The Credo of Rusty’s Retreat
This above philosophy, our credo, we've developed over the years
through mindful experiences that have lead to our success, our joy
and satisfaction together and true authentic connections. -Rusty
I've found truth to ultimately be the answer in every situation
As the years have passed by here at the Retreat, things look so much more clear and simple. Truth has become a natural state of reality, which I can accept and embrace much more easily. It’s all I actually need— just Truth. When I embrace the truth, all else becomes but a distraction. Then it becomes clear to me that my secrets and that which I want to distort and conceal are seen as a part of my spiritual challenge to be faced and put to rest. As a result of my process of consciousness growth I have come to see that my secrets frequently define my sickness. Yes, I see our secrets are our sickness! By sickness I mean those emotional scars one has to reveal and heal in order to move beyond them and out into the light of day. I do of course recognize, the distinction between personal and private information and what is the impersonal and universal truth, which is separate from our secrets, to be lived and shared. As I expand my awareness I can see my personal life stuff is becoming less and less as I progress.
When my mind is free and clear of fear, desire, distraction and judgments, I'm able to then recognize what's real and what truth is. This is an environment that allows that metamorphosis to take place. There are occasions and unfortunate conversations where I recognize there is such a stream of changing, fragmented thoughts that truth is beyond ones ability to recognize. When I am speaking with that person in that state of consciousness I have to recognize that all I am going be able to experience is the sound of the mouth resonating the rattling of the mind. This is a very painfull place for a person to be. I'd love to say why don't you relax and reveal your true thoughts and feelings. yet I recognize it is not that easy to let this go because we tend to believe that this phony front will first protect us and second serve us in getting what we want. I so frequently observe that this form of behavior is costing one their peace of mind and secondly it's actually keeping them from getting what they really want.
I love being with those people who can unmask themselves and enjoy honestly communicating without pretense. Allowing myself to be open and honest with others has simplified my life, made it easier for others, and brought me the job and freedom that I find so sacred here. Do you express yourself truthfully and authentically? If not do you recognize that you are chasing the elusive dream? Can you actually relax and be at peace when you know you have to keep up a false front that you have presented? I am writing this because I find little purpose in listening to those fabricated presentations designed to manipulate the moment for the purposes of accomplishing one's objective through less then a truthful direct means of expression. I frequently long for the honest and objective person who can honestly express themselves without making a sales pitch of it during interviews. When thoughts are clear and minds are lucid a true connection can take place. And then, from this comes the sincerity of the soul's actualized expression. I'd like people living here to feel comfortable in their own skin. And while being comfortable, become motivated to expand into more of what they really want to be. From this truthful authenticity we then recognize the Presence of God, the force, the tao, or the omnipresent universal spirit, however you choose to express it. There is no uniform religious philosophy followed at the retreat and none is required. What is required is simple integrity, truthfulness, and one's desire to be a person of good character. This will allow for a fulfilling life at the retreat.
My love in light--- Rusty Hartman © 2007