Wheat

Somewhere in the middle of nowhere a traveller has stopped and now leans against his car. It is quiet. A light breeze pushes its way through a wheat field. As the last rays of the sun races towards the horizon he recognises the swish of an irrigation system. It tingle’s his nose with a blend of water, dust, and soil. As it reaches his soul he realises the truth in the moment. "Remarkable," he whispers. Yes, this is it.

You see, wheat in seed form is utterly elegant and simple, with extreme complexity within. The latter can and will only manifest true beauty and value once all the elements synchronise to literally grow this seed to fulfilment.

Every person has been blessed with specific skills and talents. The synchronicity is each person’s intention to always add value and enhance the other’s skills and talents. This is how we create those conditions where everyone will experience their "remarkable - this is it" moments.

To create these conditions we employ the universe, technology, visuals, words, body language and the rest. Yes, with the right intention and focus one will be able to create and tell "remarkable" stories in such a manner that people will nose it - it will touch their being.

This is my intention – to provide words and pictures that will touch people’s beingness.

TO BE ...

TO BE …

During 2005/2006 I became unemployed and although this period presented many challenges, it was also a blessed time. 

By end of the third month and mostly non-responses to various job applications, I asked God (Great Spirit) what it is that I am supposed to do. A few days later the reply presented itself – “be still”. I cannot be still, I replied.

Few days later – “be still and know that I am God”. I said but you are not answering my question. Again a few days later – “Just be”.

What does it means to just be, I again asked. I meditated on this and again, a few days later there came this reply – “to be means to do absolutely nothing in order to achieve absolutely everything”.  

Another couple of days later – “that book idea of yours – it’s time to get busy”. So that’s what I did, I started writing and visualising instead of focusing exclusively on finding employment. That book “Journey from within” has now been published as an ePUB and is available from various electronic platforms.

I also began to study Reiki, reflexology and various other energy healing techniques and methodologies. I studied the Essene’s – an ancient people who lived near the Dead Sea and also left us with the Dead Sea scrolls. Studying their technology of prayer I was hit by a flash of insight which related back to the above definition of “to be”.

I have just read Mind Power by Robin Banks and his instructions on visualisation and manifestation synchronises perfectly with the Essene’s technology of prayer. It not only requires you to have an absolute clear picture of what it is that you want or ask for but – you actually have to taste, feel, smell and experience having it even though it is not yet, now, a physical reality. And you have to hold this picture in your mind – refresh it daily – whilst continuing to do whatever it is that you do in this life. We cannot ask if we don’t have a clear picture of what it is that we want. You only have to ask once also and then just keep the picture in your mind.

Towards the end of me being unemployed (20 months) – that last month - when I did not see myself managing another month of unemployment I wrote down three things which I would like to have – I then meditated on it and burned the note. 

One thing I asked for was for work that is in line with my purpose. My manuscript was just about completed. Three weeks later I applied for the position I currently still (9 years) hold – and despite no formal journalism training, I was appointed the motoring editor of a media company in Nelspruit.

I met and married a living angel and live in a house on a hill looking down in a valley. I am not world renowned or a millionaire, but I am hugely successful in what I do.

Lots of money does not necessarily result from being successful although success may bring you lots of money. 

Being happy and fulfilled irrespective of your perceived monetary value is a gift to be treasured like no other. It requires one “to be”.  

"To be" also does not mean to do nothing - perhaps not physically - one always have to do something - decide - create a clear picture - visualise - believe and have faith in the process and it will manifest. 


"Are you so sure it's not the dancer who creates the music she moves to? Or the painter who manifests the mountains he captures? Or the tycoon who builds the empire before there's a dime? 

Whatever you want, let it exist first in your mind, imagine every nuance and consideration, let the walls have substance, the halls have depth, and the money have weight in the palm of your hand, and then all that's necessary to bring it to pass will be drawn unto you." 

Sneaky, clever, foxy, wry  

    The Universe

JOURNEY FROM WITHIN

JOURNEY FROM WITHIN

https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/journey-from-within/9780992493936-item.html

This is exiting news and an absolute must share.

My eBook/ePub is now available on the above link and other platforms. It is a potpourri of spiritual essays, prose and one short story - all in one. Many of the prose is accompanied by a photograph which relates, or not, to the words.

