Periodically, in our collective human journey, we have had major awakenings. Our history books inform us of this; all of our major disciplines are affected. A breakthrough in science often leads to a breakthrough in human awareness. For example, "the sun does not revolve around the earth, but rather the earth revolves around the sun" struck down a core belief that could not be sustained by the facts. Earth-centeredness equaled self-centeredness during this period of our history and both were dealt a fatal blow. As a result, we humans became part of something larger than ourselves, a part of the Universe if you will, rather than being its center. When we take a long view of our recorded history, we see that such awakenings have occurred regularly and continue to this day.

With the information explosion of modern times we are likely on the threshold of another major awakening. The world becomes smaller as each of us has easier access to our collective information sources via the Internet; and we will continue to benefit from that expanding knowledge base. One could argue that our collective consciousness is uniting as we abandon isolationism and move toward the growing awareness that we are indeed One.

Within each period of history a symbol would emerge in the consciousness of man that described this process of evolution at the personal level. The symbol for today is the arising of the Self, well described by Carl Jung and the human potential movement that loudly made itself known in the late 60's. From Self-actualization to Self-empowerment, the symbol of the Self announces our growing understanding that at the center of us lays a core, and this core is our Self out of which emerges creative expression of our true nature.

The Self is not our Ego which has been our symbol of outward expression until this time. The ego has been an integral part of our human journey but is no longer its mainstay. As Carl Jung and many Eastern philosophers point out, the ego is a stepping stone to this new threshold, the arising of the Self. This self is our core which, as we shall see, connects us to the Divine. Remember, the ego wants to be a God unto itself, totally self-sufficient and isolated, lying at the root of all our addictions which take us away from our true Self.

This Self contains and expresses that which we are in our feelings and emotions. This feeling nature has been called Heart and refers to our strongest desires and passions. "Follow your bliss" Joseph Campbell would instruct. "What do you feel in your heart?" others would suggest in answer to such questions as "who am I?" and "what is my purpose here on this earth?" The "recovery movement" has linked this Self with "the lost inner child." Again, another description which places the Self as our feeling nature. I believe that this Self is the "true" center of our human personality and when "free" and "actualized" connects us to our Soul, its spiritual counterpart.

Our Soul is our connection to the Spiritual and the very source of our being. Our Soul takes on human form for its Earthly experience and gives rise to the Self which is the spiritual in human form. Self and Soul are the flip sides of the same coin. On the one side we see our spiritual nature; on the other we see our essential human nature. Expressing the Divine through our human form brings God down to Earth and renders this physical experience "Holy." Our parables, myths and stories recount this journey in a myriad of ways, all designed to get us back in touch with our truest nature. At that core we are all vitally alive, unencumbered and free. We express that which is ours, creatively, forcefully and passionately. We glorify God with our works. We express our part of the puzzle as an individualized piece in an infinite matrix of Divine interrelationships, at the centre of which stands the Director, the leader of the Band. He needs for all of us to play in tune together so that we sing His praises and ours as well. Because we are of Him, we express Him in all our glorious enterprises. When fully in tune we are happiest. Back to "follow your bliss." That "bliss" is "us" expressing His Light creatively as we were designed to do. Yes, we have free will. We can refuse. But why deny ourselves this joy and ultimate satisfaction?

This book is about being inspired, about Divine guidance and about being eternal in that cosmic, spiritual sense. Our Soul is our Divine core; our Self is our human core. Parables, myths and stories help us bring them to the fore, as the center of our being. This book is about the Self and its relationship to the Soul, about how expressing that Self leads us to Soul and our Divine inheritance.

This Self is brought forward and nurtured on the human plane of experience. Expressing this Self strengthens us in our human drama and leads us back to Soul. Self and Soul work dynamically together while maintaining the bond between the human and the Divine. We see that we are Spiritual beings first and foremost. Our humanness is an expression of the Divine that seeks to enlarge itself through this particular experience. That's why we are here - to grow.

This collection of parables in story and poetic form stands in the same tradition as the illustrative tales our ancestors relied upon. They provide a reference point for certain types of experience, always pointing toward goodness and the healthy expression of Self. We do our part when we undertake this challenge. We bring to Life that which we are imbued with. And while creatively expressing those talents and abilities we share them with each other. In so doing we perpetuate the growth pattern that has already been established, taking it to a new level with each positive step we make.

Allow this collection of stories and poems to act as a mirror to your experience. Some will have more meaning for you than others. Some may have little meaning initially, but more meaning at a second or third reading. Approach them as an opportunity to learn more about your Self and why you are here. Look at each character and situation as a possible reflection of something going on in your life. In addition, these diverse characters may reflect on different parts of your personality, giving you another avenue through which to explore who you are. Let them speak to you and challenge you. Trust that you will derive what it is you need. As mirrors to your life they can only reflect back to you what you are ready to see.

