The Newly Awakened

There are many aspects to your spiritual awakening.  Each step is design to expand your awareness and improve upon your memories of who and what you truly are.  

You are not a human striving to have a spiritual experience.  Quite the contrary!  You are a spirit being having a physical experience. 

You can always tell the newly awakened.  They are stumbling around, confused and very unsure of themselves.   During this stage they latch on to whatever makes them feel more secure.  This is a natural process.  After all, you've only just begun and you have to hold on to something until you get your bearings.  Nothing to be ashamed of.   It is all part of your growth.

The first stages is very much like  a baby who is just learning to walk.  So grab hold of something and keep going!  

Many of the newly awakened latch on to the notion they are not from this planet.  Some believe they are E.Ts or Angels.  It is true we have off-world friends that visit this earth; some of whom actually reside here on earth, those beings we have come to know as Angels visit regularly, as well as many from other planets.  All have taken a keen interest in this spectacle we call life here on Earth.  Many of these actually serve to protect and guide us.   But the bottom line is this, if you are living here on Earth, you are a human, an earthling, a Terran.  The feelings and/or memories of being not of this world is only a memory of your time spent on other worlds,  time spent on the Other Side.  Granted, you may have come in contact with entities of those worlds while here on Earth.  This no doubt has confirmed your belief you are one of them.  And you were ... once upon a time.  But now, you are here on Earth.  You came through the same way all Earthlings did.  And that makes you what again?  Anyone?  Anyone?

So what is the reasoning behind this belief of being an E.T or an Angel? The reason so many latch on to this notion is they need to feel they have purpose.  In order to feel that sense of purpose, many believe in this idea of being an extraterrestrial that has come here to save the planet and the human race.   That is a very noble purpose!   But here's the thing.  This planet nor the human race requires saving.    Yea!  That's right!    Contrary to popular belief, this world nor its inhabitants needs saving!

As a newly awakened individual, you won't be able to understand or comprehend that right now.  And that's okay!  You're just starting out and you're too focused on not being human at the moment.  That's all part of getting your bearings.   As I mentioned above, you have to have something to hold on to until you get strong enough to move on to the next phase of your awakening.  So take your time.  Enjoy the adventure of remembering!

Believing you are an extraterrestrial or a hybrid doesn't make you wrong.  It doesn't make you crazy!  What it does make you is ... newly awakened!   Your consciousness is still cloudy, but you are starting to remember all those wonderful things from your past.  And yes, those memories are a bit jumbled!  But in time, the pieces will all start to pull together eventually.   The wonderful aspect of this step is that you do remember on some level you are not from this physical world.  What you haven't processed yet is that you are not from any other physical worlds either.    It will take time and a great deal of work to get it all sorted out.  And you will!   

When you wake up from a good night's sleep (or a nap), you find that your mind is a bit cloudy and your body isn't quite ready to move.  There may even be residuals from a dream you were having that causes you to be confused as to where you are, when you are, etc.   We've all been there!  And we all eventually make it on to the next step!  This is how it is for those who are just now "waking up" on a conscious level.

What you are feeling right now is natural.  So take your time, be kind to yourself.  And don't forget to give yourself a big pat on the back!  You understand deep down you are not from this world.  That part of your true self has revealed itself to you and you accepted it!  That is something to be very proud of!  Soon, you will come into the full understanding that you are not a human (or any other physical life form) striving for a spiritual experience.  In time you will know (not just believe, but know) that you are a wondrous eternal spirit striving (and in some instances struggling) to have a physical experience.  Be it on Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Lyria or any multitude of planets out there in the vast Universes. 

********

Welcome weary traveler!  We who have awakened before you bid you welcome!  We urge you to be kind and patient with your self as you continue your journey here on planet Earth!  Know that you are never alone.  You have myriads of helpers both here on the physical plane and the spirit plane! We all collectively rejoice in your first steps towards a wondrous adventure!


Embrace all that you are!  
For You are All that there is!

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Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™. Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience. 

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way. 

PLEASE NOTE:  All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited!

