Today, I just want to say “Thank you world!”

You see, in the last 7 days I have had not just one, not just two, but THREE items on my bucket list become real! So, yes, this is going to be a LONG post.

I am still on cloud nine, so let me catch my breath and recap what these bucket list items are.

1. I started helping people by giving them insights into their spiritual journey, and life in general. This has been a dream of mine for decades. The first step was to teach a series of classes on “Evolving from Religion to Spirituality: the Journey of the Soul,” which was an outstanding success! My first class was on Dec 9th – which is now a highlighted date in my journal. To think I can do something based on my knowledge, skills, and interests and help others at the same time is my definition of utopia. I started an inspirational blog (Of Mind and Spirit, ), am working on future classes in 2012, and have been offered an opportunity to teach my class at Duke! The students seem to enjoy the class and the insights, and I certainly am having a blast teaching it!!
   

   
   It was as if all those years being in over 22 religions (yes, you read that right), all that study, time in Toastmasters, prayer, etc. came together in one magical moment. I am getting to know many new and wonderful people as part of this experience. Even better, I have been blessed with being gainfully employed at a job with flexible hours which enables me to teach. I am VERY thankful for that, though sometimes it is hard juggling a pretty much full time job, teaching, and a family. But right now, life is truly good.
   

   
   My coach said this is a ‘set point’ for me – a bar that sets a level of success that I always can refer to. I guess that is how Donald Trump feels even when he is dirt broke, like a lot of Americans. He knows he has made billions in the past, and he knows that he can do it again. While I don’t have that kind of set point (yet), it is truly a marvelous feeling. I have gotten quite a lot of people telling me I should be writing a (or maybe a few) books on what I am teaching, and that is definitely in the plans for the future.. For now, I am focusing on giving the best classes I can to my students to give them as many powerful insights that I can to help them on their journey. That’s a pretty cool feeling!

2. As many of you know, I have been playing guitar for almost (gasp!) 50 years! As most artists, I have been searching for the elusive “perfect” guitar for me. I have lost track of the countless guitars I have tried, bought, modified, all with some – though limited- success. The week before teaching my first class I found “it.” THE perfect guitar for me. It was at a local music store. I didn’t have the money to get it, so I worked some extra hours to have enough to purchase it. The day after teaching my first class, I had JUST enough to get the guitar! I rushed to the store and picked it up – it was as if it was just waiting for me to grab it! I still can’t believe that I have it in my possession. If you play any instrument at all, then you know how personal an instrument is. And if you know anything about B.B. King, I just may have found my “Lucille.” Totally freaking awesome! Next stop is to form/join a band in 2012!
3. I always wanted to do SOMETHING with film or stage. Though my daughter has been in plays since the age of 3, somehow there never was an opportunity that got me interested to help behind the scenes. Not sure why, but anyhow this weekend (yup, that starts today), she is in a play at Duke theater and the person who ran the lights couldn’t do it! So, yes, yours truly will be working the lights at the production of the Nutcracker and Alice in Wonderland this weekend. When it is time to turn down the house lights, that will be me doing it. Honestly, how cool is that?

So much has happened in so short a time (7 days!), I am almost speechless. 9 months ago I lost my job, my house and wasn’t sure what was going to happen to me. And now all of this. It really is almost overwhelming.

When look back at all of this, I realize there were certain techniques I used that I believe helped accomplish the above. I no longer believe in coincidences. People have told me that I should be writing a book on how I accomplished of this as well. Mebbe. But I did want to share some ‘big bullets’ on what I believe allowed all of the above to happen.

1. Have faith that everything WILL turn out for the best.. and even better than you can hope. This is extremely hard when things seem to be going the worst in your life, but I do feel this attitude –especially during dark times – is a catalyst for major change.
2. Let go of any preconceived expectations of outcomes. I focused on the process, not the results. This allowed me to enjoy what I was doing , and what happened as a result was not that important. That change in perspective had an incredible impact for me.
3. Take action. This was actually the hardest part for me. Dreaming, vision board, affirmative prayers, meditation, reading, thinking.. all of that means nothing (in my humble opinion) unless you take any action. (that’s why I really dislike “The secret”. I really think they missed some real critical components to getting what you want in life.. But I digress). Actually putting myself “out there” was one of the hardest things I have ever done. What I found out is that there are a LOT of people in the world who really enjoy helping others achieve their goals! I was FLOORED at all the people that helped me get these classes started! If you want to believe that life is ‘out to get you,” then that is also what you will find. For me, I’d rather believe that life is ‘out to help you” and I find that true as well. Matter of perspective.

