IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU...

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

by Mario C. Veo

I’ve been fascinated by people – different cultures, deep belief systems, amazing sacrifices and even greater successes… It is true that some people really do have a strong and invincible spirit – so much so that, no matter their challenges, they will always overcome them….

Which led me to think: are they ‘special’ in some form or other… are they ‘blessed’ with gifts and abilities that are superior… do they have some ‘hidden secret to success’… or are they just lucky …? or – I shudder to even consider this – does God like them better than the rest of us… ?

The answer is a resounding NO !  They are just like you and me, no more and no less… just your everyday ‘Human’.

So, why do they succeed when so many others don’t ?  Why are they able to overcome even the most challenging situations … and why are they so darn happy !?! [don’t they know that it’s not all just fun and roses… that the whole world has not ever experienced global peace… that it’s a claw-your-way-to-the-top, or be stepped on, dog-eat-dog out there… What is wrong with them… and why are they so darned successful …!!?]

And, after many years of seeking, the answer finally revealed itself – they simply turn within… look at their own Life first , stop getting carried away by all the stupidity and chaos that is far too common in society, AND take care of their own happiness first… [which also includes family and friends].

So – the answer is truly that simple…but has some interesting insights …

We waste far too much time wallowing in gossip, shocked at the stupidity – and brutality – of others; are too often tempted by the lurid details of the latest atrocity, or by the display of ‘righteous indignation’ offered by those with hidden agendas…

Yes, I do realize that it makes for amusing commentaries by late-night talk shows… and yes, it can be quite funny… BUT… is this what you are choosing to give meaning to your Life… all this lower consciousness / manipulation / absurd propaganda / exploitation of your emotional stability… is this what you want your Life to be about …?

Don’t you realize that all this Darkness will rot your brains, and make you a simple puppets in the hands of unscrupulous abusers… and they will tell you – while smiling falsely – that it is all for your own good…

 The Spiritual Law is very clear – Whatever you put out comes back to you … [and yes, it is also in the Bible] Your success – or failure – depends purely on your investment of energy… So now you know – you can squander your Life by focusing on all that is shocking and negative … or you can claim – without a doubt – your right to choose what brings value to your Life…

Don’t you know that the more you receive, the more you have to share with those you love… You can choose to share gossip, negativity and corruption… or love, kindness and beauty [and these are the only energies that will help you overcome every challenge you may face… isn’t it worth it …?]

Mario C. Veo was born in Italy and grew up in Africa, and has been on multiple spiritual pilgrimages to India and other sacred places.  From an early age his love for Spirituality and Metaphysics led him to study with great Teachers and Masters from around the  world. He is a dedicated Spiritual Practitioner and Counselor, a Healer and Shaman Initiate, a senior T’ai Chi / Chi Gong instructor, a Feng Shui Master… Mario is in private practice in Denver, and teaches and guides Spiritual Seekers on the path of Self-Empowerment and Transformation.
You can reach him at 303.525.7223 /
email PathtoSpirit@gmail.com /
website – www.YourPathtoSpirit.com

Mario is available for personal guidance and consultations on Tuesdays and monthly on the last Sunday at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore in Denver.

I DREAMT I WAS A BUTTERFLY...

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

by Mario C. Veo

It was an early Spring morning, one of those glorious days when the Sun begins to warm the world, and the morning dew has not yet fled away to parts unknown. I could hear the birds waking, their joyful songs taking roll-call  “I’m here… I’m here…  Me too …” they all seemed to say…

All is fresh, all is yet undecided… Oh, the excitement of new beginnings  “What shall today bring… What shall we do in this radiant day …?” And the breeze answered “Whatever your heart desires, little ones… Look out there – the whole world is  waiting for you… go… explore… be free [while you still can, for winter shall come too soon]…” With wings aflutter they all took off, racing in their youth, to find the nectar of this new day.

The same yearning woke within me – the desire to spread my own wings, to go and be part of this carefree day, to drink the golden light of the sun, and commute with the morning breeze… Encouraged by such happy thoughts I valiantly struggled against my cocoon, pushing and tearing away at the remnants of my old self, struggling against the very safety I’d created, and no longer needed… until – finally – I could feel the kiss of the Sun on my newly formed self… With one final push I emerged, still trembling with exertion, I hung there to drink in the day… to warm my flesh, and feel this new Life I’d dreamt of…

Gently my wings spread out… and for the first time I saw the beauty of my colors… beyond the simple brush of Nature, I shine with iridescent glitter and sparkle with effervescent light… Oh, I’m glorious…

All around me is new and joyous and full of Life… and so I too launch myself to this new day in search of my own beginnings…

…and the wise breeze looks on with tenderness “Enjoy every moment, every instant of your Life, little one  –  never fear that a Life as short as yours need be constrained in any manner… Love, live, embrace all that you are, and with each moment declare yourself  – ‘I live in the fullness that is myself !’… and when the too quick an end comes, then know that you’ve lived well and lived fully… and that is all that truly matters…” lay in bed, my eyes barely open, the sun not yet lighting the sky, as I pondered the teachings of this dream… how such a simple being – whose life may be as short as two weeks, but never longer than a year – could embrace Life with such fervor, see the beauty of a new day, and be so passionate about all that was to be found… I dreamt I was a butterfly… and for the first time knew Life to be joyous and free…   

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 the last Sunday of the month at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

AND SO THE CYCLE ENDS...

