One of the most beautiful places on Salt Spring is the Tsawout First Nations Reserve Land, down the road across from Beaver Point Hall. While this land is still used by the Tsawout people on various occasions, they generously grant the gift of public access to its trails and beaches most of the time.

The property overlooks the ocean passageway that gradually turns into Fulford Harbour, where the ferry to and from Victoria docks. Ken and I often hike the trails in the reserve because the scenery is so spectacular and the ambience of the place evokes peace and tranquility.

One place of particular interest, midway along the trail, is a small clearing surrounded by towering firs, cedars and the occasional rare Garry oak tree. As you enter the area, you’re compelled to stop, not knowing why. A sense of stillness pervades. As you slowly move forward, you see in the center of the clearing a short tree stump, its base circled by old fallen branches, overlapping one other. The top of the stump is covered with natural treasures: tiny seashells, unusual colored stones, fragments of driftwood, and shredded tobacco left as gifts, simply in honor of the privilege of walking through the land. It feels like a sacred place.

Further along the trail you come to a cove with a pebble beach, protected by a rocky point immersed in the ocean. If the tide is out, you may see huge starfish there, clinging to the rock outcropping; purple, red, orange, brilliant colors displayed against the granite colored stone.

This Native Land Reserve is a place I’ve taken clients when they’ve come to the island to learn more about the Principles. I know that people absorb more when they are relaxed and their minds are quiet. Such an occasion occurred for two women, business executives who had come to meet with me for personal and professional development. We had spent some productive time together on the first day, and on the second day, rather than meeting once again in the conference room I’d arranged for our sessions, I suggested we explore a bit of the island. They enthusiastically agreed, and after changing into casual clothes, off we went.

Following a twenty minute drive, we arrived and started our walk to the pebble beach. The women loved the natural setting. As we came to the small clearing with the remnant of the tree, they too were halted at the entrance, as if by an invisible band of energy, before they slowly stepped in. It was like a door opening into this mystical silence. We stood motionless for a time, absorbing this special place; not a word was spoken. Finally, with a glance at each other in acknowledgment of the quietude, we carried on down the trail toward the beach.

The women, Lucy and Fran, were absolutely delighted to see the tide out and the starfish exhibiting their beauty on the rock promontory. After numerous photos were taken, we sat on the beach, backs resting against an old log.

“This is paradise,” Lucy stated. “I’m so glad that our company was agreeable to us coming here to work with you. I feel I learned a good deal yesterday, but today I seem to be absorbing more and we’ve not even talked about anything to do with work. I just feel great.”

Fran was nodding her head in agreement, her face beaming with good humor and health. “In the past, I felt I had to practice techniques in order to change, to develop myself, personally and professionally. I found that if I did not continue to engage in the use of techniques, I would quickly revert to my old patterns of life and forget the ideas I had learned.

 
“For example, I used to love the affirmation technique, where you tell yourself over and over again, ‘I am a great leader;’ or ‘I can do this difficult task;’ or ‘I will be successful in my career.’

“But frankly, I began to be bored by the routine of talking to myself,” Fran chuckled. “And after a while I didn’t believe it, because nothing was really changing, at least not permanently. If I forgot to affirm how great I was, I would feel depressed. Something inside told me this process wasn’t helpful.

“Then I learned about the Three Principles. I discovered that the Principles are a natural part of who we are. I realized that I honestly didn't need to 'condition' myself to be happy or successful. Those attributes are already within me.”

Lucy had been listening quietly to her friend. I could see she was very moved by her friend’s words. We sat quietly for a few minutes watching as the ferry approached Fulford Harbour; then Lucy spoke.

“It seems to me that we ARE the Principles in action. If we trust that, relax, and just live, it appears to me that our lives will unfold as they are meant to. I know, since I’ve been learning about the Principles, my life and work has improved in ways I could never have imagined. I’m so grateful to have just a glimmer of our true nature. Somehow that glimmer has transformed my life.

“I used to think I needed to intellectually understand how one changes one’s habits of thought and belief systems. Now I am seeing that relaxing into your True Self is how the Principles become more visible. Then the understanding comes from an insight, from inner wisdom. This mystical process is so much gentler and easier than studying techniques, trying so hard to improve yourself. Frankly, I found trying to better myself hard work and exhausting. I was always judging myself and others. When you’re always trying, there’s no room for ‘being,’” Lucy declared emphatically.

