In-The-Body-Experiences

By Scott Kalechstein

As I write this, I am in the seventh month of a one year Intuitive Training Program at Aesclepion ( Linked text), a school that teaches psychic and spiritual development. What I am mostly learning there has to do with being grounded in and present to my body. While practicing my tools, I am enjoying some spontaneous in-the-body-experiences. After living most of my life in a disembodied state, it's refreshing to be dropping in.

Getting out used to be the in thing in my world. During my teens I had more than a few psychedelic experiences. I liked to think of them as extra-curricular field trips, enhancing my study of metaphysics and psychology. There was one trip amongst them that stands out in (what is left of) my memory. On that day the camera lens in my mind opened wide, and I became ecstatically aware of a big picture truth: there could never be anything in my life that could every justify worry or fear. Everything was an illusion, nothing in the world mattered, and in my recognition of that truth, I was freed from the spell of matter. Gravity may keep my body from soaring, but not my mind and spirit. I was free! I had touched the kingdom of heaven, here and now, and here and now is all there is, was, and ever will be. I was safe eternally. There was nothing left to do with the rest of my life but play, be peaceful, and celebrate!

I realized while I was soaring that when the drug wore off this vision would fade, and my life from that point on would be about gradually climbing the mountain of consciousness until the peak experience I was currently having was where I lived, not just a place I visited.

In my devotion to getting there, I made enlightenment my first priority, and things like my health, relationships, family, and making money were way down on my list. I resisted anything that had to do with the physical universe for fear that it would distract me from my goal. I found spiritual practices that allowed me to hide from the world I lived in. I used meditation as an escape mechanism to take me to higher planes, any plane but the earth one. In my efforts to transcend fear, I rejected anything that might stir up fear. Of course, while I was busy being detached, fear still owned me. I was attached to detachment, and the spaced-out, far away look in my eyes was not the look of one who had found real peace.

Eventually I recognized that I was never going to ascend until I was first willing to descend. I was twenty five years old. Up until that time I had avoided driving and relied on public transportation and the kindness of others. So I chose to engage in one of my first worldly, dangerously unspiritual activities - learning how to drive a car. I got my license and bought my first car for $1000. A few years later, I filed my first tax return. Peter Pan was beginning to get down and grow up.

Getting into relationships initiated me into the world of vulnerable hopes and huge disappointments. When I fell in love, I fell hard. Looking back, I can see that in my middle to late twenties I had finally become willing to enter into a clumsy, unavoidable stage of life that up until then I had managed to avoid: adolescence. You could say I was a late bloomer.

My repetitive fumblings in romantic relationships caused me to stumble my way into therapy, something I had previously thought of as unworthy of my time. Therapy conjured up images of spending years making snail's progress, staying stuck in my head, and getting good at analyzing what was wrong with me. I had already perfected that on my own, thank you! But the counselor I was led to was a big cheerleader for emotional release work, and the tissues I used in his presence far outnumbered the diagnoses he offered. Together we created an environment for me to honestly and nakedly face the pain I was carrying, feel my way through it, and get to the other side.

During this process I gradually lost interest in lofty and lengthy meditations and learned the practice of journaling my feelings. When pain came up I practiced being with it and not shrinking away. This commitment to a deeper intimacy with myself helped me attract the intimate relationship I am in now. Occasionally, like in all good relationships devoted to mutual personal growth and authenticity, the fire gets hot between us. In moments of conflict I am learning to stay present and express my fear, hurt and anger instead of vacating the premises. It is amazing how intense feelings rapidly dissipate and, like with a good thunderstorm, the air is cleared when we are willing to get out of our heads and into our bodies.

Last week Venus said something that pushed my buttons. I took physical distance and began getting mental (out of my body), judging how right I was and how wrong she was. Taking a walk around the block, I recognized that my superiority head trip was a mask for my hurt feelings, and rather than wallow around in separation, I came back to the house, got back down in my body, and spoke up. She had some anger to express back and for a few minutes I wondered if I did the right thing by opening my mouth. For a recovering control freak such as I, letting myself experience moments of chaos can be quite a stretch. A few minutes later we were holding each other, sharing tender feelings of love and regret, feeling close and connected again.

