Actually, folks, IMHO the world, all its furniture, critters and stuff, plus the spirit world and  everything we do in the material world is all in the mind anyhow. It seems to be a collection of rules that look like they're made of real matter, but when we look closer, most of what we discover is emptiness, The rest is a set of rules, patterns, relationships and associations that look like you and me, the corner lamp post and trees in the yard. At one end of the line is the God-Thing, sort of spewing us forth as instances of creation, and then scooping us back up again as our bodies fall off and we abandon the illusion (maya) of material reality so that we can rediscover the truth of spiritual reality. At the other end of the line of causes is the collection of contingent ideas, opinions, attitudes, and all the rest of the stuff that makes each of us imagine being a distinct, isolated, discrete individual. In other words, IMHO the world is just an excuse for the God-Thing to talk to Itself.
Blessed be!
Dave

Yeah, Tim, that's what She told me when I left for work today.
Ha!
D'ya ever get the feeling that life is too short to take it seriously?

I agree with you Dave and Tim... Physical life is way too short to take too seriously. Granted it does require a certain amount of mindful/spiritual attention. Beings anyone of us could depart upon our transitional spiritual phase at any given moment, the following moto applies well: "Grin... laugh... learn... smile and forgive; take everything with a grain of spiritual salt. Someday this will all be a memory of how we're making it to be right here right now."

Here's a link that I found useful:

http://www.enabling.org/ia/vipassana/Archive/K/Khema/AllOfUs/IIItoControlOnesMin...

PUL,
Cosmic_Ambitions

Put differently, its all about mind, about thought, about perception - not about different dimensions and realms.  This is why, in my opinion concentration on the afterlife or OOBE can lead one astray.  Keep it simple.  At our core, our essence is pure perception.  Tim, this is what you are getting at, where relaxation will take you - being in the moment. 

Our minds are creative and powerful.  I believe that Cosmic's link to Buddhist notions of being mindful is important.  One of the greatest realizations I have had in the past few years is that the mind is constantly creating in the physical plane.  When we change our focus from the physical in death, the creative power is manifest much more directly - this is what TMI calls Focus 27  - and sounds almost magical.  However, nothing has really changed.  Living in the earth, while willingly bound by shared common universal laws, we have the ability to impress our deepest thoughts upon our unconscious.  Invariably, they manifest into our perception.  Some have called this phenomenon the "law of mind," and it has been known in various circles by shamans, healers, self-help gurus for centuries.  It seems too easy, or too good to be true.  It is the basis for "reap what you sow," and the golden rule, as well as karma.

Control your thoughts - this sounds artificial and forced - I don't like the phrase.  I prefer "know yourself."  Once you know of the power of the mind, the nature of intent and the connection of our shared subconscious to our thought and the creative power that is present, you are moving in the right direction.  Love over fear.  Assistance to others, loss of ego based decision making, all are a natural outflow of a deep understanding of the naature of mind and the creative power tied to thought. 

So I worry less about the location of the spirit world.  I focus in on thought and am actively exploring where it takes me and what it can do.  Had someone told me, that as a physician, I would have discussions with patients about the power of intent on healing, and that I would visualize them as being healed as I applied my medical training I would have thought five years ago that I must be insane.  That was voodoo and ludicrous back then.  Now I incorporate it in my practice, although it is subtle.   

Matthew

Hi Rondele,

  Of course what you're describing is your own experience of this site. Mine is different. I find this site helpful and practical, definitely not a waste of time.

I wish you joy, Tim F.

Dave,

I began a response for you on an MS Word document, but I'm afraid I'm a bit distracted by preparations for my annual two week stint with the National Guard, which begins this weekend.

I will finish the response upon my return.

Love,
Rob

This is a great discussion!

I appreciate the kind words Tim; I fully agree with you about "relaxing the mind" and not necessarily "controlling it". That's well put, and far more appropriate.

Peace to you friend,

Like many on this board... you are a truly kind and wise soul.

PUL,
Cosmic_Ambitions