Subject Index:
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Questions follow this short introduction from Shamani:
From a seed of love you were born, conceived in the light of the spirit.
A spiritual being composed of a body, mind, and soul. Now you find
yourself in a place you know little about. You seem confused about your
place in life, there has to be more to it than this, you say. Indeed
there is, but you need look no farther than yourself. This is your life
and believe it or not, you have chosen it.
Life stages, each one carrying a thousand wishes. But which wishes will
be granted and at what stage of life? In order to answer this, you must
first read the questions and answers in this chapter. For until you have
read what has already been written, you will lack the precise knowledge
and wisdom necessary to make your journey.
From childhood to adolescence, to young adulthood, to adulthood, and
finally to old age, many of you advance in age without knowing why. Life
stages—are these random events in themselves or are these part of a
well-devised plan? Think about this, if you had all the knowledge and
wisdom as a child, would you truly know how to use it properly? Life is
a progression toward the truth, the truth is what you (your soul) seeks.
The truth can be discovered in any stage of your life. When you are
ready to receive the truth, you shall open yourself to receive it. For
some, this may occur in childhood. For others, the truth may be a
product of old age. The important thing is to be aware that the truth
exists.
Your life stages are filled with many challenges and lessons. Until you
have learned how to master each life stage, you will seem presumed to
repeat that stage over and over again. How many of you are still living
in your childhood? Are the memories in the present?
All I ask of you is to take each stage in life one step at a time. There
should be no rush to get to the end, for in the end, you shall enter
another stage of life, a new beginning. The question is, will you be
ready? (Shamani)
Questions:
Why are we born only to eventually die?
What do we learn from childhood?
What do we learn from adolescence?
What do we learn from young adulthood (20s–30s)?
What can we learn from middle age (40s, 50s)?
What do we learn from old age?
What role do our elders play in our lives and in society?
How should we treat our elders?
What can we learn from our grandchildren?
Why do some people move often while others remain at their birthplace?
What do you think about divorce?
How can we help our children deal with divorce?
How can we help ourselves deal with divorce?
How can people come to terms with their conception of death?
What would you say to those who are grieving for their loved ones?
What is the best way to spend our lives?
Why are we born only to eventually die?
Birth is a cycle. Death is a cycle. Together the two cycles make up the
cycle of life. Think of the birth of ideas. An idea starts as a glimmer
of light. As the idea becomes stronger, it is able to stand on its own.
In turn, other ideas are born from this one idea. Soon that one idea
shines brilliantly for all to see. But the idea of one cannot
brilliantly shine forever. It becomes weary from the intense scrutiny
placed upon it. So it withers away and “dies” in a sense, but is never
forgotten. For the ideas born from it (one) are a lasting tribute. And
so you see, the same is with each of you.
Think of yourselves as an idea. In birth, you are given all the tools to
attain knowledge and wisdom in this lifetime. Once you have attained a
certain level of knowledge and wisdom, you must pass the tools on to
others. Do not see death as the end-all to life, it is only the
beginning of a new set of challenges. Your spirit (soul) is always
alive, it is only your perception of life and your physical body that
seemingly “dies.”
Find the courage and strength to live each day as if it were your first
day on the earth plane. Do not limit your thinking to what you are
restricted by. Venture out into the uncharted wilderness of your mind,
body, and spirit. You may find many surprises along the way. Do not be
alarmed for you can change what does not fit.
You have the freedom to live or die. Do not see this as a choice, for in
death you are renewed by life, and in life you are renewed by death. You
may be confused by what I say, but be assured that life and death are
one in the same.
I caution you not to take your own life prematurely for surely you will
find death. Allow yourself to be continuously reborn into the concepts
or ideas of love and truth. These two concepts will help you to make the
transition between birth and death, as well as death and birth.
Remember, birth and death are not as important as the way in which you
choose to live. (Asmuth) [top]
What do we learn from childhood?
Childhood, an age of innocence. You learn that everything around you is
filled with beauty. You see things as they truly are without any
superficial painted images. I speak of the early stage of childhood.
