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The
teachers, experts, authorities, and sources for material in this
book come from a lifetime of studying on the spiritual path and
being an activist/visionary. I want to include here the books and
people I was most influenced by, not only as basic references I
used in writing this but as the main influences on my life. Each
one of these sources is genuine and profound, they touch the core
of my being. I am eternally grateful to the part of humanity that
has made these works available, this is the real stuff, the culmination
of human evolution at this time.
Each and every one of these references is the tip of the iceberg,
beneath the surface is the hidden mountain of knowledge they come
from, the collective human information pool. These are the people
and books that I consider to be integrally involved in the new consciousness
humanity is entering. These are not books I dug up to prove my theories,
they are books that shaped and influenced me. You may read them
all and come to different conclusions than I, but the influence
upon our collective human mind by these sources is undeniable.
There are so many others that I could have mentioned but I am keeping
this to just the most important and powerful that deal with the
theme of this book.
Also, I am including here my website and email address so that if
you are interested in dialoguing with me about the material in this
book you can contact me.
neriah@NeriahLothamer.com
Thank
you for sharing this with me.
EVA
PIERRAKOS AND PATHWORK
I
am starting this ‘selective’ bibliography with Eva Pierrakos,
who, from 1950 till her death in 1979, channelled a series of 250+
lectures focused on personal transformation. This is the most important
resource for anyone looking for tools of self-realisation which
actually work. Called simply “the Pathwork”, this system
is based on getting to being present in the now, by dealing with
the unconscious past which is keeping us from it. The Pathwork however
is only for those who are really serious about their self-realisation,
as those who are not ready find. If you are seriously ready for
practical techniques that produce results and require no more than
your enquiring mind and focused will, then check out the Pathwork
foundation online at: http//www.pathwork.org/. After you browse
whatever you are curious about the organisation, then click on the
‘lectures’ tab in the menu button bar. There you will
find all the lectures, as they were recorded, transcribed into separate
PDF files that easily download for free to your computer, to be
viewed or printed when you wish.
For more materials, they have available a few of the lectures on
tape if you want to hear Eva speaking the lectures, and several
books. The first two I recommend are The Pathwork of Self-Transformation
and Creating Union, both available from the website and published
by the Pathwork Press. The first one really gives the essentials
of the Pathwork and will help you get some of the techniques working
for you. Creating Union is more challenging and fulfilling I found,
mostly because of the focus on relationship. The lectures on the
New Age Marriage and The Forces of Eros, Love, and Sexuality are
the pathwork lectures I first read when I stumbled upon the website
searching for something else. They are also the ones I still read
over and over again, as they reveal the most powerful tools for
self-realisation especially in the most intimate relationships.
Anyone who thinks they know what sex is all about, or love, or eros,
or union; then they need to read these two lectures at least, and
learn a new way of looking at these forces in our lives.
Pathwork has many communities and learning centers as well as regular
workshops; but what is really different, they also have a ‘helper’
program for those who want more personal help on their path than
they can get out of the lectures. I have enlisted the aid of a Pathwork
helper and find it more powerful than all the therapy, counselling,
and teachers I have had. Pathwork helpers can be contacted via email
or phone numbers available on the web at: http://www3.sympatico.ca/roddy.duchesne/reg_descrip.htm
For the more professional, Eva’s husband, John Pierrakos,
developed ‘Core Energetics’ which has incorporated much
of the Pathwork into a system of techniques for therapists. Information
on John Pierrakos, his books, and Core Energetics is available online
at: http://www.coreenergeticinstitute.com/
THE
TEACHINGS OF RAMANA MAHARSHI & PAPAJI H.W.L. POONJA
As far as I am concerned, the teachings of Ramana Maharshi are the
most valuable and essential resources in the realm of spiritual
or mystical truth-seeking available now. Ramana was called by many’
“the greatest sage of the twentieth century”. He never
left Mount Arunachala after his samadhi there at 18 years old. He
lived there simply with a beggar bowl and a loin cloth until his
death in 1950 at the age of 70. Ramana’s teachings involve
a new technique in Eastern mysticism—‘self inquiry’,
which continually asks “who am I?”. It is a non-system
which is based on being absolutely truthful with oneself.
