THE BEST I CAN BE

Am I being the best I can be? That question popped into my mind out of the blue. What a question, I thought, and what does it really mean? Perhaps I need to ask myself if I truly understand what I contribute to the world. Do I tend to settle with just OK …or do I strive to be the best that I can be?

Am I kind and considerate to my friends and my family, or am I always thinking of myself, my problems and the endless tasks I feel that I must perform? Do I compassion those who have no money, no homes or no transportation? Do I give thanks daily for what I have? Am I grateful for my health and my friends?

Do I still have a dream for myself and my life? Do I take action when I have a dream or do I hesitate? Am I willing to spend time on things that may help me achieve a goal? Do I look at the world problems on the news programs, and most of all, do I accept that there is something I can contribute. Perhaps a prayer, a donation or a kind word to someone who is in pain will help.

And so…I ask once again…am I being the best that I can be? Now ask yourself my friends…are you on that path. Just think, if everyone is striving to be that best that they can be, we would see a different world, a kinder world, and a more loving world.

Perhaps you will join me in a New Year’s Resolution to be the best that you can be. Remember, it must start somewhere with someone. Why not us?

Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Barbara


Beloved Children,

Fashions of the past diminish when you see your world as it is today. It is ever changing and you must change as well. Abundant miracles flow around you. Heaven opens its doors. Life emits its eternal blessing. All the while your world is evolving, and it is up to you to free the passion that comes through the joy of expansion and transformation.

No place is more beautiful than now, this moment, this instant. Listen to the music in your soul. No more hiding. No more saying no. From the deepest part of your heart, reach out to those in need. Deliver greetings to the wise and the infirm. Give thanks for your blessings. Living fully and freely in the presence of God, give your all to Love.

Wisdom’s Voice

A CHALLENGE

There is a part of me that loves to make up stories which are not always positive and uplifting. I suppose I've done that throughout my life, but sometimes these made up words and pictures do not serve me well. In fact, they often slow me down or even stop me from being who I am.

I suppose it is part of the human lesson. It can truly be a challenge that is sometimes difficult and also rewarding. Every time I face a challenge, my greatest learning tool is my heart felt feeling as to overcoming the blocks that arise to stop me.

This, however, can only be true if I am open to my strengths and weakness as a human being living the role of a lifetime. I've learned, sometimes the hard way is not to resist the challenges but to be open to them, welcome them and even sometimes enjoy them.

Presently I am challenged with a new issue. As I watch my behavior, my thoughts and my actions, I can see how often I unknowingly commit self sabotage. I realize that this is a part of me that is truly strong.

Perhaps my challenge is to use that strength to aid transformation. I can sit and dream about the challenge or I can choose to face the self head on and allow the Love and Compassion of my Higher Self to reign. Oh how lovely it would be if I was able to live from that God place more often. This sounds like a goal...And so it is...


Written for you with Love,

Rev. Dr. Barbara Rasp


Beloved Children,

Throughout your life journey there is always an opportunity to be free and to reveal your greatness, yet you place restrictions on yourself that hold you in bondage.

Never doubt that you can climb the highest mountain, for that mountain is in your mind. It stands as a block to happiness, and the ascent becomes the challenge. Be aware that you must climb one step at a time, one breath at a time and one moment at a time until your mind is free of fear and guilt. Be humble and steadfast in your pursuit of truth, for only in this state of mind will your greatness be revealed.

Wisdom’s Voice

ONLY LOVE

How sad I feel today and how happy I am as well. My sadness comes from forgetting Who and What I am. The happiness stems from the remembrance that I am a child of the living God. Yes, I wander off the path sometimes but, when I do, I’m welcomed back with such Love and Compassion. There is no punishment except that which I put on myself.

My source is Love…only Love. With that remembrance I begin once more to appreciate my heritage and bask in the Love of the Most High. Wandering into the valley of despair and into the shadow of my mind reminds me that there is truly a choice, and it is my choice.

Today I realize what happens if I don’t listen to my inner promptings. I succumb to fear and create heartache and pain. The pain is my reminder, which calls me to remember my Source. It shows me the darkest places so that I can recognize when I am following my heart or living in my mind.

