“I am a finger pointing to the moon. Don’t look at me; look at the moon.”
~ The Buddha ~

“The map is not the territory” 
~ Alfred Korzybski ~

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
~ John 8:32 ~

Ordinary language often falls short when trying to express in words a spiritual experience. Therefore, metaphors, symbols, idioms, and word pictures are some of the ways feelings of a transcendent event are evoked.  When considering such accounts, various interpretations or translations are added to the mix according to one’s own culture. Soon the original meaning becomes obscure and mysterious.

However, the one who is willing to take the time to exercise “lowly listening,” or, hearing with one’s heart, will soon tap into the one infinite mind, and like a great contagion, will “catch” an understanding of the Truth being imparted.

There exists a consensus among scholars that the language of Jesus and his disciples was Aramaic. The prayer that Jesus taught his students, known as The Lord’s Prayer, has been translated into many languages since spoken in his native tongue. However, it has never lost its effectiveness to heal. 

The Spiritual Principle of Prayer, when applied for a specific end, unifies with the Creative Power of God through which all things are possible. Interpreting the principle of spiritual realization, by using one’s own words, affirms one’s understanding and provides a beautiful space for Holy Communion. For example, I tell myself what the principle means to me:  

OUR FATHER:
I know there is One Universal Presence that is The First Cause of absolutely everything that is. “Our Father” is a perfect metaphor to describe the Creator of all.

WHICH ART IN HEAVEN:
This Presence lives in the highest realms of my consciousness. The kingdom of heaven is within me.

HALLOWED BE THY NAME:
The nature of this One, being Pure Perfection, is sacred and highly revered.

THY KINGDOM COME; THY WILL BE DONE IN EARTH, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN:
The realization of this Presence causes It to manifest as my environment. The appearance of my desired good is always in direct proportion to the mental equivalent held in the highest realms of my very own consciousness. 

GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD:
This Presence provides that which sustains all the inhabitants of the earth according to one’s individual acceptance. 

AND FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES, AS WE FORGIVE THEM THAT TRESPASS AGAINST US:
The Presence of Unconditional Love, circulating as grace, moves in me and as me. I am “for something” and “against nothing.”

AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL: 
The Presence guides us into paths of right action, letting error thoughts and beliefs dissolve into nothingness. 

FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM, THE POWER, AND THE GLORY: 
I recognize that the Good I see; the Force that brings it about; and the inevitable Praise and Thanksgiving that is stirred up, is the activity of The One Presence indwelling all.

FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN:
I let all this be so, and so it is!

The next step is to apply The Principle of Prayer to the specific good being sought. Otherwise, faith without action is meaningless. I invite you to think on these things.

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This Weeks Affirmation

“With every step forward, I am faith-filled and faithful.”

~ unity.org ~ 

“And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.”
 ~ Mark 2:22 ~ 

“Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth   I tell you of them.”
 ~ Isaiah 42:9 ~

Consciousness¹ eventually shows up as “form.” This implies that we can look at our present physical, material environment, as well as our emotional state, and see our values represented as our lives … whether they are residual images from our past beliefs or are our present mindset.

Have you ever felt that change was imminent in your life without any apparent evidence? This intuitive impulse often motivates us to begin preparing for newness without knowing what it is that is about to be born through us. For example, we may find ourselves clearing out closets, emptying drawers, having a yard sale, or donating to charity those things that have served their purpose in our lives.

Yes, even before the new version of ourselves show up in “form,” the former things begin to gradually fade away. Change always means some unexpected newness is about to happen; new people, new clothes, new technology, or perhaps a new location. Whatever it is, it is an uncharted experience being birthed.   

As we step into our greater-yet-to-be, we may find there are old beliefs and habits still lingering in our atmosphere. These diehards, are forms of energy that are sustained by the attention we give them.   They now require our conscious and deliberate effort to let them dissolve into the nothingness from whence they came. Perhaps this is what the Apostle Paul spoke when he said, “Be ye therefore transformed by the renewing of your mind.” While the language may be archaic, the message is timeless. 

Energy in its purest form is always giving of its creative power to everything it contacts. It is “the idea or strength, vigor potency, and vitality” that maintains and sustains the health of our body organs, as well as the love we experience through the people, places, and things we encounter along the way.  It is always giving.

