Contain your experience with the divine so that it does not escape you but rather shapes you. Be silent. Silence will help you avoid engaging in the games of competition and illusion that regularly seduce us in the outside world. Silence also helps you avoid distraction. It helps focus the busy mind – the mind that always has to be doing something, thinking something, the mind that always has to be otherwise engaged lest it become introspective and allow the soul’s voice to override its own. The silence I am describing is a silence that you use to contain the grace you receive when you enter the Castle of your soul. This quality of silence allows you to engage in discernment. You carry this silence within you, even when you are with others. It allows you to hold your center amid the chaos of your life; it keeps you clear so that you do not do or say things you will regret or make decisions out of fear – Caroline Myss
Little did I know when I embarked on my working trip to West Wales recently that I would have one of the most incredible out-of-body experiences I’ve ever had. Keeping in line with my recent astral adventures this one was very short, but extremely significant.
I had been staying with my great friends, The Dunn Family, in the village of Oakford, Llanarth. The Dunns have a Bed and Breakfast establishment and a holiday cottage. I know them from my time living in the area, when Kath, the lady of the house, saw one of my ads and called me to arrange a private reading for her daughter. We have maintained contact since I moved back to England, and they very kindly let me stay with them when I’m working in the area, treating me like one of the family in the process. I stayed in one of the rooms in the house, but on the Friday they had a full quota of guests arriving for a local wedding, so other arrangements had to be made. I was moving on to a new location on the Saturday so I only needed to stay for one more night. Andrew, the son, has a caravan on the grounds and he very kindly let me sleep in it.
During the early hours of Saturday morning I found myself dreaming, but I have no idea what the dream was about. At some stage I felt a hand on me; it was either on my stomach or holding my right hand, which was resting on my stomach. I cannot remember exactly but I just know it was one or the other. At this stage I was still half asleep but I decided to grab the hand and hold onto it; It was as solid as you dear reader! I sent out thoughts of gratitude to the soul who was with me. As I was thanking this soul for its presence, I suddenly realised that there was in fact several souls around me, although I could not see them. Then the most incredible thing happened.
Just as I realised I was out of my body, one of the other souls performed a spiritual operation on me. A surgical instrument was inserted into the left-hand side of my lower abdomen; I felt no pain, just momentary discomfort. Immediately the instrument was removed I felt myself return to my body. As I did so my third eye was illuminated and I was able to see several celestial beings in female form leaving the scene. It was as if they deliberately flew over me and away so that I could see them, as opposed to simply flying away.
The whole incident lasted for no more than a few seconds. These experiences are commonplace for me now, but I’ve never been operated on before whilst out-of-body.
Hello dear friends! Am back from my trip and just letting you know that over the weekend I will be writing an account of yet another amazing out-of-body experience I had whilst away in Wales; so watch this space! Here … Continue reading →
I will be leaving for a working trip to Wales today and wanted to leave you with something special before I set off. I would like to be able to say that the following words came from within me; but if I did I would be a liar! I came across this fantastic piece of writing on a website called Pearls Of Wisdom – awakening personal and global consciousness. It truly is a wonderful piece of wisdom and just about sums up how I feel about religion and spirituality. I hope these words inspire you in the same way they inspired me:
For as far back as we can remember, religion has been a source of contention, being the cause of many wars and countless deaths and sufferenings in the name of God. Most religions say that they are the only true religion and that all others are wrong. This is a result of the false belief of separateness – separate from God and separate from each other and nature. We are all a part of God because we exist. God can be interpreted in many different ways. Religions tend to teach that God is a separate entity, whilst other belief systems speak only of a ‘Creative Force’.
The notion that God is a separate external being, and that we are born ‘sinners’ who have to get back into the good graces of God (fear-based belief system to keep us in a powerless state), makes god a judgemental vengeful God. Yet, God (the creative force) is no such thing. God is LOVE, and there is no judgement. And the only ‘hell’ is the one we create for ourselves here on Earth. There is NO one true religion, each religion has its truths and there are many paths we can choose to take that will lead us to God.
We are ALL God, each of us. We are of the same ‘stuff’ that God is made from. Each a spark of the Divine Creative force (Love). We are here to experience life in the form of matter. We are all spiritual beings having an adventure, and we will all eventually return to the same place. There is no judgement and there is no separateness. Heaven and Hell are what we create for ourselves. It is time now to have respect for each and every different religion or belief system, and allow each person his/her right to follow the path or belief system of their choice -without preaching at them or trying to convert them, or even killing those of a different belief system.
For the man who prays in his heart, the whole world is a church – Sylvain of Athos
I will be back before you know it! In the meantime check out this fantastic website:
I am proud to announce the release of my latest meditation CD, Native American Wisdom.
