KNOWsis

Greetings Spring Lovers!  Yes, spring is almost here (or may already be here depending on when you read this)!  Many people (myself included) look forward to the promised kiss of Spring with great anticipation.  It's such a wonderful time of the season where all things in life are renewed, refreshed and regnerated - the weather is warmer, people are starting to wear less clothes, the flowers start to bloom, things are greener and newer, people seem friendlier and smile more.  The truth is - we don't have to wait for spring to arrive to experience this kind of joy and regeneration.  At each moment every cell in our bodies is changing.  Each moment is truly an ending and a new beginning.  This means literally that at every moment, no matter who or where we are, we are free to do whatever we want.  We are not slaves to anyone nor anything.  So today, you are invited to be CONSCIOUS of just how powerful you really are and embrace that!  The true regenerative power of spring is always ours for the taking NOW.

You are also invited to watch part 7 of the documentary "Earthlings" (and do take the time to watch part 1-6 if you haven't already).  Please share your thoughts and feelings with us here!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WNZApXtABw

Hello All Blessed Beings!

Do not fear. Sometimes we go through moments that seem just too much to bear and we wonder if we'll ever get through them.  But we certainly do!  Usually a problem is just a FEAR of a problem.  And if we take time to be still and focus on our  limitlessness and our connection to the DIVINE right now - we'll not only get through the so-called "problem" but we'll be actually expand our Consciousness and be enriched by it.  All experiences are purposeful, no matter how seemingly scary or troublesome.  Remember - All is well!

Please take the time to watch part 6 of the documentary "Earthlings" (do take a look at parts 1-5 if you haven't done so already).  Share your thoughts with us!  And have a great weekend!

Dave

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=earthllings+part+6&aq=f

Hello Everyone,

I trust everyone is well and pursuing exactly the life they truly desire each day!  You have an open invitation from the Universe to do so and have all the health, joy, freedom, peace, fulfillment and more that you want.  When we are CONSCIOUS we understand completely just how powerful we are and then we freely and joyously create our perfect existences. 

Please take the time to view part 5 of the documentary "Earthlings"  (and of course please take the time  to watch parts 1-4 as well).  Please share your thoughts and ideas about this.

We change the world when we first change ourselves.  The world is a result of our thoughts and choices - either CONSCIOUS or UNCONSCIOUS.  Being CONSCIOUS, that is making CONSCIOUS decisions about our own lives is not about forcing anyone - including ourselves - to do anything.  To be truly CONSCIOUS is to be aware that all of life, all of living creatures are ONE.  As Yashua (Jesus) once said:  "As you do unto the least ot them, that you do unto me."  Today, you are invited to only say, think and behave towards others as you would desire to be treated. Reflect on the changes you experience from this.  Also, please take the time to watch part 4 of the documentary "Earthlings" (and do take the time if you have not already done so to watch parts 1-3).  Pleae share your thoughts with us!

Today you are invited to focus on what you truly want to experience for yourself, for your family, friends and for the world as a whole.  Take time today to sit quietly and let yourself envision exactly what it is you desire to see manfested as your physical reality.  Doing this regularly will help you to heighten you your consciousness and to make only those choices that will serve you, your loved ones, your friends and the world as a whole.  Also, please take the time to watch part 3 of the documentary "Earthlings" narrated by the talented actor Jochim Phoenix.  Share your thoughts with us!

Dave

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkFt43gjtlU

Guy Finley continues to inspire me with his concisely articulated wisdom so I want to start today's discussion on CONSCIOUSNESS with a recent quote from him:

Bringing an End to Unconscious Unkindness

If we only knew how many times our seemingly clever comment cut straight into the heart of the person with whom we have just spoken, it is we who would bleed.

If we were more CONSCIOUS would be ever say HALF of the snide, impatient and rude things to people that we do on a regular basis?  Would be be so quick to lash  out at someone we have never met with obscene and hostile words in a chat room online or on a discussion board?  If we were more CONSCIOUS would we be so quick to curse someone who doesn't hold the elevator door for us?  If we were more CONSCIOUS would we continue to make the same daily choices - such as buying products that pollute the environment, destroy forests, kill sentient beings, make us ill?  If we were more CONSCIOUS would be still see ourselves as more worthy of peace and love and kindness and freedom than other beings?  Would we see our cute little puppies and kitties as being more worthy of life than those animals that are slaughtered for "food" etc.?  If we were more CONSCIOUS would we actively even desire to hurt any person or other CONSCIOUS being in any way?  No, from my experience on earth I can say that with CONSCIOUSNESS there would not even be a consideration for such things.  With CONSCIOUSNESS comes understanding and AWARENESS that we are all ONE with that which is DIVINE and that hatred, fear, violence and killing are futile, pointless and needless. 

