Oneness Ministry

A Book Review: The Leap by Steve Taylor

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Book Review of “The Leap: The Psychology of Spiritual Awakening (An Eckhart Tolle Edition)”

Here is what the experts say about this book:

“Life always gives you what you need, and right now it has given you this book to use as a guide or companion through challenging times. It contains a great deal of precious wisdom, expressed in the straightforward, clear, and down-to-earth language that Steve Taylor is so good at.”
― from the foreword by Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of Now and A New Earth

“A wonderful synthesis of modern research and timeless wisdom that makes the mysterious process of spiritual awakening more comprehensible than ever before.”
― Peter Russell, author of From Science to God

“This book is both insightful and inspiring. Building on the foundations of his previous books, Steve Taylor’s expertise and profound understanding of awakened states shine through and culminate in his proposition of an evolutionary leap that awaits humankind. For anyone who is interested in or has experienced an awakening, this book is not to be missed, as Taylor eloquently conveys an in-depth understanding of this fascinating phenomenon. It’s an excellent book that everyone should read.”
― Dr. Penny Sartori, author of The Wisdom of Near-Death Experiences

“It’s high time we got clearer on what enlightenment is and isn’t. The Leap is readable, important, and long overdue. It offers a thorough portrait of this long-mysterious state with care and love.”
― Dr. Robert K. C. Forman, author of Enlightenment Ain’t What It’s Cracked Up to Be and Mysticism, Mind, Consciousness

“In The Leap, Steve Taylor takes a radically new approach to spiritual awakening, suggesting that the experience is more common than one might suspect, is not bound to any religious or spiritual tradition, and may be playing an essential role in human evolution. The Leap is filled with provocative statements, some of which you may agree with and some you may disagree with ― but you can be sure that this is a book you will never forget. It establishes Steve Taylor as a major spiritual author and teacher, whose lucid and articulate writing will evoke wonder and wisdom among readers.”
― Stanley Krippner, PhD, Alan Watts Professor of Psychology, Saybrook University

“A wonderfully detailed demystification of awakening within and without traditions that is a pleasure to read and offers hope for our dangerous times.”
― Claudio Naranjo, author of Healing Civilization and designer of the SAT Programs for personal and professional development

Here is what I have to say about this book:

While I still have a chapter or two left to read, I can say with enthusiasm this is one of the better books I have read in a long while on the topic of Spirituality and Awakening. This books answers the question, what next? It also gives wonderful insight into Enlightenment. Not many authors actually explain what Enlightenment is and Steve Taylor does a very good job of it. He clarifies the confusion around Awakening and how this relates to Enlightenment. I like how he clarifies the difference between awakening and psychosis, because in many instances they seem similar at first. The many insights this book offers make it well worth the read. It is easy to understand and fascinating to read. I highly recommend it to anyone on a Spiritual journey (which means everyone, although not everyone is ready to Awaken). We will all awaken in the end though, so no worries!

Love and Light,

Sequoia Elisabeth

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Value vs Worth

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Value vs Worth: is there any difference and does it matter? Worth means “the value equivalent to that of someone or something under consideration; the level at which someone or something deserves to be valued or rated.” (Google Dictionary) Value means “the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something.” (Google Dictionary) So going by these definitions they basically mean the same thing. What’s it worth to you? Is it of great value? Now lets apply this to something that does matter, your life.

Inherent value, do you in and of yourself have value? To whom? Why? This is our topic today because I am sure you have asked these questions before. I know I have, and I have finally come to a viable answer. This question is also essential to a Natural Law/Resource Based Economy/Love Based Society.

A quick review of today’s society shows that value is based on what something or someone brings to the table. How big the bank account is coupled with the amount of credit a person has denotes a person’s value in our present Capitalistic system. There is much more to value than economics however. Think about this carefully, because you may not be aware of the purpose certain people play in your life. This exercise falls into the category of gratitude. For instance the bus driver is there to get you where you are going but also to guide you or possibly share companionship. Those who ride the same bus every day at the same time get to know the bus driver and the value of that relationship grows. A person who is always smiling and laughing is of value to all whom they are around. Someone who dresses nicely, feels good about themself, and radiates this energy everywhere they go is of value to society. It matters not how much money they have in their bank account!

Have you thought of anyone with no inherent value yet? How about the villain? Make your choice carefully, because they are plentiful in our society. I think you know without a villain there are no heroes. Ok, so how about a homeless person? Do they have any value? What purpose do they serve?

The purpose we all serve is to our Higher Self/ Soul. We are here for a purpose and the purpose itself has value to you if to no one else. What makes a person homeless? No home right! It is of course a lot deeper than that. The person is homeless because they have made choices that lead to their present situation. It could be they lost a job, or are too unstable in mind to hold a job, or they simply do not wish to play the human game, which brings up another topic – jobs.

Does a person need a job to have worth/value? Do they have to “contribute to society in monetary form” to have worth/value? Do they have value just for being themselves? What if you did nothing, would you still have value, or to state it another way, do you have inherent value? Does a person in a vegetative state or coma have value? The answer is blowing in the wind…life is a balance and needs both those in need and those to help. This is a duality after all. It just depends on which role you decide to play. (This choice is usually made unconsciously or as some would say, it is made by a higher power) Are you a hero or a villain; charity case or welfare worker? It really matters not, because we all have inherent value or else we would not be here! We are all a part of the story. Like opinions and assholes we each have a story, but that is a another blog.

No matter what you do or don’t do, you have value to yourself at least, but probably to others you have no idea even exist. So Yes is the answer! Life is not hard although we often make it that way. Be nice to yourself today and see the beauty in your existence! “a Love Based Society” knows the value of each and every person while making sure they know it too!

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

“Value is not intrinsic; it is not in things. It is within us; it is the way in which man reacts to the conditions of his environment.” — Ludwig von Mises, Austrian economist

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Weak Words to Eliminate

by Sequoia Elisabeth

While Plato says, “words are but symbols of symbols. They are thus twice removed from reality”, we still must use them to communicate. By using powerful words and making your point directly & clearly, communication is maximized. How well you use language, in our case, the English language reflects not only how educated you are, but empowers you to master your life.

Weak words sneak into our vocabulary rather insidiously without us even knowing. We think since others are using these words then we need to use them as well. This is simply not so. Be conscious of your words. Think before you speak or write. As any English teacher will tell you, use active tense, not passive. This takes practice! I can assure you from experience! Life is a work in progress, so let us consider these 8 weak words and how it benefits us to eliminate them.

“Do or do not. There is no try.” (Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back) The first word to eliminate is “Try” and all its forms (trying, tried, etc). I invite you to experiment with how the word feels. I suggest doing this with all the words you use. Notice how you feel saying the word and using it in a sentence. Context is of course important. Doubt is a killer! Think carefully about this word. Try implies failure! Why would you ever wish to fail? So, why would you ever use this word!! Trying denotes fear and sets the very thing you fear into motion. Words are prayers! If you say it mean it and know it will be your experience. Just because something you say does not appear immediately have faith that it will in time and with your continued insistence. In my experience it could take years or happen in an instant.