I highly recommend all of the books which have his own words in
them and any of the many written about him. To access information
about Ramana and his books go online to:
http://www.realization.org/page/topics/ramana.htm
Books can easily be found at Amazon.com by typing his name in the
search field as well. I also recommend the videos about him which
include one narrated by Ram Dass. The videos show rare footage of
this remarkable saint and give an overview of his teachings.
Papaji H.W.L. Poonja was a devoted disciple of Ramana Maharshi and,
I believe, spoke more eloquently about the teachings of his guru
than anyone has. In fact, I consider Papaji the word-wizard of all
time. His ability to poetically and powerfully present the teachings
of self-inquiry are beyond all the human attempts in history to
describe the mystical truths. His disciples are many, but he passed
in 1997 at the age of 87 and thankfully was tape recorded by them,
so that there are many of his talks in print now. The biggest and
best is What Is Truth?. The shortest, and most read over and over
by me, is This which is composed of special selections from “What
Is Truth?”
I find the words of Papaji to be my spiritual resource during the
darkest nights of my soul, they so sweetly bring me again and again
to know truly who I am. More than poetry, philosophy, mysticism,
or personal growth techniques, the words of Papaji are a reality
that roars through me as I read them, roars of truth, roars like
a lion. More information about Papaji is available online at: http://www.realization.org/page/topics/poonja.htm
or: http://www.poonja.com/
These teachings came to my attention through the blessed Gangaji,
a western disciple of Papaji; and I also recommend her books, tapes,
and satsangs. I will always be in her debt for this resource of
Ramana’s teachings she has given me. The love I feel for her
because of this brings tears to my eyes and swiftness to my spirit-inspired
fingers as I type this book. Thank you, Gangaji, for being such
a wonderful bridge between the East and the West, thank you for
bringing Ramana into my awareness. Gangaji’s website is: http://gangaji.org/index.asp?bhcp=1
MARSHAL
B. ROSENBURG and NON-VIOLENT COMMUNICATION
Marshall
B. Rosenberg is the creator and developer of the most powerful communication
model on Earth. This simple technique is extremely effective in
problem solving and conflict resolution, especially in intimate
relationships. Based on a realistic use of feelings as signals that
identify the real needs and intention of any communication, this
system is an honest approach at accepting oneself and others in
spite of personal differences. Clear and eloquent, Non-violent Communication,
A Language of Life by Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D., is a landmark
book about how to talk.
This system is easy to learn and apply, and it gets results. It
will open you up to a better communication not only with others
but especially with your self. NVC has been the most effective communication
tool I have ever come across, much better than “active listening”
or “NLP”(“Neurolinguistic Programming”),
NVC is a technique for real communication during all the hardest
moments of any relationship. This model is essential for understanding
how to communicate in important relationships and situations and
will address all the problem areas of communication breakdowns.
Non-violent Communication workshops and centers and further information
may be found online at: http://www.cnvc.org/
Kelly
Bryson, MFT, a student of Marshal Rosenberg, has written a handbook
for compassionate communication called, Don’t Be Nice, Be
Real, which I feel even more eloquently applies NVC techniques to
the most typical relationship problems. Kelly addresses the issues
and attitudes necessary to apply NVC with truthfulness and radical
honesty. He shows with stories and metaphors exactly how compassionate
communication works and why. I highly recommend his book as it gives
a more personal and practical approach to non-violent communication.
Kelly’s website: http://languageofcompassion.com/
TEILHARD
DE CHARDIN
Teilhard
De Chardin was the most radical Jesuit visionary ever in the Catholic
Church. His theories would have gotton him burned at the stake during
the Inquisition; but raised in the era of emerging Darwinism, Teilhard
expounded evolutionary concepts, which he claimed did not deny the
real message of the Church. His mystical views of Christ stressed
the importance in understanding that the ‘return of the Christ”
involved all of humanity as Christ’s head, and the Earth as
his body.
Scorned by the Church for his scientific views, and by the scientists
for his religious views, Teilhard was more popular posthumously.
As a scientist in anthropology, archaeology, botany, and biology;
Teilhard explored the world; most famously as a participant in the
“Peking Man” discovery and study; but it is his theories
on evolution that bring him the most recognition today.
