POWER IN THANK YOU AND THE PERFECT SPECTACLES ARE BOOKLETS. STAR CHILD IS AN ARTICLE.
POWER IN THANK YOU
STAR CHILD
PERFECT SPECTACLES
I placed them here because they need to be fixed. I lost them when my computer crashed. They were emailed back to me, but I have yet to fix them. They are on hold until I have time.
If you want to read them click on "OLDER POSTS" for each one.
Monday, January 29, 2018
THE POWER IN THANK YOU
This booklet was lost when my computer crashed. It was emailed to
me. I have yet to edit it. I'm saving it here until I make time to
update it.
From worlds unseen and dimensions unknown come miracles that bless mankind
Through the "power " in thank you will walk in the light of a new understanding and your joy, peace and happiness will be a light to the world.
As your light shines in the world
The earth will be transformed
And peace will reign.
Receiving
ALL THINGS
With thankfulness
Eliminates a lifetime of pain
In no time at all.
He who receives
ALL THINGS
With thankfulness
Will be made glorious
And the things of this earth
Will be added unto him,
Even a hundred fold
And more.
If your life seems like a never-ending parade of difficulties, problems and troubles, and you are not as happy as you would like to be , perhaps it's because you are not as thankful as you could be.
FORWARD by Dr. J Habegger
"Most treasures of this earth are hidden. The main reason is to protect them from mens greed
and envy, their attachment to the material world.
And then there are Mother Nature's treasures too, that are oftentimes hidden in wondrous ways, like a beautiful pearl in an ordinary ouster. The All have something in common: They need to be known or discovered and unveiled-in brief, they require certain steps of action.
"As there are no coincidences in life at all, I was gifted with the "The Power In Thank You' and
immediately felt the tremendous magic of the message. Being familiar with many spiritual teachings from all over the globe I realize that Thomas T. Braun had achieved what many others did in vain: to unveil the magic and the simplicity of Life and the art of living into a comprehensive and easy to live by form.- this very booklet.
"On only a few pages he shares his wisdom that contains the combined knowledge of all the
libraries together. Word by word and line by line I discovered the treasure of a spiritual message that opens up new understandings of purpose of life and a loving guidance of experiencing it in Joy, Love and Light."
Why Thankfulness Works
Receiving a things with thankfulness
produces joy, peace and happiness
for the same reason that moaning, groaning and complaining
brings grief heartache and sorrow.
Though you walk as flesh upon the earth,
you are foremost an energy-being.
Your thoughts, emotions, words and actions
affect your personal energy and the energies
Of everything around you.
Thankfulness works
Because it produces harmonious energy.
Thankfulness works because it frees you from the spiritual,
Mental, emotional and physical consequences of destructive energies.
Most people
Are unaware of the principle,
"Receive All Things With Thankfulness"
Thus have never experienced
Its miraculous benefits.
You can live life in continual joy, peace
Or happiness when you know the way.
The Power In Thank You
Will show you the way
The Greatest Treasure In The World
From the dawn of man, wise men and women have searched for a treasure more valuable than all the treasures on Earth a treasure greater than health power, wealth and glory, a treasure more desired than the wisdom of Solomon.
The person who has this treasure walks untroubled in a troubled world He is carefree lighthearted joyful, peaceful, unworried and unafraid-all the time no matter what. His life is Shangri-La, Heaven-on-Earth, Nirvana, Eden and Paradise, even while living in a world of tears.
He who walk through the valley of the shadow of death pack a lunch, and enjoy the journey.
What treasure is like unto this? What treasure is greater than to be joyful in adversity, to be at peace in war and to be happy in difficulties?
The greatest treasure in the world is Perfect Happiness, to be at peace, joy and happy, not only in spite of life's challenges, but even because of them.
What price is worthy of such a treasure? What price would you pay? As unbelievable as it may sound. The price is your thankfulness. Why be thankful? Because it's the path to the treasure.
You are an Intelligence seeking
Knowledge, understanding and wisdom
Through experience.
Every experience serves you.
Every experience is for your good.
Every experience has great value.
When you accept this truth,
You will be able to receive
all things with thankfulness
Imagine What Your Life Would Be Like
Whether rich or poor famous or unknown, powerful or powerless, imagine what your life would be like if you never again became irritated, upset, angry, worried, anxious or afraid. Imagine enjoy a happiness that is "ARMOR-PLATED AND BULLET-PROOF". In addition imagine enjoying a hundred-fold-and more-increase of the "good" things of this earth
Being thankful cam your spirit, emotions, mind and body, increases your energy, restores your health and expands your understanding, knowledge and creativity. It makes you positive, confident peasant friendly, cheerful, carefree, light-hearted, good hearted and good-natured. Being thankful takes away sorrow regret, anguish, heartache, stress, worry, depression and fear. It subdues your lower nature, unveils your higher nature and unlocks the door to the treasury of hidden-wisdom. Ultimately, it is the pathway to "miracles," literally for when you are thankful for your troubles, the disappear
Being thankful attracts every valuable things this earth has to offer and everything your heart earnestly desires, and they will all be yours when you receive all things with thankfulness.
Most people have never experienced
The FULL POWER in thank you
Because they do not yet
Receive ALL THINS with thankfulness
Being thankful for things you like
Has its rewards. Being thankful for
EVERYTHING brings benefits and blessings
Most people only hope for and dream about.
When you receive ALL THINGS with thankfulness,
You will obtain your heart's desire
Thankfulness overcomes all obstacles.
The Fountain of Youth
If you would be young of spirit, mind, heart and body, if you would restore your health, vigor and youth, then consider receiving a things with thankfulness.
By the natural POWER in thankfulness you will experience a persona body-rejuvenating-miracle that you and the whole world will see, and, when you look into your mirror, you will see that your lines-of-age and stress disappear and that your countenance is shining bright, and when you walk you will feel light-in-step and experience exhilaration new-fount energy.
As sure as you no longer carry the weight of the world in your mind, it will no longer manifest in your spirit, emotions body nor be reflected on your face
How is it that a continual attitude of gratitude makes you healthier and younger? Because when you are thankful in your thoughts of mind you cannot but be thankful in your feelings of heart And when your heart knows no stress, pressure or tension your spirit soars with healing emotions that cure your body of age wear tear and pain.
By receiving all things with thankfulness, you truly bathe in "The Fountain of Youth," for the power in thank you is a restorative power, restoring spirit, mind, emotions and bod to health, vigor and youth.
The happiness and peace
Most men enjoy is conditional,
if the conditions are right
They are at peace and happy,
If not, they are not.
There is a happiness and peace
That has no conditions
(that is unaffected by the storm's of life)
And he who possesses it
Is Perfectly Happy and Always At Peace
The price for Perfect Happiness
Is Perfect Thankfulness.
Receive All Things With Thankfulness.
THE POWER IS REAL
Whether you view thankfulness from
A logical, spiritual or faith perceptive,
The power in thank you is real.
Many people all over the world
Are enjoying the blessings that come by
Receiving all thins with thankfulness.
DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to
The unconquerable" spirit" in man,
Who braves the dark to discern the light
That he might rise to new heights of joy.
Welcome to the Power In
Thank You
Experience & Knowledge
Nothing I share in The Power In Thank You is based in belief Everything is the result of my personal experience and knowledge ( when a person experiences and comes to know a thing, belief and faith have an end concerning that thing).
The knowledge that comes through a person's experiences often challenges the beliefs of others, yet no one would deny their experiences to accommodate the beliefs of someone else. There are many beliefs, yet they sometimes prove false in the ight of increased knowledge and a new understanding.
I have experienced a miracle that for over thirty ears has increased my joy, peace, happiness and love for mankind. The miracle took many of my false beliefs and replace them with a deeper understanding of the nature of life. It is broader understanding in this booklet.
Prove all things. You need nothing I share in this booklet ,for the truth of what I share will manifest in doing what I share, and by doing you will know the truth, and your increased joy, peace, happiness and love will be your proof.
Discerning Truth
When you hear or read something that is true, you know it. It is a deep knowing, not of mind, but of "Spirit." No man need tell you what is true, for you discern truth for yourself.
As you venture into "The Power In Thank You" you may encounter concepts your mind may question, but when you give way to your "spirit" or higher mind you will know whether the concepts are true or not.
Man's knowledge of truth (things as they were, are and will be) is ever expanding. Today's truth is a mere stepping-stone towards tomorrow and more truth, even until you come to know all truth. Be open; believe al things and hold fast to that which proves true.
A person who believes he has all the truth he needs is limited and damned by his truth and will receive no more until he awakens to his error.
If you were to ask a child to tell you what is true, you would hear a small vision of a limited reality and so it is with man when compared to God's truth. Why live in a self-created box of limited truth when there is a universe of truth to bless you?
Experience & Knowledge
Nothing I share in The Power in Thank You is based in belief. Everything I write is the result of my personal experience and knowledge (when a person experiences and comes to know a thing belief and faith have an end concerning that thing).
The knowledge that comes through a person's experiences often challenges the beliefs of others, et no one would deny their experiences to accommodate the beliefs of someone else. There are many beliefs yet they sometimes prove false in the light of increased knowledge and a new understanding.
I have experienced a miracle that for over thirty years has increased my joy peace, happiness and love for mankind. The miracle took many of my false beliefs and replaced them with a deeper understanding of the nature of life. It is this broader understanding that I share in this booklet.
Prove all things: You need believe nothing I share in this booklet, for the truth of what I share will manifest in doing what I share and by doing you will know the truth, and your increased joy peace, happiness and love will be your proof.
Joy & Sorrow
In the Lot of Most Men, Even So,
There is More Joy In Life than Sorrow
Life Is What It Is,
Everything Else Is Attitude.
Knowledge of Laws Save Men
From the Sorrows of Ignorance.
Obedience to Law
Brings Joy, Peace and Happiness
Every Blessing Men Enjoy
Comes by Obedience to law.
Laws of Creation
All things manifest by obedience to law and are sustained by law. Everything man has created has come about by obedience to law. Before men know and obeyed the laws that produced modern inventions they lived without them. Before men knew and obeyed the law of flight they were grounded. Before men knew and obeyed the law of electricity they were in the dark. And until men obey the Highest Law of Gratitude they will remain grounded in the darkness of their own mind and never experience the enlightenment that comes when you receive all things with thankfulness.
You know The Royal Law- Love others as yourself. You know The Law of Thought - As a man thinks so is he, and you know The Highest Law of Gratitude - Receive all things with thankfulness, but men do not, and receive not, and by this, many blessings are not realized.
A man does not have to know a law to obey it yet if he desires a specific blessing he must obey the law upon which that blessing is predicated or his desire will go unfulfilled. If you desire perfect happiness and the blessings pertaining to it, there is no other way than to abide by The Highest Law of Gratitude. There are no short-cuts to blessings from nature or "Spirit".
The Discovery
In my youth I was inspired through the quite ways of Spirit to peacefully harmonize with experiences unavoidable, unalterable and inevitable. I learned when I harmonized with life I always felt a calming influence that quickly dissipated my irritation, anger and fear (being in peaceful harmony with things that cannot be changed-even given our best efforts-is one way of receiving all things with thankfulness)
In 1974 I experienced what I call The Miracle of Thankfulness. For a short time I experienced the divine nature of love which gave me deep insights into the nature of reality.
In 2004, after living without anxiety an fear for thirty years, I suddenly awoke as if from a dream and realized that most people were not at peace and not happy-not really happy-unless you call getting upset you call getting upset, angry, anxious and living with fear, happiness.
When I realized just how stressed people were, I asked , "Why do I not get stressed? Why am I at peace no matter what happens to me?"
It was then that I was gently reminded of my miracle experience.
Yet that answer only raised another question, "Why had I experienced the miracle?"
I was told "Because you are thankful in all things and receive all things with thankfulness."
As I pondered this answer I concluded, that since the miracle came because of thankfulness, then the counsel to "receive all things with thankfulness" had to be written in an inspired text somewhere.
I searched through 1200 writings of various faiths and ideologies ad found-in just one obsure text-the following law of gratitude and its promise: He who receives all things with thankfulness will be made glorious and the things of this earth will be added unto him, even a hundred fold and more.
Then I asked why this was not predominant in inspired writings. I was told "all who are ready to receive the law, receive it by Spirit. Some receive it by inspired writings and others receive it by direct inspiration thus all are edified, whether by words written or by words spoken. None are denied who are able to receive the law."
As I look back at over fifty years of my life, I marvel at the continual joy, peace and happiness I have been blessed with. I know from personal experience that the more thankful a person is, the happier he is. And I know that when a person receives al things with thankfulness (obeys The Highest Law of Gratitude) he is blessed naturally and spiritually. All who abide the Law are blessed by the Law.
The Journey
Two men traveled the same path they walked through forests, rivers, mountains and deserts. They encountered many dangers on their journey. In the forest they were attacked by wolves. While crossing a river they nearly drowned. In the mountains they were pummeled by furious storms. In the desert the sun plagued them like stinging hornets. Hunger gnawed tem to the bone and more than once, death looked like a reward.
One of the men whined and companied the whole time, about everything, and was miserable. He was constantly angry, worried and afraid, and wished he had it taken the journey. The other man was at peace. He was cheerful carefree and lighthearted and looked upon each day like a warrior who understands the value of a worth opponent. For him, life was an adventure which he harvested its fruits
One evenings they approached a small village, they were robbed. The miserable man became despondent, then bitter and began raging about their misfortune and the evil people in the world. He raged so much e became sick. The other man was at peace undisturbed by events, even joyful and happy.
As the miserable man was recovering he wondered at the happy man's attitude. He couldn’t understand how anyone could be at peace and even happy during such punishing experiences. Curious he asked the happy man how he came to be that way.
The happy man removed an old piece of leather from his pocked and handed it to the miserable man and said "because of this." The miserable man untied the small scroll and read "Thank you for the things this experience will teach me."
The happy man went on to explain "Several years ago I was like you, just a downright miserable fellow. I got in bad mods, upset and angry over everything that went wrong, over everything, over everything that didn't please me, especially when life didn't go my way. One day a man came into my shop and seeing my unhappiness handed me that piece of leather with those words on it. He then shared what he called 'a great secret'. He told me that the more thankful a person is the happier he is.
He told me that people who are thankful in all things are happy in all things. He told me that if I would be thankful, even during my troubles I would not only be happier but I would have a spiritual awakening. He called it The Miracle of Thankfulness He said that after I experienced The Miracle I would always be at peace joyful and happy.
"That's crazy," said the miserable man, "a blessing? A miracle? That makes you happy all the time regardless of what happens to you?"
That's what I thought at first," said the happy man, "but I had nothing to lose, so I tried it, and it worked I started saying the words 'Thank you for this experience, after every experience I had even the ones that made me mad and I became happier. It wasn't long before I experienced The Miracle . And that's the reason I'm happy all the time no matter what."
"Well I'm not going to say' thank you' for things that drive me crazy hoping to get some supposed blessing or miracle And you can ep this!" said the miserable man as he shoved the piece of leather towards the happy man.
"No. You keep it," said the happy man. "it’s a habit for me to say thank you for my experiences, nd who knows, you may want to try it, after all you too have nothing to lose, well except being down right miserable"
As the sun set the two men entered the village on the same path but worlds apart.
Your Journey Through Life
In the story, The Journey, both men experienced the same trials and tribulations, yet, because of how they looked at their experiences, one was miserable the other was at peace and even happy.
The secret is, the happy man knew something that the miserable man didn’t something the happy man obtained when he experienced The Miracle.
During The Miracle you will receive knowledge that enlarges your understanding of reality. It is this knowledge-that awakens in you-which brings you joy unimaginable and distills upon you "The peace that passes all understanding." Then you will know for yourself that there really is a happiness bestowed by a miracle and that they who are blessed with it are never unhappy.
As in the story, you too are journeying through life, one path, two worlds, your choice. You can either be thankful for your experiences and enter the world of joy peace and happiness or you can moan, groan and complain and thereby stay in the world of trials, tribulations and travail. Whom knowingly, would choose to stay trapped in a dark emotional and mental abyss if he knew the way up and out, to the light?
Man & Life
Man is fickle. What he loves one moment, he may hate the next; that which he thinks will bring joy sometimes brings sorrow; his dreams can turn into nightmares and that which stalks him in the night are the shadows of his own fears-man, the enigma.
Life is unpredictable. Men plan, and the world revolves oblivious to men's plans and desires. Change is the only constant, and with it, comes pain and pleasure-life, the crucible. Considering man's world, consider this thought:
"Put your heart into it
But don't set your heart upon it."
Set goals; work them; do your best; expect the best, but, do not set your heart upon the outcomes (or upon your expectations-the way you wanted them to be). Having done all you can do be unconcerned with the results. After all having done all you could do, there is nothing left you can do.
Though life is a crucible and unpredictable and man is an enigma and fickle life's unpredictability and man's fickleness have no power over YOU when you receive all things with thankfulness for then, of all men you are free. And at peace.
Life The Crucible
Our lives are a struggle for survival in a world where nothing comes easy and all things have a price. Our first breath is a cry for life and our last breath is a release from tears Between life and death we experience disease, accidents, violence and loss. Our choices and the choices of others create conundrums that complicate our days and vex our nights. From rising to setting sun each day is a commotion, turmoil and uncertainty.
We hope, desire and pan, but then in a sudden turn of events we see our hopes crushed, our desires unfulfilled and our pans destroyed. As our world disintegrates around us we realize that man things in life are beyond our control and it is then that we get upset, angry and depressed and begin to anguish over the past, become frustrated in the present and fear the future. In truth were known many of our days are spent in tears and sorrow even as we hope our future will be days of endless joy Yet as days turn into years we learn that many of our hopes may never e realized, that life is a seething cauldron of perplexities an overflowing crucible of endless troubles, and that change is the only constant
Seeds of Affliction
The world and men are the source of every hardship known to man. Whether those hardships come by nature or by the nature in man, peace will not be found except in ones own heart.
Life is unforgiving relentless and persistent. It will never cease to create turmoil nor cease to torment man. The world will never acquiesce to your every desire, will never fulfill your every want will never grant your every wish. It will never meet your every expectation; it will never agree with your thought it will never submit to your opinions and it will never bow to your judgement. But it will take you unawares, attach. But it will take you unawares, attack you and spit you out onto the razor's edge of your fears. Though a man may plan, work and accomplish many worthwhile things, nature, and some men always seek to destroy what man has created.
Though the world is beautiful and a wonderful resource and man is often noble and self-sacrificing, yet in an instant the world can turn violent and take back its resources and man can turn vicious and descend into greed. Thus by nature's storms and the selfish nature in man, the world is bathed in blood and tears.
Everyone Wants To Be Happy
From the beginning of man's sojourn on earth he has desired one thing above all things, and that is to be happy. In every language, among every nation , and culture, men and women and children have spoken the heartfelt words "I just want to be happy."
Man's desire to be happy is a plea from within to regain that which was lost when he entered this world He knows beyond doubt that his true condition is to be happy. Men known even as they breath that it is man's timeless nature to be happy. Man knows this, because he was this. He wants again only what he had always enjoyed-unending happiness. He knows it is his eternal birthright to be happy to be happy all the time, continually, unendingly and eternally. With heart, mind and spirit he knows this is true, even as the eternal fire that animates him knows it is true. Intrinsically, instinctively and inherently, men know that their heritage, inheritance and birthright is to be perfectly happy=happy all the time Yet by choosing life on earth, men willingly chose to eave the light to experience the dark, that thereby they might walk in the light of a higher understanding and joy even now, and in worlds to come.
Dispelling The Delusion People Call Happiness
What most people experience and call happiness is conditional happiness-if the conditions are right they are happy. If not, they are unhappy. They equate happiness with getting what they want and unhappiness with not getting what they want. Like a yo-yo, their emotions go up to ecstatic highs and down to depressing lows depending on whether their experiences make them happy or sad. Because their happiness is dependent upon life fulfilling their desires they are puppets-on-a-string to be the vicissitudes of life.
Though most people would say that being happy and unhappy is the natural condition of man the truth is, it's the condition of the "natural man," a condition one no longer has once one experiences The Miracle.
Because most people have never experienced Perfect Happiness they think that happiness they have is all there is; They don't realize that there are people who are at peace ,joyful and happy all the time, no matter what experiences they have.
People who are perfectly happy are no longer under the delusion of happiness-they enjoy the highest happiness available-and it is available to everyone who receives all things with thankfulness.
The Happiness of Peace
When I use the words "happy all the time no matter what," or the term, perfect happiness," it means being at peace, serene, tranquil and calm, continually it is the quiet and steady joy, and the genial and amiable happiness one gains through understanding. It is the peaceful happiness of deep, abiding and unconditional love.
It has no semblance to being slapstick-happy or "I-won-the-lottery," wild-eyed happy or even the happiness one feels when obtaining some great desire of his heart.
The happiness of peace is a calming presence is calming presence that radiates to others as love, peace and joy. It is not predicated upon obtaining things of mind or heart, but rather, it is the way of Spirit.
Being perfectly happy, or being happy all the time, means, above all that you are at peace with yourself, your fellow man all creation and all things that are life.
The pendulum of life swings endlessly from pleasure to pain. If your life has been deep valleys of sorrow and high cliffs of despair and you have traversed the years seeking perfect happiness you will find it by receiving all thing with thankfulness.
