Spiritual Evolution

Jeanwah

MrAbraham wrote:

Jeanwah wrote:

ShimmyMommy wrote:

I just wanted to also add that I don't think the world is coming to an end literally. I think there's going to be a paradigm shift that will change our consciousness in a way we can never have fathomed. And, because of that, the world will end as we know it.

I believe this too, that there will be some kind of shift but not necessarily in 2012.

On the other hand though, I'm truly fascinated with the Mayan calendar and just how does an entire civilization disappear?

well many civilizations have come and gone throughout history, many reason for that, natural disaster, wars, disease.

Sometimes cities are covered under ground and new cities are now built on top, sometimes cities are lost under water.

Well, yes, and we know why the inhabitants of Easter Island were wiped out. But we don't know why or how the Mayans were wiped out. Partly why I'm so fascinated...

Cosmo

ShimmyMommy wrote:

I am posting because I would love to learn how others are feeling about these topics. It will only take a moment of watch and read the links.

It is my belief we are each on a personal spiritual journey, and that things like personal circumstances, world events, and beliefs (religious or not) help us navigate our spiritual path.

Let me state, I am not here to offend or poke people with a big stick. I feel this could be worthwhile to open a new discussion in light of Ms. MacLaine's interview this week.

Thank you in advance for your input.

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Shirley- ... 2012-Video

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Hollywoo ... MacLaine/9

...
The world (the planet Earth) will end some day. When the Sun cools and can no longer retain its mass, she will expand, consuming her terrestrial planets (Earth being the third one to be eaten).
But, not to worry.... we will be long gone before that. We will go through another mass extinction which is just part of Earth's natural progression. Manking may or may not survive... but, life will. As life always has.
I'm hoping the next ruling species (the ants) won't fuck up the place as much as us apes have.
So, what do we do? Live in the here and now. That is the only guarantee we have. We are alive right now and the next second in now guaranteed to us... we can be dead that quickly.
Go out an watch the Sun set over your horzion and tell the people you love... that you love them. That is living.

ShimmyMommy

Cosmo wrote:

...
The world (the planet Earth) will end some day. When the Sun cools and can no longer retain its mass, she will expand, consuming her terrestrial planets (Earth being the third one to be eaten).
But, not to worry.... we will be long gone before that. We will go through another mass extinction which is just part of Earth's natural progression. Mankind may or may not survive... but, life will. As life always has.
I'm hoping the next ruling species (the ants) won't fuck up the place as much as us apes have.
So, what do we do? Live in the here and now. That is the only guarantee we have. We are alive right now and the next second in now guaranteed to us... we can be dead that quickly.
Go out an watch the Sun set over your horzion and tell the people you love... that you love them. That is living.

Yes! Someone's getting my drift now! Thank you for that awesome post, Cosmo.

wolfamongwolves

Don't know much about the whole 2012 thing. It would have terrified me to hear when I was a kid but I don't see any reasonable grounds to buy it now. Here's NASA's response to the 2012 rumours.
http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/2012.html
I'm sure there are people who will say of this "well, they have to say that", and maybe so - but I think they're a bit more knowledgeable than Oprah or Shirley MacLaine. In fact Shirley MacLaine's "argument" is based on pure groundless speculation and passing off empty platitudes as if they were in some way meaningful.

EmBleve

I don't think that the 2012 thing is going to be, although the end of the Mayan calendar on that day is an intriguing subject. I agree with your view Shimmy that there is likely to be a paradigm shift of sorts at some point, and it may manifest in personal revelations, or, in somewhat of a collective unconsciousness. I like to look at things in terms of everything happens for a reason, and every interaction has something that can be learned or taken away from, on behalf of one or both parts. The more open a person is, the more susceptible he/she can be to the subtle personal meanings of said interactions; it can be practiced and in my experience it does make life more interesting and fulfilling....walking through life with eyes wide open, kind of makes you a conduit for energy.