How exciting it is for this retired space traveler to be coming down to earth! What a joy, after a lifetime of resisting them, to honor and embrace the gifts that God has given me: my body, my emotions, my humanness, my life.

I wrote the following song to celebrate the journey.

The Flight Of The Tree

Ever since I was a little boy my heart would dream of flight
From the tears I shed I would take my jet
Trying to soar into the light
Well I made it to the sky most times
Taking in the view I found
But the tears would come back to my eyes
When I crashed back on the ground

At the point of being on my knees with no runway left to turn
I came face to face with an oak tree
And a mighty truth to learn
I said, "Oak tree, my how high you've grown
What a point of view you've found"
It said, "What sustains my soaring heights
Are my roots deep in the ground"

Out of my mouth there came a prayer like I never prayed before
For my words had power from my pain
And it shook me to my core
I said, "Mother earth and father sky
There's a lesson here for me
For from birth I've dreamed that I can fly
without rooting like this tree"

Plant my feet in soil firm and high, to the earth I must return
For although I might be born to fly
There's some groundwork here to learn
So I let my spirit sink back in
To the soil I feared would hurt
And I found my soul could really grow
In the middle of the dirt

As for the rest you know it well, for it's what all life's about
As my roots grew stronger in the ground
I began my branching out
Tall and thick and full of heart
How I'm growing like a tree
But I won't forget how I got my start
Being wounded on my knees

And when heaven's winds blow through my leaves
I give thanks for my rebirth
For the flight I yearned for was conceived
The day I came back to earth

©1995 ScottSongs
From The CD, Let There Be Light

Copyright 2008 Scott Kalechstein, All Rights Reserved

Scott Kalechstein is an inspirational speaker, a transformational humorist, a life coach, and a modern day troubadour. He makes his home in Marin, California and loves presenting at conferences, giving talks, concerts and workshops. In his phone counseling practice, he is a relationship specialist, helping both individuals and couples grow into conscious relationship. Call 415-721-2954 to schedule a session, or email him at scott@scottsongs.com. You can visit www.scottsongs.com to read more about his workshops, to hear his talks or to sample songs from his nine CD's. Sign up for his free muse-letters to receive writings like this one on a semi-occasional basis.

SCOTT'S SCHEDULE

NAPA, CA

April 20 - I'll be singing at the two services and then giving a concert at the Napa Valley Center For Spiritual Living ( Linked text). Call 707-252-4848 for the details.

SANTA CRUZ, CA

May 2 - I will be giving a Course In Miracles inspired concert, along with my friend Charley Thweatt, organized and promoted by another good friend, Lisa Lifrak, who can be reached at 831-419-3317 for more info.


FREMONT, CA

May 11 - I'll be singing at the services at the Tri City Church of Religious Science. Visit Linked text for more info.

ALBANY, NY

May 18 - I'll be singing at the Unity Church in Albany. Following the services I'll be giving a concert. Visit Linked text for more detaiils.

NEWBURGH, NEW YORK

May 20 - HopeStream Healing Center Presents... AN EVENING WITH SCOTT KALECHSTEIN Scott will be offering 'personal songs' for willing participants on a moment's notice. HopeStream Healing Center is at 1658 Rt. 300, Newburgh, NY; Call Corinne (917)515-9050; smithcorinne8@yahoo.com $25.00 preregistration; $30.00 at door.

ROWE, MASSACHUSETTS

May 25-28 - Every Memorial Day Weekend I offer my music to complement the love and wisdom of Joyce and Barry Vissell at a lovely Couples Retreat. Committed relationships are supported, renewed, and often healed. Contact Rowe at retreat@RoweCenter.org or call: (413) 339-4954 or visit Linked text

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

May 31 - I'll be giving a concert at the Unity Center in Fletcher, North Carolina, near Asheville. Visit Linked text for the details.

June 1 - I'll be speaking and singing and leading a workshop at the Unity Center in Fletcher, North Carolina, near Asheville. Visit Linked text for the details.


RENO, NEVADA

June 6 - I'll be singing at a private retreat at Lake Tahoe.