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda! The next word(s) to eliminate are these three. Again these are doubt words. Often used interchangeably these words are different and thus are to be used differently. They convey doubt, regret, and weakness. If this is your intention then go ahead, they are perfect. If not, avoid using them. Instead be direct, honest, and open. If you intend on doing something, then just do it, don’t say you should do it or you would do it, if…. Take responsibility in your language and how you use words. To do this consider the meaning of the word and look deep. Not only look the word up in the dictionary, but find the root word and consider where the word came from and how it was used originally. Feel the word and the energy it conveys. Instead of using “should, would, could”, substitute “shall, will, can, respectively”.

“Never say that you can’t do something, or that something seems impossible, or that something can’t be done, no matter how discouraging or harrowing it may be; human beings are limited only by what we allow ourselves to be limited by: our own minds. We are each the masters of our own reality; when we become self-aware to this: absolutely anything in the world is possible. Master yourself, and become king of the world around you. Let no odds, chastisement, exile, doubt, fear, or ANY mental virii prevent you from accomplishing your dreams. Never be a victim of life; be it’s conqueror.” (Mike Norton) The next word is “Can’t” and this quote sums it up. Any negative is dis-empowering. Careful here not to make this a bad thing. There is no judgment here! Sometimes we need to ramp life down a bit when it gets overwhelming. Be aware this is the power of this word. Be awake and aware!

Words of separation have their place in our language, however be mindful how you use them and the effect they have on your intention. “Life is but a dream” In this sentence the word “but” separates life and dream. The word “but” is technically a coordinating conjunction which separates two clauses or ideas. This is helpful to convey meaning at times, if you intend separation! Try substituting “and” instead. The word “and” connects instead of separates. By using “and” the intention is to connect, while using “but” separates. I always use “and” where I used to use “but”, unless it just does not convey my intention. Always remembering that which is behind communication… the intent!

There are many useless words in the English language and one [that] I have eliminated is “that”. The word is over used and often useless, so just remove it from your sentence as I have demonstrated above. I often have to review my writing to find my usage of this superfluous word. Next time you write something of any length do a word search for “that” and consider whether the word adds anything to the meaning you are conveying. Notice how often you use this word. Notice how often a good (relative, I know) writer uses this word. The word [That] is wordy and distracting!

In conclusion, many words in the English language are weak, vague, and useless. Be mindful how you use them and be clear in your intent! One last point to consider. Words used for emphasis often do just the opposite. Words such as “very” and “really” do your message no favors. Eliminate them! Punctuation is used for the purpose of conveying emotion and emphasizing your message. Writing is a skill which is developed over time like any other skill, so the more you write the better you will become. Of course reading is required as well. Notice how others use words and then question your own word usage. Find what works for you and then notice how this changes over time. Notice how your life changes as well!

Sequoia Elisabeth

Spirituality Transitions

Gender Related Spirituality

Human Nature

by Sequoia Elisabeth

It is human nature to desire love and attention. As soon as we are born we become addicted to it. As cute little babies we get a lot of it too! If we don’t, then we cry. Often attention is necessary as a baby since we cannot talk, we need our diaper changed or we need food or we just need a hug. There is a reason for everything. A practical side to each story. Today we are going to look at human nature and how it relates to being transgender. As usual I will use ACIM (A Course In Miracles) principles as well as other spiritual teachings to explain this.

If it is not an expression of Love, then it is a cry for Love. One of the basic tenets of ACIM, this applies very well to being Transgender. So in every case, love is the answer. Simple, Yes? Easy? That is up to you. Understanding what Love is helps tremendously. My ebooks go into this extensively, so to find those, click here.

When looking at Transgender behavior it is easy to see the individual seeks attention. They are claiming to be different than the masses and expressing their “specialness”. ACIM teaches us the desire to be special is the ego or small self demanding attention. While we are all unique, none of us is “special”. Understand that Love is who you really are and this cannot be taken from you. The ego is our small self and the Love is our Large self or Spiritual being. Yes, Human Nature is made up of both. The ego is loud, demanding, and relentless. This seems to be pronounced for those who are transgender. To get a better understanding of ego, I suggest reading Eckhard Tolle’s book, “A New Earth”. Of course, ACIM is a required course so eventually you will be doing that as well. (Says so right on the first page of the book) There is no better explanation of human nature than what you will find in ACIM. Echhard and Gary are the best authors I have found to explain it. Moving on…

While our bodies are simply a vehicle we experience this world in, they must be taken seriously. The ego will not be ignored! So respect and explore your feelings. All the while remembering Love is all there really is. If it hurts or is painful you can be assured it is ego and not Truth. We each are expressing ourselves in every action we take – how we dress, what we say, and how we behave. Do what you will, it is all good. This means judge not! The ego world around us is temporary, it is in effect a dream, though it does not end when you die, it just starts over. The way out of this world is to Forgive, meaning non-judgment. It is also easier if one creates as little “karma” as possible, because what comes around goes around. If you harm another, you will be harmed. Not directly, but eventually.

To recap here, everyone desires love and attention without even realizing Love is who they are. The body is a vehicle for experiencing the ego world, in essence your body is your ego. Who you really are needs not changing for it is perfect like its creator and has nothing to do with the ego world. Do what you must in this ego world and all the while remember who you are! Love is all there is and this means You.

Imagine you are in a fun house of distorted mirrors. As you walk through you laugh at all the strange images and know all the time none of it is real. But this place is big! You can’t find your way out and you start to panic. Everywhere you look… strangeness and distortion. Take a deep breath… Forgive, remember it is unreal. This is just for fun, remember? Laugh. All is well. Now continue on your way and judge not what you see, what you think, and how you feel. Make it all ok and have fun. When you least expect it a door appears and you exit the fun house. You realize you were home all along. All really is well.

Whys and What fors of Transgender

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Let us break down this thing we call Transgender. What is it? “A person appearing to or attempting to be a member of the opposite sex, such as a transsexual or habitual crossdresser. This is an umbrella term often used to include the entire community of individuals who cross gender boundaries on a consistent basis.” How long has this been going on? For various reasons since the dawning of mankind, in very small numbers though. So the big question is why are the numbers growing right now.

According to the Pleiadian’s (our future selves) wisdom, it is because of out of control chemical use and abuse since the 1950’s. Our scientists have repeatedly found chemicals to effect the sexual development of not only human fetuses but those of fish and many other creatures. Not just DES, which is a synthetic hormone given to women in the late 50’s into the 70’s to prevent miscarriage, has been identified as a possible cause of transgenderism. The list is not small, but the point here is that this phenomenon is bigger than any one individual. Our actions have repercussions. So let us stop here. I see where this is going. Blame.

I am not here to blame an industry for my issues, nor am I here to blame any one person. This process of needing to know why is an ego function. It is a destructive process that does not end well. So, while I do understand that irresponsible chemical usage is most likely behind the surge in Transgender, I wish to focus on the real opportunity here. Love.

We have an opportunity here to love each other no matter what the circumstances. “Why” is a pointless question that just leads to blame, shame, and pain. FORGET “WHY”. To any question. The question we have now is how can I love this person who is transgender,… or ____ fill in the blank.

