Oneness Ministry

Unity in Gender Diversity

Life is your Mirror

by Sequoia Elisabeth

What does your lifestyle say about you? Look around and see for yourself! Is your car cluttered with “stuff”? What about your desk, bedroom, living room, yard, or closet? Is this stuff a sense of identity for you? It is for most people and I question this. Not if it is right or wrong, that is subjective, but what purpose does identifying with works of art or advanced technological devices serve for you?

Have you ever considered why you have to have the latest computer or that cute trinket from your vacation? Everything you do, say, or think defines you. Take a step back and see this. Who are you? Really?

Your environment also defines you and tells you much about the person you are. Is your life about clutter or order, dirty or clean, scarcity or abundance? The cluttered mind is reflected in a cluttered life, dirty thoughts are reflected in a dirty life, and abundant thoughts beget an abundant life. I hope you will take a minute to look at your life and start living with intention and purpose. Make a conscious choice to be one way or the other. Clean your house because that reflects the type of person you are, not because I or anyone else says you should.

Life is a reflection of your thoughts, words, and actions. So if you wish to know yourself, just look at your friends, family, job, activities, and living space. It can be a sobering event! And it can be inspiring too. This is one of the most important principles you can learn! Once you start living on purpose, the world becomes your oyster and you are the pearl.

Living Consciously means being aware of the details, appreciating them, but not obsessing on them. It is a fine line, but one that is very rewarding! What is important to you? Who are you? What do you need to align with this? The mirror is your best friend, as is pain, the bully that kicked your ass, and the accident you had last month.

“A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile person lives in a hostile world. Everyone you meet is your mirror.” Ken Keyes

Be the Love (insert your choice) you desire!

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

Extra-Terrestrial Love

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Aliens are not strange creatures from a foreign land, but the feeling of disconnection and separation from life itself. They are an Illusion! The mind is a powerful image projector or reality creator and I have no doubt that eventually the human race will conger up Extra-Terrestrial visitors. If you search the internet and watch TV the examples are bountiful.

In the movie “Matrix”, Morpheus asks the question, “What is Real?” and then goes on to explain that it is purely a matter of perception by the mind, processed by the brain. Certain energy frequencies steer the mind in certain directions. Fear or the vibrational frequency = to fear will produce scary and destructive experiences. This is what is called separation mentality.

Love on the other hand or the vibrational frequency = to Love produces pleasant, creative, and constructive experiences. This is referred to as Unity mentality. It is important to understand that fear serves a purpose and is not all bad. The beauty of life is the Holy Spirit takes what it gets and makes the most of it. Fear can be transformed to the constructive. If you would like to know more about Love and Fear please read the free eBooks available on Unity in Gender Diversity website.

Getting back to the point, we all desire Love! In this illusion of separation from Love the mind often goes running about flinging open doors in a desperate search that leads nowhere. This is the ego mind at work. The ego leads you on a wild goose chase but will never let you attain your goal, because it is the aspect of you that really is separate from God. Ego is the illusion of separation. The Truth is God is all there is and any sense of separation from God is the devils work (ego mind). Since God makes up your very being, separation is not possible!

We are attracted to the image of extra-terrestrials because we desire to belong somewhere!! We want to be Loved, so we create something to Love. Almost all of your life is created for the purpose of Loving, being Loved, observing Love, or sharing Love. All else separates you from Love, and the ego mind is working constantly to de-rail your experience of Love. It creates false love in many forms; ETs are simply one of them.

Remember the beauty of Love is Holy Spirit corrects these misperceptions and keeps us on track as long as we stay open to the guidance. This guidance comes in a myriad of forms, movies, TV, books, advertisements, advice from a friend, etc., the important thing to keep in mind is that Love is unconditional, uplifting, and supportive. So, if this is not your experience you are off track. Try thinking of ETs as your future self. Since there really is only One, what other possibility is there?

😀 Sequoia Elisabeth

Silence

by Sequoia Elisabeth

The possession of God is the silence of the heart. The thought of God is the silence of the mind. ~Mother Mary of St Austin

Chapter 6 from the eBook, Methods of Raising Our Energy, The following chapter discusses Silence as a tool for not only Spiritual Enlightenment but for daily practice. For more on this topic please check out the free eBooks found on the website listed below.

A still soul is the pathway to God, for God resides in the silence in between reality. The journey within begins with a desire to know God and is never finished. When you sit in silence and hold nothing in your mind you are opening the door to the heart. The heart is the seat of the soul thus connecting you to your higher self. The next time you have a day off do nothing at all, and I do mean nothing! This takes a lot of practice, but can lead to awesome shifts in perception of what is (Enlightenment).

