In Reference to: 31 July 2016 - Spiritual Examination
Dear Frank,
Yes, I would LOVE to communicate via Skype. Shall figure out a timeframe
that works nicely with you, as well, based on the time-zone differences,
etc., etc...
Meanwhile, just wishing to share a revelation, based on the fact that I had
received a significant realization, Frank, based on what you have just told
me about fasting! I made a connection between the physical act of doing a
fast, and the physical act that a human being might make, for example,
when in the midst of prayer...
There are certainly those individuals who pray ardently, and at the same
time, there might be many who, while they are putatively praying, their mind
cannot help but wander, and as a result, they might be a bit distracted, and
not fully focused on the powerful WORDS of the prayer when they are praying,
and therefore might miss some of its meaning, or intention, or spiritual
significance...
Could it be, Frank, that there is a similarity between one who fasts, while
doing so as a ritual, while the objective of the fast might be lost in the
process? Comparing this realization, similarly, to the situation in which
one who thinks they are praying with intent, might end up merely to appear
outwardly (from other people's point of view observing them) to be praying
in vain; their lips moving silently, but their eyes don't look "soft" or
whatever it is that the eyes are supposed to appear like when fully "into"
the prayer mode?
I "see" that it is not the act of the fast itself that brings one closer to
G-d, and I think that what you said Frank, serves further to inspire me on
my spiritual journey and to not be so discouraged! Thanks for pointing that
out, about the act of fasting itself!
Here's another question I'd like to pose to you personally, Frank. (It's
perfectly alright, Frank, if you wish not to respond to it, though, but here
goes):
Is it shameful to acknowledge what one has been through at any stages of
their past, and up until the present time, as far as how far they have come
since they had first started to become interested in making a stronger
connection to G-d, or should ones spiritual closeness be a secret only to be
shared with G-d and oneself, for fear of sounding "boastful," Frank? It
would appear to me that being cognizant of ones sincere efforts and not
being afraid to pat oneself on the back, so to speak, for making certain
progress, might help steer one in the right direction, while preventing,
possibly, their losing their way (so to speak) and straying even further
from the path, knowing that what they have done is valued, and it's worth
continuing and not giving up hope?
What do I mean? Often one might be discouraged for seemingly "failing" and
need encouragement to venture back on the road once more, and to try to
refocus!!!
How would you describe how YOU first became attuned to the spirit of G-d,
Frank, and what led you to the connection between a human who is aware of G-dliness,
and a non-human animal, who is also attuned to the ways of the Lord? In many
references we are reminded how special each sentient being is, and how all
have souls, and that we are all capable of prayer just as non-human animals
pray and express their souls' yearning for Divinity in their own special
ways, and we read parables and poetry, many of which can be found in the
book of Song of the Universe!
Do you have a copy of this book, Frank, Song of the Universe? I think I once
shared it with the group, and got a few lovely comments for example I
remember one, in particular, at how we humans can take an example from
non-human animals who have this pure privilege of being blessed with the
Spirit of G-d instantaneously, whether they open their beaks in song, or
emit sonar as do the dolphins, or echo-location as in bats, or whatever it
is when employing their very own method at communicating their praises to
G-d and joyous reverence for life!
I think I shared one piece (very short, only about half a minute long) that
I had uploaded on YouTube, it was "The Heavens Say..." but I got "stuck" and
haven't really been able to continue, which is one of the reasons I decided
to do this program to get back on track, so to speak, for I had originally
planned to compose about 84 such pieces (all very short) which is how the
format of the structure of the book of Song of the Universe is written, each
blessed creature in his (or her) own way singing praises to G-d, and I
wanted Divine Inspiration to continue composing!!!
Here's a link to my first such composition, Frank:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fAxblFe50Q
It's so short, that directly when it's over, it "rolls-over" to someone
else's video (which is longer) don't know how to change that situation,
though... Any ideas?
Thanks!!!
In appreciation,
Blessings and Love,
Hugs, and Smiles and Laughter,
Janine
Go on to comments: By Frank and Mary Hoffman - 1 Aug 2016
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