My journey is ongoing and relates to exploring the many consciousness levels of the mind and the soul with the intention to reach constant mindfulness within every moment.

Some of the writing may be abstract and challenging but I believe that the reader will find the essence.

I hope and believe that every reader will find value - if not immediately - then in due time.

Be good.

READING FOR THE SOUL

Here are just a couple of short impressions on books which I have read over the last two months.

The Essential Gnostic Gospels inclusive of the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Mary – Alan Jacobs

For early Christianity salvation was gained through self-knowledge but the Orthodox Church has labelled this as heresy. Alan has brought forward again some of the most important renditions with simplicity. Gnosticism was about experiencing God directly within oneself. The Nag Hammadi papyrus rolls were discovered in 1945 and this brought much of the early knowledge and original interpretations back – the latter often quite different from that presented by the New Testament.
Wisdom is gained by studying more than just one interpretation of a particular subject matter and in terms of the Bible is wise to refer back to the above, the Nag Hammadi, the Dead Sea scroll and original Hebrew texts. It is often quite enlightening to experience first-hand how the today’s text has been altered from the original. No wonder then that we have this plethora of different religious interpretations which, in my opinion, does nothing more than to illustrate a perfect example of the “divide and conquer” principal.
This is truly inspiring read.

The Path by Maharaj Singh

The author is an enlightened master which presents the reader with a glimpse of the transcendental realms within oneself. Each of us has to follow our own path – part of this, is not to follow the herd – part of this is that not a single one of us can in fact advise someone else as to what is truly their purpose etc etc. All paths are correct. This is absolutely not something what the world out there will agree with, but so be it. All our efforts must be directed towards subjugating the mind and withdrawing to the Source (God). He writes about fear and control of the mind which really, in more sense than one is uncontrollable. The more one wants to control it, the more uncontrollable it becomes. The mind and the soul is two different things and has become subservient to the mind which is caught up between the ego and the illusion of this world.
I think this saying by Swami Ji says it all: “By thy self, realise the Self – be not led away by what others may say”

The Path of the Masters – Julian Johnson – M.A., B.D., M.D.

This book is about the Audible Life Stream. It offers a fascinating journey into the philosophy and practical benefits of being taught and guided by a living master. Living Master is an interesting suggesting and I found synergy with this in that some year ago I was reading – and with great intention and attention, the writings of the Essenes. In their Gospel of Peace, it is suggested that “the written word is dead” and that we should take our lesson from nature because she is alive.
Julian, a medical doctor, pastor, scientist and much more made a serious study of the many different paths, religions and writings by many, now deceased masters. He discusses the good in a whole host of popular religions – he refers to many ancient writings and philosophical schools of thought – he advise as to how to recognise a genuine master – the difficulty in finding one and their function.
He discusses God and the grand hierarchy of the Universe – the various perversions of the mind – reincarnation, Karma, the existence of higher worlds (something which is denied by most religions simply because they follow a deceased master), the principals of man being a microcosm of the macrocosm, a Christ attitude and the dreaded results of us humans not being able to kill “the desire” for things.
He refers to the many rituals (almost all completely useless) within religion and other schools of thought – most of them operating without a living master and following only the umpteenth interpretation of other interpretations of the various scared writings – the implicit and fanatical following of deceased masters and the chaos this is causing in the world. He refers to meditation, even that practised by a number of prominent Christians of ancient times and even today.
He refers to the partial good in all of these – negated of course by the fact that there is no living master in all of these practices. Thus preventing the student to connect with and access all knowledge and the real truth about the truth – and, so much more capacity to live life to the fullest and true to your purpose.
Our infinite capacity – something which I have always innately believed in, read about, investigated, explored through various meditation and breathing techniques – is infinite but we have lost our ability to access this worlds of wonder and wisdom.
I will continue to investigate and explore because I agree that there is still much that we know nothing about and as a result we cannot conclude and accept that which we are being spoon fed by media, government, religion. I will decide for myself. The answers are inside. The external will and do provide us with leads and stimulation, but if we don't go inside - we go without the truth. Call me whatever you want – believe in whatever and whoever you want – that is perfect – I respect that.
One other element of this book which I found fascinating is that although the author refers to many ancient masters – the Veda’s – Indian philosophies and more – he substantiate and quote verses from the Bible – he refers to the disciples and their incomplete training.
You might say - well, this is just another interpretation of interpretations supported by much and true practical experiences. The long and the short is this though – if you are an avid reader or student of this subject matter and these philosophies and, you have some practical experience – at some point you gain the ability to separate yourself from the deception that is so rife in this world with its divide and conquer religions, policies and governments.
Mental and academic superiority, refined tastes in ethics and aesthetics does not produce civilisation and civil behaviour – LOVE and love alone makes civilisation because it is the essence of pure spirit.
This is not an easy read, in fact none of these books are – but it certainly is inspiring and most enlightening.                    

