January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Emerging from the forest, down for a few moments from the vast vistas and leafy glades of his Horse Rock mountain haunt 

C.G. Walters will share blessings with us as Gaia Networking Group’s Featured Member for January 2009. 

Most of us are familiar with him as our famous “local” Gaia Community “author” (more about that later) of the “metaphysical love story” Sacred Vow 

This month we’ll explore that, and also reveal many other delightful facets of this amazing North Carolina, USA, native! We’ll be wandering through dreams and life, fiction and nature, the mystical and the beautiful, good news about the world, the process of creativity - and more!

His official website is under reconstruction . We’ll give you that link later on.

See more of his works (as well as that of many other visionary  artists and writers) in the Gaia Community at the Marvelous Free Art Group.

Hear CG’s Interview with Gaian Bryan Carlton Flournoy  [a former Featured Member here in Gaia Networking, by the way] on Making It All Click.  

You can catch a Serialization of Sacred Vow, installment #21 of 22.  

And here are a couple of questions

C.G. answered about the Gaia Community in his life.

How has being on Gaia changed your off-line life? 

 

Changed my life? I would more precisely say that the change is that I am aware of that part of myself which I knew, but was without awareness of name or location, that has been located within Gaia-the dear spirits (of which so many are) located here. Ubuntu, which a dear Gaian, Martha, gave a name to for me-“an African concept that says “a person is a person through other persons,” and emphasizes the social nature of the creation of identity and personality.”

How does your life offline impact your presence on Gaia ? 

I need to be writing my books about 80 hours a week-then there is the additional hours of making the work known to the world. I have to work my day job 40 hrs a week to support my addiction of writing.

My relationship with my wife, Kathy, is vitally important to me, so I need/want much time to spend with her. There is the time for attending to health-especially as I am 8+ years into side-stepping heart surgery (via going up the mountain, etc)-

Welcome, C.G. !! I can’t wait for all the fascinating “stuff” ahead for this month !

Blessings, OM Bastet

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you for the honor, and for your kindness, OM!
Blessed New Year to you and all you hold dear!

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I am a huge fan and will be reading this thread this month.  Congratulations on launching 2009, C.G.  It is an honor to get an author’s viewpoint and be able to ask any questions.

After I watched Nelson Mandela briefly define Ubuntu my first reaction was to tell the world to embrace this philosophy as it is so simple.  I can see how Nelson’s interview gives altitude over any fear monger.   For awhile it seemed that the news anchors make these grisly predictions they call “recession” that all was bad, and its just not all true.

It’s because (get ready for this) we can do something about it. And we usually do. People are amazing. We do things. We make things better. And it is precisely when things do look bad that decent people like you and me look around and say “How do we fix this?.”  And then go ahead and do so.  I highly recommend reading your book Sacred Vow…so we can talk about it and how your work influences our own spiritual awareness, or reading your blogs too.

We look forward to sharing with you C.G. as we venture into our Happy New Year, already in progress.  Warmly, ~kes

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you, ~Kes.

I fully agree about Mandela's presentation of Ubuntu. Considering what this man has achieved (contrary to the challenges brought against him) and the majestic dignity by which he always gave of himself, one has to contemplate the power of a philosophy that was obviously so much a part of his perspective.

You make a very good point, ~Kes, about who has the power to 'fix' whatever ails we believe we see before us. If we hold onto our belief, and  spread that hope, we will find that we (collectively) have an abundance of resource.

Scarcity of hope, not severity of fate, is the much mourned ‘human condition’.

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Hi C.G.   !  So wonderful to see that you're January's Featured Member here on Gaia Networking.  Maybe more people will learn about your wonderful book Sacred Vow.  As you know, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it….it was a treasure to sink into….and to learn and think about the many parallel realities which surround us in every moment.

You are another very special person indeed and I am so happy to see you here….so that more people will get to know you & your beautiful essence.

Love, Kathy

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you, Centria/Kathy!
What I hope for is a coming together of many of the energetic co-creators of Sacred Vow, so that we can hold open a sacred space–a psychic 'drumming' circle–to allow our collective wisdom to bring forward something wonderous.

Happy New Year–of much joy and magic!!
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Dear C.G    …C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s  ! ! ! 

I look forward to more during the month.
… and to you too, Kathy …

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

This is a wonderful way to start the year, with a CG feature! I have been visiting CG's precious blogs almost daily since joining Gaia - certainly is a wisdom space!
much love to you and Kathy, CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you for being here, dear Anna!
Many blessings to you and Gien, and all you hold dear this 2009!
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you, Eli….and a blessed New Year to you!
I look forward to sharing this journey with you……
….nice webwork in your message!
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Congratulations C.G.!  A very well deserved recognition for a man of great inner peace and conviction to share your heart with the world.

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you for your support and your presence, Dave!

We are as those that surround us–no one is 'standalone' identity/entity. I have the great fortune of being surrounded by a large number of magnificent spirits/hearts.

may many blessings and wonders unfold before you and all you hold dear this bright new year!
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

While I most emphatically share all the recognition of C.G.'s accomplishments and great heart and “deservingness” of being on the stage, I'd like to just reiterate that  mods of this pod don't choose Featured Members by asking “Who's really deserving, who could we honor and recognize as especially worthy or especially accomplished?”

