Terror Texts
Weblog April 20, 2008
By Chris DiGiorgio
No one can dispute that many of the world religions have what I term terror texts. These texts show a vengeful GOD destroying “evil doers” or they condemn whole groups of people who may not embrace a religious philosophy. As someone who believes in a loving GOD these texts challenge me to find a more peaceful meaning to these texts. Here are two examples one from the Jewish tradition and one from the Christian tradition.
Passover is a religious holiday celebrated by Jews all around the world celebrating the liberation from slavery by the Egyptians. I recently reviewed the story of the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. According to the texts, Moses warned the Pharaoh that GOD would send a different plague or pest to Egypt. The ten plagues included: the Nile turns into blood, frogs, lice/fleas, flies, death to livestock, boils, hailstorms, locusts, darkness and lastly death to first newborns both livestock and human.
Passover arrives at the last plague, when the Israelites were to take the blood of a lamb place the blood at the door posts of their homes so that no death would come to that home. They were to roast the lamb and eat it with Matzoh bread. All other homes would find death of the first born and the first born live stock. So after, this event with all the death that the Egyptians endured, the Pharaoh relented and let the Jewish slaves free. The Egyptians even gave the Israelites caravans to hasten their exodus.
From the Christian tradition, the text of terror I want to point out is John Chapter 14. This text has been used to persecute and murder many non-Christians. It is a condemning Jesus saying that the only way to GOD is through him. Firstly, I believe Jesus probably did not say that. Remember John was written at least 80 years after Jesus death. Second, as a Christian I do not believe there is only one path to GOD, though others in my faith believe that. Some churches still use this passage in religious services and specific Christian holidays, which further alienates non-Christians.
So what do I do with these texts of terror? First I believe texts that do not serve me, or harm others; I have no obligation to believe in them. Second, I believe it is important I let people know from other faith traditions that I have difficulty with these texts and that these texts are not my views. I also must challenge others in my faith to take a different point of view. Third, I must forgive the writer of these texts and I must ask forgiveness to those who have been harmed by these texts. Sometimes these texts do celebrate an important event, the exodus from Egypt is an inspiring event for any people because it shows us that people that were enslaved are now free. However, I must always question the violence or fear mongering that certain texts have. Celebrate the texts in your faith that inspire and question the ones that produce fear. The ones that inspire fear are the one’s we need to wonder are they truly the motives of a loving GOD.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Angels
Weblog April 13, 2008
By Chris DiGiorgio
Do you believe in Angels? I do. Angels are messengers of GOD, they serve as a bridge between GOD and the physical material world. Angel comes from the Greek root angelos which means messenger. It is unclear where angelic tradition and lore began on the earth, historians do know that as early as the civilizations of Sumeria, Persia, Egypt and India recognized messengers from GOD. Angels are noted in the Torah, Bible and Koran. Interestingly, names of angels are not often mentioned in the Bible. There is debate over which angels are in what part of heaven and the different order of angels and types. Commonly, here are the types of angels: angels, archangels, thrones, principalities, cherubim, seraphim, might, dominations and powers. Angels are commonly thought of as living in the seven heavens. All angels primary role is to serve GOD except for fallen angels. It is believed each one of us has one or more guardian angels, these angels come to your aid if you ask for the help. It is believed angels will only do constructive things that are within the overall good of the universe, therefore if you ask for example harm to others angels will not come to one’s aid for that.
The exception it is believed by some that fallen angels will use negative influence to create evil or temptation.
In my personal experience, I have connected with angels through my meditation. It is always a good idea to be in a meditative or prayerful mood when asking angels for help. Here are some angels and there spheres of influence.
Archangel Michael- empowerment, protection, strength and truth
Archangel Jophiel- wisdom, illumination and energy renewal
Archangel Rafael- healing and science
Archangel Haniel- clarity, communication and group energy
Archangel Chamuel- relationship, love, beauty and compassion
Information for this weblog came from the Angel Bible by Hazel Raven, publisher Sterling c. 2006
Weblog April 13, 2008
By Chris DiGiorgio
Do you believe in Angels? I do. Angels are messengers of GOD, they serve as a bridge between GOD and the physical material world. Angel comes from the Greek root angelos which means messenger. It is unclear where angelic tradition and lore began on the earth, historians do know that as early as the civilizations of Sumeria, Persia, Egypt and India recognized messengers from GOD. Angels are noted in the Torah, Bible and Koran. Interestingly, names of angels are not often mentioned in the Bible. There is debate over which angels are in what part of heaven and the different order of angels and types. Commonly, here are the types of angels: angels, archangels, thrones, principalities, cherubim, seraphim, might, dominations and powers. Angels are commonly thought of as living in the seven heavens. All angels primary role is to serve GOD except for fallen angels. It is believed each one of us has one or more guardian angels, these angels come to your aid if you ask for the help. It is believed angels will only do constructive things that are within the overall good of the universe, therefore if you ask for example harm to others angels will not come to one’s aid for that.
