Although I’m not a religious guy, I have been a seeker on my spiritual path for decades. If I had any regrets, it would be why it took me so long to evolve on this journey. In hindsight, I now see how I was clinging to religious beliefs that were ingrained in my mind from childhood. As I’ve grown through self-discovery, it’s become very clear that I was misled as a child. For example, God is an old man with a flowing white beard sitting in a throne up in the clouds. 

 

OK, I know this sounds silly, but this ‘God-image’ I mention above is exactly what we were taught to believe as children. God was this father-like figure who was often angry and judgmental. He was watching over us like a hawk––keeping detailed notes for judgment day. Obviously, I can only speak of my own experience. However, since there are more than 2.3 billion Christians in the world, I’m guessing that I am not alone. I don’t really blame anyone. Maybe this ‘God in the image of man’ is necessary for kids? I’m a parent now. I understand how a little fear can be a good tool for control. But come on, we’re not children anymore! 

 

If we are looking for God, it’s time to stop looking up into the sky. Time to trade in the telescope for a microscope. If you are really looking for a Divine presence, it’s time to look within. I am now aware that God is my Life Force—the vibrating energy that animates every cell in my body. The word ‘animate’ is perfect for this definition. From the Latin anima and animat; “life, soul––instilled with Spirit.” This also reminds me of what Jesus taught, “Do you not know that you are a Temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells within you?” Corinthians 3:16. Wow, that says it all for me. In addition, this unconditional loving Energy that flows through you also flows through all of creation. This is what connects us all. 

 

By the way, these are not some New Age hocus-pocus ideas. This is actually an age-old message. The NY Times best-selling author Richard Rohr, who has also been a Catholic priest for the past 50 years, says “This message of self-discovery is what Jesus was trying to teach 2,000 years ago. Obviously, humanity wasn’t ready for this message, but maybe the time is now.” 

 

To put it in a nutshell, I believe at birth we are pulled from an invisible world of pure energy into the world of form. Even doctors say this unexplainable ‘spark of life’ appears sometime between 22-30 days after conception. It’s often called a ‘heartbeat’ even though the heart is not fully developed at this point. 

Anyway, fast forward several decades––when our bodies finally wear-out, this eternal part of ourselves (Energy/Life Force/Spirit) returns to its Source. For those who prefer metaphors––if God was the Ocean, every newborn would get an eye-dropper full of this Ocean water at birth. When our bodies perish, this water evaporates and will return to the Ocean. How cool is that! 

 

If this is too woo-woo for you, maybe a little science might help build my case. Actually, science and technology have been catching up with what the ancient mystics have been teaching for thousands of years. Did you know that the human body is 99.9 percent empty space? I know, this sounds ridiculous! 

However, the study of particle physics (atoms, quarks, etc.) has proven this to be true. I love this metaphor, If the nucleus of an atom was the size of a peanut, the outer shell would be the size of a football stadium! That’s a lot of empty space! These atoms which make up all matter, have electrons zipping around inside, giving them the illusion of being solid. Think of a ceiling fan running at full speed. 

 

Since life cannot exist without this energy field, I refer to this as our Life Force. Humor me a little longer for one more scientific tidbit. The first law of thermodynamics says that energy cannot be destroyed, it can only change in form. Hence, the ‘eternal’ nature of the energy body. Again, when the physical body finally dies, we simply return to Source––our Creator. Science and spirituality can coexist after all ;).

 

Did you notice there was no mention of making any side trips to heaven or hell? Okay––I’ve got good news and bad news. Let’s start with the good. THERE IS NO HELL IN THE AFTERLIFE. What’s the bad news? We create our own ‘hell’ during this lifetime. This realization was a huge aha moment for me. I don’t really want to talk more science, but it does all boil down to cause and effect. All of life’s experiences are a direct reflection of our past thoughts and actions. I know this can be hard to swallow, especially when we are in the middle of a shit storm, but I have learned this to be true. 

 

One of the biggest challenges I had for accepting this ‘universal law’ was having the courage to take responsibility for my life––the good, the bad and the ugly! Yes, all of it––anxiety, fear, worry, accidents, illnesses, addictions, loss, failed relationships, etc. We will all experience some heaven and hell during this Game of Life. Even Jesus said, The Kingdom of Heaven is spread out upon the earth and men do not see it. With this new awareness, you become a conscious Player. No longer a victim of circumstance, you can now play an active role in bringing more joy into this world. When we discover and surrender to our Divine Nature, we will begin to create heaven on earth. The cool thing about the spiritual path is that it’s never too late to AWAKEN. We all have a Sleeping Giant that resides within, patiently waiting to be discovered. 

 

www.AwesOmLife.com Craig Kolavo, author of ‘AWAKEN the Sleeping Giant.’ 

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Vol I, 2021