Silence is the folding of the wings of the intellect to open the door of the heart. ~Catherine de Hueck Doherty

Meditation is the simple act of continuous and profound contemplation or musing on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or abstruse nature. Many people use meditation as a method of clearing the mind and finding the nothingness we all are looking for. The mind is a tool and it is always on. Let me say it again, the mind is always on. Meditation is focusing the mind on something, or nothing and since focusing on nothing is very challenging for the beginner start with something (a flame, spot on the wall, picture, or just about anything). When using “nothing” as your focus for meditation, try imagining a white room with no furniture or anything. Mantras (an often repeated word, formula, or phrase) also work well, such as “I am Peace and Love”. It is simply a statement that you resonate with as truth. In your meditations focus on your desires in a positive way as if it is already true.

For Instance, say you desire Peace in your life, get comfortable, relax, let go, and focus on Peace. Ask yourself questions such as these. What does Peace mean? What does it feel like? Is it a place? Is it temporary or permanent? Where does it come from? You get the point, to simply dwell deeper on the subject or object of focus. It is also helpful to imagine Peace as a building and you are exploring its many levels starting with the grand front door. See it in your mind! Walking up will raise your consciousness and going into the basement will expose your fears which can be quite healing.

If another thought comes in, allow it to pass, and re-focus on the subject. At first this will happen frequently, so just relax, and let it flow. As you practice meditation it gets easier and easier, but the changes are not always apparent. Not to worry, change is constant and with focus the change is in the order of increased energy! If things appear to be going poorly that is OK too. Whether you are experiencing this truth you meditation upon is due to many factors. Some of which I discuss in my first book, Livin’ Large.

Suffice it to say that thoughts plus emotions equal feelings and let your feelings be your guide, not what you think you see. Persistence and consistency always pay off. Remember that meditation is a simple act and can last for a few seconds or hours, it can occur when you least expect it, like while cleaning, exercising, or working, or it can occur when you deliberately focus on it. Without meditation in its purest form humans would perish! So you do it already, and you can get much greater benefit by doing it on purpose. Awareness is the path to freedom.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

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Livin’ Large For Free

by Sequoia Elisabeth

What you focus on – Grows

Where you put your attention, your energy goes. Another way to say that is an object in motion tends to stay in motion. This is basic physics and easily provable with a little time and effort. Of course, physics is nothing more than the study of physical “things”. How does this affect me? Well, everyday gravity affects you as does the laws of motion.

Since I am not a physics teacher and simply an observer of life and how things work (or don’t), what I am telling you is based more on my experience than anything else. Sure I went to college and had the usual science classes and even some math, but the point I am making here is don’t take my word for it. Be the observer and test life to see how it works! Yes, get out there and break some eggs, just be prepared to do the clean-up. When you are sitting in class wondering why in the heck you are there, remember this is Life, this is why you are here, to be the observer and understand the principles of living a happy, healthy, prosperous life. For example YOU are the object in the law stated above and the more you move in a certain direction the harder it is to change that direction and the more energy it takes to change. This means that when you have been doing the same things, thinking the same thoughts, and speaking the same way for years, it will take time and effort to change. So hang in there and stay FOCUSED on that which you desire. It may take a few tries or even a few thousand tries, but it will work. As you practice focusing on that which you desire it will get easier and easier to live the life of your dreams. You do have dreams don’t you? Oh good, then try writing them down and sharing them with those you Love.

The above paragraph is from the eBook “Livin’ Large” which is available free at this link. I invite you to explore the four eBooks offered there and to peruse the pages of prose on the website, some of it may be relevant and some may not be, but I guarantee you will learn something. Thank you for reading Transitions Blog!

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

The Art of Detachment Revisited

by Sequoia Elisabeth

The art of detachment is a Buddhist technique that also has its Christian counterpart. The technique works like this; be in the world but not of it. Jesus taught this and likely learned it from his Buddhist teachers. What this means is to fully experience life and at the same time release any attachment you have to it. It is very simple once fully understood, however getting to this point can sometimes take years or even lifetimes. I pray this blog assists you in the process.

As you are fully immersed in your life understand that everything is a reflection of who you are, this is why you are drawn to it. The partner you love so much is a reflection of who you are, but they are not you. The town you were born in, the town you grew up in, or the town you fell in love with is a reflection of who you are, but it is not where you are. Your favorite drinking cup, diamond earrings, dream car, childhood football, and all the things you are attached to for sentimental reasons are a reflection of who you are, however they are not what you are. Embracing these facts is the first step in the art of detachment.

Allowing yourself to fully love a person, place, or thing while remaining free of any attachment to it is the goal. Understand that you are both connected and separate from everything in life. Not being attached means being able to give it to someone else. It can also mean being able to walk away from it without feeling you have lost anything. Through the principle of Oneness you realize that everyone and everything is of the One, a drop from the sea of life.

