5-Stage outcomes-based counselling process

                              

The Counselling Process

Stages of counselling process :  (Outcomes based)

Stage 1. Building a relationship

Skills required:

Focus (non-verbal communication)

Attending (reflection and listening)

Empathy (body language, voice and words)

Unconditional positive regard.

                                   Outcome required ......relationship of Trust

Stage 2.    Dealing with emotions

Skills required:

Listening /reflection (Acknowledge feelings)

Questioning              (Identify, name and take ownership of emotions)

Silence

Support (physical)

                                         Outcome required ……...a visible release of emotion

Stage 3. Dealing with thoughts

Skills required:

Listening (acknowledge and clarify thoughts)

Questioning (Identification of underlying thoughts)

Challenging (negative self -talk and other cases)

Analysing (looking for the big picture or underlying issues.

Outcome required................a good understanding of his /her situation            (turning point)

Stage 4.

Empowerment

Immediacy

Positive feedback   

Meeting their specific needs 

New coping skills

Outcome required ……..client feels empowered to make decisions and continue

Stage 5   Options and planning :

Skills required :

Frame of reference (clients real life options)

Linking

Summarising ( looking at the real issues involved)

Analysing     ( present, past and future possibilities)

Outcome required - a realistic, workable plan of action

Total outcome of counselling session .... An overall visible improvement in the clients emotional and mental state (improved mood) The willingness to continue (no doubts or possible unresolved  emotions or issues)

Jimmy Henderson (MA Psychology) trained trauma and crisis counsellor 

The evolution of consciousness

  

 The Evolution of Consciousness

              By Jimmy Henderson

   ‘Consciousness, like the universe, is ever expanding, moving outwards to fill the framework of all possibilities’

J. Henderson

   The evolution of the human consciousness is merely another way of describing the process of spiritual evolution or the unfoldment of our souls or true spiritual selves through the different levels of so-called physical reality. Everything seems to point to the fact that the universe is geared towards growth and that in terms of human development this evolutionary process usually takes place naturally as the result of our day-to-day learning and growth experiences. However, as metaphysicians, we also know that the process can be speeded up through more fully conscious living and a daily commitment to self-development which usually occurs with religious, spiritual or metaphysical practices. These evolutionary processes can also be assisted by an association with higher forms of life and consciousness such as celestial beings and spiritual masters. For example, we know that the more we interact with, and stimulate children intellectually, the quicker they develop the necessary life and learning skills.

   This whole idea of evolution has always been a contentious issue usually involving religionists versus scientists. However, even within metaphysics itself, many still do not fully understand the principles involved in the migration of the soul (or consciousness) through the animal, vegetable and mineral kingdoms. And this is often purely due to conceptual confusion and semantics. For example, does the idea of our consciousness entering the material world and passing through an evolutionary process of unfoldment really imply that at some stage we were a specific animal or insect, a vegetable such as a carrot or even a stone lying somewhere on a beach? To some people this seems unimaginable and even absurd, so perhaps the basic principles have not been clearly explained.

   For instance, we need to first understand that the process taking place on this plane is not the spiritual self evolving but rather a gradual transmigration of a soul consciousness through increasingly complex physical structures in order to be able to more perfectly express its essential nature, which is, in fact, a part of God-Consciousness.

   Second, individuation (or the emergence of a distinct individual personality), can logically only take place when there is at least a degree of self-awareness. This suggests that during the earlier stages of unfoldment, the soul consciousness is more likely to be submerged in a group or collective consciousness to emerge only later as an individual when the particular structure is sufficiently complex to receive it. In other words, even as early man may have existed in some primitive form or another, he did not become a distinct personality until his body and nervous system had evolved to a point where it could sustain self-awareness, at which point he became a ‘living soul’ (Gen. 2:7). (This answers the question as to how evolution and creationism can be reconciled).

   This idea of group and collective consciousness is supported by research on the coordinated movements of animals such as schools of fish and flocks of birds (group consciousness) and the ‘connected’ and co-coordinated actions of bees and ants (collective consciousness). However, the antics, intelligence and emotion displayed by higher animals such as dolphins, apes and even some dogs and cats do suggest a distinct personality, so perhaps at that level of consciousness soul individuation is beginning to take place.

