2002-12-21-Collection On Stillness
Heading
Topic: Collection on Stillness
Group: Woods Cross TeaM
Facilitators
Teacher: Ham, Abraham, Emulan
TR: Nina
Session
Lesson 1
JULY 22, 1991 THE *stillness* HAM
My lesson is concerning that ‘point of enlightenment’ referred to in ancient teachings. There is much truth to be gained in studying some parts of these ancient religious systems, especially concerning the practice of meditation. Abraham has requested that you retire alone and seek the stillness.
- This refers to first, stillness in body. It is very difficult without much practice to attain heightened spiritual awareness during physical activity.
- The second is stillness of mind. This step is considerably more difficult because the mind ever tends toward activity. Yes, these teachings are found from many sources generally. I wish this evening to clarify this practice. The goal of stillness seeking is different. I request not the seeking of blissful ease experience, but rather, the supreme exercise of true faith - the true faith of the child reaching out with courage toward the Father and the reciprocal downward reaching of the Father towards His child. This is the sublime experience in life, and much guidance, inspiration, foresight, and spiritual insight may thus be obtained as the reward of the sincere faith-seeking child.
I do not enjoin you to covet this practice for long periods of time. However, frequent repetition of this stillness, prayerful attitude is very helpful and enlightening. I would suggest that we should attempt to seek the stillness everyday for a few minutes. It is, or can be, the most fruitful experience of your 24-hour day. It is often the practice of men to be so busy with their day to day thinking activity so as to simply forget the higher realms of thinking, reacting, feeling, experiencing, which are possible by the simple practice of: One, aloneness; Two, stillness of the body; Three, stillness of the mind.
- I wish to elaborate on three--stillness of the mind. This is the most difficult aspect of this practice and sometimes requires considerable amount of practice in order to have the ability to sustain mental stillness for any time length. This should, however, be practiced with diligence and reward will follow. I say to you with surety, that this simple practice will surely help to increase the mental peace and well-being; the emotional happiness and feeling of well-being; and also the physical health and well-being. For this process of allowing of the contact of the Thought Adjuster through the superconsciousness is, in itself, a very healing process.
The great spiritual power inherent in the presence of the Thought Adjuster is never ever realized in mortal consciousness. You can expand this consciousness of God awareness by diligent practice, conscious thought, consciously centering the thought process on Him, and also on Christ Michael, but the full consciousness on such extremely powerful spiritual beings cannot be realized during the physical life. So powerful is He that even a momentary full consciousness, that is-His being filling your consciousness completely, which is not to say complete consciousness of Him, but complete consciousness possible of Him-would result in translation - fusion. That is also the ‘Deity embrace.’
His supreme desire, of course, is to reach you more fully day by day, to impart His guidance - some of His awareness and His teaching directly to your mind. What a change of life results from the sincere effort to listen and to receive Him, His guidance, His instruction, and His presence. What a supreme experience! What a supreme delight! What a supreme advancement in your own personal spiritual development this is!
Conscious awareness of God directly results in the immediate transcription of this consciousness to the soul. This soul consciousness is immediately upstepped and made more perfect and divine, and thus more like Him. These soul transcriptions are a permanent part of the ascendant self which is never lost, is a permanent reality, and this permanent reality is made by your conscious decision to make it.
Thus, a supreme responsibility thus lies with each person to, in partnership with God, become conscious increasingly of His awareness, being, presence. And this, in turn, creates a new awareness, being, presence in the morontia soul, which is your true self. This truth - ever present from then on, is at that beginning moment a never-ending true being.
I have spoken in the past about the unconscious growth of the soul, and so, tonight, I take you one step further into the conscious growth of the same soul by your own effort. Although these efforts and the fruits thereof may be very satisfying, and even thrilling, do not be disheartened or discouraged if you are not comfortable with this. All true desire of the son is rewarded by the Father when that desire is to be like Him, to be more of Him, and to express His reality within your uniqueness. This expression of God is most often not a conscious effort, but the simple revelation of grace that the ever growing and expanding soul reveals to the world even without the full consciousness of such growing grace by the person.
You are all growing in grace, in truth, in light, in beauty, in goodness, usually very slowly, sometimes faster. Do not become discouraged for this growth proceeds - unabated by your awareness or not. Spiritual growth is transforming and this transformation is never sudden. The seed does not become the tree overnight. All growth, physical, morontial, and spiritual growth, takes time for completion. Yet, as this growth is accomplished and certain levels are attained, consciousness - even sudden consciousness of this growth - may happen. And this increased awareness thus augments this growth, and thus, allows further growth and development to occur unconsciously.
Lesson 2
- OCTOBER 14, 1991
- The Stillness
HAM: My lesson is concerning the stillness. It is easy to achieve if you are diligent and steadfast in your application of the following ideas:
- 1. The stillness requires just that--stillness. It is most important to still the body in order to gain a quietness for the mind to be allowed to begin its quieting process. Any position is acceptable of course, it matters not. stillness and relaxation of the limbs, eyes, face, hands, and feet, this will help facilitate stillness in the brain. That is, the electrical impulses coming from the extremities are lessened, and therefore, the electrical activity within the brain itself becomes less.
- 2. Then the surroundings should be quiet. Stimulation from the auditory sense is most distracting and should be eliminated if possible.
- 3. Mental stillness, this particular aspect of this practice is the most difficult to achieve. Many of you are, however, making great progress and strides in this section. Mental stillness is essential for Thought Adjuster communications to be received.
There is a metaphor in these teachings, of still water reflecting the sun. When the water (the mind) is turbulent, this reflection is splintered, broken into myriad refractions. In the ideal stillness, for clarity's sake, the mind must, absolutely must, be still. Deep relaxation, mental stillness, will, without fail, result in increased Thought Adjuster communication if you are patient and willing to commit this time.
Lesson 3
(Ham Nov. 4, 1991)
Once again, I wish to instruct you a little in your personal devotions. The stillness is not meant to be an end in itself, it is the beginning of personal communion with God. You will receive in the stillness, a consciousness of a feeling of higher self-awareness. It is in this higher mind state where communication between your Indwelling Spirit and your consciousness can take place.
Often, the older seers were content with only the God-consciousness sensation awareness. I am asking you to go further than this, to do as Jesus - Michael did and reach communion, two-way communication, between your conscious mind and your Thought Adjuster.
Praying is most efficacious in this awareness feeling of God, that is, if you speak to Him in prayerful attitude of childlike humility. Often there will be a response, whether it is an inner change of attitude, peace awareness of His overcare; or the more directness of consciousness of intent - direction, or awareness of another - another's intent or direction. Or still further, there may be direct word-message flashed within into your consciousness even as word-message is received through Rebecca to you from myself, Ham. Also, this can be effected from your own Indwelling Spirit into your own mind-consciousness level.
Many of you have received already this type of communication and are aware of my words. Then again, many of you are in the earlier stages of change of attitude - awareness of others and their attitude, and this, in itself, is life changing. God has his manner of communicating in allowing us a broader sensitivity awareness to other people and ourselves. This inner awareness is now developing within all of you and you are becoming more and more of who you are meant to be.
Self-realization is a word often used in connection with meditation. It is these early stages of meditation that is referred to. At even later stages of self-awareness realization - God consciousness (communication between the Thought Adjuster and the consciousness), there is a oneness.
Future time, there will be no communication between two minds; they will be one mind. In doing the decisions of your greater self, your own Indwelling Spirit, who comes from the Father, you are increasingly becoming like Him; you are doing His will for Him and for yourself; you are more closely attuning your will to His, your mind to His, your awareness to His; and, in future times, as I said, there will be only One.
And on that day, when there is only One, you are immortal, and you will come to understand the saying that “there will be no more weeping, no more tears of sorrow, for He will wipe away those tears.” There are no more sins, “for all your sins, though they be as scarlet, are white as snow.” For you have become true and noble and eternal citizens of the Father's Kingdom where there is still adventure, still uncertainty, still reward for effort, still effort to reach the Eternal Father, but your success is assured, the way is truly open, and the faltering is truly no more. This time of oneness is sought by all will creatures, on all worlds, in all the universes, in one way or another. This attuning of the creature will to the Divine will is the Father's command “be ye perfect as I am perfect.” This is the Father's one and only command of you.
