Oneness Ministry

Pride

by Sequoia Elisabeth

The phrase “Pride cometh before a fall” probably came from the 1611, King James Version of the Bible, Book of Proverbs, 16:18. Some versions say it this way, “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Either way the point is fairly obvious. A person who is extremely proud of his or her abilities will often suffer a setback or failure, because he or she tends to be overconfident and to make errors of judgment.

Have you ever thought of how Pride fits into your life? If you are GLBTQ then you have probably attended a Pride festival of some type. There is an interesting irony to this event, so I would like to share a few thoughts on Pride since June is rapidly approaching and Pride festivals will be taking place all over the USA and elsewhere.

Let’s look at this word a little closer, Pride [prahyd] noun, verb, prid·ed, prid·ing.

Noun ~

1. A high or inordinate opinion of one’s owns dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.

2. The state or feeling of being proud.

3. A becoming or dignified sense of what is due to oneself or one’s position or character; self-respect; self-esteem.

4. Pleasure or satisfaction taken in something done by or belonging to oneself or believed to reflect credit upon oneself: civic pride.

5. Something that causes a person or persons to be proud: His art collection was the pride of the family.

If we again look even closer one word seems to jump out in the definition, Ego. Look at the synonyms for Pride – conceit, self-esteem, egotism, vanity, vain glory, implies an unduly favorable idea of one’s own appearance, advantages, achievements, etc., and often applies to offensive characteristics. Pride is a lofty and often arrogant assumption of superiority in some respect: Pride must have a fall. Conceit implies an exaggerated estimate of one’s own abilities or attainments, together with pride: blinded by conceit. Self-esteem may imply an estimate of oneself that is higher than those held by others: a ridiculous self-esteem. Egotism implies an excessive pre-occupation with oneself or with one’s own concerns, usually but not always accompanied by pride or conceit: His egotism blinded him to others’ difficulties. Vanity implies self-admiration and an excessive desire to be admired by others: His vanity was easily flattered. Vain glory, somewhat literary, implies an inordinate and therefore empty or unjustified pride: puffed up by vain glory – boast.

The antonym is humility! Jesus taught us to have a humble approach to life and not get caught up in our own achievements. Life is about what you have to offer – what you give! Pride has its uses and serves to balance life, but it is a trap so many of us fall prey to. Celebrate your successes, feel good about yourself, know that you have great worth, and do it with humility, so you can avoid the fall!

😀 Sequoia Elisabeth

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How to Handle Rejection from Family Members

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Today’s blog is a sharing from another blog I recently read. This subject touches me deeply and from chats with readers I feel this message will touch you as well. The topic is “How to Handle Rejection from Family Members”. We are all family – Love is the answer!

“The Voice for Love: “Precious One, please know firstly that consciously choosing to extend love to anyone or anything is always helpful, even if you cannot see the effects. There is more to your experience than meets the eye. So we thank you and encourage you to continue in your quest to extend love to others, even those who do not seem to want or accept your love.

“We would like to challenge you further, for in your quest to extend love you are now seeking a deeper level of understanding and a deeper experience. You have extended love to the persons about whom you are asking; now extend love to the very behaviors they are expressing. Those behaviors are expressions of fear, doubt, guilt, and pain. Although tempting to take their rejection personally you need not take them as personal attacks, though they are presented that way. You may also see these behaviors and expressions as separate from the person expressing them. See the person as innocent but fearful, and all these painful expressions as mere defenses, put up to avoid further pain.

“Extending love to negative behaviors may seem counter-intuitive or counterproductive, as though to do so means you approve of these things. Yet Love is not approval, but Love is acceptance of What Is. Love is knowing that you are both safe and free at all times. Love does not fear anything nor react to perceived attacks. Love is not defensive or resistant or afraid. Love allows others to be as they are, where they are, and loving them even when pushed away. Love allows the pushing away. Love is at peace and loves anyway.

“It is possible to extend love from afar, to hold these dear ones in your heart despite their rejection of you. They are asking for their freedom – give it them. To be embroiled in conflict, to push or force or argue, this is not what Love would do. Love says, ‘Yes, you may be that way.’ Loves gives to all their freedom and loves anyway. Step back, dear one, from the pain of this situation. You need not fix it, solve it, or sort it out. Extend love to the situation exactly as it is – that is, extend patience; extend freedom; extend allowance; extend compassion. These are all facets of the great diamond of love that you hold. Love can be extended in infinite ways, so do not underestimate its power.

“Remember that what is resisted grows stronger; it must, to prove itself. Therefore, do not resist the painful behaviors of your loved ones. Accept, allow, extend love to all that is happening without resistance or fear. Love is a healing balm and is not limited by time or space. You do not have to convince these dear ones in your life to accept love. Only you can accept love, know love, choose love, and extend love for yourself. Each one must make this choice when they are ready. Love would never force itself on another who is not ready to receive it. Trust that all will come to the glory of Love in their own perfect time; that is what the journey of life is for.

“Rest, dear one, from your efforts. Extend love to yourself as well as others. Be at peace and trust that God knows the way into each and every heart.”” (http://www.thevoiceforlove.com/community/handle-rejection-from-family/, 2012)

Please know that I Love You! Even and especially my birth family who has had difficulty accepting my transgender journey, know that we are separate, yet ONE!

😀 Sequoia Elisabeth

Unity in Gender Diversity Discover Free eBooks click here

Divine Ego Revisited

by Sequoia Elisabeth

I am going on a road trip so it will be a week before I can post another blog, please enjoy this blog, read through the others and share with your friends and family. YOU are Loved ♥

Murder, war, disaster, scandal, political games, and gossip are indeed entertaining. They might even make for good movie material, but do you really want those things in your life? What you focus on grows…. One of the things that makes this 2012 era so amazing is the shift in consciousness and the opportunity to move beyond these ego based activities. Remember, nothing is good or bad lest you make it so.

