RESTING POINT

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May 20.22

 

WHAT'S YOUR RESTING POINT?

 

I suppose, when we apply the term 'resting point' to our lives, we may describe it’s the state in which we are most at peace. Or, we may refer to it as the set-point where our soul experiences complete stillness and silence within, regardless of the noise and commotion that might be going on outside.

For many of us, our resting point is probably most evident while we are in a deep sleep. But even then, we often have a restless sleep by bringing our troubles with us, then feel tired all day. That’s when we can have an off day and really want to find our resting point.

So, where do we go and what do we do to find our resting point in the midst of the demands, cares and concerns in our minds. How do we escape all the craziness that robs us of our peace of mind?

Some of us may escape into nature, some into a good book or whatever other activity that gives us a semblance of peace and tranquillity. There are several terms associated with this peaceful state of consciousness, including transcendence, theta, numinous, quietude, mysterium, accord, amity, enlightenment, illumination, centring, nirvana, the mind of Christ, etc.

Possibly the best indicator you are at our resting point is when we are in 'no-time' or at least not being aware of time such as when we are sleeping, in some exalted state of sensory pleasure (enough said), but certainly not when in your dentist's chair or doing some menial task. 

Regardless of what we call this state; where do we find it?  For sure, it’s nowhere near our ego-mind. In fact, we might say it’s anywhere the ego, the false self, is not. Where the ego asserts itself, there is no peace, only discord and vexation of spirit.

The more we remain unaware of the ego and allow what false self gets away with, the more it sabotages our peace and happiness. As we identify with ‘it’ and all that distracts us, ensuring we have no rest in our waking life. However, when we ‘have its number’ and call it out, the ego can no longer knock us off our resting point by pestering us with its complaints, anger, ambitions, pettiness and a million other demands.

We all want this peace because we know we can’t be happy without it. Even when we are occupied with the cares of life, we can generally remain in the flow of life-force by accepting whatever is in the moment. If not, we remain vulnerable to the whims of the ego, becoming easily agitated since there is no underlying point of rest and acceptance. See the post Now is the Time.
https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/now-is-the-time 

There are many ways we can visualize our resting point. For me, I see it as resting in peace, alone on the summit of a mountain, where nothing from below can intrude on my place/space of peace. As an illustration, note my ‘resting point’ photo while climbing a mountain.

Though we may remain for a time on our figurative or literal summit, we are not completely detached from life; all can be surveyed below, but none of it upsets our resting point. Nor do we feel complelled by it. In this sense, we have risen about it as we observe all that is happening below without attachment or judgement.

At some point, perhaps when we wake up, it’s time to descend from our resting point, but as we do so, we bring with us peace, light and tranquility. When we become involved in the affairs in the valley below, we are refreshed and empowered by what we gained on the summit.

There is a section in A Course of Love where this is alluded to:

… for you know that when you return to the level ground from which you climbed, you will be different as a result of having made your ascent. The hard work is done. What you gain here… is beyond effort and beyond learning… what you will have gained will never leave you but will sustain you forevermore. Chapter 15 of The Dialogues

Another illustration of a resting point is a cork held underwater then bobbing to the surface as the ‘sinkers’ holding it down are removed. In this case, it’s the ego that weighs our ‘cork’ down, far below where we belong. We are meant to dwell above in freedom, not below in bondage to our ego or anyone else.

The resting point may also be referred to as our set point because that’s where our soul remains when composed in peace and harmony. From here we experience all life has to throw at us. It’s the point from which all our actions, words and reactions proceed in equanimity.

Not only does our body restore itself at the resting point, but so does our mind, particularly when it comes to creativity. Albert Einstein, for example, would completely zone out in his bubble bath meditations where he was able to gain inspiration by watching bubbles pop. That, he claimed, is where he received his greatest epiphanies. That's where things come to us, at our resting point when we allow the eurekas. 

There are several ways to find our soul’s resting point, apart from smoking weed or become a Whirling Dervish , although I wouldn't discount these as a possibility either, but remaining in this state of receptivity is another matter. It's the 'state of being' we all wish to sustain in a perpetual circular flow of giving and receiving just as we breathe in and beathe out.

The most obvious, yet ignored technique to peace is simply having a snooze whenever your body tells you to. Its innate wisdom knows when you should do that. Yes, it’s that easy. There’s nothing like hitting reset with a relaxing nap to settle all the chatter, clutter and noise in the ego-mind.

Be it for five minutes or an hour, the mind needs to be positively charged to settle down, otherwise, the ego will keep nattering about what MSM news or what you ‘should’ be doing rather than wasting time on what you need: The resting point!

