Living in The Present Moment: Lessons on Acceptance from Buddha

Ancient Whispers, Blog

For this month’s Ancient Whispers, we wanted to share some insights on the profound teachings of Buddha regarding acceptance and living in the present moment.

Buddhas teachings on acceptance emphasize the importance of embracing the present moment and letting go of resistance to the natural flow of life. He taught that suffering arises from our attachment to desires and our aversion to discomfort.

By practicing acceptance, we learn to observe our experiences without judgment, understanding that everything is transient. As Buddha said, 

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” 

This quote encapsulates the essence of acceptance, reminding us to focus on the now and find peace in whatever arises.

A profound metaphor used to illustrate acceptance is that of a lotus flower.

The lotus grows in muddy water, yet it emerges above the surface, pure and beautiful.

This symbolizes how we can rise above our challenges and adversities by accepting them as part of our journey.

Just as the lotus does not resist the mud but uses it to grow, we too can use our difficulties to develop inner strength and wisdom. Buddha’s teachings encourage us to see obstacles as opportunities for growth, fostering a mindset of resilience and serenity.

Everything changes, nothing remains without change.

Living in the present moment.

It is true, acceptance is about recognizing the impermanence of all things. Buddha often spoke of the ever-changing nature of life, advising that clinging to fleeting moments leads to suffering. He said, “Everything changes, nothing remains without change.” By accepting this truth, we learn to let go of our attachments and expectations, finding freedom in the flow of life.

This acceptance brings a profound sense of peace, allowing us to navigate life’s ups and downs with equanimity and grace, much like the lotus flower that remains unaffected by the murky waters below.

Thank you for taking the time to reflect on these timeless teachings with us.

May the essence of acceptance guide you towards inner peace and serenity in all aspects of your journey and this blog post help you live in the present moment.

The Resilient Path: Living a Life of Resilience for Modern Challenges

Ancient Whispers, Blog

In times of challenge and uncertainty, we often turn to ancient wisdom for guidance and inspiration.

Across cultures and centuries, sages and teachers have shared profound insights on the power of resilience in navigating life’s ups and downs. Today, I invite you to reflect on the timeless wisdom of resilience and how it can enrich our spiritual journey.

Ancient wisdom often speaks to the concept of resilience in various ways. One teaching that deeply resonates with the idea of resiliency comes from the great Chinese philosopher and teacher, Confucius. He emphasized the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of challenges, teaching that true strength comes from being able to bounce back from difficult situations and setbacks.

 

Confucius believed that by staying rooted in our values and principles while remaining flexible in our approach, we can navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience.

This timeless advice reminds us of the power of staying resilient in the face of adversity.

Here is a famous quote attributed to Confucius regarding resilience:

“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

This quote encapsulates the essence of resilience as emphasized by the ancient teacher, highlighting the importance of getting back up after facing challenges or failure. By embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning, we can cultivate true strength and resilience in our journey through life.

Living a life of resilience holds immense power in spiritual growth and well-being

When faced with life’s inevitable challenges, cultivating resilience allows individuals to tap into their inner strength, determination, and positive outlook.

This ability to bounce back from setbacks, adversity, and failures not only fosters personal growth but also deepens one’s spiritual journey.

Spiritually, resilience enables individuals to develop a strong sense of faith, hope, and purpose.

By embracing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth, individuals can strengthen their connection to their beliefs, values, and understanding of the world.

Resilience encourages a resilient spirit that can withstand the trials of life with grace and humility.

 

How to Harness the Healing Power of the Solar Eclipse

Ancient Whispers, Blog

In many spiritual traditions, eclipses are regarded as potent moments for inner reflection and transformation.

Ancient wisdom teachers, such as Hermes Trismegistus, emphasized the importance of observing celestial events as opportunities for spiritual growth.

Hermes Trismegistus was a legendary figure blending Greek and Egyptian mythology, associated with wisdom, writing, magic, and alchemy. His timeframe for his work is not precise, historically documented most likely sometime before Moses.

