meditation

The Solo Journey

/ Tunnel Vision 8

October 2024 Full Moon – Photo by Brent Garens

My patient, Joan, who thought she was going to die during the full moon, died today. I felt a sense of relief. She was a kind and considerate woman. I think she had a conscious death. According to Buddhism, it’s beneficial to have a conscious death. Then you are “awake” to the transition and not in delusion.

After finding out Joan died, I thought about my life as I walked my dog around the fairgrounds. The warm breeze reminded me of the summer weather that is slowly fading. The stars blinked, and the sky was calm.

As I walked, I said, “I’m not ready to die. I have too much work to do.” Every day, I feel the importance of a spiritual life—my yogi life. I must continue meditating and practicing yoga, use my time wisely, and read spiritual books in my free time. I can create a life with awareness and higher consciousness.

I also understand that the journey is solo. No one told me this when I was younger! I was told to go to church—everything was about the church. But when I think about it, everything is solo. We are born solo, think solo, live solo, and die solo. Even Buddha asked, “One is one’s own refuge, who else could be the refuge?”

I wish human beings would take their lives more seriously. Just thinking about it makes my heart swell. We all need to wake up from our delusions and put away our phones. It’s a spiritual battle!

It’s time to wake up and understand we are golden – so precious. We cannot take our time for granted. We need to examine all earthly things that keep us trapped. We are so valuable that everything in the world wants our attention. Now, we need to decide what will help us grow spiritually.

Thank you for taking the time to read this! I’m sending you words of love, appreciation, and bright guiding light.

Spirit, by GG
spiritual message 
from beyond 
a signal 
to be
me

Tango with Technology (Poem)

/ Tunnel Vision 8 
Tango with Technology 
Swimming to God
Behind the Shaman's Curtain 
By Gina M. Gafford
Open Mic (Poetry Reading)
Chanhassen Farmer’s Market
City Center Park Plaza
7700 Market Blvd., Chanhassen, Minnesota
September 28, 2024, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.


Tango with Technology
You offered your hand with a gentleman’s grin.
Without hesitation, I put my hand into yours. 

The smell of sandalwood enveloped me.

You said, “Let’s dance.”
I stepped into the unknown to the known.
Temptation was at every turn.

As I twirled, the lights flashed into my eyes.
I was memorized.
I’m addicted to the rhythm of the music.
My brain is full of you.

You whispered, “Follow me.”
I danced until my head spun.
Until it was no longer fun. 

Finding my balance – I let go.
The delusions disappeared.
I no longer danced on glass.
I walked away - seeking a new a paradise.

Swimming to God
I am swimming to God. I see the bright sun in front of me. The rays make their way to my heart. I am swimming to God. My love for God is in my veins, the pathways out from my center. I am swimming to God. I feel light and cool, my body forming with the waves. “I am here, God,” I say in a whisper. "I make my way to you."

Behind the Shaman’s Curtain 
Close your magical eyes. 
Connect with dreamtime ties. 
Use your vast imagination. 
Stop life’s stagnation.

Go behind the Shaman’s curtain. 
Seeing the truth is certain. 
A new reality awaits. 
Do you have what it takes? 

Be strong and brave. 
Meet your guide in a cave. 
See the vision. 
Make it a mission. 

Go behind the Shaman’s curtain. 
Your life is not certain. 
Open your “I.” 
Because soon you’ll see why.


Entanglement

/ Tunnel Vision 8

We must heal our minds – Bhante Sathi (triplegem.org)

As I become more wise, I see the physical world wants my attention (and takes me away from working on my Self). It is so easy to become distracted and entangled in earthly matters. I must decide where to put my time and energy. Therefore, there are several questions I must ask myself:

  1. What will help me grow towards love and light?
  2. How can I use my energy and presence to help people?
  3. What is worthy of my time?
  4. What is the path of wisdom and self-knowledge?

As a yogi, I must focus on the chakras. Yoga is a noble path. Yoga and meditation keep me clear in my head and calm in my heart. It is the right path for me. I must stay on this path. I need to increase my practice, especially if I am struggling in any way.