Spirit works at a whole different level of energy than ego does. And one of your greatest challenges is knowing the difference! Making a clear choice is sometimes difficult because you do not understand the ego, separation mindedness, often feels very good. Think of five things you enjoy doing that bring you pleasure. For me it is TV, Movies (at a theatre), Good Food, Warm Comfortable Clothing, and Sex. Each of these can be a source of ego or Spirit depending on the energy I bring to the experience. (Divine Love)

Knowing the difference is not really that difficult. Keep it simple! Ego is all about separation, while Spirit (Divine Love) is about Unity. If the experience creates Unity, then it is sourced by Spirit and lifts you up. The feeling it brings is peaceful, serene, and joyful. Ego on the other hand creates separation. The feeling can be good, elating, and powerful or painful, boring, and lonely; however, the end result brings you and those around you – down. Sort of like, “what goes up must come down.” Can you think of an example?

Take TV or Movies for instance. The whole family can gather in the evening to share in entertainment, Unity! The family can each enjoy the experience on their own level and share the Love which makes up a family, or they can force their opinions and viewpoints about the experience on the rest of the family creating separation. Or take sex as an example, the experience can be all about the pleasure and your partner is simply a means to an end or it can be a joining of souls for the mutual experience of Divine connection!

“A Course in Miracles” and books written to explain it are a great source of wisdom concerning the concept I present here today. I highly recommend you take the course, it will tell you at the beginning that it is a required course. If you have difficulty with the course, then try some of the other books written about it, like Marianne Williamson’s “A return to Love” or Gary Renard’s “Disappearance of the Universe”. I know there are many more books as well, like “The Voice for Love” by David Paul and Candace Doyle which is one of the best I have read. “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle is very good at explaining ego, so you may give it a read as well.

Once these concepts are internalized and expressed, life will take on new meaning and value for you. Colors will be more vivid and relationships will be more fulfilling. Miracles are a daily experience and if you are not experiencing this then maybe it is time to wake up and re-align.

😀 Sequoia Elisabeth

Unity in Gender Diversity Discover Free eBooks click here

Cleanliness is Godliness

by Sequoia Elisabeth

On this wonderful transition called The Journey of Love, a few practices are important to understand and respect. By now if you have been reading my blogs you know that energy makes up everything and can be thought of as God. Everything vibrates at a certain frequency which is inherent within its structure. So what is cleanliness? How can anything be dirty in God’s world?

First of all, this is not God’s world! It is man-made; every blade of grass, every animal and every person is created by the ego of man, as described in A Course in Miracles (ACIM). It is worth the effort to figure out what I am speaking of, but it is too complex to explain in a few paragraphs, ACIM is a yearlong course. Just know that your “reality” is created by your ego mind and each person see’s their own version of the same thing. Earth is often considered dirt, and the state of being dirty is any substance, liquid, or semi-solid that is located where it is not wanted. Being dirty changes the overall appearance of the object it (solid, liquid, or vapor) rides on.

Dirty on a basic level is a decrease in energetic frequency which then attracts particulate matter similar to its energy. This usually occurs over time (entropy), unless energy is being expended to clean or increase the areas’ energy vibrations. If you ask three people if something is dirty, you will get three different answers, because the state of being dirty is subjective. Dirty is simply a lower vibration.

Take your body for instance, washing it removes any foreign materials and thus raises the bodies overall vibration to a more natural state. The soil can come from the environment or from within (thoughts taking form – sweat, mucus, tears just to name a few). So to wash anything raises its vibrational signature to a more natural state or close to original state. The original state is unattainable in this world because of the many energetic influences being exerted on all matter. Once matter is changed, it cannot be changed back, only taken to a similar state. Think of this at the molecular level, so while it may appear good as new, it has been changed.

Looking at dirty from the spiritual point of view, it is impure, soiled, tainted, unclean, and viewed as sinful. Thus anything in this world could be considered impure or sinful. Not that purity does not exist, for it certainly does, however it is not of this world. Ever since Eve ate the apple and Adam & Eve where thrown out of the Garden of Eden, this world has been impure or sinful. Of course this is a perspective which was taught long ago by religious leaders to explain the world they saw around them.

Energetically speaking the 3d dimension, where we all live, is a dense world made up of matter at a low vibrational frequency. As energy vibration increases, cleanliness becomes a natural state. If the body can be vibrated at sufficient frequencies it too will move to attain a state that cannot be dirty or sick.

Metaphorically speaking cleaning is a kin to forgiveness, because forgiveness is how one raise’s above sin. Keeping your body and your environment clean is thus a conscious act of forgiveness!

Cleaning is also a way to increase the vibration of anything, your body, house, yard, etc. Living in an energetically vibrant environment is crucial to higher living. But don’t take my word for it, just notice the next time you are in a “dirty” place and see how the space feels. Energized? Depressed? The same goes for a place that is immaculately clean, or someplace brand new/never used.

The secret to moving to higher states of existence comes in creating an energized space by keeping it clean. As you grow, you will find yourself in places that are ever more energetic, clean, and beautiful.

😉 Sequoia Elisabeth

Unity in Gender Diversity Free Ebooks click here

Ps. Cleanliness is vital in creating a Love Based Economy, because it is a higher state of energy vibration. Try keeping your space clean and see if your life changes for the better.

