sometimes, if we are willing to consider the possibility, nature itself (for example, in the form of a bird flying across our path, an omen ), can supply us with an alert to a negative experience that might be coming into our reality, a wake-up call if you wish. We might slow down a bit, become a little more alert and seek a blessing from our higher self, as we proceed along our path. This may sound a little too esoteric, but these Lessons are esoteric.  The reward is the feeling that follows the accountable Right Response. Not only does positive emotion reflect the success of the accountable action, it also brings closure to the event and frees the mind for its next experience. But the mind is now that much less limited. Even very minor shifts can be quite powerful, and they build upon one another with incredible results. When enough such shifts have occurred, the mind is allowed the freedom to quickly show the cause and effect relationship between belief and action. This is what is referred to as "the raising of consciousness." This is the ultimate empowerment, because the mind can see more clearly and create more spiritually desirable experience. Such a mind creates a life that is, and feels, GOOD.  The "rewiring" of our belief systems and habits of thought, does require dedication to an intent. Negative habits atrophy when replaced by Positive Habits. The clue is consistency.  Accountability is a very powerful mindset. It is the key strategy of empowerment. Several habits of acceptance can bolster and support this strategy. Breaking the habitual cycle of blame can be quite a challenge; for Mass Consciousness teaches humans limitation, judgment and blame at every turn.  However, the better acquainted we become with our inner selves, the less influential the negative qualities of the outer world will tend to be.  Compassion  Genuine human compassion is a spiritual tool of acceptance. It is a component of innate morality and counterpart of the connection need. Despite the most successful attempts to look within, there will be genuine times when an external limitation is the source of your spiritual frustration. It is often the case that prejudgment or the beliefs of another causes resistance within them, in turn having a direct effect upon your need-meeting efforts. This will be experienced as an external obstacle and will prompt feelings of anger. In sum, internal accountability needs an ally---external compassion.  This is when we are most challenged. The belief systems of others we care about, block our attempts to achieve spiritual growth. Usually, these people are parents or siblings, but they might be church officials or people whom we would presume would be our allies in our quest. But instead of encouragement, we are often met with threats and strong admonitions to return to their reality.  Although the limitation is a genuine one, compassion recognizes and absolves the other for their limitations while retaining the power to act and respond. To maximize compassion, an essential mindset is the understudying that change can only be accomplished with guaranteed results within the self. The spiritual need of freedom to choose the contents of mind is indeed every human's right. So ultimately, it must be accepted that no matter how well-meaning, no matter how uplifting, no matter how truly valuable, significant and wonderful offers of Light can be, they may not be accepted. This is right and good in the eyes of the Creator, for it preserves the mental freedom that defines the individual human experience.  To clarify, the only "change" we can guarantee is that which we make within ourselves. We can not "change" another's way of thinking by willing such. The best we can do is encourage and motivate by example. This applies not to just our children, but all we are in contact with in our respective environments. Again, the right to be "wrong" is a guarantee under Universal Law and it is a right in universal entitlement. The freedom to progress at one's own spiritual pace (or even to regress, if that is one's choice), is sacrosanct. Free will can have no exceptions if it is to remain what it is. No Divine Spirit can, or would, ever make anyone behave in a certain fashion. Atheists who make the argument that if there were a God, how could He/She allow so much suffering in the world, completely miss an essential ingredient of what Spirit is. The truly great educational institutions are the one's which allow the greatest freedom of thought. It is through this quality of Free Will that we have the potential to exercise our most promising creativity. This principle permeates our existence in the same sense that the ocean penetrates a wave. And with such freedom, rest assured unenlightened choices will be made. This is the condition of ignorance. Ignorance results from misunderstanding and misuse of the self-preservationary impulse. It results from the habit of resistance and of defending limited mental boundaries. The spiritual right of freedom to choose ignorance is why humans are in their current predicament.  However, it is also why the potential for rising beyond this "predicament" remains intact. The closer we get to understanding the Universal Spiritual Truths of our nature, the greater is our spiritual progress exhilarated. Preoccupation with what is wrong with our planet is only a distraction from envisioning what can be right with it.  The best habitual response to the swell of anger and frustration which follows an interaction with an ignorant one, is to immediately understand and respect the right to self-develop at one's own pace. Accept the other, warts and all, with human compassion and empathic understanding of their experience. Then use the emotional energy to develop skills and strategies for dealing with them in ways that match their mental environment. To stand in the shoes of the ignorant one and to truly accept their present state of development, is to recall your own time spent there. For an enlightened perspective has surely sprung from having been in a similarly narrower state of awareness at some point. Compassion is to accept and meet the mind of the other and operate from the base of experience or focus on reality. Compassion offers the challenge of learning to express your suggestions to those at many levels of awareness.  There are obvious examples of "Compassion" in the later days of the life of the personality, Jesus. Forgiveness and understanding were qualities that He had to exercise to the extreme. But, what He did, we can and must do also, especially at this critical juncture in our planet's existence, for it is the physical reality we have created and continue to maintain for ourselves.  Compassion springs from spiritual recognition of the one-ness and interconnection of each spirit. Compassion is the resonance of respect for each individual journey of discovery. Compassion is not judgmental, condescending or patronizing, it need not even be communicated to the other. It is simply a mental tool to immediately accept the situation as is, to right the self, and to channel the anger productively. Compassion flows naturally from faith in the integrity of spirit---each and every spirit, regardless of how tightly swaddled they might be within ignorance.  Sometimes, the greatest "compassion" we can exercise is simply by being silent. This simple act does not express approval and can often cause a degree of inner reflection on the part of another on the journey.  Respectful compassion is also an essential ingredient for offering successful Light Responses to others. Although expression can always be rejected, offerings of Light will meet with far less resistance within the resonance of compassion. Each human responds to genuine compassion on a cellular level. There can be no ingenuous manipulation, persuasion, control, or even legal constraint over another without the energy of genuine compassion in validation of their experience behind it. Compassion is the very secret to sharing the Light.  The justice dealt out by our court system could benefit by a greater degree of "compassion" for those whose lives eventually bring them to the point of conflict with man-made laws. Systems are innately flawed and those who operate them and those who are subject to them, are all a part of this flawed process. This might explain why so much of the civilized world has done away with the death penalty---it simply lacks the essential ingredient of compassion.  Forgiveness  Another life-giving habit is that of forgiveness. Compassion for the ignorance and foibles of another can reach a limit, if forgiveness does not follow. For ignorance can lead to the most heinous and evil acts of violation by human upon human. This is where the most powerful mental adaptations are necessary.  It would seem that "forgiveness" is an essential part of "compassion" and that the latter can not be complete (sometimes) unless the former is also in place. An example that stands out in my mind might be the Jews forgiving the Nazis for the holocaust. Next to a museum of atrocities might be a museum of "forgiveness". Now that would really be exceptional.  Take the example of murder. The anger that springs genuinely from such evil violation is the true voice of spirit. Such acts are truly inhuman and frustrating to spirit. Such feelings are not based upon limited beliefs or faulty perceptions; these feelings voice legitimate, righteous, spiritual anger. Anger shouts its pain, declaring the violation of every human need when a life itself is taken. It warns that ignorance is threatening the very preservation of the species if such acts are permitted. It is the anger that has moved mountains and defined "civilization".  