An Inquiry about the Ministry

[Rishi]

Would someone be so kind as to help me out with this inquiry?

On the cover-page of this site, there is a well presented page of information about the philosophy of this organization. It reads in part as follows;

"Also for centuries humans have used cannabis and other naturally occurring entheogenic teacher-plants in their religious rituals all over the globe. Our members represent many different beliefs, many different nationalities and many different cultures, who share the Ancient Path of Kantheistic Shamanism

We are the most ancient religion on the planet.

The Amsterdam THC-Ministry, First Universal Church of Kantheism, is a growing global community of like minded people, shamans and mystics who recognize and practice the spiritual use of Cannabis."

********

It's odd, but I seem to have overlooked all the discussion and focus of this, "growing global community of like minded people, shamans and mystics who recognize and practice the spiritual use of Cannabis". I've only been around here for a few years, so maybe you have to "know the right crowd" or something.

Could someone please direct me as to exactly where on this forum these, "like minded" and serious spiritual folks are engaging in discussion of such matters? Where is all the talk of actually practicing the above goals, comparing notes, investigating the truth of entheogens, the expansion of consciousness, shamanism, mysticism and all that? What happened to the chat meetings on Tuesday, and the reminders which were being sent out, (which I never received)?

For some reason I can't seem to locate ANY serious discussion of such matters on THC Ministries, either here or on the Hawaii branch. That must be the result of my carelessness, because surely over 4000 members and many times that number in guests have more to say on these themes than casual mention or complete silence!
_________________
The World Mind Society http://www.eoni.com/~visionquest

[jwag]

I understand where you are coming from. I too have asked myself this question. "Be the change you want to see in the world"

So I have started to take more responsibilities in what I contribute to this ministry. Like I am now working with Roger and Ferre on getting the newletter fininshed. There will be a section specified for a sincere member to post a contribution to the community. It will be in the main body of the newsletter and go out to all who subscribe. So if you want to throw your hat in on that and take a more active roll, let Roger know. I am sure he has some folks in mind that he would like to feature but I know he will look at all requests.

We have to remember, we are all scattered amongst the winds so it is very difficult to feel that "group" energy. I, like most members, are here for the learning. I might not see very many contributions from members that discuss what I want to learn about, but when one does come up, the bit of information, no matter how small, is more than anything I found on this subject outside of this ministry. So to me, ANY amount of posts I see relating to what I hope to gain feels like a blessing to me.

Although I agree there could be morre structure, I am so thankful that we have this to start from. Poor Roger didn't have knowledge at his fingertips like the www or this site.

I too would love to see more active contributions from members, including myself. And I know that more donations from members couldn't hurt Roger either.

I know all is going according to Divine plan so I can be patient. Thank you to all members here, even the silent ones. Your energy is much appreciated no matter how you are sending it. No matter what improvements could be made, this still feels like home to my heart. Light and Love and all is well!

[Rishi]

Dear Iwaq,

I'd like to hear more about this THC newsletter you spoke of. At last mention by Brother Zero, (that I read) there was a soliticitation of writers. I volunteered for it's organization and contribution of material, made various suggestions and the like, and never heard a single thing about it, not even from Zero. That was many months ago. In fact, each and every time I've tried to either create a project or participate in one here at THC, the ultimate response was just that...zero. So I am simultaneously interested and leery of such a scenario. What is the main theme or themes of this Newsletter and what are its' goals? Why has the Newsletter, now apparently in progress, NOT been a subject of recent discussion, (that I've seen)? If so, why did the chat reminders stop? Is coordinated, determined outreach to the public finally becoming a priority at THC?