For me, to enter this peaceful state is to think appreciative thoughts of gratitude. See the following blog posts related to this. Sowing Gratitude https://digitalbloggers.com/book-reviews/sowing-happy-seeds-of-gratitude Raise your Vibe https://digitalbloggers.com/book-reviews/a-higher-vibe 

If spiritually orientated, we might understand this as allowing ourselves to enter into the embrace of the Spirit’s love. After all, love is the Source of our being. If not spiritual, open yourself anyway because that’s our soul’s optimal state. Then, as the mind settles down and the body relaxes, we can begin anew, recharged.

 
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To illustrate the concept of the Resting Point, I’ve included a short dialogue excerpt from Chapter 8 of The Ascent, The Sceptic’s Dilemma. Here, James, the novel’s protagonist, is reflecting on his life on top of a mountain in Chili in his state of altered reality.

I had to wonder how many of my assumptions and beliefs in the past had held me back from understanding the deeper spiritual meaning of life. Even as a philosopher, my mind seemed less than adequate to discern spiritual meanings. Based on my experience, few philosophers seem interested in such matters these days.

I realised how unprepared I was for this strange new world and how much remained for me to learn about its inner workings. Though I was eager to discover all I could before returning home, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I found it challenging to understand the interrelationship of material and spiritual concepts where there was no duality.

In my world, there’s one bin for philosophy and another one for theology; you don’t mix them because if you did, no one would accept what you say. This dualism between spirit and matter resulted unwittingly from Descartes’ philosophy. On the contrary, my friends' separation between physical and spiritual remained seamless.

Mo and Eli kept telling me to be patient; there was no need to understand everything at once since that wouldn’t be possible. They suggested that much of what I needed to learn couldn’t be learned, only discovered. Until then, they assured me they would continue to assist me until I was ready to move on to new heights of discovery beyond the Summit. I wondered what that might mean: what heights, what discoveries?

When I understood I no longer occupied a biological body, it felt unsettling to realise I was hanging out with two dead guys. This also caused me concern about my state of existence, considering how I seemed to be no different from them, living in the same environment, eating and drinking the same food, and engaging in the same discussions and banter.

The only difference was that I had a biological body on standby. After being hauled in for repairs, it would one day await my return. Or would I be waiting for it? Hard to say; maybe we would be waiting for each other.

As I lay alone in bed that night, I wondered if I’d ever again make love to a woman, something of considerable importance to me. Possibly that nymph would come by some night, the one I imagined with a sweet voice while reaching the summit. Why not? It seemed almost anything might be possible now.

The following morning, we discussed my concerns about them being dead and our mutual state of spiritual existence. They seemed amused by how I remained fixated on death as the cessation of the biological body. Considering my new set of circumstances, I had to admit that was a stupid idea. 

It was evident they weren’t any more dead than I was. In fact, they suggested, they were now more alive than they had ever been, with or without their earthly bodies. I finally had to accept that there is no such thing as death, only transition, and they were living proof.

That was a complete revelation to me, contrary to what I had believed most of my life. Or I should say what my mind thought, even if my intuitive heart knew better.

As our discussions continued in the weeks and months ahead, the spiritual concepts were beginning to make more sense as I learned to participate in this plane of reality by adjusting the parameters of my beliefs. Mo often said they weren’t here to teach me anything; instead, to help me rediscover what I already knew in the fullness of my being. That was another enigmatic statement I didn’t understand since I had no idea who I was or how vast was my soul outside my skin.

There was little to do in the evenings after they left except sit by the fireplace and read. Interestingly, it seemed I would always find a book on the mantle that was germane to our discussions.[1]

I would also reflect on what we had discussed during the day, a welcome change from my restless life where I could never find time for inner contemplation, even when I enrolled in a Transcendental Meditation course.

Regrettably, I kept getting distracted by all the attractive lassies in the studio. However, now in seclusion, there was nothing to divert my attention. For once, I could remain focused, no longer preoccupied with frivolous concerns in my life.

Also, I was finally learning how to exert more control over my emotions and be less reactive when my beliefs were challenged. This lesson wasn’t easy to learn, considering how many old doubts and fears continued to plague me. Over time, these disturbances began to diminish as a new, unfamiliar serenity began to envelop me.

I found I could be embraced by it simply by surrendering to it. There was something more to this than only a feeling. Even if I didn’t realise it at the time, I had my first meaningful encounter with something I had never known or, for that matter, believed in. For lack of a better term; the divine Presence.

During such moments with the numinous, I caught or thought I caught an image of my soul being reflected back to me, as when peering into a clear, settled pond. While not visible, still, it was an impression of something larger than me, yet in a sense, it was of me; I was one with it.

At first, I didn’t know what to make of this mystical encounter with myself… if that’s what this was. Could it be a fleeting glimpse, an intimation, of what I would become after I died?

