I wish to get right into my subject, so I'll do just that! (In the interim, life is wonderful - as always!) It occurred to me a half-hour or so ago - while reading a piece on the law of attraction - that much good has come into my life since I succeeded in large measure in slaying "the dragon" of unbelief, doubt, and fear. I say "in large measure" because I am far from perfect, and there is an "enemy of our souls" who delights to taunt us with thoughts of our past failings - and the distorted conclusions of our own unworthiness that resulted therefrom.
We can, in fact, become captive to, or enslaved by, our fears - first that we have proven our worthlessness, and second that even still we might lack the courage to right the wrong if the opportunity presented itself. (I had lived with such thoughts for over forty years!)
In part, what liberated me was to realize that I had attracted the events or circumstances that led to my "failure," and that had my thoughts been right beforehand, the events would never have occurred - or, at the very least, I would have known how to respond if they had.
Another thing that helped free me was the understanding that "Perfect love casteth out fear" (1 John 4:18). I understood that if I had truly loved those whom I had feared, as I would love a friend or a brother, that I would not have feared them - even though they would still have been capable of doing me harm. (Fear is a result of feeling separated from someone or something, rather than feeling "one with" that person or thing.)
Finally, what helped to extricate me from my fears was the principle of forgiveness - a natural outgrowth of the principle of love. As I loved those whom I had feared, and freely forgave them for their actions towards me, I was also able to forgive myself for what I had failed to do.
The net result of these various influences was that I felt purged of the darkness and fear (disbelief, in a word) that had surrounded me for years. I believe this cleansing was the direct result of being filled with light and truth, which simply drove the darkness and negativity away. What a profoundly liberating experience it has been!
To sum up my experience, I would say that the "father of lies" had succeeded in getting me to conclude that I was worthless. I had not "stepped up." I had blown it, and as a result my career (in at least one area) was over. There would be no second chance - and consequently I would have to atone or suffer for my "sins." I was plagued with feelings of worthlessness over my failure, but the signal of my life was clearly distressed - albeit below the surface. I tried and even succeeded on the (visible) surface to be positive and confident, but deep down I was a failure, and undeserving of true or overall success. The inevitable result was a sabotaging of my every attempt - no matter how valiant, or how close I came to reaching my goals. I simply couldn't succeed. It "wasn't in the cards," and I knew it - and this continued for some forty years!
Those reading this may not believe it if they know me now; although they may not have believed it had they known me during most of the intervening years. I can only say that I now know that "Perfect love casteth out fear." I also know that God, the Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ, are the source of all light and truth; and that the light which comes from them drives out doubt and fear. We can become perfected in them.
Light dispells darkness. Truth drives out error. Love overcomes fear. Joy replaces sorrow.
The principle of gratitude is eternal. It is a characteristic of godliness. Forgiveness also is a principle of power and perfection. These two cause us to be filled with light - which is the love of God. When we are filled with this light we are also filled with faith.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23).
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
What I Believe . . . Today
Hello all! What a wonderful day this has been! What a wonderful week! (What a wonderful life!) So, "All is well!" (from the LDS Hymn "Come, Come Ye Saints"). So what is the source of all of this content? It is a knowledge of how things work - or, at least, a belief in how they work. Many things we know, but frequently we are just giving "our best shot."
I don't say any of this with any degree of remorse or skepticism. I am simply acknowledging that very often we jare just going with our best theory - but that's okay! Interspersed with what we believe to be true, there is no doubt much that is true. In the interim, we simply keep studying, and observing, and pondering, and lo and behold, our knowledge of truth grows! So "It's all good!" (My slogan. My motto is: Be the best that you [and I] can be!" - adopted from the now-familiar US Army recruitment statement.)
With that introduction, I will here confess that this post is an experiment. I have no specific subject in mind, but I wanted to see what might "come forth." I have been reading a short book by Genevieve Behrend, a pupil or disciple of Thomas Troward. It is entitled "Attaining Your Desires - By Letting Your Subconscious Mind Work for You" (Originally Published by THE ELIZABETH TOWNE COMPANY, Incorporated. HOLYOKE, MASS., U.S.A. Originally Copyrighted, 1929). It has recently been re-released by Joe Vitale, and he is offering it as a free e-book. (You may email me at tmbj@cox.net, and I will make it available to you.)