Imagine You are Perfectly Happy
For a moment, imagine that you are perfectly happy and someone asks, "Will you tell me what Perfect Happiness is like what it feels like: You agree, and begin: "I awaken each day to a pure dawn, like a child in wonderment and joyful anticipation of the unknown, anxious to experience as it comes. "I do not judge men nor anything at all, for I know that all things work together for the good of man, perfectly, and all things are good This has been revealed magnificently to me-there is no doubt-it is beyond mind I am like the sun crossing the sky unhurried, steady, calm peaceful. I know that the heights of joy or sorrow men rise to they inevitably fall to, for opposites always manifest, but I am free, for I am joy without desires or demands, and I am one with life. The very essence that is the light I am knows no changing of brightness; I am a steady light without variableness If you were to ask, 'What of darkness?' I would answer, 'Darkness? Where? I see only light. Light is all there ism when one is in the light.'"
"I am one with Diving Nature, it is me; it is you; it is everything; it is love and it discerns the nature of man, which has no power over me. I see men's plots and schemes for what they are thank God that they are the very stepping-stones men need to move into the light of higher understanding, which in time, brings them joy beyond mere thoughts-true joy undefiled by attachment and desire for worldly treasures-the very cause men suffer on this plane, and it is good. Yet I suffer not Those hays have ended. Buy my kindness and gentleness is ever deep because I have known the sorrows others yet endure."
"There are no accidents in the world or beyond I know this. Every effect has a cause, creates a chain, a web, a pattern, that is whole-a perfect creation of the one God manifesting through many and whom in the stillness of my silence, declares 't is good. It is very good!"
"Where there is want and need there is desire and all its fruits and heavy hearts yearning for an end t their pain. I desire not-am an open vessel want not-content just to be need not-filled to overflowing yearn not-at peace with all this is.
"I am in harmony with life and all living. I know al is one' whole; complete there is no separateness only unity, through in this unity men manifest in separateness to bless the whole. Because I know this, that what I do to one, I do to all even to myself, good is ever the desire of my heart and good is al I do."
"I know that life is in harmony. Everything is as it must be and all things are provided for to nourish, support and sustain creation. And man, a creation and a creator in his own sphere, is equally provided for."
" Because I know that all things needful come, I do not rush to and fro kicking against the pricks of my reality but harmonize with the flow that is inevitable. I am not irritated, upset, angry, worried or concerned in spirit mind or body over anything, for all comes as needed, according to wisdom, beyond the thoughts of man. And if today is not my day to pass beyond my body's ceil, I will have every need fulfilled to live another day, but if not, and time it is for me to pass to worlds unknown that which I need, will not by, yet I am still, or who I am to joust with wisdom's God.
"Birth, life, death-the never ending cycle-just words for states of being for eternal beings moving to greater heights of joy."
"Perfect Happiness is to be without mind-concerns; it is implicit trust in The Creator who make all that is trusting his wisdom the wisdom that created me, sustain me and enlarges me to encompass with him all creation, even worlds and dimensions and planes without end. Trusting in the Creator and trusting the Creator of all that is, is the leaven of my peace. Yet there is more, for my rust is not in vain, for deep within my heart I know, as surely as the beating of my heart, love is at the heart of all creation."
" While most men wander in the darkness they call light and stumble through the fog of mind and judge the world a wicked place of hellish hue, I know it is not so. I walk-by the grace of God-in the light of the celestial mind, having been blessed with the burning in my bosom that is joy and love and knows no bounds. And Earth is but a school"
""Man's best interest is the very essence of creation's every wonder-God doing all things for the good of man. God's joy is raising man to the level of the joy that is His won. Those things I do not hop for do not believe in or have faith in, but knowing not of mind but gifts from higher realms of light."
"Oh how free I feel and truly am unburdened and without a care, taking life for what it is and nothing more. My inner state of peace and joy is unaffected by the storms of life, though in times past they challenged me, were the very teachers that brought me to my state of bliss. But now, when winds blow, skies darken, lightening flashes and thunder cracks the silence, I thank the riders of the storm for their service, for reminding me that others are yet being schooled by the storms I now enjoy."
" How strange it must be to those who are yet traveling misery's road to see my joy amidst the storms that they so fear, that I feared as well not long ago, yet it is good , for the contrast serves them well. In seeing joy's light, in another in a storm, they question their darkest fears, and perhaps, thereby, may let them go and reach up and out to the light."
"And what of every-day occurrence that fill hearts and minds with worry and with fear, and sometimes dread? They have no power over me. I left behind that darkness with the coming of the light in which I walk so joyfully these days."
"Walking the path of Perfect Happiness is to be carefree, unconcerned, unworried and untroubled in every circumstance and situation and during every experience, even in the face of life's demands. I do my best and am unconcerned about results. I am no longer influenced by fear, need or desire."
When asked, 'How can you be so free of all concerns"' From my heart of peace I answer, 'Every woe of man comes from men of grace concern, yet the word is filled with woe. Can concern fulfill men's needs and wants or lengthen out his days" To be concerned is to be anxious and afraid that many needs will not be met, while he who is at peace is neither anxious or afraid, has no concerns of what will be, but walks the path of perfect peace continually.'"
--------------------------
How is one to share a thing that is not of the mind but manifests within ones heart? Explaining the peace of Perfect Happiness to someone who has not yet experienced it is difficult, thus appropriately it is also called "The peace that passes all understanding."
Yet, words like peaceful, calm content serene, tranquil, easy-going, easy to get along with, upbeat, cheerful, affirmative positive, lighthearted, good hearted, carefree, kind, loving and patient give an idea.
On the other hand, words like annoyed, irritated, upset, angry, violent, concerned troubled, vexed, nervous, agitated, anguished, tormented, depressed, stressed, worried, disappointed, anxious, distressed, afraid, miserable mean, mean spirited, hateful, spiteful, judgmental, gossipy, accused, offensive, insulting or abusive do not fill the bill.
Everyone can enjoy the Peace of Perfect Happiness if they will travel the path that leads to it.
Most People Are Inherently Thankful
When A Person Values A Thing,
It is Natural For Him To Be Thankful.
Knowledge & Understanding
Increases One's Thankfulness
As You Recognize the Value
Of Every Experience In your Life
Your Thankfulness
Will Increase Automatically.
And then, at the end of your days,
you will be able to say,
At least I was wise enough
to receive all things with thankfulness.
Think Thankful Thoughts
Your mind has a mind of its own. If you are not consciously choosing your thoughts your mind chooses them for you. If you allow your mind to randomly choose what to think and wander aimlessly, then you have allowed your mind to CONTROL YOU. By taking charge of your thought you control your mental and emotional responses to situations. You not only have the power and ability to create your own positive thoughts but the power and ability to dismiss your negative mind-created-thoughts. The way you currently respond and react to difficult experiences will not change unless you THINK THANKFUL THOUGHTS When you are stressed, upset or angry, it is because your negative mind-created-thoughts have taken you there. If you desire to be thankful you must create THANKFUL THOUGHTS. Negative thoughts are debilitating energies that not only affect your spirit, mind, emotions and body in unhealthy ways, but they radiate from you like a disease and plague everything and everyone wherever you are. Positive thoughts are healthy energies that invigorate you and radiate from you to bless others.
Thoughts vibrate at specific frequencies. Thoughts of gratitude love kindness, etc. oscillate at their own frequencies, as do thoughts of complaint, hate, anger, fear, etc. Whichever thoughts you entertain literally tune you into more of the same. Why not think thankful thoughts?
The Meaning of ALL THINGS
Receive all things with thankfulness. The meaning "ALL THINGS" is rather inclusive-nothing is left out. It includes every incident, situation, circumstance and experience in your life, all things that make up life and everything and everything and all things that are life. It includes all things that in your judgement or opinion are bad, wrong or evil(and of course it includes all things that bring you joy. The key is not to be thankful for just "some things," but to be thankful in all things. Receiving all things with thankfulness means you do not set conditions on anything in order to be thankful.
Being thankful only when your life is vibrant health, a river of money, enchanting love, stimulating entertainment superior accomplishments and unrivaled success, is nice but - not surprising- though it does reveal that your thankfulness is conditional.
Being thankful when your life is prolonged illness, an empty wallet, a broken heart, mind-numbing days, missed opportunities and dismal failure, clearly demonstrates that your thankfulness is unconditional and that you perfectly "receive al things with thankfulness."
If you are thankful only when life meets your expectations, you are no different in your thankfulness than a thief who is thankful he did not get caught. If the only time you give thanks is when life mirrors your thoughts, judgements and opinions; if you only give thanks when people are nice, kind and agree with you, and if you only give thanks when you get your way, trapped in the natural man. The natural man is evident every time you sink into self-pity and lament over our unfulfilled desires and unsatisfied selfishness. Until the natural man is subdued there is no end to your misery. The Miracle subdues the natural man and his misery.
The foundation and the cornerstone for being able to receive all thins with thankfulness rests upon this self evident inner known truth. "All things work together for your good".
Who Should I Thank?
You thank the giver of the gift, for always there is a source from which your blessings flow. The name you give that source is who you thank. In all ages men have given thanks according to their knowledge, understanding and wisdom.
If you desire access to the intelligence and wisdom behind all that is, receive all that is with thankfulness
How To
Receive All Things With Thankfulness
There are many ways to acknowledge you thankfulness. Consider thinking the words, "Thank you for this experience," after every experience you have that stirs your emotions (regardless of what you think or feel about the experience). What follows are short sayings I use during and after experiences: "Thanks! I needed that. It's for my good. I'm rich in everyway possible. It's all good. Everything works for my good. I'm rich in every way possible. If I didn’t need the lesson I wouldn’t have had it. If I didn’t need the experience I wouldn't be having it. Everything works together for my good. I'm always in the right place at the right time and never in the wrong place at the wrong time. It is what it is. Everything happens for a reason. Everything is right and nothing is wrong. This is perfect. It will be what it will be, and in real trying situations I say, "Thank you Father for this experience."
Important and it works: Go back in memory as far as you can and say thank you for everything that has happened to you in life. Then in your mind say thank you for everything that is happening to you right now. Do both, in detail. You will be amazed at the results. Please don't skip doing it: It's absolutely IMPORTANT.
How can a person "receive all things with thankfulness" considering life's slap-in-the-face reality of problems and troubles, especially man's inhumanity to man which is evident by some men's cruel and heinous behavior-all of which can be any mans lot?
Through life is affliction, tribulation and endless troubles and the cause of grievous suffering yet it fulfills the Creator's purpose to bless man with greater knowledge, understanding, wisdom and intelligence.
Consider, how it is you know pleasure, joy, peace and love? Is it not because you know pain, sorrow, war and hate? How but by their opposites are they revealed?
The Creator made the world the way it is, and man's freedom (within bounds) to act, shapes it according to his own will You are conscious, aware have understanding and are free to choose and thereby have experiences and gain greater wisdom (would you have it any other way?). All men are free to choose within their bounds and each contributes to the world what he wills thus the world is as it is, a school of dark and light.
You have a world within you-your spirit, mind, body and emotions-and the world outside is but a stage for you to act out your part. The most challenging world is within you-a world that will try you well enough. When you conquer your world within, the world outside will by your playground, for then that which you thought was torment in the world, will be seen in its true light, and you will experience it in peace, with a thankful heart for its power to transform, When you view the world within and without in their true light (which reveals life for what it is) life's problems vanish, and your reality becomes one with the Creator off all that is life.
Life's difficulties are man's doorways and pathways to further light and knowledge and endless joy. Without an increase in knowledge, understanding wisdom and intelligence (which is the purpose for this world) higher joys are not realized.
Unthankfulness and Ingratitude are forms of judgement and merely revealed a lack of knowledge and understanding. You judge according o the world's light within you, thus you cannot see beyond the wisdom for your own light the heavens are endless and cannot be measured by man, and, unknown to man, are the cause of all there is.
Look into the expanse of the deep and into the depths of the sea and into our own heart. By seeing, are you able to fathom from where they came or where they go? Is it wisdom to judge that which you know not? Will you call God to account for his ways, like a servant even knowing you know not why you live? If you be wise even to encompass the whole world, can you tell by what power came worlds without ends? If you judge the world through the light of your own eyes you judge as a blind man who cannot penetrate his won darkness. How then is you wisdom sufficient to judge the light and the wisdom of the Creator?
Judge not, and in non-judgement you come to realize that to receive all things with thankfulness is wisdom indeed, and then will our eyes be opened and you knowledge increased, and in the light of your new understanding you joy will rise like the morning sun, and your dark nights of sorrow will be consumed in the bright light of day and be mere memories of teachers most dear.
Receiving all things with thankfulness is man's acknowledgement that he does not understand all things. It is by recognizing that he does not now all things that he is willing to receive all things with thankfulness.
He who is unthankful, not knowing he is ignorant, is like a child who lacks understanding.
He who is unthankful-knowing he does not know-is prideful arrogant and vain.
Be wise and trust in the wisdom of the Creator who knows all things, for he knows his creations, thus in him is found all wisdom.
No Victims!
" Receiving all things with thankfulness" has nothing to do with being a victim, passive or apathetic, but it has everything to do with being thankful for situations experiences and circumstances that you cannot or choose not to change Being thankful in all thins does not mean you suffer all things. Never think that being thankful means you should submit to any form of abuse or violence when it is within your power to resist.
Just because you appreciate the value of a trying situation and have chosen to harmonize with those things that cannot be changed, does not mean you stand idly by and do nothing about things that can and should be changed Being thankful doesn’t make one a wimp.
life is continual change and growth. As you grow out of a situation and feel the need to make a change, be thankful for what has been, for what is going on during the change, and for the lessons you’ve learned. Men do not usually know during experiences the value those experiences hold for them (life's most valuable lessons are learned through life's most challenging experiences). Be thankful for them, for it is by them that you gain knowledge, understanding and wisdom-which increases your capacity for joy-and, because of your thankfulness, you will experience your own miracle.
The Irony & Paradox of Thankfulness
&The Law of Cause & Effect
Ironic and paradoxical it is, that to experience The Miracle of Thankfulness and to enjoy the blessings of Perfect Happiness you need to be thankful for the things that make you unhappy, thankful when you see no reason to be thankful and thankful when you don't feel like being thankful. The Miracle and Perfect Happiness only come by being thankful for the things that trouble, plague and provoke you, that are difficult, hard and discomforting, and of course, the joyful things in life, or in other words, all things that are life.
The nice thing is, tat when you are thankful for your troubles, you feel a peaceful-calm rise within you and radiate from you as congenial, peaceful and harmonious energy. The light of this peace warms the hearts of men and "other powers," who return this light to you, increased. But if you become irritated, upset or angry during troubling situations, you create agitating, vexatious and tempestuous energy within you, and the dark storm you have created roars from you and is felt by others, who return your darkness to you increased. Whatever energy you transmit, returns-increased.
Your thankfulness during your storms of life is the key to The Miracle of Thankfulness.
Seek the good in life,
But if the good be hidden,
Yet be thankful,
For your trust is not in flesh and blood
But in the wisdom & goodness of the Creator.
The ultimate gift of Spirit
Is to walk the world in peace
Even when there is no peace.
This gift is given to everyone who
Receives all things with thankfulness
Experience the Miracle of Thankfulness
What gift or blessing is greater than peace, joy and happiness? What price for so great a treasure? The price, that is not a price, but itself a blessing, is only thankfulness, is only gratitude, is only to receive all things with thankfulness.
Who gives gifts to the unthankful, the ungrateful, and to they who have no appreciation? Though the sun shines on the just and the unjust alike additional blessings and gifts, and the greatest blessing of all, perfect happiness, are reserved for those who receive all things with thankfulness.
From Celestial realms and through a power greater than man's come blessings and gifts more valuable than all the treasure troves of all the kings through all ages of time, and they are yours at the mere price of a few words from your heart: "Thank you for this experience."
Until you have experienced The Miracle of Thankfulness, you know not the power of it. Until you experience "The peace that passes all understanding," you know not the peace. Until you "awaken" to your "higher self" you know not even who you are. And until you experience Perfect Happiness you know not the value of the gift.
Miracles
If you have ever believed in miracles not is the time to rekindle that belief.
You are not alone in the world. In the world unseen, beyond boundaries of mind, from celestial realms, benevolent powers work in the deep stillness of men's souls to bless their lives. The experiences and testimonies of countless witnesses throughout ages attest to the reality of gracious spirit-beings working for the good of man.
Contrary to the belief of some, the heavens are not closed. Revelations and manifestations of spirit are on-going, in this time, as in times past.
How is it some believe men's difficulties o longer elicit sublime guidance on a personal basis? Those who believe this are not aware that they have experienced "Spirit" at work.
Benevolent powers beyond man work for the good of man and continue to edify a who earnestly see their service. As long as there are men, and men in need loving spirit-belongs from dimensions unseen give according to wisdom. All yu have to do is ask, and then, through the quiet way of spirit, they answer, always to your edification, and for your good.
What The Miracle Will Do For You
While living in this veil of tears you can express a miracle that takes away the tears and the veil. The Miracle is an immersion in LOVE, which overcomes your lower nature and reveals your Higher Nature-which is Love and IS WHO YOU REALLY ARE. You are cheerful carefree, lighthearted, unworried unafraid, happy, joyous, serene and at peace. Our intelligence expands your understanding increases and you receive hidden knowledge.
After The Miracle (while continuing to receive all thing with thankfulness) you will be at peace with yourself and life, even if you should be in the midst of turmoil, destruction death or are homeless, sick, disabled, terminally-ill, poor or imprisoned. Regardless of every condition, circumstance or experience, you will be at peace with yourself and life, even as you work to change or choose to endure the difficult and trying experiences of life. The Miracle bestows "The peace that passes all understanding." All who experience The Miracle walk in the light of a new understanding are Perfectly Happy, and, no matter what their experiences, they are at peace. Though many blessings come as you increase your thankfulness, the greatest blessings, even miracles, come after you have been thankful in all things.
The Peace That Comes by Miracle
For more than thirty years I have not lived in the same world in which most people live. In my world there are no sorrows or tears, anguish or regrets, and no dread or fear. Though I live on the same planet, my world is worlds apart from most people's reality In my world there is only peace.
My peace is not based on logic, though it is logical. I am not at peace because I think my experiences are good for me or because one experience might have saved me from another, or for any other reasons based in faith or belief. I am at peace because I have learned certain things.
The only way I can descried it is" Because of the knowledge give to me during The Miracle, I absolutely now that all things together work for the good of man and that life continues beyond this life. Life is an I am. There-in is my peace.
Prelude To The Miracle
The Miracle is an experience of Spirit. It is as if bestowed by hands unseen. The power of the Miracle is like sunshine and a gentle breeze wrapping you in light, love, joy, peace and happiness. It touches your spirit, mind, emotions and body all at the same time.
During the experience you become a new person. Imagine being born blind and receiving your sight; being born cripple and walking; being at deaths door and being healed instantly.
When you experience The Miracle you know it. After it is over you never question yourself and ask, "What was that? Did something happen? Did I have an experience or what? When you are blessed with The Divine Nature experience you know it. Absolutely! You know what you know. There is no doubt.
The Miracle came early in the morning while at home. I felt a heart-warming presence around me and within me. Something was working on my, changing the very core of my intent, motives and desires about people and life. I was being transformed, and for a moment, the old me and the new me were start contrasts in dark and light. Then the darkness left and I was immersed in the light of a new world.
What follows are the best words I know to describe what happened during my experience.
The Miracle of Thankfulness
I awoke. I sensed something was different Then like a sudden burst of sunshine entering a dark rom came love. Melting instantly was my cold and sometimes hard heart Flowing into me was love and tender affection for others An affection so inclusive it encompassed the whole world and the family of man. It was the deep abiding love that a other and father feel for their children, magnified to include all children, all people, all animals, all creatures and all creation.
Every dark desire vanished as if someone had turned off a dark light. All selfishness, vanity, pride and jealousy were gone, as were the remnants of worry, stress, anger, hate and fear.. It was as if I had been set free from the foulest prison imaginable-my own. As the darkness left I was filed with a love so strong and powerful that I felt as if I had been touched by an "angel." It was as if a new being of love and kindness had entered my body. My spirit, mind and emotions, as one, had become its own world of love joy, peace and happiness, a joy and happiness I wanted to share with the whole world. I was free of the old me-the me that my thoughts, judgements, opinions and the world had created. I was a new person experiencing higher joy.
As I was immersed and washed in love, the intent of my heart changed I was not concerned about me, but rather others (it was a novel idea to me at the time). The intense feeling of oneness with creation and my caring for all living was beyond words. I did not want to hurt a fly, literally, or step on a bug or do anything to hurt anything or anyone. I wanted immediately to go about and help people who needed help. I was kind, compassionate, gentle, loving and mild-the ultimate do-gooder, through Spirit, and it felt good and right.
With heartwarming clarity the following was made known to me. "All people are your brothers and sisters; they are your family. All are loved equally, the whole human family, loved without conditions, absolute unconditional love and acceptance. Man is perfect, every man, woman and child is perfect in their sphere regardless of life choices All creation is perfect in its sphere and everything is fulfilling the measure of its creation. Everything is as it must be and all things are in harmony flowing as designed Life is perfect and perfect for man.
"The light that gives life to man is in and through all things and without it all things would cease to be. Man came into being through a higher power, whose purpose is joy, and all things in creation world to that end, for all things are created to have joy and produce joy. The purpose of consciousness is to experience realities that challenge and stimulate Intelligence.
"The challenging experiences of life are life's greatest teachers and are blessings that move man upwards to dimensions and worlds yet undreamed of by man. The purpose of life is to gain understanding for it is by increasing one's understanding that one increases hs capacity for joy. All things are done for the good of all creation and nothing is left undone that needs to be done. ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF MAN, ALWAYS AND FOREVER, AND GOD DOES NO THING BUT TO BLESS MAN.
"Men, upon leaving this life, rise to higher joy, even worlds without end or beginning of days".
