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Hello everyone, my incredible friend is hosting an 8 week divine alignment course for $222 starting on Monday if anyone is interested. She also offers other services on her website including one on one sessions, oracle readings, and reiki healing. The course is 8-Weeks of Priceless Soul Support Including: LIVE Weekly Divinely Aligned Group Coaching Sessions, a Private Student Portal, High Vibe Modules, 56 Daily Affirmations, Life-Changing Mindset Shifts, Epic Tools, Special Bonuses & MORE!

https://amoritaspurpose.thinkific.com/courses/8-week-divine-alignment-course


Hey Guys! I’m new. I didn’t really know much about my heritage or faith of those in Punjab but I’ve been learning a lot lately especially thanks to ChatGPT lol. Anyways I am half Punjabi (My fathers side) and other half European/Swedish (my mothers side) I had the pleasure of going to India last year to see where my dad is from and Meet family members I had never met before Like my grandmother. It was an awesome experience. Most from the Punjab are of “Sikh” faith and learning more about the beliefs I also came to believe in their Principles and Beliefs. In my opinion it’s just a super realistic and simple yet understandable way to believe in God. If you are not monotheistic I in no way feel negatively towards those faiths, I love all Ideas and Beliefs that bring people together in love and Harmony.

Just wanted to share some of those ideas based on the foundational belief of “Ik Onkaar” what I believe would very similar to “Om” in Hinduism. 

"Ik Onkkar" is foundational in Sikhism and is often considered the cornerstone of Sikh theology. It appears at the beginning of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of the Sikhs, and is written as "ੴ" in Gurmukhi script. Here is a breakdown of its basics and principles:

Meaning:

"Ik Onkkar" is a compound of two words: "Ik" and "Onkkar." "Ik" means "One," and "Onkkar" is a representation of the Absolute, formless God. Together, they signify the oneness of God, who is formless yet manifest in the universe. It represents the idea of a singular, eternal truth behind all things.


Components:

- "Ik": Signifies the unity or oneness of God.

- "Onkkar": Implies the formless, omnipotent, and all-pervading nature of God.


Philosophical Principles:

1. **Monotheism**: The concept stresses the existence of one singular God.

2. **Formless God**: It negates the idea of God having any form or physical characteristics.

3. **Immanence and Transcendence**: God is both beyond the physical universe and immanent within it.

4. **Eternal Truth**: The concept implies that this one God is the eternal reality behind the changing phenomena.


Theological Implications:

- **Equality**: The idea that God is one leads to the Sikh principle of the intrinsic equality of all people, irrespective of caste, religion, or gender.

- **Simplicity**: The concept discourages ritualistic practices and emphasizes a direct relationship with God.

- **Universality**: The one God is not exclusive to any one religion or people but is the God of all.

Historical Context:

The concept was introduced by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, in the late 15th century. It was revolutionary at the time for its unequivocal assertion of monotheism and the equality of all individuals.

In Daily Practice:

The phrase is recited in daily prayers and ceremonies. It serves as a constant reminder of the oneness and omnipresence of God.

Each component of "Ik Onkkar" carries a depth of meaning, and its implications are woven deeply into the fabric of Sikh theology, philosophy, and daily life.

Anyways, thanks for letting me share and I’m excited to join a service as soon as I’m able to as I usually have to work on Sundays but this is kind of a great thing with Two Birds Church has going on.

I came across this poem yesterday and it has not left my thoughts since. I feel deeply when I read the words in a way I can’t describe other than feeling both seen and also exposed. Some of you might be familiar with the work of Thich Nhat Hahn as he was a survivor of the Vietnam war and later helped bring the practice of mindfulness to the world.

His poem titled “Please call me by my true names” spoke to me in a very direct way and I hope it can for someone else as well who might not have been familiar with it like me. I love you all and am deeply grateful to be in this life experience with you. 

Don’t say that I will depart tomorrow—

even today I am still arriving.


Look deeply: every second I am arriving

to be a bud on a Spring branch,

to be a tiny bird, with still-fragile wings,

learning to sing in my new nest,

to be a caterpillar in the heart of a flower,

to be a jewel hiding itself in a stone.


I still arrive, in order to laugh and to cry,

to fear and to hope.

The rhythm of my heart is the birth and death

of all that is alive.


I am a mayfly metamorphosing

on the surface of the river.

And I am the bird

that swoops down to swallow the mayfly.