As the title indicates, the book is about using your mind (conscious and subconscious) to attain your desires. In brief, it is about how to "materialize" your thoughts, or bring about that which you choose to think about. (The subconscious - and "semi-conscious" for those who have read my own book The Secret of Life - play an essential role in the creative process, but it all starts with the thoughts that we consciously select in the present moment.)
One of the early theses in Ms. Behrend's book is that everything exists is a result of thought. In my book I refer to this as the Law of Thought or the Law of Creation. Everything begins or is conceived as a thought. I even discuss that word, "conceived," in some detail. A spiritual creation - which could also be referred to or described as a mental creation - comes "full term" in the mind - probably in the subconscious.
For this to occur, however, there must first be a thought "conception," where a conscious thought is corroborated or affirmed by the ever-willing "subjective" mind - our subconscious, whose job it is to be "subject to" the "objective" mind, and to carry out its every command, or desire - or even its every intention.
After the initial conception wherein the initial (conscious) thought is "joined to" or "united with" the corroborating thought vibration of the subconscious, there must follow a nurturing or nourishing of the now-"fertilized" egg (or thought seed) - just as with a "physical" conception. In the case of a positive spiritual or thought conception, that nourishment is in the form of light or energy - what the scriptures call "intelligence, or the light of truth" (D&C 93:29). (In the case of a negative thought conception, the thought is nourished by additional negative thoughts or thought energy - supplied by both our own ["semi-conscious"]beliefs and conscious [negative] thoughts, and those that we attract from the many negative sources that may us.)
The prophet Alma describes this process in some detail, albeit through a slightly different analogy. (As you will see, however, some of the elements are similar, if not identical.)
28 Now we will compare the word unto a seed. Now if ye give place, that a seed be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell [or grow] within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves - It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my sould; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.
Alma 32
Alma is here talking about experimenting with an idea or a belief, to see if it is true (or if it will grow). Because ideas are thoughts, his analogy is closely related to my own. Alma is simply pointing out that an idea or belief can be "planted" (in the "heart" in this case), and if it is "good," it will "swell" or grow - if one does not "cast it out by [his] unbelief, that [he] will resist the Spirit of the Lord."
This is precisely what I am suggesting happens with any positive thought conception: If we do not “cast it out by [our] unbelief,” it will grow. (I must point out that if our thought conception is negative, it too will grow, if we “believe” the negative thought. It too will materialize!) It is instructional that Alma equates “cast[ing] [the growing thought seed] out by . . . unbelief” with "resist[ing] the Spirit of the Lord." Let us examine why the two are equal.
Our natural state is to be in connection with our source, God. Christ said in John:
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
John 15
So we "abide" in Christ. He is the "vine;" we are the "branches." He is also (literally) "the life of men and the light of men" (D&C 93:9). So while "the natural man is an enemy to God" (Mosiah 3:19), it is our natural or, at least, original state to be connected to him. Returning to D&C 93:
10 The worlds were made by him, men were made by him; all things were made by him, and through him, and of him.
And corroborating and expanding on this D&C 88:
6 He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth;
7 Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made.
8 As also he is in the moon, and is the light of the moon, and the power thereof by which it was made;
9 As also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made.
10 And the earth also, and the power thereof, even the earth upon which you stand.
13 The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God . . . .
So, it would appear that He, Christ, or his "light," at least, is what "all things" - including us - are made of. If we go back to Section 93, we read:
29 Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be.
So looking closer, it appears that both we and God are made of the same thing: "intelligence, or the light of truth."