© 2017 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter December 2017

by Mario C. Veo

All Life is about Cycles … something must end so there may be a new Beginning – but only if we’ve made space for it …

But most of us don’t  –  we hang on to the disturbing news, the harsh words, the offensive actions… and even the brutal memories… and never once question what these Energies are doing to ourselves, and our Life.
Remember the Law of Attraction…?  Whatever you focus on, so you shall receive…

Now, some of you would say that we can just stay focused on Life’s joys, the pleasurable acts, the loving memories, the smiles and gentle touch… and while this is better than focusing on the negative, still, it doesn’t make space for the New…

You see, if you fill yourself with past memories [no matter how pleasant] you get just that: ‘memories’, and nothing else can come in… In fact, you will compare everything and everyone you come across to your Past… and that’s just not fair…

Why?… Because your memory is not perfect, and while you can – and often do – remember only the good things / good times, this is not a true reflection of how you felt at that time… in fact, you create an ‘idyllic fantasy’ of what it once was…

And there’s more –  who you are today is not who you once were … so the way in which you embraced and appreciated the past is not how you would respond today  [remember the endless parties, and how you’d just bounce right back … well, can you still do that now …?]

While it is good to have these wonderful memories, still you must live ‘in the Now’ – be present, here, today – and appreciate what you have … be grateful for the good things that are available to you now, no matter how small, for these are the riches upon which you can build an even greater, more rewarding Future.

Look forward to the New Year… choose what you will do with it… and what you will become, because of your choices… Remember – everything changes… it is up to you – and only you – to guide these changes towards that which is filled with Love, Beauty, Health, and Wealth… after all, we do live in a world of Infinite Possibilities… if you so believe…

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 every Tuesday afternoon and the last Sunday of each month at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

A FOOLISH JOURNEY...? YOU DECIDE

© 2017 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter December 2017

by Mario C. Veo

The young man stood at the beginning of the trail, his backpack firmly on his shoulders, and took one small sip of water … contemplating the journey ahead. “It’s a n easy one” they said …  “Just a few miles … you’ll be there before sundown … just don’t wander off, and you’ll be fine”  [like that was reassuring – what would happen if he did ‘wander off’ … and how far would he have to go off trail before ‘it’ happened …?!]

But he curbed his distracting thoughts, squared his shoulders … and took the first of many steps … His eyes firmly on the horizon, his breath strong and even, the journey began … This was not just a frivolous escapade, but one that would determine his future … well, at least as he thought his future should be …

You see, she was waiting for him at the end of the trail … a final gesture, a hope for reconciliation, a ‘test’ of his resolve …to find out if they should have a Life together … Did they quarrel ? well, not any more than other couples…and, he thought with secret satisfaction, the make-up sex afterwards was great … so, all should have been forgiven … should it not ?! After all, he didn’t cheat on her, drank very moderately, and only on social occasions, did not go off ‘with the boys’, in fact they often planned outing together … but noooo, she felt that it wasn’t enough, that he worked too hard, and staid way too late most nights …

Well, you tell me how he was going to pay for all the gifts, and jewels, the fancy cars, the mortgage, and the holidays abroad … never mind that he did it all for her … couldn’t she see that he was a good – no scratch that – a great provider …?! that anything she wanted, anything at all, he would move heaven and earth to get it for her… That all these sacrifices had to be done now, while he was still young, and strong, and could work hard … and that if he didn’t do it… well, no-one else was going to do it for him…!

So, why was she so contrary, why was she complaining so much… WHAT DID HE DO WRONG…?!!!

And with each step his mind rose in turmoil, clouding not only his reason, but also his vision… No longer was he seeing the beauty of the trail, no longer did he appreciate the fresh wind, the pretty flowers, or the birds on the wing…

Closed within himself, he stomps with each step, glowering at each pebble that twists his foot, or the branch that dares encroach upon his path, or the warm sun upon his back… No joy in this journey … what started off as a path of self-examination, and a desire to strengthen the bond that might still exist, now has simply turned into the oldest ‘blame-game’ of all “I’m not wrong, because you are not right !!”…

“After all”, he rationalizes, “both of us can’t be blameless, and I know that I did nothing wrong … so the fault must lie with her” … even if he cannot think what this might be… And as he plods along, the sun begins to set, the temperature cools off… and he realizes that he isn’t anywhere near the end of the trail… in fact, he seems to have gotten himself turned around  [was he not paying attention ?] for there, I front of him, is the very starting point, the beginning of his journey… “Oh, what’s the point of it all” he mutters to himself as he steps off “It wouldn’t have worked out – she just isn’t grateful enough … just doesn’t appreciate me !”