"Man is light; light is intelligence; intelligence is eternal. The light that is the life of man continues never ceasing ever increasing."
"Men are creators in their own sphere The experiences in this world are doorways and pathways to the endless reaches of creation."
"Be at peace, and the peace that passes all understanding will guide you to further light and knowledge."
The Spirit Experience Subsides
After three days the wonderful feelings began to subside, and within a week the experience had become a cherished memory. Yet, in the flash of an instant, I had entered the world of love, joy, peace and Perfect Happiness, and from that day to this, I have never left that world.
Line upon Line
During the three days I was taught many things, some have become a wisp of a memory that are recalled when Spirit touches me while other knowledge is firmly established.
The further light and knowledge I have received has been a foundation a stepping-stone for obtaining additional understanding, line upon line, precept by precept, here a little, there a little, all for edification, always bringing joy, peace and happiness.
Truth, eternal truth, is everywhere. All things are shapes and shadows of truths yet to be discovered.
All men receive inspiration, and all things can be understood and discerned through the inspiration of SPIRIT upon the principles of asking, knocking and seeking. If you truly desire a thing, ask for it.
There are worlds yet undiscovered and they are all within you. Your consciousness, YOU, the eternal you, it at the center of creation, it is all around you and yet you encompass it all. No one is ever alone in the world, or in dimensions beyond, for we are one, created and sustained by the power that men call God
There are many beliefs about many things but there is only one truth behind them all: You are loved. Love is all there is, and all is love yet it manifest in many ways that man, during his sojourn in darkness does not understand and judges to be other than love. So it is, and it serves man exactly as it was designed and meant to be. There are no accidents in creation.
You can judge things evil and wicked and become upset and angry, but remember, you are judging according to your wisdom, which is not full, and you are judging God's creations with that wisdom. When you stop judging the world with your own understanding, or the understanding of other men (even supposedly "inspired" men) and obtain your knowledge direct from He who gives when asked (gives according to His wisdom) then you will know for yourself, and NOT from another, and you will stand firmly in your own power and in His light.
Living In The Real World
Pg 54
During presentations of The Power In Thank you, someone will ask, "you know… sitting here talking about being thankful for things when you have a full stomach a few bucks in your pocket and a pace to go home to is fine, but how does being thankful help you when you're living in the real world where things actually happen that can mess-up your whole life? That's what I want to know, tell me that!"
Everyone that is introduced to "The Highest Law of Gratitude" wants to know how "receiving all things with thankfulness" can help them. They want to know how being thankful can help them when someone they loved dies, or when a loved one is severely ill, or when their child is injured or sick, or when they are victims of disaster or crime. They want to know how being thankful helps them when they're going through relationship problems, when they are about to lose their business, job or house. They want to know what good thankfulness is when they haven't got any money and no prospects, when they're at the end of their rope and are threatened with homelessness, or how being thankful can help them handle lives minor irritations and people's pettiness and thoughtlessness.
Of course one could ask, "What good does, not being thankful do?" Yet, how does being thankful help a person during lifes inevitable hardships? What indeed does "receiving all things with thankfulness" do fro you in the world?
My experience is this: When I was confronted with death in war, and hazard as a police officer; when I lost loved ones; when I thought my wife would die; when one of my young children almost died; when I lost businesses jobs and houses and when I did not know where my next dollar was coming from and didn’t know what to do, being thankful cleared my mind of worry and fear and gave me hope peace of mind and comfort.
Being thankful instilled in me a deep knowing that no matter what happened it would be for my best which gave me joy, made me cheerful and light-hearted.
Being thankful gave me a mind-set where I knew fully expected and anticipated that the outcome of my current "crises" would be a valuable lesson that would serve me then and in the future.
Being thankful kept me from becoming a droopy-eared, hands-hanging-down, woeful abject fatalist with a sour attitude, a sour disposition and an even sourer look and countenance.
Being thankful kept me from wallowing in self-pity and gave me the understanding that I was not a victim of misfortune of bad luck. Being thankful gave me confidence that I was moving forward to my next great adventure, and being thankful filled my heart with a love and a wonderful appreciation for life and a deep and abiding knowledge that everything was going perfectly and was a blessing.
The benefits of "receiving all things with thankfulness" produced in me and exhilarating joy for life, even while in the middle of some of my life's greatest challenges.
Those are some of the blessings and benefits of receiving all thinks with thankfulness. It worked for me and it will work for you.
The power IN thank you is real; it really works. All you have to do is try to experience it.
To receive all things with thankfulness, al you have to do is say "Thank you for this experience," after every experience you have that stirs your emotions (regardless of your opinion about the experience).
If you will say the words
"Thank you for this experience,"
In Your Mind,
Your Heart Will Follow.
The Seven Blessings of Thankfulness
Being thankful during a trying experience clears your mind, calms your emotions, soothes your spirit and gives you hope, peace of mind and comfort so that you can deal with your situation intelligently.
You are unworried and unafraid.
You expect and know that your situation serves you in the very best way possible.
You do not wallow in self-pity you do not think you are a victim of bad luck or misfortune. You now that the situation will be resolved in your best interests.
You are confident about your future (here or hereafter) and you look forward-in-life with joyful expectancy and adventurous anticipation.
You have a cheerful and light-hearted attitude.
You are filled with love, joy, peace and happiness.
Being Thankful Is A Decision
Nothing in life can disturb your peace unless you let it. Being Thankful is a decision.
When you decide to be thankful your mind, body, emotions and spirit are bathed in rejuvenating and healing energy. If you are unthankful, our mind, body, emotions and spirit are bathed in debilitating and distressing energy.
In every experience in our life you can choose to be thankful and reap healing energy or you can be unthankful and reap debilitating energy. You can either choose to receive al things with thankfulness or you can moan, groan, complain, get irritated, upset and angry-even violent-and be miserable.
If right now you are not as happy as you would like to be and you truly desire to be happier, then be more thankful. And if you desire Perfect Happiness, then make the decision to receive all thins with thankfulness, after all you have nothing to lose and everything to gain, for it costs nothing to e thankful, nothing at all.
Life is wonderful in so many ways, and also extremely difficult at times, yet you can be happier if ou make the decision to increase your thankfulness.
59
A Not So Typical Day
A Friend gave me this booklet. I read it, and decided to give thank you a try.
The next morning I woke up with a headache-and a fever Even my hair had a headache. My muscles were sore and my bones hurt. I felt and moved like an arthritic mime and my brain felt like it was wrapped in tinfoil-I knew the world was out there somewhere but it wasn't real and I was not making contact. Yet having made the decision to receive all things with thankfulness, I said. "thank you for this 'ENCHANTING' experience of being REALLY, REALLY SICK!! (I wasn't very thankful).
Then I heard my children getting ready for school. It sounded like a thousand kids in hellcare. I was about to yell at them but the thought, "Be nice" intervened so I said nothing (out loud). I got dressed and left the house for work Then I saw the flat tire (the thought "Be thankful," came to me, but I answered, ("Ain't no way"). I But since the spare was not flat, I decided a small thank you was in order, ("thank you").
I put on the spare , drove up the street and entered traffic. As I neared my exit, someone cut me off and I missed my turn. "What a jerk" I thought , but then I heard the words, "don't judge" so I said, "ok, so perhaps he's not a jerk ALL THE TIME."
So there I was going the wrong way, then the traffic stopped, and the freeway became a parking lot. I would be late for my first day at a new job. I yelled "This thank you stuff is not working!: I listened, but there was only silence. So I said, "I knew it!-sounded good, but it's just self-help-brain-mush.
I arrived at work and found the gate to the employee parking lot padlocked (not a car in sight) and a sign that read: FACTORY CLOSED. I was in shock. I sat there, fuming, daring a thought about thankfulness to enter my mind, but it didn't so I yelled out, "Coward!!"
I turned my car around and entered the freeway. Suddenly black smoke billowed from under the hood. Before I could pull over and stop the engine clanked, clunked and quit right in the middle of traffic.
When the highway patrol showed up, the officer got angry that I was blocking traffic and was looking for an excuse to give me a ticket. When the tow-truck driver finally showed up e was upset and unpleasant, ad the cabdriver took me the long way home.
The cab left and I stood in my driveway addlebrained. As my glazed eyes and comatose mind raked my surroundings, I caught a glimpse of something taped to the front door. It was an Eviction Notice. I ripped it off, unlocked the door and went inside. That's when I saw the note on the counter. It was from my wife.
"Dear John, Me and the kids are going to live with Steve. I'm sorry but I fell out of love with you and in love with him. I hope you find someone that loves you as much as I love Steve. P.S. the repo-guys are coming today to get the furniture and appliances, oh and your Dad called, you mother might bot make it. Also, your test came back from the lab. It doesn't look good. Oops! Almost forgot, your dog ran away. Have a nice day."
I started at the note. In a stupor I wandered through the house and saw that all my family's personal things wee gone I flopped down on my bead and stared at the ceiling. I felt my blood pressure rise as I was taken over by thoughts of fear worry, distress, anger and hate. The darkest black-a black energy I could feel-envelope me. In the depths of my despair I cried out, "Help me!" Then a thought came to my mind "You said you would receive all things with thankfulness and be forgiving." The thought startled me. I yelled out, What?!! Is tis a joke!? Be thankful? Now!? No! Absolutely NOT!! No way !!! LEAVE ME ALONE!"
The darkness increased and I felt like I was choking. The room itself turned black and the air turned foul at my thoughts. Then struggling with all my might against the dark energy my thoughts created, I cried out THANK YOU for all these experiences today and I forgive everyone for everything" (I tried my best to mean it).
Then, exhausted, I must have passed out, for the next thing I heard was a bell ringing. I jumped off the bed and strangely, I heard the banter and laughter of my children (and my dog barking) and then the sweet voice of my wife saying "Honey, you better get up or you'll be late for work."
Still groggy and disoriented, I thought, I've been dreaming. Having a nightmare!?
I opened my bedroom door and stepped into the hall and saw my sweetheart in the living room folding clothes. She smiled at me. I ran to the front door and peeked out at my car. The tire was NOT flat. "YES!"
My nightmare of anguish, pain and torment came to and end when I said, "Thank you for my experiences."
As surely as I woke from my nightmare of fear worry, distress, anger and hate, I know everyone can awaken from their personal "nightmare" of pain and suffering by receiving all thins with thankfulness.
Complaining Negates Thankfulness
Complaining is the opposite of thankfulness. Many people think that complaining is a form of "entertainment" or "socializing", but it's really vanity, pride and ingratitude. When a person complains, it reveals more about him than the persons or things he is complaining about. You cannot complain about life and at the same time be thankful for all that is life.
A person is complaining when he shows, by looks, demeanor, words or actions, that he is dissatisfied and annoyed or supposedly suffering. When a person whines, grumbles, moans, murmurs, condemns, denounces, finds fault and makes derogatory comments, he is not only complaining, but is displaying his ignorance, vanity, pride and issues as if they were on parade for the whole world to see. When you catch yourself complaining STOP! And be thankful instead.
NOT complaining is one way of receiving all things with thankfulness, and by not complaining you will experience greater joy immediately and The Miracle sooner.
Offering constructive criticism, critique, counsel, guidance, direction and advise is not complaining if done in love and done with intent to edify. If a person's aim is to resolve problems and potential problems and bring peace and harmony it is not complaining.
Pg 64
One of the ways to
receive all things with thankfulness
is to say in your mind,
Thank you for this experience"
after every experience you have
that stirs your emotions.
When you are thankful in mind
your heart will follow,
as will every benefit and blessing
promised to he who receives
all things with thankfulness.
Inner Reflections
I am a conscious self-aware Intelligence, an eternal being of light living in an earthly body. I am a child of God having a human experience, "Thank you."
I am more than my mind, emotions and body, for I am also the light shining within this body, and thereby I am one with all that it, "Thank you."
I came here with strengths and weaknesses to learn and teach in this school called life. My weaknesses and strengths help create the dark and the light by which others gain understanding. My weaknesses create the very problems others need, and my strengths are weaknesses conquer, which inspire others I am both student and teacher, servant and master, and in each, I serve mankind, "Thank you."
The creator of life made the conditions of life what they are-he established the limits and boundaries-on purpose, to challenge man-and all things together work for the good of man, " Thank you."
While I am here-and whatever circumstances I am in-I embrace celebrate and live life fully, with a fun attitude, for thereby I have joy, learn, and increase my capacity for joy, which is the reason I came to earth "Thank you".
If today you have joy because of me thank Father, and if tomorrow you are vexed by me thank him none-the-less, for I am whatever men need, as are all men.
Expect the Promise To Be Fulfilled
"When you receive all things with thankfulness you will be made glorious and the things of this Earth will be added unto you, even a hundred fold and more."
The promise assures that you will receive good fortune and abundance. Unique to the promise is how it will manifest for by spirit will you be guided and blessed, in love and wisdom.
Expect the promise to be fulfilled. Do not doubt it. The promise is sure. You will be made glorious. You will have the things of this Earth added unto you, even a hundred fold and more.
The Highest Law of Gratitude is a covenant. If you do your part, the spirit will do its part.
Expect to be blessed Expect to experience The Miracle. When you receive all things with thankfulness the blessings and The Miracle come.
If you have hope, belief and faith-confident expectations-you will try receiving all thins with thankfulness, and your expectations will be rewarded beyond your most cherished dreams and hopes and then you will know for yourself that the promise is true.
Now What?
How is a man to know a thing if he does not try the thing? Knowing a thing without doing it bears no fruit. The prize goes not to he who wants it, but to he who does it. You can have all mysteries revealed to you, but of what value if you choose to walk in the light of your old understanding?
If you now are determined to try thankfulness, how long will you be so determined? Will your desire want at the first sign of a storm? What will you do to stay the course? If right now you have set our mind to be thankful, what will you do to keep thankfulness in mind?
If you set this book aside and never again ponder thankfulness, what will inspire your thankfulness? Quick is the heart and mind to grasp an ideal and just as quick to let it go.
Before the storms of life again beat upon you go back in your mind-back in times your life when the storms were real-see yourself being thankful for them. Then when new storms arise you will act according to your new ideal. When you practice thankfulness in your mind you will be better able to be thankful with real problems. Life's storms are inevitable as will be your peace during them, if you will receive all things with thankfulness.
Everyone who does not enjoy
continual
Joy peace and happiness,
is seeking it.
The only reason
They may not have it
Is because they don’t know
How to obtain it.
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Please Consider Sharing
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"He who receives all thins with thankfulness
Will be made glorious
And the things of this earth
Will be added unto him,
Even a hundred fold and more."
Every time you bless another person,
The blessing returns to you increased.
Do You Know Someone Who Is Unhappy?
Everyone knows and meets people who ae not happy. Perhaps it's a family member, distant relative friend, co-worker or just someone standing on a corner who looks sad. And most of us know people who easily get irritated, upset and angry the littlest things.
If you feel this booklet can help others enjoy their lives more, please consider ordering additional copies-at discounted prices-to give away.
Over 30,000 booklets have been purchased and given away by many people since the booklet came out in2004. Over a thousand booklets have been paced in doctors offices hospital waiting rooms and retirement home, and many were given directly to people who look unhappy. Many people who have purchased the booklet (and some who have received it free) have emailed or written thank you notes and testimonials about how The Power in Thank You has helped them enjoy life more.
Everyone enjoys life more and is happier when in the company of cheerful and peaceful people.
(if you now someone who you think might be helped by this booklet but you can not afford an extra copy, contact me and I will mail you one free.
(Please see last page for mailing address and phone).
By Small things
are great thins accomplished.
What joy is greater
Than to share your light
And bring others into
The ight and joy that is your own?
Life Was Specifically Designed
To Be Challenging
That Men Might Gain
Knowledge, Understanding & Wisdom
If Life Was A Resort
Of Unending Pleasure,
It Would Make
Fools
Of Would-be Wise Men
Be Thankful For All That Is Life,
And Your Gratitude
Will Be Rewarded With
Continual Joy, Peace & Happiness.
Receive All Things With Thankfulness.
"Thank you for this experience"
The Promise
I promise you,
As you become more thankful
You will be happier,
and when you
Receive all things with thankfulness
You will experience The Miracle
That bestows Perfect Happiness.
I know from personal experience
That thankfulness leads to The Miracle.
The Power In Thank You" is free if you cannot afford your own copy or a copy for someone you feel it might help.
Contact Thomas T. Braun @ 435-867-1335
P.O. Box 2387; Cedar City UT; 84721
Over 30,000 booklets have been sold or donated as of September 2013
______________________________________________________
1 booklet $6.00 plus $2.00 Packaging/postage
5 Booklets $4.00 each ($20) plus $3.00 shipping
10 Booklets $40.00 plus shipping
25 Booklets $100.00 plus shipping
__________________________________________________________
The Power In Thank You
Copyright Thomas
Copyright Thomas T. Braun
ISBN: 2004-05-06-07-08-09
From worlds unseen and dimensions unknown come miracles that bless mankind
Through the "power " in thank you will walk in the light of a new understanding and your joy, peace and happiness will be a light to the world.
As your light shines in the world
The earth will be transformed
And peace will reign.
Receiving
ALL THINGS
With thankfulness
Eliminates a lifetime of pain
In no time at all.
He who receives
ALL THINGS
With thankfulness
Will be made glorious
And the things of this earth
Will be added unto him,
Even a hundred fold
And more.
If your life seems like a never-ending parade of difficulties, problems and troubles, and you are not as happy as you would like to be , perhaps it's because you are not as thankful as you could be.
FORWARD by Dr. J Habegger
"Most treasures of this earth are hidden. The main reason is to protect them from mens greed
and envy, their attachment to the material world.
And then there are Mother Nature's treasures too, that are oftentimes hidden in wondrous ways, like a beautiful pearl in an ordinary ouster. The All have something in common: They need to be known or discovered and unveiled-in brief, they require certain steps of action.
"As there are no coincidences in life at all, I was gifted with the "The Power In Thank You' and
immediately felt the tremendous magic of the message. Being familiar with many spiritual teachings from all over the globe I realize that Thomas T. Braun had achieved what many others did in vain: to unveil the magic and the simplicity of Life and the art of living into a comprehensive and easy to live by form.- this very booklet.
"On only a few pages he shares his wisdom that contains the combined knowledge of all the
libraries together. Word by word and line by line I discovered the treasure of a spiritual message that opens up new understandings of purpose of life and a loving guidance of experiencing it in Joy, Love and Light."
Why Thankfulness Works
Receiving a things with thankfulness
produces joy, peace and happiness
for the same reason that moaning, groaning and complaining
brings grief heartache and sorrow.
Though you walk as flesh upon the earth,
you are foremost an energy-being.
Your thoughts, emotions, words and actions
affect your personal energy and the energies
Of everything around you.
Thankfulness works
Because it produces harmonious energy.
Thankfulness works because it frees you from the spiritual,
Mental, emotional and physical consequences of destructive energies.
Most people
Are unaware of the principle,
"Receive All Things With Thankfulness"
Thus have never experienced
Its miraculous benefits.
You can live life in continual joy, peace
Or happiness when you know the way.
The Power In Thank You
Will show you the way
The Greatest Treasure In The World
From the dawn of man, wise men and women have searched for a treasure more valuable than all the treasures on Earth a treasure greater than health power, wealth and glory, a treasure more desired than the wisdom of Solomon.
The person who has this treasure walks untroubled in a troubled world He is carefree lighthearted joyful, peaceful, unworried and unafraid-all the time no matter what. His life is Shangri-La, Heaven-on-Earth, Nirvana, Eden and Paradise, even while living in a world of tears.
He who walk through the valley of the shadow of death pack a lunch, and enjoy the journey.
What treasure is like unto this? What treasure is greater than to be joyful in adversity, to be at peace in war and to be happy in difficulties?
The greatest treasure in the world is Perfect Happiness, to be at peace, joy and happy, not only in spite of life's challenges, but even because of them.
What price is worthy of such a treasure? What price would you pay? As unbelievable as it may sound. The price is your thankfulness. Why be thankful? Because it's the path to the treasure.
You are an Intelligence seeking
Knowledge, understanding and wisdom
Through experience.
Every experience serves you.
Every experience is for your good.
Every experience has great value.
When you accept this truth,
You will be able to receive
all things with thankfulness
Imagine What Your Life Would Be Like
Whether rich or poor famous or unknown, powerful or powerless, imagine what your life would be like if you never again became irritated, upset, angry, worried, anxious or afraid. Imagine enjoy a happiness that is "ARMOR-PLATED AND BULLET-PROOF". In addition imagine enjoying a hundred-fold-and more-increase of the "good" things of this earth
Being thankful cam your spirit, emotions, mind and body, increases your energy, restores your health and expands your understanding, knowledge and creativity. It makes you positive, confident peasant friendly, cheerful, carefree, light-hearted, good hearted and good-natured. Being thankful takes away sorrow regret, anguish, heartache, stress, worry, depression and fear. It subdues your lower nature, unveils your higher nature and unlocks the door to the treasury of hidden-wisdom. Ultimately, it is the pathway to "miracles," literally for when you are thankful for your troubles, the disappear
Being thankful attracts every valuable things this earth has to offer and everything your heart earnestly desires, and they will all be yours when you receive all things with thankfulness.
Most people have never experienced
The FULL POWER in thank you
Because they do not yet
Receive ALL THINS with thankfulness
Being thankful for things you like
Has its rewards. Being thankful for
EVERYTHING brings benefits and blessings
Most people only hope for and dream about.
When you receive ALL THINGS with thankfulness,
You will obtain your heart's desire
Thankfulness overcomes all obstacles.