Part II

The wisdom I referred to earlier of the Pleiadian’s also says NOT to alter your body or identity. So let me address this because it hit home hard. I have heard this wisdom before, in fact every time I considered it in the back of my mind this wisdom lingered. However the power of reasoning won out in the end. I say won, because I did change my identity and my body, though very slightly and significantly. What is done is done, so this is really for those who are still considering making changes to their body or identity. Don’t. Better yet, understand what is really going on and get help!

What is really going on? It is a combination of factors, chemistry, biology, and mind. Our minds are connecting with life memories past or future and making them current. This issue is about dealing with what we have to work with Now, in this incarnation. Do not confuse thoughts or feelings of others or from different lifetimes. Perhaps this blending (thought confusion) is a culmination of many lifetimes. This would certainly make sense. The chemistry is about the chemical toxicity of our environment these days and the biology concerns DNA and hormone balance. I have spoken of these many times in the past as well as in my ebook, so I will not go into those here. The take away here is to accept the gifts you have this time around and use them for the good of both you and others. If you need clarity, then take a step back and do nothing. Meditate on how you fit into the big scheme of things. Big life changes such as transition are a cry for Love. Often we don’t feel loved because we ourselves have not been loving to others. I mean love here not kindness or simple caring or ego infatuation. Love is ethereal at times, but in reality it is the essence of who we are and what I am saying here is we hide this aspect of ourselves away fearing it will be lost or damaged. I can assure you this is not possible. If it is truly yours no one can take it from you. The only thing you have more of when you give it away is love. The answer here is not to transition physically, but internally and open the door to your heart. You are lovable with or without a penis! Trust life to have given you the gifts you need this time around.

Now that Transgender is a big media thing the beast is loose. Do not fear it. Know that this too shall pass. We are here to be loved as part of life’s diverse universe of infinite possibilities. It is all good!

Part III

So where do we go from here? I for one ask forgiveness (Non-judgment). Then I am going to share the teachings as I understand them. I have been doing this for a long time, and now my understanding is even deeper. I intend to emphasize the Do No Harm aspect of Medical care. This means do not alter the physical body for several reasons. It is false hope first of all, changing forms does not alter who you are. The idea that you are expressing some hidden inner self is delusion! You have been expressing this constantly since you were born and continue to do so. Choose wisely what you show the outside world. They are not concerned with who you are, only about who they are. If what you show them does not jive with who they think they are, you will feel push back or resistance. Nothing wrong with pushing your boundaries, but know that it comes at a cost, the harder you push, the higher the cost. For example, I lost everything when I transitioned. I thought this was spiritual sacrifice and a good thing. This is what I told myself. Good is relative in the world and ultimately very difficult to nail down. What is good for one is bad for another. So do not rely on “Good”. Trust that you do not know what is best for you and neither does anyone else!! Only Holy Spirit knows. Search deep to find your inner intuitive guidance. It is there. I had it, but ignored it and it cost me. Now I could say many aspects of my life at present are pleasant and enjoyable, but that does not make them “good”. How has my decision to transition affected others and my eventual life’s path? It is almost impossible to say. This is where faith comes in. I can assure you that I am being hypocritical here, we all do this from time to time. Being aware of it seems to help. I know this means forgiveness. I am asking you to not do what I did. Why would I do this? Because our transition empowers the dream! We are saying our bodies are real and must be changed to be “right”. I see how insane this is now, but since the issue kept coming up over and over I thought I must do something. I was wrong. I was doing it right in the first place!!! As is usually the case. Crossdress if you must, express yourself if you feel the need, masturbate, but don’t make permanent changes. The body is not real I hear you say and you are right, however this is about energy, thought energy and its expression. What I am saying is to let the energy flow where it may, but not to make it real. Be in the world, but not of it. Transition is being “Of It”!! I wrestled with this conundrum for years and still do. The eclipse has brought me clarity. Almost all the Spiritual teachings say the same. Honor the temple and do not defile it. To me this means no tattoos, no cosmetic surgery, and no unnecessary medical surgery. Oh, but science is saying GRS, etc. is medically necessary. I say no it is not. This is an ego trick or our reasoning mind justifying its desires. How far do we go with this? The line is fuzzy, so we must use our own judgment. Not much else I can say here, except to get in touch with your Spirit and follow the guidance it provides. I can wish I never took CHT or had an orchiectomy, but honestly the orchi has been a good thing for me. I was struggling with sexual hormones of any type and no longer have that battle. The hormones tend to be an amplifier so as a male born individual estrogen has heightened my senses and the opposite is true going the other way. I cannot say I feel any different though after a decade, at first yes, but it fades. Identity continues to be a challenge for me. Spiritual teaching dictates that one must be polarized to move forward. This means being either male or female, so since I was born with a masculine body I must embrace this while still respecting my feminine nature. Perhaps this is what being Transgender really is all about without all the physical manipulation. Embrace your gifts! How you do this is up to you. I trust we are doing the best we can!

Love and Light,

Sequoia Elisabeth

https://transness.org/ & https://onenessministry.info/

Stupidest Question Ever Asked

by Sequoia Elisabeth

The human mind can reason anything. The tool used is the power of deduction or the rational mind. So follow along and see if this makes sense. If you follow my blog then you know I teach Oneness and what that means. If not, then perhaps more study is in order. It has taken many years (50+) for me to reach these conclusions (God Is and nothing else is). Now I share my wisdom with you – do with it what you will.

By choosing birth we have chosen death. Make no mistake, you did choose to be here. It may not have been a conscious choice, but a choice none the less. It is like walking though a door on the 50^th floor which opens to the outside of the building, you may not want to fall, but it happens whether you chose to fall or not. You took the step. Some may say this is simple consequence and perhaps it is. What I am leading to here is if you can choose an action with a consequence then why not choose the consequence? We obviously chose Death! HERE WE ARE! We took that step!

Suicide is taboo in society, so have you ever questioned why? Why is it when we have already chosen death by being born we cannot choose when or how we die? The next question you may not have considered is who is making this choice? The small self/ego self or the Infinite God self? Since God self is infinite and immortal it is unlikely this is who is making the choice. Since the only aspect of our self which can die is Ego this is the more likely culprit! The ego is not alive though, it only thinks it is and it constantly manipulates our experience on this level (the world you see around you) to make you think that it is. It’s reasoning… If you can die then you must be alive… right?

If you doubt this world is unreal, then ask yourself would God create a world with pain and suffering the likes of what we have here? Does anything in this world really hold up to scrutiny? Does it last forever? Does anything here make sense? Not to me!! I can assure you. I believe we are here to “loose our minds” for this is the way out. Ego mind is the scene generator behind this reality. Perhaps you have heard the Cave parable written by Plato? The longer I “live” the less convinced I am anything matters at all. Shadows all around….

So if God is infinite and immortal then we are speaking here of Ego death. I have experienced it many times in my mind as well as my experience. The next question is what does the Ego consist of? The answer is everything you see! Btw, did you know the eyes don’t see, the mind does? Yes, it is the Ego mind which sees for us. What we see is a projection from our own minds. It’s all “fake news”. The real is infinite and immortal… never ending… it does not die and was not born.