Unity in Gender Diversity Free eBook “a Love Based Society”

Ownership Revealed Conclusion

by Sequoia Elisabeth

In conclusion of our series on ownership, ownership as a concept in the LBE (Love Based Economy/Society) is abandoned because each person realizes the illusion inherent in ownership. We as an enlightened society, embrace honesty and truth to the point that it pervades each aspect of society.

The idea of paying for the right to use something that was originally meant for all beings to share simply is no longer acceptable. The present conditions we impose on each other where created for the economic system to operate. Think about it for a minute.

You do work of some type and are paid for it, you then turn around and pay others for services you need to survive. It is a contrived system that separates and stratifies society, and simply does not allow equality! This system served its purpose and now it is time to move on to a cashless system where we no longer have to get something before we give of ourselves. Each person in a LBE realizes the source of all love, accepts their role in this love, and acts with compassion.

Gaia or Nature truly “owns” everything on earth as she provides the materials and can destroy anything we create. The idea of ownership when you really think about it is absurd. Even if you create something wonderful, it is not yours because you got the inspiration from Holy Spirit, and used materials from Gaia or Nature, all you did was put them together in your own unique way. Now yes this is a great gift and makes the world a beautiful place to live, but it is not ownership. It is giving.

With no ownership this frees us to live a life of safety and security. If citizens know they have food to eat, a warm place to sleep and other people to love and support them doesn’t this provide a powerful platform to live your life from? There is no concern about who’s home you live in, or who’s food you eat or who’s clothing you wear, because you know in your heart that it is yours as much as anyone’s. Each person in a LBE honors possession as the law, and at the same time each person only takes what they need never taking that which is being used by another. In each moment they think about others’ needs above their own. This is a compassionate and loving way to live; this is a Love Based Economy.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

For more info on a cashless society please read the free ebook linked above. Also visit http://www.thezeitgeistmovement.com to see the resource based economy advocated by Peter Joseph. Our greatest resource is Love 😉

Unity in Gender Diversity Free eBook “a Love Based Society”

Ownership Revealed Part 2

by Sequoia Elisabeth

So you think you own something, such as a gold watch. You wear it proudly and use it every day. One day it disappears, you have no idea what happened to it. Did you really own it? Do you still own it? As the definition reads from yesterday’s blog you did own it, but now you do not. Possession is 9/10th of the law, or so it would seem. I would say that it is 100% the law of ownership.

Say you met with a friend and notice they are wearing the watch you once owned. Whose watch is it? Does it matter that your friend found the watch in the company bathroom? Do you automatically assume they stole the watch from you? I hope not. If you still wish to enjoy the watch, you could explain what happened and ask them politely to give the watch to you. Since they are in possession of the watch, they own it. If you are compassionate and caring you may get the watch back. It is like the watch is making the decisions and choosing the person to be with. And in a way this is exactly what is happening. Remember like energy attracts like energy and if you are resonating a match to the watch it will come back into your life. I once lost and found a ring over three times before it decided I did not want it. I never found the ring again. It is not about owning certain objects; it is about enjoying the use of them and then gratefully passing them along when you are done with them.

I used to have a camera that I was getting tired of and wished to get a better one, but I would not spend the money. A few days later someone stole my camera and my prayers were answered! I now had the excuse I needed to go buy a new camera and I did. I owned the camera while it was in my possession and then I did not. The important point here is that I always have what I need. The resources present themselves as the need arises!

It is also important to know that ownership as most people understand it today is an illusion. You do not own the land, your car, or anything really. But you do have the use of anything you desire to claim in a way that honors the Best Interests of all concerned.

Right now this means paying for certain items so that you have permission to use them. Of course you are not paying for the item, but the honor of using it! If someone gives you a gift card, they are transferring their honor to you, thus making it a gift!

Ownership then is really a Spiritual Agreement made energetically between two individuals or Great Spirit herself. Whether energy is exchanged in the form of money, labor, barter, or Love does not matter. The water you drink, the land you walk on and the trees you sleep under were given to you as a gift from Great Spirit. Are you using them with honor?

Ask not – what do I own, but do I have what I need? I bet the answer is Yes, because Great Spirit is a wonderful provider (as long as you allow it).

The etiquette of ownership is another topic so please do not assume from this blog that I condone taking anything without asking first! Get permission, either verbally, in writing, or by (sales) contract. Even in a cashless society, the rules of etiquette still apply. Stay tuned! Ownership concludes in the next blog.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

Unity in Gender Diversity Free eBook “a Love Based Society”

Ownership Revealed Part 1

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Ownership is purely a man made concept that has existed for thousands of years in some form or another. The question I ask here is simply this, “How does ownership serve you”? Is it in the Highest and Best Good of the Human Race & Earth?

Ownership as defined by the Encyclopedia Britannica is, “the legal relation between a person (individual, group, corporation, or government) and an object. The object may be corporeal, such as furniture, or completely the creature of law, such as a patent, copyright, or annuity; it may be movable, such as an animal, or immovable, such as land. Because the objects of property and the protected relations are different in every culture and vary according to law, custom and economic system and the relative social status of those who enjoy its privileges, it is difficult to find a least common denominator of “ownership.” Ownership of property probably means at a minimum that one’s government or society will help to exclude others from the use or enjoyment of one’s possession without one’s consent, which may be withheld except at a price.”

What do you own? Think carefully here. Are you sure? Is it because you paid for it? Or is it simply that you claimed possession? Can you do with it as you please? Does it bring you joy? Is it time to re-assess your viewpoint on ownership?

Is your partner, wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, child an object? Of course not, so please do not treat them as one. Human relationships sometimes slip into ownership situations and this is regrettable and unhealthy. I simply mention this as a reminder of what you already know – you cannot be owned, and neither can anyone else – at least not without their permission. If someone is a slave they have chosen this experience for the advancement of their soul, but this diverts from our topic today. Suffice it to say there are no victims, only volunteers.