   To conclude therefore, it is more logical to assume that on lower levels of consciousness, namely that of the minerals, plants, insects and even most animals, we are dealing with an embryonic group or collective consciousness through which the distinct spiritual personalities of our souls are merely passing and it would be wrong to say that any one of us was ever a specific vegetable or a fruit on the table, as opponents of the principle of the evolution of the soul or consciousness have laughingly challenged.

Jimmy Henderson a well-known metaphysical teacher and regular radio talk show guest. He is the author of many articles as well as two spiritual self-help books entitled ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ and ‘Multi-Dimensional Perception’ which are available at Exclusive Books, Amazon.com and kalahari.com. He is also a facilitator with Metavarsity and based in Durban, South Africa.

www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

Raising children with spirituality

Raising children with spirituality

By Jimmy Henderson (Hons BA (Phil), MA (psych), FRC

   Spiritual experience is no longer limited to religion, with many people and families who would not be considered ‘churchgoing’ or religious in the true sense of the word, reporting an awareness and relationship with a higher spiritual power (God). This relationship can be achieved by merely becoming more conscious of oneself, nature and the world and usually begins with a healthy curiosity and a sort of inner motivation to seek the truth. This points one in the direction of articles, books and people which have a more holistic approach to life and spirituality and eventually one develops a framework which includes a concept of God or the Universe which makes more sense in terms of your real-life experiences.

   If one wishes to raise children in a spiritual environment, there would therefore be two questions to first consider. One, do you wish to raise this child in a traditional religion in which the spiritual practices involve regular church attendance and prescribed training in the scriptures?, or second, do you wish to offer them a more open and holistic view of the world and of spirituality and formulate your own spiritual programmme designed to fit the specific needs and development of your child?

   If you are already part of an organised religion and church fellowship and find that your spiritual needs are completely satisfied by your involvement in this church and the doctrines presented, and are quite willing to have your child raised in this framework, then much of your responsibility for the spiritual upbringing of your child can be handed over to the church, which usually has a formalised scriptural study programme for children from pre-school to early adulthood in the form of Sunday school, catechisms and youth events. This would merely have to be supplemented at home with instruction in prayer and dealing with any questions that the child may raise with regard to the religious instruction being presented. 

   However, if you, as parents, are not completely satisfied with the traditional religious path or even with your own religious experience within the church, there is a more holistic approach which involves a direct personal involvement in the spiritual life of your children.

The holistic approach  

   For this approach, your role would be more that of a facilitator, exposing your children to a framework of holistic spiritual concepts and ideas, providing encouragement and support in their own search for spirituality and allowing them to unfold naturally at their own pace.

   When working with small children under the age of 5, a good start to this framework would be talking about the meaning of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ and the positive reinforcement of actions and ideas in line with the universal laws of love and compassion (This should, in any case, form part of the socialisation process for any child). At this time, your personal example to the child will be very important, as children use their parents as role models. 

   Appropriate to the child’s age, new ideas could be introduced such as soul and spirit, consciousness, the concept of a Supreme Being, divine Intelligence or guiding principle, as well as universal concepts such as tolerance, respect, brotherhood and love. If you wish, this knowledge can be related back to sacred scriptures, as this approach does not necessarily include a break with traditional religious practices, unless they are exclusive.

   Exposing the child to these issues would encourage questioning (and a child is ready for an answer when he /she asks an appropriate question). Children are naturally curious and will ask questions about everything. And if you wish to consciously direct them towards spirituality, your answers should be related to spiritual ideas that you would wish them to incorporate. At this time, your aim should be to cultivate a questioning mind, self-awareness and a love of Spirit, nature and people.

