“I believe that the Universal Spirit, which is God, operates through a Universal Mind, which is the Law of God; and that I am surrounded by this Creative Mind which receives the direct impress of my thought and acts upon it.” ~ Ernest Holmes ~

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Back in the day, George Burns and Gracie Allen were a radio comedy team that entertained America. At the end of their routine, Burns would say to Allen: “Say Goodnight, Gracie” and she would think he was telling her what specifically to say, so she would repeat, “Goodnight Gracie!” This joke always left us laughing.

Recalling this made me think how often the words we hear are subject to interpretation and context because of the complexity of language in general. After all, every culture has its own idioms; i.e., slang, sayings, and jargon. Often, metaphors, analogies, and parables are used in an effort to say what is trying to be said. 

 Even sounds, such as the tone of the voice, or the humming of a tune or the clearing of the throat may suggest a certain mood; all born out of feelings, that intimate part of ourselves that translate into thoughts and words.

Sometimes there is a play on words, simply to ignite a sense of humor, like “Goodnight Gracie!”

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In addition to all the subtle nuances of the words we speak, there is a common belief that if we simply say specific words, they accomplish certain results. This may or may not always be the case.

Learning to say life-affirming phrases is a great practice when teaching one’s self how to think. However, it is not until the feeling behind the words spoken take root that we may demonstrate the power of the creative mind that Holmes speaks about. The key is to keep practicing until we actually feel the true meaning of the words we speak. The feeling is sure to ignite the law of creative mind.

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There is something within every one of us that knows, along with Emma Curtis Hopkins: “There is good for me and I ought to have it.” Yet, finding the words to describe this innermost conviction is sometimes difficult to articulate. However, when feelings of health, wealth, loving relationships, and creativity become encoded on the soul, the world of form reveals the likeness of this spontaneous prayer. The world we live in becomes our very own self-expression. 

It is important to find time to become still and just be with the silence of the soul; a time when there are no words spoken; a time of simply letting the feelings of one’s divine birthright saturate the entire being.

It is in such moments, when the self is completely unified with the Self, that this holy communion, this mystical marriage, this divine encounter becomes the healing balm that is needed at the particular time … a moment that reveals the magnificence of The One. 

This Week’s Affirmation

“I live in my truth, I communicate my truth, I am the truth.”

https://www.thepathprovides.com/blog/10-powerful-throat-chakra-affirmations-for-balancing-your-fifth-chakra

I have been in the process of purging the contents of my home for the past couple of years or more. This process of periodic re-assessing my belongings has become a ritual, wherein I ask myself: ‘Do I keep physical symbols of the way it was; fearing that I may never achieve more; that the occasions I recall were the epitome of possibilities in my life? Or, do I graciously discard the things that were yesterday’s manna and simply embrace the idea that life is always unfolding into its greater yet to be? Otherwise, I keep unpacking and re-packing the same mementos over and over again, filling my mind to capacity, leaving no room to accept the newness of life. 

Time and time again I find myself at the crossroads of decision: what to keep, what to give away, and what to toss.

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This process has caused me to reflect on what the important things are in my life. I realize that which I once considered accomplishments were simply the logical and necessary stepping stones that caused me to be where I am today. After all, life is always moving, one step at a time, according to the direction I point. I always accomplish that for which my heart says “yes.”

Years ago, I was taught the “dos and the don’ts” of life through the ritual of repeating phrases and scriptures, without an explanation of the deeper or inner meaning of the practices, or at least I do not recall there being any. However, when I reached a point that this ritual no longer served me, I sought out the “whys and the how comes.” Much to my soul’s delight, there were teachers waiting for me to arrive at that point in the road, ready to teach me spiritual practices like meditation, visioning, and spiritual mind treatment.

All this acquainted me with the soul of my being.

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I began to think about mandalas.

Mandala means “circle” in Sanskrit. It’s a pattern or design that depicts the spiritual journey, starting from outside to the inner core, through layers. The artist, Saudamini Madra, says: “It’s all about finding peace in the symmetry of the design and of the universe.”  

Traditionally, Tibetan Buddhist Monks spend hours each day for days, painstakingly and skillfully creating these beautiful images in sand. When they are finally finished, they destroy their great work. This ritual is a reminder of the impermanence of life.

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Through the ritual of purging, I reach that a-ha moment where I perceive greater meaning of my process.  I begin to see that the “letting go” and the “holding on” is a way of reconciling what was, what is, and what will be according to the symmetry of the design my thoughts and actions create. I find peace as I create a new design for living. 

I practice mindfulness as I continue my chore. The ritual is one that reminds me that, when I am self-emptied, I become God-filled. I let The Divine flow through my ideas of wholeness which are permanent in the midst of impermanence.   

This Week’s Affirmation

“I have peace within by letting go of what no longer serves me to make room for the good to manifest.”
By Mary Jane LaBonte, RScP

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

It has been said that perception is reality. Before I jump on the band wagon, 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. 

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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 mind-set, 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 mind-set 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.

This Week’s Affirmation

“Today, I love and accept myself for ALL that I AM!”   
By Keith Childers

“There is one mind common to all individual men. Every man is an inlet to the same and to all of the same. He that is once admitted to the right of reason is made a freeman of the whole estate. What Plato has thought, he may think; what a saint has felt, he may feel; what at any time has befallen any man, he can understand. Who hath access to this universal mind is a party to all that is or can be done, for this is the only and sovereign agent.”       

