Cafe of conversations -author interviews in Cape Town South Africa (August 2013)
Extracts from our cafe of conversations and statements regarding important information on mind-growth and spiritual development
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Intuition and the ego-voice
Intuition and the ego–voice
By
Jimmy Henderson
Hons BA (phil), MA (psych) FRC
We all presently function under the guise of
a false sense of self or ‘ego’ formed by our experiences in this world. The ego is not who we really are, but
is little more than an accumulation of self-awareness surrounded by a
collection of self-centred thoughts and beliefs, doubts, fears and
insecurities. Somewhere
in the midst of all this clutter is still that oasis of pure consciousness (our
true nature or authentic self) which sometimes reveals itself in moments of guidance,
insight and intuition.
This self-limiting chatter from
the ego is usually known as self-talk or mind-talk. However, I prefer the term ‘ego-voice’, which links it
clearly back to our self-image and feelings of self-esteem. Put simply, the ego-voice
is that which we are continually telling ourselves,
and, unfortunately, in most challenging situations, usually takes the
form of negative self-statements or beliefs. For example, ‘I will never
accomplish this’, ‘I am not good enough’, or ‘I will never find anyone else’.
This is not intuition, which originates on a far higher level than the ego. And
when working with intuition, it will be important to distinguish between the ego–voice
and true intuitive messages.
There are a few guidelines which will help
you in this regard. For instance, the ego-voice is usually quite self-deprecating, loud
and persistent, whereas true intuitions are constructive, more fleeting and
gentle. Perhaps this can be better understood using the analogy of a fisherman.
It requires years of practice and dedication in order to be successful at
fishing. I have seen them standing patiently for long hours in the early hours
of the morning. If you speak to them they always have a prior expectation and a
high level of confidence that they will catch a fish. When the line has been
cast, an experienced fisherman can tell the difference between the subtle nibble
of a fish, the tugs or movements of the currents and being stuck in the rocks.
A bite is fleeting and subtle, but still precise. The fisherman responds
quickly and without thinking. It is only once the fish has been properly hooked
that he or she will reel it in. Once the fish is landed, fishermen are always
very happy and grateful for this gift of the sea.
Let us apply this analogy to our own attempts
at working with intuition. It takes time to perfect our intuition (practice and
dedication). Second, we should always reveal an expectation and full confidence
that the intuition will be forthcoming. Third, we can learn to tell the
difference between a true intuition, the ego-voice, or normal conscious
thinking. A true intuition is also fleeting, transient, yet immediate and
precise. There is no thinking involved. If it is in the form of an image, the
impression will remain briefly even if our attention lapses for a moment,
whereas an impression or image produced by an overactive imagination will
disappear as soon as our attention is shifted. Any intuitive message should receive an
immediate acknowledgement and expression of gratitude. This cements our
relationship with our subconscious mind.
Controlling the
ego-voice
Our intuition works best with a quiet and
balanced state of mind. And the good news is that the chatter and mind-content
that produces the ego-voice can be stilled and eventually cleared of negativity.
This stillness comes from the rediscovery of our inner spiritual centre through
the practice of meditation. And the ego-voice which tells us that we are a
failure or that no-one cares can be directly challenged through counselling or
the use of positive affirmations.
Jimmy Henderson is a well-known metaphysician and regular radio talk
show guest. He is the author of many articles as well as two metaphysical 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
Website
- www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com
Spiritual healing
Spiritual healing
By Jimmy Henderson
Hons BA (phil), MA (psych), FRC
The issues
around faith-healing or spiritual healing are becoming quite topical at the
moment. Criticism is often being leveled at spiritual healers who do not always
produce positive results and this may be having a negative effect on issues of
faith and the belief in a higher power (God). For this reason I think it is
important that I offer an explanation as to why healing may, in terms of
universal law, sometimes not take place. This may also explain why a healer
may even pass by a person who wishes to be healed.