There is such a thing as "righteous anger" and it does reflect our spiritual qualities. The question is not whether "anger" is justified. It is how that justification is carried out. Like behavior does little to assuage the situation.  But anger must be utilized in productive ways or it can eat away at the soul of the violated one. This is where finding compassion in ignorance and closure in forgiveness can restore power. This is not always easy. For example, it is much easier to find compassion for a man who commits murder from the mindset of his mother, than it is from the perspective of the mother of his victim.  In the first case, the tie is to the perpetrator and in the second, to the victim. While there is little personal loss in the first case, there is bound to be deep emotional pain. In the the second case there is that, plus the loss of a child.  Forgiveness allows the anger to be converted into impassioned energy that can be directed at the source of the true problem, the limitations within Mass Consciousness that allow and perpetuate such ignorance. The perpetrator himself is a symptom. Thus, the victim will never be free until the perpetrator is forgiven. Anger misdirected is the giving over of the power. To retain the power is to forgive. To channel it productively is to remove the beliefs and limitations within human cultures which reduce humans to such sub-human ignorant conditions. It is to build structures of enlightenment within the educational, social, political, judicial and religious institutions and traditions. It is to remove the lingering ideas that perpetuate limitation, spiritual frustration and self-preservationary ignorance.  In looking at the recent slaying in the high school in Colorado, we see that the violence and killing carried out by these perpetrators (as well as other children who have committed like crimes at other schools), should inspire a deeper look into our society, not just at the violence we surround ourselves and/or children with, but the mind set that draws us to this atmosphere of violence. As Gandhi once said, "An eye for an eye and the whole world is blind." The circle of violence and hate, only leads to a more encompassing environment of violence and hate. Forgiveness is a way out of that entrapment. For some, it may be the only way.  Competition Within Self  One final habit to develop and hone is a healthy, challenging, internal competition. The habit of competing with others is very rooted within individual and mass consciousness. Be they families feuding, Gladiators fighting, religions warring, political parties arguing, even athletic opposition, human history is peppered with evidence of the broad acceptance and encouragement of external, win-lose competition.  At one point or another in our lives, we have almost all been involved in one of the "competitions" mentioned above. Some have been more personal, i.e. the feuding of families. Others have been more detached, i.e. the super bowl (our modern form of Gladiator fighting). Regardless, the experience of this involvement, while oftentimes rewarding, they are just as frequently losing experiences that take their toll, especially in the area of personal relationships.  Such competition springs, of course, from innate spiritual purpose. This has translated into self-preservationary directives, where humans must compete for "survival of the fittest". But in an enlightened society, competition with others wherein one must lose for another to win, is not appropriate. Yet humans will always have the urge to compete, due to the higher spiritual purposes of self-development and expression, and they must be reinterpreted in that context. Thus a new form of internal, personal competition should replace the old.  Our current economic systems would find a suggestion that competition is "not appropriate", to be not only unacceptable but threatening. Yet, if spiritual growth is to be a part of our future, then a revision of our present mindset is essential.  With the most primitive directive of external competition, individuals simply fight to forcefully overcome the challenges of the environment in remedial caveman-like responses. By placing the competition on the inside, humans can adapt themselves to be successful within every kind of world, as well as make positive changes upon them. Adaptations within the mind and corresponding creative actions in the world are the stuff of human evolution and the only route to enlightened civilizations.  When we make a personal commitment to overcome those elements in our reality that are detrimental to our spiritual evolvement, and do so by altering our own perspective, we may seem threatening to others momentarily, but our long-term influence (if we have the patience to endure) will bring positive change to those areas of our lives and the lives of others that will ultimately be effective.  With the habit of self competition, the individual holds the continuing challenge of personal betterment, with the goal of attaining ever higher levels of skill, ever more valuable and accommodating beliefs, higher levels of acceptance and compassion, and a broader, more inclusive world view. Winning is bettering the self and spreading the unique gifts far and wide. And there can be no more deeply rewarding sense of accomplishment. I will conquer the person I was yesterday, with the person I am today.  Instead of measuring one's self against the successes or failings of another, it is far more useful to pit them against earlier versions of one's self. This simple mindset can profoundly increase the human connection as well as empower individuals to answer their higher purpose. No longer will it be necessary to beat and humiliate one another in order to attain status or regard. No longer will it be necessary to define rigid categories of value that only honor and value a few. No longer will humans experience the frustration of being measured on scales irrelevant to their own spiritual inclinations, gifts and destiny paths. No longer will humans give up altogether in the face of overwhelming competition. No longer will humans have to elevate themselves by lowering another. No longer will one have to lose for another to win. True cooperation means win-win expressive scenarios for all involved.  Some might conclude that this would make life much more dull. In fact, as we become more skilled in exercising the habit of self-evolvement along spiritual lines, and begin to conquer our sense of limitation, we will find that the satisfaction which follows will overwhelm the lack of temporary enjoyment we might gain from our old patterns of thinking and feeling.  A daily directive of personal development and improvement can provide an arena to meet all the needs within the context of cooperation, compassion, acceptance and natural morality. When humans finally break free from the illusion of necessary competition, evolution can flourish.  Just as the experience of physical flight took humans to another physical level of existence, the experience of spiritual flight will leave behind our preoccupation with conflicts of a lesser level of existence.  So feel free to engage in mental and physical sparring, debates, games and exhibitions of challenge and accomplishment, but do so in the spirit of cooperation with humankind, and only in true competition with yourself.  Truth is an evolving process resulting from the sharing of our expanding perspectives. Just as in challenging ourselves, we can indulge in a truly "friendly" competition.  With the life-giving habits of self-development discussed, we can now turn to the life-giving habits that promote self-expression.  Acceptance  Although acceptance has already been discussed as a life-giving habit of self-development , it is a habit with additional value in the realm of self-expression. Acceptance within the realm of self-development allows all incoming information to be evaluated without resistance or limitation, to allow an internal communication or dialog that results in learning, gaining mental additions, shifts and alterations to belief systems---Right Responses.  For acceptance to be truly effective, it requires us to get past our programmed prejudices and review this incoming information with as open a mind as possible. If this is not possible, then the next natural step is to examine those beliefs for their origin and value.  In contrast, the realm of self expression is at its core, the arena of external communication. The goal of self-expression is to effect positive changes to the outside world and the people in it---Light Responses. Spiritual expressions of human creativity which help shape the world to better meet human needs, are the fuel of human evolution.  It is the difference between the outside world affecting us and we affecting the outside world. Belief systems forced upon us before the age of reason can have a detrimental effect on our ability to affect the outside world for the greater benefit of Spirit. Whereas, creative thoughts and actions that originate in Spirit and flow through us naturally into the outside world, must bring about a positive result.  