Deep Within

Being grateful

Gratitude begets more gratitude.

Gratitude has the power to uproot and tear down any traps of the ego. The ego is the false actor in our lives. The ego is THE liar, who is composed as many attributes. The ego gives us a false sense of who we are not. The ego alludes us from our higher selves. The ego entraps us.

Some of these traps might be curses we have put on ourselves or curses we allowed into our lives. Being grateful for someone, for all things is really practicing genuine gratitude and love for the authentic you.

The authentic you is the Supreme you, some people call this by many names such as Christ, the Higher Self, the Creator within but this all the same language exposing the same understanding.

The Christ You is the creative, creator.

This authentic you is beautiful, intelligent, delightful to be around . The authentic you is masterfully impeccable in all that it does. The authentic you is Love. Being grateful takes us back to love. You may not how to love yourself or others but practicing gratitude for all things, all people brings you closer to yourself. Love is not an emotion but a state of being. Love is a state of awareness of recognizing who and what everything is derived from and where you stand in the midst of it all. Love is the awareness of the Authentic you. Love is who you are.

A quick guide:

Practice seeing everyone who is in your life today as yourself. Seeing everyone has the reflection of you helps you to gain compassion and new set of eyes toward other people. If you desire that people be more gentle, caring, self-less and loving be that. Become gentle, caring, self-less and loving for yourself, through your reflection of yourself through others. Practicing gratitude helps us to see with new eyes. The result of gratitude is devotion to our higher selves. The result of devotion is inspiration. Inspiration is the very essence we derive from. Inspiration is our very breathe. We are not separate from anyone. We are each other reflection and this reflection is the image and likeness of Love.

Within Love,

Herlay Maitre

We hear many things about inspiration. Some say inspiration is the divine spark, inner cite, stimulation of Good will, or to be in Spirit, but until we define it for ourselves it will be a element that is yet to be attained within the irregularity of life.

What if we believed that we are inspiration? What would happen?

Our thoughts would change. Our actions would change. Our interactions with ourselves and others would begin to take another shape. They would reflect the colors of vitality and bliss. You are an inspiration itself.You are the very life that you seek. No... not in a fairy tale type of way but in an eternal type of way.

We know what is eternal can not change. What is eternal is irrevocable.

If we know who we are, we'll know why we are here. We'll know our individual mission. This is important because we all have one. We all have a mission for which we have been sent here, at this specific time.

In the gospel or account of Mary Magdalene she talks about the soul being bound in her conversations with Jesus. The soul says “I have been bound even though I have not bound.” She's saying the sin which we create is holding us back.

She went on to say, “I recognize that all (with a capital A) is being dissolved, both the earthly things and the heavenly. All that has entangled me is dissolving into the nothingness from which it came”. Mary Magdalene is saying I've become aware of who I am, and I see the illusion I've created being dissolved; thus, now holding onto what I know as Truth.

Awareness is being fully conscious. The moment we become aware, we begin to have conversation with inspiration. Mary asked, “how does one who sees a vision see it”? Inspiration answered and said, “I speak to the mind between the two, not the soul or the spirit but the mind between the two”. What is the mind between the two? Inspiration says, “this is the nous, this is me. I am it”. This I am is Inspiration. Inspiration is us. 

Love,
 Herlay Maitre

An important key to success in life is to understand the power of words. A word is a thought eternalized. What we think or what we believe effects the way we live our life, it effects our emotions, our attitudes and our behaviour.Thought that are spoken are very powerful because once it comes out it cannot be taken back. Once these words are out they will have their effect.

We have all heard the old saying,“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Is this true? How many times, have we felt hurt or happy by a word said to us in the past or in the present?

Words are thoughts expressed into another form. Words contain tremendous positive or negative power and thus can be used to hurt or heal. The vibration of a word affects us on many levels. Spoken words have vibration because whatever words come out of us has energy attached to it. Whatever we say to someone else will produce some kind of an effect in that person. We are constantly creating something, either positive or negative with our words.

