"The mightiest souls of all time hover o'er us,
Who laboured like Gods amongst men, and have gone
Like great bursts of sun, on the dark way before us,
They are with us, still with us, our battles fight on."
Emma Hardinge-Britten
This lady was one of the greatest pioneers of Spiritualism. As well as being a fine trance medium and inspirational speaker herself, she knew all the leading mediums of the day in both America and England. Tomorrow I will include an extract from her autobiography in which she describes the circumstances when she received from Spirit a set of Spiritual Commandments given by Robert Owen, the great social reformer. These later became the Seven Principles of the British Spiritualists' National Union.
Sunday, 15 February 2009
Saturday, 14 February 2009
Fire - (Reflections on staring into the fire at home)
Flames consume and Flames illume,
Fire warms and Fire harms,
Fire transforms and Fire reforms.
Our own sun is a flaming cauldron of fire, burning at enormous temperatures, using atomic and nuclear fission to keep it going, seemingly forever. Already the sun has burned for millennia unknown and although our intellect tells us it will burn itself out eventually, to ordinary men and women it truly does seem as though it will shine eternally. It burns with fearsome intensity and telescopes enable us to see the huge explosions that from time to time send flames millions of miles out into space. Close up this sun, which appears to shine so benevolently upon us, is an expression of the awesome forces of nature. Were Earth situated just a little closer, life on our planet would be impossible. As it is, God has ordained it should maintain such a distance from earth that instead of making our planet a heartless desert, it creates, with the help of the rain, a verdant, beautiful home for humanity to enjoy. It provides those essential elements for physical life, warmth and light.
Wild fire, though less frightening in its power than the sun, is one of nature’s most fearsome and awe-inspiring phenomena, especially when it threatens homes and people that are in its path. Many a person has misjudged the speed with which such fires move and paid a terrible price, as Australians have recently learned only too tragically. Yet wild fires are an integral part of nature’s wonderful balance. In forests, each year many trees and shrubs die or are killed by storms and over time they become cluttered with this detritus. Some of it decays and provides food for the growing trees but it is also a serious fire hazard as it becomes as dry as tinder during hot, summer months. A flash of lightening, a piece of glass or metal that concentrates the sun’s rays in a clearing, a carelessly discarded match or cigarette end or worse still, a deliberate act by a pyromaniac is all that it takes to start a blaze.
Once the blaze takes hold and is fanned by winds, it consumes all in its path and generates so much heat that trees which would normally not catch fire become as matchwood and are destroyed in minutes. If homes and people are in its path, this fire becomes a disastrous menace and many courageous firemen brave the flames to save both, sometimes without success. However, nature needs wild fires to cleanse the areas they cover. Many trees die in the blaze and afterwards, the site looks barren and lifeless but within months all is transformed. For the first time in years rain reaches the ground in quantity and sunlight, another form of fire, combines with it to germinate the seeds of flowers and grasses that have lain dormant in the soil for years. All of a sudden the earth is a blaze of colour as these seeds seek to reproduce themselves in haste, lest the canopy of the forest returns to deny them life.
Where once there was nothing but silence and sombre shadow, now the song of birds is heard, butterflies float from blossom to blossom and the air is heavy with the scent of flowers innumerable. Trees will slowly grow again, tall, healthy and majestic but it will take years before the sunlight and rain are blocked out once more. Thus round and round the circle of nature runs and the fire that created fear in the hearts of men has been the agent of transformation and renewal.
The dancing flames in the fireplace seem a million miles from the blazing heart of the conflagration that destroys a huge building or a wild fire out of control. Yet they are one and the same. The contrast illustrates so many aspects of our own lives. Under control, many dangerous and frightening natural forces can be brought into the service of humanity. So it is with our emotions. Under control they can be of service to others; out of control they are a menace that can sometimes threaten life and limb. Sometimes however, like the action of the wild fire in cleansing and renewing huge areas of forest, a certain level of violent emotion is needed to clear the emotional detritus we have collected within us. The Greeks named this catharsis and many of their tragedies were written to illustrate the cleansing actions of such violent emotion.