Acceptance in the realm of self-expression is the understanding that people in the external environment have a unique mental skill set and focus upon "reality" that may be grossly different than your own. Acceptance means attempting a meeting of minds with such a person, and respectfully working within the existing mental framework to effect changes. A single change within a human mind, provides the bedrock for the eventual achievement of massive ideological changes within human cultures and beliefs of mass consciousness. Empires can rise and fall by the effective expression of but one human being. In short, there is no other way for humans to evolve without the capability of expressing themselves in thought and deed.  In order to have the above result, there has to be a willingness to open our own minds, as well as the minds of those we might seek to influence. At the very least, there has to be a willingness to understand another's perspective.  Understanding and acceptance of the requirements for self expression will speed up all individual and group evolution. This requires acceptance of: 1. The rightful uniqueness of each human mind. 2. The power of free will and how it can create limits; 3. The responsibility to empathize and understand one another's perspective.4. The spiritual imperative of voicing one's insight; 5.The inevitable conflict and resistance that can arise; 6.The responsibility to minimize the self-preservationary impulse within self and others. These are the keys to successful self-expression.  In order for the Founding Fathers to bring into existence this country's constitution, all of the above were essential to their understanding and application. The results are "self-evident".  To accomplish the needed acceptance, one must simply not deviate from the understanding of the interconnectedness of all spirits. To gaze upon another, is to gaze upon one's self in an alternate form, for indeed, "All Are One." To recognize the kindred spirit, to extend compassion and patience with the level of development they have achieved, regardless of where you might be yourself, is to maximize your chances of broadening their world as well as your own. Each interaction should be like that of a loving parent imparting guidance to a child without any sense of competition or resistance. (This has the corresponding benefit from the receiving end to also listen without resistance, with the trust and faith of a child in receiving Light from the wisdom of loving parents. To trust that there is some benefit in the offer, no matter how much variation or distance between the two minds.)  Once an environment as described above is created, the ultimate benefit for universal peace and progress is set upon a path that can never be reversed, so long as Spirit within each and all is given full rein.  Acceptance and compassion can allow you to stand in the shoes of your other and view the incoming information from that perspective, so you can tailor it to fit that frame of reference. To turn on the light of honor, empathy, cooperation, and compassion in each interaction with another, is to be fully human in the highest spiritual sense. This light can cut through the darkness of the communication challenge with far more intensity and success than can any fancy words. When one expresses from a truly spiritual level, the spiritual intention is felt within the receiver and the doors of resistance automatically respond.  There is an illusion taught in our educational institutions that if the right words are expressed with the proper skill, the result desired will almost always follow. The above suggests that "feeling" is essential to any communication, both for the initiator and the recipient.  Even sworn enemies, following the dictates of mind, resonate to each other's spirit. This is why a primary rule of combat is not to fraternize with the enemy. Such human directives are clearly outside of the spiritual intent of the Creator. Communication without an underlying spiritual intent will most likely be interactions with another who is resistant, driven by fear rather than faith, and acting upon self-preservationary impulses rather than self-developmental and expressive ones. Most interactions considered ordinary between humans contain a very high degree of resistance, and self-preservationary acts. Cultures vary in particular ways when it comes to the effectiveness of human relationships. More often, the attitude toward cooperation versus competition can govern the ultimate life span of a particular society.  They are so abundant in human history that they have become standards for entertainment. One need simply look to literature and dramatic arts to find a trove of examples of humans exhibiting the deadly habits of self-preservation. What interesting tale does not contain the pain of betrayal of trust or the joy of success. Instead, the simple attitude of acceptance can allow your spiritual feelings to dictate exactly how and when to offer Light, and how and when to respond when resistance is encountered. Acceptance assures that your efforts will have been those dictated by spirit,regardless of the immediate outcome.  The movies and T.V. shows that pander to the base interests of self-preservation find greater acceptance in a decadent society. The challenge is to create entertainment that appeals to the Spirit in individuals that can override the former.  This brings us back to the habit of Faith in Spirit, for it also will be a powerful tool in self-expression. For with faith, and in understanding the time lag between mental change and physical change, one can be patient and move through one situation and onto the next, without lingering in frustration due to the fact that the Light may not have been received in full.  ...and with that patience in mind, we can now proceed.  Patience & Faith  The key to successful self-expression is to know when it should be offered and how much is enough. It is to understand the ebb and flow of the spirit, the continuous expansion of the mind, and that the appropriate amount of light will be received for that person at that time.  Our inner guidance is a reliable tool, once we become used to using it. In fact, the more we use it, the more we can come to trust it.  Even the most resistant of humans cannot help but open to the truly compassionate and spiritually intended offering. The biology ensures this. But the mind has the rightful control and the beliefs can be like a garden thick with weeds so that the incoming seedlings of spiritual intention have a difficult time taking root. Faith and patience flow from the knowledge that the seed has been planted and that is all that was required---that the expression has been made, the Light has been offered. It then can percolate within the mind of the receiving individual. The feelings will most assuredly call the attention to it again and again through the experience of this person. For if it is truly Light, it cannot help but be validated by the emotional system, the voice of the Universal Spirit.  One of the tests of the spiritual intent of the person planting the seeds of "Enlightenment", is whether or not this "seed" ultimately takes root. For if our efforts are less than compassionate and spiritual, the Universal Spirit operating within the recipient will be inclined to reject our offering.  As each such feeling spurs this person to examine and reexamine the beliefs and strategies, the seedling will blossom to the full intent of the offerer. But this might take a lifetime. And if immediate results are expected, then offers will be less likely to occur. Faith in the Spirit will bring the accompanying patience and understanding to allow you to let the Spirit move you toward offering Light when you know it can be used and trusting the universe to follow its natural course from there.  In a way, we are all like the mythical Johnny Appleseed when we elect to travel through life offering our seeds of Light; and like that "Johnny", we would tend to scatter them in an environment with some kind of chance of their taking root. Also, this "tree farmer" would instinctively know that patience is an essential part of achieving a successful growth. For example, a young teacher feels moved to share personal insights with a child she observes to be receiving very limiting beliefs from her home environment. The child has been taught to fear and suspect authority figures other than those who advise her at home. Religion has been used to intimidate the child into conforming to the lifestyle and wishes of her family, often against the wisdom of her own spirit.  This is an area to be very careful in. As a similar situation in reverse example, when my son was delivering newspapers in the neighborhood, one subscriber took it upon himself to give him a lesson in fundamental religious teachings. Suffice it to say, I called this fellow and suggested he keep his opinions to himself. I'm sure his intention was good, but he had crossed into an area without invitation.  The child believes herself to be sinful for feeling an attraction to friendship with a new classmate from a different culture and an opposing religion, but she is happy despite being "different". (Her spirit tells her that this person can offer new ideas and beliefs which is good for self-development, but her mind, through its veil of belief, tells her this is wrong and signals a feeling of fear as this belief is reinforced).The child wrestles with conflicting feelings and ends up bullying the would-be friend. (The automatic response to the fear is to make the outside world match the expectation of mind, by making the child an enemy to match the belief. Then anger will be experienced, but its message will go unnoticed. The rejection of the spiritual signal results in a self-preservationary Flight Response, a pattern of deadly habit).  