Who Gives Kudos: Brooklyn (2) (2) ~*Lady Elle.. (2) Pupae Nation (2) (2) Rachael (1) (2) yogini (2) Nene (2) Kiwi Warrio.. (2) Lainey (2) ~*Princess .. (2) Anna (2) אהבה (2) (2) ~ॐKateॐ~ (2) (2) Seventh Soul (2) Blessed (2) * Carl * (2) Amphictyonis (2) Eaglefire (2) Blue~ EXPLO.. (2) Kara Johnstad (2) (2) 卐 $P☥®☥†¥喜£.. (2) Avril Rain (2) sister rain ! (2) clearly (2) Urban Deva (2) PeRiCo429 (2) Miss H (2) Bea Here Now (2) johnny (2) purplerobin (2) Goddess Cen.. (2) ॐ PeacefulW.. (2) (2) EspacoMeu (2) liz (1) (2) Divinity Ha.. (2) Evelyn, Stu.. (2) (2) Intuitive I.. (2) K V the Par.. (2) John Cord (2) sunyalila (2) Annjaay (2) A Leoa Vigi.. (2) Cari LaGran.. (2) Janice&dagg.. (2) Sofia (2) (2) Evolving (2) (1)

	Brooklyn	Decisions have been made based on the lower self and it has resulted in a less Peaceful and less fulfilling life for me. When first becoming aware of it, I was quite troubled and at that time could not understand His Love for me. I now realize that I am loved and accepted no matter what and that has sustained me. Thank you for sharing this with us. I especially love the below line.. "Whatever the choice, we are loved infinitely just as we are. " Many blessings to you, Brooke   Posted by Brooklyn on Monday, February 04, 2008 - 8:22 PM [Reply to this]

	~*Lady Ellen*~ Ellen Ceder	ONe of my favorite sayings::: Expectations lead to pre-meditated resentments. Nough said...lol Love yu!!!   Posted by ~*Lady Ellen*~ on Monday, February 04, 2008 - 8:32 PM [Reply to this]

	Janice†♥	Do You Mind If I Use That? LOL   Posted by Janice†♥ on Saturday, November 08, 2008 - 9:54 PM [Reply to this]

	A Leoa Vigilante!	yes yes!!!!!!! true!!!   Posted by A Leoa Vigilante! on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 - 3:14 PM [Reply to this]

	Pupae Nation	Thank you so much for the reminders Joseph. When we recognize our true essence (Love) we meld into the perfection of the universe. Peaceful existence replaces striving...whatta relief! ;) Love, Susan   Posted by Pupae Nation on Monday, February 04, 2008 - 8:34 PM [Reply to this]

	Rachael	You have a good kind heart and spirit Joseph. Thank you for giving of yourself.   Posted by Rachael on Monday, February 04, 2008 - 9:06 PM [Reply to this]

	yogini	Thank you for sharing your wisdom! I agree - when you get right down to it, unveiling Love and Peace is really all about Choice. What profound Grace in that discovery! Love and peace, my dear wise friend. :)   Posted by yogini on Monday, February 04, 2008 - 9:29 PM [Reply to this]

	Nene	i understand all of the above, except for this one: "~There is the choice between seeing a world full of disorder, and knowing the Unity of the Love underneath all appearances" i mean, i do understand it, still, how about activists, people in help organisations etc., ... they see the need to act instead of just relying on the unity of love ... right? and in order to help we first realize that something is in disorder, right? hm. brain scientists say that we don't consciously make any choices. it is our neuronal system which decides long before our consciousness even knows about it. this fits in perfectly with your idea about consciousness making her choices through all of us, instead of an individual chooser. there is no "i choose this ...". there simply is a complex system that is connected. the scientist calls this neuronal, you call it divine. but the result is the same. isn't that funny? "Love is the essence of spirituality." you know i like this one :o)   Posted by Nene on Monday, February 04, 2008 - 10:29 PM [Reply to this]

	* Carl *	Everything is perfect just as it is, yet there is always room for improvement! ;-) Do brain scientists say that consciously? ;-)   Posted by * Carl * on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 5:24 AM [Reply to this]

	Kiwi Warrior Queen	Your post EMBRACES the ALL the EVERYTHING and beyond Joseph. Beyond judgement and fear into the realm of BEING. Namaste' spiritual brother, peace, love & light. ~Lady Di xo   Posted by Kiwi Warrior Queen on Monday, February 04, 2008 - 10:33 PM [Reply to this]