Antiquated and buried in used bookstores or online at Amazon and
ebay, you will have to track down his books which were limited in
publication and are mostly out of print.
Teilhard De Chardin’s books include: The Phenomenon of
Man, Letters from a Traveller, The Divine Milieu, The Future of
Man, Human Energy, Activation of Energy, and Hymn of the
Universe.
I
feel Activation of Energy is the most revealing and least Catholic;
it is a collection of his essays and letters starting in the late
1930’s with his comments on the impending World War and going
through the 1950’s up to his death. In it’s almost archaic
language, it describes his evolutionary and visionary philosophy
clearer and clearer. The chapter on the war is amazing and it is
appropriate still today.
These
websites have excellent information on teilhard De Chardin:
http://www2.gol.com/users/coynerhm/teilhard.html
http://noosphere.cc/teilhardmenu.html
http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Pierre_Teilhard_de_Chardin
STEPHEN
W. HAWKING
Stephen
W. Hawking holds Newton’s chair as Lucasian Professor of Mathematics
at cambridge University; and has authored: A Brief History Of Time,
The Universe In A Nutshell, and The Theory Of Everything. These
easy to understand explanations of Science’s state-of-the-art
theories and discoveries, have made the New York Times’ best
Seller List. Hawking has a thoroughly enjoyable style in his books
and the information he shares is definitely mind-expanding, be ready
for an altered state. His perspectives of the universe and humans
is the result of researching almost all the scientific data available
up to this point. His conclusions are inspirational and hopeful.
These books are Hawking’s contribution to our human collective
information pool, but they are also a clever way to bring the realms
of theoretical science to the masses of humanity. Hawking manages
to use words that lay people can understand. His descriptions of
such complex things as how stars are formed, seem so simple and
obvious, yet when
considered, they bring a profound sense of the immense mystery of
the universe.
I highly recommend all of Stephen W. Hawking’s books as essential
for really knowing the universe we came from and live in. One of
the geniuses of all time. Get his books at almost any bookstore
or online. His website is: http://www.hawking.org.uk/
MILTON
H. ERICKSON
The
ultimate genius of the human mind’s subconscious communication
patterns was Milton H. Erickson. The story of his life is amazing;
but, setting aside all he had to overcome to get there, Erickson
became the originator of the American Clinical Hypnosis Institute.
He is single handedly responsible for the American Medical Association
eventually accepting hypnosis as a valid healing intervention rather
than a vaudeville act. His results in therapy counselling were absolutely
amazing, and so were his public lectures and demonstrations. Milton
H. Erickson could hypnotise a whole room of people simultaneously
or the most hardened sceptic in the blink of an eye. His command
of language became legendary.
Bandler and Grinder modeled their famous Neurolinguistic Programming
(NLP) system on his techniques. In the last years of his life, he
limited his time to teaching professional psychologists and psychiatrists
through therapy sessions he conducted on them. His influence is
deep and profound in our understanding of how the unconscious/subconscious
mind works. More importantly, he identified the trance language
techniques to use in translating communication between the conscious
and the unconscious. This has enabled an exponential use of hypnosis
by practitioners who can now use these healing techniques successfully.
My favorite book by Milton H. Erickson is My Voice will Go With
You. It needs no understanding of professional psychiatry or
psychology to read, and it reveals in his own down-home style how
his words were so effective. Excellent for just flipping through
and checking out the stories.
Books and information about Milton H. Erickson are online at:
http://www.erickson-foundation.org/
http://www.miltonherickson.com/
http://www.thechangeworks.com/index.html
http://www.amazon.com/
R.
BUCKMINSTER FULLER
Perhaps
the most well known for his geodesic domes, R. Buckminster Fuller
invented and patented more than can be listed here. As a design
engineer and a social, technological, systems analyst; Fuller wrote
many books also. The Works of R. Buckminster Fuller became known
to me in the 60’s. He and Marshal McLuhan were the only popular
writers at the time describing our technological world from perspectives
different from the old ways of seeing things. McLuhan focussed on
media primarily, and was the first to get us thinking about how
our technological mass media and communications systems were a message
in themselves; “the medium is the message” he said.
