Although each of us is on a unique path to enlightenment there are some common threads similar to all. Square one is the planting of the seed. This is actually what the real meaning of a baptism is supposed to be. It is the REALIZATION that there are higher levels of consciousness and we all have the possibility of not only experiencing these states; but also attaining them. This forms the basis of a Self-search or quest for enlightenment.  Once the seed is planted we grow at the rate we grow. Usually, most people will also realize that they cannot afford the waste of energy to get caught up in anger all the time. You can lose the energy you need for higher awareness on a daily basis in five minutes of anger. In the early days I used to keep a log of when I got angry and was actually surprised at how frequent this was. In time you realize that you have full control over this. When you get lost in anger, you actually think you are the angry thoughts. Just by observing the process you take away some of the power. This is because you have the capacity to be aware of your thoughts and thus build a center of calm and peace.  Most spiritual people also develop some kind of meditation practice.  Mantras such as Hari Om and Om Shanti serve to hook you into an astral community. It is also true that just like a tuning fork, higher pitch or tone wipes out the lowest frequencies. Also when two people meditate together the higher and lower will merge and both will vibrate at the median frequency. This can come in a variety of ways and techniques but it also is the start of developing some kind of discipline. By doing a spiritual routine you clearly set the stage for this being the priority in your life. Many seek a teacher or guru. The term guru is widely misunderstood in the West. There are actually two kinds of gurus, an Upa guru who points the way and a Sat guru who is the way. Of course there are many charlatans out there professing to be the latter. However, as Ram Dass used to say, it is your sincerity and a certain falling away of worldliness that attracts you to legitimate sources. There is an old saying, "If a pickpocket meets a Saint he only sees his pockets!" Since most people start out having a job of one kind or another, learning to deal with keeping your peace, integrity and some knowledge of Karma Yoga comes in handy. Karma Yoga is basically learning to arrive at some balance with respect to seeing work as service while not allowing yourself to be abused. As Swami Satchidananda used to say, " If you don't charge enough for your services you are neither a good business person nor a Yogi. A good business deal leaves both parties feeling good about the bargain." Karma Yoga also relates to the idea that 'As You Sow So Shall You Reap' or what you put out you get back. I have always found it amazing that some people have a hard time thinking this is true, when in Physics it is a well established fact that 'for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction'. This is also true of your thoughts, for it is a type of energy as well. As time goes on we realize that we are a microcosm of the whole. In fact we have the capacity to have awareness of the whole, awareness as an individual or both simultaneously. Usually, there is some recognition of the Dark Side which usually begins as a labeling or judging. Later it gets integrated in the whole as developing spirituality is integrative and not segregative. There is a realization that we are what we experience. In the last thirty years or so through channeled extra-terrestrial messages, we have become aware that it is our thoughts, beliefs, definitions and emotions that create our outer experience. There is also a realization that blame, complaint and justification of circumstances are reflective of victim hood consciousness. As we take more responsibility for our experiences we start to get back our power and start dealing with fear. When you conquer fear you conquer self empowerment. Initially we are conditioned to believe that things happen at random and we are helpless, powerless humans who need protection. In reality we are Spiritual Beings having a human incarnation and have total power over our outer experiences and only need protection from our own thoughts and beliefs. It turns out that when you take 100% responsibility for your outer experience, there is then no one to blame; as ironically you realize that you attract or create it all. This is also a necessary step to moving up to the next dimension. The other key component being a letting go of attachments in the past which anchors our frequency in 3D. In other words, forgive others and let go of the emotional baggage. It also allows you to live in the present instead of being stuck in the past. You also then realize that it is your FREQUENCY that is of utmost importance; so fostering unconditional love, gratitude and compassion will also be reflected in your outer experience. As Bashar would say, " Outer circumstances do not matter, only state of being matters." It has also been proven scientifically, that the brain in the heart emits a frequency 5,000 times stronger than the brain in the head. It can even be measured by magnonometers and extends about 10 feet from the physical body. It is your frequency that interfaces with the morphogenetic field which determines what you experience in the outer world. There really is no empirical Reality. Reality is the experience, although there is the idea of a consensus reality. There is also the idea that we all view outer events the same. This is totally false ; as just like the props at a theater can be used in different plays outer circumstances or events do not come with built in meaning. The meaning you give to an event determines the experience for you. Events are like a coin and there are always two sides or else there is no event.  You come to the realization that the primary duty of the rational mind is to place a positive spin on outer circumstances.  I always challenge my listeners or readers to keep a log of when you place a positive emotional spin on an outer circumstance and then in time view and log your eventual experience to prove to yourself that this is true. Discernment is valuable but judgment is never valuable. As a rule I define  judgment as the invalidation of some person or organization etc. When you invalidate you bind yourself to that frequency, and ironically you actually reinforce the negative energy you claim you are against. Going against the negative is not the optimum strategy. Going in a new positive direction is the optimum strategy. And the biblical saying, 'Judge not lest ye be judged' does not mean you will be judged from the outside, as by the act of judging you do this yourself. When you leave this dimension and look back, what you left WAS YOU. Learn to love the world unconditionally and thus learn to love yourself unconditionally. Bashar has said that there are only two objective facts. First, that the universe was created with unconditional love and second that we all have awareness. One of the most interesting questions I have ever heard was by a group of extra-terrestrials asking a group of humans "Who is asking the question?". They had to be told the answer, which was "our awareness". The proof that we are unconditionally loved by Prime Creator, God, Cosmic Consciousness or whatever label you wish to use to define the infinite is that we are 100% supported in our beliefs. If you don't like something in your experience it is not there to punish you it is there to show you what you believe; as left unacknowledged you would remain unaware. In conjunction with the above I believe there are some basic health considerations and techniques that can be highly valuable. I refer the reader to previous posts regarding 'Keeping You and Your Kids Healthy' for suggestions about building a foundation for health and the proper mental beliefs.  I believe everyone is attracted to certain techniques that at that time are the most powerful for them. Similar to the types of reading material you are attracted to.  The most powerful techniques I have ever used are the 'Who Am I' as taught by Sri Ramana Maharshi, the' Pleiadian Pillar of Light and Spinning', the 'XYZ Extra-terrestrial meditation' taught by Bashar, 'The Hari Om mantra' as taught by Sri Swami Satchidananda and the 'Merkaba Meditation' . All of these techniques are available, including a complete pranayama or deep breathing program, in my E-books or special download for sale at my website at www.etyoga.com The site is currently under construction but will be up soon. My sincere best in your attainment of full consciousness, perfect health and abundance. Charles Maxwell Green www.etyoga.com (If this article has made a difference in your life, you can support the author via PayPal donation at green.etyoga@gmail.com)