Mount Sheba Lodge - where the silence responds to silence ..

Life and wisdom are the collective results of authentic experiences rather than the collection of things. And, more often than not, bucket lists reflect those many wanted experiences. It may be that your wanted experiences include adventure activities, or perhaps just reading a good book next to a crackling fireplace with a glass of red wine - a walking meditation in a rain forest - the rush of panning for gold or perhaps you'd like to be transported into the intoxicating history of the environment.

This is Daniel Sibiya. Daniel is an old hand at panning for gold and has participated in the World Championship in America but has, alas "not won anything as yet."

The 1st gold rush took place in 1873 when gold was discovered on Geelhoutboom farm near Sabie and was referred to as New Caledonian Gold Fields by President Burgers. Alec "Wheelbarrow" Patterson was one of the first diggers top arrive here - pushing a wheelbarrow with all his belongings around. He struck it rich near Pilgrims Rest. Although quiet by nature and not sharing his findings, another digger , William Trafford also found gold in the same stream, registered his claim and this triggered the biggest gold rush of the time. The result - Pilgrims Rest was proclaimed a gold field. 

Life was tough and many diggers died because of illness. At one time some 1500 diggers were working on about 4000 claims. Initially, they found what is called alluvial gold - gold dust recovered from washing gravel from the banks of streams but they did find nuggets as well. The biggest one at the time was called the "Breda" nugget which weighed in at about 6kg. 

In its heyday, these mines were the first to use electricity and Pilgrim's also had the first hydro-electric power plant.

It is said that the famous "Jock of the Bushveld" slept on the site of the Mount Sheba with his master Sir Percy Fitzpatrick. The rain forest which is part of the Mount Sheba Reserve with its natural hiking trails is home to trees that are more than 1500 years old. Now can you imagine walking among these giants while listening to the calls of the Nightjar, the Knysna Loerie and more?    

If the kids absolutely have to be indoors - there is this playroom - and yes, there are play stations also.

The recent revamping of the three-star Mount Sheba, a Forever Lodge, near Pilgrim’s Rest did not remove any of its authentic old-world charm and warmth. Whether you stay indoors when the fog hugs the outside world or go for a walk in the rain forest - the place offers an enchanting warm welcoming supported by service levels way beyond the star rating. This is a place where the "what is your room number?" question does not exist because the staff knows your number. Where "what did you think of the desert?" is an authentic non-commercial inquiry to wow at every occasion and with every dish.

The Lodge was built in 1968. A slow drive down from the highway and through part of the rain forest to the lodge uses part of the old wagon trail which formed the alternative route from Lydenburg to Pilgrim's Rest. The Lodge offers 14 King Suites and ten exceptionally spacious family rooms each featuring its own fireplace.

Mount Sheba also offers two conference rooms. For a truly magical wedding inside a rain forest (and now I do have your attention), there is a suitable and prepared spot just 200 meters from the Lodge. Mount Sheba's other secret is its authentic cooking and please do the Digger's evening - Ryk en lekker soos moedersmelk!

Whether you visit the "Grand Old Lady" as a couple, family or group, activities have been designed to involve everybody outdoors in nature. The Mount Sheba Nature Reserve offers wonderful views, excellent fauna and flora and bird-watching for those so inclined and is also home to the endangered Samango Monkey. Mount Sheba offers no less than 11 walks ranging from one to 10 kilometres and these will take you to a number of waterfalls.

We did not, on this trip explored any of the hikes. We have however booked for the last weekend in August during which we will definitely explore (at least) the Waterfall route and I will add some comments about it then.