Words shape our reality. They are tools for expression and creation. It is time to be aware of how often we are creating through our words. Our words determine our destiny. Any given moment that we are about to speak, we have to be careful of what is coming out of our mouth. Our words have to be in alignment with what we want to see being produced in our life, our vision and our dreams.

Take time to check your thoughts before you voice them out. Are the words going to inspire and motivate? Will they create a positive or negative effect by speaking saying them? Use your words to heal a broken heart, to counsel, to motivate, to lead. Use your words to strengthen because there are many broken souls out there. Use your words to make a difference because many youth have been hurt through words. Therefore use your words to lift them up.

If you have been a victim of emotional abuse reach out to people who could help you gain that self esteem back. Speak words that will build your self-esteem and confidence, build relationships and build possibilities. Be around people who will help you awaken this inner beauty that is buried under thorns of negative words. Choose your surroundings wisely. Be around people who will speak words of affirmation, encouragement, love, acceptance and appreciation. The most powerful move to make is to start making those affirmations yourself.

I love you,

Chefiatou Falana.

Know Thy self 

As we see history taking place today with the inaugural celebrations happening all throughout the world but most distinctively in Washington. I can't help but think about how the next four years will be, or who within the crowd is going to rise up to the call of Presidency. At this point in our history anything is possible. As a society, a county, and a nation we are raising the best among us. We may not realize this truth but the universe is aligning, bending and transforming, people, events, and situations for your benefit. Things might happen for us in this magnitude, we are that special.

Who we strive to become, we already are. We have come on earth to manifest this. It is up to us to connect to this truth in order that we might be able to manifest it. Who we perceive we are is ultimately who we will become. We must allow ourselves to come in contact with the beings we are created to be. We do this through self love, this then leads us to self-discovery. Self-discovery will then lead us to finding our passions, discovering our gifts thus drawing near to us events, situations or people that are in alignment with this new found Truth that is the unfoldment of the authentic Self.

“Know thy self and you should never be mis-lead”, my friend Dana Pedro says. This quote is a beautiful one because honoring ourselves is where it begins. When we honor ourselves, we begin to know ourselves, when we Know ourselves we uncover the veils that have been brought on by false thoughts or beliefs.

Our path did not just begin therefore every experience you have had thus far is one that has brought you to this moment. The moment where we look into our own eyes and say “ I am here for a reason and I WILL complete my mission.” We all have a mission here on this earth, however our primary purpose of existence is to fuel this world with much light and love. It is in this understanding, we smile and know that all that we are is and will always be Divine. We are assured because we've learned throughout the journey of knowing ourselves that we were created by the Divine. We remember that nothing is ever separate from the Divine. We rest in this knowing.

Always within Love,

Herlay Maitre

Dear you,

You come here on this planet earth to make it better with your gifts and talents. You have a dream to fulfill. You have a vision to accomplish. You are the children of this generation. You are the light and the foundation of the next generation. You are young and strong. You are the strength and the light for our generation. I want everyone to know this to be true.

I am greatly concerned about you. My deep sympathy goes to you all. Your hindrances are reaching the skies. The sound of your voice brought forth despair. Your days of hope become hopeless. The happiness of your heart is no more to be found. Your joy became sadness. I am just naming a few. You just need knowledge. So let me not waste any words and come to your rescue.

I tell the truth. I know what you are going through. Many of us have been on that road before. You are not alone. I call it the feelings of a road to nowhere. Since you are not alone, I have something to share with you. I have some key concepts to help change your life forever. Again, I do not waste words. I am writing precisely what you need to do to better your life. I want you to take advantage of it as if this was your last breath.

There are three things you must understand about life. As you believe it, so it is for you. Your beliefs shape your destiny. Learn about personal development, setting goals for yourselves, and learn how to take responsibility for your actions.

As you believe it, so it is for you. Your personal development says a lot about who you really are in life. Personal development is about things you are trying to change in yourself. Do not try to change circumstances outside of yourself. If you change yourself, things will change. In others words, if you want your life to change, change yourself. Do not try to change people such as friends, family members, and co- workers. Do not try to change what is going on out there, but change what is going-on in you. If you are willing to change, everything will change for you. This is the greatest advice anyone can give you in life.