Just as the eclipse temporarily obscures the sun, symbolizing a moment of darkness, it also represents the potential for inner illumination and enlightenment.

Hermes Trismegistus taught that moments of darkness in our lives can be catalysts for awakening, urging us to look within and confront our shadows in order to transcend them.

 

Esoterically, the total solar eclipse serves as a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of existence and the eternal journey of the soul. Just as the moon temporarily blocks the light of the sun, casting shadows upon the earth, so too do our ego-driven desires and attachments obscure the radiance of our true nature.

The eclipse invites us to delve into the depths of our being, shedding light on the hidden aspects of ourselves and facilitating the evolution of consciousness.

By embracing the transformative energy of the eclipse, we can align ourselves with the rhythms of the cosmos and embark on a journey of spiritual awakening and self-realization, guided by the timeless wisdom of ancient sages like Hermes.

Ancient Wisdom Teaching of Hermeticism:

Hermes Trismegistus is often associated with the ancient wisdom teachings of Hermeticism.

In Hermeticism, there is a belief in the principle of “As above, so below,” emphasizing the interconnectedness of the macrocosm (the universe) and the microcosm (the individual).

According to this philosophy, celestial events, including astrological alignments, influence the energies present on Earth and within individuals.

Hermes Trismegistus is believed to have imparted teachings on how to attune oneself to these cosmic energies for healing and spiritual growth. Followers of Hermeticism often study astrology as a means of understanding these celestial influences and harnessing them for personal transformation and healing.

 

How to maximize the healing potential of the upcoming total solar eclipse

Meditation and Contemplation:

  • Set aside time during the total solar eclipse to engage in deep meditation or contemplation.
  • Use this time to connect with the energies of the eclipse, reflecting on its symbolism and significance.
  • Allow yourself to be open to insights and guidance that may arise from within.
  • Focus on releasing any negativity or obstacles in your life, and set intentions for personal growth and spiritual transformation.

Ritual and Ceremony:

  • Create a sacred space and perform a ritual or ceremony to honor the total solar eclipse.
  • This could involve lighting candles, burning incense, or using crystals to amplify the energy.
  • You might choose to write down intentions or prayers on paper and burn them as an offering to the universe.
  • Alternatively, you could engage in a symbolic act of release, such as letting go of old patterns or habits that no longer serve you.
  • Whatever form your ritual takes, approach it with reverence and sincerity, honoring the cosmic dance of light and shadow during the eclipse.

May the upcoming total solar eclipse illuminate your path and inspire profound growth on your journey of spiritual evolution and liberation.

Unveiling Alice Bailey’s Ageless Wisdom for Personal Growth

Ancient Whispers, Blog

This month we feel compelled to share with you all, as a gift from our heart and soul, the work of someone who we feel has brought forward some of the most brilliant, profound and spiritual work to date: Alice Bailey.

Alice Bailey was a writer of more than twenty-four books on theosophical subjects and was one of the founders of the New Age movement in the early 1900s.

Bailey’s works describe a wide-ranging neo-theosophical system of esoteric thought covering such topics as how spirituality relates to the Solar System, meditation, healing, spiritual psychology, the destiny of nations, and prescriptions for society in general.

Esoteric astrology is part of Alice Bailey’s “Ageless Wisdom” teachings, which she said were relayed by her Tibetan Master Djwhal Khul.

Esoteric Astrology is the Astrology of the Soul.

For humanity, the goal of evolution is to bring our outer personal self in line with our inner spiritual purpose. Esoteric astrology helps us to do that by understanding the nature of the soul and the guiding principles which move us in our personal lives toward being more loving, compassionate and just human beings.