If however you think of this process as a loss, the actual power from this attachment is being held onto and the effect is disempowering. So even if the person, place, or thing is long gone, until you consciously or unconsciously give it away you remained attached to it and thus disempowered. It is like having a glass that is full, there is no way to pour in more water.

When you long for something you experienced before this can be nostalgic and society teaches this is a good thing. In reality nostalgia is disempowering. Each experience is a unique gift that cannot be repeated exactly. Living in the past is not living at all. When you love the experience in the moment – laughing, appreciating, and engaging life – this is living!

Being able to move on to the next experience without missing people, places, and things of the past is the art of detachment. You can experience these things again any time you like and this is why many people will live in the same town all their life, or drink coffee, or go for walks, or because they love the experience (the feeling it brings). What you are ultimately getting is an experience of yourself!

“Detachment means rising above the status quo, without passing judgment, and watching the drama unfold without becoming physically or emotionally involved. Detachment doesn’t mean burying your head in the sand so that you need not watch the action as it unfolds; it means, being there, observing from an objective space, and remembering who you are, a spiritual being watching the drama of polarization reach its climax and fail so that a new paradigm of victory can be birthed by those of us who refuse to buy into a perpetual game of winners and losers. Detachment addresses the need of the spiritually inclined to remove oneself from the chaos while observing and learning valuable lessons about this temporary physical existence. … But remember, we are spiritual beings having a human experience and not the other way around. So we can remove ourselves from the drama when we’ve learned all we need to know about polarization and separation. When we finally realize who we really are, and how we are all equally part of the same creative manifestation, we will finally learn the fine art of detachment and the truth behind our cosmic ancestry and oneness.” (Dawn Abel, 2002)

The key is to tap into your desire and experience it fully, and once experienced you release it and move to the next. Here is a different view of Detachment that provides a deeper insight to its value and use.

“Detachment not only releases joy; it is also the secret of health. It is the best medical insurance in the world, and not only because it can keep us free from physical habits that sap our vitality. Most illness has a serious emotional element. While there is an important place for physical measures in the treatment of disease, a mind at peace, and a heart flooded with love can release healing powers that strengthen and revitalize the physical system. Strength can be regained even after years of emotional instability. In extreme cases, I believe, recovery can be brought about even from what seems a terminal illness.

Today, of course, it is widely appreciated that because of advances in medical knowledge, we can expect to live much longer than was reasonable at the beginning of the twentieth century. But we can lead lives that are not only longer but richer, more loving, and more productive. The next steps in stretching the limits of human health and longevity, I believe, will not be in biotechnology. They will come from learning to govern the way we think and feel. Detachment is a longevity skill. Freedom from compulsive emotional entanglements is the best insurance against stress. More than that, by opening a window onto a fuller, loftier view of life than that dictated by self-interest, detachment brings a sense of purpose. Without a reason for living, the human being withers and dies inside. However paradoxical it may sound, it is detachment that enables us to give ourselves wholeheartedly to worthwhile work without ever getting depressed, despondent, or burned out – right into the last days of our lives.” (The Blue Mountain Center of Meditation)

I wish I could describe the feeling of Joy that comes from detachment, but I will just say “Give it a go – put this to the test”! Completely love your partner, family, pet, job, home, etc. without being attached to any outcomes.

😀 Sequoia Elisabeth

Divine Ego

by Sequoia Elisabeth

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.

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 that 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.

Knowing the difference is not really that difficult. Keep it simple! Ego is all about separation, while Spirit 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; 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!

The “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. “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

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What is Learning?

by Sequoia Elisabeth

What exactly is happening when you learn something? To answer this question an understanding of how energy works, what the human body is for, and what makes up knowledge is required. We cover them briefly here, so if you do not follow, please check out the materials available on the website (Link below).

I will trust that you have had basic science and physics, so you know that Energy is Everything – it is matter, it is thought, and it is the thread that holds reality together. Energy can be a wave or it can be a particle and more importantly it cannot be created nor destroyed.

The human body has one purpose – to communicate Love. Anything that is done with the body either communicates Love (Divine Love, God’s Love) or what is not Love (ego). There are many ways we communicate including the five senses, body language, and mentally (telepathy – and Yes you are).

Knowledge is an awareness of a fact, skill, or circumstance. Everything there is to know exists right now through Infinite Mind, Cosmic Consciousness, or GOD. So learning is not acquiring something you did not have before. It is becoming aware of a skill, fact or circumstance you were not aware of before. So let’s look deeper.

Since everything is energy this means that all knowledge is energy. Energy has a vibrational frequency and thus knowledge exists on different levels of vibrational frequency. You are familiar with the grades we all went through in school. As our knowledge grew, so did our vibrational frequency as we aligned with the awareness of certain facts, skills, or circumstances. For those who stay aware, this process never ends!