“The Native American culture is universally recognized as having great synergy with Mother Earth and nature in general. The meditations use the concept of Native American philosophy as a tool to enable the listener to connect with their own inner voice and tap into their personal eternal ocean of knowledge. The meditations also have a healing theme that will leave you unburdened and refreshed.”
“Simply relax, listen to my voice and allow the sounds of the drums and flute to take you on a journey to the very depths of your soul.”
Track Listing
1. Introduction
2. The Call Of The Drums
3. Wisdom Of The Elders
4. Healing Drums
5. Closedown
Today sees the launch of our first Inspirational Storytellers publication, Alive And Well – and living in a heart near you, published by IS Publishing with 100% royalties being donated to the “end hunger” charity The Extra Guest. I’ll raise a cup of green tea to that!
Synopsis
Kali Yuga Avatar, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba may have left his mortal body on 24 April, Easter Sunday, 2011, but he lives on, not only in the hearts of us all, but in his teachings as well. This book is a cross-section of Baba’s wonderful spiritual wisdom condensed into 5 chapters – Sathya (truth), Prema (love), Shanti (peace), Dharma (right conduct) and Ahimsa (nonviolence). It is suitable for both long-standing devotees and those who are just discovering “The Ocean of Bliss” that is our beloved Swami. In line with Baba’s mission, 100% royalty payments from sales of this book are being donated to the “end hunger” charity The Extra Guest. http://theextraguest.com
The Extra Guest is a not-for-profit organisation with no governmental or political affiliations that seeks to fund world-wide ‘end-hunger’ projects and help those in poverty to create a sustainable future. The charity also aims to raise awareness of humanity as one family, encourage an ethos of sharing and promote the practice of ‘ethical dining’. The Extra Guest responds to Emergency Aid Appeals around the world and currently supports Sustainable Living projects in:
Liberia – Rice farming project Bangladesh – Coping with Poverty and Natural Disasters Faridabad, India – SOS Family Strengthening Programmes
Local UK Food Banks.
I recently had what was quite an amazing experience. But it has taken me the best part of a week to share it because at the time I didn’t really know how I was going to put it into words. As you probably would expect, it’s another out-of-body experience, but it’s probably the shortest one I’ve ever had; lasting no more than a few seconds. Over the years I’ve had many short astral experiences and don’t normally bother to write about them. But this one was so symbolically profound that I felt I just couldn’t not share it.
Like most of my out-of-body experiences it started off as a dream; but for the life of me I do not know what this dream was about. What I do know is that it involved me being in darkness and feeling quite vulnerable; that is really all I can remember about it. At some point I was lying horizontally in this great and vast space, that was pure darkness. It was then that I felt the unmistakable presence of spirit enfolding me and I was conscious and aware that I was out of my body. However, my mind was still quite dopey and I wasn’t as wide-awake as I normally am when I’m free of my body. Because of this I still had a feeling of vulnerability; being a tiny speck in this infinite darkness. Then the most amazing thing happened. I didn’t see anything, but I felt myself being supported by hands. It felt as though there may have been more than one pair, but I cannot be sure. The symbolism of this experience is really quite uncanny, but what is just as uncanny is that the events I’ve just described seemed to take place within no more than a second or two.
On feeling the support of those hands I was immediately back in my body; and being the greedy soul that I am, I was slightly disappointed that I was not taken on a “proper” astral adventure. It was nonetheless a truly magical experience for which I am eternally grateful. Yes, it was definitely a case of “you need hands”!
I am proud to announce that the first book officially published by Inspirational Storytellers (IS) is now “live”. Also, within the next few days the first CD to be produced under the IS banner will also be available to buy on Amazon. The reason I’m proud is because they are both my products! The details are as follows:
Alive And Well – and living in a heart near you!
Kali Yuga Avatar, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba may have left his mortal body on 24 April, Easter Sunday, 2011, but he lives on, not only in the hearts of us all, but in his teachings as well. This book is a cross-section of Baba’s wonderful spiritual wisdom condensed into 5 chapters – Sathya (truth), Prema (love), Shanti (peace), Dharma (right conduct) and Ahimsa (nonviolence). It is suitable for both long-standing devotees and those who are just discovering “The Ocean of Bliss” that is our beloved Swami. In line with Baba’s mission, 100% royalty payments from sales of this book are being donated to the “end hunger” charity The Extra Guest. http://theextraguest.com
The Extra Guest is a not-for-profit organisation with no governmental or political affiliations that seeks to fund world-wide ‘end-hunger’ projects and help those in poverty to create a sustainable future. The charity also aims to raise awareness of humanity as one family, encourage an ethos of sharing and promote the practice of ‘ethical dining’. The Extra Guest responds to Emergency Aid Appeals around the world and currently supports Sustainable Living projects in:
Liberia – Rice farming project Bangladesh – Coping with Poverty and Natural Disasters Faridabad, India – SOS Family Strengthening Programmes
Local UK Food Banks.
