Caterpillars and Miracles at the Perceived End

From: http://www.joelwlamoure.com/id43.html

Greetings my gentle readers to this week's installment of the "Be Yourself, Often" blog. Ahhh. the time in the week that we can step back and know that we have survived the past 7 days and take some meditative, motivational and reflective time to discourse on the week. To step back and realize and with fearlessness that we may be able with strength and fortitude to move the little boat that we call our lives across the sea to the next port.

And what if we have, or come to, or have foisted upon us the realization that what we thought was the next port of call was really a potential disaster all wrapped up in reefs and that simply the sail-by that we were planning on to get a good view was NOT for us? That somewhere along the way what we thought to be the opportunity was actually a false hope?

Ah my friends and here is where some of the discussions of the past few weeks comes into play. A wise person stated and asked the question of what actually dies and did the caterpillar think BEFORE it came a butterfly? Was it imbued with this sense of dread and disaster that these were the end of its days? That there was no more and that it was sequestered away into a cocoon? Or perhaps all along it realized that it full full of butterfly elements and longing and yearning for the end of the first stage and knowing where it would go next? More likely...it just was and at one with the moment and then the miracle of evolution of its life progressed.

And this is the reflection that I take away from the question. Inherently, being humans, we are fraught with the ego centric concept and how to reflect things and what does it mean to us. That actually though is far preferable my friend to the converse where one thinks that they are knowing of all, yet ignorant beyond themselves. We call those people un-enlightened and maybe even arrogant jerks if they try to ram their crap down YOUR throat as opposed of a rational discourse. I digress.... back to the miracles at the perceived end. Simply being at one and content with the moment with an idea of the way you want to head is wonderful. The key is to be at one with the moment and be light of heart, removed from some of the societal dictates and constraints of the day and be able and free enough to express the carefree side that we have. It may be public or in private and what you do, think, say, dress or feel... but there should be some kid-like (read:non-ego centric, full of wonderment and miracles) in the days and weeks.

And then as we are able to progress down the slope of life in that approach, we can realize and have the insight with gentle guidance that what we thought was the end (be it a position, change in location, relationship status) is only the beginning. And if we have REAL fortitude and some gentle friends and a bit of a vivid and open memory and imagination.... we may come to the realization gentle readers that we have all of those abilities to be a butterfly within us. And even more that sometimes the situations that occur that have cocooned us may have actually allowed us to embark on the next journey.

Sure as the evolution occurs for the caterpillar to butterfly.... the butterfly is still subject to the elements and the wind and the seasons and the risks of life. It is not immune. But it has allowed itself to evolve! And if that isnt a sweet place to be vs dying as a caterpillar and not having that chance, I dont know what is.

Incredible feelings to realize as one has been cocooned without even knowing it that the butterfly was evolving and growing. An incredible miracle and thought that can be realised in each of us when we step away from the concepts of the ego-dog and the coulda, shoulda, woulda and BMW concepts, embracing the kid-like (and God-like) rose coloured glasses that we all have (some are broken, but one can still use part of the lens... I believe we have fragments of those glasses- every one of us). And to look through those lenses again in mind and in action will allow us to achieve flight in our Faith and resurrection..... and then one can touch the Heavens, the stars and hold the moon between your fingers and thumb. That we can look and feel with wonderment and embrace the resurrection, which is really tapping into the evolving gift we have nestled within us.

And ironically, to touch that is to touch the Heavens by embracing the kidlike nature in yourself and to be yourself, often.

--- Rev. Dr. Joel Lamoure   March 2012 

Defining life with honesty

From: http://www.joelwlamoure.com/2012.03.01_arch.html

Greetings my gentle readers to this weeks installment of the "Be yourself, often" blog. Ah yes, a time when we are able to step back and reflect on the myriad of successes and challenges of the week. Time to quietly step back and reflect over a cup of coffee and answer the extistential question. "Was I the pigeon this week... or the statue"? 


Interestingly.. usually you can be both and sadly enough depending on the degree of perspective and how the lens is applied you may actually be both! A hero in one vein and a villain in the other. Ah the joys of trying to satisfy many masters. But where is the you in there? Where is the hope, faith and belief that every human being has the inherent chances, rights and opportunities to have? Well my gentle readers, that is often lost in the fact that we are so wrapped up in trying to achieve what we THINK is important and lose the crucible of the moment. Sometimes to the point where its so bad that the crucible breaks, spilling the contents into the fire. And ouch... burn baby that one hurts like a son of a sun.