Unless otherwise specified, ALL articles on this Blogger are the property of Julia K. Cole.  The ZEN of Duct Tape™, it's name, teachings, modalities, and all excerpts; the nicknames The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape™,  The Duct Tape Diva™; Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality™, Reality back into Spirituality™ are the property and trade marks of Julia K. Cole and are protected under Copy Right Laws both here in the USA and Around The World.  

All Rights Reserved©™

Embracing All That You are: Part 5

Facing your fears isn't easy.  Then again, no one said it would be! 

That has to be one of  the most grossly under-stated lines ... Ever!   And I speak from experience!

If you been following my blog for the last few months, you already know that one of my fears is standing out -- being seen and heard.  Hard to believe!  I know! But it's true!    However, I am one of these people who prefer to face their fears.  Okay, truthfully -- I face them after a few bouts of holding my breath, making myself sick,  running and hiding, ditching and dodging and all that stuff like that there!   But eventually, I do pull myself together and look my fear right in the eye. 

My fears of being seen and heard stems from my childhood and was compounded throughout the years through a rather interesting series of events.   To make a rather long story short -- each and every time I spoke up, made myself visible ... I was punished and attacked in some way.    This in turn has created a knee-jerk reaction to develop.   It's rather frustrating.  Not only for me -- but for my friends and family as well.  We all know I am very capable!  We all know that when confronted, I have no reservations in standing up for myself or for others.    But when it comes to really standing out -- to letting my light shine fully and brightly -- I will run for cover!

So in the spirit of facing my fears -- I made a conscious decision to follow through on two of my passions.  One was to  complete the books I started.  One of which I have!  Yippee!    The others are still in draft form.  Though they require some heavy duty editing ... I am very pleased to announce...  they are actually written!  Secondly,  to follow my love of entertaining by returning  to Blog Talk Radio.

Returning to doing a radio show was a huge step for me.  And I am not ashamed to say it -- I was terrified!  Literally scared out of my  mind!  Actually got sick two days before the show aired! 

Granted, I'm not new to the internet radio scene.  Far from it.  In fact, I had a weekly talk show on Blog Talk Radio called Namaste Beloved!  which  began airing  in the Spring of 2007.   Before that, I had spent six months as  a co-host on another internet show; and had been guest hosting on numerous other internet radio shows as well.  In short, I had become a "hot property" as far as internet radio shows go. 

During the years Namaste Beloved! was on the air ... it had grown into a very popular show. In fact, in less than a year, the number of listeners went from a humble 10 to over 300 per week.   Even now, the archives are receiving anywhere from 10-15 hits per day.

Now the question I'm sure running through everybody's mind right now is ... why did I quit?  The answer is simple really.  You see, as the show's popularity increased -- so did my fears of standing out in the crowd.     These fears were compounded by a host of incidents -- both on and off line.   Sufficient to say, it isn't any wonder I ran and hid.

Between 1998-2006, I was attending on average ... one funeral a week.   Not only was I dealing with the loss of family members and close friends,  I had two of my clients commit suicide -- 6 months apart from each other.  One of which had killed himself while on the telephone with me.  Then there was  dealing with a  former colleague who went about slandering me all over the internet--that was loads of fun (she says sarcastically).   Not to mention, my family was falling apart at the seams.  Then there was that  lunatic religious zealot of a mother who was constantly admonishing me for not serving her precious false god and terrorizing my children with her hideous tales of Armageddon.  Topping all this off  was the constant pain and agony of bone spurs and advance arthritis, and then getting severely ill. 

Yea, no stretch of the imagination needed here as to why I took off running like I did!

Interestingly enough , even as I was going through all that -- something deep inside of me kept  pushing forward.  But my fears of standing out -- being heard ... was overpowering me.  

Intellectually,  I knew that the only power these fears had was whatever I was giving it.  But how do you convince someone who is down on the floor in a fetal position (metaphorically speaking) that it's all going to be okay?  That everything they are experiencing is more of an illusion than actual reality? 

There isn't really anything you can say or do to convince someone of something they've already made up their minds about.  You can only be there to walk along side them -- bringing comfort when and where needed --lending a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear and a hand to hold --  all the while ... reassuring them ... that they are never alone!

