Category Archives: Spirituality

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7 Crucial Reasons to Learn Basic Survival Skills

February 24, 2016 Alistair Jordan Leave a comment

Connect your spirit to your sustenance by learning a few primitive skills! What do I mean by primitive skills? From raising chickens to making fire to growing squash and stitching clothes, primitive skills refer to a broad set of practices and knowledge that all people used to have.

These are the practices that fed us, kept us warm, and allowed our species to survive. They pre-date the industrialized way of life, and they were as essential then as reading, writing, and paying your bills are now. Here are 7 reasons to learn some of these skills…

Help save the planet – This one’s kind of important… Primitive skills were all we had to survive when we lived in harmony with the Earth. In fact, they were all we needed. In the face of global warming, water shortages, and an atmosphere of general global chaos, we all need to step up and do our part. Marrying our modern technology with the wisdom and skills of our most ancient ancestors will set us up for centuries of beautiful abundant living.

Builds confidence – Taking the time to learn a new skill is rewarding, but the results multiply when you do something that resonates with your spirit. When you do something that your ancient ancestors would be proud of, you are inspired in a way that is uniquely and characteristically human. If you can make a fire with your hands, you’ll feel like you can do anything.

Grow your own food – Rewarding and delicious! If you haven’t ever grown something, waited to see it form and ripen, and eaten it for dinner, it’s time. You’ll love it and you’ll feel your connection to the Earth grow every time. Take it a step further and learn to can or preserve your food when it is in season and abundant, (whether you grew it or not).

Reduces stress and anxiety – No tricks, pills, or self-help books to buy here. Pick up your tools and walk outside. Leave behind your iPhone. Connecting to the natural world around you will disconnect you from your daily stressors. Unless that stressor is a mountain lion, in which case you should go back inside for the time being.

Great family activity – Everyone can help when it’s time to set up your spring garden. Parents, children, and teens will find engaging outlets outside, and can often find positive ways to spend time together. Take it a step further and try out a weekend primitive skills gathering, (like this one). On the homestead, your family is your team. You will find something for everyone.

Be more self sufficient – You don’t have to go totally off-grid to establish your dominion. Having even a few permaculture-related skills and some experience will empower you in the way you see yourself and your capabilities, and it will never look the same again. Look up homesteading schools near you to learn what works best in your environment. Here’s an example of a great one near Asheville, NC, called Wild Abundance.

This stuff is really fun! If you’re going to put time and effort into a new skill, do something you enjoy. To me that sounds like bow making, but to you that might be studying plant medicines or making an earthen oven. To each their own.

In this modern world people need to return to a symbiotic relationship with the land and life around them. The great news is that this doesn’t have to be a sacrifice. Bringing this ancient wisdom into your life will bring great joy, fulfillment, and a chance to bond with your tribe.

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5 Signs Your Third Eye Is Opening And How To Help It Along

February 21, 2016 Jeff Wilson 1 Comment

The third eye is more than a metaphorical or alliterative phrase for intuition. It refers to the very real anja chakra. This particular energy center stems from your pineal gland. For a more in depth summary of the pineal gland and its effects read and watch my summary here. This organ is known as the psychic gland, and from its physical placement in the center of our gray matter, the anja chakra spirals out. This chakra is the center of our intuitions. This chakra is made more powerful through repetition.

This video goes over the common traits and changes of your third eye opening. There are more than just these aspects but these are not only the most common but the most readily noticed.

Heightened Senses

All of your senses will be given a noticeable boost. It will be like living in high definition. Not only will the physical input will be more detailed, but your ability to comprehend this upgraded information will be reformed as well.

Clairvoyance

You will start to hear sounds and tasting sounds. No you are tripping, but you are now able to experience a sense and feel the other attributes tied to that particular sensation. You will see the kitchen has been cleaned and will be able to ‘hear’ your roommate’s comments on the task.

Dietary Changes Are Desired

As you can taste intention and have a heightened sense of taste and smell, the quality of you desired foods will be bettered. When I eat a burger from a fast food chain, I can ‘taste’ the impartial and loveless environment the burger was made in. I can ‘smell’ all of the corners that were cut to provide me an unnecessarily convenient and fast meal. You will be able to feel the ‘negativity’ in certain foods poorly fuel your body and weaken your spirit.

You Notice The Connections Between Life

All of these newly recognized aspects of life will fuel your raised intuition into making new connections you’ve never before realized. This high level of understanding, in both a mental and spiritual capacity, will lead to higher levels of empathy, respect and compassion.

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Sacred Geometry in Superbowl 50

February 18, 2016 Alistair Jordan Leave a comment

The Super Bowl Halftime show is the most viewed event of the year, and in this 50th year we saw a presentation of many sacred symbols that begged for a more spiritual analysis. As with all spiritual matters and symbols, interpretations are extremely personal and this article is mere speculation on our part. These symbols and the influence they convey depends just as much on the receiver as they do on the giver of this information. What seems most relevant to one might be a totally different message for another.