	Lainey	Well Joseph, so wonderful to read your words as always... This all is refreshing and inspiring. One statement stood out for me..and touched me too... "There is accountability but no blame. Whatever the choice, we are loved infinitely just as we are. " Accountability, but no blame. Just total feeling of love in that statement. Freedom exists in love. This was beautiful Joseph, thank you soooooooooooo much! Hope all is well with you! Elaine   Posted by Lainey on Monday, February 04, 2008 - 11:19 PM [Reply to this]

	~*Princess Ecstacy*~ Adrienne Dumas	Thank you I really Loved reading this. What great reminders! The choice for Love is actually very simple but ego sometimes tricks into thinking it has to be hard or complicated. So what am I choosing now? Fear/ego or Love? Those are the only choices. Today I want to choose Love and to extend this Love to all of my Holy Brothers! Glory to our Infinite Oneness ad Love in the Heart of God. Amen. :)   Posted by ~*Princess Ecstacy*~ on Monday, February 04, 2008 - 11:52 PM [Reply to this]

	Anna	Joseph, my sweet dear friend. How excited I was to know that you had blogged something would surely touch my soul. I love the entire post, but this in particular stands out for me: There is the choice between seeing life as an endless struggle, or as a series of invitations to freedom Perhaps, you could help me. When you are struggling in the muck and life does indeed appear to be a struggle, how do you lift your self? I always try to meditate (from the course in miracles): I could see peace instead of this, but sometimes I get over whelmed. Any suggestions?   Posted by Anna on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 1:21 AM [Reply to this]

	* Carl *	The Buddhists use a mantra: Om mani padme hum. It literally translates as: Hail the jewel in the lotus. Each of us has a jewel, a unique gift to bring into the world. This is symbolized by the lotus which arises from the muck at the bottom of the pond on a coiled stem that adjusts according to the changing conditions of the water level, extending and stretching itself whenever the water rises, coiling and contracting itself whenever the water lowers, always keeping the large, life-sustaining leaf at the surface, always keeping its wonderful gift of the beautiful lotus flower at the surface where it can display its glorious self as a gift to the world and to the sun. We, too, can adjust so as to accommodate the changing conditions and situations we encounter through flexibility and acceptance, through loving embrace of all that is, as invitations and opportunities to reveal and display the beauties of our beings, our jewels, our gifts to the world when we blossom in Love. * It Felt Love * How did the rose [ or lotus ] Ever open its heart And give to this world All its Beauty? It felt the encouragement of Light [ or Love ] Against its Being. Otherwise, we all remain Too frightened. (from The Gift by Daniel Ladinsky)   Posted by * Carl * on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 5:58 AM [Reply to this]

	Anna	Thank you Carl for these wonderful words. They have touched me.   Posted by Anna on Wednesday, February 06, 2008 - 4:16 AM [Reply to this]

	sister rain !	I'm with Anna on this. I get totally overwhelmed and have my meltdowns ever so often. I am not so highly evolved just yet.   Posted by sister rain ! on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 8:50 PM [Reply to this]

	~ॐKateॐ~	sheer veil fluttering in wind... such liberation and beauty when a glimpse reveals those veils in a moment of knowing free from the grip of stories spinning and spinning as light plays in shadow choosing to see beyond appearances trusting, surrendering... caressed by waves of peace warmth within that second of infinity beyond these veils of identity... embraced by blissful beauty... ~K   Posted by ~ॐKateॐ~ on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 3:04 AM [Reply to this]

	The Infamous El Guapo Larry Power	There is the choice of asking what can I give, instead of what can i get? Excellent post.   Posted by The Infamous El Guapo on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 4:12 AM [Reply to this]

	Seventh Soul	Ah, Joseph, nice to read your blogs again! The choices, the choices....and the ones we make constantly create our 'individual' world. But until we gain more awareness, so many choices are made unconsciously. To see that we have the choice comes first, and then a rigorous examination of the beliefs that cause us to make those choices needs to follow. Often, an unconscious belief will dictate a 'negative' choice. Anna has resonated with the same choice I did, that is "There is the choice between seeing life as an endless struggle, or as a series of invitations to freedom". This is exactly where i'm at right now, and my challenge to change a basic belief. From "Zen and the art of Happiness" by Chris Prentiss...."The Universe always strikes at your weakest point because that's what most needs strengthening." As always, thank you for your wisdom and food for thought. Much love.   Posted by Seventh Soul on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 4:43 AM [Reply to this]

