How do we become the change that we want to see in the world?

Imploding economic and societal structures are prompting us to reappraise all existing values, in ourselves and in the world at large. Does the world really operate the way it seems? Is our existence really dependent on the current system of power and money, or are those perceived limits we impose on ourselves?

Resources and priorities

Money is the ultimate symbol and manifestation of our illusions of "security". The current economic meltdown has revealed that "financial security" is an oxymoron, and yet our conditioned and fearful minds are desperately -- and fruitlessly -- trying to find material "protections" in which to seek refuge. Fear brews fear; trust engenders abundance. In most spiritual traditions giving is crucially important. Giving is our ultimate way of saying to the Universe: "I trust that I will be supported." And, again and again, trust is answered with support.

The ability to give is a privilege, and a true gift. Besides having an impact on others and on the world, giving has a profound and powerful effect on our own personal growth. To give is to share in the abundance and creativity of the Universe.

Sharing resources is not about philanthropic kindness or idealism, but a realistic approach to the real world -- not the old world of dead prejudices and fears, but to the new world we are now stepping into, a world of implicit trust and generosity. Doing unto others as we would have them do unto us is a universal guiding principle, a version of which is found in all spiritual traditions.

Parting with money for a good cause is an excellent test of our priorities, trust and beliefs. Mastering the ability to give without anxiety about tomorrow is to master control over our own minds. At the end of the day, giving is an expression of our own spiritual work, our own advancement and achievement. That is why spiritual traditions teach us to thank those to whom we give. They give us the opportunity to grow. By giving we share not just money, time and resources, we share in our highest spiritual potential.

Are we what we say we are?

Linking word with deed is essential. It is about putting our money where our mouth is, as the old saying goes. Giving does exactly that. Whatever blessings we have to share -- time, money, energy, heart, talents -- is a gift we are called to give to others. Action is required.

Each of us has our own divinely appointed task. Sometimes we call it a mission, or our life purpose. This task is so much more than struggling with our daily existence. Living that sacred task -- becoming, embodying our life purpose -- is what we may brand "heroic existentialism."

Discovering how to support that "heroic drive" in our daily lives -- as we take care of our material well-being -- is becoming increasingly an all-consuming and daunting affair. Putting our sacred task first--paying for that spiritual trip, or retreat, or education, buying that book, sponsoring someone else's learning, supporting a cause we're passionate about, or simply doing in life what we feel called to do -- may seem unfeasible from a material perspective.

The answer: by the simple action of giving to others, and following our own soulful call. Living in fear and in trust at the same time is not attainable. We make a choice, and we stick with that decision: We are what our divine purpose is, and that is enough to trust that we will be supported.

How It Works

"A man there was, and they called him mad, The more he gave, the more he had."

Why should we give. Because doing onto others as we would do onto ourselves is ultimately a condition for our own survival. Because struggling contributes to the play of forces in human society at large. Easing the struggle in others benefits me, in a literal sense, because we are all one. Because contributing good energy in one place generates an amplified response in another, feeding a flow of abundant kindness and goodness around the world. We know it as the "butterfly effect."

Financial gurus are now revealing the same secrets that spiritual teachers have taught for millennia: Give at least 10 percent of everything you earn to charity. No matter how much or how little we have, how squeezed or "threatened" by our particular situation, whether we have a lot, or little. Financial gurus tell us that doing so will greatly improve our finances, and though they are absolutely right and this law is behind the reason why wealth has always been multiplied by charity, it is not the point.

How to give spiritually

Giving is sharing in Oneness, where everyone is equal, where there is no "first" and "last." Giving is connecting, sharing in universal Love. Giving is receiving. Giving without expectations of "payback" and without announcing our good deeds to the entire world is known to produce best results for our personal advancement on a path to our highest self. Giving is our unique opportunity for growth.

It could be simple act of kindness and fun, like supporting a friend at a performance show, making a surprise gift appearance, creating a music or art piece for those we love. Sharing money, resources, contributing our time, good will, creativity, talents, gifts, skills provided to us by the Universe is a spiritual, soulful act. And, to boot, giving can be a lot of fun!

Spiritual giving happens in joy. Spiritual giving is fearless. We simply share and circulate what comes to and through us from the Universe. Sometimes spiritual giving is about stretching the limits of our physical or psychological comfort. Sometimes it is like a supernova explosion giving until nothing is left, and then giving some more. Trust that you will be replenished and rewarded on many levels. And, without a doubt, you will be supported.

So, whether you give to our work or to anyone else, the action of giving will change your life, and it will change the world. It will make YOU the change that you want to see.

Helping one soul in need is helping the entire world.

We're here trying to do just that.

We continue to be both delighted and humbled by the amazing healing effects of Transformational Breathwork, by reports of dramatic personal insights, self-empowerment and wonderful life changes as the aftermath of our workshops and retreats. We are witnessing and enjoying the ripple effect of goodness and love that our participants bring out to the world. We are awed by the rate and gracefulness our spiritual community is unfolding, becoming a bonded, connected family of healing, committed, extraordinary human beings, eager to bring healing to others.

There is much work to do. Every act of generosity creates a space for another scholarship, benefitting yet another soul in need of healing, and for expanding and extending our work to new locations, providing increased access for those in need of our services. The demand for service is growing among people from all walks of life at this time of accelerated change. We ask for your help in carrying out this work.

Opportunities to give of yourself with us, should you chose to do so, are plenty.

• Volunteer with Soulful Power and / or with Q-Spirit.
  We will appreciate creative and hands-on help with our so many ongoing web, publishing, translations, editing and media projects.

• Bring your creative ideas.

• Promote our work in your community, city, country. No distance is too far for us.

• Bring your skills as community organizer, spiritual leader, interfaith practitioner, LGBT activist, member of progressive religious community, early child education specialist, healer, teacher, artist, songwriter, whatever your divine task is. We need to hear from you.

• Consider apprenticeship in Mastery of Breath School to become a breathwork practitioner.