“Unforgiving” denotes the space for the givingness of divine energy to flow is blocked by the mental and emotional attention to resentment, anger, and sense of victimhood. Once these concepts of separation are healed, the soul’s sincere desire is unleashed and begins to flow like water from a pipe that was formerly clogged.

The process of letting go of the old is not a one-time proposition. Each time we ascend to greater heights of awareness, we leave behind that which no longer serves us. All this is part of the process of “letting go” of our attachment to that which is subject to change. It is a process of letting God be God in our lives.

 ¹Mental awareness; both objective and subjective. (The Science of Mind page 580)

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This Weeks Affirmation

“I affirm–All the good there is, is mine now!“

Angela “Chris” Beam

Planet earth has often been compared to a classroom. It is here we learn to move through the material, physical realm, while completely dependent on the invisible, spiritual realm of our lives. The phrases, “we are in this world, but not of it,” and “we are spiritual beings, having a human experience,” describe this phenomenon.  Even the biblical phrase, “In my Father’s house there are many mansions,” suggests the various levels, or grades of awareness one may experience while traveling through this thing called life. 

Staying with the classroom metaphor for a moment, imagine with me how we gradually move from one self-created experience to another. Each stage providing a lesson that seems like a balancing act of our feelings, thoughts, and emotions in response to what is happening in our lives.  At the same time, the challenge is to cultivate the ability to stay in alignment with the Love, Peace, Harmony, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Joy of the Spirit. It is a process of moving to higher and higher states of consciousness; i.e., a continuous ascension from glory to glory. 

When I was a child, there was a little ditty taught in Sunday School that you may have learned as well. It went like this: “Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings, see what God has done. Count your blessings! Name them one by one! Count your many blessings, see what God has done!”

What a wonderful foundation it establishes in the mind of the young one! The instructions for this spiritual practice are very clear. It is one of focus and intention, resulting in a realization of Truth.   The “catchy” tune is inviting, making the process a joyful experience. 

Throughout the years, one may begin to remember overcoming a serious health challenge; or, experiencing the healing power of love; or, the blessing of financial sufficiency received in an hour of need.

Obviously, the simple lesson is to remember the many times we have experienced spontaneous grace. In so doing, there is a tendency of restored peace, faith, and harmony to the mind. The practice becomes an avenue through which more and more good flows.  Soon we move into a state of deep gratitude. 

Ernest Holmes defines “appreciation, gratitude and thanksgiving as the motive power which attracts and magnifies the hidden potentialities of life.” He also teaches,” there is something in this attitude of thanksgiving that carries us beyond the field of doubt into one of perfect faith and acceptance, receptivity…realization.”  

These lessons support us tremendously as we move through the apparent uncertainty, separation, and division of the human experience, both individual and collective that are all around us. While we do not put our heads in the sand, ignoring the out picturing of these circumstances; we do not fall prey to the belief of hopelessness. Instead, we move with confidence, doing what is ours to do; while remembering God’s unlimited grace. 

In such a moment, the former things fall away … providing a space for the greater-yet-to-be to unfold. The Presence and Power of Unlimited Potential is within every one of us.

Let us join hands in the awareness that All is One, and the only time is Now, singing our new song:

“I am so blessed. I am so blessed.
I am so grateful for all that I have.
I am so blessed. I am so blessed.
I am so grateful. I am so blessed.”

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This Weeks Affirmation

“I am so grateful and blessed for the opportunity to live a life of love, joy, and peace.”

Keith Childers

“To be well, happy, and to express freedom, is in accord with Divine Law and Wisdom.”
~The Science of Mind, pg. 46.3~

~ ~ ~ 

“The greatest battle we face as human beings is the battle to protect our true selves from the self the world wants us to become.”
~ E. E.  Cummings ~

Yes, it seems that time and time again, we as human beings are prone to a mindset that says, ‘there is some place other than where I am; some time other than now; and some individual other than me who determines my happiness.’ This mindset tends to blame whatever is trending in the world at the time; be it the weather, the economy, religion, science, politics, social traditions, or another’s choice that is incongruent with our own.

Until we deliberately change our thinking through revelation or treatment, we are subject to the mental dis-ease of world-thought that believes in separation; thus, causing doubt and fear.  Mary Baker Eddy teaches us to “Stand porter at the door of thought.” Otherwise, we are subject to the random thoughts and beliefs of the collective consciousness with which we (mostly unconsciously) resonate.  