We might then ask: How can one connect to or 'abide in' Christ (or God the Father)? Let us return once more to Section 88:
11 And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings.
12 Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space -
13 The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God . . . .
So, when a thought conception takes place, it can only come "full term" by being nurtured by this light "Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space." In other words, we are not only made of this light, we are immersed in it. As we have read, it is both "the life of men and "the light of men" (D&C 93:9). If we are severed from it we "are cast forth as a branch...and withered" (John 15:6). And how do we do this? By "unbelief" wherein we "resist the Spirit of the Lord" - just as Alma explained (Alma 32:28).
And now you know how thought conception takes place - as well as how certain thoughts (or desires) are aborted or "cast out by our unbelief" so that they do not grow to maturity. Faith enables our natural connection to the life-giving light, while disbelief cuts us off from that source.
And now you also know why Paul said: "Without faith, it is impossible to please [God]" (Hebrews 11:6). Next time we'll talk more about how these spiritual conceptions - and ultimately spiritual creations - turn into physical creations. The key is in understanding that everything, both spiritual (thought) and physical, is made of energy or intelligence (D&C 88:13). This is the Law of Composition; and finally, we have the Law of Attraction - which gives you some idea of how (vibrating) thoughts (energy, or intelligence) of a particular "kind," would attract vibrating "matter" of a similar kind. And that is what I believe . . . today!
I don't say any of this with any degree of remorse or skepticism. I am simply acknowledging that very often we jare just going with our best theory - but that's okay! Interspersed with what we believe to be true, there is no doubt much that is true. In the interim, we simply keep studying, and observing, and pondering, and lo and behold, our knowledge of truth grows! So "It's all good!" (My slogan. My motto is: Be the best that you [and I] can be!" - adopted from the now-familiar US Army recruitment statement.)
With that introduction, I will here confess that this post is an experiment. I have no specific subject in mind, but I wanted to see what might "come forth." I have been reading a short book by Genevieve Behrend, a pupil or disciple of Thomas Troward. It is entitled "Attaining Your Desires - By Letting Your Subconscious Mind Work for You" (Originally Published by THE ELIZABETH TOWNE COMPANY, Incorporated. HOLYOKE, MASS., U.S.A. Originally Copyrighted, 1929). It has recently been re-released by Joe Vitale, and he is offering it as a free e-book. (You may email me at tmbj@cox.net, and I will make it available to you.)
As the title indicates, the book is about using your mind (conscious and subconscious) to attain your desires. In brief, it is about how to "materialize" your thoughts, or bring about that which you choose to think about. (The subconscious - and "semi-conscious" for those who have read my own book The Secret of Life - play an essential role in the creative process, but it all starts with the thoughts that we consciously select in the present moment.)
One of the early theses in Ms. Behrend's book is that everything exists is a result of thought. In my book I refer to this as the Law of Thought or the Law of Creation. Everything begins or is conceived as a thought. I even discuss that word, "conceived," in some detail. A spiritual creation - which could also be referred to or described as a mental creation - comes "full term" in the mind - probably in the subconscious.
For this to occur, however, there must first be a thought "conception," where a conscious thought is corroborated or affirmed by the ever-willing "subjective" mind - our subconscious, whose job it is to be "subject to" the "objective" mind, and to carry out its every command, or desire - or even its every intention.
After the initial conception wherein the initial (conscious) thought is "joined to" or "united with" the corroborating thought vibration of the subconscious, there must follow a nurturing or nourishing of the now-"fertilized" egg (or thought seed) - just as with a "physical" conception. In the case of a positive spiritual or thought conception, that nourishment is in the form of light or energy - what the scriptures call "intelligence, or the light of truth" (D&C 93:29). (In the case of a negative thought conception, the thought is nourished by additional negative thoughts or thought energy - supplied by both our own ["semi-conscious"]beliefs and conscious [negative] thoughts, and those that we attract from the many negative sources that may us.)
The prophet Alma describes this process in some detail, albeit through a slightly different analogy. (As you will see, however, some of the elements are similar, if not identical.)
28 Now we will compare the word unto a seed. Now if ye give place, that a seed be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell [or grow] within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves - It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my sould; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.
