The Polaris Material

September 2010: Decisions, decisions….

admin@polarisrising.com — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:50:49 PDT

This month brings a sense of making a decision. Choice. Black, or white? Here, or there? Should I stay or should I go? For many, what begins the month is the feeling that something must be done. That action is necessary in order to create the next step or enter the next phase. That everything will remain as it is unless something is done to stop the status quo or to move into what comes next.

What we feel on a personal level is much like a microcosm of what is taking place on a global level. This is frequently the case, even for those who don’t maintain conscious awareness of the overall connection of all beings. The awareness lies underneath where we can’t always touch it, yet it is there nonetheless: supporting us, creating a foundation, acting as an underground spring and giving lifeblood to all actions, thoughts, and emotions. On a global level, then, such a sense of decision is also apparent.

This reminds us of last September, one year ago, where there was a similar choice point available and then taken. Two diverging roads in a wood. One road was taken. Many of you felt this and felt anxiety and unease in the first part of that month as the choice point approached. Would we take the “right” road? Where is the world headed? What does this mean to me, to my family, to my community?

While it may be inappropriate to comment on the road taken – good? Or bad? – it is certain that the road that was taken a year ago has led us to the point upon which we all now stand. The entire past year would not be possible without the collective choice that was made a year ago. And here we all are now, feeling again the slight unease that comes with the feeling that something must be done. Change is going to happen. I need to get on board. I need to do something – anything.

While the sense of decision is not as strong or compelling as it was a year ago, it nonetheless seems to require attention. There are a few components to this:

1. Timeline. The month of September can be roughly split in half, with the first half being devoted to this sense of needing to take action and the second half being devoted to a feeling of regret for having taken that action or having made that choice, as well as dealing with the aftermath of whatever decision was made. We’ll offer more on that aftermath a bit later in this transmission.

2. Action. What is action? It is helpful to remember that inaction is still an action. Your particular circumstance may not lend itself this month to any dramatic choice or action, but even the act of NOT doing is an action and has a result.

3. Urges. Usually when we see someone in the throes of obsessively attending to urges that arise, we suggest that instead of going with the urge that they instead sit with the feeling. What is underneath it? What is being avoided? In this case, then, we offer much the same: if you are feeling the urge to DO, try sitting with that feeling for an hour, a day, a few days. Does the feeling change? Does it have anything else to say to you? How do you feel about your seeming inaction? Does it tell you anything about who you are?

4. Everything changes. When you give yourself enough space to rest in What Is, you realize that the present moment exists in an eyeblink, and once you even acknowledge the moment is there, it vanishes. Nothing stays the same. If you hold onto What Was, there is no room for What Comes Next.

Decisions made this month will be primarily made on a personal level. These collective decisions will affect everyone overall; there is no escaping that. But what is being felt now lies primarily with the individual. What direction will I take? What do I need to do to support my family, my friends, my community, my self? What comes next for me? That these choices, or the appearance of choices, are concerned mainly with the individual level makes them no less important to the overall global direction. You have all heard of the ripple analogy: what actions you take (even actions such as thoughts, emotions, and simply breathing) radiates outward from you like ripples in a pond after a stone is dropped in. These ripples touch the myriad other ripples in the same pond, the ripples of your family, your neighbors, your countrymen, and indeed, all humankind and beings on the planet. Every ripple touches every other. You will feel – in some way – the decisions being made half a world away from you. You’ll adjust your own choices accordingly, at least in some small way. There is no escaping this. You cannot NOT be touched by the entire world around you.

What if you are not particularly feeling as if you need to make a choice this month? Does that mean you are disconnected, out of touch, or lacking in some fashion? Not at all. Not everyone experiences overall energies in the same way. While a majority of people will be a sense of action this month that will help them feel more secure and certain about What Comes Next, others will be simply attending to the needs of life. This doesn’t mean that action won’t be taken or that choices will not be made, but it does invite awareness of those feelings within you this month. Conscious choosing will help you feel more empowered.

After September 15, you’ll be dealing with the aftermath of however you spent the first half of the month. If you made a big step toward something new, or a big step away from something old, you may experience a sense of regret or “buyer’s remorse”: Did I make the right choice? Can I un-choose? Is this really the “right” path for me? If you find yourself in this space, be kind to yourself. Allow yourself some time to grieve the choices not taken. Allow yourself the very human response of anxiety over what comes next. You needn’t be overwhelmed by that anxiety, but pushing it away entirely won’t help you either. Be kind to yourself in this time. Allow space for what comes up: fear, loneliness, resentment, even exuberance. Realize that those feelings won’t last forever either and that they are a natural defense to the changes you seek to make.

Another feeling that will be common in this time is euphoria. Understand that like its twin despondency, this sense of euphoria is short-lived and ephemeral. Revel in it if it comes to you and is a part of your experience this month – why waste an opportunity to dance? But understand this it, too will pass. Trying to hold onto euphoria is like trying to bite a soap bubble. Enjoy the feeling while it is with you, and choose to not blame yourself for its lack when it passes.

However, this widespread euphoria will be spreading its own ripples. Expect some internal shakeups as well as global upheaval toward the end of the month, from the 25^th onward. This type of upheaval will likely be weather-related, with more than a good chance of a devastating Atlantic hurricane or a South Pacific tsunami possible in this time.

Practices this month to assist you with the energies

Meditation. Not a meditator? You can always start a practice. Go easy on yourself and try simply inserting a “pause” into your day at various intervals. This can be done anywhere, at any time, and will help you ground and center. Stop what you are doing, close your eyes, and just listen to the sounds around you for one minute. That’s all. Just listen to the sounds in the room or within hearing, without judgment. Always hated the ticking sound of that clock? Fine. But for one minute, just hear the ticks. If a reaction comes up, just let it be there. After all, you’re only listening for one minute! You can do anything for a minute. This practice will help you learn about what it feels like to be present in the moment.

Virtual hand-holding and hugs. Remember the connection you have to every other being on the planet, and the idea that you feel the ripples sent out by the other seven billion inhabitants? Use this feeling to send out specific ripples of your own. This practice may take you several minutes, or as long as you wish. Try to remember to do it daily. Close your eyes and remember all those seven billion ripples. Follow the ripples to your heart. Then, from your heart, send out the feeling of holding someone’s hand and offering love and support. Or send from your heart the feeling of hugging someone dear to you. Be sure to notice what you feel in return.

Notes on Choices

Many people grow quite concerned with the prospect of making the “right” choice. Will it support me on a soul level? Will I feel nourished? What will people think of me as a result? How will it affect the people in my life? How can I know it is the right choice for me? While these are valid concerns on a surface level, deep on a soul level those worries fall away. When you rest in the knowledge that every choice can be undone or changed in some way, and that nothing stays the same forever, some of the burden of making the “right” choice falls away. And when you become quiet within and listen to that still small voice within you, all choices made from this place will feel good and true.