Spiritual
healing takes place within the framework of universal law and needs to conform
to certain requirements and criteria to be effective. A true spiritual healer
will have access to higher guidance or have at least a highly developed
spiritual insight. This is necessary to identify true causes and the underlying
issues associated with a person’s illness. He or she will examine the case
holistically and this should ideally include a consultation with the person involved,
or at least a close family member, beforehand. In my opinion, any healer who
offers unconditional healing to all and sundry without insight into their
background or circumstances, can at best offer only temporary relief or partial
healing on an emotional level. The reason for this statement will become clear
once we examine the five instances that I have identified, in which faith
healing or spiritual healing may not always take place.
Firstly, from
a purely religious viewpoint, it may be God’s will that a particular soul
should return after having completed the tasks which were assigned to him or
her to perform. In other words, it could be his or her “time to go”.
Alternatively, on a more general metaphysical level, this person could have
made a very deep soul-choice (of which he or she is usually not objectively
aware), that his or her mission is completed and wishes to return to the
spiritual source. As this decision or act is in accordance with God’s will or universal
law, depending on your viewpoint, any effort to save such a dying person will
be ultimately unsuccessful.
Second, sickness can sometimes also be linked
to issues of the individual’s growth or development on a spiritual level or as
a form of “soul-lesson’. In other words, an individual may actually draw an
illness to himself or herself in order to develop God-attributes such as love,
empathy, patience and tolerance or to learn a necessary lesson in human
experience. A healer who thus prematurely removes the “thorn from his or her
side” in fact performs a disservice. This person may or may not as yet have
reached the point where he or she is ready to be healed. In counselling, it is
quite a well-known fact that a person must have reached a certain point of
despair where he or she is willing to ask for help, before therapy will be
really effective. This is the reason why it is of utmost importance that the
individual request, or at least be willing to receive healing and not be forced
into the situation.
Thirdly, an
illness can also be the result of certain maladaptive patterns in thinking,
emotions or behaviour (lifestyle), or due to extreme or unfavourable
circumstances. Research has proven that psychological stress as well as intense
pent-up emotions such as rage, resentment or a state of chronic depression can
lead to psychosomatic illnesses. The illness may therefore only be a symptom of
an inharmonious psychological or emotional state and the issue of healing will
have to be addressed holistically and not merely by pronouncing the person
healed. In terms of our present understanding of cause and effect, it will
therefore be essential for any patient to attend to these underlying issues
before he or she can be permanently healed.
In addition,
the person may not yet have reached the point where they are ready to ask for
help. In other words, healing has been requested by a third person, but the
patient may not be willing or ready to unconditionally accept such
healing, due to lack of faith, no belief in a superior power or as the result
of plain stubbornness. This attempt at healing initiated by a third person, may
therefore also not be successful.
Finally, in rare cases, illness may also be
caused by other factors such as the belief in black magic (believing oneself to
be cursed) or the attentions of unpleasant non-material entities or energies, which
may have intentionally or unintentionally been invited by the victim. Treatment
in this case will need to be more than the laying on of hands, as the real
cause of the illness will need to be addressed first.
Some healers
can mask or even remove symptoms temporarily, by moving the patient’s focus
from negative thinking, emotional trauma or self-destructive behaviour, to more
positive thoughts and actions. If the person, by virtue of his or her healing
experience, is able to let go, immediately change these patterns or come to
terms with these issues, then more permanent healing could occur. However, if
there are deeper causes and they are not resolved during the process,
the patient could very well return later to the earlier patterns of thinking,
emotion or behaviour and the illnesses could re-surface.
It is
therefore advisable for any healer to make himself or herself aware of the possible
underlying causes of the illness during a brief diagnosis and attempt to
facilitate their release before attempting to bring about healing. If the
patient is not ready or willing to release any negative and destructive
patterns, permanent healing will not be possible and the healer would be
wasting his or her time.