For the most part, I didn't have that.  I was left all alone to deal with my heartache and suffering--my family and friends had all but abandoned me. With only my spirit family by my side, I dealt with my challenges and issues on my own.    All the while -- my spirit family kept urging me to step up and out -- reminding me that there were those in need of my assistance.

Their reminders, however, only seem to  perpetuate the argument of "The Why's."

Why does it have to be me?  Why should I be there for them, when  they wasn't anyone there for me?  Why should I be there for anyone else--what's the point?  Why do I have to be the one taking all the risks?  Why do I have to be the one that is strong?  Why do I have to be the one that gets hurt?  Why? Why? WHY???!!!!

The reply was always ... Why not? Followed by ... if not you -- then who?

Naturally, that little ego of mine had the answer and shouted ... there are a vast number of people all over the world with the same messages.  Nobody needs me to step up.  Those in need can get it elsewhere!  They don't need me to come out of hiding ... taking all the  risks ... taking all the chances of being attacked and hurt again!  Being abandoned.  They'll leave me as soon as they get what they want from me!  They always do!  They'll make fun of me! Call me crazy!  They have in the past!  And they will in the future!  They will give all the credit to someone else who is more knowledgeable! More popular! Leaving you without so much as a thank you!

My spirit companion Antari--  provided me and my little  ego with a counter viewpoint.  Following is an expert from that conversation.

Antari:  It is true that there are many who provide the same information you posses --however,  not everyone will  resonate with those particular individuals.  It is not disparaging these individuals in any way.  No, quite the contrary.   For you see Beloved, what you have forgotten is the one all encompassing truth ...  like attracts like.  

Meaning, there are those who will resonate with you and not others.  Therefore, you are being called upon to present these messages for those who are attracted to your unique energies. 


Julia:  But I don't want to get hurt again.  You have no idea how painful it is to be rejected, attacked and ignored.

Antari:  Question!  Which is greater?  The pain of being hurt by those who live in fear? Or the pain of regret of never helping another soul ... of never living up to your truths?

Julia:  The pain of regret.

Antari:  So by your own admission, the pains of regret of never helping others -- of never living up to your truths-- outweigh those pains of being hurt by those who live in fear?  Am I understanding this correctly?

Julia:  It's more complicated than that.

Antari:  A simple yes or no, Beloved. 

Julia:  Yes.  But  ...

Antari:  In essence, you fear regret of not living up to your truths more than facing the  pain and suffering at the hands of those who live in fear?  Is this correct?

 Julia:  Yes.  But  ... you don't seem to understand.  You're not here in the physical with a physical body.

Antari:  Ah! I see!  I am incapable of understanding greater truths because I am not a physical being?  

Julia:  Well ... yea!

Antari:  With that being said, I am compelled to ask ... what is your excuse?

Julia:  *sigh*

Antari: You are most welcome Beloved!

 *~*~*~*~*

Like so many of you,  I had covered up that one particular fear of regret with  other fears I believed to be more important.  Once broken down -- those other fears only proved to be distractions.  A literal cover up to what was far more important to me.  The voice that was trying so hard to be heard.  The  "divine" nudging that was so desperately urging me to face the true fear that dwells deep within.  The fear  of not living up to my truths!  The fear Of not being ME!

So ... In closing ... I pose the question to you ... which is your greater fear? 

(Excerpts from The ZEN of Duct Tape: An Empress I Born! )

Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™. Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience. 

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way. 

PLEASE NOTE:  All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited

Some Where Over The Rainbow: A Spiritual Analogy

Many of you are familiar with the movie, "The Wizard of Oz". But how many of you are aware of the fascinating parallels this movie has with respect to how the realm of spirit works with us here on this earth plane? 

Granted, many believed The Wizard of Oz was a political statement. Not really sure how that particular thought arose…but it was one that was prominent in the earlier days of the movie's showing.



But sitting that particular notion aside….let's take a look from a spiritual point of view.



Dorothy represents all of us who are questioning our reason for being. Like Dorothy, we pine for something MORE. Hoping and praying for that moment when something truly magical just happens in order to prove to us once and for all that we have that "special" connection to the Greater power.

Instead of appreciating and taking note of all we have around us, we only see how dull, dreary and boring it all is … spending our time looking towards "what If". Seeing life only in black & white.