ShimmyMommy

EmBleve wrote:

I don't think that the 2012 thing is going to be, although the end of the Mayan calendar on that day is an intriguing subject. I agree with your view Shimmy that there is likely to be a paradigm shift of sorts at some point, and it may manifest in personal revelations, or, in somewhat of a collective unconsciousness. I like to look at things in terms of everything happens for a reason, and every interaction has something that can be learned or taken away from, on behalf of one or both parts. The more open a person is, the more susceptible he/she can be to the subtle personal meanings of said interactions; it can be practiced and in my experience it does make life more interesting and fulfilling....walking through life with eyes wide open, kind of makes you a conduit for energy.

+1 :thumbup: Exactly my thoughts. Excellent post!

ShimmyMommy

wolfamongwolves wrote:

Don't know much about the whole 2012 thing. It would have terrified me to hear when I was a kid but I don't see any reasonable grounds to buy it now. Here's NASA's response to the 2012 rumours.
http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/2012.html
I'm sure there are people who will say of this "well, they have to say that", and maybe so - but I think they're a bit more knowledgeable than Oprah or Shirley MacLaine. In fact Shirley MacLaine's "argument" is based on pure groundless speculation and passing off empty platitudes as if they were in some way meaningful.

Yes, MacLaine's speculation isn't very fact-oriented. I just thought what she had to say would spark an interesting conversation. I honestly didn't how else to start a thread based on spiritualism. :? Lesson learned: use a better way if i open another thread here.

Contrary to what people may be thinking, I love the sciences. I believe it has very important place in this world. Without it we wouldn't have medicines, doctors, cures, light, and other life-changing innovations really.
I believe religion also has its place. I see it as a path for some to get on the spiritual path. People I have met along the way use both and science and religion to come to a place of spiritual enlightenment. It absolutely fascinates me because I often wonder how we come to the spiritual (or non-spiritual) beliefs we have.

I feel people's posts have been thought-provoking, and again, I apologize if I may have offended some by starting this thread on the wrong foot. :?

brianlux

Here's a funny cartoon many of you may have seen along with an interesting comentary on the subject:

http://www.astroengine.com/2009/05/2012 ... ilization/

Whether by 2012 or not, we are certainly closing in on some big changes. Peak oil is here and will have a great impact on our way of life. Climate change is a reality that already affects us all. Plate tectonics are obviously affecting the world. World population is an often overlooked issue. War is rampant globally. All of these things will prove to be a great challenge to us all. The question that comes to mind is- how will we respond? Will we work together to survive as the Japanese have in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami or we fall into chaos? I think it is time to work hard on getting along with each other and learning how to work together. Like the song says:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN7j-LCgaiE

ShimmyMommy

great post...couldn't agree more...Canned Heat, that made me smile, thanks brianlux

Black73

Cosmo wrote:

ShimmyMommy wrote:

I am posting because I would love to learn how others are feeling about these topics. It will only take a moment of watch and read the links.

It is my belief we are each on a personal spiritual journey, and that things like personal circumstances, world events, and beliefs (religious or not) help us navigate our spiritual path.

Let me state, I am not here to offend or poke people with a big stick. I feel this could be worthwhile to open a new discussion in light of Ms. MacLaine's interview this week.

Thank you in advance for your input.

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Shirley- ... 2012-Video

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Hollywoo ... MacLaine/9

...
The world (the planet Earth) will end some day. When the Sun cools and can no longer retain its mass, she will expand, consuming her terrestrial planets (Earth being the third one to be eaten).
But, not to worry.... we will be long gone before that. We will go through another mass extinction which is just part of Earth's natural progression. Manking may or may not survive... but, life will. As life always has.
I'm hoping the next ruling species (the ants) won't fuck up the place as much as us apes have.
So, what do we do? Live in the here and now. That is the only guarantee we have. We are alive right now and the next second in now guaranteed to us... we can be dead that quickly.
Go out an watch the Sun set over your horzion and tell the people you love... that you love them. That is living.

I know I was born and I know that I'll die...the in between is mine...

