Front cover


Back Cover

Life Patterns, Soul Lessons, and Forgiveness

 

1994, Henry Leo Bolduc

 

You may use the materials in this book freely. Permission is hereby granted to reprint, in any form, any materials for either personal, professional, or educational use.

 

Edgar Cayce Readings copyright 1971, 1993, by the Edgar Cayce Foundation. Used by permission.

 

All quotes used with permission.

 

Cover illustration by Sue Jones

 

 

First Edition, December 1994

Fourth Edition, November 2000

 

 

Library of Congress Catalog Number 94-68926

 

ISBN Number 0-9601302-4-1

 

 

 

 

 

Adventures Into Time Publishers

 

P.O. Box 88, Independence, VA 24348, USA

www.henrybolduc.com

 

 

Manufactured in the United States of America


Contents

Chapter I          Introduction     

 

Chapter II        The Patterns of Your Lives                  

            A.        Exploring the Inner Mind          

            B.         Implications of Past Lives         

            C.        Learning From Our Past          

            D.        Why We Have More Than One Life    

 

Chapter III       Working With Difficult Patterns

A.        Identifying Negative Patterns:

                        Denial, Re-run, Extremes         

B.                 A Positive Approach   

 

Chapter IV       Discovering Your Inner Self                               

A.        Journal Writing

1.         Keeping a Diary      

2.         Autobiographical Writing

            3.         Intuitive Writing           

            4.         Dreams           

            5.         Letter-Writing  

            6.         Story-Writing  

            B.         A Spiritual Sanctuary   

C.                 Take a Learning Vacation:  A Personal Retreat

 

Chapter V        Self-Hypnosis and Ideals

            A.        Ideals: A Practical Standard of Excellence

            B.         Mind Management       

            C.        The Journey Inward     

            D.        An Ideals Inner Adventure

            E.         An Ideals Project

F.         Notes to Remember Regarding Self-Hypnosis

 


Chapter VI       Embracing Your Eternal Child

            A. Your Inner Child Learns

            B. Reflections in the Face of Time

            C. Preparing for Your Next Adventure

            D. Embracing Your Eternal Child —

                The Incredible Healing Power of

                Love — An Inner Adventure

            E. Embracing Your Eternal Child —      An Analysis

 

Chapter VII      The Soul’s Remembrances

            A.  All Things to Your Remembrance

            B.  Spiritual Pioneering

            C.  Critical Mind or Compassionate Soul?

            D.  Origins of Your Patterns

            E.  Remembering Who You Are

            F.  Remembering the Future

            G. Accessing the Soul’s Remembrances

                        1.         Inner Adventure —

                                    Procedure

                        2.         Inner Adventure —

                                    Exercise

            H. Personal Evaluation

1.                  Self-Study Sheets

2.         Analyzing the Life: Story Frame               

 

Chapter VIII Soul Lessons — Edgar and Gertrude Cayce        

            A.  Edgar and Gertrude Cayce

            B.  An Excellent Adventure

            C.  How Souls Lost

            D.  How Souls Gained

 


Chapter IX Love, Sexuality, and Spirituality

            A.  Gender Identity

            B.  Sacred Sexuality — Passionate Spirituality

            C.  A Life Out of Control

            D.  Love is the Answer

 

Chapter X Monks, Warriors, and other Extremes

            A.  Noble Causes — Terrible Consequences

            B.  Pattern Formations

C.  Pattern Recognition: The First Step Toward Healing

D.  Evaluation from Within

 

Chapter XI Healing the Past

            A.  Three Case Studies

                        1.  Claire

                        2.  Thomas

                        3.  Enrique

            B.  To Live Life More Fully, Study Life

            C.  Hate is a Spiritual Disease

            D.  Forgiveness

 

Chapter XII Healing the Present

            A.  Growth Occurs in Resolving Problems

            B.  A Present Life Pattern

            C.  Your Homework:    Worksheets

 

Chapter XIII Healing the Future

            A.  Envisioning the Future:  Milton H. Erickson

            B.  Seeing Beyond the Present: Previewing Destiny

            C.  Healing Your Future

            D.  Being Pro-Active


            E.  Creative Problem-Solving: An Example

            F.  Self-Directed Learning

G.  The Constructive Mind

H.  Networking from the Heart

I.  A Beginning, Not an Ending

 

Chapter XIV Perfection

A.  Seize the Day! Seize the Lifetime!

            B.  A Poem



Acknowledgments

 

The information shared in this book is gleaned from more than three decades of my own research. To the best of my knowledge, every­thing is accurate and authentic; only the names of individuals in the “Case Studies” have been changed to respect their privacy.

Birthing a book is a labor of love — I cannot think of any other reason for doing it. Similar to the birth of a child, there is love, conception, gestation, and — with a few labor pains — the birth itself. With deep appreciation, I thank the following people for giving so generously to the gestation and birthing of this “baby:”

To my wife, Joan Willard Bolduc, whose love of learning is an inspiration to me and to her many stu­dents. It takes a lot of love to be a teacher for twenty years. Joan recently received her Master’s Degree in Education — she is the love of my life.

To the staff of the Grayson County Public Library, my office away from the office. Priceless wisdom is stored there and it’s all FREE!

To chapter editors who helped in the gestation period: Tom Weber, Susan Mayer Bleiberg, Peggy Becker, Jody Menard, Ruby Gillion, Melanie Hertzog, Becky Grey, Roxanne Summers, Egon Frech, Frank Thomas, and Nancy Thomas.

To typists who made sense of my notes: Chris Green, Regina Harris and especially, Virginia Dimmel.

To the gifted artists who made it beautiful: Kathye Mendes, Sue Jones, Jeffrey Winchester, Julia Fierman, Veronica Reed, and Diane Coleman.

A special thanks to Baldwin L. Troutman who provided the early help, vision, and encouragement and to Marjorie Reynolds for the final editing. Most of all, Linda Hutchins helped this book at every stage, nurtured it and dedicated herself to its healthy birth.

To all the people who have attended my workshops, classes, and programs you helped me to fine-tune the work and you gave me great inspiration through your questions and experiences. You inspired this book more than you might realize.

 

 

 

 

Chapter I

Introduction: Patterns, Lessons,

and Forgiveness

 

The two most important questions you can ask yourself are:

1.    What did I EVER do to deserve THIS?

2.    Why am I going through this AGAIN?

When you wonder what you did to deserve THIS, you are consciously asking your unconscious mind for insight into the origins of a situation currently being experienced. Everyone realizes, deep within, that for every cause there is an effect. For every action there is a re-action. You wonder what you could have planted originally in some recent or distant past that you now reap.

The second question, “Why am I going through this AGAIN,” is even more profound. Here is where you begin to detect a PATTERN in your life. This pattern could involve a personal relationship. Perhaps in your case it is a social, financial, or business matter. What is important, in order to rectify an uncomfortable situ­ation, is that you recognize that there is, indeed, a pattern which has been or is being established. That is the first important step.

Of course, not all patterns are in need of correction. In fact, we all have many positive patterns. Since they don’t give us any distress, we tend to overlook them. It is said that great truths can be stated simply and directly. The following is a great truth, somewhat understated. “Positive patterns are fun: challenging patterns are not fun.”

What is a pattern? A pattern is a repeating theme or cycle in our lives. It is the mode of behavior, or a combination of actions and qualities of an individual. A pattern is anything that acts as a model, guide, or stencil from which we form repeated activities. A pattern is interwoven threads that form the fabric of our lives.

Patterns can be either positive and beneficial to us, or they can be difficult and challenging. Positive patterns are like good habits. They make our lives easier, bringing joy and satisfaction. Patterns can be certain skills and special abilities such as attracting abundance and good fortune. For example, many people have a wonderful pattern for loving and nurturing.

On the other hand, challenging patterns are opportunities for growth and learning. They are not “bad,” for without challenge we would stagnate and become weak. The challenging patterns can include fears, phobias, and anger. Other negative patterns can be hatred, prejudice, elitist activities, and ego drives.

This book can assist you in the process of discovering your own patterns. It may ask some important questions, but you alone can answer them candidly and honestly. As you read further, you will find new ways to approach your study of self with practical tools like Journal writing and defining ideals. Together we will look into such spiritual methods as self-hypnosis, meditation, and past-life evaluation. You may ask what past lives have to do with your cur­rent patterns and everyday responses. The research of decades has uncovered the fact that the “roots” of our actions go far deeper than yesterday, last year, or even a long ago childhood.

 

 

 


Chapter II

The Patterns of Your Lives

A.  Exploring the Inner Mind

 

The history of every soul (the cumulative total of the experiences of many lifetimes, spanning thousands of years) is recorded in the subcon­scious mind. Most of us do not have conscious memory of those experiences. Even though we may not realize it, such unconscious recall can have a direct and profound effect upon our actions and decisions in this lifetime. If we could gain access to the record of our past, it truly would be the adventure of our lives.

If you are skeptical of past-life experience, just for a few minutes suspend your disbelief, open your mind, and boldly enter through a new door and into a new realm. Embark upon a journey of exploration —of adventure and discovery. You will be exploring the mysteries of your inner self, where the soul’s history is recorded.

The science of exploring the mysteries of the human soul — the part of us that is most human — is called “mysticism,” and the explorers who study it are known as regressionists. Their work is analogous to that of archaeologists, who study sites and artifacts of historic or prehistoric peoples. Regressionists, the ar­chaeologists of the soul, dig through the strata and sub-strata of memory rather than through the records of geology. They sift through the potsherds of a bro­ken past, discovering what may be of value and what may be discarded as unimportant or even harmful. They reassemble mosaics for a clearer view of the ancient ways of past lives.

Those explorers of the inner mind discover the hidden dimensions of the past and display them for present evaluation. They are the guides who can lead you on your journey. While the primary research of the regressionist is the study of the past, regressionists are also pioneers on the frontiers of tomorrow. They are progressionists and mapmakers of undiscovered realms and future dimensions of reality.

 

B.     Implications of Past Lives

 

The mysteries of the human mind have been a “dark continent” for centuries. It is not a final frontier, however, but a vast new world — an explortum! Mind is the pathway through time, from past to present to future. The mind is vast, and contains an amazing paradox: every living person has a mind; yet, most people are afraid of its potential. Perhaps they are more concerned with their darker sides — those parts of themselves they would rather not face.

Everyone has had faults and contradictions throughout many lives and experiences. Like the earth herself, each soul has numerous fault lines hidden beneath the surface. The soul also has sensitive “vol­canic” hot spots which can erupt at times of stress, and with explosive fury; nonetheless, people develop more quickly and gain more wisdom through being challenged, rather than through being pampered. When people realize that hard lessons are for their growth and betterment, they become wiser.

The experiences and lessons from past lives al­ways influence (and often deeply) one’s present life, sometimes in unusual and unexpected ways. In truth, we have experienced all aspects of life everywhere. This revelation is so profound that many would prefer to­ dismiss the entire concept rather than to explore their memories. We have experienced life in both genders; ­we have lived lives among various races and adhered to diverse religions. We have inhabited numer­ous lands and taken citizenship in many nations.

As a result of our varied experiences, we have learned lessons, hopefully, from those past times and places. With this learning comes the recognition and assurance of our common bond or link with ALL hu­manity. The goal of each life is to grow spiritually in such a way as to strengthen this common bond. In this manner, all souls are strengthened and all lives on the physical plane are enriched.

The subconscious memories of our past lives can have both positive and negative Influences on our current life. For example, oftentimes, a person who was oppressed in a past life comes back to become an oppressor in the present life. An even more wicked form of dysfunction can develop — the victim role. In this case a person returns again and again in a futile pattern of re-runs.

Let us consider the plight of the American Indi­ans who were persecuted and robbed in their past; yet, many return to re-enact similar lives. If we have once lived as an American Indian, for instance, how can we deny the plight of today’s Indians? Is not that very soul memory (though deep within) a living force today?

 

C.    Learning From Our Past

 

Our past-life memories are hidden, and yet, if we want to benefit from the experiences of our past, how can we do it? This book contains scripts for “Inner Adventures,” to help you journey safely into your memories. This journey is called “past-life regression.” With proper use, it is a powerful TOOL to sever the chains of the past. Sometimes the chains are visible, and sometimes invisible. When the chains are broken, you can develop your present humanity and proceed to build your best possible future.

           Before starting on this journey, you need to ask yourself what it is that you are seeking. What questions should you be asking? How can you benefit best from the answers? On a personal level, the question is not WHO you were in a past life, but how you gained spiritually. How did you gain, or how did you lose? How well and how kindly did you play the Game of Life? Did you work to improve yourself, your fam­ily, your community?

Regression work is the process, not the product. HOW you learned and how you used that learning is far more important than WHO you were or WHERE you lived. What you were INSIDE is much more valu­able than what you appeared to be on the outside.

Let’s consider an analogy. Suppose you dress in a costume for a Halloween party. Do you become the person or thing that you are dressed as? Of course not! The outer garb is to create an illusion — the inner person remains the real you. Thus, your outward ap­pearance in a past life is of minor importance. WHAT you were, spiritually and the lessons you learned, are what is of value. The soul’s memory is your true wis­dom.

 

D.   Why We Have More Than One Life

 

I believe that, for more than any other reason, we have been granted more than one lifetime to learn lessons. One important lesson is that of FORGIVE­NESS. Most people say that they forgive others, but the reality is that few of us really do so. People say one thing, but often do quite the contrary. The many ex­periences and lessons learned in other lifetimes enable us to forgive much more easily.

Let’s suppose, for instance, that a person has stolen something (and we probably have all done a certain amount of stealing in our many lives). In the present life, others — almost always — will think of that person as a thief, even though the individual might possess numerous other excellent qualities. People who have stolen, for whatever reason (perhaps in des­peration to keep their families fed) are labeled thieves, and the label sticks.

Thank God we are given a break from all that and can have a new and clean start. That new start is a new life! We are given another chance to learn and to grow toward our goal of spiritual betterment.

Your personal regression history is a significant chapter in the history of humanity. Each life contains pages of splendor and pages of travail, times of won­der and growth, and episodes of loss. Such experi­ences are what life is all about! Regression exercises are like gifts that refresh your inner memory. They are like pieces of a complex puzzle that you carefully and patiently fit together to see the full picture.

Earlier I stated that regressionists are also progressionists. Regressions help you to review your past and to strengthen your present. Progressions help you to plan for your future. You must conceive a wiser, happier, and healthier future before you can start building it. Everywhere, there are cynics and critics who will try to deny you the right to change and to grow. Don’t let them stop you! Use soul exploration to connect you with your own heritage. Define your present life ideals and patterns. This will help you to clear a pathway to your best possible future.

 

 

 

Chapter III

Working With Difficult Patterns

 

A.  Identifying Negative Patterns:

Denial, Re-run, Extremes

 

There are two basic ways of working with challenging patterns. First, there is the reactionary or defensive approach which includes denial, re-run over and over, or opposite extremes; secondly, there is a positive approach.

 

Denial

Oh, how easy it is for us all simply to deny any involvement. This approach is very popular in the current age. We find this principle even at the very highest levels of government, i.e., several presidents seem to have “forgotten” their involvement in illegal situations.

Instead of blaming our leaders, let us identify that same denial in ourselves. Let us be observant of our own “excuses.” Let us listen to our own words, making sure our actions are congruent with our inner selves. (This is not always easy to do.)

When we realize that we are involved in negative patterns, the first step is to identify the patterns. It is easier if we choose someone else as an example, so let us look at a young man in our neighborhood. He is an average teenager, Interested in sports, music, and friends. Since he got his driver’s license a year ago, he has been involved in four accidents.

He hit a dog at the time of the first accident, saying, “The dog ran in front of me, it was his fault.”

In the second accident he hit an elderly lady’s car, as she was making a turn. At that time he offered, “She was turning too slowly; it was her fault.”

The third time, when he drove into a ditch, he said, “It was the road’s fault.”

In the fourth accident he went off an embank­ment. While two wreckers pulled out the vehicle, he insisted, “It was the weather’s fault.”

Do you get the idea? Although there may be some truth in the explanation of each accident, the larger truth is called “projection,” a form of “denial.” The neighbors have commented on the young man’s fast driving habit. The real problem, or the pattern here, is the speed. The accidents are only a symptom of going at an excessive speed. He refuses to take responsibility and blames the problem on others or on circum­stances. By living in denial he cannot change, for he has not perceived the pattern or the causal problem. Other expressions of denial can include repression, blame, anger, confrontation, etc.