The exception it is believed by some that fallen angels will use negative influence to create evil or temptation.
In my personal experience, I have connected with angels through my meditation. It is always a good idea to be in a meditative or prayerful mood when asking angels for help. Here are some angels and there spheres of influence.
Archangel Michael- empowerment, protection, strength and truth
Archangel Jophiel- wisdom, illumination and energy renewal
Archangel Rafael- healing and science
Archangel Haniel- clarity, communication and group energy
Archangel Chamuel- relationship, love, beauty and compassion
Information for this weblog came from the Angel Bible by Hazel Raven, publisher Sterling c. 2006
Friday, April 4, 2008
Karma
Weblog April 3, 2008
By Chris DiGiorgio
Last night I attended a Zen Buddhist meditation service, after meditation the Buddhist priest talked about Karma. She started to talk about two primary Buddhist teachings that of impermanence and interdependency. Impermanence is the belief the universe or life is always changing. Interdependency is that all things are connected in some way. Now taking those two concepts, Karma is like cause and effect. She used an interesting metaphor that a Chinese Buddhist teacher used. If we take a fishing net and at each knot we have it encrusted with a diamond, then we move the diamond the surrounding net moves. This is like what Karma is. That for every action, there is a cause and effect. You move the net, the surrounding net moves.
In my life, this is an important concept because in my job as a Doctor, I deal with people. Dealing with a variety of people is a challenge and sometimes people can rub you the wrong way. Pema Chödron calls this phenomenon Shempa; she defines it as those actions from others that bother you or hook you. It has great relevance to me because of my spiritual disciple, I do every day. I ask myself all the spiritual work I do with my spiritual teachers and my daily meditation, how is it I get hooked? Why is it that I can so easily be bothered? Karma is the answer. When I do spiritual practice, if I am getting to the point in the practice when I can look at myself outside of my body, and be the observer of my actions instead of reacting to it that is the goal. So in Zen Buddhism, I am sitting in a specific posture and discomfort comes can I withstand that discomfort and look beyond that and actually see what the discomfort is. If I can do that, then the next time a person rubs me the wrong way I can be aware of that Shempa and react differently to the situation. Look at your actions and see if you can see beyond that initial moment.
Weblog April 3, 2008
By Chris DiGiorgio
Last night I attended a Zen Buddhist meditation service, after meditation the Buddhist priest talked about Karma. She started to talk about two primary Buddhist teachings that of impermanence and interdependency. Impermanence is the belief the universe or life is always changing. Interdependency is that all things are connected in some way. Now taking those two concepts, Karma is like cause and effect. She used an interesting metaphor that a Chinese Buddhist teacher used. If we take a fishing net and at each knot we have it encrusted with a diamond, then we move the diamond the surrounding net moves. This is like what Karma is. That for every action, there is a cause and effect. You move the net, the surrounding net moves.
In my life, this is an important concept because in my job as a Doctor, I deal with people. Dealing with a variety of people is a challenge and sometimes people can rub you the wrong way. Pema Chödron calls this phenomenon Shempa; she defines it as those actions from others that bother you or hook you. It has great relevance to me because of my spiritual disciple, I do every day. I ask myself all the spiritual work I do with my spiritual teachers and my daily meditation, how is it I get hooked? Why is it that I can so easily be bothered? Karma is the answer. When I do spiritual practice, if I am getting to the point in the practice when I can look at myself outside of my body, and be the observer of my actions instead of reacting to it that is the goal. So in Zen Buddhism, I am sitting in a specific posture and discomfort comes can I withstand that discomfort and look beyond that and actually see what the discomfort is. If I can do that, then the next time a person rubs me the wrong way I can be aware of that Shempa and react differently to the situation. Look at your actions and see if you can see beyond that initial moment.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Easter Week
Weblog Wednesday March 26, 2008
By Chris DiGiorgio
“This Jesus God has given back to life, of which we all are witnesses.” The Book of Acts (2:32)
I woke up to the sound of a chirping bird on Easter morning and I thought to myself, I was hearing GOD waking me up.