The Fountain of Youth
If you would be young of spirit, mind, heart and body, if you would restore your health, vigor and youth, then consider receiving a things with thankfulness.
By the natural POWER in thankfulness you will experience a persona body-rejuvenating-miracle that you and the whole world will see, and, when you look into your mirror, you will see that your lines-of-age and stress disappear and that your countenance is shining bright, and when you walk you will feel light-in-step and experience exhilaration new-fount energy.
As sure as you no longer carry the weight of the world in your mind, it will no longer manifest in your spirit, emotions body nor be reflected on your face
How is it that a continual attitude of gratitude makes you healthier and younger? Because when you are thankful in your thoughts of mind you cannot but be thankful in your feelings of heart And when your heart knows no stress, pressure or tension your spirit soars with healing emotions that cure your body of age wear tear and pain.
By receiving all things with thankfulness, you truly bathe in "The Fountain of Youth," for the power in thank you is a restorative power, restoring spirit, mind, emotions and bod to health, vigor and youth.
The happiness and peace
Most men enjoy is conditional,
if the conditions are right
They are at peace and happy,
If not, they are not.
There is a happiness and peace
That has no conditions
(that is unaffected by the storm's of life)
And he who possesses it
Is Perfectly Happy and Always At Peace
The price for Perfect Happiness
Is Perfect Thankfulness.
Receive All Things With Thankfulness.
THE POWER IS REAL
Whether you view thankfulness from
A logical, spiritual or faith perceptive,
The power in thank you is real.
Many people all over the world
Are enjoying the blessings that come by
Receiving all thins with thankfulness.
DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to
The unconquerable" spirit" in man,
Who braves the dark to discern the light
That he might rise to new heights of joy.
Welcome to the Power In
Thank You
Experience & Knowledge
Nothing I share in The Power In Thank You is based in belief Everything is the result of my personal experience and knowledge ( when a person experiences and comes to know a thing, belief and faith have an end concerning that thing).
The knowledge that comes through a person's experiences often challenges the beliefs of others, yet no one would deny their experiences to accommodate the beliefs of someone else. There are many beliefs, yet they sometimes prove false in the ight of increased knowledge and a new understanding.
I have experienced a miracle that for over thirty ears has increased my joy, peace, happiness and love for mankind. The miracle took many of my false beliefs and replace them with a deeper understanding of the nature of life. It is broader understanding in this booklet.
Prove all things. You need nothing I share in this booklet ,for the truth of what I share will manifest in doing what I share, and by doing you will know the truth, and your increased joy, peace, happiness and love will be your proof.
Discerning Truth
When you hear or read something that is true, you know it. It is a deep knowing, not of mind, but of "Spirit." No man need tell you what is true, for you discern truth for yourself.
As you venture into "The Power In Thank You" you may encounter concepts your mind may question, but when you give way to your "spirit" or higher mind you will know whether the concepts are true or not.
Man's knowledge of truth (things as they were, are and will be) is ever expanding. Today's truth is a mere stepping-stone towards tomorrow and more truth, even until you come to know all truth. Be open; believe al things and hold fast to that which proves true.
A person who believes he has all the truth he needs is limited and damned by his truth and will receive no more until he awakens to his error.
If you were to ask a child to tell you what is true, you would hear a small vision of a limited reality and so it is with man when compared to God's truth. Why live in a self-created box of limited truth when there is a universe of truth to bless you?
Experience & Knowledge
Nothing I share in The Power in Thank You is based in belief. Everything I write is the result of my personal experience and knowledge (when a person experiences and comes to know a thing belief and faith have an end concerning that thing).
The knowledge that comes through a person's experiences often challenges the beliefs of others, et no one would deny their experiences to accommodate the beliefs of someone else. There are many beliefs yet they sometimes prove false in the light of increased knowledge and a new understanding.
I have experienced a miracle that for over thirty years has increased my joy peace, happiness and love for mankind. The miracle took many of my false beliefs and replaced them with a deeper understanding of the nature of life. It is this broader understanding that I share in this booklet.
Prove all things: You need believe nothing I share in this booklet, for the truth of what I share will manifest in doing what I share and by doing you will know the truth, and your increased joy peace, happiness and love will be your proof.
Joy & Sorrow
In the Lot of Most Men, Even So,
There is More Joy In Life than Sorrow
Life Is What It Is,
Everything Else Is Attitude.
Knowledge of Laws Save Men
From the Sorrows of Ignorance.
Obedience to Law
Brings Joy, Peace and Happiness
Every Blessing Men Enjoy
Comes by Obedience to law.
Laws of Creation
All things manifest by obedience to law and are sustained by law. Everything man has created has come about by obedience to law. Before men know and obeyed the laws that produced modern inventions they lived without them. Before men knew and obeyed the law of flight they were grounded. Before men knew and obeyed the law of electricity they were in the dark. And until men obey the Highest Law of Gratitude they will remain grounded in the darkness of their own mind and never experience the enlightenment that comes when you receive all things with thankfulness.
You know The Royal Law- Love others as yourself. You know The Law of Thought - As a man thinks so is he, and you know The Highest Law of Gratitude - Receive all things with thankfulness, but men do not, and receive not, and by this, many blessings are not realized.
A man does not have to know a law to obey it yet if he desires a specific blessing he must obey the law upon which that blessing is predicated or his desire will go unfulfilled. If you desire perfect happiness and the blessings pertaining to it, there is no other way than to abide by The Highest Law of Gratitude. There are no short-cuts to blessings from nature or "Spirit".
The Discovery
In my youth I was inspired through the quite ways of Spirit to peacefully harmonize with experiences unavoidable, unalterable and inevitable. I learned when I harmonized with life I always felt a calming influence that quickly dissipated my irritation, anger and fear (being in peaceful harmony with things that cannot be changed-even given our best efforts-is one way of receiving all things with thankfulness)
In 1974 I experienced what I call The Miracle of Thankfulness. For a short time I experienced the divine nature of love which gave me deep insights into the nature of reality.
In 2004, after living without anxiety an fear for thirty years, I suddenly awoke as if from a dream and realized that most people were not at peace and not happy-not really happy-unless you call getting upset you call getting upset, angry, anxious and living with fear, happiness.
When I realized just how stressed people were, I asked , "Why do I not get stressed? Why am I at peace no matter what happens to me?"
It was then that I was gently reminded of my miracle experience.
Yet that answer only raised another question, "Why had I experienced the miracle?"
I was told "Because you are thankful in all things and receive all things with thankfulness."
As I pondered this answer I concluded, that since the miracle came because of thankfulness, then the counsel to "receive all things with thankfulness" had to be written in an inspired text somewhere.
I searched through 1200 writings of various faiths and ideologies ad found-in just one obsure text-the following law of gratitude and its promise: He who receives all things with thankfulness will be made glorious and the things of this earth will be added unto him, even a hundred fold and more.
Then I asked why this was not predominant in inspired writings. I was told "all who are ready to receive the law, receive it by Spirit. Some receive it by inspired writings and others receive it by direct inspiration thus all are edified, whether by words written or by words spoken. None are denied who are able to receive the law."
As I look back at over fifty years of my life, I marvel at the continual joy, peace and happiness I have been blessed with. I know from personal experience that the more thankful a person is, the happier he is. And I know that when a person receives al things with thankfulness (obeys The Highest Law of Gratitude) he is blessed naturally and spiritually. All who abide the Law are blessed by the Law.
The Journey
Two men traveled the same path they walked through forests, rivers, mountains and deserts. They encountered many dangers on their journey. In the forest they were attacked by wolves. While crossing a river they nearly drowned. In the mountains they were pummeled by furious storms. In the desert the sun plagued them like stinging hornets. Hunger gnawed tem to the bone and more than once, death looked like a reward.
One of the men whined and companied the whole time, about everything, and was miserable. He was constantly angry, worried and afraid, and wished he had it taken the journey. The other man was at peace. He was cheerful carefree and lighthearted and looked upon each day like a warrior who understands the value of a worth opponent. For him, life was an adventure which he harvested its fruits
One evenings they approached a small village, they were robbed. The miserable man became despondent, then bitter and began raging about their misfortune and the evil people in the world. He raged so much e became sick. The other man was at peace undisturbed by events, even joyful and happy.
As the miserable man was recovering he wondered at the happy man's attitude. He couldn’t understand how anyone could be at peace and even happy during such punishing experiences. Curious he asked the happy man how he came to be that way.
The happy man removed an old piece of leather from his pocked and handed it to the miserable man and said "because of this." The miserable man untied the small scroll and read "Thank you for the things this experience will teach me."
The happy man went on to explain "Several years ago I was like you, just a downright miserable fellow. I got in bad mods, upset and angry over everything that went wrong, over everything, over everything that didn't please me, especially when life didn't go my way. One day a man came into my shop and seeing my unhappiness handed me that piece of leather with those words on it. He then shared what he called 'a great secret'. He told me that the more thankful a person is the happier he is.
He told me that people who are thankful in all things are happy in all things. He told me that if I would be thankful, even during my troubles I would not only be happier but I would have a spiritual awakening. He called it The Miracle of Thankfulness He said that after I experienced The Miracle I would always be at peace joyful and happy.
"That's crazy," said the miserable man, "a blessing? A miracle? That makes you happy all the time regardless of what happens to you?"
That's what I thought at first," said the happy man, "but I had nothing to lose, so I tried it, and it worked I started saying the words 'Thank you for this experience, after every experience I had even the ones that made me mad and I became happier. It wasn't long before I experienced The Miracle . And that's the reason I'm happy all the time no matter what."
"Well I'm not going to say' thank you' for things that drive me crazy hoping to get some supposed blessing or miracle And you can ep this!" said the miserable man as he shoved the piece of leather towards the happy man.
"No. You keep it," said the happy man. "it’s a habit for me to say thank you for my experiences, nd who knows, you may want to try it, after all you too have nothing to lose, well except being down right miserable"
As the sun set the two men entered the village on the same path but worlds apart.
Your Journey Through Life
In the story, The Journey, both men experienced the same trials and tribulations, yet, because of how they looked at their experiences, one was miserable the other was at peace and even happy.
The secret is, the happy man knew something that the miserable man didn’t something the happy man obtained when he experienced The Miracle.
During The Miracle you will receive knowledge that enlarges your understanding of reality. It is this knowledge-that awakens in you-which brings you joy unimaginable and distills upon you "The peace that passes all understanding." Then you will know for yourself that there really is a happiness bestowed by a miracle and that they who are blessed with it are never unhappy.
As in the story, you too are journeying through life, one path, two worlds, your choice. You can either be thankful for your experiences and enter the world of joy peace and happiness or you can moan, groan and complain and thereby stay in the world of trials, tribulations and travail. Whom knowingly, would choose to stay trapped in a dark emotional and mental abyss if he knew the way up and out, to the light?
Man & Life
Man is fickle. What he loves one moment, he may hate the next; that which he thinks will bring joy sometimes brings sorrow; his dreams can turn into nightmares and that which stalks him in the night are the shadows of his own fears-man, the enigma.
Life is unpredictable. Men plan, and the world revolves oblivious to men's plans and desires. Change is the only constant, and with it, comes pain and pleasure-life, the crucible. Considering man's world, consider this thought:
"Put your heart into it
But don't set your heart upon it."
Set goals; work them; do your best; expect the best, but, do not set your heart upon the outcomes (or upon your expectations-the way you wanted them to be). Having done all you can do be unconcerned with the results. After all having done all you could do, there is nothing left you can do.
Though life is a crucible and unpredictable and man is an enigma and fickle life's unpredictability and man's fickleness have no power over YOU when you receive all things with thankfulness for then, of all men you are free. And at peace.
Life The Crucible
Our lives are a struggle for survival in a world where nothing comes easy and all things have a price. Our first breath is a cry for life and our last breath is a release from tears Between life and death we experience disease, accidents, violence and loss. Our choices and the choices of others create conundrums that complicate our days and vex our nights. From rising to setting sun each day is a commotion, turmoil and uncertainty.
We hope, desire and pan, but then in a sudden turn of events we see our hopes crushed, our desires unfulfilled and our pans destroyed. As our world disintegrates around us we realize that man things in life are beyond our control and it is then that we get upset, angry and depressed and begin to anguish over the past, become frustrated in the present and fear the future. In truth were known many of our days are spent in tears and sorrow even as we hope our future will be days of endless joy Yet as days turn into years we learn that many of our hopes may never e realized, that life is a seething cauldron of perplexities an overflowing crucible of endless troubles, and that change is the only constant
Seeds of Affliction
The world and men are the source of every hardship known to man. Whether those hardships come by nature or by the nature in man, peace will not be found except in ones own heart.
Life is unforgiving relentless and persistent. It will never cease to create turmoil nor cease to torment man. The world will never acquiesce to your every desire, will never fulfill your every want will never grant your every wish. It will never meet your every expectation; it will never agree with your thought it will never submit to your opinions and it will never bow to your judgement. But it will take you unawares, attach. But it will take you unawares, attack you and spit you out onto the razor's edge of your fears. Though a man may plan, work and accomplish many worthwhile things, nature, and some men always seek to destroy what man has created.
Though the world is beautiful and a wonderful resource and man is often noble and self-sacrificing, yet in an instant the world can turn violent and take back its resources and man can turn vicious and descend into greed. Thus by nature's storms and the selfish nature in man, the world is bathed in blood and tears.
Everyone Wants To Be Happy
From the beginning of man's sojourn on earth he has desired one thing above all things, and that is to be happy. In every language, among every nation , and culture, men and women and children have spoken the heartfelt words "I just want to be happy."
Man's desire to be happy is a plea from within to regain that which was lost when he entered this world He knows beyond doubt that his true condition is to be happy. Men known even as they breath that it is man's timeless nature to be happy. Man knows this, because he was this. He wants again only what he had always enjoyed-unending happiness. He knows it is his eternal birthright to be happy to be happy all the time, continually, unendingly and eternally. With heart, mind and spirit he knows this is true, even as the eternal fire that animates him knows it is true. Intrinsically, instinctively and inherently, men know that their heritage, inheritance and birthright is to be perfectly happy=happy all the time Yet by choosing life on earth, men willingly chose to eave the light to experience the dark, that thereby they might walk in the light of a higher understanding and joy even now, and in worlds to come.
Dispelling The Delusion People Call Happiness
What most people experience and call happiness is conditional happiness-if the conditions are right they are happy. If not, they are unhappy. They equate happiness with getting what they want and unhappiness with not getting what they want. Like a yo-yo, their emotions go up to ecstatic highs and down to depressing lows depending on whether their experiences make them happy or sad. Because their happiness is dependent upon life fulfilling their desires they are puppets-on-a-string to be the vicissitudes of life.
Though most people would say that being happy and unhappy is the natural condition of man the truth is, it's the condition of the "natural man," a condition one no longer has once one experiences The Miracle.
Because most people have never experienced Perfect Happiness they think that happiness they have is all there is; They don't realize that there are people who are at peace ,joyful and happy all the time, no matter what experiences they have.
People who are perfectly happy are no longer under the delusion of happiness-they enjoy the highest happiness available-and it is available to everyone who receives all things with thankfulness.
The Happiness of Peace
When I use the words "happy all the time no matter what," or the term, perfect happiness," it means being at peace, serene, tranquil and calm, continually it is the quiet and steady joy, and the genial and amiable happiness one gains through understanding. It is the peaceful happiness of deep, abiding and unconditional love.
It has no semblance to being slapstick-happy or "I-won-the-lottery," wild-eyed happy or even the happiness one feels when obtaining some great desire of his heart.
The happiness of peace is a calming presence is calming presence that radiates to others as love, peace and joy. It is not predicated upon obtaining things of mind or heart, but rather, it is the way of Spirit.
Being perfectly happy, or being happy all the time, means, above all that you are at peace with yourself, your fellow man all creation and all things that are life.
The pendulum of life swings endlessly from pleasure to pain. If your life has been deep valleys of sorrow and high cliffs of despair and you have traversed the years seeking perfect happiness you will find it by receiving all thing with thankfulness.
Imagine You are Perfectly Happy
For a moment, imagine that you are perfectly happy and someone asks, "Will you tell me what Perfect Happiness is like what it feels like: You agree, and begin: "I awaken each day to a pure dawn, like a child in wonderment and joyful anticipation of the unknown, anxious to experience as it comes. "I do not judge men nor anything at all, for I know that all things work together for the good of man, perfectly, and all things are good This has been revealed magnificently to me-there is no doubt-it is beyond mind I am like the sun crossing the sky unhurried, steady, calm peaceful. I know that the heights of joy or sorrow men rise to they inevitably fall to, for opposites always manifest, but I am free, for I am joy without desires or demands, and I am one with life. The very essence that is the light I am knows no changing of brightness; I am a steady light without variableness If you were to ask, 'What of darkness?' I would answer, 'Darkness? Where? I see only light. Light is all there ism when one is in the light.'"
"I am one with Diving Nature, it is me; it is you; it is everything; it is love and it discerns the nature of man, which has no power over me. I see men's plots and schemes for what they are thank God that they are the very stepping-stones men need to move into the light of higher understanding, which in time, brings them joy beyond mere thoughts-true joy undefiled by attachment and desire for worldly treasures-the very cause men suffer on this plane, and it is good. Yet I suffer not Those hays have ended. Buy my kindness and gentleness is ever deep because I have known the sorrows others yet endure."
"There are no accidents in the world or beyond I know this. Every effect has a cause, creates a chain, a web, a pattern, that is whole-a perfect creation of the one God manifesting through many and whom in the stillness of my silence, declares 't is good. It is very good!"
"Where there is want and need there is desire and all its fruits and heavy hearts yearning for an end t their pain. I desire not-am an open vessel want not-content just to be need not-filled to overflowing yearn not-at peace with all this is.
"I am in harmony with life and all living. I know al is one' whole; complete there is no separateness only unity, through in this unity men manifest in separateness to bless the whole. Because I know this, that what I do to one, I do to all even to myself, good is ever the desire of my heart and good is al I do."
"I know that life is in harmony. Everything is as it must be and all things are provided for to nourish, support and sustain creation. And man, a creation and a creator in his own sphere, is equally provided for."
" Because I know that all things needful come, I do not rush to and fro kicking against the pricks of my reality but harmonize with the flow that is inevitable. I am not irritated, upset, angry, worried or concerned in spirit mind or body over anything, for all comes as needed, according to wisdom, beyond the thoughts of man. And if today is not my day to pass beyond my body's ceil, I will have every need fulfilled to live another day, but if not, and time it is for me to pass to worlds unknown that which I need, will not by, yet I am still, or who I am to joust with wisdom's God.
"Birth, life, death-the never ending cycle-just words for states of being for eternal beings moving to greater heights of joy."
"Perfect Happiness is to be without mind-concerns; it is implicit trust in The Creator who make all that is trusting his wisdom the wisdom that created me, sustain me and enlarges me to encompass with him all creation, even worlds and dimensions and planes without end. Trusting in the Creator and trusting the Creator of all that is, is the leaven of my peace. Yet there is more, for my rust is not in vain, for deep within my heart I know, as surely as the beating of my heart, love is at the heart of all creation."
" While most men wander in the darkness they call light and stumble through the fog of mind and judge the world a wicked place of hellish hue, I know it is not so. I walk-by the grace of God-in the light of the celestial mind, having been blessed with the burning in my bosom that is joy and love and knows no bounds. And Earth is but a school"
""Man's best interest is the very essence of creation's every wonder-God doing all things for the good of man. God's joy is raising man to the level of the joy that is His won. Those things I do not hop for do not believe in or have faith in, but knowing not of mind but gifts from higher realms of light."
"Oh how free I feel and truly am unburdened and without a care, taking life for what it is and nothing more. My inner state of peace and joy is unaffected by the storms of life, though in times past they challenged me, were the very teachers that brought me to my state of bliss. But now, when winds blow, skies darken, lightening flashes and thunder cracks the silence, I thank the riders of the storm for their service, for reminding me that others are yet being schooled by the storms I now enjoy."
" How strange it must be to those who are yet traveling misery's road to see my joy amidst the storms that they so fear, that I feared as well not long ago, yet it is good , for the contrast serves them well. In seeing joy's light, in another in a storm, they question their darkest fears, and perhaps, thereby, may let them go and reach up and out to the light."
"And what of every-day occurrence that fill hearts and minds with worry and with fear, and sometimes dread? They have no power over me. I left behind that darkness with the coming of the light in which I walk so joyfully these days."
"Walking the path of Perfect Happiness is to be carefree, unconcerned, unworried and untroubled in every circumstance and situation and during every experience, even in the face of life's demands. I do my best and am unconcerned about results. I am no longer influenced by fear, need or desire."
When asked, 'How can you be so free of all concerns"' From my heart of peace I answer, 'Every woe of man comes from men of grace concern, yet the word is filled with woe. Can concern fulfill men's needs and wants or lengthen out his days" To be concerned is to be anxious and afraid that many needs will not be met, while he who is at peace is neither anxious or afraid, has no concerns of what will be, but walks the path of perfect peace continually.'"
--------------------------
How is one to share a thing that is not of the mind but manifests within ones heart? Explaining the peace of Perfect Happiness to someone who has not yet experienced it is difficult, thus appropriately it is also called "The peace that passes all understanding."
Yet, words like peaceful, calm content serene, tranquil, easy-going, easy to get along with, upbeat, cheerful, affirmative positive, lighthearted, good hearted, carefree, kind, loving and patient give an idea.
On the other hand, words like annoyed, irritated, upset, angry, violent, concerned troubled, vexed, nervous, agitated, anguished, tormented, depressed, stressed, worried, disappointed, anxious, distressed, afraid, miserable mean, mean spirited, hateful, spiteful, judgmental, gossipy, accused, offensive, insulting or abusive do not fill the bill.
