It is said we perceive only what we think. This is true for a culture as well as an individual. At one time, the world was flat according to traditional thinking. Once the earth was the center of the universe. Once women couldn’t vote and were property of men. Not long ago matter was solid, not atomic; there were no appliances or lights that used electricity and natural resources seemed endless. In other words, perceived reality was very different than it is today.

Scientists, doctors, economists, psychologists and all the other modern professionals say that they now have a better understanding of how the universe works. Many claim that with modern civilized methods we may possibly know how to direct and control our social, planetary and bodily environments. Yet we look around and many of us feel there is something missing. Despite the changes the world is not necessarily a better place. Maybe we also have more to learn, new questions to ask. Maybe that is why we are here today.

Metaphysics is the study of the nature of reality. Not just the things we can measure, the sounds we hear, the colors we see, metaphysics is also the research into the universe that is beyond our five senses and our tools of measurements. With openness to unperceived existence and abilities, we perhaps can find better, more subtle answers to the questions about the meaning of and fulfillment of life and consciousness. By experimenting and asking new questions we can make a better future.

Most people are spiritual and eclectic, they believe in spiritual reality but are not sure how to conceive God and life after death. Some people are church go-ers some are not. Some people are religious, some are atheist and some just don’t know! But all people can be interested in metaphysics and living their lives in a meaningful way. For a person to enjoy metaphysical contemplation and exploration, all one needs is curiosity, a willingness to confront fear and a desire to empower heart and soul.

“Spirituality unites people – Religions divide people” a friend said in passing the other day. However, it is through religions and social institutions that people come together to spiritually support and give service to their community. Historically, the competition among Jews, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, etc, made it necessary to claim each had the only God or path to a transcendent afterlife. People were only exposed to their own culture and religion. Now the world seems smaller because of over-population, mass media and new technology. We can see all the cultural/religious paths. We can look back over geography and history and recognize that religious desire expresses itself in every society. Religions appear to be cultural variations of a human trait. Spirituality is the human drive and sensitivity that underlies all religions. It is through this core human sensitivity that we can transcend differences and work together in our local community and our planet.

So what is spirituality? It seems to be a human awareness of a timeless reality. It is a process of personally opening to a “sacred consciousness” and connection with a transcendent reality. The human species has a genetic ability to perceive and connect in a sacred way with life. As a species, we have a capability to perceive unseen phenomena, natural beauty, and time/timeless continuum. This sacred consciousness is deeply empowering, emotionally uplifting and enlivening to our senses/intellect. It is the highest expression of the human sentience and can give meaning to our individuality. Perhaps sacred consciousness comes from an inherited gene.

This “God Gene” allows sacred awareness to exist in us all, even when the struggle for survival suppresses it. It is our birthright or evolutionary advantage. Since sacred consciousness is found in all human cultures, it is a proof that specific holy books and dogma are only cultural expressions of a core human capability.

Sacred consciousness is so strong, however, it can be used to motivate and manipulate. Sacred consciousness usually engenders faith and a deep knowing that rises about doubt and questioning. People will spend billions, martyr themselves, and kill to be guaranteed a connection to God or divinity. Preachers, mullahs, and New Age prophets can earn lots of money and prestige. What would happen to all organized religions if the leaders could not receive money or power?

One of the descriptors of sacred consciousness is that it absolutely transforms and gives meaning to life/death. We all feel that we have experienced a deeper truth in a sacred state. For traditionalists, their holy book or savior is the only way they have found to access sacred absolute truth. As with most people, they wish that all people could find the peace of spirit that they have found.

From our society’s point of view we need to integrate the absolute nature of a sacred consciousness and the many different paths of tapping into it. We need to recognize that well-intentioned or even hypocritical self-serving people can manipulate spiritual fervor. Those that use religion to create separation and blame do a dis-service to the larger community. On the one hand we need to affirm the validity of the personally transforming experience and respect the path the person used to get there. On the other hand we need to keep them aware that there are other valid personal paths. Multiple expressions of sacred consciousness do not threaten personal salvation or any specific religion.

Lately the two hurricanes have helped to lessen the distrust and separation between people on different spiritual paths. The natural disasters demonstrate that pain, suffering and loss just happen. Disasters create a common danger. There is no enemy or terrorist to blame. A natural calamity can impact any of us, so it is easier to identify with the victims. When we define others as “like us” we can be very kind, generous, even heroic. Good-hearted people from all religions responded to the hurricanes with compassion and a willingness to help.

Government, science, capitalism, and marketing cannot solve the planetary problems of poverty, natural disasters, war, and racism without a united effort of the people. So it is good that spirituality is on the rise. It is deeply significant that we can develop non-material ways to support our hope, love, and meaning in life. Sacred consciousness and acknowledging the universality of the human soul allows for a common set of moral behaviors. Treating others as you would have them treat you transcends religious differences. Recognizing the rights and commonality of sacred experience is the basis of strong society in the Pikes Peak region or the planet.

By focusing on what unites us, we lessen our own fear and the fear of those who have a different spiritual path. By giving space between our personal sacred experiences and our community / government expectations, we let each of us be good citizens while coming from very different spiritual/cultural backgrounds.

One definition of “Community” is people living together in civility. In a successful community, people support each other during times of joy, times of transition and times of need. Here at the Metaphysical Celebration, we work to create a space where you can connect with people like yourself, who are open to personal growth, good health and positive change. Please use this opportunity to give and receive. Over time and many Celebrations, friendships and a strong sense of supportive community will grow.

Money

People sometimes complain that these Metaphysical Celebrations are too money oriented. Spiritual learning and healing should be free they say. In many traditional cultures, healing and learning were free but in those cultures people had a tradition of honoring and providing for their healers and teachers. Today, churches receive large sums of money from expected donations. Governments tax citizens to pay for services. We at Celebration Productions create fairs that honor and support alternative healers, teachers, counselors, vendors, and the public. The Metaphysical Celebrations are an exchange of energy. Money is part of the flow. By having profitable fairs with good value and sincerity we are creating events that are sustainable over many years and that are building “community”.

Value

We always strive to create Metaphysical Celebrations which are enjoyable and good learning experiences for everyone, rich or poor. We recognizes that most people work hard for their money. These fairs provide many free experiences and communications that are entertaining and meaningful. We are dedicated to providing the best quality at the lowest cost.
The readers, vendors and workshop presenters are all hardworking and sincere people who are not rich if compared to the corporate, world. So, as you spend whatever money feels right for you, recognize that the life sustaining energy of our community is flowing. We can work with people of different backgrounds and metaphysical beliefs to create a better future.