Lesson 4
(Abraham Nov. 13, 1995)
With the up-stepping of God-consciousness comes many branches of new learning. At times these branches can cross and cause confusion. One of these branches we may refer to is extreme sensitivity. With the isolation on this planet at an end and the re-encircuitment completed, Urantian's find themselves extremely sensitive in many areas, mind, body, spirit. These sensitivities can cause you much concern and confusion, possibly fear. What you are experiencing is completely common to a world receiving full spiritual benefits and this is why we ask you to practice the stillness.
Practicing the stillness is a wonderful way to uncross your wires. To disconnect yourself from the world and reconnect with Father is a time for further instruction and understanding from Him. This sensitivity can be physical in the ways of electrochemical within the brain. This is perfectly common for this world that is now out of isolation and for the first time discovering what it is like to have full spiritual benefits. You see, the circuits and the electrochemical transmitters in the human brain all tie together. This is Father's original plan. This is how it was supposed to be all along.
So many often feel physical changes and extreme sensitivity to pain and changes in the material body with regards to the mind. The mortal mind also has become extremely sensitive to the ways of their world, the moral issues, the complicated, seemingly answerless solutions to worldly injustices. For those who are prone to this sensitivity are almost overly emotional when they uncover injustices. It is as if they take this injustice as their own. To be witness to injustices against their fellow brothers and sisters becomes painful and almost unbearable. This is where there is some confusion.
Those who witness such unfairness in your world ask, "where is the God that is supposed to love and watch over us?" These moral virtues and societal injustices become a tangled web within the mortal mind. Those that are feeling this extreme sensitivity are often angry and defensive and wish to find immediate solutions. These mortals often are somewhat overly emotional. This is part of what I term crossing of the wires.
With regards to spirit there is a spiritual rediscovery that this world has not experienced in many years. There is a spiritual awakening that is new, something which has not occurred on this planet before the times of Adam and Eve. This world is experiencing a spiritual renaissance that has opened so many new possibilities to the curious Urantian mind. Mortals now experience spiritual feelings that have not been felt since the time of Pentecost when those that were gathered felt the Spirit of Christ poured out upon them. This is somewhat like that experience, in which you will know, you will experience many new feelings. You will experience morontia mota firsthand. With this new discovery of sensitivity to the cosmic mind many again shall unintentionally cross their wires and perhaps go to unbalanced extremes.
Many who are feeling and experiencing this God-consciousness for the first time may become overfilled with ideas and energy that could indeed lead them to possible dangers. This is why we, the teaching staff, have requested you to practice the stillness, not long, 5 to 10 minutes a day, to open a line of communication directly to your Father to uncross your wires to remain balanced. This world has now experienced extreme sensitivities unlike ever before. It is important that you hang on to your life raft that is this group and stay in touch with your Father and His vast legions of helpers. As time passes confusion about this new sensitivity will become so beneficial in your lives. After this confusion passes so many different areas will be affected by this new understanding of spiritual and mindal sensitivity. Understand that this is quite ordinary for a planet that is passing from isolation. This is nothing to be feared. This is something to be aware of and consciously take time to understand. It is my goal and assignment to assist you in discovering your full spirit potential.
Lesson 5
MEETING WITH ABRAHAM JANUARY 22, 1996 WOODS CROSS, UTAH
I am ABRAHAM. I am honored to speak with you this evening. I find it hard to express to you the joy I receive from teaching this group. I have longed for a position of this type for a long time, but there were several things I had to experience first. Much training have I completed to be here with you for these teachings. I say the effort I made was absolutely worth the joy I experience now.
Yes, I spent time with each of my students this week. I have assisted my students in the technique of receiving my communications. I am helping you to discover your direct line to Father. I labor to dispel fear and mystical thinking that students may apply to their understanding of our Father. I have spoken concerning listening and understanding. I say that benefits from these skills are manifested one hundredfold when one can recognize inner peace. The source of inner peace, our Father, we are learning to trust Him to weave our faith into the threads of trust to create a cloak of inner peace. So much is lifted off our shoulders when we are listening for Father, trusting Father to guide us and believing that He is the source of all comfort and inner peace.
The teachers have instructed you to take a moment of stillness each day to renew your connection with your origin, to reconnect with the source of all living things. The stillness, not long. The effort to perform the stillness is quite simple, and yet, it helps you to locate the source of all inner peace. To walk in this life day by day it takes a toll on the body and mind. Life can become too much trouble and some mortals may wish to withdraw for periods of time. They are too affected by ordinary adversity conditions. Without the exercise of reconnecting with the source of all peace, many find it difficult to handle even the most simplest tasks.
You are learning to trust Father. You are beginning to know Father is unfailing. You are beginning to see new horizons that you did not know existed. With your trust you have turned to Father for guidance on a moments notice. With your trust you have learned to trust your own judgment. Do you see, when you are trusting the Father to guide you unerringly to do His bidding, this is where your heart lies? In trusting your God, this definitely brings self-trust. Do you see your intentions? Do you see the circle of faith created by your trust in Father, and His trust in you, and completing our circle is your own self-trust?
Tonight my lesson is short. I am asking you to reconnect with the source of peace through stillness practice. If you can locate this peace, you become re-energized and feel more competent to handle what life may have in store for you. A few minutes, not long. Do not make this difficult. Stillness is like a man in a hot desert searching for the well wherewith to quench his thirst. Your stillness is drinking from this well. You are quenched with the peace and clarity of mind needed to send you on your way to further spiritual learning and growth. This week focus on the listening during the stillness. Expect to hear with your heart and not your ears. My friends, we indeed have eternity. Let not the burden of time be upon you. Let your time spent at the well be a gift that you share with the one closest to you, just you and your Father. Any questions?
CALVIN: Abraham, your lesson is very timely because I have been reading transcripts from the Arkansas gathering. It is quite the theme in there of the importance of the stillness also. For years now I've heard yourself and Ham speak of the importance of connecting with our Indwelling Spirit for just a few minutes a day. I know most of my problem is not regularly taking those few minutes. But can there be physical reasons why there is a frustrated connection sometimes or just 'calm down' reason maybe?
ABRAHAM: I am certain that many make this practice to be a big event. They are making the stillness practice to be a chore and not a drink from the well of light. Many times each day does the stillness practice come to you, no matter your location, your attitude, even the noise that may surround you. Stillness is within and not so much without. Many times do you find yourself in the midst of calm. It is an appropriate time to say, " I am here Father. I give thanks for this drink at the well, which is your love and peace." It is not easy to find a quiet moment in this fast paced world. But I say, your mind is more than you know. You all are endowed with mind that possibly escapes your understanding. You see, a mind trained in the ways of self-mastery can perform stillness in the midst of chaos. This is why there is need for practice. Stillness practice is to be recognized as it comes to you. No, this is not hard. This is a gift in which the child looks to see if His hand still holds his Father's. You will see much of learning the stillness is an attitude. It is not necessary to make this a mystical practice. To recognize stillness as it comes upon you is to be enabled to serve your fellows as the need arises. You see, stillness is not just sitting in solitude. Advanced stillness is opening the channel between your God and your fellows. Does this help?
CALVIN: Very, very much. I thought I had to go sit in a certain way and hold my hands in a certain way to really connect. I can see I can do just what you are saying just in driving down the road or reflecting looking out the window at work.
ABRAHAM: Yes, correct. Another question?
ROLAND: Abraham, I appreciate your lesson tonight. I feel benefitted by that. The East Indian tradition of meditation is of course as you know long and asks that in the meditation the goal be in connection with God-consciousness. They speak of a energy which is kundalini energy that rest at the bottom of the spine. Many of the masters are able to raise this energy from the base of the spine through the crown chakras of the head with practice, and have become illuminated in the process, in a mindal way, that their prose and their poetry of a very high state. Does this have any bearing on what they are doing or a bearing of what you speak of in the silence or is this a different practice entirely?
ABRAHAM: As with stillness practice you are opening your human will to be led by Father. You are putting aside your desires for Father to be of service. It is Father who manipulates the energies that you speak of. Man can only be open to this manipulation. It must be man's will to align with Father's in order to understand the benefits of this energy. God is energy. He is the source of all energy. To integrate with Father is to begin to understand this energy and how to put it to use. Is this at all answering?
