2009 March:

2009 February:

2009 January:

2008 March:

2007 December:

How have you fared "in the years' steady sifting?" Have you dear friends and much sunshine in your life? I certainly wish this for you.
Mystics learn to regard the Infinite as a dear friend, also.
Its time to review the sixth Mystery



Mystics break out of body bondage through numerous expansions of the heart, of the sense of self.


•


You will have great satisfaction and know tears of joy as you regularly experience the profound dimensions of your increasing self-awareness (beyond self-preoccupation).


•


Those hearts which are most painfully bound need expansion most desperately.


•


The heart, your center of self-awareness, is the key to your connection with others and with your own higher consciousness. Start with your present heart, your current sense of self.


•


To begin the expansion and liberation of your heart, mentally and emotionally put yourself in "another person’s shoes."


•


Remember, in this beginning expansion you are not trying to read the chosen person’s mind or accurately know his/her actual experience of life. You are striving to sense your own self, your heart, in a different way.


Technique

The Contemplation

Try out the shoes, sandals — and bare feet, too — of people you admire. Why are they so special that you appreciate them so?


Reflection

Why do I have to fight and struggle so hard just to be me?

Should being myself require so much excertion? Why can't I just be?

Perhaps I labor to be what I'm not, and the Self I seek to maintain isn't truly me at all.

Oh who am I -- in my nature, in my essence, in my untroubled, effortless presence?

Expansion Level One
Find Your Higher Consciousness Online


Have you a question?



1


When doing this practice I think I get an impression of how the person predominantly feels. Is this my imagination or a bonafide connection?


2


Are there any cautions to be aware of? Should I avoid "wearing the shoes" of bad people?


3


I often feel the pain of others. What should I do?


4


Just how is this technique supposed to help me? Could you please explain what the benefit is?



1


Q When doing this practice I think I get an impression of how the person predominantly feels. Is this my imagination or a bonafide connection?

A This is a good question to ask yourself as you develop in the Mysteries. Sometimes you make profound mystical connections with people, but at other times you are merely imagining and emoting.

Some people you select for this practice will perfectly — and in remarkable detail — corroborate your insights and impressions of them after you "wear their shoes." This kind of feedback from real people in the real world is the best indication that you have made bonafide connections.

But please bear in mind the purpose of the "shoes" practice is the expansion and freeing of your heart. This is not meant to be a mind-reading exercise although it may unintentionally be so at times.

To quote from the technique of this sixth Mystery: "In considering what it would be like to be another person, you free the heart to direct its energies differently. This begins the process of heart expansion."


2


Q Are there any cautions to be aware of? Should I avoid "wearing the shoes" of bad people?

A For now, proceed at your comfort level. If you find someone's shoes too difficult or too unpleasant to wear for a few minutes, abandon your practice and select a different person.

But, in answer to your hidden question, mystics sense the soul, the precious life, in the core being of every person — heroes and villains, kind people and cruel ones. Then mystics return to their own shoes and strive to wear them well.


3


Q I often feel the pain of others. What should I do?

A When you feel the pain of others, have compassion for them. Come back to your own shoes, pray for those who suffer and help them if you can.


4


Q Just how is this technique supposed to help me? Could you please explain what the benefit is?

A The "shoes" technique helps free and expand the mystical heart, which in turn leads to mystical awakening. The heart in most people is so limited and confined that it cannot have mystical experience or receive spiritual knowledge. The "shoes" technique can powerfully expand the heart.