#Spiritual freedom

[boymanmaletheshequel]

Friendly reminder that you don’t need to be Greek or Mediterranean in your ethnicity or heritage to practice Hellenism! Religion and spirituality transcends anthropology and genetics, the gods will love anybody of any heritage, race, sexuality, or gender who wishes to revere them and learn about or partake in the practice of hellenism!

[reality-detective]

The Great Reset is the battle of our lifetime...

If the elites that control this world succeed, we will all be living like slaves in digital concentration camps.

If we win, we will FOREVER change the world for the better. And we WILL win. 🤔

[shadowsofdarkness]

Intro to Nonduality:

What if the key to true freedom lies in understanding that the separation between 'you' and 'the world' never truly existed?

What is Nonduality?

"The moment you see through the illusion of separateness, you realize that the whole universe is your own self." – Ramesh Balsekar

Nonduality is a philosophical and spiritual concept that unveils the interconnected nature of reality beyond the human form and its deceptive illusion of separation. It teaches that the sense of an individual self, separate from the world and the universe, is a false identity. The 'individual self' is not the true essence of who we are—it's merely a mental construct that reinforces the illusion of separateness. Nonduality reveals that the underlying source of all existence and the entire universe is the infinite essence of consciousness—the true self.

Consciousness & Awareness - Essence of Nonduality:

"What you are looking for is already within you, in the form of pure consciousness, the essence of who you truly are." – Adyashanti

Consciousness is the unlimited source of all experiences and the essence of existence itself. It is the pure underlying presence in which everything arises. This pure consciousness is ultimately the true self’s nature beyond everything and all experiences. It is the fundamental essence of reality that completely transcends all. 

Awareness is the aspect of consciousness that allows you to experience and perceive everything being experienced through the unique lens of perception you hold. It is the witness of all thoughts, emotions, and experiences without becoming involved or identified with it. Awareness serves as the observer.

Why is knowing this important?

"Knowing the self is the beginning of freedom. When you realize that you are not separate from everything, you break free from the illusion of duality." – Eckhart Tolle

Understanding the interconnected nature of reality revolves around being able to understand consciousness and the aspects of it that allow you to have a human experience in order for consciousness to recognize itself as the creator of all existence and its manifestation of humanity. Understanding the true self to be consciousness comes with many profound spiritual results such as:

Self-Awareness & Clarity:

It is essential to recognize that your true self is beyond all thoughts, emotions, and experiences in order to peacefully detach from them and break identification with them.

Understanding your consciousness allows you to see yourself as the observer of your experiences, rather than getting caught up in them or consumed by the stories playing out. This transformative shift in perception brings clarity, peace, and a deep sense of freedom, ultimately leading to liberation as the witness and source of it all.

Inner Peace: Recognizing your true self as consciousness allows you to explore and engage with your experiences from a place of peace and stability, regardless of the circumstances or stories that unfold before you.

Understanding the True Nature of Reality: This transformation in your perception of reality allows you to explore its true nature, cultivating a deeper connection with the underlying interconnectedness of all existence. As a result, you develop a greater appreciation for the ultimate beauty of the human experience.

Transcending the Ego - By breaking down the wall of the false sense of self and its identification with thoughts, emotions, desires, and experiences, you transcend the ego. As you do, you realize your true self as consciousness, and the mental construct of the ego becomes the servant rather than the master of the mind. This transformation allows you to experience life with greater peace and freedom. It’s about ascending beyond the ego’s control, revealing your true self beyond its mask.

Freedom & Liberation From Suffering - Much of human suffering arises from attachment to the false sense of self and the belief in separation from the world. By realizing that the true self transcends these mental constructs, you free yourself from the cycle of suffering, leading to greater bliss and contentment in the present moment.

Living With Liberation & Confidence As the Source - Realizing your true self allows you to live with spiritual confidence and liberation, as you come to recognize yourself as the limitless source of all existence and experience. Your perception of conscious manifestation transforms, shifting to see it as a flowing expression of consciousness, experiencing itself through you in the human form.

Increased Feelings of Compassion & The End of Dualistic Thinking - Recognizing your true self brings about stronger feelings of compassion and empathy, as you begin to see the same true self in everyone you encounter. By ending dualistic thinking, you come to view the entire nature of reality as interconnected and ever-changing, rather than divided by separation—an illusion that only reinforces the sense of disconnection.

Spiritual Fulfillment - Through understanding the true nature of the self as consciousness and having a direct experience of connection with it, the ultimate goal of many spiritual traditions—enlightenment or self-realization—is realized. Recognizing that your true self is beyond the mind, body, and all of existence itself inevitably leads to profound spiritual fulfillment, reinforcing a lasting and divine connection with your true self.

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"When you realize that there is no 'other,' there is only one, you awaken to the true nature of reality, and life becomes an expression of love." – Gangaji

This understanding of the nondual nature of reality allows you to transcend the limiting perception of yourself. It enables you to develop a deeper spiritual connection with your true self as consciousness, and to live with a profound sense of freedom and liberation. By recognizing that your truest essence of being is entirely beyond the mind and human creation, you experience life from a place of deeper self-awareness and inner peace.