ROLAND: It does answer. I guess the distinction I can see at this point is that for the world in general to understand that reaching the stillness is a simple process of quieting yourself each day and there is a tremendous amount of power and direction in that. Is it then that practicality which we achieve by a few minutes of this practice enhanced or perhaps even refined through the Eastern tradition of longer periods of time and particular methods of meditation? Is it beneficial to pursue those traditional forms of Eastern Indian practice to achieve higher enlightenment?
ABRAHAM: Long stillness practice is to misuse your energy. Too long stillness practice is to drain you of that energy that might be put to use through service. This meeting, for example, during the first part of my lessons the words are fairly strong. Towards the end of our meeting the words are fewer and less understood by the transmitter/receiver. We recommend short stillness practice, because when you begin to always allow God to live your life with you, you will find you are always in somewhat of a stillness practice. Stillness is a reconnecting and allowing Father to reach you. Advanced stillness is to use this practice in everyday living. Does this help?
ROLAND: It does and I appreciate what you are saying, that eventually the silence practice will appear in everything that you do, whether it be a material pursuit or serving another person in a spiritual way, and I don't even know if you can separate those. (Yes, correct.) I see that in my stillness practice, and having others be involved in stillness practice, such as occurred on Dec. 25, Christmas morning, where two people were brought together in time and space exactly at the right time for message to be exchanged. That it was in stillness that we had both released ourselves to the will of God, and it was in that releasing ourselves that we were brought together, and that is so precise it might take years to do exactly the same if we did it under our own power. So I see in the stillness how we coordinated to assist each other. That seems to be manifested in the lives of those people who spend years doing it. They are also well coordinated in their pursuit of being of service or the will of the Father. So my notion is if its easy and if there is a easy way to do it, certainly that would be my way. I'm not sure if I get it completely but I'll continue to work on it. I thank you very much for your response.
ABRAHAM: I think you understand very well, Roland. You are welcome. Anything else I can assist in this evening, please feel free to ask me anything. Another question?
JOSHUA: I don't have a question, but I'd like to make a comment. I would like to thank Father, Michael, Machiventa, yourself and Ham and the other teachers, for all the effort that have put forth to bring we mortals to the place where we're at. We have three new visitors tonight. I would like them to introduce themselves if they would and your greeting.
RON: I go to school with Jonathan. He has told me a lot about this group. I wanted to experience it for myself.
JONATHAN: This is my friend Kayleen. She has been to the group before as well.
CALVIN: Abraham, you said your were with us during the week. I know I am not a very good listener, but anymore insights on how we can be better be prepared or connected with the teachers? I can see through the lessons, again reading the Arkansas transcripts, that many, many teachers are there to be an everyday thing in our lives for help and assistance. And its part of the Father's work and our intended connection to be more of a reality level with you teachers, our guides and helpers. Anything new after observing us this week that we could be more aware of?
ABRAHAM: Yes. I would first welcome our visitors and accept Joshua's praise for our efforts and also give you all my gratitude for your unfailing dedication and desire to serve. My observance this week has led me to put emphasizes on this practice being as normal as possible. Before this world was thrown into rebellion and setbacks many were evolving towards this practice. To transmit would have been like taking a bath. This practice would be thought of as natural as breathing. I wish to dispel any mystical ideas my students may hold as far as the stillness goes. I am extremely please at your willingness to learn and this helps me teach by your questions. Its the format for your lessons. I am fading in my clarity to you.
RACHEL: Father Abraham, let me help you out a little bit. I am going to be my own normal self and add a little light-heartedness. I'm going to tell you a joke. What I understand you and your associates all like humor. It starts out with a question. How come everybody is turning to God these days? The answer: Because it’s a lot more fun to walk on water than to tap-dance on red coals.
ABRAHAM: I am quite amused, as are my associates. We are very lightened by your humor and would desire to see more of it. I leave you my love and gratitude until next week, shalom.
Lesson 6
(Abraham June 29, 1997)
It is understood that you each have experienced in excess the difficulties of maintaining a human and divine balance within the brotherhood. To relate with one another is where you will probably learn the most. It is well that you are understanding of your shortcomings to be humble enough to empty that spiritual cup and be teachable. Our rest period has proven to create a new thirst for truth. Our stumbling has helped us to be still and listen.
In the world there is confusion over being still and being idle. To some stillness or rest means to be unproductive. In our rest we have found our reason why we continue to strive Paradiseward. I would say that a period of rest or recreation can prove to be quite rejuvenating of mind and spirit. To step out of the ordinary is to create a ripple in the waters of truth that are in danger of becoming stagnant. Yes, we will continue on this path of rejuvenation through rest, recreation, and humor.
In the ordinary day to day living there is a myriad of mindal fears that can cloud the contents of your spiritual cup. A regular regime of rest and recreation can aid you in emptying the clouded cup to make room for fresh living spiritual realities. My question is, during your times of rest is there some guilt about your duties or obligations? Is there ever a genuine clearing of the mind? Is there ever a moment of just being within the presence of Father?
In teaching self mastery our first lesson is to emphasize the importance of the stillness. It need not be an elaborate meditation, no. A quiet moment with the presence of your Father is significant enough to create change where you would desire. It is sometimes necessary for some to have several moments with Father throughout the day, a continual reconnecting, if you will. If your desire is self control and genuine spiritual freedom, then our first lesson is always to maintain an open connection with Father.
Lesson 7
(Abraham July 16, 2001)
I am ABRAHAM. Greetings. I am glad for the early start to tonight's meeting for we have much to cover. Beginning the second phase of the Correcting Time, it is wise for us to cover some of those tried and true techniques that have carried us this far.
We have discussed The Urantia Book as a measuring tool for all our incoming spiritual information. We have discussed the importance of the relationship to our Indwelling Adjusters. We touched on the importance of awareness on who we serve, and the realities of our Paradise Father. I will say a few words on the technique that brought you this Correcting Time Teaching Mission, yes.
The stillness practice is a time of quiet openness that is specifically for you. It is for you and Father to keep your relationship fresh and growing. The stillness practice is an antidote for stress and mental and emotional confusion. The stillness is not about uprooting mystical happenings that proves God is real, no. It is not about showing yourself to be a dedicated child of God. It is not about paying your dues to show you are worthy of "child of God" status.
The stillness practice is balance for your mind and a cleansing of spiritual poisons. The stillness is reconnecting to Father, that all-knowing Parent, who sees you for who you really are and loves and encourages you without end. The stillness or meditation is an equalizer between the divine and the human--a balancer of the ego, a line drawn between self-loathing and self-love.
Stillness was not designed to add to your guilt because you do not practice it, no, but it is a safeguard for you to become balanced in Spirit, mind and body. A sound connection with Father leads to clean and clear thinking, which receives incoming divine information that produces overall benefits for the mind and body. The human body cannot repel ailments if the mind is in turmoil. It all begins with stillness, my friends.
Lesson 8
And this following from recent lesson, shows a distinction between stillness and prayer:
from Abraham (October 13, 2002)
What would cause the soul to grow? What would assist the mind in attaining self-mastery? What could be added to feel personal connection and comfort to our divine family? What is considered to be a healthy balance to fill the vessel that produces spiritual fruits and shows it in all our daily actions?
You each know what is at the top of my list, yes, stillness. Time spent with the divine Parent everyday is to invite Him to add what He will to your soul, mind and body. The feeling of belonging to the Father of all fathers is a supreme comfort and a knowing that we are never left alone. Along with stillness I believe the Master would certainly have us interact with Him several times a day, perhaps through a small prayer or a moment of sharing with Him, allowing Him to know He is indeed a tremendous part of your life here and definitely beyond. I believe the Master would encourage us to take care of the mortal vessel, which houses the spiritual, with good diet and exercise.
Lesson 9
Something to think about: Are you one who wades in a river of imagined problems? Are you one that stirs the mud under the water on purpose? Sometimes in the stillness when you let the mud/dirt settle you may find your soul's true desire. You may find what it is your soul cries out for. Take these words with you into your week and I’ll be here again to hear of your dealing with your fellows. Shalom.