To conclude
therefore, it may now be understood why a healer who has the necessary insight
and spiritual guidance, may sometimes actually refrain from attending to a
patient at a certain time, and why some healings are not permanent. Effective
spiritual healing calls for spiritual insight, a comprehensive knowledge of the
situation or at least a proper diagnosis. The process should include the
identification of underlying root causes and should not be seen as a quick fix.
Merely masking the illness with an emotional “high” will at best, only provide
temporary relief. We really need to look holistically at the problem.
Jimmy Henderson is a well-known metaphysician and regular radio talk
show guest. He is the author of many articles as well as two metaphysical 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
Website
- www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com
The power of intention
The power of Intention
By Jimmy Henderson
Hons BA (phil), MA (psych) , FRC
An intention
is similar to an affirmation, but is more powerful in that it is a direct
instruction to the unconscious mind. It is most effective when used with
meditation, imagery or mental creation and if applied correctly, can bring
about an immediate and powerful inner experience. 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 conviction that sets it apart from an
affirmation.
An intention is ‘set’ by formulating a single, simple and precise
self-instruction or thought as to exactly what you desire or wish to achieve.
It is usually easier to verbalise your intention initially, but later on as you
become more experienced, it can be performed mentally.
Your mind has to be absolutely clear and powerful when an intention is
set. It is therefore advisable to first do a quick self-examination to
determine if there is any concern or hidden motive which could cause hesitation
or doubt and eliminate it. Once activated, the Intention guides the direction
of your thought, meditation or imagery towards any specific outcome you have
previously determined, such as raising your consciousness, producing a certain
inner experience or connecting with a higher energy.
The following are a few examples of
Intentions:
‘I now enter the hall of my memories’
‘I now open my mind to a higher
consciousness’
‘I now connect with my higher self’
Once you have verbally or mentally set
your Intention, release it by putting it completely out of your mind and move
ahead with your next action with the full knowledge that it will be done. You
can assist the proper release of an intention by adding a few words of
gratitude such as ‘thank you’ or phrases such as ‘it is done’, or even a
symbolic ritual such as a wave of your hand or touching your forehead.
Practiced or focused intent
The technique of setting an intention reaches a new level when working
with energy. If correctly applied, Intent has a real power to move and
transform energy. However, this level of practiced intent usually takes many
months to develop and follows naturally from the frequent and successful
exercise of statements of intent (setting intentions) as shown above.
Practiced intent also takes the form of a fleeting thought as to what is
desired, immediately before the action is completed and requires the same
uncluttered state of mind as before. However, this thought is now also lightly
maintained over a period of time without being repeated and focussed to bring
about the desired changes. And as it has been frequently ‘practiced’, it is far
more powerful than the initial setting of an Intention.
When used for energy-work, practiced Intention performs best when
combined with advanced forms of imagery and ritualistic passes (movements) of
the hands. There is an old adage which states that ‘energy follows mind’. The
fact is that powerful imagery coupled with intent can create psychic templates
for the concentration of energy, which can then be moulded and manipulated to
protect, heal and even to alter your perception.
The following is a simple exercise
that will help you to develop your will-power and practical or practiced intent:
- · Set the intention to develop your focus and will-power
- · Close your eyes, quiet your mind and enter a relaxed state of meditation
- · Begin imagery and consciously create a field of grass
- · Engage the level of spontaneous imagery (in which images take on a life of their own)
- · See a large rock or boulder on the grass in front of you.
- · Using your will-power, try raising the boulder slowly a meter off the ground
- · Consciously hold it in position
- · Complete this process of lifting, holding and returning the boulder, three times.
You
should soon notice a new power in your focus, attention and ability to set an
intention and keep to it.