	Amphictyonis sarah may	simply BE-ING is the most difficult path of all, it seems, but well worth it!!   Posted by Amphictyonis on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 6:43 AM [Reply to this]

	Eaglefire Eagle Fire	Love this, Joseph. I went to a meeting last Sunday that reflected some of the above. It spoke of what we know with our minds vs. experienced with our being. The mind has beliefs but the being KNOWS. Great post! :)   Posted by Eaglefire on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 7:25 AM [Reply to this]

	Blue~ EXPLORE more@www.infinitechange.net~LOVE all	LOVE thIS!!! thank you... all ways   Posted by Blue~ EXPLORE more@www.infinitechange.net~LOVE all on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 9:31 AM [Reply to this]

	Kara Johnstad	Thank you dear Joseph, The most beautiful reminder...that I am tatooing on to my forehead is to continually realize and give love in situations of very close family members who are still so caught in the negative drama, and let go and embrace with love trusting that the Highest Good knows best and this is in this moment in time the DIVINE STORY. It is as it should be....tatoo tatoo tatoo. And now off for a nice breakfast. Love and light, Kara   Posted by Kara Johnstad on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 10:11 AM [Reply to this]

	Avril Rain	Beautifully said, Joseph. Love, Avril   Posted by Avril Rain on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 7:41 PM [Reply to this]

	~*Lady Ellen*~ Ellen Ceder	Wow....this puts things into perspective I think. It's true. We tend to fous on the negative/drama/unnecessary...a favorite little question I ask myself when this happens is this: Hocus, pocus, where's your focus? It helps to put things bck into perspective. Love and peace to you too my dear friend!!!   Posted by ~*Lady Ellen*~ on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 9:09 PM [Reply to this]

	clearly	god is love, love is god, love does lead the way.   Posted by clearly on Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 11:46 PM [Reply to this]

	Urban Deva	"There is the choice between demanding that people and life fit in with our expectations, and realising that what we think we want is not necessarily the Highest Good, is not the whole story." Ain't that the truth...   Posted by Urban Deva on Wednesday, February 06, 2008 - 4:56 AM [Reply to this]

	Miss H	Joseph, This is beautiful. I live my life knowing this on most days, but recently I had a traumatic event occur and I am having a very hard time releasing the thoughts that have entered my consciousness. I know that it is a choice to live in the place I have always lived (the place of beauty and goodness) but damn if it's not really hard to release the energy that is weighing me down. This blog has helped remind me that it is my choice and I am not happy in this newfound place of discord. Thank you!   Posted by Miss H on Wednesday, February 06, 2008 - 3:30 PM [Reply to this]

	Bea Here Now	Thank you for this Joseph. I'm so happy to read another one of your beautiful blogs :) "There is accountability but no blame. Whatever the choice, we are loved infinitely just as we are". This really stood out for me... knowing that whatever choice I make, it's okay, it doesn't mean I'm bad, it just means I have more to learn, more to uncover, etc... that is very reassuring. I am always loved because I am Love, even if at times I forget all this and make a choice that doesn't reflect this reality. Thank you again, Namaste.   Posted by Bea Here Now on Wednesday, February 06, 2008 - 4:39 PM [Reply to this]

	johnny John Roedel	This was exactly what I had to read today. Thank you so much for this!   Posted by johnny on Wednesday, February 06, 2008 - 9:39 PM [Reply to this]

	purplerobin	Joseph , Thanks for this my friend , I won't go into the details of why your timing is perfect , but I will tell you I am here with a great big smile and a warm heart , you truely share your peace . Love , robin   Posted by purplerobin on Thursday, February 07, 2008 - 5:24 PM [Reply to this]

	Goddess Central Goddess Central	Beautifully written and super smooth delivery, Joseph! The free will we are given by the creator is truly the very foundation that will create the experiences that will define our lives...and thus ourselves. well done!   Posted by Goddess Central on Friday, February 08, 2008 - 6:11 AM [Reply to this]

	ॐ PeacefulWisdom ॐ Nicole Renée Mièle	You are amazing sweet Joseph. You inspire me, give me hope, and you always give me something wonderful to think about. You bring me peace and I am forever grateful <3 Love to you, Nicole~   Posted by ॐ PeacefulWisdom ॐ on Friday, February 08, 2008 - 9:26 PM [Reply to this]