Everyone can enjoy the Peace of Perfect Happiness if they will travel the path that leads to it.
Most People Are Inherently Thankful
When A Person Values A Thing,
It is Natural For Him To Be Thankful.
Knowledge & Understanding
Increases One's Thankfulness
As You Recognize the Value
Of Every Experience In your Life
Your Thankfulness
Will Increase Automatically.
And then, at the end of your days,
you will be able to say,
At least I was wise enough
to receive all things with thankfulness.
Think Thankful Thoughts
Your mind has a mind of its own. If you are not consciously choosing your thoughts your mind chooses them for you. If you allow your mind to randomly choose what to think and wander aimlessly, then you have allowed your mind to CONTROL YOU. By taking charge of your thought you control your mental and emotional responses to situations. You not only have the power and ability to create your own positive thoughts but the power and ability to dismiss your negative mind-created-thoughts. The way you currently respond and react to difficult experiences will not change unless you THINK THANKFUL THOUGHTS When you are stressed, upset or angry, it is because your negative mind-created-thoughts have taken you there. If you desire to be thankful you must create THANKFUL THOUGHTS. Negative thoughts are debilitating energies that not only affect your spirit, mind, emotions and body in unhealthy ways, but they radiate from you like a disease and plague everything and everyone wherever you are. Positive thoughts are healthy energies that invigorate you and radiate from you to bless others.
Thoughts vibrate at specific frequencies. Thoughts of gratitude love kindness, etc. oscillate at their own frequencies, as do thoughts of complaint, hate, anger, fear, etc. Whichever thoughts you entertain literally tune you into more of the same. Why not think thankful thoughts?
The Meaning of ALL THINGS
Receive all things with thankfulness. The meaning "ALL THINGS" is rather inclusive-nothing is left out. It includes every incident, situation, circumstance and experience in your life, all things that make up life and everything and everything and all things that are life. It includes all things that in your judgement or opinion are bad, wrong or evil(and of course it includes all things that bring you joy. The key is not to be thankful for just "some things," but to be thankful in all things. Receiving all things with thankfulness means you do not set conditions on anything in order to be thankful.
Being thankful only when your life is vibrant health, a river of money, enchanting love, stimulating entertainment superior accomplishments and unrivaled success, is nice but - not surprising- though it does reveal that your thankfulness is conditional.
Being thankful when your life is prolonged illness, an empty wallet, a broken heart, mind-numbing days, missed opportunities and dismal failure, clearly demonstrates that your thankfulness is unconditional and that you perfectly "receive al things with thankfulness."
If you are thankful only when life meets your expectations, you are no different in your thankfulness than a thief who is thankful he did not get caught. If the only time you give thanks is when life mirrors your thoughts, judgements and opinions; if you only give thanks when people are nice, kind and agree with you, and if you only give thanks when you get your way, trapped in the natural man. The natural man is evident every time you sink into self-pity and lament over our unfulfilled desires and unsatisfied selfishness. Until the natural man is subdued there is no end to your misery. The Miracle subdues the natural man and his misery.
The foundation and the cornerstone for being able to receive all thins with thankfulness rests upon this self evident inner known truth. "All things work together for your good".
Who Should I Thank?
You thank the giver of the gift, for always there is a source from which your blessings flow. The name you give that source is who you thank. In all ages men have given thanks according to their knowledge, understanding and wisdom.
If you desire access to the intelligence and wisdom behind all that is, receive all that is with thankfulness
How To
Receive All Things With Thankfulness
There are many ways to acknowledge you thankfulness. Consider thinking the words, "Thank you for this experience," after every experience you have that stirs your emotions (regardless of what you think or feel about the experience). What follows are short sayings I use during and after experiences: "Thanks! I needed that. It's for my good. I'm rich in everyway possible. It's all good. Everything works for my good. I'm rich in every way possible. If I didn’t need the lesson I wouldn’t have had it. If I didn’t need the experience I wouldn't be having it. Everything works together for my good. I'm always in the right place at the right time and never in the wrong place at the wrong time. It is what it is. Everything happens for a reason. Everything is right and nothing is wrong. This is perfect. It will be what it will be, and in real trying situations I say, "Thank you Father for this experience."
Important and it works: Go back in memory as far as you can and say thank you for everything that has happened to you in life. Then in your mind say thank you for everything that is happening to you right now. Do both, in detail. You will be amazed at the results. Please don't skip doing it: It's absolutely IMPORTANT.
How can a person "receive all things with thankfulness" considering life's slap-in-the-face reality of problems and troubles, especially man's inhumanity to man which is evident by some men's cruel and heinous behavior-all of which can be any mans lot?
Through life is affliction, tribulation and endless troubles and the cause of grievous suffering yet it fulfills the Creator's purpose to bless man with greater knowledge, understanding, wisdom and intelligence.
Consider, how it is you know pleasure, joy, peace and love? Is it not because you know pain, sorrow, war and hate? How but by their opposites are they revealed?
The Creator made the world the way it is, and man's freedom (within bounds) to act, shapes it according to his own will You are conscious, aware have understanding and are free to choose and thereby have experiences and gain greater wisdom (would you have it any other way?). All men are free to choose within their bounds and each contributes to the world what he wills thus the world is as it is, a school of dark and light.
You have a world within you-your spirit, mind, body and emotions-and the world outside is but a stage for you to act out your part. The most challenging world is within you-a world that will try you well enough. When you conquer your world within, the world outside will by your playground, for then that which you thought was torment in the world, will be seen in its true light, and you will experience it in peace, with a thankful heart for its power to transform, When you view the world within and without in their true light (which reveals life for what it is) life's problems vanish, and your reality becomes one with the Creator off all that is life.
Life's difficulties are man's doorways and pathways to further light and knowledge and endless joy. Without an increase in knowledge, understanding wisdom and intelligence (which is the purpose for this world) higher joys are not realized.
Unthankfulness and Ingratitude are forms of judgement and merely revealed a lack of knowledge and understanding. You judge according o the world's light within you, thus you cannot see beyond the wisdom for your own light the heavens are endless and cannot be measured by man, and, unknown to man, are the cause of all there is.
Look into the expanse of the deep and into the depths of the sea and into our own heart. By seeing, are you able to fathom from where they came or where they go? Is it wisdom to judge that which you know not? Will you call God to account for his ways, like a servant even knowing you know not why you live? If you be wise even to encompass the whole world, can you tell by what power came worlds without ends? If you judge the world through the light of your own eyes you judge as a blind man who cannot penetrate his won darkness. How then is you wisdom sufficient to judge the light and the wisdom of the Creator?
Judge not, and in non-judgement you come to realize that to receive all things with thankfulness is wisdom indeed, and then will our eyes be opened and you knowledge increased, and in the light of your new understanding you joy will rise like the morning sun, and your dark nights of sorrow will be consumed in the bright light of day and be mere memories of teachers most dear.
Receiving all things with thankfulness is man's acknowledgement that he does not understand all things. It is by recognizing that he does not now all things that he is willing to receive all things with thankfulness.
He who is unthankful, not knowing he is ignorant, is like a child who lacks understanding.
He who is unthankful-knowing he does not know-is prideful arrogant and vain.
Be wise and trust in the wisdom of the Creator who knows all things, for he knows his creations, thus in him is found all wisdom.
No Victims!
" Receiving all things with thankfulness" has nothing to do with being a victim, passive or apathetic, but it has everything to do with being thankful for situations experiences and circumstances that you cannot or choose not to change Being thankful in all thins does not mean you suffer all things. Never think that being thankful means you should submit to any form of abuse or violence when it is within your power to resist.
Just because you appreciate the value of a trying situation and have chosen to harmonize with those things that cannot be changed, does not mean you stand idly by and do nothing about things that can and should be changed Being thankful doesn’t make one a wimp.
life is continual change and growth. As you grow out of a situation and feel the need to make a change, be thankful for what has been, for what is going on during the change, and for the lessons you’ve learned. Men do not usually know during experiences the value those experiences hold for them (life's most valuable lessons are learned through life's most challenging experiences). Be thankful for them, for it is by them that you gain knowledge, understanding and wisdom-which increases your capacity for joy-and, because of your thankfulness, you will experience your own miracle.
The Irony & Paradox of Thankfulness
&The Law of Cause & Effect
Ironic and paradoxical it is, that to experience The Miracle of Thankfulness and to enjoy the blessings of Perfect Happiness you need to be thankful for the things that make you unhappy, thankful when you see no reason to be thankful and thankful when you don't feel like being thankful. The Miracle and Perfect Happiness only come by being thankful for the things that trouble, plague and provoke you, that are difficult, hard and discomforting, and of course, the joyful things in life, or in other words, all things that are life.
The nice thing is, tat when you are thankful for your troubles, you feel a peaceful-calm rise within you and radiate from you as congenial, peaceful and harmonious energy. The light of this peace warms the hearts of men and "other powers," who return this light to you, increased. But if you become irritated, upset or angry during troubling situations, you create agitating, vexatious and tempestuous energy within you, and the dark storm you have created roars from you and is felt by others, who return your darkness to you increased. Whatever energy you transmit, returns-increased.
Your thankfulness during your storms of life is the key to The Miracle of Thankfulness.
Seek the good in life,
But if the good be hidden,
Yet be thankful,
For your trust is not in flesh and blood
But in the wisdom & goodness of the Creator.
The ultimate gift of Spirit
Is to walk the world in peace
Even when there is no peace.
This gift is given to everyone who
Receives all things with thankfulness
Experience the Miracle of Thankfulness
What gift or blessing is greater than peace, joy and happiness? What price for so great a treasure? The price, that is not a price, but itself a blessing, is only thankfulness, is only gratitude, is only to receive all things with thankfulness.
Who gives gifts to the unthankful, the ungrateful, and to they who have no appreciation? Though the sun shines on the just and the unjust alike additional blessings and gifts, and the greatest blessing of all, perfect happiness, are reserved for those who receive all things with thankfulness.
From Celestial realms and through a power greater than man's come blessings and gifts more valuable than all the treasure troves of all the kings through all ages of time, and they are yours at the mere price of a few words from your heart: "Thank you for this experience."
Until you have experienced The Miracle of Thankfulness, you know not the power of it. Until you experience "The peace that passes all understanding," you know not the peace. Until you "awaken" to your "higher self" you know not even who you are. And until you experience Perfect Happiness you know not the value of the gift.
Miracles
If you have ever believed in miracles not is the time to rekindle that belief.
You are not alone in the world. In the world unseen, beyond boundaries of mind, from celestial realms, benevolent powers work in the deep stillness of men's souls to bless their lives. The experiences and testimonies of countless witnesses throughout ages attest to the reality of gracious spirit-beings working for the good of man.
Contrary to the belief of some, the heavens are not closed. Revelations and manifestations of spirit are on-going, in this time, as in times past.
How is it some believe men's difficulties o longer elicit sublime guidance on a personal basis? Those who believe this are not aware that they have experienced "Spirit" at work.
Benevolent powers beyond man work for the good of man and continue to edify a who earnestly see their service. As long as there are men, and men in need loving spirit-belongs from dimensions unseen give according to wisdom. All yu have to do is ask, and then, through the quiet way of spirit, they answer, always to your edification, and for your good.
What The Miracle Will Do For You
While living in this veil of tears you can express a miracle that takes away the tears and the veil. The Miracle is an immersion in LOVE, which overcomes your lower nature and reveals your Higher Nature-which is Love and IS WHO YOU REALLY ARE. You are cheerful carefree, lighthearted, unworried unafraid, happy, joyous, serene and at peace. Our intelligence expands your understanding increases and you receive hidden knowledge.
After The Miracle (while continuing to receive all thing with thankfulness) you will be at peace with yourself and life, even if you should be in the midst of turmoil, destruction death or are homeless, sick, disabled, terminally-ill, poor or imprisoned. Regardless of every condition, circumstance or experience, you will be at peace with yourself and life, even as you work to change or choose to endure the difficult and trying experiences of life. The Miracle bestows "The peace that passes all understanding." All who experience The Miracle walk in the light of a new understanding are Perfectly Happy, and, no matter what their experiences, they are at peace. Though many blessings come as you increase your thankfulness, the greatest blessings, even miracles, come after you have been thankful in all things.
The Peace That Comes by Miracle
For more than thirty years I have not lived in the same world in which most people live. In my world there are no sorrows or tears, anguish or regrets, and no dread or fear. Though I live on the same planet, my world is worlds apart from most people's reality In my world there is only peace.
My peace is not based on logic, though it is logical. I am not at peace because I think my experiences are good for me or because one experience might have saved me from another, or for any other reasons based in faith or belief. I am at peace because I have learned certain things.
The only way I can descried it is" Because of the knowledge give to me during The Miracle, I absolutely now that all things together work for the good of man and that life continues beyond this life. Life is an I am. There-in is my peace.
Prelude To The Miracle
The Miracle is an experience of Spirit. It is as if bestowed by hands unseen. The power of the Miracle is like sunshine and a gentle breeze wrapping you in light, love, joy, peace and happiness. It touches your spirit, mind, emotions and body all at the same time.
During the experience you become a new person. Imagine being born blind and receiving your sight; being born cripple and walking; being at deaths door and being healed instantly.
When you experience The Miracle you know it. After it is over you never question yourself and ask, "What was that? Did something happen? Did I have an experience or what? When you are blessed with The Divine Nature experience you know it. Absolutely! You know what you know. There is no doubt.
The Miracle came early in the morning while at home. I felt a heart-warming presence around me and within me. Something was working on my, changing the very core of my intent, motives and desires about people and life. I was being transformed, and for a moment, the old me and the new me were start contrasts in dark and light. Then the darkness left and I was immersed in the light of a new world.
What follows are the best words I know to describe what happened during my experience.
The Miracle of Thankfulness
I awoke. I sensed something was different Then like a sudden burst of sunshine entering a dark rom came love. Melting instantly was my cold and sometimes hard heart Flowing into me was love and tender affection for others An affection so inclusive it encompassed the whole world and the family of man. It was the deep abiding love that a other and father feel for their children, magnified to include all children, all people, all animals, all creatures and all creation.
Every dark desire vanished as if someone had turned off a dark light. All selfishness, vanity, pride and jealousy were gone, as were the remnants of worry, stress, anger, hate and fear.. It was as if I had been set free from the foulest prison imaginable-my own. As the darkness left I was filed with a love so strong and powerful that I felt as if I had been touched by an "angel." It was as if a new being of love and kindness had entered my body. My spirit, mind and emotions, as one, had become its own world of love joy, peace and happiness, a joy and happiness I wanted to share with the whole world. I was free of the old me-the me that my thoughts, judgements, opinions and the world had created. I was a new person experiencing higher joy.
As I was immersed and washed in love, the intent of my heart changed I was not concerned about me, but rather others (it was a novel idea to me at the time). The intense feeling of oneness with creation and my caring for all living was beyond words. I did not want to hurt a fly, literally, or step on a bug or do anything to hurt anything or anyone. I wanted immediately to go about and help people who needed help. I was kind, compassionate, gentle, loving and mild-the ultimate do-gooder, through Spirit, and it felt good and right.
With heartwarming clarity the following was made known to me. "All people are your brothers and sisters; they are your family. All are loved equally, the whole human family, loved without conditions, absolute unconditional love and acceptance. Man is perfect, every man, woman and child is perfect in their sphere regardless of life choices All creation is perfect in its sphere and everything is fulfilling the measure of its creation. Everything is as it must be and all things are in harmony flowing as designed Life is perfect and perfect for man.
"The light that gives life to man is in and through all things and without it all things would cease to be. Man came into being through a higher power, whose purpose is joy, and all things in creation world to that end, for all things are created to have joy and produce joy. The purpose of consciousness is to experience realities that challenge and stimulate Intelligence.
"The challenging experiences of life are life's greatest teachers and are blessings that move man upwards to dimensions and worlds yet undreamed of by man. The purpose of life is to gain understanding for it is by increasing one's understanding that one increases hs capacity for joy. All things are done for the good of all creation and nothing is left undone that needs to be done. ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF MAN, ALWAYS AND FOREVER, AND GOD DOES NO THING BUT TO BLESS MAN.
"Men, upon leaving this life, rise to higher joy, even worlds without end or beginning of days".
"Man is light; light is intelligence; intelligence is eternal. The light that is the life of man continues never ceasing ever increasing."
"Men are creators in their own sphere The experiences in this world are doorways and pathways to the endless reaches of creation."
"Be at peace, and the peace that passes all understanding will guide you to further light and knowledge."
The Spirit Experience Subsides
After three days the wonderful feelings began to subside, and within a week the experience had become a cherished memory. Yet, in the flash of an instant, I had entered the world of love, joy, peace and Perfect Happiness, and from that day to this, I have never left that world.
Line upon Line
During the three days I was taught many things, some have become a wisp of a memory that are recalled when Spirit touches me while other knowledge is firmly established.
The further light and knowledge I have received has been a foundation a stepping-stone for obtaining additional understanding, line upon line, precept by precept, here a little, there a little, all for edification, always bringing joy, peace and happiness.
Truth, eternal truth, is everywhere. All things are shapes and shadows of truths yet to be discovered.
All men receive inspiration, and all things can be understood and discerned through the inspiration of SPIRIT upon the principles of asking, knocking and seeking. If you truly desire a thing, ask for it.
There are worlds yet undiscovered and they are all within you. Your consciousness, YOU, the eternal you, it at the center of creation, it is all around you and yet you encompass it all. No one is ever alone in the world, or in dimensions beyond, for we are one, created and sustained by the power that men call God
There are many beliefs about many things but there is only one truth behind them all: You are loved. Love is all there is, and all is love yet it manifest in many ways that man, during his sojourn in darkness does not understand and judges to be other than love. So it is, and it serves man exactly as it was designed and meant to be. There are no accidents in creation.
You can judge things evil and wicked and become upset and angry, but remember, you are judging according to your wisdom, which is not full, and you are judging God's creations with that wisdom. When you stop judging the world with your own understanding, or the understanding of other men (even supposedly "inspired" men) and obtain your knowledge direct from He who gives when asked (gives according to His wisdom) then you will know for yourself, and NOT from another, and you will stand firmly in your own power and in His light.
Living In The Real World
Pg 54
During presentations of The Power In Thank you, someone will ask, "you know… sitting here talking about being thankful for things when you have a full stomach a few bucks in your pocket and a pace to go home to is fine, but how does being thankful help you when you're living in the real world where things actually happen that can mess-up your whole life? That's what I want to know, tell me that!"
Everyone that is introduced to "The Highest Law of Gratitude" wants to know how "receiving all things with thankfulness" can help them. They want to know how being thankful can help them when someone they loved dies, or when a loved one is severely ill, or when their child is injured or sick, or when they are victims of disaster or crime. They want to know how being thankful helps them when they're going through relationship problems, when they are about to lose their business, job or house. They want to know what good thankfulness is when they haven't got any money and no prospects, when they're at the end of their rope and are threatened with homelessness, or how being thankful can help them handle lives minor irritations and people's pettiness and thoughtlessness.
Of course one could ask, "What good does, not being thankful do?" Yet, how does being thankful help a person during lifes inevitable hardships? What indeed does "receiving all things with thankfulness" do fro you in the world?
My experience is this: When I was confronted with death in war, and hazard as a police officer; when I lost loved ones; when I thought my wife would die; when one of my young children almost died; when I lost businesses jobs and houses and when I did not know where my next dollar was coming from and didn’t know what to do, being thankful cleared my mind of worry and fear and gave me hope peace of mind and comfort.
Being thankful instilled in me a deep knowing that no matter what happened it would be for my best which gave me joy, made me cheerful and light-hearted.
Being thankful gave me a mind-set where I knew fully expected and anticipated that the outcome of my current "crises" would be a valuable lesson that would serve me then and in the future.
Being thankful kept me from becoming a droopy-eared, hands-hanging-down, woeful abject fatalist with a sour attitude, a sour disposition and an even sourer look and countenance.
Being thankful kept me from wallowing in self-pity and gave me the understanding that I was not a victim of misfortune of bad luck. Being thankful gave me confidence that I was moving forward to my next great adventure, and being thankful filled my heart with a love and a wonderful appreciation for life and a deep and abiding knowledge that everything was going perfectly and was a blessing.
The benefits of "receiving all things with thankfulness" produced in me and exhilarating joy for life, even while in the middle of some of my life's greatest challenges.
Those are some of the blessings and benefits of receiving all thinks with thankfulness. It worked for me and it will work for you.
The power IN thank you is real; it really works. All you have to do is try to experience it.
To receive all things with thankfulness, al you have to do is say "Thank you for this experience," after every experience you have that stirs your emotions (regardless of your opinion about the experience).
If you will say the words
"Thank you for this experience,"
In Your Mind,
Your Heart Will Follow.
The Seven Blessings of Thankfulness
Being thankful during a trying experience clears your mind, calms your emotions, soothes your spirit and gives you hope, peace of mind and comfort so that you can deal with your situation intelligently.
You are unworried and unafraid.
You expect and know that your situation serves you in the very best way possible.
You do not wallow in self-pity you do not think you are a victim of bad luck or misfortune. You now that the situation will be resolved in your best interests.
You are confident about your future (here or hereafter) and you look forward-in-life with joyful expectancy and adventurous anticipation.
You have a cheerful and light-hearted attitude.
You are filled with love, joy, peace and happiness.
Being Thankful Is A Decision
Nothing in life can disturb your peace unless you let it. Being Thankful is a decision.