I went to the Church on Easter morning, and saw all the people and saw GOD.
At Easter morning service, I smelled the Easter flowers and smelled GOD.
At Easter morning service, I tasted the bread and wine, and tasted GOD.
I meditated after the service and felt GOD’s presence.
What Easter means to me, is through the resurrected Christ that even when you think GOD has left us that GOD is always around us.
Blessed be! Happy Easter.
Weblog March 16, 2008
Palm Sunday
By Chris DiGiorgio
Every Palm Sunday, I think what it must have been like for Jesus to enter Jerusalem. We can think of this moment as the modern day ticker tape parade; our hero triumphantly moving down the canyon of heroes and being adored by the thousands of people. Only to be followed by the demise of the hero a few days later. Many Christians believe Jesus knew exactly that he would be Crucified a few days later, but came to Jerusalem because it was his destiny to die for humanity.
The laying of the Palms was one of the last teaching moments for Jesus. I believe this teaching has many layers. First is to enjoy the moment. People will throw the Palms at your feet and you will be carried into town, enjoy the out pouring of love that is there for you. This moment will never come back. Also enjoy gratitude, the people were grateful to Jesus in that moment. The laying of Palms for us should be a reminder of our gratitude to Jesus for his dying for us. Another point to be made is destiny, how many of us truly know our destiny and willingly plunge right into it? Sometimes our spiritual path is not readily apparent yet we must strive to seek it and plunge into it.
Some of you who read this blog may not consider themselves Christian, however I believe that it is a great gift to learn from a variety of spiritual teachers that you may not consider specific to your path. Nonetheless, spiritual teaching can come from many different sources use those sources to enhance your path.
Dream and Reflection
Weblog March 9, 2008
By Chris DiGiorgio
Reflection is part of my spiritual journey. Reflection is remembering and creating the awareness of experiences that I had. It is also interpreting these experiences and relating to them. I would like to share a dream I had this past week.
I was at work and met with a regional manager that I have never met before. In the dream, he asked me tough questions about why the business was slumping and am I part of the cause for it. Needless to say, I was defensive in the dream. I went through all the different things I did to help grow the business and I started to list them. Now here comes the interesting part, when I woke up I asked myself where did this come from? First, my regional manager is a woman. Second, although business is slower than last year I have been under no such pressure. In fact, I rarely have contact with her.
So why the dream? What was the relevance? I went back and realized this dream was not about work but all about my past relationship with my ex-partner. My ex-partner died last week. We broke up close to seven years ago. One of the main things that we struggled with was his belief that I did not do enough. He had addiction problems and was abused as a child. He went though his own demons in life. I broke up with him because I could not deal with the continued relapses he was going through and I felt he was going to hit bottom. I also felt I was enabling this bad behavior by covering up for his mistakes and misdeeds. I realized I had to make the break. Before our break up however, he would always give me a list of all the things I did not do and none of the things I did.
After reflection, I learned a number of things. First is that, although you think you might have “gotten over a relationship” it does not mean there are not things that might crop up even after seven years. Second that dreams are not always what they appear to be, you may have the context of work, but it might be about another thing like a personal relationship. Third, I did do enough! This dream for me was a cleansing dream. I had in me a lingering thought that maybe I did not do enough, but reflecting back the break up was the best for both of us. He had to go through his bottom and my breaking up with him allowed him to do that. I had to move on because if I did not I might have kept enabling his behavior and I would have not grown in the areas I believe needed growth. Reflection ultimately is learning from the experiences you had and allowing yourself to learn from those experiences.
Samaritan WomanWeblog February 27, 2008by Chris DiGiorgioOne of my favorite, Bible passages is out of the Gospel of John 4:5-42, it is the story of Jesus visiting the Samaritan Village. The background of the story is Jesus and the Disciples visit a Samaritan Village. Jews who worshiped in Jerusalem did not recognize the legitimacy of the Samaritans nor did the Samaritans recognize the legitimacy of the Jews. The chief difference is the Samaritans Jews believed the holiest place was on one mountain (where Jacobs well resided) and the other Jews believed it to be in Jerusalem.