Rising suddenly, Lucy reached out a hand to her friend, pulling her to her feet. “Let’s walk back and go for lunch now. I’m starving!”

My heart was full as I watched these two women walk ahead of me, up the pathway to the top of the hill where our car was parked. They were so spirited in their love of learning and, clearly, they had learned a lot that would continue to guide them on their journey in life. My job had been to point them to their true nature which they had joyfully embraced. Now they were well equipped to handle whatever came their way.

September 26th, 2011
Elsie Spittle
© 3 Principles for Human Development, Inc.

 

 

One of the first things Syd shared with Ken and me, after he told us of his experience uncovering the Principles of Mind, Consciousness and Thought, was about going “inside.” The phrase baffled us. What could going “inside” possibly mean? I, personally, had enough trouble trying to live in the world around me, and I know Ken felt the same. How could one go “inside”? What was the benefit? Was it even possible? Ken wondered, “Where’s the door?”

Of course we peppered Syd with these questions. To our chagrin, he would respond with a twinkle in his eye, saying, “Just listen; listen for a feeling; quieten your mind, and you will See.”

His response was rather disappointing to us. We wanted concrete answers, but we felt he refused to give them to us. In hindsight, months later, I Saw that he had given us the answer. We just hadn’t Heard him. It is only when you slip into the experience of “inside” that you know the benefits, and realize that it is, indeed, reality. Furthermore, it is our birthright, our heritage, to live there as much as possible.

Part of our journey is learning about the naturalness of going inside, finding solace in the essence of True Self; then re-joining the outer world, filled with more True Knowledge. This True Knowledge is our guide, always by our side, through stormy weather or blue skies.

Of course, there are countless times we lose sight of this spiritual fact. Over time, as we miss the feeling and the comfort that wisdom offers, we realize that going “inside” is what prompts more learning and continued inner evolution.

An experience I’ll never forget regarding going “inside” is the time Syd was invited to talk at a retreat, already in progress, hosted by a group of psychologists who were just beginning to show an interest in the Three Principles. Evidently, the event was not going as well as they had hoped, and they felt this might be an opportune time to solicit Syd’s help. They showed great courage in having Syd come to this mountain retreat to introduce the new paradigm, as they had many other professionals and colleagues in attendance, as well as clients. Syd invited me along, to further my training, and I was humbled as well as excited at the opportunity to learn.

After leaving Salt Spring on a tiny four-seater plane that felt like a Volkswagen with wings, we transferred, in a nearby city, to a larger plane that delivered us closer to our destination. Then we rented a car to travel another couple of hours further into the mountains, where the retreat was held.

Syd was eager to get there and see what awaited us, so we didn’t linger on the road but drove straight through. Nonetheless, it felt like an adventure, travelling with Syd, through a rather desolate, uninhabited region until we arrived at our journey's end.

The scene that greeted us impressed itself upon my memory forever more. It was early spring, a cold and cloudy day, with a light mist in the air. In the center of a clearing, surrounded by pine, cedar and other evergreen trees, a few people were gathered around a smoking bonfire, barely burning because of the dampness. Benches made of old logs were scattered here and there, with folks resting upon them. Small cabins were nestled in amongst the forest with a larger community room and kitchen off to the side.

The leader of the group, who had invited Syd to join the retreat, welcomed us both and began to make introductions. Soon we branched off on our own, Syd talking with a few, and I finding others to chat with. There was a rustle to the side of the clearing and about a dozen more people emerged from the bush. They were shivering with cold, wet to the bone, and looking quite miserable.

They told us they had been white water rafting. None looked like they had enjoyed themselves and when we asked them, they indicated that the weather had not been particularly helpful to their water escapade. Some had fallen into the rapids, been pulled out with great difficulty, and all in all, their adventure had been rather disastrous. For some of the group, their goal had been trying to prove to themselves that they could face their fear of the rapids. Now they were berating themselves for failing to conquer their fear.

Syd took one look at their bedraggled faces, heard their comments about conquering fear and didn’t respond. Instead, he busied himself perking up the bonfire. With a few pieces of dry wood and a magic touch, the fire was soon blazing. People gathered around, warming hands and feet; wet clothes were steaming from the heat, and shortly, mugs of hot chocolate and other drinks were making the rounds.

