DREW'S JOURNEY TO &quote;O&quote; (eBook)

 “LOVE ONE ANOTHER” This is the simple message of God to mankind. And while the message is simple the practice of it is far from it. So God sent us many enlightened entities to help us along our journey. People would recognize the truth of what these entities were saying, in time these entities would eventually return to God. Leaving behind groups that were dedicated to spreading this truth to others. These groups became religions who would idolize the messenger, and sometimes alter to message to fit the belief system they have created. They began Creating ceremonies, rituals, and hierarchy; to give structure to their new belief system, and then came the actual physical structures. Eventually all of this becomes “tradition.”

 All new religions are considered “CULTS” at first, but if they survive they eventually become the ESTABLISHED RELIGION. The living truth can get lost behind all these rituals, and ceremony's. God is not a tradition that needs to be perpetuated by ceremony. God is the living truth that needs to be applied to every aspect of your life. God inspired individuals to write books to act as “owners manuals” to assist us. The Bible, Qur'an, Torah, I ching, and others are powerful reference books to use on your JOURNEY. These books have survived hundreds of years, countless translations have been added to and subtracted from, and still hold much truth and insight for us to use. It is important to remember that the simple message behind this massive amount of literature is ”LOVE ONE ANOTHER.” Its a moment to moment challenge.

 Don't get so attached to a rigid interpretation of Scripture that you are blind to the living truth. God inspires individuals every day to write books, songs, paint pictures, and speak this simple message.. Words can confuse us, and while I've been using the word God, I don't feel that God is God's name. The Great Spirit, Allah, Jehovah, Heavenly father, the force, are all used to describe this positive creative force that is in and surrounds us. These names can distract us from “THE MESSAGE” So I will refer to this creative force as “O”.

 It is important to remember that this life is a journey. We will never reach a point where we can say “I'm here! “ its good to remember this when you feel your behind your deadline.. you are “to blessed to be stressed”. No one can speak all the languages in the world, and no one could research all of the thousands of religions that exist Though you could spend your life doing just that.. I suggest that it may be more fulfilling to find your own individual connection to “0” we all have one. This connection is direct communication and nothing should come between you and “0”. The notion that you need a mediator in this communication is incorrect and unfortunately the basis for many religions.

 I do believe most religions were founded with good intentions, and based on truth: however to maintain their identity they become a business, and suffer the pitfalls that all businesses have to deal with. God is not in the “god biz” It is our business to find our own link with “0” and expand on this, and share our individual perspective with other individuals; for no one person can see the whole picture, but by sharing our honest individual perspective we get a better view of the whole picture.. which will help us achieve “0s” simple directive.. LOVE ONE ANOTHER. This document is simply my attempt to do this.

 When a group of individuals pretend to all have the same concept of “0” they are destined for conflict with other similar groups. When individuals share their own honest perspective on “0” its more about expanding your perceptive than conflict. When real men of “O” share their perspective there is no conflict. For each individual has his own perspective on “0”, and they all are correct though incomplete, each time they share their insights their picture of “0” becomes more complete.

 There are several religions that go door to door to try to convert you to their “brand” of spirituality. They are not there to share their individual spiritual insight but to implant their group's belief system on you. I find this to be not much fun because there is no real spiritual growth there; they are just trying to sell you their existing definition of “0”.

 Its not our job to understand or define “0” but to simply appreciate all the beauty and observe the daily miracles all around us..There are miracles happening around us constantly. Appreciation is a huge part of enjoying our journey. If you are not enjoying your journey you need to step back and take an objective look at it.. Joy is “0s” way of telling you YOU'RE ON THE RIGHT TRACK. Of course its not all fun and games; there are new challenges arriving every day. Its a good thing when you look forward to your next challenge as opposed to living in fear of your next insurmountable problem.

 There are no insurmountable problems; just monumental challenges. Best to stay on top of your circumstances, and not under them.. Every human on earth as long as your alive is going to have challenges; how you deal with them determines how much JOY you receive..

 Its impossible to predict where this journey will take you and often anticipation of future events can detract from your adventure. Take one step at a time, and enjoy each step; appreciate the fact that your ARE ALIVE and on your journey to “0” loving one another as you go.. This helps you maintain a state of PEACE. This peace is the only peace that can be attained on your journey.. People talk about peace on earth, but the only peace you can have on this earth is the peace in your own mind..when you have peace of mind you have peace on earth.. no matter what conditions you may encounter..the opposite is also true if you don't have peace of mind you do not have peace on earth no matter what the situation is.

 Some of us can turn a disaster into a blessing and the opposite is also true. This simple prim-us is the basis of understanding the essence of many martial arts techniques.. the goal being to be at peace even in combat; eliminating anticipation and anger allows your spirit to be the THE WARRIOR..then the force “0” becomes your strength. (Sounds like something YODA may have said.) This is used for defense only; for you would not attack anyone when you are on your journey to “0” and loving one another as you go. You will however protect yourself, not just against physical attack but also from bad habits, and anything that would damage your body or mind..

 The body is tool that your spirit uses to take this amazing journey through life; so it must be nurtured and protected to make it as strong and resilient as possible.. As long as your spirit inhabits this body they are connected...That is why a healthy spirit makes for a healthy body..and visa- versa..Your body is the only thing you actually own on this journey, and you are responsible for its proper care and maintenance; this will make your journey more enjoyable..and joy is the reward.. When this journey is over you will leave your body and go on to your next adventure.. It is not your job on this journey to know what that may be, and the anticipation of it will distract from the journey you are on now..Most religions try to tell you what will happen after your body dies. THEY DON'T KNOW.

 No one does. There are many theories, and there is nothing wrong with having your own idea about what comes next, but don't get to consumed with it because its really not part of our job. Living this life is your job, and Its a very important job

 No one knows when this journey will end so don't worry about it..WORRY IS THE OPPOSITE OF FAITH. Know that “0” has the plan, that you are an important part of this plan, and all is on course. Everyone you encounter along the way is also on a journey; and though there are many similarities we are all on our own individual journey. The best way to help others is to have the best journey you can; while appreciating and respecting theirs. Pointing out flaws in the journey of others rarely has the desired effect.. Its a constant relief to me that it is not our job to judge others or try to determine someone elses' path. I personally am really bad with taking criticism. It is important to be honest in your relationships and to express yourself thoughtfully.

 Try to visualize others as “0” would; with love. I wish everyone a pleasant journey..its more fun if everyone is having a good time..Of course this is usually not the case and that is part of the challenge of the adventure..Protect yourself from others that are not having a joyful journey. We are all connected so the more of us who are enjoying our journey the better it is for all of us.

 Its not good to let anyone abuse you. Tolerance of abusive behavior simply makes for more of the same; not just for you but for the abusive person as well. It is not loving someone when you allow them to hurt you; remember it hurts them also. Even more so. Your example of joy is always the best teacher..you will find that relationships can be like a big jig-saw puzzle.. only a few pieces actually fit next to you, no matter how hard you try some pieces just don't fit even though they look like they should. That doesn't mean they don't fit somewhere else in the puzzle; they do, and it is just a waste of time to try to make them fit where they don't belong. It does not diminish their importance just because they don't fit...