Over the weekend I was toying with a couple of projects, one of them being an article about the Four Pillars (or Trues). That's still on the back-burner. But I was looking at how the trues involve elements of self-realization, and I put together the following that some of you may find useful. At least, I found it interesting.
Oh, and don’t miss the BONUS piece at the end of this post. It hasn’t been released to the public. And as always, if you’re beginning to like the direction of this newsletter, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. It’s a great way of showing your support.
SEVEN STEPS TO SELF-REALIZATION
Self-Realization is the process of recognizing and embodying one's true nature and potential, transcending limiting beliefs and conditioned patterns, and aligning with the deeper essence of oneself. It stems from spiritual traditions like Zen Buddhism, Hindu philosophy, Yoga, and even a little Gurdjieff. It involves gaining insight into one's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to cultivate more self-awareness.
Here are seven terms that reflect the seven steps to self-realization based on the energies associated with Michael math:
1) Nurturing: The first step to self-realization involves embodying the energy of the Server role. It is about nurturing and caring for oneself and others, creating a supportive and compassionate environment. Through acts of nurturing, individuals cultivate a sense of belonging, foster connections, and deepen their understanding of the importance of service.
Application: Incorporate acts of kindness and service into your daily routine. Find opportunities to support and uplift others, whether it's through lending a helping hand, offering words of encouragement, or practicing empathy and understanding.
2) Innovation: The second step corresponds to the energy of the Artisan role. It involves embracing innovation, pushing boundaries, and exploring new possibilities. Embracing the energy of innovation allows individuals to tap into their creative potential, break free from limitations, and manifest their unique visions in the world.
Application: Cultivate a mindset of curiosity and exploration. Seek out new experiences, challenge yourself to think outside the box, and embrace creativity in your work, hobbies, and problem-solving approaches. Look for innovative solutions and fresh perspectives.
3) Empowerment: The third step embodies the energy of the Warrior role. It is about empowering oneself and others to overcome challenges and embrace personal growth. Embracing the warrior energy involves developing courage, resilience, and a fierce determination to create positive change in one's life and the lives of others.
Application: Develop a strong sense of self-belief and resilience. Take charge of your personal growth by setting goals, facing fears, and embracing challenges. Support others in their empowerment journeys, providing guidance and encouragement.
4) Insight: The fourth step aligns with the energy of the Scholar role. It emphasizes gaining profound insights and deepening one's intellectual understanding. Engaging in intellectual pursuits, critical thinking, and philosophical exploration broadens perspectives, fosters self-reflection, and leads to profound self-knowledge.
Application: Cultivate a thirst for knowledge and understanding. Engage in lifelong learning, whether through reading, attending lectures, or participating in intellectual discussions. Foster self-reflection, introspection, and seek deeper insights into yourself and the world around you.
5) Illumination: The fifth step resonates with the energy of the Sage role. It involves seeking illumination, embracing inner wisdom, and sharing transformative insights. Embracing the sage energy means becoming a beacon of inspiration, guiding others towards clarity, truth, and expanded consciousness.
Application: Share your wisdom and insights with others. Express your authentic voice, communicate with clarity and honesty, and inspire those around you through your words and actions. Embrace opportunities to teach, mentor, or engage in meaningful conversations that bring illumination to others.
6) Transcendence: The sixth step corresponds to the energy of the Priest role. It involves transcending the mundane and connecting with the divine. Embracing spirituality, engaging in sacred practices, and cultivating a deep sense of inner connection leads to spiritual awakening and transcending the limitations of the physical world.
Application: Connect with your spirituality and inner divinity. Engage in practices such as meditation, prayer, or mindfulness that help you cultivate a sense of transcendence and connection with something greater than yourself. Seek moments of awe, reverence, and reflection on the deeper meaning of life.
7) Legacy: The seventh step embodies the energy of the King role. It is about leaving a lasting impact and creating a meaningful legacy. Embracing the king energy means leading with vision, inspiring others, and contributing to the greater good. Through wise leadership and the responsible use of power, individuals shape the world and leave a positive imprint for future generations.
Application: Consider the impact you want to leave behind and the values you wish to embody. Lead with integrity, inspire others through your actions, and contribute to causes that align with your values. Create a positive ripple effect that extends beyond your immediate sphere of influence.
With these steps, you may find yourselves more advanced in certain areas while still developing in others. But that's okay. It's an ongoing journey.
Urgent Request (While I Have Your Attention)
Today, I write to you with a humble request for support. The Michael teachings website, dedicated to the MT, is in need of critical upgrades to meet Google's latest requirements for webmasters, specifically their "core vitals" update, which sadly, the MT site scores poorly on.
As you may know, Google's algorithm updates can have a significant impact on website rankings and visibility. In order to ensure the MT reaches as many seekers as possible, I must invest in upgrading the site's infrastructure to meet these new demands. By improving load times, enhancing user experience, and optimizing performance, I can maintain our presence in search results and continue serving the global Michael community.
Additionally, I face unexpected challenges beyond the digital realm. Recently, an unfortunate rupture in the main waterline at my house (this has happened before and it's 57 years old) has led to a substantial increase in my water bill and unexpected expenses for a professional plumber. While this may seem unrelated to the teachings, it has a direct impact on my ability to sustain operations. Without the means to cover my utility bill, I risk losing essential services, such as electricity and internet connectivity.
I understand that this appeal may seem unconventional, and I hesitated to ask for financial help in this manner. However, this unforeseen circumstance has left me with no choice but to reach out to our cherished community for support. Your contribution, no matter the size, will have a profound impact on my ability to weather this storm and ensure the continuation of the Michael teachings.
