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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | APRIL 2019 | 31 SELF-EFFORT The teacher repeatedly says God/ Grace does all, even to the point of saying that the inspiration for progressing on the path comes from the vast Absolute also. What part do we play then, in this drama of spiritual seeking and awakening? What is left for us to do since the Self does all? To think that we need do nothing, just continue in the same vein as if we were not seeking enlightenment (the majority of folk out there) is to totally miss the point. There IS effort. If we are ripe for finding Truth, then there will naturally be self-effort. This self- effort will be there because we have identified with a body/mind since we were born. So, yes, self-effort is there in the realm of illusion, the realm of Form, and believing we are somebody. Once the feeling of 'me and 'other' dissolves and the ego 'I' gives up the struggle to 'attain' then self-effort naturally falls away. Until then, things need to be done! We need to develop Concentration, the ability to focus on one thing for an extended period of time. This will help develop clarity and discrimination and that wonderful moment's pause in a difficult situation. That moment's pause allows for access to choice. Do we follow the path of reactivity, anger, fear, etc. or remain instead adhering to Truth and Silence, the Truth of our Being? From this place of Silence, correct and appropriate action automatically occurs. We need to develop Patience and Forbearance when agitated by something or someone, or just waiting in line at the supermarket. Agitation is a misuse of energy. We need to save energy to focus on what's Real and what's True. We absolutely need to Forgive, realizing that everyone is struggling to find happiness, that they have their own cross to bear, and that they're reacting from their own prism of seeing ("seeing through their own glass darkly"). Impeccability invites Spirit, the Divine Self to surface. If something is done incorrectly, you'll know. Turn around and then do it correctly right away. Impeccability BRIGHTENS your being. You are accessing Light. Imagine (we've all had this experience) the room is perfectly ordered. It is clean, uncluttered, the bills have all been paid and lunch is ready for later… There is nothing to think about except how beautifully all has been ordered. You walk into this world and your spirits will automatically lift. You are accessing your True and ONLY Self. SATSANG (group meeting with a spiritual aim) begins with a 30 min. meditation (15 min if new people are present) followed by a discourse and a short video presentation offered by a teacher adhering to the teaching of Non-Duality. As always, questions are warmly encouraged. We meet in the Main Clubhouse Multipurpose Room (next to the Library) on Sundays from 11:30 am to 1 pm. This is a FREE offering. My background includes 30 years of formal spiritual practice under the guidance of two masters and 10 years of teaching (eight at Sun Lakes). You need not bring anything except an open mind. My name is Gina and I can be reached at gina-sat@msn. com or (951) 846-1220 if you have further questions. Meditation: a pathway to truth