We all know of adults who have taken umbrage at a suggestion which could have broadened their spiritual outlook. When it comes from their children, they tend to not only resist the ideas, but feel obliged to use guilt to try to bring the child back into the fold of the adult's own belief system. This is where compassion of the child to the parent is called for and needs to be exercised. It may not be until the child reaches adulthood that he/she realizes the need for this compassion but as soon as it is realized, forgiveness of the parent is in order.  The teacher recognizes what is occurring and decides to offer her Light. She brings the two girls together and offers a story of how she and a similarly "different" classmate joined forces against an aggressor who had been picking on them both, when she was a girl. This story allowed both girls to feel a similar position, like sisters---the connection between spirits was suggested and accomplished. The two girls responded differently to this offering in later behavior. For although a seed was planted, each attracted events which matched the mental landscape.  This was good psychology on the part of the teacher. Keeping in mind that one of the greatest Teachers in history, used a parable to illustrate a spiritual principle, this can be a useful, while not a threatening way to suggest a change in outlook.  The first, continued to needle and demean her classmate for a short period of time, and then became withdrawn and angry. Her family moved away shortly thereafter. The second experienced a stronger connection and began to interact more with other classmates and became accepted. The teacher felt a sense of frustration at not having been able to get through to the first girl, and a bit of her idealism was rubbed away, keeping her from so freely offering her Light in future situations and dropping a veil of sadness upon her.  The outcome of our efforts won't always be immediately satisfying. Things won't necessary go as we hoped. Disappointment can damage our own outlook if we place too much emphasis on achieving success. But sometimes, the victory is not in the end result but in how we made the effort. And as indicated earlier, sometimes it can take a lifetime to make a difference. But if faith and patience had dictated, she would have instantly known that the seed has been planted. Regardless of the short-term outcome, the frustration and sadness would not have arisen to the point of misinterpretation of the experience, nor would it have interfered with future self-expression.  Each experience, each idea, each piece of knowledge that enlightens, even when not immediately accepted, serves as a foundation for that next event of like kind. Nothing is ever totally forgotten, especially when it affects Universal Spirit.  For the actual outcome was different. The first girl continued to be heavily influenced by the conflicting dictates and limitations of her family, and her mind created the same conflicting situations reflected by evermore intense negative emotions. During her adolescence, certain rebellions turned her anger upon herself. She acted out her spiritual frustration in self-destructive behaviors that were evermore unacceptable in her family's limited viewpoint. Their mechanisms of control could no longer work against the power of her spirit. Her misguided actions to gain freedom landed her in the juvenile justice system. She was resistant to every external counselor or advisor. She even attempted suicide to "break free". Then she had an encounter that changed her life.  On a level beyond her conscious state, she drew close enough to the edge to see that her survival and destiny would ultimately bring her beyond her deep confusion. When she was ready, a new teacher appeared.  She was appointed a probation officer who was truly compassionate and exhibited faith in spirit. But most importantly, she was of the same culture as the classmate from her early years and touched the spirit, creating a connection like the first teacher had. This person offered, for the first time, alternate beliefs and world views that allowed the girl the freedom her spirit longed for, but the mind with its existing limitations, would not allow. Had the seed not been planted, this offer would also have met with resistance, but it had had time to percolate and find its space among the many debilitating ideas and beliefs which ruled her mind.  There are always "angels" ready to enter our lives at those moments they are most needed. True Spirit is that All-Knowing force that can never let ignorance of itself remain in place permanently.  The truth is that the spirit will always reign supreme, even working within the most limited of mindscapes, and that the timing of progress is insignificant in the grand scale. Faith in spirit and patience will bring forth the best results and more complete spiritual expression.Breaking free from the limitations of mind is the challenge of each human, and regardless of the timeliness or circumstances that bring this realization, it will come in its own time to each human no matter how many lifetimes it might take. Once the enlightenment is gained however, it can never fully be reversed. Humans are at various places of understanding and even the slightest offering can become a base for a break-through. Then the reclaiming of the incredible power of the mind can begin.  There are six billion plus souls in the physical of this planet, each an opportunity of growth in progress. If we can help but one in a lifetime, we have also helped ourselves.  The simple attitude of faith and patience will assure that each entity will act upon the spiritual directive to offer the Light---no matter how much darkness it is attempting to pierce. After each such offering has been made, the spirit will faithfully reward the entity with the loving feelings of divine resonance. Thus acceptance, compassion and faith in spirit will provide the foundation for the maximum avenues for fulfillment of the human purpose of spiritual expression.  Amen, to that.  Gratitude  Another life-giving habit of self-expression is gratitude. Since the feedback cycle depends upon a flow of energy from within to without and back in again, it is essential for entities to express back to others those actions and offerings that have been beneficial---that have brought the spiritual feelings of happiness and fulfillment.  It would also seem that to complete the cycle is to enhance the retention of the material that is brought to the consciousness and thus, further incorporate and apply to the outside world.  All too often, resistance and competition keep humans from admitting when they have gained from the help of another, let alone asking for it. Successful self-expression then includes acknowledgment and recognition of those and their offerings. This springs from the cooperative rather than the competitive spirit, wherein credit is given where credit is due, even when a mentally misguided attempt is made.  A simple "Thanks" will do --- and where the help is of a less spiritual quality, a "Thanks, but No Thanks" is also appropriate. Once competition begins to play a lesser role in our lives, our appreciation of others and levels of helpfulness will be enhanced.  Although individuals do not have a spiritual need for recognition and acknowledgment, this does affirm the need for connection and verifies publicly that self-expression has occurred. It is through active, vocal gratitude that mass consciousness can be altered to bring out self-expression, to reward it rather than stifle or even punish those who dare to follow the advice of their spirit. Expressions of gratitude for even the slightest offerings should become habits institutionalized within every human culture.  Hopefully, we will evolve into a society that not only tolerates diversity of thought and creative expression but values the spirit which is expressed through this process. Then the Creative Spirit will be celebrated in an omnipresent fashion.  Humor  Another gift of spirit, and tool for successful self-expression, is humor. Humor is that mysterious, yet ever-present capacity for humans to experience fun and spontaneous spiritual creativity. It is the Creator's directive to find new and creative perspectives and meaning and to share them. Humor reframes a mundane thought into something unexpectedly meaningful and inexplicably delightful. The spirit experiences joy upon creating, delivering and accepting the creative humorous insight.  Unfortunately, humor has been downgraded by the puritan influence within Christianity. It became associated with guilt as part of the enjoyment mentality that was considered to be unholy. It took the influence of the non-puritan immigrants to bring the country back into balance.  Humor is a very pure form of spiritual expression. It relates directly to the level of liberation experienced by Spirit and reminds humans to think "outside of the box." Freedom and spontaneity of spirit allows the humor and fun to flow. A spirit relatively unfettered by mind, secure and exalted as the valuable and ever-present driver, will be one capable of spontaneous delightful humor. Genuine love and acceptance by the outside world fosters this ability within each human being and empowerment releases it.  Genuine humor can not exist without "spontaneity", nor should it. We can appreciate the Spirit in each other when we can enjoy the quality of humor. It is the unexpected that forces us to alter our addictive thinking patterns, and brings us a sense of joy in the process.  