The last time I could even remotely be called an “activist” was in 1959 when I was a freshman at University of Florida.  These were the days of segregation in the U.S.

Coming from a Northern State, I had never seen separate drinking fountains and hand sinks for white people and “colored” people, as the signs said.

My family abhorred prejudice, and this was instilled in me deeply. My 18-year old heart hurt empathizing with the hurt all the “colored” people must feel to be treated in this manner.   My personal activism was not great, but began with my using the drinking fountain marked “colored only” when I was in public places, and then extended to sitting in the back of the Greyhound bus which took me from Northern Florida through Macon, GA, to East Lansing, Michigan during vacation times.  The scowls and sidelong glances from white people as I spoke animatedly with my “colored” seat mates, including a Howard University student, did not deter me.  Later learning the unfortunate fate of many of those who defied this negative social order, I realized that I was somehow very protected.

Since those days, I have been aware of a lot of injustice in the world, but other than voting for someone who promised to change it, participating electronically through MoveOn.org, leaving a phone message on a Senator’s hot line, or donating to various causes, like Save Darfur campaign, I admit that I never have taken the time to search out a person of influence to register my feelings against something that I felt was extremely irresponsible.

Not until today, that is.

I enjoy watching the HGTV channel, which is all about good design in living.   I find myself grinning at every “reveal”, enjoying the pleasure of the people whose space has been upgraded beautifully.  For me it is “feel good” t.v. and entertaining.  Apparently the folks who watch this channel are a target demographic for Allstate Insurance Company, because they run numerous commercials.   Heavy duty actor, Dennis Haysbert, is the Allstate spokesperson.   I have always noticed an edginess to Allstate’s commercials, that never fails to wipe the grin off my face.  Their underlying current is FEAR.

Fear is what sells insurance.  Our fear of what might happen in some future time fuels us to buy various insurance.  Allstate understands this and, of course, plays up to it to sell more insurance.  O.K.,this is free enterprise, this is their right.

A few days ago, I turned on HGTV and caught part of Allstate’s new ad campaign.  What I saw was a close up of a man’s hand gouging a long hideous scratch along the side of a shiny vehicle in a parking garage.   Then on the screen came the words:  “MAYHEM IS COMING…  Are you in good hands?”

MAYHEM IS COMING????? Allstate is predicting mayhem?  It is the most socially irresponsible commercial I have ever seen.  I understand that Allstate needs to manipulate fear in order to sell more insurance, but this latest commercial is unconscionable, in my opinion.   I am choosing to believe that Allstate is ignorant of the effect a message like that has on the collective psyche, beyond stimulating the urge to buy insurance.

Humanity is already traumatized by a collapsing world financial situation, the National housing collapse, Wall Street debacle, BP oil spill, Global Warming, and the concurrent Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan wars.   It is not necessary to add to this fear or be party to whipping it up to panic level, as is possible when hundreds of thousands of viewers are bombarded with the message.

Not only does the visual message have an immediate negative impact, but on the quantum level—a level that science has proven is just as valid, though not visible—the scary specter spreads unseen, and seeps its way into the unconscious mind of every viewer creating even more worry, concern, fear.

We create whatever it is that we put attention upon. This is a Universal Rule of manifestation.

One of our recurring themes on Miracles and Grace is to place our attention on what is of positivity, of balance, cohesiveness, coherence, to bring about a great healing of our world; together we can re-build upon that foundation.  We wish to raise the consciousness of humanity, not feed its ignorant, dark side.   In his book, “POWER vs. FORCE”, Dr. David Hawkins remarks: “We’ve become fully accountable, whether we like it or not.  We’re at the point in the evolution of our collective awareness where we may even assume stewardship of consciousness itself.  Humanity is no longer resigned to passively paying the price of ignorance. . .”

Today, I obtained the telephone number of Allstate’s Corporate Headquarters and registered my view about their new campaign.  I spoke to one of the executive secretaries who was extremely accommodating.  She informed me that Allstate is getting calls from other people who share my feelings.  I will check back in a week to see how many more people are taking stewardship of consciousness and speaking up for themselves and their neighbors.  Hopefully, Allstate will rethink their output, take responsibility for the potential cost of their ads upon the communal consciousness, and will withdraw this insidious commercial series.