The leaves are green as they appear. You do not see color differences in
people. There is no black, white, yellow, or red to differentiate
between. The child only sees the soul of another person. Only until the
child is subjected to various images of what is “right” and “wrong” by
the elders is the child’s perception changed.
Childhood prepares you for the rest of your life. What you learn at this
stage will propel you into adulthood. If you have not learned your
lessons as a child, you will learn them as an adult. Some lessons are
easy, some are hard. If you make choices easily, your lessons won’t be
difficult. However, if you resist imminent change, your lessons will be
difficult.
As a child, you are given a vision of all that can be. You are given all
the tools you need to create your own vision. A vision of the future,
build something that will last. What you create should be a reflection
of yourself.
As an adult, you should be a symbol for all the children to follow.
Share your positive experiences and transform them into lessons of
learning. For the children represent the future. Let life on earth be
without end. (Shamani) [top]
What do we learn from adolescence?
Adolescence is a gift, a gift passed down through the ages. It is a
bridge between childhood and adulthood. Often a difficult time for many,
some never make it through.
Life is full of phases, like the phases of the moon. All contribute to
the fullness of the moon. Although only part of the moon is light, in
time the moon will be fully lit. So it is, I say, the same with you.
During adolescence, an abundance of ideas and choices open themselves.
Feelings are enhanced, the mystical fantasies of childhood become real.
Reality is at your doorstep, but all the tools you require are not
provided to you.
You start to realize you have choices. But you also realize there is a
certain amount of responsibility that accompanies these choices. Your
choices have long-lasting consequences.
Adolescence can be a joyful time or a painful time or a mix of both. It
is certainly a time of growth, both mentally and spiritually. Emotions
run high, too. The answers are out there and you seem ready to conquer
them. Few can tell you what the answers are, for you feel you have them.
So I say to you who are adolescents, sit back, take notice, and listen.
Build your bridge from childhood to adulthood on a solid foundation. For
if you rush through the process, the bridge will surely collapse. What
you do now dictates the rest of your life. A solid bridge will make the
transition easier and you can travel back and forth easier. (Asmuth) [top]
What do we learn from young adulthood (20s–30s)?
The crow flies west instead of south for the winter. It is a symbol for
you to follow. What you learn from young adulthood is how to trust your
intuitive thoughts and feelings. You learn to develop your own character
based on what you have learned in the past twenty-plus years.
In your childhood, you build a foundation of thoughts, feelings, and
ideas. You develop a sense of who you are. As you develop from a child
to a young adult, you cross a path which leads you down some very
challenging roads.
Your life is similar to a tree branch. There is the main body of the
branch which symbolizes who you are and what you stand for. But there
are also several offshoots from the branch. These offshoots symbolize
the desires you have to go beyond yourself. If these desires are strong
enough, a new branch will take shape. Think of springtime when a tree
bears new buds. The new buds symbolize new thoughts, feelings, and
ideas. In a sense, you feel renewed in the spring, just like the tree.
So I say to you, branch out from yourself and discover who you are.
Young adulthood can be the most important growth period of your life on
the earth plane. It is a time to develop your strengths and weaknesses,
both of these make you stronger. Strength cannot be entirely measured by
physical means. Strength is measured in terms of the emotional, mental,
spiritual, and physical states of being. It is equally important to
develop your mind, body, and spirit.
Remember that young adulthood is very important. For in this stage of
your life, you will grow and learn at a rapid rate. The doors to rapid
growth are open to you. Will you open or close the doors? It is up to
you. Will you fly south for the winter because everyone tells you this
is the way, or will you fly west because your intuition tells you so?
Trust your intuitive ability and soon you will find the path to the
light and truth. (Shamani) [top]
What can we learn from middle age (40s, 50s)?
The conceptions of a few are an intrusion into the minds of many. Do not
let others dictate your stages of life. Your concept of age is based on
a device devoted to time. Do not devote yourself to the ideas of many.
Instead embrace your independence, for now is the time to beat your own
drum.
