In time, the sincere student learns that by following the instructions of the teacher and meditating often, a true bond is formed. The teacher will show up in thought, dream and meditation to help the student both in life and along the meditation path. This experience and bond further teaches the student that we are much more than these bodies we find ourselves in and our connections in life go far beyond the physical. The more we meditate and live by the philosophy, the more we find this to be true.
On the meditation path, through experience we begin to realize that the teachings and the teacher’s words are forever and will always be there in time of need. Not only is this the case. The teacher’s spirit will also be with him or her until time passes away. So even when the teacher is not physically present, the teacher and the teachings are still there forever. This also holds true with those who are near and dear to us and anyone who has imparted life lessons with us. Their spirit makes a lasting impression and never leaves, especially when we become more aware of our oneness and realize that this is the case.
I had just woke up from my dream excited, as I lay there not yet able to walk again, but looking forward to walking in the near future. I lay there happy and enthused about my businesses and life, even though I was struggling to keep my two businesses going without me being there physically. I was thankful to have the chance to live the best life ever. I could truly say I was happy to still be here as Craig with my two broken ankles and all.
I was 56 years old (still am) and on the mend from an accident and injury, and just about to learn how to walk again, still in a wheel chair. It was truly blowing my mind that I was going to choose to be happy in this particular situation. I was asking myself, “Why choose this life and situation, when the others are so great without that level of challenge?” I was half asleep and half awake, coming out of the most interesting dream.
(In Henry Ford Hospital West Bloomfield June 2, 2021)
In the dream I was one of several young people marveling at the realization that we could time travel and choose who ever we wanted to be, at whatever point in life we choose and live from there. It was a feeling of being beyond limits and quite comforting. The posssibilities were vast. It felt totally real, and somewhat mind blowing at the same time. I was realizing that I had a choice of any of the lives I was viewing and I also had the choice of the life I was living as Craig here in this time space that I am in right now from whence I am writing.
All of these possible lives and experiences looked quite tempting, and was a part of who I was. Sort of like I had been living them all and now I had to chose only one to continue in. What I found quite fascinating was that I was leaning towards choosing to be Craig, and not just Craig, but me during one of the most challenging times in my life. And yet I had this opportunity to be in these other freer lives, and not have the challenge of being in pain and wondering if I would walk again, learning how to walk again, and having to rebuild my businesses.
But then in the midst of making my choice, it came to me in a flash, so keenly. “I have children and people who love and need me.” I could see the various ways I had to be there for them. I also had such great potential to live out the most incredible story and life. One in which I would be helping so many, and be totally into my Dharma, my passion, my proper place in life, and living it to the fullest. This is when I found myself waking up to this reality, totally excited, ready to jump into my new life! I was Craig once again, on this new journey ready to learn to walk again, and revitalize my business, with my two broken ankles, broken tibia and all!
(Halloween 2021 Me and my girlfriend Kelly, and my good friend Terrill. I was starting to walk again. Terrill was the Hulk, I was The Spirit, and Kelly was, An Athenian Goddess)