Nope, we ask such questions as “Who do we feel like spending Featured Member time with? Who might be interesting to us? Who does our intuition suggest? Who does our whim or fancy suggest? Who might be beneficial to our group and community to get to know better?”  So ya never know, we could pick someone brand new to the Community who never wrote anything or did anything famous or of note. Being a Featured Member doesn't require being “deserving” of fame, accolades, recognition, more than anyone else deserves these.

And yet we the mods do recognize that a lot of our Featured Members are folks who have already made substantial contributions to the world, who are already the kind of folks we all naturally admire and applaud and appreciate and honor. For darn sure !!

It's just that that's not WHY we chose them to be Featured Member, and there will be some Featured Members who aren't famous or accomplished. I hope this really clarifies things for people, about our Featured Members.

Now, on with the totally deserved and appropriate kudos for C.G.'s courage and accomplishments and contributions !!!

Blessings, OM Bastet

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

…..hmm, I never assume any 'deserving' in either good or bad fortune; things pass through us as clouds over the lake.

I once saw a quote to the effect that a teacher pointed out that people should not assume they are the sole originator of 'their' thoughts (therefore 'good' or 'bad' fortune) any more that they are sole originator of the clouds. Clouds will pass without our effort, only we will determine if we take notice and how we will respond to them.

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Glad you could see there was nothing personal in what I said.

I recall Centria/Kathy has the same perspective, back when there was a discussion about – was it copyrights, or plagiarism of web content? Kathy, which of your blogs was that??  [Edited in later by OM: It was a discussion here in Gaia Networking, not a blog!]

Another version of the same approach might be “There is only one Mind, and we are it.” One of my favorite sayings!

And yet, perhaps it's not either-or. Because some pay attention, as you say, and some don't, and some have the courage to go with the thought, and some don't. We can recognize and admire that.

On the other other hand, though, even paying attention and carrying through, it might be just, on the Spirit level, my turn or my job for one thought, and yours for another……

But it's fun to admire and honor and recognize. Maybe we just do it because it feels good to admire, honor, and recognize, LOL !!!!!

I know you have a perspective about Spirit books as collaborations:

You said:  “Such fiction, a Spirit Story, is a collaborative work between reader, writer and Spirit, before, during, and after the physical creation of the book.”

A part of this collaboration has been on the Dreams of Artists pod, here in our community. Our Gaia Networking mod ~KES has been so enthusiastic about the book that she has found many ways to support and promote it in the world, including the linked thread. There are photos, reviews, endorsements, and fabulous news about promotion and how the book is reaching wider attention and perhaps major publication!

On your profile you describe how a Spirit story is a collaboration:

” From the moment Sacred Vow came into my life it has shown itself to be a spirit story…a living tale in progression that arises not merely from the author, but is a collective, interactive work of everyone that will become involved with it—past, present and future.

In such a story, cause and effect is anything but linear. The readers of the future are even now interacting with me in the past, to develop the avenue that allows Sacred Vow to come forth to the help heal the rift in the Collective Consciousness. As is the nature of spirit stories, it will say what we have the heart to hear…and that will change from time to time.”

I LOVE that perspective. Never heard any author articulate that before. It is really fun to wrap my brain around that perspective. It is so cool !!! I am looking forward to exploring that perspective more with you here.

Blessings, OM

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Oh, C.G.! Great, this will be a fascinating month,

Love,

Nicole

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

C.G.  Your profile page mentions the …  swan dream ”Dream is fever to the conscious mind, inducing illusion. Illusion? Or, enlightenment? They are one, except by perspective.” ~c.g.walters        

It’s going to be a good year!!!

Thanks for bringing imagination.  I loved reading this story and am so happy you are featured here.  I have gained so much from listening to you and look forward to what unfolds too. ~kes

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you for being here, Kathy!
Your work and our conversation inspires my imagination. You–as do so many of my friends–bring forth from me and my work concepts and insights that I am sure I alone never possessed before the moment of our co-creation.

blessings to you and your dear ones,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you, Nicole…..I, myself, look forward to the many things that my friends will teach me this month.
Blessings and joy to you this new year….
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I apologize for my delayed response, but it was a long bout with the day job—construction—and some offline business.  All my fiction revolves around the idea that the motivators/initiators/instigators for our experiences/responses in this time and place are not confined within this time and place. My (and others, I am sure) conscious mind is a filtering device that most often blocks out the awareness of the multi-dimensional perceptions of our whole identity. When I opened up to Sacred Vow, I started with a storyline (a speculation) and then allowed myself to experience some extent of how that story took place on many dimensions simultaneously/eternally.

Writing sometimes 10-12 hrs/day—dozing off in the chair from exhaustion now and again—I took down notes of my experience/sensations/memories as quickly as I could. Of course, when I presented the original manuscript to my wife, Kathy, and my editor, Diana, they pointed out to me that I had left too many details in my head. So, I went back to the writing room and recalled section by section—something like Active Dreaming, I suppose—which invariably caused me to re-experience the original event. This time I put more details on paper.

A lingering effect of that experience is the sense of continuing fluidity of the present expression (not really creation, as it has existed forever) of Sacred Vow—or any such Spirit Story. Rather than some sense of having ‘created’ this story, I had/have the sensation—to the core of my being—of something like Shiva’s Dance of infinite creators—co-creators—simultaneously bringing forth and receiving a story that is not fully confined within the pages of the book. Readers teach me—bring to me—many things contained within Sacred Vow that I, alone, could never find. These readers are the key to, the writer of, these aspects of the story.

—-this does not fully explain why I am certain of (actually experience as truth) the interactive, continuing creation of this (and all) Spirit Stories….but I will return to this if anyone wishes.