A peace descended upon the group as we sat quietly, entranced by the flames and sparks shooting from the fire. Syd spoke a few words about the upcoming gathering that evening. He mentioned how pleased he was to be there and how much he respected the strength of character of the psychologists who had invited him to attend and to share the Principles he had uncovered. Then he suggested everyone retire to their cabins to get into warm clothes and rest after all their hard work on the river.

“I’ll see you later this evening,” he said, “and we’ll see how to go ‘inside’ to where your wisdom resides and where fear is recognized for what it really is -- thought. There’s no need to prove yourself; all you require is some understanding of the true nature of the Principles.”

The head psychologist asked if he could meet with both of us for a few minutes before we headed for our respective cabins. Syd acquiesced and we found a quiet spot in the corner of the community center, where the psychologist let us know there were more professionals due to arrive late that afternoon; Gestalt leaders from Europe, we were told.

Syd said, “That’s very interesting.”

The psychologist went on to say, “Some of these Gestalt leaders can be confrontational and very analytical. I just want you to know this before you start your talk, Syd.”

Syd looked absolutely calm and unruffled at this news. I could see that our host appeared rather nervous and uneasy. I, myself, was definitely feeling insecure, but I thought, “Syd can handle anything.”

Syd looked at me, then at our host, and said, “I think it would be good if you two started off the talk, share what you’ve learned, and then you can introduce me.”

The psychologist and I both looked at each other as we agreed, and then quickly looked away. I was there to learn, but I hadn’t anticipated speaking before possibly hostile Gestalt trainers. I hurriedly made my excuses and left to find respite in my cabin. My mind was filled with anxiety. Would the trainers attack me verbally? Would they confront my limited knowledge of the Principles? At that moment, I felt I knew nothing of value to offer the group. I was going through my own mental white rapids.

Once in my cabin, my mind calmed down somewhat, and I fell into a restless sleep. Too soon, it was time to head for the community center to have a bite to eat before the talk; but when I got there I couldn’t eat a thing.

I saw Syd was surrounded by people, listening attentively to every word. He motioned me over and asked how I was doing. I told him I was terribly nervous about talking. He gazed at me with compassion. “You’re thinking too much. Go ‘inside’, share your story, and you’ll be fine.”

The moment came when my co-presenter and I took the stage. I’d like to say that all at once, I felt calm. Unfortunately, I didn’t. Still mired in my little mind, caught up in my fear of the Gestalt people and trying to think of what to say, I could barely talk. My partner clearly felt the same; we quickly introduced Syd and sat down with the rest of the audience.

I waited with bated breath for Syd to begin his talk. I was filled with anxiety for him that he might be confronted by these trainers. Certainly, I had witnessed Syd being attacked verbally before, particularly during the early talks he gave, when what he was talking about was so beyond the understanding of humanity that some would lash out in confusion and fear.

Still, this occasion presented something totally beyond my experience, and I had no idea what would happen. To this day, when I think about that evening, I get chills up my spine and my heart fills to bursting. The moment Syd began to speak, a stillness swept over the room; a presence of such spiritual power was felt that it defies description. In that peace, I found my way inside; I found my way home, and I wept.

A timeless time passed and then Syd was finished. Not a peep was heard. There was a hush as the silence continued. Then people gradually started to leave the hall without a word; couples holding hands, faces utterly at peace, some in tears, as I was.

My co-presenter and I went to Syd as he came down from the stage. His face was glowing with an unutterable light. “I think everyone seemed to enjoy the talk, didn’t they?” he said. “What a nice group they were. I loved seeing the couples leave the hall holding hands. Well, see you tomorrow for breakfast.” And off he went to his cottage.

My friend and I were rendered speechless with that deep mystical feeling and left for our rooms, to cherish the peace within. All the anxiety I had filled my mind with was vanquished by going “inside.”

The next morning, the breakfast room was buzzing with energy; cheerful faces greeted one another. I couldn’t distinguish the dreaded Gestalt people from any other friendly face. Many whom I spoke with before we left later that day, told me how deeply Syd’s talk had touched them. I honestly don’t remember what Syd spoke about. I only know he spoke about the spiritual realm right from the moment he started.