 

Re-Run

Re-run is another interesting approach to pat­terns! The faces may change, the addresses may change, the dates may change, but the basic situation is the same. A classic example of this pattern is a person born into a family which is experiencing alcoholism, and who then becomes an alcoholic and/or marries one. Fortunately, AA and other 12-Step Programs have been of immense help with this pattern in recent years.

Often, this kind of pattern is associated with a “rut,” or habit, that gets deeper and more entrenched with the passage of time. When working with most relationship patterns, the re-run approach is most often used.

 

Extremes

We all have learned that, in the fields of electricity and magnetism, it is the OPPOSITES that attract. The same principle applies to humans as well. Perhaps you already know, for ex­ample, an alcoholic who gets sober often becomes a tireless speaker for sobriety. We all have known ex­cigarette smokers who have become crusaders for clean air. Church revival meetings almost always in­clude a street-gang member who has made a 180-degree turn-around to condemn street violence.

As laudable as their goals may be, there is one thing of importance to consider. Are not the two ex­tremes just two examples of the same pattern? Two sides of the same coin? Don’t re-act to events from either extreme position. Find a middle ground of bal­ance and moderation.

Going to an opposite extreme gives the illusion, but not the reality, of healing. It is only a form of distancing from the problem or pattern, and merely proceeding to a different one. No matter how it appears, it IS the opposite side of the coin of the SAME BASIC PROBLEM.

 

B.     A Positive Approach

 

1.   Analyze the situation to discover the pattern(s)

2.   Research and study ways to heal the pattern

3.   Surrender to a higher power

4.   Work with trusted friends or support groups

There are many tools you can use in your work. Among those proven successful are: prayer, meditation, self-hypnosis, self-discipline, journal writing, and going on a personal retreat.

Some patterns are so obvious that it is hard to miss them. Others are so subtle that it takes careful observation to perceive them. Trusted friends and support groups can be helpful because they can assist us in identifying patterns we can’t see ourselves. Later in this book, you will find a number of worksheets that will help greatly in the study of your own patterns.

The POSITIVE patterns are fun and enjoyable. They make life easier. By identifying them we can develop and utilize them more fully. Again, trusted friends and support groups can help us to see our own strengths and gifts. Positive approaches can include humor, detachment, or any form of therapy a person might choose.

Whether positive or challenging, the “roots” of our patterns go deeper than our current lifetime. Our origins are deeper and our purposes greater than most people realize.

 


Chapter IV

Discovering Your Inner Self

 

(Tools and Techniques for Understanding Your Patterns and Lessons)

 

            Understanding comes with study, contemplation, and seclusion. I am going to offer you three proven methods of studying and evaluating your inner self, as a means of gaining a deeper understanding of your larger self. Choose the method that feels most comfortable to you. This is the way to obtain the best results. Examine the ideas and choose one, or any combination of them, or create your own innovative approach. The most important thing is actually to use a method of discov­ering your inner self. This is the way to understand both yourself and your patterns.

 

A. Journal Writing

 

This is a fun, free, and enlightening method. All that you need is to set aside 15 — 20 minutes a day, and to bring a pen, and paper. To get the most out of journal writing, put your expectations aside and have fun with it. You will find that you will laugh, grasp at an illusive memory, and so piece together your patterns. Journal writing leads to active learning about yourself, your world, other people, and life.

Keeping a Journal can be a journey to self-discov­ery and a potent morale booster, especially if one writes about one’s feelings and emotions. It can be one of the most important tools for building a happier, more productive life, as it helps to open doors that might have remained closed — doors to the deeper inner self as well as doors to the outer, every-day world.

One of the nice things about Journal writing is that there is almost no cost involved, except that of pen and paper. If you like, you may purchase a spiral-bound notebook, or a 3-ring binder, which will make it easier to categorize your subject material. Another nice aspect of keeping a Journal is that you don’t have to undergo any special training, take any classes, or do any other preparation. You can start right now —TODAY! You simply begin right where you are in life by putting your thoughts and feelings on paper. It’s that easy.

Many people associate journal writing with keep­ing a diary. A diary is, certainly, one form of journal, but it is not the only one. Other types are autobio­graphical writing, intuitive writing, dream records, writing of future goals and ambitions, and even letter and story writing.

Keeping a journal:

*     helps you to discover goals, Ideals, hopes, fears — just about everything there is about you,

*     teaches you to listen better — and listening more acutely inspires better writing,

*      teaches you to observe better — and observation brings vision to your writings,

*    teaches you to touch life more deeply — and this depth brings more feeling into your writings,

*    helps with self-honesty, personal integrity, and clarifies thinking,

*    Is a safe outlet for hurt, rejection, or reaction; you communicate with the real you,

*    substantiates your thoughts and experiences.  Reflecting on them brings different perspectives over time,

*    gives a feeling of accomplishment; Like exercising your physical body, writing exercises your mind, and

*    opens a door to self-discovery by accessing your subconscious mind. Past-life insights are often re­vealed in writing.

 

Your best writing often comes through the most difficult times — from the most challenging lessons and experiences.

Patterns will begin to show throughout your life as you study your journal. Those patterns are vital to your learning and growth — they are the real lessons in your life.

Use all of your senses as you write. Use words descriptive of what you: SEE, HEAR, TOUCH, SMELL, TASTE. Also, be aware of the 6th sense that you will discover inside. This is your INNER RE­SPONSE.

Parents, give your children a diary (with a lock) and encourage them to write in it, so that they can discover, early in life, the immense value of such cre­ative writing. They will learn the healing power of ex­pressing themselves through sincere expression of their thoughts.

If your language is imperfect or limited, learn to use a thesaurus. To improve your grammar, there are many books that could help. One favorite is a slim volume entitled THE ELEMENTS of STYLE, by Strunk and White, published by the McMillan Company. For a spelling problem, get a dictionary or use the spell check that comes with most word processors. If you plan to do any professional writing, use of a word processor will make editing your documents much easier and will increase your productivity.

Keeping a journal helps you to write better, to think more clearly, to assimilate the experiences of your life. In time you may return to your writing and re-live those great experiences and more wisely re­evaluate the challenging times. Reading something you wrote in the past gives insight as to how your life has changed — progressed. This is part of your per­sonal history which, often, is lost if it is not recorded. Reflecting upon the past helps to facilitate personal growth.

Finally, as emphasized earlier, don’t procrastinate. Go ahead and start your journal writing now. You will find it an enriching experience. Use the power of the pen to get a better understanding of your lessons and patterns — and yourself

Here are some suggested “story starters” to moti­vate you and to get you going:

“I behave just like my Mom when I…”

“A recurring dream I’ve had is…”

“The quality I admire most in others is…”

“The thing that irritates me most in other people is…”

“I find myself attracting the same kind of man/woman  …”

“If I have had a past life, I would have lived in…”

“I would have worked in that life as…”

“My forefathers came to this country from…”

 

After you’ve written your story, let your family or friends critique It. You’ll learn how to discipline your thoughts, how to use correct grammar, how to re­search material, and many other useful techniques. Furthermore, you will give pleasure or impart knowl­edge to those who read your story. You may even get a story published. Then you can call yourself an au­thor!

Your journal is the “BOOK OF YOUR LIFE,” a document of the real you. It is for you and you alone, unless you wish to share all or part of it with others.

 

1.      Keeping a Diary

 

In its most basic form, a diary is simply a day-by-day account of the events in your life that you would like to record for future reference. Many people in the business world or in public life keep such records to refresh their memories of past events or commitments they may have made. They often include in the diary a calendar of future engagements and so forth. The diary, or daily journal, thus becomes an important reference in their daily activities. In their private lives, people who keep journals often include such entries in their autobiographical journals.

 

2.      Autobiographical Writing

 

Autobiographical writing can be for you alone (un­less you wish to share it with very special friends). Knowing that it is for your eyes only, you can feel more comfortable in expressing your innermost feel­ings and emotions. In times of stress and trouble, keeping this journal can be very therapeutic. The simple act of putting your thoughts on paper can give you a new perspective to your problems. Studies con­ducted by James Pennebaker, Ph.D., Professor of psy­chology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, have demonstrated the benefits of writing about trau­matic experiences. Dr. Pennebaker asked students to write for 15 minutes a day, choosing as their subject either a trau­matic experience or a superficial topic. “We found those people who write about thoughts and feelings typically show significant improvements in physical health and improved function, have fewer doctor vis­its, and report feeling happier and healthier in the months that followed,” says Pennebaker.

Dr. Pennebaker added that although the initial effect of the writing sessions might have made the person sadder, a positive out­look and lighter mood resulted within two to three weeks, and persisted for as long as six months after­ward. So, although you may feel sad or depressed immediately after writing, within a day or two you should begin to feel a sense of relief and contentment. In writing about such experiences, describe the event and your deepest emotions, but do not rationalize or lay blame. Just try to understand your thoughts.

In addition to writing about difficult experiences, you may also write about your accomplishments, your successes, your joys, and your hopes — all to your benefit. When you write about any of your thoughts and experiences, you automatically assimilate them, learn, and grow wiser. This prepares you to face simi­lar situations in the future. So, let’s get started on this wonderful discovery of self. To make the initial effort easy, let’s begin with a small project. Later you will want to begin your permanent record, or your autobio­graphical journal — this can be its beginning.

 

Write a few paragraphs about:

 

1.   Childhood experiences

a.   Positive or pleasant

b.   Negative or unpleasant

 

2.   Present-day experiences

a.   Family

b.   Work

c.   Travel

d.   Pets

e.   Hobbies

f.    An influential person in your life

 

3.   Future Plans

a.   Hopes

b.   Fears

c.   Work

d.   Personal plans

 

3.         Intuitive Writing

 

If you encounter difficulty in writing about your hopes, plans, emotions, and feelings, try writing from a different level — adopt a new style. What I’m describ­ing here is not a type of journal, but a writing style which can be used in any of the journal types. This writing style is called free-form, or free-flow. It has no rules except just to write — let the writing go where it wishes. Get out of your own way and just DO IT! Let’s examine the techniques of this writing style:

 

1.   Stream of consciousness technique

You simply begin by writing down everything that comes into your mind, regardless of whether it makes any sense.

 

2.   Ideals

First, sit quietly and reflect upon a problem that is currently affecting your life. Next, ask your inner mind, or your higher mind, for a solution to that problem. When you receive the answer, write down the solution in your jour­nal. For example, experiment with this tech­nique to connect with your higher self to ask the following questions:

a.   What do you really want to do with your life, and why?

b.   How would you act even if you were certain you’d never be found out or blamed?

c.   How would you act even if you were certain you’d never receive any recognition or credit?

 

3.   Poetry and prose

Often the language of the subconscious, or the inner mind, comes through in either rhyme or blank verse. If it does, work with those tools in your intuitive writing. Work with whatever tools your subconscious advises. Just follow the guidance of your intuition. Those who are mu­sically inclined may wish to write songs.

 

4.      Dreams

 

Most self-help, spiritual, and psychological mate­rials will advise you to keep a dream journal. They also advise you to encourage dreaming by telling your­self that you will remember your dreams upon awak­ening. If you have an unresolved problem from the day’s activities, relate the problem to your subcon­scious mind and ask it to give you a solution in a dream. Tell yourself to awaken after each dream so that you can record it before it is lost. The dream jour­nal can be kept separate from, or included within, your writing journal.

Dreams are an important part of your communica­tion with your inner mind. Your dreams are messages to you from your subconscious; they are intended to give you guidance from your higher self. Unfortu­nately, most people do not recognize that their dreams contain guidance, and they forget them immediately upon awakening. Your conscious mind, which is con­trolled by your ego, or personality, does not recognize dreams for what they are. When you awaken, you, most likely, will be conscious of your latest dream, and think that you will remember it. But if you stir around, or get out of bed, your conscious mind may take over and the dream will be gone.

In view of the unique manner in which dreams are received, if you are to benefit from them, you must record them immediately upon awakening, or they, most likely, will be lost. Thus, you could keep a sepa­rate dream journal by your bedside, where you could make entries before your conscious mind becomes alert enough to erase them. This can be done by keep­ing a notebook and pencil by your bed and recording the dreams before you engage your conscious mind. If you sleep alone, or have a tolerant partner, you can record them into a cassette recorder. If you tell your­self to wake up after each dream, you may be able to record several dreams in a single night.

You will observe that your subconscious speaks to you in symbols, some symbols are univer­sal, some are personal. You will have to learn to inter­pret those symbols, and you will be able to do so with practice. Go back through your dream journal from time to time and you may be able to identify trends, patterns, or other signs by which you can learn to use the messages your dreams are sending you, for surely they are messages from your subconscious.

 

5.    Letter-Writing

 

Most people would not associate letter writing with keeping a journal; however, it is much akin to it. In fact, many famous people in the past published such correspondence. Thus you may think of your corre­spondence as a type of journal writing. If you kept copies of your correspondence, you would realize that it was actually a part of your autobiographical journal.  If you like,  you can use parts of your autobiographical journal in your letters.

      Sometimes letter writing can be therapeutic.  By way of illustration, let me give you an example taken from the experience of a friend.  “Once, many years ago, I became incensed with what I perceived to be lack of proper recognition for certain work I had performed, and wrote an angry letter to the individual concerned.  Before mailing the letter, I showed it to a colleague for whom I had great respect.  He said, ‘Okay, you’ve written a good letter, and got the matter off your chest.  Now throw it in the trash basket.’ I thought about it and agreed with him.  The act of writing the letter had, indeed, released the matter from my system, and I felt better about it.  Many times since then, I have remembered that advice and followed it.”  The next time that you need to release some tension, try writing a letter about it and then throw the letter away.

      As with any other activity, one learns and gains experience and wisdom with practice.  So let’s begin by writing three letters to friends, loved ones, someone in a nursing home – anyone you know.  Your letters will be appreciated and you will gain from it.  But this time, put stamps on them and mail them!  Even More challenging, but very productive, is to write “letters to the editor” of any state-wide or national publication concerning topics of current interest or of particular concern to you.  You may be surprised at the response.

 

6.         Story-Writing

 

I can hear some of you say, “Story writing!! I’m not an author. I can’t write a story.” In fact, statistics reveal that 90% of Americans think that they cannot write creatively. Well, you’ll never know unless you try. First, don’t think about writing an entire book; think in more modest terms. Write about something famil­iar — a few pages about your family, or your family history. Write as though you were talking to a friend; just let the story tell itself. So don’t procrastinate; sit down and do it!!

 

B.      A Spiritual Sanctuary

 

Create a Spiritual Sanctuary. Find or make a spe­cial place in your home or on your land where you can go for contemplation. This place does not have to be of a certain structure — just a secluded nook, or area. Bring your favorite mementos and most cherished objects.

Learning is a life-long experience. We are in this Earth School to learn and to grow, not only during our adolescent years, but throughout our entire lives. Our goals can be to grow, to develop, to improve, to accom­plish, to have adventures, and just to be kind! Learn­ing can improve with age.

Distractions in daily life make continued learning difficult. The creation of a spiritual sanctuary will set up the environment for your continued growth. This will be your personal space — a place where you can go for quiet time, for contemplation, and for rest. There are many ways to create your space. For example, use a library, take over a large closet in your home, use the corner of a room, or find a secluded place on your property that might work for you.

If you are having a problem creating a space for yourself because your home environment is so clut­tered that you can’t clear out a little area for your spiritual sanctuary, something is definitely wrong! Make your spiritual goals primary, not secondary. Learn to be still, to be sincere, to simplify your daily life, and to magnify your spiritual life. Grasp the REAL MEANING of your life and live it exuberantly.

Our spiritual sanctuaries are there for our growth. They provide a place for rest. This rest is vital for growth and learning. Following periods of great activ­ity, we often need quiet time to evaluate and to under­stand what we have just experienced. This quiet time often provides us with more than just understanding. It is often a time of inspiration and the incubation of new plans and strategies.

If music is an important part of your life then, be sure to include it in your plans. If your sanctuary is out of doors then, bring chimes, drums, or a portable cassette player.

A spiritual sanctuary is your own wonderful, peaceful, and private place to explore your thoughts, your feelings, and your innermost heart. This is your peaceful place to pray and to meditate.