This story is full of messages, I want to hear from GOD. The first one is that no matter who you are GOD is here for you. Jesus asked for water from a Samaritan woman. In those days, a Jewish male from Judea would not ask a Samaritan woman for anything, he would probably die of thirst first. As a gay man, I relate to this story because I thirst for people of GOD to validate me, just as Jesus did with the Samaritan woman. Jesus did not care of her background or how many husbands she had, he saw the opportunity to bring her and the other Samaritans into the community of GOD without judgment. I guess that is what I long for in our present religious communities, welcome all who yearn to be in the community of GOD.
The second is the message of faith and worship. Jesus spells out that you come before GOD “you must do it out of their very being, their spirits, and their true selves”. So what this part of the passage tells me, is that I must present myself to GOD as my true self. GOD did not make a mistake in making me as others may proclaim, that GOD knew very well what GOD was doing and that he expects nothing less of me but to be faithful to what GOD created. I need to be my true authentic self nothing else is what I should accept and I must go before GOD proud of what GOD created. I am the living embodiment of GOD the Gay GOD, capable of all that GOD creates. Take time today to reflect on your authentic self and how you best can live with the gifts GOD gave you.
Weblog Wednesday March 26, 2008
By Chris DiGiorgio
“This Jesus God has given back to life, of which we all are witnesses.” The Book of Acts (2:32)
I woke up to the sound of a chirping bird on Easter morning and I thought to myself, I was hearing GOD waking me up.
I went to the Church on Easter morning, and saw all the people and saw GOD.
At Easter morning service, I smelled the Easter flowers and smelled GOD.
At Easter morning service, I tasted the bread and wine, and tasted GOD.
I meditated after the service and felt GOD’s presence.
What Easter means to me, is through the resurrected Christ that even when you think GOD has left us that GOD is always around us.
Blessed be! Happy Easter.
Weblog March 16, 2008
Palm Sunday
By Chris DiGiorgio
Every Palm Sunday, I think what it must have been like for Jesus to enter Jerusalem. We can think of this moment as the modern day ticker tape parade; our hero triumphantly moving down the canyon of heroes and being adored by the thousands of people. Only to be followed by the demise of the hero a few days later. Many Christians believe Jesus knew exactly that he would be Crucified a few days later, but came to Jerusalem because it was his destiny to die for humanity.
The laying of the Palms was one of the last teaching moments for Jesus. I believe this teaching has many layers. First is to enjoy the moment. People will throw the Palms at your feet and you will be carried into town, enjoy the out pouring of love that is there for you. This moment will never come back. Also enjoy gratitude, the people were grateful to Jesus in that moment. The laying of Palms for us should be a reminder of our gratitude to Jesus for his dying for us. Another point to be made is destiny, how many of us truly know our destiny and willingly plunge right into it? Sometimes our spiritual path is not readily apparent yet we must strive to seek it and plunge into it.
Some of you who read this blog may not consider themselves Christian, however I believe that it is a great gift to learn from a variety of spiritual teachers that you may not consider specific to your path. Nonetheless, spiritual teaching can come from many different sources use those sources to enhance your path.
Dream and Reflection
Weblog March 9, 2008
By Chris DiGiorgio
Reflection is part of my spiritual journey. Reflection is remembering and creating the awareness of experiences that I had. It is also interpreting these experiences and relating to them. I would like to share a dream I had this past week.
I was at work and met with a regional manager that I have never met before. In the dream, he asked me tough questions about why the business was slumping and am I part of the cause for it. Needless to say, I was defensive in the dream. I went through all the different things I did to help grow the business and I started to list them. Now here comes the interesting part, when I woke up I asked myself where did this come from? First, my regional manager is a woman. Second, although business is slower than last year I have been under no such pressure. In fact, I rarely have contact with her.
So why the dream? What was the relevance? I went back and realized this dream was not about work but all about my past relationship with my ex-partner. My ex-partner died last week. We broke up close to seven years ago. One of the main things that we struggled with was his belief that I did not do enough. He had addiction problems and was abused as a child. He went though his own demons in life. I broke up with him because I could not deal with the continued relapses he was going through and I felt he was going to hit bottom. I also felt I was enabling this bad behavior by covering up for his mistakes and misdeeds. I realized I had to make the break. Before our break up however, he would always give me a list of all the things I did not do and none of the things I did.
