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Traditional thought leads us to accept the notion that our life is a series of sequential events, built one upon the other, supported by memories tying past to present and ultimately to the future. If we agree with this idea, we proceed through life under the assumption that what has come before provides the basis for where we are today—be it satisfying or uncomfortable—and that an understanding of past events will indicate the likely course for our future. Not surprisingly, then, our memories line up perfectly to justify whatever predicament in which we find ourselves and, in many cases, provide the foundation for our expectations about what the future is likely to hold. Unfortunately, this view also restricts our ability to dramatically change the direction of our lives because every effect in the present (or future) must be associated with a particular cause in the past. Thus, if "x" cause doesn't happen first, there is no way that "y" effect will ever come to pass. Or, perhaps more importantly, if "x" cause is observed in either the present or in the past then "y" effect is inevitable.

On the other hand, if we shift our understanding toward an alternate view of reality which suggests that events are only created in the present, that there is no "real" past or future, and that our experience is the result of our thoughts, beliefs, focus and intent in the current moment, then we can free ourselves from some of the limitations that this traditional line of thought implies. Under this alternate perception of reality, we may still observe that our past memories support the present circumstances, experience or worldview. For example, "x" is remembered if it is necessary to support the presence of "y" in today's experience. However, instead of operating as a barometer or predictor for the present, the memory of "x" is in reality only a mirror of the present understanding that we hold about ourselves that is malleable as we change our perceptions and refocus our intentions. So, as we alter our thoughts, beliefs and expectations, "x" flows into or out of memory focus as needed to support our restructured mindset and our "new" probable future. In short, any memory we "need" from our probable pasts is available in the present at the moment it becomes relevant. Other memories that we held in the "previous" moment—even if they appear contradictory—will loose their emphasis as we alter our beliefs in the new present. Eventually, as we completely restructure a course of pursuit, they will disappear entirely.

If this perception of reality is realistic, we should be able to observe the process in action as part of our personal experience. As coincidence would have it, a poignant reminder was presented to me during some difficult contract negations a few weeks ago. Through some rather intense discussions, I was beginning to consider radical legal action as a last resort to resolve an important financial issue. The emotions associated with the situation were such that, despite my metaphysical understanding and an awareness of how the process of reality creation works, I was still anticipating an outcome in the future based on dissatisfaction supported by the past, rather than by setting expectations based on conscious desire and intent in the present. At the time, all my memories supported the "fact" that recent experience with these guys had been difficult. As a result, I saw no reason why I should expect anything to be different in the present or the future and was experiencing extreme difficulty in finding a solution which supported what I thought were my goals for the future: a harmonious, mutually rewarding solution. In short, I could see no other course for the future beyond that being projected from the past.

Had I maintained this perspective, I am certain that I would have ended up in court. Fortunately, during a moment of reflection, I realized that the situation was reflective of feelings of uncertainty with respect to other aspects of my life that had little to do with the contract discussions. These feelings of uncertainty—reflective of some old beliefs around capabilities and life direction—were operating nicely to draw only those memories that reinforced my sense of foreboding concerning the outcome of all future plans. Once I realized that my expectations with respect to the likely result of the negotiations had more to do with present apathy than any past event, I was able to restructure my thinking in a manner that led to a harmonious resolution of a situation previously filled with intense anger, resentment and disillusionment.

Now, while I cannot say that the difficult memories associated with the individuals involved in this situation have disappeared (their mere mention indicates that they are still a part of my awareness), I can attest that they do not continue to exert an impact on my expectations for the future. The point here is that my awareness of those problematic memories was in complete harmony with an area of dissatisfaction in my "present" life that I projected into the future. Once I understood the source of the dissatisfaction and choose a different course of belief and intention, different memories began to appear that highlighted possibilities that could lead to a future much different than that I had originally imagined.

Thus, the key is to be aware that expectations based on past experience may lead us away from the actual issue that is confronting us rather than toward a solution to achieve our present and future goals. If we are recalling past events of dissatisfaction and conflict as we lay plans for a future direction, or work to resolve a present problem, we may want to investigate our present beliefs surrounding self worth, success, fear and harmony, because it is only through the present that memories flow. We draw only those memories from the probable past that serve to reinforce our condition or expectation in the present, and then project those memories into the future. We are not at the mercy of the past unless we believe that the present and future must flow from the past. It is thought and action in the present that generates our experience. Once we fully realize that the present is our point of power (and remind ourselves of the point when necessary), we are able to take current action that serves to alter our past, our beliefs in the past and our reactions to those events. The result of this understanding becomes a freedom to move into the future in any manner that we desire, unencumbered by any experience or expectation that may have occurred "before".

Now to our publication: In this issue of Perspectives you will find some contemplative ideas concerning consciousness and the nature of reality. Bettilu Faulkner, author of the book Psychic in the Heartland, shares some thoughts on life after death, Rich Stammler offers a wonderful poem describing his perceptions of our multidimensional nature, and Christopher Kent, songwriter, performer and magazine editor, shares an interview with Francis Dunnery concerning the application of Sethian ideas to music. We sincerely appreciate the efforts of these volunteers. Their creative, informative and stimulating contributions provide the foundation for this newsletter. Please join us in expressing our deep gratitude for their support.

The promotional pages of the newsletter reflect our continued expansion of the Brass Ring Bookstore catalog. We have added some new titles and are also offering special pricing on selected items, so please take some time to explore the catalog listings in detail. Our product line includes the works of leading authors and traditional publishers, materials produced over the years through the talents of the former SNI staff, and unique offerings by new writers and small publishers devoted to expanding the boundaries of human potential. We hope you find something of interest.

Classified announcements promoting the creative efforts of our readers are contained in the news and information section on page 5. We suggest that you check this section to locate activities in your area and to learn about items of special interest. If you are aware of other activities and events that provide an opportunity for our readers to connect around new thought ideas, or have a desire to promote your personal efforts, please let us know. We will publish relevant submissions in future issues of Perspectives as space, interest and financial considerations permit.

Mary and I want to offer a heart felt thank you to all of our customers, contributors and advertisers for their past and continuing patronage of this publication and our bookstore. Without their psychic and financial support we would not be able to produce this newsletter. We sincerely enjoy preparing this publication and the opportunity it provides to gather information, share ideas and to connect with individuals of like mind. We hope that you find value in the material presented in these pages and will continue to support the growth of our store as we explore the boundaries of human potential.

Michael Steffen
Vice President, The Brass Ring Bookstore