The Spiritual Explorer

"Follow your bliss and the universe will
open doors where there were only walls."
-Joseph Campbell

To find what has never been found, we must journey where no-one
has ventured before. To see what has never been seen, we must
gaze where no-one has looked before. To Learn what has never been
learned, we must imagine what has never been considered before.

All new inventions, ideas and discoveries are the result of a Spiritual
Explorer; a Trailblazer, who dared to venture into new, mysterious
and unknown realms; a Great Achiever who dared to boldly imagine
what no-one else dared to think about. Spiritual Explorers are the
"Changers of History" whose works and biographies line the book-
shelves of every library on the planet.

Einstein...Newton...daVinci...Aristotle...Pythagoras...Mozart,
just to name a few. We refer to them by a single name, yet we are
all aware of who they are and what they have accomplished.

These Spiritual Explorers understood that all New Discoveries
are found at the outer limits, the outer realms, of conventional
knowledge and Thought. These Spiritual Explorers chose to ignore
the stagnant conventions of their time and boldly ventured beyond
the visible Horizon of their Age.

In doing so they brought knowledge and Wisdom to a higher level.

Ridiculed and discredited at first, yet worshipped as Genius' at the
end, these Spiritual Explorers provided us with the Gift of Change
and re-wrote History. And, in doing so, they achieved Immortality.

Great Achievements are the most difficult to accomplish. They
require Great Awareness, Imagination, Enthusiasm and Courage.
That is why they are called Great Achievements. It is also why so
very few people dare to attempt them.

Each one of us has been sent into our Current Incarnation with the
ability to be great Spiritual Explorer. And though we may not change
the world, we have all the Spiritual Tools necessary to change our
world.

Is it easy? No. Is it worth it? Yes!

Everything of value has a price. The higher the value, the higher the
price. Should we pay this price? That is a question which only we,
individually, can answer to ourselves. For those of us who Choose
to enter the unknown, uncharted and wondrous realm of Adventure
and Imagination, we will have the opportunity to experience what
Einstein called "The Beauty of the Mysterious".

And, in our Travels to new and unexplored realms we may just find
ourselves enjoying a life and Destiny that many people only read
about in borrowed books.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2009

The Ancient Initiate

"Know thyself"
- Inscription above the entrance of
the Temple of Apollo at Delphi

In the Remote Past, Sacred Schools were established by Master
Teachers. It was in these schools that Master Teachers provided
Instruction to well-qualified individuals, who were in search of
Enlightenment, about the Secret Mysteries of the Physical and
Spiritual Worlds. These schools have come to be known as the
Ancient Mystery Schools. The individuals who were granted
admittance into these Mystery Schools were referred to as
Initiates.

Although many men and women applied for admission into these
Mystery Schools, only a few were accepted. The Master Teachers
first weeded-out the applicants who were seeking admission simply
out of "curiosity". Next, they eliminated those applicants who were
considered to be either too lazy, or simply unable, to dedicate
themselves to understanding and mastering the Knowledge and
Wisdom that these Sacred Institutions had to offer.

The applicants who were accepted into the Mystery Schools were,
indeed, the well-qualified and dedicated few who would invest the
time and energy necessary to learn the Knowledge and Wisdom that
the Master Teachers were about to impart to them.

Two important facts must be remembered regarding these Ancient
Mystery Schools:

First: Admission into the Mystery Schools was open to both men
and women. The gender of the person was not important. What
was important was whether the applicant was well-qualified,
dedicated, and able to handle the years of Spiritual and Mental
disciplines that lay before them.

Second: application for admission into these Mystery Schools was
completely voluntary. In addition, the Initiate was free to leave the
School should he, or she, determine that the Way of the School was
not in Harmony with their Personal Path. Needless to say, very few
Initiates Chose to quit these Mystery Schools.

But who were these Initiates of the Remote Past? And why did
they voluntarily dedicate years of their lives in order to understand,
and master, Sacred and Secret Mysteries...Mysteries that were
considered Ancient even during their lifetimes?