June 8- I'll be speaking and singing at the Lakeside Community Church. Visit Linked text for details.

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

July 24 through 27 - I'll be the troubadour at a Bread For The Journey Retreat, closed to the public.

July 27 - AN EVENING WITH SCOTT KALECHSTEIN - An intimate, humorous, and healing musical night to remember, taking place in Santa Fe at the home of Diane Freburg. Call her at 505-424-9610 for more info.

NEVADA CITY, CA

August 2 - A lovely house concert at the lovely home of Jill and Jon Fox. Call them at 530 265 3802 for the details.

August 3 - I'll be the guest speaker and singer at the Sierra Center For Positive Living. Following the service I'll be offering a workshop.. Call Jill at 530 265 3802 or visit Linked text for the details.


NEW WINDSOR, MARYLAND

August 8, 2008 - August 10, 2008 - I'll be leading workshops, speaking and sharing my music at a weekend called Be the Love, just outside of Baltimore. Visit Linked text for more info.

GAITHERSBURG, MARYLAND
(near Washington DC)

August 16- I will be giving a Saturday night concert at Christ Church Unity of Gaithersburg. Call (301) 947 3626 for more information or visit Linked text.

August 17- I will be the guest minister and singer and follow that up with a workshop at Christ Church Unity of Gaithersburg. Call (301) 947 3626 for more information or visit Linked text.

FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA

August 17 - AN EVENING WITH SCOTT KALECHSTEIN - An intimate and healing and humorous night to remember of divinely inspired music. Email Donna Jones for the scoop at donnamjones64@yahoo.com.

SEDONA, ARIZONA

September 12 through 14 - I will be a troubadour and speaker at the Raw Spirit Festival. Visit Linked text for more info.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA

September 19 through 21 - I will be at the Temple Emanuel of Tempe giving concerts, workshops, and a talk. Visit Linked text for more info.

DENVER, COLORADO

October 1- I will be offering a workshop/concert called A Course In Miracles- THE MUSICAL! at the Rocky Mountain Miracle Center. Call 303-759-3409 or visit
Linked text for the scoop.

October 2 through 5 - I'll be serving as troubadour for a private gathering of the Renaissance Business Associates.

LONDON, ENGLAND

October 18,19 - I will be the troubadour at Being The Light, A Course In Miracles Conference in London. Visit Linked text for more info.

TORONTO, CANADA

October 24 - 27 - I'll be the conference troubadour at the tenth annual Energy Psychology Conference in Toronto. Visit Linked text

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON

November 1 - I will be leading a one day workshop for the Eastern Washington Family Child Care Association (closed to the public).


There are many dates in the year that are still open and available. If you would like to discuss how easy it is to bring me to your neck of the woods and set me loose on your community, church, friends, etc., please call me at 415 721 2954 to talk about it. Or email me at scott@scottsongs.com if you prefer typing over chatting.



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Scott Kalechstein's Guide To Self-Help Bestsellers and Movies

Conversations With Lucifer - Neal Donald Walsh, after a few too many, finds himself conversing with the devil. Satan speaks freely about the state of the world, Conversations With God, and his three favorite inventions: television commercials, fast food, and multi tasking. Here is a sample of the dialogue:

Walsh: What do you think about the people who are reading my Conversation With God books and putting the ideas into practice?

Lucifer: Hate em. They want to take responsibility for everything. They won't blame me for the bad stuff anymore, and when folks don't blame me, they don't fear me. And if they don't fear me, then I might as well throw in the pitchfork. Another thing… they're always choosing positive attitudes. I give em hell, and they find a way to make it heaven! As far as I'm concerned, your readers are the Anti-Satan. They don't even believe I exist. What do you think that does for my self-esteem?

Walsh: You sound like you are complaining, Satan. What exactly is it that you want?

Lucifer: Of course I'm complaining. I invented complaining. What do I want? A return to the good old days! Everyone was trying to follow hell-fire and brimstone rules and feeling guilty as hell when they didn't behave like angels. Now those are the kind of people I like to play with!"

Chicken Soup For Dummies - Easy to read, inspirational real life stories, each under a page, and each followed by a simple sentence spelling out the moral. Forward by George W. Bush.