   In terms of this approach, as children mature they should be exposed to a variety of spiritual ideas from scriptures, books, articles and by attending holistic events and festivals. They should also receive training in prayer and meditation and the availability of spiritual guidance and support. Once again, open-ended question-and-answer sessions should continue, especially with regard to any spiritual experiences they may have had, such as dreams, visions or contact with angels and other spiritual beings. These experiences should be fully explained to them and they should be encouraged to document them in a journal. It is important that children be encouraged to begin thinking for themselves, allowed to formulate their own set of spiritual ideas and learn to interpret their own experiences.

   Later on, age-appropriate training in the further exercise of spiritual faculties can be introduced, such as advanced forms of meditation, imagery and conscious inner work. This could involve training by other mentors as well as courses suited to their emerging abilities. 

   In conclusion, I wish to appeal to you as an enlightened parent in modern times, to assume a more flexible view of spirituality and not try to force your child into a mould which does not fit his or her particular personality and spiritual gifts.

Jimmy Henderson a well-known metaphysical teacher and regular radio talk show guest. He is the author of many articles as well as two self-help books titled ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ and ‘Multi-Dimensional Perception’ which are available at Exclusive Books , Amazon.com and Kalahari.com. He is also associated with Metavarsity and based in Durban, South Africa.

                        www.jimmyhendersonbooks..com

                      

Changing your perception of reality

                           Changing your perception of reality

                 By Jimmy Henderson

‘Reality is merely an illusion, although a very persistent one.’

Albert Einstein

   

We awaken each day to this present level of reality because our bodies and minds are biologically hard-wired to do so. However, recent research also suggests that paradoxical experiences, such as working with alternative realities, can bring about shifts in consciousness and perception, leading to a far deeper understanding of reality as well as insight into higher worlds of spirit.  

   This approach to altering perception is quite advanced and not recommended for novices, as one may be confronted with painful images from the past as well as some archetypes which could be disturbing. To work on this level of the mind therefore requires a high level of emotional stability, the ability to resist negativity and outside influences and to form powerful intentions.

   One method of changing your perception of reality involves combining meditation with powerful imagery to introduce pseudo-realities into your unconscious. This can deconstruct your current mental programming and over time, results in the construction of a more fluid and less structured perceptual system which is able to process very complex inner experiences, either created in the imagination or resulting naturally from higher consciousness and perception.

‘Without this playing with fantasy no creative work has ever yet come to birth. The debt we owe to the play of the imagination is incalculable.’

Carl Gustav Jung

   As I said before, this particular approach involves experimentation with new created ‘worlds’ of inner experience. However, in order to have success at this level of the mind, one must have mastered the skill of meditation as well as advanced interactive imagery, in which images from your unconscious are spontaneously presented and you are able to interact with them. If you have not yet achieved this level of imagery, I refer you back to my book ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ in which these processes are fully explained.

   As a practical demonstration, this article includes a simple scenario which will allow you to shift your perception of reality back and forth (as well as providing a good way of exercising your faculties of intention and will-power). 

·        Find your quiet space and enter into meditation with a view to totally relaxing your mind

      (Keep your eyes closed at this point)

·        Set an intention to shift your perception between created realities and the real-life world

·        Enter into visualization and mentally create a scenario in which you which you visit a strange planet with zero gravity. You disembark from your ship to see a world where rocks are floating suspended in the air a meter or two above the ground.

·        The images you create should be clear, precise, three-dimensional and in full colour

·        Engage spontaneous imagery by letting go of active control of the scene

·        Note that some of the rocks are turning slowly, but always remaining at the same height and position relative to the others

·        See yourself walking amongst them and when you reach out and touch or push them, they respond by moving or spinning slightly, but once again, always returning to their original position

·        Relax into this visualization completely by letting your unconscious take over and enjoy the feeling of total peace and balance as the rocks continue to float and twirl slowly on all sides of you

·        After a while, slowly open your eyes

·        Notice that the images of the floating rocks are still visible, even in the room where you are sitting

·        Try to shift your attention back and forth between the reality of your room and your created world of floating rocks

·        When you have succeeded in shifting your perception a number of times, withdraw slowly from the meditation and visualization and return to normal consciousness.