Copyright is a legal construction so the person with this legal right can claim profit. I ask for you to consider this carefully. Who really owns the words written here or the electricity that brings them to you? The reason copyright law exists is so money can be claimed; however it is not always the person who made the copyrighted material who profits from it. Copyright law is simply a construct under which some get wealthy and other do not. It is a limitation imposed by the powers at be. Now I can choose to not copyright my writing, because these words do not come from me but from Holy Spirit. Anyone who wishes can wade in the river of knowledge! This goes for any creation, a building, a computer, a book, a recipe, you name it – the idea came from Holy Spirit! The resources came from Gaia and your part in the process is the hands to mold it. Just because you played a part of a Divine process does not mean you own the creation! If I make the muffler for a car, do I own the car? If I make a book cover do I own the book? Not hardly.

What is “real” about real estate? What are you paying for? Could it be that you are paying for the right to use the property as long as you abide by certain rules and pay the proper taxes and fees? Why are you giving your power to some official or banker? What will happen if you claim your inner power and God given right to live as you see fit? Is what you are thinking in the Best Interest of Everyone involved?

The blog continues tomorrow, so we will meet again soon!

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

For more info on a cashless society please read my previous blog by that title “A cashless Society” Jan. 31, 2011. Also visit http://www.thezeitgeistmovement.com to see the resource based economy advocated by Peter Joseph. Our greatest resource is Love 😉

ownership. (n.d.). © Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc.. Retrieved February 25, 2011, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ownership

Gender Incongruency Part 2

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Gender Incongruency part 2 is the continuation of the simple straight-forward definition provided previously and now we delve into why Gender Incongruency is the preferred term verses Gender Identity Disorder.

The documentation provided on the different views of Gender Identity Dysphoria sound complex, but really it is not that complicated when you break it down. I will do my best to provide clear reasoning to explain it. First of all everyone has Gender Identity, just as they have a sexual orientation. When this identity is incongruent with the natal sex and established stereotypes a diagnosis of Gender Identity Disorder is given. Since this is really an issue of incongruency and not necessarily a dysfunction the term disorder is inappropriate.

Think carefully about the term disorder. Most allopathic treatments use a chemical and/or a surgical approach by prescribing a medicine or surgically altering the body to treat the illness or disorder. Medicines are intended to be temporary till the body heals itself. Gender Dysphoria is based on an incongruency from birth. Some feel it is a birth defect, depending on how it manifests. Often, if the patient is born completely male or female they do not deal with the issue due to societal and peer pressure until later in life. They have dealt with this condition all their life because they do not know any better. Since there are many things in this world that do not make sense we all deal with incongruences. Is it so hard to believe that a person cannot live with these feelings?

“Principle 18 of The Yogyakarta Principles states that “Notwithstanding any classifications to the contrary, a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity are not, in and of themselves, medical conditions and are not to be treated, cured, or suppressed.” According to these Principles, any gender identity of a transsexual or transgendered person is neither “disorder” nor mental illness, thus the diagnosis “gender identity disorder” can be contradictory and irreverent.” (Wikipedia.com, 2012)

Given this fact and the fact that physicians need a way to treat patients who request it the term Gender Incongruency seems very appropriate, thus the Concerned Professionals proposal. The other issue is treatment and payment. In our present system insurance usually picks up the bill but many specifically exclude transgender/transsexual treatments. This trend is shifting however and it is because they have a diagnosis in the DSM to use along with the ICD-10 that insurance is willing to cover hormone therapy, although most do not cover surgical interventions. Lobbying by activist groups, LGBT awareness groups, and allies have helped increase awareness of the need a great deal.

Eventually Gender Identity will not be pathologized and people will be free to live outside the gender binary. This is another trend that is promising at the moment. However there will still be individuals who feel they need to change their sex and who benefit from hormone treatment, so the health care system needs to be prepared to address these needs. Insurance needs to cover this simple and relatively inexpensive treatment, esp. when compared to other sophisticated medical treatments. Gender Incongruency conveys the essence of this condition quite nicely.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

Gender Incongruency

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Gender Incongruency may be unfamiliar to some of our readers so I will take the next two Transitions Blogs to explain it further. I will first give the simple straight-forward definition of it and then in the next part explain why it is the preferred term now verses Gender Identity Disorder.

Incongruous or Incongruent:

— adj

1. incompatible with (what is suitable); inappropriate

2. containing disparate or discordant elements or parts (Dictionary.com)

Thus applied to gender it means the individual feels certain parts (gender and/or sex) are incompatible, inappropriate, disparate, or discordant. The definition of transgender varies a little from transsexual so I will simply say that transgender is an umbrella term that covers all gender non-conforming identities, while transsexual is more specific to a feeling of marked incongruity requiring both hormone therapy and sexual reassignment surgery. The diagnosis of gender incongruency would apply to all transsexuals, and some but not all transgender individuals.

Treatment is the way I discern the difference between transgender and transsexual. Many transgender individuals need no treatment at all other than the acknowledgement of their gender expression and role. Sexual orientation or sexual pleasure type are separate issues and are not discussed here. The following definitions from the American Psychiatric Association, Concerned Professionals, and The Yogyakarta Principles are offered in regards to Transsexualism mainly, but also pertain to Transgender, esp The Yogyakarta Principles.