The Internet and all computer devices are not the path to wisdom. They are entanglements to the human – something that distracts us from love and light. The dosage matters – small amounts of conscious, wise interaction are okay. Be aware of the addiction and algorithms that keep us enslaved to cell phones.

We are at a crossroads with technology. Some technology is beneficial, but the computer (mainly the cell phone) is damaging humans. Do we want to be entangled with technology?

I am sending a severe warning to all humans. Do not get entangled with a cell phone or any computer device. They are traps to the human mind.

I propose that we use cell phones minimally. Do not allow yourself to be entangled for hours on any device. The computer plays with the ego, and this is not healthy.

We need to bring ourselves back to silence and deep meditation (do not use a cell phone or any device for audio or video meditation). Meditation must be in a distraction-free environment.

As a yogi, I light a candle and burn some incense. I practice gratitude, mantras, yoga, and meditation every morning. In the evening, I recite mantras and meditate before I go to sleep. The mind must be clear (not filled with online garbage).

Become a clear vessel.

We each have a choice – we can set ourselves free or become entangled with technology. What is the path to wisdom and self-knowledge?

Namaste.

Gaia & Noosphere

/ Tunnel Vision 8

After reading several ancient texts, the message is clear: We must return to nature. However, we must understand nature in a new way. The ancient masters tell us that we must see everything as energy. The trees, flowers, mountains, and animals are pure energy – just like us. Once we have a higher consciousness, we can “see” nature differently.

For this we need to evolve the intuitive level of the brain, to overcome our alienation from nature, and live in harmony with the Earth. – Joseph Chilton Pearce

The noosphere combines the mind and the biosphere. The combination creates creativity. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin writes about human evolution, but not biologically. He is referring to higher states of consciousness, spirituality, and energy. Unfortunately, modern technology (ancient technologies are okay) and AI are pulling us away from nature – so this is not the path to enlightenment.

The path to enlightenment is through Gaia. The Gayatri mantra is known as the “Mother of the Vedas.” The hidden knowledge is that the only way to enlightenment is through the physical world. So, now we understand how precious we are as human beings. Many distractions take us away from our spiritual growth on Earth. We must be aware of these distractions and put sincere effort into our spiritual practices.

The biosphere has energy called aether (or ether). It is considered the fifth element and has electrical energy (free energy). We can reach the aether atop a mountain. Again, this is nature – something we need to reconnect with. We can train our senses to become tuned to these higher frequencies. The ancients talked about using our senses – our gifts as human beings.

As Pierre Teilhard de Chardin writes, the new human is intuitive, connected to the senses, works with the chakras in the body, meditates, and is united with all life. Most ancient texts talk about oneness and reducing “selfishness.”

Meditation is a spiritual practice that can help us reach enlightenment in this lifetime. With meditation, we learn to live in the present moment, connect with our senses, and become mindful of the breath (the wind within us). We are the elements.

Our ancient ancestors connected with the moon, sun, and stars (astrology). Looking up is powerful and lifts us toward heaven. Just think about what we do when we look at our phone – we look down. The enlightened human looks up at the sky. We lift our heads to honor the cycles of life.

The moon and the sun are guiding forces in nature. They are the yin and yang of life. Many ancient texts talk about solar connections, like the solar plexus in the human body. Many Eastern spiritual practices, like Qigong, work with solar energy. Also, the moon connects with the subconscious mind – our dreams and deepest thoughts. The full moon invites us to go deeper.

We must return to nature with a new consciousness. Many think that the ancient ancestors were primitive and innocent. However, they had sophisticated mathematics and sacred geometry. Everything is cyclic. We are part of ancient wisdom.

Namaste.

Everything’s Figureoutable

/ Tunnel Vision 8

About two months ago, my right ear started hurting. I thought I had an ear infection. So, I went to a minute clinic to check on my ear. At the clinic, I discovered my blood pressure was high, and I didn’t have an ear infection. The nurse practitioner said I should go to urgent care right away. But instead, I went to my regular clinic the following day.