I can appreciate your demeanor and apparent enthusiasm, Iwaq, for the cause. But to address your statement of, "Be the change you'd like to see" and, "becoming more involved with the ministry" I've been about the ONLY person here to write articles and post them (about a dozen over two years) for the benefit of all on such subjects as this site claims to be dedicated. I recently completed a 6-part, 31 page series on the subject of entheogenic cannabis use, and your comment, as I recall, is the only one all that material has generated after weeks of time. Earlier posts/articles have likewise failed to generate any comparing of notes based on real experience, has not prompted any real collaboration, and in fact, has not accomplished much of anything, if responses are any indication. So as for "tossing in my hat" and "taking responsiblity for action in the ministry" you could say my hat is getting tired of just gathering dust.

Thus my questions about the purpose of this newsletter. To be concise, my concern is that no one else here is genuinely concerned.

Also, I've heard the old, "everything is by divine plan" thing regarding everything under the sun...from environmental degredation, the war in Iraq, and fascism in government to mass media brainwashing of the general public. How do you know that EVERYTHING is according to divine plan no matter what happens? Seems to me that if everything is according to divine plan no matter what happens, then that implies there is no plan.

I have an alternative explanation for reality. Indeed there is a divine plan, but humanity has long ago missed the boat, and that getting back aboard is going to take some serious committment, some real and earnest work. That's what spirituality is about...inner and mutual work that focuses on what needs to occur, rather than sitting back and saying "everything is perfect" even as war and disaster move ever closer to every country in the world.

The same can and should be said about the use of entheogens....
_________________
The World Mind Society http://www.eoni.com/~visionquest

[jwag]

"I can appreciate your demeanor and apparent enthusiasm, Iwaq, for the cause. But to address your statement of, "Be the change you'd like to see" and, "becoming more involved with the ministry"

I apoligize for the confusion. I stated that I had asked myself the same question and the response for me was "Be the change you'd like to see". I was just relaying a story to you. Sorry if it came across like I was telling you what you should do.


"I've been about the ONLY person here to write articles and post them (about a dozen over two years) for the benefit of all on such subjects as this site claims to be dedicated. I recently completed a 6-part, 31 page series on the subject of entheogenic cannabis use, and your comment, as I recall, is the only one all that material has generated after weeks of time. "

Thank you!!! It was a very nice read!


"To be concise, my concern is that no one else here is genuinely concerned."

Again, I have wondered this myself. But in the end, only I can lead my direction in life. It'd be nice to have a few traveling with me, but if not, that is ok too. When I found this ministry, I was alone in my thinking. So if I am solo, I will continue my actions with the same intent as I started and continue on the path I know that is right in my Heart. I understand that this is a difficult thing to undergo, especially for everybody involved in the backround. Knowing this gives me patience and understanding. I choose to know that everybody is doing ALL they can ALL the time for this ministry.

Now that doesn't mean that my ego doesn't want to "see" more but I focus on what actions I can take and that keeps me pretty busy. So I understand that if the other members are not as active here as me, I know they must be pretty busy focusing on what actions they can put into place. I feel your frustration and I am sorry, please forgive me, I Love you. I will be more active so you do not feel as though you are alone out there. I surely would like to talk with you on another more enlightened post.


"... How do you know that EVERYTHING is according to divine plan no matter what happens? Seems to me that if everything is according to divine plan no matter what happens, then that implies there is no plan."

Exactly! Our ego needs a plan our Spirit does not. The "plan" changes all the time, with each thought and action I live out. Those can be of ego or Spirit. My choice.... It is up to me to create the most loving "plan" possible and to look at things in the best light possible. I choose to know that all is in Divine plan just as some choose that all is not in Divine plan. It is as simple as a thought of Spirit, touched by a little faith of the mind. That is how I know. For me, that is my Truth.

"I have an alternative explanation for reality. Indeed there is a divine plan, but humanity has long ago missed the boat,"....

I haven't "missed" a thing. I send Light and Love your way!!! It is here all around me. Since EVERYTHING is part of the ONE, it goes without saying that ALL things go according to the One's plan, which is all good. There is a lesson in every seemed "failure and success". Just because my mind cannot comprehend or recognize the Divine plan, all the time, does not mean that it does not exist. It is just a thought......