Today, you are invited to watch part 2 of the important documentary "EARTHLINGS" narrated by talented actor Jochim Phoenix.  If you have not already watched the first part, please take the time to watch it above.  Please share your thoughts with us!

When we make conscious choices - that is to say when we really focus on what it is we are doing - we manifest more of what we say we want.  And in fact we are manifesting more of the experience of who "we" are when we make conscious choices.  Who are "we"?  "We" are the "IT".  The One.  The infinite and eternal something that words cannot ever fully convey.  The words "Love", "Joy", "Truth", "Freedom", "Peace", "Harmony" come the closes to describing what it is we really are.  Now - that said, we are all functioning on different levels of consciousness - and this is valid to our invidualized journies.  We can't force anyone to change their level of conscious - not even ourselves - yet we can be part of each others journeys of consciousness in significant ways.  I desire to do my bit here and now.

Some of you may have read my previous posts involving Conscious living - and I think it merits mentioning again for people are not the only conscious beings on the planet.  We share this amazing orb with countless other thinking, feeling, living beings.  These other beings are no less important and significant than human beings - yet they are most usually looked upon as undeserving of even basic respect and consideration.  I refer, of course, to those beings that are seen as a source of food, clothing, medicine and entertainment. 

In a conscious state - would we ever want to be terrorized, subjugated, tortured, mutilated, killed?  Would be want this to happen to anyone we care about?  Yet - this is done to millions of sentient beings a DAY.  I do not presume to know what your thoughts and feelings are on the subject of animal abuse.  But I can only encourage you to question this and be Conscious of your choices.  Do we truly want a world that is safe, happy, peaceful, healthy and harmonious?  If so, I urge you consider these words attritubed to Yashua (aka Jesus): 

"As you do unto the least of them, that you do unto me".

Below is part 1 of a very important film called simply "EARTHLINGS".  It is a documentary about those beings we share the planet with - those beings who are seen as sources of food, clothing, medicine and entertainment.  It is a very graphic and unflinching film - and for that it is purposeful.  It is narrated by popular actor Jochim Phoenix.  I hope you will take the time to watch it  and share your thoughts and ideas about this.

Hello Everyone,

Recently I was thinking (again) about the term "Christian" and what that means to me.  Being raised a Christian I initially viewed the term to mean those who belong to a specific church or religion and adhere to its teachings. Over the years I began to broaden my definition of Christian a bit to mean "Those who are followers of Jesus and who live by His teachings".  Over time I began to observe many who proclaimed (passionately) "Christian" but whom did not actually follow the example of Jesus as handed down to us in "The Bible".  In fact, I found that many of these people were doing the complete opposite of Jesus' teachings.  It seemed to me that there was a lack of conscious reason in these people's justifications to judge, condemn, speak hatefully and condone violence against those whom they perceived to be "different" or "sinful".  Their arguments for this tended to be an odd mixture of mainly  old testament quotes, a few choice quotes from the letters of St. Paul as well as quotes from antiquated "medical"  journals denouncing certain people as "sick".  I'm  still trying to find the passage in the New Testament where Jesus condemns ANYONE! 

Well, I have happy news.  Not all people who call themselves Christians are like that!  About a week ago I happened to catch a tv film on Lifetime called "Prayers For Bobby".  The movie is based upon a real gay teen who's "Christian" family refuses to accept him for what he is and insist that he be "cured" so that he will not go to hell for his sinful homosexuality.  Needless to say the "cure" doesn't work and Bobby ends up committing suicide.  After viewing this film, I was inspired to post this message about it on a Christian site I had found on line:

Hello Brothers and Sisters,
How wonderful to discover this site. Happy to be on board. I'm Dave and I live in New York. Did any of you get to see the very inspiring tv film "Prayers for Bobby" recently? I found it to be very well done and engrossing. Finally a main stream movie that shows Christians in a worthy light rather than as close minded and unable to allow the Holy Spirit to cure them of their ignorance and fear. I was impressed by Sigourney Weaver's performance as a mother who condemns her son for being a homosexual based upon her understanding of the Bible - but after his tragic suicide she allows the Holy Spirit to guide her and open her eyes to see that God has created ALL people and that God loves all of his creations perfectly and unconditionally. Once the mother is cured, she is able to spread the Lords message of Love to others. I hope Lifetime will run the film again if you didn't get a chance to see it. It's worth watching and discussing. Blessings to all!
Dave

I was not exactly sure what kind of resonses my message would receive from these "Christian" people, however I must say I was happily surprised.  I got about 10 replies all saying "Welcome!" and even one who said "Wow, I did not even know about this movie!".  So you see -  judging, pre-judging and condemning anyone for any reason really does not bring us what we say we desire, does it? But treating others as one wants to be treated certainly DOES.

Today you are invited to define the word "Christian" as one who embraces the Divine light of Love and Joy that flows through you.  You are invited to see "Christianity" as something that UNIFIES not seperates people - as something that transcends religious, cultural boundaries.  For we are all one with that which is that infinite, Eternal Divine Light!

I've found that at each moment we choose our life's course either consciously or unconsciously.  I've experienced that the more conscious one is in one's choices, the more the results of those choices afford one the experience one most desires - health, safety, success, fulfillment, security, love, peace, freedom, inspiration joy, abundance.

However, it is not uncommon for us on Earth to often believe that we will experience happiness and all that goes with that - by avoiding things we do not like: i.e. poverty, sickness, lonliness, injury, homelessness, hunger, violence, crime, war, pollution, dishonesty, disaster, hatred, injustice etc.

Thus we may often spend a lot of time using methods to help us avoid that which we don't like:  alcohol, marijuana, crystal meth, heroine, cocaine, pills, medicines, religion, non-intellectually stimulating entertainments, "comfort foods", emotional drama and many others including just plain denial.  Regular or perpetual use of tools tends to numb us to the results of our unfocused thoughts.  Therefore tools, not surprisingly, are addictive.  And addiction, I've found, is born of fear - not of consciousness (Love).

The good news:  I've found that the more we focus only on what we want, the less fear we experience and the less need we have for most  "tools" in oder to experience that which brings joy.

Today you are invited to see yourself as whole and Divine.  Today you are invited to focus on the fact that everything you want - you have right here and now - without the use of "tools"!  And most importantly you are invited to be aware that you are completely worthy of experiencing all you want!

Remember in Nov. right after Obama was elected the next U.S. President I wrote a blog encouraging everyone to join the great REVOLUTION - not the outmoded concept of REVOLUTION involving anger, violence and destruction - but a true REVOLUTION of consciousness and being an active part of the change that we really want to experience here and now.  

All around I see signs of this REVOLUTION of consciousness in progress - people - including our next President - are beginning to be aware that we are not separate from the process of life - that we are indeed one with it.  We are all expressions of Spirit.  It is up to each of us to make our country and world healthier, safer, happier, freer, richer.   I encourage everyone to consciously manifest the change they desire now.

One such person who is actively manifesting what he desires is a talented artist named Mark Christopher Vanderhouck.  I have had the priviledge of modeling for Mark and have had the chance to discuss various things with him including spirituality.  Many may have heard that Mark was chosen to scupt a bust of President Elect Obama on the FOX-TV morning show this Tues, Jan. 21.  I had heard that "some guy" from the studio where I model would be doing this, but I did not know exactly whom - until I ran into Mark this Sunday and learned HE was the guy!  I was so thrilled for him and more than anything - I was inspired by the light of joy just radiating from him as he told about his life right now.   told me point blank he had made a conscious decision recently to focus only on that which he loves and desires he was experiencing all manner of amazing things - including the honor of being asked to sculpt Obama on TV.  I want you to read Mark's own words about this below - and I want to invite you all to tune in this inaugeral Tuesday to The Morning Show at 9:00am on Fox - 5 (NYC) and watch this amazing example of spirit consciously at work!