Once again, why does it matter whether we seem to take our life or allow “life” to take it? Natural death is an Oxymoron! Is this about giving or taking? I have done both and I will say giving feels better. Is this really my life to give though? What does giving of life really mean anyway? The Native American stories I have heard say when hunting, animals give their lives (bodies) so that other bodies may live. This means there is a conscious choice being made. Perhaps it is the hunter who actually makes this choice and maybe it is the animal who sacrifices itself to gain in the Spiritual Realm. Whatever you believe is what you will experience. Twenty six years ago I sat with a gun in my mouth asking myself these same questions! Which is it?

I have found that writing about death & suicide and expressing these feelings really helps to alleviate any related distress. God exists outside of Space/Time and knows nothing of our experience here. God knows only Love for this is what God is. The part of me considering taking life is Ego and delusion, for it is not possible to take something that is not yours! Notice I did not say take my own life. It is not mine to take. Ultimately this is the reason “i” am still here. These dilemmas here in Space and Time are on a feedback loop, repeating ad nauseum. Enjoying the ride?

The stupidest question you’ll ever ask is:

Why? Dictionary meaning:

1. for what reason or purpose. [Why do we need a reason or purpose?]

Suicide defined: “the act or an instance of taking one’s own life voluntarily and intentionally.”

So what again exactly are we “taking”? So you think you have “a life”? Is this real? What is real?

I believe this is where the whole game falls apart. We believe… we have a life, that others have a life, that anything we see or feel is real. Belief is where it all “becomes real” to us. It is literally, according to the dictionary, “an acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists.”

What if the belief in “reality” is what leads us astray? What if we choose not to believe? Is not believing a belief? Just as having no religion, still a belief? Atheists are still indoctrinated in denial! I mean how do we even know we are alive? Don’t even get me started on proof! All facts are in fact part of the construct. There are no facts… just as nothing is really alive! So again I ask, how could anyone ever die or commit suicide when we only exist in mind? Don’t forget, “what you think of an-other you think of yourself.”

I know now this is my life’s purpose, ROFL. I assume I learned about suicide from my dad who had patients commit suicide (he is a psychiatrist). I remember at least 3 friends who I personally knew in high school who “did the deed”, two of which were closet gay (another taboo worth questioning). Perhaps the other was too, but I am not sure about that. I have not gone long without thinking of the “deed”. Frankly, I have lived a very long time with these thoughts (or have I?), but they are catching up with me. I have heard every argument in the book both for and against. Do you believe in destiny? LOL, neither do I.

Blessings on Your “Journey of Love”,

Sequoia Elisabeth

for more on this topic, search keyword “Death” within Transitions Blog.

Let Freedom Ring 2017

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Originally posted in 2010 I have edited and updated this blog. Mostly though, it carries the same message…

What exactly is freedom? Have you thoroughly considered the meaning of freedom and what the United States stands for? Most of us have to some degree, so let me share my perspective on what it means to be an American. First of all it is not about pride, safety, or Us vs. Them!

Blind faith is blind. Know why you do what you do and deeply consider the consequences of your actions. Take a step back and see the big picture. Is what you are doing adding to the fabric of society worldwide? Are you a separate individual who can do whatever you please? Can you for instance raise chinchilla’s in your garage? What about selling narcotics? If you do how does this affect those around you? What about the ethical issues that surround doing something cruel or illegal?

Yes, I am asking a lot of questions because it is important to consider the implications of your actions and how it may affect others. Freedom is indeed a choice and that choice involves others. Freedom is the ability to do what you want to the point where no one else or yourself is harmed. Freedom does NOT include harming another life or destroying something that does not belong to you, and I must point out here that nothing belongs to you. You simply have the privilege to use it or enjoy its presence if it is alive. Nothing of this world goes with us to the next. Some would say we have no freedom at all, but only responsibility.

I will call this responsible freedom. You have the freedom to express yourself however you see fit, but not to be irresponsible. Meaning consider others before yourself. The USA originally stood for this very thing, so as an American you have the right and the responsibility to live a conscious life. For those who need to know, conscious living is simply being aware of your actions and how this affects others, including people, animals, plants, and things. It is consciously choosing to protect wildlife and the environment. It is taking actions that support life, help others, and add to the fabric of society. Conscious living is simply being aware. Feel the seat you are sitting on, smell the breeze, see the beauty, and listen to the sounds of silence. Truly be alive and grateful,…now this is freedom!

Have a Happy Responsible 4^th of July!!

Sequoia Elisabeth

Gender Related Spirituality

Pride Meaning 2017

by Sequoia Elisabeth

It’s Pride weekend once again here in Denver CO. As per my annual tradition I ponder the meaning of the word Pride and what it means to me. How does this serve me? (my favorite and most useful question) As an existentialist the answer would be there is no “Me” only “Us”. We are One after all!

But alas, there are many perspectives and points of view, so here we go.

“Gay (substitute your chosen identity) PRIDE is not about being proud of the fact that we happen to be Gay. IT’S about NOT allowing others (There are no ‘others’), to make us feel shame because we are gay, IT’S about NOT allowing others (yourself), to define (y)our worth based on sexuality, IT’S about NOT allowing others, to define the love we share as less pure, less real, less deserving of recognition. GAY PRIDE is about owning who we are, whether we are butch dykes, fem queens, or the always coveted “Straight Acting” gay (again choose your identity). GAY Pride is about valuing the diversity that is humanity in all its varied presentations.”(Tom Guest, Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman, USS BATAAN (LHD-5)] With edits by author of this blog.

I share my perspective here as well as the quoted material as a way of sharing my vision, or at least what I have learned. So to follow is another perspective from Cambridge Dictionary. “Gay(Choose your Identity) Pride: the idea that gay people should not keep the fact of their sexuality secret and that they should be proud of it instead, or the social and political movement that is based on this idea: a gay pride parade.”

So which is it? In the end, meaning is based on understanding and self imposed values. It is up to each of us to decide. So Pride to me is about celebrating my uniqueness while at the same time acknowledging our Oneness. Our specialness lays on the outside and our uniform Oneness is at our core. Knowing this frees us to be ourselves while respecting others and allowing them to be who they choose. I give you the right to hate me (or love me), while reserving this right myself. This is free will and is the only real law of the land. For clarity sake, I choose Love! For Love is all there is. How this Love expresses is not up to me. My responsibility is to allow it without judgment or complaint. I am who I am.

Blessings on your Journey of Love!

Sequoia Elisabeth

https://transness.org/ https://onenessministry.info/

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My Life in Re-View

by Sequoia Elisabeth

My life in Re-view, so if I had this to do over again there are a few things I would do differently and here they are.