In the end, what do we really need to fear?  Truly, aren’t we already in Good Hands ?

(Allstate Corporate Office phone number is:  847-402–5448)

As the longest day of the year comes to an end, an opportunity for a new way of being begins . . .

This is a crossroad moment for us, should we choose to take it this way.  The Summer Solstice graces us by providing a portal of opportunity through which we can walk with unusual grace and ease, moving with the flow of Nature’s own rhythm.  No wonder it has been celebrated for countless centuries.

The key to opening wide this portal of potential– this Portal of Possibility–is a deep feeling of gratitude for all the bounty in our life.  (not a bad idea any day!)  This feeling is nothing short of a communion.  It is a quantum communication with the Infinite Universal Field which seems only too willing to provide our heart’s desires when beckoned forth through this medium.  This is my experience, anyway.

Watching the sun setting on this day, I cannot help but be filled with awe at the natural beauty that surrounds me here on this beautiful Island of Maui.    As I photograph, an owl glides silently by.  She is a symbol to me of death and rebirth—another portal, underlining the importance to consider what might be hampering me and needs to be let go of right now, in order to have more space to enjoy what comes next.

To my visitors and companions moving through this passageway, I bid you a very good journey.

One whole interconnected community of wo/man

Ten days before his 11^th birthday (12/9/02) DECLAN GALBRAITH released his first single, “Tell Me Why”.

The largest choir in history assembled from all over the UK and Ireland joining Declan to sing his song for a Guinness World Record.

I’m thinking about my young grandchildren, Jules and Abbott, and the world that they are inheriting and I couldn’t help but wonder:  What would our world look like if all of us from around the globe joined together to “sing” a response to Declan’s question?  It could be a harmony that has never been heard before in our Uni-verse, our One Song.

In my dream children sing a song of love for every boy and girl
The sky is blue and fields are green and laughter is the language of the world
Then I wake and all I see is a world full of people in need

Tell me why (why) does it have to be like this?
Tell me why (why) is there something I have missed?
Tell me why (why) cos I don’t understand.
When so many need somebody we don’t give a helping hand.
Tell me why?

Everyday I ask myself what will I have to do to be a man?
Do I have to stand and fight to prove to everybody who I am?
Is that what my life is for to waste in a world full of war?

Tell me why (why) does it have to be like this?
Tell me why (why) is there something I have missed?
Tell me why (why) cos I don’t understand.
When so many need somebody we don’t give a helping hand.
Tell me why?

(children) tell me why? (declan) tell me why?
(children) tell me why? (declan) tell me why?
(together) just tell me why, why, why?

Tell me why (why) does it have to be like this?
Tell me why (why) is there something I have missed?
Tell me why (why) cos I don’t understand.
When so many need somebody we don’t give a helping hand.

Tell me why (why,why,does the tiger run)
Tell me why (why why do we shoot the gun)
Tell me why (why,why do we never learn)
Can someone tell us why we let the forest burn?

(why,why do we say we care)
Tell me why (why,why do we stand and stare)
Tell me why (why,why do the dolphins cry)
Can some one tell us why we let the ocean die ?

(why,why if we’re all the same)
tell me why (why,why do we pass the blame)
tell me why (why,why does it never end)
can some one tell us why we cannot just be friends?

Link to YouTube Video Declan Galbraith \”Tell Me Why\”
The event was organized by ‘Young Voices in Concert’. Funds from the record-breaking attempt were donated to the Sargent Cancer Care for Children.

Whew!! YOU MADE IT HERE!

Overwhelmed by responsibilities?  Breathlessly rushing to complete deadlines?  Disturbed by the latest news?  A special relationship stressing you out?  Forgetting to breathe deeply and be deeply grateful for all the Miracles in your life?

Grace yourself with 7 exquisite minutes of peace transmitted by Buddhist monk, teacher, author, poet and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh

“This wonderful sound brings me back to my true home”.