What does middle age connote? What are you in the middle of? You only
set a limit on yourself and what you can accomplish. Accomplishments can
not be measured in a time sequence. Your life can be expanded from the
point of your soul's conception.
Life is without end.
“Middle age” can serve as an accelerator or a decelerator, depending on
how you perceive it. The same can be said for the young and the elders.
Wisdom can be attained at any point in your life on earth and beyond.
The limits you set on yourself will keep you a slave to yourself. Your
life is like a puzzle. You may have all the pieces to solve it but do
you know how all the pieces fit together?
For those who are stuck in between “childhood” and “old age,” I ask you
to take what you have learned as a child, both the wisdom and free
spirit, and launch yourself into a new era of thinking and feeling. Take
time to look around you, there is much you have overlooked. The missing
pieces of the puzzle are scattered around. But you can find them, if you
use the wisdom you have been given.
As you reflect on your past, look at your reflection in the mirror. Are
you happy—are you sad? Do you wish you had lived differently? All of
this is in the past—what you do right here and now is what will make a
difference. Do not dwell in the past, recover from your childhood—life
awaits you. You can either take the escalator or elevator to the top
floor. But remember, what do you see in an elevator? You remain in a box
with other people and get nowhere fast.
Spend time with your children and parents. For those whose children
and/or parents have passed on, I share your need for solitude. To you, I
give a bouquet of golden roses. May you never forget that those who have
passed over are comforted and loved. May you also find comfort and love
in knowing this.
“Middle age” is a time of reflection. Let it be a reflection of who you
really are. Stand tall and be honest with yourself. Take off the
disguises which mask your true identity. By doing these things, you will
truly discover that which is timeless—your life. (Shamani) [top]
What do we learn from old age?
Old age, timeless wonder, do you tire from the long journey? But has it
not been worth it, think of all the wisdom and knowledge you have
gained.
Those who are old wish they were younger, those who are young wish they
were older. Seems a shame to waste the youth on the young and the old
age on the elderly. Seems like there should be a role reversal. There
are some who voice this, but many embrace youth and old age.
Old age is an accumulation of thoughts, ideas, feelings, and lessons. It
seems once you’ve learned it (the meaning of life), it is time for you
to pass over.
The term you use, “old age,” is somewhat confusing. For we all have had
many lives, how “old” are we really? But in this life, many seem older
than they are. Wisdom comes to those who embrace it.
Our life journeys are filled with lessons. We choose the lessons and the
pace at which we learn.
Age is timeless, only a gauge by which you measure your life on Earth.
What you do with your life determines the age to which you live.
(Asmuth) [top]
What role do our elders play in our lives and in society?
The elders are the keepers of the wisdom. If you look to your elders for
the answers you seek, you will see that only years of trial and error
have made them so wise. You too will one day become an elder. Wisdom and
knowledge are to be shared. You can have all the knowledge and wisdom in
the universe and still have no knowledge and wisdom how to use it.
Protect the elders of your society. If you cast them out or shut them
in, you do a great disservice to yourself as well as them. Their needs
and your needs are equally important. You may not think of your elders
as contributing much to your life, but I say you are blind to the past.
If you could only walk the thousands uted so much to your life.
The elders have much to teach you, if you only open your mind and soul.
They can teach you things that no history book can teach you. For they
have feelings, thoughts, and ideas that tell a different story. The
story is in their own words, neither fact nor fiction. The words of life
emanate from their lips. The words they speak are expressions of
freedom. Freedom from guilt and despair. They have seen and done it all,
their life is a testimony to that.
So I ask you to respect and revere your elders. Hold them in high
regard. The elders who are wise know what I speak of. The person who is
wise does not claim to be wise, for wisdom cannot be clouded with ego.
Let the wise elders teach you the way to freedom, freedom from the
addictions that hold you a prisoner to yourself. Set yourself free so
that you may open yourself to the knowledge and wisdom.
Remember that the elders will teach you what you will one day know. You
can learn it now or later, it is possible to see the future in the
present moment. Do you know what I say now or will you say what I know
later? (Shamani) [top]
How should we treat our elders?