Here is a quote by Alice Bailey that we wish to share with you:

“Shirk not these crises, hard and difficult though they may appear to be. Difficult they are. Forget not that the habit of confronting crisis is a long-established one within the consciousness of humanity. Man has the ‘habit of crisis’ if I may so call it. They are the points of examination as to strength, purpose, purity and motive and the intent of the soul. They evoke confidence, when surmounted, and produce greatly expanded vision. They foster compassion and understanding, for the pain and inner conflict they have engendered is never forgotten, for they draw upon the resources of the heart. They release the light of wisdom within the field of knowledge and the world is thereby enriched.”

Ailice Bailey

A Spirit-guided message from Ragan:

This quote is shared so beautifully and eloquently by Alice Bailey and helps remind us of the truth that there will be at times of challenge, that we face, and in those moments we can choose to respond and learn from it rather than react and turn away from it.

Humanity has a long-term habit that’s been spread across the world for some time and it has something to do with our tendency to avoid pain and to run away from what’s difficult.

Meanwhile, the pain that is knocking at your door beneath the challenge is there to teach you something that could bring profound strength, resilience, and wisdom into your being which is a great gift that is in some way earned by your courage.

So, instead of seeing challenges and crises as a problem, meet it with courage and choose to learn all that it has to share with you so you can be of greater service to help it in the face of all the different dimensions it presents.

May the wisdom shared in Ancient Whispers illuminate your path and inspire you to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and enlightenment.

Honoring the Legacy: Black Women Activists in Washington, D.C

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The National Women’s History Museum recently opened an exhibit at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C. that honors the contributions of Black women activists throughout history. The exhibit highlights the important role that Black women played in shaping national policy in Washington, D.C., from the turn of the 20th century through the civil rights and Black Power movements.

Black feminist activists in Washington, D.C. have made significant contributions to the advancement of women’s rights and racial equality. One example is Mary Church Terrell, a suffragist, and civil rights activist who co-founded the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs in 1896. Terrell was a vocal advocate for women’s suffrage and worked to desegregate public spaces in Washington, D.C.

Another prominent Black feminist activist was Dorothy Height, who served as president of the National Council of Negro Women for over 40 years. Height was a key organizer of the 1963 March on Washington and worked closely with other civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis.

In addition to Terrell and Height, Black women in Washington, D.C. were involved in many other social justice movements. For example, in the 1970s, a group of Black women formed the National Black Feminist Organization (NBFO) in response to the marginalization of Black women within the broader feminist movement. The NBFO was instrumental in bringing attention to issues such as reproductive justice and the intersections of race, gender, and class.

Overall, the contributions of Black women activists in Washington, D.C. have been essential to the advancement of civil rights and women’s rights in the United States. The exhibit at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library serves as a powerful reminder of their important work and the ongoing struggle for social justice.

Our Involvement

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in downtown Washington, D.C. hosted the debut of the National Women’s History Museum’s inaugural in-person exhibition on Thursday, March 30, 2023, as Women’s History Month came to a close. The exhibit, entitled “We Who Believe in Freedom: Black Feminist DC,” showcases the impactful contributions of Black women activists in Washington, D.C. who played a crucial role in shaping national policy from the turn of the 20th century through the civil rights and Black Power movements.

Our family was invited to join the debut in-person exhibition. We were lucky enough to talk to a few prominent people who helped the exhibit come to life. Here is what they had to say about new the exhibit and the two years of hard work that went into this project:

“Our inaugural exhibit explores the stories and voices of Black feminist organizers and theorists whose work changed the trajectory for the lives of millions—work that continues today and is often overlooked in history books,” said Susan D. Whiting, Board Chair, NWHM. “The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library is a beautiful venue to exhibit this important cultural content and, as a public building, ensures that the exhibit is accessible to all.”

The exhibit was curated by historians Dr. Sheri M. Randolph, an associate professor of history at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the co-director of the Black Feminist Think Tank, and Dr. Kendra T. Field, an associate professor of history and director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at Tufts University.

“There has never been an exhibit like this, focused primarily on Black feminists, thinkers, writers and activists,” Dr. Randolph said. “The question we as curators are often asked, is why is Black feminism important, and the answer is simple – why not. We cannot understand this current moment in activism, from the #MeToo movement to Black Lives Matter and even Kamala Harris and how she became Vice President, without understanding the Black feminists who stood in our past and are also part of this current movement.

