Tales from the Darkside (of New Age spirituality.)

Hello friends,
On this Independence Day for us in the US, I thought it would be fitting to talk about freedom from the negativity or dark side of New Age spirituality. I have been a part of many spiritual communities for many years; including a large and growing one on the Internet and it seems the same issues just keep going 'round and 'round, like some bad .45 record we are all so tired of hearing.

Issue #1

Judgment, blame & criticism: I find it ironic that many people who left organized religions for being "different" are turning around and acting out these same behaviors to members of their own communities. Perhaps being different is still threatening to some people. Hum...could be? For those that are doing the finger pointing, I invite you to see how you are still pointing fingers inwardly at yourselves. There is obviously much that is up for healing through these types of interactions. If something doesn't resonate with you, that's fine just keep on moving. I wonder where this need to "correct" everyone comes from? Still a remnant from our parents and teachers? Our "inner critic" run amok? Telling someone that they are working at a lower frequency is proof positive just where you are hanging out in yours. It would be funnier if it wasn't just plain sad.

Issue #2

Money issues: Nothing screams old paradigm (Piscean Age) louder than a hatred and fear of money and the belief that money is somehow evil or "unspiritual." For now we are still in a monetary/capitalistic system for good or for ill, and many of us still require the ol' greenbacks to live and put food on the table. I've always said and held the vision that says, "The more you have, the more you can do to help." Look at the Oprah's of the world and the good that they have done in building schools, raising awareness of issues and generally helping to make the world a better place. Limitations, scarcity and lack is old paradigm thinking, plain and simple. There is nothing holy or wonderful about being poor. Please consult Abraham-Hicks for more information on this topic. Why there is still a belief going around that energy healers, bodyworkers, spiritual counselors and related occupations should not charge for their services just doesn't make any sense. Your auto mechanic, dentist and hairdresser don't work for free, so why should we? This is devaluing and disrespectful to practitioners that spent much time and dedication developing their skills that are meant to serve and assist others. There is also nothing evil or wrong about right livelihood. The Wise Ones have been talking about this for years, but sadly many are still not listening and the finger-pointing continues

Issue #3

Denial: not just a river in Eqypt and I have met many that are the Kings and Queens of it! If you throw roses on a sh*t pile it is still sh*t, plain and simple. While it is a good practice to remain as positive as possible in all circumstances, it is not helpful to always pretend the obvious does not exist. In extreme measures that could be the tumor that one refuses to seek treatment for. A small percentage of people might have the Yogic skills to heal it without treatment, but the majority of folks do not. Not all problems or issues can be melted away with prayer and affirmations, knowing the difference can be quite helpful, or in some cases could save your life.

Issue #4

If something is in your life, YOU created it: While in many cases this may be true, it does not apply 100%. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar or a nosebleed is just a nosebleed. For example, one time I was attending a workshop in the mountains with dry air and high altitude and a propensity for nosebleeds. One woman whipped out the Louise Hay book to give me the long-winded analysis of the "joylessness" I just MUST be experiencing in my life, yadda yadda. In fact, I had never been happier. My response to her, "Sometimes a nosebleed is just a nosebleed." Karma is deep, mysterious and complex. It is arrogant and being spiritually too big for our britches if we think we've got that one all figured out. In my healing practice over the years I have seen the damage done to clients with severe challenges like cancer and the like, being told that "they created it." Yes perhaps on some level their soul did, but how does playing the blame-game help someone who is scared and in a weakened condition? It is inappropriate and sorely lacks much-needed compassion. Timing is also a critical factor. Perhaps when the person is in remission or down the road a bit in their healing journey that the reasons can be explored? Powerful words when uttered at the wrong time can lose their impact and in some cases cause harm, while the same words said in the correct moment can be life-changing and transformational. Knowing the difference requires skill, knowledge and experience.

Issue #5
Unsolicited Advice: This one is a doozy! How many times have I encountered some well-meaning person telling me what their perception of what is/was wrong in my life. I didn't ask them, but they still felt the need to give me the benefit of their views. While some folks do not see how this is rude and not helpful is beyond me. There is often a subtle implication of blame (see issue #1) involved and we are back to the drawing board. Nothing screams EGO more than "here let me FIX that for you." Also, this goes back to the judgment/karma thing. How do we truly know what is best for another? We have not walked in their shoes, only they have. We can certainly make ourselves available for guidance and assistance but when we are asked for it. We can often see things others perhaps cannot, due to "forest for the trees syndrome." I know in my own life that there was a relationship for example, many years ago that well-meaning people advised me against. I was hell-bent on going through it and that is just what I did. It was one of the most difficult experiences of my life but looking back I see that it was really perfect for the person that I was to become today. There is a "big picture" going on in people's lives and not everything is what it seems to be. We know for certain on a spiritual level that this is indeed the truth.

In these times there has been much information coming through higher spiritual sources that we must heal our differences and be as ONE. All of these above-mentioned behaviors and practices are reflective of fear and lower consciousness. These things certainly exist everywhere in the world, not just in the New Age communities. We must take the example of the Buddha in our interactions with others and think, Are my words useful and kind? Do they add or take away? Do they make me and other people happy? How can I help the situation?"

"Come on people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together. Come and love one another right now." ~ Jesse Colin Young

Wishing you all peace and light in these magical times. Namaste.