Starting with the largest change in my life, gender transition. I love that I can be who I am now (male woman), but I would not, repeat NOT take CHT. This means no estrogen and no testosterone either. I would have the Orchiectomy done much earlier, I waited too long hoping to have genital reassignment surgery (GRS). I am totally fine without that. I know I am not my gender, so why go to all the trouble to change things. Post op my life is no less empty than it was before. I see now as I stand on the other shore things where fine to start with. Did I have gender dysphoria before, Yes. Do I have it now, Yes, but it is more like body dysphoria. It is uncomfortable to be restricted to a body of either gender. My life is like a fading memory. I don’t even know what “my life” means any more. It seems like life is a collection of habits neither good and nor bad. Just motions we go through because we have accepted a certain role. This to me is what this life is all about. Role Play! None of it is “real”.

This may seem sad to you, but to me it just is and perhaps a wee bit too comfortable. My life now is good, as good as it can be. I have some fabulous memories of good times over the years, especially with my second partner. I screwed up leaving her! Alas, there is no going back now, nor do I want to. I know I am where I need to be. Would things be different if I had not transitioned and stayed with her, yes, but better? Who knows? I had this nagging voice telling me to move on and that to give in to comfort and what I felt as love would only prolong the journey. I was safe. My life now is pushing my limits in small ways and this feels “right”.

Other things I would do differently? Not much. Perhaps I would of pursued Greenhouse management more vigorously and taken some risks to assure that life. Again, I had a comfortable life as a MRI technologist and without motivation to change careers. I do not regret going with my first wife when she started medical school (we considered divorce at that time). I feel my relationship with her is a big success. I was there to help her achieve her goals and I did that. No regrets there. Now that my life as a MRI tech is over, I do feel a bit lost. Growing plants has always been rewarding and I enjoy this as much as anything I have done, so I continue to do this in my own small way. My room is full of terrariums, aquariums, and a paludarium.

Female Forest I see my life easily centered around a greenhouse, growing exotic plants, and keeping fish, etc. This is my dream home! A pond, tropical plants, growing space for exotics and all the life which goes with it, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and beneficial insects. Sounds primal doesn’t it? Perhaps it is and perhaps this represents my connection to Mother Earth. She expresses through me. In the end perhaps I am just too connected to nature to be a human being. From the mystical POV, I would be an “ent”. (look it up if you don’t know what this is). I chose the name “Sequoia” for this very reason. This tree is the largest living thing on earth and is a plant. So inspiring and God knows… I need my inspiration.

Sequoia Elisabeth 🙂

https://onenessministry.info/

Learn to Love

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Growth Beauty Light Learning to love is just like any other learning. One step at a time. It is a process. One starts with basic life and learns to love the mineral. Minerals are the most basic form of life on Earth and makes up the Earth herself. Appreciate the landscape! Let her beauty infuse your mind and body. Crystals are the enlightenment of minerals and come in thousands of forms, colors, and makeups. See the beauty in a salt crystal, discover where they come from, and experience them in their native habitat. Ice is water in crystalline form and is found everywhere! The beauty of enlightenment is found wherever you are. Rare minerals are also beautiful and should be appreciated also, but don’t fall into the trap of one is more special or beautiful than another. Each has its own beauty and gift to share. This goes for snowflakes all the way to human beings. Love is found everywhere as you will discover.

The next step in this process is caring for a plant. Any plant, found anywhere. The idea is to grow the plant either as an ornamental or as food. Love it and it will love you back. These steps echo the development of earth, mineral, plant, animal, human. Plants have evolved from basic single cell organisms to complex flowering life forms. Flowering plants are the enlightenment of plants. As you love and care for your plants they teach you about love by simply growing! They ask for so little and in return give so much! This is love. Listen to your plants, research their needs, make them happy and in return you find happiness. When this becomes second nature it is time to move on to animals. Start small.

Perhaps with insect life or reptiles. There are so many choices when it comes to animals, so take your time and give each type a chance. We are each drawn to certain animals, dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, fish, etc. The point is not what type, breed, or species you have but how you care for it. Do you keep their space clean, give them good food, and some form of entertainment? This is love. Provide for them and in return you will be provided for. With each step the choices expand as well as the opportunities to experience love. Soon you will be ready for the next and most challenging step. Loving other human beings. This starts with the self.

To love thy self is to love others and vice versa. We are One. This is the last step, but I get ahead of myself. Self love begins by eating food which makes you feel good and making choices which support your well being instead of destroying it. We all know the basic vices, drugs, alcohol, sex obsession, excessive risk taking, and avoiding activity just to name a few. All good things in moderation as the saying goes. To love the self we keep our bodies clean, well groomed, eat good food, and engage in social activity. Love includes expanding the mind and heart/soul. This includes learning to learn! We have almost gone full circle now.

love3 Loving others is a challenge we all must face so when you are ready jump right in. This is usually done with the family or those closest to you. As one looks out to others they are actually seeing themselves projected but that is not what we experience at first. We are fooled into believing they are separate from ourselves and what they do does not affect us. This is not true. What is true is you have no control over what they choose. Not directly anyway. Since “they” are a projection of you, then control becomes the choices you make about both you and “them”. See their beauty and you will find your own. What you see in them is actually what is in you. Do not let this disturb you, but this is really a good thing. Since you have learned to care for yourself, now simply care for them also. Just do it in a way that does not violate free will. This is a topic all in itself, but suffice it to say when helping others make sure you have their permission directly or in the form of a request or question. This love progresses to the point of Loving all there is. As I mentioned above, We are One and this means all there is. Love is all there is. Don’t sweat the details 😉

Sequoia Elisabeth

OnenessMinistry.info

Insights 2

by Sequoia Elisabeth

From the Transgender perspective life begins a new after transition, but this process is not limited to transgender individuals. As I was saying in the previous blog, life is full of “ego” shifts. These shifts are analogous to a person stepping to one side or the other for a better view. Each view builds a more complete picture. My life existed as one mind/body complex to the point of transition and then shifted in such a large way that there is no going back to any part of the previous story. In effect the person I was died quite literally and a new person was born. I even remember grieving that former self. It could be said that he was murdered in order for the new me to exist. However, we are not separate. We are still and always have been one person. Everyone is connected through the One Mind. It is not only transgender individuals who do this though. There are many ways a large shift can occur, for example NDE (Near Death Experience), Divorce, Loss of a loved one, Trauma in many forms, Deep Meditation and/or Ayahuasca experience, etc. All of these can be “ego” deaths without the loss of ones body. I have blogged about death before and make the point that all death is suicide. In effect what is dying is the “ego” or the small self. We need not part with our bodies to do this. Think of a snake who sheds its skin. In fact we too are shedding skin all the time. Our physical form is constantly changing and shifting in small ways. The ultimate death need not occur till such a time arrives. The ego is constantly trying to kill you quite literally. Don’t listen to it!

A transgender transition is simply an experience as all transitions are, so the focus should be on the experience not being transgender or whatever identity is involved. Go deeper. Discover what exactly this means to you. Meditate, contemplate, and do what it takes to explore your inner self. Ask questions without a need for answers. Answers have a way of bubbling up and all we have to do is be aware of them – experience them! To me this is what living is all about… the experience! To further clarify this a few points are critical to understand. Life is not about pain/pleasure, good/bad, or any other duality. There is so much more to life. Seek not to feel good, but to simply feel, making whatever that may be, Ok. Being transgender means experiencing life from the opposite gender perspective than the one society assigned you. The experience will be uniquely yours!