How do I know I can trust the voice within me? This can be difficult. Society teaches one to look toward an external authority for guidance (parents, teachers, political leaders, spiritual figures) rather than to look within. But the heart knows – on some level – about What Comes Next for each person. When in doubt, go with your heart.

Each person comes to a place of knowingness in a different way, and some may never quite arrive. But having the trust that on a soul level, everything always makes sense and works to the highest good of those concerned, can be comforting. For you, then, we can say that the movement made this month will go a long way toward showing you your own still small voice within. This is a pivotal month in that way, giving people the opportunity to find, refine, or discover elements of their own inner guidance in a way that works best. This, then, is what you have to look forward to this month. Ask for guidance from a mentor to help you through the process, or simply sit quietly and listen to what occurs as a result.

Namaste.

Layers of Spiritual Learning

admin@polarisrising.com — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 05:44:27 PDT

It is easy, given our cultural framework, to imagine spiritual learning as analogous to education - that spiritual learning is an accumulation. The idea we have is that one must keep learning, keep reading, keep listening to teachers, keep doing yoga in order to "advance." However, in truth, spiritual learning is nothing more than learning to be fully who you are. There is no "better" as you grow older and have more experience. There is simply more of who you are.

"In pursuit of knowledge, every day something is added.

In the practice of the Tao, every day something is dropped." - The Tao te Ching

No matter which spiritual path you choose, the path will always bring you to You. Some people take roundabout paths and some dive in headlong. There is structure in the manifestation of spiritual learning as the learning moves deeper into the cells of your body and your basic being. This structure creates "layers" of spiritual learning. There is movement among the layers — this is not a static creation, nor is movement restricted to one direction only. Each of the seven layers exists within you, and each may be accessed at any time (although you likely will "live" in one for a period of time). All layers are necessary to create the tapestry that which is You.

Layers — not Levels — of Spiritual Learning

Our cultural framework suggests that older and wiser is better. Certainly, in physical life, age can bring the wisdom of experience. This often translates into perception of spiritual wisdom: "I'm an old soul, therefore I'm more evolved than you" is commonly thought but likely not voiced. But in reality, everyone — from infant to elder — is on a level playing field, simply operating from a different perception. The idea of layers conveys that. All layers exist simultaneously. One layer may be close to your core, like the core of an onion, but all layers are part of you and none are let go of or moved through, discarded. You do not grow beyond a layer other than letting go of identification with it. Each layer is simply an aspect of yourself. Deeper layers are not better; they are simply present with you at all times, ready for access. Within you, you always have both the new explorer and the enlightened master.

Moving through the layers is not a linear process. You do not finish one and then move on to the next. There may be, for a time, a "home" for you in one of the layers (certainly, when looking at them, you'll be able to easily identify the layer you spend most of your time in now, as well as layers you have used in the past), but you have access to all of them at all times. They are always a part of your experience.

Layer 1	Explorer
Layer 2	Initiate
Layer 3	Teacher
Layer 4	The Search Begins
Layer 5	Truth in the Moment
Layer 6	Living Deep Harmony
Layer 7	Being Pure Presence

Layer 1: Explorer

This initial layer holds the excitement of bounding out on a newfound journey. The quest has begun. You feel an initial sense of wonder, like a child tasting candy for a first time. You taste the potential of spiritual presence and its benefits and you feel the energy coursing in your body. In some ways, you have a core connection to what the deepest spiritual attainment is — this generates enormous energy and inspiration and draws you forward to your chosen path.

It is all new, so you explore the spiritual world with a child's wide open eyes. This is what we often refer to as the "sponge" stage. In it, you accept everything but you do not yet apply discernment or even much differentiation. Everything is good; everything is valid. You might explore and read any related subject to your interest. You might follow the recommendation of any teacher, friend or acquaintance who appears to be on a spiritual path. For instance, if you are interested in Buddhism, you might read every Buddhist title in the local library to explore it all, irrespective of the branch of Buddhism, and you might also read anything else with an Eastern flavor such as Hindu teachers. Because of the newness, exploration within this layer can feel like pure Truth and the stuff of great revelations. This is the "diving in" to a new teaching. This layer helps you get a feel for what is out there and helps bring the teachings deeper within you, past the surface layers of personality.

Layer 2: Initiate

After some time spent in the Explorer layer, there is often a realization that you need to narrow down your focus so that you can explore more deeply into what resonates with you. You cannot become a master of all teachings at once; here you find that you need to focus on one thing at a time.

The emphasis in this layer of learning is on the structure of what is being learned. Passages, sutras, and scriptures are memorized and you attempt to distill for yourself the essence of a teaching for a purer understanding. This helps you incorporate that essence into the routine of your daily life. You have a basic understanding of your chosen teaching, and with this understanding comes a first siphoning off of what does not work. For instance, if you were learning about Christianity, you might at this point choose which denomination you wish to belong to and decide on some level that other denominations aren't "the Truth"- for you. You have decided which path to follow and what works best for you in this moment. This enables you to have more focus so as to better incorporate what there is to learn in the cells of your body.

Within this layer, there is also a sense of awe for all the wisdom that is out there as well as for other "wiser" beings who are teaching you. You search for teachers who bring a deeper layer of learning. This can give you a magnificent feeling of support and guidance, and it can also lead to the (false) belief that others know best for you than you do. This belief is gradually let go as learning progresses.

Layer 3: Teacher

Within this layer of learning, you've already accomplished a lot of intellectual and social learning — there is a recognition that further study yields diminishing returns. You see all the learning that you have accomplished so far. The value of the teaching is still very much appreciated, however, and so you begin to focus on teaching what you have learned to others. There is an emphasis on demonstrating the authority of learning — that you know the teaching. Teaching others brings you a renewed appreciation in what you have learned; there is a dual experience of the joy of this path.

Within this layer, you may desire to create a study group. You may become a counselor. You may respond regularly to questions in a society or in an online group. You may proselytize if your path advocates it. You may write a blog. By teaching others and exploring your own beliefs, you learn more yourself and see how your learning interacts with others' paths. You expand your own presence to try to influence others.

The limit of the learning so far, however, is that up to this point you have been learning primarily from external sources: books, teachers, and the community around you. You are an authority under something else such as an organization or an abstract teaching. Therefore what you teach tends to be your interpreted regurgitation of what you have learned so far. You do not yet teach directly and solely from your own soul. In other words, the student becomes an authority by playing the role of what they think a true person on the path should be. A student of Buddhism might meditate regularly, speak with compassion and follow the eightfold noble path as best as they can. A student of the Michael Material might teach others about overleaves or begin to learn to channel. If you have an advanced degree in psychology you may hold workshops and counsel others.