For many this is a time of year that is a time of reflection. I will be adding another post before the new year to recap all the incredible things that have happened in the last 12 months. For now, I would like to say that looking back I can see the thousands of people that have influenced my life that all helped –albeit in different and sometimes subtle ways – me where I am today. I have reconnected with old friends (hi, Bill!), and made too many new ones to count. But if you have known me (or even just met me once), then you are part of the growing family of people that I am grateful for coming into my life.

Sorry for the long winded note, but I wanted to share the truly good news as to what has been happening to me. And maybe, just maybe, this note can spark a kindle of hope in your heart if you are where I was 9 months ago.

And now, it’s showtime!!

Peace, Love and Light!
Steve

As I am preparing for our AWESOME EDUCATION, I am following with alternate fascination and disgust of this whole “occupy Wall Street” movement.

Everything seems to be based around people are angry about losing their jobs.

Ok, Steve. Hold on.

What the HECK does THAT have ANYTHING to do with our spiritual progression?

Oh, my dear fried, it has EVERYTHING to do with it!

The current environment of our generation seems to be focusing on job insecurity.

Fear of losing your job.
through cutbacks.
Downsizing.
Resource minimalization. (is that even a word?)
Etc.

But WHY are we concerned about losing our jobs?

Seriously.

Why?

Employers hire people because of the value they bring to their company, and are paid on the basis that they bring in MORE value than they cost the company.

Self-employed people get paid because of the value they bring to the marketplace, and are paid on the basis that they give their clients MORE value than they charge.

Doesn’t this mean that we really live in fear of not being valuable enough?

Of people not wanting what we have to offer?

Now, take a deep breath.

I honestly believe that the REAL source of our frustration is that…

we are not doing what we were meant to do!

Honestly, if someone was doing what they were put here on earth for, do you really think it’s even POSSIBLE for that person to “lose their job?”

Think of it this way.

Would God (as however you define that term) fire you for doing why God gave you life in the first place?

Would the Universe reject someone who was fulfilling their destiny?

You get the picture.

Your value, so to speak, is your very essence.

Nobody brings the same gifts to the world as you do.

Nobody can be YOU like you can!!

Once you are ALIGNED WITH YOUR SOUL’s PURPOSE, you CAN NEVER LOSE YOUR JOB!!!

Your LIFE is your job!!

Or, at least should be.

So all this unemployment is really tremendous physical evidence that majority of us are simply not doing what we were designed to be doing!

Now I speak as someone who was laid off and unemployed for many months.

So I am talking from experience and not someone just blowing smoke.

But I had to be honest with myself.

Why did I really lose my job?

Oh, sure, I could blame it on the company..

on the economy.

on the immigrants.

on outsourcing.

The list of things and people to blame are endless.

I now believe that I just wasn’t giving enough value to compensate for the money they were paying me.

Or perhaps, more profoundly, I simply wasn’t doing what I was meant to do.

If my soul is not aligned, if I am not fulfilling my destiny, then I will simply be looking for (and hoping to get) “jobs” that pays the bills.

And we simply cannot be guaranteed of any employment in that arrangement.

Working like that, getting money, paying bill, is fine.

Even necessary at times.

And if we want TRUE job security, then we have to understand ourselves.

And get in touch with that.

When we do, we will find we don’t have “jobs” anymore, but true “careers”.

We will be filling our vocation in life,

enjoying every minute of it.

living our life’s purpose,

and never have to worry about being “laid off.”

We will be helping too many people and having too much fun to even worry about such a silly concept.

Imagine the Divine Source of the Universe “laying off” someone who is fulfilling their life’s purpose, and helping the universe grow!

Now THAT is funny.

If you are working, then ask yourself….

Are you in a “job” paying bills, or are you in a career you were meant to be in?

I think you will find the answer very illuminating.

Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water!!

Sheesh! What a strange expression!