Malcolm Knowles’s theory of Andragogy provides principles which are the corner stone of all learning above the age of 12 and include the following; adults need to be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction, experience (including mistakes) provides the basis for learning activities, adults are most interested in learning subjects that have immediate relevance to their job or personal life, and adult learning is problem-centered rather than content-oriented. (http://tip.psychology.org/knowles.html)

The final and defining aspect to learning offered here today is that all Knowledge or Wisdom exists all ways and always. Learning then is an alignment with this wisdom and the allowing of it to flow through you by expressing it with your actions or speaking it with your words. This is why the idea of copyright seems so absurd to me. Knowledge is Universal! It belongs to no one and everyone. Of course there is nothing wrong with honoring the person who offers wisdom by citing the source. We know the Ultimate source is Universal Intelligence (God).

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

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Coping with Constant Change

by Sequoia Elisabeth

The only constant in the Universe is Change! It is about time you learn to cope with it, and the first step is understanding what change is and how it serves you. Unrealistic expectations are the root of disharmony. To expect anything to stay the same is resisting the very flow of life. Even rocks change!

In order to perceive change, time has to exist and a measurement must be made at two different points in time. Since the very molecules that make up matter are constantly moving,… change must occur. Change is observed by measuring these differences over time.

What most people do not understand is that the changes are not out there, but within your own mind. Each person experiences these changes differently because we each have different points of view and perspective attained over a lifetime of both direct and indirect learning. The Heisenberg principle states that the simple act of observing, changes the results because the observer becomes a part of the outcome. Once the mind has new data to consider it is then integrated into the outcome. Of course you do realize there is but One mind, right? The observer becomes the observed. The question then becomes, “how does this serve you?”

Change is good because it is a reflection of your thoughts and when you focus on your dreams and desires they are created! The catch here is if you are focused on what you do not want or are afraid of then this very focus gives this circumstance energy to manifest. The feared or undesired does not always occur though, because your thoughts are not the only ones affecting life.

The forces for good in the Universe are often more powerful than most give them credit for. It is arrogant to assume you know what is best for you or anyone else. Instead try giving your desires, wants, and needs over to a Higher Power. In effect this is allowing your Spiritual self or Oversoul to guide the way. It is best to go with the flow!

The best way to cope with change is to flow with it while looking for the good that exists everywhere in each situation. Expect things to work out in your favor and even if it does not, look for the good that exists in all things, events, or circumstances.

Expectations are like a flashlight, they focus energy on a certain person, event, or circumstance, so use this tool wisely. Knowing your desired outcome greatly increases the likelihood of a favorable result. Always expect the best, but be prepared for whatever happens knowing that goodness is there in every case.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

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Gender Related Spirituality Transitions

An Expression of Inner Self

by Sequoia Elisabeth

The essence of gender transition is an expression of inner self. A process of living authentically as the person you are. It is throwing societal dualistic expectations to the wind and being true to your soul. It could be described as a deep spiritual experience accented by physical changes. The journey is painful, loss is always involved, and the rewards are felt deep within your soul.

Gender transition is much like any transition. Take ultimate transition for instance, the above paragraph could just as easily be describing what happens at death! There is no choice about it, once you realize that your destiny is to transition it is a forgone conclusion. The choice becomes, “How will I experience the transition”.

A common statement I have heard over the last few years working at the Gender Identity Center coming from new people who are inquiring of their services. “I want to be a woman, do you provide hormones?” A clear demonstration of misunderstanding! It is not about wanting anything; it is about being who you are! It is not fixed by taking a pill or having surgery, those are treatments for symptoms that may or may not be apparent at this point.

Gender Incongruency is the present terminology for describing “an incongruence between, on the one hand, what identity one experiences and/or expresses and, on the other hand, how one is expected to live based on one’s assigned gender (usually at birth) (Meyer-Bahlburg, 2009a; Winters, 2005)”. Gender Identity is self-determined; meaning the person seeking treatment must tell the provider how they identify. There are personality tests, feedback from family and friends, and general behavior markers that give a clue as to the gender identity, but those are only guidelines. The individual must look within their heart, see the path they are already on, and then choose to walk it. Meditation is a great tool for achieving this.

Once the choice is made to walk the destined path, then treatment is appropriate! Professional guidance makes the journey much easier and more rewarding as does treatment with hormones and surgery. A person can walk this path alone and many have, but that is like crossing the Himalayas on your own, instead do your homework, make the appropriate preparations, and then with the help of a guide make the journey a fun and exciting one that leads to Shambala!

Please remember that everything we do is ultimately for the feeling it brings us. In the case of gender transition for the gender incongruent it brings relief, contentment, and joy!