We do need our minds in this incarnation, but I know that I allow my ego mind to take over more often than is good for my continuing spiritual emergence. I accept this place in myself, and I know that I will follow my heart once I recognize the pain that grows to heightened levels. I would so love to say that this is going to stop, but guess what. After studying the Great Mystics, I found that their pain was common. Still those Spiritual Warriors found their way to Enlightenment through both physical and emotional pain.

You may wonder why this has been a recurring theme in Mystical Reflections. It’s simply because it is an ongoing theme in one’s spiritual Awakening. We often tell ourselves stories that direct us away from our spiritual emergence. Becoming aware of this back and forth process helps us to stand in awe of our Source…which is… Only Love

And so it is…

Written for you with Love,

Rev. Dr. Barbara Rasp

Your life exists as a tiny spot of light, a spark in the consciousness of eternity. How bright the light becomes depends upon your actions. How steady and still your heart grows to be, determines you place in the flow of creation. For the heart of Love is your safe haven, and once you find it you will see that it is all there is. No further words are needed.

Wisdom’s Voice

http://www.wisdomsvoice.com/

IN FAITH I COME

Many years ago I received the above title for my third book. At the time, I had no idea what it was to be about. When I sat to begin a meditation and allow something to come to me, I was directed to find a definition of faith. The one that I found to be the best for me was, “Complete acceptance of a Truth which cannot be demonstrated or proved by logical thought.”

I asked myself: Is that how I live? Do I really accept what is, or do I try to control results, circumstances or any aspect of life? Of course I do. I can’t deny it. I often make plans and sometimes I unhappily watch them fall apart.

With all of the messages I have received and the many visions I’ve had over the years I think that I should be one of the most faithful people I know. Sometimes I may appear as if I walk in faith, but how much of that is true? I don’t know.

Recently I was diagnosed with a physical condition that has altered the course of my current plans including a vacation. At first I was upset, but later realized how fortunate I was to find the problem and to treat it. I wondered if delaying the trip would be much better in the bigger picture that I can’t yet see.

My intention is to go with the flow and accept what is. Tomorrow will come, and I will be open to its revelations. It is in faith I come to acceptance of all that is transpiring.

And so it is…

Written for you with Love,

Barbara

The path to God is not the worldly path, but you are in the world. This path then can be followed by focusing on the Higher Teachings of Trust, Faith and Love in all things worldly. It is a demonstration of faith, and in this Faith you come to God.

Wisdom’s Voice

THE "QUOTE"

“You don’t have to be miserable before you feel you deserve to be truly happy.”
Sarah Ban Breathnach

When I first read this quote, I passed over it quickly. It, however, kept tugging at my heart until I turned back the pages and allowed the emotions to arise in me. I suppose I really didn’t want to read it again because there is a part of me that does not believe that I could be truly happy.

Yes, there was a time that I didn’t like myself very much. Although I appeared to the world as otherwise, I had a much deeper feeling about myself and my life. I felt strongly that I had not accomplished enough.

Is that really the truth? Of course not. It is the seed of depression rising up and telling me how much my life didn’t matter. Perhaps you’ve had that experience too.

I do believe I’ve chosen this path to learn more about the meaning of life. To write what I feel and to be as truthful as possible is important, because it allows me to see and to learn so much more about what controls my thoughts and actions. It gives me a clue how my thoughts can control me. They can either lift me up or pull me down.

I also know that it’s important for all of us to watch our thoughts. I encourage you to do so. Like me, you may be surprised and become motivated to know more about you…a loving child of a Great Creator.

Written for you with Love,

Barbara


Living in Me my child, you are a great creator. Your rivers of light are interlaced with another and another until the web of light shines brightly. Voices of angels sing to you each day as your love, strength, and hope and forgiveness flow. One prayer touches many lives. Many are blessed. Vested in truth, the light of your heart connects with others creating Rivers of Light, eternally dancing and flowing while lifting the world’s vibration to create peace in the hearts of all.

As God created light so shall you. As you remember your place in the flow of life and your purpose of light, your journey becomes a mission to bring light to the world. As a great creator you become My shining star, forever in the eternal light and living in the vibration of peace.


Wisdom’s Voice

An Exquisite Experience

One day while watching television, I heard a man describe his two-year battle with cancer. I also heard a woman say that she had been battling depression for years. Although it seemed as if they had beaten the odds, there was something about them that I sensed was still immersed in the battle. It occurred to me that battling anything for me feels so harsh. My constitution just doesn’t like the feeling that arises, and I don’t want to do battle with anything.