For more info see: http://www.marshallmcluhan.com/main.html
R. Buckminster Fuller, however, had a broader scope and vision,
he saw the trends, the evolution, and the history of humanity as
reaching a point of Utopia or Oblivion, the title of one of his
best books. But it is Critical Path, his last and most detailed
critique, which is his masterpiece. In this book we are presented
with his life’s work, and his thoughts about the directions
of our world. Fuller’s analysis of history is enlightening
and his metaphors describe the economic and political systems for
what they are. Essential chapters in the book are: “Speculative
Prehistory of Humanity”, “Legally Piggily”, “World
Game”, and “Critical Path: Part One, Two, Three, and
Four”.
The ideas presented and the histories related are important for
anyone who wants to grasp the ‘big picture’ of what
it takes for humanity to live on Earth now and in the future. If
you ever read anything of R. Buckminster Fuller’s works this
one, Critical Path, should be it; but it is very meaty
stuff, so take your time and absorb the information; it really helps
see the importance of change, especially with all that has happened
in our world since its first printing in 1981.
Today more than ever, people should avail themselves of this wisdom
from one of the greatest geniuses of all time.
Still
relevant and pertinent, Fuller’s works continue to have a
major impact; his inventions and ideas are based upon the needs
of humanity to survive in harmony with the Earth and itself. His
solutions are broadreachinig and challenging, but in the end, his
proofs are irrufutable: there is no other course for humanity’s
existence.
More information and books by or about R. Buckminster Fuller can
be found at: http://www.bfi.org/
GARY
ZUKAV
Gary
Zukav, acclaimed author of The Seat Of the Soul, has presented
a fresh approach to the current stage of human evolution. A trained
scientist and philosopher, Gary came up with new perspectives about
many human dynamics that redefine where humanity is currently at
and where it is evolving to. Perhaps the most important attitude
shift he presents is the difference between “external power”
and “authentic power”. Gary describes in detail how
this external power is the old paradigm; and how true, authentic
power is the shift of awareness in humans that is now revealing
more mature, harmonious ways of relating to our world.
Going beyond the five senses, authentic power tunes into the spiritual
perceptions and recognises that true power is always inside us and
not externally imposed. With well written and inspirational insights
into the changes going on now, Gary describes how to access this
authentic power within each of us.
His other books in the series, The Heart of the Soul and
The Mind of the Soul continue with his observations on
the human emotional and mental aspects being evolved by the spiritual
energy presently manifesting world-wide. Full of techniques and
exercises, these books explain and demonstrate how to catch and
surf the tsunami wave of human consciousness now upon the Earth.
The suggested exercises are powerful and revealing. Gary’s
first book, Dancing Wu Li Masters, gained him lots of attention
for his mystical assesment of current science, but it is The
Seat of the Soul, which is the most impacting with new attitudes
about the body and soul of humanity.
Gary’s website is: http://zukav.com/welcome.html
PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA and THE SELF-REALISATION FELLOWSHIP
Paramahansa
Yogananda was sent by his guru, Sri Yukteswar, to America, and the
West, to spread the teachings of kriya yoga, the yoga of breath
meditation. Yogananda was the first yogi to gain world-wide popularity,
and his affect on the West has permanently established meditation
centers around the planet. Kriya yoga is the most powerful meditation
technique I have ever experienced. For over 35 years it has been
my salvation in stopping my mind and centering my being.
The Autobiography of a Yogi, by Yogananda, is perhaps the
yoga book which has sold more than any other. It was the first I
ever read about the India systems. I suggest everyone read this
book, it describes values and ways of life typical to a yogi, but
more than that it is a history of one yogi’s evolution. Yoganada
also records in this book his meetings around the world with exceptional
saints who exhibited miraculous powers. The descriptions are thrilling
and revealing, they leave one with a deep respect and appreciation
for the power of yoga and mystical commitment.
Yogananda also established the Self-Realisation Fellowship (SRF)
in 1920, which has been teaching kriya yoga through many centers
ever since. The SRF continues the work of Yogananda and publishes
his books. It is one of the most powerful yoga groups in the world
and has touched the lives of millions of people.