Have fun creating your own personal, restful, heal­ing place. It is easy to build anywhere, indoors or out. Just make the focal point your favorite items, your mementos — anything from your life that has mean­ing. Decorate your space with elegance or simplicity; it’s up to you. Create beauty — bring hope and har­mony, and enjoy the doing. Start with a candle or two if you wish, a gift from a friend or a loved one, a beau­tiful piece from nature herself — some special rock or mineral, a feather or a sea shell, souvenirs from en­chanted journeys or vacations. Sacraments are any objects that are sacred to you. Bring them to your sanctuary.

Now begin to add the personal, human element. Perhaps a small mirror so that you can look deeply into the eyes of your own soul. Add to this a photo if you wish, a picture of a favorite saint or other holy person — anyone whom you hold as an ideal. Bring anything which reminds you of your real essence, of the real you, that unique, wonderful, precious you. A you that is kind, generous, and loving, the you that you truly wish to express with an attitude of reverence in the fullness of your heart and soul. Continue add­ing new items from time to time as your life grows, progresses, and evolves. Acknowledge and appreciate each adventure in this great school or learning center that we call the Earth School.

Your sacred place — your Altar — is for you to enjoy. It is good to come here. Come at regular times simply to commune, to relax, just to be you. Is it only your imagination that this place — this sanctuary —has made a difference in your life? Even if it is only imagination, there is wisdom in accepting that there may be more to life than some would openly admit.

This is the place to contemplate your spiritual friends, your loved ones, your guardian angel, your protectors, those that may not be visible to the outer eyes but may be seen by the inner eyes. Do the inner eyes see more clearly? Do the inner ears hear more acutely? Does the inner heart feel more deeply? Your friends in the Spirit Lands may wish to come to visit you in your sacred sanctuary. If you will it, they will come.

It is always good to connect with loved ones from the past and even into future time. Just build your sanctuary! Just do it! They will come.

Bring your journal to your spiritual sanctuary so that you may record your heart’s memories and your soul’s visions in your peaceful, quiet space. (Your spiritual sanctuary may become the place where you always engage in journaling.)

Important things to remember are: practice silence — don’t talk about it; do it. Be joyous — being spiri­tual does not mean being somber, morose, or with­drawn. It does mean to live your life fully and thank­fully.

We have examined journal writing and the spiri­tual sanctuary and we can see how the two of them could act separately or together to work for your growth and learning. Let’s look at a third way, a personal retreat.

 

C.     Take a Learning Vacation:

A Personal Retreat

 

Take time out for a personal retreat away from your daily routine. I like to describe this experience as a spiritual adventure. Others call it a “weekend get-away.” It is a meditative “outward bound” for the “inward bound.” The rewards may be life-changing. The cost involved may be as small or as large as you choose to make it.

About thirty years ago, after graduating from high school, I contemplated what my life’s direction and vocation might be. Although I had a good job working at an apple orchard, I knew that it would never be my career. I decided to take a few days out of my busy sched­ule to go on a personal retreat. A friend in New Hamp­shire owned a small mountain lake completely sur­rounded by woods - a winding trail was the only ac­cess. It sounded like the perfect place to go. Because I did not own a tent, I brought a tarp to construct a temporary “lean-to” shelter. I carried in my sleeping bag, books, paper, and toilet paper. I brought no food because I had read that the American Indians fasted when they went on “vision quest.”

Originally, I planned a four-day weekend retreat. The first two days passed slowly — too slowly. I read, built a campfire and seriously wondered why I had decided to do such a “boring” thing. I probably would have given-up and returned home, except that I had told people about my adventure and I didn’t want them to think that I had “chickened-out.”

The next two days were more productive. As I meditated, used self-hypnosis and prayed for guid­ance, I began to list what I wanted to do with my life. Then I wrote what I did NOT want to do. Slowly the realization came that, with work and dedication, I could do just about anything! So what did I really want to do? What interested and excited me the most in life?

In the process of writing the things I most wanted to do, the answer became obvious. After reading The Search for Bridey Murphy, by Morey Bernstein, I had been conducting experiments in past-life exploration for a couple of years, this work was very exciting, but what could I do, realistically, with such information? Then I remembered reading about Edgar Cayce, from Virginia Beach, Virginia, who spoke about past lives. Slowly, a thought started to form, “Why not go to Virginia Beach to learn more?” Although Mr. Cayce had died the year before I was born, I knew that an organization of people was carrying on his work.

A thought was born, a spark was ignited in the chasm of my brain! An inner prompting, a plan or action was formulated on the shore of that secluded New Hampshire lake. This was not some blinding vi­sion nor did trumpets sound in the sky, but a real direction was now evident: “Travel! Go to that Cayce place.”

Perhaps the thought and the plan would have come to me in spite of taking a retreat. Perhaps a few days of fasting were unnecessary — who knows? But I did gain something. I made a decision to take a new road — and certainly one less traveled!

Within a few months I was on my way to Virginia Beach to become a member of the Association for Research and Enlightenment. Now, three decades later, I journey the same pathway. I continue to reach out through presenting workshops and educational programs around the world for the A.R.E. OUTREACH is my mission!

You also can take a personal retreat — your own inner quest. Plan your spiritual adventure now. It does not have to be a trip to the woods. Do what is comfort­able for you, yet will allow you the opportunity to ex­plore your inner self and to receive any messages that you may be given. Whatever kind of retreat it is, should it make you more comfortable and more will­ing to take the spiritual adventure, do it. You might choose a safe motel that is secluded, with no distrac­tions, or go to a cabin in the woods, or to a hotel on a secluded beach, or to the house of a friend who is away for a few days. Your expenses may be increased but the important thing is that you go away and explore your inner being.

Perhaps your experience will be as mine; perhaps not. Nonetheless, your spiritual retreat can bring you various benefits. You can:

 

*   connect with your innermost self,

*   be given valuable guidance — a dream, a vision or a plan of action,

*   enjoy the beauty and splendor of nature,

*   receive insight into what is REALLY important in your life, and

*   experience solitude, rest, and quiet reflection.

 

Best of all your spiritual adventure can cost very little; yet, it can give you high-yield returns. You could choose to do as I did, keeping things simple and easy. Choose a safe, secluded site (not during hunting season)! Bring what you already have, or borrow from friends:

 

-   a tent or tarp

-   sleeping bag

-   pen, paper, toilet paper

-   knife, matches, drinking water

 

            Leave the electronic gadgets at home. This is a spiritual adventure, an inner quest.

            Although most people are aware of the importance of building their minds and bodies, few are aware of the greater importance of building their spirits. Though often neglected, spirit is the life essence — the vital living force.

            Eventually, each person must stop and re-evaluate life. Sometimes a tragedy triggers such a situation. It is better not to wait for circumstances to propel us onto a higher path. Specifically choose a spiritual adventure or exercise. When that is accomplished a larger view is presented, an inner guidance is heard, a deeper purpose is realized. Such profound revela­tions guide us to our spiritual destiny. Pivotal or transformative events can bring positive change and betterment.

In the time of the American Indian, a “vision quest” was practiced by the young men. Sadly, there is little recorded history of the importance of spiritual exer­cises and quests for the young women. It is even more ironic that, today, women are more interested in build­ing their spiritual lives than are men. Perhaps this is a natural balance, or perhaps women have grown wiser while men have become more distracted. In any case, women can now take the great journey — the holy quest — as equally as men. Perhaps they will be even more dedicated in purpose, richer in ideals, braver in discovery. EVERYONE has the God-given right to become a spiritual seeker, and to experience the adventure!

After my own youthful quest, another decade passed before I located a book that gave practical in­formation about how the American Indian approached his spiritual retreat. That book, THE SOUL of the INDIAN, by Charles Alexander Eastman (Ohiyesa), was first published in 1911 “to paint the religious life of the typical American Indian as it was before he knew the white man.” In 1980 the University of Ne­braska Press reprinted that small but immensely valu­able book.

Eastman wrote powerfully yet poetically:

“The worship of the ‘Great Mystery’ was silent, solitary, free from all self-seeking. It was silent, because all speech is of necessity feeble and imperfect; therefore the souls of my ancestors ascended to God in wordless adoration. It was solitary, because they believed that He is nearer to us in solitude, and there were no priests authorized to come between a man and his Maker.

“There were no temples or shrines among us save those of nature. Being a natu­ral man, the Indian was intensely poetical. He would deem it sacrilege to build a house for Him who may be met face to face in the mys­terious, shadowy aisles of the primeval forest, or on the sunlit bosom of virgin prairies, upon dizzy spires and pinnacles of naked rock, and yonder in the jeweled vault of the night sky! He who enrobes Himself in filmy veils of cloud, there on the rim of the visible world where our Great-Grandfather Sun kindles his evening campfire, He who rides upon the rigorous wind to the north, or breathes forth His spirit upon aromatic southern airs, whose war-canoe Is launched upon majestic rivers and inland seas

        He needs no lesser cathedral!

“That solitary communion with the Un­seen which was the highest expression of our religious life is partly described in the word bambeday, literally “mysterious feeling,” which has been variously translated “fasting” and “dreaming.” It may better be interpreted as “consciousness of the divine.”

“The first bambeday, or religious retreat, marked an epoch in the life of the youth, which may be compared to that of confirmation or conversion in Christian experience. Having first prepared himself by means of the purifying vapor-bath, and cast off as far as possible all human or fleshly influences, the young man sought out the noblest height, the most com­manding summit in all the surrounding region. Knowing that God sets no value upon material things, he took with him no offerings or sacri­fices other than symbolic objects, such as paints and tobacco. Wishing to appear before Him in all humility, he wore no clothing save his moccasins and breech-cloth. At the solemn hour of sunrise or sunset he took up his posi­tion, overlooking the glories of the earth and facing the “Great Mystery,” and there he re­mained, naked, erect, silent, and motionless, exposed to the elements and forces of His arm­ing, for a night and a day to two days and nights, but rarely longer. Sometimes he would chant a hymn without words, or offer the cer­emonial “filled pipe.” In this holy trance or ec­stasy the Indian mystic found his highest hap­piness and the motive power of his existence.”

Eastman continues to explain that when the indi­vidual returned to camp, he (or she), must again en­ter the vapor-bath (sweat lodge). The sign or vision given to the seeker was usually kept private or per­sonal, unless instructed otherwise. Occasionally, at the end of his life, a man may discuss his original vision-quest. Eastman wrote, “Sometimes an old man, standing upon the brink of eternity, might reveal to a chosen few the oracle of his long-past youth.” Obviously, I didn’t wait as long to reveal to you my “vision,” or decision to travel. Nonetheless, the passage of time has proved my original guidance to be both wise and productive.

Of the three methods presented for gaining guid­ance to the inner self, any or all of them may be com­patible with your needs as you begin to contemplate, to evaluate, to test, and to understand yourself — your lessons, and your patterns. Your life and how you live it are of the utmost Importance. Learning and grow­ing are necessities. I urge you to take action to under­stand yourself better and to come closer and closer to finding your eternal being. Engage in your own vision quest.

 

 

 


Chapter V

Self-Hypnosis and Ideals

(Inner Adventure)

 

A. Ideals: A Practical Standard of

Excellence

 

The evaluation of ideals is an important part of our work with patterns. Patterns reflect our Ideals of the past, and our current ideals create future patterns.

Recognition of the need for ideals offers an invita­tion to explore your mind, your reasons, and purposes for living. We use our Ideals to evaluate important things in our lives. Often, this is done unconsciously. At an inner level we weigh circumstances, decisions, and goals by our ideals. We ask ourselves, “Is it in line with my Ideal, or against my better good?”

The motivating force behind - and actually, in the forefront of - our actions is our ideals which might change and grow as we mature. Ideals are on physi­cal, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels, and their development is in accord with our learning on each level.

Sometimes we seem to have opposing ideals. For example, a spiritual Ideal might be the decision to meditate for an hour daily, simply for the benefit of the spiritual balance which it brings. On the other hand, a physical need requires us to work long hours at a job in order to earn enough money to feed our families, and to pay our bills. Both are valid and posi­tive ideals.

The solution might be to compromise and to allow less than an hour for meditation, but also to take some time out from the heavy work schedule. Other valid solutions might exist as well. In either case, the ideal governs how we invest our time and our energy for what we deem to be the expansion of Self.

The central force in life — the over-riding principle, the guiding light — reflects our ideals. The vision of ourselves that surpasses our ordinary selves, our pat­tern of excellence, and our highest purpose, all indi­cate what we hold as IDEAL. Personality is a reflection of ideals and character.

The Edgar Cayce readings helped to express this concept by advising people to maximize the virtues and minimize the faults. This does not mean to look only for the good while pretending the faults are ab­sent, but rather to focus more fully on the good that it may grow still more. The ideal is a conception of you in your perfection.

Kahlil Gibran, writing in one of the most widely known and beautiful books of our age, The Prophet, delivers the same concept:

“Of the good in you I can speak, but not of the evil. You are good when you walk to your goal firmly and with bold steps.

Yet you are not evil when you go thither limping. Even those who limp go not backward.

In  your longing for your giant self lies your good­ness: and that longing is in all of you.”

 

Gibran also explains how we may have conflicting goals and purposes. “For a divided house is not a den of thieves; it is only a divided house.” He proceeds to suggest the importance of establishing an ideal, which he likens to the rudder of a ship that keeps your life “on course.”

Cayce’s source focused often on ideals, reminding us that the real ideals are within, and that there is a great difference between being good, and in being good for something. He counseled people to find self, first. Know in whom and in what they believe in order to make their lives constructive. Know what you believe and why you believe it. Begin with self, for Self is the best help.

There are few rules regarding what constitutes an ideal. Ideals are as varied as the people who hold them. Living your ideal is different from having an ideal. The living requires work and commitment. Stand firmly for your ideals. Someone has said, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” Set a higher ideal than everyone expects of you. Set the highest ideal you can possibly set for yourself.

There is, moreover, a difference between goals and ideals. A rather big difference. A goal is what we wish to achieve; the ideal is the motive behind it. We might have goals of developing psychic ability, or managing our stress, or overcoming insomnia — things we strive for. Now, why do we want those abilities? Do we want psychic ability to be able to show off to our friends, or to help humanity with the gift? If we want it to gain foresight and to help in our spiritual development, fine; but, if we merely flaunt this ability it can prove to be a major stumbling-block in our lives. The rea­sons we want things are of the utmost importance. They are vital clues to our ideals.

Cayce’s source stressed that ideals are not to be confused with goals. An ideal may be a principle or a person whom we use as a model because he or she lives according to the principles we wish to strengthen. Find self first. Know in whom and in what you believe, the source cautioned. One might choose Mother Teresa or Elizabeth Kubler-Ross as an ideal of a life to emulate. Another might choose Jesus or Ghandi to emulate or to learn from. Some might even choose a favorite relative.

One might select a basic physical goal, such as losing weight with the motivation of looking better, improving one’s general health, or protecting, specifi­cally, the heart and vital organs. Such goals might, in the long run, serve a higher spiritual ideal if we wish to maintain good health in order to pursue our own higher growth, and to be more productive in terms of sharing that growth with the world. Similarly, those with mental ideals might pursue further education in order to develop their minds and to avoid stagnation.

Many people develop spiritual ideals by medita­tion and prayer, by communion with their higher selves, or spirit guides. There are many levels of ide­als. There are personal ideals, community ideals, na­tional ideals, and planetary ideals. Who could deny the validity and importance of working toward world peace, or ecological and environmental balance, as a commendable planetary ideal.

In this first guided session you can focus on your personal Ideals. Keep in mind that your ideal is the central motivating force of your life. It is your vision of yourself that surpasses the ordinary you. It is your pattern of excellence, your highest purpose.

First we formulate our ideals and then apply them to our lives; therefore, study your ideals and then seek to apply those principles. To “apply” means to use, or do, utilizing whatever is available to you. Jesus said, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” That means that you shall be known by your actions and your works - not by your version of your life story, or your pro­spectus, or financial statements - but by what you do. First, search out with whom or what you have placed your ideal, and then put those ideals into action.

Cayce’s source suggested that if we spiritualize and visualize purposes in the manner in which we desire things to be done, we shall have them done! Then the source advises, recommending the use of hypnosis to aid in applying the ideals: “(this) ... may be best done by suggestive forces to the body through hypnosis....” (3483-1) and “ . . .In other words, put the body under what is commonly called hypnotic influence to bring about the normal condition of the action of the body itself….”  (4506-1)

Self-hypnosis, by itself, can do very little for you except to bring you to your natural level of relaxation and comfort. What is beneficial is what you do while at that level! It is the Program, or the series of sugges­tions and visualizations, that brings accomplishment and success.

