All of you posting on this thread truly have touched me deeply. Kindred spirits, or aligned souls...whatever you are is totally awesome!

Kevin, again thank you for the reasoned, logical explanation of the difficulty in the phrase 'open-minded skeptic' - it resonates true to me.

Aaron, many times the thoughts and feelings you have expressed 'all over the place' lol, have come to me in my daily life - the looking at things, whether they be just things or people and seeing them just as they are, has benefited my outlook in separating judgement and attachment to said things or people.

Joy (what a wonderful name you use here!), your thoughts on living more by intuition are bang on! I live intuitively as well - something I don't see too often in men, yet am very grateful for having this world open up to me more and more. In the Secret of Shambhala, by James Redfield, the people of Shambhala all live by intuition. According to Jung, it is the instinctive/intuitive part of our brain that is connected to the collective unconscious and thus a source of immense wisdom and knowledge. I believe our subconscious wants to help us and bring us whatever it is we desire and think about, though it is clear with the teachings of Abraham and others on LOA, this is something we need to discipline, practice, and train ourselves to be open to allowing. With my background being raised and staying in a cult-like religion (JWs) until my mid 30's, I have a lot of reason I could have become so skeptical, yet through intuition and trust of the inner Self, the opposite has happened, thankfully!

Chansonette, your using the term 'follow your gut' reminds me of how god, in CWG says 'the tummy knows' - how true! I too believe that people are at different stages and that some just need a little planting and perhaps a little watering to grow a bit more. Reminds me too of some Biblical Scripture that says, Paul speaking 'I planted, Apollos watered, but God makes it grow'. The danger with this idea is that I could imagine myself 'more advanced' or somesuch and I try instead to think that when I meet someone, they or I or both of us, have something to share with each other and thats that. If I have to try convincing or feeling any anxiety at all in what is being shared, then I have gone too far and its time to wish them Peace and move on. Chans, unfortunately, I too am one of those How and Why kind of guys lol. I want to know it all and want to know it NOW LOL.

Ulrika - wow, what a great story you related. I know you felt drained but it sure shows how the flow of our energies can affect us. When we are inline with our true Self...it will always feel good and resonate well with others. I find that as I get more and more sensitive to these subtle energies, that I have to be more and more selective about what kinds of crowds I'm in or what type of people I choose to hang out with - if it doesn't feel right, then its time to be a bit more discretionary for me. Being happy and knowing all is right to just let others live and let live with their beliefs was one of the greatest reliefs for me in leaving that hardcore religion!

Pamela...I feel like I know you! What a beautiful soul you are, and I hear you on so many levels. I totally understand the desire to share what has made you so happy and fulfilled with Everyone! Its natural to want to share good news. However, I see in myself that I had to have the desire to want to know more, never being satisfied with status quo and a deep yearning to learn more and more about this amazing thing we call Life. I find that many, if not most, other people are not in that frame of mind of intense interest in expanding their mind, however, the little seeds aforementioned can often sprout at the neatest times.

Roz, I agree with everything you said - especially the part that in essence says to me - we cannot not get there! We're all getting there in our own ways and we all play a part in the evolution of this illusory 'reality' on this planet - its all good! Thank you for your thoughts!

Chansonette, you get two responses by me lol...because I just LOVE what you have said about enlightenment. I think a Bhuddism book I read said something about us all being Enlightened beings, however we are all at different stages of Awakening to this realization. The words of Abraham resonate deeply with me as well - it just feels good to listen and read Abraham.

I know several people that are all at different points in 'getting it' and who openly love to talk about these subjects of spirituality/consciousness. They desire to know more, and I love to share with them what they are able to handle. I never forget the gifts of knowledge and experience they give me as well!

All of you are so wonderful and I'm blessed (sorta blessed myself I guess, through LOA'ing you all to me lmao) to know you in whatever format you come to me and I to you.

Namaste says it all

Stephen