Category Archives: Questions

>Questions I’m Answering

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The other day I wrote a post on questions I feel aren’t asked, and certainly not answered.  Today, I am answering those questions based on my beliefs and experiences.

1.  Q>  When people say God spoke to me, what did the voice sound like? Was it someone else’s voice? Was it your own?  Did you hear it from inside or outside of yourself?

A>  I cannot say “God” has ever spoken to me. I cannot say this because I don’t know what’s God’s voice sounds like.  Many years ago, in the face of a spiritual “crisis,” I was falling apart- or at least a part of me was falling apart. While in this intense crisis of the soul, or it has been called, “the dark night of the soul,” there was a voice, which spoke to me.  It spoke in a gentle way.  A neutral tone. Speaking wisdom. Perspective. Giving guidance and support. And the voice was familiar. It was my own, but it could not have come from the space where I was, which was dark, hopeless and afraid.  It came from another space from inside.  I now call this voice, The Voice Inside. Still, it is my voice, but speaking to me from a deeper, higher place.  If this deeper, higher place is called God, which I am comfortable believing, then yes, God has spoken to me many, many times.  

2.  Q>  When people say, I’m giving it to God where do they give it? What does that mean?

A>  I cannot say, where people give “it” to God, but I can share my experience. Most recently, I was overwhelmed by all my ideas, which come from that inspired place I spoke of above- the place of God.  Daily, I receive ideas, insights- and have difficulty giving voice to them all.  I envisioned myself giving it to God, as a way to surrender, which I suppose is what “giving it to God” can mean.  As I lifted up my “burdens”, immediately they were given back to me. This giving back said to me, these are yours and you can handle them.  And not only this, but because I had surrendered them to this Higher Place, they are now “blessed.”  They have been touched by God. But, it is clear God can do nothing with them. Only I can, if I choose.
3.  Q>  When people say, they are in heaven or in a better place when someone dies- where is heaven? How do you know it is a better place?  Is there more to the death story?  
A>  During my spiritual “crisis” I left my body, or so it seemed.  All that was left- was everything, but form. In this formless state was a complete feeling of freedom. I was in space. Without body, time, area in the world- just space and ME in a concentrated ball of consciousness.  I didn’t die (obviously), but when I returned to my body, I sensed this may be what happens. Now, beyond this initial euphoria, I have no idea. If I believe fully in reincarnation, then I sense pieces of me scatter until the point in which I return and they join together, filled with the desires and potentials of my new life. I also feel, just as we come from varying perceptions here on Earth, chances are when we exit, we will see what we believe we will see, what we need to see in order to transition. If we want to see our parents and grandparents, we probably do. If we believe there is a white light, like others have told us who have had near death experiences, than I would guess a white light awaits. All I do  know, is WHAT WE REALLY ARE, is no longer in the body when it can no longer be alive. What happens to what we really are: well sometimes, it is okay to say, I don’t know.


4.  Q>  When people say, they want to teach their children that there is a power that is greater than themselves outside of them, what does this mean? Where is this power? Does this mean there is not a “larger” power within? What do they hope the child learns from this teaching?

A>  I am in a place where it does not suit me well to believe ANYTHING is outside of me. I do not fear arrogance or ego in this statement either. I embrace power. Wisdom. Truth. To teach my children they have a force or an intelligence, known often as God, INSIDE of them is the most solid guidance I can offer.  This way, they are not looking outside. They are not feeling inferior.  They are not confused.  If I were to guess, without knowing each individual’s belief, to tell children to believe in a power outside is to let them know there absolutely IS something powerful, and to trust in it, because in life, it will serve them to believe so.  To understand this power is everywhere and in everyone- Well, wow that would sure make me feel like a pretty special kid.


5.  Q>  When people say, they will reap rewards for good deeds from the Lord, what are these rewards? And it’s opposite, how will God punish them for bad deeds?

A>  Karma.  Simple. We reap what we sow. We are responsible. Every action and thought has a consequence.  We never need interfere with anyone’s “good” deed or “bad” deed. It is written. Concreted for them.  I cannot believe there is a Lord or a God “up there,” who like an egotistical and insecure teacher, looks down upon her students, and says- “You bad.  F.  You good.  A.” However, to know I AM responsible is the most freeing, liberating deal there is, and further to understand- life is generous in its lessons for us to learn and grow through our karmic law. 


6.  Q>   I was reading some religious material. It said, “We can learn more about God’s personality from the Bible. For example, it tells us what God likes and doesn’t like, how he treats people, and how he reacts in different situations.” Yet, they say, “He is a higher form of life.” If he likes and dislikes, and reacts to situations, and has a personality- is this a higher form?  Does your God have a personality? If so, does he also have a face? A body? What does he look like? And where does he live?

A>  In thinking a lot about religion lately, here is what I believe. Some of us need rules. We need doctrine, which is black and white. That makes literal sense. That we believe we can follow. For me, even as a small child, sitting in church made me feel that something wasn’t right. When I read material, like what is said above, it makes me feel tight and restricted.  For me, most religious law and doctrine, at least the way it is often presented is too confining to me. It doesn’t allow growth. It just stays stuck.  We are alive beings. To stay stuck means death, maybe not physical death, but mental, emotional, spiritual death. We must grow.  And to believe my God has likes and dislikes and reacts to situations- well it almost makes me laugh. Why do I want to look “up” to or toward a being that isn’t any higher than myself?  I read an amazing verse from my beloved poet, Rumi: “God loves you is the ONLY statement.”  Simple. No rules. No personality. No separation of who “He” likes and doesn’t like. “God loves you is the ONLY statement.”  I don’t need God to have a body or a face or a personality.  I only need to know LOVE is all there is and to pay attention to my journey as I move within that SPACE OF LOVE.

7.  Q>  It seems the word “spiritual” is getting a “bad” name. Perhaps it is overused. A Christian woman said she considers it a criticism if someone calls her spiritual. What does spiritual mean to you? If you had to define it, how would you? 
A>  I’ve always considered myself spiritual. What do I mean by this? I mean, I am actively, dutifully focusing my spiritual eye inward.  I am moving through debris.  Space. Beliefs. Desires. All toward what I truly AM. My core. My essence. It’s a journey, and because I consciously open my life to this journey, I call that living the spiritual life.  

Today’s Soul Tip:

What are some questions you have about religion? Spirituality? God? Are there statements people make, where, as my aunt says, the bullshit meter goes off, yet you find yourself shaking your head in agreement just to be “nice.” To conform.  I offer you to challenge these statements. You don’t have to do so with the person speaking them. One thing I’ve learned is when people need to believe something, it is best to just stay silent, or speak your truth holding no expectation to change them.  So, when you feel that bullshit meter buzzing, and your authenticity is at stake, dig deeper. Go wider. Loosen the laws, and live your LIFE. Your truth.  

Namaste, 

The Soul Reporter




>Questions I’m Asking

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Maybe this is too much of a blanket of a statement, but sometimes these are needed to get our points across. There seems to be two kinds of people- those who think for themselves. Dig inside. Search their brains for answers. For us, external knowledge often interferes and overwhelms. We don’t just take what is said as truth. We question. Wonder. Ponder.  THINK. Then there are those who are good students. They do what they are told. They look up answers.  They celebrate facts.  They absorb information and (religious doctrine- because that is where I am going with this post) and make it their truth.

The purpose of this post is to air out questions, that don’t seem to get asked, let alone answered, at least that I am aware of. If I get answers than that’s the whip cream and the cherry on top.

Here I go:

First I have a question for those who like to get their answers from texts, books, facts, school, and all other exterior sources:  When you hear something, and find facts does it resonate with you before you accept it as truth? What’s the value for you to adopt a belief?

Okay, now here are the questions I have for the following “religious” statements:

1.  When people say God spoke to me, what did the voice sound like? Was it someone else’s voice? Was it your own?  Did you hear it from inside or outside of yourself?
2.  When people say, I’m giving it to God where do they give it? What does that mean?
3.  When people say, they are in heaven or in a better place when someone dies- where is heaven? How do you know it is a better place?  Is there more to the death story?  
4.  When people say, they want to teach their children that there is a power that is larger than themselves outside of them, what does this mean? Where is this power? Does this mean there is not a “larger” power within? What do they hope the child learns from this teaching?
5.  When people say, they will reap rewards for good deeds from the Lord, what are these rewards? And it’s opposite, how will God punish them for bad deeds?  
6.  I was reading some religious material. It said, “We can learn more about God’s personality from the Bible. For example, it tells us what God likes and doesn’t like, how he treats people, and how he reacts in different situations.” Yet, they say, “He is a higher form of life.” If he likes and dislikes, and reacts to situations, and has a personality- is this a higher form?  Does your God have a personality? If so, does he also have a face? A body? What does he look like? And where does he live?
7.  It seems the word “spiritual” is getting a “bad” name. Perhaps it is overused. A Christian woman said she considers it a criticism if someone calls her spiritual. What does spiritual mean to you? If you had to define it, how would you? 
If you feel a bit of judgment coming through your screen, you have a keen sense of awareness. I do write these questions with some irritation.  Of course, I have my own beliefs and for me, religion causes me to feel restricted and confined. To just accept certain ideas and socially acceptable remarks makes me frustrated.   However, what I also hope you hear, is curiosity.  These questions along with some of my other recent posts on this topic, is to help me understand the thinking of those I have judged.  I want to understand. And I also want to start the conversation about our beliefs. 
Religious beliefs have permeated every facet of our lives. There is no corner that has gone untouched by religious doctrine. It affects all of us. We have grown quite comfortable with saying certain things, such as, “God spoke to me.”  Or, “They are in a better place now.”  And, “God will take care of it.”  But, I want to go deeper.  I want to excavate and get clear about our relationship to God, or whatever we deem greater than ourselves, and why can’t we be the greater?  What is wrong with believing God is inside of us? That we have within us a higher self and the purpose here is to become one with this higher self?  But that’s just what I believe.  What about you?
Next Post: I will answer these questions with what I believe and have experienced.
Today’s Soul Tip:

Ask, and you shall receive. And let’s not be afraid to ask questions.  Which, I have to admit, I am a little afraid right now to press, “publish post,” but here I go… Hope to hear from you.

    >Creating Space

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    What would happen if I didn’t…..

    Here’s a question for you to ask yourself to create a small space between a behavior, thought or feeling you might be struggling with.
    An example:
    For most of my life, I was seriously addicted to sweets (and I say “was” loosely and with respect for the struggle), anything chocolate, like brownies in particular. I struggled and struggled with this intense pull to anything delicious.
    A few months ago, I was lying on the couch obsessing about brownies.
    “Alyssa,” I said to my daughter. “I really want some brownies, and not just brownies, but brownies with ice cream and chocolate chips and chocolate sauce.” I could not get my mind off of this thought. I kept telling her over and over again, I was going to the store to get all of the ingredients and I was going to eat it. But I didn’t get off the couch. Instead I just kept talking about it.
    And then…
    I had this thought, which was really a question:
    What would happen if I didn’t go get brownies right now?
    And further:
    What opportunities could present themselves in the space where getting brownies and eating brownies used to be?

    These questions created a space for another possibility other than my normal routine of:
    • think brownies
    • feel brownies in my mouth while I think of brownies
    • allow the “taste” of brownies to pull me to the store,
    • finally eat brownies to only feel satisfied for a millisecond
    • and then want more.
    I didn’t go get brownies that day, or the day after or the day after. In fact I didn’t eat any sweets for over a month. This led me to seeing a nutritionist who talked to me about gluten and dairy and how it may be affecting my mind and body. Because of this space I created with that one simple question I was ready to create even more space by being gluten and dairy-free.
    Last night, I had gluten-free brownies. The difference is I didn’t go through my regular routine. And why? Because of S P A C E. I simply made them, ate some and let them be just brownies, and not everything they were supposed to be for me.
    I have taken this question and applied it to other issues, and truly it is amazing how it is working to create space and freeing me from behaviors I have struggled with for a long, long time.
    So, how does this happen?
    In our minds we create grooves, or neural-pathways. They work like this:
    In our present reality, we may experience something that makes us act “irrationally.”
    For instance, sometimes my husband gives me a certain look. I don’t really know what this look means, but inside it makes me feel inadequate, and instantly I respond by feeling inadequate. However, in order not to show my inadequacy I get mad, and isolate from him so he can’t “hurt’ me.
    This look was sometimes given by my father (sorry dad). I shared in another blog, where I always felt like a disappointment to him, and to me this is what his look meant. In my youth I did not respond to my dad the way I respond to my husband. Instead I ingested this look by my father, and all that I thought it to mean, and created a groove of “reality” where I was unimportant, and a big disappointment. This created feelings, which were suppressed and overtime this suppressed energy created the behaviors I did, and sometimes still do, with my husband.
    I hope that makes sense. These mind grooves can be dug really deep, and can dicatate our behavior for a long, long time. Until…. that is we offer space.
    Questions can create space. They allow those neural-pathways to be interrupted, to question what to do since we didn’t do what we normally do, which is usually react unconsciously without being inquisitive.
    Think of the old “church.” Or parents that did not want to be questioned. It is what it is. Do not question authority. If you do, you lack faith. Or whatever the fear tactic might be. However, we must question if we want to expand ourselves, and everyday we have numerous opportunities to open the space and ask:
    What would happen if I didn’t….. you fill in the blank?
    Oh, and I wanted to share what has opened up for me in the new space I have found:
    • Drawing
    • Writing
    • Exercising
    • Eating well
    • And I intend to begin my meditation practice again, which will create even more space.
    Give up, and give in to what confines you- which all mental, unbalanced grooves will, by being an investigator into your own actions, thoughts and feelings. Be curious and alert. It’s important. And then notice the space, and all that it provides.
    Namaste,
    The Soul Reporter

    >Where Do You Need to Go?

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    >”Where do you need to go to get the lesson?”

    This was said by Ann Bancroft tonight at the Women for Obama Launch in Minneapolis. Ann goes to the ice. Other women, who were present, go to congress or to a Women for Obama Launch, like me.  
    I am glad I have found this topic to write about because I realize much of my blogging, even writing identity has been absorbed in me bearing my soul, and my personal story. It has left me at a loss of late as to what to write.  I guess it is because I am having trouble leaving my story behind.  I am living it everyday- and it still seems so heavily seeped in yesterdays troubles.  I do however see the benefit of not making the story of despair come alive.  Not giving it air makes me have to dig deeper into the wisdom of my stories, and not just the drama of them.  

    So what is the wisdom today?   There is a quote in a book I am reading. It comes from the movie Shadowlands.  It says: ” …the pain then, is part of the happiness now.  That’s the deal.”  
    The pain now is where I have to go for the lessons.  It is my ice to bear.  I sense the happiness of some day and sometimes even have it now, while in the pain.   And I will understand it is part of the deal when I am more fully there.  
    The question is how much longer will I be ‘on the ice?’  How much more will this experience take away?  What will it leave me with?  What will come in its place, and again when?  
    Perhaps it is okay to be stripped of what I thought was real.  All of those things I thought were so important.  What I do know, is I am dying to live. I want to be in the world doing what I witnessed these women doing tonight. Amy Klobuchar with her passion and excitement, along with her, Betty McCollum and Ann Bancroft, and all the women in attendance who are strong, professional women who want to make a difference in the world.  
    In this energy of women, an urge manifests, one that often gets stifled living in the day to day- to want to come out and be alive, to give the world and myself the best I got.  To dig deep for the wisdom to share, which I would not have gained if it weren’t for going ‘on the ice’ and enduring the pain.  We are all going to have our time, if we haven’t already, where we go through rough episodes, that seem to strip us raw but leave of us with extraordinary faith, gratitude and humility. I don’t offer that I spend all of my days in these places of faith, but all I need to get there lately is a little energy from others who are out there living their lives and making a difference.  
    Where do you need to go to get the lesson?  Where do you need to go to be stripped of what is not  you? Where do you need to go to get strength and faith which lets you bring it home and make a difference?
    Namaste, 
    Nikki