Sri Yukteswar wrote The Holy Science, which I recommend
to intellectual folks as he was a raja yogi, one who studies the
yoga of the mind. It is short but packed with concentrated nuggets
that take many meditations to assimilate. But the power of vibration
and OM is revealed in it so well and scientifically that you will
constantly check out the 1892 date of the document in disbelief.
Sri Yukteswar’s understanding of atomic energy is astounding
for his time. In the preface of the book, he talks about meeting
the famous. Himalayan saint, Babaji, who instructed him to set straight
the yugas, According to this document and its explanation of vedic
astrology, we are not in Kali yuga as the krishnas and other vedic
scholars think. Sri Yukteswar explains the history of how the reckoning
of the true astrological ages was lost and then reveals the true
yuga now to be Dwapara. For those who get hung up on the Kali-yuga
reckoning, which is depressingly cynical about where humanity’s
evolution is at, this book will set you right.
The influence on my life from these teachers is priceless, I will
always have a love and appreciation for them. Visit SRF centers,
read Yogananda’s books, try kriya yoga for meditation, and
check out their website:
http://www.yogananda-srf.org/
THE
FINAL ELIMINATION OF THE SOURCE OF FEAR
by
SARATOGA and TELSTAR
This
is the most powerful book you never heard of. Absolutely essential
to understanding evolution, omnipresence, sex, and the current state
of humanity. This book changed my life in one reading. The attitudes
presented show a new way of looking at ourselves.
Fear is revealed completely, its source is studied in a manner that
truly gets disempowered. The guided imagery, meditations, and metaphors
lead one gently into the process of eliminating fear from our world
and lives. The cosmic picture painted by Telstar and Saratoga shows
how fear evolved and how it continues, but more importantly it describes
the technique to deal with it.
Omnipresence is defined in a way that is experienced as you read
about it. The tools given in this book are unique and more powerful
than any self-help system. The information you will receive will
help change the perceptions you have been stuck in. The book is
powerful and should be read all the way through for the full benefit.
I highly recommend this book because it has an impact that the soul
feels and responds to. The Final Elimination of the Source of
Fear is a one-of-a-kind book and is not usually found in bookstores.
Telstar and Saratoga offer more information on their website, including
an actual ongoing event dealing with creating sexual stability which
you can register for. I have not taken the event, but I have heard
from participants that it is extremely powerful. The book alone
is worth getting because of the deep impact it has.
You can check out their website and purchase the book there:
http://www.telstarnova.com/pages/131985/index.htm
DAN
EVEHEMA and The HOPI
The
Hopi Survival Kit by Dan Evehema and Thomas E. Mails clearly
gives the real message of the traditional Hopi. This book is absolutely
essential in understanding what the Hopi have to say that we should
listen to. They believe the most important thing to work on now
is the human attitude that thinks it knows better than others and
imposes its will. I believe they are right.
The authors’ second book, Hotevilla, Hopi Shrine Of The
Covenant, Macrocosm Of The World, is the most complete record
of the Hopi plight in existence. The history of the traditionals
and the prophecy they carried are detailed. the communication of
the elders through a newsletter as the white man’s tribal
government was imposed makes it clear that these indigenous people
have the most solid claim to territory and sovereignty of them all.
The records of how the Hopi were the last holdouts to the white
man’s inculturation process are presented, along with the
observations of the decline in the Hopi culture. The understanding
you might receive from reading this will give you a bigger picture
of how the US fuel industry has steamrolled the Native American
culture and our environment.
I found personally that this was the most important Native American
book ever published on their plight. Its archiving of the Hopi elders’
teachings is priceless and the little-known history of Yukiuma and
Hotevilla is the most relevant today of all the atrocities of the
American inculturation processes imposed on Native Americans. The
beauty and culture that once was Hotevilla is fading rapidly, but
the historical record from the natives themselves is now available
to all humanity. Check out what the prophecies have to say and why
the Hopi finally came forward to reveal them.