Changing your life leads you to setting goals. Be willing to treat your past as a school, and learn from personal experience. Set your goals to things that call you to achieve. You are now leaving your past behind, and looking into the future. The future is the promise. For every promise there is a price to pay. Everybody got to pay the price. In this particular case, the price is something that will make your life better. Things that make you better, make you grow, make you change, and make you develop in life. In any given case, price is followed by discipline.

If the future sets clear, the price gets easier. In other words, If you make the promise of the future clear for yourself, the price is easy to pay. To set a good future, you must have a well designed plan. You do this by deciding what you want, making a list of what you want, learning from personal experience, learning from other people’s experience, learning by listening, reading good books (Bible), and by asking questions. These are some key ways to start disciplining yourself towards the future. A well designed future leads to hope and happiness. That is where you want to be. 

Gimsly Paul 

CHOICES   

by Dana Pedro 

Why do we make the choices we do?

What am I thinking when I make a choice?

What are my perceptions when I make a choice?

Choices have consequences and results

What is the reasoning behind my choices?

Why did I do that? Why did I say that?

What is controlling my choices?

Who is controlling my choices?

Am I of clear mind? Is my mind cloudy? Is my mind overwhelmed?

Do I rely on others? Do I rely on past events, experiences? Do I rely on old patterns?

What are the thoughts that create my choice?

Are my choices based on Absolute Truth or a self-created truth?

What is choice?   A decision.  An outcome.  A selection. An opportunity.

We must think about our choices, for choices create the life we live.

We must understand why we make the choices we do in order to stop making wrong choices.

We must realize the importance of making good choices, and because of this we are able to enjoy a good life.

Let us ask ourselves, why do you make the choices we do? 

People care so much about what other people may think. “What will they say if I say this or do that”? It has come to a point where we can’t express what we really have on our minds anymore. This behavior has become a handicap to many people. What will people say about clothes, shoes, and hairstyles? What are people thinking when I walk to the bus stop, when I am on the bus and need to pull the cord to signal my stop, and when walking to class or to the office. A large percentage of our thoughts are focused on how others view us.

As human beings we go through so many life situations both good and bad. There are things that happen within us without us being conscious of it. Many times these happenings are a result of choices we have made. It could have been from someone saying mean things and mistreating us. It can also be from past failures, abuse, or betrayal. All these events can leave behind strong memories that affect our lives, create low self-esteem and bring self pity. As a result we can tend to feel worthless. In general this can lead to people not acting like their true selves in order to find acceptance. The funny thing is that no matter what one does, there is always a possibility of someone having something negative to say.

When will this change? How can we find peace inside?

The Lord is the only true judge. We should do anything and everything in our life thinking of God and how we can realize our true nature. Our efforts should be dedicated to him. We should be doing what he taught us by practicing: love,respect,faith,dedication, and self-less service to name a few. Our God created every one of us for a purpose and loves us all the same way without discrimination. The love of God for us is a real and true love, love that gives without expecting anything in return; love that doesn’t get irritated no matter what; love that keeps its arms open no matter how loaded anyone is. We are all little representations of God, let’s not be afraid to affirm and loudly shout that to the whole world. In spite of what happened, let’s wear the gown that is designated for us, God’s gown. There is no time to waste. Seek to please your God and not humans who can hardly be satisfied.

"Please, do you understand that there is someone in you that has created the entire universe? If the Lord is for you, who can be against you...hahaha!( Alain Dagba)"

With Love,

Vicky Pilouzoue

Come dine with me

Allow me to sip on your cup, the cup of life

Come rest with me

Allow me to rest at your side, the smell of your love makes me whole

Come and walk with me

Allow me to hold your hand, as the wind kisses my cheeks, I’m reminded of your oneness with me

Come, let’s talk about life

Allow me to be reminded about the life I’ve lived, so that I may continue in the life that I have

Come.

Come and dine with me.

Come and rest with me.

Come, lets talk.

Let’s gaze into each other’s eyes and become one.

Hold me, that I may melt into you! Trust me with your heart and I will trust you with mine.

We are one. We are the same. We have entered into each other for life.