When you decide to be thankful your mind, body, emotions and spirit are bathed in rejuvenating and healing energy. If you are unthankful, our mind, body, emotions and spirit are bathed in debilitating and distressing energy.
In every experience in our life you can choose to be thankful and reap healing energy or you can be unthankful and reap debilitating energy. You can either choose to receive al things with thankfulness or you can moan, groan, complain, get irritated, upset and angry-even violent-and be miserable.
If right now you are not as happy as you would like to be and you truly desire to be happier, then be more thankful. And if you desire Perfect Happiness, then make the decision to receive all thins with thankfulness, after all you have nothing to lose and everything to gain, for it costs nothing to e thankful, nothing at all.
Life is wonderful in so many ways, and also extremely difficult at times, yet you can be happier if ou make the decision to increase your thankfulness.
59
A Not So Typical Day
A Friend gave me this booklet. I read it, and decided to give thank you a try.
The next morning I woke up with a headache-and a fever Even my hair had a headache. My muscles were sore and my bones hurt. I felt and moved like an arthritic mime and my brain felt like it was wrapped in tinfoil-I knew the world was out there somewhere but it wasn't real and I was not making contact. Yet having made the decision to receive all things with thankfulness, I said. "thank you for this 'ENCHANTING' experience of being REALLY, REALLY SICK!! (I wasn't very thankful).
Then I heard my children getting ready for school. It sounded like a thousand kids in hellcare. I was about to yell at them but the thought, "Be nice" intervened so I said nothing (out loud). I got dressed and left the house for work Then I saw the flat tire (the thought "Be thankful," came to me, but I answered, ("Ain't no way"). I But since the spare was not flat, I decided a small thank you was in order, ("thank you").
I put on the spare , drove up the street and entered traffic. As I neared my exit, someone cut me off and I missed my turn. "What a jerk" I thought , but then I heard the words, "don't judge" so I said, "ok, so perhaps he's not a jerk ALL THE TIME."
So there I was going the wrong way, then the traffic stopped, and the freeway became a parking lot. I would be late for my first day at a new job. I yelled "This thank you stuff is not working!: I listened, but there was only silence. So I said, "I knew it!-sounded good, but it's just self-help-brain-mush.
I arrived at work and found the gate to the employee parking lot padlocked (not a car in sight) and a sign that read: FACTORY CLOSED. I was in shock. I sat there, fuming, daring a thought about thankfulness to enter my mind, but it didn't so I yelled out, "Coward!!"
I turned my car around and entered the freeway. Suddenly black smoke billowed from under the hood. Before I could pull over and stop the engine clanked, clunked and quit right in the middle of traffic.
When the highway patrol showed up, the officer got angry that I was blocking traffic and was looking for an excuse to give me a ticket. When the tow-truck driver finally showed up e was upset and unpleasant, ad the cabdriver took me the long way home.
The cab left and I stood in my driveway addlebrained. As my glazed eyes and comatose mind raked my surroundings, I caught a glimpse of something taped to the front door. It was an Eviction Notice. I ripped it off, unlocked the door and went inside. That's when I saw the note on the counter. It was from my wife.
"Dear John, Me and the kids are going to live with Steve. I'm sorry but I fell out of love with you and in love with him. I hope you find someone that loves you as much as I love Steve. P.S. the repo-guys are coming today to get the furniture and appliances, oh and your Dad called, you mother might bot make it. Also, your test came back from the lab. It doesn't look good. Oops! Almost forgot, your dog ran away. Have a nice day."
I started at the note. In a stupor I wandered through the house and saw that all my family's personal things wee gone I flopped down on my bead and stared at the ceiling. I felt my blood pressure rise as I was taken over by thoughts of fear worry, distress, anger and hate. The darkest black-a black energy I could feel-envelope me. In the depths of my despair I cried out, "Help me!" Then a thought came to my mind "You said you would receive all things with thankfulness and be forgiving." The thought startled me. I yelled out, What?!! Is tis a joke!? Be thankful? Now!? No! Absolutely NOT!! No way !!! LEAVE ME ALONE!"
The darkness increased and I felt like I was choking. The room itself turned black and the air turned foul at my thoughts. Then struggling with all my might against the dark energy my thoughts created, I cried out THANK YOU for all these experiences today and I forgive everyone for everything" (I tried my best to mean it).
Then, exhausted, I must have passed out, for the next thing I heard was a bell ringing. I jumped off the bed and strangely, I heard the banter and laughter of my children (and my dog barking) and then the sweet voice of my wife saying "Honey, you better get up or you'll be late for work."
Still groggy and disoriented, I thought, I've been dreaming. Having a nightmare!?
I opened my bedroom door and stepped into the hall and saw my sweetheart in the living room folding clothes. She smiled at me. I ran to the front door and peeked out at my car. The tire was NOT flat. "YES!"
My nightmare of anguish, pain and torment came to and end when I said, "Thank you for my experiences."
As surely as I woke from my nightmare of fear worry, distress, anger and hate, I know everyone can awaken from their personal "nightmare" of pain and suffering by receiving all thins with thankfulness.
Complaining Negates Thankfulness
Complaining is the opposite of thankfulness. Many people think that complaining is a form of "entertainment" or "socializing", but it's really vanity, pride and ingratitude. When a person complains, it reveals more about him than the persons or things he is complaining about. You cannot complain about life and at the same time be thankful for all that is life.
A person is complaining when he shows, by looks, demeanor, words or actions, that he is dissatisfied and annoyed or supposedly suffering. When a person whines, grumbles, moans, murmurs, condemns, denounces, finds fault and makes derogatory comments, he is not only complaining, but is displaying his ignorance, vanity, pride and issues as if they were on parade for the whole world to see. When you catch yourself complaining STOP! And be thankful instead.
NOT complaining is one way of receiving all things with thankfulness, and by not complaining you will experience greater joy immediately and The Miracle sooner.
Offering constructive criticism, critique, counsel, guidance, direction and advise is not complaining if done in love and done with intent to edify. If a person's aim is to resolve problems and potential problems and bring peace and harmony it is not complaining.
Pg 64
One of the ways to
receive all things with thankfulness
is to say in your mind,
Thank you for this experience"
after every experience you have
that stirs your emotions.
When you are thankful in mind
your heart will follow,
as will every benefit and blessing
promised to he who receives
all things with thankfulness.
Inner Reflections
I am a conscious self-aware Intelligence, an eternal being of light living in an earthly body. I am a child of God having a human experience, "Thank you."
I am more than my mind, emotions and body, for I am also the light shining within this body, and thereby I am one with all that it, "Thank you."
I came here with strengths and weaknesses to learn and teach in this school called life. My weaknesses and strengths help create the dark and the light by which others gain understanding. My weaknesses create the very problems others need, and my strengths are weaknesses conquer, which inspire others I am both student and teacher, servant and master, and in each, I serve mankind, "Thank you."
The creator of life made the conditions of life what they are-he established the limits and boundaries-on purpose, to challenge man-and all things together work for the good of man, " Thank you."
While I am here-and whatever circumstances I am in-I embrace celebrate and live life fully, with a fun attitude, for thereby I have joy, learn, and increase my capacity for joy, which is the reason I came to earth "Thank you".
If today you have joy because of me thank Father, and if tomorrow you are vexed by me thank him none-the-less, for I am whatever men need, as are all men.
Expect the Promise To Be Fulfilled
"When you receive all things with thankfulness you will be made glorious and the things of this Earth will be added unto you, even a hundred fold and more."
The promise assures that you will receive good fortune and abundance. Unique to the promise is how it will manifest for by spirit will you be guided and blessed, in love and wisdom.
Expect the promise to be fulfilled. Do not doubt it. The promise is sure. You will be made glorious. You will have the things of this Earth added unto you, even a hundred fold and more.
The Highest Law of Gratitude is a covenant. If you do your part, the spirit will do its part.
Expect to be blessed Expect to experience The Miracle. When you receive all things with thankfulness the blessings and The Miracle come.
If you have hope, belief and faith-confident expectations-you will try receiving all thins with thankfulness, and your expectations will be rewarded beyond your most cherished dreams and hopes and then you will know for yourself that the promise is true.
Now What?
How is a man to know a thing if he does not try the thing? Knowing a thing without doing it bears no fruit. The prize goes not to he who wants it, but to he who does it. You can have all mysteries revealed to you, but of what value if you choose to walk in the light of your old understanding?
If you now are determined to try thankfulness, how long will you be so determined? Will your desire want at the first sign of a storm? What will you do to stay the course? If right now you have set our mind to be thankful, what will you do to keep thankfulness in mind?
If you set this book aside and never again ponder thankfulness, what will inspire your thankfulness? Quick is the heart and mind to grasp an ideal and just as quick to let it go.
Before the storms of life again beat upon you go back in your mind-back in times your life when the storms were real-see yourself being thankful for them. Then when new storms arise you will act according to your new ideal. When you practice thankfulness in your mind you will be better able to be thankful with real problems. Life's storms are inevitable as will be your peace during them, if you will receive all things with thankfulness.
Everyone who does not enjoy
continual
Joy peace and happiness,
is seeking it.
The only reason
They may not have it
Is because they don’t know
How to obtain it.
---------------------------------------------------
Please Consider Sharing
---------------------------------------------------
"He who receives all thins with thankfulness
Will be made glorious
And the things of this earth
Will be added unto him,
Even a hundred fold and more."
Every time you bless another person,
The blessing returns to you increased.
Do You Know Someone Who Is Unhappy?
Everyone knows and meets people who ae not happy. Perhaps it's a family member, distant relative friend, co-worker or just someone standing on a corner who looks sad. And most of us know people who easily get irritated, upset and angry the littlest things.
If you feel this booklet can help others enjoy their lives more, please consider ordering additional copies-at discounted prices-to give away.
Over 30,000 booklets have been purchased and given away by many people since the booklet came out in2004. Over a thousand booklets have been paced in doctors offices hospital waiting rooms and retirement home, and many were given directly to people who look unhappy. Many people who have purchased the booklet (and some who have received it free) have emailed or written thank you notes and testimonials about how The Power in Thank You has helped them enjoy life more.
Everyone enjoys life more and is happier when in the company of cheerful and peaceful people.
(if you now someone who you think might be helped by this booklet but you can not afford an extra copy, contact me and I will mail you one free.
(Please see last page for mailing address and phone).
By Small things
are great thins accomplished.
What joy is greater
Than to share your light
And bring others into
The ight and joy that is your own?
Life Was Specifically Designed
To Be Challenging
That Men Might Gain
Knowledge, Understanding & Wisdom
If Life Was A Resort
Of Unending Pleasure,
It Would Make
Fools
Of Would-be Wise Men
Be Thankful For All That Is Life,
And Your Gratitude
Will Be Rewarded With
Continual Joy, Peace & Happiness.
Receive All Things With Thankfulness.
"Thank you for this experience"
The Promise
I promise you,
As you become more thankful
You will be happier,
and when you
Receive all things with thankfulness
You will experience The Miracle
That bestows Perfect Happiness.
I know from personal experience
That thankfulness leads to The Miracle.
The Power In Thank You" is free if you cannot afford your own copy or a copy for someone you feel it might help.
Contact Thomas T. Braun @ 435-867-1335
P.O. Box 2387; Cedar City UT; 84721
Over 30,000 booklets have been sold or donated as of September 2013
______________________________________________________
1 booklet $6.00 plus $2.00 Packaging/postage
5 Booklets $4.00 each ($20) plus $3.00 shipping
10 Booklets $40.00 plus shipping
25 Booklets $100.00 plus shipping
__________________________________________________________
The Power In Thank You
Copyright Thomas
Copyright Thomas T. Braun
ISBN: 2004-05-06-07-08-09
THE PERFECT SPECTACLES (work in progress)
COPYRIGHT JULY 2017
Wisdom Digest Publishing
Thomas Trost Braun Senior
ALL COMMERCIAL RIGHTS RESERVED
PRINTED IN THE USA
You may copy for non-commercial use
I entered the optical shop to purchase new spectacles. As of late I have become aware that my vision has changed. Nothing is quite as clear as it once had been. The shop is old. I cannot recall seeing it. The gentleman at the counter looks equally old. His white beard nearly touches the center button on his coat.
“Good afternoon sir. I have come seeking new spectacles. They must provide a perfect view, lacking every distortion. They must be the perfect spectacles.”
“There are many eyeglasses to choose from,” he says, smiling, and then points to a long shelf absolutely overflowing with them.
I give them a brief look. “I feel there is a perfect pair I must obtain, but I do not think them to be among this selection.”
“Perfect spectacles, with lenses true. Yes, I have them, but a note of caution, a warning, if you will. Not everyone can wear perfect spectacles. Let me show you what is available.”
As he turns to obtain them, his words, "Caution! Warning!" Come fully to mind. I wonder at the old man’s meaning?
He reaches beneath a counter and lifts a wooden case and delicately sits it on the table before me. He draws out a chair and I sit down. I look at the box. It appears ancient, its surface ornate, intricate with carvings.
Then, quite tenderly, the old man presses his index finger on the center of the lid, as if in a precise spot, and quickly withdraws his hand. The lid rises of its own accord.
I am not at all certain, but it seems that as the lid rises I hear voices, familiar voices. I attempt to discern them but then too quickly my attention is drawn to the three spectacles resting in separate compartments lined in red velvet. As the lid fully opens a gold framed looking-glass comes into view. Its clarity and depth are enchanting, mesmerizing.
With great difficulty I look away from the looking-glass to speak to the old man, but he is gone, which is just as well for my attention is immediately and fully drawn back to the looking-glass, and the spectacles.
The spectacles are displayed in two rows of three, one row above another. At first I am drawn to the sixth one at bottom right and am reaching for it when my hand, without a thought from me, moves towards the fourth pair at bottom left. Then it is that I realize there are but three spectacles in the box. They appear as six, but it is an illusion of the looking-glass, which I suppose is made more acute by my poor vision.
With great care I remove the first spectacles and turn them about, examining them and looking through them at a fair distance from my face. Suddenly they jump out of my hands and situate themselves over my eyes and instantly my attention is pulled into the looking-glass.
2
I am horror struck. I am looking at me. Not as I am at this moment, but as I had been in times past. I am seeing familiar faces and hearing familiar voices, voices in anguish, loved ones in pain, in pain because I am inflicting it upon them, with great passion, my personal hate and anger.
The scenes encompass every dreadful sight of my past. The horror of it as I relive the judgments with which I torment not only the ones I love, but all who fall under my vehement tongue and deeds.
But that was not the whole of it, for I see that in my supposed righteous hate and righteous anger I did instill in them fear, and more so in myself. With my clouded view of life and my narrow vision and false perspective, I see the misery and the pain that are my gifts to those I love, and all others, and no less myself. I am judge and jury of all things, and but for the law, executioner. My judgments of the world, and man in it, has assured my misery, and all this because I had been looking through less than perfect spectacles, those dreadful spectacles bequeathed to me at a tender age and then loved by me for so many years now past.
And then, as quick as it had begun, the spectacles drop from my face and into my hands. And just as quick I return them to their resting place and draw back from the looking-glass.
I have looked painfully into my past. It is a poignant reminder of how I had viewed the world, and as a consequence, how I had treated others and what I had been and what I had done.
I look about desiring to speak to the old man, but upon that very thought and again without my consent, my hand moves toward the box and retrieves the spectacles at my far right, the first I had intended to look through. And then, as before, the spectacles jump from my hand and attach themselves to my face, and immediately my attention is fully drawn in by the looking-glass.
I am not displeased with what I am seeing through these spectacles as reflecting in the looking-glass. It is quite complimentary, really. It is again showing me, to me, but it is not revealing my distant past as before, but rather, as I am now. I am free of the curse of judgment, of judging people, places and things as if I knew all things, and I have but slight opinions. My love is greatly expanded, and no less, my charity and gratitude.
I am seeing more clearly than before. I am viewing life through an improved perspective, though lenses more true, and, if you will, through spectacles less distorted, less clouded, and brighter. Yet, even so, I wonder at it, for there is evidence in me of a slight discontent. I cannot discern its cause.
I continue looking into the looking-glass and see that the change in my view of life, is not in life, but in me. Yet how it came about was not at all clear to me, that is, until I saw the path I had traveled.
In seeing my past I realize that my journey has been filled with great personal pain, sorrow, anguish and regret. As I view my own suffering, I see that a time had come when I had concluded, “I have suffered quite enough!” Then it was that I rejected the things that had caused my pain. Indeed, I also rejected the false happiness that accompanied it, the pretense of happiness. As I look on I see that as soon as I stopped expecting people to value what I value, appreciate what I appreciate, think the way I think, believe the way I believe and act the way I act, my love for them increased greatly, and my joy.
But my greatest personal peace was not fully realized until I no longer needed, wanted or desired people to be different than they are, at any given moment in time. I came to understand that a person cannot be what he is not, cannot be but who he is. The truth is clear to me now. For if a person can conducts himself different, he would conduct himself different. As always, the event reveals the person.
Suddenly the looking-glass releases its hold upon me and I return the spectacles to its proper place.
I look up and see the old man standing at my side. He smiles at me, and I at him, and he says, “Perhaps you would like to try on one of the spectacles in the looking-glass.
I look at him in astonishment, and then quick as an eye-blink I am drawn back to the looking-glass just in time to see my hand reach into it and pick up the spectacles furthest to the right. However, before I can actually grasp them, I am fully pulled through the looking-glass.
3
As I overcome my absolute astonishment at the sudden turn of events, a thought comes to mind, if seeing is believing, then experiencing is knowing. Yet here I stand not knowing what I am experiencing, and as for seeing, there is nothing to see, so there’s nothing to believe. It is all whiteness, as if I had opened my eyes to the sun and had been blinded by it.
I decide to wait. I wait some more. Still nothing. This is very strange. I have been pulled through a looking-glass and there is nothing to look at. Again I wait. I am not afraid, though I certainly do not know why. Then I realize that not only is there nothing to see, but there is nothing to hear, not a sound. It is as quiet and silent as a tomb. I begin to walk. On what I am walking is beyond me to know. I do not go far. I am walking in a small circle, always ending where I began, or so I think, since I am not at all certain from where I began. I wait in the pure whiteness of nothing, nothing at all-and in the silence.
I do not know the passing of time here, thus I do not know how long since I left the optical shop, though I am not discomforted in any way. I must admit to boredom, for beyond my inquiring of this place, my mind seems unable to reflect upon but little, almost nothing that might have occurred previously, and in fact, I am not sure at all that there was a previously. I sense I am fading into the light, or rather, merging with it, as if it is a part of me, or I it.
I am trying, or at least I think I am trying, to keep hold of thoughts, but it seems the longer I am here, the less of them there are to get a hold of. It is as if I am being erased.
Words failing fast. Imagination, gone. Reflecting, gone. Feeling, gone. Breathing, gone. Everything, gone. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing.
“Welcome back,” says the old man.
I start at this words. I am again sitting before the looking glass. My faculties slowly return, yet I dare not look into the looking-glass again. I keep my eyes solidly set on the old man.
“What occurred?” I asked.
“Nothing. Nothing at all,” He laughs. “Is it not the same with life? Think nothing and nothing happens, or rather, nothing appears and nothing but nothing is experienced. The value of not thinking is like the value of sleep, refreshing, no thoughts, no something, no pain. Just endless peace. Very refreshing.”
“That is rather flippant. It was not as entertaining as you might suppose.”
“My apologies. Yet there is great value in the stillness of silence, and in humor, as you will see.”
“What do you mean, ‘As I will see’?” I ask, not soothed at all.
“It is difficult to explain the spectacles. They reveal what they will. Thought I suspect they give what is needed, though how they know what that might be, I do not know. And their humor is equal to your own.”
“Humor perhaps, but for whom? I did find it interesting, the silence, the nothingness, that is...until I disappeared. That was vexing, though how I knew that at the time I do not know. But I know now quite fully. My state of mind is such that I doubt somewhat that I shall find the perfect spectacles I seek, here.”
“You have but tried three spectacles. Perhaps what you desire will yet appear. Seldom, if ever, to my remembrance, has anyone left disappointed. I will leave you to your decision.”
4
As I reflect upon what the old man said I feel a keen desire to turn and again face the looking-glass. I am not at all comforted by my desire, yet perhaps, if I control my mind, it will go well.
I am being most careful with my thoughts, keeping them in check, lest they usurp me again and cause my hand to rise and select a pair of spectacles I have no mind to select. As a guard against it, I firmly hold my arms at my side, grasping the chair’s edge. But to no avail, for as I turn to look at the spectacles I cannot resist the center one in the box. And, as sure as twice previously, it attaches itself before my eyes (a comfort almost, for apparently I am not be drawn through the looking-glass as before, or so I hope). I direct my eyes to the looking-glass.
I see a cloudy haze, darkening, much like a cloud filled sky before a summer storm. A slight fear takes hold of me. And then, in an instant, the haze becomes as I fear, a storm, and it grows in violence. The sky blackens and lightning flashes. I hear the thunder. It is frightful, yet it draws me near. I cannot explain it. I watch the storm’s display, but after a time, I think it might disperse, and at the thought, the sky clears and the sun shines bright in a clear sky. Most interesting. I wonder if it will again brew a storm if I think upon it. I attempt it, but no, no storm, not even an inkling, not even a puffy summer cloud. The sun continues in its brightness, What is this then?
For a time I watch the sun. Then bored, I desire to know upon what the sun casts its rays. With THAT thought, the looking-glass shifts to earth upon a meadow lush and full with flowers growing wild.