😀 Sequoia Elisabeth

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Christ Mas!

by Sequoia Elisabeth

This is the time of year when we are reminded of Christ consciousness and its relationship to our lives. The very word itself is an indication of what this season is all about. Christ in metaphysical terms means centered or anointed one. The word “mas” in Spanish means “more”. So thus we have it in simple terms. This season is about getting more centered or literally, centered more.

The word “anoint” means to dedicate to the service of God, or in other words, to make sacred and whole. The ceremony (Christmas morning/Christmas eve) is a way of connecting to Spirit and setting intentions. It is an acknowledgment of Oneness with God (Great Spirit, Universal One, Goddess, etc). The symbology is important this season because when you share gifts it is a way of saying to the recipient, “you are sacred to me”. On Christmas morning you are anointing those you love with gifts. The actual item is far less important than the Loving intention (Christ consciousness) that goes into the gift. It is the gift in the gift!

When thought of in this manner the Spirit of Christ Mas is brought to life! This year when you are sitting around the tree and sharing gifts, share also the Christ Consciousness. In short, move outside yourself (ego mind) and connect with the One (God) which is present in each person in your life.

This is how Santa delivers millions of presents in one night! Through Christ Consciousness the Spirit works through us all!! May you be Blessed this season.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth Carpenter

Spirituality

Silent Night

by Sequoia Elisabeth

The truest gift of Christmas is the opportunity to enjoy The Spirit within the Silence. Connection with Source energy is something we all instinctually know how to do. It is not something you can teach, so this message is a reminder and tribute to this fantastic experience that comes but once a year,… unless you claim it every day.

Thinking back over my last 50 Christmas’s one experience stands out above all the rest. Please join me here as we revisit this moment of deep unbridled Joy. The traditions of Christmas are many and one in particular touches my heart each year, the Christmas tree. It is a symbol of reverence to all life and has always played the center piece at Christmas throughout my life. No matter where I am or what the circumstances are, I manage to get a few minutes alone with the Christmas tree.

The Christmas tree symbolizes eternal life in its evergreen nature and green color. The triangle shape denotes the Holy Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The tree points up and has a star at the top to denote the Highest Power. We wrap the tree in light symbolizing the Light that fills each of us and connects us to Heaven. The gifts we place underneath are acts of charity and love. The ornaments we place on the tree provide our individual or ego touch, an expression of personality!

As a child I would lie on the living room carpet under the tree before the gifts were added and marvel at the lights and simply feel the energy flowing through this gateway to Heaven. As I ponder this experience, the smell of the pine scent takes me back to a simpler time when people were still living in nature. The lights of the tree are magical and colorful each representing a color of the rainbow and the diversity on earth. It is a reminder that we are all of One Light.

The best part of the whole experience is doing this early in the morning when everyone else is asleep and the silence is pervasive. This is when the Spirit within the Silence is easiest to hear. Of course, it is a feeling more than a sound. How does one hear silence? Lying there, looking up, absorbing the beauty, and listening…

Amid this season of hustle and bustle, please remember to connect with this Silence as it is indeed the reason for the season! Do it daily and Christ Mas never ends ♥

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

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Second Year Anniversary

by Sequoia Elisabeth

It has been over two years now that we have been bringing you Transitions Blog, so to celebrate I am offering one of the first blogs I wrote. The message is timeless… What transition are you in right now? How is it going? My ministry is focused on raising the awareness of each person I meet or that visits my website. For those who are aware of the life journey so much the simpler, richer and more meaningful.

I love to sit and think about how much I adore the people in my life and how much I love a world where Love is the rule and not the exception. The older I become the deeper this realization becomes. Life is not about what you see is what you get, but rather what you believe is what you see!

We all want our illusion to match our dream and unfortunately things do not work that way in this world. It is often difficult to discover the Truth, but rest assured it does exist. In fact it is the only thing that does exist! All that we see is an illusion. I often feel like I live in a house of mirrors with this illusion being reflected in so many different ways. Part of the journey of change we are all on is to let go of the illusions and get to the Truth.

The simple awareness of your journey and acceptance of your authorship will open many doors. ACIM (A Course In Miracles) teaches that the ego is the master of illusions and when we feel distant or something is happening to create separation in our lives then the ego is at work. All that need be done is acknowledge this and laugh to yourself with a calm reserve. “Resistance is Futile”.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

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Are You Happy?

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Are you Happy? We seek Happiness in all that we do. Our desire is to be happy at all times and this is simply not possible. You see, happiness is an emotion and it has an opposite, sadness. You are either happy or you are sad, but never both at the same time.

The emotion you are presently feeling may or may not be happy or sad, however what you can feel or experience at all times is Joy. Joy is a state of being, like Peace and Love. It exists always and in all ways, because it is your very nature! If you could strip away all that you are not, what is left is your essence – Joy, Peace, Love. God is an equivalent word because your very essence is God expressed. There are an infinite number of Divine expressions!