Although the intellect of the enlightened ones understands this; no one is exempt from the consequences of downward gazing. It is in times when the mind is entangled with illusion and delusion that the wisdom of the ages seems to elude reasoning. The icky feeling that accompanies the influence of erroneous thinking is a dreaded experience. In such moments of confusion, one’s self-talk engages in the kind of self-criticism that says things like: ‘I should, I’m not, I can’t,’ etc.  In such moments one even questions the validity of concepts they previously accepted as true, saying, “this stuff doesn’t work.”

~ ~ ~ 

The good news is, the enlightened ones, even through the fog, remember the infallibility of Spiritual Principle. 

~ ~ ~ 

“When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this… you haven’t.”
~ Thomas Alva Edison ~

~ ~ ~ 

The battle that Cummings references is the conscious effort to protect us from slipping into downward gazing. The process has sometimes been described as “the exact struggle of the soul,” (Howard Thurman) or one could say it’s like wrestling with an angel of Light and determining: “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” (Genesis 32:26).

~ ~ ~ 

“If it’s going to be, it’s up to me.”
~ Rev. Robert Schuller ~

~ ~ ~ 

As we continue to push (Pray Until Something Happens) through the darkness, we align ourselves with the miracle-working attributes of Peace, Harmony, Love, Wisdom. We hear the inner voice say, “The place where you are standing is holy ground.” We anchor our consciousness in this creative medium. Here, we feel and sense the Presence and Power of the One Source. We are lifted into a vibration of happiness.

With renewed faith, time and time again we surrender to the Holy Spirit, letting God be God in, through, and as our health, prosperity, and good will towards all. We are so blessed!

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This Weeks Affirmation

“I know Peace, Harmony, Love, Wisdom, and Joy are the Divine Presence within me.”

Mary Jane LaBonte

“One small step for man, one giant step for mankind.”
~ Neil Armstrong ~

“Little by little, you will turn into the whole sweet, amorous universe. Love will surely burst you wide open into an unfettered, booming new galaxy.”
~ Hafiz ~

There have always been individuals who have tapped into the Unlimited Potential of the universe and initiated ways and means that added to the further evolution of the planet.  While engaged in their creative endeavor, many of these inventors, artists, and trailblazers remained unknown or were rejected. However, once the positive impact of their work was recognized, many were then viewed as overnight sensations.

These are the ones we hear about, read about, and celebrate…and rightfully so. In many ways their accomplishments are a roadmap for the possibilities stretched before us. While these acts are truly admirable and give us insight into the ever-evolving world that is always revealing the greater-yet-to-be; let us not lose sight that this unfoldment is taking place through each one of us all the time. It is in our nature of Oneness that we each play an intricate part that affects the Whole. 

The realization that the same Genius resides within every one of us is inspiration enough to activate the ideas that bring happiness to our individual lives; i.e., health, fulfilling relationships, prosperity, and creative expression, to name a few.   I have this notion that has become a mantra for me; i.e., that which I know for sure is for my highest good, is the highest good for all concerned. After all, because of our Oneness with the All, we always carry the All with us. 

 The Global Vision of Centers for Spiritual Living offers concepts for successful living. For example, each time we make a decision that provides “enough food, a home, and a sense of belonging,” we lift the consciousness of humanity and become an inspiration that others may follow. When we “forgive others for errors, injustices, or debt,” it establishes an avenue through which God’s grace flows. Each time we “renew our emphasis on beauty, nature, and love through the resurgence of creativity, art, and aesthetics,” our fellow travelers as well as the next generation have a blueprint for “a world in which we live and grow as One Global Family that respects and honors the interconnectedness of all life; a world where this kinship with all life prospers and connects through the guidance of spiritual wisdom and experience.“

That which is ours to do is a driving force that motivates us into action.   Whether it is a life vocation or a single act in life; it always contributes to the whole of humanity. Each one who has persisted in their pursuit, one might say has found the answer to, what is mine to do?  These individuals, (mystics and heroes of a sort), participate in the evolution of humanity. It is like we have received the baton passed on by former generations. In due time, we pass the baton to the next generation of light bearers. 

The raw material that we are dealing with is limitless in its ability to express. It is always expanding into greater and greater possibilities. Each one of us is unfolding into our greater-yet-to-be, while letting there be peace on earth and good will towards all of humanity.  

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This Weeks Affirmation

“Today I honor my creative self and allow Spirit to use me for the betterment of all mankind.”

by Judy Hilley