Celebrate this, but don’t project it or expect it of others. Respect others experience of you! Meaning if they hate/attack/abuse you, then they are hating themselves and they have every right to do so. Life is a circle and once you honor this any “persecution” you may experience will end if you truly desire it to. What you experience from others was first given by you at some level (often unconsciously). What you give you receive. The key here is non-judgment. Judge not lest you be judged. Can you see the circle here? To love yourself is to love others. Here I speak of agape love, not sexual love. Know the difference! Animalistic love or sexual love is a part of life and a powerful tool to experience Great Spirit/God if used properly. It is also completely meaningless (often painful) if abused or used improperly. I have only used it properly a few times in this lifetime and that is enough for me. My path is one of understanding the other forms of love and learning to experience agape love. What is your path? Where do you see yourself heading?

Sequoia Elisabeth 🙂

OnenessMinistry.info

Gender Related Spirituality

Insights…Part I

by Sequoia Elisabeth

We each have one life, our own. When it is over, the consciousness which makes us, us shifts and never occurs exactly that way again. The person you are born as becomes self aware from about the age of 2-6 years old. This person grows and evolves. In certain cases the person can die without the body’s death. This is in fact what has happen to me and possibly to many of us. The form this takes varies. One could say each of us has a different “story”. There are small ego deaths which change ones path only slightly and there are larger life changing deaths which can never be reclaimed. One could argue that each night we lay down to sleep and awaken the next morning a different person, however slightly that may be. On a conscious level we can be aware of these changes, although this takes focus and attention. When we set our intention to remember and map these changes a pattern can be discerned. I have had this experience. Putting all this into words is so difficult and I am doing my best so bear with me as I attempt to explain.

It is like life has access to only one point in Space/Time, the Now. What is shifting is our perceptions. Consciousness moves, we do not. So many lessons can be taken from this simple knowledge. This evening I had the realization that “I” am finite. When this body dies and consciousness transforms to other expressions it is indeed an end. Not in a bad way, but simply in a lasting way. For instance, Albert Einstein the person will never exist again from my perspective. He died 4/18/1955. His legacy will live on forever or as long as consciousness remains aware of him. There are people who are no longer in consciousness or awareness of anyone, so they indeed no longer exist. Again, this is not good or bad, so don’t think of this on those terms. I guess what I am saying is if you wish to be remembered then you must pass your knowledge to others, share a gift of yourself in whatever form works for you. Write a book, build a bridge, coach a baseball team, love your children, etc. Our gifts to others are indeed gifts to ourselves and to greater consciousness. (Working for money is just that, business, so this does not count as giving. Of course if your work comes from the heart as a gift then you are taken care of in return. Many books have been written on giving/receiving or what some call Spiritual Economics, so I will let you do your own research on this one.)

In my understanding, reincarnation as it is taught does not exist. The difference is that a particular mind/body complex does not recur in any form once it has occurred. There is no “soul” that comes back. There is One soul or One Mind and it knows all there is to know. We each are like a blade of grass in a vast never ending meadow! Each blade exists and then never again repeats exactly the same. Each blade of grass is a Universe on to itself!

Refocusing on the perspective of a Transgender individual like myself. My life existed as one mind/body complex to the point of transition and then shifted in such a large way that there is no going back to any part of the previous story. In effect the person I was died quite literally and a new person was born. I even remember grieving that former self. It could be said that he was murdered in order for the new me to exist. However, we are not separate. We are still and always have been one person. Everyone is connected through the One Mind. Since I don’t like long blogs I will close with this one thought. More in the next blog. We give for the greater good as well as for our own good. Goodness grows Consciousness! And who are we if not the One.

Sequoia Elisabeth

OnenessMinistry.info

Courtroom Law Fails Us

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Being a member of the LGBTQ community it is painful sometimes to watch my constituents “fight” for a right they already posses. I mean we all have to use the potty at some point, right? Many transgender people, esp. youth will hold it till they get home or to a safe place and often they will not go out into public at all for fear of being outed or harassed. This is not a Civil Rights issue, but a personal one.

The rule I go by is simple, if you present feminine, then go to the women’s room and vice versa. If you present neutral or non-conforming then use the restroom you are most comfortable with. Birth sex makes no difference in my mind. This is more about how you are perceived by others. If you don’t know, ask your friends. It goes without saying that you go in and do your business and get out. Hanging out, chatting, etc. is all fine, but asking for confrontation, so beware what you ask for.

Why do we need a courtroom to tell us what bathroom to use, or whom we can marry, or where we can go? I say Spiritual Law trumps courtroom law any day. The highest spiritual law is Free Will. When you understand this law the rest fall right into place. This is how it works, we each have free will to make choices as we see fit. We do so understanding there are consequences to our actions. The law of karma sees to this. So if you choose to bully me or even kill me, then the law of karma will give you what you have coming. What you give (do to another) you receive (often in different form and on Spirit’s schedule). The spiritual system works to support your spiritual growth. Have faith in this! The world is your friend and supporter if you allow it. Hope is a false prophet, because nothing ever comes of it other than to temporarily make you feel better, so put no stock in this. Hope is one of many distractions we have in this world. Fear is behind courtroom law and nothing good comes from fear. Fear is False Evidence Appearing Real. Know that you are your ultimate authority and unless you give this power to others (the court, government, teachers, parents, etc.) then it is yours. Fighting is giving this power away. Study Universal Law if you wish to understand this better.

Within the realm of Free Will, forcing others to behave a certain way (not discriminate) is a violation of the highest law of the land. This creates Karma and the cycle repeats. So laws like Civil Rights, Abortion, Death penalty, etc. are all violating Free Will. It is only fear which dictates they exist at all. Many say, we need order and this is true from a limited perspective. What they don’t realize is these things will take care of themselves if we stop trying to dictate the outcome. Detach from your expectations and let Life support you. What you seek you will find! If you expect bad things to happen you will not be disappointed. What you focus on grows. Find Faith and trust in life to support you and those times when it does not, forgive, forget, and move on. Learn from these experiences, but do not think that if it happened once it will happen again. Just because one person bullies you, does not mean others will. And it does not mean this same person will not be nice to you at some other time.

The world responds to your thoughts, words, and actions. So focus on that which you desire, forgive (non-judgment) that which you don’t, and know that what you give you receive.

Blessings on your Journey of Love,

Sequoia Elisabeth

Musings, my transition in review

by Sequoia Elisabeth

It has been over 8 years since I went full time, including the name change. Surgery was 2 ½ yrs ago. So where am I now? What has all this changed? I ask myself these questions all the time. I am not even convinced there is an answer to why? Except to say I had to, life compelled me to, it is like I made the decision before I was born!