Black73

ShimmyMommy wrote:

Contrary to what people may be thinking, I love the sciences. I believe it has very important place in this world. Without it we wouldn't have medicines, doctors, cures, light, and other life-changing innovations really.
I believe religion also has its place. I see it as a path for some to get on the spiritual path. People I have met along the way use both and science and religion to come to a place of spiritual enlightenment. It absolutely fascinates me because I often wonder how we come to the spiritual (or non-spiritual) beliefs we have.

Couldn't agree more Shimz...science explains a whole lot of how we have evolved, our chemistry, the cycles of the life, etc. Religion, to me, takes it one step further. Science explains HOW the egg is fertilized, and HOW a fetus develops. It does not, however, prove to me how the miracle of all that being present in one sperm and one egg works...which makes me believe there's a higher power who's got His hand in the mix.

Makes me comfortable thinking that anyway...great original post/topic, by the way!

Godfather.

I got it ! here it is.
http://www.disclose.tv/action/viewvideo ... sightings/

Godfather.

ShimmyMommy

Black73 wrote:

ShimmyMommy wrote:

Contrary to what people may be thinking, I love the sciences. I believe it has very important place in this world. Without it we wouldn't have medicines, doctors, cures, light, and other life-changing innovations really.
I believe religion also has its place. I see it as a path for some to get on the spiritual path. People I have met along the way use both and science and religion to come to a place of spiritual enlightenment. It absolutely fascinates me because I often wonder how we come to the spiritual (or non-spiritual) beliefs we have.

Couldn't agree more Shimz...science explains a whole lot of how we have evolved, our chemistry, the cycles of the life, etc. Religion, to me, takes it one step further. Science explains HOW the egg is fertilized, and HOW a fetus develops. It does not, however, prove to me how the miracle of all that being present in one sperm and one egg works...which makes me believe there's a higher power who's got His hand in the mix.

Makes me comfortable thinking that anyway...great original post/topic, by the way!

Thank you, Black73

Yes, I, too, wonder what/who creates the spark that decides that 1 egg & 1 sperm will create a new life. I am enthralled by thoughts like that all the time...amazing isn't it?

Black73

ShimmyMommy wrote:

Black73 wrote:

ShimmyMommy wrote:

Contrary to what people may be thinking, I love the sciences. I believe it has very important place in this world. Without it we wouldn't have medicines, doctors, cures, light, and other life-changing innovations really.
I believe religion also has its place. I see it as a path for some to get on the spiritual path. People I have met along the way use both and science and religion to come to a place of spiritual enlightenment. It absolutely fascinates me because I often wonder how we come to the spiritual (or non-spiritual) beliefs we have.

Couldn't agree more Shimz...science explains a whole lot of how we have evolved, our chemistry, the cycles of the life, etc. Religion, to me, takes it one step further. Science explains HOW the egg is fertilized, and HOW a fetus develops. It does not, however, prove to me how the miracle of all that being present in one sperm and one egg works...which makes me believe there's a higher power who's got His hand in the mix.

Makes me comfortable thinking that anyway...great original post/topic, by the way!

Thank you, Black73

Yes, I, too, wonder what/who creates the spark that decides that 1 egg & 1 sperm will create a new life. I am enthralled by thoughts like that all the time...amazing isn't it?

Sure is...a great reminder that we're all just lucky passengers along for the ride. I hope it doesn't end too soon...fwiw, it ain't gonna end in 2012 (for everyone, that is). Live life now, and don't take it for granted.

Enkidu

ShimmyMommy wrote:

Black73 wrote:

ShimmyMommy wrote:

Contrary to what people may be thinking, I love the sciences. I believe it has very important place in this world. Without it we wouldn't have medicines, doctors, cures, light, and other life-changing innovations really.
I believe religion also has its place. I see it as a path for some to get on the spiritual path. People I have met along the way use both and science and religion to come to a place of spiritual enlightenment. It absolutely fascinates me because I often wonder how we come to the spiritual (or non-spiritual) beliefs we have.

Couldn't agree more Shimz...science explains a whole lot of how we have evolved, our chemistry, the cycles of the life, etc. Religion, to me, takes it one step further. Science explains HOW the egg is fertilized, and HOW a fetus develops. It does not, however, prove to me how the miracle of all that being present in one sperm and one egg works...which makes me believe there's a higher power who's got His hand in the mix.

