| In our last three articles we discussed the first | | | | so many times, and in so many areas, she finally |
| three paths of creation centered spirituality: Via | | | | gets it and there is a click. This click is |
| Positiva; Via Negativa; and Via Creativa. In this | | | | enlightenment. She has learned how the process |
| article we will discuss the path, Via | | | | works. She has learned all the rules. She has |
| Transformativa. These four paths can easily be | | | | come to a recognition after going through this |
| understood through the examination of the | | | | cycle repeatedly. That recognition is that there |
| concept of the resurrection put forth in several | | | | are, in actuality, not really four paths, there is only |
| myths and forms of spirituality. Via Positiva is | | | | one. The one path is transformation. The other |
| when one is at rest on earth, or in heaven, Via | | | | three are only steps that are part of the fourth |
| Negativa is when one descends, slowly, into the | | | | path. |
| painful underworld, letting go of all of the | | | | When one realizes that all things are working for |
| misconceptions and false beliefs that can be so | | | | the transformation of the self in order to expands |
| easily learn during lifetimes of positivity, if one is | | | | ones thoughts, feelings and experience and to |
| not careful. | | | | awaken one to ones actual identity--one becomes |
| Via Creativa happens when one has let go of the | | | | free of the cycle, because one no longer gives in |
| negative painful events that happen in life and is | | | | to the thoughts and feelings in the process that |
| cleansed. This causes one to become more clear | | | | makes it painful. One comes to one of the major |
| about the way the world actually works and to | | | | parts of Via Transformativa and remains there. |
| expand ones sense of reality. This could be | | | | That part is celebration. Celebration comes as we |
| understood as the return to the positive, in biblical | | | | realize that the whole universe is working and |
| terms one could understand it as Jesus' return | | | | growing, becoming something that we cannot |
| before he ascended. He told Mary in the garden | | | | begin to understand, and that we, as part of the |
| not to hold onto him, because he had not yet | | | | universe and part of God, are becoming our all |
| ascended to the Father. At that point he had | | | | knowing, complete selves, with every turn of the |
| experience the Via Creativa experiences. Via | | | | cycle. This celebration leads us to the desire to |
| Transformativa was like the ascension. | | | | transform the world. |
| During Via Transformativa one is changed and | | | | This celebration leads us outside of ourselves and |
| transformed to such a state that one is no longer | | | | inside of ourselves. Outside of the confines set up |
| the same type of creature, one has become a | | | | by our personalities and the socialized identities |
| new creation. Via Transformativa can take place | | | | that we have created as a result of living in our |
| any time and in specific aspects of our lives. In | | | | bodies on earth, inside ourselves as we realize |
| one area of understanding we can be enlightened | | | | that we are the world and that we are the |
| and transformed, while in other areas, ones in | | | | universe. We cannot go outside of ourselves, |
| which we have not gone through the whole | | | | because we are one with everything. This is easy |
| process, we are still at the basest level. The | | | | to say, but the realization comes slowly. Via |
| ultimate Via Transformativa that takes place in | | | | Transformativa, enough times, provides the |
| every area, is what is known as enlightenment. | | | | opportunity for this realization. It provides the |
| Many people think of enlightenment as taking | | | | opportunity, then, to walk in love and truth, and |
| place in one big leap. When we hear about it we | | | | to do justice in the world because we are actually |
| often hear about a miraculous occurrence where | | | | not doing something out there, we are doing |
| the person is meditating, praying, doing something, | | | | something within. |
| and then suddenly with a snap, they feel | | | | As we heal the stranger we heal ourselves. As |
| connected to the universe. This, I think, is a very | | | | we change structures of injustice we are changing |
| accurate portrayal of enlightenment. But much | | | | the structures of ourselves. As we embrace the |
| work goes on behind the scenes before this | | | | stranger we are embracing ourselves, for in truth, |
| happens. It can be compared to the overnight | | | | all is one. All is one. |
| success who has actually been struggling for ten | | | | As you are engaged in your regular spiritual |
| or twenty years behind the scene to learn his | | | | practice, your exercise program, or just living life, |
| craft. When he is discovered people think that it | | | | please take the time to notice this process going |
| was instantaneous. In actually it has been a long | | | | on inside. Look for the signs that you are entering |
| time coming, and he has worked very hard for it. | | | | one path or the other, and use your spiritual |
| The same is true when it comes to enlightenment | | | | practice to create smooth transitions. You will |
| and Via Transformativa is a big part of it. | | | | someday realize that there is only one cycle and |
| After one continues to have Via Transformativa | | | | process, and your maladaptive thoughts and ideas |
| moments in ones life repeatedly, and grows | | | | will fall like leaves from a tree. All that will be left |
| mentally and spiritually by going through this | | | | then is you and the ground of your being from |
| process of creation spirituality over and over in | | | | which you draw sustenance and the strength to |
| many areas of her life, sooner or later something | | | | produce new leaves and fruit. And then, you will |
| happens. After she has gone through this process | | | | be whole. |