I am a frog swimming happily

in the clear water of a pond.

And I am the grass-snake

that silently feeds itself on the frog.


I am the child in Uganda, all skin and bones,

my legs as thin as bamboo sticks.

And I am the arms merchant,

selling deadly weapons to Uganda.


I am the twelve-year-old girl,

refugee on a small boat,

who throws herself into the ocean

after being raped by a sea pirate.


And I am also the pirate,

my heart not yet capable

of seeing and loving.


I am a member of the politburo,

with plenty of power in my hands.

And I am the man who has to pay

his “debt of blood” to my people

dying slowly in a forced-labor camp.


My joy is like Spring, so warm

it makes flowers bloom all over the Earth.

My pain is like a river of tears,

so vast it fills the four oceans.


Please call me by my true names,

so I can hear all my cries and laughter at once,

so I can see that my joy and pain are one.


Please call me by my true names,

so I can wake up

and the door of my heart

could be left open,

the door of compassion.

• Thich Nhat Hahn 

Howdy Family!

I’ve been listening to this podcast, The Sacred Speaks, for a little while now; and I absolutely love it. Everything from psychedelics, psychology, esoterica, Jungian analysis, ecstatic experiences, sexuality, and healing. Dr. Price is a therapist down in Houston and he has some incredibly thoughtful guests. This podcast definitely gives me a lot to think about.

Like Episode 89 with Dr. Miles Neal. They talk about the “duality of non-duality” and, something very important that I found myself sliding into on my journey. “Coming Down From the Top of the Mountain”, the danger that seekers can sometimes face of sinking into emptiness/nihilism and not integrating the lessons of their journey into the “normal” life of form.

I’m grateful for this podcast, ESPECIALLY this episode. 

I hope it serves you as well

We have a lot in store for our community this October! Known as the 'mystic month', October is a period of introspection and spiritual awakening. As leaves turn amber and days grow shorter, October unfolds a spiritual tapestry interwoven with traditions, astrological phenomena, and profound metaphysical insights. October's rhythm nudges us to sync with nature. As trees shed their leaves, we too are prompted to let go of what doesn't serve us and embrace what nourishes our spirit. The marigold, October's symbolic flower, brings warmth and creativity. Its vibrant hues mirror our inner flame, reminding us to shine even as days grow darker.

The Ring of Fire Eclipse

On October 14, 2023, the skies will captivate us with the 'Ring of Fire' solar eclipse in Libra. This phenomenon isn't just an astronomical wonder but symbolizes a journey towards transformation. As the moon casts a shadow on the sun, we're reminded to pause and reflect. This period embodies a powerful energy, urging us to prepare emotionally and spiritually for the profound changes it might bring.

Beyond the celestial, October carries deep spiritual weight. Historically, it's been a bridge between life and afterlife. The veil between our realm and others thins, allowing for easier communication with the deceased.

  • Samhain/Halloween: Celebrated from the evening of October 31st to November 1st, it's a period where the boundaries between our world and the spirit realm blur. Whether you know it as Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival, or Halloween, a global celebration, it's a time to honor ancestors and seek their guidance.

  • Mahalaya and Navaratri/Durga Puja: Celebrated in Hindu traditions, these festivals honor the triumph of good over evil. They remind us to align with virtues and to stand firm against vices.

  • Sukkot: Within Judaism, Sukkot or the Feast of Tabernacles reminds us of the Israelites' time in the wilderness, symbolizing both shelter and spiritual protection.

The Beauty of Balance: Libra's Influence

The zodiac energy of Libra, prominent this month, channels balance, harmony, and partnerships. It invites introspection - what does 'we' mean to us? How do we envision our partnerships? How can we establish equilibrium in our relationships?

Embrace October's offerings - from the spectacular solar eclipse to the spiritual depth it brings. Let's honor the traditions, reflect upon the lessons, and grow spiritually. As the bat 🦇, October's spiritual animal, has an all-seeing nature, may we too gain a broader perspective and deeper insight into our spiritual journey.

A'ho 💛 Two Birds 🕊️🦅

I'm thinking about attending a school in Albuquerque in February and March 2024 to get certified as hypnotherapist. I'm looking for affordable accommodation in Albuquerque from 01/27/24 to 03/30/24. If anyone is able to help or if anyone knows someone who might be able to help, please let me know. Thanks a lot! 😊🙏