Although I understand the desperation that comes from an unexpected or long term illness such as my own, once I began passing through the anger and all of the other emotions that occur with loss of control, I learned that I have a choice.

Sometimes one finds a distorted sense of happiness living in misery. The misery then takes over and it becomes one’s life. But that sense of happiness is not what I seek. I want to be happy from the inside out and from the outside in. I want to nurture me in this life as I would a newborn baby. From that place new life can emerge, and in that emergence another level of healing flows. As I allow that exquisite experience, I reveal my true Self.


Written for you with Love,

Rev Dr. Barbara Rasp


Trials that hold you back are patterns of the mind. They emerge from the dark thoughts and create much discomfort and pain. They are also teachers, but they do not promote evolution unless you recognize them for what they are. These are the dark places within that you must visit to stir the pot of despair and lift them to the Light. This promotes great growth and allows transformation to Self-discovery.

Embrace all life experiences as vehicles of growth. Though painful sometimes, if you allow them to come into the Light they will transform into your greatest teachers. Be mindful of your trials. Face them with faith, for I am always with you. Bless them and you will live in peace.

Wisdom’s Voice

BECOMING PEACE

Trying to be peaceful just makes me more anxious. It seems that no matter how hard I try, it just doesn’t happen. Oh yes, for a minute perhaps I’ve conquered it, but not yet. Then I think that meditation will settle me down. So, I sit with a myriad of thoughts pounding in my head. Desperation overtakes this mediation, and I can’t stay seated. I just have to move.

If this has been your experience, take heart. You can meditate, as can I. However, I learned that something has to change, and it’s not the time of day or the right music to calm ruffled feathers. No – I must be willing to stop bouncing from one task to another, AKA multitasking. I must learn to become peace.

Release some steam from your pressure cooker head, I said to myself. Let it float into the air and dissipate. Be present to what is…this moment.

Now I sit calmly and peacefully. I allow what comes to be a passer-by. Another of life’s challenges accepted, at least for this NOW.

Written for you with Love,

Barbara


Meditation is stopping, calming and looking deeply.

---Thich Nhat Hanh

THE SPIRITUAL LIFE

Walking a conscious spiritual path is truly a choice. We can sit and read about insights and experiences of others, but that doesn’t move us forward on our journey unless we take the time to meditate and contemplate and finally internalize the truths that arise in the silence or in spiritual literature and other spiritual experiences.

Mystic Joel Goldsmith said of the spiritual path, “Make no mistake, this is the most difficult of paths; this is the most difficult life there is.” He believed that it is far easier for a person to become famous or wealthy or to accomplish anything in the human world than in the spiritual world, because in the spiritual we are called upon to “die” to attain what we seek.

This death of which many mystics speak is not a physical death. It is dying to the personal sense of self. Enlightenment occurs only when the revelation of God incarnated as the Self is fully realized. There is no longer “I”, “me” or “mine.” There is only God and Light, which sustains Self. There is no past, present or future. There is only now.

Some scholars believe that everyone is already enlightened. It is our humanness that blocks the recognition of our true Self. To attain Enlightenment, we must become aware of the Voice that guides us and the Spirit within us. We must also be willing to release our attachments to the body, our nationality, our race, all things, our sense of separation from others and this world. This is a tall order, yet this is what the Great Mystics show us. They also give us a glimpse of the commitment one must make to walk the spiritual path to Enlightenment.

Over the years, there have been many ups and downs in my spiritual journey. There still are, but I can feel the change in myself. There was a time that I never thought of God or Spirit or even the Universe. Many years later I had an awakening during an illness. At first I was only aware when I was in the peaceful flow. Today I am more aware of the times when I am out of the flow. That affords me another great opportunity to watch how my ego tries to pull me out of peace. This awareness gives me a chance to detach and to look at the situation without judgment so that I can identify those old behaviors and beliefs, understand them and, at some point, to transform them.

I believe that each one of us is a mystic. To become conscious of who we already are and walk the path as an awakened mystic, we must become aware of the Self that lives within us and recognize that we are meant to live by the Laws of Spirit. We must be willing to compassionately serve every day. We must also be prepared to die every day so that we can ascend out of the personal sense of self and into the experience of life lived as the Divine.

No matter what our earthly life has been thus far, this path is open to those of us who are willing to rise above the limitations that we believe we have. Spirit will touch everyone at some point in life. We may not be aware at first, but each time we recognize our connection, we grow in the awareness needed to move forward.

I encourage you to consider adding meditation and prayer to your daily activities if you have not done so. The Divine works through us as often as we allow. When we are ready to awaken to the truth and to receive that glimpse of grace that may come, we must be willing to first surrender the attachment to the past and future and live in the now. It is the greatest commitment we will ever make.

Fr. Bede Griffiths wrote in Christ in India: “What Gandhi saw so clearly is that this detachment was not a way of escape from the world but of a freedom from self-interest, which enabled one to give oneself totally to God and to the world.” This is the way of the Mystic. Hopefully, many more of us will be willing to see beyond religion and awaken to the truth of who we are.


With Love and Blessings

Rev. Dr. Barbara Rasp



“The first sign of awakening is usually a growing reverence for life. You find you are immensely appreciative of being alive. Life itself is revealed as a wonder or a miracle. In your reverence for life you delightedly value the lives of others and of yourself…What is life? Who can say? But you, the awakening aspirant, wholeheartedly treasure being alive and love to watch that life force animating each person; indeed, you admire all living creatures.”

Graham Ledgerwood

KEEPING THE FAITH

It is often said that life is easy if we are able to keep the faith and live in Love. I’m not so sure and I ask... "What is easy? What is walking in faith? Do we just go where we are led, or do we need to hear the call?" If that is so, then why don’t I listen? Perhaps it is the notion that this calling is only a fairy tale, a fantasy and there really is nothing to go to.

Then I ask, what is Faith really? Am I fooling myself when I have faith and believe that there is a Divine order? Do I really believe this?

Yes I do. Yes, I believe that there is so much more to life, but I must take the time to really stop and see it. I hurry here and there, completing tasks, while failing to see the beauty all around me.

How did this happen? When did it change? I’m not sure, but it did change…and I want it back!!!

With Love,
Barbara


Beloved Children,

I never said it would be easy. I said it was the way.
I said you must have courage, and I said that you must pray.

I never said it would be painless. I said I’d ease your ache.
I told you fears would block you, till you remember to give not take.

I walk with you in sunshine. I hold you in the rain.
I send you love and blessings, and the storm clears once again.

I never said it would be easy. I said it was the way.
The winds of time blow softly, when you remember my promise each day.

AMEN

Wisdom’s Voice

SIMPLE - BUT NOT EASY

The Great Mystics say that we live in a physical world which is an extension of the non-physical that we call God, Creator, Allah, Divine Mystery etc. They also believe that we create our own reality. Years ago this sounded to me like mumbo-jumbo. Yes, it is a lot to swallow but something in me knew that this was true. Today, I do believe it and I often see it how what I think or do affects me in ways that I could never imagine.

A few months ago I looked around my home and saw what a great creator I really was. I couldn’t see the tops of the desk and the file cabinets in my office because of the papers scattered everywhere and piled high. My dining room table is perpetually covered with papers. As much as I try to rid myself of the clutter, more appears. The blessing in all of this chaos is that the living room is in good shape.

The bedroom is another thing. I can barely see the mirror on the dresser because the piles of books obscure it. Oh well, I say to myself…it’s clean clutter. Then I stop and feel the clutter, and I feel the tears welling in my eyes. “How did this happen” I ask? Better yet, “How can I change it?

I know from past experience that just cleaning it up is not enough. I don’t want to be held hostage by my clutter anymore. Although I have been trying to get rid of it, and have done so many times, it always returns. It will return quickly unless I change something in me that creates it.

I’ve also come to realize that I’m projecting the clutter in my mind and manifesting it in the physical. I clearly see that the cleanup starts with me. I must clean up the way I think, the way I see myself and how I see my life unfolding. I always feel so uplifted and free when I am outside of the house, walking in nature or watching the night sky. Could I re-create that feeling in my home?

Perhaps more meditation would help I say to myself. Yes it would, but I can meditate forever, and unless I really believe that I can live in an uncluttered home I never will. Until I believe that this is what I want, the clutter will return. Unless I take action and go within my heart to change it, nothing will change. I truly must believe that I can and I will. If I don’t believe it, I won’t. It’s simple, but not easy. And that’s the Truth.

And so it is…

Written for you with Love,

Barbara

Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.

Willliam James
1842-1910

A Mystical Moment

I had an experience yesterday that overshadowed all the sorrow I had been feeling for days. I had just awakened and although still drowsy I began a few easy stretches. I was not thinking about anything and was present to what I was doing. At one point I crossed my right leg over my bent left knee. My eyes fell on my bare foot and suddenly it was as if I was looking at something completely separate from me. My foot was a foreign object.

As I continued to view this scene I was captivated by my own sense of wonder. What I clearly saw was not me. Personal identification with my body seemed to be gone. Great Mystics describe this as an instant in which we recognize that we are not who or what we believe ourselves to be.

As difficult as this is to explain, I feel that I must share this exquisite Mystical Moment that revealed so clearly that my body is not who I am. These are the gifts we are shown when we truly desire to know Self…the one who is really who we are.

Although I have had many mystical experiences, I am always in awe when they happen. Albert Einstein once wrote: “The most beautiful and profound emotion we can experience is the mystical.” I agree completely. I have been on this earth for many years and have been blessed with many mystical experiences. Nothing compares to the exquisite moment of recognition that we are not who we believe ourselves to be.

I’m writing this because tomorrow is July 4th and we Americans celebrate our freedoms given us by the United States Constitution. I want to acknowledge that I could write this blog because of those freedoms, especially the First Amendment.

Enjoy yourself on the fourth. Perhaps you might take a few minutes to give thanks that you are free to celebrate such a profound moment in history. If you read this after celebrating, perhaps you will take a few moments in gratitude and have a Mystical Moment.

Written for you with Love,

Barbara


“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.”

“No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.”

HELP

For many years I have worked with Inspirational Writing. It has proven to be more valuable than I ever dreamed it could be. I feel very blessed to be able to go within and receive guidance that is never wrong and often profound. When I take the time to sit quietly and ask, an answer will come.

Two weeks ago I was troubled by some recent events in my life. I just wrote Help on the page and what I received was stunning. Because it appears to be a message that could apply everyone, I gladly share it now with you.

HELP!

Without a doubt I am here and without a doubt I will provide you with answers to your problems which are temporary blocks to your greatness.

You were given a great gift and you have turned away from it to pursue a life that will be meaningless. Perhaps you will understand more as I continue.

Anything you want to do or to accomplish is possible, but you must be clear in your heart and mind as to how much you are willing to give those gifts that can change your life.

And I say to you...be kind to yourself and risk losing that which you cling to so tightly. You are holding on to a thought that burdens must be carried….

(This is where I lost the flow and had to stop and center again)

You see how you stop the flow when truth is near. You allow the block to remain because you are afraid of your greatness and of exposing the heart that aches for expression.

No, my dear one…you need not be sad. You have come to me today for answers to your confusion. And I say this…the confusion is temporary…for you will not allow the truth to set you free until you face the confused little girl who fears a lack of perfection which is only your interpretation.

You, my dear one, are perfect in soul and in heart. A gift lives within your heart. You must uncover the heart of the gift.

Yes, you are a writer and you talk and laugh and love, but you do not allow the heart of Barbara to be exposed.

Open in. Love it. Dreams are just that. Create a reality for yourself that honors your life, your God and your gifts. Nothing is more important.

Be my Love, for that is truly you.

And it is so…Amen


If you are interested in learning more about Inspirational Writing, please feel free to contact me at raspbwv@wisdomsvoice.com or by phone.

A CHOICE POINT

Last week I listened to a song that I had not heard in years. There was one sentence that caught my attention. It was, “In the end only kindness matters.” It made me stop and think about my life. Do I always respond with kindness or do I allow my ego to take over and perhaps be unkind?

Two days later I had a problem with the charges on my telephone bills. I was a more than little upset and, as I thought about it, my upset turned to anger. This was what I call a choice point. Fortunately, I took a few breaths before I picked up the phone. I decided to “be nice,” no matter what.

I first spoke to a representative who transferred me to someone else. After three transfers, I finally reached Carl. I explained my problem for the fourth time as best I could. Carl told me that one of my three separate charges was due the previous day. I was now faced with a late fee.

Rather than arguing about the late fee, I asked if there was any way I could combine the services on one bill. While I waited patiently, Carl truly did everything he could to help. I was on that call for more than an hour. By the time he finished, I not only knew his name, but how long he had been with the company, where he lived, and the names of his wife and children. After combining two services, my total phone bill dropped.

I then asked if there was a way to add my cell phone service to the same bill. Carl wasn’t sure. He did explain that cell phones are handled by a different department in a different state. He gave me the number to call and suggested that I tell them what had transpired and ask if combining the cell phone bill with the others was possible.

I thought I was in for another round of people when Carl told me to hold on and not to hang up. Instead of leaving this to me, he went out if his way to see if he could transfer me. Although the company did not allow employees three way calling from state to state, I had the service. I was able to complete a three-way call, and Carl explained the details to the new representative. He left me with a lovely lady named Diane who set me up in the combination bill and also helped resolve two issues with the cell phone. She then looked at my usage history and told me about their senior plan. It was less minutes, but it lowered my price considerably even though I had a contract. Diane told me that I could change back to the higher plan if I knew I was going to be using more minutes in a particular month.

Although it took over 2 hours to complete everything, I clearly saw how much kindness mattered for me and for both of them. Instead of reliving all of the anger that I could have felt, I was truly joyful. Sure, it was a bit tedious at times, but we had so many laughs and all of my problems were solved. Oh yes…my late fee was also removed!

How important was the “choice point?” You decide.

Written for you with Love,

Rev. Dr. Barbara Rasp


“You have the power to choose.
This is your only power.
Choose wisely.”

Archangel Michael

(The song that inspired me was titled “Hands.” It was written and performed by Jewel.)

A Reader's Question

A subscriber to Mystical Reflections asked if I would write more about my religious background and my personal mystical experiences. I am happy to do so.

I was raised as a Christian and attended a Baptist Church. During high school I stopped going to church regularly. Today I don’t practice Christianity or any particular religion. I do daily personal spiritual practice, which involves elements of many religions including Christianity.

I can see now that I was always searching. During the 1960’s I went to the Catholic Church. In the mid 1970’s I was a member of a New Age community. Sometime during the next two decades I attended a Spiritualist Church, became an Alliance of Divine Love (ADL) minister, and attended the Church of Religious Science. I also studied the Edgar Cayce teachings and those of the Ascended Masters, along with the teachings of other religions. I earned my Doctor of Divinity in 2007.

I consider myself to be both religious and spiritual. I can attend religious services and appreciate the energy of devotion while maintaining my own daily personal spiritual practice. My current practice includes prayer and meditation, the nature of which varies from time to time. I talk to the Divine quite often, always expressing gratitude. I read spiritual material daily and journal. I do inspirational writing as the Spirit moves me and try to be mindful of my inner voice and follow Its promptings.

I was four years old when I had my first mystical experience. Just before I went to sleep I saw three women dressed in what I know now were Dutch costumes. One was holding a rolling pin and another held a frying pan. They surrounded and blocked a huge bear that was trying to get into my room. The colors were vibrant and glowing, like nothing I’d ever seen. I cried out for my mother. She stayed with me until I stopped shaking and fell asleep.

Just two years later I was playing in the backyard and heard someone call my name. I didn’t recognize the voice. Since our only neighbors were away, I assumed it was my mother. When I called out to Mom she didn’t answer, and the voice spoke again. When I ran into the house Mom said she had not called me. My mother later told me that, with the innocence of a child, I just said "OK--it must have been God." The voice had an ethereal quality. I’ve heard that audible voice several times since.

I’ve had many mystical moments throughout my life. My mother was extremely intuitive and also had mystical experiences during her lifetime, which she shared with me. Throughout my adult life I saw metaphysical events as natural occurrences.

A few years ago I attended a silent contemplative weekend retreat at the Cenacle Spiritual Life Center. The focus of the program was the first 12 stanzas of the Spiritual Canticle by the Mystic, St. John of the Cross. It was a powerful weekend. On the last day while the teacher was speaking, a brilliant gold and white Light suddenly formed across the front of the room and surrounded the nun. It glowed like the sun, and I lost the sound of her voice as I watched her fade into the Light. For me, it was as if time stood still. When the light faded and her voice returned, it was several minutes before I became fully present to the class. As we prepared to leave and say our goodbyes, I shared the incident. Her response was one of complete joy.

I’ve written about many other mystical experiences in my books. They have changed me in ways that are difficult to describe. I’ve come to look at the world with a different eye. What I used to believe was so important for me to do or accomplish is not so pressing any more. Any plans that I make are with the knowledge that they may change. I feel that being open to what the Universe is calling me to is much more important than what I want. This path is certainly not an easy one to travel, but I accept it with gratitude.

I do want to make one thing clear. Having visions or hearing voices does not make one person more spiritual than another. All of us have that inner voice. It is unlimited, but if we are constantly thinking we miss the prompts. Spirit speaks to each of us in different ways, but not through a closed heart. By reducing the mind clutter with Daily Prayer and Meditation we open our hearts to receive. It is the greatest gift you can give to yourself and to your Source. I have never lost the awe of these experiences. Somehow I know I never will.


Written for you with Love,

Rev. Dr. Barbara Rasp


I come to you in the darkest night.
I light your way in the sunlight bright.
I hold you gently as you make your way.
I kiss your cheek in the winds of today.
I fill your heart with the greatest love.
I send you blessings on the wings of a dove.
I long for you to hear my voice.
Dear child of God, It is your choice.

For more information go to:
http://www.wisdomsvoice.com/books.htm

FROM MIND TO HEART

The prophet Mohammed once said that a scholar who writes about mysticism without having had any mystical experience is like a donkey carrying a load of books. In other words, if you haven’t had the experience you don’t know what you’re talking about. As Einstein said, it is emotion, and emotion is impossible to describe with words. One cannot really know what it is like to fall in love, to lose a child, a spouse or a parent unless one has had the experience.

From my own experience with mysticism, I certainly agree. The primary characteristic of mysticism is that it is an experience. It is difficult to describe it to anyone who has not had this type of encounter. The awareness that comes in these mystical moments reminds us that we are more alive than we can imagine.

Until seventeen years ago, I had brushed off any mystical experience that I’d had as simply psychic phenomena or even occult in nature. I had drifted away from Christianity, my birth religion, or any conscious connection to God. Everything changed in 1989 when I became nearly bedridden from Fibromyalgia. During those long days and nights, nothing relieved the fatigue and severe muscle pain. I made two choices that changed the course of my illness and my life: I stopped taking the pain pills that clouded my mind and made me nauseous and, for the first time in years, I prayed. I simply asked God for help.

A few days later, an answer appeared like a Technicolor movie. With my eyes closed, I saw a rising sun covered with a dark shadow so that its golden rays were barely visible. The scene slowly changed to a bright blue sky with puffy clouds. As the clouds parted, I saw the face of Jesus. His warm and loving eyes looked directly at me. As his face faded, a series of three-dimensional capital letters appeared one by one spelling the word FUTURE.

This inner vision was a turning point for me. I couldn’t explain the vision and, truthfully, I did not realize its significance until years later. That moment, however, was the beginning of change within me that has evolved over many years. The shift from being so mind-centered to a more heart-centered awareness has opened me to a better way of life. I do struggle sometimes but, more often than not, I am aware of these struggles. It is my choice whether to hold on to the mind games or to allow my heart to take over.

For many years I felt a deep yearning for something, but I didn’t know what it was. Today I realize that I searched everywhere for love, and most of the time in the wrong places. Becoming helpless with a condition that I could not cure or control changed my life. My mind lost a battle, and my heart directed me to look within.

Since then I have been blessed with many mystical experiences and have come to understand that there is a much greater world within than the one we see with our physical eyes. We have yet to match the radiant light and beauty that some call Heaven. And yet, we can be just as awestruck by the beauty around us if we only take the time to see it from the heart.

Those who choose to uncover the inner mystic embark on a road that is not easy to travel. Although it can be exciting and inspirational, the mystical journey is filled with ups and downs, detours, curves and dead ends. To fully awaken and to walk this path requires a level of dedication and commitment that most would not choose. But there are many Mystics who have chosen the path and have been willing to share their experiences with us.

Everyone is touched by a sense of the mystical, although it may not always be recognized for what it is. There are many paths leading to God that share a “Universal Truth,” which the mystics know. Everyone can learn from the mystics—through their writing, their poetry and their processes—how to move toward a clearer vision. We all are invited to be in close relationship with the Holy. How that connection takes shape is really up to the individual.

Written for you with Love,

Rev. Dr. Barbara Rasp


If anybody asks what Sufism is, what kind of religion it is,
the answer is that Sufism is the religion of the heart,
the religion in which the thing of primary importance
is to seek God in the heart of humankind.
Hazrat Inayat Kahn (Sufi Mystic)

THE TIME IS NOW

Throughout my life I have loved music. I played piano and guitar when I was young. Because of this, I have been an avid follower of the American Idol television program for years. I thoroughly enjoy watching these talented young people grow in their craft.

I notice that the judges often compliment the uniqueness of the performance. The compliments usually come when contestants do not copy the style of the original artist, but make the song uniquely theirs. As they perform, I can feel their passion. They are not only singing the song…they own it.

These young people have much to teach us all. I admire their courage to live their passion. They must listen to four judges’ constructive criticism after each song. Still, they are not afraid to try even though they may be voted off the show at any time. Yes, they are in a competition, but when someone has to leave the others often cry. They hug one another, and I can feel their sincerity and their heartache. Most of all, they are expressing their compassion and creativity. They are truly sharing their gifts.

The word from the judges that captured my attention this week is “unique.” It caused me to reflect on my own life and question myself. Am I someone who feels free enough to follow my passion and allow my uniqueness to be visible? Or, do I hide my Light and follow the pack? Perhaps I do a little of both.

Our world needs the loving expression that the young people on American Idol give to us and to one another. All of us have creative gifts. Although I do not play a man made instrument any more, I now express my creative gift through writing.

What are your gifts? Are you expressing them? If you hesitate to share the gifts that you have, it’s time. If you don’t think you have any gifts I encourage you to go within and find them. Our beautiful world needs so much Love and Creativity. The time to own your gift is now!

Written for you with Love and Blessings

Rev. Dr. Barbara Rasp

Many years ago I received a message from Wisdom that speaks to our creative gifts.

“The will of man is nothing but a block to the greater expression of the higher knowledge. Man has yet to understand that service to the Most High is that expression. The Creator has given each manifestation of Him born in human form creative gifts. It is the expression of these gifts that is the true expression of the will of God. Now as man evolves in understanding of his true nature, he will come to recognize the power offered him through creative expression.”


More information about finding and expressing creativity can be found in “A Gift of Roses.” It is available on my website. You can read the introduction and a review of the book.

http://www.wisdomsvoice.com/books.htm

THE WAY OF THE MYSTIC

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Recently I took a break from life as it once was. I was uninspired. I stopped writing. Sometimes this happens to writers. During the “barren times” we often feel guilt for not writing, relief for not having to write, and yes…sadness for the loss of inspiration. This is a pattern that writers can and do face occasionally. I have encountered it before, but never for this long.

One day, I came upon a book about the experience. The author mentioned a time of silence in which “the soul is engaged” and “the ego is upset.” Aha I said to myself. I know I have a strong ego and it will not like this at all. This is the time I must remember Who’s in charge here and allow my heart to rule. It's OK to be wordless. Perhaps what comes next will be new and exciting if I take the time to just be with me.

For the past two months the only writing I have done is in a daily journal. Guess What? I did not write every day. I know that to write we must tap into places that we often do not want to go. It is true. I realized that I had to face those places before I could resume writing anything at all.

During this dry spell, I’ve learned that there have been changes in my life that I had to face. Of course, I went kicking a screaming into the places that I didn’t want to go. Today though, I feel as if I have been reborn.

What will become of Mystical Reflections? I don’t know, but my soul of imagination is ready to go with it and see what's next. That is the Way of the Mystic.


And so it is…

Barbara Rasp


“… During the silent times, the soul is engaged. It knows this is a time of immersion in awareness, in observation, in the company of the hidden. The ego feels left out; it wants action and products for its identity. We’re greedy and want as much of the good stuff as we can get. But it simply doesn’t work that way with a creative process that is grounded in the spiritual…

“If you rush your way through, your impatience will show in the work, and you’ll probably not write well…The soul of imagination won’t be whipped into control”

From: Writing and the Spiritual Life, by Patrice Vecchione.