"That's what spirituality is about...inner and mutual work that focuses on what needs to occur, rather than sitting back and saying "everything is perfect" even as war and disaster move ever closer to every country in the world."

I agree with you. I need action too. When I move to the Truth, I realize that the war that is all around me, is ME. A relflection of my inner self. War just might be a "collective whole" of "internal wars". My sacrament helps bring the peace to my heart that I want to have in my life. Be the peace I want to see and I will become the bringer of peace itself. Thank you! It is nice to know more members are as concerned for the ministry as I am.

I believe we have a solid foundation dedicated to this path. Things are changing NOW. Each minute...We are close...the "war" around me tells me we are close. I thank the Spirit for allowing me to be an active part of this shift. I am a co-creator of this shift.

"Peace of mind comes from being certain" (thanks Roger!)

[Rev. Jack]

Namasta my treasured brother Rishi

I say my treasured brother because your writings have lifted and inspired me and many here. few people have the gift of the talent of eloquence you have so richly been given. And many bear burdens of pain, financial hardship and earning our daily bread, family responsiblity and the work of our offline ministries. I myself bear all 6.

As I have told you before the craving to see results brings frustration, the Budha taught the freeing of ones self from expectations is the path to inner peace. As a farmer casts the seed in field he knows the birds will eat some, some will fall on infertile ground, some will not take root reasons unknown and perhaps the rains will never being the life giving waters, the seed may sprout but never bear fruit. but still the farmer, trusts the "Creators Will" will be done in the fullness of time. As workers in the fields we must aslo trust the Divine destiny, that in small steps, we together, are stepping on the path of eternity.

Be of good cheer my dear brother your sowing is already showing results.
In my ministry here in Las Vegas, NV (Neo-Gomora) the collected works of Richi highly revered and are being used to aid in the enlightenment of many.


To Brother Ferre
I Make a Motion that the collected works of Richi be included on the first page of the site, that it may inspire all those who enter here.
Do I here a second?

With Love to all

rev. jack

[jwag]

I second that!

[Ferre]

I was thinking about that too, I'll make a few extra pages for the 'home' site and will add Brother Rishi's articles.

Me too understand Brother Rishi's frustrations btw, and hope at the same time that he understands the tremendous value that he himself is for our community. Not many people have the talent to write, and word, the issues he addresses like he does and his articles are of great value eventhough not many people reply to his posts, they are read and absorbed by many.
_________________
█ Please read the Board Rules and Posting, and you
█ Radio Free Amsterdam
People who know truth, speak truth.
Those who don't, quote scriptures.

[Ferre]

I was thinking about that too, I'll make a few extra pages for the 'home' site and will add Brother Rishi's articles.

Me too understand Brother Rishi's frustrations btw, and hope at the same time that he understands the tremendous value that he himself is for our community. Not many people have the talent to write, and word, the issues he addresses like he does and his articles are of great value eventhough not many people reply to his posts, they are read and absorbed by many.
_________________
█ Please read the Board Rules and Posting, and you
█ Radio Free Amsterdam
People who know truth, speak truth.
Those who don't, quote scriptures.

[Stokes]

[Rishi]

I'm very glad to hear what you are all saying. But I feel I musn't let that (necesarily) derail the purpose of my post on this thread. The greater good has to be weighed carefully, my brothers and sisters.

I'm going to reflect deeply on what has just been said here by everyone for a few days, and then respond in the depth your responses deserve.
_________________
The World Mind Society http://www.eoni.com/~visionquest

[Rishi]

I thank all concerned for your good intent and encouragement, with regard to my comments here. Despite appearances, my concern is not for recognition in writing this material. My motive for this thread and all these other posts is based upon something quite different, and I’ll clarify that shortly. To do this, I’d like to ask for a moment of your further indulgence, to consider a few points that beg to be brought forward.