Examining the transformation wrought by fire in the wild, leads me to consider the transforming effects on human beings caused by the fires of pain and suffering. Just as the ore which contains gold has to be subjected to immense temperatures in order to release the beauty of the metal within, so the beauty and strength that lie within all human beings are often only revealed after undergoing great suffering. Sometimes the suffering is physical, sometimes emotional and sometimes spiritual.
A writer can only uncover the true beauty of his prose by effort - practice and revision, over and over; so it is with all worthwhile human achievements. Nothing worthwhile can be achieved without great effort and application. Even when the ideas and words appear to flow with ease, it is only when they have been honed and honed again by thought, revision, more thought and more revision that they reveal their true beauty of form and line.
It is easy to strike a match and light the paper beneath a fire but unless the wood and coals above have been carefully selected and laid, the fire will not catch alight. Soon all the paper will be consumed by the flames and no further heat can be obtained. Equally, even when the fire is burning merrily in the grate, unless it is tended carefully and new fuel added from time to time, the fire will die and all warmth from it will vanish.
There is a lesson here that we should remember in our personal endeavours. Always try to prepare the materials properly, including your mind and your brain and never neglect to tend the project as it progresses. How often have you become so excited or carried away by the initial success of a new project, only to find that success is short-lived? On examination, you will often find, I think, that your excitement and perhaps even self-satisfaction, caused you to neglect adding further fuel to the fire of your project and so it just died!
Fire warms and Fire harms,
Fire transforms and Fire reforms.
Our own sun is a flaming cauldron of fire, burning at enormous temperatures, using atomic and nuclear fission to keep it going, seemingly forever. Already the sun has burned for millennia unknown and although our intellect tells us it will burn itself out eventually, to ordinary men and women it truly does seem as though it will shine eternally. It burns with fearsome intensity and telescopes enable us to see the huge explosions that from time to time send flames millions of miles out into space. Close up this sun, which appears to shine so benevolently upon us, is an expression of the awesome forces of nature. Were Earth situated just a little closer, life on our planet would be impossible. As it is, God has ordained it should maintain such a distance from earth that instead of making our planet a heartless desert, it creates, with the help of the rain, a verdant, beautiful home for humanity to enjoy. It provides those essential elements for physical life, warmth and light.
Wild fire, though less frightening in its power than the sun, is one of nature’s most fearsome and awe-inspiring phenomena, especially when it threatens homes and people that are in its path. Many a person has misjudged the speed with which such fires move and paid a terrible price, as Australians have recently learned only too tragically. Yet wild fires are an integral part of nature’s wonderful balance. In forests, each year many trees and shrubs die or are killed by storms and over time they become cluttered with this detritus. Some of it decays and provides food for the growing trees but it is also a serious fire hazard as it becomes as dry as tinder during hot, summer months. A flash of lightening, a piece of glass or metal that concentrates the sun’s rays in a clearing, a carelessly discarded match or cigarette end or worse still, a deliberate act by a pyromaniac is all that it takes to start a blaze.
Once the blaze takes hold and is fanned by winds, it consumes all in its path and generates so much heat that trees which would normally not catch fire become as matchwood and are destroyed in minutes. If homes and people are in its path, this fire becomes a disastrous menace and many courageous firemen brave the flames to save both, sometimes without success. However, nature needs wild fires to cleanse the areas they cover. Many trees die in the blaze and afterwards, the site looks barren and lifeless but within months all is transformed. For the first time in years rain reaches the ground in quantity and sunlight, another form of fire, combines with it to germinate the seeds of flowers and grasses that have lain dormant in the soil for years. All of a sudden the earth is a blaze of colour as these seeds seek to reproduce themselves in haste, lest the canopy of the forest returns to deny them life.
Where once there was nothing but silence and sombre shadow, now the song of birds is heard, butterflies float from blossom to blossom and the air is heavy with the scent of flowers innumerable. Trees will slowly grow again, tall, healthy and majestic but it will take years before the sunlight and rain are blocked out once more. Thus round and round the circle of nature runs and the fire that created fear in the hearts of men has been the agent of transformation and renewal.
The dancing flames in the fireplace seem a million miles from the blazing heart of the conflagration that destroys a huge building or a wild fire out of control. Yet they are one and the same. The contrast illustrates so many aspects of our own lives. Under control, many dangerous and frightening natural forces can be brought into the service of humanity. So it is with our emotions. Under control they can be of service to others; out of control they are a menace that can sometimes threaten life and limb. Sometimes however, like the action of the wild fire in cleansing and renewing huge areas of forest, a certain level of violent emotion is needed to clear the emotional detritus we have collected within us. The Greeks named this catharsis and many of their tragedies were written to illustrate the cleansing actions of such violent emotion.