How is it that the looking-glass reflects my thoughts one instance, but not another? Or, is something else afoot? I will try again, though not quite as cavalier, for I am now determined to understand my thoughts, for what use to repeat failure if perhaps success is but another thought away?
Yes, I think I have discerned it. The looking-glass reflects not just any thought cast wildly or idly about, but creates only thoughts with great intent or great interest, and only thoughts imbued with great desire, which if so, is not without reason. For in examining my thoughts previously, when the storm increased at my thought, upon what shown the sun, my interest was very keen, though at the time, I was fully unaware of my keenness. And as to my intent to see the storm return, it was but an idle thought, a mere whim, an uncaring question, if you will, which produced nothing at all. I will attempt again to create within the looking-glass.
I hold my thoughts in check, and my imagination as well (no image from me will this looking-glass have). I lift my eyes and again look into the enchanted mirror. I see not but myself. Excellent! As a final endeavor at seeing my thoughts reflect in the looking-glass, I think most earnestly upon a red rose, an as sure as the thought, it appears,
I am delighted at the game, most entertaining. I play it for a time, casting thoughts and images, each appearing at my cue. Interesting indeed that every thought upon which I sincerely and enthusiastically focus, appears. But then, something goes amiss, a strange event.
The looking-glass, I think has gone quite berserk. It casts thoughts within my mind and then reveals them in the mirror. Yet surely they are not thoughts or images of my making?
I see a man walking alone in a forest. Upon looking closer I see he is seriously disgruntled and upset. His face has many lines giving him a most mean, if not terrifying look. He has an ax. There is blood dripping from its blade. He is dragging a rope and at its end a sack. What is in the sack is wriggling and struggling to get out. With but few steps between he keeps turning his head sharply and casts loud whispers at what is in the sack. I cannot understand his words.
I am horrified. He chopped someone and is going deeper into the forest to finish his work and hide his awful deed? I cannot suffer to look, nor look away. I must know the end of it.
5
The man has stopped amidst a thicket dark and deep. Tree limbs are broad, hang low and intertwine. If I were not looking down upon him, little would I see. He drags his sack within a thicket, casts his eyes about as if to see if he is seen. He scans the tree branches looking for eyes that might be concealed within, and then, as near a striking snake might hypnotize its prey, his eyes lock upon mine. I freeze. I dare not move. Then a thought like a bright light dispelling darkness strikes me. How silly of me, it is but a looking glass. Aaah, true it is, yet.... a looking glass that snatches one into its world
I can look no longer. Quicker than another thought could come, I slam shut the lid upon the box of spectacles and the looking-glass that surely is from hell. I am distraught.
At the sound of the slamming lid, the old man suddenly appeared at my side. “What made you close the box?” he asks, as if I have a tale to tell for his amusement. I stand up and move a pace away from the table, yet hold onto the chair upon which I sat. I take a breath and wonder at it all, all that has happened since entering the optical shop. I look about. It seems to be as any shop like it ought to be, except for that cursed box. I make up my mind to leave.
“Please, tell me what you saw?” he inquires most sincerely this time.
My words spill out like I have overturned a full bucket, “I saw a man holding an ax dripping blood and a sack which he drags behind him and whatever is in the sack is not yet dead and upon reaching a hidden spot he looks up at me and stares into my eyes. He sees me. And I am afraid the mirror will bring me to him”
“What was in the sack,” asks the old man.
“I do not know. I did not wait to see. I’m sure it’s frightful. It is small. A child perhaps.”
“Please, look again and you will see the end of the matter. The mirror will not take you in.”
“How is it you know that? I dare not. Yet…I am profoundly curious. If you will stay at my side, with your hand upon my shoulder, I will look.”
The old man did as I asked. Then turning to the box, he presses the lid. I stay my spot, unmoving. My eyes are closed. My mind empty. I hear the lid rise. I wait for it to fully open. I peek slightly, squinting, quickly, then fully open my eyes to see nothing. There is nothing. Nothing but my reflection. I sit down and look fully into the mirror. I am determined to see the end of it. And then, with my determination fully resolved, it begins.
The man with ax firmly in hand gathers the rope and stands over the sack untying it. There is no movement from within. He pulls the opening apart and the sack drops around a young girl. She stands up. By all that I can see she is unharmed. He gives a hand that she takes and steps out of the sack. They exchange but a word or two, and then he gathers up the sack and they hide yet deeper in the thickets until I cannot see them.
Almost immediately, upon the path they had traveled, comes a band of what looks to be pirates. At least they appear to me to be so. They scour the underbrush, thrashing with swords and yelling as they go.
In short order, they give up the search and walk again the path upon which they came until they emerged upon a clearing near the sea. Straightaway they are set upon by what appears to be the captain of a ship anchored near. He yells and gestures in his madness at losing such a prize (the young girl I presume) to a turncoat from among them (the man dragging the sack). I sigh in relief. The mirror goes dark and the lid closes of its own accord.
I thought, how often I mis-read and misjudge things, always to my consternation. I see and hear and pronounce as if I know, and do it all without knowing all. Seldom is the truth wholly revealed. How quickly my mind takes up a tale, a chasing of thoughts, and then concluded motives, intent, and finally, embraces its own misunderstanding as understanding. I have yet to see clearly.
True to his word, the old man has remained by my side, that was, until I sighed in relief when the tale had been told by the looking-glass, and now he is gone. I know not where. But I am at peace, no longer afraid, yet cautious, for who is to know what may happen next.
I look at the box. I press the lid. It opens revealing the two spectacles remaining and wonder if I should? My eyes wander about the shop. I briefly look at the clock. It is broken, I think, for the passing of time is not recorded. It is set as if I had just entered the shop. I ponder what to do. Then I return my attention to the box. Of the two remaining spectacles, one is to my left and the other is in the center, both within the mirror. I relish not the idea of touching either one, yet feel compelled.
6
Just as I am about to reach through the looking glass I hear the tinkling bell above the door announcing another visitor to the shop. I stop and look up. It is a young man, perhaps thirty, wearing a rumpled suit that suites him not at all, for it seems twice his size, hanging like old drapes cast thoughtlessly upon a chair. I almost laugh, but merely smile, yet laugh within. He is a sight.
The old man greets him with great enthusiasm, much more than one would expect of a shop owner greeting such a poorly dressed, and certainly poor in funds customer, if indeed a customer he is. I pretend not to look, but manage just the same.
The young man has a ruddy complexion, as a worker might who labors less with brain than brawn. The old man greets him, and then the young man seats himself at a table not unlike my own. I wonder if the old man has another box with which to tease his clientele. I laugh at the thought. One such box is surely more than sufficient for a shop this size.
They chatter for a spell, then the old man goes to the front door, opens it and leaves.
I am alone with a stranger, and of course the box. This is frightful. What should I do? Not knowing what to do, I sit alert and wait, for what I know not.
The young man pays me no heed, for which I am thankful, and I doubt his interest will include one such as me. Suddenly he leaves his seat and walks to me and asks, “Would you mind greatly if I took a quick look into the looking glass? It will be for just a moment. I have but one question.”
I do not know what to say as my thoughts run together, "Look into the looking glass, ask a question, what is this box, can it answer an inquiry like a crystal ball?" I am flustered, and in my agitation I get up without another thought and say (to my surprise) “As you wish,” and move away. I stand there as a fool knowing not what to do. I think he noticed.
He sits down, then turns and looks at me, perhaps to see if I am listening. I pretend not to be, but how can I not?
Satisfied at my deception, he turns towards the mirror and says some words. I could not hear them, though not for trying. He keeps his voice too small. A light flashes in the looking glass, then all goes dark, that is, until he rises, whereupon I see the looking-glass has become again a looking-glass. He thanks me and returns to his seat, and I return cautiously to my seat before the looking-glass.
The door opens and the old man returns carrying a black leather briefcase and gives it to the young man. He gets up, thanks the old man and leaves the shop. The old man returns to my side, smiling.
“I cannot refrain to ask,” I say to the old man, “who was that young and frumpy dressed man who you quite left me alone with, and that without any notice at all?”
“I’m sorry. It was an emergency. That ‘frumpy; dressed young man, as you call him, owns this shop and many more. He works among the poor, thus his less than well-to-do attire. As to my errand and the briefcase, he had me go to his office to obtain some funds for a family in great need.”
“Oh,” was all I could say, feeling again that not only is my eyesight lacking, but my judgments as well. Perhaps I need more than the perfect spectacles.
“While you were gone, the young man begged a moment to look into the looking glass. He spoke, it flashed and then went dark. What of that?”
“I do not know what he saw, not a detail, but I know that through the looking glass he sees the pain and suffering of others, and according to what he sees, he knows what to do that will bring comfort, and then he goes and does.”
“I have been mistaken greatly,” I said, “and were it not for my shame I would not speak a word of it, yet feel to say, I am sorry, for I judge him poorly.”
“It is well,” said the old man. “Who among us sees perfectly with our understanding? We can do no less, and do no more than to act our part at any time, and time will improve on how we view things.”
“Thank you,” I said. Feeling slightly improved at his words, I was about to turn and face the looking-glass but was yet thinking about my self-centered dilemma.
I am beside myself. I feel I am no nearer in my search for the perfect spectacles that at the start, and in truth, further away. I think I am troubling myself too much in the search. This box, the mirror, the spectacles, this place, the young man, and now the old man as well, all reveal too much to me of me. Twice I have been prompted to chastise my thoughts, and in such short order. I would stop this insanity now, but…there are two spectacles remaining. It seems a waste to not continue. My mind drives me so. It knows no limits. It must know. I must know.
7
And so again I take up the task (for a task it now is) and thus I sit and ponder upon the two remaining spectacles in the looking-glass. I look at both, equally, so as not to be drawn to either, so as not to be yanked again through the mirror.
However, quite startlingly, I am presented with a dilemma, for as I look at the spectacles within the looking-glass, they disappear. How can that be? The three spectacles in the box are situated where they ought to be, but no reflection of them whatsoever is in the looking-glass. It cannot be. My senses are lost.
I sit bewildered. Is this my doing? Have my thoughts been such, so amiss, that I have been rejected even by the spectacles? Even the looking-glass seems disinterested in me, for it’s lively glow has diminished, and amazingly my own interest as well. It is not nearly as pronounced as it had been previously.
I look left, then right, hoping to see the old man, but as usual he is not to be seen. I sit slumped in my chair. It is over. I am alone.
It is just as well. I must look a pitiful sight. This is a cursed shop, and I am equally cursed for having ever stepped over its threshold. And the box–bewitched at best or a devil’s tool.
I sit bemoaning my situation. Before entering here I had been quite content with myself and the world, but now, now, well, things are different. One cannot return to a place he has left, thinking it will be the same, for one’s thinking is never the same once experience has done its work. And in my case, my experiences since entering this shop have revealed me for what I was, and though delighted to see into the looking-glass for who I had become, I am now exposed, and the more so, and quickly at that, and quite clearly as well. I have learned who I yet most surely am, and I like it not at all.
I desire to change, truly, but know not how. I am a drift, perhaps in a sea of fate, but I dislike so to think of it in that fashion. Is there no help for such as me?
My family, friends and acquaintances, they are not so much different than I, which is reason for our common association and likes, but they are content with who they are, whereas I am anything but content, having seen so much of me, perhaps too much. What shall I do?
The tinkling bell at the door sounds, pulling me from my joyless thoughts. I look up, expecting a new face, but it is again the same young man, though this time I know him as the owner of the shop. He is dressed now extremely well, suited as a man of his stature demands. He looks straight at me and walks towards me. The old man is nowhere to greet him. The young man stops where I am sitting.
“May I speak with you a moment?” He asks most gently.
“Yes, of course,” I reply (I want immediately to apologize to him for my earlier ways, though I had said not a word to discredit myself, yet I suppose he reads me easily without need of words. I hold my tongue on that account).
“Earlier you were so kind to allow me a brief look into the looking glass, though you were then engaged with it. I thank you for that.”
I smile my best smile and say, “It is quite alright.”
“Would you like to know what I saw when I looked within the looking-glass?”
I yell, yes! Most dearly! (but not a word passes my lips, not a sound does he hear, not a word of it). Then, speaking calmly, I merely say in my nicest and in somewhat disinterested tone, “That would be lovely.”
He smiles. Knowingly, I think. There is a twinkle in his eyes. I am discovered, but he is gentleman enough to let it pass without comment.
“I was on an errand most important, and after obtaining what I needed from the looking-glass, it showed me briefly your future, just a portion, which is why I returned.”
I do not know what to make of his words. What did he see? And why did he see it, and not I? I shifted in my seat. It has become quite uncomfortable. What was he shown? I wait.
“When I looked into the mirror there was yet your essence in it. A consequence of my interrupting you, for which I apologize, again. I will relate what I saw if you so wish.”
If I so wish! Of course I wish! Tell me quickly. Is it dire? I said none of that, and merely said, “That might be quite interesting”
“Your future is wonderful. A bright light to many who yet walk in the darkness of their own minds. All things past have worked for your understanding, which is greatly expanded and brings you much joy, which joy you share with others just being your wonderful self. You have many, many joyous days ahead.”
Should I relate to this young stranger my inner thoughts? Would he understand? I am not quite as wonderful as he makes me out to be. If he only knew my pathetic nature that has cursed me so, and others equally. Yet, I suppose, there has been some improvement. I keep most of my pathetic thoughts and feelings to myself, well, except when biting my tongue fails it purpose. Did he see details of my future? How should I respond to his kind words? Shall I be honest? And then I blurt out. “I am not as wonderful as you make me out to be” (my brainless mouth has spoken without me).
He smiles kindly and laughs lightly, not offensive at all, yet revealing. Can he read my thought as the mirror has done? Is he wearing clear spectacles that I cannot see, though which he sees me clearly? He is like the old man who I feel knows too much of me already. Is there no privacy in this cursed shop?
“You are wonderful in so many ways, and in those ways you think not, they have purpose and serve you and others in ways difficult to understand, but serve none-the-less. Wherever you go and with whomever you are with, you are serving perfectly, even should your thoughts be contrary. I must go now. May you continue to enjoy your journey, for it is long and bright.” And with those words, he excuses himself most gentlemanly and leaves the shop.
Is that all? No details? What future is that, without details? Journey? Long and bright? Poof! Not a thing to grasp, to hold on to. And now look, he has left and here again I am alone with the looking-glass. Though all said, his words have soothed my tempestuousness soul, somewhat, as kind words might.
I turn slowly towards the looking-glass. I can but feel its mesmerizing influence again. I have no thought now but to continue my quest, for has he not said my journey is to be long and bright.
I peek into the looking-glass most briefly, just enough to see perchance the spectacles have returned. They have indeed. Quickly I pull my eyes away. I will take not a chance. I will control what is to happen next.
I close my eyes, tight. I keep my mind empty, nary a thought. Then, when I feel most assured, I open my eyes and fully stare into the looking-glass at the two remaining glasses. Ha! Nothing happens. Good! It will be as I propose.
8
I turn my chair away from the looking-glass with every intent of thinking about something with which to tease it. But I can think not of a thing. It is as if my mind has gone on holiday without me. It reminds me almost as if I were back in the whiteness when I previously had been drawn into the looking-glass, when words had failed, even imagination, when there was not an image to be had. Nothing! It is almost the same now, except there is no whiteness.
Ah yes, I recall…well…not precisely, but the old man had spoken about the silence, and humor… if I recollect correctly. Perhaps he was speaking of madness? Am I going mad? “Think! Think!” I said. “Think!” There is not a thought. Must I repeat again and again my failures. Is this “not thinking” just more of the same as previous? The looking-glass must think me a fool. Perhaps it is so.
I try to think of my early childhood-nothing. If I am not able to think, I am undone. What is life without thought? I try to think of what I like, dislike, love, detest, abhor, fear, relish. Absolutely nothing comes to answer my inquiry. I am a void. Surely I am mad. Can one even live without thinking? Yet, I am thinking....about thinking, thus I am not without thinking, just without judgment about what I am thinking. Well…that cannot be all sour cream.
I have concluded that not thinking has value. It is certainly quiet, even silent, except for my mind’s incessant questions. It so needs to know, like a pestering child with endless questions. Silence of mind most certainly would be a cherished holiday. BE STILL, MY MIND!
I feel not ill at all about not thinking, not now. It is quite pleasant, really. I have no unpleasant feelings against a soul. And no pleasant feelings either. I have no worries, no regrets, no fears. I am not anxious, how can I be, ha, I have no thoughts to disquiet me. This is quite superb. I am yet alive, or so I think, “Ouch!” yes, a pinch has proven it.
Good gracious, I am free of my mind, or out of it, yet, it is quite pleasant. I am babbling. I am bored. This will not do. Oops! I am thinking again, and that without my realization, and with it comes my discontent and my fears, as always they are but a thought away. Hummm, I shall look further into this matter of not thinking. I must work upon it. It seems a useful skill. No ill feelings stirred, without a thought to stir them. Banish ill thoughts, and vanishes my ill will and self-destructive feelings. There is value in not thinking, indeed. I shall think upon it.
Now what? Shall I look into the looking-glass?
But if I look now, thinking so little, it will reflect but little. I think I am not in control after all.
If I reach into the looking glass, will it take me as before, or will I be able to snatch a spectacles undetected. I know not. This is a dilemma. Yet I cannot prattle about all day. I must decide.
I hold my breath, aim my hand at the center spectacle and thrust it into the looking-glass.
I have it. I pull my back my hand and the spectacle is in it. I look quickly into the looking-glass. I have withdrawn the spectacles on the left. I must have snatched poorly. It matters not. I have it, and it is not as yet attempting to set itself before my eyes as before, though for caution I am holding them at furthest arms reach.
I get up from my chair and move away from the box. The spectacles are at my side having lowered my arm that they might be out of my sight. I am holding them ever so tightly. Now what? Surely they have no value if I do not place them before my eyes. But not so quick. I am relishing this moment. I shall walk about the shop. It is a victory after all.
I step to go to the counter, but there is no counter. I glance about. I am not in the optical shop. It is gone. I do not know where I am. All is a haze. I close my eyes and reopen them, but it is the same. The shop is gone. I look about, squinting, and then fully open my eyes. The haze is becoming something. Aah yes. Things are becoming clearer. I am standing in a meadow, much like the one I had seen in the looking-glass upon which the sun had shown its rays.
This is absurd! Is there no escape from my own thoughts? Must they all come to life, to fruition through that insidious looking- glass. And what of these spectacles I yet hold. I feel to cast them away, yet … what if it is my only passage to return to the optical shop…and my life?
I sit down on the grass amidst wild flowers in the meadow. I refuse to participate in this sham. I shall sit here until something happens. I came to the optical shop seeking the perfect spectacles and THIS is what I get for my troubles; and I shall not forget all that has happened previously. “Humph!” I will sit with my eyes closed. I shall nap.
I cannot sleep. I look skyward. The sun is at noon day. The air is cool as it always is following a summer storm. “Humph!” But of course it is, I ordered it so previously through the looking-glass. Why should it not be? Why should anything be that I have not decided to be? Good grief! Everything is my fault. This is too much. I cannot bear it. It is easier to shift blame and accuse others. But that will not do. It is as I thought previously, I am undone… again. If I were to wager, the old man will be nowhere here to be found either. And the young shop owner? Perhaps. He has helped me once.
I lay down in the meadow again, not to nap, but to wait. The flowers’ delightful essence wafts through the air like a cherished gift. The wet meadow has dampened my clothes. There are trees to my left, a forest, and the sound of breaking water, and … what is that I hear in the forest? Voices. Angry, shouting voices. I am frozen to my spot, yet know I should conceal myself the more in the high grass.
I listen. The voices diminish. The sound is moving away from me towards the sea. What if there are others? This open meadow will not do. I rise up with great effort. Fear has nearly immobilized me, yet I stumble to the forests edge to conceal myself among the dense undergrowth. I am in an excellent spot. No one will see me here.
I hear footsteps. Twigs cracking, and a dragging sound. It is approaching. I hunch down tighter. It is hard to breath crunched in this fashion.
The footsteps stop. I dare not look. I rise slightly and peer through the undergrowth. I gasp. I feel to run but cannot find my legs. It is as well, for my eyes are frozen on the sight. A rough man has opened a sack and therein stands a young girl.
I am puzzled. This scene has played before. I was then but viewing it as in my mind through the looking-glass. Now it is real and I am there, rather here, or there, who is to know, and I am experiencing it. Damn my mind for its games! Must I live my thoughts? If it is so, I know what is to come next, as sure as my thoughts create it.
9
The rough man gives the girl a hand that she takes and she steps out of the sack. They exchange words and then he gathers the sack and they hide yet deeper in the thickets until I cannot see them.
All falls silent. I have not been discovered. I breathe a sigh, and my tension leaves me as quickly as the thought that created it. There is a lesson in this, and I was about to think upon it when my mind flies to the glasses. Where have I placed them? In my haste to dash from the meadow, I had no presence of mind to recall their disposition. I search my wardrobe. They are not upon me. I will have to return to the meadow.
I listen and look carefully, then I leave my place of concealment. Now which way had I come? I am in a tangled overgrowth of intertwining brush and low hanging tree limbs. I can barely make out anything at all. I go one way, then another, then back again. At least I think I am back where I had been hiding. I am not sure. My footsteps disappear as quickly as I make them. I am lost. I know the meadow is but a brief distance from where I had been, but I cannot find it. I fear I have gone deeper into the forest. I no longer hear the pounding surf.
What am I to do? Without the spectacles I fear I am doomed to stay here. I want to go home, back to my comforts, back to things I know.