	EspacoMeu	is there a choice in knowing a relative measurement of space/time -- a choice of experiencing embodiment? I'm not saying that embodiment is the ultimate, but as the Buddha said, you can not point to any other 'all' or show anyone anything beyond this 'all'. Embodiment is something we can all relate to... feeling caught up in a crazy world...or less dramatically, part of the movement of larger forces that shape the ever-changing face of nature. Global warming, habitat destruction... in the recognition of the relative nature of 'I' and the [paradoxical] self-recognition of infinite impersonal Awareness, one sees more clearly, more objectively, and even if one clearly sees that there is no "I"... is there still a we? It is the year 2008, and the human population is growing, consuming more, destroying more, creating more [although creating mostly for our own consumption]. What we consume and don't replace will not be there for our children, and subsequently their children, and so on... One point of view is that in trying to fulfill our desires today, we are depriving ourselves tomorrow. Global warming, habitat destruction, these are real and affect other beings like ants, jaguars, trees, and in the web of life, we humans. Can it get so bad that we deprive ourselves _of a_ tomorrow? Whether we choose to or not, at many levels, and all the conventional levels -- the physical, the emotional -- we are subject to our own effects, subject to the effects we are creating. Perhaps our biggest problem is hiding from our emotions, our real feelings, which, if we felt everything without resistance, might lead to emptiness... ;) Outside of the cloud of conditioning -- the time-bound view of a world where we say it is '2008' -- there are organisms who self-organize, and perhaps we will recognize our collective interest, no matter what our personal views are about truth, the relative, the absolute, self-interest, even the 'given-ness' of a self. Is the moment of recognition, of understanding, the expression of choosing love, choosing the truth? My mini-rant concludes: as you say, we have the choice.   Posted by EspacoMeu on Sunday, February 10, 2008 - 8:14 PM [Reply to this]

	liz	How nice! Yes, the trap of addiction to drama, to the victimization of struggle, and the mind frame which keeps us in our boxes are all CHOICES! When I was in college, I had a "life altering" choice to make. lol... I finally told my aunt who I am close to that it was too hard to make a decision and I just wasn't going to do anything. She said, "But you realize that you're making a choice there, too, right?" It was the first time that I'd thought about it in that light - about inaction being action, non-doing being doing.   Posted by liz on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - 3:49 AM [Reply to this]

	liz	One more thing... Recently I wrote someone about where the choice comes from: ie is it a heart-centered choice or is it from fear? I've realized recently that when I look within, there is neither heart nor head anymore. It is all dissolving into this Silence. I have heard that during certain stages in evolution that making a choice is incredibly difficult because the old ways of deciding are no longer present. In the past, one might think something and then feelings would back up the thought. Now, however, as the mind becomes less dominant, this does not work so well. There is no backing up because the thoughts are seen through.   Posted by liz on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - 3:52 AM [Reply to this]

	EJ EJ Shearn	Is the perspective that there is choice a choice? :-) EJ   Posted by EJ on Monday, February 18, 2008 - 3:14 AM [Reply to this]

	sister rain !	Life is one big Rorschach ink blot, fo sho! I'm behind on reading blogs but so glad I made it to this one! Much love and peace to you always.   Posted by sister rain ! on Sunday, March 02, 2008 - 6:14 PM [Reply to this]

	Divinity Hanael Rose	Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Joseph!!   Posted by Divinity Hanael Rose on Saturday, March 15, 2008 - 3:25 PM [Reply to this]

	Evelyn, Student of Serge Raynaud	I enjoy what you totally say. But I need to go there be there. Lately what i have been doing is looking at every being and saying outloud within my mind that is God... he is God... she is God... this assists me in not being judgemental and in not getting angry or upset with anyone and just letting them "Be" (versus myself just being which Im still not comfortable with) . But yes I am comfortable with letting everyone Be just as they are since they expressing the God that is within them. and am trying not to interfere unless someone asks for my opinion or for my advice. yep im all for seeking more blissful experiences !   Posted by Evelyn, Student of Serge Raynaud on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 - 4:50 AM [Reply to this]

	Intuitive Inner Healer Justin Blackburn Justin Blackburn	much love!   Posted by Intuitive Inner Healer Justin Blackburn on Thursday, April 24, 2008 - 4:06 AM [Reply to this]

	K V the Paradigm is shifting Keyth Vance	beautiful as always my friend   Posted by K V the Paradigm is shifting on Thursday, May 22, 2008 - 7:47 PM [Reply to this]

