(Revisited)

It was the mid to late 1970s. There I was sitting on the shores of the Long Island Sound, having just completed a weekend retreat with Tara Singh. ¹   I was sure I would come away with that one nugget that would tell me exactly what to do to stay in alignment with Truth.  Instead, most of the days were spent in the silence where the only guidance the enlightened teacher offered was to tell us to move beyond words and concepts. 

I remember feeling somewhat disappointed. I expected a clear-cut path to follow. I had imagined that all the participants would somehow bond as one regardless of our diverse backgrounds; unify in our common interest; join hands; and leave singing the proverbial Kumbaya! Instead, we were left suspended, for long periods of time, in an unfamiliar territory – in the depths of our own self. 

Although I didn’t realize it at once, this retreat was actually a turning point in my life inasmuch as it offered a profound gift of spiritual enlightenment and self-realization; a gift that keeps on giving.

Here it is many years later, and somehow, when I bear witness to the out-picturing of world consciousness, I sense and feel the same energy rising up that I felt way back then. For example, I have a desire for a clear, conscious path that actualizes the unity of all people regardless of apparent diverse backgrounds, various cultures, and different opinions. My desire is for this retreat of shelter in place to move our nation forward toward one common goal; i.e., a good and equitable life for all, even when there is disagreement as to how to arrive at the goal. 

“Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” ~ Matthew 5:8

I now remember to slip into the silence of my own being. Here, free of words and concepts, I am refreshed, renewed and aligned with the Presence and Power of God. My heart is purified. It is in this state of consciousness that I am empowered with the nature of the Divine, I see as God sees.  

“All’s Love, yet All’s Law.”  ~ Robert Browning ~

I realize: God is Love. The Love of God fulfills itself through Its own Law by becoming every form imaginable. I am the vehicle who does the imagining. The Law creates that which I accept. It is done as I believe. I make conscious choices. This Immutable Law of God, of Good, is a law of Cause and Effect. I do not fear outcomes. 

I Got It!

The choices I make, based on my beliefs, values, and intentions, are powerful whether I am choosing a healthy body, right relationships, or casting a ballot for POTUS. For this, I am so grateful.

~ ~ ~

“When the Lord ² is your confidence you will never find yourself at all deceived by the ways and speech of men and women, though they be very brilliant, if they speak outside of the Principle that demonstrates healing and goodness and life.” ~ Emma Curtis Hopkins ~ ³

---

This Weeks Affirmation

I am the only determining factor in my life.
 by Keith D. Childers

(Revisited)

There are those who study the reliability of the universe. These scientists pass on their findings to whomever is open to receive them. Of course, the universe is too vast for scientists to study all the expressions of life with detailed attention, so they specialize their focus. 

While sciences vary, all Laws and Principles, the Infallible and Invisible Cause behind everything, are actually the One Presence, God, making Itself known throughout all nature.  All Life is The One Life expressing. 

Regular readers of this blog have no doubt noticed that I love talking about the Law or Science of Mind and how it works in the human experience.

I enjoy exploring the idea that I AM the image and likeness of God. In so doing, I discover there are infinite possibilities for the expression of good to flow through me. I prepare a way to receive these gifts of life by practicing my true nature in everything I think, say, and do. I forgive myself quickly if I miss the mark, and simply begin again.  I enjoy passing on my findings to those who are open to receive the good news about this inherent nature.  After all, “It’s in every one of us.”

~ ~ ~ ~

There is a natural rhythm to everything that occurs in the universe. Sometimes this rhythm is obvious and other times it is obscured by circumstances. For example, although the sun rises and sets with mechanical precision; nonetheless, on a cloudy or foggy day, the overcast may be so great that reality is hidden from sight.  

However, no matter how long the darkness lasts, there is unwavering faith that sings: “The sun’ll come out tomorrow ~ Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow ~ There’ll be sun.”

On a clear day, when the magnificence of the universe fills our awareness with its divine order, stunning beauty, and provision for every living thing, the soul of nature lifts its voice in universal praise, singing: “How Great Thou Art!”

~ ~ ~ ~

Similarly, there is a rhythm to individual life that operates in the microcosm exactly as it does in the macrocosm. Sometimes the perfection that each one of us is, is heavy laden with the conditions of living.

Unlike the sun, however, as self-conscious beings of choice, we have been “conditioned” to identify with what arises. Sometimes there is a tendency to claim the thing that is hiding the reality of who we really are, believing it is who we are. For example, one may say, “I am sick; I am poor; I am scared; I am lonely,” etc., etc., while all the time these conditions can be likened to the clouds and fog hiding the sun. They hide who we really are. 

However, with an insight of Wholeness, the whole picture may change in an instant. Ernest Holmes teaches, “Change your Thinking, Change Your Life. Paul of the Bible says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Obviously, they both agree, along with many great thinkers throughout the ages, that there is a power for good at hand right now. It is the power of choice operating in the mental realm of our own being. You may begin singing, “Born Free.”

~ ~ ~ ~

There are individuals, right now, who may be heavy laden with physical conditions who never lose their sense of Self. While they do not deny the experience or the appearance of the circumstances; they navigate through them, embracing the wisdom of science that supports their physical healing. At the same time, these individuals unify and identify with the inner feelings of Light, Love, Peace, Joy, and Abundance, the true nature of individual being. These individuals sing: “I Love Myself…Just the Way I AM.” 

---

This Week’s Affirmation

I know there is a power for good, which is the power of choice operating in the mental realm of my being.
By Mary Jane LaBonte, RScP

(Revisited)

Back in July 2021, 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 seemed 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. 

~ ~ ~ ~

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.  

~ ~ ~ ~

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. 

~ ~ ~ ~

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.

~ ~ ~ ~

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.”

