Author: Pendell Pittman

After more than a year now, a worldwide pandemic still makes way for a “mass ascension” with more than an estimated 2.5 million souls entering the non-physical realms. Now, I wonder, how could there not be deep longings of the heart in as many relatives, friends, and lovers still alive on earth, helplessly grieving loss and separation from dearly departed loved ones?

There is, by universal design, the natural thinning of a vibratory “veil” between the earthly realm which we see and know and the invisible realms in the cosmos beyond — a range of Source Energy that I myself encountered at close range, when faced with a “Near-Death Experience” (a more accurate and descriptive term that I, for one, know to be a “near-ascension experience”.

When a close friend asked me about it, I heard myself briefly say, “Returning to earth after glimpses of heaven, I no longer fear death”. After a few moments of serene silence, my friend met my gaze and said (in his few words), “You just said all what matters, dear friend.”

He then told me of his own experience with a life-threatening “close call”, after having spent several years as a grief care counselor with “accidental caregivers” (ones suddenly obliged to care for others). Thus, he knew firsthand the dynamics of “care-receiving” as well as caregiving. 

While at it, he confided that the deepest longing of his heart was to be of true service to others. And, to be effective, that service had to start with being of service to his own cogent mind, clear heart, and clean hands. His humble, kind words reminded me that:

1. “Self Care” is an everyday discipline that is indeed caregiving of a crucial nature. Just as airlines advise parents to be sure, in case of an emergency, to don their own facemask prior to the child’s, the most self-sustained person there is the caregiver.
   
   
2. Grief counseling is important. For grief to be healed and released, it must be faced. And nowadays, grief is seen as, not a thing to be denied in oneself or ignored by others, but seen as being in urgent need of quick, safe, and successful team efforts. 

In that wise, grief over the loss of a loved one is an enduring theme of cinema, yet it is also one of the most complex human experiences captured on film. Such is often depicted amidst a larger story line.

Two TV series — long-standing Heartland and now-retired Council of Dads — deal with grief’s aftereffects, as does the movie Sleepless in Seattle with a happy ending had by a widower and his son. In contrast, the movie A Star is Born centers on a starlet who is utterly devastated by the suicide of her passionate, yet drug-addicted, one true love.

Now, I hasten here to include that treasured movie, Forrest Gump — one of Tom Hanks’ many hallmark roles. It is the self-narrated story of a simple-minded man who grows in wisdom, while close at hand for him is the passing away of both his “Mama” (the sole one who nurtured his early years), and “Jenny”, his free-spirited best friend who personified the love of his life.

Not only can films about grief and loss reflect the experiences one is going through; they can also give a new perspective on bereavement, and help those who haven’t experienced grief (with its shock, anger, despair, and renewal) to understand how it differs from any other kind of pain.

And above all, when one approaches lyrical content hearing what resonates with the “Invisible”, it becomes clear that — though sincere words may ostensibly address a human love interest — core longings of the heart and soul express an ineffable, uniquely personal surrender that spirals sublimely “Upward”.

Full release of pure longing is of an ageless, inherent nature  — much more elemental than any habitual belief, faith, or hope could ever be. And it is, for certain, beyond emotional addictions or theological, even theosophical, persuasions.

Interestingly enough, such powerful longings can be fulfilled perfectly through humble and kind service outflowing to others.

Indeed, the heart sings when doing something for someone else makes for a beautiful day in the neighborhood … 

Have a Beautiful Day!

When singer-songwriter John Mayer performs “Say What You Need to Say”, reviewers note that most listeners have its title emblazoned in their memories. And why wouldn’t it be? That lyric line repeats itself no less than 32 times in total.

Meanwhile, supporting lyrics interspersed throughout the score impart profound messages that address longings in the human heart — with a central root being “To Love and to Be Loved”.

Hence, while yielding one’s open mind and feeling realm to these assertively instructive verses, one’s needs, desires, and ambitions may well be enriched by the timely insights voiced therein. And they are further amplified when actuated via resonant practices, like these (herein below).  

“Take out of your wasted honor every little past frustration.”

Meditate deeply by surrounding yourself in silence. Then, relax into a serene headspace that is focused solely on your long, rhythmic breathing in & breathing out; breathing in & breathing out.

“Take all your ‘problems’: Better put them in quotations.”

Journaling is an act of expressing one’s deepest thoughts and feelings by writing words that reflect true and abiding currents. And Journaling helps one clarify ingrained habits of belief and concept, and bring release, and thus relief, from latent patterns of emotion.

Consistent journaling calls upon one to slow down and give thoughtful attention to present-day facets of Life here on Earth. And “Your Earth’s” unique realm manifests from your individual responsibilities, opportunities, and resultant circumstances.

“Walkin’ like a one-man army, fightin’ with the shadows in your head,
Say what you need to say.”

Affirmations aid in transforming random mental drifting into Self-governed thought. In addition, unchecked emotions — like, for example, fuming anger from grief over the loss of loved ones — can be soothed with affirmations that are rhythmically sustained by measured out-breaths of grateful joy for living Life in Its fullness.

“Givin’ up the same old moments, knowing you’ll be better off instead,
Say What You Need to Say.”

Visualization frames vivid, present-moment experiences — not just sight, but sound, taste, smell & touch — connecting one’s senses of vibratory essences to practical manifestations in form.”

“Have no fear for giving — No fear of giving in, or giving over …”

This integrated text involves different meanings — each one, pivotal to true Being.

1. Have no reticence over giving and receiving forgiveness of your Self;
2. Release yourself from restraints as regards the robust abundance of Generosity;
3. Express your true Self, without concern for results or the views of others.

It could even suggest fearlessly surrendering a perceived need to control the uncontrollable.

Physical Exercise, I find, is a fertile field for giving oneself a unique gift of Plenitude — a quiet, unassuming, yet actionable wellspring that satisfies all of the aspirations listed above. 

One’s physical body, when kept healthy, is a “willing servant”, so to speak. Having no capacity of its own for judgment or reservation, it unerringly serves whatever one’s heart and mind require.

An example of this from my experience involves the physical exercise regimen that I created (four years ago now) to sustain my Life force while facing quite an intense health challenge. 

Even decades before that, I was barely able to manage 20 pushups in a row. Well, that was then. And This is the Here and Now! — Wherein …

20 challenging pushups for me back then expanded, over time, to 420 easy pushups now.

Seven days a week (for three 20-minute sessions), I reel off those 420 push-ups during daylight hours — 140 (20×7) pushups in each of 3 sessions (early morning, noontime, & late afternoon).

The sets of pushups are timed to the second with a stopwatch, and integrated with various other exercises (ie. planks, handstands, leg lifts, and assorted aerobic and anaerobic routines).

In rhythm with consistent daily meditation, disciplined diet, plenty of sound sleep, informed, Self-governed thought, and a blessed surround of loving family and kind friends, my physical body gives itself fully in response to the Wholeness in Life Currents with which it resonates.

 “In the end, it’s better to say too much
than to never say what You need to say.”
(Remember that “personal Journaling” is a “contained” (safely private) way to say too much!)
“Even if your hands are shakin’
And your faith is broken
Even as eyes are closin’
Do it with a Heart Wide Open
Where you can
Say What You Need to Say“