The Spiritual Forum

Episode 136 - Already Free Part 1

ALREADY FREE is a beautiful award-winning film that documents the profound transformation of Dorrie van Roij-Houtappels and Norberto Rodrigues. Though living thousands of miles apart (New Zealand and Portugal) they travel the same path to awakening – a life cultivation path called Ren Xue. The practice opens them to the true freedom of mind and heart that is the ultimate promise of most spiritual traditions. In this episode, Rev. Carol engages Norberto and Dorrie in conversation about their transformation and the healing methodology of Ren Xue, which includes the Yuan Gong method of Qigong and a deep dive into the essential qualities of the heart.

Episode 135 - The Order of Life

Order is our ability to organize, balance, sequence, and adjust. The intelligence of the Universe expresses Itself as Order. The seasons, tides, and cycles of growth all happen in perfect sequence. Stories all have a beginning, middle and end. On the spiritual path, it is good to be mindful of the order in our lives. Experiencing 'disorder' is often an indication that we may need to establish order within. Are we clear about our priorities? Are we living in alignment with them? Are our minds cluttered with negative thoughts? Are we trying to circumvent or control a natural process? These are some of the questions we consider during this episode as we engage in inquiry on the spiritual gift of Order.

Episode 134 - Self-mastery and Creative Power

We are each endowed with inner spiritual power – the kind of power we can exercise over our own selves, not over others. This is our ability to master or have dominion over our thoughts, feelings, and habits, and to move energy from one state of consciousness to another. The center of power resides in the throat chakra, for it is our voice that often brings the invisible (ideas) into the visible world (manifestation). Power in its purest form is self-mastery - the recognition that nothing and no one has power over us. In this episode, we share where we are with self-mastery and how we use the power of our word to create.

Episode 133 - Wisdom to Know the Difference

Wisdom is our ability to discern, evaluate and make decisions. It is also our inner guidance/intuition and judging with spiritual discernment. With wisdom, we draw upon Spirit for guidance and make the highest and best conclusion for all. It’s a completely different function from the intellect which draws upon knowledge and tries to figure things out. On the spiritual path, we learn to use our inner wisdom rather than look to the outer world to discern what is right - be it right direction, right choice, or right action. In this episode, we share how we have evolved in Divine wisdom and how it serves us when we are faced with lofty decisions or uncertainty.

Episode 132 - Love With All Your Heart

Love is our ability to know Oneness with all that is. It is also our ability to attract, unify, harmonize and desire for only Good to come to all. Love has no conditions and sees no boundaries. Our world could use some of that now. Can we be love in the face of someone who has disrespected or harmed us? Or can we express love to someone who despises, mischaracterized, or misunderstands us? Can we unconditionally accept love from anyone? In this episode, we explore these questions and also share how we express love with all our hearts for the Divine Itself.

Episode 131 - Feeling Stronger Every Day

Strength is our ability to endure, stay the course and persevere. It can also be expressed as patience, tolerance, steadfastness and balance. True Strength is not rigid, but flexible, like the tree that blows in the wind but remains firmly rooted. It does not seek to dominate or control. When we need to set healthy boundaries, endure hardship, quit a habit, stand up for ourselves, start a new practice or move through loss or fear, it is the power of Strength that we call upon. This is one of many gifts of Spirit that each of us has. Honing the power of Strength will serve us well during these times of transition. In this episode, we share how we express the divine power of Strength in our everyday lives.

Episode 130 - A New World is Stirring

What happens in our nation is a reflection of our consciousness. It is important that we watch how we respond to events because that will point us to what is calling for transformation and healing. That is why we are here at this time – to evolve our consciousness and usher in a new world. During these transitional times, it is important that we keep our vibration high, so we can anchor the Light. It is also important to remember our power - the power of our word, the power over our thoughts, and the power to discern. We hold the ability to 'rebuke' the winds that seem to engulf us. In this episode, we share how we are responding to recent events, what paradigms we are releasing and how a new world is stirring in us.

Episode 129 - The Light of Hope

Hope is to want something to happen or be true. In the depths of darkness, hope is the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. Hope is also what lifts our vision for the future. The birth of anything new brings new hope. Having hope is not about always getting what we want, because often our hopes are dashed. But if we carry hope in our hearts, we free ourselves to live lightly, joyfully, and creatively. Without a hopeful vision, we surrender our innate power to create, and become victims of circumstance. In this episode, we share our hopes for the New Year and how hopeful living has served our lives. We are on the precipice of a great transformation in human society and if we allow hope and faith to work together, we will move boldly into the unchartered territory that is before us.