Homage to Avalokiteswara, Embodiment of Compassion

(If you want to both listen and follow the words- go to the next page)

May the sound of the bell penetrate deep into the cosmos

even in the darkest places,

living beings are able to hear it clearly

so that all suffering in them cease,

and understanding comes to their hearts

and they transcend the path of suffering (sorrow) and death.

The Universal Dharma door is already open.

The sound of the rising tide is heard clearly

And a miracle happens

A beautiful child appears in the heart of a lotus flower

one single drop of this compassionate water

Is enough to bring back the refreshing spring to our mountains and rivers.

Listening to the sound of the bell

I feel the afflictions in me begin to dissolve

My mind becomes calm, my body relaxed

a smile is born on my lips.

Following the sound of the bell

my breath guides me back to the safe island of mindfulness.

In the garden of my heart the flowers of peace bloom beautifully

This week the extraordinary healing presence– the “Gaze of Miracles”–of a man called BRACO (pronounced Braht-so) returns to Maui.  His work has received the blessing of Hawaiian spiritual leaders throughout the Islands, including our own Auntie Pua Mahoe, Auntie Nahi Guzman and Lehua Rider.

Braco has been sharing his healing energy in Eastern Europe for 15 years.  He does not touch anyone with his hands nor does he give out philosophical teachings or offer solutions to people’s individual problems. Since 2002 he has not spoken in public. The powerful Energy which comes through him, and enters our hearts and minds and our lives speaks for itself. 

Braco simply stands, humbly and silently, and gazes at those who have gathered (he has seen up to 10,000 people a day!) He seems to effortlessly accommodate and emit a great intensity of Pure Energy whose power displaces all our mind chatter, doubts and fears. Over the years, thousands of physical healings have been reported and medically documented and scientific study of this phenomenon is on-going.   Often, there are instantaneous miraculous healings.

Effects from the, approximately 6-minute, group gazing sessions encompass healings on the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, relationship, and even financial levels. Positive changes may occur in the days and weeks following a gazing session.    After several heart-opening sessions with Braco, a growing ease began enveloping every aspect of my life.  Also, increasing physical stamina, and completely unexpected creative professional opportunities began to materialize.

Braco lives as an ordinary human being.  The 43 year-old native of Croatia, is a husband and father, and former businessman with a master’s degree in economics.  His extraordinary “gift” spontaneously came upon him when he was age 26.  He has never charged money or accepted donations for his powerful healing work.

Braco does not call himself a healer, but is graciously allowing himself to be utilized as a powerful channel for the ultimate healing Energy, the Source of Life. He was once recorded as saying, “I am not a guru or leader of any sect.  I am only here for those who need me or will need me without their yet knowing it.  I look for no gratitude for I am also a man with his own sorrows and joys.  I can speak only in respect with what deeds pass through me and which sometimes astound even me by the things they can do.”

Whenever/wherever you are able to attend, I recommend approaching sessions with Braco with an open heart and mind, available to receive all goodness possible.  Then, just allow yourself to bathe in the Energy of Source and feel the uplifting vibration.  A unified field of compassion-love is created by all of us sharing the experience.

After the sessions, and back into our everyday lives, we become transmitters of this expanding consciousness. We, ourselves, are now the gift to our planet.  I feel that it is no coincidence that a Braco appears when the need for spiritual maturity and actions of peace are so critical for the well-being and survival of our planet.

At gazing sessions, Braco is usually introduced by consciousness researcher and author, Angelika Whitecliff, who tells of her own experience of learning about him, meeting him personally, and being invited to accompany him for three weeks in Europe.  Her book, “21 Days with Braco” describes what she witnessed and experienced.  Convinced of his  genuineness, Angelika made a personal commitment to help bring Braco to the rest of the world.

News of Braco is spreading like wildfire.  Since the last few months when initial presentations of gazing sessions on Oahu, the Big Island, and Maui began, presentations are now being offered in  Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sedona and Kobe, Japan. I believe that you will understand the excitement once you take the opportunity to experience “the Gaze of Miracles“.   For more information about Braco and his upcoming schedule of events world-wide: www.braco.net.