The CD is a remastered version, including musical backing track, of Native American Wisdom. A meditation CD that has previously only been available to buy directly from me. Below is a sneak peek at the cover.
Today is a very exciting day for me because I have another opportunity to host an extra-special guest on my blog. On this occasion I’m very privileged to welcome American actress, jazz and blues singer and writer, Elaine Thomas. Elaine should be here any minute, so while I go and put the kettle on and crack open a packet of chocolate digestives, here is a little bit of background on her.
Currently residing in Hamburg, Germany Elaine has performed with some of the greatest names in international black American music: B.B. King, James Brown, Randy Newman, The Black Gospel Pearls (as lead vocalist), Alphonzo Mouson, Achim Kück, Jean Carne, Norman Connors, Sun Ra, Harlem Jazz Band, Gil Scott Heron to name just a few. Elaine started her career at 14 as a hip hop and breakdance competitor; achieving 3rd in a “Best Breakdancer in the USA” competition when she was 17 and No. 1 female breakdancer in the USA.
At 15, Elaine, (then known as Camille Thomas) auditioned for the famed Workshop for Careers in the Arts in Washington D.C., becoming one of the first graduates from the Duke Ellington High School for the Performing Arts, also in Washington D.C. This earned her positions with The Touring Co. Theatre West, Robert Hook’s Black Repertory Co., Back Alley Theatre – A Raisin in the Sun, Miguel Pinero’s Short Eyes, Jesus Christ Lord Today.
Elaine has performed in Germany in over 15 Musicals and as an actress in just as many theatre drama plays including Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair, Chicago, West Side Story, Man from La Mancha, Kiss me Kate and with Aretha Franklin, James Brown and Cab Calloway in The Blues Brothers. She has also worked with Claus Peymann and Heiner Müller.
Elaine has since worked on several Compilations – Dance Floor, Classic Soul, Jazz, Pop & Gospel. The last Project, a CD – from Mr Confused Do you Realize was released in July 2012.
Elaine is currently working on her first short story compilation book of black American folktales and inspirational stories for kids.
Hi Elaine and welcome. Thanks for nipping over from Hamburg to be with us.
Hi Richard, thank you so much for inviting me here.
I must admit that when I first approached you for an interview, I thought I would be interviewing a very accomplished jazz and blues singer “only”. I was amazed when I read up on your career and realised that you have done so much in your life. We will come to that later, but to kick off, can you tell us where it all started? Where were you born and did your parents have any influence on the direction you took?
I was born and raised In Washington DC; strict catholic parents…private school, strong disciplined daily life with lots of housework chores! I think that all influenced me to rebel.
How did you start singing and do you remember the first time you sang?
I started singing as a very young child, everything I heard on the radio, which was on constantly. Especially gospel and soul. When I was punished or depressed or even very happy…I would close the door to my bedroom, which I shared with 2 half-sisters and two aunts, and just sing my feelings out!
What brought you to Hamburg?
I previously lived in Hannover, where I raised my two Black German sons and did my touring from. Saw Hamburg and fell in love with the architecture, the wharf, the multitude of bridges! Wow! An absolutely amazing city.
Who are your main musical influences and why?
I think everything that I heard as a child, the influences of my religious background. My stepmother was Baptist, so every Sunday after Mass, we would go to the Baptist church for the rest of the day.
Then during my high school and college days, I started listening to a lot of jazz, fusion…
Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Dionne Warwick, the Stax folks, Motown Sound, all of that!
For me, music, at first was a way to escape the mundane of an overly protective family. Work out emotions, have fun…party, dance…that kind of stuff.
I note that you have worked with some incredible people over the years, so I hope this doesn’t sound like a stupid question, but have you ever worked with anyone who was also a great idol of yours?
I was once on the same show with Dionne Warwick. But we just happened to be on the same festival…as with BB King and a couple of others. Gil Scott Heron was an idol. Worked with him. He used to come by our house. At that time, I was just out of the High School for Performing Arts and lived with 24 other artists in one house! We’d jam and he’d let us come on with him and perform.
How does spirituality influence your work?
I left the Catholic Church at 17 and turned Buddhist. What I learnt during my Buddhist studies….ridding your mind of mental poisons, using kindness towards others every day, gave me a guideline for everything.