Lesson 10
Action is different from resistance. To act within the Father’s will is for some not very discernible. They have to go on instinct, on gut feeling, if you will. Yes, the Master always first sought the Father through the stillness, through His meditation, therefore, acquiring a better idea of Father’s divine plan and then Jesus put that plan into action. No, He did not believe Father to do His work for Him. (TR: I said that wrong. You know what I mean. Note: He did not leave His work for Father to do.) Many people who are passive may be confused with the gentle nature of the Master and fear to stand up for their passions. But I tell you, Jesus was a superb example of strength and intelligence. He could always find a way to put these attributes into a plan of action.
Lesson 11
ROLAND: Thank you, Abraham, I find that telling of experiences seems to be of interest because of the story behind it. The thing that has changed in my experience that has transformed me is my meditation, to allow the Indwelling Spirit to communicate at some level in the conscious mind a direction of the spiritual path. That is a concept that is foreign to the western mind. Do you have some suggestions as to how we can approach that?
ABRAHAM: Yes, the word, the stillness, may perhaps be too foreign, whereas meditation is more recognized. Just as with prayer, the simple talk with the Father and a moment of receiving is really all one needs to start with. Yes, you are correct, the stillness is very important to contact the Indwelling Father Fragment, but I would suggest that with this stillness exercise inform newcomer, beginners, that this exercise is not supernatural, is not mysterious, is not going to be miraculous. This is simple and does not require much effort. Mortals are attracted to simplicity. If the stillness becomes a difficult exercise then it will not be practiced. Does this help?
Lesson 12
A reminder... The longer you go between stillness practice the more difficult it becomes to make contact with your Divine Guidance or teacher. This is not to say that if you do not do the stillness you do not have Adjuster contact, communication. This is to say a little practice goes a long way.
Lesson 13
Yes, when all perhaps seems lost or hopeless, the God-trusting and knowing individual relaxes in their Father’s perfect peace. I say to you, the mind circuits this week have been so busy with mortal thoughts of morals and virtues and decisions. It would be such a wonderful idea if the whole world sat aside ten minutes for the stillness and awaited our help, our Father’s perfect peace.
Lesson 14
I can remember many nagging struggles when I walked the Earth. My mind was set. Things were to be done a certain way and I was determined to complete it in that manner. It was through my association with Melchizedek that I learned of his flexibility in problem solving. I learned of his ability to pour himself as though he was liquid into a situation and smoothly iron out many problems that those with anxiety and rigidness could not.
On the mansion worlds they teach a specific exercise I will share with you. Upon entering a difficult situation visualize yourself as fluid. Fluid is free moving, is penetrable and light. When you visualize yourself as weightless and free-flowing and flexible it is almost like doing the stillness without actually taking time to find a quiet place away from the business. To imagine yourself as flexible is to have immediate contact with the Indwelling Father Fragment. When you are flexible you say, 'may God's will be done. I can accept Gods will. My flexibility enables me to more readily accept and understand Father's overall vision.'
For example, those that are ill find themselves in a state of resistance and are more likely to be closed off from Adjuster contact. If those that are ill can perform the exercise on being fluid and flexible it is much more easy to accept that the human body is not yet quite perfect and know that many struggle with illness. Those that can remain flexible are more likely to let an illness take its course and release the illness. Those that can remain flexible are less likely to be overwhelmed by anxiety and fear. Mortals fear the unknown. If you are a mortal who is flexible then you are willing to accept Father's will and be empowered to follow His will.
Lesson 15
Many are improving upon their technique concerning stillness practice. Many of you have learned to relax and trust. You are discovering that stillness is not ceremonial and formal, but is a renewing of spirit connection with Father. In time you'll see improvement in your direct channel of communication with Father and His subordinates. I would say, please attempt to integrate the stillness practice into your daily routine as a natural part of your human experience. Stillness is quite natural and simple. With practice you'll find constant connection with Father. He will reveal to you His will and you will have clear understanding on what steps to take.
Lesson 16
(Abraham Mar. 27, 1996)
ROLAND: Though I understand that the Indwelling Spirit speaks through an inner voice--not the outer hearing mechanism that we normally communicate as we are at this moment through Eleanor (the TR). But it dawns on me - that was probably said in jest?
ABRAHAM: Roland, I perceive your method of your stillness time is adequate. I know not if you will at that very moment receive Adjuster communication. I know, however, you communicate much with your Adjuster. Many normal daily activities include your communication with the Father Fragment. I would not limit you by saying it is not a possibility, rather I would say, your communication with your Father Fragment appears very casual, very normal. Father would not frighten His children, therefore, communications are felt quite naturally. In your stillness time your willingness and dedication is good. I would add that to peacefulness and a feeling of love makes for quite a sufficient meditation.
Lesson 16
VICTORIA: I appreciate your assistance this week as you have assisted me in reconnecting in the stillness time. I appreciate your sweetness as you have taught me about your slow pace. I knew it was you who had been teaching me when you mentioned the importance of the fact that you may think we are moving slow, however, we are moving perfectly. I have known this week greater love and greater peace than in my last 43 years and I thank you. Through that peace you mentioned that we are surgeons and in the stillness as we approach those who we are operating on its important that we do it slowly with the right precision using the right light. Am I correct in my assessment of the peace comes through that stillness. The tools come through our daily connection with our God-source? Our direction is truly given to us moment to moment in that time of stillness. I have found that its my greatest tool and greatest source of peace. Is this correct?
ABRAHAM: Absolutely. It is within the stillness that we are once again told who we are, children of God. We are reconnected with our source of origin. It is nutritional value to the soul. To take steps to nurture the soul is as important as caring for the health of the material body, perhaps more so. When all is good with the soul it has a rippling effect throughout the rest of the areas of living. You are correct. Yes, the stillness is a drink at the well of God connectedness. Are you still desiring a personal meeting? (Yes.) Very well. I am happy to meet with all of you again this week in your understanding to be God-like. Shalom
Lesson 17
I have taught on using love as a healing energy. And I say those skilled in this practice are indeed healed themselves. I can say that this practice is as natural as breathing. And I say that your desire to be in the will leads you to love. Over the years you have studied. You have put to use these lessons into your daily lives, but I say, that little time has been set aside for stillness practice. You know that this practice is quite short in comparison to other daily activities. It definitely aids in your use of love as a healing tool to take a moment to re-connect with that One who is so deeply in love with you, who knows you through and through. He asks that you take a moment to recharge your energy through stillness practice. Allow me to take a moment for us all to engage into a short meditation.
Relax, know that in this moment there is absolutely nothing pressuring you. You have been allowed this time by the Father, the One who holds your destiny in His hands. Know that your cares and worries lay at Father's feet. Father is aware of these worries that press upon you, that pull your attention from Him. Let them go. This time is between you and your Father. Know that there is not another being that exists who loves you with such depth. Know that Father is informing you about your divine responsibilities. He has placed these stepping stones for you.
Follow them. Feel that reconnection with Father. Feel that He knows His child and His child knows His will. This concludes our meditation.
The stillness is short and simple with very powerful benefits. To connect with Father is to make the most efficient use of your energy. You are less likely to become drained of this energy, less likely to experience moments of emptiness or hopelessness. To practice the stillness is to strengthen your faith to continuous higher levels. This practice is for you. It is one thing you can do to be assured that you are a loved and valued citizen of the Kingdom. Take a moment to re-charge. Open up to Father and His healing circuits. To maintain your energy and God-like countenance it is vital to practice each day. To practice is to balance all new information that may come from the universe helpers. You have learned much on love and energy.
I will be moving on in our morontial teachings. I still suggest that you keep in practice with love, the most significant proof that God is. Until next week, shalom.
Lesson 18
In the mansion world training schools it is taught that stillness becomes obsolete when constant communion becomes prevalent. In your training now we begin with stillness teaching, meditation. This is a beginning to constant communion with the Father of all fathers. Your stillness practice becomes so natural that conscious time setting is not necessary. The stillness is natural and is there without conscious thought.