Alma 32
Alma is here talking about experimenting with an idea or a belief, to see if it is true (or if it will grow). Because ideas are thoughts, his analogy is closely related to my own. Alma is simply pointing out that an idea or belief can be "planted" (in the "heart" in this case), and if it is "good," it will "swell" or grow - if one does not "cast it out by [his] unbelief, that [he] will resist the Spirit of the Lord."
This is precisely what I am suggesting happens with any positive thought conception: If we do not “cast it out by [our] unbelief,” it will grow. (I must point out that if our thought conception is negative, it too will grow, if we “believe” the negative thought. It too will materialize!) It is instructional that Alma equates “cast[ing] [the growing thought seed] out by . . . unbelief” with "resist[ing] the Spirit of the Lord." Let us examine why the two are equal.
Our natural state is to be in connection with our source, God. Christ said in John:
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
John 15
So we "abide" in Christ. He is the "vine;" we are the "branches." He is also (literally) "the life of men and the light of men" (D&C 93:9). So while "the natural man is an enemy to God" (Mosiah 3:19), it is our natural or, at least, original state to be connected to him. Returning to D&C 93:
10 The worlds were made by him, men were made by him; all things were made by him, and through him, and of him.
And corroborating and expanding on this D&C 88:
6 He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth;
7 Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made.
8 As also he is in the moon, and is the light of the moon, and the power thereof by which it was made;
9 As also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made.
10 And the earth also, and the power thereof, even the earth upon which you stand.
13 The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God . . . .
So, it would appear that He, Christ, or his "light," at least, is what "all things" - including us - are made of. If we go back to Section 93, we read:
29 Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be.
So looking closer, it appears that both we and God are made of the same thing: "intelligence, or the light of truth."
We might then ask: How can one connect to or 'abide in' Christ (or God the Father)? Let us return once more to Section 88:
11 And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings.
12 Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space -
13 The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God . . . .
So, when a thought conception takes place, it can only come "full term" by being nurtured by this light "Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space." In other words, we are not only made of this light, we are immersed in it. As we have read, it is both "the life of men and "the light of men" (D&C 93:9). If we are severed from it we "are cast forth as a branch...and withered" (John 15:6). And how do we do this? By "unbelief" wherein we "resist the Spirit of the Lord" - just as Alma explained (Alma 32:28).
And now you know how thought conception takes place - as well as how certain thoughts (or desires) are aborted or "cast out by our unbelief" so that they do not grow to maturity. Faith enables our natural connection to the life-giving light, while disbelief cuts us off from that source.
And now you also know why Paul said: "Without faith, it is impossible to please [God]" (Hebrews 11:6). Next time we'll talk more about how these spiritual conceptions - and ultimately spiritual creations - turn into physical creations. The key is in understanding that everything, both spiritual (thought) and physical, is made of energy or intelligence (D&C 88:13). This is the Law of Composition; and finally, we have the Law of Attraction - which gives you some idea of how (vibrating) thoughts (energy, or intelligence) of a particular "kind," would attract vibrating "matter" of a similar kind. And that is what I believe . . . today!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Connecting with Infinite Intelligence
Happy New Year! Sounds a bit trite, no? Yes! In any case, I express to you my wish that you learn the truths that will enable you to make this the best year of your life! If you have read my book, The Secret of Life, you will understand that I wish that for you personally, and then for those around you. As I point out in the book, "It is difficult [impossible] to feed others when your own cupboard is bare!" (origin unknown).
I arose this morning at about 5:45 - a little late, but not bad for a Saturday! I then put on something warm, and went and sat in the big chair in my office or study. The sun had not come up yet, so the room was dark for the most part, with only a small amount of light filtering in from my neighbor's porch and from the street. I sat back with my eyes opened (initially), and began to ponder and pray.
Perhaps it is unique to me, but in contemplating Deity I immediately sensed my own unworthiness, and lapsed into the ancient Hawaiian practice ("ho 'oponopono") that Dr. Joe Vitale and Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len describe in their book Zero Limits (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, NJ, 2007). The practice is essentially one of repentance, or asking forgiveness.
