Subject: Approaching the Present Moment

Truth is within the mind. Yet there is a belief system that produces

deception, a state of unawareness, which obscures the awareness of

truth. We have an opportunity, in a deeply meaningful way, to come

together and look calmly at the obstacles to Love and ask the Spirit

to bring illumination. The mind which perceives itself as existing

within a world of duality always operates from a dualistic belief

system. Continually questioning this dualistic belief system is often

perceived as unsettling and overwhelming; yet this questioning is

necessary if one is to attain a constant state of peace.

There is just one Spirit, but there appear to be many thoughts,

emotions, and perceptions that conceal awareness of Spirit. These are

all temptations to forget Self and Oneness. If faith is given to these

illusions, there is not willingness to question the underlying false

belief at the root of all misperception. It is very important for us

to be open-minded and willing to let the Spirit help us unveil this

false belief.

The message I am sharing is that truth is within you and that

consistent peace of mind is a goal that you can and inevitably must

attain, because it is the only Reality. It's a peace that comes into

awareness from being tuned in to that small, still Voice within, and

letting go of another voice in the deceived mind, the ego, which is

the voice of conflict, fear, and death. In that sense our topic today

can be described like this: there are two voices in the deceived

mind, and this discussion is a means to help each of us learn to

listen only to the Voice for Oneness or the Voice for Peace, and thus

bring an end to self deception.

This Voice for Peace could be called one's intuition or inner

guide. You may think of this Voice as an "Inner Knowing," or "Higher

Power." What we want to do is get beyond the words, which are forms,

and go deeper. We want to join in an intention to experience clarity

of mind and peace of mind. We want to come to the present moment, to

the realization that right now, this very instant, one is perfect.

It's not a matter of trying to build up and improve one's self.

No matter how improved or inflated the limited self seems to be, it

will never be the changeless, eternal Self. One must

be aware of the trap of thinking that one's happiness, peace of mind,

and salvation are somewhere off in the future. The linear (past-

future) concept of time is part of the dualistic belief system that

must be questioned. There is great joy and contentment in the

experience of NOW. Oneness isn't holding out on us or dangling a carrot

of eternal peace before us, saying "Here's Enlightenment, keep

reaching . . .OOPS, you missed again." Enlightenment is right here,

right now, for the mind that is ready, open, and willing to recognize

it.

All Glory is Now. Now is the gateway

to the Eternal. For time and eternity cannot both exist. All is One,

and I am grateful for the Beloved Eternity which is Real

and True. Now is the time!

Blessings,

David