(Repost)
During this moment in time when the collective consciousness of humanity is pulled between concepts of right and wrong; good and bad; them and us, and various pairs of opposites; I realize I am not an isolated being. I, too, am part of it all. I, too, contribute to the human consensus.

I begin to question if what I am thinking, saying, and doing are in alignment with what I say I value. After all, Ancient Wisdom teaches, “Where your treasure is, there is also your heart.” 

I notice that I have strong opinions, thoughts, and emotions. I am aware that these passions are the driving forces in the invisible realm that create my world of effects. I challenge myself to be “for something and against nothing.”

I begin to reflect on what it is that I truly treasure; i.e., what are my true values?

For sure I value practical spirituality. It is my principal treasure, inasmuch as it is all-encompassing when it comes to living life fully. The keyword is “practical.” For example, practical spirituality shows up as health, wealth, and love. They are by-products, or the out-picturing of the Wholeness and Perfection of The Eternal One.

In order to experience this natural goodness, I realize that I must provide an opening/or willingness through which the nature of God may express through me and as me.

So, I ask myself:

• Do my eating and exercise habits; my TV and social media choices; the books I read and the company I keep reflect my idea of health for the body and the mind?
• Do I invest in what I desire to see increase? Do I spend my energy, talents, and skills in life-giving projects?  Do I circulate the good that is mine so others may prosper in their worthwhile endeavors? Do I demonstrate my idea of wealth?
• Do I embrace my concept of love by practicing The Golden Rule at every turn, without exception and without the temptation to give as good as I get?

In other words, are my actions congruent with my ideas about the Wholeness and Perfection of the Divine?

My conclusion is: I must be the change I desire to see in the world and then notice the following results:

1. It stops me from judging others;
2. It replaces complaining about others with reflection on self;
3. It stirs me into taking action within the only thing in the world over which I have any control: myself. 

Mahatma Gandhi, a mystic of the 20^th century said: “We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change toward him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do.”

The decision to change is indeed a defining moment. 

This Weeks Affirmation

“As God expresses through me daily, I get to choose to treat others with kindness, respect, and love.”

~ Mary Jane LaBonte, RScP ~

(Revisited)

There is a golden thread that runs through every religion in the world. There is a golden thread that runs through the lives and the teachings to all the prophets, seers, sages, and saviors in the world’s history, through the lives of all men of truly great and lasting power. All that they have ever done or attained to has been done in full accordance with law. What one has done, all may do. ~ Ralph Waldo Trine~ 

“The great spiritual geniuses, whether it was Moses, Buddha, Plato, Socrates, Jesus, or Emerson…. have taught man to look within himself to find God.” ~Ernest Holmes~

While a “particular system of faith and worship” distinguishes one religion from another; there have always been mystics, sages, and prophets, if you will, who perceived a unifying presence that transcends any differences.  These emanations of Light are taught by the still small voice they hear within their own souls; by the moon and stars they see above, by the trees and the oceans surrounding them, and by the joy, love, and gratitude they feel in their hearts.  At every turn, they encounter the One Presence, the One Power. They recognize God everywhere.  

These illumined souls have imparted wisdom to the world through such precepts as “love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Theirs is not a dogmatic teaching governed by an institution, but rather, what they know is universal truth, and cannot be denied.

~ ~ ~ ~

Therefore, yield not to the temptation that believes you have greater access to the Truth because of the number of years you have been practicing; or believing your viewpoint is the only one that imparts Truth.  Like the mystic, remember, (1) The Law responds to all alike, and (2) the golden thread of Truth is seen and understood in many ways.  

The seasoned travelers in the world meet everyone right where they are; neither expecting aspirants to be further along nor judging the direction from whence they have come. 

Parker Palmer writes: “The soul is like a wild animal—tough, resilient, savvy, self-sufficient and yet exceedingly shy. If we want to see a wild animal, the last thing we should do is to go crashing through the woods, shouting for the creature to come out.” The devotee creates a safe space filled with compassion, empathy, and loving-kindness. Otherwise, the individual, feeling intimidated, may retreat, hiding inside his feelings and emotions.

The enlightened devotees of spirituality are mindful when sharing beliefs with a novice whose path has crossed theirs.  He knows the golden thread connects the two of them to the One Source. He knows there is nothing lacking in anyone. He knows everyone is fully orbed and infused with the magnificence of God. There is a keen awareness there is nothing to fix; only Truth to be realized. 