My life as of January 2017 has reached a level of Peace I quite enjoy. Life is good! I love my life, which is simplified as much as possible. I don’t get out much these days and I rather like that. Socializing is fun in the mix, but it is not something I look forward to or seek out. Romance is out totally. I now identify as asexual and it fits well. Hugging and intimacy are fine, but not something I have to have. The one thing that sits in the back of my mind is the brainwashing I received as a child and which seems to be fed almost everywhere… work ethic, what’s good for me, and all the stereotypes we are fed all our lives. I am mostly free of them, but still have doubts from time to time. Intellectually I know better, but my programming says otherwise. I think it is the collective mind. We are making progress though. Identity is less and less important these days. Am I a man or woman for instance. Who cares? I am me. I know I was born male and that is all well and good, but I still don’t “feel like a man”. Never have really. I feel more like a woman I would say, but then what does all that mean? How does anyone know for sure? I don’t feel this is important. Other aspects are more important like compassion, empathy, caring, wisdom, and vision/perspective. I love the “big picture” and while I appreciate detail, it is not important to me. Feelings and emotion are important too. I experience these fairly deeply now and enjoy it, whether sad or happy or other. This to me is living.

At times I hear the voice saying I should have a career and make a difference in the world and then my conscience self says, why? That does more harm than good. Life is just the way it is supposed to be, if that is possible. It does feel right! So I will just leave it at that. It’s all good.

What has all this changed? Not a whole lot really. My Psychologist told me when I started transition that only about 5% made it to full transition. What this means is only a few transition from one gender to the other fully in their own minds… man becoming woman. I see now that he was correct. The hormones are a BIG part of the transition and without them these past 2.5 yrs I have slipped back to being about 60/40. I only ever got to about 80% woman with the help of estrogen. The orchi a few years ago only allowed me to drop the drugs and maintain most of what I gained. I see myself as I always have – a male woman. I wear what most would call women’s clothing and this is most important to me, so if you wish to call me a crossdresser or transvestite that works for me. I don’t care about labels any more. I do care that I feel good these days. I like who I am now. So as far as I am concerned the transition was successful. I rarely enjoyed doing “guy” things, but then I don’t really do “girly” things either. This has not changed. I have always been a naturalist with a deep connection to nature and life itself. I feel deeply and enjoy the dive! This has not always been so. I allow myself to be me now and this is what is important. If I were to start life over I would focus more on being loving and less on what is proper. I would allow myself to love people of all types without judgment. This is where I am now. So onward and upward. My goal is to see beyond the skin and to know Essence.

Love n Light, Sequoia Elisabeth

The Way

by Sequoia Elisabeth

This is my path and it could be yours as well if you choose. Know that 2017 is dedicated to this path. I have been on this path for some time now… I am close.

“Change no one.

Change nothing.

React to no one.

React to nothing.

Do not live in the past and

do not worry about the future.

Stay in the eternal now,

where all is well.

After all, you are me

and I am you.

There is no difference.

Do not react to the world.

Do not even react to your

own body.

Do not even react to your

own thoughts.

Learn to become the witness,

Learn to be quiet.”

(Robert Adams)

There is no transgender woman. There is no man. There is no child…

Those who seek will experience what is…

Blessed Be 🙂

Musings of a Trans* Person

by Sequoia Elisabeth

I share these personal thoughts in hope they touch the right person at the right time. We are not alone… we have each other. This is my story… and I offer it to you… take it or leave it.

My life as of December 2016 has reached a level of Peace I quite enjoy. Life is good! I love my life, which is simplified as much as possible. I don’t get out much these days and I rather like that. Socializing is fun in the mix, but it is not something I look forward to or seek out. Romance is out totally. I now identify as asexual and it fits well. Hugging and intimacy are fine, but not something I have to have. The one thing that sits in the back of my mind is the brainwashing I received as a child and which seems to be fed almost everywhere… work ethic, what’s good for me, and all the stereotypes we are fed all our lives. I am mostly free of them, but still have doubts from time to time. Intellectually I know better, but my programming says otherwise. I think it is the collective mind. We are making progress though. Identity is less and less important these days. Am I a man or woman for instance. Who cares? I am me. I know I was born male and that is all well and good, but I still don’t “feel like a man”. Never have really. I feel more like a woman I would say, but then what does all that mean? How does anyone know for sure? I don’t feel this is important. Other aspects of me are more important like compassion, empathy, caring, wisdom, and vision/perspective. I love the “big picture” and while I appreciate detail, it is not important to me. Feelings and emotion are important too. I experience these fairly deeply now and enjoy it, whether sad or happy or other. This to me is living.

What has all this changed? Not a whole lot really. My Psychologist told me when I started transition that only about 5% made it to full transition. What this means is only a few transition from one gender to the other fully in their own minds… man becoming woman. I see now that he was correct. The hormones are a BIG part of the transition and without them these past 2.5 yrs I have slipped back to being about 60/40. I only ever got to about 80% woman with the help of estrogen. The orchi a few years ago only allowed me to drop the drugs and maintain most of what I gained. I see myself as I always have as a male woman. I wear what most would call women’s clothing and this is most important to me, so if you wish to call me a crossdresser or transvestite that works for me. I don’t care about labels any more. I do care that I feel good these days. I like who I am now. So as far as I am concerned the transition was successful. I rarely enjoyed doing “guy” things, but then I don’t really do “girly” things either. This has not changed. I have always been a naturalist with a deep connection to nature and life itself. I feel deeply and enjoy the dive! This has not always been so. I allow myself to be me now and this is what is important. If I were to start life over I would focus more on being loving and less on what is proper. I would allow myself to love people of all types without judgment. This is where I am now. So onward and upward. My goal is to see beyond the skin and to know Essence.

Love and Light,

Sequoia Elisabeth Carpenter

The Highest Law of the Land

by Sequoia Elisabeth

The law of Free Will is a law we all need to know and respect. Our society has evolved to think it needs to enforce laws to ensure order. The ten commandments are one foundation for these laws. If we learn anything we must learn that controlling others is not possible and is often misguided.

Free will can be defined as “the power of acting without the constraint of necessity or fate; the ability to act at one’s own discretion.” To infringe upon this freedom one must make decisions for or take action for another. It is not possible to force another to do anything against their will as contrary to human experience as this may seem. We are often unconscious volunteers in violent scenarios and this is where abuse and such occur. Examples of Free Will infringement would be murder, manipulation, and Law enforcement. Justice is not up to other self or others. I realize this gets complicated to explain so I will not attempt to do so. I will only say, please explore what Free Will means and seek to deepen your understanding of it. Do not accept what others tell you, instead take what you observe and test it. “Thou shall not commit adultery” is one of the ten commandments. Think about this, could this be a violation of Free Will?

Now let us consider sexual interactions. The heart loves who the heart loves. It matters not on that level what the others physical sex is. (It does matter to the brain or conscious level) Physical attraction is often an overwhelming emotion and at very least a powerful and obvious feeling. Does this mean one must act on every feeling or emotion? Of course not. This is where emotional maturity comes in. It is a conscious choice not to act on feelings of attraction toward someone who is in relations with another. In order for Free Will not to be violated both parties in that relationship must consent. If all choose to engage in ‘menage a trois’ then this is Love expressing. This probably seems obvious to most reading this blog, however adultery is committed by thousands if not millions every day.