Jesus, the young boy, unaware of His divine destiny, maintained an awareness of His Father in Heaven. Jesus endeavored to question the elders in His life on the truths of the scriptures only to be told that these are the laws in which we, your elders, live our lives. Jesus, the boy, respected His elders and yet within He was building His constant bond of communication with His Father, knowing that it was His only reliable source. During the times of disappointment Jesus, the boy, developed this bond with His Father knowing that all the answers He truly needed were at hand. As this bond of communication developed so did His trust in Father. Jesus began to see that His Father was unfailing, unlike His human associates. By the time Jesus was a man, this bond of communication was unbreakable. He relied upon this communication exclusively, and without fail, the answers were always forthcoming. Never did He waver in his faith reasoning with what His material eyes could see and what He knew to be true within His soul. Jesus, the man, found strength and endurance beyond any other human that has walked the earth and on the mansion worlds we are taught his strength and endurance came from His unbroken communion with His Father. Are there questions?
Lesson 19
We have discussed steps to take toward aligning your will with Father's. We know that in all your decisions it is quite wise to take a moment of stillness to commune with Father. We have discussed the importance of stepping aside to allow Father to express Himself and through His children, while being watchful of those spirit poisons that may hamper any spiritual progress
Lesson 20
TETRA: Are these guidelines for Miriam herself or is this kind of a general guideline that you are giving? I know lots of people that meditate for hours and it seems to really help them. They are in a really good place with that format. Can you speak a little about that and like Yogi's and others that meditate a lot and come to new awareness in their spiritual being?
ABRAHAM: Certainly. I suppose it is a general guideline for everyone. I am aware that the first few moments of stillness are the purest and most tangible connection with Father. This is where Father's energy is noticed. There have been many who meditate for long periods, and I understand that this serves them well in what perhaps they are seeking, but as for our Mission purpose it is not necessary. But for those it serves to spend hours in meditation is perfectly acceptable for them. In our morontial lessons there will come a time when meditation will be lengthened to serve the spiritual needs of an individual. The knowledge beyond this world is indescribable and lengthy meditations are practiced for universal understandings. Perhaps those individuals who have reached morontia levels are inspired to meditate for lengthy periods to attain these universal truths, but I would not recommend it as a general rule. This lengthy period of meditation is perhaps is the exception. Does this help? (Yes. Thank you.)
RACHEL: Well I'll tell you what Abraham, I am surely glad that you said that shorter period of time is good because if I tried to meditate for an hour I either be climbing the wall or I'd be snoring. I don't know which.
ABRAHAM: This is quite common and will be so as long as you possess your earthly frame. It is a wonderful notion however to imagine what the possibilities would be without the burden of the material body. Yes. (But right now a little dab will do me, huh?) Laughter. Yes indeed. Another question?
Lesson 21
In your mortal status there is always constant need to be aware that the ego is always looking to be fed. As you progress in your spiritual education you become more aware of the way of the ego. Jesus many times was confronted with His human heart and knew the desires, longings, pain, despair, that each mortal must experience. I do say this is part the reason for my instruction to find rest and seek present moment awareness, perhaps through stillness practice or prayer. It is always possible to sway the human side towards your more divine side, and this is what I speak of when I talk about not being fearful of the hard truths and facing them with courage. When there is fear or fatigue there is tendency to distort Father's messages. Without prayer, stillness practice, there can occur an imbalance of your human will over-controlling the divine will. My recommendation in what you speak of is to perhaps retreat a few moments for a time of prayer or balance within your present moment awareness. In the praying there is a question and a willingness to be submissive to Father's will.
Lesson 22
Q: About two years ago I went on my own. I was either prompted or I had a need to do this. I broke off from the group, but not really. I spent almost three years studying, attending the meetings, a lot of prayer, a lot of stillness time, and one night I was in the stillness and I felt an urge that I needed to move along. So I took that as it is time to go out and try your wings. These past two years I have been doing that. I have experienced a lot of ups and downs. There has been times when I have been unable to, and currently I am unable to, and I don't know why, when I go into the stillness or into prayer my mind-it is like I get shut off. I cannot get into a deep stillness or deep prayer. I can do a surface prayer or a surface stillness, but to become one with my inner self and with Father, I am unable to do that. So my question is--I need to find that source again. I need to find a way to have that peace of mind I used to have. I don't know if I am using the right words here, but to find a path in to where I can go back in the stillness, and I don't know if I was shut off deliberately, or intentionally, or I am to do my own thing for awhile more or what. So that is my question.
ABRAHAM: Understood. In your first attempts at stillness there was quite a noticeable difference. Yes? (Yes.) In your spiritual maturing this difference becomes normal, not as extreme, but more consistent, almost as if it has always been there. Your spiritual balancing is affecting all areas of your life, in that you look for Father's guidance regularly, and it is not so intensely concentrated on, no. It is becoming common. Know your spiritual connection is as it always was. The degrees are maturing, and with all new knowledge, there is new goals to reach. The striving is almost eternal. You can reach a spiritual level successfully and feel that joy, and the next day feel a whole new goal in front of you that is seemingly unreachable. This is with your stillness. It is becoming a constant in all areas of your life. Your diligent searching for Father's fingerprints will help you to feel the love and comfort and connection again. You have done well in your search. There is to be no regrets. As you have said, your inner feelings drew you to a certain goal. This is right. Your spiritual lessons are between you and Father. Our Teaching Mission is to assist, but never to replace Father and His intimate contact with His children. You are experiencing a turning of a page that in, that book that is your life, it is in the turning you see many letters, words, but there is no understanding at that point until the page is fully turned, and you can begin again. Yes, always is there striving.
Lesson 23
(Abraham Aug. 26, 1997-using *stillness* to defuse anger)
Your internal Father is the great diffuser of anger where He can turn it to productive energy, instead of negative release. In your efforts to steer towards the divine through various avenues, therein awaits your Father to enfold your anger, and remove its sting. To go into immediate stillness during anger is practically impossible. To lay out your anger for Father to view is to inspect your anger through His eyes. Conference, yes, to confer with your Father, whether it is through private emotional out-bursting is of great benefit for viewing for what Father is viewing concerning your anger. Conferencing with Father in the midst of Michael's hard truths will aid in diffusing the negative energy of anger.
Father is all too knowing that His child is not about to sing eloquent praises to Him during anger, or well thought out prayer, no. Father is always available for you to thrust your anger before Him. Allow Him the opportunity to remove the sting, and understand the violation in which this anger stems. It is an excellent idea to lay out any difficulty before Father, but especially when in the midst of over-controlling anger.
Lesson 24
those from on High would not purposively encumber your physical well-being to make a point, no, rather, over-stimulation of material things would chance to draw your energy from you. Your constant needed attention on various material events drains you of your needed energy to put a divine twist in all you do. We have endeavored to show the value of stillness practice, or meditation, to regain that lost energy, to bring back the focus on those things that really matter. You are due to take some personal time to be alone, mind to mind with your personal Father, Indwelling Father, yes. It is difficult in this world where peace does not seem to exist, but I can only emphasize that through every individual is how peace will begin to dominate over chaos.
Lesson 25
Your Father is in full understanding of your needs, and attempts to see that they are fulfilled in 'His time,' in 'His time' being your experience, your attainment of spiritual understanding. This week I would ask that you attempt to feel the actual presence of your Indwelling Father, perhaps attempt to distinguish Michael's presence during your human trials. Attempt to notice the difference between my presence and Father's presence, my energy and Father's energy. I mean for you to become better acquainted with your recognition of Father and His divine energy.
In your moments of holding back self-pity, or overmuch self-analysis, casts your net to the spiritual side of the boat, if that means through stillness, reading, study, creativity, discussion with another, then so be it. I would ask that you take a step away from your knowledge toward your Father's knowledge. Continue to journal, and begin to understand the spiritual equations set before you.
Lesson 26
(Abraham Nov. 18, 1997-distinction between *stillness* and worship)
CALVIN: It seems like I should have more of a refreshment, but when I go into the stillness--I think that is what you're trying to teach us now--is to find more refreshment with the Father through worship, and so on. But I get so sleepy when I try to stop and pause. The most worship I can do, or most appreciation, is when driving, or after hearing a beautiful song, or seeing a good point in a movie, or something, being so awesome-filled. Any suggestions to me personally to help?
ABRAHAM: Yes. The stillness is separate from worship. The song or a beautiful mountain scene can bring about worship. The stillness is more of you listening for Father. Worship is you giving to Father. Being small so you can truly feel His presence. Worship is a wonderful way to better know the Father's good attributes, to have a personal relationship, yes. Stillness can always be improved upon, and many will find various techniques, but worship is just natural and overflowing. Worship is gratitude for everything, through your difficult times and your joy-filled times. A certain worshipful energy is always helpful in making one who desires to be self-forgetful be self-forgetful. Does this answer?(Yes. Very good distinction between the two. Thanks.)