The eagle rises after a long night’s sleep. Once thought dead, he has
risen again to embrace the new day. A new day is dawning, the whole
world awaits your arrival. Will you embrace the new day or will you let
it pass without notice? And so I say to many of you, treat your elders
with respect, treat each other with respect. You can learn so much from
one another. Do not restrict yourself to your circle of life. Expand
your circle to include others. The circle grows with love. Love is the
eternal blessing bestowed upon you.
The wolf cries in pain. Will you try to heal the wolf or will you walk
away in fear? The wolf has provided much of your needs, it has walked a
thousand miles ahead of you. Do you realize this? Think of what I say in
terms of the elders, those who have walked the earth before you. They
were once bound by chains (their own ideas). But they found the key to
unlock the chains. Now you walk effortlessly, for those before you have
marked the trail.
The elders do not ask to be glorified, only to be recognized. They are
aware of who you are and where you have been—it is no secret. The secret
to happiness is to live a “long” life in a way which you can be proud
of. “Long” is relative, I do not speak of time. I speak of “long” in
terms of stretching your abilities, being all that you are.
Many of you may think that you know more than your elders. Indeed, you
may, but does that make you a better person? If you know more, then
teach others what you know. Soon, you will be an elder of knowledge.
Soon, the elders will come to you seeking knowledge and wisdom. See how
they treat you and reply the same.
Old age is not a curse but a blessing. You can always relive memories
but you must live today to make a memory for tomorrow. Remember who you
are and where you’ve come from. For one day, others will see you as an
elder and treat you as you have treated the elders today. I leave you
with three simple words to help you: respect, love, and understanding.
Treat your elders accordingly. (Shamani) [top]
What can we learn from our grandchildren?
Your grandchildren are a symbol of life never-ending. Think about what
you are leaving them in terms of wisdom and understanding. Grandchildren
look up to their grandparents with awe. It almost seems as if the
grandparents hold the crystal ball containing all the wisdom of the
world.
From your grandchildren, you can learn the value of youth. When we are
young, we don’t see the true gift we behold. The whole world is in our
hands, we can mold it the way we want (if only in our minds), the spirit
of adventure is prevalent, and yet we don’t “see” it. We want to grow
older. It is only after we grow older (beyond childhood) that we try to
recapture that spirit.
You can learn to enjoy every moment of your lives. Do not be envious of
the young or old. There is beauty and wisdom in being both. Find comfort
and peace where you are, right here, right now. The present is all that
matters. For if you are not content with yourself now, what makes you
think the future will be any different? (Asmuth) [top]
Why do some people move often while others remain at their
birthplace?
Each soul has a different destiny. Destiny is your individual choice,
both here and beyond. We are all free spirits. Some spirits are restless
while others find stability in the moment.
You are the director of your life, you have two eyes to see with. You
have a vision of what your life will be. You are on a personal voyage of
discovery. You may visit many places, for you there is a spirit of
adventure. Different people and different cultures pique your interest.
For you, life is not about staying in one place too long. There are
personal challenges and mysteries that await your discovery. You wish to
discover the true secrets of yourself. The universe is in constant
motion, why shouldn’t you be. For you, life can not be summized in one
experience. You are on an eternal vision quest. I say this to those who
move often. Let your spirit soar and take you to the far reaches of your
mind.
To those who remain at their birthplace, I say that you move with great
purpose and intent. You have a vision of your life, you hold and embody
that vision.
You find stability in one place, the world does not entirely pique your
interest. The excitement you desire can be found in one place. Yet
within one place, there are many challenges and lessons for you. You are
the captain of a thousand ships. The ships always stay in port awaiting
your orders to sail. The seas seem rough and uncharted. We shall wait
another day before we sail, you say. There is much to do here on land
anyway. For you, it is better to remain at your birthplace than to sail
uncharted waters. The security and stability of the “home” is what you
seek. Let others who are willing to make the journey cast off.
Mobility and stability allow each soul to discover their true potential.
Every soul takes a different journey but alas every soul converges into
one. Let your spirit soar and discover who you are. Above all, follow
your own vision! (Shamani) [top]
What do you think about divorce?
