(Repost) Way back in the 60’s I had an intuitive hit about the healing power of Spirit.  I must admit many of the stories I read during that time about “miracle healings,” were couched in sensationalism.  Nonetheless, they ignited possibility thinking within me.

Up until then, I believed the ability to heal was designated to a chosen few, who were given supernatural powers. I believed any current reports of healings were a hoax, stories steeped in superstition. I’m just saying: this was the mindset I had inadvertently inherited.

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. 

Several years later I read about Phineas Parker Quimby¹, a clockmaker of the 19^th century, and how he developed his concepts of mental and spiritual healing and health based on the view that illness is a matter of the mind. 

Quimby’s theory introduced me to a new thought on the subject. It was as if I were given permission for the first time ever, to think outside the box for which I had become accustomed. 

I have come to realize there is One Life Principle that governs all life.  The Spiritual Nature of Being is always Whole, Complete, and Perfect. This never changes.  Spirit is The Source and Sufficiency out of which everything flows. It is the Universal Creator. It is the First Cause in the Triune Sequence of Spirit, Mind/Soul, and Body, encompassing all three. Spirit is the Life Principle. I discovered that knowing this Truth is healing power.

I have come to realize The Mind is a Creative Medium, an aspect of the One Spirit, that receives my thought impressions that eventually become the conditions I experience. This is subject to change. I now understand that healing takes place by the renewing of my mind. 

The Body, another aspect of the One Spirit, is the evidence of my thoughts/beliefs made manifest. This is subject to change. The nurturing of my body with proper care is healing. 

It has become clear to me that until my body and the body of my affairs as well as my mental house are in alignment with the Universal Nature of the One Originating Spirit, I am caught in the syndrome of false belief, manifesting as limitation in my life experience.  

There are awesome therapies to heal both the body and the mind. In addition, I have discovered that the modality called Spiritual Mind Healing, heals the cause of these apparent symptoms. 

Jesus, the Master Teacher, taught this form of healing when he said, “Know the Truth and the Truth will make you free.” (Paraphrasing John 8:32). 

 When I sit in the silence of myself until I reach a point of stillness, I come face to face with my True Self; MY Higher Self; My Christ Consciousness. There are no longer any pairs of opposites.  I AM whole, complete, and perfect. 

The fog is lifted. I see clearly! I am free from every sense of limitation.
I HAD A REVELATION!!!

The only thing that ever needs to be healed is my sense of separation; i.e., the idea of God and me, instead of, God AS me.  With this awareness, ALL things are possible.

 I bear witness to the former things falling away, and a new day dawning in my life and the life of the world that surrounds me. My body and my mind respond to this enlightenment. I listen to the Indwelling Spirit, and I am divinely guided to do what is mine to do. I practice being an instrument of peace, love, forgiveness, faith, light, and joy 

WOW, this is good stuff!

 ¹Father of New Thought: https://phineasquimby.wwwhubs.com/

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This Week’s Affirmation

” I am alive with the Great Vitality of the Spirit.”

Ernest Holmes (SOM, p.509.2)

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(Repost) I remember how exciting it was to experience my first luxury cruise. Late one night I wandered up to the top deck of the ship. I had never seen a darker night. It was pitch black except for the stars above, and perhaps moonlight. I was in awe. It was like being in the womb of eternity as the ship rolled peacefully along the black waters. 

I imagine that prehistoric people gazed into the darkness as well as the light above with a bit of trepidation. However, there was always faith that the rising sun would yield the light of a brand-new day. This was their normal way of life. 

I imagine as they gazed deeply into Life, a breakthrough in consciousness occurred. They began to illumine the darkness with candles, a new normal; to oil lamps, a new normal; to kerosene lamps, a new normal; to the light bulb, a new normal. In the language of spirituality, one might say evolution is always moving humanity from glory to glory. 

Moving from darkness to light through self-awareness is quite a feat.

In moments of discontent, by means of meditation, I wander to the top deck of the ship of Zion¹, a metaphor for my consciousness. Here I gaze deeply into nature until I see the flickering Light hovering above. While I do not deny my experience in the world; I begin to use the apparent facts to determine what it is, in contrast, that is my true desire. The color and tone of my mind moves from sense-consciousness to spiritual consciousness. I no longer act as if I am a spectator watching a movie, wondering what is going to happen next. No, instead I act as if I am the Director. I affirm the Truth. 

Flashes of Light, such as: “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world…” ² inspire me. I remind myself there is only One Power, the Great IAM; and, this Presence is individualized in me, through me, and as me. Moment by moment, the spirit that indwells me is the power that either sustains that which is in the world or re-directs the energy of my attention, initiating a new normal.

I embrace the teaching of Ancient Wisdom that says: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” ³ Soon, there is a breakthrough, a new normal. Morning is broken.  