Jimmy Henderson is a well-known metaphysician and regular radio talk
show guest. He is the author of many articles as well as two metaphysical 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
Website
- www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com
Climbing out of the'bowl' of conditioned thinking
Climbing
out of the bowl of conditioned thinking
By Jimmy
Henderson
(Hons BA (phil), MA (psych), FRC
(Hons BA (phil), MA (psych), FRC
We are all presently like goldfish
swimming around in a bowl. The water in the bowl represents our mind and
present understanding of the world. Outside of the bowl is the universe and
what we understand as reality. However, the water itself is murky as the result
of our jumbled-up thoughts and perceptions, painful memories and emotions,
limiting beliefs and fears which so clog up our minds that we have only a dim
view of what is out there and cannot see things as they really are. The saddest thought of all is that
we have all become so conditioned
and accustomed to living in the bowl that we cannot even conceive of a larger
world or universe out there, thus limiting our ability to dream and to realise
our true potential.
However, once we make the necessary commitment and conscientiously begin
to follow a spiritual or metaphysical path towards the light, we will soon realize
the need to clear the old clutter of
the past from our minds (clean the murky water) by means of fully conscious
thought and actions. Second, as a result of our intention, we can attract new
experiences into our lives and be moved to raise our consciousness (poke our head above the
surface) by opening our minds to new insights, possibilities and metaphysical processes, Finally, if we request the support
of Spirit, we will be guided to shift our perception beyond the obvious to experience
a new universe of depth
and mystery (seeing beyond the bowl).
But real transformation comes at that point when we realise that we are
not goldfish at all and simply climb out of the bowl. In such moments of
awakening or absolute
clarity, we can radically alter our experience of ourselves, reality and the
universe.
How to interpret your dreams
How
to interpret your dreams
By Jimmy Henderson
Our dreams can also be a means to self-or spiritual
development, as they are an easy way of receiving information on aspects of our
personality that need further work. We also read in sacred scriptures that
angels can appear to us in dreams. They can therefore also be a source of guidance.
Keep a dream journal
Keeping a dream-journal is a valuable tool
in remembering your dreams, as they usually fade very quickly. You will
discover that if you write the details of your dreams down immediately after
you wake, your process of recall will become easier. The journal also helps you
to provide structure to your work of interpreting the dream.
Dreams
are assembled in your subconscious. When you dream, your subconscious is
communicating with you by presenting symbolic images in a dramatised and
metaphorical form. Being able to record your own ‘language’ of dream-images in
a journal will therefore help you interpret your dreams as well as any other visions
you may encounter during your spiritual work.
Some dream-images are quite common, as our
symbolic processes are the same. However, their meaning usually differs as a
result of each person’s unique background and past experiences. I will
therefore be supplying you with basic rules and guidelines to help you explore and
interpret your own exciting and enigmatic world of dreams.
The dimensions of your dream
The way your dream is put together is very
important as it contains elements or clues to its meaning hidden within its
context, structure, form and composition. It also uses your present view of the
world and framework of concepts, beliefs and ideas. There are a number of different
dimensions or levels in your dreams, each having its own set of symbols and
meanings. For instance, the background always suggests the context or
theme of the message. Try to recall if your dream was light or dark and involved
a natural scene or buildings of some sort. What you see as the background is
only a clue to the underlying theme of the dream and should not be taken
literally. For instance, the sea is often considered a metaphor for the ebb and
flow of everyday life, with tides flowing in and out as events unfold. A dream
playing out against the backdrop of the sea would probably suggest a problem or
situation arising in your normal day-to-day life which requires attention. Likewise,
a dream-scene taking place in a desert (which is usually desolate), may suggest
a situation in which you feel isolated and alone and are seeking assistance. A dream playing out in semi-darkness may indicate
that you are in a crisis (having trouble seeing your way forward). The idea is find
a connection between the background of your dream and your present
circumstances, needs or state of mind, by looking at the symbolism involved.
Once you have jotted down the background
details, the next important step is to remember the immediate surroundings
in your dream. This will provide you with more information on your present situation
and state of mind as well as your outlook on the world. For instance, in ‘looking
out’ onto the world, you would normally use the windows of your home or office.