Love, Herlay

     The heart of life (Corazon de Vida Foundation), was the name of the orphanage we went to. The children are truly the heart of life. Imagine, if we were to go through the innocence of the heart every time were about to embark on a new journey. For if the heart is pure, then the mind will also be pure. If the mind is pure then the actions will also be pure. This is the essence to which we are all trying to go back to; the essence of purity. Purity or innocence does not mean ignorance. Purity and innocence simply mean that you are living from the highest form of who you are. You except that who you are is coming from the Source; The Divine Source.

     Going to the orphanage was a real life experience. As I sat out and watched the children interact the feeling I got was these children have so much potential. How could they go through so much at such a young age. The younger children were happy. Their eyes reacted as if nothing else mattered in that moment, but your interaction with them. The older children, you can tell that life had taken a toll on them but that they would decide to stand and live any way.

I wondered to myself how a parent can say I’m leaving this child behind! Either way, you can tell when looking into these children’s eyes, they were attached to no thing. They were simply grateful! They were grateful for the pizza they were about to receive, they were grateful for the games they were about to play, they were grateful for the hugs they were going to receive. They were simply grateful for life as they knew it. It was as if they were saying “don’t feel bad for me, I’m going to be OK, but thanks for coming!”

     The interactions between the volunteers and the orphans were breath taking. You can tell that the people really enjoyed being with the children and that all that was important at that time was the children. The children I noticed took particular attention to volunteers who were naturally loving. The volunteers that sat around the children were passive around but the volunteers that picked up the children, played with children and laughed with the children were the ones that the children choose to bond with. There was one particular woman who was volunteering and came into the nursery. The moment she got in there a boy who was feeling sick took notice of her and sat on her lap. When she tried to put him down, he would cry; she then would rush to pick him up and continue to rub his back. I watched her interaction with him for some time and realized that their bond was far deeper than one can see with their physical eye. The boy soon felt better, and went off to play but that bond that was built was an incredible one; this bond I’m sure would last for eternity.

     After leaving the orphanage I began to re-evaluate the things that were important to me. I thought about the bonds that we make and how those bonds can last for an eternity. As I thought about my own interaction with people I realized how important it is to remind them that their present situation, or misfortune does not define who they are. In essence these were children who are ready and willing to be loved, caressed and cared for.

     At the end of the day you realize that although materialism is needed for the everyday function of life. What these children have, some millionaires will never have and that is pure love. Love that sees past color, race, creed, weight or height! Love that is able to seep through any wall. This is love, to be unstained by this world, while understanding the importance of emanation of love.

     The concept of the heart of life is to remember the presence deep within while honoring this presence and allowing this presence to encompass the entire human that you are, so that you might become full. To be full of the presence of life, means that you become fully human. You become the embodiment of Christ, the nature of love in the physical body!

We must therefore strive to be who naturally are!

Within love,

Herlay Maitre

In our society It is common to spend a majority of our lives striving for something that was created on a subconscious level. In this realm we are implementing the things that were placed within our subconscious. If 99% percent of our decisions arise from the unconscious, can we truly say that we are free to make decisions on our own?

There are many emotions and feelings that arise from the subconscious level that we are often unaware of. These emotions, attitudes, and behaviors are often in us before we are born. In addition there are elements that can accumulate in this realm from the moment we arrive on earth. The subconscious level can be a repository for socially unacceptable ideas,wishes or desires,traumatic memories, and painful emotions.

Not all elements in this realm are negative.This makes me think of people who never went to school but were able to effectively work and create their fortune. In this situation would you say that this is learned behavior or would you say that this behavior is engrained?

I think that it is engrained, meaning people came to this planet with the specific gift of being able to create fortune. There are some behaviors however that are learned through the simple process of life.

The question that arises in the vast topic of the unconscious is how to truly live?

It seems that the subconscious has a direct impact on our lives and how we live it. One might say there is a danger in living life unconscious because of what is in the subconscious realm. This is where awareness comes in. Are we fully aware of our actions and our reasoning behind our actions?