… and so, secure in his own unsullied pride, he once again moves towards the glittering lights of his Life …while at the end of the trail she waits … and even as the last rays of the setting sun give way to night, she hopes that he’ll realize that all she ever wanted was him – not his gifts, money, or jewels… just him…

Now you, the reader, must decide – was the journey fruitful… did it accomplish anything… and what did it reveal…? … but before you pass so quick a judgment consider that this is your perception, and so reveals more about you, than the poor protagonists of this sorry tale…

There is no ‘right’ and there is no ‘wrong’… there is simply ‘Perception’… and thus we create our Reality…

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 every Tuesday afternoon and the last Sunday of each month at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

THE SEARCH FOR A GLORIOUS LIFE

© 2017 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter November 2017

by Mario C. Veo

This is the story of a young man, and his search for “a glorious Life”

The story starts in a small mountain village, you know the kind, where everyone knows each other, you call all grownups ‘Uncle or Aunt’, and Life is peaceful … well, some may even say a little boring … what with all the healthy natural foods grown right there, and good, hard work following the seasons, there really isn’t much that can lead you to trouble, you know… [except boredom, perhaps]

You were all expected to provide for your family, and with a little left over to share with neighbors and the elderly – after all, they did the same for you, in your times of need, so it’s only proper that you should too … youngster would hunt for small game, or fish in the swift rivers, or even raise bees if they fancied … while grownups worked the fields, and some felled mighty trees for the local mill …
As I said, it was a peaceful Life … for most …

And so it happened that this particular young man decided that such a ‘simple Life’ was, after all, much too simple … and that he yearned – oh, so deeply yearned – for ‘adventure’ !
And his parents, who loved him very much, thought that if he really, really wanted to go … well then, they should not make him miserable and hold him back unduly …

The day of his departure swiftly came, and all the uncles and aunts gathered at the village square to see him off… many with small tokens and little gifts – a few dollars here and there “To buy you something sweets to remember us by…” or a healthy sandwich to have on the way “You never know what kind of food those outsiders may have… certainly not as good as ours…” and those that had too little to spare, well then, it was hugs and kisses, and loving embrace… [and maybe even a tear or two]

And so he left, to find ‘Life’ in the big world out there… first by train [that beast surely could move !], later by bus [oh, what sticky seats !], and finally he reached his destination – the Big City [oh, what a foul smell !]… but he didn’t care, for he had arrived , and finally he could start living !!!

He was young, he was eager, and strong to boot [never said he was lazy], and soon found a job – a little menial perhaps, but he was well liked, and soon was on track to be promoted…
Harder and harder he worked, saving every penny so he could buy a car [must have one of those, you know, town is too big to walk !], then more money to buy a house… no, a ‘condo’ [it’s more upscale, and who has time to mow the lawn and plant flowers – God forbid !]… then it was girls and dates, and oh the glorious sex !

Yes indeed, he had arrived – this was Life ! as he always wanted it to be !! of course there was so little time that he no longer called home every week, actually, not even every month… What could he say to them, they wouldn’t, couldn’t understand his Life – no longer walking barefoot on the river bank, or swimming butt naked in the creek… nope, he now wore Italian shoes and swam in a proper swimming pool… he had nothing left to tie him to his ‘rural’ [shudder !] background…

Now he found the ‘perfect girl’, and soon will be married… and when she asked about his parents he told
everyone that he was an orphan, raised by the State in different foster homes, until he was old enough to find his own way in the world…
Oh, how they admired him then, the orphan who made it rich ! the boy wonder! the man who forged a Life of wealth and success!… and how he gloried in this adulation, preening himself here and there … [he even overheard someone say that ‘men wanted to be him, and women wanted to sleep with him’… imagine that!]…… …….. ……..
And so he grew in wealth and power, buying up properties, industries, and even a bank or two … and if anyone opposed him, well then, they got what they deserved … [he was friends with some very influential people … and even some who could ‘convince’ others not to cross him … if you know what I mean]
His wife grew fat, his sons spoiled brats, and his many mistresses younger and younger… Ah, what a Life!
…….
Now he nears his final days, surrounded by lawyers and board of directors, jackals wanting to make sure they get their share before the old man dies [his sons too busy playing golf with the mayor, already got theirs]…
Do you think he made the right choice ? was this a Life worth living ? was he truly happy ?
Oh, one more thing, his parents died surrounded by loving friends …all bewildered that the son was not there…

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 the last Sunday of the month at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

BEARS DON'T DANCE

© 2017 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter August 2017

by Mario C. Veo

As has always been the case since the very beginning of Time, the Hunter rises early in the day, even before the Sun, so he can stalk his prey … and calls this ‘the circle of Life and Death’, and with such a belief he feeds himself. So today the Hunter has risen even as the Moon still shines, for he needs not only food but also furs, for the bitter winds of winter quickly waken – the trek down to the river will take a good long while but it will all be worth it for many animals will be drawn to water.