And, there is more. Visit their website and book your stay, conference or wedding. I have a feeling that rush-hour is about to arrive at Mount Sheba – a lodge where 3 is higher than 5…

And when the fog sets in - magic whispers are abound for those willing to listen. 

BE THE CHANGE ...

I attended a performance booster business breakfast recently where attendees were reminded that society and business is moving from a mechanistic management approach to a more humanistic and conscious business model. It's not just about loyalty anymore. The buzz words are engagement - commitment - cash flow meltdowns - incompetent leadership - managers versus leaders - and the disengaged attitude of managers and staff alike.

And then this question arrived in my mind: What are the most important lessons that I have learned during my varied and often completely different working environments and, different roles within these environments?

Do you want to make a difference? To make a difference you first have to make a conscious decision to do so and then apply discipline to persist with this despite all the challenges involved.

Do you want to add value over and beyond the norm? If yes, it will present a constant challenge to your creativity to come up with new ideas and approaches to the what, why and how you do things.

People do business with people not with companies. Market yourself - be authenticity - be the change.

Performance Booster (www.performancebooster.co.za) teaches and present employees and managers alike with the skills and tools to effect change in within their own lives first and then to apply the emotional intelligence gained from this, also in their work environments.

Many who completed the program, shared - and with great enthusiasm - how they and their companies have benefited from this program.

I have always maintained that the initial benefits from most sales conferences and team building events lasts for a about two weeks after the event. Then everything is back to "normal". The reason for this is that without a fundamental mind shift about self and individual purpose, most behavioural changes don't last long. Permanent changes require, first and foremost, an unconditional acceptance of the fact that each and everyone has a divine purpose.

Employers, managers and leaders need to create environments where employees will be allowed to excel within their divine purpose. If you identify talent and capacity, apply the "manage without managing" principle - guide, teach, allow - don't terrorise or police but of course - when staff step out of line, one has to be firm, fair, reasonable and above all else, respectful. Many managers management style is motivated by the power of the position rather than their emotional intelligence capacity. Terrorise and police and you will kill the human spirit and eventually your company.

Create "growth mindsets" - engage in "growth conversations" (PB) - be more everyday - apply a different approach to at least one of the many daily, and often mundane/routine tasks. Take time to engage your mind, and staff in strategic planning - allow them to set the mini goals within the big picture and vision for the company. Allow them to set their own goals within the company.

It is important to rid oneself and the company from the constant survival mode philosophies and methodologies and the negativity dictated by the external world - colleagues, politicians, the economy and the rest.

Visualise, formulate, believe, do and trust. Even if you do not understand or know your divine purpose, do the work and trust the process.

What lessons have you learnt?

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Racism and disrespect - two sides of the same coin

When one consult the dictionary, the definition of racism and or disrespect will always synchronise to some extent with these definitions. Racism is defined as the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities, or qualities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races. Disrespect is defined as Rude - impolite and or offensive behaviour. The latter is often motivated by a sense of superiority.

The constant bickering in the public space about the above is leaving all of us a tad frustrated and gatvol. And, I am not about to add to your frustration with an academic or political discussion on the issue.

I am of the opinion that both words address exactly the same issue or behaviour.  The word racism is, for political purposes, a powerful baton to beat each other up with. It is in-humane and aggressive. I wonder what will happen if we were to replace it with the word disrespect whenever we are about to use it.

Each word carries a totally different energy and intention. Shout at someone that they are a racist. Then repeat it but replace racist with disrespectful and feel the difference.

I look at nature and how all her processes and methodologies synchronise - seemingly by themselves.

I consider the design and workings of my body and how much we, despite all the advances in science and technology, still do not understand. Thus I have to acknowledge the superiority of the architect/creator and I choose to refer to him/her/it as God.

We have been created in the image and likeness of God. This by implication means that each and every one is a holy and divine being and needs to be treated with respect despite any visual, physical, culture, age or intellectual differences.

It is quite simple actually – don’t you think?

Serious disrespect and verbal abuse can probably and legally be considered Crimen Injuria and so too can racism – we don’t need any more laws to manage it. We need for all involved to step up to the challenge of providing and applying ourselves to decent and quality education and upbringing of our children and well, disrespectful adults.

Then we will respect everyone. And the opposite of respect is not racism – it is disrespect.