Arts and Entertainment may seem like an unlikely subject in our course, but keep in mind that this is a practical application in self-mastery. While the homework required in this course necessitates your spending much time in communion apart from the world, there is no need to shut yourself completely off from the world. God works in every way possible to wake us up not only to who we are, but of our connection to all of life and the universe. The University of Spirituality is a school for all aspects of life. Getting in touch with Spirit helps you to make the most of your potential. It matters not what your particular occupation is. If we were to compare The University of Spirituality to a conventional school, it more closely resembles a school for the arts. We certainly don’t like to pick one field over the other, but the arts stimulates and brings out people’s creative ability more so than a school of business. Business is something that usually goes according to an established standard that is the same day after day. Accounting and finance is done the same way regardless of the business. Many working in a business orientated environment just go through the motions.

The arts are a different story. There are no established standards or limitations in the area of arts and entertainment. It is solely up to the individual’s potential talents to create whatever he or she desires. Many of us live to be entertained. We have painters, photographers, sculptors, architects, actors, musicians and dancers, to name just a handful. We have covered the art of architecture and “vision” or inner photography and we are going to focus on the professions of acting, making music and dancing for this semester. We might add that animals are also becoming aware of and exercising their potential in the arts. Animals can act, sing and dance which provides a profound example of the close relationship between we share with them.

Some advocates of a highly spiritual path would condemn the watching of television and would go so far as to recommend throwing your television out the window. That however, is not necessary. Some have a perception that the pursuance of mastery would require your retreating to a secluded cave for five years or even for the rest of your life until enlightenment is attained. Mastery can certainly be obtained in such a fashion, but it is impractical in our society. Mastery requires you to interact with society, therefore we can enjoy many of the fruits of society. We have to at least begin the trek by incorporating practices in with our current live and activities. Yes, we will eventually curb most of our material ways, but during our trek television and films can help us to relax and make certain connections.

Upon your spiritual trek, you can partake of many activities if you so choose and you may also find that the Holy Spirit will lead you in such a direction. In other words, you can practice your exercises daily, read as well as practice lessons, perform charity work a few days a week, and also have time for entertaining yourself. Remember that if you adjust your schedule accordingly, you will have time to accomplish everything you desire.

There is much negative hype in the media these days, but the industry does offer some good entertainment. Mind you, the Holy Spirit is also your television and movie guide here. Allow yourself to be drawn to what to watch. Progressing in spiritual development, just as you find your tastes for food and other things changing, you will most likely find your tastes in entertainment changing also. This shift will simply happen of its own accord as it is all part of the larger change within yourself.

Although we are focusing upon emerging into present moment awareness, remember that will take time. Additionally, you cannot emerge totally into present moment awareness until you dispense with the energies of your past and believe it or not, there are a variety of films available to help facilitate this process. Besides, there is only so much transformation you can accomplish at a time. You will need to take breaks. There are some excellent films out these days. We are largely recommending films made from a historical perspective because it is your history, or at least certain parts of it, with which you must come to terms. You will most likely be drawn to certain films in order for you to make a connection with a part of your past. And do not discount it if you are. Remember that the Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways. There are many good, quality films out these days from a historical perspective. I can also tell you for a fact that at least some of these were inspired by the Masters in an effort to awaken people and make the connections that they need to.