First let us consider in the United States, the American Psychiatric Association permits a diagnosis of gender identity disorder if the four diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4thEdition, Text-Revised (DSM-IV-TR) are met. (There is a proposal to change this GID diagnosis term to Gender Incongruence in the new DSM-V, of which I will discuss further in the next blog)

The criteria are:

Long-standing and strong identification with another gender
Long-standing disquiet about the sex assigned or a sense of incongruity in the gender-assigned role of that sex
Significant clinical discomfort or impairment at work, social situations, or other important life areas.
The diagnosis is not made if the individual also has physical intersex characteristics.

If the four criteria are met under the DSM-IV-TR, a diagnosis is made under ICD-9 code 302.85. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) list three diagnostic criteria:

Transsexualism (F64.0) has three criteria:

The desire to live and be accepted as a member of the opposite sex, usually accompanied by the wish to make his or her body as congruent as possible with the preferred sex through surgery and hormone treatment
The transsexual identity has been present persistently for at least two years
The disorder is not a symptom of another mental disorder or a chromosomal abnormality (Intersex).

Mental health and medical professionals, clinicians, researchers, and scholars are concerned about psychiatric nomenclature and diagnostic criteria for gender-variant, gender-nonconforming, transgender, and transsexual people in the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), and call themselves Professionals Concerned About Gender Diagnoses in the DSM. Below are their suggestions for the Gender Incongruence (in adults) diagnosis in the DSM V.

A. A distressing sense of incongruence between persistent experienced or expressed gender and current physical sex characteristics or ascribed gender role in adults, as manifested by at least one of the following indicators for duration of at least 3 months. Incongruence, for this purpose, does not mean gender expression that is nonconforming to social stereotypes of ascribed gender role or natal sex.

1. A distress or discomfort with living in the present gender or being perceived by others as the present gender, which is distinct from the experiences of discrimination or the societal expectations associated with that gender.

2. A distress or discomfort caused by deprivation of gender expression congruent with persistent experienced gender. Experienced gender may include alternative gender identities beyond binary stereotypes.

3. A distress or discomfort with one’s current primary or secondary sex characteristics that are incongruent with persistent experienced gender.

4. A distress or discomfort caused by deprivation of primary or secondary sex characteristics that are congruent with persistent experienced gender.

B. Distress or discomfort is clinically significant or causes impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning, and is not due to external prejudice or discrimination. (Professionals Concerned with Gender Diagnoses in the DSM, 2010)

The Yogyakarta Principles on the Application of International Human Rights Law in relation to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity is a set of principles relating to sexual orientation and gender identity, intended to apply international human rights law standards to address the abuse of the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, and issues of intersexuality.

“The Principle 3 of The Yogyakarta Principles on The Application of International Human Rights Law in Relation to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity states that “A person of diverse sexual orientation and gender identities shall enjoy legal capacity in all aspects of life. Each person’s self-defined sexual orientation and gender identity is integral to their personality and is one of the most basic aspects of self-determination, dignity and freedom” and the Principle 18 of this states that “Notwithstanding any classifications to the contrary, a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity are not, in and of themselves, medical condition and are not to be treated, cured or suppressed.” According to these Principles, any gender identity of a transsexual or transgendered person is neither “disorder” nor mental illness, thus the diagnosis “gender identity disorder” can be contradictory and irreverent. As well, The Activist’s Guide of the Yogyakarta Principles in Action states that “It is important to note that while “sexual orientation” has been declassified as a mental illness in many countries, “gender identity or gender identity disorder” often remains under consideration.” (Wikipedia.com, 2012)

To read the entire publication “An Activist’s Guide to The Yogyakarta Principles” please click here, although be warned it is quite lengthy. More on Gender Incongruence in Part 2, pleasant reading till then.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

Unity in Gender Diversity Free eBook “a Love Based Society”

The New Golden Age Is Awakening

by Sequoia Elisabeth

The first step of transition to the new Golden Age is awakening. It began many years ago and slowly more and more people are awakening to Oneness. It is this awareness of Divine Oneness that is instrumental in this shift to a higher state of being. Oneness is divine reality, it is a connection beyond the physical, and astral planes to a level of source. This source can best be described as Love – Unconditional Love.

The next step is accepting this Love as not only our source but our very being! No matter what we do, say, or feel Love remains our core. The various forms it takes are unlimited, and this is what makes each person, place, and thing unique. It is this individuality that gives richness to our Oneness.

When this singular concept is contemplated, digested, and integrated change cannot help but manifest. We are all on this journey together from the Age of Pisces to the Age of Aquarius, just to give it a name. Once you were born the path was laid out – destiny foretold! There are still choices to be made and soul contracts to be fulfilled. Life is a process, a process of learning, growing, and expanding. Just look at the Universe itself! It has been doing this since the Big Bang.

“Ages are believed by some astrologers to affect mankind while other astrologers believe the ages correlate to the rise and fall of mighty civilizations and cultural tendencies. (I believe it is both) Aquarius traditionally “rules” electricity, computers, flight, democracy, freedom, humanitarianism, idealists, modernization, astrology, nervous disorders, rebels and rebellion. Other keywords and ideas believed associated with Aquarius are nonconformity, philanthropy, veracity, perseverance, humanity and irresolution. The appearance or elevation in status of many of these Aquarian developments over the last few centuries is considered by many astrologers to indicate the proximity of the Aquarian age. There is no uniform agreement about the relationship of these recent Aquarian developments and the Age of Aquarius. Some astrologers believe that the influence of a New Age is experienced before it arrives because of a cuspal effect or Orb of Influence. Other astrologers believe the appearance of Aquarian developments indicate the actual arrival of the Age of Aquarius.” (Wikipedia, 2012)

Each Age lasts 2150 years and although humans are not in agreement as to exactly when Piscean age ends and the Aquarian age begins all one must do is look both at the world at large and deep within their own heart to know this shift is taking place right now. 2012 is instrumental in this shift because it is my belief and understanding that a tipping point is achieved this year. With approximately 7 billion people on the earth change takes time and this shift goes in stages.