Self-hypnosis is just the first step in an entire program! In the same way, reading this book is a first step.

To gain fully, you must perform the activities — complete the tasks, do your work of self-improvement. Reading alone does not do it, but application does.

Hypnosis has been called “Mind Dynamics,” or, by Dr. Herbert Benson, “The Relaxation Response,” and several other things; but basically it is Self-Hypnosis, by which means we bring ourselves to a natural level of relaxation.

This process of self-hypnosis is shown in the dia­gram, “A Model for Self-Hypnosis.” We can simplify self-hypnosis by dividing it into four component parts. The first part is the train engine, or the Relaxation, the first step in self-hypnosis.

In relaxation, there are four levels of brain-wave activity. The normal waking level is called beta. The alpha state is the beginning of self-hypnosis and the beginning of meditation; it is the level at which most people remain while in hypnosis. If, however, they have been working with relaxation techniques for some time, they probably will move to the next deeper level, called theta.

The alpha level is completely natural. We each experience this level at least twice daily: as we go to sleep at night, and as we come out of sleep in the morning. In effect, this means we have all been in self-hypnosis. Research shows that we may enter alpha several times throughout the day as we become en­grossed in a book, as we daydream, or as we watch television. Statistics now show that, two thirds of the time, people watching television have entered into an alpha state. Why is this?

Television uses what may be termed “electronic” hypnosis. It uses, primarily, visual images (visualiza­tion), and spoken words of suggestion. This combina­tion makes it the perfect medium for hypnosis, for it engages both right and left hemispheres of the brain simultaneously.

This is only one example of how hypnosis is al­ready in our lives, oftentimes without our awareness of it. Each of us experiences alpha which leads to deeper level theta, which is deep hypnosis, deep medi­tation, and also sleep. Furthermore, at every ninety-minute cycle, most of us move into the delta range, the third and final level of the deep sleep mode, or “quality” sleep time.

It is important to emphasize here that self-hypnosis is not, in itself, an end, but rather the primary tool to help you to reach your natural alpha level of relax­ation, which, in turn, enables you to be receptive to suggestion and to visualization exercises. The two lat­ter terms are represented in the diagram by the two boxcars: Suggestion (the left brain activity of logic) and Visualization (the right brain property of inspiration and creative genius).

In the model for self-hypnosis, the two boxcars represent the right and left hemispheres of the brain. This is the real work of any self-help session, to uti­lize a full brain approach, thus enlarging your mind’s potential.

The left brain is associated with linear, logical thought. It covers information, analysis, details, gram­mar, and language. It recognizes the parts of things, and processes items one by one. For example, study­ing the various components of the train model is a left hemisphere activity. The left brain remembers compli­cated sequences of actions and it works with estab­lished rules, bringing form and order to our work.

The right brain perceives the whole picture; it rec­ognizes the forest (not the single trees). It sees an over­all design or a larger plan, usually by means of pic­tures or emotions. The right hemisphere responds to rhythmic patterns of prose, poetry, or song. Most of all, it is fresh, innovative and creative, bringing a new vision to our work.

When scientists have found it necessary to dissect half a brain because of a tumor or the presence of some other condition, they have found that the healthy half of the brain has taken over the tasks of the im­paired half. There is much debate regarding the work­ings of the human brain but, for simplicity’s sake, study of the two hemispheres enables us to under­stand the different functions. There are many books on the market which deal with creative visualization. There are also many books about positive suggestion and its benefits, as well as the use of affirmation and self-talk in our lives. Unfor­tunately, there are few books which can instruct us as to how we may combine both hemispheres and so empower the mind to build our lives the way we want them to be.

When you begin to make your own tapes for self-hypnosis, be sure to include exercises for both hemi­spheres — the left-brain “positive suggestion,” and the right-brain “visualization.” During this session you will guide yourself into alpha level, then proceed with those suggestions and visualizations you wish to re­inforce. After the session, wake-up procedures are vitally important — just as important as those which allow you to enter the self-hypnotic state.

Self-hypnosis is not sleep. People only appear to be asleep; actually, the person is fully aware of every­thing that is going on. You will be in complete control at every level of your mind to accept, or to reject, any­thing. You will be aware of everything that is going on, and you will remember everything.

Some have asked, “Why, in stage demonstration, do people return to their seats unable to remember all the crazy things they did on stage?” This behavior was not caused by the hypnosis itself. It occurred because of a suggestion given by the stage entertainer to the volunteers, so that they would not be embarrassed by anything they had done once they returned to their seats. Hypnosis does not create amnesia, nor anesthe­sia. They result from suggestion. When suggestions are given to any person, that person must accept them in order for them to be effective. It is just as possible that the individual may reject them.

Now let us proceed to the topic of wake-up procedures. Wake-up procedure is actually a “coming out” procedure. The term “wake-up” is, however, the way most people think of it.

While experiencing self-hypnosis, some people progress into a sleep mode. If you find that you have a tendency to fall asleep — especially when using your tapes at night — sit up during the process. This usu­ally will solve the problem. Remember, the greater benefits of self-hypnosis exercises (suggestions and visualizations) are best derived while fully aware and not at a night-time sleep level. In other words, while you are aware in alpha, and only while aware, can you repeat the suggestions mentally, and actively perform the visualizations. Nothing, of course, is wasted in sleep; but when we use self-hypnosis, taking a more active part in it proves to be much more effective.

Excellent courses in self-hypnosis are being taught, but the word “hypnosis” is seldom used. Why is this so? Surveys have shown that many people have a negative reaction to the word, but not to the process. They enjoy the relaxation, they enjoy the process, and they do very well with it. They retain a negative reac­tion to the term, however, because of the strange con­notations it has garnered by dramatized and fiction­alized misuse. The very word “hypnosis” frightens some people. Even today, if you have a headache and have to choose from two remedies on the drugstore shelf — one labeled Acetylsalicylic Acid and one labeled Aspirin — which would you choose? Probably the latter, be­cause it is much less intimidating than a remedy with “acid” in its name; yet, Acetylsalicylic Acid and Aspi­rin are one and the same. Aspirin is the same substance marketed under a different name. We are all aware of the importance of marketing in our society. There are brand names and there are generics. You might say that “hypnosis” is the generic term for all the off-shoot catch phrases.

A book called Self-Talk, for instance, is geared toward the business sector. It expounds the tech­niques that hypnotists have been teaching for years, but under new terminology. There is no mention of the word “hypnosis,” not even in the appendix. The author is simply marketing the same principles in a new package. This is good marketing practice. If people have a negative reaction to one package, why try to re­educate the masses? Why not just re-package?

 

B.        Mind Management

 

One of the most familiar expressions from Cayce’s forty three years of readings was: Spirit is the life; mind is the builder; the physical is the result. Ev­erything we have made or built in the physical world began in someone’s mind. Somewhere in time, every­thing started in someone’s imagination. Mind is the builder.

We all have had this feeling of consciously want­ing something and pushing our lives in that direction. Another part of us pushes — at times — in the other direction, toward our subconscious desires. We are not robots; we can program our lives the way we want them to be. Because we are human, however, there is a time lapse from the programming to the manifestation into our reality. For some, this gap could be a few minutes or a few days; for others, it could be a few months, or even years. It is very different for everybody, and much depends upon how much we really want it subconsciously. Often, our want is at a superfical level.

The value of self-hypnosis is that it enables us to unify our subconscious desires with our conscious desires. As the diagram illustrates, with both subcon­scious and conscious pushing the will together in the same direction, our life is guided in the direction we want it to go. Although this model is a simplified version, it does explain the integration of conscious mind with the subconscious.

 

 

Without even realizing it, the conscious mind and the unconscious desires sometimes work against each other

— pushing in opposite directions.

 

           

The result is a lot of effort with little accomplishment.  The will to succeed is stuck.  Sadly, your goals and desires may not be congruent with your words and actions. Using self-hypnosis, you can synchronize your (known) conscious purposes with your subconscious (hidden) patterns.

 

 

As your conscious ideals and subconscious desires unite to work together — pushing and building in the same direction, there is no limit to what you can do.

 

MIND AS THE BUILDER

Artist: Jeffrey Winchester

 

 

 

C.        The Journey Inward

 

There is no “best time,” in a general sense, to use self-hypnosis tapes. Timing is very individual. The best time for you is at the high-time of your day. Pay atten­tion to your circadian rhythms, or biological clock. If you reach your peak at around 10:00 a.m., that would be the best time for you. It might not, however, be prac­tical if — for instance — you must be at work at that time. In that case, you will have to determine another time when you can profit best from the tapes. They may be used as often as you like.

What is the difference between self-hypnosis and meditation? The levels are the same, alpha and theta, but there is a difference. In meditation we generally open ourselves to guidance coming to us at the con­scious level from a higher level of consciousness, the subconscious or superconscious. Symbolically, we open ourselves to guidance and to inspiration from our own higher mind, which is an eternal and ever­lasting source. In self-hypnosis, we focus the con­scious mind and use it as a tool to instruct and to guide the unconscious in the direction that we con­sciously want our lives to go. The difference lies in how we use the alpha and theta levels, and not in the lev­els themselves. Meditation can be likened to a tele­scope looking out into the vastness of space. Self-hyp­nosis can be symbolized by a microscope focusing on a specific goal or objective.

If this is your first time working with self-help or self-hypnosis programs, you may wish to read, first, about the field. Self-hypnosis is a safe, 100% natural and direct way to improve your life. My book, Self-Hypnosis - Creating Your Own Destiny, can help you to gain a deeper knowledge of this science and the art of hypnosis.

The art of self-hypnosis concerns timing, tone, and delivery — not going too fast nor too slow, being too forceful nor too meek. The inner mind responds very differently from the conscious mind. It contains pro­found depth and wisdom; yet, it works slowly and requires clear, simple questions or instructions. It has a natural simplicity and honesty, and is uncompli­cated in its approach. Speak s-l-o-w-1-y, very slowly, less than half your normal pace; even slower is best. Some people say they don’t like the sound of their own voices on cassette tape. Paradoxically, the very apparatus that you don’t like is the very tool that will help you. It may sound ironic, but you could work with your cassette recorder, in the privacy of your room, and practice speaking differently. If you have a high pitch, speak lower or deeper. If you mumble, begin to speak distinctly. If you normally speak in a monotone, add life and enthusiasm to your voice. Do whatever is necessary to improve the pitch, modula­tion, and speed of your voice. In just an hour or even less you will have improved the quality of your voice.

The good news is that you TRUST your own voice more than you trust other voices. As you learned to im­prove your voice in the DOING (not just reading about it), so also you will learn best about self-hypnosis — in the doing. Theory is fine, but there is no substitute for practical experience.

You are ready now to make your own self-help, self-hypnosis tape. Get a cassette recorder with a good microphone and a blank tape. To record, find a place where you will not be distracted for about half an hour. First, read the following script aloud and make any changes, deletions, or additions which suit your personal preferences. Now read the script slowly into your cassette tape. Use your watch and time the one ­minute pauses for one FULL minute. The inner mind needs that much time to process the question and give you the information requested.

In time, when you become more proficient at making self-hypnosis tapes, you can add the sound of a grandfather-clock ticking in the background, or the soothing music of one of the “Old Masters,” or the gentle sounds of the “New Age” genre.

Once your tape is completed, find another quiet time to enjoy using your tape. Self-hypnosis relaxes the body, builds the mind, and energizes your life in amazing and wonderful ways. It is a “win-win-win” activity with great benefit to be gained and no down­side. Remember to breathe deeply throughout the ses­sion, for deep breathing is one of the oldest and most effective methods of relaxation.

Use your tape more than once if you wish, per­haps as often as once a week during the coming month. Keep a journal or diary, and log-in the results. Describe whatever you receive: what did you see, what did you feel, what did you hear, what did you per­ceive? For some people, the information is fleeting, as in a dream. For others, it comes clearly and strongly. There is no right or wrong method for receiving and processing information; whatever you receive is correct for you, and will improve over time and with experi­ence and patience.

You may use your tape for yourself and share it with friends and family. (Better still, teach them to make their own tapes!) If you prefer, you may also read the script aloud to loved ones. If you, or they, do not like the word hypnosis, then you may substitute any other appropriate words you prefer. Some term this kind of work a “guided reverie,” an “inspired meditation,” or a “working dream.”

In fact, let’s term the following scripts an “inner adven­ture” which allows you, or others, to experience the session without pre-conceptions or pre-conditions. It is simply — and profoundly — an inner spiritual adventure. You can experience as much of the adventure (or as little) as YOU wish.

Be gentle with yourself, be kind to your mind! Whatever you receive in your session is a gift from your subconscious mind. If you accept and welcome that gift, then, surely, more will be given another time. If you criticize your inner mind and negate or belittle your gift, you limit your potential.

TRUST is the key to the door of spiritual growth, and APPRECIATION makes the opening easier. BE THANKFUL for all that you receive and you will gain and grow as you journey the spiritual path, both by clarifying your Ideals and by experiencing other ses­sions yet to come!

 

D.           An Ideals Inner Adventure

(Begin to record your tape here)

 

As soon as you are ready, ask yourself to close your eyes. If you take a deep breath, you can feel your body relaxing. As you slow your breathing, you let your mind relax.

Begin by comparing your mind to the surface of a quiet pond. My voice can be as a breeze whispering in the trees along the shore. The pond remains smooth and calm, even though things go on beneath the sur­face. There may be much happening beneath a still surface. The gentle surface conceals an extraordinary depth. Reflect upon nature, its beauty and elegance.

 

(Pause, one minute)

 

Now it is easy to dissolve this image and to form another — perhaps a stairway leading down — you can see yourself leisurely descending. The stairs are cov­ered with a thick, plush carpet, a carpet that is like a cloud beneath your feet. Perhaps there is a brass handrail or a walnut banister. The stairs lead you to a ballroom with sparkling crystal chandeliers, or to a comfortable room with books and crackling logs in a fireplace. And while you are here, the outside world will stay outside. You can take a few minutes and notice just how good you feel here.

 

(Pause, one minute)

 

You can do anything you want to do. You don’t even have to listen to my voice, because your subcon­scious hears with new awareness and responds all by itself.

You are now learning to recognize the feelings that accompany inner relaxation. You may experience a light, medium, or deep level of relaxation; you choose what is best for you. Your body may feel heavy or it may feel light, or it may seem to be asleep so that it doesn’t feel anything at all. It may float up, or it may sink down, or it may very pleasantly drift. It may do whatever you wish. Perhaps your body feels as if it has gone to sleep even though your mind seems to be awake. Of course, you don’t have to concern yourself with that.

This experience is for learning and growing. Of course, you may go very deep — and safely. Your inner mind is aware; it knows when it needs to respond and it can do so in just the right way. It already has gained more awareness.

If I count from ten to one, then you may go deeper — more in perfect harmony — by picturing yourself descending a flight of stairs, or going down in an elevator or on an escalator — any pleasant image that you wish  ten… nine… eight… seven… six… five… four… three… two… one.…

And if I count from ten to one again, you may go twice as deep, enjoying a pleasant, comfortable feel­ing — any sort of feeling that you wish  ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one.

As you relax, take a deep breath, and slow down, you may go even deeper. As you enjoy the comfort, you will note that there is less and less importance to my voice. You may find yourself drifting in your own ideal, joyful place of relaxation.

 

(Pause, one minute)

 

Now we can begin a series of exercises using Creative Imagination and Positive Affirmation. In your mind, now, you may begin constructing a box. This box may be of any size, any shape, any dimension, any color, or any material that you wish.

Make an easy-off lid for your box. I will be quiet now, so that you may construct your box. Then, when I begin to speak again, you can take a deep breath and go deeper. Build your box now.

 

(Pause one full minute, or longer)

 

Take a deep breath and go deeper.. .more in per­fect harmony. Now, open the lid to your box and care­fully place in this box all of your cares, all of your concerns, all of your worries, your hopes, your expec­tations, your fears. Place them safely in the box —whether actually or symbolically, full size or in min­iature, or even written on little pieces of paper. Whatever you choose to do is correct for you. And as you place all your concerns safely into the box, I will be quiet.

 

(Pause, one minute)

 

Now, when you are ready, gently close the lid on your concerns. And, as you put the box aside, the following words echo deeply, within your mind:

“An ideal is a central motivating force in life. It is a vision of self that surpasses the ordinary self. It is a pattern of excellence, the highest purpose, character, and integrity.