As you know I’ve posted a great many articles on the spiritual, sacramental properties of our Herb, here at the Ministries. These writings are obviously of a very non-ordinary nature, so much so that in the eyes of the modern world, they no doubt lack a great deal of credibility. I fully recognize and accept this, believe me. It is for this reason that I don’t expect anyone to simply accept what has been written as legitimate or true, (even though I can, for what it’s worth, assure you that this material IS quite true and provable). In this materialistic age in which we live, it would be presumptuous to imagine that the world might readily jump upon the chance to embrace ideas like the High can be raised at will, that it can be “cast” to others even in aid of world consciousness, (World Mind and Earth Mind) or that it can greatly aid in the evolution of humankind!

Never the less, I ask you to momentarily suspend all rightful doubt as to the credibility of such propositions. Just for the sake of hypothetical discussion, I ask you to imagine that all of these premises are indeed completely true. Imagine for a moment that the High is indeed so spiritually powerful, (by potential) that it could completely change the course of history, even in this late and dark hour of world affairs. Imagine that it IS completely true and provable that the High can be transmitted from person to person, so that it forms a reciprocating, psychic loop of exquisite feelings body-wide in each person, and that through such a mutual High, we have an opportunity to aid each other greatly in our spiritual unfoldment. Imagine that each of us can, through the right focus of intent in combination with the Herb, climb levels of consciousness like a ladder to reach even such states as those held by a Buddha or a Christ, and even hold these in place permanently. Consider seriously for a moment the possibility of being in such ultra-Highs together, as the primary basis for social interaction and community building, wherein we might establish an entirely new and higher form of human being, which would look back upon the current age, and marvel at the primitiveness and darkness currently taken as “normal”. Consider for a moment that our true identity IS consciousness, not nationality, occupation, socio-economic status, credentials, possessions, memorized personalities, political parties, gender or ethnicity. Consider further still that as centers of consciousness, the cannabis Herb can be a great aid for the sake of self realization and refinement, so much so that all these false concepts of our worldly selves, are rendered at once obsolete and meaningless.

Finally, entertain the idea, even if only for five minutes, that each and every person on Earth has the power to tap ALL of these potentials and much more, if only they will apply themselves earnestly.

If you can do this, or have seen the truth of such things for yourselves already, then you know very well my motive for this thread and these articles. I want these excellent Herbal benefits to be realized by as many who will listen. In this there is the possibility that the world actually WILL be changed in a fundamental way. As centers of consciousness, the only real and lasting Path for social/world change is through the expansion of that very consciousness. The Herb is probably THE premier tool for accomplishing this. Great joy and lasting inner strength, (which the High can greatly accelerate and augment) can be made a daily reality, regardless of the current world of pain, fear, sickness and needless war. But the key is that WE must also do the necessary inner work, especially through greater self knowledge and the mastery of intent, so that we can form a working, spiritual partnership with our Sacrament. No one has the right to assume that the Herb can and should do all the work.

So please understand my barely concealed frustration in what I perceive to be a lack of response or even interest, in these potentials at THC, is due to my failure to motivate ACTION. I don’t want recognition unless that contributes to action. Thank you for suggesting that any or all of my articles be made available more obviously on the THC site or elsewhere. If it weren’t for the value of follow-up reading, I’d say just take my name off of these materials, or cut them up to use only those parts most useful for the sake of brevity and practicality. In other words, my real concern whether these items are posted or not, and in my name or another, is that they inspire motivated ACTION. Did you consider for a moment the potentials I mentioned? If so, then you can also See that it would be a horrible waste of potential if these matters were not given their due trial and application! What if our entire race were to die off in the end, due to its’ own carelessness and self-destructiveness, having never taken seriously an Herb and such information to use it, as it is spiritually Intended? Can you imagine ANYONE who knew even half of these potentials, recognizing full well it could save the world, let alone any one individual or group, who did NOT do all they could to cause others to realize these potentials as well? What kind of a fool or a monster, if it was within their power/knowledge, would NOT try to convey these benefits to others?

