The Golden Thread of Knowledge.

The 20-day period in commemoration of the reception of Steps to Knowledge by Marshall Vian Summers between May 26-June 14, 1989 has come to a close.

For me, it has been a time of introspection and stock-taking. It has brought up questions such as, “Where am I now?” “How do I feel?” “Where am I going?” “What do I need to know here?” “What do I need to do?” And the most important question posed by Reed on the last day of the Vigil: “What must I be doing in my life at this time?” I am being with these questions, exploring them with no sense of urgency or haste, but remembering to remain present, present to my state, present to my thoughts and emotions, present to the promptings of Knowledge within me. For Knowledge has been my unfailing guide throughout my life to date, and I see no reason to doubt it will continue to be so.

I have particularly been enjoying listening to the testimonials of students of the New Message shared during this Vigil, both those by students from afar and those shared by the students hosting the broadcasts each day. The other day I found myself imagining that I was hosting one of the Vigil broadcasts and thinking about what I might say. Here is what came to mind.

The Golden Thread of Knowledge

Greetings everyone. My name is Alisa and I am a student of the New Message from God. I have been a student since October 2012, which is when I began taking the Steps to Knowledge. I jumped right in and have never looked back since. I feel I have been on a spiritual journey all my life, but for several months before I found the New Message I had been experiencing a spiritual slump. Nothing inspired me or was moving me forward anymore. I felt as though I had “been there,” “done that,” and exhausted all of my resources. So I appealed to the Universe, beseeching, “Show me something new that will knock my socks off.” Shortly thereafter, I happened across The Great Love teaching and the name Marshall Vian Summers on Facebook. I saw the word “Knowledge” and something lit up inside.

I now understand that Knowledge has always been with me and I have been, albeit unconsciously until I found the NM, with Knowledge. I can see the Golden Thread of Knowledge running through my life.

It runs from the time I began studying Russian in secondary school in England, to my college days in San Antonio, Texas, where I continued studying Russian and was encouraged by my professor to participate in a semester study program in the Soviet Union, to coming to Moscow in 1981 and making my sacred rendezvous at the top of the escalator in a Moscow subway station, to returning to Moscow in 1990 with my young family in tow and reconnecting with my husband-to-be, to discovering I had a Russian “tongue” through my participation in Alcoholics Anonymous, and finally to finding the New Message and immediately being filled with a burning desire to translate Steps to Knowledge into Russian.

Russia may not be ready for the Steps to Knowledge yet, but my contribution in this capacity is preparing the way. That is all I can do.

The Golden Thread of Knowledge

At each of these major milestones in my life, I was never in a quandary. I never found myself weighing up the pros and cons regarding the decisions I had to make, I just made them. There was never any doubt in mind, any restraint, any fear. I was on a freedom journey and my Teachers were by my side.

I understand all this in retrospect now. I did not know it at the time. I just took a leap of faith and landed with my feet on the ground. I continue on my freedom journey with my Teachers by my side and Knowledge abiding in the sacred sanctuary within me.

I found this in a blog post titled “The Golden Thread.”

There’s a thread you follow.
It goes among
things that change.
But it doesn’t change.
People wonder about what you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can’t get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
or die; and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding.
You don’t ever let go of the thread.

— William Stafford

During the closing broadcast of the 2018 Steps Vigil, Patricia and Reed Summers had some inspiring and powerful things to share, as well as some potent teaching and practices and questions to be with. I highly recommend watching and listening to this profound broadcast.

Welcome to Mystery of Ascension! We are students and advocates of the the New Message from God. We are members of a worldwide community. We seek to assist the world in successfully navigating difficult times ahead. We seek to assist the world in successfully emerging into a greater community of intelligent life. You will also find some poetry. Find out more about us here. Contact us here.

A clearing in the forest.

The Steps Vigil is upon us once again. This year sees the 29th anniversary of this destiny-changing event.

I will remind you that from May 26 through June 14, the New Message from God Worldwide Community commemorates the reception of Steps to Knowledge: The Book of Inner Knowing. This 20-day period of time offers an opportunity to learn for the first time or experience anew the reality of Knowledge as revealed through the daily practices of Steps to Knowledge. This universal practice, introduced for the first time in our world, exceeds most of our expectations and needs if it is studied adequately and applied wisely in the realm of life and relationships.

The Steps Vigil is not only a time to commemorate the period in 1989 when Marshall Vian Summers received the Steps to Knowledge, but also a time to reflect on our personal journey through Steps and take stock of where we have been and where the journey ahead may lead.

A Clearing in the Forest

Reed and Patricia Summers host Day One of the Steps Vigil. Reed opens the Vigil by saying that this is a time to come back to a clearing in the forest, return to that open space within us where the reality of Knowledge abides. It is a compassionate space to which we come as we are, with all our trials and tribulations, with all our difficulties and dilemmas. Here we are who we are and we accept ourselves that way. Here we come back to the fundamental reality of Knowledge within us.

Reed asks us three questions:

1. What do you need from this Vigil?
2. What opportunities does this Vigil give to you?
3. How can the Vigil take you in the direction you need to go?

At this point in my studenthood, I find myself at a crossroads, at a place of questioning and seeking. I am seeking to know a deeper truth, seeking for greater clarity and vision. So 1) I need this Vigil to show me the clear path. 2) This Vigil gives me the opportunity to take a spiritual retreat and contemplate on the depth of my commitment and dedication. 3) As I stand at this current fork in the road and scratch my head, I am looking to the Vigil to nudge me in the direction I need to go. I am taking some honest inventory and looking for signs. I am looking for prompts from Knowledge. I trust the insights I receive during this Vigil will shed light on my further journey.

A Clearing in the Forest

The highlight of this first day in the 2018 Steps Vigil was Marshall’s brief appearance. I don’t think anyone was expecting it, I know I certainly wasn’t, since Marshall has been dealing with a serious health challenge for the past couple of months and has just come through some rigorous treatment. He has demonstrated his strength and forbearance throughout his life so far, and continues to do so when faced with this new challenge. He has risen to this challenge, just as he has risen to every other challenge in his life to date. He is a worthy example to follow in every undertaking and pursuit. He shows us the meaning of Step 244. I am honored when others are strong.

“When you are strong, others are honored. When they are strong, you are honored. In this way, Knowledge affirms itself in the world, where Knowledge has been forgotten.”

This day in 1989, the first 35 Steps were received.

I invite you to join the Vigil daily at 7.00 pm Mountain Daylight Time during this 20-day period.

Welcome to Mystery of Ascension! We are students and advocates of the the New Message from God. We are members of a worldwide community. We seek to assist the world in successfully navigating difficult times ahead. We seek to assist the world in successfully emerging into a greater community of intelligent life. You will also find some poetry. Find out more about us here. Contact us here.