 

A goal is something to be achieved in life. An ideal is much more important; it is the deeper, underlying reason related to the goal. An ideal is often private and sacred — the most positive, and often hidden, motive and purpose.

 

An ideal is a standard or measure to assess activity. It is a long-term investment in life.

 

(Pause)

 

Now, I am going to ask a series of questions that you can answer from deep within. Allow the answers to come from deep within and accept the information you are given:

 

What do you REALLY want to do with your life?

 

(Pause, one minute)

 

What are you doing in your life that is working well?

 

(Pause, one minute)

 

What are your greatest strengths?

 

(Pause, one minute)

 

How would you act, even if you were certain you’d never be found out or get blamed?

 

(Pause, one minute)

 

How would you act, even if you were certain you’d never receive any credit or recognition?

 

(Pause, one minute)

 

What are the strongest POSITIVE PATTERNS you have noticed in your life?

 

(Pause, one minute)

 

What are the most CHALLENGING PATTERNS you have worked with?

 

(Pause, one minute)

 

Whom do you hold as an ideal? — It can be someone living or someone from the past. What is the signifigance of that person to you?

 

(Pause, one minute or more)

 

 

And now, just imagine that you are wearing a T-shirt which can have a message printed upon it. In a moment you to write or print a specific message on the front of your T-shirt, a short sentence or a few words in answer to this question:

“What was your mother’s message to you?” (Note: If you do not know your biological mother, substitute a person who filled the “mother role.” In other ses­sions, the father may be substituted for the mother). “What did she say, or convey to you countless times, in countless ways, whether spoken or unspoken?” Write that message to you on the front of your T-shirt.

 

(Pause, one minute or more)

 

Now, on the back of your T-shirt, write or print your answer. How do you respond to your mother’s message? Write those words on the back of your T-shirt.

 

(Pause, one minute)

 

Now, your mother’s message on the front of your T-shirt can give you insight into HER ideals for you —her fears, her hopes, her concerns, her prayers for you.

 

(Short pause)

 

Your answer on the back gives you insight into your ideals, your purposes, your direction for self.

 

(Short pause)

 

Remember those messages that you may bring them back with you later. Remember ALL the informa­tion that you have been given here today — the gifts from your inner guidance. You may wish to leave the cares and concerns safely in the box. You may return to them later, whenever you wish.

You have done so very well here today. I will count slowly from one to ten. At the count of ten you may open your eyes and be wide awake.

One:         coming up slowly.

Two:         remember what you have been given here today.

Three:       total normalization at every level of your being.

Four:         you may wish to move hands, or feet, or neck.

Five.

Six.

Seven:       coming up to your full potential.

Eight:        revitalized.

Nine:         re-energized.

Ten:          open your eyes and wide awake now.

                 Wide awake!

 

 

E.         An Ideals Project

 

Now that you have experienced the IDEALS inner adventure, it’s time to recall and to utilize the informa­tion received. In the process of writing, you will prob­ably recall even more of the information. This may sound odd, but it’s true. Technically, it’s called “writ­ing to learn,” and it helps people to get more out of their experiences. It is thinking on paper! In the writ­ing, you will discover interesting connections and will observe new processes; your understanding will broaden, you’ll ask questions, and then proceed to answer them yourself! So let’s get started. We’ll call this an “I-D-E-A-L-S” project! And you’ll remember it with this anagram:

 

1.         Identify the ideal

_________________________

2.         Describe the situation, and challenges

            _________________________

3.         Explore possible solutions or actions to strengthen the ideal

            _________________________

4.         Act upon the information; what can you start doing?

            _________________________

5.         Look for results: imagine them already accom­plished

            _________________________

6.         Save the information for future analysis and study

            _________________________

 

 

When you answer the questions and work with the material you WILL have found an IDEALS solution!

Writing, speaking, and listening are the important tools for learning. Take time, every day if possible, and write in your journal or diary. Write any inspirations that come to you concerning your ideals. Sometimes the greatest inspirations come as a fleeting thought, or are triggered by an event. Grab that thought - it may be exceedingly valuable to you.

What did you receive or perceive in the session that surprised you?

 

 

F.     Notes to Remember Regarding Self-Hypnosis

 

1.     The best way to learn anything is in the doing of it. You will learn far more by making your own tapes, for instance, than by using commer­cial tapes that someone else has made. Of course, you may purchase or borrow commer­cial tapes from bookstores, pharmacies, librar­ies, and by mail order to learn different ap­proaches to the subject.

2.     Next, I recommend that you study the excellent material from the Edgar Cayce readings under the titles of “Suggestive Therapeutics,” and “Mind: The Builder.” I also suggest that you study books by and about Dr. Milton H. Erickson, on whose methods the Neuro Linguis­tic Programming (NLP) courses are based. Erickson was the first to teach that all hypno­sis is self-hypnosis.

3.     Incorporate what you learn from Cayce, Erickson, and your other readings into your own. self-help, positive programming tapes. Soon, people will notice important and pro­found changes in your life and will ask you (directly or indirectly) the reason for those changes. When you start to radiate new light, people always notice it! Explain to them about self-help tapes and show them how to make their own. The goal is to learn personal empow­erment, not power over others.

4.     A course in hypnosis is another option toward achieving personal transformation. Many com­munity colleges offer such courses at a modest cost. Atlantic University in Virginia Beach, VA., offers excellent certificate courses on the sub­ject of hypnosis. Remember, all you need for this study are high ideals and a sincere desire for personal improvement. Even a small amount of time invested now pays off later in big dividends.

5.     The most exciting and inexpensive way to learn hypnosis is to start a small study group. It is easy, productive, and fun. Simply find a friend or two, and start an informal study group. Meet once a month, or once a week, at home, or in a library confer­ence room. Often, meeting rooms are free when meetings are open to the public. You may place free announcements in your newspaper calen­dar section or on radio community bulletins. New people will hear of your work and will at­tend. Here are some tips for starting your hyp­nosis study group:

 

(a)            A small group of even two or three people working together is more influential than two or three dozen people working alone. Meeting together on a regular basis pro­duces great accomplishment.

 

(b)            Your group may have a different moderator each meeting. Start with the study of tra­ditional areas of hypnosis and branch out into the more innovative and newer meth­ods. This is a “learn as you study and share” approach.

 

(c)            An established group can invite guest speakers. Occasionally, you may ask a pro­fessional in some related field to speak. Most are pleased to do this. Soon you may start to guide sessions for individuals or for the entire group itself. Of course, this is a bit harder at first as you realize that you are all amateurs and still learning. But “amateur” comes from the root-word mean­ing “love:” that is, you love this study and this work.

 

(d)            In your love of learning, you begin to reach out and to inspire others — helping others to help themselves. Then, as the months fly by, you and your group will begin to real­ize that you have educated yourselves in a personal and profound manner. You have “drawn-out” what was already there deep within yourselves; and, having brought it out, you’ve shared your light with others.

 

(e)            From the seeds of small study groups (as Christ explained about the mustard seed) in time and with patience — with care and nurturing — the great plants of spiritual fulfillment grow. Your study group may not enlighten the entire planet, but it will bring light to illuminate your own area. It is said that If you wish to plant for days, plant flowers; if you wish to plant for years, plant trees; but it you wish to plant for eternity, plant ideas. And IDEALS. Begin now to search inward for your highest self!


 

Chapter VI

Embracing Your Eternal Child

(Inner Adventure)

 

A.     Your Inner Child Learns

 

Almost all researchers, teachers, psychologists and parents agree that most of our patterns and behaviors are linked directly to our youth. Even the first few months and years of life have profound bearing on the rest of our lives. With this un­derstanding, you can glimpse how important this chapter will be for you in understanding the foundations of your current life.

How did you do with the Ideals Inner Adventure? If you have not made and used your tape, please do so now. If you received only a little information, please wait a few days and use your tape another time. If you received valuable insight and information, USE that in whatever ways it can help you. Write the information in your journal, sketch the messages on your T-shirt.

We have come a long way together and have learned much. Learning comes in two ways: ACTIVE and REFLECTIVE modes. Participating in the exer­cises in this book helps you to accomplish both.

ACTIVE LEARNING is in doing things, and is often called “hands-on” work. Examples are in the making and using of your Inner Adventure tapes, go­ing on a retreat for a weekend, or involvement with a study or support group.

REFLECTIVE LEARNING takes place when you pause for a few moments (or a few days) and ponder what you are learning. Journal writing and withdraw­ing into your spiritual sanctuary are reflective exercises. Rest and silence are vital to learning as it helps in the assimilation of experiences. Pauses and spaces are very important In the same way that spaces between the words on this page make it easier to read the words, and to comprehend the thoughts. (Aspacemakesitmucheasier!)

Sometimes our active and reflective learnings overlap. Learning is not always sequential; it is erratic and comes in leaps and bounds. There are quiet times of rest and reflection mixed with active times of chal­lenge and endurance. There is a rhythm to the process of learning. Learning is growing - and, often, growing involves pain and anxiety.

Although pauses and rest are necessary, in a gen­eral sense, growing is better than not growing, good learning is better than not learning, and wise-action is better than stagnation. Dilemmas and challenges can lead to resolutions. Even failure can bring valu­able learning. Difficult lessons may later produce pro­found accomplishment. It is possible to learn from all of life’s experiences. Even tragedies can lead to growth. Adversity need not be an end; it can be a beginning. As humans in the continuing saga called “life,” we learn and grow in numerous ways. Perhaps the best metaphor for our many grades and classes would be a school — a vast School of Life. This school — let’s call it Earth School — is like a vocational school in practical learning and application. There are rules, there is some theorizing, but, primarily, it is a place of experience and activity.

In our metaphor, this school is unique because we are all students AND teachers, at different levels of learning. Those who graduate go on to further realms. The rest of us continue to learn - hopefully! To me, the very fact that we are enrolled suggests that we still have something to learn — or to teach.

Many people ask, “What is the purpose of this Earth School?” I feel that we are here to EXPERIENCE life - all of life, with its benefits and its struggles, its highs and its lows. Our courses blend blessings and challenges, struggles and successes, grand opportunities and subtle simplicities.

For example, a few students may be engaged in a philosophical debate: “Is the glass of water half-full or half-empty? It might seem a ponderous question for some, but other students drink and enjoy the glass of water. They ponder not how full or not-full it may be; they wholeheartedly drink of the cool, refreshing wa­ter. Those are the students who live the experience; those are the adventurous ones.

The most adventuresome students choose a self­ directed course of study. True education means to “draw out” what is already within oneself. When we go deep into our own minds, we can discover our hidden talents and abilities, our patterns and potentials. This course of study can be very rewarding, but it requires self-discipline and courage.

Self-education has no bounds or limits! Each day becomes an adventure in learning, with discoveries which can bring pain, but also joy! Our world is an unlimited opportunity for the self-motivated and self-determined student. Travel in this world may well be one of the most valuable lessons in Earth School cur­riculum. Venturing beyond what we know challenges our courage, values and adaptability. It offers adven­ture and invitation to mystical experiences.

When you travel upon this wondrous Earth, be sure to go to the sacred places where other students and teachers from times past have built centers and shrines. It will help to connect you to your ancient past — and open possibilities to your future. Take pilgrimages to the holy centers of humanity and see the wonders created by nature. Wander in reverence throughout the lands, among the peoples, and fully ENJOY the adventure.

 

B.  Reflections in the Face of Time

 

In times of reflection, study the lives of spiritual leaders, saints and mystics: perhaps they can be as mentors to you through their writings and examples. Though their legacy is of courage and strength, you may also find that their lives were fraught with struggle and pain. Hurt and suffering may have been a necessary ingredient — or even the catapult — to spiritual heights. This pattern is a common factor with holy women and men throughout time, and from all lands and civilizations. Spiritual courses hold little — if any — personal glory in a worldly sense. Certainly, after their death some spiritual leaders are recognized and revered, but during their lives the opposite is more often the rule. For every recorded life of a spiritual leader (whether in story or in legend), there could be hundreds who lived, did great works, and died virtually un­known. Though history may fail to record their lives, it IS stored and recorded in the deep memory of that person, and within those people who were touched, helped, or healed by that one. The lesson — love and giving — is what is most important, not necessarily a paragraph in a history book.

Perhaps those spiritual leaders were just too far ahead of us, and of their time. Some challenged the political establishments of their era. Others questioned the temporal religious powers, and were branded as witches or heretics. Though the spiritual path be a lonely and desolate trek at times, there are sublime moments of enlightenment and wonder.

As challenging or as easy as your spiritual jour­ney may be, it is the BEST course to help you to graduate from Earth School into the University of Eter­nity.

 

C.  Preparing for Your Next Adventure

 

In this Earth School, perhaps you are ready for your next lesson, your next homework project. This assignment is to help you to make a better connection with your inner child. There is, deep within you and within every other person, a timeless aspect — your eternal self. This part of you reaches far beyond the boundaries of time. Each person also has an inner quality of wisdom and strength, beyond the limits of present time and location.

This Inner Adventure will assist you in making a stronger connection with those parts of you that are already within, and will draw them out for your ben­efit. This is not a session to work with psychological problems or to heal a “wounded” part of your youth. Did you have a happy childhood? Not everyone did; and sad to say, some people have no pleasant memory to their early years.

This guided adventure begins with remembering a time when you felt safe and comfortable. If you can­not find such a time in your memory, just imagine how wonderful it would be IF there had been such a time. Essentially, you are using your constructive imagination to bring a feeling of safety and comfort — this feeling allows you to open yourself, to start trusting yourself and your inner guid­ance more carefully.

Use the guidelines from the previous Inner Adven­ture for making a cassette tape of the following script. After completing the session, fill in the analysis sheet that follows. Write in your journal about the insights and information that come to you, or from you. Even if the insight might be subtle, be sure to log it in; if information should flow in abundance, be thankful.

The Inner Adventure is designed for your personal use, but you may also read it to friends, to loved ones, or to a study group. Remember to time all pauses for one FULL minute (or more). Read the script slowly at one-third the usual rate of speech. Read it dis­tinctly.

 

D.  Embracing Your Eternal Child — The Incredible Healing Power of Love — An Inner Adventure

 

Before we start, make yourself comfortable so that you can relax and be at ease without distractions for about 40 minutes.

We'll begin the exercise by taking two full min­utes for you to relax, allowing you to use your favor­ite method of relaxation. If you have worked with Edgar Cayce’s material, you may wish to use his head and neck exercises. If you’ve done any Yoga or deep breathing exercises, use those. If you have a favorite method of self-hypnosis, use it. If you do not have a favorite method, I suggest that you just remember a time when you really felt safe and comfortable. If you don’t remember a time like that, just imagine how wonderful it would be if there had been a time when you truly felt safe, comfortable, and at peace.

 

(Pause full two minutes)

 

Now, with your eyes closed, it becomes easier and easier for you to become more and more aware of a number of things that could often go overlooked or even unnoticed. Thoughts, feelings, sensations, im­pressions —just remember now to breathe deeply and smoothly, for deep breathing is one of the most an­cient and also one of the most effective forms of relax­ation there is. So remember to breathe deeply and smoothly throughout the entire exercise. Just allow yourself to drift pleasantly and easily. You don’t have to think, or to move about, or to make any sort of ef­fort. You don’t even have to try to listen to me, because your subconscious is here and can hear every word. You are about to enter a magical realm — please leave all doubts safely behind — then proceed.

As you take another deep breath, just experience the feeling of letting go — just letting go. Becoming more in perfect harmony, more centered with every breath you take.

Can you remember being a child and going to school? (Pause) If you recall a pleasant, happy memory, your mouth automatically forms a little smile. A smile comes easily and naturally with the memory.

As a child, did you dream? Can you dream here again, as when you were a child? Perhaps in the dream, you may be walking along the shore by the water’s edge with your bare feet in the sand. Feels cool, but good. Feel the warm sun shining on your skin; there is a cool breeze that balances the warmth of the sun. And there go the sea gulls. Are they laughing? Spontaneous joy and laughter. And as the dream continues, you also continue to go deeper and deeper, softly into the season of gentle dreams. Perhaps you may remember a special song or a tune from your childhood, and that song or tune echoes deep, deep within. Don’t analyze your responses, just allow the tune or music to return pleasantly.

 

(Pause one minute)

 

If you don’t recall a favorite song or tune from your youth or childhood, perhaps you can recall the tune and words of “Row, row, row your boat, gen­tly down the stream.”