So you see, what I’m after here is not mere discussion or recognition. I want to see the comparing of notes based upon EXPERIENCE. I want to see much, much more than just hypothetical or theoretical SPECULATION about these Herbal potentials I’ve brought forward. Mental speculation is good, and I will certainly indulge in it with anyone in-depth, regarding any of these premises. I’m fully ready to offer logical and even scientific validation, based upon direct experience, regarding what any of my articles contain. But the point is that until anyone here SERIOUSLY TRIES these potentials for themselves, (such as focused meditation upon the High, and intent applied to make it higher at will) our discussion will remain only theoretical and speculative. If we were all cave dwellers who never saw the sun, and one day one fellow walked out to see it and came back to inform the others, he might well be looked upon as a crazed fool. Or, the others might take him half-seriously, and debate the matter endlessly as to whether or not there is a sun, that it is hot, and good, and causes growth. Or, they could take the necessary steps, actually go to the required effort to SEE FOR THEMSELVES that sun and all its’ good qualities, at which point theoretical speculation to the exclusion of all else, would be seen as ridiculous. How can I get you to try these practices and collaborate with me and each other, for the sake of even better practice? How, I must ask myself, can I possibly convey not only information, but the necessity of its’ application?
“Success” in the writing of these articles I would define by such responses as, “Dear Rishi, I tried the “four steps in the mastery of intent” and did indeed cause my High to go twice as high as normal on the same Herb. But I have a question about one of these steps…I seem to have trouble moving from step two, (being clear about what you want/higher) to step three, (moving from where you’re at to where you want to be). Can you give me some hints on this? rishis’ answer….”Please tell me exactly what you experienced in applying these two steps and we’ll go from there”….Or something like, “rishi, when I meditated upon “awareness of awareness” after taking a puff, I found a certain tingling in the area of the forehead, but I’m not sure I gained greater clarity”, to which rishi might reply, “Make sure you maintain your meditation upon awareness of awareness for at least five minutes, and in a way that is as unwavering as possible, then notice the result” or it could be something as simple as “Dear Rishi, I took a puff and focused on gaining chi and raising the high, but I found my focus swayed to many other things, such as music or chats with other people, in other words, too chaotic, and I could not stay focused long enough on making the high, higher still. Is this because I don’t meditate? Or is it just a “mind” thing?…etc. And rishi might reply something to the effect of, “Yes, this is an issue of getting more deeply into meditation. Most efforts which fail at, “making the High higher” are due to this simple cause…that the practitioners’ mind is yet too unfocused and un-restful to really sustain ANY significant focus. I recommend using the WMS Chakra Meditation on three consecutive mornings and evenings without fail for 20 minutes per session. After this, see if your focus is less wavering and more “unbending”. Then try to raise your high once again, using this more meditative foundation. Such discussion as this shows that the information is actually being tried, and ONLY therein can its’ merits be Seen directly.

If you like, I can recommend certain specific practices that are mentioned so that we can discuss their application. Thank you for your indulgence in this matter.

Love and Clarity,
rishi
_________________
The World Mind Society http://www.eoni.com/~visionquest

[Rishi]

It is reasonable to say that out of all the suggested focuses for using the Herb, "raising" the high is the basis for the practice, (debate me on this if you will). I'm sure everyone will agree that the high of the Herb is its' most piotent and meaningful quality. It is logical to say then that the raising of this high will enable greater success in ANY other focus the practitioner might employ when smoking cannabis.

The Sacrament of the High article talks about this in detail. What follows is a section from that piece including the, "four steps of employing intent". If anyone would like to discuss this "raising of their high" at will, (through intent) that would be a good place to start....

*****

You can raise your level of HIGH indefinitely through the following simple knowledge;

THE EMPLOYMENT OF INTENT
(for rendering internal change)

1) BE AWARE OF YOUR CURRENT STATE OF BODY/MIND, (this is accomplished through meditation).