These books are available online or through your bookstore. Information
about Dan Evehema online at: http://www.osfa.org.uk/amazon.htm#crys
http://www.wolflodge.org/hopi.htm
http://mytwobeadsworth.com/HopiChief21003.html
THE
EMPEROR WEARS NO CLOTHES
by JACK HERER
Subtitled,
“Hemp and the Marijuana Conspiracy”. this landmark book
has been a best seller for a few dozen years. Regularly updated
with new research and new-found historical records, this compendium
of facts and information about the world’s number one natural
resource has it all. It delineates the history of the illegal laws
against marijuana and lists all the facts and proofs about it. Scientific,
industrial, and medicinal research is included. Stories and anecdotes
peppered among the articles and illustrations help relieve the strain
of so much information.
This is the book and Jack Herer is the man who led the propaganda
fight against the pot laws. Training thousands of petitioners and
fighting numerous court battles, Jack Herer is the one person most
responsible for the hemp revolution and the vast amount of information
now available about hemp. I personally worked with Jack and videotaped
him at work, he is a fireball of energy and commitment. He has challenged
many activists to get real and inspired them to be bold. He has
done his job well and his book is essential for understanding the
reality of the war on hemp. Jack’s website is:
http://www.jackherer.com/
AWAKENING THE SLEEPING BUDDHA
by THE TWELFTH TAI SITUPA
Shambhalla Publications 1996
This
book is the best on Buddha’s teachings that I ever read. The
descriptions of the essentials and the details of the techniques
are elucidated with the true heart of Buddha himself. The poetic,
yet philosophically revealing, insights of the Twelfth Tai Situpa
are so real that they resonate with the Buddha inside us easily
and naturally. The Tai Situpa’s love for Buddha’s teachings
is obvious, yet in an unromanticized manner, he explains so clearly
that the lessons begin to cause an exponential understanding of
the Buddha’s teachings within the mind and heart of the reader.
This book is the secret hidden gem of all buddhist books, for it
reveals Buddha to the reader in a way that they can feel his presence.
If you are interested in really knowing what Buddha meant by his
words, you are in for a treat with this book, it will seem like
the Buddha within you speaking in a personal way that you can understand.
Available only by ordering it through your local bookstore or directly
from Shambhalla Publications at: http://www.shambhala.com/
THE
LAZY MAN'S GUIDE TO ENLIGHTENMENT
by Thaddeus Golas
This thin book is the ultimate for lazy folks, especially of the
hippy persuasion. Originally written in 1972, this classic is still
available, search online bookstores for it. Short yet brilliantly
written, this book reveals the path without all the mumbo-jumbo.
Simple, common-sense, practical, and empowering, The Lazy Man's
Guide to Enlightenment is the easiest mystical manual to read.
I was thrilled to find it in the 70’s and I still read it.
Thoroughly enjoyable even with its slightly ‘flower-child’
wordings.
MAHATMA
GANDHI
The most famous of the non-violent activists and the leader of the
non-violent resistence to English rule over India is Mahatma Gandhi.
This man has influenced most of the activists I ever met. His philosophy
of ‘Ahimsa’ is important to the evolution of humanity.
Any and all of his books are worthy of reading. Please take the
time to get familiar with this great saint’s mind.
http://www.mkgandhi.org/
http://www.gandhiinstitute.org/
http://web.mahatma.org.in/index.jsp
RAMAKRISHNA
Ramakrishna was so devoted to god/goddess that just reading Great
Swan by Lex Hixon will bring shivers of devotional ecstacy
to most sincere lovers of the Divine. The aspect of devotion is
an important part of the mystical path, it allows the heart to achieve
bliss and conscious union with divinity. I personally use bhakti,
mantra, and kirtan because I enjoy the experience of divine presence;
and these practices bring the awareness of the divinity always present
into the body, heart, and mind. Ramakrishna was constantly swimming
in the bliss of devotional awareness, and his life and words are
a delight to experience. Get Great Swan through most spiritual
bookstores or online.
http://www.ramakrishna.org.sg/
http://www.ramakrishna.org/
What
the Bleep Do We Know!?
This
movie is absolutely essential if you want to see the real tip of
the human-consciousness-science iceberg. An independant film that
is now playing at small theaters because of the huge interest spread
by word of mouth about it, it is absolutely amazing! Check out where
it is playing from their website: http://www.whatthebleep.com
REBUILDING
AMERICA’S DEFENSES
Strategy, Forces and Resources For a New Century
A Report of The Project for the New American Century
September 2000
If
you do not believe the military industrial complex is blatantly
attempting world domination and control, you must read this document
they wrote.