One simply begins by expressing sorrow - by saying (to Deity) "I'm sorry." Then one asks forgiveness - "Please forgive me." One then gives thanks by simply saying "Thank you." - followed by "I love you." One can repeat these words or expressions as many times as he or she feels the need or desire to. My own experience (including that of this morning) has been that repeating these phrases brings me to a place or feeling of harmony with the infinite; and it is this harmony which sets the signal for everything that we draw into our lives! To achieve this harmony, therefore, should be our chiefest aim! (Perhaps the only thing of equal importance to our success or happiness is to be clear about what we desire to achieve.)
As an aside, I will here note that when Brigham Young reported having been visited by his predecessor, Joseph Smith (after the departure of the latter from this life), he, Brigham, was counseled to "tell the people to get [or bring themselves into harmony with] the Spirit." I conclude from this that being "in tune with the Spirit" is of the utmost importance. (It is my recollection that Brigham received several such visits from Brother Joseph, and that the message was the same on each occasion! Thus it must have been paramount to our success and happiness!)
While I offer an explanation in my book for why this process might work, I fail to point out that it is, in fact, the process of repentance (as I have noted here). Dr. Vitale has given it as his opinion elsewhere that it isn't necessary to use the words "I'm sorry." "Please forgive me." or "Thank you." but to simply repeat the words "I love you."
I readily agree that it isn't saying the exact words, or saying them in precise order, that matters. What matters are the principles embodied in the words. In other "words," this practice works because it is based on the true or correct principles of repentance, gratitude, and love.
Having said that, however, I believe that expressing sorrow for our unworthiness (specifically, as well as in general), and asking forgiveness (from our Father) are essential steps in purifying ourselves - to wit, purifying our signal, and placing ourselves in tune with (literally), or in direct contact with (by opening the channel to) Infinite Intelligence, or God. Expressing gratitude ("Thank you.") and love ("I love you." - or whatever words you might choose, in either case) simply strengthens our connection to God.
As I point out in the book, some might find this "practice" a bit unorthodox, but I have personally found that it works - and that is all that matters - in my opinion. It is further suggested in Zero Limits that one picture or think of some other person while repeating these words - in order to "heal" that person.
I suggest (in my book) that for those with whom we have - or have had - interaction (or a relationship), it is consistent with our taking responsibility for everything that comes into our lives, for us to personally assume responsibility for whatever has gone on (or is going on) in those relationships or interactions. Thus our asking forgiveness for our part in whatever difficulty there might be (or might have been) is perfectly reasonable or logical - allowing us to heal the relationship by healing ourselves. (It is clearly up to each individual what he or she will personally make of the relationship, of course, but we will find that when we accept full responsibility, the other party will typically reciprocate by acknowledging their own role in creating the difficulty or conflict.)
I also point out (as do Dr. Vitale and Dr. Hew Len) that it might be possible (they state categorically that it is) to "heal" others with whom we have had no connection - simply because as imperfect beings, we have all partaken of (to one degree or another) - and therefore have a share in - the sins of humanity as a whole. Thus by taking responsibility for our part, we in part cleanse the whole. All of this is, of course, made possible by Christ, who took upon himself the sins of all mankind - and literally paid "the price" of those sins, in some unfathomable way. (In his usual alliterary fashion, Elder Neal A. Maxwell described this as "the awful arithmetic of the atonement.")
Ironically, it is our own limited guilt for the sins of mankind as a whole that may allow us (to some degree) to take upon ourselves that burden; while it was Christ's complete and utter lack of guilt or sin that allowed Him to take upon himself the totality of that burden! It is also true that the intense suffering that those sins caused was borne by Him; while our only "suffering" is in acknowledging our own guilt. While this does not normally involve bodily or physical pain, it is nonetheless difficult for us to do.
Interesingly, when we are "in tune" with Infinite Intelligence, and sense or understand our own unworthiness, this is not so difficult. It is only when we are steeped in the self-inflicted pride of ignorance that we find the admission of our guilt - and the forgiveness of others - difficult, if not impossible!