Braco’s group gazing events on Maui are June 14, 15, and 16 at the Studio Maui, 810 Haiku Road, Haiku.  Daily Sessions: 11 a.m./12:30 p.m./2 p.m./3:30p.m./5 p.m./6 p.m. Tickets $8, available at the door help cover costs of renting the space, paid out of a presenter’s pocket.   Presenter: Fred Spanjaard www.globalmediaproductions.com  808-875-8820.

I recently became aware of a beautiful song by Sarah Mclachlan, “Ordinary Miracle”,  which expresses the heart-view of “Miracles and Grace”.

We hustle around so fast these days, that  it is easy to miss the abundance of ordinary, everyday miracles, even when they are right under our noses.

C.S. Lewis wrote:  “Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see”.

If you want to both listen and follow the words- -

ORDINARY MIRACLE

It’s not that unusual
When everything is beautiful
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

The sky knows when it’s time to snow
Don’t need to teach a seed to grow
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

Life is like a gift they say
Wrapped up for you everyday
Open up and find a way
Go give some of your own

Isn’t it remarkable
Like every time a raindrop falls
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

Birds in winter have their fling
Will always make it home by spring
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

When you wake up everyday
Please don’t throw your dreams away
Hold them close to your heart
‘Cause we’re all a part  of the ordinary miracle. .

Ordinary miracle
Do you want to see a miracle?

It seems so exceptional
The things just work out after all
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

Sun comes up and shines so bright
And disappears again at night
It’s just another ordinary miracle today
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

Sarah McLachlan : Ordinary Miracle Lyrics
Songwriters: Ballard, Glen; Stewart, David A.;

Link to hear song:         http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwLxAFBLkCI

Miracles and Grace  reveals–through story–the abundance of ordinary/everyday miracles presenting themselves to our consciousness every single day.

Raising  consciousness expands the mind to perceive more of a truth  that we are not an insignificant dot on the globe, but  are constantly reflecting and affecting each other.

Long before modern physics came up with the hologram as an essential model of the Universe, an ancient Indian teaching story, the Avatamsaka sutra, spoke to the unity, interconnectedness and interdependence of all creation.

“Indra’s Net” ~ In the heavenly realm, the god Indra cast a net that extends infinitely throughout space. A multifaceted crystal is attached at each of its nodes. Every single crystal reflects, and is being reflected in, all of the other crystals, endlessly. The slightest change in one crystal is reflected as change in each of the others.

This alignment of modern science with ancient philosophy allows us to imagine each of ourselves as a single crystal on that net, affected by and affecting each other in infinite ways. Simply considering the impact our every thought, feeling, word, or deed has on everyone and everything brings a profound awakening. . .and a sense of responsibility for not only ourselves, but the whole organism we call our world, of which we are an integral part.

There have been civilizations who understood our  interconnectedness, and lived in ways that supported it. The ancient/tribal way was to band together in Community. All was organized around the principle of WE (not me vs.you).

Every thought, word and deed accompanied by heart-feeling  strengthens our conversation with the entire Universe.  Together WE have the power–with just one action–to manifest a change for the whole of  our planet Earth.  WE are essentially that crystal.

Today, I am projecting a visualization and an intention for a world where we live in peaceful balance and harmony, sharing our best with our neighbor and demonstrating caring for the quality of life of future generations.

What we intend, we create.   WE  are All One;  WE are the WHOLE.

Painting on canvas:: “WE“  (18″ x18″ x 1 1/4″)  created by Sherry Remez

]]> http://www.miraclesandgrace.com/we-the-whole/feed/ 0 http://www.miraclesandgrace.com/the-shift-from-me-to-we/ http://www.miraclesandgrace.com/the-shift-from-me-to-we/#comments Wed, 31 Mar 2010 20:44:57 +0000 sherry http://www.miraclesandgrace.com/?p=1055 Have you noticed?   It is being spoken of everywhere!   It has become topic of interest for everyone; not just scientists and philosophers, but our neighbors, our friends, business associates, family, etc.: 

A HUGE CHANGE ON OUR PLANET IS IMMANENT!

That statement is the source of a range of emotions–Fear being the greatest of these. How many times have you heard someone say:  “Look at how the world is deteriorating, and how rapidly”, “a huge upheaval, an apocalypse, is approaching and not many will survive”?