Peace, patience, silence, humility and serenity. Not serenity now, darn it! I believe that these 5 items which are my mantra as many of you know are essential to good health and wellbeing. sadly, I dont achieve those very often, but I do try. True serenity I believe will come as the mind quiets down and listens to the silent voice in the wind. And that requires some brutal honesty that is lost in the mind numbing western cultural things that we have. In tv, mass media and social media... we lose ourselves and our minds and our self-identification in things OTHERS want us to believe in. I mean, to have an attention span of 3 minutes on some topics is very sad. Means that we are not able to be able to take in any more than the highest level of sensory input. And that is usually associated with a mind dissolving salve of what the men in the blue pinstripe suits want you to know and do. Sheeple.


I believe that to define a life with honesty and traversing down this road we need to practice and live our mantras. Maybe the "law of diminishing returns" had something to do with life as well. as we rev our little Model T Ford engines in this Ferrari society... we get run over. Seeya baby and booya. Dont write. We do have that choice to race with the big boys but you will lose almost every-time. Sure there are some that win the game.. and its like buying a lottery ticket. Set those hopes, goals and dreams and still get left holding worthless paper. Maybe then we should not focus on the paper, but redefining our lives with that honesty and integrity. To rev the engines mean they blow meaning you dont optimize performance. What if, in line with the Law, that we optimize our efforts to 70-80% and spend the rest of the time on us? To sit back in the buckwheat and appreciate the voices in the wind and the animals in the clouds. Per wit, to be a kid again at heart and in spirit and actions and even more important, beliefs.


That just maybe my gentle readers, through redefining life with honesty and more balance that we are able to infuse in our busy lives what matters. Faith and Belief are 2 key elements in this new crucible. Where and how did the miracles of the moment come from? Maybe youve had enough and dont want to race anymore... I dont blame you. There are miracles abound and I am hypothesizing that by capturing and feeling this Heaven on Earth... you might just be able to be yourself, often.


--- Rev. Dr. Joel Lamoure    March 2012 

Balancing Acts of Gods and Generals

From:
http://www.joelwlamoure.com/2012.03.01_arch.html

Balancing Acts of Gods and Generals

Greetings my gentle readers to this week's (albeit late) edition of the "Be Yourself, Often" blog. Ah yes, a time that and when we can step back and reflect on the subtleties and largeties of the day and week, break bread together in a few moments of peace.
This has been such an exciting and wonderful week as it relates to many topics and moments and glimmers of light radiating through unopened doors with the map in the mind serving as a vista to step from. A week where the belief, faith and hope resonated strong and wonderful friends, colleagues and family come to play. These are such exciting times and we are actually exceedingly privileged as we move ahead my friends to have such friends that will help you mind and reflect. In challenges come wonderful opportunities and the layers of the mask addressed.
As layers of the mask come off and we really truly address the core and root individual that we are, it was postulated by a wise colleague of mine that sometimes maybe the world doesnt want to entirely see the total without makeup side that we have. And in fact, it may do us benefit to maintain some autonomy behind a mask or two. Being the person that I am, I can and will wholeheartedly agree, that sometimes the honesty and up front may just be too much for people!
But what a wonderful discussion and reflection to move forward with! And another set of very key discussions had to do with balance. Who is who that we are in the situations that arise and what do we stand for versus the what that the situation demands? And in all of those reflections on balance and that some aspects may just get lost in the mask themselves, it is the root that we must be ourselves often. To look at the who that we are and in balance be comfortable with that person and live the dream that we are living and to do it well and with personal integrity.
In challenges come wonderful opportunities and clarity. That is the times when one doesnt thing that things are going exactly the way that WE expect them to... that always, always, always a new set of opportunities come. Per wit, we have exhausted and come to the end of the map in our mind. Do we play that level again, or with inspirations and support of those around look to the lines and shadows and new doors of opportunity either personally or professionally to advance? And if we knock or try to push open those doors, what lies on the other side? It truly is a fools guess to try to think what the other person may be thinking, planning, doing and in any way, shape or form to step away, fight or impede what the wheel of samsara has come around to. That we are open and receptive and gracious when a situation arises. That is the tool of leaders versus cowards. The choice of Gods and Generals.
For we are to understand and forgive and learn. To make an accurate determination of the lay of the land with a fearless review of the resources and internal skills that we have and possess. That can not be taken away unless we take them away. To practice and belief with high integrity.
And that my gentle readers stems back to the ability to listen careful and as I am learning to ask and encourage the feedback that will help advance the thought process, make it even richer and allow a situation where all are heard. That we are able to feel and see that kind and loving reflection that we have been afforded, and make do and also be comfortable with it! That we then know the lay of the land and what is needed and afforded much clarity, with (most of) the masks removed. And that we are comfortable with that person. This opens the vial of spiritual hope. For that we are allowed then to advance down a complete and holistic path which is rooted in the REAL goals and outcomes set for us, versus what we believe and believed is our due (oh the RICH delusions we create!!!). That knowledge and surrounded by like minded empowers us and the story is all about personalization and this is my story.
Holistic health.... to be light at heart and mind and comfortable with the surroundings and the miracles that abound around us in the momemnt. Yes, I think that just may allow you (and me) to be yourself, often.