What is your favourite song or album of all time?
Wow! That keeps changing. Used to be Patches by Clarence Carter, Love Child from Diana Ross,
Donny Hathaway’s Someday we’ll all be Free.
Are you currently working on any projects?
Actually, I’ve started working as a Storyteller! Really excited about this! I love books. Have a pretty large collection of fairy tales and fables from all over the world. Storytelling kind of prods the actress in me and of course, the cultural side is very important-
I also have a new Band named Elaine Thomas & the Poets Messengers.
We do poetry to fusion jazz, some of our heroes, especially people like Gil Scott Heron or even Marvin Gaye. Try to bring a positive awareness while having a good time at the same time.
OK, I’ve got to do this to you; what was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you whilst on stage?
Going back to my drama school as a young professional and falling on stage during a jump! I could have died!
Well thanks for sharing that gem with us Elaine. I said at the outset that I was amazed at the amount of things you have done in your life. But what I find incredible is that in amongst all the singing, acting and writing, you are also an English teacher. So, tell us a bit more about your work away from the stage?
I got tired of always being on the road. My second son also needed more of my time…English has always been a passion of mine…so I started teaching it too. Keeps me on my toes, Richard!
Well, once again time has beaten us. All that remains is for me to thank Elaine once again for a very enjoyable and insightful chat. Before you go Elaine would you just like to leave us with a few words of wisdom; maybe a favourite quote?
From me- Contemplate life, stay kind, accept and believe in yourself, live now and get closer to Mother Nature.
And most important, laugh, dance and enjoy what you have. Be thankful.
Thanks so much for that Elaine. I don’t want you to miss your bus so I will say bye for now, and hey, take some of those digestives for the journey!
This is how my face would have looked a couple of years ago.
I recently had a situation, that had it occurred even just a coupe of years ago, would have thrown me into a state of panic and despair. But it was very noticeable to me, that my reaction to this situation was so markedly different compared to how it would have been, that it has prompted me to write this post and share the experience.
I have made no secret of the fact that the current economic situation in the UK, and indeed the whole world, has made life quite difficult to say the least. However, since the dark days of my depression, acute stress, and excessive intake of alcohol, I have learned quite a lot. One of the most important things that I have learned is that nothing is as it seems, who I really am is far greater than anything I will encounter in this life, and in a nutshell, what I’m trying to say here is that it is not our circumstances in life that determine whether we are happy, sad or panic-stricken at any given time, it is how we deal with them. And so, after much rambling I will tell the story in question.
I’d had a couple of things go wrong with the car and also recently paid out for a service and MOT, so my finances had taken a bit of a hammering. Add to that a couple of other bills that needed taking care of, and you can imagine, I wasn’t exactly Mr Happy from Tetbury. So, one morning recently I decided to put the washing machine on, went through the motions, and when I hit the start button; nothing! Just the sound of the washing machine motor seeming as though it really would love to be pumping water into the drum of the machine, but no action. A couple of years back, having already incurred considerable expense, my first thought would have been, THE WASHING MACHINE IS BUST, HOW AM I GOING TO FIND THE MONEY FOR A NEW ONE WITHOUT GETTING FURTHER INTO DEBT, and a blind panic would have ensued; during which the world would surely have come to an end.
This time however, things were slightly different. I did at first think that the washing machine was bust, but in a very calm way and on closer examination, I decided that in all likelihood the problem was in the pipe taking the water to the machine; otherwise why would the motor be humming? My thoughts then were that there was a blockage in the pipe. Now, a couple of years ago my next thought would have been OH NO! THERE’S A BLOCKAGE IN THE PIPE! HOW AM I GOING TO BE ABLE TO PAY FOR A PLUMBER WITHOUT GETTING FURTHER INTO DEBT!. But, as already stated, times have changed. It occurred to me that my landlord may be responsible for fixing such problems, so maybe it won’t cost me a penny to get it sorted. But nonetheless, I had a look in a couple of directories to see what I had at my disposal as far as plumbers were concerned. Next, I decided that either way, it wasn’t the end of the world and that I would have a little meditation.
Whilst I was meditating I was reminded that my neighbour, Alan, is a retired plumber. So, I gave him a shout and in no time at all he had grabbed his trusty bag of tools, diagnosed a very simple problem and fixed it. In fact, it was such a simple problem that I could have fixed it myself. So simple, that it would not have even occurred to me to consider it. Alan refused to take any payment from me and I was able to do my washing. It just goes to show that it really does pay to stop and consider what is going on beneath the surface before getting stressed out.
Author - Richard F Holmes 