                       

    During this exercise you combined meditation with mental creation and advanced spontaneous imagery and superimposed a scene created in your mind onto your everyday reality. You were also able to shift your attention between them. This integration of different mental and spiritual skills is the key which opens the doorways to deeper inner experiences and brings about a more universal view of reality.

   However, a word of warning, such exercises could initially cause some confusion and disorientation due to the fact that this is totally new to your mind. You should also not remain too long in this state as you could get a little ‘lost’ in the experience. This practice should therefore be reserved for dedicated times of meditation and also requires proper grounding before and after each session.

   Continue with this exercise at regular intervals, changing your created scenario to include strange, bizarre images and colours which will all challenge your existing framework of perception. With practice, your processing abilities will grow and deepen in order to cope with these created realities and also make it possible for you to shift your perception at will, allowing you to access multi-dimensional spiritual experiences which would normally go unnoticed in your everyday life.

Jimmy Henderson is a metaphysical teacher and the author of a number of books and articles on inner self-development. He has an Honours degree in philosophy (metaphysics) and a Masters degree in Psychology. He is also a Metavarsity facilitator and based in Durban.

His books ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ (2007) and ‘Multi-dimensional Perception’ (2010) are available on Amazon.com and can also be ordered via his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

Intuition and the subconscious mind

Intuition and the subconscious mind

By Jimmy Henderson (Hons BA (phil),  MA Psychology FRC

   Amongst other explanations, intuition could also be seen as a communication between our conscious and unconscious mind processes. Simply explained, intuition can be seen as our subconscious mind communicating with us using sensations, impressions, spontaneous thoughts and ideas and even symbolic images, such as occur during dreams.  

   Most of us know that our subconscious mind functions as a sort of ‘automatic pilot’ to regulate our bodily functions such as breathing and heartbeat, as well as some of our important mental activities. What is less known is that it also serves as our mind’s inner guardian and protector, filtering incoming information and regulating our inner experiences in accordance with our mental abilities and psychological or emotional readiness. Think of this in terms of the legend of the Sphinx which guarded the entrance to the Greek city of Thebes. Visitors to the city had to demonstrate commitment, courage and insight in order to be admitted. In this way, under the right conditions, which include a quiet, reflective and uncluttered state of mind, our subconscious can open us to moments of insight or intuition.

   But where does the knowledge actually come from? Unlike our thinking mind, our subconscious is able to store huge amounts of information and is also not limited by our normal sense of perception. It is able to extend indefinitely and therefore able to recover and process information from outside of itself, having a subliminal contact with every other person and even with the higher levels of the Divine. It merely requires that the channels be open, uncluttered and clear in order for this information to reach our normal awareness. This creates the potential for a ‘knowing’ that extends way beyond our normal experience and translates into the intuitive moments and messages with which we are familiar.

The metaphor of the lover

   These moments of intuition can be increased by strengthening our relationship with our subconscious mind. As it is able to communicate with us, it is useful to see and treat our subconscious in the same way as we would a different person or personality. In fact, we can see this whole idea of building of an intimate relationship of trust and cooperation metaphorically as taking a new lover, as the processes are similar.

   In other words, in introducing ourselves, we would communicate our desire for a more intimate relationship with sincerity, sweet words and considerate actions, wooing our lover (subconscious mind) with great respect, as he/she is the inner guardian of ours hearts and minds as well as its protector. This communication can be through using affirmations, from which ‘he’ or ‘she’ will gauge our confidence and sincerity. Metaphorically speaking, we would not make much of a first impression if we came across as indecisive and lacking in confidence and self-worth. For this reason our affirmations should be positive and directed at reaching out to meet with our subconscious ‘lover’. For example, ‘I wish for a deeper relationship with my subconscious mind (over and over for a number of weeks).

   However, our lover will only accept our advances (open the doors to improved intuition) once we have clearly and adequately communicated our intentions and demonstrated that we are trustworthy, willing and able to assume the responsibility for this new experience and level of functioning. And this can be established using intentions. An intention is similar to an affirmation, but more powerful. It is ‘set’ by formulating a single, simple and precise self-instruction or thought, absolutely without any doubt or hesitation, as to exactly what we desire or wish to achieve. This could be metaphorically represented as ‘banging on the door’ of our ‘lover’ in order to gain admittance to his/her room. Unlike an affirmation, which is usually repeated over and over, an intention is stated only once. And it is this single act of pure intent and absolute conviction that sets it apart from an affirmation and which assures our subconscious mind that we are ready and prepared for the experience. For example, ‘‘I now connect with my subconscious mind’.

