TURN THE OTHER CHEEK

© 2018 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter August 2018

by Bob Romero

My teacher in my metaphysical classes has said that to turn the other cheek does not mean to be a pacifist and let others attack you, it means let no harm be done. So you are fully justified to defend yourself against an attack, even if it means killing the other person to save yourself. This is a difficult situation for those on a spiritual path that are nonviolent. It may mean, however, to ignore exchanging insults. Road rage is a prime example. My instructor in an AARP driving class said that when someone cuts you off in traffic, or makes obscene gestures at you, put him out of your mind, because he is out of his.

Another reason to avoid engaging in verbal assaults is that you don’t want to become bound to the lower energies of the other person. In this current political climate, it’s easy to get caught up in slinging nasty insults back and forth. I used to always make sure that I got a zinger in there, until I listened to a card reading on a web site, which stated, that you shouldn’t become entangled in drama that doesn’t really affect you, because it brings you down.  Send love to the situation and pray for justice. Step back, and observe with divine neutrality.

There are now many claims about “fake news”. In order to be aware of what the true facts are, I researched news organizations to see which ones followed journalistic standards and verified their sources, instead of just using blogs as sources. There was an old saying that used to really get to me, which was “Well, both sides do it”, which to me was a cop out.  I maintained that both ten and a thousand are greater than zero, but they are not equal. Now I can be more effective, by concentrating on being a light worker, and not letting it adversely impact me.

However, if you see atrocities taking place, you must also act, in addition to sending love to the situation. People must be held responsible for any damage or injuries that occur. Inaction on your part will also cause undesirable karma. At the very least, write your senator or congressman, and let them know your displeasure with what’s going on.

I once saw an automobile accident take place right in front of me. A teenage girl and her friend had just started to go after the light turned green, and was hit by a much older man in a pickup that ran a red light. No one was hurt, but the young girl had just gotten her license, and was pretty upset. At the time, the older man was very apologetic to the girl. Seeing that everything seemed under control, I started to drive off. I went about a block, and then my better angels told me to go back. As they were exchanging information and waiting for the police, I gave my business card to the friend, and told her to contact me if they needed a witness. Sure enough the girl’s father called me, and said that that the older man was blaming the young girl for the accident. It appeared to me that he was trying to bully her, and I can’t stand bullies.  I told the father that I would be willing to testify, because the light had turned green for a full second before she started to go through the intersection. It was definitely not her fault. The older man then backed off and paid for the damages. I felt good about what I had done, not because I was some kind of hero, or I took delight in taking a bully down, but because, now the girl knew that she had done nothing wrong.

People who take the high road are often admired for being courageous enough to ignore their ego and keeping their standards high. This may make more of an impact on those with lower energies, than trying to argue with them with facts. Taking the high road is the road to higher consciousness.

Bob Romero has been a diligent student of esoteric spiritual subjects and metaphysics for many years, with a life-long quest for answers. He has submitted new and original articles that focus on life lessons and experiences he wishes to share with our readers and the world.

THE OTHER TALE OF THE UGLY DUCKLING... REVISITED

© 2018 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter June 2018

by Mario C. Veo

It all started in a small town, one just like many others, where neighbor knows neighbor, prices are fair, and all are good, law abiding people … for they all know their place. In such a town was born young Thomas, apparently a well adjusted child, over all well behaved even if a little too curious, asking too many questions… and even daring to pester the local pastor with questions that no young boy had the right to ask… [and if his father was a touch too strict, and at times had to spank the boy… well, it was for his own good now, wasn’t it… after all, if the boy was not quite so boisterous then he wouldn’t need to be punished, now would he ?!]

And so in this idyllic little town the young boy grew up into a young man, and gave up his sassiness, learned how to be respectful of his wiser elders, learnt his place, he did. “Smart”, many said “and even handsome” others murmured… “So, let’s make him a deal… Let’s offer him a position in our Bank… after all, he’s one of us, and we need a ‘good’ manager”

And so the elders approached young Thomas with what was obviously a sweet deal, “Tommy-boy you look well… Certainly grew up out of your rambunctious nature… Have come to appreciate the good life we all have here… Want you to take your place in our community… Make us proud of you, now”

They all talked at once, so overwhelming they were that ‘Tommy-boy’ agreed without really knowing what it was all about… The following Monday he found himself bright and early being ushered into his new office [dressed in his best collar and tie, he did… and he so impressed everyone, that the elders all congratulated themselves on their good judgment… and even the young female tellers spruced themselves up, and shyly introduced themselves]

And so young Thomas-Thom-Tommy-boy found himself having to learn what the bank was all about… and what better way then to review past transactions… y’know, who lent money to whom, who defaulted on their payments, who lost their land… who bought them out at a profit… y’know, just normal bank business. Well now, young Thomas considered himself a man of integrity, a man who really wanted to live the good and proper life of a God-fearing man… so he studied deeper… and deeper… and found that only a few families were allowed to grow rich and prosperous, only a few families ruled the town, only a few families were untouched by grief and famine…and look’it here, they owned the bank… and yes, they were the wise elders… interesting…

So now, what’s a young man to do… was he certain of his findings… or was he just seeing coincidences where no fault truly lies… did he really think that he, in his ever so short a career, had enough information to even know what he was looking at, and – the greatest of all questions – was it really his place to do anything about it.

And so young Thomas-Thom-Tommy-boy sat for many a day, ruminating, thinking, considering his options… and even looking back to his youth, at the times when he was so certain that he dared question…. The day came for the quarterly report, and he decided that he would simply present the information, and ask for clarity… and… see what would happen…. This time the meeting was not held in the bank’s conference room…no, apparently this was a special occasion, and so it was to be held in the wealthiest mansion in town, and for a proper dinner too…

So, dressed in his best attire, the young man presented himself at the proper time… and was greeted by the daughters of the elders… who quite demurely led him into the parlor, where, chaperoned by their mothers, proceeded to ask him his opinion on family, and marriage, and children… and if he thought that he would be a good provider… and asked if his position in the bank would be enough… or if he would consider investing in some properties that may come available…

The girls were all quite pretty, and well mannered too… they knew just how to treat a man, a man who had so much potential, so much to offer to a proper wife… his whole life opened before him… riches and respect in the community… or… who knows what… and at that point he knew exactly what the right thing to do was… “May I introduce you to our new mayor, the Honorable Thomas Truss, and his lovely wife, Grace…”

Mario C. Veo is a teacher of Spiritual Science and a Healing Arts Practitioner. He teaches classes and individuals on Personal Transformation and the Expansion of Consciousness. Mario is available for personal guidance and consultations on Tuesdays and monthly on the last Sunday at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.