(This is Part 2 of a continuing series. Go back to Part 1.)
In any event, the "technology" of this transformation, which is actually a kind of re-perceiving, is fairly easy in itself. What makes it difficult, when it is, is our strongly entrenched habit of thinking negatively, sometimes in ways we're not even aware of.
Transforming the old habit of hanging out with our disgruntled mind is what takes time and patience. However, the discovery of heaven can and will take place. It's going to happen to you; it's already beginning to happen. You've begun the process of discovering yourself in heaven.
This process has three basic elements:
Praising, affirming and listening. (pal)
The first element, praising, creates the foundation for the transformation. If I had to sum up in just two words the most important thing we'll be talking about here, it would be this:
Praise God.
To continually go about one's day inwardly praising God is almost beyond belief in its power to rapidly change a person's consciousness.
This is done very specifically, and initially just about "positive" things. For instance, if you're taking a warm shower you praise God inside for the warm water flowing over your body. Like this: "Praise God for this warm water." Similarly, as you go through your day you praise whatever is in front of you:
"Praise God for this bed."
"Praise God for these clothes."
"Praise God for this healing day."
"Praise God for my precious life."
"Praise God for this beautiful blue sky."
And so on. Now here comes the breakthrough: If the sky is not blue and sunny, you praise God for that:
"Praise God for this gray and stormy sky."
If no warm water is available for your shower and you're showering in cold water, you praise God for that:
"Praise God for this cold water shower."
In other words, you begin praising God for all the "negative" things as well. That's right, you don't leave anything out at all. You just go ahead and praise God for everything. And in particular, praise God for your problems, pains and concerns. Examples:
"Praise God for my headaches."
"Praise God for my financial challenges."
"Praise God for my loneliness."
"Praise God for my anxiety."
And so on. Call me crazy, but that's the way that will actually begin a transformation inside you. Just praise God for everything and keep on doing it...and keep on doing it...and see what happens.
Sometimes the phrase "Praise You" is good too, since now you're directly addressing the Mystery instead of referring to It in the third person. Examples:
"Praise You for my family."
"Praise You for my eyes, my hands."
"Praise You for what I'm learning."
"Praise You for this beautiful yellow flower."
"Praise You for this flower of sadness inside me."
"Praise You for my transforming consciousness."
"Praise You for this world."
"Praise You for the darkness."
"Praise You for the light in the darkness."
Both phrases—"Praise God" and "Praise You"—are sublime and can be used interchangeably. More on this subject later.
(This is the end of Part 2. Go to Part 3.)
—jim sloman, 12.8.03 for January 27.
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