Dreams 

   Other forms of establishing communication with our subconscious lover could include trying to interpret our dreams, in which we learn its ‘language’. For this we would require a ‘dream journal’ in which we record our memories of any dream quickly as soon as we awaken, before they fade away.  Any images we see in the dream will be symbolic and relate to our past experiences and present framework of thinking.

   Finally, if we are successful, after a period of ‘courtship’, he/she will open the doors to his or her innermost chamber. This new relationship will be seen in increased and more powerful moments of intuition, at which time we should embrace and shower him/her with appreciation.

Jimmy Henderson a well-known metaphysical teacher and regular radio talk show guest. He is the author of a number of articles as well as two books entitled ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ and ‘Multi-Dimensional Perception’ which are available at Exclusive books, Amazon.com and Kalahari.com. He is also a facilitator with Metavarsity and based in Durban, South Africa

www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

The twelve steps to successful imagery (visualisation)

             The Twelve steps to successful imagery

                                      By Jimmy Henderson 

                                   Hons (phil) MA (psychology) FRC

   There are imagery centres and neural pathways in our brains which require time to develop and the mastery of visualisation or imagery actually begins with the development of simple skills such as memory and recall and only evolves over time into the more powerful forms of advanced spontaneous imagery. Developing this skill can involve up to twelve steps and each has to be mastered before proceeding to the next. If we follow this process diligently and correctly, we will eventually achieve success and open ourselves to the hidden dimensions of our own consciousness and even beyond that to the wonders of communicating with the universe of shared consciousness.

   Follow these twelve steps closely and diligently over a period of weeks. Do not move on to the next step until you have mastered the previous one. As you move from one step to the next, include all the previous steps in your next visualization.

First Level: Practicing recall

Step 1

·     Obtain a colour picture of a household scene from a magazine. The scene should contain furniture and a number of different objects

·     Study the picture for about half a minute and close your eyes, trying to recall as many

         of the features or characteristics of the room and objects as possible

·     Practice this for a few days until you are able to recall most of the objects and settings in the room in the picture

Step 2.  

·     Now close your eyes and create a colour image of the same picture in your mind and continue practicing until you are able to hold it clearly in your mind for at least ten seconds. At this stage it may still be two–dimensional 

Level two: Basic Imagery (Keep your eyes closed for all further steps)

Step 3. 

·     Enter the relaxed and quiet state of mind required for meditation and set an intention to create an imaginary scene in your mind

·     Keep your eyes closed and mentally create a simple natural scene from memory or simply by using your imagination. For this example I suggest a section of your garden with a few flowers, trees and a pathway

·     Try to piece it together and hold it in your mind for as long as possible. Once again, at this stage it may still be two-dimensional

·     Holding a scene together can be tiring, and as soon as you lose concentration, rather end the imagery. Do this in the same way as you would for meditation (Moving your fingers and hands or counting-down)

·     Continue with this exercise over a period of days, using the same scene, gradually

         filling in as much detail, form, colour and texture as you can

Step 4.  Adding other dimensions to our mental creation

·     Once again, begin your imagery with relaxation and a quiet mind meditation

·     Close your eyes, set your intention and re‑create your imaginary scene as before, but now try to view it three‑dimensionally

Step 5.