We know we are truly living in a space of awareness when we are creating from a place of peace. When we begin to feel like what we are doing is routine or that what we are doing doesn’t originate from ourselves we know in that moment we are mere robots to our subconscious.

Having the power to create your everyday moments is truly living. Feeling alive is doing that thing in which you were born to do and feeling ultimate joy while doing it. You will quickly find that the piece of art you are creating causes everyone around you to be releasing their ideal self as well. Living in the realm of the unconscious simply means you are not Living, you are merely existing; breathing some air and going about the routines of life.

It is therefore important that we ask ourselves, what we are creating for the generations to come. If you do not feel a sense of urgency surrounding this consider the following question:

If you were to pass away tomorrow, what would others say that they have gained from your existence? If you think they would make mention of mostly material possessions, I say to you that you need to work on giving people around you what is eternal. Let’s decide to be who we truly are.

Let us claim our power today!

Written by Michael Maitre

I remember that cold night. The temperature was -33 degrees and the bitterness of the cold was so piercing that it felt like small razor blades were slicing large slits into my cheeks. I didn't say much on that ride to the airport. I gazed out the van window looking down at the ground intensely as if all the answers to life's impossible questions were written on it. I was on my way to move with everything I had to a new land. This was a time to start new;meet new people, start a new job, and forget about all the misery I had endured for the past few years. As I looked down at the ticket I realized that although the ticket stated the destination I had no clue where I was going. It was then it dawned on me. Running from your problems physically only leaves you alone and with more problems to run from.

My time in the new land was bittersweet. Upon arriving I realized that I was on my own. Free to grow as a person. Free to make every kind of mistake one can think of without any one there to criticize me for it. I quickly indulged in what I like to call a mentally and spiritually abusive relationship. I made friends quick or at least relationships that I thought were friendships. There I was, in a land far from home, a fun loving-highly animated clinical analyst by day and a depressed-self pitying lost soul by night. It was with this experience I began to witness the unfolding of my spiritual understanding of the world around me. One night while crying in the shower (which I did often) I came to a stunning realization...

When an object breaks it is forcibly separated into two or more pieces. My life situation has caused my consciousness to be fragmented, scattered, and at some moments absent. Consequently it was through this process of which I reached an incredible epiphany….Nothing in life is worth more attention than the muscles of your soul. Each being that God has created has Love and can tap into that Love. Far too long I have been longing to Fall in Love with illusions not realizing the significance of the spirit that dwells in me. My Love is here and now. Life is here and now. My future cannot be if it wasn’t for now. My past does not exist if it isn’t for now. This moment is the definition of my existence. When I Inspire, uplift, defend, and uphold others in the name of Love I am fulfilling my life’s purpose; for I am Love and Love dwells in me.

Trying to maneuver your way through hard times seems like such a drag doesn’t it? It feels as if its never going to end, as if its going to drag on forever; a never ending roller-coaster. How frustrating! How miserable! How dreadful!

Though the hard times seem as though they are simply never ending, I’m always grateful for the silver lining in the dark cloud. For me that is the peace I feel within. This peace pushes me past the clouds and into the sun. It gives me great relief, I may not know for certain how long this endless war will last but I’m refreshed inside in knowing that somehow I’m going to make it past the present moment of perceptions of doubt.

Where do I get this peace you ask?

I believe I have this peace because the spirit of God created it. I remember as a child going to a village in Haiti and telling the people there that I was going to meet their needs. I remember promising them that I was going to come back with all of the gifts and necessities they wanted and needed. At that moment, in a time that I had very little, I knew that was going to make a difference. It was the inner peace that told me that some way, some how it was going to work out. Many times this voice can be faint but if you stop and take time to listen it becomes very loud and clear. Beyond all the noise of your mind, there stands a voice of peace centered in the core of your soul.

I remember thinking of this many years later and remembering the spirit of God is fueling my soul. I remember envisioning the spirit placing blessings into my pockets so that I might go and bless others with it. I now understand that this was my first encounter with the spirit of truth. In this encounter I remember feeling as if I would never have to wonder about peace again.