 

(Pause one minute)

 

The melody takes you even deeper within, deeper into your dream. And there is another dream within the dream. The dream of your eternal self, your eter­nal child. That carefree, innocent part of you — the part of you that is eager to learn, eager to experience, eager to grow, eager to love, to be loved. Connect now with your inner child, that joyful, wonderful, innocent part of you, and I'll be quiet while you enjoy this experience.

 

(Pause one minute)

 

You may now even wish to communicate with your inner child, or to embrace this child and to ex­perience the incredible healing power of love.

 

(Pause one minute)

 

Your child may even wish to give you a gift, some­thing tangible or intangible — a word, a phrase — I don’t know what your gift will be, but receive the gift now from your inner child.

 

(Pause one minute)

 

Hold your gift close, in fullness and thankfulness. You may even wish to wrap it around your heart so that you may keep it always. Thank your inner child for your gift.

Now as the dream progresses, you can continue to walk along the water’s edge. In the innocence of the child are the wisdom and strength of the universe.

Now the dream beckons you to a river — the river of life — down through the shadows of millions of yesterdays flow the waters of a life everlasting. Now when you’re ready, you may float upon the waters of life. And you go to the very source — to the headwa­ters, the wellspring. Notice the air. It may be rarefied, but it leaves you with a feeling of wonderment. There is excitement here - and strength and wisdom, for this is the abode of your higher self, the very highest as­pects of your being. Here is your holy woman or your wise man within — the sage, the counselor — the friend who watches over and helps you, guides you, and protects you — your most special and wonderful friend. Greet this holy man or wise woman within. You may wish to communicate with your mentor — so I will be quiet while you do so.

 

(Pause one minute)

 

You may even wish to embrace your wise counse­lor or mentor. Permission is given, and once again, you experience the incredible healing power of love.

 

(Pause one minute)

 

This wise being also has a special gift for you. Receive your gift now from the holy man or the wise woman.

 

(Pause one minute)

 

Receive your gift in fullness and in thankfulness. Wrap it around your heart also, if you wish, so that you may bring it back with you. Now bid farewell to this spiritual being, with the understanding that you may return here at any time you desire.

And now the dream fades and melts into the river of life with its everlasting waters, and brings you into your very own home, or dwelling place. It feels good to be here — to be back. In your home or on your land, you may wish to create a special place, a sacred place for rest and repose — of relaxation and peace. How do you do this? First, simply find a favorite place, a certain area or section that has a special meaning to you. Then, perhaps you can bring a candle or two, but even that is not necessary. Bring, perhaps, a shell that you once found — or someone gave you — from the seashore. Bring a special rock, a mineral or crystal. Bring a feather — bring anything you wish to your sacred place.

 

(Pause for one minute)

 

Surround yourself with the sacred objects of your life or reminders of other lives. Those sacred objects are called sacraments. Bring a picture of a friend or a loved one — a memento from some enchanted time or place — from a special vacation, perhaps. Bring a picture of a holy person, a sage, or a special healer. Bring a mirror so that you can look deeply into your soul. There are no rules; there are no regulations. When you create a family altar or a home temple, you bring whatever your heart inspires you to bring. Bring the gift that you Just received from your inner child. Bring also the gift that you received from your inner counselor. And if you wish, you may bring a loved one or a special friend to your sanctuary — Angels may come also. If you build it, if you will it, they will come.

 

(Pause for one minute)

 

This private sanctuary is where you come to re­energize — to center yourself, to focus on your ideals. It feels good to come here. It is a place where you take time to enjoy and to have fun. So I will be quiet now, so that you may envision - or mentally create - your sacred sanctuary.

 

(Pause for one minute)

 

And just imagine that this is already accom­plished — that you already have built your sacred and special place. Now the dream melts into another dream — a dream within a dream — which is in yet another dream, the dream we call “life.” For is life not a dream?

And as you begin coming back from the dream, walking along the water’s edge, the songs of your youth echo deeply within. And it’s sometimes hard to realize when one dream ends and another begins —just as when one life ends and another begins. In just a short while after you end this current life, this life itself may seem like just a dream. What you per­ceive as reality may become nebulous and vague. Reality melts into the dream as dreams create your next reality. Even more amazing revelations may dawn in some future life. If you experience a regression in that life, you may wonder whether you are “just imag­ining” the current life.

Now it is time to begin returning to this interest­ing dream we call the present day — our current re­ality. Bring yourself up slowly. Bring back your spe­cial gifts. Bring back with you all that was helpful. Let the dreamer awaken. Just take all the time you wish.

 

E.            Embracing Your Eternal Child — An Analysis

 

Writing the answers to these questions will bring fur­ther insights:

 

Now that you have completed this Inner Adventure, what are your feelings?

 

 

What did you bring back that can help you?

 

 

What did you process? What are your reflections?

 

 

Write what you’d like to investigate further. Would you like to talk to parents or any grandparents for confir­mation of information?

 

 

What will you now DO with the information and in­sights?

 

 

What message and gift did your inner child give to you?

 

 

What was the message and gift of your mentor?

 

 

Will you actually build a home sanctuary or keep it at a symbolic level?

 

 

What did you receive in this session that you didn’t expect to receive?

 


Chapter VII

The Soul’s Remembrances

(Inner Adventure)

 

A.           All Things to Your Remembrance

 

As we approach the beginning of a new century —and a new millennium — a grass-roots revolution is taking place in human consciousness. It is a peaceful revolution in human potential and spiritual vision, a revolution in healing the whole person — beyond what we experience in the physical and mental realms —which reaches into the heart of a deeper reality. As a part of this revolution, brave new plans are birthing, old institutions are dying, entire nations are turning, and people everywhere are growing. Change is every­where; almost everything, as everyone, is experiencing profound changes. What was once feared is now open to the light of day.

My work is an exploration deep into the very soul of humanity itself. I feel fortunate to be a part of this healing revolution. I am a past-life researcher, and as such, I would like to share my unique perspective of a quest for discovery.

When I began this strange and wonderful career, the title of “past-life researcher” did not exist. My early goal to be a priest was nurtured as I grew up in a Catholic family, even as was my sister who has been a nun all of her adult life. We both were imbued with the idea that we could help humanity in a spiritual way. As a teenager and an avowed television watcher, I decided that the life of a detective was for me. Al­though that goal was never achieved, I have discovered that I am actually a detective of sorts, in­vestigating clues, which involve the mysteries of time and of the soul. I sincerely pray that my work helps others to grow spiritually.

In spite of a thirty year search, I still have much to learn. In fact, it seems that my search is still just beginning. The secrets of the ages are not revealed in the blink of an eye in cosmic time. During those years I have gained much insight through exhaustive test­ing and research. Certain peak episodes have been experienced which I would like to share with you.

The belief in past lives is centuries old; but, the methods of testing and exploring this belief are mod­ern. Edgar Cayce, probably the greatest psychic of modern times — if not of all time — gave life readings for hundreds of people. He is credited with hundreds of psychic readings in which he stated that each of those people had all experienced numerous lifetimes, and most would return again and again to the physi­cal world. In a few readings he said that a certain soul had reached a proper state of development and need not incarnate again.

While in a psychic trance he stated repeatedly that we are far more than merely physical beings who pos­sess a sense of identity or ego. He reported that we are immortal, spiritual beings who, from time to time, tem­porarily inhabit a physical body in the Earth plane. He suggested that an evaluation of one’s past lives would enable one to make better progress in the current life.

 

B.           Spiritual Pioneering

 

Modern hypnosis now presents us with a relatively new method to explore the “inner space” which includes the heart, the mind and the uncharted sanc­tuary of our deeper selves. Past-life researchers, using a “mind awake, body asleep” state of consciousness, work to bring out Information and emotions that are already in one’s mind. Hypnotists are not magicians; we put nothing in, but simply draw out what is al­ready there. That information may come from the present life, a past life, or even life seen from a future perspective.

Bringing a past problem or pattern into awareness is the first step. That way it can be encountered hon­estly and released, solving the problem or changing the pattern. In some cases this can be accomplished in one or two sessions. Often, multiple sessions are required to achieve complete success.

People vary widely in their responses to initial regression experiences. The secret is in the level of trust. For some, the vision is clear. Emotions and feel­ings are strong; even hearing and smelling are acute. Pictures unfold easily. For others, it is like looking through a glass darkly. It could take several sessions for some to accept themselves fully.

In those sessions people begin to fit together the jigsaw pieces of their puzzled pasts. But even most importantly, they discover the positive patterns of their own pasts, their eternal gifts, and the wonderful tal­ents waiting deep within which they may not have recognized. There is far more depth to the human mind than we can possibly imagine.

Past-life memories are like gifts from the inner mind, or pieces of a puzzle. Regressionists work like Sherlock Holmes. They are meticulous detectives who search and assemble the clues of time and place. As disciplined detectives, they decipher and decode the territory of mind and its long-term memory. With time and work, one may fit the pieces of the past together to form a full picture.

Such insight does not “prove” a past life (or lives) to anyone but themselves. Attempting to verify the authenticity of past lives is like trying to prove the existence of love. Most people would agree that love exists; yet, how can it be proved? Can you explain why you love someone? Which of the five senses can you rely upon for evidence? If you cannot prove the exist­ence of love, does this stop you from experiencing it? Furthermore, is it necessary for you to believe in love in order to share its rewards? Of course not! The real question is not proof, but spiritual evolvement. Love, like past-life memory, is simply to experience and to enjoy — to study, to learn, to utilize, and to grow.

Our research is controversial because the impli­cations are so profound. If, in fact, we do live numer­ous lives, then our present actions and insights take on far more importance in long-term reality. Many are not ready for this responsibility. Thus, it is much easier for them to discount the entire concept. Avoid­ance requires little effort; it is always easier to dis­credit than to study and to learn.

 

C.  Critical Mind or Compassionate Soul?

 

There is good reason for skepticism in all fields of science and discovery; but, equally essential is the need to be open-minded. Debunkers always have de­cried those who assert that they have lived before as someone famous. In my three decades of active regres­sion and past-life exploration, not once have I encoun­tered a person who reported being famous (or infa­mous) in a past life. The recalled experiences are, most often, those of common people performing everyday activities and leading normal lives.

Authentic past-life exploration is the study of the history of individuals, replete with the events, struggles, accomplishments, creations, foibles, and adventures of humanity. Everything in human expe­rience comes to light in regression. The soul may have grown during terrible times, or stagnated in the best of times. The interrelationships among people can be the driving force that connects all events. The great­est discovery is that, at the level of mind, all people everywhere are interconnected, and all are similarly connected to God.

Although numerous therapists in the mental health field are rightly impressed with the healing aspects of regression therapy, for me, it is still, prima­rily, a work of the soul and spirit — one of demonstrat­ing God’s great love for humanity. The immense popu­larity of past-life regression has been realized because people are discovering important new answers to an­cient queries. The mind stands ready to yield great secrets, if relevant questions are asked. Each mind is like a time capsule — a vast treasure trove of wonder, experience, and expression.

Who can benefit from regression or progression? Anyone who has ever asked those two questions which beg for answers: “What did I do to deserve this?”, “Why am I going through this again?”, questions which, up until now, have been purely rhetorical. Today, using modern hypnoregression techniques, we may begin a search for the answers to those questions. The search requires vision and foresight. It can reward us with great insight and understanding. In my own search, I have gained knowledge and experience, and have at­tempted to refine my own skills and techniques toward the purpose of helping to guide others in their quests for discovery. It is a work of great responsibility, re­quiring total integrity for mending hearts and minds, and for healing ancient wounds.

Reading about new possibilities gives knowledge; studying gives purpose. Applying knowledge, along with purpose, brings wisdom. Wisdom can be gained only through experience — not in a classroom, nor from books — but only in real-life lessons of “Earth School.”

Beliefs once held as absolute truth in the past have changed as new knowledge is revealed. Unfortu­nately, there always will be those who, out of fear, ignorance, or foolishness, distrust new discoveries and resist change. Often, the very people who most loudly demand proof are those who adamantly refuse to see the truth when it is there before their eyes.

As we continue this great work of discovery, we must acknowledge all those pioneers who have gone courageously before us. It is with their spirit of adven­ture that we must strive to trace the pathways of the mind and to advance our understanding. Brave new trails are being opened into the heart of our deeper reality. I encourage you to venture deeply within your mind, to explore the highway of the soul. Approach the unknown with respect, high ideals, and trust in God.

 

D.           Origins of Your Patterns

 

You may ask, “How can I learn from my past if I don’t remember it?” Or, “How can I learn from my mistakes if I don’t recall them?” Good questions. We could just as easily ask, “How are you linked to your ancestors even though you don’t remember them?” Or, “Where do our instincts come from?” Those questions could continue, but to what advantage? Those who accept the continuity of life need no further proof. Skeptics will continue to live by their codes of skep­ticism. Each is entitled to his or her own reality sys­tem.

The reality of past lives is not the most important question; the application of what is learned from the subconscious is of primary importance. How can this study help us to become happier, healthier and wiser individuals? How can this research lead us to the re­alization of our unconscious patterns, our talents or our shortcomings?

For myself, the work with past lives has been the most productive work over a lifetime. I cannot predict what it will or will not bring to you. If you acknowledge and appreciate whatever you are given —whether a little or a lot — then you open the door to more. For some people, the inner mind gives only a little at first, almost as a test to see what they will do with that information. In subsequent sessions, more and more is given.

With a few sessions completed, major patterns will begin to surface or will come to light. You will soon recognize those patterns as habits or beliefs from deep within yourself. Regressions are like spiritual evalua­tion sessions. They allow you to chart or to measure your progress in the Earth School continuing educa­tional program.

 

E.            Remembering Who You Are

 

Assuming that you have completed the chapters on IDEALS and EMBRACING YOUR ETERNAL CHILD, and have used your tapes, you are now ready for your third Inner Adventure - THE SOUL’S REMEM­BRANCES. Here is an inner adventure that can bring fuller understanding of your higher self; the You that encompasses numerous lives and countless experi­ences.

The adventure progresses — there is a quickening and a feeling of excitement each time we take the sacred journey, deep within, to our stored memories. This is not a journey over distance or time, but a jour­ney through the dimensions of your being. The pathway is TRUST, the purpose is forgiveness through enlightenment.

Regressions respond to the rhythmic beat of your ancient heart — they are the true “roots” of your deeper self. Progressions are the fruits of your tomorrows —even though those fruits are still buds. Progressions are the history of your future. They are your road to spiritual recovery: A HEALING JOURNEY.

 

F.            Remembering the Future

 

Throughout history, people have been fascinated, tantalized, and awed by life’s greatest mystery: death. The inevitability of death and fear of its unknown af­termath bring apprehension and dread to many. What happens when one dies? What becomes of one’s iden­tity, one’s personality, one’s ego, when the transition is made to the state of death? Many people fear that at death their identities will be annihilated and that the consciousness of being a unique individual will be lost forever. This mystery and the concerns that it causes have prompted virtually every civilization —from the ancient Egyptians and the early Eastern re­ligions to those of modern times — to try to answer this question, hoping to provide comfort and reassurance to their followers.

Most religions teach that there is an existence after death, but not all agree on its form. There is no way to prove (or disprove) their teachings; belief has always been a matter of faith. In modern times, however, in spite of skepticism, and even hostility in some cases, several enlightened researchers have been making efforts to unravel this mystery and have had encouraging results. There are many documented cases which suggest that individuals have re-entered the physical world with memories of a past life. There are also thousands of documented cases of what is known as a “Near Death Experience,” in which people have been pronounced “clinically dead,” but then re­turned to their bodies reporting startlingly similar experiences, all suggesting that there is an existence beyond the material plane.

What can we do to improve our lives and to pre­pare better for the death experience and the life be­yond? Hospice is a highly respected international or­ganization of professionals and volunteers who assist people through the process of dying. In my training to be a hospice volunteer, I was taught that most of us wait until our final days to evaluate our lives. Sadly, at that stage it is too late to make many changes. Thanks to Dr. Milton H. Erickson, along with other pioneers and innovators in healing and hypno­sis, people can now evaluate their lives while there is still time to do something constructive.

During the next guided exercise a safe, spiritual environment is created for maximum accomplishment. The exercise will take you on an extraordinary journey of discovery and enlightenment. It begins with a review of short-term present life events, and then proceeds to explore long-term, past-life memories. The past and present are assimilated through a dialogue for appli­cation and betterment. You are then guided safely to pre-view the future of your present life. Future insights or prophecies are “probabilities,” or “possibilities,” based upon your current ideals and directions. Future potentials can always be changed by your actions, decisions, and free will.