Examining the transformation wrought by fire in the wild, leads me to consider the transforming effects on human beings caused by the fires of pain and suffering. Just as the ore which contains gold has to be subjected to immense temperatures in order to release the beauty of the metal within, so the beauty and strength that lie within all human beings are often only revealed after undergoing great suffering. Sometimes the suffering is physical, sometimes emotional and sometimes spiritual.
A writer can only uncover the true beauty of his prose by effort - practice and revision, over and over; so it is with all worthwhile human achievements. Nothing worthwhile can be achieved without great effort and application. Even when the ideas and words appear to flow with ease, it is only when they have been honed and honed again by thought, revision, more thought and more revision that they reveal their true beauty of form and line.
It is easy to strike a match and light the paper beneath a fire but unless the wood and coals above have been carefully selected and laid, the fire will not catch alight. Soon all the paper will be consumed by the flames and no further heat can be obtained. Equally, even when the fire is burning merrily in the grate, unless it is tended carefully and new fuel added from time to time, the fire will die and all warmth from it will vanish.
There is a lesson here that we should remember in our personal endeavours. Always try to prepare the materials properly, including your mind and your brain and never neglect to tend the project as it progresses. How often have you become so excited or carried away by the initial success of a new project, only to find that success is short-lived? On examination, you will often find, I think, that your excitement and perhaps even self-satisfaction, caused you to neglect adding further fuel to the fire of your project and so it just died!
Friday, 13 February 2009
The Aim of Spiritualism
In all my experience, no-one has encapsulated the true aim of Spiritualism better than the 19th century American, Rev Theodore Parker. Despite the language being slightly archaic in parts, it sets out aims which any reasonable person could support.
Many modern Spiritualists are at best uncertain as to the true aim of Spiritualism and do not always understand fully the Principles on which it is based, either in Britain or the United States. At worst they attend their church just in case they receive a "message". It would be well for us all to read Parker's words regularly and in view of the current attitude towards 'messages', especially to note "It does not make the means the end."
Here is the complete text:
The Aim of Spiritualism
By Rev. Theodore Parker
The aim of Spiritualism is to effect a complete at-one-ment and unison of man with God,‘til every action and thought of man is in perfect harmony with the Divine Will. It makes absolute religion the point where man’s will and God’s will are one and the same.
It lays down no creed, asks no symbol and reverences no time or place exclusively. It cheerfully lives out its religion in all times and places, acts, words and thoughts. It considers forms and ceremonies as not essential it only reckons them as useful to those who need them.
It does not make the means the end. It prizes the sign only for the sake of the signification. Its temple is all space; its shrine, the good heart; its creed, all truth; its ritual, works of good and use; its profession of faith; a divine life, good works without, spiritual beauty and purity within and deeds of love to God through His creatures.
It does good for goodness’ sake. It asks no pardon for its sins but only seeks the opportunity to atone for them. It bows to no idols, whether made of wood or of metal; of flesh or of parchment; or even of authorities or of books. It is reverent to truth only and rejects all falsehood, though upheld by antiquity or the power of the church. It counts no good word profane because a heathen spoke it, nor a lie sacred though uttered by those the world calls sacred.
Its watchwords are, “Be ye perfect, as God is perfect”. It makes each man his own redeemer and his own priest; but gladly accepts of every true word, every earnest exhortation to good, or wise counsel spoken by others. It calls God, Father, not king; Jesus Brother, not redeemer; the heavens, the Summer-land, not a golden heaven.
Its sum of prayer is “Thy will be done”; its church that of nature and all holy souls wherever gathered together.
Oh come let us worship in this holy temple. Let us worship the Father in spirit and in truth. All true aspiration, all noble effort, is worship.
Thursday, 12 February 2009
Israel and Palestine - Ask Spirit to help
Once again, Israel is at a turning point. The election results have shown the natural desire of Israelis for security within their own borders but they have produced a stalemate because no single party has a majority in parliament. The politicians now have choices to make. Not just the horse trading between them to decide who becomes Prime Minister but how they are going to respond to the electorate’s call for greater security.