Marriage is an institution. Divorce is an institution. Are these two
institutions based entirely on love? Too often, I see many of you
entering into marriage or divorce out of convenience. You disregard the
institutions that you have created and supported.
If you marry, it should be for the sole reason of love, not for money,
convenience, or because it’s what everyone expects of you. Whose life is
it, yours or theirs? Most often, when you are not in love, the marriage
can only deteriorate into divorce.
What is divorce but a separation? Why did you get married in the first
place? In a sense, marriage is an escape for many of you. When you can
not face yourself, you attempt to escape into a world of fantasy which
often climaxes in marriage.
In order for the institution of marriage to work, you must commit to
loving yourself. For if you do not love yourself, do you think marriage
will change this?
There are many ways for a couple to express love for each other. Find
the ways that keep you together or separate you. Divorce is neither
“right” nor “wrong,” it is what you choose to make it.
If you are not happy with your marriage, do not amuse yourself by being
miserable in it. Either change or accept it. You are the key to your
happiness. Marriage and divorce are institutions of control and
ownership. You can commit to loving yourself and another person, or
loving an institution for the rest of your life. If you choose to live
by institutions, then surely you will die by them also. (Shamani) [top]
How can we help our children deal with divorce?
Innocent pawns in a game of chess. Not only must you help your children
but also your inner child. Isn’t that—the inner child—who led you down
this path. In order to help your children, you must look at the
situation through the eyes of a child. What do you see? Pain, confusion,
separation, anxiety, frustration, anger, only to name a few!
Think of the difficulty you have in dealing with divorce. Then project
an increased level of difficulty and you will see what your child is
experiencing. Experience is the best teacher but it can also be the most
difficult. I cannot give you a specific answer for each child. You know
your child and his or her emotional and mental needs. Try to nurture
those needs by communicating open love for them. Hug them and tell them
that they are not to blame for the divorce.
It is often very difficult for a child to accept that mommy and daddy
don’t want to be with them anymore. All of what they have grown to know
is suddenly turned upside-down and no one is there to tell them it will
be all right. They will question whether this is a dream or reality, or
both?
Talk to your children, let them know how you feel. Then answer any
questions they may have as best you can. I ask you not to defame your
spouse. It might be better for you and your spouse to collectively talk
to your child. You may even find that you can reconcile your
differences. Children are often the best mediators, if you value their
knowledge and wisdom.
If you can not reconcile your differences, then seek to part from each
other in an aura filled with love. Accept each other for what each of
you is. See that you both have grown in different directions and have
decided to change your life for the better. May your divorce be forever
surrounded in the spirit of love and peace. And may your children be a
part of your lives forever. (Shamani) [top]
How can we help ourselves deal with divorce?
The eagle stands alone, waiting for an answer. Can the answer to this
question be etched in stone? I think not, for each of you is different.
What is divorce based on but differences of opinions, lifestyle, and
love.
Divorce is essentially a division of yourself from another person. The
differences that brought you together are now the differences that set
you apart. Do not fear what is to be. It is better that both of you have
realized that the life you dreamed of is no more. Who can put a number
on love? Can you find a book or source that will tell you how long you
will be married or in love? Not even a crystal ball can tell you with
any accuracy.
Fate or destiny, you seem to be ruled by it. But then you have chosen
this path, so you indeed rule it. Do not seek to blame the other person
for what you did not share. Just thank yourself for making a responsible
choice to leave your marriage behind. It is time for you to move on, you
are on a path of self-discovery in which you are the guide.
If children and/or assets were a product of the marriage, you must take
care in preserving both. Your children are the most important, do not
treat them as things which can be divided down the middle. Think of your
life being torn in half and you are given two pieces which do not fit
anymore. How would you feel? It is important that you talk to your
children and help them understand how you feel. This will help them to
make the transition.
Before I go further, I ask you to take one step backward to before you
got married. Ask yourself: what did I want? what did I feel? and who was
I? Do you feel the same way now? Are you asking yourself the same
questions? How will your life be different from now on? Seek to better
yourself by getting in touch with your emotions.
