The philosopher Socrates said: “An unexamined life is not worth living.” As a student of mental science and the spiritual principles that govern it, from time to time I find myself re-examining my concepts of the nature of being.
My consistent effort is to break through the collective consensus regarding the belief in separation and duality for which I am susceptible. This requires focused and critical thinking, no longer arriving at conclusions based on blind faith.
The Science of Mind teachings say to keep faith with reason. Therefore, whenever I am faced with seeming contradictions and paradoxes, I take pause and remember to “stand porter at the door of thought.” 1 I am supported by the unity found in the principles of science, the opinions of philosophy, and the revelations of religion.
While contemplating the ancient wisdom of St. Francis of Assisi when he says: “What we are looking for is what is looking,” motivates me to unscramble what seems like a riddle. Hmmm, I ask myself, does this mean that it is my consciousness or belief about the desired good I seek, that I eventually see as my experience?
I conclude: It takes one to know one.
Ernest Holmes, reiterates the same concept and expands upon it, saying, “We arrive at a consciousness of Unity only in such degree as we see that what we are looking FOR, we are looking WITH, and looking AT.” 2 Again, I find my own words in an effort to simplify and clarify for myself what is being said. What I say is: ‘There is no separation between the thing I desire to experience, the vision I have about the thing, and my perception of the thing I see.’ Hmmm, I ask myself, does this mean that it is my very own consciousness that determines my experience? ‘Well,’ I tell myself, ‘if God operating in me, as me, is me, this must be so.’
I conclude: “If it’s going to be, it’s up to me.” (Schuller)
Mahatma Gandhi stated the whole proposition in a few words saying, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” I tell myself these words are saying to me, ‘I no longer wait for someone else to set the standard. I activate my values in practical ways.’ Hmmm, I ask myself, does this mean I have the power to make a difference and become a beneficial presence in the world? ‘Well,’ I tell myself, ‘since God is the center of my existence, then the familiar words, “Act as though I Am and I will be,” 3 must be so.’
I conclude: I must walk my talk as a way of life.
Those of us who are now on the planet are challenged to usher in a consciousness that transcends any adversity that is in contrast touniversal good. How do we successfully apply the principles of: It takes one to know one; If it’s going to be, it’s up to me; and, I walk my talk as a way of life.
I begin to practice in earnest:
▪ I love myself just the way “I AM”
▪ I identify all beings as another aspect of myself.
▪ I cooperate fully in the effort to demonstrate universal wholeness (health) as an inherent birthright.
▪ I trust the Presence of God in every individual, because I know, in the Spirit, we are One.
▪ I listen to the Inner Guidance that tells me what is mine to do.
“I have absolute faith in the Principle of Life, the Law of Love, and so I permit Love in its freedom to express through me, to radiate from me.
~ 365 Science of Mind, p. 144.3, Ernest Holmes ~
Originally posted December 2020
1. Mary Baker Eddy, Science & Health
2. Ernest Holmes, SOM, 124.2
3. Ernest Holmes, SOM, 147.3
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