Will they be brave enough to try love instead of hatred? ‘Turning the other cheek’ is seen by many as a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it takes a great deal of courage and determination but in the final analysis it is the only sensible approach. Israel has become the pariah of the free world, something I am sure they do not enjoy. This could be changed overnight. How? By taking the brave step to search for a non-violent solution to their problems and showing they are determined not to be deflected from this course.
Now is the time for each of us to pray for Israel. To pray that their politicians be given the wisdom, strength and determination to “take the road less travelled”. To pray that all Israelis and Palestinians be surrounded with the pure light of the spirit so that thoughts of revenge and domination are replaced with those of love, compassion and recognition that all people are spiritual brothers irrespective of race or creed. Only thus, will politicians be able to persuade their people to accept the ‘love option’.
The United States and its new President have a key role to play and Mr Obama needs our prayers too. May he be granted the wisdom to use the influence his country has over Israel with determination and guile. Maybe the beginning of a new Presidential term is a good time to ignore the ‘Jewish vote’ for once. By adopting radical, love based policies and persuading Israel they will be followed through, despite opposition at home, the USA can open Israeli eyes long closed by hatred and conflict.
Please ask all your friends to join you in this prayer.
Will they be brave enough to try love instead of hatred? ‘Turning the other cheek’ is seen by many as a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it takes a great deal of courage and determination but in the final analysis it is the only sensible approach. Israel has become the pariah of the free world, something I am sure they do not enjoy. This could be changed overnight. How? By taking the brave step to search for a non-violent solution to their problems and showing they are determined not to be deflected from this course.
Now is the time for each of us to pray for Israel. To pray that their politicians be given the wisdom, strength and determination to “take the road less travelled”. To pray that all Israelis and Palestinians be surrounded with the pure light of the spirit so that thoughts of revenge and domination are replaced with those of love, compassion and recognition that all people are spiritual brothers irrespective of race or creed. Only thus, will politicians be able to persuade their people to accept the ‘love option’.
The United States and its new President have a key role to play and Mr Obama needs our prayers too. May he be granted the wisdom to use the influence his country has over Israel with determination and guile. Maybe the beginning of a new Presidential term is a good time to ignore the ‘Jewish vote’ for once. By adopting radical, love based policies and persuading Israel they will be followed through, despite opposition at home, the USA can open Israeli eyes long closed by hatred and conflict.
Please ask all your friends to join you in this prayer.
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
The Economic Recession
Can it be right that so many have to suffer for the dishonesty and greed of a few bankers and financiers?
I believe the claim of the poet Alexander Pope that “whatever is, is right,”. If so, what can be right about the behaviour of bankers and financiers that looks to be leading us into the worst economic recession for maybe 60 years?
There can be no doubt that humanity, especially in the so called ‘developed world’, has become focussed to a dangerous extent, on materialism. It is a focus that has become more and more intense with each new generation. This has been, in the main, due to the actions and words of scientists in all disciplines (whom we have unjustifiably deified), theologians, priests, ministers, politicians and the media. Because the influence of the latter has increased enormously since the advent of television and the worldwide web, so materialism and its companion consumerism, have been encouraged. Avarice and greed are a natural consequence.
Materialism has given us the god of money to fill the vacuum left by religion’s abandonment of its true spiritual responsibilities. It has also created the cult of the physical body. Physique is developed in countless gymnasia the world over; an ultra-slim body for ladies is promoted endlessly; drugs are taken by athletes so they can become faster or stronger than their opponents. The same lack of a moral dimension is seen here as in financial, get-rich-quick, schemes.
On every hand there are schemes to increase our wealth, we are urged to spend, spend, spend and never mind about whether we can afford it today – arrangements can be made to pay tomorrow! In recent years, how many people re-mortgaged their homes so as to buy cars etc. on the assumption the value of that home would keep increasing? How many others smiled and looked the other way when builders suggested telling mortgage lenders they were buying their houses for 20% or more higher and when this higher figure was accepted by the lender, builders shared the ‘profit’ with buyers? Normally sensible people allowed themselves to be persuaded all this was acceptable business and financial practice. No, it is not just the banks that were greedy, not only the banks lacked basic morality!