And now here he sits, hidden up a tree, waiting patiently for his chosen prey … bunnies approach cautiously, quickly darting in and out, but they are too small for such a mighty hunter … next comes a shy young fox, but too scrawny for his taste … no, he’s looking for something to match his prowess, something that will offer fame as well as food … and thus he also lets go of a young doe, after all, what is the skill in acquiring such puny adversary … Ah … but look there, following the doe is a mighty stag, proud of horns and with such a haughty demeanor [some would have said ‘majestic’, but such is not the way of this hunter]. And so he lifts his mighty weapon … carefully takes aim … his breath suspended … and just as he’s about to strike the rebellious stag is alert … and with a snort and a flash of hooves he dances away, soon hidden by the forest.

Disgusted the hunter is about to lower his weapon, but just then a great bear breaks through the clearing … thundering it moves to the water’s edge, carefully lowers its muzzle to drink of the saving waters … The mighty hunter cannot believe his good fortune … with blood thundering in his veins and lust in his eyes, he strikes the fatal blow… just one, that’s all is needed to end such a [can we say it] majestic beast … Victory at last, indeed a proud kill, for few other hunters have ever made such a catch … Ah, the glory that awaits him, and the great tales that will be told in the village upon his victorious return …

But just as he’s about to descend from his perch, there comes stumbling out a bear cub, looking for his mother … rushing forward towards her still figure … crying, uncomprehending why she lies so still …

“How well the gods favor me” says the hunter “Look they gift my skills not only with fur and food, but also with a play toy !  He shall make a fine dancing bear, and earn me much coin at the next fair … and when he’s too old for cuteness, then he can be baited for sport.  Oh, yes ! the gods truly favor my mighty prowess” and in so saying he clubs the cub unconscious [the better to restrain him].

A year has passed, the cub now half grown is chained to a post, brought out for drunken pleasure and for easy coin  –  yes, this mighty hunter has grown fat and soft – he no longer hunts … No, why should he when so many are willing to pay good coin to see his dancing bear [well, it stands and growls, and when you poke it with a stick it lounges trying to strike at the offending humanoid … I guess you could call this ‘dancing’]

Ah … the mighty hunter has developed a taste for liquor – such noble deed, such snoring finesse, such deep slumber … Has he forgotten the circle of Life and Death … ?  Has he forgotten the patient stalking, waiting for just the right moment for that single strike … well tonight is the refresher course … You see, the post which once was strong enough to hold a mere cub has long been wearing down … and the mighty chain that so imprisoned the beast is now tired with rust … and tonight he shall learn that bears don’t dance … tonight the circle will be complete …

Ah, the sweet taste of Karma …

Mario C. Veo was born in Italy and grew up in Africa. From an early age his love for Spirituality and Metaphysics led him to explore a wide range of disciplines. He has studied with Sufis, Shamans and Spiritual Masters from around the world. Mario is a senior T’ai Chi and Chi Gong instructor, a Spiritual Counselor, Shaman and Healer, and teaches classes and individuals on Personal Transformation, Empowerment, Manifestation and Spiritual Alignments. He is available for personal guidance and consultations.

THE VIEW FROM THE WINDOW… a tale of unfair proportions

© 2017 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter July 2017

by Mario C. Veo

There is a small town, way over the mountains, where everyone is healthy, happy, and very, very  prosperous… in fact they lack for nothing… Well, all except one that is.

This is the story of Eve, the young girl who lives in a room on top of the tallest building in town.  From here she can see everywhere, all over town  –  she knows where the milk-man goes in his rounds, where the boys go to play their games, and when the market opens, and even who has the best produce.

Every day she sits by her window and looks out, and every day she follows, yearning to be out there, playing and greeting everyone she knows so well, but has never spoken to.

Alas, she cannot, for her window is nailed shut, and must never, never be open… or bad things will happen to her.

Why…? Because it is for the best – truly, for her own safety… you see, when she was very young, just a baby really, Eve got sick, so very, very sick, and she didn’t get any better, until they put her in this room…

“This magical room healed you”  or so they said with great conviction; and even though Eve was the only surviving child of the wealthiest people in town, her family now long gone, and only her guardians remained.

“It really is for the best” they said in unison,  “We’re doing this for you, to keep you safe, and healthy” they all agreed.

“But I want to go out and play, and be with my friends” Eve said, tentatively.

“Well, your friends don’t want to be with you” the eldest crone said, cackling all the while.

“If they were really your friends they would have been here already, wouldn’t they now ?”  said the other equally old crone  “You must listen to us; we are your guardians after all, and we know better than you”

“Yes, you must trust us… do you think it is easy for us to look after you after your parents died ? You are not of our blood, but still, we do our duty, and none can ask for more… you have your dolls and toys, what more do you need ?  Don’t be such an ungrateful child now”

And so they left, locking the door behind them, with only the maid to bring her daily food… until one day her old maid was gone, and a new, younger one took her place  –  and this one was different, a little stronger in character, a little too independent of thought, many would have said.

And after taking a good look at Eve, and her meager surroundings … well, she just turned around and left, without even uttering a word !! the wretched servant …but… she did not lock the door behind her… in fact, there it stands wide open, tempting one and all to go out and  meet the great, wide world outside.