Divorce brings a sense of finality. You can choose to grow or stagnate.
Whatever you do, do it out of love. One day you will be whole again,
possibly married again. Do not carry the misfortune of one marriage to
another. Seek to find what is missing in your life and grow into that
void. Surround yourself with love.
Remember the eagle (you) shall return to the nest and stand alone once
again. In your aloneness, you will see that there are others like you
who have traveled the same road. For them, the answers did not always
come easy but they did find the answers.
And you shall find the answers that you seek. Open yourself (your mind,
body, and spirit) and you shall receive them. (Shamani) [top]
How can people come to terms with their conception of death?
Death, a bridge across forever. You see it every day. Yes, you have
survived another day. Death, a measure of where we have been and where
we are going.
Going to hell or going to heaven is what so many ask.
Death is a resting-place. It is not something to fear. With death comes
rebirth. You have experienced this throughout your life.
That moment between death and life can be very scary. You are alone much
like when you were born. It is in this moment that you are faced with
the eternal question—where am I?
Death is what you make of it. It can be enjoyable or painful. Death is a
test of faith, do you believe in yourself? Who am I?
Conceived in the light, so shall you return to the light. Many souls
await you, your beliefs await you. The final script of your life has
been written. Will there be a sequel? Only you can decide.
What lies beyond may not be as glorious as what you left here on Earth.
The way you live your life will determine your “afterlife.” I say this
not in a punishing way at all. You will find that forgiveness comes to
all who seek it.
In death, you shall see truth. (Shamani) [top]
What would you say to those who are grieving for their loved ones?
Light, essence, angels of purity watch over you. The stars above do not
shine without you. There is a higher purpose, although not visible to
you now. Perpetual motion, souls reunited with loved ones. Although you
grieve now, it is with my deepest love I say to you do not worry. For
you too, one day, shall be reunited with those who strain your heart.
The fiddler plays a violin, sweet sounds. A mist lowers over the valley,
covering everything, till the sun bursts forth in a new day.
Love does not perish, those you grieve for hear you. They hear your
wants, your wishes, but they too are safe.
Eruptions of the heart, glorified, welcome them for soon you too shall
be with them. Do not curse the ground you walk on. Senseless tragedy or
divine purpose—you be the judge. But who do you judge—those before you?
Keep a silent vigil in your soul. Open your heart and let the bountiful
love and truth flow in. Let it flow like a waterfall and soon you shall
be refreshed.
The light shines down upon you to give you renewal of spirit. Love
abounds, love is plentiful, know that love will keep you strong. Go
forth into the light and seek the eternal truth, the truth awaits you. A
tunnel of love, you are embraced by it. See it, feel it, know it—know
that love is real.
In death, we only come to see kindred spirits. Spirits of love, peace,
and harmony. A symphony of souls bonding through love. Love without
blame, desire, denial. Love in the truest sense. Be comforted by what I
say. You are loved so dearly. (Asmuth) [top]
What is the best way to spend our lives?
There are many ways to spend your lives, but can I say what is best for
each of you? You are the ruler of your destiny. Can anyone else say what
the best way is to spend your life? Many may try to tell you what is
best for them, but is it best for you?
Strength and courage walk hand in hand. You have both the strength and
courage to decide what is best for you. You may not always like the
consequences of your choices. But remember, you make the best choices
possible, given all you know. Use the knowledge and wisdom you have
developed, for your life depends on it.
If you spend your life seeking the truth and sharing the knowledge and
wisdom you have acquired, you will have found the best way to spend your
life. Be a symbol of free and creative expression. The best way to spend
your life is to be truly who you are. Honor and respect your own life
path and the paths of others.
In order to be truly who you are, you must identify one thing about
yourself that truly makes you happy. Once you’ve found that one thing,
which can only be love, build a monument to it. Then spend the rest of
your life sharing love and being happy.
Some of you may know a better way to spend your life, but I ask you, are
you being true to yourself? Best does not equate with truth, for truth
can only be what is best for you. (Asmuth)
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