A Resource Based Economy/Love Based Society is central to the new Age of Aquarius, and I encourage you to read up on these topics and let go of what you think reality is all about. The world you see around you is a function of your beliefs and your level of understanding. I have written an eBook on this topic, “a Love Based Society”, and invite you to not only read my eBook but write your own. Give us your view of the Aquarian Age! What kind of world do you desire to live in?

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

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Row, Row, Row Your Boat

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Destiny! This is what life is all about, so what does this mean? Are you fulfilling your destiny? How can you not? Stop for a minute and look at your life. Are you doing what you have always wanted to do, been where you dreamed of going, known those you desire to know, Loved and Lost?

No matter what your answer to the above questions consider the answer is YES! It is as simple as “ask and you shall receive”. There is one caveat to this whole process though and this is your Highest and Best Good. It is also a function of what you believe deep down and what is supported by others. How deep is your conviction to fulfill these dreams? Who is to say that you have not already done so? Reality is created in your dreams! And it is done in your Highest and Best Good.

I would like you, my friend, to consider your journey carefully. A river is used to symbolize life. You are given a raft (body) when born and your journey begins. The river may be calm and smooth or rough rapids and it will surely change from moment to moment. The journey will take you through jungles, deserts, plains, and mountains. Those you meet along the way will guide your path as well as provide both challenge and support.

The premise of Transgender is that you were given the wrong raft on this journey, however if God makes no mistakes, then how can this be? Maybe the mistake is in your perception of the raft. Maybe you desired to show the world that a kayak is the way to make it down the river of life? Then again maybe you desired to take your raft and convert it into a houseboat.

The point being you make of your gifts what you will! And I mean ‘will power’ here. There are no limits till you place them there and often times the limits are there for your benefit and protection. Limits guide your path just as a large boulder will do in a river, the water flows around the boulder and so will your raft! The important thing is to learn Love – Love for your raft and the rafts of others regardless of who you think they are.

So embrace your raft and enjoy the journey! Look ahead as far as you can while also noticing how the raft is supporting and serving your experience. Are you using all the features your raft offers, by making the most of what you have? Remember there is a reason for everything and Universal Intelligence (God) gave you that particular raft for a purpose! Are you grateful or are you biting the hand that feeds you?

Row, Row, Row Your Boat – gently down the stream…

😀 Sequoia Elisabeth

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Say Goodbye To Mama & Papa

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Mama and Papa have been by your side all your life and maybe it is time to grow up! Maybe it is time we all said goodbye to our “parents” and lived our own lives. What if our Mama is the Government, since they provide social programs, protection, and services to the world which we all use. Papa is your Job, because this is how you bring home the bacon so to speak. Your job is security and often self-expression. What would we do without our Mama and Papa?

I think we would thrive! Oh, we would have to grow up and be mature on an individual basis, but consider the possibilities if we could live beyond Government & Job? Are you ready to stop being a child and step out to embrace this beautiful world? How much do you rely on Mama and Papa? If you are like most people in this country you rely completely on them!

What do you really require to live a happy and productive life? Would this include the Government or your Job? I can see many people would answer yes since they base their life on money. Money is how you are controlled by the power elite! Don’t you see this? You don’t live “your” life you live theirs!!! Consider this a SLAP IN THE FACE!

Wake up people! Grow up! It is time to take things to the next level, time for the Human Race to let go of Mama and Papa and live as adults who are responsible for their actions by thinking of their children (not just personal family), adults who embrace their fellow adults by respecting their equality, freedom of choice, and sharing the worlds resources equally. It is not about “if they will do it, so will I”. It has to be “I will lead the way!”

The face of the world in this new consciousness is “a Love Based Society” and a “Resource Based Economy”. If you read this blog for long you will know of what I speak. If not then please do some research, read my eBook “a Love Based Society” and watch the Zeitgeist: Moving Forward movie.

I realize this may be scary to you. The thought of the unknown is always scary, however change happens anyway. Just consider the Renaissance age, or the Industrial age, or a flat world and sailing out into the unknown! We have lived with Mama and Papa long enough. We bless them for the assistance they provide and are grateful for the opportunity to grow. Now we step forward in bravery and embark on a journey of love – to a Love Based Society! We are never alone, because we have each other. So, let’s do this together ♥

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

Unity in Gender Diversity Free eBook “a Love Based Society”

Intrinsic Value

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Intrinsic 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 am still working on a viable answer. This question is also essential to a 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, however everyone in your life serves some purpose. 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, she 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.

Have you thought of anyone with no intrinsic value yet? How about the villain? Make your choice, 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 in itself has value if to no one else. What makes a homeless person? 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, which brings up another topic – jobs.

Does a person need a job to have worth/value? Do they have to “contribute to society” 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 intrinsic value? Once again life is a balance and needs both those in need and those to help. It just depends on which role you decide to play. Are you a hero or a villain; charity case or welfare worker? It really matters not, because we all have intrinsic value or else we would not be here!

Think carefully on this because it is of great importance. 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. 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

Sequoia’s Wisdom Part 2

by Sequoia Elisabeth

It is time for us to dive a little deeper and address gender identity and sexual orientation. This is a continuation from yesterday’s blog, so here we go.

“I am a spiritual being having a human experience”. It behooves you to keep this in mind along the way. Do spiritual beings have gender? Per Buddhists teachings, all attachments lead to pain, so since we are in a body and “have” a life – pain is inevitable. However suffering only occurs when you hold on, resist, or ignore the signs/messages. Pain is a messenger! It means something, and it is up to you to figure it out. If you need help with this many others are available to help. When you listen to your guidance you find the answers you seek. Life is like a game of connect the dots. You move from one dot/spot/experience to the next like a string of moments and it all adds up to your life. Being attached to gender identity or any identity can be painful!