Experimenting with authority in this external fashion is all part of the journey to find a true sense of inner power by learning to live your path from your deepest essence.

Layer 4: The Search Begins

"What?" you may exclaim. "The Search Begins only here? What about Layers 1 to 3? I've been an expert - I'm not just beginning!"

It is in this layer that the diving off the cliff toward inner knowingness truly begins. This is the fulcrum layer between following a teaching and living it from within. In the previous layers, there was a social identity — a firm path to follow — which can involve teaching others. If you belong to an organization and have an identity as such, you'll have an understanding of what is appropriate within the teaching of your organization. However, at some level you will realize that just because someone else speaks a truth doesn't mean their truth is yours. Following the path of one's own quiet inner voice requires courage, integrity, and a willingness to step away from the herd. It requires changing your path if one day that path doesn't feel right for you — even if it disappoints others' expectations.

This is where the dark night of the soul appears. What you know disintegrates and crumbles around you — your identity, your comforts and defenses — so that you may find something greater: your Self.

In short, the inner self opens and begins to speak up. You have a newfound dialog with your own soul and essence. The newness of this creates movement in your life in thoughts, emotions, and actions.

Conflict and turmoil can appear if one's inner voice differs from what has been learned. It is rare that your true perception matches exactly the teaching that you have been following. Perhaps you realize that your body does not truly want to sit in meditation for hours and that substituting other practices can give you the same benefit. Perhaps common phrases you have used now feel dogmatic — that is, having lost their personal meaning for you. Within this layer you'll find yourself questioning authority of all kinds so that you find that you yourself are your own greatest guru. In some spiritual communities, this creates unrest, discomfort and conflict. Cries of 'heresy' and of not being 'true to the teachings' can occur. However, in this layer you feel compelled to truly bring your teaching to a new level that includes being true to one's self. There is a desire to see for one's self instead of relying on anyone else's experience, including liturgy. Every true teaching is a living teaching — and it is your life you bring.

This layer also brings a deeper connection to others — you are bringing more of yourself forward in meeting with others. You are no longer identified as "just" a Christian, Muslim, Jew, or any other member of a teaching. You are you. You are an expression of the Divine, just as you are, and you begin to recognize with your own eyes - not simply through others' words - that others are as well. By beginning to truly be yourself, you support others in recognizing themselves as well. You begin to understand the greeting "Namaste" for the full depth of its meaning:

That which is of God in me greets that which is of God in you.

Layer 5: Truth in the Moment

Here, a regular connection to essence occurs and you recognize the dichotomy that while your past learning may have been true for you at that time, newfound revelations and perceptions are always different in each moment. You therefore learn to live by your own perceptions, moment by moment, with a deep trust in them. You know that there are no rules, only choices - and that all choices contain within them an inherent perfection. You build from your past learning instead of limiting yourself to it. The ideas of "right", "wrong", "good" and "evil" fall by the wayside. There is only Truth, and part of that truth is a deep love of life and everyone and everything in it. The result is an expansive flexibility that is filled with gentle humor and play.
Because of this flexibility, there are many ways that you might manifest who you truly are:

You may find a newfound interest in other learnings and see them no longer as different from one another, but as part of a universal teaching.
You may begin to have a gentle, relaxed laughter as the humor of life itself is experienced. Yes, this path is perfect - as is every other path!
You may find a new sense of creativity and even eccentricity. For instance, if you explained a spiritual topic to others 10 times, you may give 10 completely different explanations - each one being true as a completely new discovery in that moment. These may even be contradictory on a superficial level - but the contradictions will help others see the deeper truth.
You begin to let go of the "shoulds" that are in your life and live life simply as you desire. There's less need to do anything. Paradoxically, this lets you act selfless, help others more, and make better use of your time.

Living firmly in this energy helps firmly build community and connection around you. True pillars of community live from here.

Layer 6: Living Deep Harmony

In this layer the connection to One has become deeper and stronger; there is less focus on what looks like teaching and more focus on loving. You live life with sacredness and spaciousness of experience, and within that spaciousness grows a deep sense of inner peace. There is room for all of You. This brings harmony in thought, emotion, and action. You love life itself. You meet all of life, from your inner demons to external conflicts, with that sense of inner harmony. This can bring tremendous inspiration to others as it shows others how to let go of past habitual conflicts and destructive habits.

This harmony also extends to tremendous compassion for the world. You bring all you have learned through manifesting a calm sense of appreciation of life in whatever form it may take. This compassion can manifest as humanitarian action, like with Mother Theresa, or through social change, as with the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. Because the action comes from inner peace, movements arise seemingly without effort. There is little basis for internal conflict.

Layer 7: Being Pure Presence

This is where the great spiritual teachers reside. Here you regularly experience essential oneness with the Self: your essence, your Buddha-nature, your Atman, or your Christ Consciousness. You experience the reality of Who You Are. Intellectual learning is put aside as you teach from the Now. There is no longer a need to teach, nor to change things — perfection is experienced simply as What Is. Love is expressed simply by being, and this is felt powerfully by those around you. This manifests as pure presence.

The power of manifesting your full nature cannot be underestimated. Students came simply to sit with Ramana Maharshi, for example, because sitting in his presence enabled them to experience inner harmony for themselves.

Pure presence is more than the ultimate manifestation of a teaching, a religion, or a path. It is the unrestricted allowing of All That Is - and this creates an unlimited potential for creation and conscious choice. It is this field which allows great healing to occur. It is a far deeper authority and power than the third layer, as the authority with the layer of Being Pure Presence comes from the full allowing of All That You Are, which without exception exceeds your wildest imagination of what you can experience. Your full and complete presence is the ultimate gift that you bring to the world and to others.

Using the Layers

How does the layer concept work in reality? Again, there is no linear progress through them, although you may experience a sense of that for a given time. I'll use my own experience as an example:

When I began to focus on my spiritual path, everything lit up for me. I wanted to taste it all. I found truth in so many different things: energy healing of all kinds, crystals, the whole "ascension" idea, plant lore, shamanism, the work of Louise Hay (just a few examples). Everything tasted good! I was clearly in the Explorer layer. This is what I often refer to as the "sponge" stage. As time went on, I applied some discernment. Some things resonated more than others. I deepened my look at the things that felt right to me. I was in the Initiate layer. Over time, I felt that I wanted to speak about what I knew. I had taken these truths into my being and was ready to move them outward again. I was a Teacher, but also used the Explorer and Initiate layers when new things were presented.

Then the real fun began. Everything fell apart and I questioned it all. I went deeper into myself, examined my beliefs, and came out more sure of who I was and how I viewed the Universe. The Search Begins. And at times, because of that, I've been in Truth in the Moment. But frequently I'll move into Teacher because it works for that time. And then into Explorer/Initiate when I wish to learn something new. And I've had moments, perhaps, of Living Deep Harmony and Being Pure Presence — we all have access to those layers — when everything just clicks and I am in the beautiful flow of the moment.