You probably have heard (or even have used) this weird saying.

It normally means “to throw out the good with the bad.”

But the origin of this expression is VERY strange.

Back in the middle ages, people rarely took baths.

Once a week was IT.

If even that!

It truly was not only the dark ages, but the stinky ages as well!

There was only one bath tub for an entire family – no matter how large that family was.

And it was a royal PAIN to fill up that tub!!

Remember, they had no hot running water back then!

They had to heat up the water – typically by many trips to the kitchen when heating up a tea kettle full of water.

Then they went to the bathing area, emptied the hot water into the tub, went outside to the water pump (!), got some more cold water,

went back to the kitchen, heat it up,

then back again to the bathing area to empty the hot water..

and so on and so on until the tub was ALMOST full.

Now at this point, the water was too hot to bath.

SO they had to go into the kitchen to get some cold water to fill up the tub to get to the ‘right’ temperature!

I am getting tired just thinking about all of this!

Now here is what it gets nasty…

They took turns bathing.

First the father – the head of the household.

then the mother..

then the oldest child.

then the next oldest child.

then finally the baby.

Think about this situation.

Nobody bathed but once a week.

They did NOT empty out the water between people taking baths!

Imagine what the water looked like by the time it was the baby’s turn!

UGH!

The water was dark, practically black, and thick with the dirt and slime from all the previous family members.

And what did they do to remove the water after every family member was done?

They THREW IT OUTSIDE!!

This was probably done by the house maid.

Since the water was so dark, sometimes the maid COULD NOT SEE THAT THE BABY WAS STILL IN THE TUB!!

So she might – inadvertently – LITERALLY THROW THE BABY OUT WITH THE BATH WATER!

I think there is another way to look at this story.

That we can loose sight of our goodness by the accumulation of bad things we have done.

Sometimes it is hard to see our inherent divine nature by looking at all of our mistakes.

All the times we hurt others.

and all the times we have been hurt.

This, too, is throwing out the good with the bad.

We must always be diligent to ensure that we are ALWAYS in touch with our divine self.

Like can NEVER get so dark and muddy that we lose our inherent goodness.

And now, you must excuse me..

I feel like it’s time for me to take a bath!

Until next time,
Steve

Everytime I think I have seen and heard everything…

something new, totally insane, comes to my attention..

and I have to say..

WTF?

(which means “Wonderful! Terrific! Fantastic!.. Why, what did you think I meant?)

Ok. poor joke.

I am referring to the madness on wall street.

No, not what is going on INSIDE wall street (which is insane enough),

But what is going OUTSIDE wall street!

People are PROTESTING!! Trying to SHUT DOWN WALL STREET!

they want to SHUT DOWN the BANKS!!

Are these people NUTS?

Why are these people doing this self-destructive behavior?

Because they are ANGRY!!!

Angry at the BANKS!!

Angry at the Financial Institutions!!

Angry at WALL Street!!

“They” put all the blame on the economy on “THEM”..

Ah, They vs. Them again.

Sigh.

Seems we never learn.

From my perspective, NOBODY can claim to be innocent in this mess.

Did any bank FORCE someone to take a loan larger than they should?

Did any bank FORCE someone to take an adjustable rate mortgage?

Did anyone FORCE people to live beyond their means?

Did anyone PREVENT people from saving 6 months of emergency funds to ride the tough times (which has been standard financial advice for decades)?

Where is the self-responsibility in all of this?

It seems to me that we have gone from the Middle Ages where we blamed every bad thing that happened to us on the Devil..

to blaming everything bad that happens to us on…

large corporations.

banks.

Wall street.

Is it really any different?

Look, I was laid off, so I can speak from someone who has gone through that experience.

But I didn’t leave being angry at the company.

They didn’t do anything wrong.

I put in a hard week of work, and they compensated me.

They needed to cut costs and I cost them money.

So they let me go.

So?

It has been known for a long time that companies are frequently laying off people..

so no job is ‘safe’.

None.

If you work for someone else, that is.

I knew that.

The logical thing was for me to be actively looking for another job WHILE I was employed.

to prepare myself for the inevitable.

I chose not to do that, but to ‘hang on.’

That was MY decision.

The company never FORCED me to join them.

Nor did they ever FORCE me to stay with them, year after year.