Humor greases the wheels of acceptance. It is an avenue of self-expression that is counterpart to the automatic Flight Response relating to anger. Humor is the antithesis of the angry expressive response. It can be developed to replace angry expressions and deadly habits. Humor is also the ally of the ever evolving mind. It allows acceptance and understanding of temporary self-limitation so that learning can then be sought. It is the innate gift of humility connecting humans at every level or grouping. Humor is the great equalizer resonating within each and every spirit.  As a result, we can become both "greasy" and "evolved". The former allows us to slide out of difficult situations and the latter builds our confidence in being able to do so in the future.  A human who meets resistance, rejection and frustration early in life is less likely to develop the ability to express through humor. Yet, it is a gift that lies well within the capacity of each and every spirit and one that can be a tremendous aid to self-expression. As entities remove the internal and external limitations that create fear and anger, they will open their innate corresponding abilities to be humorous. Humor is to the liberated spirit what anger is to the frustrated one. Humor is the ability to view a frustration in alternate terms, to quickly disarm a situation by reframing it creatively. Humor can tremendously reduce resistance both from within and without.  If we have no sense of humor, the next best thing is to hang around someone who does. It's the tuning fork principle. The higher vibration tends to bring up the lower one and in an enjoyable way.  Humor can accomplish tremendous movement toward self development, if it is used to remove the emotional boundaries that often protect a limited mind. Humor can communicate the humanness and commonalties that usher in the sense of connectedness and cooperation. Humor can open the entity to the continuous change that is mental evolution. To be able to laugh at one's self is to be open to all necessary growth.  At last resort, one can always look in the mirror (and if necessary, make a funny face). Humor is most appreciated when we do make fun of ourselves and even invite others to do it for us. Now that does require mental evolution.  Humor can also facilitate communication and self-expression. It can soften a harsh message when the learning need level is very high and the growing pain is intense. Humor can persuade and eliminate resistance to offers of light. The more internal and external mental limitations are removed, the more humor can manifest in each and every individual, and eventually pour forth to delight the world.  People who can find a little humor in the most difficult of situations, are the most needed on the planet.  But humor in those that are particularly gifted, can also become a crutch to allow resistance and avoidance. Or it can be used to communicate "passive-aggressively" if the consciousness is not fully engaged. This is true of any human ability, it can either work toward the human purpose or against it. This minor caution should take its rightful place in the consciousness, without minimizing or detracting from the truly incredible power of humor.  The humor of Don Rickles comes to mind as an illustration of humor delivered at the expense of others. On the other hand, the good natured fun-poking at our exaggerated qualities can enhance our tolerance of our differences and this too, evolves us spiritually.  Self Promotion  Another habit to cultivate is one of telling the world who you are and asking for what you need ---the habit of self promotion. This is not to be confused with self aggrandizement, egomania or boorish narcissism, but it is an essential ingredient to successful living in the Light.  It is simply knowing what you want and why you should receive; and it helps you define and expand on your own being, physically, mentally and spiritually.  It has been a habit for humans to hold for themselves a standard of selflessness to counteract what they believe to be an innate selfishness that will run amok without external control. This would be true if they were correct in the assumptions that: 1. The only human purpose is self-preservation and that "natural" competition will always reign supreme over "cultural" cooperation; or 2. That humans are naturally evil and need to be controlled by external dictates and rules in order to live civilly; or 3. That humans are severed from the guidance of the Creator and cannot act morally.  It is our disconnection from our spiritual nature that drives us to feel less worthy. Two factors contribute to this: One is the guilt we are saddled with at birth, based upon a mythical source of our origin in which our primal parents betrayed the Supreme Spirit. The other is that the "so-called" spiritual institutions have a need to keep us under control by down-playing our true spiritual origin.  Although such ideas have helped humans through some difficult times, they have been accepted to an extreme degree that is no longer desirable. It has been carried to an extreme known as martyrdom, wherein the needs of the self are dramatically and self-righteously removed from the picture, creating pious victim-like suffering. In this scenario, the martyr denies and suppresses personal needs in order to attempt to fulfill the needs of others. This is based upon the faulty assumption that someone can better understand and meet your needs for you than you can for yourself. They often suffer in silence and frustration, motivated only by some promise of eternal reward in the afterlife.  Religious orders that take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience are setting up, as ideals, the very qualities that would demean us spiritually, if we are to accept the content of the above admonitions of the Lessons. Because such is contrary to our spiritual nature, the popularity of this lifestyle must decline as the human race becomes more spiritually enlightened. While these organizations do many good works for the poor, they do little to relieve the conditions which create poverty on all levels.  The martyr role has also become a weapon of resistance and even not-so-subtle aggression. Pious selflessness is actually used to generate guilt through which to manipulate others. The underlying message is that if you martyr yourself, someone else is now obligated to do the same for you. Or that your beliefs, or your religious ideals, or your political views, reign superior over those of the other whom you pretend to help. This goes against the Creator's intent that each individual develop a mindset for themselves without unnecessary external intervention. It negates the gift of Free Will and frustrates the need for freedom and self-determinism.  There appears to be a distinction here between "public" martyrdom and "private" martyrdom. The former appears to be an act of manipulation while the latter is simply an act of Free Will on a most personal level and is a more true act of "pious" selflessness.  This also sets up the individual to experience continuing emotional pain, due to the fact that they have cut themselves off from the required spiritual need fulfillment. The silent sufferer never voices or attempts to meet the needs themselves and anger inevitably results. The martyr can then blame those expected to reciprocate when they do an inadequate job of guessing and satisfying the martyr's needs. The cycle of resentment and revenge can ensue when the person the martyr holds responsible to reciprocate does an inadequate job. This prompts automatic defensive and self-preservationary responses that are hardly in keeping with the original intent.  It would appear that the "martyrdom role" that is so revered in religious history may not be all it's cracked up to be. At the very least, the role that many attempt to emulate by the making of sacrifices for others, may be little more than a control tool. When giving is done without expectation of reciprocation, it is closer to Spiritual connection.  The directive of "honoring others above self" should be replaced with the understanding that self-needs cannot be denied, nor second-guessed or filled by others; that cooperation with others should always replace competition; that every other self is indeed part of the totality of self---of All That Is. The directive of "Honoring self while honoring others" is far more aligned with Divine Intention.  The above does and should give new meaning to the admonition of "...love thy neighbor as thyself." It doesn't suggest that putting others before our own selves is that great a virtue. Rather, it suggests that we ALL have equal importance in the All That Is. It gets beyond "competing" with each other to valuing each other and "cooperating" for a higher purpose.  To reverse the trend of the martyr, humans must learn to respect and honor the boundaries of spirit, those innate genetic aspects of self that are right and good in the eyes of the Creator. They must not only honor, but actively promote themselves through Light Responses which remove obstacles and increase opportunities to express and contribute to the total human evolution. They must actively develop skill to communicate their needs and to find and open doors of need-meeting opportunity. They must speak and act upon their spiritual truth, to develop the life-giving habit of self-promotion.  