These parables celebrate Life. They celebrate personal achievement and growth. They point toward the healing our Self may require, to any blockages or defenses we may need to address and, ultimately, to rejoining the Soul in total human consciousness. Remember, expressing that Soul awareness in human form is what the healthy Self strives to do. What's good for the Self is also good for the Soul.

This book then is about Souls and their journey through human life. A Soul's growth experiences can be wide and varied and are evidenced in the Self's human expression of an individual's talents and abilities. Love of course is at the center of all these experiences. Love of Self. Love of Soul. Love of each other as expressions of the Divine common denominator. Love is the glue that binds Souls together and yet maintains their individuality. So Love is also what we're here to learn about and to share with one another. Love comes straight from the Divine to individual Souls and to the human Self. Love shared is love expressed. Love expressed is growth on the human vine. Growth is why love exists and expands, into forever.

These stories are gifts which I need to share as my part of the Soul/Self alliance. They come to me from the ethers, Divine providence if you prefer. I have used these stories in my work as a therapist and workshop facilitator. They usually come as short stories or poetry. Lately they've been arriving as song lyrics which I have set to music and proceeded to record so they can be shared in that fashion as well. In whatever form they all serve the same purpose. To awaken, stimulate and intrigue. Whatever moves us, touches us, inspires us, or challenges us has at its core an unswerving capacity to ignite. Isn't that what passion is, a fire in the belly driving that urge to create or express. "Turned on" we might say today. Whatever its characterization, it's there at our core. The Self, the Soul, the Passion, the Love, all waiting their turn to be expressed for His greater glory and our own cosmic evolution.

Let us remove those obstacles now and get to the heart of our individual story. Let us find out who and what we really are. Let us climb out from under the rocks of addiction and fear and let us feel that love again, the way our ancestors did when they came to terms with their inner being as exemplified in the stories of their day. Let us teach each other the truth, that we are all here together in one significantly sour soup that we can make sweeter through our individual contributions. We are interdependent and we need each other. We also need the truth of our Selves in no uncertain terms. Let these stories be a guide to your truth and help you unravel your unique contribution to the Cosmic Soul.

I offer you my sincerest best wishes on your individual journey and I welcome you to my world of cosmic creative expression. Enjoy!

Maurice Turmel

Soul Story: The Sad Man Conscious Evolution: The Hero Myth Soul Story: The Traveler Conscious Evolution: How We Lost Our Way Soul Story: An Ocean Voyage Conscious Evolution: The Big Sleep Soul Story: A Land Faraway Conscious Evolution: Life as Movie and Myth Soul Story: The Prince and the People Conscious Evolution: Heroes and Heroines Soul Story: The Wizard Conscious Evolution: The Force Soul Story: Fallen Angel Conscious Evolution: Beyond Healing Soul Story: The Rescue Conscious Evolution: The Circle Soul Story: Open Your Heart Conscious Evolution: The Road to Discovery Soul Story: Let Your Feelings be Your Guide Conscious Evolution: The Voice Soul Story: An Inward Journey Conscious Evolution: Coming Home Soul Story: On Finding Your Self Conscious Evolution: Conscious Evolution Today

Let me suggest to you that an introduction to the Ascension Training Program may be akin to your initial introduction to roller-coasters. Until you've actually been on one, you can relate only marginally to the excitement and enthusiasm of a person who has just taken a ride.

In terms of the Ascension Training Program, you will meet some of those graduates in the Forum and on the Testimonials' Page. Having taken the ride, they are now capable of describing the experience to you. They will offer numerous insights on what you can expect. Understand that the ride itself is quite extraordinary and you are about to be introduced to that experience.

The first group of Ascendees (riders) will share some wonderful examples from their experience and how it feels to be moving through the 12 steps. From that input, you can anticipate what is coming for you. Like any new experience, the description does not compare to the ride itself, but it will give you a glimpse into an experience that has been described as life-changing.

What You've Done So Far:
We appreciate that you've done a lot of work on yourself to this point. Otherwise, you would not be here. You have been sensing that there is something in the air, something new to explore in terms of personal development. Let there be no more doubt about that feeling, there is something new in the air and it is called Ascension.

Our work together in this program will be both spiritual and dynamic. This program raises the bar on what it means to be spiritual, far beyond what the world's religions have been teaching. The majority of today's religions are 3rd dimensional and have no concept of what Ascension actually means.

Ascension, at this time in human history, means moving from 3rd dimensional density consciousness to 5th dimensional expanded consciousness where the world will appear as different as night from day. In fact you could simply describe the process as moving from Darkness to Light. That is the power of this experience.