One of the most delicious experiences is to feel sad as you allow Joy to express. If you think you are sad and happy at the same time, in reality it is Joy that you feel. Joy and happiness are often confused so let me explain the difference. Happy is a short term, often invigorating and sometimes overwhelming feeling of elation; a high so to speak. It comes quickly and often leaves just as quickly. It feels good but is not always memorable.

Joy on the other hand is like a fountain of contentment. An experience of bliss extended over a lifetime. Joy runs deep and exists always whether you are experiencing it or not. You may be experiencing Peace or Love instead because the three are interchangeable. They are the well of your being! Awareness is what allows you to experience them. Simply choose to experience Joy and this will happen. It sometimes takes a few minutes of relaxing and allowing this essence to surface. The feeling is one of contentment, safety, and bliss. It is not dependent on what is happening around you, and this is a key difference from happiness.

It is almost impossible to feel happy during a crisis or disaster, however you can feel Joy, Peace, Love. We most often would describe this experience as Peace or calm within the storm. It is a knowing that all is well and that you are safe despite the appearances.

Experiencing Joy on a regular basis takes conscious effort; an awareness. It is like you are awakening to your inner essence and all this takes is a choice to do so. State your choice in the form of an intention, like this. I intend to be aware of Joy, Peace, or Love at all times no matter what is happening in my life. I will share these experiences as the opportunity arises. As my awareness grows so will the depth and breadth of the experience! So be it and so it is.

These experiences come from within your heart and cannot be experienced with the mind or brain. Emotions are regulated by the brain and thus are subject to the environment and to your thoughts. However, because Joy comes through the heart from the soul it is a form of connection to Higher realms and cannot be lost.

As a warm sensation fills your heart and calms your entire body with Peace, contentment envelopes your entire being. Break this connection and anxiety ensues. True bliss is a connection to your Soul!

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

Mystery and Miracles

by Sequoia Elisabeth

What you think the cause is usually is not the cause. Life is full of mystery and we would not have it any other way. Mystery makes life fun and exciting. Consider for a minute how your life would be if you knew everything that was going to happen and when.

We will call it a flash forward. You could see all the challenges you would face in this lifetime all the way down to the detail of who is with you, how you met, and how long you have known each other. You would know when you die and how, as well as the same for everyone in your life. How would your life be different?

I am sure many of you are saying, “Kool” I would love to know everything in advance. But just think about it…. Have you ever gotten a gift that you knew what it was in advance without the other person knowing that you knew? How did you act? Was this fun?

Mystery is a gift that you have given yourself! It adds intrigue and gives you something to look forward to. It is a reason to go on with your life, because you have Hope that things will be getting better.

If you knew that life was not going to get better would you end it? Without the mystery, life is lacking a vital aspect of humanity. Knowing that you can handle whatever life offers up is a great feeling and with the added bonus of mystery it is even better.

The feeling of Joy that comes from taking a risk and experiencing the consequences are not to be underestimated. Even if you fall flat on your face, you get up and try again. No harm no foul. Say for instance that your risk leads to death. Then you have gained a valuable experience that would have otherwise been lost. (yes, it is true – Life never ends, only experiences do).

Are you ready for the next great experience coming your way? What is your attitude about it? Your expectations set the tone for the experience, even if you have done it a thousand times, no especially if you have done it a thousand times! Remember to stay open to new experiences, embrace the ones that present themselves, and look for the mystery & miracles that abide in every moment.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

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Cooperative Business Model

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Upon further research I find that Cooperatives have been around since tribal times and really got a start in the 1700’s. They take many forms but have a few values and principles that set them apart.

“Cooperatives are based on the cooperative values of “self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, solidarity” and the seven cooperative principles:

Voluntary and Open Membership
Democratic Member Control
Member Economic Participation
Autonomy and Independence
Education, Training and Information
Cooperation among Cooperatives
Concern for Community

Cooperatives are dedicated to the values of openness, social responsibility and caring for others. Such legal entities have a range of social characteristics. Membership is open, meaning that anyone who satisfies certain non-discriminatory conditions may join. Economic benefits are distributed proportionally to each member’s level of participation in the cooperative, for instance by a dividend on sales or purchases, rather than according to capital invested. Cooperatives may be classified as worker, consumer, producer, purchasing or housing cooperatives. They are distinguished from other forms of incorporation in that profit-making or economic stability are balanced by the interests of the community.” http://www.ica.coop/coop/principles.html

“Co-operatives are enterprises that put people at the center of their business and not capital, and thus can be defined in terms of three basic interests: ownership, control, and beneficiary. In the co-operative enterprise are all three interests are vested directly in the hands of the user. In contrast, for-profit companies are designed to produce a profit for the owners (shareholders). Since the owners of a co-op are also the customers, lowered prices and extra services are acceptable instead of profits.” http://ask.metafilter.com/82330/why-a-coop-business-model

If you wish to learn more about these business models, I would start here. In the meantime, remember to focus on the heart of the issue, a better world for everyone! We all deserve to live life to the fullest and it is well within our grasps if we choose to.