	John Cord John Cord	It's all about Oneness with the Selfless Spirit in a world fraught with selfishness. Tough to be at-One with His Spirit at all times, at least for my imperfect soul. It is a process of spiritual evolution. Always learning, my friend. God bless, John   Posted by John Cord on Saturday, June 14, 2008 - 12:06 AM [Reply to this]

	sunyalila Ellen Davis	oh beloved, it is so freeing to recognize that we have a choice. It loosens up consciousness so that we can take a breath and not lock ourselves into what is happening. It also shines the light on 'victim consciousness' and gives way to greater flexibility of consciousness. These are wonderful insights. Yet at a certain level of development, i have found that even the revelation of 'choice' is not exempt from an Inquiry stemming from nondual awareness. Especially in the light of what is implied about right and wrong choices through our understanding of volition, and the division and subsequent suffering that can cause. With the deepest respect, I am going to let this Inquiry rip here and see what comes. Are your insights about choice those that can be had prior to the recognition or are they looking back once the shift of recognition has already been made? Looking again at a few statements - (they could have been any - i highlighted a few without looking at them and pasted them here): "~There is the choice between seeing life as an endless struggle, or as a series of invitations to freedom" When life is seen as an endless struggle - is there a choice to see it otherwise? When the invitation is seen, is there a choice to see it otherwise? "~There is the choice between seeking more and more blissful experiences, and knowing the peaceful Reality beyond experience" When we seek more and more blissful experiences, is there the awareness where we can choose otherwise? When we know the peaceful Reality beyond experience, can we choose to know otherwise? Is there any going back? "~There is the choice between seeing a world full of disorder, and knowing the Unity of the Love underneath all appearances" Can the disorder that sees disorder choose to see anything other than itself? can unity choose to see anything other than itself? We can see this or that - if the conditions are right and if we allow ourselves. We can go towards or do this or that depending on the conditions inclusive of our awareness and willingness. Without that awareness or those conditions, could it have been any other way than it was? Who chooses? Infinite love and much gratitude for all that you share and for being someone with whom I am inspired to deepen and Inquire. Ellen   Posted by sunyalila on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 - 1:47 AM [Reply to this]

	Joseph	Thanks to everyone for their comments. Dear Ellen, what wonderful questions! They are particularly wonderful, because there is no answer I can put into words. There are simply paradoxes which point to something beyond words...something beyond the linear mind. The choice is the chooser. Allness chooses, yet no-one chooses. At certain levels along the journey, there is the appearance of volition. At some levels, there is not. So the answer depends on the level of consciousness. The question 'who chooses?" can itself be a path of self-enquiry, like 'who/ what am I?' Much love and peace j   Posted by Joseph on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 - 7:25 PM [Reply to this]

	Annjaay	COOL!! There is the choice between being a victim or empowered!! thanks again joseph!   Posted by Annjaay on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 - 12:04 AM [Reply to this]

	A Leoa Vigilante!	Wow I fully understand this!!! Deep and true!!! completely!!! Especially "~There is the choice between demanding that people and life fit in with our expectations, and realising that what we think we want is not necessarily the Highest Good, is not the whole story" DEEP AND TRUE Brother Joseph!!!!!!   Posted by A Leoa Vigilante! on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 - 3:13 PM [Reply to this]

	Cari LaGrange Murphy ~Best-Selling Author Cari Lagrange Murphy	Beautifully said, Joseph! Much love- Namaste! xoxo Cari   Posted by Cari LaGrange Murphy ~Best-Selling Author on Tuesday, October 07, 2008 - 7:37 PM [Reply to this]

	Sofia	Thank you for this blog, Joseph. It is a beautifully, revealing blog. It's an exhilarating, yet peaceful, feeling when you realize that love is, and was always, available to us. It's in you, in me, and all around us. We all have negative, or erroneous, tendencies that have have been instilled in our youth or have been self-perpetuated during our lifetime. These are sometimes difficult to overcome. For me, meditating facilitates this process of overcoming these tendencies and understanding the true meaning of love. Many blessings, Joseph. Namaste Sofia   Posted by Sofia on Monday, November 24, 2008 - 9:25 PM [Reply to this]

	Evolving Denise Hale	Beautiful, thank you for the reminder that it really is about the choices we make. We choose our perspective and therefore how we experience our lives.   Posted by Evolving on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - 12:57 PM [Reply to this]

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