If one follows their intuition it is fairly easy to avoid the karma created by acts of Free Will violation. Listen to the small clear loving voice who guides you in matters of spirit. Knowing this voice is critical to spiritual growth. Is it the ego (what used to be referred to as the devil) speaking to you? Or the Spirit? Some call this Soul, but I do not. There is no soul as most think of it. There is One Mind, thus if there is only One, this means there is no ‘other’. The Holy Spirit is our connection to the All there is. Any thing which represents duplicity or separation is of the ego. Therefor, listen to this One voice for love which we each have access to. The reality of Oneness is another topic and one I have written about many times. To know Oneness is to be Enlightened. (see image posted with this blog)

What this all comes down to is Question Reality and stay curious and explore! Nothing is set in stone, not even stone! Follow the heart and to do this one must understand when it speaks and how to discern this from the ego, monkey mind. Blessings to each of us on our Journey of Love! Have a Joyous Thanksgiving.

chop-wood

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What I have Learned

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Over the years many lessons have been presented, so I cannot begin to share all that I have learned because I don’t even know all that I have learned. This is the way of the world. So I share what sticks out in my mind. These are the most important to me and possibly to you as well. Let’s jump right in.

Love is all there is! As simple as this may seem it is constantly challenged and obscured by events, people, and ideas. I can remember asking my father what Love is as a teenager and getting the “you’ll know it when you see it” response. WTF? This was totally false! I did not see it for years and through two marriages. It was in the second relationship when the light finally came on. Love is unconditional, there is no opposite, and there is no escaping it since it makes up our very essence. Love is not a person, place or thing. It is not even an emotion or feeling. Love is all there is!

What you give is what you receive, so give everything to everything. At first this makes no sense at all. How does one give what they do not have? But after experimenting with it the truth of this statement comes to light. The logical mind cannot grasp the depth of this, so let go of logic and trust in the heart. A entire book could be written on this topic and probably has been. Suffice it to say this has to do with Oneness. If there is only One, then what one gives to another they receive. What one does, says, or thinks of another they do, say, or think of themselves! Once this is understood, it changes everything! It could be said this is enlightenment itself. I don’t expect you’ll understand this till you have experienced it. This too is the way of the world. Even experiencing it will not necessarily bring it to full awareness. These things must seep into the soul over time, till a tipping point is reached and BAM.

Identity is a concept or perception, not a reality. What’s in a name? Simply an idea, nothing more. As real as life seems nothing is fixed or real as most think of this concept. (Look at Taxonomy for instance) Names and identities serve an important purpose, but they are also very misleading. Just because you know a person’s (place, animal, plant or thing)’s name doesn’t mean you know this person and even if you have “known” this person all your life doesn’t mean you know who THEY are. What you do know is yourself. The traits of others that make you crazy are the very traits in you that you hate. It is not usually obvious, however I accept this to be true through observation and experience. Other self exists to show the self who it is…and is not… remember the first lesson!

On a practical level, life is about observation, acceptance, and non-judgment. This is what we call Forgiveness. The gift is observing, accepting, and not judging! Simplicity! Not necessarily easy though. In fact, life is an exercise in Forgiveness. Just remember to forgive your self first!

Each person has two aspects, the Ego and the Soul. The ego is our interface with this world and it represents the fractured or separate self. The soul is our window to Spirit, Universal Mind, Infinite Intelligence, etc. We can listen to one or the other, but not both at the same time. Most of us are like pendulums going back and forth. The goal here is to listen only to Holy Spirit and trust that “we”, our egos, do not know the path home. The ego is often very convincing and very persuasive, however its only concern is keeping us stuck in illusion. It teaches death constantly, anything that leads to separation. ACIM (a course in miracles) says it so eloquently:“Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists. Here in lies the Peace of God.” So if you would like to learn more about this, explore A Course in Miracles. There are many good books which explain this clearly, so I suggest reading Gary Renard, Eckhart Tolle, and David Paul & Candace Doyle just to name my favorite ACIM teachers. This of course is in addition to the ACIM text.

There are many other lessons of lesser concern so I will end here. Read my blogs to explore further. I bless you on your “Journey of Love”.

Sequoia Elisabeth 🙂

onenessministry.info Transness.org

The Crying has Stopped

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Attention! Ego calling.

This is our daily life because the ego is our interface to this world. Without it there would be no world. This however is not a bad thing since this world is illusion. Reality exists beyond space and time and has no thing to do with the world you see around you. For more on this please refer to ACIM (a course in miracles) and Law of One (the teachings of RA). I needed to lay a groundwork for this blog which will better explain my following insights.

I have been doing a lot of childhood and adolescent analysis of my life. It has become clear to me that most of my behavior was based on a need to be loved. I did not realize I was loved so much and thus my hypochondriac tendencies and later my transgender identity. Much of our behavior as human beings can be traced back to this separation idea on which life in time and space is based. The very concept of space and time are separation. Since the moment I was born I have been crying for attention, literally at first. Mom told me I cried for the first month after I was born and as it turned out I had a double hernia and had surgery to fix it. The two things I did a lot as a child is sleep and cry. I did not want to be here… in this illusion. Perhaps it could be called a nightmare. It was not always one though. I have wonderful memories too. The time I spent with family and in nature was usually very good. As time went on I observed how much my mother was loved by father, brother, and others. I craved what she had and perhaps this is where the seed of my transgender identity sprouted from. I wanted to be like Mom. Of course my crying was fairly effective and got me some attention. I was so insecure that I sucked my thumb till the age of 9 yrs old. The only way my parents could break me of this habit was to have a dental device implanted so that I got stuck by prongs if I put my thumb in my mouth. Wow. It is funny to even think of this now. How absurd life is. Why do I hang on so? False Fear would be my observation at this point.

What I have discovered is there is nothing to fear, it is just a dream and it is time to wake up. It is time to grow up and be the mature loving beings we are! I suspect this whole construct of Transgender and gender non-conformity is rooted in fear of not being loved. (Thus the “cure” is to Love …unconditionally) It is just one method the ego mind uses to make us feel special, to feel deserving of being loved. My work with the transgender community has shown me this need to be special trumps all others motivations. We all need Love. Or do we? ACIM teaches us that we are the Love we seek. That to look outside ourselves for it results in anxiety and depression. That search is futile! Why do we see so much anxiety and depression in the world? Because of this very idea that Love comes from others! It does not. There is no “other” but what is projected by the ego. We are One, means there is only one Mind, the Mind of God (use whatever label you prefer). The ego mind is splintered from this whole and according to ACIM has already been corrected. What we are experiencing is like a echo or memory of that which has already occurred. The only way out is through. This is my focus now – to keep moving forward! I know the truth now, I am not this body, I am free, I am just as God created me! What I have been and because I am still alive, am still witnessing, is this illusion called life. It is not good nor bad, it just is and will be till such time that it is not. Instead of getting, life is about giving that which one desires and in this process one gets what one needs. I no longer seek Love “out there”. I know it is who I am! The crying has stopped. And this is a good thing.

Sequoia Elisabeth 🙂