Makes me comfortable thinking that anyway...great original post/topic, by the way!

Thank you, Black73

Yes, I, too, wonder what/who creates the spark that decides that 1 egg & 1 sperm will create a new life. I am enthralled by thoughts like that all the time...amazing isn't it?

I agree with all this. What I don't understand is how people can't see that science and spiritual powers can work together. The idea that it can only be one OR the other doesn't make sense to me. Like how the earth came to be - can't God create the heavens and the earth with the help of science? Or the other way around - science created the heavens and the earth with some spiritual help?

Cosmo

It is not to say that religion has its place. I have always believed that hope and faith are positive human traits. I belive faith is a personal choice... a preference and that the religion you choose is right for you... but, not right for me. I wish that religion and religious people took a more believe and let believe attitude and would quit trying to take sole claim over God.
Religion does not make people good... our humanity is the source.
like the saying goes: 'Humankind. Be both'.

Black73

Enkidu wrote:

ShimmyMommy wrote:

Thank you, Black73

Yes, I, too, wonder what/who creates the spark that decides that 1 egg & 1 sperm will create a new life. I am enthralled by thoughts like that all the time...amazing isn't it?

I agree with all this. What I don't understand is how people can't see that science and spiritual powers can work together. The idea that it can only be one OR the other doesn't make sense to me. Like how the earth came to be - can't God create the heavens and the earth with the help of science? Or the other way around - science created the heavens and the earth with some spiritual help?

Our perspective is gray...unfortunately I've met far too many people who only see this (and many other gray areas) as black or white. That's another topic all unto itself...if we'd have a little more tolerance for others, Mother Earth would be such a beautifully-colored planet!

Enkidu

Cosmo wrote:

It is not to say that religion has its place. I have always believed that hope and faith are positive human traits. I belive faith is a personal choice... a preference and that the religion you choose is right for you... but, not right for me. I wish that religion and religious people took a more believe and let believe attitude and would quit trying to take sole claim over God.
Religion does not make people good... our humanity is the source.
like the saying goes: 'Humankind. Be both'.

I agree with that too. My family goes to church. But that doesn't mean I think my religion is better than anybody else's. And I also totally respect people who don't believe in religion. It's none of my business.

Idris

Cosmo wrote:

It is not to say that religion has its place. I have always believed that hope and faith are positive human traits. I belive faith is a personal choice... a preference and that the religion you choose is right for you... but, not right for me. I wish that religion and religious people took a more believe and let believe attitude and would quit trying to take sole claim over God.
Religion does not make people good... our humanity is the source.
like the saying goes: 'Humankind. Be both'.

good stuff Cosmo,

ShimmyMommy

You know, I am reading an absolutely fabulous book by Deepak Chopra. Being a scientifically and spiritually inclined human, he really has found a way to bring us closer to the sense of how spirituality fits in with everything.



Enkidu, I absolutely believe the only way forward now is through compassion. If we gave a little of it to each person we meet, even the big o' meanies, we trigger a positive ripple effect that is immeasurable. It's like smiling at a stranger, you are giving on the simplest form of positive energy. It usually makes that person feel good and pass that positivity on. That's why I love smiling so much. The trick is to give first...even if you have to overcome fear and change to do it.

Given to Fly comes to mind here:
And he still gives his love, he just gives it away
The love he receives is the love that is saved

Black73, I agree that judging how someone else finds spirituality is counter-productive to us all. Also, when someone believes they are are more spiritually open than another has the same effect. Someone once told me, "All comparison injures." Something I like to keep in mind.
I have mentioned in another thread how I feel about the darkness we sometimes find ourselves in. I also believe that darkness is never pitch black...it is actually shades of gray which we can only see when our eyes adjust to light in the darkness. If it is so dark we cannot really see, I believe to have hope in those times is bring the glimmer of light into the darkness. Does that make sense?

Hmmm, I think this thread is blossoming very well. Thank you everyone!