Every layer is part of the beautiful tapestry we weave on a collective global basis through our experience. Every layer has a purpose and a use. Every layer is necessary to create the structure of that tapestry and to hold it together. So wherever you are in the moment is perfect for that moment. You can flow through the layers seamlessly and effortlessly, weaving your own path through the tapestry with glorious colors, being more of who you are, and in so doing encourage others to be more of who they are, to deepen and brighten the colors we weave together.

August 2010: Gathering Momentum

admin@polarisrising.com — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 15:12:59 PDT

A note about Monthly Messages: as in any month, the trends we outline for this month upcoming are just that — trends. These trends are based on a variety of influences that include astrological influences, the collective consciousness, and extrapolation from numerous outcomes gleaned from potential futures based on the point from which we give the initial message. As with everything in life, all this is subject to change, and of course, choice. We attempt to outline trends that show the influences that will affect the greatest number of people, but there are always those whose experience doesn't fit within what we map out. We encourage you to use this information as a roadmap of possibility in order to better understand your personal experience as well as your experience within the context of the greater world around you.

In this month, time again seems to speed up. The seeds you have been sowing will find fruit in the harvest beginning this month – in other words, the inner work, external projects, and anything else begun earlier this year (and even back into late 2009) begins to bear fruit in some tangible way starting this month.

The first several days of August will feel much like the latter part of July – unsettled, anxious, chaotic, moving. But by August 6 things begin to calm down. The energy smooths out. You feel a sense of flow, of “rightness” about yourself and the world around you. This does not mean, necessarily, that you won’t continue to be barraged with sensory information about the suffering of the world, but nerves are not as raw. Your emotions are not as much on the surface. You feel a peacefulness and even, perhaps, a glimmer of what inner quiet feels like.

For many this month, what has been on the inside becomes what is on the outside. Again, inner work bears fruit here, and you begin to see how your own inner transformation changes the world around you. Personal interactions become a little easier as a result, as those in your sphere sense the changes within you as well as your newfound sense of peace with your Self. Those who feel this palpable change are likely those who – ironically, perhaps – have been having the greatest amount of inner difficulty and tension these past several months. If you have felt the struggle within yourself, knowing, perhaps, that you have been making strides and realizations, then this is the time to see how all that work begins to pay off in positive ways. This is no time to rest on your laurels, however, as energies later in the month, beginning around the 23^rd, move you into a new cycle of growth, but the peacefulness in the middle of the month can help you realize how far you’ve come and how your work helps you on all levels.

On a wider level, again the energy this month is all about gathering momentum for what is to come in the future. Some of the dynamics we’ve illustrated on a personal level have applicability on a larger group level as well. You can look toward group movement (moving toward the eventual evolution of the group in its purest form) occurring this month in various groups, from families, companies and communities to socio-political groups like countries. Understand that any one individual’s needs and desires may be swallowed by the group’s evolution, as each of these groups has the capacity to act as a sovereign entity. This may be dismaying and upsetting to individuals who become heavily invested in a particular movement pf the group concerned. All of you are part of groups of some sort: your success this month (and into the future, as August is merely a beginning of a new way of interrelating on a group level) depends on your ability to sense and understand the dynamics of the group as a whole rather than your individual thoughts and desires. Notice this is no small task; as humans you of course will have individual desires and will potentially have difficulty allowing the varying perceptions and desires of others within your various groups.

To assist with this process of releasing attachment to individual desire within the context of any group (this works for groups of any size and configuration), we offer the following meditation practice:

Imagine that you are sitting opposite the group you have in mind. You are approximately the same size, both energetically and spatially. It is as if you are sitting across from a mirror image of yourself, but one that just happens to contain the hearts, minds, and sensibilities of the group you have in mind. Don’t worry about logistics; all can be contained within the space needed.

As you sit across from your group, bring your attention to your heart. As you do so, begin breathing intentionally. With each breath, send some of your own heart-energy across the space between you to your group. Imagine that your heart energy makes connection with the heart of the group. Now, with each breath, pull some of that group heart-energy back across into your own heart space. You now feel and sense the connection between you at this most basic level.

As you sense the connection between yourself and your group, say these words in your heart: We are one. We support one another as best we can. We connect through Love.

Use this meditation daily, especially if you are feeling conflict with your group, or conflict within it.

Other things to watch for this month:

A sense of ennui, especially in the middle of the month. Having had the initial rush of connection where things begin to make sense on a large-scale basis, you find yourself wishing for repeated "high" experiences. Distraction and ennui results when you find you are unable to duplicate that high.
Feeling disconnected from others, especially on a universal basis – this especially occurring toward the end of the month. This is necessary as you begin to again separate and move away for a time from the connectedness and again into a space of separation. While this is part of the human experience, having sensed a connection already on a deep and intrinsic level, you may find the shift to separation disquieting.
Increased desire to connect in a tangible way to nature – gardening, hikes, beach time – becoming almost desperate by the 29^th or so if not sated before then with plenty of outdoor connection time. This is to assuage the increasing sense of separation with your fellow beings and should be honored if you wish to keep a sense of equilibrium.

Practices to engage in this month:

If you haven’t been consciously and regularly finding connection to nature, this is the time to begin. Take walks; meditate on a flower; take up gardening; enjoy the fruits of your own garden harvest; commune with animals; be with others or alone in nature.
Journaling your emotional journey. By taking pen to paper with intention of chronicling your inner journey, you open yourself that much wider to the depths of your experience.
Look for signs and omens. This could be the ever-popular 11:11, nature signs, shapes or forms that you notice, or anything that seems to speak to you with some intention and meaning. You need not know what the message is, but making yourself open to there being a message at all will create a sense of comfort that will be useful to you in the days ahead.

As you move through August, feeling your own momentum gathering, pay attention to that which you desire to create. By being open to the energies around you and engaging in your own inner work, you make yourself available to the ongoing evolution of the species.

Radio show July 15th audio now available

admin@polarisrising.com — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 01:00:00 PDT

It was a huge pleasure speaking on July 15 with host Jennifer Hillman on Abstract Illusions Radio — AIR — on BBSRadio, and I'm pleased to be able to share the archived show from July 15, 2010 with you in its entirety. Enjoy!

Click Here to Download or Subscribe and download via iTunes

Thanks to BBSRadio and all the listeners! I'm looking forward to returning.

July 2010: Divergence

admin@polarisrising.com — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:03:50 PDT

We spoke last month about a divergence in energy — internal vs. external — which continues on in the present month, deepening and becoming more plainly evident.