Your generous donation will go directly towards the necessary website upgrades, including improvements in page speed, mobile responsiveness, and overall user experience. Additionally, it will help me cover the unforeseen utility expenses, safeguarding access to vital resources, like being able to flush the toilet. I know it sounds funny, but when it happens to you, the humor quickly fades fast. ;-)
Please visit my donation page to make a contribution. Every dollar brings me one step closer to getting out of this mess. I'll be immensely grateful for any support you can provide, whether it is a financial contribution or sharing this message with others who may resonate with the cause.
Donate here: https://michaelteachings.com/donations.html
Thank you for your consideration and support.
With gratitude,
Dave Gregg
P.S. - There’s more to come in this newsletter over the next weeks ahead. Stay tuned!
P.S.S - If you write me at this newsletter address, I probably won’t see it. Please find me at the MT site.
* BONUS *
The levels of self-realization can be applied to other aspects of the Michael Teachings, including the roles such as being an Artisan. Here's how the steps can be related to the Artisan role:
1) Nurturing: Nurturing as an Artisan involves caring for and expressing your creative impulses in a loving and supportive way. It means acknowledging and honoring your artistic abilities and providing yourself with the necessary resources and environment to nurture your creative expression.
Application: Engage in activities that nurture your creativity and artistic expression. Set aside dedicated time each day to work on your craft, whether it's painting, writing, playing music, or any other artistic pursuit. Create a nurturing environment by having a designated space for your creative endeavors and surrounding yourself with inspirational materials.
2) Innovation: Applying innovation as an Artisan means exploring new artistic mediums, techniques, and approaches. It involves pushing the boundaries of your creativity, experimenting with different styles and methods, and embracing a spirit of innovation in your artistic pursuits.
Application: Explore new techniques, styles, and mediums within your artistic discipline. Push the boundaries of your creativity by experimenting with different approaches and taking risks. Seek out opportunities to collaborate with other artists or participate in workshops and classes to learn new skills and expand your artistic repertoire.
3) Empowerment: Empowering yourself as an Artisan means recognizing the value of your creative contributions and embracing your unique artistic voice. It involves building confidence in your abilities, asserting your creative vision, and taking ownership of your artistic choices and decisions.
Application: Recognize the value of your unique artistic voice and embrace it fully. Trust in your creative instincts and have confidence in your abilities. Take ownership of your artistic journey and make decisions that align with your artistic vision and values. Surround yourself with a supportive network of fellow artists who can provide encouragement and constructive feedback.
4) Insight: Gaining insight as an Artisan involves deepening your understanding of the creative process and the meaning behind your artistic expressions. It means exploring the symbolism and messages within your artwork, seeking inspiration from within and outside yourself, and using your insights to further develop your artistic skills and vision.
Application: Reflect on the deeper meaning and symbolism behind your artwork. Explore the emotions, messages, and themes that resonate with you and seek to convey them through your creations. Allow introspection and self-exploration to inform your artistic process and bring greater depth and authenticity to your work.
5) Illumination: Bringing illumination to your artistic endeavors means seeking inspiration and sharing your creative gifts with others. It involves using your art to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and inspire others, as well as embracing the transformative power of art in your own life and the lives of those who experience your work.
Application: Share your art with others to inspire, provoke thought, and evoke emotions. Seek opportunities to exhibit your work, perform, or publish your creations. Use various platforms, such as social media, online galleries, or local art events, to showcase your talent and engage with a wider audience. Embrace the power of art to illuminate and enrich the lives of others.
6) Transcendence: Transcending as an Artisan means going beyond personal limitations and connecting with the universal essence of creativity. It involves tapping into a state of flow and surrendering to the creative process, allowing your art to become a channel for higher inspiration and spiritual connection.
Application: Enter a state of flow and surrender to the creative process. Let go of self-judgment and perfectionism and allow your intuition and inspiration to guide you. Explore the spiritual and transcendent aspects of your art, using it as a channel to connect with something greater than yourself. Embrace moments of pure creative bliss and lose yourself in the joy of artistic expression.
7) Legacy: Applying the concept of legacy as an Artisan means considering the impact and influence of your art on the world. It involves leaving a meaningful artistic legacy through your creations, whether it's through inspiring future generations of artists, contributing to social change through your art, or leaving a lasting impression with your artistic contributions.
Application: Think about how your creations can leave a positive mark on the world. This could involve mentoring emerging artists, contributing to community art projects, or using your art to raise awareness and support important causes. Leave a legacy of beauty, inspiration, and cultural enrichment through your artistic contributions.
CONCLUSIONS:
There can be great value in a role adopting the perspective and energy of other roles as part of a self-realization journey. It allows for a broader and more empathetic understanding of different perspectives, experiences, and approaches to life.
When a role adopts the energy of another role, such as a non-Sage adopting the perspective of a Sage in the context of Nurturing, it opens up new possibilities for growth and development. It enables individuals to expand their awareness beyond their default role tendencies and explore different ways of relating to the world.
By adopting the nurturing qualities associated with the Server role, for example, individuals can cultivate a deeper sense of compassion, care, and service towards others. They can learn to prioritize the well-being and needs of others, gaining a greater understanding of the challenges and joys that come with serving and supporting others.
Similarly, adopting the perspective of the other roles can bring valuable insights and lessons. Embracing the innovative spirit of the Artisan, the assertive action of the Warrior, the analytical mindset of the Scholar, the inspiring leadership of the Priest, or the authoritative presence of the King can all contribute to a more well-rounded and versatile approach to life.
Through these explorations, Michael students can develop a greater appreciation for the unique gifts and contributions of each role. It fosters empathy, understanding, and cooperation, as students begin to recognize and honor the diverse perspectives and strengths that different roles bring to the collective human experience.
Till next time! :-)