Gender Identity is your personal sense of who you are, man, woman, or other. It is in your mind and relatively fixed, however the brain has little to do with this contrary to what many think. Nor does any physical body part! The body is simply an effect of previous thoughts. The DNA is a code for encrypting these thoughts which have been decided long before you are born. This slide show explains it further, but keep in mind this was made a few years ago and my understanding has advanced since then. It includes scientific information which is dated. Click here to view.

I wish I could explain self-identity fully (gender and sexual orientation are aspects) but it has taken me years and many books to figure this much out. I am still working on it. My advice to you is to ask questions and above all listen. Here are three authors who can help, Tom Youngholm, Neale Donald Walsch, and Dr. Michael Newton.

The secret to understanding Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation is to understand the Divine Plan. It is bigger than you are and so it is unlikely that you will fully understand it in this lifetime. Suffice it to know that everything is connected – literally. Man is a part of Woman who is a part of Animal who is a part of Plant, Mineral, and Stars. The web is multilayered, all reaching, and complex. The Divine Paradox of life is complex beyond comprehension and yet as simple as One (1). Thus computer language is a series of (1’s) and (0’s).

Man’s taboos, social norms, and societal behaviors are all “make-believe”. You can do whatever you choose, however there are consequences. Not because there is good or bad, but because of Universal Law and even this is not fixed, all you need do is go beyond this Universe. Gender is a human experience and a man-made condition of this world. How you experience this is up to you. I encourage you to explore, but be careful because everything you do affects another. (Remember this is not good or bad) Even choosing to “do nothing” has effects. Can you imagine life without gender?

Sexual Orientation is another aspect of the human experience, nothing more, nothing less. Because of soul contracts made before you were born you have certain proclivities, although it is not fixed per se. It is my belief that everyone is basically neutral or if you prefer bi-sexual (given you believe only two sexes exist). I like the term Pansexual, meaning you are attracted to all sexes per personality coupled with appearance and not sexual body parts. Personally I have been attracted to many different people at different times of my life depending on who I am with, how I feel, and the situation. Bottom line, sex is an expression of love or at least it is supposed to be. It can also simply be a biological function when existing in lower forms. The animal human is designed to encourage sex on a basic level; however it is possible to move beyond these urges and in fact evolution requires it. The pleasure derived from sexual encounter may be used on the path to God as the Kama Sutra teaches. The intention behind the sexual encounter becomes paramount. Sex for the sake of sex or to reproduce is one thing, but sex for the purpose of obtaining higher states of being is something altogether different and can be attained with either a same sex or opposite sex partner.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

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Sequoia’s Wisdom

by Sequoia Elisabeth

The future does indeed look bright! On this Spring Equinox the skies are blue and the temps warming. The world is awakening to the situation we have created and perpetuate daily without a conscious thought. As the veils are removed it becomes clearer and clearer the predicament the earth faces – duality. My life has transformed an amazing amount over the years and I would like to share a few things I have learned.

Good always wins, not because it is better than evil, but because evil does not exist! Evil is simply good turned upside down or inside out. Reverse the word and you get, Live – what more need be said?

Love is the only force in the Universe and it is expanding. Ever since the big bang the Universe has been expanding and it will continue doing so, maybe forever. As far as we all are concerned it is forever. The illusion that we are not loved or even hated is the greatest challenge we face. It matters not what you “do” but what you think/believe for this is your “reality”. My favorite quote on this topic says it all, “A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile person lives in a hostile world. Everyone you meet is your mirror.” Ken Keyes

Each person has a purpose or destiny to fulfill. Life can be thought of as a school, but I prefer to think of it as a playground. You can play till your heart’s content but in the end you will fulfill your destiny or do it all over again. It is best to face the issues that arise head on and not mess around. I took 30 years to face my issues and they are screaming louder than ever! In the end there is no winning or losing, just awareness or learning your lessons. This also goes for right or wrong, they do not exist except in your mind and the more you hold on to them the more difficult your life becomes.

The most important lesson we all must learn is how to love. It is as simple as being yourself and as elusive as the Holy Grail! It is a personal journey and thus my phrase, “Journey of Love”. All roads lead back to God, so you cannot go “wrong” (remember that does not exist), however you can take the scenic route! Hopefully you are enjoying the trip. If not then I would recommend choosing a different route. I write extensively on love because this has been my personal journey. I just recently really embraced the fact that love begins at home and until I learn to love myself – my body, my thoughts, my soul, love cannot exist in any other form. It is like peeling the layers off an onion, the deeper you go the less you have to worry about and the more “reality” you discover. If I ever reach the center, I have a feeling you will know.

It is time for me to dive a little deeper and address gender identity and sexual orientation, so thanks for reading this far. The rest will be posted tomorrow.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

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At Home With God

by Sequoia Elisabeth

The book “Home with God: In a Life That Never Ends” by Neale Donald Walsch is my favorite book on the subject of Life and Death because it explains so many questions I held over the years. I am comfortable now with whatever happens and know without a doubt that all is well.

The main aspects of the book are listed below as food for thought. You may wish to read his book if you have ever known someone who has passed.

1) Dying is something you do for you.

2) You are the cause of your own Death. This is always true, no matter where, or how, you die.

3) You can not die against your will.

4) No path back Home is any better than any other path.

5) Death is never a tragedy. It is always a gift.

6) You and God are one. There is no separation between you.

7) Death does not exist.