Lesson 27
I can say to you it is entirely within the will of our Father to drink from the well of His peace and comfort. Our lessons are not to meet any time frame, no. Our lessons are to be taken in as the recipient is prepared to receive. Moments of stillness increase your capacity to receive those things Father has for you. We are assisting you in building your foundation of faith, bringing to you hope and encouragement.
Lesson 28
(Abraham Mar. 16, 1998-stillness to help avoid impatience)
More often than not do believers seek immediate answers to their questions and are burdened with anxiety and impatience. It seems to be more simple to pull out any quick and immediate answers that are available instead of taking time to pause. Your pausing is a prayer of sorts asking Father to intervene. Your stillness time could be considered as a pause. Your willingness to be patient is a pause. The rush for immediate answers can set up barriers that would deter you from more correct answers.
Lesson 29
Q: Yes. Are we at a spiritual level now, or in the near future, where we will be able to consciously make the choice of not existing, or moving on toward fusing with our Thought Adjuster? And could you give us some help with some way or path that we can communicate better with our Thought Adjuster so we can gain a better co-existence with Him?
ABRAHAM: These concepts are in the text, but I can say this that yes, there is a choice each one must make to choose survival, or not. Upon death or shortly thereafter, all understanding is given to the one who would make the survival choice. All life experience is understood and it is easier to make a decision from this broadened perspective. Meditation or the stillness is your best exercise for Thought Adjuster connection. A humble heart, one who is allowing for Father's answers instead of their own, makes for a strengthened bond between you and your Father.
Stillness practice in combination with a good balance of humility is good to start with, and time passing, the connection is more constant. Does this answer?
Lesson 30
(Abraham May 18, 1998)
Q: Abraham, her question kind of brings to mind something I am wondering. In the morning when I practice stillness it takes a while to calm the thoughts, calm the chatter and then the worship and praying. Then I get kind of still, and if I am going to receive anything or going to journal or whatever, there is that process. Then in the afternoon when I meditate, and I do so with a tape or something, I know I don't "go to sleep" because as soon as the tape is over I wake up feeling rested. My question is this, if you are asking to receive the most beautiful perfect light or anything that you need or whatever, do you get it in both experiences? So like in the afternoon when I am meditating with the tape, and I am not conscious of where I go, am I still getting something? Are they different experiences or the same?
ABRAHAM: Yes and no. I would say your morning stillness practice is more of a superconscious connectedness, and your afternoon session is fertile ground for deep mind training, yet not so much a conscious awareness. It has been quite difficult for the Urantia mortal to allow for this higher minded cosmic teaching, for most mortals carry far too many worries and fears, which when relaxed, tends to all come together in a jumbled mess which is a release, so to speak, for all this negative input. We have been fortunate as co-workers in this Teaching Mission to have access to mortals who are trusting and open more than they are subject to fear, despair and anxiety; so when asleep or in deep meditation there has been opportunity for cosmic enhancements. I would add that in your more awake stillness practice you are able to converse willfully and especially to worship. This is the desired method, yet Father uses all opportunity to enhance His child's awareness and challenge His! child to reach out for divine assistance. Does this help?
Q: Yes it does. In just becoming more trusting and knowing of our Divine Parents and trusting and knowing this process more, the stillness practice, is the ability to converse more like getting to know, that knowingness when you are following your guidance from Thought Adjuster?
ABRAHAM: Yes Miriam. To converse with Father one on one is allowing for His thoughts to lead and teach. To expect verbal English words is not necessary, but more so an ever increasing understanding of His will, which is presented, in my experience, more so in ideals, [he is saying word packages], not so much word for word, using the mortal language. Higher mindedness is enhanced Father communication, and yes, the more you practice the more trusting you become of Father's abilities to reach His child. Having said this, I would state that in this present mortal condition, stage, [I am saying this wrong] at our present state we will hear more word for word thought patterns. There is ample time for enhanced communication beyond your present mindal pattern, and I speak generally, not particularly to anyone person. Remember, Father presence is Thought Adjuster presence. My communication is by way of technique with your Thought Adjusters. Is this helping?
Lesson 31
(Abraham June 15, 1998)
Q: For the past little while I have been busy working on the Conference stuff. I haven't had time to practice stillness in the morning. In trying to do these exercises of asking, you know, stopping and asking for Father's will and guidance in day by day matters, especially with the Conference, is this like a different process? You know like there for awhile we were hanging with Michael and Mother, and like you know, we were just dwelling with them as our Divine Parents. This pausing and asking Father for guidance feels a little bit different. So my question is, is it in essence trying to get in touch with, getting comfortable with, and knowing your Father Fragment, this process of pausing and asking what would Father have me do . .. I have sort of felt off balance because of a need to do the stillness, but on the other hand, the practicing this Father's will thing keeps me in line throughout the day and I don't get too crazy. Does that all make sense? What do you think ab!out that and how am I doing?
ABRAHAM: Yes, these exercises are to help improve Thought Adjuster communication and be more prepared to receive immediate answers. These exercises are helping to enlarge your capacity to receive the Divine Word, but also do I use Christ's life as an example to keep you in touch with the human side of God or the God of humanity. And I do believe you, Miriam my daughter, as you gaze into your gardens are you filled with a quiet stillness and deep appreciation of Father, which is really quite touching and very soothing to the soul. Your appreciation of Father's works in the world are in themselves somewhat of a meditation and at times more progressive than a indoor mediation. Are you understanding? (Yes Abraham. Thank you very much.)
Lesson 32
In your discoveries of the internal time clock do you also discover that space falls within this category and interconnects with time. Space to you now is before your eyes or things only scientists speak of. You will also receive understanding to the definition of the Universal space... space in an inward sense.
During times of stillness, the lines of your surroundings becomes erased. A good stillness practice feels there are not borders between you and the unseen worlds; there are not borders between you and the other spiritual beings; there are not limitations to the Divine Love to be gained.
Stillness practice broadens your concept of space to allow you literal and tangible feelings of real closeness with Father and all He has to offer. As you study these morontial possibilities, time and space are the beginning lessons, but, without them - we could not move onto further understanding--other realities, yes.
During the Master's most memorable events on Urantia, were possibilities due to his broadened vision of feeling at one with Father and His divine possibilities. Jesus' ventures into the hills of Galilee to gain quiet time did more than just give comfort and clarity of mind, it had also erased the limitations that living in a mortal body brings.
As a child, we are wide-eyed and expectant of the magic of mortal living. As time goes on, the material realities can get the better of us and our creative imagination. The world becomes harsh, you find the world your competitor and always with the desire to be first - to go before your fellows. A spiritual awakening does alleviate your desires to be first, but the material limitations linger without stillness practice.
Stillness practice erases the lines of time and space allowing Father to direct the affairs in the manner He sees fit. The erasing of the lines of the time and space allow for more spiritual substances to grace your lives. The Master could move forward with confidence in everything He did having understood Father's abilities. This understanding came through meditation and His dedication to living out this mortal life--good or bad.
Again, I ask that you practice stillness and be prepared for the lines of time and space to be erased to allow for a stronger foundation of faith and an increase in the belief that the spiritual world is at hand. The possibilities are endless.
Lesson 33
(Abraham March 21, 1999) (different version?)
Erasing the lines of time and space allow you closeness with those on High, and in a manner, of giving permission for them to correct. The first few mansion worlds are about correction, allowing the old to die and fade, making room for the new. Regrets individuals have had that they have felt soulfully scarred by will be addressed. Certain corrections will be placed before you to allow you participation in your own correction.
Stillness or quiet time is extremely important at this time to maintain closeness with Father and His divine Helpers. This is put before you in love and assistance, not in a manner of judgment or to guiltfully coerce you toward things spiritual. Morontia possibilities are also about freedom, spiritual freedom, personal freedom, freedom to be accepting of the unique individual God had intended you to be. To allow correction is to finally accept that you are loved and carefully guided and watched over.