2) GAIN FAMILIARITY WITH THAT WHICH IS TO BE INTENDED, (such as a higher HIGH) and the Intent to be acted upon is crystallized.

3) THE DESIRED STATE IS HELD STEADY IN THE MIND, (for at least 5 minutes). Visualize and feel this state as if it already exists, until the body/mind shifts into it.

4) THE NEW STATE IS "HELD IN PLACE" throughout the body, (or a given chakra). This new state is maintained by treating it as the new reality of the self on a permanent basis.

(Repeat as desired for cumulative result)
_________________
The World Mind Society http://www.eoni.com/~visionquest

[Mystic Power]

Hi Bro Rishi ...

I, too, desire to see these forums take on a more spiritual aspect ... which is what we're about, after all.

There's no shortage of political forums on the 'net. We are about more than that.

I'll gladly participate as health and time-restraints allow.

Keep on keepin' on,
Ben
_________________
"We are the Ones we have been waiting for."
~Hopi Elder ~

"In Lak'ech"
~ Ancient Mayan: "I am another YOU." ~

[Mystic Power]

Hi Bro Rishi ...

I, too, desire to see these forums take on a more spiritual aspect ... which is what we're about, after all.

There's no shortage of political forums on the 'net. We are about more than that.

I'll gladly participate as health and time-restraints allow.

Keep on keepin' on,
Ben
_________________
"We are the Ones we have been waiting for."
~Hopi Elder ~

"In Lak'ech"
~ Ancient Mayan: "I am another YOU." ~

[Brother Daniel]

Brother Rishi,

I would enjoy trying any meditation methods or techniques you care to share. I have never had any meditation instructions, and would like to try techniques that have not ocurred to me.

The method you described for increasing your High appears very similar to a technique I practice. When I start to feel cold on my motorcycle, I warm myself with this technique.

1 Isolating the cold and its effects on my body.
2 Knowing what it would feel like to be gone.
3 Feeling the cold leave my body.
4 Holding the warmth inside.

I have found that a focus of love helps to accentuate the warmth.

Peace starts inside your own mind.
Brother Daniel
_________________
For those who must stop Something...
Stop the Death and Disease of Alcohol and Tobacco

Let's all Just...
Live in Peace with Herb

Watch this video:
Disturbed: Land of Confusion

[Rev. Jack]

Namasta Richi and all

I Love and Respect you, your spiritual fruits are sweet and filled with the life giving goodness of the divine Truth. Your last post hit the mark dead on.

I have using your technique since I first read it. I trained as a hypnothearapist and have been appling those ideas especially breathing and using disruptive sound to deepen my meditational trance.

Things really started happen when I started to apply what I learn in the book by Greg Braden called "The Eisiah Effect: the Lost Technique of Prayer" He researched what was missing from prayer and worship. found the "magic key" was the "feeling of joy and comfort that comes when the realization that "our prayers are already answered"" And thanks to gogratitude.com I realized the one two punch of prayer and worship.

Prayer is the action taken by the mortal mind to aline itself with the will, the desire of the Divine. The Urantia says "that which the true child of God desires and the Father wills IS." (the word IS is capitalized in the book just like that) Not canbe not maybe not someday but IS. Jesus said "if you had the faith of a single mustard seed you would say "mountain move" and the mountain would move"

Worship is the listening,, seeing,, but most of all the feeling! of the acceptance of the Truth, Beauty and Goodness of the Divine Will with an ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE. In knowing the love our creator has for us (The best high I ever have is when I snuggle with God) we begin to realize the best desire to have is the desire to serve our brothers and sisters that they might know what it is to be part of the One. (Richi feels this. but the desire can be so strong and fruition seem so far away, it hurts)


In the book by Greg Braden called "The Eisiah Effect: the Lost Technique of Prayer" he sought out the keepers of the oldest secrets of every religion. And not what they said but that they all said the samething in a different way points to a(how do i say this??? ) a functioning global conspiracy using people, films, music, books, timing accident, coincedence to win the souls of this world back from the darkness of selfish destruction.