“One Black feminist in particular is Pauli Murray, and she says this really important quote that really guided both of us through this project, ‘When my brothers try to draw a circle to exclude me, I shall draw a larger circle to include them,’” Dr. Randolph added. “Freedom for Black feminists always meant a larger circle, so welcome to this larger circle.”

Dr. Nancy O’Reilly also added “Black feminists have not been recognized for their important work in securing rights for all women, and for the things they have done to lift all women up. Black women, all women, need to see themselves as a part of history, while also recognizing that equity and equality in our country is still lacking. The important issues that many of these Black feminists fought for still exist and this exhibition creates awareness around the importance of Black feminists and their mission while also highlighting the work that needs to be done,” Dr. Nancy said. “The Equal Pay and Equal Rights Amendments are two immediate things that come to mind. Ultimately, we will not eliminate our country’s problems until we come together and treat one another with respect and appreciation. This exhibition reminds us of this and inspires us to carry on. We are all in this together, and together all things are possible.”

 

How to see the We Who Believe in Freedom: Black Feminist DC Exhibit?

We Who Believe in Freedom: Black Feminist DC will be open and free to the public through September 2024, and was made possible by founding investors: AARP Foundation, ArentFox Schiff, Jon S. and Kerrie Bouker, Chicago Pacific Founders, Mari Snyder Johnson, Kaiser Permanente, Morgan Stanley, Dr. Nancy O’Reilly, Silver Mountain Foundation for the Arts, Meryl Streep, Mary Tolan, Susan D. Whiting, and the Women Connect4Good Foundation. A companion website with more information about Black Feminist DC is available here. To learn more visit NWHM at www.womenshistory.org.

Love Yourself and Learn From Your Relationships

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Learn from your relationships

 Relationships are an amazing way to get to know ourselves! They are part of our everyday life and play a great role in our spiritual and healing journey. 

 We are meant to be in partnership with others and we all have the opportunity to utilize our partnerships to grow and learn. But how? Keep reading!!

 

The Divine mirror

Our partners are reflecting our own beliefs and energy and simultaneously we are mirroring theirs. This mirroring effect that happens when we are in a relationship is there to teach us about ourselves so that we can start to take the finger off one another and bless that relationship. You can take it as an opportunity to observe the parts of yourself that are reactive. 

 This process of the mirror effect is happening all the time. When we have poor relationships we feel lost, and tired. We often try to find approval in others. This happens because we have not found our true identity within ourselves, so we are looking for that truth in others. 

 

Where are your feelings coming from?

It is common that when we are in a relationship, all kinds of insecurities that were already within us begin to rise up. All these insecurities, this needy energy, limiting and irrational thoughts that are inside us need to be let go off.

 When this happens, the relationship starts to feel heavy. We might think that this person in front of us is trying to hurt us or cause us pain, but instead, this is an opportunity for learning, for getting to know ourselves and ask ourselves: where our feelings are coming from? Is it from past wounds? Is it from insecurities? Is it something that we can fix ourselves, instead of blaming the other person.

Look within yourself

Healthy and thriving relationships are possible for all of us, but to get there is to begin to take the finger off one another and look within ourselves.

Sometimes you can find this energy going on inside you that raises when you spend time with your partner. But instead of being angry about it, you can be grateful for this person who is helping you see more of yourself, more of what is going on within you, and more of your true-self so you can let go of all of that.

“Who am I? Who is my divine soul self?” When we find this divine mirror and start to utilize it, we have the opportunity to grow more and start answering these questions.

Give and receive love from the heart

 

What is to love from the heart?

To love from the heart means that there is this deep, receptive, kind, compassionate, loving energy of listening to another and not try to change them or fix them. This love is already okay, there is no need to seek to control. It’s all about loving another genuinely and authentically and let the other be exactly who they are.