8) You cannot change Ultimate Reality, but you can change your experience of it.

9) It is the desire of All That Is to Know Itself in its Own Experience. This is the reason for all of life.

10) Life is eternal.

11) The timing and circumstances of death are always perfect.

12) The death of every person always serves the agenda of every other person who is aware of it. That is why they are aware of it. Therefore, no death (and no life) is ever “wasted”. No one ever dies “in vain”.

13) Birth and death are the same thing.

14) You are continually in the act of creation, in life and in death.

15) There is no such thing as the end of evolution.

16) Death is reversible.

17) In death you will be greeted by all of your loved ones – those who have died before you and those who will die after you. (Linear Time does not exist)

18) Free choice is the act of pure creation, the signature of God, and your gift, your glory, and your power forever and ever.

May the Truth set you free my child for you are Loved♥ more than you can imagine!

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

Be The Observer

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Observation is our best tool in transition. Children use this technique and so should we, so what do I mean “Be the Observer”? It is really very simple and it goes like this. Of course you must know what your desired result is to start with. It is like writing a good book, you start with the ending!

Let’s use the example of male to female transition. You know you are a woman in a male body, so hold a vision of the woman you feel yourself to be. Create a picture and keep it with you. Share your vision with others who are supportive. (Stay away from people who constantly criticize) Desire to express yourself more appropriately as the woman you are by learning how to be a woman not a man. Use the power of observation to simply observe women in action, walking, talking, getting angry, laughing, smiling, working, etc. It is good to choose a woman who you would like to be like, a role model.

Observe how they dress, coordinate colors and styles, cook, clean, shop, and all the usual daily tasks. The power of observation will teach you how to act like a lady in public, walk like a lady, hand & body gestures, ways of styling hair, etc. You get the idea now to watch your role model(s) every move and copy it! The result will be as good as your choice in role models.

Obviously you have your own personality, likes and dislikes, however even most of these are learned from your parents and family or the people you are around the most. If there are traits you do not like, then you can pick and choose just as you would in a buffet line!

As you practice being the observer you will create the person of your dreams. The secret to it is being aware enough to make the observations consciously so that you can incorporate them into your behavior. Be very attuned to detail and notice the small things. Life is full of nuance and that is the beauty of it all.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

Once Upon A Time

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Once upon a time there was a kingdom of Peace and Equality, where all peoples respected and honored each other as well as their environment. Each person lived a life free to follow their dreams, and create any life they so choose. The resources were abundant and anyone with the strength of character and body could attain as much as they desired. Food was freely available all around in this place, and the more it was appreciated the more was available.

The greatest reward in this kingdom was the feeling of Love one felt when their actions where appreciated by another, whether they be person or animal (any intelligent being). There was a connection anyone could feel when they gave this gift of love to another. It could be as simple as looking another in the eyes and smiling! This energy flows freely from one being to another and in all directions. This energy of Love was the fabric that wove the entire kingdom together.

Those who knew of this energy and freely shared it where the rulers, and no one person or thing controlled it all. There was no limit to the amount of love available to share and in fact the more one gave it away the more they had!

This kingdom is not a fairy tale but it is all around you this very moment. The way you see the world is the way you will experience it. What you expect to see is the beginning of the experience of it. What is your story? What part do you place in this grand drama called Life? Take a moment and feel the love that exists within you, around you, and flowing through you this very moment. Can you feel eternity? It is right here! And it is there too. Know that you are the very Love you seek, the essence of all existence. I love you, as you are Love.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

What Transitions Blog Is All About

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Transitions Blog is dedicated to assisting the Journey of Love called “transition”. This journey can and does take many forms. It can be multi-layered and dynamic, and often it is. It often feels like a wave that picks you up and thrusts you forward. It can feel outta control and scary, although it also can be fun like an amusement ride also.

The experience will be different every time, and unique to the individual experiencing it even though others are experiencing it with you. They have their own interpretation and experience which they need to grow. Yes, transition is ultimately about growth -emotional, physical, and spiritual. There is no way to go through life with it!

“Transition: movement, passage, or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, etc., to another; change: the transition from adolescence to adulthood.” (Dictionary.com) There are always others on the journey with you to assist in your passage, whether you see them or not, so take comfort in this fact. Even if you feel totally alone, you never are! Ask and ye shall receive.

Unity in Gender Diversity is all about being there with you on the journey, offering techniques to deepen the experience, ways to cope, and smoothing out the ride. Please read over the website, explore your feelings, and contemplate your “transition”, whether it is physical as in moving to a new place, or emotional as in falling in or out of Love, or Spiritual as in ascending in consciousness! Yes, it could be all three at the same time!

Gender transition is about all three and often takes years if not an entire lifetime. The physical is obvious and often takes center stage, esp. at the beginning. The inner feelings need to express and they do, one way or another. As the individual comes to terms with this expression they realize it goes deeper than a whimsical adventure. The emotional shift is then allowed to take place. This in turn begins the Spiritual shift.

The emotional feelings the person has felt, but denied or suppressed all their life come flooding out, sometimes explosive and sometimes a simple oooz. Tremendous relief is felt as a balance and harmony is restored to the person’s life. Like waves on the beach the feelings will come and go, and may never reach a total calm or balance, but then this is life on Earth.

Spiritual transition involves a change in the individual’s perceptions and beliefs or at least a deeper realization of these. Once again this is often a lifelong journey and yet it can simply be a realization of what already exists. Transition for most people is about discovering who they are and what can be more Spiritual than that?

Thank you for taking the Journey of Love with Unity in Gender Diversity, may your journey be a Joyous one.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

Unity in Gender Diversity Discover Sex and Sexuality click here