After reflection, I learned a number of things. First is that, although you think you might have “gotten over a relationship” it does not mean there are not things that might crop up even after seven years. Second that dreams are not always what they appear to be, you may have the context of work, but it might be about another thing like a personal relationship. Third, I did do enough! This dream for me was a cleansing dream. I had in me a lingering thought that maybe I did not do enough, but reflecting back the break up was the best for both of us. He had to go through his bottom and my breaking up with him allowed him to do that. I had to move on because if I did not I might have kept enabling his behavior and I would have not grown in the areas I believe needed growth. Reflection ultimately is learning from the experiences you had and allowing yourself to learn from those experiences.
Samaritan WomanWeblog February 27, 2008by Chris DiGiorgioOne of my favorite, Bible passages is out of the Gospel of John 4:5-42, it is the story of Jesus visiting the Samaritan Village. The background of the story is Jesus and the Disciples visit a Samaritan Village. Jews who worshiped in Jerusalem did not recognize the legitimacy of the Samaritans nor did the Samaritans recognize the legitimacy of the Jews. The chief difference is the Samaritans Jews believed the holiest place was on one mountain (where Jacobs well resided) and the other Jews believed it to be in Jerusalem.
This story is full of messages, I want to hear from GOD. The first one is that no matter who you are GOD is here for you. Jesus asked for water from a Samaritan woman. In those days, a Jewish male from Judea would not ask a Samaritan woman for anything, he would probably die of thirst first. As a gay man, I relate to this story because I thirst for people of GOD to validate me, just as Jesus did with the Samaritan woman. Jesus did not care of her background or how many husbands she had, he saw the opportunity to bring her and the other Samaritans into the community of GOD without judgment. I guess that is what I long for in our present religious communities, welcome all who yearn to be in the community of GOD.
The second is the message of faith and worship. Jesus spells out that you come before GOD “you must do it out of their very being, their spirits, and their true selves”. So what this part of the passage tells me, is that I must present myself to GOD as my true self. GOD did not make a mistake in making me as others may proclaim, that GOD knew very well what GOD was doing and that he expects nothing less of me but to be faithful to what GOD created. I need to be my true authentic self nothing else is what I should accept and I must go before GOD proud of what GOD created. I am the living embodiment of GOD the Gay GOD, capable of all that GOD creates. Take time today to reflect on your authentic self and how you best can live with the gifts GOD gave you.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Gratitude
Gratitude
Weblog February 13, 2008
By Chris DiGiorgio
Recently, I was walking to the front door of my apartment and stopped suddenly. The reason I stopped was I had this thought how grateful I was with all the people that are in my life; more specifically, all the different spiritual teachers and friends that have been working with me these past several years. I had more time to reflect on this and realized that the divine or the universe brought these people into my life because there were things I needed to experience in this lifetime that they would facilitate. As folks who read my blog often may realize I am a very spiritual person, I do not believe it is a coincidence that very spiritual people are surrounding me; part of this is that I seek it and part of it is that they find me.
Let me give you some examples, when I was coming out I met my first openly gay friend. He was my age and we have been friends ever since. In a time, when I was unsure about my gay self and how I was moving to a positive gay life here was my friend who showed me you can live a great and positive life being gay. Now he is having some personal problems in his life and I am there to help him through his difficulty. I think it truly is the universe bringing together two people who use each others strengths when the other needs them. I met another friend who told me about GAYLA and found a gay men’s spiritual community that has taught me that I can live a positive gay spiritual life. Another example is one of my spiritual teachers Steve came into my life when I was moving forward in my spiritual life. He is a psychic, and even told me you are moving more into spiritual work and here are some workshops that will help you grow spiritually. I have grown spiritually since then. Another person that has come into my life is a spiritual friend Mimi, she told me about a guru Sai Maa. I was ready for another spiritual growth spurt and there was Mimi letting me know about Sai Maa. In fact, Sai Maa has taken me into streams of consciousness and awareness I did not know I had in me. Now I realize that both Steve and Sai Maa are two spiritual teachers in my life to help enhance my spiritual path and both work congruously to help me achieve a stronger spiritual life.
This leads me back to gratitude. I am not sure a few years ago; I would have had it in me to stop in a moment to look at all the things in my life that I am truly grateful for. I am also not sure I would have been aware why certain people are in my life. So I suggest two things. First, take the time to look at the people in your life and try to become aware of why they are in your life. It might surprise you and it is a good awareness exercise. Secondly, be grateful they are in your life. It may be hard to be grateful to those who you believe are bringing you down negatively, however even they are there to provide you with life lessons you may not be conscious of right now. Do not forget about all the positive people also in your life. Take the time to be grateful, you will realize it is a gift that you will cherish as you move through your spiritual path.