Every encounter is a divine appointment that awakens both teacher and student.  Otherwise, if not careful; i.e., full of care, the good intentions of both people may inadvertently cause a sense of separation, while Oneness is the Reality. 

Yes, there is a golden thread that unites all of humanity as One. All paths of faith and worship lead to The Presence of God that indwells us all. The sincere seeker of Truth, establishes a relationship with the Divine One within, through such practices as prayer, song, meditation, praise, and gratitude.  

This Weeks Affirmation

“Today I consciously pull on that golden thread that ties us all together and feel the presence of the One.”

Judy Hilley

(Repost)

“Don’t Believe the World Owes You a Living. The World Owes You Nothing. It Was Here First.” ~ Mark Twain ~

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” ~ Rumi ~

Have you ever noticed how the inner child is quick to defend its position? Sometimes it argues how unfair it is that others who are not as smart, who do not work as hard, and are not as kind, seem to acquire things without much effort at all. It is not fair, the child exclaims; when do I get mine? 

In his book, Spiritual Economics, Eric Butterworth answers that question, saying: “The world owes you nothing, the universe owes you everything.”

I will never forget how those words stopped me right in my tracks when I first read them. What I heard was, “Stop Whining! Grow Up! Wake up and smell the coffee!” 

The whole concept catapulted me into contemplative meditation as I wrapped my mind around the far-reaching implications and possibilities that were ignited within me. 

In my reflective mood, I began to see that, regardless of the faith tradition or culture, the message is consistent when speaking about the power within every human being to create his or her own world. Mystics of all time have always known this; and now, we are the generation called to activate this knowledge. 

According to The Science of Mind, “The Word means, of course, the ability of Spirit to declare Itself into manifestation, into form.  ~ The manifest universe, as we see it, as well as the invisible universe that must also exist, is the result of the Self-Contemplation of God.” 

Suddenly the words from The New Testament have new meaning: “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Then from Greek Mythology, I read these words from Thrice-Greatest Hermes: “Then, in this way know God; as having all things in Himself as thoughts, the whole Cosmos Itself.”

It is reasonable to believe, I conclude, that since I am the image and likeness of God; I too, am spirit. Therefore, when I, spirit, engage in self-contemplation of my own nature; that which I think I am, is manifested in the world. The inner world of my thoughts and the outer world of my experience are always in perfect balance.  

Starting now, I no longer look outside myself, hoping, and wishing that I have this thing or that thing.  The world does not owe me these things that are transitory, though I may enjoy them. Instead, I look within myself and discover that I AM the everlasting fulfillment I seek.  

 “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man (i.e., spiritually mature), I put away childish things.” 1 Corinthians 13:11

I now boldly announce my inherent nature of Perfect Wholeness, Unlimited Supply, Unconditioned Love, Peace, Beauty, and Wisdom, expressing as the particular and specific things that I desire to experience. The Universe owes me everything that my word believes is true about me. It is Law; “For as he thinketh in his heart so is he.” (The Old Testament)

This Weeks Affirmation

“I am one in spirit, one in soul, and one in body.  I now demonstrate my good in all things.”

By Angela “Chris” Beam 

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
~ from, The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776 ~

~ ~ ~ ~

“Each human being is endowed with free will and can thus choose to experience freedom or bondage, abundance or lack, joy or misery, all of which lie within the Infinite Inclusivity of God.”
~ Core Concept Five, Foundations of Science of Mind ~

The above statements of Truth affirm the nature of being human. 

While there may be role models, trailblazers, and leaders whose ideas about life and living may influence our path; nonetheless, until we agree with, and follow the inner urgings of our own soul, there is a tendency to experience what is called ‘divine discontent.’ Yes, there is that within us that longs to express our uniqueness and is compelled to do so if we are to experience true happiness.

Rev. Michael Beckwith tells us: “The pain pushes until the vision pulls.”  The pain of living out of integrity with one’s inherent nature by succumbing to someone else’s will, is often the impetus that pushes us into the Light that reveals our divine birthright. The moment we begin to see the possibilities stretched before us; is the moment the vision begins to pull us into action. 