Available
on Ray Taliaferro’s webite. Ray is the best left-wing radical
government watchdog of the talk show hosts, on for over 25 years
late night, KGO AM 810
download the PDF at: http://www.raytal.com/gate.html
Facing
Love Addiction
By Pia Mellody
This
is the main book on codependency that I would recommend; it has
the clearest presentation and covers the very heart of all codependency
techniques. This book reveals the secret that most codependency
is based on the model formed by the “love addict” and
the “avoidance addict”. We all fall in and out of codependent
behaviors everyday to various degrees. But those who stay stuck
in the patterns are usually love or avoidance addicts and they tend
to pair with the other, ie. Love addicts get involved with avoidance
addicts. People may be both addicted to love and avoidance, and
so behave in extremely confusing schizophrenic ways.
I highly recommend this book; it nails it on the head. Once you
understand how the push-me pull-you dynamics work between love and
avoidance addicts, you will see how and why the pattern gets continually
repeated. These two addiction states are the basis for almost all
“codependent” forms of behavior. To deal with these
sorts of stuck places of codependent compulsive-obsessive behaviors
takes first recognizing we are codependent and then taking responsibility
for our experience. Without these two steps nothing will ever change
the pattern.
It
was this book that helped me recognize my love addiction and begin
to change. I believe this is the one book anyone who wonders whether
they are in a codependent relationship should read. Really, even
if you don’t think you are codependent you should read this
just so you will recognize the pitfalls and tendencies of falling
into codependent behavior—no matter to what degree.
Love
addiction is as dangerous and unhealthy as avoidance addiction,
but the two together in a relationship is the most toxic of all
codependent forms because they keep feeding the other more fuel
to stay stuck and dysfunctional.
Mellody’s
website:
http://www.piamellody.com/
THE
ASSISI DECALOGUE FOR PEACE
1.
We commit ourselves to proclaiming our firm conviction that violence
and terrorism are incompatible with the authentic spirit of religion,
and, as we condemn every recourse to violence and war in the name
of God or of religion, we commit ourselves to doing everything possible
to eliminate the root causes of terrorism.
2. We commit ourselves to educating people to mutual respect and
esteem, in order to help bring about a peaceful and fraternal coexistence
between people of different ethnic groups, cultures and religions.
3. We commit ourselves to fostering the culture of dialogue, so
that there will be an increase of understanding and mutual trust
between individuals and among peoples, for these are the premise
of authentic peace.
4. We commit ourselves to defending the right of everyone to live
a decent life in accordance with their own cultural identity, and
to form freely a family of his own.
5. We commit ourselves to frank and patient dialogue, refusing to
consider our differences as an insurmountable barrier, but recognizing
instead that to encounter the diversity of others can become an
opportunity for greater reciprocal understanding.
6. We commit ourselves to forgiving one another for past and present
errors and prejudices, and to supporting one another in a common
effort both to overcome selfishness and arrogance, hatred and violence,
and to learn from the past that peace without justice is no true
peace.
7. We commit ourselves to taking the side of the poor and the helpless,
to speaking out for those who have no voice and to working effectively
to change these situations, out of the conviction that no one can
be happy alone.
8. We commit ourselves to taking up the cry of those who refuse
to be resigned to violence and evil, and we are desire to make every
effort possible to offer the men and women of our time real hope
for justice and peace.
9. We commit ourselves to encouraging all efforts to promote friendship
between peoples, for we are convinced that, in the absence of solidarity
and understanding between peoples, technological progress exposes
the world to a growing risk of destruction and death.
10. We commit ourselves to urging leaders of nations to make every
effort to create and consolidate, on the national and international
levels, a world of solidarity and peace based on justice.
The Vatican’s link for information on the Assisi Decalogue:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/letters/2002/documents/hf_jp-ii_let_20020304_capi-stato_en.html
This
document is absolutely essential in understandiing the intentions
of our country in forming government. The loss of these freedoms
is a loss of our rights. Know them and use them is really the “American
way”.
US
CONSTITUTION
BILL OF RIGHTS
Amendment
I
Congress
shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting
the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or
of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble,
and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free
state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not
be infringed.
Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without
the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to
be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers,
and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not
be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause,
supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the
place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous
crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except
in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia,
when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall
any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy
of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to
be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty,
or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property
be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right
to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state
and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which
district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be
informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted
with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining
witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for
his defense.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed
twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and
no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court
of the United States, than according to the rules of the common
law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed,
nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not
be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution,
nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively,
or to the people.
Compare
the United States’ Bill of Rights with the following and see
the evolutionary grasp of humanity for a declaration of rights which
are supreme above any government or military force.
UNIVERSAL
DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS, G.A. res. 217A (III), UN Doc A/810
at 71 (1948).
PREAMBLE
Whereas
recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable
rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom,
justice and peace in the world,
Whereas
disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous
acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent
of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and
belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the
highest aspiration of the common people,
Whereas
it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse,
as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that
human rights should be protected by the rule of law,
Whereas
it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations
between nations,
Whereas
the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed
their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth
of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and
have determined to promote social progress and better standards
of life in larger freedom,
Whereas
Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in cooperation
with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for
and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,
Whereas
a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest
importance for the full realization of this pledge,
Now,
therefore,
The General Assembly,
Proclaims
this Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard
of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that
every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration
constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote
respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures,
national and international, to secure their universal and effective
recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States
themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.
Article
I
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards
one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
Article
2
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in
this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race,
colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national
or social origin, property, birth or other status.
Furthermore,
no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional
or international status of the country or territory to which a person
belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or
under any other limitation of sovereignty.
Article
3
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
Article
4
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave
trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.
Article
5
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment or punishment.
Article
6
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before
the law.
Article
7
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination
to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection
against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and
against any incitement to such discrimination.
Article
8
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national
tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him
by the constitution or by law.
Article
9
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
Article
10
Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing
by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of
his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.
Article
11
1.
Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed
innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial
at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.
2.
No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of
any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence,
under national or international law, at the time when it was committed.
Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable
at the time the penal offence was committed.
Article
12
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy,
family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and
reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law
against such interference or attacks.
Article
13
1.
Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within
the borders of each State.
2.
Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own,
and to return to his country.
Article
14
1.
Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries
asylum from persecution.
2.
This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely
arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the
purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Article
15
1.
Everyone has the right to a nationality.
2.
No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied
the right to change his nationality.
Article
16
1.
Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race,
nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found
a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during
marriage and at its dissolution.
2.
Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent
of the intending spouses.
3.
The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society
and is entitled to protection by society and the State.
Article
17
1.
Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association
with others.
2.
No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.
Article
18
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion;
this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and
freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public
or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice,
worship and observance.
Article
19
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this
right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and
to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media
and regardless of frontiers.
Article
20
1.
Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
2.
No one may be compelled to belong to an association.
Article
21
1
. Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his
country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
2.
Everyone has the right to equal access to public service in his
country.
3.
The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of
government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine
elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall
be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.
Article
22
Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security
and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international
co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources
of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable
for his dignity and the free development of his personality.
Article
23
1.
Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment,
to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against
unemployment.
2.
Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay
for equal work.
3.
Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration
ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human
dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social
protection.
4.
Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the
protection of his interests.
Article
24
Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable
limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.
Article
25
1.
Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the
health and well-being of himself and of his family, including
food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social
services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment,
sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood
in circumstances beyond his control.
2.
Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance.
All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the
same social protection.
Article
26
1.
Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free,
at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary
education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education
shall be made generally available and higher education shall be
equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
2.
Education shall be directed to the full development of the human
personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights
and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance
and friendship among all nations, racial or religioUS groups,
and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the
maintenance of peace.
3.
Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that
shall be given to their children.
Article
27
1.
Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life
of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific
advancement and its benefits.
2.
Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material
interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic
production of which he is the author.
Article
28
Everyone
is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights
and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.
Article
29
1.
Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and
full development of his personality is possible.
2.
In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be
subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely
for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the
rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements
of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic
society.
3.
These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary
to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Article
30
Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any
State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to
perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and
freedoms set forth herein.
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