Weblog February 13, 2008
By Chris DiGiorgio
Recently, I was walking to the front door of my apartment and stopped suddenly. The reason I stopped was I had this thought how grateful I was with all the people that are in my life; more specifically, all the different spiritual teachers and friends that have been working with me these past several years. I had more time to reflect on this and realized that the divine or the universe brought these people into my life because there were things I needed to experience in this lifetime that they would facilitate. As folks who read my blog often may realize I am a very spiritual person, I do not believe it is a coincidence that very spiritual people are surrounding me; part of this is that I seek it and part of it is that they find me.
Let me give you some examples, when I was coming out I met my first openly gay friend. He was my age and we have been friends ever since. In a time, when I was unsure about my gay self and how I was moving to a positive gay life here was my friend who showed me you can live a great and positive life being gay. Now he is having some personal problems in his life and I am there to help him through his difficulty. I think it truly is the universe bringing together two people who use each others strengths when the other needs them. I met another friend who told me about GAYLA and found a gay men’s spiritual community that has taught me that I can live a positive gay spiritual life. Another example is one of my spiritual teachers Steve came into my life when I was moving forward in my spiritual life. He is a psychic, and even told me you are moving more into spiritual work and here are some workshops that will help you grow spiritually. I have grown spiritually since then. Another person that has come into my life is a spiritual friend Mimi, she told me about a guru Sai Maa. I was ready for another spiritual growth spurt and there was Mimi letting me know about Sai Maa. In fact, Sai Maa has taken me into streams of consciousness and awareness I did not know I had in me. Now I realize that both Steve and Sai Maa are two spiritual teachers in my life to help enhance my spiritual path and both work congruously to help me achieve a stronger spiritual life.
This leads me back to gratitude. I am not sure a few years ago; I would have had it in me to stop in a moment to look at all the things in my life that I am truly grateful for. I am also not sure I would have been aware why certain people are in my life. So I suggest two things. First, take the time to look at the people in your life and try to become aware of why they are in your life. It might surprise you and it is a good awareness exercise. Secondly, be grateful they are in your life. It may be hard to be grateful to those who you believe are bringing you down negatively, however even they are there to provide you with life lessons you may not be conscious of right now. Do not forget about all the positive people also in your life. Take the time to be grateful, you will realize it is a gift that you will cherish as you move through your spiritual path.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Change
Change
Weblog January 30, 2008
By Chris DiGiorgio
In these days it is hard for us to escape the word change. Change has been used in the political discourse these last couple of weeks. But, how about change in reference to religion and spirituality? A constant theme of this blog is to talk about finding a religion or spirituality that embraces you. Part of this religious/spiritual theme is to find something you are comfortable with. Many of us come from religious backgrounds where we have felt rejected. At some point there was a change in our perception on whether we wanted to accept the intolerance that religious institution put on us or not. We had to change direction. We had to look inward to see if we can accept the status quo or change. Many of us decided why bother? Why stay with organized religion? What purpose does it serve? I put this out to you, just as you changed you perception on the religion you were brought up in, you can change the perception of how you feel about GOD. GOD does not hate you, GOD created you in his own image. GOD is omnipotent, so therefore GOD did not make a mistake. GOD made us so GOD could show the world all the magnificent diversity GOD is. That message is the true message of change. We must change our belief because they were inspired by people who do not speak for GOD. In the end, that is what it is all about, you are blaming GOD for what people have done. I believe strongly that all of us are agents of GOD. We walk around knowingly or unknowingly doing divine work. Sometimes that divine work is pushing people out so they have a clearer understanding of what lies ahead. LGBT folk have it within us to remake ourselves to change ourselves because we had to do this in our coming out process. For years many of us were in the closet, we had a period of internal reflection on how our life was suppose to be, and with finding ourselves we blossom in to something that is truly authentic for ourselves. To me that is the real message of spirituality, we have our authentic selves within us, however it is having the courage to move forward, make the change and create the special spiritual beings we are. We did one step at a time in coming out, now we can have a second coming out and that is coming out with our heart to our spiritual selves.