Oh, there is Eve now, softly stepping to the door… and gently closing it shut… as she once again returns to her window, and resumes looking out to the world she’s grown so accustomed to… after all, she is not an ungrateful child… and they are her elders, and said they know better …

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 the last Sunday of the month at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

PARADISE LOST… OR, A TALE OF ANCIENT WARNING

© 2017 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter June 2017

by Mario C. Veo

Long, long ago, well before the birth of Mankind this Earth was a glorious planet filled with grace and beauty, with peaceful Beings who walked freely amongst Gods and Goddesses, in friendship and respect. It was an idyllic time, a time of great wisdom, of open laughter and joyful playfulness, of abundance and nobility … indeed, my friend, it was a sacred time … Oh, we knew not what we had, nor how much of it we took for granted.

Strife was not known, nor war nor conflict, for nurturance was the rule, and Love its minister … and all was good, for everyone lived as was proper – in dignity and respect, valued for their offerings.

Until one dark day a strange hominid walked in  –  strange indeed he looked, with tufts of unruly hair and an attitude to match, strident of voice his rhetoric a raucous braying to our ears.

He capered forth, prancing around in his stolen finery, mocking even the most gentle of creatures, calling them ’slaves’ [a term we knew not of meaning]. He derided even the holiest tenets of peace and wisdom, claiming them to be ’fake’ … and loudly proclaimed them to be the ’tools of tyranny’ and magnanimously promised us liberation …

“Liberation from what …?” many asked … “Why – liberation from this stagnant Life … Don’t you see how the Gods have led you astray all this time …!?  How you’ve been manipulated with all these riches and abundance …!?  It’s time to stand together, firm against this ‘Egalitarian Rule’  [such a dirty word !]  and once again reclaim our rightful place as the New Leaders … for we usher in a grand New Beginning … !!”

Ah, the foolishness of our benevolent Leaders who thought this simply the outplay of an immature mind … “Let him be” they said, “He’ll soon grow up and see the nature of his mistake” … “All this will come to pass … It’s simply an uncouth youth, blowing off some steam” … “He’s harmless” many claimed …

Alas, that such gentle thoughts did not deserve such rude awakening …

You see, the masses were too easily swayed by his bombastic cant … Oh, so easily led by his crude attitude … and how they laughed when, one by one, the Gods and Goddesses left … and how they threw stones and other offal when the gentle Beings departed … and how they built strong walls to keep the rest of us in … “For our own safety” they claimed …. but now we know better, for he has taught us the meaning of the word ‘slave’, and we’re treated as such.

And there he stands, in what once was our most sacred temple, prancing around in coarse attire, with peacocks in front and war-elephants behind, loudly heralding “the New Age has begun … Rejoice for the New Dawn is here …”  and his cronies nod their heads, even as we hide our tears, for truly we’ve lost Paradise … and for what …? … this …?!?

It’s too late for us, my friend, but for you, who’s reading this – count your blessings well, and hold them fiercely to your bosom  –  do not let the prancing fools take them away from you, for Love and Peace are the only Truth there is … and beware, beware the war-elephants …

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 the last Sunday of the month at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

YES-MAN, BOGEY-MAN, BEGGAR-MAN, THIEF...

© 2017 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter January 2017

by Mario C. Veo

This is the story of a young man who went on a hike with those he thought were his friends.

It was warm and pleasant day, idyllic you might say... pretty flowers all in bloom, birds chirping all the way, and if thunder played far away, well, who's to say...

All was gentle, all was great... until they faced the rumbling river, and the ravine in the way. "There's a log cast across, as a bridge we must accept." "It is too dangerous," one exclaimed, "I fear we're all doomed, here to stay..."
"Stay or go back... that's our choice."
"Nonsense," said another, "just walk across... it's far too late to stay the same."
"Help me tie a rope around my waist, so if I fall you may be my saving grace!"
"Better to tie one around the neck!" said another, "thus to ensure a proper effort."
"Nonsense you old fool! All can see that it's best to crawl across. Embrace the narrow, treacherous log... hang on to it like the lover you never had... caress its gnarly bark for it is the only way - and if you get scraped... well, that's the price you pay!"
"Better inch over it, crawling like a worm... for the closer you are to it, the safer it will hold you."

The discussion grew louder and louder, tempers frayed, the sky darkened as thunder moved closer, not away.

So, the young man looked and pondered... and after proper reflection, nimbly walked across, even as his 'friends' fought... but stayed their way. Now on his journey he thought, "What strange opinions each of us have - so fast to assume the worst, and even more, doomed perceptions... Yes, to many the log was far too narrow... to me it was a bridge a mile wide! As my feet are not soooo big, it was enough to carry me, safely, to the other side."

How strange is Life... how simple - or complicated. Is it 'truth' or mere subjective perception... and what does it all mean to me...!?

Welcome to 2017... don't say I didn't warn you!!

Yes, the Path may be confusing, the suggestions even worse, and all must live through it... so - as always - the choice is yours: Live joyfully and prosper... immaterial of nay-sayers around you... or, stay stuck, and wallow even as others do...