·     Add sounds, scents and movement to your scene (see leaves moving, smell the flowers and imagine that you hear birds singing)

Step 6.  Placing living things in our scene

·     Place an image of an animal in the scene, In other words, see  your cat or dog walking through the garden

·     Exit from your imagery slowly and systematically. Do not abruptly end the session

·     Continue with this same exercise and scene for a few more days, until you can perform all these mental tasks with ease

Step 7.  Placing ourselves in the scene

·     Begin your imagery as before with relaxation and meditation. Set your intention and create an image of yourself in the scene, as a separate figure. In other words, see yourself walking through the garden. Remember to include all the previous steps of three-dimensionality, sounds, scent, movement and animals. Seeing yourself at a distance in this way, is called the third-person perspective

·     Exit from your imagery as before in the proper manner. In other words, if you have woven a story into your scenario, conclude the session as if you were bringing the story to a satisfactory ending. See yourself leaving the garden and closing the gate behind you. By now your unconscious mind would be getting used to this process of imagery and ending the session abruptly could cause confusion and a breach of trust

Step 8. The first-person perspective

·     Begin your meditation and create your scene as before but now strive to project into the body you have created for yourself in your scene and look through your ‘eyes’ at the grass beneath you and see only your feet on the pathway as you move along.    Switching to this ‘first-person’ perspective is difficult and takes practice

·     Continue with this step for a number of days until you are able to actually feel the ground beneath your feet, touch the foliage with your hands and experience sensations

·     Once again, when concluding the exercise, exit from the process slowly and gently, by leaving the garden and closing the gate behind you

·     Once you have done this, set an intention to return to normal consciousness, move your hands and fingers, or count down

Spontaneous imagery- The Threshold of Inner Sight 

(Level three) 

   This is the third level of imagery and the most important. Unless we are born with this gift, spontaneous imagery only occurs once we have been diligently practicing for quite a while. At this time, symbolic images from our own unconscious or even from outside of our own consciousness will begin to spontaneously present themselves to us during our imagery. This marks our passage to what I call, the ‘Threshold of Inner Sight’, and suggests we have successfully established a close working relationship with our unconscious mind.

   This stage is very important, as you are learning the skill of creating an inner visual field, a blank screen in your mind in which you can translate sensations, impressions and feelings into images and naturally leads on to the psychic ability of clairvoyance or spiritual sight.

Step 9.  Simple spontaneous imagery

   Once again, you should not attempt this level of imagery unless you have mastered the previous steps. And for this level of work, I recommend refraining from alcohol, meat and strong medication for the preceding twenty-four hours. 

• Once again, begin your imagery with meditation, a quiet mind and closed eyes. Set your intention for your unconscious to communicate freely with you during this exercise (it does this in the form of impressions and images)
• Create an imaginary three-dimensional scene as before. Keep it simple. Once again, just walk around in your visualised garden. Move around in your scene using the first-person perspective until you become fully accustomed to it. At this point you are still actively generating the scene and images and holding it all together in your mind.
• Now slowly begin to release active control of the scene until it sort of ‘floats’ lightly in your consciousness with minimal effort. This opens your imagery to outside influences and your scene now becomes an inner visual field. If you are successful, your scene will remain more or less the same in spite of the fact that you are spending less attention on controlling it
• As you move along, look for something appearing in the scene which you are not actively creating. In other words, you may see an object such as a rock, or an animal, appear which you did not consciously place there. This is your unconscious mind beginning to communicate with you using symbolic images. Once this happens, express your gratitude, gently take back control of the scene and  end the imagery and story-line as before
• Try and interpret the meaning of the object or animal. At this stage it will probably be a communication informing you of an obstacle (the rock in your path) or a state of mind (the animal) which is affecting your progress. The spontaneous images are all symbolic and you have to interpret them in terms of your own framework of thinking and past experiences
• The message is usually hidden in the characteristics of the object or animal. For example, a log or rock could represent a stumbling block, and the attributes of the animal may suggest a personality trait you possess that needs attention.

Step 10:  Scene changes

• Begin your meditation and continue with your imagery as before, setting your intention for your unconscious to communicate with you and opening up your inner visual field by releasing active control
• A number of strange images such as objects, animals or even people should start appearing in your scene (visual field), which you are not actively introducing. This indicates that your unconscious is taking over the scene. The ideal situation is to relax and let the process flow on its own, allowing your unconscious to create and even modify the whole scene as it communicates with you. Note the changes taking place in the scene and once again, try to make sense of what is happening and the hidden meaning behind the shifts
• Once again, always end the visualisation gently, by taking back full control of the scene, concluding the story-line, setting an intention to return to normal consciousness and slowly moving your hands and body or counting down

Step 11:  The spontaneous presentation of entire scenarios

   As I said, spontaneous imagery is a milestone in the development of our consciousness. As we progress with this skill, we will find that the images take on a life of their own, whole scenes begin to unfold spontaneously and our imagery flows like a continuous dream.