Weblog January 30, 2008
By Chris DiGiorgio
In these days it is hard for us to escape the word change. Change has been used in the political discourse these last couple of weeks. But, how about change in reference to religion and spirituality? A constant theme of this blog is to talk about finding a religion or spirituality that embraces you. Part of this religious/spiritual theme is to find something you are comfortable with. Many of us come from religious backgrounds where we have felt rejected. At some point there was a change in our perception on whether we wanted to accept the intolerance that religious institution put on us or not. We had to change direction. We had to look inward to see if we can accept the status quo or change. Many of us decided why bother? Why stay with organized religion? What purpose does it serve? I put this out to you, just as you changed you perception on the religion you were brought up in, you can change the perception of how you feel about GOD. GOD does not hate you, GOD created you in his own image. GOD is omnipotent, so therefore GOD did not make a mistake. GOD made us so GOD could show the world all the magnificent diversity GOD is. That message is the true message of change. We must change our belief because they were inspired by people who do not speak for GOD. In the end, that is what it is all about, you are blaming GOD for what people have done. I believe strongly that all of us are agents of GOD. We walk around knowingly or unknowingly doing divine work. Sometimes that divine work is pushing people out so they have a clearer understanding of what lies ahead. LGBT folk have it within us to remake ourselves to change ourselves because we had to do this in our coming out process. For years many of us were in the closet, we had a period of internal reflection on how our life was suppose to be, and with finding ourselves we blossom in to something that is truly authentic for ourselves. To me that is the real message of spirituality, we have our authentic selves within us, however it is having the courage to move forward, make the change and create the special spiritual beings we are. We did one step at a time in coming out, now we can have a second coming out and that is coming out with our heart to our spiritual selves.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Chakras
Weblog January 23, 2008
By Chris DiGiorgio
One of the main reasons I do spiritual practice is to bring my life more into alignment with peace. Peace is within you. You just need to know how you can access it. You can access it with spiritual practice. One spiritual practice you can do is to meditate through the Chakras. Chakras are part of Indian mysticism tradition. There are seven Chakras which are wheels of energy. These wheels represent different energy centers in our everyday life. If we meditate on these wheels, it is said the Godess Kundalini moves up the spine and activates these energy centers. These energy centers are based on the four elements of the earth (earth, water, fire, and air) which are earth bound elements, sound, vision and connection with divinity.
• Start with the root Chakra, Muladara, located at the base of the spine this Chakra is the color red. It gives you grounding and is related to defense mechanism. Meditate take some breaths and move to the next Chakra called Svadhistana, located above the groin; the element is water; the color of this Chakra is orange; it represents duality and sexuality. Meditate take some breaths and move to the next Chakra Manipura, located in the solar plexus region; the color is yellow; the element is fire; it represents our will, personal power, metabolism and autonomy. Meditate take some breaths and move to the next Chakra Anahata, located in the heart region; the color is green; the element is air; it represents compassion and peace. This level is the transition from the body and earth bound elements to divine elements. Meditate take some breaths and move to the next Chakra the blue Chakra Vissuddha at the level of the throat; the element is sound; it represents harmony, creativity, and things left unsaid. Meditate take some breaths and move to the violet Chakra Ajna at the level of forehead between your two eyes; the element is light; it represents intuition, internal seeing and energy movement. It also is at the border of the physical body and divinity. It represent the reflection of the thousand fold crown Chakra, Sahasrara. Meditate and take some breaths and move to Sahasrara. This color Chakra is represented by white. This Chakra relates to consciousness as pure awareness. It is our connection to the greater world beyond, to a timeless, spaceless place of all-knowing. Meditate and take some breaths. Use this Chakras meditation as a tool to bring greater understanding and peace into your life.
Weblog January 23, 2008
By Chris DiGiorgio
One of the main reasons I do spiritual practice is to bring my life more into alignment with peace. Peace is within you. You just need to know how you can access it. You can access it with spiritual practice. One spiritual practice you can do is to meditate through the Chakras. Chakras are part of Indian mysticism tradition. There are seven Chakras which are wheels of energy. These wheels represent different energy centers in our everyday life. If we meditate on these wheels, it is said the Godess Kundalini moves up the spine and activates these energy centers. These energy centers are based on the four elements of the earth (earth, water, fire, and air) which are earth bound elements, sound, vision and connection with divinity.