That was MY choice.

Yet, I know a LOT of people who are ANGRY at their former employers..

as if they were ‘owed’ their jobs.

Sorry, folks.. that is not the way the world works.

and certainly not in a capitalistic society such as America.

If we truly believe we are human incarnations of the Divine,

then how can we do anything but take FULL responsibility for our lives and actions?

Our thoughts become things…

What we focus on manifests itself in our lives.

What goes around, comes around.

Be prepared.

Whatever tired cliche you want to use, blaming others (or – gasp! – establishments) for our problems won’t solve anything.

I almost have to laugh when I hear about people trying to ‘shut down’ something.

Be it a government, or financial instituation.

And what, pray tell, will you put in place of that thing that you are trying to destroy?

Toppling something just for the sake of toppling something will only give you..

er…. something toppled!!

Really, what WOULD happen if these protesters had their way?

ANARCHY!!

I don’t believe that is the way the universe operates.

If it did, then nothing would mean anything and everything would be without purpose.

I choose to believe that there is order.

and there are consequences for every action.

Sometimes we may not like these consequences.

We may even be angry about them.

But that won’t help matters.

We DO control our destiny!

As long as we are in tune with the Divine, then I believe everything will work out.

Not today, perhaps.. but it will turn out for the best.

Maybe that’s the problem with the world.

Too many of us have lost the ability to tune in to our Source.

Maybe we have stopped caring about having this ability.

Maybe we just don’t even bother to try anymore.

It’s so much easier to blame something or someone outside of us for our misfortunes.

Me?

I am taking being laid off as a blessing….

Reflecting back on my life…

With time that I normally never had.

Now that I am working (albeit temporarily), I am trying to learn from that experience, too.

We can’t learn, however, if we are angry.

It’s time to let go…

So we can learn..

and grow.

and get back in tune with the Divine.

otherwise, anarchy will rule.

And that, my friends, is not something one should hope for.

Peace.

ha!

Sorry- I really had to laugh.

The bureau of statistics are claiming that, in a drastic trend change over the last few decades, that the # of white people is increasing in America.

Okay. Let’s start with the basics.

There is NO such thing as “white” people.

They don’t exist.

A 100% figment of the imagination.

Nobody has been able to SCIENTIFICALLY categorize what it means to be “white.”

(except a certain individual with the last name of Hitler, but let’s not go there, shall we?)

Since it is a human made construct (aren’t they all, really?), it has changed over time.

Did you know that Germans, Irish, Italians and Jews were once considered “non-white”?

And then one day – presto ! – they were considered “white.”

Honestly, who makes up these rules?

Anyhow, if you have ever paid close attention to the ‘race card’ (as I call it) that is given to you on many forms of identification, it asks for your race… and Hispanic is listed.

Well, it seems that Hispanics are tired of being called a “race.”

They are an ethnicity.

Which is VERY different.

So Hispanics are now claiming that they are members of the “white” race.

And thus the # of “white people” in this country is skyrocketing.

When will we stop this “race” game that can only divide us?

Whether you wish to embrace the unity of all sentient beings, or just the oneness of the human race, it just doesn’t help humanity (or the world, for that matter) to look for ways to divide ourselves.

We cannot change our race – the human race.

That is our current incarnation… it is what it is and we are who we are.

But we CAN change our ethnicity!

Some don’t realize that while we are born into an ethnicity, we don’t have to stay with it.

What is ethnicity if not culture?

The definition of ethnicity (according to Mr. Wickey Pedya) is “The fact or state of belonging to a social group that has a common national or cultural tradition”.

There are MANY cultural traditions.

There is the culture of the rich, the poor.

the powerful, the weak.

the young, the aged.

etc. etc.

There is absolutely no reason why one cannot CHOOSE to embrace another culture.

Happens all the time.

Sometimes unplanned.

Make a six figure salary and then get laid off, living off food stamps?

If you don’t think that is a change in culture, then you are one fry short of a Happy Meal.

But most are of our choosing.

There is also the gang culture, the drug culture.

And there is the culture of success, the culture of happiness and the culture of holiness (or spirituality, if you prefer).

If one is to change their culture, then I can think of no better ones to pick from than the last three.