• Begin your meditation and imagery as before, setting an intention for an entire scenario to be presented to you. At this stage, your eyes should still be closed

• See yourself opening a door or a gate and immediately release control of the scene, allowing it to take form and unfold without your interference. At this time, you may find three-dimensional images of persons spontaneous appearing and trying to communicate with you. These could either be aspects of your own unconscious or spiritual brothers   beginning to manifest in the inner visual field you have now been successful in creating
• Do not be afraid. In fact, you may even attempt communication with the figure(s)

     And if you do receive some sort of message, give thanks and end the visualisation

     gently, by taking back control of the scene, setting an intention and returning to normal

     consciousness

   At this point when we reach the Threshold of Inner Sight (spontaneous imagery), we have to start getting used to the new ideas and terminology associated with energy, conscious beings or ‘consciousnesses’ which exist apart from ourselves, as some of the experiences that take place during advanced spontaneous imagery can only be explained and understood if one acknowledges their existence in some form or another. The fact of the matter is that this type of contact is unavoidable as we increase our knowledge and perception of reality, which is far more inclusive than we may initially realise.

   It may now also become clearer why it is important during the earlier stages of this process,   to deal with any doubts and fears and to be able to move forward with complete confidence.

Level four:  Inner sight

Step 12:  The final stages of imagery

   During this final stage we may once again find that when we enter into meditation and open our inner visual field, an entire scene can assemble and play itself out spontaneously. However, this time the experience is more real in that we can slowly begin to open our eyes and find that the scene is superimposed on our present reality.  At this level of presentation we may find ourselves regularly interacting with our spiritual brothers and sisters or angelic beings and even undergoing initiations in this way.

Jimmy Henderson is a well-known metaphysical teacher and regular radio talk show guest. He is the author of a number of articles as well as two self-help books entitled ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ and Multi-Dimensional Perception which are available on Amazon, Kalahari.com and through his website. He is also a facilitator with Metavarsity and based in Durban, South Africa.

www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

Living consciously

          Living consciously  

                  By Jimmy Henderson (MA psychology, CHRP)

    If someone were to ask me if I regard myself as a religious or a spiritual person, my reply would be that I prefer to use the word ‘conscious’, as I believe this to be a more suitable definition of a thinking person. However, this does not mean that I am a not a believer in matters of a spiritual nature. On the contrary, in my case, living consciously implies being continually conscious of myself and my actions as well as of my relationship to the divine or universal source (God).

   The power of living consciously is that it also allows one to move ‘outside of the box’ of normal day to day thinking and expand one’s paradigm of thinking to include other areas of knowledge such as science, psychology, philosophy and metaphysics in order to find answers to important questions regarding life and spirituality.

   In my book ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’(Kima Global, 2007),  I provided an overview of a process of self-development which can lead to fully conscious living. In terms of this process, our development throughout life follows a gradual learning curve which involves completing certain developmental tasks and ‘shifts’ relating to our consciousness, thinking and perception, the outcome of which should be a mature level of consciousness, mindfulness and understanding with which we can achieve mastery of life. Unfortunately, due to a number of factors, including past trauma and the challenges of day- to-day living, we can get ‘stuck’ at different stages and thus never complete this journey to fully conscious living. Having an understanding of these required shifts in thinking and perception, can help one face and overcome obstacles to self-development.

   To begin the process, only two small decisions or intentions, are needed. One is a willingness to accept responsibility for your own life and actions and the other, a commitment to conscious self-development.