These rare, lucid moments came to me when I put my rational mind aside, along with all its residual fears. It was the first time I felt so splendidly serene after many tumultuous years. I suspected the serenity would not last, and soon my mind would default to its old habits.

Our discussions continued while I dwelt in what might have been a semblance of what some call a state of nirvana. I had far less to say and more to learn as I listened intently. Besides having Mo and Eli around most of the day answering my questions and questioning my answers, we also went for long hikes, played chess and shared meals.

Seldom did they stay long after dinner. Both seemed to be well aware of what was going on within my mind. They said they wanted me to have plenty of solitude in the evenings to assimilate what we discussed and become better acquainted with the inner Self I was becoming.

Various traditions call this inward being many things; the Atman, the Buddha, the Christ, while others understand the I AM as divine transcendence. Specific terms were of little concern to me since I realised how often labels confuse and divide people, especially when it’s claimed that only certain incantations, chants, or liturgies are capable of invoking authentic spiritual experiences.

For most of my life, I had turned away from religion, dismissing it as mere superstition and fantasies built in the sky. Mo and Eli often referred to religious institutions and culture as part of the Hill Country for reasons that will later be explained.[2] I didn’t know too much about religious practices back then since I couldn’t be bothered to find their significance.

What I was now experiencing, however, felt like the very essence of my being was somehow connected to something infinitely more majestic.[3] These encounters, as I described them, intrigued me; if this was not a religious experience, at least it might be something similar.

Another thing I appreciated about my mentors is that they always seemed to anticipate where I was in my understanding, being careful not to overwhelm me with more than I was ready for. Although, there were times they would push the limits of what I was prepared to believe, nudging me towards a broader breadth of understanding.

As I continued to gain more insight, it seemed my outward universe would expand with greater vision. There seemed to be no end to what possibilities might lie beyond the intergalactic universe, a very far cry from my academic world of grading term papers endlessly on questions that seemed to have no answers.

Through these dialogues, I realised that consciousness was not just about mental acuity; more importantly, it was also the ability to discern what is real, what is false, what is light, what is darkness… and all shades in-between.

I found myself sometimes reverting to old agitations and defences. I suppose this was inevitable since old thought patterns seldom go away, much less their egoic source. This might be why my friends continued to challenge me to clear all the old intellectual clutter in my mind. That wasn’t easy since such probing often led to unsettling conclusions about some of my most cherished beliefs and prejudices.

 ‘You’re a living paradox, James,’ Mo said, ‘capable not only of ascending some of the highest mountains but also plunging down the deepest abysses; an urbane professor capable of understanding some of the most profound books in the world; a vulgar sailor brawling throughout the night. At once, wise, yet foolish; a probable saint… though more probably a sinner.’

‘In this life, you’ve learned to charm; you’ve learned to brawl… probably less well when blotto. Now, after being held hostage to the mortal fears of the Lowlands, you will find yourself an immortal conqueror standing tall on your Summit. Always remember Vincit Qui Se Vincit; He Conquers Who Conquers Himself. To conquer, you must face your most formidable foes, but don’t just face these fears… slay them!

‘There’s only one way to do that. You need only allow love, not fear, to conquer the fears in your life. In the words of Virgil, Omnia Vincit Amor, meaning, Love Conquers All.[4] Fear cannot exist in love any more than darkness can exist in the light.

‘When you see these words engraved on a stone wall, this will be a sign to you that you have conquered.’

[1] One book of special interest to me was Gurdjieff's enigmatic tome, Beelzebub’s Tales to his Grandson. Referred to also as: An Objectively Impartial Criticism of the Life of Man. Not surprisingly, Mo recommended it as one of his favourites, often referring to its extraordinary cosmological depth. (See Appendix ‘C’ for more information on Gurdjieff).
[2] The Hill Country is explored in Book Four: Elysium’s Passage: Surreal Adventures.
[3] Once, in an undergraduate course on the Philosophy of Religion, I was required to read William James's classic: Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature, based on his Gifford Lectures at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland 1901-1902. By now, however, I had forgotten much of what I read. Not that I understood it that well since much of it remained beyond my ability to comprehend at the time.
[4] From Eclogue X. Virgil, Roman poet (70 BC – 19 BC)

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SUMMARY OF ELYSIUM'S PASSAGE NOVEL SERIES

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This is a series of seven Elysium Passager novels regarding a young British philosopher named James Phillips, who finds himself living in an altered state of reality while still remaining on earth.  

After experiencing a near-fatal fall while climbing to the summit of a remote mountain in the Andes, James awakens in a new dimension. He soon encounters two mysterious beings who provide him with a very different perspective on the nature of his existence. Over the next year, before his body recovers from the coma, he is challenged to re-examine his understanding of life’s meaning and purpose far beyond anything he previously believed or could believe.