"So, how do we deal with it all?" you ask. Simple! You just stay centered, lift yourself up by your bootstraps, and move beyond the illusion that faces you.

Oh, you don't know how to do this? Well, that's where we come in - this month's workshops are dedicated to self-empowerment, to personal freedom and liberation from darkness, to true self-expression... and to manifesting a joyous, prosperous, knock-your-socks-off, glorious new year.

Yeah, so what if it's 2017, who cares about all the doom and damnation - didn't you know it's all a trap to have you give up your power to the Dark Side... (oh, yeah - it's also a test by the White Brotherhood, to see if you can stay centered in your own Loving Light... well, of course it is!)

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 every Tuesday afternoon and the last Sunday of each month at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS

© 2016 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter December 2016

by Mario C. Veo

Ah… what a fearful thing is Change…

Yes, of course it is… but consider this – would you still want to be the teenager you once were, ‘safe’ in your parents’ (rigidly structured) loving embrace… would you still want to be stuck in your first job/first kiss/ first love…? Yes, some of it is very romantic… but seriously, is it not better to grow, and change, and discover a brand new world out there, one filled with greater joy, better jobs, and even more passionate kisses…?

O.K., I can hear some of you saying, “But what if it isn’t? What if the future is NOT filled with Love, Light, Beauty… and passionate kisses? What if it is filled with frogs and snails and puppy-dog’s tails… and all I ever cared about gets taken away?” Well, so what if it is… YOU don’t have to meekly accept this very dire picture… (what? did you read too many Grimm’s Tales as a kid!?… you should have stuck with Aesop, he was much better at ‘morality’… ‘though I must confess to the thrill of Grimm’s dark visions… but I digress…)

No future is ever going to be ‘perfect’… no future abounds with easy love and prosperity, filled with French pastries and wonderful chocolate… but… you CAN seek these out, and fill your heart with all you desire… and more! (even if you need to move to France to get it… true story that!)

Sorry, again I digress!!

O.K., you are not a kid anymore, not a helpless infant at the mercy of the big, bad bogyman… Nope, not at all, in fact you are far tougher, stronger, more capable than that… for YOU are the Child of Spirit, filled with Light and Power… and able to manifest all you desire… Wanna know how? Easy…

Begin by first contemplating all that is ‘right’ about you… all your wonderful gifts/abilities/achievements… these are your Truth, your Foundation, your Power!
Next, figure out what blocks this… sometimes it is an unresolved Heart Wound, at times a belittlement/betrayal/sabotage. So, do something about this! Cleanse, heal, release… and don’t forget to once again center in your Radiance… And through this now Manifest all you desire… with no limit or restrictions (yummm, chocolate and kisses…)

Yes, you cannot stop Changes… things grow and prosper… or fail and are removed… this choice IS yours to make… so what say you? Wanna go for a ride? (there’s shopping at the end… but only if you find your Power!)

This month is dedicated to Self Empowerment, to Transformation, and to Manifestation… classes abound or those who are ready… (and for the rest of you… well, it’s still gonna be one hell of a ride!!)

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 every Tuesday afternoon and the last Sunday of each month at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED... YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG

© 2016 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter October 2016

by Mario C. Veo

Yes, yes, I know... the correct saying is 'If at first you don't succeed, try, try again', and, if you are Buddhist, that's correct and proper... but, if you're Taoist, that's not quite right.

Taoism considers that all Life is about Flow - a spontaneous movement created first by Nature, then by Man(provided that 'Man' here represents all that is wise and noble... and not what some politicians would have you blindly accept... but I digress...)

So, Life is Flow, and as it moves it should guide us - gently - to be part of this movement... they say that "if it's time to work, then work... and if it's time to rest, then rest." Sounds simple, doesn't it...? but here in our wonderful world we are rewarded for doing just the opposite - early bird, work late, 60 hour week, miss your kid's birthday, and show the boss you're a team player... and you'll be rewarded with more money, a promotion, and that coveted corner office with all those nice windows... wow... what a trade-off!

O.K., I'm not trying to dismiss those of you who are deeply invested in working hard... just trying to give you a different(better?) perspective. Here's the deal - "After all you've said and done, what have you gained... and, what did it cost you...?" (I actually met a man who claimed that cheating on his wife made him feel more like a 'man'... well, I guess that he's never heard of Karma... but let me reassure you, Karma has heard of him!)
Sorry, I digress... again!

Often we are fooled by society that we should(must) follow the conventional path, that it's really the only way to 'succeed', that to do otherwise is to be 'weird'(a 'Hippie' in my time)... so you bow down and comply... and after 30 plus years of being a good little boy or girl, you take a good look at your Life... and find that, somehow, it's not all guns and roses, not all Disney World, not all innocent expectations, but more like Truth-or-Dare. If it wasn't 'Truth' and you didn't 'Dare', then Life becomes just this lukewarm, placid, kinda spiceless, bland concoction. Yes, not truly 'bad', but not all that it could have been.

So, here's the deal - if you're O.K. with the way your Life turned out, then 'good for you', you're one of the few that have managed right(must have been some good-charm Karma from a previous Life)... but, if you think - just a little - that you could have more... then know this clearly - "YES, YOU CAN!"