I accept the tempter is as, or maybe even more, guilty than the tempted but most people, deep down, knew what they were being encouraged to do was at its best unwise and at its worst unprincipled and dishonest. The seeds of our present harvest of misery were sown by many people, in all walks of life. The law of cause and effect does not become inoperative because one is tempted by another’s silver tongue!
I firmly believe that in the long term, what has happened will be seen as a blessing in disguise. Humans are threefold – body, mind and spirit. Many groups and individuals espouse this view but their voices urging us to develop our mind and spirit are drowned out by the clamour from the materialists. This present crisis, which could last a long time, is a watershed in human self-knowledge. Through its impact, more and more people will come to understand that a strong, fit mind and spirit are even more important than a strong, fit physical body. Many will be forced by circumstances into the company of other people and will thus become more aware of their needs and how each can help the other. Lack of the god money, will allow us to understand again that what is really important in life is often intangible. Love, happiness, joy, ecstasy, sadness, fear, hope and longing are not of the physical body.
We come to earth in order to learn spiritual lessons from all our experiences, not just those that are physical. We are also here to share with, not to exploit one another. Earthly life is a tiny proportion of our total life but no less important for that. Because materialism has moulded our minds into viewing all that happens here only in terms of the physical world and our physical bodies, our mind (part of the eternal spirit, not the brain) and our spirit are neglected. This sets up conflict within, leading to mental and physical illness because the mind influences the body so much. By allowing ourselves to focus only on our physical self, we are avoiding many opportunities for spiritual growth and understanding that would make us much more complete and balanced people.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE GREED AND IRRESPONSIBILITY OF RECENT DECADES IS THE WAY IN WHICH GOD IS MAKING US COME FACE TO FACE WITH OUR TRUE SPIRITUAL INHERITANCE. It offers a unique opportunity to change our thinking and our actions so our lives become more balanced and we give at least the same importance to the mind and the spirit as we do to the body.
The negative side is we all have to suffer, to a greater or lesser extent. The positive is that the result of the physical suffering could be a new world. A world ruled by love and understanding of our true nature.
The beauty of gold is only revealed after the ore has been subject to the fire of the refining process. This is our fire!
I believe the claim of the poet Alexander Pope that “whatever is, is right,”. If so, what can be right about the behaviour of bankers and financiers that looks to be leading us into the worst economic recession for maybe 60 years?
There can be no doubt that humanity, especially in the so called ‘developed world’, has become focussed to a dangerous extent, on materialism. It is a focus that has become more and more intense with each new generation. This has been, in the main, due to the actions and words of scientists in all disciplines (whom we have unjustifiably deified), theologians, priests, ministers, politicians and the media. Because the influence of the latter has increased enormously since the advent of television and the worldwide web, so materialism and its companion consumerism, have been encouraged. Avarice and greed are a natural consequence.
Materialism has given us the god of money to fill the vacuum left by religion’s abandonment of its true spiritual responsibilities. It has also created the cult of the physical body. Physique is developed in countless gymnasia the world over; an ultra-slim body for ladies is promoted endlessly; drugs are taken by athletes so they can become faster or stronger than their opponents. The same lack of a moral dimension is seen here as in financial, get-rich-quick, schemes.
On every hand there are schemes to increase our wealth, we are urged to spend, spend, spend and never mind about whether we can afford it today – arrangements can be made to pay tomorrow! In recent years, how many people re-mortgaged their homes so as to buy cars etc. on the assumption the value of that home would keep increasing? How many others smiled and looked the other way when builders suggested telling mortgage lenders they were buying their houses for 20% or more higher and when this higher figure was accepted by the lender, builders shared the ‘profit’ with buyers? Normally sensible people allowed themselves to be persuaded all this was acceptable business and financial practice. No, it is not just the banks that were greedy, not only the banks lacked basic morality!
I accept the tempter is as, or maybe even more, guilty than the tempted but most people, deep down, knew what they were being encouraged to do was at its best unwise and at its worst unprincipled and dishonest. The seeds of our present harvest of misery were sown by many people, in all walks of life. The law of cause and effect does not become inoperative because one is tempted by another’s silver tongue!