We have not quite reached that stage in our mental development where we can automatically read each other's minds. Consequently, we have to exercise our verbal skills to strengthen the lines of communication amongst ourselves. Thus, we can better understand each other and reach greater levels of peace and harmony.  This brings us to the third application of the Faith In Spirit habit. The act of self-promotion can be likened to the identifying and knocking on doors of opportunity. The more expression, the more doors opened, the better. Surely not all can open at the same time, nor could an earthbound human possibly pass through them simultaneously, nor can every opening match exactly the exceptions of mind. This is when flexibility of mind is essential. This is when the mind must adapt to the dynamic changes necessary to proceed through unknown doors. This is when the mind must accept when a door slams in the face of one's plans. This is the point at which probabilities alter, sending a rigid mind into growing pain and resistance.  The "Fuller Brush" salesman from past decades, made his living by knocking on doors and selling his wares to the person who opened it. In doing so, he also had to sell Himself. To sell "Himself", he had to love Himself. In loving "Himself", he developed equal love and acceptance of others and experienced the range of acceptance and rejection. In other words, he became whole.  But such shifts in course often take the person far beyond the original expectations. This is when Faith in Spirit is essential. Faith in Spirit, following self-promoting, acknowledges that life can unfold in delightfully surprising ways. This is the letting go to a higher power. This is the trust that the mind has the ability to create reality and the spirit will have a hand in its direction that creates the courage to venture into uncharted territory. Faith allows the letting go of long held goals with the faith that something even better will surely result---for it will.  With "Spiritual" intent as the compass of our activities, self-promoting results in linking ourselves up with the spiritual nature of all others, while uncoupling ourselves from that which limits us.  No matter how it may appear in the short run, the long term outcome will be far better for Spirit than the plan of the limited mind. Maximizing opportunity through self-promotion and letting go and trusting, will allow the most complete and rewarding life paths to unfold. Responding with acceptance and effective learning (Right Responses), the mind can adapt to match the new direction.  The "mind", like all the other aspects of our being, is a part of the All That Is. When "reminded" of it's Spiritual nature, it can not let us down.  This can require great courage when enduring long-term goals and dreams seem to be suddenly dashed by the winds of fate. When marriages fail, loved ones die, jobs are lost, economies collapse, and countries go to war, faith is the only salvation. Faith in the Light will be a primary driver through even the darkest hours. Rest assured that the combined strategies of self-promotion, faith in Spirit and flexible Right Responses to growing pains will ensure the maximum life experience. Spirit will create that which is desired as long as you are doing your best at self-promotion and mental development, but it may come in forms beyond the limits of imagination, though sure to be delightful and rewarding. Self-promotion can open worlds far beyond your imagination---go with it in faith.  Like a fellow said to me once, "Cheer up - things could be worse!" So I cheered up and, sure enough, things got worse!  Most of the habits discussed thus far have involved interactions and communications with other humans, but there are other habits of self-expression that are also very beneficial and more singular in nature. They can also be more immediately rewarding, for they do not depend upon an external other effecting change as a result. These are the physical, dramatic and artistic creative spiritual expressions that make the world go around. These are the types of spiritual expression that are immediately rewarding to mind, body and soul---because they perpetuate the intention of All That Is.  That's good, because human relations can be a real downer sometimes. The essence of this particular topic appears to be equivalent to the suggestion that we don't hide our lantern under a basket. We are, after all, a flame of Divine Light.  Creative Artistic Expression  The Creator intended humans to pursue that which brought pleasure and avoid that which brought pain, but not merely for simple survival. For this method also determines what contents of mind to choose in order to live the most complete and fulfilling life. Pain and pleasure, when understood are the essential learning tools of self development so that maximum spiritual expression can result. Since humans have not yet understood this simple truth, there exists far more pain than was ever intended.  Just as a child learns the lesson of heat and fire by having the unpleasant experience of touching them, and a mother knows that this is one of life's lessons that inevitably must be learned, so we prefer to keep that kind of lesson minimal. But suppose the mother said to her child, "Sweetheart, the more you burn in this life, the less you'll burn in the next." What effect might this have on children and their relationship to fire?  Yet, since the dawn of humankind, there have existed outlets for such pain, inborn escape hatches through which pleasure can be experienced simply by resonating to the spirit within others. For this reason,pleasure is automatically experienced through the successful spiritual expression of others. Of course, resistance and beliefs can always still get in the way, but this ability to connect and resonate to the experience of others is quite powerful. And this ability gives birth to what is known as art in all of its forms.  Each time we see/hear and enjoy an "artist" expressing him/herself with skill and dedication, we are recipients of that spiritual joy, because in our creative moments, we know what they know.  Throughout the most painful of human eras, with violation, war, fear and want, there have always been the arts. The basis of art is when the individual connects with the spirit of the moment allowing the divine spark to flow unabated, expressing itself outward. It matters not whether anyone responds, or is even present at that instant. Creative expression is a highly personal act, yet leaves a legacy so that the divine spark catches the spirit of all who witness it at some later point. This is why the arts are found to be so enjoyable; they connect with the kindred spirit within and affirm the universal validity of the necessary expression.  How grand the world could be, were there more artists than soldiers. Indeed there are, since we are all "artists" in one form or another.  Creative expression occurs when the mind temporarily steps aside and allows the spirit to reign superior over the consciousness. Creative expression is when the spirit-body is alive without interference of the mind. It is an energy that flows through the cracks of mind, winding its way through the dense network of limiting beliefs, like a river flows through a thick forest to the sea. It is actually a slightly altered state of consciousness that scientists are just now beginning to notice. This state has been called the flow state. In this state, the mind does not attend other stimulus; its focus is away from the happenings of the world and honed in on the person's creative expression. And in this state there is an unmistakable feeling of pleasure.  Being creative is not a particular talent, it is a Universal Gift, as present in nature as Spirit itself. It is more than just doing, it is being, which is why time is lost when in the process.  Although the feeling is most powerful for the individual doing the creative act, those witnessing such expression can also be pulled into the spiritual flow. This is a wonderful, vital and health giving ability. And it has rescued humans from the depths of despair time and again--- for the Creator does not intend such pain and suffering. It is only due to the human choices, the slivers of mind, that lingering pain has become a fact of life. But enlightened ones understand how pain is merely a signal to be acted upon to right the mind to free the spirit. And creative expression is a powerful liberator.  The Spirit, so apparent in nature, is equally visible in humankind. We need only look, listen and feel to sense the beauty in even the most violent of circumstances. As nature can be frightening and beautiful at the same time, so humans, who should know better, can be also. The question is , which is emulating the other?  Humans have an incredible flexibility with which they can handle huge amounts of pain in their lives. But perhaps most beneficial, is the fact that they can get by with a minimal amount of need fulfillment. They can channel the energy from one unmet need into another for which they have developed a successful outlet. They can use spontaneous creative expression to give regular release to frustrated spiritual energy.  We truly are marvelous in our potential.  This is the reason why every cultural tradition has incarnated some expressive form into its institutional framework. Be it oration, music, singing, group movement, chanting, drumming or any other form, it endures because it is aligned with spiritual intention. But self-expression is not at all limited to such traditions or activities.  