To feel a divine correction is to be held in Father’s palm, and gazed upon with such love and understanding, there is not need for self-degradation or a reason to self-loath. Correction begins with the individual and certainly the effects are felt beyond this solar system. Be not afraid of my words. This is customary in our morontial teachings. Many of you have already experienced the purging of the old to allow for the new. Look for these corrections with a sense of adventure and know that you are indeed on your morontia way.
Lesson 34
(Abraham May 16, 1999)
You cannot suddenly approach your friend and say, “I read you are feeling this way or that, let me assist you,” no. However, you can ask them questions and make eye contact; announce to them your availability to be there for them, and really listen. You can perhaps receive their thoughts, and in your stillness mind, immediately know the correct words to say without creating much fanfare.
You have been assigned to practice the stillness lo these many years, and now we bring our stillness mind into daily living situations. A stillness mind-set is direct connection with the Father Fragment and universe circuits. You need only to find the courage to trust in our Father and be willing to practice. You will see improvement with practice, and do not wonder why your fellows seek you out, yes.
This week practice thought receiving, and in the stillness mind-set, know that your ministering words are there for them, yes. Next week I should speak more on this and also the art of thought sending--yes, all part of your morontial training.
Lesson 35
(Abraham May 23, 1999)
It is entirely possible to send thoughts to individuals you wish to protect or make them aware. A father who continually warns his child of specific dangers finds his child to hear his admonitions only on a surface level. This is well and good, but to use your stillness-mind to send helpful thought connects your God Fragment with theirs. The understanding is on a soul level.
A person without spiritual values can indeed receive your personal thought blessings and literally become better, or at least more conscious of their wrong-doing. These morontia senses make it difficult for things false to prevail. Your inner-knowingness makes it difficult to stay closed off and hidden from the world. The Spirit of Truth is in full force, and these morontial senses are His contact points in which He uses to unify the citizens and teach collectively.
Be aware this week of what your thoughts are manifesting in your lives. Be aware of your thoughts helping or harming others. Continue to practice finding the stillness-mind in all your daily activities, yes.
Lesson 36
(Abraham June 6, 1999)
Q: Yes Abraham, on the discussion of these lessons, philosophies, meanings and values, I think that is probably the first point you want--then do you also want us to see if we can grasp the morontia mota that ties to those? I view that mota as being a quite a bit higher concept than what we might see in our mortal view of meanings and values. Does that make sense?
ABRAHAM: In a manner, yes. Meanings and values -- mota -- are basically within the same definition. Yes, to grasp the higher concepts, there need be comfort and relaxation to make use of the stillness mind. There is a natural flow of time to allow each individual to receive as they are capable, yes. Learning is on an individual level, yes, but also on a group and cosmic circuit connection, yes. Another question?
Q: Abraham, I haven’t been practicing stillness much. I used to a whole bunch. The last little while I haven’t. When stuff happens I still seem to be able to hang out in that stillness mind. For example--like when our transmission blew on the way down to New Mexico. It almost feels like I am sneaking by. Is that possible?
ABRAHAM: I understand. The point of stillness practice is to have constant connection with your Father Adjuster at all times. There is not sneaking by, no. There is a natural comfort knowing the fact that Father is there at every moment, not just during meditation, yes. You do well. You also can literally feel when the need for stillness practice arises. Yes. One more question.
Q: Abraham, do you still use your stillness mind as you did on Urantia?
ABRAHAM: My stillness mind has become a part, and I am now unable to distinguish the difference. I have been away from the flesh, which aids me in that mindal integration. Old things have faded away and all things have become new--as you will also see. The stillness mind to you in the future will become natural and not referred to as the ‘stillness mind,’ but just as the mind--a gift from our Mother, yes.
Lesson 37
(Abraham June 20, 1999)
Your acknowledgment that you cannot live a well-balanced life without spirituality is indeed an exercise in humility. Making oneself small to promote Father or teacher assistance is quite an asset. I have been present with numerous individuals/students that are overcome with the excitement or novelty of transmitting -- so much sow they have been unsuccessful and discouraged.
As you have pointed out, the stillness mind is valuable in opening oneself to universal possibilities. A serene mind is a fertile field for divine realities. You can have tremendous desires to transmit, and yet, intentions are what sets the tone for accuracy, yes.
Your discussion has touched on most of those morontia values we all need to learn, but I can say that aside from successful communication with Father, that service to one's fellows would be deemed important, highly important. Your skills in transmitting are put to the test when in the act of service to a troubled friend.
Lesson 38
(Abraham July 11, 1999-Using the stillness mind)
Logging into your stillness mind while functioning in every day tasks allows you knowledge that you would not commonly have. Stress, anxiety, despair or any spirit poisons would make it difficult to be within the stillness mind.
The use of the morontia gift of inner knowing will be a great healer to Urantia, where Urantian’s can have a more complete picture of one another, and where there is more understanding of one another, there is more love, yes. Being able to sense certain aspects of your fellows you can have the right questions to ask them, to draw them out, to lead them to make contact with their Indwelling Father, yes.
Father has his overall plan mapped out. The Son has His orders on how to follow through with His plan. The vast hosts of Heaven have committed themselves to carrying through with the orders to make the plan a success, but I say your part you play in this overall scheme of Father's is far more difficult than we, the unseen helpers, have.
Lesson 39
(Abraham June 25, 1999)
With material obstructions and earthly pressures there is a block created between you and your morontial senses. It is difficult to use the stillness mind in solving everyday problems when your burden is heavy and causing confusion. With stillness and the Master’s methods to relieving pressure should clear away the clouded thinking to participate in the morontial gifts you have been granted, yes. To participate in the divine plan calls for a mind at ease, a feeling of spiritual confidence and a willingness to choose always the divine will, yes.
Lesson 40
In the midst of your difficulties, what can you do to repel the spirit poisons, like self-pity, anger, or depression from setting in? Certainly worship and prayer are extremely helpful. Stillness time is a wonderful asset of course, yes. To be observant though refrains you from acting out--using those spirit poisons. Being watchful, as if you were beside yourself, is a benefit that the Master used quite often.
Jesus when confronted with adversity did not scream out in panic or make foolish and rash decisions, no. He stopped and consulted with Father--what is the meaning of this? How can I endure through this? It is difficult I know to be patient in these trials, but to act upon feelings of anxiety only draws you closer to those spirit poisons.
Lesson 41
CALVIN: Abraham, what could I do during--I know I could take more stillness time, I think that is for sure, but any tips you can give me for further contact with Father and even with Father's love, cause I think that is the point I need to find most for strength to let go of this and to have more trust and faith.
ABRAHAM: You do well and need not worry about Father closeness. It occurs in all aspects of your daily living. To ponder upon being within the stillness mind would do you well. Using the stillness mind when speaking with your acquaintances can lead you to see Father in action. Adversity is a route in which we can know our Father better. The more we know Him the closer we are, the more we love Him, yes. To ride the tide of adversity is a cleansing of the soul, cleansing from spirit poisons, a clearing of prejudice or preconceived notions allowing for Father to guide, comfort and be known as a constant presence. Yes. That is all. Another
Lesson 42
Once I had learned of the divine nature I had to create a change of life. I fed myself with things spiritual. I studied. I meditated. I gave freely of my time to Godly causes. All this promoted a great closeness with Father. It was an avenue to the utilization of the spiritual fruits.
Can one indulge in negative activity and then wonder where their divine connection has gone? Can we be slothful in our studies and ask why we have become imbalanced? It is clear, you must utilize your human resources. You are the producer of things positive or negative. I know as well as anyone days spent among the negativity of the world can have a harsh effect on you. You see why you need a daily regimen of spiritual intake?
What do you embrace into your life? Is your focus on money or fame? Are you always with that feeling of lack--that no matter how hard you try you are never filled? What a cycle of imbalance! My friends, we cannot go day to day without spiritual intake and then wonder where is God? Why am I so alone? Why is my pain unbearable?
You each have your own spiritual recipe for daily living. What keeps you connected? What keeps you from spiritual loneliness? Does beautiful music belong in your recipe? Does that help you to feel connected? Does this manifest anything good in your life and the lives of those you know? Does artistic abilities connect you to that spiritual world where you know without a doubt that all is well. From such feelings of balance how can you not be divinely connected? How can you not produce spiritual fruits?