Auntie Em.  She represents our soul mates, our kindred spirits,  those in our lives that mean the most to us.    Those who have seen us through times (both good and bad).    They are the people that are of our heart. 

Toto represents the Animal Totem/Guardians that we all have.

The Twister represents the "winds of change" that many times comes through and rips up our very foundation, carrying us towards challenges we need to face and overcome in our lives.
Challenges that we chose to ignore or put on the back burner so to speak.

 

 The death of the Wicked Witch of the East (the gal Dorothy's house landed on) represents the old ways that die and some times are literally squashed out! Changes that are subsequently abrupt by time and circumstances 

Munchkin Land.   The tunnel/bridge leading into the Other Side.

The Munchkins.  The wee people of Munchin City themselves, represent those on the Other side who we know only in passing.  They all are there to lend support, love, and a bit of guidance when and where needed.

The Yellow Brick road represents the path to Higher awareness. This is the path we all follow irregardless of our individual goals.

 Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.  She represents the position Angels have in our lives. Serving to protect and heal where and when needed.

 The Scarecrow, The Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion.    They are representations of our  Guides along the way. Each representing their particular area of expertise, teaching the young girl what she needs at that given moment.

Now I want you to take note that the three Guides here with Dorothy travelled along the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy…side by side.   Learning and growing with her.   And too, they protected her and taught her lessons.   This shows that our guides Not only  serve as companions, but protectors and teachers as well.

The Wicked Witch of the West. Well this is a given! She represents the challenges we face, and she too serves as a teacher and guide as well!

Interesting isn't it? That even Dark Entities have an important role in our lives. How so?

Well, the Wicked Witch of the West provided the "motivation" Dorothy and her companions needed to stay on path and reach their destination.  And in the end…showed Dorothy and her friends, they had the strength, the courage, and the brains to face, meet and overcome anything she put in their path. She showed them they had what it took to make it.

The Emerald City.  The hub of the Other Side. Here anything and everything is possible!  Limited only by your own imagination! It is here we refresh ourselves after our journey and take time to get prepared for the next step ahead of us.

 The Wizard.  Much like the Wicked Witch of the West represents the people who we come across and who challenge us and motivate us in pursuing great deeds…deeds we never believed before was possible! The only difference is, The Wizard was a "seemingly" dark entity. Which is a lesson to all of us that not everyone is as they sometimes appear to be. And it is up to us, as individuals, to see past the facades and see the REAL person thru the eyes of understanding and compassion!

The Wizard signifies those people who assist us in seeing that we are everything we dreamed and hoped we could be. And we always were.

The Ruby Slippers.  These represent the power we all have.   All we have to do is use it!

Dorothy's return.   This  represents our TRUE Awakening.  It is that very moment when we finally realize, and most importantly, accept that we had all we wished for all along. That knowing of truth that everything and anything we want, need or hope for is no further than our own Back yard!


Embrace ALL That You Are!

Because you are ALL that there is!

Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™. Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience. 

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way. 

PLEASE NOTE:  All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited

I Believe! (An Open Letter to Santa)

Dearest Santa,

When I was a child, I wasn’t allowed to openly acknowledge you.  I grew up in a home that didn’t believe in you, in Christmas or anything magical.  But I want you to know (though I feel you always did) that I believed.

I believed despite what my mother told me.  And I believed in spite of what my older brothers and sisters said.  I believed.  No matter what the other children said with respect to your existence.  I believed.

Though I was never allowed to say it out loud ... I Believed!

After I became an adult and left home, I was finally free to express my beliefs out in the open.   I still meet with all sorts of nay sayers who shout “There is no Santa!“  

But Santa … I have to tell you … no matter the opposition … there is no greater feeling than being able to say those two little words … I Believe!  And despite, and in spite of, the nay sayers -- I said it!  And I continue to say it!  I BELIEVE!

Santa, I know Jesus wasn’t born on December 25th   … but what does it matter?  I fail to understand why it is such a bad thing to honor the Christ -- if only once a year.    I, and many others like myself,  honor Him each and every day of the year.    But what difference does it make what day Jesus was born if … if …it brings many more to honor him.  If only just for that day?   And Santa, whose to say that one day doesn’t motivate someone to do it more than just on Christmas? I believe it does! 