--- Rev. Dr. Joel Lamoure      Match 2012 

People and their masks....

From: http://www.joelwlamoure.com/id43.html

Greetings my gentle readers to this week's installment of the "Be yourself, often" blog. This as you well know is a time when we can all sit back and step back and reflect on the opportunities and challenges and successes of the day, week and what we call life on this big blue marble.

As we look ahead to this weeks topic, just a reminder of the expression that reminds us that we are not the ones in charge here. Its is not that we are the omnipresent beings, despite our common delusional ego-centric belief systems. A good and very humbling reminder. For in reality that and its subsequent ego-perversion is its own mask that we wear. That we are humans with the rare spiritual experience. In converse, we are spiritual beings having a very very human experience.

And so this has started to unmask the concepts of this week's blog, which is the premises of masks. For goodness sakes, we wear so many that its like Tammy Faye bake with multiple levels of makeup that we cant even begin to see the underlying person and real healthy (or pallor) of skin tones that we truly possess and have. What a shame isnt it? Was a great revelation and discussion I have had multiple times this week, and in fact had a topic selected about masks last Sunday! As such, maybe the filter of reflection that Ive had this week is that of the delusional masks that we wear. I know myself that there are so many and it was humbling to apply that filter and mirror to myself.
For the masks that we do wear are not unlike that of Erik, the protagonist/antagonist in the Phantom of the Opera.  Really we do exist in this beautiful cathedral and Opera House of life (and I have seen the famed Paris Opera House) yet exist in this subterranean reclusive pattern and do not see the marvels and beauty all around of us! We wear masks that are compensatory in nature, thinking there is some horrible defect within ourselves. Eventually...as I believe that masks beget masks and more and more are piled on until you cant even begin to recognize yourself. All ego driven of course and purely delusional. Like the magic hat trick and how many CAN you wear? This starts in child hood and play nice, societally acceptable, dont express yourself, get an education, get a job, have kids, develop accolades, win-win-win. Thanks Coach Lombardo for reinforcing the need the "Winning is Everything". It and they are all masks.

BUT, heres the thought of the day and going back to the underlying premise discussed at the beginning of theblog. What if, just what if that underlying thought is accurate that we ARE indeed spiritual beings having a human existence. I actually fully believe that and reinforced more and more as I write these blogs, talk and listen to people (especially my psychiatric patients), and advance my ministerial roles and the radio show "Prescribing Spiritual H.O.P.E". Just maybe if that is true we are indeed afraid to show the person that we really are? Born in purity, innocence and genuis? With the ability to heal, see and believe? A miracle of the moment? As we progress across life, those masks only dull that set until we in reality are unrecognizable, stifled and suffocated by the "Delusional Ego Mask Overt Narcissistic Syndrome" as I like to call it. And son of a gun and page the Pope... that spells DEMONS. oopsies. Could man really be do demonic with the masks as to commit atrocities, mass murder, starvation, greed, ethnic cleansing, genocide and create at times a hell on Earth?

Now theres a point to ponder.

Lets look at ourselves and commit to strip down and remove the masks and look at the fact there may actually be spiritual angels that reside within ourselves that resonate with spirit, goodness and kidness. An eye for an eye means everyone is blinded. I would rather embrace the innocence and happiness of a child and be that myself and along the way together you can be yourself, often.

--- Rev. Dr. Joel Lamoure      February 2012 

At the end of the day...