Cooperative behavior is the immediate future for our society as we grow more trusting and more concerned about the welfare of all creatures on earth. Humanity is awakening! We have a vested interest to create sustainable systems and live a low impact lifestyle that supports every system on earth. A brilliant idea whose time has come!

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

Medically Necessary Part II

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Con’t from Nov. 21st

What this question is really speaking to is the insurance industries requirements for payment of treatment. The fact that it is treatment means it is considered a disease and that it is a social non-conformity that needs correction. Gender Dysphoria is presently in the DSM and the treatment includes GRS/SRS, FFS, etc. (as listed above). So my answer would be yes, it is medically necessary from the medical/social perspective, because society as a whole expects people to be either male or female. However from the Spiritual perspective, the answer would be no, it is not necessary because life is not being threatened by not having the surgery. Some argue that the individual will commit suicide if they do not get this surgery or the person is marginalized into a high risk group for hate crime, thus it is life threatening. I simply do not agree with this analysis. It is an excuse plain and simple. This does not mean that it is right or wrong.

Surgery is a coping mechanism, one way to cope with the perception that one’s body is incongruent with the person’s self-image or gender identity. There are other ways to cope and it is the responsibility of the patient and their therapist to explore these options. This is where things get very tricky! Perception is a personal thing and others may perceive things differently. In all manners of equality though, one has to ask if having any surgery is “medically necessary”? Just because someone dies; it is not a bad thing. Life goes on! Maybe not that individuation of life and the belief that all life is to be preserved is based in compassion. To me this is the crux of the issue, Compassion! Caring for another’s needs whether “real” or imagined takes compassion and this is why surgical intervention is necessary. Either a life has value and must be preserved or it does not and can be allowed to pass. Who makes this choice? It should be the individual’s choice and most often it is, with a few exceptions.

Life is about choice, because we are constantly choosing our path, the quality, and the extent of the experience (everything you think, say and do is a choice). The value we place on this path/experience determines what we get out of the experience, including whether surgery is medically necessary. Of course once we decide it is necessary, the medical community has to agree with us, which is done by offering lots of money, or the opportunity for caring compassion, or both. Societal views are shifting in a more compassionate direction so more and more insurance companies are covering the surgery and many more surgeons are performing it. The medical community after all is based on the compassionate care of others for the betterment of mankind. (this includes insurance companies!)

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

Gender Related Transitions

Makeup Questions

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Let’s do something fun for a change! There are six questions below that I have answered and I am asking you to answer as well. You can post the answers in comments section. The question is in Hot Pink, the answer is in Neon Green. Think not only of the answer, but why that is the answer…why do you use that product or why do you use make-up in the first place? We can get to know each other, but most important you will get to know yourself.

1. What Brand of Make-up do you use and what types, like Foundation: Powders, Creams, Airbrush, Liquids, or stick on?

I use different Brands depending on the purpose, so for basic use I prefer Mary Kay and have both liquid foundation and mineral powder. For a more dramatic effect I have Mac foundation with a complete brush set, blush, concealer and cream foundation.

2. What brands, colors, & styles of eye shadows do you like? Example: Smoky, Natural, Animal, Punk, Classic, Trends 1930’s—1970’ and so on… YOU have Gothic, Drag Queens, Move stars, you get the point. (three part question)

I used to sell Mary Kay so I have lots of their product, so that is the brand. The colors accent my reddish hair and light skin tone, so I use a lot of earth tones, browns, reds, & greens. As a natural type girl I do not dress up very often, but when I do I like the Egyptian Goddess look, or Mayan/Amazon Princess.

3. Do you wear False Eyelashes? If so, what brand and types.

I do not wear falsies usually, but have when I had make overs done by a professional. So I am not sure what the brand or type was. My latest mascara is “The Falsies” by Mabelline which I like very much, especially the curved and angled brush because it lifts and separates the lashes making them fuller.

4. What brands, types, colors, of Blushes do you use? For example creams, powders etc… you get the point.

I also do not normally wear blush, but when I do it is Mac cream in a natural medium shade skin color or I simply use lipstick so it matches the color scheme I am using.

