There is more to our existence than we commonly recognize. I'm not talking woo-woo here...I'm speaking about our abilities to go beyond what we currently think we're capable of. For years I've watched people profess to have "special powers," have insights that no one else can have, or hold themselves out as "spiritual beings," as if they're in a place that only a few are allowed to enter.

I don't believe any of that! What I do know is that some of the aforementioned people (those who aren't charlatans), have been able to use their perceptions at a heightened level. We all have the same abilities (yes...they can be altered by illness, drugs or genetic anomalies), however...we've "learned" how not to use many of them or have become "dumbed down" away from understanding our own capabilities.

Telepathy, separation of self, intuitive thought, cognition, energy transference, aren't the things of "special beings," they're part of all of us. It makes me laugh, while at the same time feel sad, when I hear people say that they went to a lecture and this man or that woman was so spiritual...without realizing that they themselves are too. Actually - I think the word "spiritual" has been overused, and has lost it's meaning. It removes people from who they really are.

What people have to realize is that their minds haven't been exercised enough. They haven't expanded their own mental "powers" to the point where they can experience a fuller spectrum of life. I'm not talking about something "induced," I'm talking about the here and now...the ability that our brains afford us that we've, all too often, become too lazy to use.

Spend some time working on building up your thought processes, and energy recognition. Play "games" that will help you realize that your mind hasn't been used nearly enough. Start to recognize things around you that you normally don't. Be aware, alert, and able. Enhance your mind by thinking about your abilities to use your energy to affect those around you, as well as yourself, in positive ways that you've never done before.

In about four or five months my new book will be out. It addresses a number of these subjects in more depth, along with exercises to help you achieve some of the things I've mentioned. In the mean time...don't think someone else has greater powers than you. It's just that you haven't uncovered them yet. Believe me - it's worth the exploration!

The search is never ending. Our species has been doing it since we could get up on two legs and walk. Perhaps...even before that. We have this urge to know. A deep seated desire to understand our purpose and reason for being on this Earth remains with so many of us throughout our lives. And so we look for someone, or something, to explain it all. Many people attend religious institutions hoping that those who lead the congregations will tell them the secret. Others, see no justification in doing so. Yet...those same people, more often than not, still question. 

We have followed stories of prophets and messiahs, gurus and yogis, saints, angels and gods. And...to a large degree, created myths that lead to the worship of others - hoping that we will finally find the ultimate answer. So much of our energies have gone into making sure that after we die, something good will happen to us. We will float in the sky - at peace. Or...if we haven't been an exemplary being, perhaps - we'll be in an eternal blast furnace (not a good things, to say the least). 

But...I tend to look at life a different way. Do good things because that's the right thing to do. Show love, because we all need it. Treat others with respect because that's how things should be. After I'm gone, well - who knows. I haven't met anyone who has come back from the dead to explain to me what does or doesn't happen "on the other side." My choice is to live as a loving, caring person. That is what I find the secret to be. Believe me...I have had my share of metaphysical experiences, but would rather view them as the abilities we all have within us, yet...too few of us have taken the time to understand, or master them. 

That brings me to the point of the title of this post: "Except for one - there are no spiritual leaders...only guides." What one normally thinks of as spiritual leaders shouldn't be worshiped, because - that belittles you as an equal person to them. Too many of these so-called leaders are great at making themselves appear to be better than others and worthy of some kind of a hierarchical position, which then makes others subservient to them. Usually, that also involves power and money. However, there are some people who are certainly worth being embraced as a guide. People with wisdom and knowledge - individuals who are humble and have learned and can pass on their experiences so that you may learn as well - and those who take the time to listen and address your needs, sometimes before they do things for themselves.

Take a good look at yourself...and realize that YOU are your own spiritual leader. No one else. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. The secret and purpose of life is that you're here - to love, to care for yourself and others, to be good and do no harm, to educate, learn, and become wise. All the rest, as I see it, is a business. When it comes down to it, believe in yourself...but learn from others. You'll soon find out how far that can take you.