These Ancient Initiates were Seekers of Truth and Wisdom.
It was their Divine Calling to seek out, understand, and master the
Knowledge and Wisdom that govern the the Eternal Cycles of
Man and Spirit. These Initiates, these Seekers, did not look upon
the Teachings of these Mystery Schools as an obligation they must
endure. Instead, they looked upon their Lessons and Disciplines as
an Adventure that was in Harmony with their Divine Nature. They
appreciatively, and enthusiastically, embraced the Knowledge and
Wisdom that the Master Teachers of these Mystery Schools were
pleased, and honored, to bestow upon them.
See also: "Instruction of the Initiate"

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2009

The Face Of A Child

When we look into the Face of a Child, what do we see?

The first thing we notice is a look of Peace and Contentment.
A Child's Face exhibits no worry or frustration. A Child's Face
displays no fear. A Child's Face is void of deception. We see no
"secretiveness" or "defensiveness" in the Face of a Child. To the
contrary, a Child's Face is full of Trust and the features on a
Child's Face display Peacefulness, Contentment, Openness,
Honesty, Curiosity, and Excitement.

A Child views everything, and everyone, in this world as a
New Experience: a New Adventure. And, this Child cannot get
enough of all the New Experiences, and New Adventures, that
surrounded it.

Although a Child may still be physically "clumsy" this Child
continually volunteers to help adults gather firewood, plant
flowers, sort laundry, bag groceries, and pay the cashier at the
checkout stand. A Child gets a thrill simply from the opportunity
of being able to assist an adult in all sorts of "ordinary tasks".
And, to top it off, a Child neither asks for, nor expects, anything
in return.

A Child simply enjoys participating in a New Adventure,
regardless of what that New Adventure is. The participation in
this New Adventure is the Child's reward. What "adults" might
consider as boring and mundane chores, a Child views as
Exciting New Experiences.

When we look into a Child's Face, or listen to a Child's Voice, we
are experiencing the living proof that the Qualities of Peacefulness,
Contentment, Excitement, and Honesty are still alive and well in
this world. These are the same Qualities that many of us have
abandoned in our mad rush to "grow up".

A Child's Face is a reminder from Divinity that these Higher
Qualities actually do exist, and are continually being re-born
into this world every single day!

This is why we worship and admire a Child as much as we do.
A Child's Face reminds us of who we were before we "grew up",
and who, deep down inside of us, we long to re-Become.

The Lessons and experiences of Peace, Contentment, Honesty,
and Curiosity are right before our eyes. These Lessons and
experiences are being re-born into our world each and every day.
These lessons and experiences are presented to us each and every
time we look into The Face Of A Child!

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2009

Horizons (Legendary Adventures)

"Beyond this point there be Dragons!"
-Old Mapmaker Legend

The Old Mapmakers had a unique way of describing the uncharted
and unknown expanses that lay beyond the Horizon. They would
Symbolically draw a line on the map that indicated the boundary of
the then-known world and inscribe the following:
"Beyond this point there be Dragons!"

This advised the Traveler that the lands and seas beyond this point
were uncharted and contained unknown dangers.

Needless to say, most people heeded the warnings of the
Mapmakers and did not risk Traveling beyond these boundaries.
However, every so often a Seeker would arrive whose curiosity
was too strong to be confined to an arbitrary line drawn by a
Mapmaker.

These Seekers enthusiastically ventured beyond the limits of
the then-known world, bravely venturing forth into the Realm
of Dragons. In their Quest into the Unknown they not only
encountered unknown dangers (Dragons), they also experienced
the Marvelous and the Wondrous. These Travelers discovered
Treasures both unknown and unimaginable.

As would be expected, these Adventures had a very profound
affect on these Travelers. When they finally did return to their
homeland they returned as a very Changed person. And although
these Travelers enchanted the masses with their tales of danger
and discovery, these masses could never truly understand and
appreciate what these Travelers had experienced and Learned.

A Rift of Experiences had developed between those who ventured
forth and those who remained behind. The "tempered excitements"
experienced by their countrymen who remained at home in no way
compared with the Legendary Adventures these Travelers had
experienced in the Realm of Dragons.

Although still friends, these two groups could never have the same
"bond" that they once shared. Those who stayed behind were just
as comfortable and correct with their Decision as those who
Traveled forth. The big difference was in their experiences. Those
who ventured forth experienced Dragons while those who remained
at home could only imagine Dragons.

Once the Traveler, Seeker, and Wanderer, ventures beyond the
Horizon of Familiarity, their Adventures and experiences change
them forever. And while the Traveler changes dramatically, those
who stay behind remain pretty much unchanged.