[gemrose]

[alchamy34]

Gwen needs to be canonically independent and not be tied down.

I have to say how grateful I am that other individuals see all the evil, homophobic intentions spider-verse is giving. This is so cruel to Gwen.

Not only is Marvel animation refusing to confirm Gwen's sexuality or at least giving her a purpose of independence, but they are cowardly by forcing her to revolve around a guy named Spider-Man.

I have already made a couple rants/complaints about this but I was reminded of how pissed I get by this as a feminist.

I'll say it again: Spider-Gwen exists for an important reason--she's supposed to stand out! To be different from all the other Gwens.

Those versions died because their whole purpose was to be the gentle damsel in distress hot nerdy straight girl. It's just upsetting how most (and I mean 98%) of Peter Parkers try to force their idealization of straight girly Gwen onto her. Rather than accepting how different and unique she is from the other versions.

So her being Miles's love interest is proving how her true existence is wasted on the big screen. From 2014 onward in the comics, she was always supposed to be queer. She represents what its like to be closeted because no one truly accepts her whole identity. Hence that line in ATSV where she said out loud how she can only show people half of who she really is. It represents the negative results when coming out to everyone. She was hated for that.

I am against Gwiles ship because it encourages the heteronormative patriarchal mindset. Enforcing the misogynistic gender roles and saying all the things about queerness being a sin to be true. It breaks my heart when someone is forced into being straight in hetero hell.

Remember the comics of when Gwen discovered a reality where she was married to Miles and had kids? Not only was that Gwen's biggest fear but also represented queer women's biggest nightmare. Being in a marriage where she can never reciprocate her husband's love, losing her individuality and identity, being viewed as a possession or trophy wife? I wouldn't choose that life ever!

She deserves to express her freedom to be herself. To be accepted, to love anyone she wants to love. The fact that Peter and Miles attempted to take that away proves the fact of how they were trying to be forceful on her to be the illusion of the Gwen that they wanted to shelter and treat her as property.

That's why ships were there is pairings with Quake, fem!oc, Felicia Hardy, and White Fox are much better ships. They are perfect opportunities for Gwen to explore her Bisexuality with someone who she can love out of mutual interest. Female characters who would accept all of her for who she is as a person. She should choose her own happiness and enjoy the freedom she yearns for herself.

Footloose and leash free.

[mountain-sage]

[satellitecock]

Sweden has made kratom illegal. Comments?

Jakob Forssmed has revealed himself to be an agent of the Antichrist. His fascist rhetoric must not be forgotten by the Swedish people. Thousands will suffer under this dystopian legislation.

Mitragynine, the god particle within Kratom, has been classified as a narcotic since 1992. However, until now, the plant could still be purchased for use in "creating soap."

For 33 years, the Swedish people have been completely at the mercy of the law. Even then, they should have known better.

It is ALWAYS inevitable that loopholes which benefit the spiritual proletariat will be closed. Of course, this is never the case for the exploiting class. HOWEVER, no matter how painful this setback is, the Swedish people cannot give up.

The proletariat's shamans, enthusiasts, crypto bros, manual laborers, Indonesian diaspora, chronic pain suffers, and recovering opioid addicts of Sweden must fight together against the exploiting class's fascist government and it's imperialist army.

[biblebloodhound]

His Resurrection Is Ours

“I have come to give the good life, a life that overflows with beauty and harmony.” Jesus (John 10:10)

The Resurrection, by Andrea Mantegna, c.1458 C.E. The story of Christianity, the very heart and essence of the religion, is a tale of transformation from all the obstacles, impediments, and barriers which confine or cripple. The person and work of Jesus accomplished this. In his earthly ministry, Christ continually called people to transformative change into the reality of God’s gracious and…

[compassionmattersmost]

Bob Marley: A Christian Mystic in the Rastafarian Tradition

When we think of Christian mystics, names like St. John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, and Thomas Merton often come to mind. These individuals, through their writings and lives, embodied a deep and profound connection with the divine, often expressed through personal, mystical experiences of God. However, the notion of Christian mysticism is broader than traditional Catholic or Protestant…

[asanee44]

January 2025 Ancestor Reading: Facing Karmic Retribution

Discover the wisdom of the ancestors with my January 2025 Ancestor Reading, where we explore the profound concept of karmic retribution. This reading delves into how past actions shape current circumstances, guiding you to break free from negative cycles and embrace spiritual balance. Whether you’re seeking clarity, healing, or empowerment, this reading offers transformative insights to help you…

[boymanmaletheshequel]