Actualizing the vision of ‘live and let live’ is a journey in and of itself. The vision, or affirmation of Truth must become our standard, principle, or goal. We begin to consciously move in the direction of our vision by aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with the quality of life we desire to express.  

It is easy to look out into the world and judge the cross-currents of energy that create negative conditions of separation based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identification, politics, academia, and the various structures we build to make ourselves known.  The challenge is to remain in harmony with our inner convictions regardless of outer appearances.

We need not wait for the world to change. We must “be the change we desire to see in the world.” Such a commitment ignites strength, courage, and insight that would otherwise lie dormant.  It means letting God be God in, through, and as us, proving, ‘that which is within us is greater than that which is in the world.’

~ ~ ~ ~

No matter what your present circumstances are (personally or collectively); remember, the nature of God cannot be withheld, compromised, or destroyed.  Victor Frankl, author of Man’s Search for Meaning, tells how he practiced his inherent freedom to choose the thoughts he would think; and, by so doing, survived four different concentration camps in World War ll. Yes, once peace and harmony are established in the inner realms of our own mind, the desired results follow in the outer realms of the world … in ways we cannot even imagine.

In the final analysis, it is our essence, the Presence of God within us that we desire to express as us. It is the Love, Peace, Harmony, Abundance, Joy, Wisdom, Creativity, Unity, and Beauty in our lives that bring us fulfillment. When these qualities are expressed, we become like a magnet that draws them all back to us. They show up as our health, wealth, relationships, work, play, neighbors, family, and friends. We are divinely guided regarding the personal role we play in our community, our nation, and our world that yields a world that works for everyone. We become a beneficial presence in the world. 

This Weeks Affirmation

“I break free and choose FREEDOM. The world will change.”

Keith Childers

“What thou seest, that thou beest.”
~ Plato ~

~ ~ ~ ~ 

“All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.”
~ Julian of Norwich ~

The concept, ‘What you’re looking at, you’re looking with’ is often heard in New Thought circles. However, the same idea is found in the ancient wisdom of the sacred texts of the world. Currently, the idea is being discovered, taught, and espoused by just about every segment of society, be it the field of science, religion, psychology, philosophy, self-help books, life coaches, as well as parents, and teachers. The concept is conveyed in various ways for various purposes that may seem unrelated.

While the words and context describing “thoughts are things” may differ, the undergirding effect is the same. The concept, simply put, is, ‘whatever you imagine, believe, think about, and accept in your mind as being real, is projected as your life and becomes the people, places, and things you encounter.’  In other words, you perceive life according to your inner world of thought and feelings.

From a spiritual perspective, individuals who consistently engage in practices such as meditation, life visioning, affirmative prayer, inspirational literature, journaling, and other such mental exercises, report a heightened awareness of the essence of Love, Peace, Harmony, Abundance, Beauty, Wisdom, Joy, etc., permeating their entire being; i.e., the totality of their spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical nature. 

This Self-Awareness can be likened to a spiritual immune system. In other words, while no one is exempt from the experience of adverse conditions that show up in the world, the one anchored in a consciousness of the presence and power of God (Omnipotence, Omniscience, and Omnipresence) as the core of their being sees life from a different perspective. The master teacher, Jesus, put it this way, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” 

The enlightened consciousness immediately pierces the illusion of struggle, fear, disease, division, defensiveness, judgment, jealousy, victimhood, opinions of right/wrong, etc. by affirming the Truth that is always present regardless of appearance. Like a contagious virus that succumbs to a neutralizing antidote; the vision of Love is an irresistible force for healing.   

The keen insight of those who practice the presence of God in all things becomes inspired. They perceive the great possibilities inherent in all things. They are filled with the wisdom of the Divine and intuitively know what is theirs to do. They become a beneficial presence in the world. 

In our human experience, it is natural to duplicate Spirit’s nature, which is self-giving. As we give to that which we desire to expand and see more in our lives and the lives of our fellow world citizens, the entire planet is lifted up, experiencing a greater degree of its greater-yet-to-be. As we give our portion of the universal energy of love in the form of service, prayer, teaching, forgiving, financial support, being in community with people of like-thinking, and other measurable ways for a greater world experience for all, we bear witness to the sustaining substance of the things we hoped for.

This Weeks Affirmation

“I am what I think about and that thought is only LOVE.”

Mary Jane LaBonte