The Original Four Agreements - News Flash! The two most famous Dons were in a literary war! Don Miguel Ruiz has just confessed that his best-selling book The Four Agreements was stolen from secret writings authored by the Dapper Don himself, deceased Mafia chief John Gotti. The Gotti family has just released the book John wrote in prison, an exclusive survival guide for anyone interested in joining the Mafia and using the experience to evolve spiritually. His original four agreements are as follows:

1. Be careful with your words (Talking trash about the boss could end you up in the trash.)
2. Don't take it personally (It's just business.)
3. Don't assume nothing ( Your partner may be a friend, but then again, he might be setting you up to be axed.)
4. Always get the job done (Or else!)

(John Gotti, by the way, turned out to be a model prisoner. He facilitated a daily support group for incarcerated Mafia members wanting to open their hearts entitled Forgive and Forget About It!)

Dogs Are From Jupiter, Cats Are From Saturn - By John Gray- Having taught us all he knows about human relationships, John Gray turns his planetary gaze towards our beloved pets. Includes such practical advice as: A) What to do when your dog wants affection and your cat needs space; B) How to get an emotionally unavailable cat to come out of her cave and express love; C) How to tell a dog you don't want to sleep with him without hurting his feelings; and D) How to get your cat to express her anger without peeing on your carpet or shredding your drapes.

Tuesday (Nights) With Laurie - A young man shares the wisdom and life lessons learned from his weekly visits with an aging call girl.

The Cellophane Prophecy - James Redfield writes of a disillusioned businessman, tired of his phony and plastic life, who goes on a quest for greater transparency. He journeys to Peru to locate ten new insights written on cellophane… insights that have the power to change the world and keep it fresh for a long time. Greedy executives from huge corporations who want the world to stay just the way it is try to prevent him from obtaining the insights. He falls in love with one of the corporate biggies, who seduces him into leaving Peru and joining her at a Club Med in Cancun, where he synchronistically finds clues to the first three insights at the bottom of his margaritas, but is too intoxicated to do anything about them.

A Course In The Miracles Of Multi-Level Marketing - A channeled book reportedly authored by Jesus. Here is the introduction: "This is a course in Multi-Level Marketing. It is a required course. Free will does not mean you can live your entire life without joining a Network Marketing Company. It does mean that you can elect when you finally give in and what company you join." This course is currently sweeping the nation and was started by two professors at Columbia University, tired of their meager salaries, who joined forces while sharing the thought, "There has got to be a better pay."

Feel The Fear And Eat It Anyway- A guide for eating in third world countries. Susan Jeffers wrote this handbook to help travelers in exotic locations cope with what they find on their plate. Also applies to eating at your in-laws for the first time.

Inspirational Movies

Close Encounter Groups Of The Third Kind - Steven Spielberg and Carl Rogers team up to direct this psychological thriller about a random collection of American citizens who are kidnapped by extra-terrestrials and forced to participate in confrontational group therapy aboard their Catharships.

Bambo - A once mild-mannered deer, fed up with hunters and the NRA, organizes his species to fight back. Charlton Heston and Arnold Schwarzeneggar get paid big bucks to get their butts kicked by bucks. (Produced by Jerry Bruckenheimer in association with Walt Disney).

Look out for my next column, when I'll be reviewing Debbie Does Sedona, the hard core tantric flick which sparked the Motion Picture Academy to come up with a new rating, VortexXXX. Also reviewed will be the books, Soul Dyslexic The For Soup Chicken, Awakening The Genius Within For Dummies, Zen And The Art Of Watching Soap Operas, and I'm The Christ And You're Not So Bad Yourself, by Terry Cole Whitaker, the author of that runaway bestseller, What Other People Think Of Me Is Good For My Business.


Scott Kalechstein writes regularly for personal growth publications around the country. His life is dedicated to ending all seriousness on Earth by the year 2012. He can be visited at www.scottsongs.com If you like his writings, you are invited to sample his inspirational music in the recordings section of his website. His CD, Levitational Pull, contains twenty deliciously humorous personal growth related songs. His email address is scott@scottsongs.com