Last September there was a significant nexus or choice point made which resulted in some noticeable change for many of you. Many people found themselves feeling more fully aware of their paths, or more fully aware of the interconnection that exists between all life. It is not inaccurate to state that many people interpreted that nexus energy as the creation of an “us vs. them” or “happy” world vs. a “sad” one, because, in some ways, that has indeed been what has been created and is now resulting in the continuing divergence we see at present.

Beginnings

Many of you are creating beginnings this month, or what feels like beginnings (but really are a continuation of what you have built before this). Tangible evidence of these beginnings can include:

Physical moves
Relationship changes
Changes in vocation, job, or focus
Deep internal experiences like visions, eruption of channeling abilities, or meditation retreats
Sudden and almost effortless realizations of long-held patterns.

If any of these describes you, then consider yourself well on your way on your path. These beginnings really mark the next step in your own inner growth and awareness of the conscious creation you are building.

What about everyone else? Remember that everyone — “awake” or not — has an important part to play in this beautiful tapestry you are creating. Does it serve anyone to maintain an “us vs. them” mentality? Likely not, but again that is the sense that is being created along with this energy of divergence. It is human nature — or the nature of the sense of separation that exists on the physical plane — to make endless comparisons, to lump together in herds, clans, or other groups of like interest, background, path, or origin, and to see the world in terms of “us and not-us.” Again, it is difficult to resist this perception.

The path of the future

What is interesting here, however, is that as a planet you are moving toward a very different time and hence a very different perception. A few hundred years from now, this “us vs. them” will be far less pronounced. Even fifty years from now you may see some significant change in this direction. That’s what is being built now. The reason there is the perception of increased divergence is that when people feel change coming, they instinctively attempt to hold on to the familiar. In this case, the perception of separation has served the species well (in terms of soul growth, experience, and evolution). Look at all the wonderful experience (on a large-scale level as well as interpersonally) you have had! Wars, famine, conflict. There is a great deal of growth inherent in those experiences. If everything were love-and-light all the time, your growth would have occurred very differently, and — dare we say it? — much more slowly and perhaps less efficiently. Yes, your planet is perhaps one of the most conflict-oriented that we know of, but at the same time there is a great deal of dynamic energy here that is beautiful to behold.

The experience, then, of those who are perhaps less consciously aware of energies, an overall global path, and the interconnectedness of beings will tend to grow towards the familiar. When we spoke before about the emergence of a quasi police state in North America, this is what we meant. Security, family, and protection will be the watchwords. This naturally arises as a whole new slough of rules, laws, and restrictions designed for the well-being of the greater population. Safety litigation will be on the increase. Restrictions in all sectors of manufacturing and industry will increase as well. But what we see in the not-too-distant future is an implosion. Heavily-mandated restrictions and a desire for safety for all (at the expense of freedoms) will naturally cause the overall structure to topple. Chaos will ensue for a time until a new energy emerges.

Of course, that is only the general course of things and does not reflect the month of July except as the stage-setting for what is to come.

Global effects of the divergent energies

So, besides the aforementioned beginnings for many of you, what else are we seeing on a global level this month?

Breakthroughs in understanding in human psychology.
A beginning of a significant decline in births on a global basis.
Substantial transitions (deaths) occurring on a regional basis in several locations. Likely locations are Portugal, Croatia, Iceland, the U.K., Malaysia, and other parts of Western Europe.
A large air travel accident.

Weathering your beginnings

To make the most of the energies being offered you in terms of your personal change and growth it is important to continue to listen to yourself on a heart basis. The phrase “follow your heart” has even more meaning this month and can assist you in getting in closer connection with the wisdom of your inner guidance. To assist in this process, we offer the following suggestions:

Heart awareness. Spend an hour, a day, or several days trying to drop your consciousness down into your heart. Start by imagining that you see the world from the level of your heart. Imagine that your heart has eyes and can see. Imagine growing your energy outward into the world from your heart, expanding your own limitless heart energy into the space around you. There is no need to DO anything, but simply BE with that energy of expansion.

One step. There is a common saying among Reiki practitioners, a set of statements that begin with the phrase, “Just for today…” You will find that applying that to yourself can be extremely empowering. It allows you to remain in the present without projecting your energy unnecessarily into the past or the future. You may see or feel what it is you wish to create — for yourself, for those you love, or for the planet — but the most effect you can have is truly from THIS moment, from Now. Allow the rest to take care of itself. This is not denial but is instead an allowing of space, of trust, that the Universe will evolve in a way that supports the highest good of all.

Compassion. Instead of finding fault, feeling frustration or anger, or dismissing those who follow paths other than yours, remember that they too are helping create your soul experience. Your awareness is as it is because, in part, there is an other awareness (other than yours) to contrast your own against. But all experience on the planet is a part of the infinite beauty you weave together. Allow yourself this month, then, to feel a little of the perspective you don't share. Feel the desire for safety and protection. Feel the fear of changes. These are not unfamiliar feelings for you! You have this within you as well, and as such can extend the bigness of your heart — true compassion — to those who follow oaths that diverge from your own.

Again, you are immersed in change. How you allow this into your Be-ing is truly up to you. There are no wrong choices. If you listen to what is truly within you, you will always choose wisely and create experiences that support your connection to Self.

The Gulf Oil Spill: Invitation for Change

admin@polarisrising.com — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:28:11 PDT

We wish to comment on the recent oil spill occurring in the Gulf of Mexico. At the risk of sounding overly simplistic or obvious, the fallout and end result of this spill is anticipated to be both more far-reaching than presently imagined and unclear as to scope for many years to come. Both the magnitude of this spill and the ongoing responses and effects are presently underestimated by the majority of the scientific community. This is, in a way, understandable, as the event is unprecedented in human history — previous spills did not occur in heavily populated areas, and the Gulf is a central oceanic pivot point, essentially affecting a vastly larger section of the planet’s total oceans than the area of the Gulf itself. But this underestimation is also naïve and reflects a misperception regarding the ocean’s existence as a single, united entity.

In other words, what affects one part of the ocean on one part of the planet ultimately has an effect on the rest of the ocean and as a result, the entire planet. This is a concept that will be coming to light over the next 50 years or so as effects of the spill are parsed, measured, and recorded.

One result of the spill, therefore, at least in the not-too-distant future, will likely be scientific acknowledgement that there is really only a single ecosystem on the planet; that all life is connected, intertwined, and interdependent.

Effects of the spill

While that interconnectedness is well and good and will reflect growing change in the understanding of human effect upon the planet, there are other effects closer at hand and perhaps less desirable.

1. Biodiversity decreases. Species like pelicans, cetaceans, fishes, kelp, algaes, and numerous single-celled organisms are being affected in obvious ways. Any time large numbers of a single species are wiped out by disaster or disease, it increases the chances for that species to dwindle to extinction. Most of the affects won’t be immediate, however, as dramatic as the available footage of oil-soaked birds and dolphins may be. Instead, the danger for the future lies in the availability of an untainted food source through the planet’s oceans. We anticipate a number of species moving toward extinction over the next several years, especially as the snowball affect of tainted food sources increases.