One Gestalt trainer said, “Syd’s given me something I’ve spent my whole life looking for - Peace. I didn’t think it was possible to feel this way. I was trained to confront and examine every aspect of one’s thinking. I would probe into my clients’ psyches until they were in pain. I thought this was the way to release their pain. I didn’t know that I was innocently creating more suffering. Now I see the answer is right inside us, just waiting to be released, and that people can be healed from the inside-out. There is a simplicity and power to these Principles that I’ve never experienced before.”

I could See that Syd had taken us all to a new world; a world within that is filled with peace, True Knowledge, and joy.

July 26, 2011
Elsie Spittle
© 3 Principles for Human Development, Inc.

 

Some of my fondest memories of the early years with Sydney Banks occurred at Vesuvius Beach. In the warm days of summer, my family and I would head to the beach to enjoy the simple pleasures of a swim and picnic. Located in the picturesque seaside village of Vesuvius, about ten or fifteen minutes to the northwest of Ganges, there is beach access with stairs leading down from the street above.

The beach is a beautiful cove, with gentle waves lapping at the shore, and a gradual incline to the ocean. We spent many happy hours there, watching our children play in the sea. Our son loved to skim flat stones across the water and often his Dad would join him, seeing who could get the most skips. Our daughter, three years younger, would try her hand at this event, flinging handfuls of pebbles as far as she could, content to be included in the play.

The ferry from Vesuvius to Crofton offered additional entertainment, as we observed vehicles and passengers land and depart. As bigger waves rolled in with the ferry, the children would sit atop large pieces of driftwood that floated close to shore, picturing them to be surf boards. They would leap up, arms waving wildly, as they precariously balanced on their logs, hoping for a ride. The wood was so water logged it barely floated, but in the children’s vivid imaginings, you never knew. You might catch a wave.

Our friends would arrive with their families. All of us had brought picnic baskets, laden with fried chicken, ham, potato salad, and cole slaw, with tasty desserts to finish the meal. Pot luck style was typical, and relished, as everyone got to taste someone else’s speciality.

Sometimes, Syd and Barb, and now and again, their children, would join us on the beach. This was always a special occasion – although it was an ordinary beach outing, Syd had a way of making the ordinary, extraordinary.

Toward sunset, as the children nestled close to their parents, replete with food and sun, they would sleepily drift off, or quietly listen to their parents conversations. There were memorable moments when Syd might say a few words about how lucky we all were, to have found this happiness within; a few words that meant the world to all of us, attentive to every nuance of his presence.

I remember him telling us all that time spent with family was one of the most important things you could do in nourishing the innate health of our children. He spoke about the world’s children as our future leaders and that if we lived in Truth, our children would pick it up by osmosis. Syd told us that in this way, loving our families and putting them before anything else, including work or career, we were offering hope and sanity to society.

 “Don’t try and teach your children about the Principles;” he said, “Just live them yourselves and they will grow into the most beautiful, mentally healthy people you could hope to find, safe for the rest of their lives.” He went on to say how that would break the cycle of family dysfunction many of us had experienced in our backgrounds, prior to learning about the Principles.

Syd told Ken and me in the very beginning, shortly after he had his epiphany, that psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists would seek him out, to find out about the secret to life he had uncovered. How he knew this, I don’t know. I just know he was certain it would occur.

Somehow, word began to spread in the psychological community about Syd and the remarkable results he, a non-professional, with grade nine education, was having with troubled souls. Professionals in the field heard that he was successfully helping people who had been struggling with depression and a host of other mental health issues. I imagine that stimulated a lot of conversation. How could an ordinary person, with limited education and knowing nothing about psychology, help persons who had been suffering for years from various traumas?

Soon, a multitude of people began to arrive on the island. Gurus of self-awareness groups, mental health professionals, business people, ordinary people who were troubled, all came to Salt Spring Island, eager to find Syd.

Amongst the first to arrive were two psychologists who came to investigate this phenomenon. Syd felt they heard something that stirred them deeply, although they didn’t have a clue what it was. They began to visit him more often. They were very intrigued, but mystified, by the discussions they had with him. At times, they became frustrated trying to understand the new paradigm Syd was describing to them. They couldn’t pin him down with their traditional logic of looking to change clients’ behavior, rather than seeing the source of behavior as being created via the Principles.