   Following the setting of intention, the first task to be mastered would be ‘emotional wellness’. This is the ability to remain reasonably emotionally ‘at ease’ and suggests a certain amount of resilience to day-to-day concerns. Moving forward towards fully conscious living requires this early period of ‘healing’ which can include self- or divine forgiveness, as it will not really be possible to focus on higher processes when one is caught in a web of fear or guilt -based thoughts and actions from the past.

   It is possible to do this inner work by yourself using a ‘toolbox’ of common therapeutic techniques, such as journaling and rational-emotive techniques, as are presented in my book. However, it may also be necessary to obtain assistance in the form of counseling or other forms of therapy to successfully complete this important stage of the process.

   The second developmental task to be mastered is that of ‘emotional empowerment’, which is related to one’s self-image and self-esteem. This stage requires a period of introspection in order to obtain the necessary self-knowledge to discover who and what you really are and your relationship to God, Spirit or the Universe. This period of reflection is essential no matter what religious or spiritual path one follows, as it provides the consciousness, focus and vision needed for the journey ahead. At all levels, it is possible and sometimes necessary to obtain assistance from teachers and therapists.

   You must realize that your mind will not easily accept any new experiences which are not included in your present framework of understanding. Your third developmental task would therefore involve clearing your mind of doubts and conflicting thoughts and expanding your present paradigm of thinking to include new concepts and ideas associated with self-development and fully conscious living. Completing this ‘shift’ is not always easy, and this could also be tackled in stages. For example, as a start it will be useful to learn to think holistically and be more open to new ideas. One way of doing this is to read widely and continue with self-introspection, reflecting deeply on life and approaching important questions using knowledge from different fields such as the natural and human sciences, philosophy, metaphysics and even religion. A second method would be to attend various talks and courses on spiritual or holistic matters. This will expose you to new ideas and open your mind to other possibilities.

   Having dealt with your past, cleared unwanted debris from your mind and ‘shifted gears’ to a more universal paradigm of thinking, you would now be ready to access higher levels of consciousness and understanding. In order to do this, you will first need to build a relationship with your subconscious or unconscious mind, as this provides the underlying power for many of the skills required for fully conscious living.

   There are a number of ways of accessing and gaining the cooperation of your subconscious mind, such as working with affirmations and intention, learning to interpret your dreams and symbolic drawings and finally, training in visualization or imagery. Once a relationship of trust with your subconscious or unconscious mind has been cemented, you will find that it will communicate readily with you through your dreams and spontaneous imagery and you will find it relatively easy to develop the skills such as intuition and heightened sense-perception required for deeper self-exploration.

   The developmental ‘curve’ to fully conscious living is now becoming steeper and it is now necessary to begin to actively raise your consciousness and improve your communication with your true self, Spirit, God or the Universe. At this level, training in skills such as meditation, visualization, contemplation, intuition and spiritual guidance would be recommended. However, attempting these exercises too early in the process, without having first dealt with your past and prepared your mind and thinking, could result in failure. There are many good courses available on these areas of spiritual development, but once again, all are fully covered by the exercises in my book.

   As you approach the top of the curve, you will need to prepare for a meeting and a merging with your higher self or soul, your true spiritual identity. In spiritual circles this could also be known as ‘connecting’ with, or ‘channeling’ your higher self. Your success at this level would depend on your having successfully completed the previous tasks and mastered, as least partially, the skills previously discussed.

   This re-integration of your inner and outer self introduces the final stage of self-realisation from which you are able to take a quantum leap into a life filled with new meaning and power, the state of fully conscious living. In this state you would be free of your past, feel emotionally secure, confident and very mindful of people and events in the world. You should also attract spiritual guidance on a day-to-day basis and therefore be more aware of the decisions needed to move forward with your life. In practice, this should result in your becoming happier, more insightful, intuitive, tolerant, moral (able to act according to your conscience) and spiritually perceptive.I wish you all the best for the progress along your path.

Jimmy Henderson a well-known metaphysical teacher, philosopher and regular radio talk show guest. He is the author of a number of articles as well as two self-help books entitled ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ and ‘Multi-Dimensional Perception’ which are available at Exclusive Books. Amazon.com and Kalahari.com. www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com