Truly, if we could hover above the surface of the Earth and examine it from a distance and consider the condition of the civilization populating its surface, things don’t look all that promising.   The situation in the Middle East, the so-called Holy Land is a perpetual un-holy war zone.  Mayhem by the strong upon the weak is being perpetuated throughout the planet.  We consider ourselves an advanced society, but from this aerial perspective we can see that we are still like primitive bands of warrior states, clustered into opposing groups and forces.   With advances in technology, mankind’s immaturity as evidenced by avarice and greed, have managed to negatively affect the financial health of every single country, not to mention the overall ecology of our planet.  A recent television documentary indicated that if we continue to fish commercially in the ways we have done in the past, within 40 years fish will be extinct and the oceans will die.

I recently looked up the definition of the word apocalypse and found:  “lifting of the veil”, “revelation”,  “a disclosure of something hidden from the majority of mankind in an era dominated by falsehood and misconception”.  I do believe that our civilization’s eyes have been covered by a veil of ignorance, preventing us from seeing the bigger picture as it relates to our very survival and enjoyment of balanced life of health and happiness.

However, not everyone is consumed by a “me me me” attitude.  Far from it!  Every day, new information and more stories surface that reveal a wide-spread awakening is occurring.  It represents a shift in the consciousness of man and womankind.  I believe that we are ready to see through lies we have too easily believed and followed (throughout history) and whose effect is the condition of the world we see today.  I believe we are ready to transcend the falsehoods about each other that have created mistrust and have divided us from our fellow passengers on our planet.

Most importantly, I believe that we are ready to think in terms of “WE”, rather than “me”.  We are ready to open ourselves to ways of living our lives that consider the world as a whole, as a community.  I believe that we are recognizing (on numerous levels at once) that this is ALL ONE interconnected organism in which we are an integral element.

Change is imminent.  But, then, perpetual change is the very nature of action in/of time-space.  It doesn’t have to be a “bad” thing.  To this mind and heart the process to bring about a more positive outcome, a better future—or, to actually HAVE a future at all!—has already begun.  It has begun in your mind and heart and is expanding throughout our shared existence.  If you have chosen to read these words, you know what I am talking about.

A few years ago a friend sent me a copy of something called The Hopi Elders’ Statement.  I don’t know its author nor the date it was written, but it is a beautiful contemplation of the situation at hand and offers pertinent questions for us to search within to answer:

“You have been telling the people that this is the eleventh hour.
Now you must go back and tell the people that this is the hour.

And there are things to be considered:

Where are you living?  What are you doing?  What are your relationships?  Are you in right relation?                                                                                                                          Where is your water?  Know your garden.  It is time to speak your truth.
Create your community.  Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for the leader.
This could be a good time!

There is a river flowing now very fast.
It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid,
They will try to hold onto the shore.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      They will feel they are being torn apart And they will suffer greatly.
Know that the river has its destination. The elders say we must let go of the shore,
Push off into the river, Keep our eyes open, And our heads above water.
Look around, see who is in there with you and celebrate.

At this time in history we are to take nothing personally, Least of all ourselves.
For the moment that we do our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt.
The time of the lone wolf is over.  Gather yourselves!
Banish the word struggle from your attitude and your vocabulary.
All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.

WE ARE THE ONES WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!”

The emergence of these kinds of documents, the healing presence of a Braco, or the marvelous enlightening presentations of physicist Nassim Haramein support us in our conscious awakening and in taking the right actions on each others’ behalves.

This could very well be a good time, a time we will look back at and say: “WE pulled together, and saved our world”.

WE ARE THE MIRACLE WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!

Painting “ALL ONE” 8″ x 24″ on canvas  :  by Sherry Remez

BRACO (photo from YouTube video)

I think that we all yearn to feel deeply loved and accepted –just as we are, right now–and we want to experience a deep inner peace that is not dependent upon external circumstances.  We desire to feel hopeful about our unfolding lives, and to be free from physical pain, or at least be free of the mental suffering that can accompany it.

To this mind, any of the above represents “healing”.   In these challenging times, as things seem extremely out of control in many places on our beautiful but beleaguered planet, the need of healing is very apparent; whether it is physical, mental/emotional or on more refined levels of beingness, of spirit.