The other point the professionals found hard to understand was that people are innately mentally healthy. Their training was focused on dysfunction--what was wrong with people-- not what was healthy and whole.

During Syd’s profound experience that uncovered the Three Principles, he realized, in that timeless moment, that there is no insecurity; insecurity is just a thought. He knew in that instant that people are born with inner wisdom, which, when tapped into, will provide all the answers to life’s dilemmas. Furthermore, the inner wisdom continues to guide throughout one’s life. This new way of seeing humanity was totally opposite to the beliefs traditional psychology held then and, for the most part, continues to hold to this day.

The proof started with the fact that Syd himself underwent a radical behavior change after his spiritual enlightment. His behavior, his whole being, was transformed through the insight he’d had into the Three Principles. From that moment on, he knew he was taken care of for the rest of his life. He didn’t know how, but he knew he would be okay, no matter what.

He also knew his work was cut out for him, that it wouldn’t be easy, but that he really had no choice. Given an extraordinary gift of such historic significance, he willingly devoted his life to sharing the gift of True Knowledge with others.

Drawing upon the innate wisdom of people, which resulted in positive change, proved it was not only unnecessary to go back to the past to explore the “why’s” and “how’s” of problems; it was essentially dangerous to do so. Raking up past problems merely reinforced the problems.

Adding to the body of proof were the people learning from Syd, who had begun to uncover their own wisdom and experienced amazing life changes, without going into the past. This was, without a doubt, a new paradigm in the mental health field.

I remember Syd, with tongue in cheek, solemnly asking one psychologist why he took his clients back into their past problems to find happiness. As best as I can remember, Syd said, with a twinkle in his eye, “Isn’t that like asking them to get in a leaky boat in order to get to shore?” The man was rather nonplused by this statement, but to his credit, he continued to listen to Syd, albeit with a little more attention.

Syd had such a genius for helping people relax and experience the joy of ordinary, day to day life. The two psychologists mentioned earlier, who were most impressed by the new paradigm Syd had discovered, brought their families to Salt Spring for the summer. They were touched by the relaxed, convivial atmosphere they observed amongst the families and friends close to Syd. They, too, longed for a better quality family life, and wanted to be part of the island community surrounding Syd.

The newcomers, with their children, were invited by Syd to join us all at the beach. Coming down the stairs toward the seaside, I could see by their faces they were a little nervous at meeting us all in such a casual setting. Most of us had met them before at various talks Syd had given on the island, but this was the first informal gathering with all our families together.

Before long, the psychologists started to ask us some questions about how our lives had changed since we’d been learning about the Principles. When we shared our “before” and “after” stories, describing the stress in our family lives before we discovered how our thoughts created our stress, they found it difficult to believe. The “after” picture they saw was considerably different from the “before” picture we had painted. They told us they saw calm, confident, mentally healthy people; happy people. That happiness is what they wanted to investigate, not only for their clients, but for themselves and their families.

Recalling some of the early stories of how serious we had been in the past, diligently trying to find happiness, brought great hilarity to the group. We all had a wonderful time, full of warmth and camaraderie, and the enjoyment of getting to know one another; seeing beyond the image of who we each thought the other was, just seeing each other as people, parents and families.

I think it was an eye-opening event for all of us. I know it certainly was for me, as I’d always had some insecurity about being a non-professional meeting a professional. In my mind, that day at the beach brought the understanding that underneath our various disguises, we are all the same spiritual energy; it levelled the playing field from that time forward.

May 23, 2011
Elsie Spittle
© 3 Principles for Human Development, Inc.

 

 

 

One of the favorite things Ken and I love to do, especially on a sunny day, is to put the top down on our Miata convertible and go for a drive around the island. Spring is starting to proudly display its splendour; the hawthorn trees and wild rose bushes are unfurling fresh green leaves that look almost translucent. Cedar and other evergreen branches, their new growth colored various shades of green, expand into the fullness of their beauty. Brilliant yellow broom blossoms peek out from within their nests of greenery.