So let’s forget this game of “race,” and focus on our CHOICE of the culture we embrace.

Take a few minutes and take stock of your life.

Which culture have you embraced?

Did you actively seek this out, or did it ‘just kind of happen?”

Are you happy with your current culture?

If not, then which culture do you WANT to embrace?

If the culture of success and happiness appeal to you, then what steps will you take to make a step toward embracing that culture?

If the culture of holiness appeals to you, then what steps will you take to make a step toward embracing that culture?

Human beings are the only species on this planet (at least as far as I know) that can change their social group/ethnicity/culture.

That is such a WONDERFUL gift!!

But most of us choose not to use it!!

So today, seriously look at which culture you WANT to embrace…

ask yourself what do you have to do to move toward making that part of your life?

and take a step in that direction – even if only a small one –

Today.

Peace.

Did you ever do something and just forget about it?

I mean, just blot it out of your mind?

And then someone reminds you of it ..

You think “how in the world did I forget THAT!”

My wife and I get the Friends of Duke Chapel newsletter.

I am not quite sure WHY.

Perhaps it was because we were married there.

Or I attended a meeting there and put both our names down?

Anyhoo, my wife says

“Honey, did you see this months Friends of Duke Chapel newsletter?”

Normally I just glance at it and recycle it.

“no, why?”

“you should see it.. Turn to page 4. You’re in it!”

Huh?

ME? Why?

I turned to page four, and there is a PICTURE OF ME as big as day on the top of page!

(at first I didn’t recognize myself. Wondered who that handsome fella was. heh-heh)

It seems that I went to an interfaith meeting many moons ago and my picture was snapped.

For publicity purposes, like…

Putting in their newsletter!!! (duh!)

Funny thing, I don’t remember signing a waiver or giving my permission.

Mebbe I did..

But it dawned on me..

In this age of “everyone has a phone that can take pictures and put you on Facebook and YouTube where your most embarrassing life moments are caught on video and displayed for gazillions of people to see from all around the world, even in a remote tribe in some primordial village somewhere in the boondocks” (whew, say THAT five times fast!),

That you NEVER KNOW WHO IS TAKING YOUR PICTURE AND WHAT THEY WILL DO WITH IT!

There used to be laws preventing people using your likeness without your permission.

uh-uh. Not anymore.

Seems it all legal now.

That got me thinking.

Shouldn’t we always be on our best behavior?

Seriously.

If at ANY TIME someone could capture what we are doing, and put it on the WORLD WIDE web…

wouldn’t that make us think twice about how we are acting – especially in public?

Funny thing, though, I don’t think it has this effect.

It is as if nobody cares that people see what we are doing.

Hey, if it is stupid enough, then maybe we will be offered a part in Jackass the Movie part VI (or whatever that silly franchise is up to nowadays).

Maybe our stupid actions may even go “VIRAL” and we could have legions of fans watching us do the..

well, whatever we WERE doing when we were filmed.

Sheesh.

What a crazy world we live in.

Me?

I’m just glad they didn’t snap that photo 20 seconds earlier.

Then they would have caught me picking my nose.

and THAT would NOT be a pretty sight!!

then again.

maybe it would get me 1,000 loyal nose picking fans on Facebook.

Keep smiling…

’cause SOMEONE is probably watching you…

might as well make ‘em happy while they’re watching.

Peace.

Ok, now I have heard EVERYTHING!

In Alabama today, a convicted prisoner was given the option to spend

15 days in jail..

or.

go to church every Sunday for a year!

There are a few different ways to look at this.

The way I THINK the proponents of this insane program meant it, is that they feel that by going to church for a year, even a convict can be reformed.

That there is something inherent in just BEING in church on Sundays that can put one on the “straight and narrow.”

Obviously, the people behind this movement have had VERY different experiences than I did!

Ha!

Another way to look at this is that going to church is just another form of punishment!

I was listening to no less than 5 disc jockeys today on the radio..

they were debating which was worse – 15 days in Jail or going to church every Sunday for a year!

I mean this was a HOTLY debated topic!!

After 10 minutes, they ALL agreed that it was much better to..

go to jail for 15 days and get it over with!!

Incredible!

Not ONE person who discussed these options felt that going to church for a year was a preferable alternative to jail time!!!