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LETTER FROM ARTIST MARK CHRISTOPHER VANDERHOUCK

"Cool…someone actually wants to hear what I have to say…that’s been happening a lot lately. Maybe I should get used to it. I ran into my buddy Dave at the Art Student’s league and told him the news that I have been asked by Fox’s Good Day New York to come on and sculpt an Obama sculpture live during inauguration morning on Tuesday. I guess it is a little deceptive to say I was “asked” to come on. That asking only came about after a year of looking for a break.

            Dave had already heard that “some guy” at the League was going to be on Fox doing a sculpture…but he didn’t know it was me. He seemed pretty psyched to see that I was that “some guy”.  So we got talking about what else,  but the man of the hour - Obama.

      The feelings I had during our conversation…actually the feelings I have had ever since the day after the election when I began my sculpture “My Man Obama”, can quickly get me, at turns, starry-eyed and moist-eyed.

       When I woke up that Wednesday after the election and hit the street to go about my day, I had no idea of the change in the air that awaited me. It was as if someone had taken a giant sweegee – you know like the guys use who clean windshields at the stoplights – and in one night, they cleaned all our windshields. Walking on the streets I was high-fiving whites, blacks and everyone else who didn’t run away from my enthusiasm. The change that this election represents did not happen in one night – but it was in one night that we all realized how far we have come – all of us. It was as if a tension that I hadn’t even realized was there, had faded away. I have always felt pretty comfortable with just about anyone, but on that day I truly felt colorblind as a visceral experience. I felt the bonds that connect us all in a way I had never felt before. I felt a real union with all the people I met. Now I fear I sound like an artist, with all these high-minded idealistic sentiments…but I don’t know how else to convey the feelings I had that day. That is why I did a sculpture of Obama.

     So that sort of covers one half of what this short journey of mine has taught me. It has taught me that it is ok to feel inspired. It is more than ok. It is safe to let go of my pessimism and what I like to call “too cool for school” attitude. It is more than ok…it is necessary if I want to feel and be truly alive right here right now.

     The other half of my learning has come from what I did with those feelings. This time I didn’t tell myself I couldn’t do it. I didn’t tell myself it was a stupid idea. I didn’t tell myself I am not good enough. I didn’t focus on running out of money or on looking stupid or on any of the myriad of negatives that once filled my consciousness.

     I just thought of how good I felt and how much I wanted to connect with the world and share what I have to say and feel. It sounds silly, and honestly if I think too much I might leave this out, but with Obama coming in as our president I have felt a change in the air that has helped me to feel that it is safer to put myself out there. If I am sensitive to my gut, I feel that now is the time to put your voice in the mix. I am going to be on the morning news in two days doing a sculpture live in front of…I have no idea how many people…and there is a little voice in my head that says…”who are you to be on tv, what do you have to offer…etc” I know I am only a sculptor, and in the end all I do is make a lump of clay look like something else…but that is what I can do, so that is what I will give. I came up with this new motto for myself a few weeks ago. “I am going to start giving other people the chance to reject me.” I mean, hopefully they won’t, but I have been denying them the chance. I have been too busy doing it myself. I haven’t let myself take two steps in any direction without cutting myself off at the knees.

      I guess what I am trying to get across is that the learning for me has been that I am ready Now. I am alive Now. I am ok Now. I have something to offer Now. I can connect and love and make mistakes and be successful…all right Now. That may seem like Captain Obvious material to many, but for me it is revolutionary.

      I started doing an Obama sculpture in mid November, and now 2 months later I will be doing one on the Good Day New York Show. The last time I was on a similar show was the Salty Sam show in Syracuse NY when I was 5 years old. Maybe it’s not a cure for cancer, but it is what I can give right Now.

     Similarly I have always wanted to be more involved in my community. I want to be one of those guys who gives thousands to charity. I am not helping anyone by sitting at home playing it small. So I researched charities the other day and found one called Free Arts NYC that fits with my interest in supporting children and families through the arts. Ideally I will sell some of my work through the exposure I get from this TV spot. When I do I will give 20% to these guys. Will I sell anything? I don’t know, but the intention to sell and support some good people is there. My intention has carried me this far in two months, so I intend it to carry me further toward my vision.

     Dave asked me to write a little blurb based on what we were chatting about today. I hope this fits the bill. I further hope it can inspire maybe just one person to realize that they have everything they need right now and our ready to step into their dream right now. I hope this finds you well. Thanks for reading, Mark"  

 www.markcvanderhoek.com