From: http://www.joelwlamoure.com/id43.html

Greetings my gentle readers and welcome to this week's installment of the "Be Yourself, Often" blog. A time where we can sit back all together with a cuppa Jo and reflect on the sanities and insanities of the week. What it was, what it will be.... but most importantly what we have and can celebrate in the NOW.
I apologize that this blog is being written a day late and likely because (as most people have)... it has been a week of the thrill of Light and inspiration and insight, coupled with the crush of defeat. And to make it better, often these events transpired within mere hours of each other. So after much mindful reflection and the kind words and gestures of friends and feeling like being hit with a whiffle bat, lets see where this goes.
This issue of the challenge matters not in the context of this discussion, for the events have different names my gentle readers but all translate to the same end issue. And that is a feeling that this wasnt and didnt go down the way I planned and prepared so meticulously. You play the game, do the right steps and booya.... theres the whiffle bat! Does not matter what name we ascribe to it. Could be loss, disappointment, grief, agony, separation, unexpected negatives but the same outcome is consistent. The person inside. I cant and will not judge levels of importance. If it bites and feels like a bat, it is.
Here lies last weeks discussion on abundance. What do you wish to pollinate and propagate? More of the same or a different overall long term outcome? Sadly we dont know how long it takes to get to the other side of the tunnel. But resentments along the way is poisonous and deadly... guaranteed.  Resentments about a situation where one has been mindful and honest and true to themselves or others is to denigrate the wins and successes that have gone into the situation. Its like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. Its like the cat pooping in your Rice Krispies thinking it was the litter box and then ingesting. Pick your analogy. No matter what, resentments carry a toxic energy that an individual has one foot and one in tomorrow and sadly ends up urinating on today. SO not pleasant.
As you know, we have the Free Will Covenant and the ability to make some choices, to move ahead and beyond the mess of the situation. First off is the chance to step back and reflect from the challenge of the day (and there are SO many) in the course of the Western society! Did you put your all into it and why? If you did, what is the person in there thinking and believing? What was the root cause and root operating system that you have within you. Can that shine and are there masks that are dulling the reflections and ultimately the abundance that we all have? When you are faced with such an eye opening thought it well... opens your eyes. Even more than that if mirrored through the right gentle soul, venue and format can make you realize that ultimately "This too shall pass". That the spirit inside very well may have been repressed and in the societal crud of the day. You arent getting the chance to live your own dream, you are living someone else's dream. And as Harry Chapin said 35 years ago... at end of the day you dont settle easy.
To touch that soul and spirit within is a gentle caress opening up and finding the flame that is within us. A chance to look at our spiritus and touch the eager child within who is brilliant and young at heart. To be able to touch eternity. That is a miracle. There are miracles in the moment as we have described before. We need to step back from the societal drudgery of the day to be able to touch them. Rip off that mask (with assistance from friend and the situation) and say Hi y'all! I'm here! That touch of infinite in the moment, when we can be able to see the Spiritual Code written within us.
And when you reflect it that way, and can fearlessly take a step back.... you realize the buggers did you a favour instead of something punitive. You dont have to add another level to the mask and pander to societal rules and dictates. Maybe by touching the inner self, you have and can see that you have been given a favour and chance and incredible opportunity in the now... and that is to finally be yourself, often.

--- Rev. Dr Joel Lamoure  February 2012

Prescribing Spiritual HOPE of Abundance

From: http://www.joelwlamoure.com/2012.02.01_arch.html

Greetings my gentle readers to this week's installment of the "Be Yourself, Often" blog. A time when one may sit down and reflect with a cup of tea, coffee or water and muse of the silent wonders of the week that has transpired and how these may be translated into wins and opportunities of the weeks and months ahead.

 We have been now running weekly with only 1 week missing since September 2009. Its a pleasure having you here. Please feel free to look through the blog archives. There is something for everyone and I can totally guarantee that there will be something resonating for you.

This week we will build on the last week blog and cover two parts. The topic is "Prescribing Spiritual H.O.P.E. of Abundance". Prescribing Spiritual H.O.P.E. is actually a radio show that I do with BTR on the ULC Radio Network. The show airs every Tuesday at 9pm Eastern Time and is radio archived. H.O.P.E. is actually an acronym that I have decided best captures what we are trying to do in humanity. It is what we can share and what we can have and something that holds our skirts and trousers up at the end of the day. H stands for holistic health. O is that we must be outcome driven and be able to read from a map in our mind and have a clear delineated destination. P reflects (and last weeks show and blog here were all about reflections!) that the venture and journey that we share is very personal in nature. So much in fact as it has been written that we are not people having a spiritual life and experience, but rather the corollary may hold true. That indeed we are far more powerful in many schema than we expect. That in itself is an incredible and also mind-blowing experience and concept, n'est pas? E is empowerment. For ladies and gentlemen, gentle readers we are the ones that can make the decisions that will ultimately decide and define our outcomes, often in the face of cynicism and deridement. But that we are and SHOULD be empowered to make conscious and spiritual connections that impact and impart on what and how we do things, including basic human interactions, including with ourselves.

