“Closer is He than breathing, and nearer than hands and feet.”
~ The Higher Pantheism, by Alfred Lord Tennyson ~
“To assume that man can know a God outside himself is to assume that man can know something of which he cannot be conscious. This does not mean that man is God; it means that the only God that man knows is within, and the only life man has is from within.”
~ The Science of Mind, by Ernest Holmes ~
“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.”
~ The Old Testament, Psalms 139:6 ~
“Man is in God and God is man, just as a drop of water is in the ocean, while the ocean is the drop of water.” (SOM 331.2) I GET IT! While I am not all of God any more than the drop of water is all of the ocean; yet, all that I am is God. ~ Likewise, rays of light originating from the sun, contain all of the sun’s elements. These simple analogies of unity inspire me as well as the story of Moses telling his people “I AM has sent me”; or, Jesus’ proclaiming “The Father and I are one.” In this heightened state of awareness, I realize, “The highest God and the innermost God is one God;” and, “All that the Father has, is mine.”
~ ~ ~ ~
Although my ever-expanding idea of God keeps evolving, nonetheless, the illusions of separation and division running rampant in the world become a distraction. In the words of Howard Thurman, “I had forgotten how easy it is to forget.”
Engaging in spiritual practices, consistently, is an effective way to harness the energy of the senses. They help me remember my oneness with the Divine.
Also, reflecting on certain questions helps to anchor consciousness. For example,
- “What do you know for sure?” (O. Winfrey)
In moments of high illumination, I reply, I know for sure that ‘I AM!’ I know this Self-fulfilling proclamation is the Power of God within me and becomes the thing proclaimed. I am then challenged with the logical follow-up question:
- “Since you know who you are, what are you going to do about it? (Rev. D. Alexander).
This provocative question is a call to action and challenges my faith.
- “To be, or not to be?” (Wm. Shakespeare)
I am faced with the decision of accepting the fullness of who I Am.
Yes, it is an awesome thing to realize our oneness with God; however, faith without action has no effective change in the world. Howard Thurman says, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
We each have what it takes to create a world that works for everyone. Imagine if we each unleashed the Divine Presence within us, utilizing our particular and unique talents.
“I am alive and aware that my works reveal my ever-expanding consciousness.”
~ Angela “Chris” Beam ~
StillPoint 