We are at a crossroads in history. The more of us that embrace the True Government, the True Kingdom of the universe of universes the sooner we will have peace and the prosperity that comes with it.


Which brings us back to INTENT. The key to powerful intent is Sincerity, Sincerity, and more Sincerity. The Urantia says there are two ways we poor mortals fully capable of being Absolutly Perfect. The first being perfectly sincere in our desire to be like God (True, Beautiful and Good and most of all Loving) And second perfect in our love for every person in this world.

I believe but lack the faith that God and i can heal my body and free me forever from the pain I have ben living with. I believe Cannabis, prayer and worship of the First Source and Center will bring me what I desire.
but I've had only temporary success.

I wish I could afford a retreat with Rishi of a week or 40 days I can't help thinking it I could have some free time, I mean really Free, with the help of a good talkin' to, I could get my feet under me(I feel i've been stumbling along in a comedy farce movie complete with pratfall drums and cymbels in a never ending scene.)(Have you ever written a sentence, and when your done you realize just how true it is) sigh

i wish the healing would come as a miracle for now there is something Imust learn. The embarassing part is I know I already know the answer but Im too caught up in the Dark Matrix to see it. For now I must trust that little improvements are happening. And I have had some Great things happening. I have become involved with the Nevada initiative to legalize Cannabis www.crcm.com and now have a small group of interested people and one who is as much a Cantheist as me. We are talking about doing a public announcement of the church after the election.
Which I believe we will win, it is not my ideal but it is a concession that pleases all but the most psycotic prohibitionest (like there is any other kind?).


Rereading to fix mistakes I remember or am reminded that Jesus "made time" for his communion with his Father, a practice Richi extolls. I need to make more and larger blocks time.

enough later

[Rishi]

Brother Daniel,

You're pointing out something very useful here, which is that these four steps of intent can be applied to anything.

When you said,

"The method you described for increasing your High appears very similar to a technique I practice. When I start to feel cold on my motorcycle, I warm myself with this technique.

1 Isolating the cold and its effects on my body.
2 Knowing what it would feel like to be gone.
3 Feeling the cold leave my body.
4 Holding the warmth inside.

I have found that a focus of love helps to accentuate the warmth. "


...it's interesting that you apply this type of focus to staying warm. I too have used such steps of intent to be healthier, run farther/faster, remain clear in stressful situations, digest food better, accelerate the healing of injuries or physical imbalances...you name it.

Best of all, these steps can be applied progressively to the High. I say "best of all" because the high enables a great many advantages to the smoker. It can catalyze more clarity, energy and vibrational height, alignment with nature and God to name just a few, when it is used carefully. By raising the High through these four steps, we can increasingly gain such advantages while the High increases. In essence, the "higher the High" the more the Herb can offer us.

In regards to meditation, I suggest a focus upon body-wide feelings. Some meditations focus on mantras, objects or techniques, but I've found that these can be too artifical. Our own body-wide feelings on the other hand, are very relevant to our state of consciousness. They even reflect the intent we're holding in each moment.

Try taking 10 minutes before rising in the morning from bed, and 10-30 minutes before going to sleep at night, focusing on your body-wide feelings. If desirable, start with the tip of the right index finger and gradually let your awareness focus on more and more of the feelings in the body, (hand, forearm, both arms upper torso, etc.) as you are led to do. You'll then become adept at feeling the whole body at once. Your whole body feelings are what I call your, "state". Important; Allow your awareness of feelings to completely replace the usual train of thoughts in the mind. Relax into them, be centered in feeling/awareness. I call this focus, "the Chakra Meditation".

Doing this prepares the practitioner for more advanced, effective work with the Smoke. After taking a puff, try the Chakra Meditation as you ususally do, except that this time, focus on the body-wide feelings of the High.

After that, you can more easily proceed to use these four step of intent to raise your body-wide level of High!
_________________
The World Mind Society http://www.eoni.com/~visionquest