Ernest Holmes teaches: “There is one power in the Universe and we can all use it.”   I notice when I am hanging out in the upper room of consciousness and gazing deeply into the nature of Peace, Harmony, Love, Wisdom, Oneness, and Wholeness; there is an up-leveling, or a breakthrough, if you will. The new normal beckons me to follow the beacon of light that guides me from glory to glory.

¹  https://www.truthunity.net/mbd/zion
² 1 John 4:4
³ Philippians 4:8

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This Week’s Affirmation

“The Presence of the One Power is individualized in me, through me and as me.”

Mary Jane LaBonte, RScP

“Everything that happens to you is a reflection of what you believe about yourself. We cannot outperform our level of self-esteem. We cannot draw to ourselves more than we think we are worth.” ~  Iyanla Vanzant ~

How often have you heard, or perhaps even have said the words, “I’ll believe it when I see it?”  Yes, there’s a skeptic amongst us that demands proof from one of its “sense organs” before accepting a thing as being so.  The story of Doubting Thomas of the New Testament is an illustration of how humanity believes the physical body, and the material world we live in, are the only reality there is.  

However, we are waking up, slowly but surely, and have begun to realize that we are indeed more than our bodies; and more than our present circumstances, no matter what they may be. Humanity is evolving into the realization that we are three-fold beings. When all three aspects of who we are (Spirit, Mind, and Body) are in alignment, we experience the harmony, beauty, joy, love, and wisdom that is our inherent nature. When the self is in perfect alignment with its Self, skepticism is transformed into optimism, and we may find ourselves saying, “I’ll see it when I believe it.”

~ ~ ~ ~

The Omnipotent Law of Life that receives the direct impress of our thoughts and acts upon them, is in a state of continuous creative action. Through a process of unfoldment, the image and likeness of our word; i.e., the conviction of our hearts are realized as the people, places, and things we encounter in the world. When one understands this; prayers are no longer a practice of beseeching, begging, and bargaining; but rather, they become affirmations of Truth based on what is the heart’s desire and the acceptance of the word spoken.     

I have noticed that phrases like “I know” and “I believe” are often used interchangeably when speaking about practical spirituality.  I believe, in most cases, the common usage is simply that slippery slope of semantics, otherwise, the differences are subtle. We may all agree that it is the feeling conveyed that sets the Immutable Law of Cause and Effect in motion.

One may have knowledge of certain scientific facts, but do not believe the principle behind the knowledge will work for them. For example, one may know the laws regarding the ability to walk on hot coals. This doesn’t mean that everyone who has this knowledge believes he is safe in doing so.

~ ~ ~ ~

When the “Doubting Thomas Consciousness” within us says, “Lord, I do believe, help me to overcome my unbelief;” this state of humility and vulnerability may very well be the defining moment for self-healing. Otherwise, you cannot heal what you do not acknowledge.

~ ~ ~ ~

It seems to me; that the successful demonstration of the Law of God is the combination of knowing and believing. There is that within you right now who spontaneously knows the Truth of Being and her Oneness with it. You may unleash this Presence of Divinity and claim the good you are seeking, right now. The mystic realizes: I, Spirit, is the Driving Force, The First Cause that moves through our Mind of beliefs, and projects onto the material world, a Body of people, places, and things.

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This Week’s Affirmation

“I AM all what I will become.“

Keith Childers

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ANNOUNCEMENT

HOWARD THURMAN SERIES CONTINUES

EASTER SUNDAY

 APRIL 17, 2022

10:00 AM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6130779853
Zoom ID: 613-077-9853

Springfield Unitarian Universalist Meetinghouse of Vermont

FEATURING

Robbin G. Ruffner, RScP Emeritus

ALL ARE WELCOME!

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If you are anything like me, you’ve heard the following sayings over and over throughout the years: “where there’s no vision the people perish,” … “where there’s a will there’s a way,” … and, “I” in the midst of thee is mighty.

At first glance, they are all self-explanatory. Perhaps, like me, you have used one or more, when making a point. However, speaking for myself, I have not always sat down and thought about the far-reaching implication they suggest.  

Contemplative Meditation¹ is the perfect practice that supports us in unpacking these life-giving concepts.

“Where there’s no vision the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18)

There is a mindset that sees restrictions and limitations at every turn. For some, this mindset or pattern of thought, has created prisons of fear, isolation, despondency, and depression; a feeling of helplessness, and hopelessness. This mindset can be likened to the words of Howard Thurman … “man. without God is a seed upon a wind. He’s a victim of the currents of life that carry him where they will with the bland un-mindfulness of purposes and ends.” In this state of consciousness, there seems no light at the end of the tunnel. In this state of consciousness, the inherent divine potential becomes as nothing. It seems to have died, perished under stress.   Not only is this an unnatural mode of existence; it is always temporary. 