Relating to Spirit Stories or living ideas and the nature of ‘deserving’: I have come to believe the remarkable concepts or works do not always come through the most talented, achieved, or obvious choice. Sometimes the creation merely comes through the most receptive or willing recipient of the moment. By my notion, the works of great teachers or social changers may have ‘made’ the individual, not vice versa. Even great religious concepts may not come to the most religious or ‘holy,’ but rather to the one most receptive to the base work that the process of change may require.

blessings and joy,

CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters: writing

C.G. this is such a timeless start to this new year. Just connecting to your work takes me into that timeless zone that anyone familiar with your work would sense.

What you say about writing and where words come from, is so liberating. You are showing both, how you own the work you  have written [which is my take on the work that is so uniquely yours], and how that “you” is so expanded that it includes your readers and the space whence those words flow into you.

I guess that Gaia provides a space in which this sharing can be easier. I wonder if you have found it so? A place where you interact with your readers?

I can really relate to the way you first wrote the book; that [wife]Kathy and [ed] Diana had to ask you to actually write down the words in your head!
Is it something like what Beethoven would have experienced, when he had to write the score to his symphonies that would be downloaded in a moment on his head? Or is it like something that just keeps flowing as you write? Do you know what you are writing before you write; or does it come as you pen the words?

You wrote:
—-this does not fully explain why I am certain of (actually experience as truth) the interactive, continuing creation of this (and all) Spirit Stories….but I will return to this if anyone wishes

I wish you would share this!

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters: writing

For practical purposes in this world, Meenakshi, I accept my ‘ownership’ of the works that I end up being the representative of (one who pens) the concept/story, but when it comes to a truer, more expanded view of the reality, I know full well that I am no more the origin than the fingers are the origin of these words (–actually, I do acknowledge intelligence in all cells, and therefore must consider some degree of authorship by/via the fingers and their makeup….). 

Also, in this world of form, in accepting ‘ownership’ I honor my muses —the most immediate and consistent connections I have to the flow of the stories—for their wisdom and purpose of choice. It’s more like a guardianship, but I accept that these stories are entrusted to (and through) me as there is some significance to my manner of perception and 'raising' that serves the intentions of the work.

It may seem like excessive semantics, but I find that even minute variances in course make major changes in long journeys. Being aware of these subtle truths makes me comfortable that I realize the nature of my reality/my experience/my nature.

Gaia is a very conducive place for the expression of my work. Every gathering (be it in a social network or around a book) is a living entity with a unique identity—a subset expression of the Collective Consciousness (as I/we are each much smaller subsets of that consciousness). The personality of Gaia is as an old, trusted friend, found again.

My stories flow as I write—sometimes as memories reawakened, sometimes as ‘conversation’/instruction, sometimes as life unfolding.

When I get in the proper state of mind for my writing—that which has proven most productive—I pose a question, concept, or scenario to my mind and then I follow the results. It’s like a very deep meditation, definitely an altered state of mind. Many times the truths that come forward are things that I never imagined before they showed up on the story—but then seem quite obvious. My writing, following a story, is one way (I have long known) that I am taught. It seems if I cannot grasp something otherwise, my guides give it to me in story form.

On the last item—continuing creation—I will take this up the mountain with me and look for the best way to convey this experience that I have.

Thank you for being part of this story, Meenakshi…

CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters: writing

C.G.:  “My writing, following a story, is one way (I have long known) that I am taught. It seems if I cannot grasp something otherwise, my guides give it to me in story form.”

I have a feeling that is how it works for most of us but we may be unaware of it. Only when we actually speak or write, do we realize which of the multitudes of thought flowing through our consciousness we have chosen to express, in our own unique way. It can sometimes surprise us to read what we have written; and sometimes this happens to me when someone has told me about what I wrote! 

Perhaps the process of penning down our communication that we do in online forums as well, is a way for us to be not just mindful as we are writing; but also a way to revisit what we wrote, so that we can see into our own choices and our inner world?

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters: writing

Very good point, Meenakshi….I definitely agree “.  Only when we actually speak or write, do we realize which of the multitudes of thought flowing through our consciousness we have chosen to express, in our own unique way”

….another thing from the manuscript I spoke of earlier (Strike a Chord of Silence)–

You must listen to learn. And when you speak, also listen.

If you are willing, you may be surprised what you will learn.

Even after Sacred Vow was printed, I would read it and truly wonder just where did that information come from.

This reminds me about the experience of co-creation of a work (and the value of blogging and online writing)…..When I was managing to respond to the daily Questions and Answers, I was always staring at things on the screen–that I had just written–that I could definitely did not feel came from me.

The place I write is a sacred space. I open up the sacred space and something comes into being. The space of QAR has its own identity, essence, vibrational consciousness, so when I wrote there–as part of the communal conversation (even before reading anyone else's writing) would have a 'signature' and perspective that exceeded what would/could arise from me in any other space.

In that, whatever I wrote was a collective effort (co-created) because it's manifestation was dependent on all the minds who had chosen to focus on that question in that space–again, this was even before reading anyone elses work (at which time one's response becomes something leaning toward a dialogue).

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters: writing

Looking forward to sharing into the mist of Sacred Vows… ~kes

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters: writing

Thank you, Kathy.
…as  you expand my reality.
Joining hands with others gives me sight I cannot perceive alone….
blessings, dear one,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I was just coming back to say it wasn't a blog….the conversation was a good one in Gaia Networking.  Looks like you discovered that already, OM! 