My mom has high blood pressure – so it could be hereditary. Also, I am getting older too. I did not take the Covid-19 vaccines (unvaccinated), so I know it’s unrelated. The doctor did some labs, and everything looks great. So, I now need to take my blood pressure twice a week and then report it to my doctor after a few weeks.

I am a health-conscious person, so I get worried about my health. So, I’m trying to manage my blood pressure by taking herbs and CBD oil, practicing deep breathing, exercising, and doing more gentle yoga. I’m also trying to reduce stress in my life.

I know everything’s figureoutable. I noticed that I’m more present in my body and mind when facing challenges. I want to figure out how to solve my problems.

When we have health issues, it’s an opportunity to explore more about ourselves. We can grow and learn through our challenges. Some things can be scary – no doubt. It can turn your life upside down if you’re not feeling well.

But when we look at the bigger picture – it calls us to re-examine our lifestyle. Everything’s figureoutable. We can become closer to God (or our higher consciousness). I know when I’m sick, I pray more. It calls us to go inward and focus on our spirituality.

Thankfully, my ear no longer hurts. And I’m on the road to healing my heart and getting back to a healthy blood pressure.

Namaste.

Manifesting Machine

/ Tunnel Vision 8

“Everything to be imagined is an image of truth.” – William Blake

The human being is a manifesting machine. We can tap into the powers of our belief system, intuition, and our imagination.

There remains a vast untapped area of the neocortex associated with intuition that we can develop to extend our mental functioning. This area of the brain holds the wisdom of the millenia, the dreams of tomorrow. – Jean Houston

I wish I had known I was a manifesting machine in my twenties and thirties. But then, I was distracted by many things: college, work, and family.

However, now I understand imagination a little better. The human mind is like a multi-universe. When we imagine something, the mind thinks it is real. For example, if I imagine that I am eating an apple, certain areas of my brain will light up. However, if I eat a real apple with my physical body, the same lights in my brain will light up – just like the imagined one.

One of the biggest secrets is the power of the imagination. However, the dark force of the world wants to keep humans distracted from using their imaginations. They don’t want people to create new things (especially if it changes the paradigm).

The dark force wants to control humans and limit their thinking. The two biggest distractions are the false-money-dependent reality and the Internet.

Money is a human creation. As citizens of the Earth, we should never pay for anything. Our fellow creatures and animals get to live off the land – just like it was meant for us too.

The Internet distracts us. Also, virtual reality (VR) will take us away from our natural state of being. We don’t need the Internet to imagine for us – we have our own brilliant imaginations.

We can sharpen our imagination by exploring the arts (painting, writing, music, crafts, etc.), working with dreams, utilizing visualization, tapping into energy work, and practicing meditation.

Another way to increase our imagination and manifest what we want is to daydream. When we daydream, we create space in our minds. But instead, many people go on the Internet or use busyness as a distraction.

Our imagination helps us grow spiritually and intuitively. When we use into our imagination, we can create new things, solve problems, and connect with the Spirit World.

The other area of manifesting is our belief systems. Our belief systems hold a lot of power because what you believe creates your reality. The mind is your servant. For example, if you believe you are smart, your mind will create that reality.

Many religions around the world know the power of belief. They know that if you believe in what they say, they could have power over you. Therefore, be careful what you believe.

Another concept is that we will follow what we believe after we die. Our belief systems will carry on after we leave the physical body. So, that concept demonstrates the stronghold of beliefs in human beings.

We are here on the Earth to heal and awaken to higher consciousness. There are many obstacles to overcome. However, if we practice the three gems of life (love, forgiveness, and gratitude), we will make good progress. Also, follow your heart and intuition.

Remember, when you connect with your imagination, you will expand your reality and become the person you always dreamed of being.

Namaste.

Mental Virus

/ Tunnel Vision 8
May each day bring you a little less under the sway of the fears, inhibitions, and lies that are certainly the heritage of your individual and collective past, yet in which (consciously or unconsciously) you still indulge in the present. And may each day bring you more and more surrender to freedom and love. – Jean-Yves Leloup

I am working more intensely with my mind and thoughts. About a month ago, I thought my mind had a mental virus. My mind created jealously, insecurity, and negative thoughts. I told myself, “If I don’t control my thoughts, I’m in big trouble.”

