Dear Friends,

If Not Now, When? If Not Me, Who?        

Leading up to this momentous year of 2012, we have read, heard and seen many interpretations of the Mayan calendar and what Dec. 21, 2012 means for humanity.  This might seem terribly arbitrary to many, but all apocalyptic talk aside, I think this year represents an end of one era and the beginning of a new shift in consciousness in one of the most important moments in all of human history.
 

In previous talks, I have outlined my wave model theory for the evolution of consciousness. In this wave, we have a descended into the growth of materialism, and at this moment in time, Homo sapiens find themselves at the trough of our evolutionary wave. This is a precarious place to inhabit. We are at the brink of a shift that will move us in an entirely new direction and will lead us to a spiritual ascent to what I describe as the second coming of consciousness.
 

To put this into perspective, 14 billion years ago, our universe came into being with the Big Bang. In the evolution of the physical universe following this incredible event, the phases of evolution descended toward materialism in the appearance of light, particles, atoms and molecules. In this first wave trough  molecules shifted from growth in a more complex molecular structure to the miraculous appearance of life, crossing the wave trough and ascending the evolutionary wave in the appearance of plants and animals. It is then at the peak of this wave that we have the first coming of consciousness and the appearance of Homo sapiens and the birth of self-reflection.
 

But why now, why 2012 for this great moment in our transformation? Looking at the time frame of our own evolution, we can analyze the momentum that has led us to this next miraculous shift in the evolution of consciousness.

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8 Practical Points of Emanuel's Spiritual Practice 

When we talk of establishing a spiritual practice, it is important to understand that the word "practice" doesn't mean converting to any religious tradition. Your spiritual practice is a daily routine you commit to that promotes positive growth and transformation in mind, body and spirit. Here I am sharing eight of my daily practices to help you find your own personal practice.
 

1.) Meditation

Meditating is a practice that really needs to be done every day, in some way. Meditation can be in the lotus position with a lit candle, but it can also be scrubbing the floor and having a Zen mind of concentration for the task at hand. Both methods are equally effective ways to find that connection with the Field. I fit in a meditation every moment I can. I do some formal meditation once a day, where I sit down and maybe say "Om" or use a mantra to concentrate.
 

More importantly, I try and incorporate meditation into many aspects of my life, specifically physical activities like running, swimming laps or walking to work. Any kind of constant physical activity lends itself to a meditative state as long as you get into the rhythm. The more you meditate, the more in the zone you are and that is where the highest quality of performance comes from, whether you are an athlete or at your desk. When you are totally focused on the here and now of what you are doing, with no extraneous thoughts,  that is meditation.
 

Another great way to utilize a form of meditation is through the use of emotional intelligence or behavioral control. When you find yourself starting to get stressed, angered or impatient, stop, freeze the frame of the moment, take a picture and analyze your emotional actions, realizing that this isn't the real you, but rather a distorted image that has been warped temporarily by emotions. Visualize yourself in your highest spiritual self, and then re-adjust and get on with your day in a positive way. This last process is probably the most important meditation of all because it keeps us on track and we can practice it many times a day. If you need 1 - 5 minutes of down time for a spiritual rethink, then find some excuse, go to the bathroom, take a walk, and get out of that negative emotional space and visualize yourself in a positive framework.

2.) Physical Exercise

For me, at my age in life it is a nonnegotiable need to get an hour of some sort of aerobic exercise in every day. I try to vary this so it isn't a hard routine and doesn't put too much strain on any particular part of my body.  So I mix it up depending on the season and what is available. It can be running, swimming, weight training, yoga, ITP, walking, tennis, hiking, etc. There is an almost limitless list to choose from, but these are some of the activities I bring to my practice.
 

 3.) Eating Right

We are what we eat. If we want to become a spiritual person, then we need to make the consumption of our energy a spiritual act as much as possible. I'm not going to make any bold statements about food omnivores, vegetarians, etc. It is an individual choice each person makes, but once you get to know your body you should eat the food that is most appropriate, and always with consciousness and care.  Be aware of where your food comes from and how it was processed, as it carries the spiritual energy of its history and by eating it you absorb that energy.

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Quote: Your Evolving Life Career Requires You to Listen to the Heart     

"There are so many ups and downs in life and sometimes we feel like we have lost our way when we find ourselves doing some seemingly unimportant or unrelated job that doesn't match up to the expectations we formulated as our purpose.  I would say that if you are true to your ideals and inner mission, the path will eventually reveal itself to you.  If you are patient and believe in the process and yourself, then the opportunity will arise and show you the way.  Don't get discouraged and don't give up.  Keep your eyes, ears and mind open to opportunities and empower them as they appear to create your life career."