Years later I go back to that encounter and recollect all of the insight that was given to me. I thank God for that gift of peace today. When life seems like a roller-coaster, when tough times are fully present, I return to the voice of peace within and know that in the song of life the voice of peace is in perfect pitch and harmony with the universe.

Love Herlay and Michael

You are the art of nature created to be marveled at. Nature is the tool that created you. Within this tool we call nature we see ourselves. This nature we are choosing to call the image of the universe.

The image of the universe is the image of God. In the universe we see the fields of light. When everything is seen at a molecular level it is seen as light. If this is true, we human beings are also light at a molecular level. This light is called the Christ of God, or the seed of God.

The seed of God or the Christ is who our authentic nature is made of. This Christ is also the light I’m referring to. This light resides within the human soul, some even say that this light is the human soul. When you recognize this light within you, you realize that truth that is within you. You understand that your nature is transparent, it is made up of an image, this image the bible states is the image and likeness of God. The image and likeness of God is the same image that resides within you. This is also the image that we move and have our being within.

You are a work of art. The art that is within this light is love. This love is the same love that came forth within the time of the earth creation. This art was what we saw when we opened our eyes as children. As children we saw everything in amazement and wonder. As children we saw everything as beautiful. This beauty is the same we have forgotten about as adults. This beauty reminds of it self but we still seem to get detracted by the affairs of life. Not the affairs of life are not important; the light, the love, the image of Christ are also within the affairs but we still do not remember that the purpose of these affairs is to draw closer to the light, the love and the Christ that within, so that we might recognize our authentic self and become one with it, once again.

We are here to remind each other of this art. This is our purpose, to bring about art with true authenticity captured in love.

With love,

Herlay Maitre   

I recently was on a flight where there was major turbulence. As I sat in panic, I began to think my life is over. I felt like my life flashed like a beam of light in front of me. I was quickly reminded of my divine life and my divine abilities, through the Holy Spirit. The power that Holy Spirit gives is one that surpasses all understanding. The Holy Spirit is the essence of God living within man. This essence creates in man a divine understanding as well as power that enables him to move the mountains that arise in our everyday circumstances.

Living in a realm of constant awareness of a higher being running your life is freeing. Being reminded of this essence while sitting on that airplane right away, helped me to understand more and more that I have a purpose and because of this purpose I cannot die until its completed. I think about great men who had dreams of the similar purpose of making the planet a better place for people to live and how they spent their lives contributing to the overall good. These great people shared with us their life, as well as their vision for the life that we should have. We see this in people who have a dream and peruse that dream. For example Abraham Lincoln who was a self taught individual realized freedom needed to come, he therefore began this need for change in the lives of Africa Americans. Dr. King had a dream where he stood for individuals who lived in inequality and disparity of mind and decided to conduct a movement directed toward non violent change. President Barak Obama saw that our government needed a change and that we as of people deserved to experience real change. He saw this and put himself on the line to meet the need. What is it that’s consistently on your mind involving change.

You see, the ability to create change doesn’t start when you simply say it should. It starts when you stand up and create the plan to which you want to apply this change. Change starts with belief. Belief in yourself, belief in your dream and belief in the presence within you that brings the dream into fruition.

Living a purposeful life without wavering weather is unrealistic. Living a purposeful life is embracing all the events that might come, while allowing them to educate you; creating a better more ideal you. Learning to master the storm when it comes is the key, to wisdom; the inner awakening of the divine experience in you. In mastering the storm, you also master the elements of your own life events. Essentially the storm is actually within you. In calming the storm within you are able to live life the way it was intended; with passion and with love.

Mastering the storm and living a purposeful life go hand and hand. Calming the storm starts from the calmness that lives within the inner man. The inner man moves mountains and wakens joy all at the same time. Make a decision today to calm the storm within you.

With Love,

Herlay Maitre

My thoughts quickly became reality as this person started to dig into my nerves deeper than ever experienced my entire existence. Not only did this individual question my leadership Ms. Lovely went so far as to report me for not giving her enough attention. It almost seemed that her sole purpose in life was to hurt me to the point of hating her.

Emotions that come from the false you give birth to more damaging emotions. The false you is always compounded into multiple layers of identities.