2. Political coverup. For many people in positions of power, mass-scale events like this precipitate the need to keep oneself safe from harm. Every man for himself. Because of that very common and very human response, we see that choices have been made and likely will continue to be made in order to create protection for those who might otherwise be excoriated by an angry public demanding a right to know why their oceans have been tainted for generations to come. This desire to protect runs deep and has itself a snowball effect, creating a veil of secrecy to prevent fingers of blame from being accurately pointed.

The far-reaching effects of this are deeper than they appear on the surface and portray a mindset we find becoming prevalent in first-world culture. As global culture begins to move into a more relationship-oriented phase, ways of interrelating that have been a part of culture and experience for the past thousand years, manifesting in different ways, become more dear to those who are heavily invested in it. Whenever there is significant change, there are those who resist. There are those who feel fear. The fear and resistance becomes a holding on to what is known, and this often manifests in extreme ways. We have spoken before about the evolution of a “police state” in North America, becoming so without resistance or even anyone really noticing, because the evolution of such a state always begins with the interests of the majority at heart. What is important to protect here? A sense of security. Of belonging. New ways challenge this, especially because what is ahead in the future is still largely unknown. Better to protect what is already known.

To this end, covert groups have long been established in order to attempt to protect the familiar. Again, this is done without underlying sinister intent but instead a desire to protect the known. The outcome, however, is much the same: there are secrets, lies, and manipulations.

3. Changing attitudes toward natural resources. Some of you might think this is long in coming! Seeing proof of any significant change will continue to tax your patience, then, but we see this event – and some others that are similar and yet to come – as the beginning of what will be a shift in attitudes toward the exploitation of the planet’s resources. Big change occurs slowly, however, and for many, there is a theoretical shift in ideology, often manifesting as actual anger toward those who don’t share their ideas, that doesn’t translate into a shift in practice as well. A true shift – one in practice as well as theory – likely won’t occur for most people until resource depletion is at such a level that as a group you are forced to look for other avenues. The key here is true creativity, and we haven’t yet seen a need for that. While there are people thinking about non-petroleum energy replacements, and that thought is helpful to a degree, it is still simply a substitute (one thing for another) that doesn’t result in any true behavior change. SUV tanks still require filling. A trip to the grocery store still yields a case of plastic water bottles filled with expensive filtered tap water. A switch on the wall still turns a light on. Factories still churn out tens of thousands of identical mass-produced items. Cars still choke city streets.

But where you are headed – true acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of all beings and life on the planet – is a part of this path as well. That IS at the other end of this road. And many of you feel a glimmer of that. The glimmer is useful. Go with it. Keep that flame alight, as it will ignite a larger flame, even as necessity (resource depletion) comes at you from the other side.

Why did the oil spill occur?

When large-scale, world-changing events such as this occur, it is natural for people to begin to ask Why. Why this? Why now?

The short answer is, It was time.

One many levels, it was only a matter of time before such a disastrous event occurred. The mechanics of deep-sea oil drilling are less precise than one might imagine. There are variables with ocean pressures and the behavior of metals within a changing environment that have not been strongly considered. In addition, the planet is a living being. What lies underneath the surface is a changing environment as well, and efforts to capture the essence of this living being with measurable and quantifiable science are imprecise.

In addition, there was a need for change, and a need for a large touchpoint event to begin to precipitate this change. Change is inevitable, and is a significant part of physical plane experience (despite efforts to deny it). Globally, collectively, the human species — as well as all beings on the planet — chose this event, or one enough like it that would create similar effects. Big, dramatic events that people can point to and say to themselves and one another, “THAT is when changes began to happen,” give people something to measure themselves and their experiences against. They act as a touchpoint that everyone can agree was a changing event for many. September 11, 2001. July 4, 1776. The Haiti Earthquake. The Christmas Tsunami. The Black Plague. Princess Di.

What do we see as the future from this event? The outcome? Again, we see the effects as being far-reaching. You may never know everything about the effects, because they are pervasive in ways that are difficult to measure. We mentioned a decrease in biodiversity. Species die out. The affects the fishing industry. The livelihood of individual fishermen. Families move and relocate. When fish die, interrelated species are affected. The ocean is a living organism, an entity. The shores of all the planet’s oceans are affected, not just in the Gulf. The people perched precariously at the shores of all the planet’s oceans, billions of them, are affected as well. Food sources change. Livelihoods fluctuate. Other food sources are focused on, exploited. Cellular change within the human structure is affected because of the evolution of food. Social structure changes as a result of food source change, of physical relocation, and of the cellular physiological change. Food has energy that affects thought. You’ve heard, “You are what you eat”? And so you are. You take on the energy of what it is you consume. As a group, if you are accustomed to consuming fish and then you change that to, for instance, a grain, there is a change in thought patterns. In behavior patterns. In physiological response to the environment. In disease. In social response to changes in disease. Do you see how one thing affects another? As beings, you are so closely tied to what is around you. It can be said that you are a product of your environment. You also CREATE your environment. It goes hand in hand.

What you can do to help

There is, naturally, a feeling of helplessness when faced with such a far-reaching, world-changing event. It is natural, then, to wish to do something. Take action.

There is no wrong action.

Each of you will feel pulled to do something that is a natural part of Who You Are in this moment. For some, it will be activism. There is anger with that helplessness. Fine! So use it. Write letters. Take part in focus groups. Help plan change. For others, it will be service. There are people affected, many of them. And animals. Use your gifts and talents to support them directly in some fashion. Other people will be focused on healing. Combine energies with others doing this work and focus on allowing the event to unfold as it best supports the greater good. Connect with Gaia. Connect with ocean energies. Give compassion to those affected and to those responsible. You are all One, after all.

Whatever you feel pulled to do will be of assistance in some way. Trust that you have this inner knowledge and allow yourself to be guided into what feels best for you and what supports you on a soul level. Feel your connection with others doing the same thing. Feel the power of what you are creating in this way. Feel the potential of what is yet to come.

Impatience - The Fear of the Present Moment

admin@polarisrising.com — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 01:00:00 PDT

[This is a continuation of the series expanding the notion of the "Chief Negative Feature," ("Obstacle") in the Michael Teachings which are our fundamental blocks to perception and access to the inner being. You can see previous channelings on chief features in the articles on Arrogance, Self Destruction, Martyrdom and Greed]

We continue our expansion of our perceptions about the main filter in the personality's awareness, which has been called the "Chief Negative Feature."

Chief Negative Features (or "Obstacles"), without exception, are based on a perception of separation. You perceive that there is something that you are not: this could manifest as pain, fear, or a feeling of lack. This perception is denied, and the "waste product" of that denial ferments with further denials, not only of the original perception, but of all the very natural effects of what that denial produced. A structure of protection is built to protect against your own very natural perception.