I firmly believe that in the long term, what has happened will be seen as a blessing in disguise. Humans are threefold – body, mind and spirit. Many groups and individuals espouse this view but their voices urging us to develop our mind and spirit are drowned out by the clamour from the materialists. This present crisis, which could last a long time, is a watershed in human self-knowledge. Through its impact, more and more people will come to understand that a strong, fit mind and spirit are even more important than a strong, fit physical body. Many will be forced by circumstances into the company of other people and will thus become more aware of their needs and how each can help the other. Lack of the god money, will allow us to understand again that what is really important in life is often intangible. Love, happiness, joy, ecstasy, sadness, fear, hope and longing are not of the physical body.
We come to earth in order to learn spiritual lessons from all our experiences, not just those that are physical. We are also here to share with, not to exploit one another. Earthly life is a tiny proportion of our total life but no less important for that. Because materialism has moulded our minds into viewing all that happens here only in terms of the physical world and our physical bodies, our mind (part of the eternal spirit, not the brain) and our spirit are neglected. This sets up conflict within, leading to mental and physical illness because the mind influences the body so much. By allowing ourselves to focus only on our physical self, we are avoiding many opportunities for spiritual growth and understanding that would make us much more complete and balanced people.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE GREED AND IRRESPONSIBILITY OF RECENT DECADES IS THE WAY IN WHICH GOD IS MAKING US COME FACE TO FACE WITH OUR TRUE SPIRITUAL INHERITANCE. It offers a unique opportunity to change our thinking and our actions so our lives become more balanced and we give at least the same importance to the mind and the spirit as we do to the body.
The negative side is we all have to suffer, to a greater or lesser extent. The positive is that the result of the physical suffering could be a new world. A world ruled by love and understanding of our true nature.
The beauty of gold is only revealed after the ore has been subject to the fire of the refining process. This is our fire!
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Hopi Elders Speak
A dear friend sent me this today and I want to share it with you.
Lionel
The Elders
Hopi Nation Oraibi, Arizona
You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour.
Now you must go back and tell the people that this is The Hour.
There are things to be considered:
Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Where is your water?
Know your garden.
It is time to speak your Truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.
Do not look outside yourself for the leader.
This could be a good time!
There is a river flowing now very fast.
It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid.
They will try to hold onto the shore.
They will feel they are being torn apart, and they will suffer greatly.
Know the river has its destination.
The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle
of the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water.
See who is in there with you and celebrate.
At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally.
Least of all, ourselves.
For the moment we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt.
The time of the lone wolf is over.
Gather yourselves!
Banish the word struggle from your attitude and vocabulary.
All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.
We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.
The Elders
Hopi Nation Oraibi, Arizona
Lionel
The Elders
Hopi Nation Oraibi, Arizona
You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour.
Now you must go back and tell the people that this is The Hour.
There are things to be considered:
Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Where is your water?
Know your garden.
It is time to speak your Truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.
Do not look outside yourself for the leader.
This could be a good time!
There is a river flowing now very fast.
It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid.
They will try to hold onto the shore.
They will feel they are being torn apart, and they will suffer greatly.
Know the river has its destination.
The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle
of the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water.
See who is in there with you and celebrate.
At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally.
Least of all, ourselves.
For the moment we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt.
The time of the lone wolf is over.
Gather yourselves!
Banish the word struggle from your attitude and vocabulary.
All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.
We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.
The Elders
Hopi Nation Oraibi, Arizona
Monday, 9 February 2009
More about the Natural World
"Take advantage of the summer, when tree and flower, mountain and sea, bird and beast, field and river and stream reveal themselves in all their beauty. Praise the Great Spirit, who has brought you such an infinite variety of His artistry as displayed in nature's handiwork. Seek communion with those forces; strive to find the Great Spirit as He is expressed in the silence of the forest, in the lulling of the wind, in the trilling of the bird, in the nodding pine, in the ebb and flow of the ocean, in the perfume and scent of the flower, in the drone of the insect.
Try to learn how to become at one with nature's hidden forces, so that you can obtain through them the strength that resides there. The Great Spirit can talk to you in many ways, not only in churches and temples, through inspired prophets and mediums, through sacred books with their countless revelations, but also through the voice of nature, which is His servant. I want to convey to you the love of the Great Spirit as expressed by all His powers - those that speak and those that are silent."
Silver Birch
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