Blessings, Kathy

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

C.G.  I believe in you, and I believe in your destiny.
2009 is going to be a fabulous year…..enjoy the ride! ;-)

Namasté,  Ralph

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you for being here, Ralph–in this conversation, continuing Spirit Story, and in this world!.
endless blessings and joys to you, dear one,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Hi C.G. Sincere blessings to you!

I am so pleased to see you and your work being highlighted this month. I feel a great commitment in your work and life and am looking forward to learn some more from you.

The mods here are so great, you're going to have a lovely, relaxing time relaxing with you and sharing.

Thank you for being so open and giving of your gift of writing to the world also. Your passion is really inspiring.

Happy new month, new year, new Age ;)

Love, Sherri

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Bless you, Sherri!

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Aha, serendipity/synchronicity strikes again !! Just in time to fit with the flow of our discussion here, I just stumbled onto this post in the Marvelous Free Art Group in which you talk more at length about your idea of a Spirit Story and how it works, how you view it.

Recommended reading !!

Has your view evolved since then, C.G.? And do you know of other writers who have a similar outlook on their work?

Blessings, OM

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

OM….I noticed that the text of the article runs over into an ad–making it hard to read (on my machine, anyway).  Here is another link…

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

CG,

Oh my, oh my, my special friend - we now share yet another adventure.  I am traveling all month with the most limited computer time imaginable but I'll try to check in.

Gals, this is a good choice, that I would have recommended myself had you asked …

Wishing you always, only the best.  Congratulations ! ! !

Deb

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

…I love our adventures together, Deb!–both the ones we are aware of, and those yet to be consciously realized!

Have safe and joyous travels!

In a bit, I am headed up the mountian, partially an old trail, partially bushwacking…..I will enjoy the company of your spirit as I travel.

love and continued blessings, dear friend,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

CG,  I have enjoyed reading your thread and look forward to continuing to track throughout the month.  I found your book on the Harper Collins website under authonomy  and thoroughly enjoyed reading all of your reviews.  I look forward to reading your book.  Thank you for writing….Lee

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you for your support and for visiting me here, Lee.

..and thank you for gardening organically, and teaching others how they can be successful doing the same (even in very limited spaces)!

We, you and I, are like the birds. We sing because we must…it is what we are.

blessings and joy,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Congrats dear C.G. on the well deserved title of first “Featured Member” of 2009.

I wish you and all the other members a happy, healthy, peaceful and productive New Year. May you always create and share your wonderful gifts with the world.

Love,
Yael

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Hello Yael!!! 

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you for your kindness, my friend and brother!

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters-writing

Yesterday I took a short (4 hr–it decided to rain) walk up the mountain, checking in on a couple of trails that I had neglected for almost 2 years. I went up posing a question about something that Meenakshi asked–continuing/interactive and co-creation of a Spirit Story. I barely got started on the walk and information started flowing. If I can read the chicken-scratch that I wrote while walking–I don’t let myself stop while climbing upward–I will try to share it.


It was hard not to turn around and come back to the computer, but I knew to go on, because there were greater gifts ahead (see pics). I have learned that  just because I am gifted with gold at the base of the mountain that does not mean that that is the treasure.  

I will start with the idea of a story being alive (a Spirit Story) and therefore something that is never ‘complete,’ always evolving. It was easiest (for me) to come to some understanding about continuing creation, because there have been examples in my personal experience and in literature.

I mentioned earlier about truth coming before the peace to live it….the co-creation and continuing creation aspects of a story are truths (that I could tell were truth to me because of the sense of compatible resonance with them) that came well before I had any idea what they meant. It was like being told something in a language I did not know. I could recite the ‘truth,’ but could make no sense of what the implications were exactly.
 
I am sure/imagine that you have returned to a favorite reading to find a new pearl of wisdom that you were amazed you did not see before. It’s not so mysterious because you (as you are at that moment) had never read this passage.

You cannot step twice into the same river, for other waters [and your identity/self] are continually flowing on.—Heraclitus

We see things not as they are, but as we are—attributed to many, Anais Nin, Kant, John Milton, etc

The Tao Te Ching starts off with something in the manner of “the way of the word is not The Way.”

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters-writing

C.G., as I flow with you in this space, I find that words and communication that I had wanted to have, begin to flow even more clearly. That is a gift that you have given through your trek and your search for that tree on the stone.

I feel we are all searching, through interaction, for that perfectly growing tree on that stone; and that is what a community of this sort gives us. As I savor each word you have shared here, I would like to request you to a conversation started on this group; so that we can have your perspective on it. Can you flow with me?

As I re-read your words –true, new pearls blossom into awareness, and I see that your quotes blend beautifully with the view presented there.

We not only begin to understand a book, a word, a post; but ourselves, as we give each, the joyful respect of mindful presence.

I will have to come back to this post again….Thank you.

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters-writing

Thank you for the invitation, Meenakshi…I will visit the link and flow with you all…..
blessings….

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

“I have learned that just because I am gifted with gold at the base of the mountain that does not mean that that is the treasure.”  C.G.

Hello C.G. and thank you for spending your time with us this month! I started reading thru this thread and wondered how in the world I’d been missing out on your blogs everyone has been raving about… turns out we’ve not officially ‘friended up’! I’m off to fix that issue and get a subscription going to your blogs! Yay!