You also can choose to envision the events and circumstances that lead to your death, and even rise above the death experience itself. From this unique perspective, you honestly and wisely can evaluate the gains and losses of this lifetime.

Objectively studying your death experiences (both past-life and present-life future) allays any fear of death and teaches the “continuity of life.” Self-hypno­sis, used spiritually, is one of the safest approaches to soul exploration — past, present, and future. This is an enriching adventure of self-discovery and spiritual purpose.

The following 14 steps will help you to understand the regression and progression procedure. Then, make your tape. You’ll need an hour length tape, or a tape that has 60 minutes on one side. Use your tape only about once a month, as you need ample time to as­similate the meaning and lessons of each session.

 

G.           Accessing the Soul’s Remembrances

 

1.            Inner Adventure Procedure

 

This Inner Adventure begins with Age Regression exercises from your current life. Then you will proceed to a past-life that is pertinent and meaningful to your current work with Patterns. You will analyze the Soul Lessons and then complete the Forgiveness exercises.

Next you can explore present life in the future. If you wish to continue, you may progress to the death experience, not in a macabre manner, but as a heal­ing and helpful exercise.

There are 14 basic steps in past-life exploration sessions. The depth level of self-hypnosis varies with each individual, as does the pace and timing. Every­one responds with his or her own temperament, style, and experience.

Here are the steps.

Each step flows naturally into the next:

 

1.            Self-Hypnosis — entering your own relaxed, recep­tive, 100% natural level of mind. This experience belongs to YOU. You do the real work. You are in con­trol. You accept or reject anything you wish.

Begin with progressive relaxation, relaxing first the head, then the rest of your body in sequence, working to the toes. This method first relaxes the head and mind — the rest of the body follows easily. As you count down, you easily reach your natural level of relaxation. This is the Alpha state; there is no hurry, so don’t rush.

 

2.            Present-life Regression — you recall or process pleasant memories from your life, if possible. A few individuals have no pleasant memories. In this case one could recall youthful memories of family, friends, or of going to school.

There are two common types of recall: detached and total immersion. To illustrate each, you might recall stubbing a toe. In detachment you might say, “I remember that I stubbed my toe.” In Immersion you exclaim, “Ouch! I stubbed my toe!” — you relive the event.

Detached narrative is more frequent. Some people respond in both detached and immersed modes as they process information.

 

3.            Prenatal Regression — you recall the time just before birth.

 

4.            Blue Mist Experience — here you experience the dimension between your current life and a previous life. Many perceive it as a “blue mist,” others as a light of varying shades, yet others as a mist of different colors. Any way you perceive it is correct for you. Most people experience peace, detachment, and timeless­ness; a timeless place in a place-less time.

You may bring all things to your remembrance as you journey upon the “avenue of the heart.” This is a spiritual exercise, not an intellectual one. You’ll find much satisfaction and accomplishment in working with your emotional and spiritual memory.

 

5.            Entering the Past Life — with your eyes closed, you mentally look down at your feet and note what you are wearing there, if anything. If you perceive several kinds of footwear, you may be trying to process several lives — choose one.

If your perceptions are predominantly visual in that life, you’ll SEE your feet. If more kinesthetic, you’ll FEEL what’s on your feet. If you’re more audi­tory, you’ll HEAR inner promptings or information.

Going slowly up the body, “What are you wearing? How does it look? How does it feel?”

 

6.            Processing the Life — TRUST what you are now given, what you receive or perceive. Let the story tell itself; just “step aside” and allow the information to come in its own way, at its own pace.

There is no foretelling what life you will relive, nor your race, religion, gender, or personality. Each per­son has had many lives and has been different char­acters in each of them. Some have been notable and some notorious. Most were as ordinary as we are in our present life. Specific dates, places, and names are not as important as the major events of a life. More feeling and emotion are associated with significant events than with details of time, place or “coins of the realm.”

Simple open-ended questions prompt a wealth of information and clear memory. i.e. “What happens next?” “What’s going on now?” “What are you doing?”

 

7.            Death Experience — a safe and positive way to complete the life’s memory. You detach from any physical pain or discomfort and view the actual death with calm and detachment. You may respond with curiosity and interest as you look down upon your lifeless face and body. Now comes a realization of spiritual immortality.

Some souls seem to linger for a while without knowing quite where to go or what to. Some go to a light, others have departed friends or family waiting for them. Some reported that after just a few days the lifetime started to seem as if it were just a dream. One woman drifted to her far-off childhood home, hoping to resolve childhood conflicts with her brother. Her spirit was seen by the brother, but he could not hear her.

 

8.            Soul Lessons — the lessons learned from your deep past are the most important reasons for this work. The reasons for a life may be unclear, but the lessons and patterns profound. You may discover tal­ents and values you have not recognized or appreci­ated. Many find reservoirs of generosity, patience, service, or other qualities for which they rarely give themselves credit. They come away with knowledge that builds understanding and self-esteem. Names and dates are only the bones of the past; soul lessons are the lasting gift of life.

 

9.            Forgiveness — release anger and grief, allow spiri­tual and emotional traumas to heal with those exer­cises. This is a time to experience love and gratitude for past-life relationships with friends and lovers. Es­pecially forgive those who have hurt you, or that you have hurt.

Mentally look into the eyes of each person from that life and send love and forgiveness. You bless them, release them and let them fade.

Take plenty of time for this important step, there is no rush. You may hold an inner dialogue to inte­grate past-life self with present-life self. Some people desire to give themselves a specific activity or task to help in forgiveness of self or of others. Any way you wish to do this is correct for you, as you are guided by your ideals and higher wisdom.

 

10.          Return through Blue Mist — bringing back with you something special, a gift, a lesson learned, or a positive pattern realized.

 

11.          Protective Suggestions — you retain in your con­scious mind only that which is important, helpful, and beneficial. On rare occasions someone may choose to pass through a “veil of forgetfulness” and not bring back any conscious memory of the life.

 

12.          Return to Present - Onward to Future — returning to current time and place; or, you may progress ahead in time. It is possible to gain valuable foresight in processing the present-life future, even evaluating the present life from the perspective of going beyond its completion. Patterns, lessons, and opportunities of the current life are examined. Future progression exercise is optional, included only if you wish to do it.

 

13.          Wake-up Procedure — suggestions for total nor­malization, adapted to your own pace and well-being.

 

14.          Discussion and Evaluation of Session - you were encouraged not to evaluate the information as it un­folds, but rather to save all self-analysis for discussion after the session. Treasure the gifts you were given from your deep memory; discuss your experience with close friends or loved ones.

In discussing the information, you may find that the door to your memory is still open. It is possible that more material from the past life may come to light at this time. For some, the door remains open for days or weeks. They may dream or daydream about the life. Keep a diary or journal of those memories for further insight and understanding.

If you fell asleep during the session, then learn from that mistake. Next time, use your most energetic part of the day to do this important work, even to the point of sitting up or kneeling in an uncomfortable position.

With time and patience, as you study your past-life lessons, you can analyze your patterns and help solve problems in your current life. Each regression session is a sacred experience — a true vision quest. The experience is uniquely personal and different for everyone. Evaluate the learning for yourself by using the “Personal Evaluation and Self-Study Sheets” at the end of this chapter. Then, and only then, should you accept the validity of your own experience. Most of all, ENJOY your adventures through time. Experience the sheer JOY of discovery.

 

Alter you experience your regression sessions, whether guided by self or another, you can begin the process of synthesis:

(a)           First you observed the session or felt it or heard or perceived information and experiences and feelings.

(b)           Now, you transcribe the information into a journal, diary, or onto the appropriate sheet at the end of this chapter, entitled, “Analyzing the Life.” Who were the people? What did they do? What did you do, when — in time — was the general era of your experience? Where was the location? What did you learn? What was the lesson? Whom did you forgive?

(c)           Now you define and compare the information. Evaluate how it applies to your current life.

(d)           If possible, you might investigate that specific era of history. Check your library for historical materials and other books related to that time or place.

(e)           Finally, decide how you feel about the life itself. Do you recognize it inside you? Is it plausible, or even probable? What can you do to use this memory in your current life?

 

The time that you use now to apply those vital steps will be well spent. It will be exceedingly worth­while, rich and valuable. You will notice the evidence in the positive results harvested in the months and years to come.

Also, feel free to talk. Share your memories and experiences with trusted and loving friends. Avoid dis­cussing past-life memories with skeptics and disbe­lievers; you will find this an exercise in frustration. Share only with your dearest and most positive friends.

 

2.            Inner Adventure Exercise

 

(Read at about 1/3 your normal pace)

 

Before we start, make yourself comfortable in a place where you can relax without being disturbed for about an hour.

Now that you are ready, just look forward or up­ward; you may focus you eyes on a spot or you may choose not to focus your eyes. I am going to count down slowly from ten to one. With ev­ery descending number, just slowly blink your eyes, as if in slow motion, with every number.

Ten, that’s good, do it nice and slowly.

Nine, that’s good

Eight (2 second pause)

Seven (2 second pause)

Six (2 second pause)

Five (2 second pause)

Four (2 second pause

Three (2 second pause)

Two (2 second pause)

One.

Now just close your eyes, and I'll tell you why we did that exercise. We are go­ing to do an exercise called progressive relaxation, where we simply relax the different parts of your body sequentially. That was just to relax your eyelids. Right now, isn’t there a feeling of relaxation, or a comfort­able tired feeling in your eyelids? Whatever the feeling is, just allow that to multiply, to magnify, and to be­come greater. This is something that you do; nobody else can do it for you. So just take your time, and don’t be concerned if there is any little movement in your eyelids. That is called REM, or rapid eye movement, and it is a perfectly natural part of this experience.

Now, just allow that feeling of relaxation to move outward, as in imaginary waves or ripples, to the en­tire facial area. Just think about relaxing the face. Feel the relaxation going on outward to the entire head area, relaxing the head. Now let the relaxation flow down to your neck, to your shoulders, down the arms and into the hands, relaxing that entire area.



Take a deep breath and fill your lungs with relax­ation, and allow that relaxation to flow to the solar plexus, to your spine, slowly down your spine to your hips, to your legs, your feet, and all the way out to your toes, filling your entire body with relaxation. Now, just slow down a little bit and mentally examine your en­tire body. If there is any area that is not completely relaxed, then just allow that part to catch up and to become as relaxed as the rest.

 

(Pause a few seconds)

 

Now allow yourself to slow down just a little bit more, then a bit more, and I am going to count down­ward once again from ten to one. This time, with ev­ery descending number, just allow yourself to slow down, becoming more still, more centered, with every number, and at the count of one, enter your own natural level of relaxation. I'll count more rap­idly now — ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one.

You are now at your own natural level of relax­ation, and from this level you may move to any other level with complete awareness and may function at will, because you are in complete control at every level of your mind. This is something that you want. It is here and it is now.

 

(Pause a few seconds)

 

Now let us begin by comparing your mind to the surface of a quiet pond. On the surface every­thing looks peaceful and still, but below the surface there is great depth and much is happening. Think of my voice as a breeze whispering in the trees along the shore. (Pause briefly)

 

Not everyone realizes his or her full capacities, and you have to discover those capacities in whatever way you wish. Your subconscious mind can listen to me and, at the same time it can also deal with something else. Perhaps you can remember as a child in school, gazing out the window while the teacher was talking. (Pause) Maybe you recall walking with a friend and talking to that friend at the same time. Two separate things, yet happening at the same time. Your subconscious mind is here and can hear every word. You are in a place where you can let go safely. Just relax.

You may take a deep breath now, and you will notice that a drifting might occur. You may feel light, you may feel heavy, or you may feel that your body is asleep, although your mind is alert. There is less and less importance to be attached to my voice, and more and more significance to be given to your own inner reality, to your own inner experience. Stored deep in your subconscious mind are wonderful memories of other times and other places. Your subconscious mind can call upon and access those memories, memories you only thought you had misplaced. Experiences that you only thought you had mislaid. In due time, in your own time, your subconscious mind will reveal those memories to you in a dream, or a daydream, or sometime when you are not especially thinking about it. You may experi­ence those memories of other times and other places.


By looking deeply into the recesses of your mind, you can see your vision and hear the voice of your heart. With this insight, comes new growth and new understanding. Later, you can apply this knowledge to understand yourself and the world better. In a mo­ment now, we can begin a series of exercises that will lead into memory recall and future possibilities.

You may begin by moving yourself backward in time, going back now to a time when you are about 15 years old. You are about 15 years old now. Choose a pleasant, happy memory of that time, if possible. You will find it is very easy for you. Choose one specific memory or one specific event you wish to pro­cess from the time you were about 15. Note what is happening. (Pause) What are you doing? What do you see or feel?

I'll be quiet now to give you ample time to en­joy your event. You may hear voices, you may see or sense other people. The images may be in vivid color as in a cinema movie, or they may be black and white, or only vague outlines. You may hear memories whis­pered in your inner ear, or you may only sense the memory. It really doesn’t matter how you perceive the memory, just let it happen. You are about 15 years old now. What is happening?

 

(45 second pause)

 

Now take this memory with you as you continue to move backward to the time you are about four or five years old. Again, choose a pleasant, happy memory, an impression, an episode, an experience in your life, then focus on that memory, look at it clearly. See what you are wearing; become aware of any people around you. Look around and listen to what is going on. Reach down deeply and feel it. You are now four or five years old. What are you doing? (Pause) What do you see or feel, or even hear, as you are about four or five? Again I'll be quiet while you process your ex­perience.

 

(45 second pause)

 

Take that memory with you also as you continue going back, very quickly, through the years of three, two, and one, moving on through the time of your birth and going to that very safe, warm, and secure place where nothing can harm you. A place where you feel surrounded, protected, and loved. This is a good place, a place of development and growth. (Pause)

Now you find that you can go on beyond this, going into the Blue Mist; the Blue Mist surrounds you and protects you. The Blue Mist is a time of inner peace, of quiet movement, of gentle sounds and easy rhythms. It is a time of renewal, and a time of great patience. The Blue Mist is a time without measure­ment, a place without distance or boundaries: a time­less place in a place-less time.

The Blue Mist is really the avenue from the heart to the infinite. Even though you are so very com­fortable and happy here, a part of you longs for some­thing more. A part of you longs for activity and expe­rience, and this longing grows to become a great de­sire. This desire guides you to look toward the horizon, or through a long tunnel, or to walk down a long corridor. You perceive a light. You realize that the light is good, so you begin going, growing toward the light.


You travel toward the light, not on the pathway of the head or the intellect, but on the pathway of the heart and feelings. For through the avenue of the heart, all things are revealed to you. Soon you come into the light. The light comes in through the top of your head and fills your entire being with light. The light heals you, it surrounds you and protects you, and you feel the life energies throughout your entire being.

You take a deep breath now. You go beyond the Blue Mist and find yourself at a still earlier time. You look downward and place your feet firmly on the earth in fullness of strength. This happens quite automati­cally, without any effort or forethought on your part. Simply allow it to happen.

As you step firmly onto the earth in fullness of strength, mentally look down and note what you are wearing on your feet. What do you perceive on your feet? (Pause one minute) Going slowly up your body, note what you are wearing. How does it look or feel? Feel the texture, see the colors. (One minute pause) TRUST the impressions that you receive, even though it might seem like imagination, at first.

Do you have anything on your head? (Pause) Do you have anything in your hands? (Pause) What gender are you? (Pause) What are you doing? How do you feel? Let the story tell itself.

 

(Pause for one minute)

 

Now in your mind’s eye, slowly look around the place where you are standing, and make a mental note of what you see. Look around and note what you perceive. Again, I'll be quiet while you make a com­plete turn, looking in all directions about you, mak­ing a note of the important things that you see. Pro­cess the information and record it so you can bring it back later.

 

(Pause one minute).

 

Note your home or dwelling place. (one minute).

 

And now, you may look for other people, or a time when you feel yourself near or with other people. Make a note of the people, your impressions, and feelings. Perhaps there is someone special, someone with whom you have a close bond, an affinity, or a strong connec­tion.

 

(Pause one minute)

 

Now look for some vehicle of transportation, some­thing you might have ridden on or in, something that feels familiar when you sit in or on it. Or note anything that others are using for transportation. Make a note of the methods of transportation.

 

(Pause one minute)

 

At this time you might also wish to taste some food. What are you eating? Can you smell the food cooking? Can you taste it? Make a note of it; record the information.