In the end, if we do not repent, and acknowledge our own unworthiness - as well as our part in the sins of (at the very least) those with whom we have associated - then we "must suffer, even as [He has suffered]. Which suffering caused [Himself] even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit - and would that [He] might not drink the bitter cup and shrink" (D&C 19:17-18).
In conclusion, I simply want to report that I have found this "practice" to be both cleansing and purifying. In the New Testament John points out that "Perfect love casteth out fear" (1 John 4:18). Thus, when we ask forgiveness for our part in whatever difficulty we may have had with someone who we perceive has wronged us, we must naturally forgive that person, which will enable us to feel and express love for them as well - ultimately casting out our own fear, and/or dislike of that person. Indeed, when we do this we will often feel a love for all!
We are all aware that Christ asked the Father to forgive his crucifiers as he hung on the cross. While this is rightly considered a great act of magnanimity on his part, it may also reflect his understanding that one must forgive everyone in order that he himself be forgiven (or remain spotless and pure in Christ's case), but also (more importantly) that He - and we - retain our immediate and direct connection to the Father!
The bottom line is that repenting on a daily or on-going basis is essential to retaining our connection to God. The forgiveness (and cleansing) that we seek are only possible because of the atonement of Christ; and expressing our gratitude and love for that greatest of all gifts only strengthens or solidifies that divine connection! This, I believe, is the way we should start every day!
For this knowledge and privelege I am eternally grateful! May you find peace in your life through the daily practice of repentance, as well as forgiveness - both that which you seek, and that which you extend to others; for it is only by both giving and receiving forgiveness that we ourselves are cleansed, and thereby retain our connection to the Father and the divine light of his infinite intelligence. Only by so doing can we find fulfillment, and begin to understand our own divine identity and potential!
I arose this morning at about 5:45 - a little late, but not bad for a Saturday! I then put on something warm, and went and sat in the big chair in my office or study. The sun had not come up yet, so the room was dark for the most part, with only a small amount of light filtering in from my neighbor's porch and from the street. I sat back with my eyes opened (initially), and began to ponder and pray.
Perhaps it is unique to me, but in contemplating Deity I immediately sensed my own unworthiness, and lapsed into the ancient Hawaiian practice ("ho 'oponopono") that Dr. Joe Vitale and Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len describe in their book Zero Limits (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, NJ, 2007). The practice is essentially one of repentance, or asking forgiveness.
One simply begins by expressing sorrow - by saying (to Deity) "I'm sorry." Then one asks forgiveness - "Please forgive me." One then gives thanks by simply saying "Thank you." - followed by "I love you." One can repeat these words or expressions as many times as he or she feels the need or desire to. My own experience (including that of this morning) has been that repeating these phrases brings me to a place or feeling of harmony with the infinite; and it is this harmony which sets the signal for everything that we draw into our lives! To achieve this harmony, therefore, should be our chiefest aim! (Perhaps the only thing of equal importance to our success or happiness is to be clear about what we desire to achieve.)
As an aside, I will here note that when Brigham Young reported having been visited by his predecessor, Joseph Smith (after the departure of the latter from this life), he, Brigham, was counseled to "tell the people to get [or bring themselves into harmony with] the Spirit." I conclude from this that being "in tune with the Spirit" is of the utmost importance. (It is my recollection that Brigham received several such visits from Brother Joseph, and that the message was the same on each occasion! Thus it must have been paramount to our success and happiness!)
While I offer an explanation in my book for why this process might work, I fail to point out that it is, in fact, the process of repentance (as I have noted here). Dr. Vitale has given it as his opinion elsewhere that it isn't necessary to use the words "I'm sorry." "Please forgive me." or "Thank you." but to simply repeat the words "I love you."
I readily agree that it isn't saying the exact words, or saying them in precise order, that matters. What matters are the principles embodied in the words. In other "words," this practice works because it is based on the true or correct principles of repentance, gratitude, and love.
Having said that, however, I believe that expressing sorrow for our unworthiness (specifically, as well as in general), and asking forgiveness (from our Father) are essential steps in purifying ourselves - to wit, purifying our signal, and placing ourselves in tune with (literally), or in direct contact with (by opening the channel to) Infinite Intelligence, or God. Expressing gratitude ("Thank you.") and love ("I love you." - or whatever words you might choose, in either case) simply strengthens our connection to God.