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

…and yet we are 'friend', Amber.
I look forward to walking the mountains of Oregon in due time….very beautiful.

blessings and joys to you my friend,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Hi C.G.,  I went through some of the reviews and posted them here:

Reply by Joani: I am reading Sacred Vow and I am enjoying it immensely. I seem to have very little time for reading lately; among other things, I am editing and proofreading a friend’s book; but in one way that’s good: it’s forcing me to take my time with Sacred Vow and really savor it, like a fine chocolate truffle. Otherwise I probably would have sped through it in a couple of sittings because it is very compelling, and then been sad when it was over too quickly. Thanks for the wonderful experience, CG. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fiction, and especially to anyone who enjoys fiction with a spiritual bent. It is extraordinary. Sorry I didn’t join in the conversation sooner, either. I also seem not to have time to play on ning.com lately. I miss my “real” life! Namaste. Joani 

Reply by Ricky Ok….after spending most of my day today reading Sacred Vow, I’ve realized that I’m hooked. I’m having to make myself go to bed now, at 1:30 in the morning….dang it’s so hard to put down. I haven’t wanted to read any of the recent post on here, because I didn’t want to read anything about others perspectives on the book without defining mine first. So soon I will be getting on here to discuss the book.  As for now all I want to say is WOW….CG you can list this book as fiction all you want, but man this book is hitting so strongly on my reality of life. It’s actually been giving me some insites on some of perceptions over the past year, and it’s even filling my head with a few more questions…which is awesome to me, it’s been a little while since I have felt like there was something I needed to know more about this reality. Now it’s time to make myself go to bed…hehe…..more of Sacred Vow to come tomorrow….and discussions to come….wooohoooo!!!    later ~~~

C.G. THANK YOU SO MUCH! I have just finished reading Sacred Vow, and I wish that you could feel the gratitude and love that I feel for you in this moment for sharing with me this book. I have never, in my memories of this moment, held such a STRONG emotional connection to a book before, as I have with Sacred Vow. This book has shared with me such a divine amount of loves true presence! I felt such a connection with Ian and Katerina, a connection of such truth. I felt their love so strongly, as if I was experiencing it first hand. I can so relate to their feeling of seperation, almost all of my life I have felt alone, but within the past year I have realized that I never really felt alone, that was just the only way I could understand my feelings in that perpective.  I have always been such a loving person, I love so deaply and completely give myself to those I love. Though I have not come across anyone in this life that has been able to fully accept the love that I will give, and give that love back equally. Use to in my early years I always thought that I needed someone to love me, but that wasn’t really the case, I just wanted someone that I could share the amount of love that flows through me. I have no doubt that in my hear future I will be able to connect with that person, but that never made it easy in the past to have the will to love, and to not have the one that could truely accept it. 

All my life I never understood why my two fiances told me that I was just to good for them when they were breaking up with me just months before our weddings. But having the ability to look back on my life, and see the times where I didn’t allow myself to accept the love around me, I now understand that it take a special person to connect with and make the flow of love a complete circle.  Through my meditations and experiences in life, I have been able to feel what true love and compassion truely feel like, and because of this I will not settle for anything but that. This is what I saw and felt like I experienced with reading the Sacred Vow. I felt like I was in meditation once again, and feeling that true connection of divine love.  Thank you once again C.G…..for allowing my spirit to join with yours in the creation/experience of Sacred Vow…I feel so alive in this moment.  Ricky

Reply by Aley:   Tea ceremony!  Lovely! I have a difficulty seeing visions, I am not certain if it is because I am not a “seer” but an intuit. I do intuit things…and “feel” more than see..however, I have noticed the times disconnected are when there is no trying…or expectation…  I loved the movie: Somewhere in Time….and although SV is more about alternate realities, when there is a disconnect, ie: phone, etc one gets drawn back…as in Somewhere when Richard looks at a penny with a more modern date on it…CG: This would make a fabulous movie! Why don’t you try and contact Spiritual Circle Cinema?   I am not that far into this, but can see it in a movie format already! The idea of others ways to show intimacy and connection besides physical words is something I find true in my own experience. I am usually not a slow reader, but two reasons lately I have slowed down..ne is my schedule, but the other is to savor things a bit more….it is important…  Blessings and enjoyment, Aley    Reply by Sheila:  Hi C.G. and the rest of the gang: I just wanted to say that I am now about 2/3 of the way through the book, and at times I am now having difficulty putting it down at the end of my reading time available. I find the writing really brings the characters in the book alive to me - I can “hear” Ian’s voice in my head, and I have a very strong sense of “seeing” the other characters in play as well. I don’t want to give away anything of plot for those who are not as far along, so I will refrain from discussing the “plot” of the book presently - only to say that I now understand even more some of the restrictions on information we sometimes get while channeling - because of just how sensitive timelines and inter-reality play seems to be.  Thank you C.G., for allowing yourself to be the channel for this book. Big {{{{HUGS}}}}!!! a deeply provocative and healing book!