In fact, part of the creative process is to develop new forms of music, art, sport and non-conventional forms of thought and expression. While "traditionalists" usually do not welcome such efforts, whether it appears to enhance spirituality or not, it must be respected and allowed as a reflection of spiritual nature.  In fact, any creative pursuit that involves using the hands to manipulate matter and changes its external form to match some internal vision is highly pleasurable and rewarding. Such creative pleasure drives human evolution itself. For spirits in flesh are intended to use the power of mind and the inspiration of Spirit to design and create a physical world of their choosing. Such creations do not have to be considered artistic to be highly rewarding. Most professional pursuits allow freedom of the creative impulse as well as provide the rewards of connection and meaning.  A final measure of the true value of what we create may lie in the "feeling" we experience upon making the effort and observing the result. When we are sensitive to Spirit we are automatically connected to the life forms around us and how what we do affects that form.  The only caution is that human creations should flow from spiritual intent, or they can create undesirable physical results. Creations that follow cooperation, pleasure, and love will endure and create further experiences of cooperation, pleasure, and love. Creations that follow competitive impulse, fear and anger will always create further competition, fear, and anger. But no matter how long they are allowed to endure within mass consciousness, they will eventually give way to more enlightened forms of expression, as individuals, one by one, learn to heed and actively express the Spirit within.  The above appears to draw a direct link between that which a society's entertainment industry produces and the behavior of those who are subject to it. It is when that "link" becomes apparent that the producer begins to consider the consequences of the creation and alter it accordingly. That realization has to come from within.  Unfortunately, this will not occur without the conscious choice of humankind. For within consciousness lies the ultimate freedom. The Creator gives all the necessary guidance through the feelings of pleasure and pain and the mental ability to create and actualize that which is chosen by mind. The creations then reflect their level of need-meeting success through resulting feelings of pleasure or pain. Thus, the cycle of development and expression continues. Just as the inner mind is developed within each individual, so follows the external evolution of human mental and physical technology or mass consciousness.  It may seem at times that society is not progressing on a spiritual path, but the fact that we are becoming more aware of our shortcomings is evidence that we are progressing.  The life-giving habits of self-expression can bolster every other effort toward living in the Light. Self-expression is the integral step that unites humans within the physical realm. It is the driver of experience and the mechanism to solicit feedback from spirit regarding how well the mind is doing in its task of continuous development and meeting its needs in the world.  We know that All That Is assists that which strives to express its nature. If not, why are we here?  Touch  Creating with the hands brings us to another powerful life giving habit of self-expression---that of touch . The energy that flows through the hands in artistic creation, is that same energy that can be exchanged between life forms through the laying on of hands. The physical, emotional and therapeutic benefit of touch is already fairly well understood within mass consciousness, but basically only because humans find it mysteriously pleasurable to touch one another. What is not understood consciously, is the expressive value, spiritual fulfillment and the physical exchange of energy that accompanies human touch.  This does appear to give physical evidence that "feelings" are, in fact, a form of energy as valid as the more obvious energy we deal with in the physical, i.e. electrical, mechanical, etc. Understanding this is the next step to putting it to practical use in our lives, in new and innovative ways.  Humans have discovered---in spades---certain pleasurable gifts of the flesh, such as human sexuality. The innate pleasure centers that motivate procreation have become the fodder of many limiting thoughts, beliefs, and systems of living that seek to tame the wild beast within. But the sexual experience is also a highly spiritual one wherein energies are exchanged between truly loving entities. This creates a deeply spiritual connection where energies meld again into one another, recalling the consciousness to the fact that we are all intermingling energies. There should be the highest respect for this act, and an honoring of its spirituality, instead of the simply physical excitements and releases. For this type of expression without the presence of love can be spiritually frustrating and damaging physically, psychically and emotionally, not to mention the problem of procreation outside of the original spiritual intent of loving interactive developmental connection.  This paragraph brings such clarity to the reasons for applying a discipline to the sexual act. In a society that worships wanton pleasure for its own sake, we have lost the meaning of the value of truly loving relationships and pay a price for this loss in the many other ways we relate to each other. Crime and violence have increased with narcissism, as the value of others declines inversely to that of ourselves.  The benefits of touch, however, have far more applications. This simple touch of the shoulder of one who is in distress can communicate the empathic connectedness of spirit and loving compassion quite healing to one experiencing pain. To stroke a child or a pet is intensely rewarding to both parties. Overall massage of the body also provides actual therapeutic benefit to the cells as well as the energy system.  There are cultures that know and practice the art of physical communication with lots of hugs and abrazoes. These cultures reflect an openness and happiness that is reflected in the life style. Just as those cultures that refrain from physical expression are prone to produce an environment that reflects the restrained attitudes. Nowhere is this more evident than between northern and southern Europe.  As humans develop less limited mindscapes, they will become attuned to the more subtle and powerful aspects of human touch. For now, like many other natural gifts, touch speaks for itself. Humans the world over are encouraged to exploit its physical and emotional benefits as much as possible.  We seek to understand and utilize the subtle energies around us while failing to notice that many of them are already in play.  Vocalizing  Self expression is about getting yourself out there, about telling the world what you think, dream, and desire. Humans rely mostly upon words---the gift of language, no matter what tongue. But self expression is any action or utterance that meets needs or shows gratitude when they have been met. It is how the individual creates change in the environment, how evolution proceeds. Thus, as part of the human natural motivative system, it has some built-in features. The Creator endowed humans with several kinds of innately rewarding vocal methods of spiritual expression.  Talking is one of the more complicated means of expressing our state of mind and emotions. The others that will follow give us an opportunity to vent our feelings in a deeper, more spontaneous fashion. We often did this readily in our youth, but became more restrained as we grew older. It may be time to re-examine that decision.  The most rudimentary vocal form of self-expression is the ability to shed tears. Like every other inborn gift, the ability to cry is part of the Spiritual safety net, wherein physical processes take over and respond to spiritual frustration in necessary ways. For example, take a newborn. Crying is the first tool a human has to communicate distress and frustrated needs. The parents relate emphatically to the distress and then act in ways which solve the problem. Without such assistance, helpless newborns could not survive. (The sound of an infant crying is also innately aversive and humans are immediately motivated to make it stop.) The parents must have a high degree of attachment to the infant to respond to its needs, or the spirit will vacate the body. Such interdependence of humans is one of the physical requirements of the Creator.  One might say it is a "base requirement", that begins with our first entry into the physical and grows in complexity as we grow in mental agility and spiritual awareness. What we are not necessarily aware of is that this form of expression need not necessarily be totally outgrown and cast aside. For the reasons explained below, it has value to us throughout our lives.  Crying not only happens when self needs are frustrated, but it also happens spontaneously when empathic pain of others is experienced. And crying is not limited merely to negative experiences, for humans can also weep with joy. Humans often weep over deep and abiding human experiences, rights of passage, and common situations of success and pleasure. Humans often weep when they experience the deeper meaning, or rhythms within daily living. For this system communicates the connectedness and intent of the spirit when the experiences of others touch the universal sameness and resonate with the knowledge that All Are One.  