During “Viva La Vida,” Chris Martin enters the field with a crowd of kids and then to the stage with “I used to rule the world…” The lyrics of this song tell the story of a king-like ruler, once powerful and on top of the world, with enemies quivering in fear. But this illusion is now gone, outlived by a world that took itself back and brought him to his knees. Could this symbolize the fall of patriarchy?

To progress spiritually, both individually and as a community, we are often forced to let go of the authoritative grip we have over ourselves. In the global sense, this could mean letting go of force and authoritative control and moving to cooperation, acceptance, and tolerance. The symbol of a king brought to his knees in humility is a powerful one, and is found in nearly all spiritual texts.

He comes onto the stage onto a massive, bright flower of life. The ancient symbol is not only featured on their latest album cover, it is also found on each of the band members and wherever else it might be squeezed in. Also on stage we have a prominent bell next to the drummer. It is a special bell known as the Ghanta. This is a bell you ring coming into a temple that is made to sound like an extended “Om.”

Throughout this song the camera looks straight down as the geometry begins to come alive, spinning and radiating into the viewer’s mind. This symbol is believed to represent the sacred path into life from the universal void. It is a pattern deeply embedded in the core of our existence, as well as the existence of all life forms that we humans know of. It can be seen anywhere if you look for it, but to be the focus of the world’s most popular broadcast has brought this symbol, knowingly or unknowingly, much deeper into our collective consciousness.

As Martin sings the vortex begins to open underneath him into the sacred geometry. As the performance begins its first transition, Martin leans down to the crowd and addresses the camera, “Whoever you are, wherever you are, we’re in this together. Let’s go!” Here he reveals what clearly appears to be the intention behind this aspect of the Coldplay performance: the unification of the global community.

Immediately after this, the message changes. The performance explodes into its next song Paradise. The visuals change into an exploding sun, a blast of bright energy surrounded by butterflies. This is an all-important symbol of metamorphosis and rebirth. A new dawn? A new paradise perhaps? You might have also noticed the not-so-subtle “Global Citizen” around his arm and heart-shaped multi-colored light in his shirt over his heart. One World?

Elsewhere on the field, a small army of green fairies have taken over the field with flower umbrellas. These expressions reinforce the celebration of color, of diversity, of spirit and oneness, all reminiscent of the colors of the Holi festival and depicted in the “Hymn for a Weekend” video. As the flowers in the field align, the seed of life and the fruit of life appear on either side of the stage for just a moment.

It is a spectacular scene, but it is important to keep in mind that these movements and patterns are extremely deliberate. This year, a 30 second commercial cost $5,000,000, which comes to $166,666 per second. It is with great and deliberate intention that these images, symbols, and messages are published. The symbols that are presented at this level have the power to affect the entire human race, and they will to be sure.

Alistair Jordan & Forest Sage

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5 Negative Thoughts That Halt Your Spiritual Growth

February 17, 2016 Submitted By You Leave a comment

Speech is a powerful tool. The way we consciously and subconsciously choose to express ourselves, it is a clear reflection of our mentalities and emotions.

More than just a reflection though, words are a form of action and carry a similar same weight. The mind frequently projects images or spins a thought into a realm we are not comfortable with. The mind is like a child, it grasps at things it knows it shouldn’t grab. This ‘grabbing’ action doesn’t inherently mean that the ‘child’ wants the object it reached for. There are many reasons our mind do this, but for the most part it is exercising its ability to do so.

This act of doing something to do it translates to our speech as well. Uncensored, our mouths can run up a storm. Words carry a different strength and influence than thoughts. There is a more quantifiable element to the immediate effect of words. Speech is an intangible form of action that stem from thought. As soon as you turn a thought or intention into an action, it leaves your realm of influence and becomes a separate entity. A cruel word can not be stifled or taken back. More actions must be taken to heal the damage.

We frequently use the cruelest of language on ourselves. Our minds are always chatting away, damning this and criticizing that. We sometimes foolishly vent these thoughts, normally in a joking manner.

The sarcastic shine to a ill hearted phrase does nothing to deter the damage. If anything it poisons those who hear it, tricking them into thinking it doesn’t hurt.

Below are listed some common phrases used to create a negative separate entity. In the interest of ‘blowing off steam’ or a weird sort of half hearted self forgiveness, we utter these phrases. They become actions that hurt us and slow us down.

“I’m So Stupid.”

There are so many definitions and types of intelligence. There is also the difference between wisdom and intelligence. Even if you’re being a little thick right now, have the wisdom to not belittle yourself. This phrase can be exchanged for, ‘I could have done better’.

“I Can’t Do That.”

This statement always precedes a conversation about technique and support, then after practice and effort the impossible is done. Decide what you want to do according to your priorities and do it.

Do not say that something is important to you and then mark it down with technical difficulties.

You jeopardize the sanctity of your priorities when you do this. This statement is interchangeable with; ‘This will be difficult’, or ‘I will need help with this’.

“I Hate Myself.”

‘Love is the capacity to take care, to protect, to nourish. If you are not capable of generating that kind of energy toward yourself- if you are not capable of taking care of yourself, of nourishing yourself, of protecting yourself- it is very difficult to take care of another person. In the Buddhist teaching, it’s clear that to love oneself is the foundation of the love of other people.’ Thich Nhat Hanh

This phrase should be replaced with: ‘I can do better’, ‘I will do better’, ‘It’s hard for me to be honest with myself right now.’