As we leisurely wind our way around the narrow country roads, we come to a meadow dotted with sheep. Little lambs frolic about, looking as if they have springs in their legs, leaping into the air for nothing more than pure joy. Another two wee ones lie sleeping near the fence, nestled close, one resting its head on the other’s belly. Their mother stands protectively nearby, contentedly munching some of the grass in the pasture.

We drive on, quietly enjoying the scenery, grateful to be living on this beautiful island. The familiar aroma of smoke comes to our attention and we sniff appreciatively, loving the fragrance of a fire burning old branches and other debris from the winter season; the result of someone’s spring yard work. The deep feeling of contentment is alive and well, as we enjoy the simple pleasures life has to offer.

Many times in the past, our lives weren’t so peaceful; contentment was a rare emotion in our world. Rather, stress and anxiety were the norm, our reality filled with various complications. Some were real, and some we made up. Either way, we didn’t know how to nourish the deeper feelings of appreciation. More to the point, we didn’t even realize there were deeper feelings, or unconditional feelings of gratitude, or of happiness.

I remember the first time I spoke publicly, at Syd Banks’ request, to a group of mental health professionals who had invited him to give a seminar on the Three Principles. When he asked me to accompany him as a guest speaker, I was honored and also afraid. While I was in his presence, I felt safe. The moment I was on my own, heading to the auditorium to speak with this group, I became terrified. Even though I was escorted and introduced by two psychologists, I felt paralyzed by fear.  

However, the moment I shared my story of the first time I caught a glimmer of my True Self, calmness came over me. I remember, as if it were yesterday, the words that came out of my mouth, without volition: “I found a way to be happy.” Out of that deep feeling of peace within, true knowledge came to the forefront, and seemed to touch not only me, but my audience as well. The stillness that was felt by all, at the end of my short talk, held us captive for a timeless period. That was the first presentation I gave where I realized it wasn’t me talking; it was my True Self. This realization gave me a new sense of confidence, of comfort; knowing that I wasn’t on my own, that I had wisdom holding my hand.

Later, when I described to Syd how calmness came over me, despite the feeling of fear that had held me paralyzed for a few moments, he said, “I knew your talk would go well.” I was taken aback by his certainty. I definitely had not felt that; quite the opposite, as a matter of fact. He told me that whenever we get out of our own way, our inner wisdom is always there to guide us. “When you go inside, the answers will come to you. That’s what happened to you when you had your insight about your thoughts creating your feelings. That’s when you discovered happiness.”

He went on to tell me how it’s the same for everyone. Once people realize they are the creator of their own reality, they gain more spiritual power, and their life begins to transform.

Those words that Syd spoke to me, about happiness being inside, have never left me. I admit, the meaning behind the words has been covered by negative thinking, numerous times. The thinking could be judgment about a family member, or having expectations rather than acceptance. It could be impatience with how life should unfold. It could be the thought that in order to be happy, you have to have a certain person in your life, or out of your life.

Sooner or later, if you let it, inner wisdom arises once more, and the realization that happiness is unconditional settles you down again. That’s when the answers, to whatever is unsettling you, come. That is when you understand more fully that uncovering your spiritual core is what brings true, lasting happiness.

“How do I keep the feeling of happiness alive?” I’ve been asked that question countless times; perhaps a few days or weeks after people have attended a Three Principles training. They will tell me how incredible they felt while enveloped in the beautiful spiritual feeling the seminar and speakers appeared to have drawn out of them.

My response is to point out that the deep feeling they experienced comes from them. The speakers may be the catalyst; but ultimately, it is their own wisdom within that is being stirred. “Yes, I know that, but how do I keep that feeling alive?” is the comeback.

I repeat; the feeling of love, warmth, and stillness is coming from you! The actual feeling is generated by your True Self. The more you realize that, the more spiritual power you gain to help further your inner growth, and this keeps the feeling alive. Continue uncovering your True Self; layer by layer, or a few at a time. Each layer peeled off reveals more beauty, contentment, stability, and deep appreciation for all life has to offer. It’s like having the veil that appears to separate the inner and the outer world dissolve, revealing the Oneness.

Enjoy your life; relish the simple pleasures of your everyday existence. Embrace life as the wee lambs frolicking in the field, leaping in the air, simply enjoying being alive. You may find your favorite things are the simple pleasures life has to offer.

Elsie Spittle
April 18, 2011
© 3 Principles for Human Development, Inc.