Reply by Chrissy K.McVay:  ‘Sacred Vow’ is the first novel I’ve read with a metaphysical theme. I’d never thought very deeply about possible parallel universes or the ability to view other lives through dreams, channeling, etc. so this book was unique for this reader. Can soul mates perhaps find each other though they live worlds apart? Is love strong enough to help them re-connect?  When Ian realizes that a kindred spirit and his true love is reaching out to him from another world, he goes to great lengths to reach back. Even though he risks his own health at one point and perhaps his life, Ian searches to find a way to be with his beloved Katerina.  This book was a wonderful new experience and a completely different type of novel for me.  It was also a pleasure meeting C.G. Walters in person at a local book signing.  Chrissy  

Reply by Gracewithfire: “Sacred Vow” achieves what the author sets out to do in his fiction: momentarily bring the reader’s conscious “defenses” down to gently expand the reader’s concepts of self, reality, the world, the universe, Love. It also achieves what few metaphysical books immediately achieve: explain to the reader (even someone new to metaphysical concepts) in an engaging, entertaining yet thought-provoking way certain metaphysical concepts like parallel lives and realities, without making the reader feel like being lectured to, and in a way that makes the concepts easy to grasp at first read. This is also the best romance book I’ve ever read so far (if you also include it under the romance genre): Love without the sex (!) but with a more intimate and intense lovemaking still, passion developed and grown to fulfillment in ways not many people have considered, with the real work and struggle of true loving as the real romance of it all. I cried as I read the book, and wept quietly when I finished it, but the tears were healing and transformative. Abundant blessings, Jeanette

Reply by susieparker: Hi CG,  I just read the first three chapters of your book, Sacred Vow. Your writing flows and your voice is even and perfect for the genre. It will be interesting to find out how and in what world the relationship between Katarina and Ian began. I will put this on my watchlist.   Susie Parker, author of “Foul Player.”

Reply by Jak:  Wow!!!! what an extraordinary and accomplished piece of writing- I’ve just finished your third chapter and have enjoyed every word. What I admire most is the coherence of your creation- everything is plausible if you first accept the notion of parallel worlds.( I call them tangential in mine - just to tease people about the difference) There is a balance and measure to the writing which is like watching an ancient stately dance- and it is wonderfully unembellished with redundant gimmickry- just beautiful, honest well-crafted writing. A couple of phrases have stuck in my mind ’ undeniable serenity radiated from his face’ and ‘seduced into idling’ are both so good I’d love to steal them - except I couldn’t write anything beautiful enough to contain them properly. Great stuff.  Shelving this.  How have I not seen this before. Looks really interesting. Watchlisting.   Jak 

Reply by AnniaL: Dear CG, I have read the Prologue and 1st chapter and I believe you write very well. You have a way of carrying the reader to places that could only be experienced by highly trained individuals, places that a mind can get lost in. What an book! I mean, it gets you questioning things beyond the book….is this the real Katerina we’re seeing? Maybe one of her other parallel lives is more dominant, is the real life? Do we all live parallel lives? Can we access them? etc, etc, etc…..you see? It’s got me asking a million questions and I love it.  Your writing flows, is magical and I will be back to read more, to see what the Union is and how Katerina will reach it, because I’m sure she will after challenges to both her physical and mental selves.  Lovely writing. Deep and evocative. This is going on my bookshelf.  I came across your pitch accidentally (is there such a thing??) and was drawn to it straightaway. I have added your book to my watchlist and hope to get to it sometime very soon. I’m very much looking forward to reading it.  Take care, Annia ;-)

Reply by Primrose Hill: This is very accomplished writing and your descriptions are evocative, but I am afraid the meaning, though not exac ly lost on me, is expressed in too abstract a way for my poor brain to understand. Sorry, but I did try. It’s a similar problem to the one I have with fantasy. Richard   P-S:  Dear CG, thanks for your comment and thanks for bookshelving BB. I will try to give Sacred Vow the once over in the next week. Thanks again. R

Reply by Sigyn:  I found this to be a very interesting tale in a world expertly woven. The idea of multiple lives layering themselves with a connection to the people closest to us is one I find intriguing and very close to my own beliefs. I’ll be putting this on my watchlist.

Reply by J.Patindol: “Sacred Vow” achieves what the author sets out to do in his fiction: momentarily bring the reader’s conscious “defenses” down to gently expand the reader’s concepts of self, reality, the world, the universe, Love.  It also achieves what few metaphysical books immediately achieve: explain to the reader (even someone new to metaphysical concepts) in an engaging, entertaining yet thought-provoking way certain metaphysical concepts like parallel lives and realities, without making the reader feel like being lectured, and in a way that makes the concepts easy to grasp at first read.  This is also the best romance book I’ve ever read so far: Love without the sex (!) but with a more intimate and intense lovemaking still, passion developed and grown to fulfillment in ways not many people have considered, with the real work and struggle of true loving as the real romance of it all. I cried as I read the book, and wept quietly when I finished it, but the tears were healing and transformative.

Reply by Deb:  I’ve been reading CG’s book Sacred Vow for the last week or so. I find the premise of the book very intriguing. In it, he imagines how one might find oneself visiting an alternate reality. This is a concept I have found interesting for some time and wondered how it might occur. CG’s concept of how this might occur seems plausible. His idea of whole selves, the male and female complements, manifesting in a variety of situations, places, times, etc and of how they might interact in different ways. He explores the purity of love, how they might be what has been called soul mates. Reading CG’s book has openned my mind to possibilities, expanded ideas in my mind. It has touched my life and I doubt I will look at life and death and all the world’s of those experiences in quite the same way ever again….”This would make a great movie” had come to me as well. There you go CG, I am predicting you need not worry about recovering the money invested, the love you put into this will return abundance to you many times over - have patience - it is coming. I feel it. I will be able to say - I’m acquainted with that guy, I knew him when . .   