And in your dream, any building in which you find yourself would be a metaphor
for ‘where you are’ at the moment. Try to recall the characteristics of the
structure, as these can usually be related to your current situation or world-view.
For example, a ‘small’ window could suggest your having a limited outlook on
life. A dark and damp building could relate to your being in an unpleasant
situation or having a negative view of the world. And a building or house in
shambles could suggest that your present situation, state of mind or outlook, is
chaotic.
Moving away from the immediate surroundings
in your dream, focus on the activity which took place. The type of drama,
scenario or situation that is being played out, reveals the content of the
message, which as I said, could be related to an unfulfilled need in your life or
to some other issue which requires attention. You now need to ask yourself how the
activity in your dream can be applied (metaphorically) or related (symbolically)
to your present situation. For instance, a scene involving travel could be a
call for change, or the broadening of your boundaries and the opening of your
mind. A battle or conflict in your dream could be referring to a similar
situation within yourself. Any threatening situation may be a warning of a matter
that urgently needs to be resolved, something which is a real threat to your
mental well-being or inner peace.
The next dimension involves the actual
images, characters and objects that were presented. In terms of Gestalt
psychology, every object or person (character) in a dream represents a certain
aspect of yourself and you will need to ask yourself what aspect of your personality
the figure represented. Look at the attributes of the characters involved. Were
they large or small, aggressive or loving, threatening or supportive? For
example, a poor, abused and helpless child could suggest your wounded ‘inner
child’. A richly dressed, opulent figure could symbolically point to abundance
or a desire for riches, depending on the context and what actions are taking place.
For example, a fight with another figure in your dream could be pointing to a conflict
within yourself that needs to be resolved.
Finally, consider each object that appeared
in your dream. Each will have a particular symbolic significance and add detail
to the final meaning of your dream. Objects can often be interpreted in terms
of their practical uses or effects in everyday life and applied (metaphorically)
to your present situation or path in life. For instance, a large boulder on your
path would suggest an obstacle to be overcome and a crossroads, a decision to
be made. Once again, the guideline is to consider what you will need to do in
real life when confronted with such a situation or object and re-phrase the answer
in a metaphorical form.
To
unlock the final meaning and message of the dream, you will need to learn to link
and combine the information obtained from each level or dimension of symbols,
into an integrated whole. And this is a straightforward process which involves simply applying
your knowledge and reasoning.
Durban ,
South Africa
Website
- www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com
The continuity of life
Our
consciousness is eternal
By
Jimmy Henderson
(Hons BA (phil), MA (psych), FRC
(Hons BA (phil), MA (psych), FRC
Our consciousness provides us with the
continuous experience of being alive, and without it we would not be able to feel, think, reason or recognise
anything at all. It can thus also provide
us with a clue to the important question of life after death. We know
that our levels of consciousness and thinking can be detected on an E.E.G (an
apparatus designed to measure electrical brain impulses), so it is not too
far-fetched to compare it to an electric current. Using this as an analogy, we
know that current in a circuit will not flow unless the circuit is complete.
And if a break in continuity exists prior to switch-on, the circuit will never
be activated.
If you can accept your present self-
consciousness as being the result, action or activity of a completed (energy)
‘circuit’ of consciousness, any break in
this circuit would rule out the possibility of your ever becoming
self-conscious or self-aware. In other words, the process or ‘current’ of your
present self-consciousness would simply never have flowed nor become active at
any time unless your ‘circuit’ was complete prior to your earthly existence. To
put it another way, in order to become self–conscious in this life, one would
have to be permanently linked to a form of consciousness beyond this life. This
suggests that our present experience of being alive is part of a continuous
(eternal) cycle of consciousness, the form or level of which is able to change,
as it does when we sleep and dream.
Exactly what we experience when we pass on and enter this higher level
of consciousness is still the subject of religious and mystical debate.
Jimmy Henderson is a well-known metaphysician and regular radio talk
show guest. He is the author of many articles as well as two metaphysical 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
Website
- www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com
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