Impatience is an action-oriented blocking of an inner experience. It is a defense against the present moment. There is always something within that is desired to be avoided, such as feelings within the body or emotions, especially those relating to long-held patterns. This blocked energy becomes such a nemesis that it will often seem akin to a nebulous fanged monster that is death itself to meet face-to-face. In order to defend against it, Impatience will keep one busy, tense, or creating reactions in others in such a way that protects the Impatient from having to feel the inner experience. An activity is created to fill the awareness so that the inner experience doesn't need to be touched upon.

Impatience is a defense against the present moment.

It is within the present moment that the reality of being in a body is processed. It is within the present moment that heart-based connections with others are established and sustained. It is within the present moment that emotions are felt and inner desires brought to conscious awareness. You can see, therefore, the limitations that Impatience can create in a life: such a person may be successful, productive, and even admired, but they will be disconnected from many inner resources. In addition, the effort used to sustain Impatience causes an incredible strain both on the body and the psyche. In some cases, this strain may result in breakdown of the body or manifest in the brain as stress-related or chronic fatigue-like symptoms.

The contracted (blocked) expression of the energy Impatience has been channeled before as intolerance. Impatience is the most outward (cardinal) focused chief negative feature, and can result in blaming others, or some form of external reactivity (such as judgments) that defend against an internal experience. This intolerance can also manifest in more subtle forms, such as an absolute need to be productive and efficient. This need goes well beyond an appreciation for efficiency, but becomes a mantra used inexorably as a way of removing the spaciousness that would invite inner experiences.

Because in western society the least appreciated Center is the Emotional Center (thoughts and actions are culturally more valued), the Impatient tend to fixate on avoiding emotions. Often, the person in Impatience will decide they are not feeling what they are feeling and create a cause of action — either in thought, action, or focus — based on how they are not feeling what they are truly feeling. This action could be a mental justification or even a behavior that incites other feelings within the person or within those around them. It tends to create a domino effect, creating reverberations that reflect back the chaos born out of staving off the present moment. The Impatient create new experiences so they they will never have to experience the present moment.

Impatience in Society

Of all the chief features, Impatience is the most ingrained in Western culture. It is easier to notice when someone is putting on an arrogant mask, for example, or being a martyr in their own life than when they block inner experiences via outer ones with Impatience. Impatience, because it can lead to dynamic productivity, can be highly valued in the workplace. This aids in not noticing the subtle effects on the body and the psyche.

Do you notice Impatience when there is a compulsion to turn on the TV and fill your experience with lifeless programs? Do you notice impatience when driving in traffic, especially when confronted with someone who is not rushing? Do you notice how multitasking and over-scheduling is the norm but that almost everyone has 'no time'? Do you notice how awkward it is when there is a silence in a group that seems pregnant with possibility and hurry to fill the silence with something — anything — just so you don't feel the emptiness?

Impatience has been described as a fear of missing out, but we see that as incomplete. What is beneath the feeling of missing something, and therefore attempting to manipulate time so as to ensure nothing is missed? Within Impatience is a sense of inner emptiness created by the desire to distance oneself from what is inside. Impatience is fed also by the present-day consumerist culture becoming so prevalent worldwide now; implied within that culture is always the promise of more — more happiness, more wholeness, more "stuff." If only I had a big house I would feel complete. Or a car. Or a baby. Or whiter teeth, better meditation, a fulfilling relationship, the "right" job. This is always, without exception, an expression of looking outward in order to gain the feeling of completeness within. But it completely bypasses the easiest way toward that sense of wholeness that is so coveted — going within. Because to go within would be to touch the fanged monster.

The sense that is common within Impatience of looking toward more has some similarities to the Chief Negative Feature of Greed. Both Chief Features are cardinal, which means acting externally to stave off inner chaos. In Greed, one tries to fill the inner emptiness, whereas in Impatience one tries to distract from it. There is emptiness within each but with a different quality: In Greed, the emptiness is often more apparent to others because they tend to be directly asked to fill it. In Impatience, there tends to be more of a complete cutoff from awareness; others feel the force of repulsion from that emptiness, but rarely get a glimpse into it because they are constantly being directed away from it.

First-world culture is driven with "filling up" the emptiness caused by avoiding inner experiences. This is one reason there has been a resurgence in present-moment teachers such as Eckhart Tolle and Adyashanti.

Childhood Origins

Impatience develops within the child when the following conditions are met:

1. Chaos, or the sense of chaos. Authority figures are undependable. In order to rest within a sense of structure, then, the child choosing this energy will respond by attempting to bring order to the chaos. This is not done with material things but rather with an attempt at controlling their experience of the present moment. There is a desire to stave off the uncontrolled nature of the experience of the physical plane.

2. Inattention. The child choosing Impatience as an obstacle will likely be largely ignored by the authority figures around them in childhood. The child's wants and needs are not examined or considered when the authority figure makes decisions; family life is constructed without regard for the child at all. In order to bring some focus to their needs, the child then attempts to manipulate an element of the environment that they feel they have a modicum of control over, and thereby use their energetic resources to create a sense of urgency.

3. Desire to be "active" and "productive" to please those around them.·Often this is because a major parental figure has Impatience as well. The child will have a sense that by pushing away uncomfortable, chaotic feelings and using that "pushing away" energy to a more outward, active means, they are·more loved.·They are in some ways appreciated more as Impatience can be used to do work, chores, school, and fill up uncomfortable silences at the dinner table.·To a parent in Impatience, it is often more comfortable having a child also with Impatience, as this does not challenge the parent's own inner discomfort.

In Impatience, there is a pervasive sense of urgency that is rarely met. This creates a constant sense of disquiet within the person choosing this energy. Experiences always change and have a chaos within them that cannot always be glossed over — time always moves. There is always more to be considered and new things to feel anxious over. Impatience is a battle, in some ways, with the structure of the physical plane itself, and is frequently chosen by souls who wish to experience a constant sense of inner tension.

Effects Upon Others

Impatience can be a difficult energy to be around. It is a dynamic, moving energy, and as such tends to be polarizing. Some people will be energized by this and feel spurred to increase their pace or output, but these people are in the minority. Largely, this is an abrasive energy, primarily because of the sense of inner tension that comes along with it. People in Impatience are not comfortable either with themselves or with their environment. They can make poor mates. The stereotypical person in Impatience will make hasty, poorly thought out decisions. While this attribute can ruffle enough feathers, it is more the feeling of extreme inner discomfort that creates difficulties with others. Other people will feel this energy and feel compelled to respond to it in some way, yet the person in Impatience is rarely assuaged. It is rare that the underlying source of the tension is ever seen, let alone felt or addressed.