I embrace the mountain trip hikes bringing us pearls of wisdom in a pod sharing stories that allow us to be inspired and discover our own truth and reaction to beauty we now experience in North Carolina for CG; and the fine art showing the mountain of Oregon Amber gets to climb :-) Thanks for sharing your adventures. ~kes

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

You live in a beautiful place. Your words are always kind and thoughtful.

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

cg… Your latest scribbing …
…”allowed to blend with the mind and spirit of the individual,
time and place” - profoundly infinite.
is a new read and quite expanding for each to experience their own truth in the moment.  Something about nature that just brings out our very best.  I perceive you in these pictures and the command over your environment brings us there with you.  Continued success to all of you in this new year,  :-) Lee

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you, Lee….and may it be a year of joy and wonder to you as well.

You and I are in agreement on the benefit of time in nature, Lee. In Nature, the natural, we effortlessly return to our own nature–perfection. The blessed spirits of plant, rock, water, air, and animal resonate in unadulterated communion with the source.
  –well, it works for me, anyway…much to my blessings.
peace and wonder, my friend,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you, Jen, for being here and giving of yourself.
I am the company I keep……all around me here (in Gaia) are kind and thoughtful souls. It's hard not to take on some of those characteristics.

love and blessings to you and all you hold dear,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I am very happy to have the spirit of such dear ones with me as I hike, Kathy. Thank you for your support and for 'going along' on my climb into the mountain.
blessings,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Greetings C.G., congratulations on being member of the month.
I'd like to ask a very down to earth practical question. In the intro you mention you have to have a day job to support your writing 'addiction'.

I'd like to purchase Sacred Vow.  I know nothing about royalties or commissions.  From your perspective which would be the most beneficial way for me to buy your book?

I wouldn't  be surprised if others would like to support you in the most practical way also so would you mind providing a link to your preferred source please.

An eccentric Aussie

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you for the encouraging comment.  Anyone can order copies via the publisher  & request the autographed copy.  The journey CG takes us all on is a good read. Best, ~kes 

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Greetings Andrew,
Thanks for your generous support.

As ~Kes said the  publishing website allows buying autographed/personalized copies directly from me–I fill the order here at home–and more of the money comes to me.The price is $13.95 plus shipping (calculated online).

Unfortunately, my website at present is rather naive in the ways of international shipping and can only handle orders here in the US. However, if you send me information of your mailing address and how you want the book shipped (just how quickly you want it to arrive), I will check in with the Post Office and let you know what the cost including shipping will be.

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Congrats, C.G.  It's so great to see you featured here.  Thanks for allowing me a glimpse into your journey as a novelist.     I just know the universe will reward you in one successful way or another for all the hard work, tremendous effort and time spent on this project.  You're almost there!!!

Good luck and I'll always try to be here and there to cheer you along.

Big hugs.
Amy :-)

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

…and it has been a joy to me to share this journey with you, Amy. You have given me much kindness and happiness with your friendship.

Your best gift and support will always be in being yourself, my friend. In your doing so, I receive much joy along the way.

Many blessings and love, dear one,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I asked C.G. about the origins of Sacred Vow. His wife, Kathy, mentioned in his answer, is herself a Gaian, wonderfully.
 C.G., I find it fascinating in life how huge things flow, result, and manifest starting in seemingly tiny ordinary moments we don’t realize the significance of at the time. We never suspect all that will follow from some moment that seems like every other moment. I adore seeing the moment of origin of big things.

Tell us how the creation of Sacred Vow was like this, and also something about your creative process during it.

C.G. Walters
A dear friend of Kathy’s gave her an old espresso machine. On a couple of occasions when Kathy was making espresso, she felt herself in another life, a flashback to some earlier life in Italy. Not of using the machine, but evoked while using the machine.

One morning, as Kathy was getting dressed, she shared her experiences and we got into a discussion about just what might be going on, how it could happen, what significance it might have in her life here. After a bit, I suggested she write the experience as fiction. She said she would not, so I asked if I could follow the story. I was writing short stories to warm up for return to a novel that I needed to finish. She told me to write it.

I went to my writing room, posed the question/scenario to my brain, and followed the story. Time after time the short story refused to be short…..and eventually became Sacred Vow.

When the Sacred Vow short-story kept growing, I kept cutting it down and starting later in the story. Several times the story grew beyond my goal of 5000 words; several time I cut it down—like some memory unfolding, or something with a life of its own.

Soon it was evident that this story would be a novel, and I spoke to ‘whomever’ was driving it and jokingly said, “Ok, I will put all the pieces back and follow this as a novel.

However, there is just one problem.  When I write a novel, I need long, focused periods of time, to actually live what comes through. My work (computer support at the time) will not allow the kind of time I need for writing a novel.”  Two weeks later, I got downsized!

Once I started writing, it only took about two months to finish the rough draft. Of that time, for about 3 weeks I was writing 7 days per week, 10-12 hours per day (minus the occaisional dozing offf while sitting in the writing chair, from psychological/psychic exhaustion.)  It was like a very long, intense meditation. When I came into the house, Kathy said I seemed to be surrounded by a glow of energy.
 OM: Thank you for sharing that.  An amazing seed that sprouted and is still growing !!

I’d love to know more about Celebrazine. Another of your great projects, another ongoing co-creation with readers. You describe those blogs this way:
 C.G.: CelebraZine (eZine to Celebrate What’s Right in the World), a ‘running blog carnival’ (of posts both found and shared with me) that uplift and inspire….an inspiration of sayings, video, audio (music and speech), images, poetry–anything and everything that feeds the positive in heart, spirit, and mind.     