See, Life is just about Energy... which has a vibration, a resonance that expresses Qualities - positive or negative, they are not 'good' or 'evil', but simple are. If you know how to change this, well heck, you now can change the world...(well, at least, your world)... all you need is the desire to change... And that leads me to the title of this little story... If at first you don't succeed...

For those of you who are ready, this month offers you a series of intriguing classes on personal transformation and self-empowerment... so join us... if you dare...

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 Tuesday afternoons at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

FROM SELF EMPOWERMENT TO PROTECTION AND MANIFESTATION

© 2016 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter September 2016

by Mario C. Veo

Life happens... and with it are all the tears/pain/offenses... and yes, also the many smiles, the joyful laughter, and perhaps even a little 'love'.

In the end whichever Energy was strongest is the one that will shape you and your Life... except for those cutting Heart Wounds which have managed to bury themselves deep within you!

Now you are 'leaking Life'... and no matter how hard you try, or how deserving you've become, you still struggle to achieve your deepest desires...

 Here it is easy to give in, to change and become a 'distortion' of your True Self - to see Love becoming dismissed as a 'romantic notion', Inner Peace as something talked about in Asian Scriptures(but that really has no place in your real world), politics as serving Special Interest Groups, and those in Authority wallowing in corruption... not a pretty picture, but unfortunately a very real Dark Energy which surrounds our whole planet.

So what are you to do... yes, you who is committed to Spiritual Growth, who still embraces the Qualities of Compassion, Understanding, and strives to find the Brotherhood of Man.
Do you allow this corrosive environment to twist into a better version of yourself... or to turn your back to all this infantile behavior and become a hermit...or seek shelter in a monastery(hey, I tried that so often in my past lives... I can tell you the food isn't very good, and they have no chocolate...!... well, so much for 'the Food of the Gods').
...but if you do nothing then what happens to you...?

As you grow Spiritually, your Vibration becomes more 'pure', more refined... and now this precious Self Image becomes bright and radiant with Loving Energies... and at this point you need to be more aware of Who and What you surround yourself with, for many will be jealous, and even angry, at your success... and if you blindly and innocently just go about your life, then all you have achieved may be brutally shattered by their negative, corrupting Energies.

So what can you do about all this? Well, there are Shields and Filters and Higher Spiritual Practices... there is your personal Evolution, your clarity and sensitivity. Ultimately it all comes back to Choices... for you are not some powerless simpleton who is easily swayed by all that is shiny and glittering...

No, you are a powerful Force in your own Right... if only you'd claim it.

This month's classes are dedicated to you honoring your own gifts and power... to awakening a Higher Radiance within, and to show you how to empower yourself to create the very best, most rewarding Life ever... (after all, the best 'revenge' IS success!).

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 Tuesday afternoons at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

FREEDOM... TO BE YOURSELF...

by Mario C. Veo

Freedom... to be yourself in Truth and Essence, is not achieved by adding more and more to your Life, but by taking away all that is no longer fruitful... until nothing else needs to be removed...

Now you are Free to be You... and Life shall reflect this, abundantly...
This is such a powerful concept that it is held as a vital 'secret' by many who are in power...
Our current material life is deeply shaped by how many things we must have in order to function...

Seriously, could you do away with your car, your phone, credit cards, TB, computer, internet... Most of us consider these to be 'essential' things which allow us to operate in this modern world, without which we cannot function, cannot work, nor 'live' (well, at least until you visit a third-world country, and then realize that 'Life's Basic Necessities' are still food, shelter and respect.)

But we are not talking about such backwards societies, we are talking about Life in the good ol' USA, where if you are without the latest technology... well, what are you?... some kind of rebel, left-wing trouble-maker...?! Don't you know that to be a consumer is the very foundation of our Democracy...?! (ehrr... sorry, that's a 'republic', right...?!)

Anyway, not to get too deviated from the main point - We all live a life bound by the demands of materialism, and these instantly affect how we are allowed to live... in turn, this affects how well we understand Freedom - and the Spiritual Path... (and what's on the other side of this Life... which reminds me of this silly joke - about the guy that was so filled with 'power' that he made a pact with Spirit that at the time of death he was allowed to take with him any one thing... and he chose all his gold... The Angels were puzzled, asking, "Why would he want to take paving stones with him...?" - told you it was silly...)

Anyhoo - It's not about how much you can have that defines the Happiness in your Life, but how much you can get rid of that will reveal the True Value in Life... and yes, that includes YOU(what are YOU worth... and does your Life demonstrate this...?)

So - this month's classes are offered around this concept of your True Essence... your True Value, and how it has been taken away from you... often with your innocent participation.

But don't despair... if there's one thing I'm good at is to show you what all you can do about it... (what, I never said I wasn't just a little bit of a rebel... well, in a good way...)