I think this really speaks at the heart of what has happened to religion in our country.

It has ceased to fill the spiritual void in our souls and has become a social club where one suffers through boring lectures based on a book rife with foreign names and antiquated laws.

As it turns out, by the way, the “church vs jail time” initiative is on hold…

Seems like a little thing like the 1st amendment might cause some issues with the program.

In the meantime, it sheds a fascinating view of how Americans really view going to church.

84% of Americans claim to be religious…

Yet some people would rather go to jail than to listen to another sermon.

Wow!

So until our “Sunday go to meeting” attire has stripes on it..

Peace.

fyi. you can read about this initiative here ->Church or Jail?

The mystical tradition of many religions give a FASCINATING spin on traditional scriptural based stories.

Jewish mysticism, for example, has a wonderful take on the story of Adam and Eve.

The way I understand it, this version goes like this..

After Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of Life, they obtained the knowledge of good and evil.

And this was good, for now they gained discernment.

They were like God – which was good, for now they could tell right from wrong, and make the choice to do good – where before, they had no choice.

They realized they were naked and clothed themselves.

This was also good, for now they obtained the trait of modesty.

And for all of this, God REWARDED them by letting the leave the Garden to start their own lives..

where they would earn a good living from their hard work.

where they will experience the pain and joy of having children.

Where they would learn to grow to be the best that they could.

Where they would appreciate each day of life, knowing that one day would be their last.

——–
Okay, so this is my interpretation of their interpretation.

But I REALLY LOVE this version!!

The story wasn’t about the FALL of Adam and Eve.

It was about their RISE!!

Their RISE to greatness!!

Their RISE to holiness!!

Their RISE to maturity – both emotionally and spiritually!!

Take a few moments and reflect on what if – just what if – we weren’t born in original sin, but born in original BLESSING of Adam and Eve?

What if – just what if – we didn’t inherit their fall, but inherited their RISE TO GREATNESS!!

Instead of us needing “Salvation” from repeating the fall daily,

we daily celebrate the greatness within us.

You have greatness within you.

For RISING to your greatness is your birthright.

Alleluia!

Until next time.

Today is the official UN International Day of Peace!

http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/

Imagine. We live in a world where there is an official day to think about peace.

Let us all take some time from our busy schedules and reflect on what it means to have a day of peace in a world steeped in war.

To send messages of love in a world steeped in hate.

To learn something new in a world steeped in ignorance.

To each and everyone of you, I wish you…

Peace,
Steve

I remember when I saw the twin towers fall on TV.

After the initial shock and grief wore off, I was surprised what I said to myself.

Since then, I learned that it was not safe to share views of that tragic incident that are not aligned with the rest of the country, so I kept my thoughts to myself.

It has been 10 years, and I think it is time that I share what my controversial thoughts were on that fateful day, and why I believe those thoughts are valid.

Before I say this, I humbly ask you to remember that I am man of peace and the thought of even ONE person dying is more than I can bear, let alone thousands. So please, do not read into anything I am about to say as indicating that I am making light of those deaths in any way, shape or form. I have personally known people who have lost loved ones on that fateful day, so I know how painful ANY discussions of 9/11 are to some people.

It is hard to be objective on that event, but I am humbly asking you – dear reader – to try to do so for the next few minutes. To have an open mind on what I am about to say before you judge me or get so angry that you can’t read any further.

With all that out of the way.. here it is.

When I saw the attack on 9/11, the thoughts that ran through my head were

“well, I am not surprised. It was only a matter of time.”

Now, take a deep breath.

Why did I think that and still believe in the validity of those thoughts?

Bear me out.

As you know, I am a HUGE movie buff.

Love films.

I think it all started when I was watching the Thief of Bagdad.

The original silent version with Douglass Fairbanks, Sr.

The movie takes place in an Islamic country, the religion of Islam is prominently shown, and the hero (in this case a MAJOR movie star of his day) played a Muslim.

And it was all positive.

Islam was seen not only as a peaceful religion, but a very holy one.

There is even a scene where an Iman (an Islamic cleric) prays with Fairbanks and gives him advice.

Wow!

I had NO idea that Islam and Muslims were viewed that way back in the 20′s!

So I started to look for trends of treatments of Islam and Muslims throughout cinema.