“I’m Ugly.”

This statement comes in many forms; I’m fat, my hair is hideous, my eyes are too close together, my nose has two holes.

They are all ridiculous. Beauty comes from inside, it spins out from a healthy spirit. Fashion is the nonsense that says people are this and that. Be beautiful and love yourself. This phrase can be replaced with: ‘I’m awesome!’,’My core is so strong!’, I am beautiful!’

“I Hate My Life.”

Don’t let the momentary madness in your skull or the storm in your heart ever exit your lips in this form. If you are upset with your life that means you care and are beyond frustrated. Voice your frustration and emotions but don’t ever lash out at the unique story that is your life. This phrase should never be spoken, replace it entirely with: ‘I’m upset’, ‘I am in need of help’, or ‘I want a hug’.

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These 4 Science-Based Rituals Will Help You Live A Happier Life

February 16, 2016 Jeff Wilson Leave a comment

Life can get chaotic fairly often. It seems we find balance specifically to have it disrupted. This is true in a way and doesn’t warrant any negative response. With out the chaos how could we appreciate peace? Here are four rituals or practices that are guaranteed to help you hold on to your sanity!

Practice Gratitude

Setting the practice of gratitude is rewarding and very revealing about your priorities. Starting your practice is as easy as making a list of elements in your life. Try to write ten or fifteen things your grateful for one day and add to the list the next day by ten or so. At the end of the week look at your list and recognize how these things effected you this week.

Create Intentions

I do this everyday, sometimes multiple times a day. When you wake in the morning, whether you lay in bed wiggling your toes in glee or regretting your decisions from the night before, or even bracing yourself for the day to come, set an intention. It can be whatever you like and applicable to any situation. I like to keep my first intention of the day fairly broad, ‘To accept all things as a sign of love’. As my day gets more trying I may before a stressful meeting say to myself, ‘I will exhibit all sides of myself and love myself for it’. I try and broaden my focus with every intention.

Embrace And Love Those Around You

Love is the most powerful and productive energy available. If you are having trouble loving yourself spoil someone else! Nurturing love towards someone is the similar to loving yourself. It is such an infectious energy that once you start nourishing it, the effect will ripple out in beautiful and surprising ways. As you strive to actively love those around you you will learn volumes about yourself and others. This will lead to more natural avenues of love and compassion. Thich Nhat Hanh, A Buddhist spiritual leader, says it perfectly,

Label Negative Thoughts

This practice is crucial to ending the vicious cycles we put our selves through. The ability to acknowledge a thought for what it is isn’t enough. You must develop the skills to accept it, forgive yourself for any subsequent negative emotions and release the thought back into your mind. It’s important to not try to fight whatever your mind is doing. This will only give the unwanted formation more energy and focus. The key is to lovingly rise above it.

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Harvard Studies: Meditation Literally Changes Your Brain

February 15, 2016 Jeff Wilson Leave a comment

Many studies have been done to diagnose the physiological changes in humans during meditation. None have been this comprehensive or had detailed information about a before and after. Sara Lazar, senior author at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Psychiatric Neuroimaging Research Program and instructor of psychology at Harvard Medical School, has done studies on meditation before. They found that first time practitioner’s cerebral cortex’s thickened in the areas associated with attention and emotional integration. Those studies were not sufficient to say the changes were from meditations.

“This study demonstrates that changes in brain structure may underlie some of these reported improvements and that people are not just feeling better because they are spending time relaxing,” Lazar reports.

This study took sixteen participants with no serious history of regimented or consistent meditative practice. The participants answered questionnaires and submitted to have magnetic resonance images (MRI) taken of their brains two weeks before and after they took part in a meditation program. The University of Massachusetts Center for Mindfulness accepted the participants in an eight week long Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program.

The program focuses on nonjudgmental awareness of sensations, feelings and state of mind. Participants attended a weekly guided group meditation session and were given audio recordings for independent guided sessions. They were asked to keep track of the amount of time and frequency of their independent meditations. There was also a control group of non meditators that had MRI’s over the same schedule.

Meditation group patients reported spending an average of twenty seven minutes every day. When the final results were jotted down it became obvious meditation had a profound effect on the physiology of the brain and consciousness. The post questionnaires showed marked improvement in every area for every participant.

MRI’s showed that grey matter density had increased in the hippo campus. The hippo campus has a strong role in learning and memory. There were various improvements to neurological structures associated with self awareness, compassion, and introspection.

The participants all reported significant reductions in stress, which correlated well with a decrease in the density of the amygdala, which plays a large role in stress and anxiety. The control group showed none of these improvements, showing that these changes were not from the passage of time.

“These results shed light on the mechanisms of action of mindfulness-based training. They demonstrate that the first-person experience of stress can not only be reduced with an eight-week mindfulness training program but that this experiential change corresponds with structural changes in the amygdala, a finding that opens doors to many possibilities for further research on MBSR’s potential to protect against stress-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder,” says Amishi Jha, a neuro scientist at the University of Miami.

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