And so it is today. Those of us who leave our homeland and venture
forth to new lands, and realms, experience the same Changes in
ourselves that those Ancient Travelers experienced.

As with the Ancient Travelers, we also look forward to returning to
our homeland to enchant our friends and relatives with tales of our
Adventures. And although these people are interested in hearing
tales of "far away places with strange sounding names", their hearts
and minds belong to their "old neighborhood" and familiar friends.
Our Horizons have expanded while theirs have remained the same.

Although both sides are correct in their Decisions, it is we, the
Curious Traveler and Lone Wolf, who experience that discomforting
Melancholy when we return to visit the land of our youth. We
discover what all past Travelers, and Trailblazers, experienced:
that although we can go back "home", we can never return to that
free-spirited Home of our Past that lingers as a fond fairy-tale in the
deep recesses of our mind.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008

The Road (Our Personal Journey)

"The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began."
"The Hobbit" - J.R.R. Tolkien

The "door where it all began" is the moment of our birth.
From that moment on the Journey down our personal Road begins.

There are Times when our Road is clearly defined and our Journey
is smooth. Then there are times when our Road is rough and gnarly;
or perhaps just a faint trail. These are the times when our Journey
is frustrating and difficult and we must proceed with caution.
And finally, there are times when Our Road vanishes and we must
work hard to "pick up the trail". These are the times that we
experience confusion and fear and wonder if we will ever get back
"on track". However, these are also the times when we can forge
our greatest strengths, learn our greatest Lessons, build Strength
of Character, and define who we truly are.

The road of our earthly Journey is a very long Road! Our Road
does not end when we reach a detour, a roadblock, a setback, or
when we stop at an Inn along the way in order to rest and celebrate.
Once our obstacles and respites are complete, we continue our
Journey down The Road of our life.

No single Event, whether a success or failure, defines our Journey.
These Events are simply the experiences that become the
Teachers that accompany us down Our Road.

To think that getting a job, getting married, receiving a long awaited
promotion or reaching retirement is the crowning achievement of
our life's purpose only leads to disappointment and frustration.
These Events, no matter how important they may seem, are
simply one solitary Event; merely one cobblestone in the Road of
our life's Journey. They may be crowning events in our Journey,
but once these events pass our Journey resumes.

It is important to remember that just as each of our achievements
is simply an Event, an experience, a cobblestone, so also is failure
merely one lone cobblestone in our long Road. Once failure passes,
it too becomes just one more experience for us to lean on and learn
from as we continue our Journey.

Whether we Choose to move on down Our Road with enthusiasm,
or Choose to quit looking ahead, Our Road will continue and we will
be either willing, or reluctant, Travelers.

By greeting each new day, each new step, and each new cobblestone
with enthusiasm we are able to prepare for, and meet, the new
Adventures that await us along Our Road.

However, it is when we try to avoid Traveling any further down
Our Road that our greatest disappointments occur. These
disappointments happen because we have Chosen to make ourselves
unwilling, unprepared, and fearful Travelers. And as with any
unprepared and fearful Traveler we run the risk of meeting the
Highwayman who jumps from the bushes demanding we "stand and
deliver." Either we are the Master of our Travels, or our Travels will
master, and subdue, us.

Remembering that our "road goes ever on and on", and that each
one of our experiences is but a cobblestone that paves our way,
let us embrace our Adventure and and enjoy all the surprises and
achievements that await us on our personal Journey into the future.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008

The Call To Adventure

"Still round the corner there may wait,
a new road or a secret gate."
- "The Hobbit", J.R.R. Tolkien

