The More

The More

Years ago I was talking with a friend about this feeling that we get sometimes when we see something awe-inspiring like music, theatre, paintings, sculpture, amazing building architecture, a sunset on the Dakota plains, a slow beautiful rain or when we have this moment of peace that we feel when all is flowing and life is effortless. It’s a moment that is timeless and we really couldn’t put words to what was happening. We talked about how to give this feeling a description and we came up with the phrase, “The More”. The More is a feeling that you might be able to create (if you’re focused and dedicated), but ultimately it is something that we stumbled upon now and then. It is like an unexpected treat that honors us in that we’ve noticed it.

The More is that place of All Possibilities, a place of Pure Potential and Creation being shown to you, but you may not see it unless you are aware and paying attention. The More is really Nothing at its core it’s fluid and can change in an instant. It does not require thought, but only the act of allowing, of feeling it and seeing it out of the unfocused part of your vision. If you think about it too much or try to look at it directly, it will lose its essence and disappear. The More is All, but Nothing as well.

Imagine for a moment you received a present in a large brightly wrapped box with ribbons and bows. Not knowing what is in the box is exciting – it is “The More”, because it could be anything, it is the potential of your imagination. Once you unwrap the present and it takes its form, it has lost its potential and become a single known object.

The More is here for everyone – and experiencing it is to experience perfection. Do not seek The More, but rather be ready for it to show itself to you. You need only pay attention and allow.

Dwight Raatz

Journey to the Island of Creation

Recently I experienced a shamanic journey that I will share with you here. A group of friends and I got together to do some energy work and we started out the evening with one of my friends doing a one card tarot reading for each of us. I don’t recall the card I drew, but I do remember him telling me that part of the card’s meaning was being able to step outside my ego and looking at those aspects of myself in a way that is giving me control over the ego. This resonated with me because this is exactly what I’ve been experiencing over the past few months and it hit home how far I have come.

We then continued the night with my friend asking about how we wanted to journey; did we want to sit in silence, use a drum or a signing bowl. I was immediately drawn to the drum and spoke my wish. It was agreed to have the drum be the “regulator” of our journey. My friend has the ability to not only drum, but also to journey at the same time. Quite impressive I thought!

All was silent and we prepared ourselves. The drum call began with slow regular beats vibrating our beings and setting the tone. There was a shift and the drumming gathered speed and strength. Immediately I found myself flying above the ground, speeding toward some unknown location. The ground below me was a blur and I could see the curve of the earth as I moved faster and higher. I sensed a presence with me so I looked around to see that behind me flew several small “beings”. I thought it was interesting, but did not pay too much attention.

Ahead in the distance I could see a large object floating above the earth. It had irregular features and as I grew closer, I could see that it appeared to be an island. The island had mountain tops with streams flowing down, trees with many varieties and a dense growth, a large beach with water surrounding it.

I landed on the beach next to a large pyre of wood that was set aflame. The journey drum beat became strong in me and I began to dance around the fire. I looked behind me to see seven little beings dancing behind me – interesting. I looked at my body to see myself dressed in native American ceremonial garb – feathers on my headdress, along my arms – intricate beads sewn in in colorful and dazzling patterns on my leather garment. The drum’s rhythm urged me on to feel and let go of my human connection and to be part of the earth. I danced with love and creation flowing.

As I danced, I could see the skin from my body shedding off like dirt and becoming part of the ground. I could see the sweat running down my sides and flowing toward the streams. I could see my breath extending out and creating breeze. I could see the energy of my dance act as a fuel for the fire and I could feel it expanding. I saw all of these elements expanding and falling to the earth to replenish and renew. With all of this, I saw that I was the creator – that I Am. I saw that I was bringing life and am master of my own.

My curiosity became aroused with regard to the little beings following behind. I turned to look behind only to see that they no longer followed. I looked around to find them on the outer ring beyond where I danced with no connection to my creation process. They did not struggle, but rather appeared to be waiting and holding space for my work. What were these beings I asked. Immediately the answer came to me explaining that these were what made me human and were outside my Truth, Love and Creation. Then I knew they represented the ego in what could be referred to as the “seven deadly sins” (Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy & Pride) – all of which are born of fear. They cannot exist where love creates and all was right and I danced with Joy and Abundance!

My journey ended here as the drumbeat changed and called me back. I returned to my reality in the midst of friends and we shared our stories. I felt very blessed to be there and humbled to know my connection to All That Is.

Namaste,

Dwight Raatz

My Thoughts are Creation Itself

What I know now is that my thoughts are creation itself, and the more I thought about my unworthiness the more that came to be and the cycle would build on itself.  Now, I can identify these thoughts and immediately acknowledge them, love them for what they are and then transmute them into motivation to never be that way again.  The control is mine regardless.  I used to blame my parents and others for what and who I was, but I now know that what “they” did was all they could do to survive and feel good about themselves.  Sometimes this meant to be mean, to put upon guilt and blame, to shift their power outside themselves and give it to others.  This is what I saw as a child and therefore thought it was how it should be and then began doing the same to myself.  All of this however has very little power over me now.  While I still acknowledge it, I look at it only as the experience I created for myself. I am responsible for me.

Dwight Raatz