Society regards Impatience positively when it is applied in a dynamic way (explorers, athletes, or politicians), but quite negatively when the sense of inner tension can't be dispelled (that jerk behind you in line). Social pressure to conform to the chaotic environment that is part and parcel of the physical plane is, at times, crushing for the person choosing Impatience. Environments that have the energy of Impatience strongly ingrained, such as driving a car in heavy traffic, will magnify the underlying tension. This can be both painful and create an addictive rush of energy — it is the perfect environment to scream out all the frustrations and intolerance that have been building for a lifetime.

Effects Upon the Self

The effects of Impatience are many. Beyond potential physical manifestations of chronic anxiety, there are other, more subtle effects upon the inner self. The Self will likely suffer a crisis of confidence when choosing this energy. Without being open to present moment experiences, it becomes more difficult to trust inner guidance or other subtle signals. The person in Impatience is forever second-guessing everything about their environment just to keep up with the demands of time and the attempt to create order.

Impatience is experienced on a variety of levels within the Self. Depending on one's centering (the intellectual center, emotional center, or moving center) the effects can vary. Intellectually oriented individuals tend to feel the highest amount of tension because they are responding to an inner stimuli but lacking good access to intuition, can't "think their way through" the disquiet and discomfort and instead tend to lash out in other ways at unpredictable intervals. The emotionally centered individual will likely become overwhelmed by a variety of emotions and will attempt to sort them out, but Impatience will get in the way and cause an overload. The moving centered person will feel compelled to use that tension to create actual tangible movement, which can help dispel the inner tension.

The underlying tension can manifest physically in a variety of ways, a common one being back pain or other results of chronic muscle tension that will not dissipate. Tension results from two unrelenting forces battling for supremacy, and there are many such battles in the body. Sometimes the battle is in intellect vs. emotion, which can result in a claim of disconnection between the two, such as an intellectual loudly and emotively claiming they are rational and emotionless while obviously fuming with anger. Other times the battle is in aspects of personality and "splits" that occur — childhood desires and personas warring against the more adult and responsible identities. This is not what you could call multiple personalities, but rather a function of subpersonalities that have not made peace with each other. These are far more common than are supposed.

Healing Impatience

What can help at first is a deeper inner perception of the benefits of Impatience. Seeing your Impatience solely as "ego," and thus a demon to be exorcised, simply entrenches the problem; you will become impatient at your Impatience, using the same familiar techniques of avoidance, but directed at your familiar patterns of Impatience. Think, instead, of the beauty of this energy within you. It is truly dynamic and encourages a foray into territory that would otherwise lie unexplored. This is a major power to those in Impatience. Its expansive pole, Audacity, is exactly that — moving boldly into unexplored territory because of the desire to resolve an inner tension by expanding that energy into the surrounding environment. Thinking of this energy as creative and exploring can be helpful in channeling your feeling of inner tension and anxiety into a sense of greater good.

Impulsive actions can be mitigated somewhat by performing an exercise that we call Worst Case Scenario. When the energy of Impatience arises (it's easy to identify — it's a feeling that action must take place immediately or something dire could occur), follow it. Ask yourself, "What is the worst thing that could happen if I did not act on this situation immediately?" Then follow that to a logical, imaginary conclusion, allowing yourself to feel the accompanying emotions. Then ask yourself if you could let it go "just for this moment" (no strings — you can always resume as normal again) and see how that feels. Usually the combination of the two (accepting and then releasing) will provide enough of a feeling of movement that the action itself is no longer needed, or no longer feels as urgent.

Addressing Impatience at a deeper level requires a commitment of non-avoidance. Impatience, as we have mentioned, results in the reactionary response of avoidance by moving outward through action. Patience is developed by learning to be with yourself with all that this encompasses. Presence involves learning to be with your thoughts, your emotions, and your body and all their experiences throughout your lifetime. Instead of touching on an emotion, for example, and impulsively thinking of what needs to be done to "deal" with the emotion, presence involves simply feeling, inviting, and making friends with that emotion as if it will be residing with you for the rest of your lifetime.

Practicing non-avoidance is a creative endeavor. While some may be drawn to meditative activities such as monkhood and Vipassana meditation, it is up to each individual's deepest self-honesty to determine what is avoidance and what is not. We know of several monks who have meditated for years in monasteries who are deeply in the throes of Impatience; while they have trained themselves to sit still for hours each day, they are greatly intolerant of the outside world and any "distractions" from their path — which is to say, anything that creates emotions they would rather not touch. On the other hand, we have seen many active individuals who use silent meditation as a means of sitting with themselves, using it to become friends with what they have avoided for much of their lives. Becoming friends with all of your Selves has an extremely powerful ripple effect upon those around you.

Nor is silent meditation the only solution. The key is non-avoidance, and this can be reached through very active means. Impatience, we again remind you, is a dynamic energy, and this can be used for its own healing. Often activities are chosen based on the centering and role of the person with Impatience. For all centering, we often recommend forms of movement that are oriented to the individual; slow, methodical movement is likely excruciating to the person with Impatience! Instead, we recommend explosive movements, such as in kickboxing, or rhythmic movements that involve large muscle groups and result in actual physical transportation through space, such as kayaking or bicycling. Engaging in these activities regularly, especially while in a meditative space, can help decrease the buildup of tension. Expressive personalities often use Impatience for artistic sense in dance, clowning, comedy, or acting. The key is using it to "burst out" aspects of your Selves that you have in the past avoided, and using it for art or laughter in such a way which furthers acceptance. A clown might exaggerate the jitters and tension in his body to the point of silliness while at the same time, exploring his own acceptance of his body as it is right now. Action oriented personalities may use movement-based martial arts such as Aikido, or Tai Chi and qigong if this is bearable to the Impatience. Kirtan (devotional singing or chant) can be used to wonderful effect for emotional or inspirational personalities, so long as the desire is to flow into emotion instead of away from certain other emotions.

Because of the relationship of the present moment to time, this chief feature is most of all based on the fear of Death. This includes death in a literal sense, of course, but primarily includes transition: one thing dying in order for another to reborn. Healing impatience is equivalent to letting yourself die and be reborn in every moment. This is how limitless possibility can be lived.

Conclusion

When looking at Chief Features — and indeed, looking at fears — it is incredibly healing to do so with an attitude of deep appreciation. This is your creation. This is your vehicle to truly learn more of yourself and the possibilities you can choose. The physical plane is one in which you choose limitations in order to truly learn what your powers of choice and creation are. The blocks you have chosen are your means to reach beyond your previous limitations, much like weights you may lift in a gym to gain strength. By loving your choice in limiting yourself, you open up to seeing how truly unlimited you are. You may be aware of a limited perception, but who you are contains all the vastness that is within us too. Indeed, looking within, there is no separation between us.