An engaging and sometimes surreal adventure with intimations of impending romance, the narrative explores the most important questions about life, death, reality, and our ultimate destiny. 

The Plains of Elysium (Champs-Élysées) was described by Homer, Hesiod, Virgil, and many other poets as the paradisiac afterlife realm reserved for heroes. As the title suggests, this is about a journey through a passage that leads towards Elysium’s exciting realm of adventures.

To read a sample press review at https://www.prweb.com/releases/2018/05/prweb15515775.htm  

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ELYSIUM'S PASSAGE: READER REVIEWS

The following comments are excerpts from among the first readers, including a number of Amazon five star reviews. To read the full reviews, go to READER REVIEWS on www.elysiumspassage.com or directly at https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/reader-reviews 

"A delightful mix of fantasy, reality, conjecture, and humour; Mr Meyers draws the reader into the story with a gentle narrative that captures the imagination, leaving one anxious to get to the next page drawing you into his exceptional world.”

"Quietly, gently, and without imposition, the Author unfolds the pages, creating an intricate, interlocking bridge spanning the chasm between mind and heart. Renewing, refreshing, restoring. In my bereavement, it was vigil and light…."

“Excellently written with an exceedingly deep understanding of this world and the next. The characters are very well written and engaging. I can't wait to complete this book!"

“Takes the reader on both a philosophical and spiritual journey, a journey that at times is both disquieting and tranquil. James, a British Philosopher, can be irreverent and caustic, traits that should have left me cringing but instead made me laugh out loud. Elysium’s Passage is a fun, enlightening and remarkable book.”

“This is a masterful fantasy, becoming a real possibility, as the reader is drawn into the story. The Summit leaves you anxious for the next book in the series, yet also leaves you totally satisfied with the world you have just visited. Genius! An exciting yet calming experience that is not to be missed."

"There was hardly a page on which I did not find at least one sentence worthy of hi-lighting for future reference. In addition, I thoroughly enjoyed the main character, James, whose personality and passionate verbal exchanges with the other characters kept me coming back for more. I am reading the book for a second time while I wait for the next one in this series to be made available."

 “N.G. Meyers has clearly put a great deal of research and thought into what the afterlife may look like, and I like his perspective. It’s an altogether welcoming and exciting vision. The book gives one a great deal to think about and a reassuring confidence that the end of our lives is truly the beginning of life in the next. I highly recommend it."

"I am really enjoying your book, it’s fantastic! It is so incredible and diversified that I can’t really explain it to other people, so what I say is just read this book. Thank you so much for the blessings that you’ve given the world!"

“The humour interjected into a serious discussion makes me laugh out loud. Totally unexpected....l may be in the presence of at least a master, if not a genius. A fair ride into reality... seeking that which is unseen, yet absolutely real.”

“An engaging story of adventure embracing man's deepest desire to search for meaning and purpose, N.G. Meyers takes the reader on an adventurous, thought-provoking journey. This book has substance. It is a perfect blend of adventure and fantasy combined with spiritual philosophy. It ignited my imagination. The author magically weaves a good story laced with wit and humour together with deep philosophical wisdom. This book has it all!”

“An evolution in thought is triggered by many fresh philosophical themes which could inspire readers to re-think their reality and former ideologies that have dictated their lives… the author fires readers’ imaginations to view what could be possible when spirit vacates the body.”

“This is the book spiritual seekers have been waiting for. For me, it granted a great read as well as increased inspiration to live every day with a heightened sense of purpose. I highly recommend it.

“The Summit is capable of hooking readers and luring them to search for Book 2 to discover more about Dr Philip’s surreal trek into the mysterious unknown universe. This thick book is well worth the read and to share…”

“Mind-blowing statements and speculation (‘…everyone is a non-physical thought form conceived in the Mind of God, preserved for all eternity because God’s thoughts never die…’). Many will find Meyers’ journey up the Mountain intriguing—and possibly even life-changing.” (BLUEINK REVIEW)

“In its effort to grapple with fundamental questions about the meaning of life, it raises questions that have echoed throughout the ages, including about where we come from, where we are going, who we are.”  (CLARION REVIEW)

 
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PENDING PUBLICATIONS IN THE SERIES

 
The following titles in the Elysium's Passage series are projected to be released as follows: 

THE ASCENT summer 2022

THE SUMMIT fall 2022

QUANTUM LEAPS spring 2023

SURREAL ADVENTURES summer 2023 

MYSTICAL ROMANCE fall 2023

HE ELIXIR spring 2024

THE RETURN sometime in 2024/25