~ Judy Hilley ~ 

---

REMEMBERING JUDY HILLEY

On Thursday evening, June 13, 2024, our beloved Judy made her transition into a more expanded life. We bless her journey as it continues to unfold, bathed in Love and Light, and as her spirit soars toward its next abode.

---

“Outside is form. ~ Inside is thought. ~ Deepest is the soul.”
~ Deng Ming-Dao, 365 Tao ~

~ ~ ~ ~

“It is impossible for a person to live happily unless he believes in the integrity of his own soul and his union with the Over-Soul.”
~ Ernest Holmes, The Spiritual Universe and You ~

~ ~ ~ ~

“Meditation quiets conscious thought and the physical realm, making a doorway to spiritual awareness.”
~ Jenna Alatari ~

~ ~ ~ ~

There it is a place of perfect peace at the center of each one of us. It is The One Infinite Life that permeates all time and all space. It has no beginning and no ending. It is that point of stillness within us that is the creative energy and healing power that makes all things new.  It is in this sea of unlimited potential that all individual life lives, moves, and has its being. It has been called the Over-Soul.

“Any person with training can reach this soul. Only then can you be convinced of its presence. When you reach it, your body and mind will become irrelevant, for you are now as a state beyond the senses and beyond thought. The soul is called absolute because it is beyond all relativity.” ~365 Tao ~

While a diligent practice of silent meditation is a great, mystical, and effective way through which we experience our unity with the Divine; it requires mental stamina in order to consciously move through the distracting thoughts that delay the process of stilling the mind. Stilling the mind does not mean eliminating thoughts, for they are always there. However, it does mean rising above and transcending thoughts of limitation, fear, and separation. Otherwise, we are pulled off course.

Our course, in attaining the silence of Pure Consciousness, must be one of total focus on the field of omnipotent no-thing -ness. It is the return to the beginning before thought and form and simply hangs out in the essence of The Divine. Here there are no words or concepts to decipher. There is nothing to plan or visualize. It is simply a time to feel the vibration of Love bubbling up as Peace, Harmony, Beauty, Joy, Wisdom, and Sufficiency. 

It is through the consistent practice of this silent meditation of the soul that renewed strength, wisdom, and courage express through you as you step back into the realm of effects.    Your consciousness of  Love, Peace, Harmony, Beauty, Joy, Wisdom, and Sufficiency begin to infuse matters of health, relationships, finances, creative expression, and anything else your heart longs to experience. Yes, after basking in the consciousness of The Divine, the world is lifted to a higher vibration. The life-enhancing qualities that you have freely received are now freely given by you, to everything you think, say, and do.

Like a great contagion, the overflow of enlightened consciousness begins to touch individual minds.  When this happens, through the Immutable Law of Mind in Action, there follows an inflow of peace on earth and good will towards all the inhabitants of the earth.

“You may say I’m a dreamer. But I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will live as one.”

---

This Week’s Affirmation

“From the silence of the stillness of my mind, all spiritual good manifests into the world.”

~ Angela “Chris” Beam ~

“God is nearer to us than our own spirit.” ~ “We are in God and God whom we do not see is in us.”
~ Julian of Norwich ~

~ ~ ~ ~

“Every desire you have for betterment in life is some echo from deep within which forever proclaims, “Behold, I make all things new.”
~ Ernest Holmes ~

~ ~ ~ ~

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
~Jesus of Nazareth ~

~ ~ ~ ~

“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.”
~ King David, Psalm 139:6 ~

~ ~ ~ ~

The profundity and far-reaching implications of the above quotes may cause you to pause, contemplate, and meditate on the messages these mystics impart.

You may find yourself questioning your understanding of what you thought you understood. Thoughts may arise like: Are the words of these enlightened ones to be taken literally; or are they simply metaphors to motivate us into action that may or may not yield the expected end? What is the difference between spirituality and religiosity? Do the terms, “The Presence” and “God” have different connotations? What do words like Spirit and Anthropomorphic infer?

The process of reconciling these thoughts to the point of clarity for yourself often leads one to a crossroad. What do you now do with your new-found knowledge or convictions? One thing for sure, you cannot unring the bell, or un-know what you know. On the other hand, old habits die hard.  

Breaking agreements with the beliefs, values, associates, actions, language, etc., that do not support your vision, yet have become the default response to what you experience in the world, takes courage. It is not for the faint of heart.   It requires a consistent mental practice of standing porter at the door of your mind. It means being in full charge and taking responsibility for your thoughts and actions. As a result of such a practice, you move into the high vibration of being an Intentional Being.

“Whenever a new spiritual idea is introduced into the mind, some negative belief is disturbed. ”
~ (TruthUnity.net) ~

It is to the degree that old ideas begin to break up in the mental realm, that their counterparts in the physical realm, having nothing to sustain them, begin to break up. This process may include the falling away of relationships, employment, food, entertainment, and whatever else that does not serve this Illumined consciousness. The Law is perfect, “as above, so below.”  This process of chemicalization is sometimes described as the dark night of the soul, while actually, it is the fulfillment of the promise, “I will make all things new.”   Oriah Mountain Dreamer challenges us “to see beauty even when it is not pretty.”

This Initiation ushers you into a higher vibration of life and living, attracting into your experience a greater awareness of fulfilling relationships, greater self-expression, perfect health, joy, and prosperity in everything you think, say, and do. You become a greater outlet through which Love, Peace, Harmony, Wisdom, Power, Beauty, Abundance, and Joy flow with ease and grace.

“Whatever you can do or dream, you can begin it. In boldness, there is genius, power, and magic.”
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe ~

---

This Week’s Affirmation

“I open myself to receive the light of wisdom and understanding, allowing it to guide me towards my highest potential.”

~ Keith Childers ~