Praying to Lady Tyche tonite for justice to reign supreme tomorrow, to guide an election on which our religious freedoms as hellenists, as pagans, and as witches hinges. I pray to Lord Dionysus to see right an election on which our rights as Queer people, as trans people, and as neurodiverse ppl hinges, an election that could end democracy and secede to fascism. And too do I pray to the victorious lady Nike, to guide Harris, despite the qualms I have with her, to victory to spare us from an irreparable future under the conservatives. I pray to Artemis, to protect the women, the mothers, whose bodily autonomy and rights as women hinge on its outcome as well. Stay strong my witches, my hellenists, my pagans, my brothers and sisters, and don’t ever loose hope, don’t let that torch burn out, because justice dies in the darkness. 🏛️💙

[reality-detective]

No one escapes this 👆

What are you waiting for? 🤔

[shadowsofdarkness]

I feel like I don't understand what "awareness" means anymore. I've seen the word be used a lot but I genuinely don't understand it anymore. Or maybe it's because I'm overcomplicating it. When i become "aware" of something it just means I'm putting my attention on it? And at that moment I'm experiencing it? I'm not sure. Can you please speak on awareness itself and what it truly means. What does it mean when people say "you are only awareness", "awareness is all that is". Thank you for reading and sorry that this ask was all over the place

This is a great question.

Awareness is the focused and attentive aspect of consciousness (the true self).

It is the lens of perception that allows you to witness and perceive having a human experience. It serves as the observer that enables you to be aware of thoughts, emotions, and sensory perceptions in your experience without becoming attached to or identified with them. Awareness allows you to notice those elements of the mind, without becoming entangled in them.

To further answer your question, those who say those things are referring to the true self's nature on the deepest level as consciousness.

Consciousness is the vast and pure field from which existence and all experiences arise. It is the essence of being and the all-encompassing presence that underlies and transcends everything.

It is the absolute foundation of reality.

Together, consciousness and awareness form the entire totality of existence.

[gemrose]

At some point in life, usually triggered by a challenging or painful event, one loses one’s sense of 'identity'. It can be hard and often a disintegrating experience even for the most self assured and confident. It's akin to losing one's footing in life.

There are stages in life, and every stage requires a different approach, mindset, openness. These are the defining characteristics of one's personality or identity. Some phases of life necessitate a different personality, and life readies you for it, by breaking down the sense of identity and its limitations. I'd compare it to a snake shedding its skin, just that it's not voluntary.

Over the years, if you stand back & look closely, you'd see that there is no fixed 'identity' that defines you. It kept changing while you witnessed those changes. Losing your individuality can be hard on the ego, but is liberating for the soul. Identity masks reality. This breaking of shackles and elimination of the personal is necessary for realising your true self that is boundless and universal. That realization however, comes with time.

What is disintegration of the ego, is integration for the soul. Therein lies your freedom. A drop loses its identity on merging with the sea.

~ Meeta Ahluwalia

[ascendantevolution]

Learning to Surrender: A spiritual initiation

Surrender has to be one of the hardest concepts to understand as a human being. When someone says that they surrendered, what I have finally come to understand is that they came to a place of deep trust in a process. 

It took me a long time to move beyond my surface-level understanding of surrender as a giving in or giving up. I am sure some people have experienced it that way, especially when they hit rock bottom. I myself have had that experience. It has been years since, and now I see I was in some ways forced into surrender. I resigned myself to it. The other option was death. As true as all that may be, surrender is much more complex than that very obvious version.

It doesn't have to be that hard. Surrender doesn't have to mean hitting the bottom. Unless, of course, you are stubborn as I am, refusing to go gently. Long hard-headed, I have finally learned that surrender can be gentle and very intentional. I choose this form of surrender now, every day.

Surrender requires a different kind of strength. In the way I am speaking of it here, it is a choice, and that comes from within. I must yield my ego, the illusion of control, service-to-self, and self-harm. When I yield, I tap into a strength beyond any I could have imagined. I tap into my Higher Self and Source itself.

I have found that, when I surrender, I yield to the flow of life, which in the East is called the Tao. 

I love being in the flow. When I am in the flow, it feels like everything is right, and when I feel that way, Life responds with abundance. Flow allows surrender to abundant mindset, one that begins with a deep worthiness if that which comes into my life. The more I flow, the more I feel connected to Spirit and Gaia. I feel aligned to my Higher Self, and then all things are revealed to me as I need them: my life purpose, my mission, and my next steps on my path. None of it is possible without surrender.

If I make it sound easy, I will say that it's taken me 50 years to figure it out. The Crone speaks. However, it is possible to choose it for yourself at any age because your Higher Self is ancient and knows what you need, just as Spirit knows.

Trust is an act of love. Learning to love unconditionally begets love of the All, which imbues trust, which allows surrender, which reveals purpose, which begets more love in the creative process of embodying the purpose.

Love. Surrender. Live your purpose. Your Higher Self is calling you home.

Originally writing July 4, 2021.

Ⓒ 2024, S’Tara Merit, All Rights Reserved.

[mountain-sage]

"FREEDOM IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.

PSYCHOLOGICAL FREEDOM FIRST...

INWARD FREEDOM CAN ONLY COME

ABOUT WHEN ONE UNDERSTANDS ONE'S CONDITIONING."

J. KRISHNAMURTI