 

(Pause one minute)

 

Now, if you listen carefully, you may hear your own name being spoken by a friend or someone call­ing out to you. What do they call you? What is your work or profession? What are you learning?

 

(Pause one minute)

 

As you look for clues, can you tell what land this is? Perhaps you can perceive what century or what period this is. Record this information. (Pause)

Now move to the time of an important event in your life, a significant episode. Note what is happen­ing. (Pause) What do you see or feel? (Pause) Do you hear any sounds, or notice any smells? (Pause one minute) Move now to the next important event or an­other significant time in that life. What is happening now? (Pause) What are you doing? (Pause one minute)

You may move now to the event and circum­stances that lead to your death, and to the death ex­perience itself. Detach yourself from any physical pain or discomfort but note the events and the death expe­rience, itself. (Pause one minute) As you pass from that life, you may float safely and gently above your body and above the life, going to that timeless place and placeless time where all things are revealed clearly in all their fullness.

From this higher perspective, what were the lessons you learned from this life? (Pause) How did you grow? (Pause) What could you have done better? (Pause) What brought you the greatest happiness or fulfillment in the life? (Pause) What caused the most sadness or hurt? (Pause) What did you learn or ac­complish in that life that can help you in your present life? (Pause)

In light of those new discoveries and understand­ing, please relay a message from your past-life self to your present-life self. What does your past-life self wish to communicate to the present-life self? (Pause) In return, give a message from your present-life self to your past-life self. (Pause) What does the present you say to that part of your past? (Pause)

What task or activity could you perform in your current life that would help to heal and to balance that life? (Pause one minute)

Now look into the eyes of that past-life self from your present eyes and send your blessings, your love, and your compassion. (Pause) Bless that part of you and let it fade. Look also into the eyes of everyone you saw, those you have loved, that person who was spe­cial to you, and send love. And as you do this impor­tant step, as you bless them and send them your love, release them, let them fade. As they fade, let them go as they bless and forgive you. Let the veil slowly drop. Allow the curtain to close slowly. Allow a full healing of that life and that time. (Pause one minute)

Now as you prepare for the journey back, you will bring back with you only that which is helpful and beneficial for you in this life. Bring back something holy or special — a gem of wisdom, but only what you want. You may release other feelings, memories, or impressions now, and retain in your conscious mind only that which is important, helpful, and beneficial for you to retain at this time.

Now slowly you return through the Blue Mist, traveling on the avenue of the heart, where all things are revealed to you through that warm and safe place where nothing can harm you — returning through the levels of your mind and bringing back the information that you have recorded. Slowly come back through the years into what we call the present life.

Now move forward in time to five years from now. (Give the current date.) What is happening now? (Pause) What do you see? What do you feel? What is going on? (Pause) Now move forward to ten years from now. It is now ten years later than the current year, trust the impressions. What are you doing? (Pause) What is happening?

(Pause) Move on forward to the time of an impor­tant event in your life beyond 2010. What are you doing? (Pause) What is happening? (Pause one minute)

The final exercise is optional, only if you wish to do it. You have full understanding and realization that death is merely the next step in every life. With this understanding, if you wish, you may move to the events and circumstances leading to your death. What are the events and circumstances that lead to your death and the death experience? (Pause one minute) now as you review your present life from beyond death, what was a pattern or lesson of this life? (Pause 30 seconds) How did you gain or grow in this life? (Pause 30 seconds) How did you lose, or what could you have done better? (Pause 30 seconds) What brought you the greatest happiness or fulfillment? (Pause 30 seconds) What caused you the most sadness or hurt? (Pause 30 seconds) What were your greatest strengths — what worked well? (Pause 30 seconds)

Remember this information so that you may bring it back with you in order that it may be of help and betterment in your eternal journey, in your evolution through time and timeless time.

It is now time for you to return to what we call the present time, this day and this place. As you return, realize that you have done very well. You have opened in trust and thankfulness. In a little while, I'll count from one to ten. As I count, reorient yourself fully into the present, and at the count of ten you will be wide-awake, refreshed, feeling better than before.

I'll count very slowly:

One, stepping firmly and fully into the present.

Two, feel total normalization at every level of your being.

Three, feel the life energies returning to your ex­tremities.

Four, you may wish to move your hands, feet, or neck.

Five

Six

Seven, coming up to your full potential.

Eight, reenergizing.

Nine, Revitalized, and

Ten, slowly open your eyes. You are wide awake, wide awake. Welcome back!

Now it’s time to synthesize the information you received. Gather your subconscious memories and put them into written form. The process of writing them will help to open even more impressions and feelings, and it will sharpen your recall. You could draw or sketch scenes or objects that you saw.

Later, when you can evaluate that information, you can begin the process of slowly and wisely changing your behaviors. Changing behaviors will change patterns. Take realistic steps, proceeding from a place of strength based upon your new-found knowledge and guided by your ideals.


H.           Personal Evaluation

 

1.            Self-Study Sheets

 

Note:       Use extra paper, or you may list questions and your answers in a personal journal.

 

1.            Session date. Who guided this session?

 

2.            Write a little about your present-life memories processed in the session.

 

3.            How did you perceive the “Blue Mist” or the time between lives?

 

4.            What did you have on your feet? What clothing were you wearing?

 

5.            Describe your home or dwelling place.

 

6.            Who were the people involved in the life?

 

7.            What was a major event in your life?

 

8.            Another significant event?

 

9.            What was a method of transportation?

 

10.          What was your occupation or activity?

 

11.          Describe the circumstances leading to your death, and the death experience itself.



12.          What happened after you died?

 

13.          What were the most important lessons from that life?

 

14.          What talents or abilities did you refine or de­velop?

 

15.          What made you the happiest or gave the great­est fulfillment in the life?

 

16.          What caused the most sadness or hurt?

 

17.          What could you have done better?

 

18.          Did you visually bless the other people in the life and forgive them?

 

19.          Did you hold an inner dialogue with aspects of your eternal self?

 

20.          Did you give yourself a forgiveness task? If so, explain.

 

21.          Which pattern(s) were you working with in the life? What were the origins or “root causes?”

 

22.          It is not crucial, but interesting, to see if you can recall a probable time frame and geographical area of the life lived.

 


23.          Were there any people in that life whom you rec­ognize in your current life? What were their roles then, and now?

 

24.          Was that life one that you had knowledge of be­fore the session?

 

25.          Were you able to apply the lessons and patterns of that life to your present circumstances?

 

26.          Is there anything you would like to write or sketch about the future?



2.            Analyzing the Life: Story Frame

 

Synopsis of the life (briefly explain the life):

 

 

 

How did you gain or grow in that life?

 

 

 

How did you lose, or what could you have done better?

 

 

 

What can you bring back from that life that will help you in your current life?

 

 

 

What are your opportunities for forgiveness?

 

 

 

What specific tasks can you carry out in your current life that will help to heal or to balance the memory?

 

 

 

Which recurrent themes or patterns reflect in your current life?



CHAPTER VIII

Soul Lessons

Edgar and Gertrude Cayce

 

A.           Edgar and Gertrude Cayce

 

“Who and what is thy pattern?” (Edgar Cayce reading 357-13)

 

Of all the people who have been instrumental in the study and application of patterns and soul lessons, Edgar Cayce is outstanding. Mr. Cayce’s story is so amazing that no single biography can explain the full scope of his life and his work, It is probable that if you were to read every available book about him you would begin to gain only an in­kling of how important his work is, and how it will continue to illuminate the lives of countless future generations. (There are over three hundred books about Edgar Cayce and his work, but he wrote none of them himself!)

With no medical training and little formal school­ing, Edgar Cayce, while in self-hypnosis, astounded doctors with his holistic healing techniques and per­plexed scholars with his pioneering work in the high­est realms of Mind. He diagnosed medical problems and prescribed remedies while in trance. He was able to do so without seeing, or even knowing, the indi­viduals concerned. While in trance, he needed only to be given the name and address of a particular indi­vidual, and would give a discourse (called a reading) on the condition of that person. Not only was he able to describe with great accuracy the physical condition of the person’s body, he was able, while in this state, to look into the future and the past. In many cases, he related present physical ailments to events which had occurred in past lives.

Edgar Cayce was born in 1877 in Kentucky and spent his boyhood years on the family farm, where the fresh air and open spaces agreed with him. While still a child he developed a strong interest in the Bible and, in his preteens, resolved to read it completely through once every year for his entire life. He had a strong Christian faith and he drew upon the inspiration and guidance he found in the Scriptures, along with prayer, to aid him in discovering and in attuning him­self to God’s will.

In his youth, Cayce’s life was a simple one, typi­cal of that of most boys of his generation. Occasion­ally, however, his unusual psychic gifts became mani­fest. For example, one day, while he was alone in the woods and reading the Bible, an angel appeared to him in a vision, told him that his prayers had been answered, and asked him what he desired. He replied that he wanted to be able to help people, especially children. This desire to help others was the driving force in Cayce’s life, and, when giving readings, his primary concern was that the information be accurate and that it be beneficial to the people for whom they were given.

Edgar Cayce’s special healing gifts were used first on himself. At the age of fifteen, while playing ball at school, he was struck in the spine by a ball. The blow left him acting strangely for the rest of the day. That night, after having gone to bed, in a trance-like state he told his parents what had happened and what to do to correct the problem. They complied and the next morning he was normal, but he had no recollection of anything that had occurred since he had been struck.

In his early twenties, Cayce lost the use of his voice; for over a year he was able to converse only in a whisper. Local medical doctors were unable to help him. A traveling stage hypnotist was able, through hypnotic suggestion, to give some relief, but it was only temporary. Eventually a local man, who had taken correspondence courses in hypnosis and oste­opathy, guided him into trance. While in trance, he described the cause of his problem, and explained in a normal tone of voice that it could be corrected through certain specific suggestions. The recom­mended suggestions were made, and when he awak­ened, Cayce’s voice was normal. He remembered noth­ing that had taken place while in trance.

This experience led him in 1901 to begin giving readings for other people. He continued those read­ings, typically twice a day, for the next 43 years, until his death in 1945. The complete significance of his work is yet to be appreciated to the full extent. Even so, he is now recognized as one of the most amazing men of the twentieth century. Initially he was very reluctant to use his exceptional abil­ity.

Cayce’s intuitive healing of his own injury opened the door that led him to be a guiding light and an incredible channel of healing for others. Of the mil­lions who are familiar with Edgar’s work, few know the vital role that his wife played. Gertrude Cayce was born February 22, 1880, and died within a few months of her husband on Easter Sunday, 1945. She is revered and remembered by those who knew her for her absolute integrity and dependability.

Gertrude Cayce was a devoted wife and mother, as well as the strength behind Edgar’s work. He would never have achieved what he did were it not for this remarkable woman. She carefully avoided the glare of publicity and drew no attention to herself. During the forty-three years that Cayce gave readings, she guided most of them; her job-description was “Conductor.”

As conductor, she saw to it that he was comfort­able and made certain that no one touched his body or passed anything over it while he was in trance. Edgar was totally open to suggestions at this time, and it was Gertrude’s responsibility to review the questions that individuals had submitted in writing, and to read them to Cayce at the proper time. Gertrude’s working title has changed today, but the responsibility of such work remains the same. Rather than “conductor,” to­day she would be called a “guide” or a “facilitator.”

In the early days of Cayce’s work, the position Gertrude later assumed was abused by various con­ductors who would tag on questions at the end of a session, asking for tips on such trivialities as horse races or other competitive sports. Unscrupulous doc­tors inserted long needles into Cayce’s entranced body to see if he faked trance. Edgar was not aware of any­thing while in this hypnotic state, and he began to emerge from it with terrible headaches. Those head­aches became even worse, and when Cayce learned of the ridiculous requests being appended to his ses­sions, he abandoned the work and moved to Selma, Alabama.

In Selma, he opened a photography studio. When one of his sons, Hugh Lynn, suffered a bad burn and, temporarily, was blinded, he turned again to the read­ings. He trusted only Gertrude now, and when they realized what a good team they were, he decided once again to give readings for other people.

The Cayces’ last living son, Edgar Evans Cayce, revealed a part of their story to me in a personal in­terview. Edgar Evans Cayce related how patient and accepting his mother was, and that, after Cayce’s bad experiences with other conductors, his mother became the sole conductor for her husband.

Mrs. Cayce always screened people’s questions. Only inquiries of the highest and purest nature were allowed. Gertrude obtained more than seventy of her husband’s readings for herself, the earliest involving her search for the cure of her tuberculosis, followed by readings of dream interpretation, the clearing of skin rashes and eye problems, and once a reading for heal­ing following a serious fall down a flight of stairs. Edgar and Gertrude Cayce’s lives were a tender love story of trust, integrity, and faith utilized to make manifest the love of God and man.

Gertrude was expert at making do with little, and many times they lived in extreme poverty. But Gertrude had a strong character, loved her children and husband deeply, and devoted herself to keeping the family together.


Edgar Cayce now had a conductor in whom he could trust implicitly, he grew and evolved into a dy­namic and powerful channel. And yet, there was something missing — the necessary stenographer, for at that time tape recorders were unknown. A young woman was hired who quickly became a part of the family. Gladys Davis and Gertrude took an immediate liking to one another and remained lifelong friends, both of them dedicated to Edgar and his work. Subsequent life readings explained their previous connection in past lives. Now the team was complete: channel, conductor, and stenographer. Together they made a strong, harmonious working unit, and for many years their work was a beacon of light to humanity, especially throughout the dark years of World War II. Gertrude remained the unsung heroine of Cayce’s work, humble and quiet in her perseverance and sup­port.

The Cayce readings point out that Edgar Cayce’s abilities were not unique to him, that we all have the potential to accomplish what he did. There were ap­parently two sources that he accessed to obtain his information. The first is the subconscious minds of all humans. They are interconnected, and what is known to one is accessible to all. The second source was described as the superconscious mind, or the level of mind at which each individual soul is aware of its relationship to God, the source of all knowledge and wisdom. Attunement to the superconscious makes this source of infinite knowledge available to all.

Cayce tells us that, at the superconscious level, we can gain access to the Akashic Record, a chronicle of everything that has ever been thought, said, or done by everyone who has ever lived. The Akashic Record, also referred to in the readings as the Book of Life, or the Book of God’s Remembrance, can be thought of as the revelation of the Creator’s all-encompassing wisdom and knowledge. According to the Cayce read­ings, contact with both the subconscious and the superconscious is possible for all minds, making the infinite wisdom of the superconscious available to each one of us.

To communicate with those levels of conscious­ness, we need the ability to put our egos aside and attune ourselves to God, the universal source. In Edgar Cayce, this ability was developed much more highly than it is in most people (the readings attribute this ability to his many lifetimes as a healer), but the sources that he drew upon and the information he obtained are available to everyone.

Edgar Cayce’s greatest contribution to mankind is the collection of 14,306 transcribed readings which spanned a time period of over 40 years (1901 — 1944). They are now available for research and study at the library of the Association for Research and Enlighten­ment at Virginia Beach, Virginia, where they are indexed under more than ten thousand major subject headings. The readings began as physical, or health, readings, but eventually expanded in scope to encom­pass the range of spiritual awareness. Most of the readings were for individuals, and thus deal with specific personal questions regarding physical, mental, vocational, and spiritual life. Some of them, however, are discourses on topics such as reincar­nation, Bible interpretation, ancient civilizations, world affairs, and others.


They teach that there is a oneness of all force, and that force is God. God is Light, Life, and Love. Hu­mans, all of us, are spiritual beings, children of God, with a continuity of life that has existed and will ex­ist throughout eternity. The sojourn in the Earth plane embraces the concepts of reincarnation, balance, and grace. The readings tell us that all questions can be answered if we but seek the Spirit within, listen to what the Spirit tells us, and trust that Spirit for the proper information, guidance, and healing. So while Cayce is remembered primarily for contributions as a healer, his philosophy extends to our entire physical and spiritual lives.

Cayce’s readings emphasize that we are spiritual beings, and that all healing comes from within; the body contains the wisdom to heal itself, and will do so when given the environment and the opportunity. What is the source of this healing? The readings state that the body’s innate ability to heal itself is the direct result of the manifestation of the Divine Spirit within it. This assertion makes sense when we consider that healing is a universal property of all creation, and takes place constantly and naturally in nature.

Cayce’s readings stress that a proper motivation and the establishment of a spiritual ideal are most important in our lives. The readings tell