The Reiki Cafe 

I think our insecurity about our bodies shows…so much at times.

Sometimes more than others…

In fact, I do get to wondering if it is because of our very spiritual nature that at times we feel so uncomfortable in our own bodies……like an ill fitting or too heavy pair of shoes…

Your body, my body, these are simply the vehicles that allows us to walk this earthly plain, and to take this physical journey. Without them, we would only ever be able to communicate in spirit, and never experience all the facets of being human.

I was out walking with the Earth Mother this morning, the sun was rising into the eastern sky, the birds were busy, and singing and flying along beside me (not sure whether to keep me company or ward me away from their nests!!) and the air was crisp and damp and fresh with promise…….and I was pondering these thoughts….when a gentle voice spoke within me…

"It is human nature to build our temples and churches big and beautiful…. Sometimes we focus way too much on the exterior trappings…. and the outward image portrayed….

But for those who really are seeking, the exterior of a church is not what we go there for….it is the interior that calls us, and whose beauty we choose to sit within. Those who are truly aware, who know where they are going and what they are looking for, will walk right past the bold external face and be drawn to what lies within. There in that sacred space, is the true heart of a temple or church, the source of our divine pulse, and it is the energy that flows freely within that touches us with the real meaning of beauty. This is the place that makes us gasp, that takes our breath away, that causes tears to overflow from an inner ocean, that quickens the beat of our own individual drum…..This is what we seek, not the superficial message painted on the outside.
In fact, the real spiritual communion only ever happens within….. and that is where we must seek the true meaning of the divine.

So, you and I both know, we can build our temples however we choose, but it is how we decorate and fill them that truly matters. Honour the place of worship and maintain and care for it, because it serves our higher purpose. But always remember….what lies within is the sacred space where we connect with our source and where the true beauty can be found."

I am thankful that now I can look beyond the paintwork and form, that I can walk through walls, that from whatever distance, I can touch and see the glorious inner sanctum where the soul dances in all its true beautiful colours…..and calls for mine to join in…..

Otoharo!

Wendy, what a beautiful expression of no separation, oneness.

finality

sunshine,

/*\ Namaste :-}}

- some years ago at my hospital we treated an Anglican Bishop from Africa who was visiting the States (the South East to be more specific) and had a stroke. During a session with him when spirituality sort of came up (imagine that) he asked me if I went to church?

- I asked him what spirituality I could possibly find, inside a building, that I did not bring with me??

- after reluctantly, I would say, sort of agreeing with me he just smiled

>:-}}

Reiki All Around,

All Blessings,

Firekeeper

aaah, the irony, huh....

how true...
thanks for sharing that little story...

namaste
Wendy

Sunshiine,

Lynn Andrews, or her invisible, non-existant teachers, says our bodies are our Self-Lodge. I like that. I am my body. I like that too. I do not find comfort in Christian body-hating theologies or female genital mutilation in Africa.

Even Jesus' Cross had roots, grew blossoms of Easter lilies ...

What causes us to think we, our bodies, are a worthless jack-in-the-box from which honored spirit uses to emerge?

Love the body as ourselves; it is, yes, at one level, it is. Are we more? Certainly. But let us start with what we have, are. Reminded me of the following ...

"Comes the Dawn"

After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn't mean security,
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open,
With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,

And you learn to build all your roads
On today because tomorrow's ground
Is too uncertain.
And futures have
A way of falling down in midflight,

After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting
For someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure...
That you really are strong,
And you really do have worth
And you learn and learn
With every goodbye you learn.
-- Veronic Shoffstall, "Comes the Dawn"

and with rich, fierce, new hellos

Dale

Otoharo!

Firekeeper, I enjoy going back to read this over and over. Thanks for sharing.

finality

Namaste all!

True, I agree that finding spirituality within oneself is different than going to a temple to find God. On the other hand, it is said that temples have a more concentrated form of energy and vibration due to masses of people praying with one mind and one intention. It is said that because of this concetrated energy, it is easier for a lay person to reach higher thinking.

In India where I come from, some small towns themselves are considered so sacred due to their location as well as ancient temples that are situated in them. The idols in these temples are said to have been created by mystical forces untouched by human hand. I dont know how true all this is, but people in general gain enormous comfort and solace visiting these places.

Mal

Hi Mal
It is amazing to find such a place..... where the energy overrides all that we have conditioned into us, even the negativity.
Some churches or places of worship have this..... some do not. I wonder if it is the combined intent of those who go there or even have built the place, or whether there are "other" energies at work?
Just a thought.
I know That I certainly love to discover such places, even in nature, there are these special centres where one can access higher levels, in peace, understanding, awareness.
Cheers
Wendy

Namaste Sunshine,

Yes, even if we think of thought-forms as energy, imagine all those thought-forms for generations surrounding a place....
Just a thought!

Mal

Dear Firekeeper,

I had a similar experience at a convalescent center. A 99 year old man asked why I wasn't in church one sunday while attending to him. The thing is he was capable of attending church services too as he could walk or could have been pushed in a wheelchair as services of his faith were held in the building. When I asked why he didn't choose to go himself he said nothing.
Later I witnessed his son yelling at him and having no patience with him and treating him as if he were a burden.

peace,

Prosperity

Sunshine,

Hi.

You said: "So, you and I both know, we can build our temples however we choose, but it is how we decorate and fill them that truly matters"

Really?

And here I thought it was the spirit we bring with us that matters (whether or not we ever step inside a "temple")

:)

Of course, if one refers to the body as a temple then what we put inside certainly does matter.

;)

Cheers,

RC

I was speaking metaphorically....
we "decorate and fill" our temples spiritually....
with who we are, our thoughts, deeds, etc.....our consciousness....
:-)
It wasn't about physical trappings in that sense or vanity or any such material thing......
goodness knows....
this poor old temple could do with a new coat of paint, even a good sanding back he he he
and i suspect there are termites in there too somewhere...
lol.

It is a unique process and one that only I as an individual can contribute to.... and create......
Yet we all are at work doing just this together....
cheers
Sunshiine

Amazing thought!
Quite scary too when I consider the responsibility I have to send out only good energies with such thought forms!
It is like being a parent, the effects of everything I do with my children will outlive me, in their lives.
So in that sense, these thought forms, are like our children and we wish them to be the best they can be, and go out into the future with all that is good that we can instil into them.

But to what you are saying.... yes the energies are powerful. Especiallly when going to a place where people have gathered, history has unfolded in dramatic ways (or peaceful ways for that matter)....... or where unified energies are at work (ie a place of worship, a place of meditation etc)....
It always amazes me to sit, close my eyes, and let the energies work, tell their stories, their lessons, mingle with my own.

Do you live near any sacred sites, or such places?
Cheers
Sunshiine