Thankfully, I have restored my peaceful mind. I think turbulence in my marriage sparked the “mental virus.” The crisis in our marriage led us to build a stronger marriage. My husband and I reconnected with the help of a book called, The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary Chapman. I highly recommend this book.

My imagination is what got me in trouble. I played scenarios, in my mind, that were not true. Jean-Yves Leloup says, “It is our imagination that needs to be healed.”

I tried many things to control my mind. I tried to push away images, but they would return. The best way, I have found, to let go of negative thoughts is to say to myself, “Please forgive my thoughts.”

Another way to redirect my mind is to ask myself, “What do I want to focus on?” Sometimes it’s best to put on blinders like blinkers on a horse. Sometimes I need tunnel vision!

Meditation can help me control my mind. If I have too many thoughts, I use a mantra during my meditation. I like using “Sat Nam” (true identity) or “Om So Hum” (I am that). I noticed that I need to meditate every morning – it prepares my mind for the rest of the day.

To settle my anxious mind, I need to remind myself that I will be okay no matter what. I need to trust God and the Universe. There are some things I can’t control – it’s a wake up call to bring nonattachment, equanimity, and peace within myself.

To go forward with my peaceful mind, I am using the concept of “out of sight, out of mind.” I can do this by staying in the present moment and being careful about what I allow into my senses (what I watch, listen to, and participate in). Also, I must remember information on the Internet can bring me down the “rabbit hole” – places I may not want to go.

To keep a pure mind and heart, I must learn to create a sense of peace inside and outside of myself. If I want to evolve into higher consciousness, I need to connect with the higher vibration of love and gratitude. I am thankful for so many things!

And lastly, I must forgive myself. I need to give myself compassion and love. I learned a lot about my mind. It’s a gift to have this self-realization.

Namaste.

The New Human

/ Tunnel Vision 8

Humans are awakening up to their divinity. A new awakening is arising – just like the sun.

The new humanity will follow in the footsteps of Buddha and Jesus. “The vocation of servant leadership is a call to become as he was in the world – the new humanity, hetero pacificus – the peacemakers whom Jesus called ‘blessed’ in his catalogue of the truly happy people,” Bennett J. Sims said in his book, Servanthood: Leadership in the Third Millennium.

We must strive to become peacemakers with an enlightened mind. “This is meditation. Not taking anything for granted. I mean, we should be grateful and think how fortunate we are that we have this fascinating experience. I call it the laboratory of mind and body. But it seems that though this mind and body are so close to us, they are in many ways so very far away,” Godwin Samararatne said in his book, Discovering Meditation.

Lately, I’ve felt a touch of emptiness in my life. At first, I felt afraid of it. But then, during my meditation, I realized that when something is empty, there’s an opportunity to fill it with something new. I want to fill that space with love, peace, mindfulness, and equanimity.

“So this place of meeting our edge, of accepting the present moment and the unknown, is a very powerful place for those who wish to awaken and open their heart and mind,” a quote by Pema Chodron.

The new human understands impermanence and attachment. I am working on having less attachment in my life. In the last month or so, I’ve had a few challenges in my marriage, and I can see how much attachment I have to my husband.

Every day I remind myself to let love guide me, not fear. I am afraid of losing my husband. But, in reality, everything is impermeant – even my marriage. However, I want to learn more about my relationship with my husband, and I’m grateful that we both want to work on our marriage.

“Buddha’s doctrine: Man suffers because of his craving to possess and keep forever things which are essentially impermanent. This frustration of the desire to possess is the immediate cause of suffering,” a quote by Alan Watts.

The new human has a lot of work to do! But we can transform ourselves into hetero pacificus. To transcend into peacemakers, we need a peaceful and enlightened mind, live in the present moment, understand impermanence, and live every day with love in our hearts.

Namaste.