I smell smoke. I lift my head to the breeze and breathe in. Yes; smoke; a cooking fire. Mmmmm, there is a stew brewing. I suddenly realize I am famished. How long has it been since I have eaten? I follow the wafting aroma, carefully, quietly, hopefully to its source. Then I snap a stick. I freeze. Even damp from earlier rain the crack of the stick resounds in the stillness like a gun shot. Then I realize I am no longer alone. I look without turning my head. I think my movement has revealed me. I see nothing, but I feel a presence. I am afraid. The very hairs on my neck have risen to the occasion. My breathing quickens though I am trying to control it. I hear the blood rushing through my ears. I am hot. I want to run, to hide, but I cannot, I am stuck.
They are here, the pirates, looking, searching, one is coming at me. He sees me and yells, yet it is as if he is looking past me at something else. I turn my head quickly and look behind me. Has he seen the man and the girl? I turn my head back to the pirate just as he crashes into me. I fall, yet…he keeps going as if he has not hit me. It is as if he went through me, yet in truth, I felt him crashing into me. I lie upon the ground and hear their yelling and hollering slowly fade within the denseness of the forest.
I sit up. What am I to make of this? Am I dreaming, and if so, why did the crashing into me not awaken me. I have dreamt before, not as vivid, but when a thing occurs that frightens me, I awake immediately. This must be more than a dream, yet a dream.
Well then, if nothing can harm me in this place, there is nothing to fear. I shall immediately, and noisily, search for my spectacles. This world shall have no hold upon me, well, except of course, I have not a clue as to how to leave it.
I pick up a stick and thrash the underbrush. I am as yet not looking for the spectacles but merely trying to disengage myself from the bramble that pulls at my feet. I must return to my first hiding place at forest’s edge and retrace my steps to the meadow. Surely my disturbing of the forest floor has left telltale signs. I shall proceed slowly.
I would say if asked, that it took me nearly the whole of the day to find again the meadow, but who can tell the passing of time in an illusion, yet the task is accomplished and I am again where I had begun. I look intently about in the high grass where I had lain. The grass is yet pressed down, and there, at its edge, lay the spectacles. I am ecstatic and reach for them when I hear a commanding voice trumpet, “Stop! Do not move! Not a muscle.”
I stop moving. What now? I am frozen I am sure in a most ridiculous pose, bent half over, one arm reaching into the grass, fingers extended, the other arm high into the air behind me–a curious statue in a meadow. Then I see it, coiled, neck bent, tongue flicking, a black serpent ready to strike. Then as quick as a flash, a hand dashes between me and the serpent and plucks it up by its tail and moves it away.
Without another thought I seize the spectacles and place them in my pocket and standup to see who my benefactor is. There is no one here. I swish about in a circle, looking, but there is not a soul in the meadow but my own.
I saw what I saw, I am sure, but I cannot believe what I saw. Surely there is no such thing as a disembodied hand, a hand only, no arm, nothing to propel it.
And then the thought, why had I been afraid? Nothing here can hurt me, if not the crashing pirate, then not the serpent. But then between my own ears I hear loudly and distinctly, “Are you sure?”
“Well I certainly was assured,” I yell, “until you disturbed my surety with your question. Show yourself!”
“I cannot show you what I am not,” said the voice. “I am but a voice.”
“You were more than a voice when you snatched the serpent.”
I turn again in a circle to see perchance, to catch perchance, from where and from what the voice had come, but there is just me. And then a thought, the voice was that of the young man in the optical shop, perhaps. I am saved once again.
I am beginning to doubt it all. I cannot make sense of it. No serpent? No hand? Certainly no body. I am as mad as a hatter. More mad perhaps.
I reach into my pocket. Yes, the glasses are here–real. But as to the other, was it just of mind? My fear was real enough. Had I created the serpent and manifested the hand, as if my mind has such power? As if my thoughts can do such things? What then is real, and what is illusion? Where is one to draw the line? Or is this all illusion? Is a vivid dream not life, or is life a dream most vivid–in each it feels physical.
Well … Illusion or not, real or not, matters little, for whatever is of mind is real enough that I must engage it and handle it, for that, apparently, is what my life has become, if indeed it has not always been, which for thinking it, it is entirely possible. Even my presence in this meadow may not be real or the optical shop for that matter, and now certainly even the spectacles themselves are suspect. After all, what matters most, what is real or what I think is real, for do I not act accordingly to what I think a thing is, rather than what it is? And surely the serpent would testify to these truths, for there is no doubt it can talk, if I but think it so.
Then, without a thought to deter me, I take the spectacles out of my pocket and place them before my eyes. My eyes are closed and I wait to see if the very air about me changes, or the sounds, but there is nothing noticeably different. I yet smell the flowers fragrance, and feel a slight breeze caress my face. Yet I wait, eyes closed. I dare not open them.
I reach up to feel the spectacles. They are not there. I open my eyes to see if I have dropped them, but upon doing so I am aware I am seeing through lenses. I lift a finger to touch the glass, and touch my eye instead. There are no lenses which I may touch, yet my eyes are seeing through them, and I can see the wire frames as well, but cannot touch them. I bring both my hands to my face and press against my eyes. I feel my eyebrows, eyes, nose and cheek. My hands say there is no spectacle there, while my eyes clearly are looking through them.
Out of hand I dismiss the incongruity as consequence of the continued unbelievableness of my adventure, and look beyond the lenses, expecting fully to see things unexpected. I am not disappointed.
I am standing on a dusty road in a desert long, surrounded by distant high barren mountains. The road stretches before me unto the horizon. I see no end. I turn about and look. It is the same, barren, and the roads know no beginning. Immediately I feel the scorching heat, and I, without a hat. If ever I return to the optical ship I shall smash the box, and the spectacles as well. I have been tried quiet enough.
What on earth am I do in this place?
I reach up to remove the spectacles, but then recall they are there but for my eyes to see and not for my hands to touch, yet I try, regardless, scratching, as it were, at my face to dislodge them, but to no avail. They are as if mentally implanted and not a physical thing. My hands drop to my side; my shoulders slump; I am wasted. I would cry if it wouldn’t fog the damned lenses that are not upon my nose.
I hear music? Is it playing in the breeze? It ebbs and flows again, as if carried by the waves of heat that brush my face. It is soft music, as a flute might sound, one of reeds, a wispy alluring melody, a distant sound calling me. I close my eyes to hear it more acutely and turn my head that my ears might catch from where it comes. I cannot discern its origin; it is coming as if from everywhere around me. I am encircled with it. A sweet sound that conjures up images of dancing, swaying, singing flowers as if they have legs and voices.
I open my eyes. Things have changed, again, of course. I am sitting on a wooden bench in a park. It is a vast flower garden and the colors are exquisite, reds, pinks, blues yellows, and all in different hues, and the perfume of them just enough to tantalize, but not overpowering. I am shaded by trees, and in-between the flower bed is grass. I have gone to heaven, and almost thought so when I feel a hand upon me shaking me. I ignore it. It isn’t rough, not firm enough to end my reverie, though at this moment I think it not a dream at all, but real and wonder who is disturbing me in this park serene ? I am being jostled and it has a voice. It’s getting louder. My thought is, Go away! Perhaps I even spoke it. I don’t know, but in that moment of contention, the spell is broken I am rudely propelled out of the garden park and am again on the dusty desert road in the heat of the day. I open my eyes fully, and there is the old man from the optical shop, fully present, shaking me and imploring my return. My first thought is, what are you doing here? Come to save a lost customer?
The old man shakes me some more; it seems surreal; I am looking fully square at him. His shaking of me is incessant; as if he cannot comprehend I am seeing him and feeling him shaking me as well. I yell, “Stop!” which he does, even as I see that I am back in the optical shop.
I yell, “What of the desert and the garden park?” Then, awake fully, I realize the truth of it–‘twas but an illusion.
I am not at all sure whether I am glad to be back in the optical shop. Not at all. This place seems quite as unreal as does everything else.
“May I?” was the first words I hear clearly from the old man as he deftly removes the spectacles that my hands themselves could not touch nor remove. And off they come without me having time to respond to his request. He places the spectacles back into the box, then turns and smiles at me. I wonder why? I think I have not yet fully returned, from who knows where? I have been so much elsewhere, I hardly know where here or there is. Yet my senses are returning and I speak with all sincerity, “I’m not sure I like your spectacles, nor the looking-glass.”
The old man laughs and then reminds me of the warning he had given when first I entered the shop.
HUMMMMPH! So he had. Why didn’t I listen?
I ask him, “I was in a desert, then a garden park, and then again a desert, and now here. What of that?
“Your journey’s of mind are your own,” he says without nary a tone of consolation. “Who can predict them? It is all centered in you, whether real or not, who can say? Yet this much I know, how you perceive a thing is more real than what is true, for if it be real to you, is it not true as well, for you?”
“But why a desert and a park?” I ask, not wanting to let it go.
“It is as a dream, the interpretation must by your own, as with life. You live it; you dream it, as you will. Truly your life, and your dreams as well, are equal to your thoughts. What you think is more important than what is, for you make what is your own, and act the part. A dream or life, it is what you think it is.”
“Well then,” I say, not satisfied at all, “the desert was hot, desolate and miserable and the garden park most pleasant. A stark contrast, extreme even, and for what purpose?”
“Is life not contrast” How but by their differences can one appreciate them? Is not life a journey of contrasts, and thereby we gain appreciation? Perhaps that is all this look at life through those lenses mean.”
“Yes, well then … a return to reality it is, and if these, the last spectacles, are not the perfect spectacles, then surely this has been but a grand waste of a perfectly good day.”
“Perhaps, perhaps not? You will know when the day has run its course.”
And so I turned my wary attention back to the box and the one untried spectacle and the looking-glass, not at all sure I am up to the task. Yet the prospect of finding the perfect spectacles is fully enthroned, though at this point, I begin to wonder the purpose of these journeys, when all I really want is to see life more clearly.
The old man has departed and so I steel myself and peek quickly at the center spectacle in the looking-glass, expecting what I know not. Nothing happens. I look up and gaze around the shop. It has not changed. Feeling slightly more at ease, and perhaps foolishly brave, I look again into the looking-glass. The center spectacle, the only one I have not yet looked through, is fading into the distance even as I look. Unthinkingly, I put my face close to the looking-glass to see more clearly. My nose actually touches it. Then my nose goes into the looking-glass, or partly so. I quickly pull myself back from the looking-glass as far as my chair allows and jump out of my chair. I am clear of it.
Whether it is luck or a propensity of the looking-glass to do nothing with my nose poking around in it, I do not know.
Thinking no more of it, I slowly return to my seat and look into the looking-glass. I find the old man. He is within the looking-glass wearing my last spectacles and looking at me most queerly.
10
I yell into the looking-glass, “What are you doing in there?” Though I am not nearly as shocked as I am laughing inside for the old man’s predicament, yet I do wonder what is the cause of him being within.
“I am within, I suppose,” says the old man through the looking-glass, “as a consequence of your thoughts. Certainly, not of my own volition.”
“How can that be?” I ask. “I only briefly, and much earlier, thought secretly that you should experience the looking-glass. How can that affect you?”
“Is it not so with life?” asks the old man. “What you think in secret manifests in life. Is not a person’s life but a mirror of his thoughts? For this cause, but this cause not alone, am I within the looking-glass, for your thoughts and you actions affect others, sometimes as much, and as quickly, as they do yourself.”
Hmmm. Am I the cause of this, and if so, how am I to make a correction, or at least, balance the scales? I laugh secretly again. Has the old man not put me through five spectacles, and this one as well. Perhaps he is deserving of this. Yet I must do something.
“What can I do, to undo what I have done?” I ask the old man.
“Reach your hand through the looking-glass and remove the spectacles from my face and it will be the same as before”
I was about to reach within when the thought struck, “as before?” Does he mean I am to be drawn through the looking-glass as an exchange? Am I to endure another journey within the looking-glass? Yet… is this not my journey, and not his? I hesitate.
The old man smiles patiently and waits. The look upon his face is as if he is quite content with his situation. He appears quite jolly, actually. No need to hurry. I will think upon it.
I turn from the looking-glass and was about to get up and walk about some what when I suddenly feel I am not quite myself. Never since years gone by have I but entertained just and moral thoughts, and her I am at this late date debating with myself as to the fate of the old man. Who am I? Who is this person I am? I thought I was different. I am different, for my thoughts of yesteryear, appearing now, again, cause me to feel ill at ease. I will trust my feelings, for thoughts come and go but what I do with them, whether I act upon them or not, that is who I am. I will retrieve the old man.
With that thought in mind I look fully and squarely into the looking-glass. The old man is gone. I am staring but at myself, yet was fully expecting to see the old man. Where has the looking-glass taken him?
As I continue staring at the looking-glass I see something I have not seen previously. A strange light is within the looking-glass. It emanates from me. The light is less than attractive. It appears dark. Is the cause of it my earlier thoughts to keep the old man caged? But I have changed that thought and was about to attempt to secure his release. Yet, my light is still dark. Is it really my thoughts creating this light?
Just briefly I experiment (I have not forgotten the old man’s dilemma). I think kind and loving thoughts, then quickly look into the looking-glass. The light reflecting therein is warm and bright. Then I think mean and hateful thoughts, and turn again quickly to the looking-glass. The light is dark, even ugly to behold. Truly then, my thoughts, though within, reveal themselves without. Not only can I not hide them from myself, but they reveal me to others. This is a sorry plight. Is nothing secret? Are we then not all exposed?
Suddenly I feel a presence at my right and turn from the looking glass to see, and what I see is the old man standing at my shoulder, smiling at me like a parent catching a mischievous child in the act.
“How did you get out of the looking-glass? And where are the spectacles that were upon your face?” I then see that the old man is holding the spectacles in his hand.
You let me out of the looking-glass when your thoughts drifted to the light surrounding you,” says the old man. “If you waver in your thinking, that which you were thinking loses power, while that which you are thinking increases. You yourself released me when you changed your focus with your thoughts.”
“How can I, or anyone, have such power over others with but mere thoughts?”
“Thoughts, if you will, are the spirits of creation, and they are not powerless. At the least they create the light by which creation takes form, and at most, they alter things already created. Thoughts are powerful indeed.”
With that said, the old man holds the spectacles towards me and says, “Perhaps these last spectacles, are the perfect spectacles?”
I look up at him. And then my hand does the unthinkable and snatches the spectacles from his hands and throws them across the room. It quickly dawns on me what I have done and I turn back towards the old man to apologize, but he is gone. Now what have I done? I have offended him. Yet again my thoughts have ruled my actions, and they have ruled my day.
And what of the spectacles?
#11 (Conclusion)
I gaze about the shop. Truly the old man has disappeared. I wonder if I should leave. After my conduct I’m surprised the old man left, instead of asking me to go. I can be so very contrary. It Is an awful state.
I get up from my chair and search for the spectacles. The least I can do is return them to the cursed box. I hope they are not broken. I look about the floor where they might have crashed, but find nothing. Then I search where I think they might be, yet know they cannot be. All to no avail. I cannot leave the shop without replacing the spectacles.
The bell at the door jingles. It is the young man, the owner of the shop. I should hide myself. A ridiculous thought, but one I consider fleetingly. Hide indeed. I sigh deeply and turn fully to look at him so I can tell him what I have done.
He smiles when he sees me. He won’t be smiling long. I smile back.
He walks over to the far counter where I have concluded my worthless search. I wonder what to say.
“I found these spectacles,” he says, in a humorous tone, and then laughs pleasantly. “Would you mind if I return them to the box? I think they are lonely.” He laughs again, and places them within.
“I was going to explain that, though I’m not sure how that might have sounded.”
“No explanation is needed. I understand. Introspection is not easy. I marvel at your tenacity. You have stayed the course, many have not.”
I like this young fellow. No wonder he is successful. His manner is easy and congenial, unlike my own. His kindness is my encouragement. Perhaps my quest is not over.
“If you would like, the last spectacles are yours yet to try.”
“This has become much more than a visit to an optical shop to seek perfect spectacles. It is as if though, in this search, I am creating a new me. Is it not so?”
“The shop, the spectacles and the looking-glass each have their purpose, as do all things in life. This journey you yourself called forth.”
“It appears so, though I had no thought but to see more clearly.
“Life is a journey, is it not? It reveals the traveler. Never is the journey void of the experiences one calls forth. Every experience serves the traveler, thought at the time he may think it not so, yet truly it is so.”
“That may well be. Yet it is hard to bear. There is much pain in life, and yes, pleasure too. The spectacles have been more pain than pleasure. And if I again place them before my eyes, what have they yet in store for me? Another adventure to show myself, even a disgrace in my own eyes? Of this I have had enough. Yes, I have experienced. Yes, I have learned. But in truth, I wonder if the pain is worth the price, for surely a look at oneself is ever hard to bear.”
“It will be as you decide.”
“I will think upon it, if you please. And may I ask, what of the old man? I did not mean to turn him away. I was distraught.”
“He is not far. And he, like myself, knows the course and its trials, thus there is no offense, and no judgment. And who knows (for I know not) if he will yet appear again.”
“I will sit again and face the looking-glass and will see what the last spectacles bring to fruition. I can do no less, seeing how far this has come.”
“Yes, you will see indeed that which you yourself bring about in the looking-glass. Be not surprised at your doings which will be revealed, for they are yours and yours alone.”
At the precise conclusion of those words, the bell jingles at the door. I look. It opens, but no one enters. I turn towards the young man. He is gone. The bell jingles again. I again turn towards the door. It is closing, but there is no one to see, not at the door, nor in the shop. I am alone.
It’s just as well. Ever are we alone in life, though yet surrounded by all that is life. And so this, my last journey, will prove my point. And with that said, I sit again in front of the box at the table. It was then that I notice the box is closed.
I quickly look for the old man (out of habit I suppose). Yet I know he will not be there. Shall I touch the lid? What can happen? What can happen indeed.
Without another thought to dissuade me I press the lid upon the spot. I jump, just a little, as it opens.
I quickly turn away from the box. No need to set it off before it fully opens. I count to three and turn around and look into the looking-glass. Well…I thought I would be looking into the looking-glass, but there is no looking-glass. And there are no spectacles.
The box is empty, empty except for an envelope. I look at it and cock my head a little to read the writing upon it. I certainly will not reach into the box and actually touch it. I squint my eyes to make it out. I squint a little more and can barely read the single word upon the envelope. It is my name. I am reading my name. It is addressed to me. Cautiously, very slowly and carefully I reach for it and touch it quickly and pull back just as quick. Nothing happens. I touch it again with just my fingertip. My finger is intact. I reach in and turn it over delicately. The envelope is unsealed. And then, summoning my courage, I pick it up quickly and remove it from the box.
I turn the envelope and lift the flap. I pull out the letter and unfold it and read:
"Dear me,
I write this letter to my future-self, when I will be aged. It is a list of accomplishments I wish to pursue, and .... "
I pause my reading. I reflect back, but recall writing no such letter to myself.
Suddenly the old man appears at my side and says, “That’s because you haven’t written it yet.”
“You’re back! What are you saying? How can I be reading a letter I did not yet write?”
“Look into the looking-glass and you will see.”
“But the looking-glass has disappeared, as have the spectacles.” I turn and point at the box. To my surprise (I should not have been surprised) the looking-glass and the spectacles are there, except for one pair. I lift my eyes to glance briefly into the looking-glass. I am shocked, to see therein, me, me as I had been at fifteen years of age.
This is getting quite ridiculous I was about to say to the old man, but before the words can leave my mouth I am pulled through the looking glass and find myself in my room, in my house as it had been in the days of my youth. I am sitting at my old desk, writing a letter.
I hear a familiar voice. It is my mother calling me to supper. She has been dead many years. This is marvelous. I get up from my desk and walk down the hall towards the dining area. I hear the voices of my family in my youth. Will they recognize me? I have not seen a one of them in nearly fifty years. I enter the dining area. They are all there.
I look at my mother and father and at my brother and sisters. I walk to each of them and hug them thoroughly and tell them how overjoyed I am to see them again. They look at me very strange, like I am acting quite queer and out of character.
My mother says to me, rather sternly, “Do not neglect the dishes this evening, as you did last evening.”
I laugh in wonderment at her words.
My father asks me, “What humor is this?”
I do not know how to answer. My sister looks at me in a peculiar fashion and says, “I see you visited the optical shop. Your spectacles look quite becoming. I think they are perfect for you.”
I have no inkling I am wearing spectacles. I leave the dining room quickly, pulling off the spectacles as I run down the hall to my room. I stand before the mirror in my room. I am fifteen again. I quickly put on the spectacles and look again into the mirror. I am yet fifteen. I take the spectacles off again and look into the mirror. No change. I am fifteen.
I hear my mother outside my door. “Are you alright?” she asks.
“Yes, “I answer “I will be but a moment.”
“Are your new spectacles giving you a fit? They will do that on occasion.”
“No, they are quite perfect, really.”
I look again into the mirror on my wall. Truly, I am fifteen, and then appears the old man in the mirror, smiling and waving. I smile and return his wave, and then he slowly fades and disappears. I sigh, and think, and walk back towards the dining area to my family.
I am young.....not old. It was but a dream, or was it. How can this be? I have memories of a whole life, but am yet fifteen (and have those memories as well). Was it my future, or my past, or both? I cannot tell. I do not know. I am perplexed.
If a dream, I have learned much, and at a tender age, and am the wiser for it. If not a dream (what but a dream could it have been)?
I shall be more careful with my thoughts, not as rash with my opinions and not as quick in judgment. Surely my life will be less painful and more joyful. I will a blessing, not a curse. After all, has not my vision of things improved, is it not more clear, giving a more perfect view, with less distortion? Yes! I think I have found the perfect spectacles...and at such a young age.....I think.
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