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 Tuesday afternoons and the last Sunday of the month at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

PROTECTION IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL

© 2016 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter May 2016

by Mario C. Veo

Ah, the good old days, when you could leave your front door unlocked... your bike on the porch and even misplace your wallet AND have it be returned intact!! Ah... those days of pure innocence, when people were kind, gentle, and trust was rewarded... not so much anymore! Today you are strongly advised to install an alarm system / close-circuit cameras / keep a watch-dog and even put bars on your windows..

Why?
Because the world is going through a dark patch, where just being dissatisfied is no longer a stimulus for getting better, but a justification for violence and abuse... where 'those that have' do not feel any responsibility towards 'the have-nots', but keep exploiting them, all in the name of 'entitlement' And I could go on and on, but you get the picture - it's no longer a 'nice' world...

So, why am I ranting...?
Simple -we must all learn how to protect ourselves, and our loved ones... else suffer the consequences. Now, most of you will say that you do lock your doors, buy insurance, keep yourself as safe as possible... and to these I say: "Good job... for baby-steps !"

You see, it's not enough to take care of the obvious, material things... nope, you must equally pay attention to the Energies you have around you [after all, paranoia may well turn your home into a fortress, but that ain't no way to live, bro!]

Look, it's quite simple - the other day I was at a my favorite grocery store [yes, organic], shopping for ingredients for my famous lasagna... looking forward to a delicious week-end... and... I just kept getting more and more aggravated, stressed, brusque, and even downright snippy[now - those of you that know me, would reassure y'all that I may well be many things... but 'snippy' is not one of them!]

So, in the end I left my shopping temple, frustrated and upset [for no apparent reason!]... and guess what... I forgot to buy the cheese... !!! [of all things !]

Yes, there is a point to my rumblings... hold on to your horses...
Visible acts of violence or abuse are seen clearly... they are obvious... but we always forget that there are more 'invisible' negative / contaminating! corrosive energies... AND that these are ALL around us, at all times... we literally [yes, I use the word correctly] literally 'swim' through the most yucky energies you've ever see... everyday !!!

They are not necessarily 'evil'... just your common everyday 'worry', stress, illness, concern... or just a lovers' quarrel... all this gets dumped, willy-nilly, where-ever you go... and you step on it without even realizing it... now trekking it back into your home... all because you are not aware![no excuses bro ! you still got s**t on your shoes]
Which brings me to my final point [yes, you can relax now... well, just a little...]

I am offering a 4 week course on "Protection" - from the most essential Aura Cleansing to the most advanced Psychic Attacks, from simple contaminants to deep purification... we'll examine it all.

The course starts on May 14th, for 4 consecutive weeks. We meet on Saturdays, from 11 to 12.30 registration is through the Shining Lotus™ [303.758.9113]... but the program will be held at The Center for Alternative Therapies, 4155 E. Jewell Ave, # 1102, Denver 80222 ...
See ya'... and, careful where you step...

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 every Tuesday afternoon and the last Sunday of each month at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

THE POWER YOU HAVE... WHICH NO ONE WANTS YOU TO KNOW

© 2016 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter April 2016

by Mario C. Veo

In my many years as a counselor, I have been intrigued by how people are so easily led astray by how others see them... and through all this, fail to recognize all their wonderful gifts and abilities.
Think about it for a moment: "Do YOU really know yourself...?"

No, I'm not talking about your level of education, not even your job, money, age, health, disease, or relationship status... no, not even your Astrological Sign. If you take all this away, what is left...? WHO are you...?!

Most people will struggle to find a proper answer (and for all you New Agers, please do not respond with that trite comment, "I am a Soul having a Human Experience". Until you have achieved a proper Soul-Fusion, and are fully enlightened, then - at best - you are a Seeker who is trying to walk the Path of Light... but hey, so are we all...

To get back to the Question - this search to 'know our Self' is not posed in vain (no, I'm not that much of a tease, 'though I may from time to time)... This is a very, very(are you paying attention?) very important Question... for within you is your True Essence, the Power you have fought so hard to achieve over the many Incarnations(and if you are one of the shy violets who isn't comfortable with 'power', it's just Light... pure, radiant, joyful, glowing

Light, through which so, so much can be revealed and achieved).

So, if it is so simple, (hey, just go within and check out the bright lights...), then why aren't we all 'Enlightened'?! (and just an FYI - if someone tells you that they are enlightened, there is a sure-fire test: just ask them to walk on water... after all, it's been done before, so we know it's practical proof!)

But I digress - We are not 'Enlightened' because we have been caught in that sticky mess which we call Life... not that wonderful, joyous, loving, prosperous, laugh-my-head-off Life... but the other kind. The one where we bitch and complain, gossip and moan about all that is wrong... until, at the very end we are so tired, so depleted of energy that all we can do is imbibe one more drink so we can go to sleep... blotto... no one is home...(not a pretty picture... alas, far too common...).

So - just to pique your interest - this month's classes are dedicated to YOU... the struggles you may have with Life, with energy vampires, a wounded heart or a torn aura, and how to find your Center once again... and, just for fun, how to create two talismans for blessings and protection... Oh yes, there is also a Rejuvenation Process... in case you were interested.

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 Tuesday afternoons at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.