In Part 2 we explore further the nature of the ego and its illusions. We also look at how we can sever our identification with it and allow Spirit to be consciously present in our minds.

For many Spirit is the hidden side of our minds. I have no doubt Spirit exists. I have experienced It briefly on more than one occasion and felt joy. So have you but; it may have gone unnoticed. For me, each time the joy was unwavering and unrelated to anything my senses ordinarily respond to. The experience was visceral, although I was not aware of experiencing with my senses. I believe perpetual joy can be achieved through a conscious change of mind - from one of ego perspective to one of Truth.

The Course in Miracles sheds light on what Spirit is. It sees Spirit as Truth and Truth as perfection. Spirit is omniscient because It is and knows all that is. Spirit does not perceive, it does not have an opinion and it does not change. What is perfect requires no change. Truth has neither opposite nor versions. Truth is the reality that is of the Creator and all It created. If ego's illusions are real, then they are other truth. Antithetical and alternate truths cannot exist together with Truth. Awareness of Truth can clear all illusions.

Descriptions of Spirit are wanting because language is about the world of the ego. Words have limited meanings about what we perceive and create in the world. Spirit is not bound by the context of the world. It transcends our existence, our ideations and our creations. Language, limited as it is, cannot describe the Spiritual that is without limit. On the other hand, Spirit does not recognize and speak our language because language is imperfect and unrecognizable to It. Alternatively we can learn the language of Spirit.

Remember, ego is the result of a separated mind. It maintains the illusion of separation through doubt, fear and directing the body to protect itself from others by either attacking them or identifying with them. The ego is only committed to its own survival. It manages the body and uses it for pleasure, perception, identity and control. Your body is imperfect because of its limitations. What the ego perceives is also limited by the capacity of your body's sense organs. Your perceptions are further limited by the conditioned mind that interprets them. Therefore Truth cannot be known as long as it is sought by the ego through its limited means.

The ego seeks truth through comparison of self with others and judging them. Spirit knows your value and that of others to be equal, unlimited and according to His own image. Such equality does not require identification with a country, a religion, a social class, a family or a body. Such identification can create division; "my family is separate from yours" or "your country is separate from mine", for example. The ego identifies to maintain control. Identification gives rise to competition and competition leads to separation

Competition fosters unhealthy beliefs and behaviors between you and others that become conditioned. In times of stress and when you feel threatened, even by those very close, you are likely to employ these conditioned behaviours to attack and /or defend against them. This is evidence of the fallacy of ego's reasoning. If you love those close to you, how can you also attack them and bring them harm?

Truth is without conditions and variance. True love is a state of total acceptance, sharing of self and understanding; and it cannot bring harm to others. True love is a state that is unlimited and encompasses all creation. By its nature, ego cannot share what it has unless it receives something in return. It is impossible to experience True love with this condition. Ego's understanding is flawed because its notion of love comes to an end when the ego's conditions are no longer met. Therefore the ego's version of love cannot be Truth.

We can use this ego/Spirit information to become fully conscious in our bodies. Consider first the concept of freedom. Freedom to the ego is movement from a perceived unpleasant or restricted state to one that feels nd pleasant and unbounded. Spiritual freedom is a state in which you are free to govern yourself with the conscious participation of Spirit. Spiritual freedom is movement away from the restrictive dictates of the ego's illusions; and it brings joy because you then are your True self.

Our Creator shared all that It is when It created us; and everything that It gave is part of us. It experienced joy in sharing Itself. You also can experience joy by sharing yourself with others without expectation. Communication is truly effective when its intention is to share with joy.

To know your True self you need to shed your limiting and conditioned beliefs and behaviors. You have freely chosen the illusions of separation, the ego and the body. Therefore you need to unravel your existential quandary, which obscures your True being, by recognizing your illusions and changing your mind about them. You can begin by being mindful. Review your beliefs and actions. Are they limiting, self-serving, transitory, and divisive? Are they considerate of others and do they bring you joy? Ask what are the reasons for your beliefs and actions; and what are the expected end results. Making such an inquiry and questioning your identity and life purpose can lead to meaningful changes in your life.

The search for the necessary changes is a quest for new knowledge about Spirit and you. The path you take on this quest is less important than it is for you to remain fully conscious as its orchestrater. Be watchful for the tenacious nature of the ego. Change that threatens its existence is managed with fear by the ego. It is easy for you to succumb to the fear and continue to live "with the devil you know…" Awareness of the ego's intent to maintain control through fear can strengthen your resolve to persist on the road to Spiritual awareness.

Mindfulness is conscious awareness of ones beliefs and actions. It is an effective way of overcoming conditioned beliefs and behaviours. It allows your higher consciousness to be present in your day-to-day decision-making. It asks that you perceive yourself truthfully, not present any façades of self to others and not accept the false self others present to you. Mindfulness requires you to view all your actions according to whether they bring you and others joy. It expects you not to settle for temporary happiness. It asks that you get close to others not for gain but to share your joy. Consider again, joy is sharing what you are.

In the process of Spiritual recovery, it is also important to re-familiarize yourself with Spirit in you. This can be difficult amidst the ceaseless chatter of ego thoughts. Meditation is an effective tool to help diminish the volume of these thoughts. There are many meditative techniques available; but it need not be complicated. It need not have any other intention than to, "Be still and know that I am God". Meditation works best when done daily and in the morning when your mind is least affected by the pressures of your worldly existence.

You can begin meditating by focusing on your breath. Take some deep breaths. Make the inhalation and exhalation equal in length. Feel yourself becoming more physically relaxed with each breath. You can choose a mantra to help you focus. "Om" resonates with Spirit. As your body and mind become still you may sense a presence. Be aware of it. This is likely Spirit. Allow the awareness to grow and have no expectation. Expectations are conditions of the ego mind. That mind cannot know Spirit. Wait for Its communication. It will speak to you in Its own way. Spirit will reach out because It has long awaited your return Home.

You may wonder about my interest in vaccines. The following are possible reasons. My father was not a fan of medications. Throughout his life with me I don't recall him taking any medication until the last weeks of his life when they were imposed on him. On more than one occasion he repeated a caution given by his doctor to his patients, medications are dangerous and should not be used unless absolutely necessary. My father's beliefs about medication were conditioned in me. I consciously accept them. For over 25 years I have been suspicious of vaccines, and intermittently study them. More recently I have been feeling that my attraction to learn about vaccines is more than simply to confirm what was conditioned in me. I suspect there is also an unconscious drive.

I have always had difficulty with retention and concentration. A few months ago, while meditating about them, I was overwhelmed by a feeling my problems were the result of a childhood vaccine. I consider this idea possible because of the mercury that was present in some of the vaccines at the time I received them. Recently, during a "psychic" reading, from a person I had not met before, I was told that the polio vaccine I received at the age of 7 had caused damage to my body (I will disclose its nature when I am more clear about it); and that it was responsible for the aforementioned mental deficits. I am aware that this evidence is insufficient to make either a connection between vaccines and my deficits or the deficits and my interest in vaccines. On the other hand the synchronicity of these events need consideration; and I will give them that.

Here are some links about the H1N1 vaccine: www.cuttingthroughthematrix.com. Scroll down to the October 7, 2009 radio show.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/09/19/The-Truth-about-the-Flu-Shot.aspx There are 4 parts to this interview.

Frank Vircillo
Hypnotherapy Unlimited