Our focus dictates what we see, which reinforces our focus, further confining the possibility of what we will see.

May you be blessed by these offerings reminding us of the beauty, wonder, and sacredness in the world around us and within us.

Celebrate yourself!

Be a part of the expression of celebration. Submit your submission  (containing text, image, video, and audio, poetry, quotes, etc.) anytime for the daily installments of CelebraZine, a ‘running blog carnival’ of What’s Right in the World.

Note:  Even if you are not the blogger of the work you’d like to suggest, but have noticed someone’s work that you think should be included in a Celebration of What’s Right in the World,   –empowering people and spirit–please point out the work to us.
 OM: I would love to know how did THAT seed get into your life? It’s such a cool idea, to celebrate the great things of life. I do that as part of each of my Sunday Church Services, and on Gaia we have the Great News Show Group. I love positive magazines like Ode and Yes!, and I have a link to Good News Network’s online publication.

Why do you (or anyone here) think this is important for our world?

Blessings, OM Bastet

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Pleased to “meet you” SacredVow -or do you prefer C.G ?

It is an honour indeed to have you as our featured member this
month and I look forward to the January posts very much.

Peace and welcome!
Sandy

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

My pleasure and joy, Sandy.
I am CG….my book (and therefore, I) am Sacred Vow–one of many incarnations.

CG is a good name…..easier (and closer to my birthname in this life)….but then, our names are only symbolic, are they not?

sorry….just playing this morning. I was just visiting Meenakshi's Can you flow with me?

joy and wonder,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Dear CG:

Congratulations on your Featured Member Status here and I also want to express my delight in your book “Sacred Vow” and its message.

Working on a construction site for hours each day and then being able to tune into your spiritual side is a grand gift. You are ineffect balancing the spiritual and the physical and even though your creative gift is more like “plerk”, you are also able to bring creations into manifestation in your physical reality as well.

It has been a wonderful pleasure to be your friend for these two years here on Gaia, and I look forward to many more connections with you my dear  soul brother.

There have been many times when my discouragement has limited my vision of better days, and in your words and support I have found great solace. There are many such souls here on Gaia who offer us all the most wonderful sense of community, and I love that here in this space, many are honored for their commitment to their creative impulses, and their joy of living, and serve as mentors and examples to the rest of us.

Again, a well deserved accomplishment CG…

Always remember how much your community loves you and the inspiration you provide for so many.

Namaste!
Aley

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

It has been a great joy to me, Aley, to visit (online) with you and Keith, to commune with your kind and gentle spirits, and just to play together! You have both been a blessing to me that I am very grateful for.
Much love to you, cherished friend, and I hold you and your dear ones in the light, wishing you a most blessed year in 2009!

CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Quote from a recent CelebraZine:
A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song. – Maya Angelou

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Hi CG and I am hoping you're having a great season here on GAIA!

I too have a sense of the need for refining, consolidating, what you may, in my offerings. It does bring more quality to my audience, who I consider divine and ought to receive the best quality all the time.

Yes, those who are going to sit down and actually digest the material are not a 'mass market' crowd; they desire enrichment, they want to learn and grow from it, they seek inspiration.

I truly hope to share one day in your Celebrate series. There really is a lot to be excited about in this world.

Thank you for being you, friend.

Sherrilene

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

Thank you for being here, and being the spirit that you are, Sherrilene.

I agree, this audience is divine. Their time and attention is precious, so they should always receive the most sincere effort one has to offer.

Yes, there is much to celebrate in the world, wonderful works that you and so many people are doing. I am thankful for your focus on the quality of life for all—a very valuable gift in our world.

And I look forward to you sharing in CelebraZine.
blessings and continued inspiration, dear one,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I just read your recent Celebrazine blog, C.G. I like the way you ask for suggestions:  

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

I'd love to see your suggestions, Meenakshi. Submissions are a great help.

the biggest problem I have in doing CelebraZine is that there is not enough time or space to give recognition to all the significantly uplifting things being done by so many……which is a glorious problem to have (so much positive)!!!!!!

joy and inspiration,
CG

Re: January 2009 Featured Member -- C.G. Walters

c.g. i have been learning the lesson that all is exactly as it seems and the exact opposite in the same moment, yet, our viewpoint, being in flesh or out of it, in this physical world or the spiritual…makes the difference on how much you see and your point of view:)

is it possible to be polite and rude at the same time. yes. i am doing this now, i have been longing to come over and read before today, but that following spiritual guidance can be intriguing:) so now i am here and have been in a channeling that lasted over 7 hours (see my blog)…i am fine, my eyes however have asked me to rest them:) so forgive me to all the glorious friends who have written and especially to you as i admit having to return to read - but i couldn't sign on to gaia.com and off again without stopping by to say thank you for being who you are. for not following your fears, but instead you spirit and your heart. for your unselfish gifts of knowledge and empowerment.

thank you also to your wife kathy as i am certain that the great love you share contributes to the wonderful person you are, even as you surely contribute to the glorious person she is.

surely i once said, i always read all the entries in a thread before joining in…alas…spirit has helped me make sure i eat those words and humble myself in this instance so that i might walk in the shoes of someone who walked in those:)

may you continue to follow spiritual guidance, for it seems that when you follow your guide, it manages to benefit us all.

you are my love and i am yours, we are all the love & light of this world.
aki