All of us could get to learn the way of the heart. The way of the heart is the way we find peace within our being. Love within our heart that is soothing, gentle, and kind. The more that we love this way ourselves, the more that we are open to having someone come into our lives who love themselves and others this way. 

Have the courage to say NO to the ego!

Any kind of fears, judgments, any shaming, blaming, that is not the way of the heart. 

The ego way of love is very needy, very control and safety-seeking. Therefore, it’s constantly trying to avoid its feelings of abandonment.

Some people ask me “how do I know if I am loving from the heart?”. Well, these are some of the clues: the heart doesn’t point fingers, the heart is wise and when it feels that there is pain that is coming up, it does not project it on to another. It lets the pain come up and move through.

The way of the heart is the way to love.

It is within your sacred heart that you will find freedom. You will find compassion and understanding, there will be no judgment, no suffering, just genuine love from the heart.

It is a beautiful gift to begin to learn how to love in this way.

It is not selfish to love yourself first

How self-loving have you been?

I am sure that you have heard before that you can’t love others if you don’t love yourself first.

How self-loving have you been in your life? It is really important to have some education about self-love and understand the difference between that and being selfish. 

Are you self-caring and self-nurturing to yourself? Do you feel like you are constantly giving and caring for others but not for yourself?

Hold yourself in the sacred space of consistent love.

When we learn equal giving and receiving within ourselves, it is when we truly learn how to give and receive love freely. Seeing yourself, listening to yourself, not waiting for others to see you, is a beautiful act of holding yourself in the sacred space of consistent love.

However, when we are trying to control the other person, their actions, their thoughts, when we are looking for their constant approval, then we are being selfish.

Forgive yourself

You might have something in your life that you can’t forgive yourself about, and is stopping you from self-love. The soul and the heart have already forgiven you, but have you? Has your ego forgiven you? You will wait forever for the ego to forgive as it is not capable of forgiveness.

If you are waiting for someone to forgive you, you could be waiting your whole life.

But you can always forgive yourself, right this moment. Stop the constant self-judging and blaming and forgive yourself. What’s stopping you?

 

Daily Self-loving Practice

There are many ways of being self-loving. The practice of breathing itself is self-loving. Here is a daily practice that won’t take much time but will definitely help you:

Everyday set an alarm for every two or three hours to remind yourself to take a few deep breaths. Spend these few seconds breathing and loving yourself, checking in with yourself.

Practice placing your hands over your heart and saying out loud and as best you can from your heart your name: “I’m here for you. I see you, and I love you.”

Remember to stop and re-connect

It is important to stop a few times a day and take a few seconds to re-connect with yourself, to become more conscious of what’s going on.

When we are unconscious, flow is not happening, but stress. That’s why I encourage you to take this journey with me and become more self-loving, self-nurturing, self-caring. That is not selfishness!

Keep Learning!

If you enjoyed this article and would like to learn more, check out these two audio messages I recorded about the same topic. They also include a breathing practice at the beginning!!

https://raganthomson.com/self-love-is-self-nurturing-not-selfish/

https://raganthomson.com/your-relationship-with-yourself-mirrors-your-relationship-with-others/

 

more blog posts: 

The Middle Way: Buddha’s Guide to Balance in a Chaotic 3D World

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The Soil of the Heart: Rumi’s Message of Interconnectedness

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Discover the Spiritual Depths of Rumi’s Poem ‘The Guest House

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Embracing Change and Renewal: Buddhist and Ancient Wisdom for Personal Growth

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How Paramahansa Yogananda’s Teachings on Failure Can Lead to Success

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Embracing the Divine in Daily Life: Insights from Paramahansa Yogananda

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Living in The Present Moment: Lessons on Acceptance from Buddha

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The Resilient Path: Living a Life of Resilience for Modern Challenges

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How to Harness the Healing Power of the Solar Eclipse

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Unveiling Alice Bailey’s Ageless Wisdom for Personal Growth

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