As I point out in the book, some might find this "practice" a bit unorthodox, but I have personally found that it works - and that is all that matters - in my opinion. It is further suggested in Zero Limits that one picture or think of some other person while repeating these words - in order to "heal" that person.
I suggest (in my book) that for those with whom we have - or have had - interaction (or a relationship), it is consistent with our taking responsibility for everything that comes into our lives, for us to personally assume responsibility for whatever has gone on (or is going on) in those relationships or interactions. Thus our asking forgiveness for our part in whatever difficulty there might be (or might have been) is perfectly reasonable or logical - allowing us to heal the relationship by healing ourselves. (It is clearly up to each individual what he or she will personally make of the relationship, of course, but we will find that when we accept full responsibility, the other party will typically reciprocate by acknowledging their own role in creating the difficulty or conflict.)
I also point out (as do Dr. Vitale and Dr. Hew Len) that it might be possible (they state categorically that it is) to "heal" others with whom we have had no connection - simply because as imperfect beings, we have all partaken of (to one degree or another) - and therefore have a share in - the sins of humanity as a whole. Thus by taking responsibility for our part, we in part cleanse the whole. All of this is, of course, made possible by Christ, who took upon himself the sins of all mankind - and literally paid "the price" of those sins, in some unfathomable way. (In his usual alliterary fashion, Elder Neal A. Maxwell described this as "the awful arithmetic of the atonement.")
Ironically, it is our own limited guilt for the sins of mankind as a whole that may allow us (to some degree) to take upon ourselves that burden; while it was Christ's complete and utter lack of guilt or sin that allowed Him to take upon himself the totality of that burden! It is also true that the intense suffering that those sins caused was borne by Him; while our only "suffering" is in acknowledging our own guilt. While this does not normally involve bodily or physical pain, it is nonetheless difficult for us to do.
Interesingly, when we are "in tune" with Infinite Intelligence, and sense or understand our own unworthiness, this is not so difficult. It is only when we are steeped in the self-inflicted pride of ignorance that we find the admission of our guilt - and the forgiveness of others - difficult, if not impossible!
In the end, if we do not repent, and acknowledge our own unworthiness - as well as our part in the sins of (at the very least) those with whom we have associated - then we "must suffer, even as [He has suffered]. Which suffering caused [Himself] even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit - and would that [He] might not drink the bitter cup and shrink" (D&C 19:17-18).
In conclusion, I simply want to report that I have found this "practice" to be both cleansing and purifying. In the New Testament John points out that "Perfect love casteth out fear" (1 John 4:18). Thus, when we ask forgiveness for our part in whatever difficulty we may have had with someone who we perceive has wronged us, we must naturally forgive that person, which will enable us to feel and express love for them as well - ultimately casting out our own fear, and/or dislike of that person. Indeed, when we do this we will often feel a love for all!
We are all aware that Christ asked the Father to forgive his crucifiers as he hung on the cross. While this is rightly considered a great act of magnanimity on his part, it may also reflect his understanding that one must forgive everyone in order that he himself be forgiven (or remain spotless and pure in Christ's case), but also (more importantly) that He - and we - retain our immediate and direct connection to the Father!
The bottom line is that repenting on a daily or on-going basis is essential to retaining our connection to God. The forgiveness (and cleansing) that we seek are only possible because of the atonement of Christ; and expressing our gratitude and love for that greatest of all gifts only strengthens or solidifies that divine connection! This, I believe, is the way we should start every day!
For this knowledge and privelege I am eternally grateful! May you find peace in your life through the daily practice of repentance, as well as forgiveness - both that which you seek, and that which you extend to others; for it is only by both giving and receiving forgiveness that we ourselves are cleansed, and thereby retain our connection to the Father and the divine light of his infinite intelligence. Only by so doing can we find fulfillment, and begin to understand our own divine identity and potential!
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