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

As conscious spiritual beings in the world, it is good to cultivate sensitivity. I don’t mean being sensitive from the standpoint of taking things personally, having your feelings hurt easily, or living with guilt or shame regarding past experiences. No, those are self-inflicted emotions that keep us in a negative state of mind; they keep our self-esteem in the bondage of limitation. In that regard, don’t forget Terry Cole-Whittaker’s book, What You Think of Me is None of My Business and Don Miguel Ruiz’, The Four Agreements.

No, the sensitivity I’m talking about is tapping into one’s intuitive nature and began to feel and sense when a word, a deed, or action is supportive to one’s well-being and the well-being of all humanity. After all, the concept that “There is one mind common to all men”, as Ralph Waldo Emerson espoused, is a far-reaching one.

Yes, the implication suggests that each one of us, being enveloped and immersed in the one mind, which is creative, is susceptible to all thought; i.e., the good, the bad, and the ugly. When we become awake enough to consciously practice critical thinking, we may find access to the highest and noblest thoughts ever thought. The Apostle Paul must have understood this when he said, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”

It seems logical to believe that once we have become an inlet to higher states of consciousness, the former things that suggested lack, limitation, fear, disease, hatred or any form of separation from the good desired in our hearts, are seen for what they are: “false beliefs” and are no longer entertained. With personal energy re-directed, those former things simply fall way.

Through the technology of mass media, we are exposed to a multitude of varied thoughts, beliefs and opinions that are operating in the mind of humanity. Oftentimes, we are asked to “like” and “share” them; thereby, creating a culture of the particular belief.

Before making emotional agreements that pleases the ego in the moment, critical thinking is crucial. It means measuring what is seen, heard, and experienced against your personal fundamental belief, concept, or principle that you have embodied and accepted as truth; i.e., your core values.

There is a balancing act that must be cultivated between the spiritual, mental, and the physical realms; much like what Simone Biles described as necessary for a gymnast’ mind and body to be in sync. Practicing spiritual principles as a way of life takes courage, determination, and discipline; and like Ms. Biles, “self-awareness.”

Clear, conscious thoughts, and beliefs released into the creative medium of mind are sure to yield health, wealth, peace, love, wisdom, and joy as your life experience, according to your keen insight, choice, and acceptance. Everyone who is aligned with these attributes of the Spirit, have access to these gifts that are the essence of the One Mind.

This Week’s Affirmation

“I see God in all there is and enjoy my experience of life to the fullest.”   
By Angela “Chris” Beam

Last week, I watched four space travelers leave earth for a brief luxury tour of what lies beyond. Much preparation and anticipation preceded the adventure that lasted only minutes. Then they returned safely back to earth.  

Many thoughts flooded my mind as I recalled the excitement of the first space travel back in 1961; and, how far technology, through man’s innate intelligence had evolved since then. Amazing!

I began imagining how earthlings, since the beginning of time, have gazed into the sky contemplating its mysteries, and wondering, “what else could there be beyond the visible?”  With constant attention on the subject, the universe began revealing her secrets.  One invention after another was tried and proven, until what seems like suddenly, a dream became a reality.

As amazing as I find this state of awareness that is now accepted as one of humanity’s great discoveries about the universe and the infinite possibilities stretched before us; I thought about how absolutely everything starts in mind. 

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Spiritual mystics have taught: “as above – so below,” and “as within – so without.”  Napoleon Hill apparently came to the same conclusion when he said, “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” The mystic-minded scientists of all time have set forth to prove such principles.  

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The universe is forever revealing Its secrets of Wholeness to the one who, with childlike faith, gazes into the possibility of actually experiencing the seeming impossible. This requires consistent curiosity and wonder. This contemplative meditation transforms all thoughts and notions of limitation into expanded ideas of success. 

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Jesus, the master teacher, taught: “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” One of my teachers explained to me that ‘righteous judgment’ means spiritual principle or law; i.e., an infallible Truth, that does not and cannot change. In other words, regardless of one’s present circumstances, there is a Principle of Life (First Cause) that is always Whole, Complete, and Perfect in terms of Love, Abundance, Health, Creativity, or any Good Thing for that matter that one may deem necessary or desirable for well-being. 

As we gaze into the great possibilities for Good in our lives, let our thoughts fall into the realm of the answer, no longer involved in the problem. If the attention slips into the issue at hand, try likening it to a mathematical equation for which we are arriving at the logical conclusion through an understanding of the principle that undergirds that science.

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My faith is deepened and my soul rejoices as I travel in consciousness, through the One Mind, Out of This World of effects and experience the sweet assurance that says: “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” It is here, above the clouds that I see clearly all that is mine right now.  The peace that arises within me surpasses all human understanding. It is as if I am floating on air. 

Soon, after rising above the circumstances that may have suggested separation from the Source, I return to the world, uplifted, and inspired by the brief inward journey, a great adventure of my lifetime. I now let it be on earth as it is in the heavens of my mind; and, it becomes so.

This Week’s Affirmation

” Today I rise to the highest planes and connect to the Good that is Perfect, Whole and Complete.”
by Judy Hilley