I just had the opportunity, privilege and blessing to experience such healing, attending a series of public events that I believe are positively changing the collective consciousness of the world.  All that was required of me was to stand with an open heart and mind and receive “The Energy” coursing through and around a man called BRACO (pronounced Braht-so).

Braco, a 42 year-old native of Croatia, husband and father, and former business man with a master’s degree in accounting, does not speak in public, nor does he give teachings or offer solutions to problems.  There is no need.   Allowing himself to be utilized as a conduit for the greatest Love, he most humbly shares the miraculous gift, which was spontaneously bestowed upon him at age 26, by simply standing and gazing at those who come to be in its presence.  As Braco modestly and effortlessly stands before groups (which sometimes number in the thousands) Nature takes it from there, often creating miraculous results.  Well-known in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Germany, etc., Braco has been sharing his gift for 14 years.  He has never charged or accepted donations for his healing work.  Once, when asked by a reporter how it all works, Braco replied that he doesn’t have a clue.  “What counts is it works”, he said.

The range of healings that have resulted from this Radiation of The Divine Light (my term) have been medically documented.  There are numerous YouTube videos which tell Braco’s story and the stories of those he has impacted, as this radiation permeates and affects their whole life.  My story is simple, but empowering.

I came upon a poster advertising Braco’s appearance in Hawaii.  “BRACO:  Gaze of Miracles” it said.  He had been a guest at a UFO convention earlier in the month, I read. My immediate reaction was that I would certainly NOT attend a gazing session, thinking, “Are you kidding me?”   I was judging it as another wild performance, in what sometimes appears to me as spiritual circus of gurus, teachers and pundits, who dance through the Islands periodically.  With continued skepticism, I viewed a YouTube video emailed me by a friend.   Again, I rejected the idea of attending, thinking that it might easily be a public relations manipulation.  Yet, surprisingly, at 7 in the morning of the second day of Braco’s visit to Maui, I found myself dressing to drive to the venue where he would be appearing.

I knew that the only way to attend was to be open to receive whatever there was to receive.  That was my only intention.

Seated in the center of the third row, I listened to an introduction to Braco by Angelika Whitecliff who told of her own experience of learning of Braco, flying to Croatia to attend a gazing session, meeting him personally, being invited to travel with him for three weeks, and making the personal commitment to help make him available to the rest of the world.   She authored a book, “21 Days with Braco” describing what had occurred.

Then our small group of 30 or so stood and Braco silently walked into the room and mounted the steps to a platform from which he could see, and be seen, by all.  The gazing session began.  Almost immediately, I observed a clear bright light radiating from Braco, and felt the familiar energy of the One Love causing my heart to joyously expand.  The Energy was clear, direct, enveloping and penetrating, reflecting That which I Am—Braco at once a medium and a mirror.  Through the 6 minutes of this heavenly infusion I felt the bliss of being, and an emotional satiety that I have yearned for recently.  I suddenly remembered that I had requested this very feeling of deep inner peace from Source in recent days.  What a gracious response!

My experience was a timely reminder that I, as a human being, was (and always am) being taken care of.  In truth, all comes from “within”. . .but sometimes a booster shot from the seemingly “without” is very helpful.   This is how it was for me.

I returned for several more sessions on Maui and even flew to the Big Island accompanied by dear friends to be in Braco’s presence for a few more of them.  As I looked around, or listened to others in attendance, it was clear that my experience was not unique.   Many souls were reporting being healed and sustained through the Gaze of Miracles.

Since returning home, I remain profoundly peaceful within in a deep and abiding way.  Numerous insights, revelations, and realizations are arising and there is a calm certainty that there is truly nothing more to be done except, of course, to continue practicing Simply Being Present, moment-to-moment.  (“No hurry, no worry”, says  Chinese Medical Physician, Lam Kong).   Another thing:  physical discomfort that has been a long time companion is abating a bit more each day and I am getting intuitive understanding as to possible emotional causes which I hadn’t contemplated before now.

Dear Reader:  I was compelled to write today to share with you the miracle of meeting Braco, heart to heart.

May all beings have this golden opportunity in the near future. . .