5. Lipsticks: What is your color…. Brand, or flavor?

Lipstick is by far my favorite and I used to wear it even as a boy. I no longer do boy mode, and continue to wear lipstick at all times. At the very least I have Chapstick on. My favorite brand of lipstick so far is Avon, My Lip Miracle Lipcolor. I also have Mary Kay, L’Oreal, Revlon, Maybelline, and some off brands which I chose for the unusual colors. The colors I prefer are Corals, Pinks, Purples and Lavender. I used to have light blue but that is gone. I would love to have the entire rainbow! The lips are our sensual window to the soul – feeling! Nothing more sensual than a juicy lesbian lipstick kiss! However, guys kiss pretty good too 😉

6. When was the first time you ever put on Make-up?

Around the age of 9-10 with my Mom’s makeup I dressed up. It felt good, but I was also very afraid of being caught, so I did not do this very often. Now I wear make-up, at least mascara and lipstick, every day. It is something I enjoy, because I like feeling pretty. On a deeper level I think it connects me to the women I most love, my Mom, Grandmother, and Aunts. I cannot imagine not wearing make-up!

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

Gender Related Transitions

A Vision for Peace

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Today I share this vision of Peace because we each have our own vision of Peace. Not sure what your version is? Simply look around you, not at the TV or media, but around your personal space. Is it full of drama? Is there a war zone? How about illicit activities?

I know most of you reading this today live in a world of Peace, one where we are deceived by the media into believing Peace does not exist. All possible realities exist! All ways and always! And by your actions do they manifest into your life. Bring your life to consciousness and look for the good joyful Peace. Even in a war zone Peace exists. Many have been witness to this – know it within your heart!

A Vision for Peace

“We see a world where peace is everywhere, where humanity has risen up and out of our old defensive mindset; where we all see, ever-so-clearly, that every time we bought into the idea that we needed to take a defensive stance or felt we had to defend ourselves against foreign enemies, unfriendly neighbors, dangerous criminals, the local militia, or anyone who appeared to threaten us, we were actually attracting an attack upon ourselves because we were holding the thought of being attacked – a thought which will manifest as easily as any other.

By the same token, we envision a world where mankind has risen up and out of our need to be in opposition to others because we have seen, ever-so-clearly, that when we oppose another, we become just like them.

With these two thought patterns having gone by the wayside, we now see a world where we no longer support anyone or any institution that advocates aggression, destruction, or harming others in any way. Now, we envision a world where people walk the sidewalks and roads of all lands freely and openly, where we smile at one another easily, work together in cooperation, and want only for the well-being and goodwill of everyone else; where all weapons are gone and we solve our challenges by negotiating, by compromising, and by helping one another to realize our dreams in an atmosphere of peace and unbridled creativity.

It is in this environment – an environment where everyone feels completely and utterly safe – that the peace in our hearts and minds has worked its way outward into our world as well; where all people enjoy their lives because peace – true peace – is both inside and outside of us at the same time.” (http://www.visionalignmentproject.com/)

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

The Power of Place

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Have you ever noticed how when you are in a certain place your thoughts, feelings and actions often differ from what they might be somewhere else? For instance, do you act differently at a professional baseball game than you would at your son’s t-ball game? How about at church verses at work?

Why do people act differently at a party with their peers than they would at a family gathering? Does this mean the person has multiple personalities? Or could this mean that the person is being caught in the flow of energy present in that place?

Notice how you act in certain places and with certain people. What is going on here? I believe it is the energy influence in a certain place combined with the other people there that influence your behavior. It is common to place these feelings on another person or on the place or location. Psychologists call this Projection and in the psychological sense it is “the tendency to ascribe to another person (or place or situation), feelings, thoughts, or attitudes present in oneself.” (Dictionary.com 2010) It is quite possible that the place is having an effect on you. This effect is in combination with other people, and they are being influenced by the place also. Big crowds are famous for the mass effect or group consciousness that controls large numbers of people. Riots are often under this influence.

If you walk into a large cathedral of exceptional reputation and beauty you expect peace and quiet. You would expect reverence. The expectations are different for a movie theatre or stadium. Part of the very reason you are attending those events is for the experience of that place! While this may seem obvious to some, not everyone is aware that the place is influencing your behavior and vice versa.

It does not have to be that way. Jesus taught to be in the world, and not of it. What does this mean? It means that you have a choice everywhere you go whether you allow yourself to be swept up in the experience of a place and how you act in this place. If two baseball fans get into a fight, you have the choice of getting involved or not. Even if they strike you, it is still up to you whether you strike back. Jesus tells us, “To those who strike you on the cheek, offer the other also.” This I believe is how you be in the world, but not of it. To strike back is being of it.

Be aware of where you are and embrace this feeling. Know that the place is influencing your feelings as well as other factors; such as the people there, your thoughts about the place and their thoughts about you and the place. The ultimate power is in consciousness, because it makes up not only your thoughts and their thoughts but the very place you are experiencing. Thoughts are things. The gift here is that you are experiencing yourself consciously – now the choice of what next is yours, really and truly yours!

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth