Asking the Answer

Every time we gather for a practice or ceremony at a specific location or even during a particular time, we continue to harness the energy generated in that space. The chosen method and location become a reservoir that enhances the ritual's power and acts as a portal for spiritual growth.

This phenomenon can be observed in various sacred sites worldwide, often referred to as power places. Many of these locations align with ley lines, which are natural energy conduits within the earth. Throughout history, people have been instinctively drawn to these areas, establishing temples where the energy is strongest. While there may have been political motivations for conquerors to dismantle these sacred structures and construct their own places of worship, deeper unconscious reasons likely influenced these actions.

As human beings, we sense the energy of our surroundings, even if we are not fully aware of it. We are naturally attracted to places that foster a sense of well-being. Power spots inherently possess this energy, and when individuals express reverence or openness in such locations, they amplify the energy present, creating a vibrational field that resonates with us. These vibrations embody both space and timelessness, accessible to everyone.

Certainty

My initial journey to Palenque was simply a holiday with friends, devoid of any spiritual intention. At that time, my knowledge of ancient Maya culture was minimal, yet I felt an inexplicable pull toward the ruins. During my week-long stay, I revisited the site multiple times, captivated by its allure.

One afternoon, while perched on a slight elevation behind the palace, I noticed something unusual in the atmosphere above it—colors. Doubting my vision, I looked away and then back again. Brilliant hues of turquoise and terra cotta danced in the air surrounding the structure. I observed similar colors emanating from other temples as well. Initially, I dismissed this as a fleeting curiosity.

The following year, I returned to the area with an expanded group of friends, eager to explore Palenque once more. However, before visiting the site, we took two bush planes into the jungle to discover Yaxchilan and Bonampak, which were less accessible than Palenque. As I wandered Bonampak, I entered a temple adorned with a bas-relief, and to my astonishment, remnants of color still graced its walls, primarily turquoise and terra cotta! Unfamiliar with Maya history, I had no idea that Palenque's structures had once been vibrantly painted. Yet, I perceived the evidence of that fact resonating in the energy fields around Palenque and before my eyes at Bonampak!

Once again, I could have regarded these as mere curiosities, but they solidified a certainty I previously only suspected. All manifestations of time resonate in the ether, and we possess the ability to connect with them, often unconsciously. This connection is influenced by our resonance at any given moment. These vibrations relate to any thought, person, or object that has ever existed or will exist, from the Buddha to Hitler. All these vibrations are present; we choose which ones to engage with based on our intentions. By opening ourselves to the Cosmos, we embrace the potential for real possibilities.

Guidance

In my book Calling Our Spirits Home, I recounted a dream that served as both a warning and a prophecy. In this dream, Eugene O’Neill appeared, compelling me to write, suggesting it would become integral to my livelihood. Yet, I ignored his guidance, becoming sidetracked by other pursuits. At that time, I had little knowledge of O’Neill and had not recently engaged with his works. Later, when I finally committed to writing, I found myself distracted by an endeavor that turned out to be disappointing and unprofitable, having failed to heed his advice.

This could be seen as a mere coincidence, but after starting this current book, I found myself procrastinating on writing—something many writers experience. In another dream, O’Neill appeared briefly.

"I must go," he said, starting to turn away.

"Wait!" I exclaimed, waking myself.

Following this encounter, I resumed writing. A few weeks later, while visiting my parents, I had dinner with an old friend. During our conversation, I shared my unusual connection with O’Neill, and we laughed it off.

Later that night, unable to sleep after our lengthy discussion, I randomly opened a newspaper. To my surprise, there was a photo of Eugene O’Neill! The article revealed that on that very day in 1946, The Iceman Cometh had premiered on Broadway. I also discovered that he had passed away in the year of my birth. While I had shared a laugh with my friend earlier, I felt someone was having a good chuckle at my expense then, keeping me awake for hours.

How could I be considered a "protégé" of Eugene O’Neill? How could these seemingly random events align to convey meaning in my life? The only explanation I can offer is that during those moments he manifested in my consciousness, there must have been some resonance between us. Similar vibrations tend to attract. I observed that I only encountered him when I was procrastinating or acting unconsciously. Perhaps he too had recognized those patterns in his own life. I feel deeply grateful for his candid guidance.

It has been a while since I experienced his presence metaphysically, but writing has become a consistent practice for me. Maybe it’s the intensity in his dark eyes from the newspaper photo on my desk that keeps me focused. He hasn’t needed to reappear.

My experiences illustrate a profound truth: if something has existed in any form, it remains on some level. In these instances, I stumbled upon this reality, but we can intentionally open ourselves to it. By holding the intention to connect with what guides us, we can truly do so.

The Premise

Like an unconscious mantra, we ask questions in every moment, and in doing so, the answers naturally present themselves. By holding the thought, we ask the answer. This paradox informs our lives.

We cannot pose a question without a corresponding answer; our minds simply cannot fathom it. Additionally, when our minds cannot envision something as reality—despite having experienced it—we often erase it from our conscious memory, sometimes even punishing the messenger. When our minds expand to conceive a broader reality, or at least show some willingness to accept it, that recognition generates answers beyond our initial inquiries. This opening leads to new experiences through a wider mental framework, leaving us wondering how we arrived there.

This is reminiscent of driving on a highway, entering a trance-like state while still driving, only to later realize that significant time has elapsed without conscious awareness. We’ve all likely experienced this; we seemed to "go somewhere" without actually doing so. Our attention simply shifted while the automatic actions continued.

There is nothing genuinely new in existence. What is has always been and will always be. It is a fantasy to believe anything can be entirely eradicated. Even if we entertain the notion that an ancient malady no longer exists, it does persist. As long as one individual focuses on the issue, that thought initiates a process, creating the potential to attract the corresponding vibration, which can then manifest in form. The more people who share this attraction, the stronger the pull toward materialization. This phenomenon explains how mass tragedies, such as Hitler’s Holocaust, could occur.

Conversely, when individuals reach out with questions of a higher vibrational nature, joined by others with similar inquiries, we can manifest what may seem like miracles to the ordinary mind. Thus, the appearances of sacred figures, such as the Holy Virgin, in specific locations can be understood in this way, as can long-distance healing through prayer circles. In truth, all these manifestations vibrate around us at any moment.

It requires some form of alignment with the vibration, even if merely through curiosity, to connect with it. This explains how inventors can simultaneously experience the "aha" moment of discovery, even while living continents apart. While egos may argue over who was first or claim espionage was involved, the reality is that a shared intent for inquiry brought forth the same vibration to all at that particular moment. This also illustrates how I often encounter what seem to be extraordinary insights one day, only to find validation in reading or experience the next. It is the resulting phenomenon of the preceding meditation.

What we each need to consider is not whether any of the aforementioned claims hold true from a mental perspective. It’s more about recognizing the answers that emerge in our lives through the nature of the questions we unconsciously ask.

Begging the Question

In our daily lives, we habitually question what we believe we already know. Our minds, convinced they possess knowledge, strongly seek the same old answers—endlessly.

This tendency arises because the mind delights in engaging through the ego's desire for self-preservation. As discussed in previous chapters, we perpetuate this cycle through the life beliefs we hold, which answer the habitual questions of our existence. Regardless of the nature of the rut, it is the familiar burrow we find comfort in. As creatures of routine, we often give ourselves a boost until the rut becomes intolerable compared to what we perceive as "out there."

There is a delightful anecdote about Einstein. A journalist once invited him to reveal the most crucial truth that could impact lives. Instead, Einstein posed a question:

"Is the world a friendly place?"

How we respond to this question shapes the essence of our lives. Our answer determines how safe we feel with others and in the world at large. It reveals the foundation from which we operate—whether in fear or trust—at any moment. This holds true, irrespective of the existence of harmful events or joyful occurrences. By contemplating this question and answering it through our belief systems regarding safety, we attract experiences that align with our beliefs, even if they do not fulfill us.

Ultimately, we perpetually ask the answer—how is this true?—for whatever we hold in the ego's pursuit.

Expanding the Framework

Since the mind craves engagement, we must work with what we possess. We can utilize our mental faculties to transcend what we have previously encountered, drawing from the natural attraction of what resides within us. Individuals dedicated to a deeper life have made this distinction.

This process begins with an inner intention that ignites an inquiry beyond the usual mindset. We might liken this inquiry to cinders placed beneath a stuck wheel, providing the necessary traction to free us from past entrapments. The beauty lies in the fact that our Core Self already understands and possesses Truth. By allowing questions to emerge from this core, we can create experiences that inform our everyday selves. Thus, we collaborate with the fundamental aspect of ourselves, gradually expanding our operational framework until we perceive boundless galaxies.

Questions of the Quest

Using the Re-membering Process as a model, prior to the initial Sparking, we find ourselves in a state of slumber, experiencing varying levels of numbness in some or all areas of our lives. While awakening from this slumber is possible, there exists a risk of remaining in a fog of confusion, akin to a bear emerging from deep hibernation. Something must provide the leverage to propel us toward awakening, for the task of Sparking is waking up. Holding these questions will initiate the lifting of our heads, the opening of our eyes, and the engagement of our bodies.

Where am I?

What am I feeling?

What am I lacking?

Once we recognize our current state, the journey can progress. We must discern how we have been untrue to our Core Self. This understanding will guide us in identifying what we need to detach from in order to create space for new possibilities. The task of Separation is un-learning. Thus, we must uncover how we might have relinquished our power and learn to reclaim responsibility. The sometimes painful revelations from these inquiries will motivate us to move away from a false past, revealing the true nature of our former existence.

Who am I not?

How did I abdicate?

How do I serve myself?

With this understanding in place, we can shift our focus to the Search, which aims to expand possibilities. To truly let go, we must turn toward the potential for something new. This process resembles brainstorming, generating a multitude of choices, and can be a time of playful exploration within the realm of opportunity. Allowing these questions to resonate will facilitate the discovery of the right fit.

Who am I?

What are the possibilities?

If the journey is to progress, simply floating and experimenting will eventually lose its appeal. The awareness of the Core Self can stand firm and reach out to the everyday self. During the phase of Initiation, the task of assimilating begins to embed the Truth. What was once held internally will connect with the external, bridging the gap to the next phase of the process.

What are my gifts?

Where am I going?

What do I need?

This cyclical journey brings us back to our starting point, returning to the world, but with the Core Self willing to expose itself. Re-entry requires the task of immersion. It also necessitates discernment regarding what to reveal and how to re-engage, not because the Core Self fears annihilation—an impossibility—but in order to convey the beauty of the nonlinear realm to those in a linear world, enabling them to initiate their own Sparking. It involves being compassionate towards those who are still on their path, perhaps asleep to the dream they have been living. It’s about finding an open framework within a structured society and employing the tools of non-doing through these points of departure.

How do I return?

What gifts do I share?

What is the structure?

How do I implement?

The spiritual evolution I refer to as the Re-membering Process unfolds through the full exploration of these questions. From there, we can extend our awe to envelop even deeper experiences and the wonder of All That Is.

Ultimately, it’s about the willingness to engage regardless of circumstances and being mindful of the nature of our inquiries. What we ask will surely return to meet us on our path. The choice we all face is whether and when we take the lead.

All events described in this book are true. Some names have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.

Editorial Reviews Purchase the book. I will publish chapters every few days until complete. Find links in the Table of Contents below.

Table of Contents

Preface Chapter One: Origins Chapter Two: Beyond Words Chapter Three: The Inner Point Chapter Four: Intentful Existence Chapter Five: Connecting With the Cosmos Chapter Six: What Matters Chapter Seven: The Space of No Need Chapter Eight: Conflicts on the Path Chapter Nine: The Edge of Limitation Chapter Ten: Asking the Answer Chapter Eleven: Living With Contrast Chapter Twelve: Thresholds Chapter Thirteen: Unconditional Being

Standing Stark: The Willingness to Engage Copyright 2004 by Carla Woody. All rights reserved. No portion of this book, except for brief review, may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. Inquiries may be directed to: Kenosis Press, P.O. Box 10441, Prescott, AZ 86304, [email protected].