As moderator and guide, I have been on this path for decades. From the early 70s to the present, I have been through every growth experience imaginable. Aside from so many personal and spiritual growth practices, I garnered 3 degrees in Psychology and worked as a counsellor and therapist for over 20 years. My interests in Mythology and Spirituality kept me digging for more than what Psychology had to offer. All this preparation and life experience brought me to the point where delivering this Ascension Training Program is central to my Life Mission. My friends, of the Ethereal Realms, have been grooming me for this work. I am ready to guide you through this program and help you succeed with yours.

Ascension Training Centre:
All the material contained at the Ascension Training Centre has come through guidance and intuition. My Guardian Angels and Keepers of the Light are the library I draw from for every program, piece of music and book I have put together thus far. I have done this Ascension work and I know what awaits you. You will not be disappointed.

Message from the Ethereal:
We, of the Ethereal Realms, will be processing program participants information as well. We are part of your Ascension Training Team. We will safeguard your Ascension experience by providing you with an unlimited supply of Love Energy while delivering subtle, but powerful, self-awareness coaching to help you master every step and move through any remaining obstacles. Your engagement and commitment to Ascend are your keys to success. This is all you need to know until the roller-coaster leaves the station.

There will be times on this ride where you are thrown in every possible direction, and there will be times when you just glide along with the program. Those convulsive times will require you to stay focused and absorb the information being delivered to you. Your journals need to be at the ready for the feelings and reactions that are bound to come up, especially in the first few sessions. Again, this is the necessary final cleansing to be followed by Full Acceptance of Who and What you are, warts and all! Total self-acceptance is crucial to your Ascension success.

Your journals will be important companions throughout this process. You will need them to document and release the stresses and painful insights that are going to surface. Through your journals you will release these feelings and free yourself of their grip. This program is like 3 years of therapy compressed into 6 weeks . It is a process of intensive clearing, powerful insights and creative openness to the limitless possibilities the 5th dimension has to offer.

You cannot fail! By the end of session 3 you will be fully engaged and know in your heart that you are onto something special. We can assure you that, despite the convulsive dynamics that accompany this process, the alluring call of Ascension will remain a strong and powerful beacon, drawing you forward to that most desired goal. There will likely be cries from your old self trying to draw you back to the familiarity of the 3rd dimension. Be assured that the pull of Ascension's new energy will overwhelm all these dissenting voices. In the end, there will be no desire left to return to your old life.

Summary:
We, my Ethereal Friends and I, have provided a picture of what you can expect as you move through this Ascension Training Program. Your active participation is a must for you to reap the rewards of success. Knowing you have earned your way into the 5th dimension will give you a powerful sense of accomplishment that cannot be challenged by those living in the 3rd dimension. Your heart will be at peace and you will know at the deepest level that you are Home.

About the Author
Maurice Turmel has been involved with Spiritual and Personal Growth programs all of his adult life. While doing so he picked up a few degrees (BA, MA & PhD in Psychology) and worked as a Therapist for 25 years providing services to individuals, families and major corporations. Over the years he has absorbed hundreds of Self-Help and New Age books and has written several books of his own including The Voice - A Metaphor for Personal Development and Mythical Times: Exploring Life, Love & Purpose.

As a psychotherapist, Maurice's feeling-based approach to grief recovery is the culmination of over 25 years of clinical practice that involved thousands of clients, hundreds of whom were dealing with Grief and Loss. This experience led to the creation of a unique program presented on ebook and audio: How to Cope with Grief and Loss - offering support, guidance and direction for your grief recovery.

In terms of spiritual and personal growth, motivation, confidence building and prosperity creation, Dr Turmel has experienced and applied many of the personal development practices and programs available since the early 70's. From these experiences, and his professional training, he has evolved a unique approach to spiritual and personal development which he calls "Conscious Evolution."

Today we are hearing more about Spiritual and Personal Growth, to address such questions as: Who am I? and Why am I? It is time, he believes, for the next stage of our Evolution - The Activation of "Self and Soul" within a Purpose Driven Life. This is Conscious Evolution as he defines it, and has been the substance of his Life's Work for the past 40 years.

Recently, Maurice has launched a wonderful new online course, the Ascension Training Program. Ascended Consciousness is about clearing the psychological debris of our lives and make our way out of 3rd dimensional consciousness to an ascended state in the 5th dimension using psychology as our foundation. There is no substitute for psychology's presence and availability to Western Culture. This is the tool of choice for cleansing and ridding ourselves of past injustices, and all that trauma and abuse suffered at the hands of our caretakers. It makes each and every one of us responsible for all the activities necessary to move through those initial challenges.

Read more about the Spiritual Psychology of Maurice Turmel and visit his Spiritual Psychologist Blog.