There are times when we weep for ourselves, when we can't seem to make a clear connection with the world around us. But this, too, is of value as it relieves some of the pressure to comply and conform with the situations in which we are uncomfortable.  Crying is often associated with new beginnings, when the spirit swells with faith, hope and optimism. Such milestones are often marked with traditional ceremonies such as weddings, rights of passage, graduations, promotions, births, etc., as the spirit resonates, validates, and encourages movement along the path of life. Tears can mark the final breakthrough of consciousness into awareness of long held, yet denied conflicts, self-doubts and beliefs. Tears often accompany such personal rebirth, as spirit basks in enlightening self-development. Spirit sings its song of hope through tears.  This shows that "songs" may be sung even though they are devoid of words or music. There is a part of us that often "sings" with the other portions of our physical bodies, an experience we can become aware of and appreciate.  Crying is often also associated with closure, in universally human situations of endings---funerals, good-byes, relocations, divorces, or any other transitions that mark the end of one phase and the beginning of another. Tears punctuate the human cycles of birth, death, and rebirth offering physical release in lieu of clear understanding of the ever-evolving dynamic nature of the mind and of life itself. When these understandings are absorbed, crying will result less from resistance and more from the acceptance of the connection and universality of spirits. Humans shall instead cry tears of joy.  A true understanding of the cycle of death, in particular, will redefine the nature of grief and, someday, may even bring us to the point that the tears we shed in those circumstances, will be the tears of joy, knowing that the person who leaves us is actually being reborn to his/her natural environment.  Crying continues to act as a human connector and a vent for frustrations throughout the entire lifetime. Crying is a very healthy activity, despite its aversiveness and corresponding reputation within mass consciousness. Men in particular need to learn how to understand and appreciate its benefits.  Men can begin to acquaint themselves with this activity from an intellectual perspective, but what can naturally follow is a favorable attitude toward participation when the positive aspects are clearly understood.  Allowing yourself to be carried away within a good cry is tantamount to going into a healing altered state of consciousness. The body takes over and allows the emotional energy to pour forth in physical reflexive lurches and uninhibited tears. Crying is psychically and physically cleansing. It allows the body to cast off pent-up emotional frustrations and right itself, regardless of the limitations of mind which continually fuel the fires of frustration. The crying response automatically calls forth the necessary hormones and chemicals that actually wash away toxins and impurities that contribute to physical stress and decay.  Who knows, this might be a factor that explains why women tend to outlive their counterparts. If stress is truly the killer we are beginning to suspect it is, then this might prove to be quite beneficial to a state of health and well-being.  Thus, humans are encouraged to cry with abandonment. Seek out opportunities---go to see sentimental movies, enjoy the literature, and other art forms which bring on tears. Cry when you are moving and dancing about, allow your spirit total liberation. Cry when you find yourself in deeply spiritually pleasing places, when you meditate, or when you gaze upon nature. Crying is the spirit resonating---so let the tears flow freely. Of course, private personal crying will be easier to accomplish than public releases. But let it be known that even big boys should cry with reckless abandon to help affirm and preserve their physical and spiritual boundaries.  It is probably time for the male species to get beyond the early programming, find a nice private space (or comfort with someone you care about) and let go. Do it as an experiment and pay attention to the results. What's to lose?  Laughter is another of nature's gifts of vocal expression. It relates to the mystery of humor as well as to the crying response with equally cleansing and curative benefits. Laugh loud and often. For laughter also sings the Spirit's song of hope and oneness. Laughter speaks for itself.  Yes, I think we've shed enough tears for the moment. Surely, both sexes can be comfortable in sharing a good laugh.  But it is all too easy for humans to become so entangled within the limits of their own minds that they forget to laugh. It takes conscious focus to remember to find the humor within, and to respond to it heartily. Thus, humans should also seek out opportunities to laugh, to find the fun in the unexpected and note it with a hearty burst of laughter---no matter how challenging life might be at any point. Laughter feeds the mind, body and soul.  ...and it's non-fattening! There are actually people who take their personal health care so seriously that they forget to laugh about it. We know that the ability to laugh at ourselves is so essential to our emotional balance. We just forget sometimes.  The final form of vocal expression is song. What human has not felt the physical effects of meaningful tones and vibrations upon the body? There is some form of uniform vocal expression in each and every human culture, which evidences its universal benefit. Song has been used throughout human history to invoke spiritual resonance and to connect it with religious teachings, political alliances, and community groupings. To experience the harmony and passion of voice raised in song, is to know in the fiber of our being the tremendous accomplishments that humans can achieve with cooperative expression. So, like laughter and tears, sing loud and sing often. (And remember not to mentally judge how it sounds!! Let the spirit squeak and howl freely.)  If one feels that his/her voice is not pleasing enough to be shared with others, there's always the time-honored practice of singing in the shower. It's exclusive and sounds pretty good, too.  For the sounds of song also have direct effects upon the energy system of the body. The vibrations of certain tones correspond with major energy centers within the body. There is much to be learned in this area regarding physical transmutation and manipulation of matter with the use of sound. As the many limitations within mass consciousness are reduced one by one, new creative insights and approaches will be allowed to unfold in this area. At this time, suffice it to say that singing is nourishment for the body, mind, and soul.  There seems to be a suggestion here that we might be able to sing, cry, laugh, dance and whatever ourselves into a higher state of spiritual enlightenment. I suspect it's true.  In sum, all vocal expressions can serve positive purposes. Be they words of kindness, or rejection of injustice. Be they tears of frustration or joy. Be they laughter or song. Use them and enjoy them, for they are the gifts of the Gods.  There are many who have overcome while singing about it.  Expressing Within The Creation  One final comment in the area of self-expression relates to being at one in spirit with the Natural Creation. It is innately pleasing to express through interaction with other life forms within the creation. Creative expressions and art forms which interact with other organisms achieve a special emotional reward. To create with flora, to garden, landscape, or even simply to walk among the trees of a forest, are actions which strike a deep chord within the spirit in affirmation of the inter-connectedness of every apportionment of spirit.  This is more difficult when one lives in an urban environment and an alternative to the above suggestions in that case, might be to interact on an intellectual or emotional level with spiritual writings or groups who explore spiritual matters. Then, as often as possible, find an environment of pure nature and wallow in it.  Interaction with animals is particularly pleasing, generating a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual response universal to all humans. Such forms of appreciation and interaction with all of creation are innately rewarding.  This is a practical alternative where pets (dogs and cats) are allowed. The latter seem to serve that need particularly well when not demanding undue attention or being an annoyance to others.  Thus, there is a counterpart responsibility for humans to ensure that their own creative technological expressions are limited to those within the cooperative spirit that does not infringe upon any other form of life. This is a responsibility that should be accepted and honored at its highest levels. Humans should ponder this challenge and begin immediately to act upon it.  As we continue to expand as a species and take a greater share of space upon this planet, the very least we can and should do is apologize to the other life forms we displace. It's the honorable thing to do.  With the understandings in place to begin replacing the deadly habits with life-giving ones, we can now turn the discussion to the human needs themselves.  Table of Contents