That leads to the second part of the title and that is one that we may have HOPE of Abundance. And what is abundance? Basically, it is being able to meet our needs and not our greeds. Abundance is not the shiny BMW (Biatchy Moany Whiny) in the driveway (preferably 3 of them actually), the huge house and the refrigerator overflowing with goodies all for me. Abundance is a way of feeling, expressing and living. Abundance is something that many people strive for in the material world while so many wonderful people are struggling at every step for these material needs. Abundance in my clinical experience (and yes, I am supposed to be a hard headed man of science as a professor and scientist) is in a persons heart and Belief and generosity. Abundance comes when we share in true love. Animals love unconditionally. Humans love with conditions often sadly which creates a non-abundant, ego-centric perspective. All parties lose, especially those of kind heart and soul who just wants a gentle hug and a warm embrace. In my mind, abundance comes from real love and real love is a root intelligent concern for others. Might as well write about Love on Valentine's Day. But I'm not going to give the schmaltzy definition and certainly not reflect from a corporate perspective. Give real love and that is from not the heart, but giving of us in a spiritual way. We are all as humans well loved, but sadly very ego driven and cannot appreciate the abundance of love that we have been granted. Too focused on our OWN God---> Per wit as I believe humanity runs as their GOD is Goals, Objects and Dollars.

So where does abundance really come from and how can we capture it in the moment? That will be discussed in this week's radio show . Hopefully we can learn and advance together, so we and you can be yourself, often.

--- Rev Dr. Joel Lamoure   February 2012 

Polishing the Filter to Reflect Clarity

From: http://www.joelwlamoure.com/2012.02.01_arch.html

Greetings my gentle readers to another week's instalment of the "Be Yourself, Often" blog. A time when we can all stop and reflect on ourselves, our interface with others and nature and the big blue marble that we call earth, plus the heavens and all things good in between.

This week let us take a look at stopping and reflecting. Reflections. These are mirrored back if the surface that is creating the reflection is good and true. Small ripples or aberrations in the reflecting source will cause a corresponding change in what is seen.

So...let us reflect on actually how we reflect and when we do, what is the filter or surface that mirrors the reflections back to us. We know that the tincture of time tends to heal things and adds a reflective filter of sepia that we consider to be nostalgia. There are more sinister, yet hidden reflective surfaces. One is that of self delusions and the other that of self preservations. Both of these surfaces or filters are inherently what I would call an "Ego-Filter" and as such the reflection that is considered is one of fallacy as it is created to enact and preserve one's own objectives, even at the cost of others. These forms of reflections often come across as gross hypocrisy to then informed and mindless pandering to the general population and wise expressions of insincerity to the uniformed mindless ones who are not able to reflect on their own. In my experience, the latter category people are more worries by boobs cubed. The body one, the TV type (immersed with their shows and fashion) and the blunder (self-image) type.... all self (and false)- idoltry. They wouldnt appreciate a valid reflection if it came their way out of FEAR, causing the root endpoint of F--K Everything And Run. Seeya. 

What we need to REALLY do is to look at HOW we reflect and our meditative patterns that create that patterns. It should be in line with reality, as easy as that. And sometimes those reflections and corresponding honesty and truth hurt. I know that from experience. The ego-centric "all important ME" takes over and defends, cajoles and then pummels into submission those that dont reflect the way we want. "Tell the Truth"- you cant handle the truth unless you are able to SEE it my gentle friends!

So, how do we gain this clarity of filter? By example. By practice. By a fearless acceptance of the truth. By listening. By self-reflection and honesty. Our closest friends are the ones that can give us the clarity of honesty and allow us to see our filtering system as it really is. By mindful reflection, we can actually FEEL and be at ease in the head, heart and gut if what we are thinking is indeed accurate. Children and their thoughts and play and perceptions in youth is pure and they speak that of wisdom in honesty. They appreciate the beautiful sounds and such for what they are, not what they see, or even worse are TOLD to see.

To filter through a defective filter is to get an altered image. Many, many people seem to want that. Sad, isnt it? If you want me, send me an email at rev.joel@live.ca. Please feel free to join me as I'll be off polishing my filter with the goal to be myself, often. Will allow me to be good to myself and others. Join the filter polishers and be yourself, often

--- Rev. Dr. Joel Lamoure     February 2012