Tap...Tap...Tap...There's a knock on my door. I look out my
window and see a Stranger wearing the robes of a traveller.
He is standing on my doorstep and leaning on his walking stick.
He has all the features of an experienced traveller. Although
curious as to who this person is I decide to ignore the Stranger's
knock.
Tap...Tap...Tap...His knock is now louder. Who is this persistent
Vagabond that is so determined to disturb my peace and comfort?
I decide to answer the knock and send this Intruder on his way.
I open the door and face the Stranger. His face is a story of many
experiences and adventures. His piercing blue eyes project power,
determination and sincerity.
Before I can speak the Stranger takes command.
STRANGER: I have come a long way to find you.
SEEKER: I'm in the phone book. All you had to do is pick up
a telephone. (The Stranger's gaze does not waver and my attempt
at humor is met by his intense, steady gaze.)
STRANGER: There is a Great Task that must be accomplished
and it can only be entrusted to you.
SEEKER: Aren't you being a little dramatic? I'm sure that if
you knock on enough doors you will find someone else willing
to take on this "task". Now, if you don't mind, I'm going back
to my hot chocolate and my book.
STRANGER: ( His eye's unwavering and his voice stronger)
This is a task that can only be entrusted to YOU!
SEEKER: (Still wondering how to dislodge this Stranger from my
doorstep) What IS this "task" of which you speak? (Now I'm
beginning to sound a little like the Stranger.)
STRANGER: A Great Darkness approaches. Soon it will cover
your entire world. Should this happen, life as you know it will
no longer exist. You cannot allow this to happen. Only YOU can
defeat The Great Darkness!
SEEKER: Really! And just how do you expect me to accomplish
this task?
STRANGER: (Gently) You are more capable than you know.
You will find a way.
SEEKER: Will you accompany me throughout this task?
STRANGER: Only part way. I will show you the Path you
must follow. This Path is long and difficult. This Path leads to
your Great Task. Only by accomplishing your Great Task,
ALONE, can you save your world.
SEEKER: I don't know anything about saving worlds. Do you
have an instruction manual? What kind of help will I receive?
STRANGER: You will meet Guides along the way. They will
teach you everything you need to learn.
SEEKER: And they will accompany me to the end of my task?
STRANGER: No. They will instruct you. You must complete
your Great Task alone.
SEEKER: Can you guarantee that I Will succeed at this Great
Task?
STRANGER: No. You MAY fail.
SEEKER: What kinds of comforts will I have along this Path?
STRANGER: You will earn great new friendships and acquire
Sacred Wisdom.
SEEKER: Can you guarantee my safety?
STRANGER: No. You will experience much danger and meet
many enemies.
SEEKER: Will these enemies try to harm me?
STRANGER: Many will try to KILL you.
SEEKER: Let me see if I have this all straight. You are asking
me to go on this Great Task alone. I'm also expected to endure
great hardships. You can neither guarantee my success nor my
safety. This does not sound like a very good deal. What,
IF ANYTHING, can you guarantee me?
STRANGER: (With a flicker in his eyes and a soft smile)
I guarantee you The Adventure Of A Lifetime!
SEEKER: (After a lengthy, thoughtful pause)...I accept!

...NEXT: "The Call To Adventure Explained, Part 2"

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008

Transformation

"Times change"..."The only thing constant is Change".

These are often heard statements. Yet, they are also powerful
Truths.

I am witnessing a dramatically changing Time in history. I have a
Choice to either focus on the current chaos, or on the Adventures
and Transformations which lie ahead.

There are only two choices and I can only Choose one.

For a new era to begin, the old era must come to an end. Birth of the
new comes from the death of the old. This is Transformation; this is
Creative Destruction.

In order to enter a new room, one must abandon the old room. To
enter a new life, one must abandon the old life. To Transform myself
into a higher being, I must abandon the lower being that tries to hold
me back.

I cannot climb a mountain if I insist on keeping one foot on the
ground below.

Ancient teachings present this Truth in the forms of Shiva and Seth,
the destructive forces of the universe. The Tarot presents this truth
by way of The Tower.

All things created by man come to an end. All material things come
to an end. Destruction of the old is necessary for the Creation of the
new. This is the Way of the Universe.

The beauty of the butterfly can only manifest with the Transformation
of the caterpillar. We all can take a Lesson from the caterpillar.
The caterpillar never doubts its process of manifestation. It willingly
allows its Transformation to happen, never doubting the outcome.

If I Choose to fight the current Changes I will only expend a lot of
negative energy. This is unhealthy for my body, mind and spirit.

Complaining will not stop Change. Debating will not stop Change.
Mobilizing forces will not stop Change. Worrying will not stop
Change.

These Changes will occur regardless of what anyone attempts to do.
Once Change begins, it cannot be stopped until it has run its full Cycle.

By accepting the Change that is now beginning, I instantly gain peace.
This allows me to be the Witness of Transformation and to take
advantage of the new opportunities and Adventures that will be
presenting themselves to me.

I accept change. I choose peace.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008