To heal and change and the world through mystical activism, we need ways to purposefully and directly move from our ordinary consciousness to non-ordinary mystical consciousness. This includes the awakened state in harmonic cocreation and wisdom and the unitive state of oneness that was Jesus’ plan for transforming the world.
Read MoreAsking God in Jesus’ name has nothing to do with ending one’s prayer with the words ‘in the name of Jesus.’ We can say ‘In the name of Jesus’ over and over again, and if it is coming from ordinary consciousness, it is just words that we hope have some magical meaning like ‘abracadabra.’ ‘In the New Testament there are no magically potent names,’ no hocus pocus.
Read MoreCan Praying Change the World?
Mystical Activism: Part Two
Interestingly, Jesus’ mystical plan for world peace does not depend on everyone in the world becoming a Christian. If you consider the history of Christians clashing with other Christians, that would not seem to bring peace anyway! And besides, getting everyone into the same religion would not be a very mystical plan — and Jesus’ plan is very, very mystical. Let’s look at Jesus’ practice of “activism” for a better world.
Read MoreThe new ICN rhythm of Saturday emails has shifted to sharing an article for learning one week, followed the next week by invitations into deeper becoming through spiritual practicing, intentional forms of engaging, and opportunities for integrating into our daily lives.
Read MoreHave you ever cried out to God or the Universe to do something about the horrible wars on earth or the increasing devastation of climate change? Maybe you have earnestly prayed about the starving populations around the world or the craziness of politicians today. Have you ever wondered if your prayer did any good? Maybe you’ve even given up on such types of prayer.
Does the world change when we pray? If so, how does that work? Do we ask God to do something, and then God acts? I believe praying does change the world, but it is not us asking and then God acting. Nor is it, as some have said, us asking, and then we act.
Read MoreThroughout Lent, we held a special container of grief and glory. I want to thank you for walking this path with us—to whatever degree you have. This has been a season both of loss and invitation for our community.
Paul Smith has now transitioned from founding elder to a living ancestor in our midst. We will continue to honor and be guided by him in the years to come. We are eternally grateful for all he brought forth and shared in his life, and how he embodied and invited the spirit’s call to evolve for so many.
Read MoreFor this time of Lent, we have been moving with grief and glory. As we come to the end of this season on the cusp of Easter, we walk toward the mystical pathway and invitation of resurrection.
Read MoreLent is often practiced as a time of waiting. We all have seasons of life that are about waiting. We have seasons that feel like preparation or support for something yet to come. In these times, we can fall into the posture of simply enduring. We live in the resistance of just waiting for the time to pass, for the season to be over. For Easter and resurrection to come. Then things will be ok.
Or we can hold the times of anticipation with an eager hope. With a glorious longing.
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