• Start with the root Chakra, Muladara, located at the base of the spine this Chakra is the color red. It gives you grounding and is related to defense mechanism. Meditate take some breaths and move to the next Chakra called Svadhistana, located above the groin; the element is water; the color of this Chakra is orange; it represents duality and sexuality. Meditate take some breaths and move to the next Chakra Manipura, located in the solar plexus region; the color is yellow; the element is fire; it represents our will, personal power, metabolism and autonomy. Meditate take some breaths and move to the next Chakra Anahata, located in the heart region; the color is green; the element is air; it represents compassion and peace. This level is the transition from the body and earth bound elements to divine elements. Meditate take some breaths and move to the next Chakra the blue Chakra Vissuddha at the level of the throat; the element is sound; it represents harmony, creativity, and things left unsaid. Meditate take some breaths and move to the violet Chakra Ajna at the level of forehead between your two eyes; the element is light; it represents intuition, internal seeing and energy movement. It also is at the border of the physical body and divinity. It represent the reflection of the thousand fold crown Chakra, Sahasrara. Meditate and take some breaths and move to Sahasrara. This color Chakra is represented by white. This Chakra relates to consciousness as pure awareness. It is our connection to the greater world beyond, to a timeless, spaceless place of all-knowing. Meditate and take some breaths. Use this Chakras meditation as a tool to bring greater understanding and peace into your life.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Spiritual Teachers
Weblog Spiritual Teachers
January 16, 2008
By Chris DiGiorgio
I have been quite fortunate to have many spiritual teachers in my life and I am grateful. My interaction with them has always shed new light in areas of my life. Sometimes in places in my life that I did not think I needed light shed on. Enviably these new insights help move me to a new understanding on myself and my spiritual path. A spiritual teacher facilitates bringing you to the insight, but it is your work that brings you there.
I would like to give an example of this. One of my spiritual teachers, Steve Thompson works with Native American Shamans. As part of our work together, a group of men and I do a Native American Sweat Lodge. For those of you who have not done a Sweat Lodge it is probably one of the most challenging things you can put your body and mind through. During the Sweat Lodge you are in a small teepee with hot rocks and you chant, pray and meditate to your ancestors, GOD or GODS. The heat is tremendous and it challenges your breath. Many times it puts you face up with your fears. Now I can’t say that I have gotten new insights when I was in the Sweat Lodge. However after the Sweat Lodges I have gotten many new insights. One insight I recently had was my relationship with fear. How fear many times rules my life and how it stops me from going forward in my spiritual life and my life in general. Another insight I have gotten from a Sweat Lodge is that I have it in my capacity to heal myself without the aid of traditional western medicine. (I have not perfected that so I am going to western doctors still)
As part of any spiritual path ask yourself, who are my spiritual teachers? They may be people who are in your life right now, people you need to seek out or people that you read about in the past. Take the time to find out how they can facilitate moving you to a greater understanding about yourself and your spiritual path.
January 16, 2008
By Chris DiGiorgio
I have been quite fortunate to have many spiritual teachers in my life and I am grateful. My interaction with them has always shed new light in areas of my life. Sometimes in places in my life that I did not think I needed light shed on. Enviably these new insights help move me to a new understanding on myself and my spiritual path. A spiritual teacher facilitates bringing you to the insight, but it is your work that brings you there.
I would like to give an example of this. One of my spiritual teachers, Steve Thompson works with Native American Shamans. As part of our work together, a group of men and I do a Native American Sweat Lodge. For those of you who have not done a Sweat Lodge it is probably one of the most challenging things you can put your body and mind through. During the Sweat Lodge you are in a small teepee with hot rocks and you chant, pray and meditate to your ancestors, GOD or GODS. The heat is tremendous and it challenges your breath. Many times it puts you face up with your fears. Now I can’t say that I have gotten new insights when I was in the Sweat Lodge. However after the Sweat Lodges I have gotten many new insights. One insight I recently had was my relationship with fear. How fear many times rules my life and how it stops me from going forward in my spiritual life and my life in general. Another insight I have gotten from a Sweat Lodge is that I have it in my capacity to heal myself without the aid of traditional western medicine. (I have not perfected that so I am going to western doctors still)
As part of any spiritual path ask yourself, who are my spiritual teachers? They may be people who are in your life right now, people you need to seek out or people that you read about in the past. Take the time to find out how they can facilitate moving you to a greater understanding about yourself and your spiritual path.
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