(Now, remember I was doing this YEARS before 9/11).

And I found a very curious thing.

Before 1960, movies generally showed Islam, Islamic countries and Muslims in a positive vein or at least a neutral (e.g. they are not any better or worse than anybody else).

Remember Casablanca (made in the 40′s)

That took place in Morocco – an Islamic country.

The villains in that film?

Germans.

I could give lots more examples, but hopefully the above gives food for thought.

After 1960?

Muslims were depicted as bloodthirsty terrorists, frequently using PLANES as weapons against America!

Islam was portrayed as a religion of hate, and the Koran was prominently shown as the book that justified their atrocities.

It was as if someone literally threw a switch on in 1960.

Do some research on themes of terrorism in film and after 1960 I feel confident that you stand a 99% chance that the villain will be Muslim and the Islamic faith will be portrayed as the motivation behind their terrorist plans.

You will also see a thread of the airplane being used as the main vehicle for the villain to achieve their goal.

You will also see a lot of innocent Americans (frequently passengers on the flights) being murdered in cold blood by these Muslims.

A typical example of this is the movie Executive Decision with Kurt Russell. In this American blockbuster, a group of Muslims plan to explode a plane, where the leader of the attack boldly holds the Koran in his hands, as he QUOTES FROM THE KORAN to justify his actions.

The film was made in 1996.

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of such films made between 1961 and 2001.

The Law of Attraction/Karma, etc. states that the thoughts and messages we send out will eventually come back to us.

In media – not just films, but TV, books, newspapers, etc. – America has been sending out a message that Islam is a religion of hate, the Koran is a book that justifies violence, and Muslims are bloodthirsty terrorists who think nothing of hijacking a plane and committing suicide in order to do the ‘will of Allah.’

And let’s not forget that the first season of the hit TV show “24″ (you know, the one where Muslim terrorists want to attack America?) was made BEFORE 9/11.

Honestly.

Sending out this message for FORTY YEARS!!

The law of attraction states that we get in our life what we focus on.

So wasn’t it really just a matter of time that the message we sent out for 40 years would eventually become a reality?

Oh, and what was so special about 1960?

The state of Israel was established in 1958.

After that, our country’s view of Arabic/Islamic countries changed drastically as they were now seen as the enemy of Israel, who was seen as an ally of the USA.

Now I am NOT going to talk about the politics of the above statement, but only put it out there that SOMETHING happened to cause the shift of vibrations during that time period, and I think the above is as plausible as any other as to what caused the change.

Our thoughts and words ARE powerful!

If there was ANY doubt that “thoughts become things” then 9/11 eliminates that doubt – at least for me.

Statistic after statistic has shown that 99+% of Muslims are peaceful.

Yet we continue to focus on the 1% that are not.

Now, is sending out thoughts of love and peace going to eliminate that 1% of hatred?

I am not naive enough to think so.

There will always be people who choose to hate rather than love.

But I do believe with every fiber in my body that by focusing on the 1%, ruminating on ‘those that perpetrated that crime,” and continue to stereotype Islam as evil and Muslims as terrorists, that we can do nothing but help that 1% grow and set the world up for more death and pain.

Me?

I’d rather focus on the 99% of peace.

Heck, if one wanted to condemn members of a religion because of the harm that religion has caused to others, then we would condemning most of the world!

Very few, if any, religions can claim that it has never been behind a war or used for an act of atrocity.

But rather than focusing on what is wrong with religion, let’s shift our focus to something positive.

So on the anniversary of 9/11, we have a lot of options.

We can mourn the death of the thousands of innocent Americans.

And that is well and good.

We can also mourn the death of the countless millions of innocent people around the globe that have died as a result of foreign policy and wars.

That is even better.

We can also believe in the inherent goodness of people, that at the heart of every religion is love and peace, that deep down inside everyone has the Divine spark within them, and increase our love for all of humanity, sending messages of peace throughout the world.

I think that is best of all.

If enough people think thoughts of love and peace, then yes, I do believe we can cause a “shift” across the globe to one of love and peace.

Changing the focus of our thoughts this week?

I think it is the least we can do.

And it can have impacts far greater than we can ever imagine.

So to everyone, I wish you…

Peace.