“The pain pushes until the vision pulls.” (Rev. Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith)

One may remain in a state of pain and a feeling of unworthiness until, eventually, a flicker of hope is felt. Even the smallest impulse of imagination sets a new cause in motion. Like springtime pushing through the barren earth of winter, a glimmer of possibility is realized.  After all, nothing permanently dies – it simply appears that way. Once the creative juices began to flow again – ideas of opportunity are formed. 

“Where there’s a will there’s a way.” (Old Proverb)

I like the original wording; i.e., “To him that will, ways are not wanting.” (George Herbert’s “Jacula Prudentusm”) The phrase suggests that the one who will surrender to the Indwelling God Potential discovers there is nothing that restricts or limits the fulfillment of her dreams. The ways are infinite, and the choice is the individuals.  

“I, in the midst of thee, is mighty.” (Zephaniah 3:17 paraphrased)

Jesus is quoted saying, “I am the way.” At first glance it seems he is talking about his individual ability to perform miracles on our behalf, claiming his all-powerful nature. However, he is also quoted saying, “Why call me good, there is only One, and “Of mine own self I can do nothing, it is the Father within., etc.”  I believe this great leader and teacher was teaching humanity the power of the “I AM” consciousness. It is the Power to declare into existence that which one accepts as Perfect Health, Unlimited Supply, Peace Now, and Everlasting Love. 

Find a quiet place, and contemplate these things.

¹ https://guidedmeditationframework.com/blog/what-is-contemplative-meditation/

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This Week’s Affirmation

I contemplate my good, and I speak and release my word, and know it returns to me perfectly.

By Angela “Chris” Beam

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“What you are looking for is what you are looking with.”
~ Ernest Homes ~

(Repost) It has been said that perception is reality. Before I jump on the bandwagon, saying “yeah, that’s right,” I remember to pause for a moment and think about it, asking myself: what do I mean by that statement? For example, am I referring to “reality” as the absolute or the relative? 

I tell myself: The absolute suggests that which does not and cannot change, it’s is the “isness” of nature. It is the Invisible First Cause behind everything experienced through the senses. On the other hand, the relative is a manifestation of First Cause as well as secondary causes; i.e., or beliefs, which are always subject to change.

One of the definitions offered for “perception” is: “a way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something; a mental impression.” Another definition says: “the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses.” In both cases, there is always a forerunner to what is seen and experienced, whether real or a misconception of the mind. Therefore, what I glean from the above quote by Holmes is, everything in the world is a reflection of a state of consciousness.

As simple as this common-sense knowledge is, there seems always some problem to be solved; for myself, another, or the world. 

~ ~ ~

I have found that piercing the veil of illusion (the out-picturing of a mental images) and entering into the vast reality of Truth, is a path, or a way of life. It becomes practical spirituality. This way of life is not mysterious, abstract, or separate from daily living. It does not require convincing or “saving” another from human experiences.  Jesus, the master teacher taught, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

While there is a Powerful Force for Good in the universe, It never forces. One is always at choice. Moving from illusion to truth is a personal journey of adjusting one’s mindset, beliefs, and perception of what is absolute. How one chooses to move forward with this awareness is optional. The Force for Good is always available and accessible.

The Science of Mind makes clear that it does not teach what to think; but rather, how to think. How to think is a doorway to the infinite; it is a practice that leads directly into a consciousness of the Mind of God. The Mind of God is the fundamental, unchanging nature of First Cause that is forever revealing It’s secrets to whomever listens. There is an answer to every human problem that may bring about the Peace of Mind that is desired.

It’s been said that every human aberration is a spiritual aspiration trying to be birthed.

The world that Jesus references is transitory and is always out-picturing the collective beliefs of humanity at any given time….and then, like turning a kaleidoscope, the whole picture may change instantly, according to the mindset of the believer. 

Yes, one individual, perfectly aligned with First Cause, may rise in consciousness to a level and frequency of existence that transcends the popular belief being worked out by humanity. That one, having risen above the error thoughts of the masses is a healing presence; i.e., a revealer of Truth.

Daily spiritual practices such as meditation, affirmative prayer, visioning, inspirational reading, and the giving and receiving of loving support are some of the ways to stay centered in Truth and perceive that which is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

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This Week’s Affirmation

“I am perceptive. I am alert. I have an excellent mind.”

http://bmindful.com/affirmations/perception

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ANNOUNCEMENT

StillPoint ~ a doorway to the infinite 

www.stillpointcsl.org

Invites you to 

THE GATHERING
~ A safe space to share your wins, challenges, and opportunities while traveling the journey of practical spirituality ~

Saturday, April  2, 2022
10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

Via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/949595702?pwd=NEFGMkRDOExZWXBmSTkvWWsrNElQdz09
Meeting ID: 949 595 702
Passcode: 190469

ALL ARE WELCOME!
Invite someone to meet you here.

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