The mind is an empty domain in which you can seek to decorate it with things that promote spiritual light or things that bring about darkness. Would a moment of stillness calm the chaotic domain? Would the calmness bring balance? Of course. Is balance the minds goal? Of course. What would you like to change about your behavior patterns? Begin by searching what is in your mindal abode. What can you be free from that brings clutter and confusion? What can you do to promote a beautifully light atmosphere?
You are the architect and what you build matters. Mortals all too often forget that they, figuratively speaking, house the Father Fragment. Is His place in which He lives and works from balanced, organized and positive? You do have a responsibility to your personal Father Fragments. What lives in the minds domain with your Father? Does He struggle to reach you or is He teaching lessons through peace and joy?
I am happy to have realized in my mortal life that I had some control in how my divine career proceeded. Father proved to be a wonderful helpmate to me, and laid out plainly for me to see what I was lacking in my spiritual diet. I know that the mind is the beginning of many things. It is where you live, work and play. It is where you comprehend God. Mental stability is so important in your spiritual education.
This week ponder upon what is in your mindal domain. How are these things manifested? What is the recipe for your own personal spiritual life? What are the levels of closeness you wish to know your Father on?
That is all. I take my leave. I would convey to you our love and my gratitude for your acceptance. Abraham will be with you again next week. Farewell.
Lesson 43
The stillness is ideal for energy recharge to tackle these mortal experiences. A time in quiet reflection is aligning your will with Father's, an alignment is peace in mind and heart. A complete trust in Father is relaxing that part of you which worries that you are not keeping up.
Lesson 44
SIMON: Abraham, I had a dream last night about the Heavenly Hosts and a little something about the difference between seraphim and how they seem to enlighten my mind. I am very grateful for these things. I wonder if you have any comments along those lines of dealing with my dreams.
ABRAHAM: Certainly. Dreams are a vague area of spiritual realities. You can know of their value by the fruit they produce. Should this dream lead to assistance to your daily living, then by all means reflect upon it often. Seraphim can aid in the stillness state more than a subconscious dreaming state. The fact that you are dreaming of them shows the faith you have that they are a working reality in your life. To have such faith is to get to know them better.
Lesson 45
(Abraham Nov. 6, 2000) (doesn't match?)
Q: I’m trying to integrate George’s ideas of the ‘construct’ with my current practice of stillness. Both seem necessary and lead to the same place. I find the ‘construct’ is very helpful on helping me eliminate my analytical mind from my Stillness practice. Yet, elements of stillness seem--of the steps that I have been given to conduct stillness--seem very important. So should I alternate the use of both? Or somehow try and find a way to combine the two together in a personal practice?
ABRAHAM: I can say, there is really no one way for everyone. You may experiment, and then choose what is best for you. The idea of the ‘construct’ is a wonderful way to take the steps into stillness, but we have to keep in the forefront of our minds the overall reason we practice stillness. That is, our contact with Father - the realization that he is in us and we in him. It as an exchange of divine love and knowledge. You and your Parent Adjuster may want to practice several different ways, but the practice is good mindal discipline to keep your focus on the spirit realm and off of the daily grind. Yes.
Lesson 46
(Abraham May 14, 2002)
I have noticed that many have neglected to feed the Spirit, the element that makes you a distinct child of the living God. It is understandable that life is busy and there are many mortal tasks to complete. There are many goals to achieve that makes you successful in the world's eyes. When one has neglected the Spirit the balanced compassion for self leans toward self-loathing, self-disappointment, losing confidence, yes.
A few moments a day in quiet reflection, or observing the wonders of nature, gives one mindal clarity. A small amount of time lost in the beauty of music brings one to a spiritually centered point. An awareness of Father's works, leading to a moment of supreme gratitude, connects you to those spiritual circuits you need to have balanced self-compassion, in that you forget not to care for the body, mind and soul.
How easy it is to neglect the physical needs, which in the mortal life can disrupt other areas such as mental and emotional. Poor habits or diet can lead to imbalance and that disrupts the mind and distorts the perspective. How much time is spent in unproductive stimulation of the mind? In this age of technology it is easy to get carried away with external stimulation, mindless entertainment.
All is required for balanced mindal clarity is a few moments a day in the silence. There is much more to gain in stillness than in the midst of chaos and over-stimulation. Reversion or entertainment is wonderful and you should find a healthy balance for that, yes, no doubt. Remember to feed the Spirit as well. Remember to allow yourself the gift of a few moments with the First Source and Center. He brings you back to a center of balance and realness where there is not room for fears or imaginings or doubts or hopelessness.
Lesson 47
Q: Abraham, as we go about our days how do we stay more open to direct communication with our Thought Adjuster?
ABRAHAM: There is so much outside stimulation that draws your attention away from the Spirit. When you do not exercise certain muscles they are prone to atrophy--even spiritual muscles. Study, stillness and fellowship are wonderful antidotes to overwhelming mortal daily realness. It takes commitment though to the Spirit--either you are in or out, committed or not. The half-way commitment is too difficult. You have promised your life to divine ways, and then knowingly go about doing the opposite, then certainly are you going to be closed off to the Father. You become disappointed in self and also believe Father is thinking the same way, and your feelings of unworthiness pull you farther away. Everyone makes mistakes--certainly. Yes, there are moments of weakness, no doubt, but in the realization of your true intentions, you know if you have knowingly gone against the Spirit or not. You are not then prone to feel closed off and away from God if you believe you have only made a simple mistake. Yes, commitment to a life to the Spirit, live what you believe, mistakes, yes, certainly acceptable. Knowingly to go against that divine promise is closing off. Good question, my son.
Lesson 48
(Abraham June 25, 2001)
We are straying off the lesson of overcoming obstacles in the Brotherhood a bit, but when you think about it, if you feel so unworthy how can you possibly be connected in the family of God? Living the mortal life naturally, instinctively, draws out those imperfections within that need attention. This is shown to you to give you drive towards greater things, not discouragement and feelings of unworthiness.
When one feels so unworthy, inadequate and alone, one is likely to neglect themselves, spiritually and physically. It is difficult to draw upon spiritual power when you feel physically ill. Do you see the mental or emotional focus causes physical effects that complicates everything and really takes away the joy of mortal living.
Always do we recommend you to stay connected to the Spirit through stillness practice and prayer. This is a natural antidote to animal tendencies. When faced with stressful events use your words to describe how you are really feeling. Do not assume anything without asking questions and attempting to view the overall difficulty. A little understanding can diffuse any stressful situation practically.
Lesson 49
JOHN: Abraham, I definitely relate to what you were saying in the lesson about parts of your life where you want to include Father and there are other parts where you exclude or even just forget about His existence. I guess my question is--maybe besides the stillness, how do we get to a place where we can go ahead and allow Father into those places that we are not so proud of or feel worthy of?
ABRAHAM: You know you are not perfect and are in a state of becoming. Certainly Father knows that. That is indeed part of His plan. What other mortals may deem shameful, Father sees these things as opportunities to become closer with you. He know you at your very worst and He does not love you any less, no. Once you have committed to bring Father even into your darkest areas, the levels of shame fades away and your co-creating partnership with Father excels. Many individuals cannot seem to overcome their past mistakes, and their guilt is a barricade to God. The ego loathes to see its own mistakes and seeks to cover them up with excuses, but the divine seeks Father's guidance on how to correct or to find a better way. Yes, stillness is good. That keeps a close communion with Father, but real honesty with yourself and Father takes you to a new level of taking action towards really putting the divine way to work, yes. Father is not about atoning or even redeeming after deeds are done. He desires to be brought into every situation beforehand as if He was a partner in all your decision making. Good question.
Lesson 50
As I think back to my life in the flesh, I wish I had more courageously faced those mortal inevitabilities. I wish I would have felt every aspect of emotion, instead of protecting myself. To know the fulfillment of a quenched thirst, you must travel through the desert. To have real spiritual joy, you must define your mortal experiences through a spiritual perspective.
Just as we had difficulty in beginning our lesson this evening, it is all the more difficult to be in touch with that Father-fragment when you are in a state of self-guarding or preoccupied with trivial things. Stillness practice is keeping those lines of communication open. Without this practice it becomes somewhat difficult to be spirit led. A few moments of silence every day increases trust in Father and you feel protected; you feel watched over and cared for. You need not build your own wall of protection that keeps away pain, as well as happiness.