Santa, I know the Christmas Tree isn’t a Christian thing.  But what does that matter?  It’s beautiful!  And it is a wonderful reminder of so many things.   

For me personally … The lights represent each and every person  who shares their love to others.  These are the People who live by the words Jesus exclaimed “Let your light shine bright among men!” 

The tinsel, are the folks who are not yet ready to let their light shine so bright, but still show love in some way on some level.   And their love is reflected off their shiny faces -- just like the lights reflect off the silvery and gold strips on the tree.

Each ornament reminds us of those we love, have loved,  those we yet to love, and most importantly … those we don’t even know, but love just the same.

The Angel I put at the top of my tree reminds me that our Beloved and most Divine Creators are watching over us--that They have never forgotten us (nor will They Ever!).  It is also a reminder that They have put in position myriads of helpers for us while we are here on Earth.

And Santa … I know you are the icon  of Giving!   But you are so much more … aren’t you?  Yes, you my dear, are the symbol of courage, love, happiness, joy and generosity.    Attributes each of us have -- but rarely express to others … and rarer still … to our selves.    Many have forgotten that it's not you the person, but what you represent that makes you so grand, and why it is so important to never forget!

Santa, I know ... and I believe ... The Magic of Christmas is the one time of year when people get the chance to collectively remember that Love --That generosity --That courage--That Happiness & Joy.    Some do, but then forget the next day.  Some scoff Christmas, saying it is nothing but a scam … so they miss out on the messages yet again.  But Santa, there are those of us who do Believe in the Magic of Christmas!   And we carry it with us through out the year.

I know Santa,  that Christmas is really an ancient custom called Saturnalia.  But I also know that in these modern times, just like in times of old,  we are given on this one day,  the opportunity to see from the "other's point of view."  Christians, Pagans, Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, all the other religions ... and even atheists too.  If only we believe ... we can take that one day and see from another's point of view!  And through this ... learn and grow ... and remember the Love we are.


For these reasons, and so many more,  is why I believe Santa!  This is why I have always believed!  And I promise you, will continue to believe no matter what! 

Santa, I remember Jesus saying to"be like the little children".  I know he was trying to tell us all to see the wonderments and splendors of all creation.   To see through the eyes of a child is to see the world for the very first time.  How truly splendid it is!  How magical it all is!  To be free to  love and be In Joy without inhibitions!   

And I do that myself Santa!   And I know others do as well.   Sadly, the majority of this world have gone from being child-like to childish.  Constantly fighting and quarreling amongst one another.   Santa,  they lost their magic.    They don’t believe -- and now they are miserable. 

Santa, these folks have convinced themselves into thinking that now we're all grown up, we don’t have time to believe or we shouldn't believe because it's just for kids or it's stupid!    They don’t believe in you Santa.  They don’t believe in Jesus. Why some even go as far as saying there are no Divine Creators!  No wonder they're so miserable!  They have nothing to remind them of the Love and the Joy.  So it isn't any mystery why they're so angry all the time!

I know Santa that if they could get back their magic -- become a child again ... they would remember!  They too would believe!  And they would be so much happier!  I Believe this Santa!  I really and truly do!

Santa, I just wanted you to know that me and others are doing our best to help these people remember.   We are doing all we can to remind them of the Love and the Joy that is theirs, every day of the week.   And not just at Christmas time.   Me and all the others out there, we are doing all we know to help these souls to remember that Love takes on all sorts of shapes and forms.  That it comes in many ways, through many people and in different venues. Each and every single day of the year!

That the Spirit of Christmas is 24 hours a day -- 7 Days a Week!  If only They Believe!



But some times, I just get really fed up! They are a stubborn lot -- these unbelievers!

But I promise!  I will not give up!  I will continue my mission to help others remember!  To help them regain their sense of child-like wonder! 

I just wanted you to know Santa -- you, Jesus and our Divine Creators are  not alone nor are you ever forgotten!  And that no matter what …

I Believe!  Yes! I Do!


With much Love …