“You are either attracting or repelling according to your mental attitudes” ~ Ernest Holmes ~

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Seeing life symbolically means looking for the deeper meaning in any event.” ~ Caroline Myss ~

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“And he that sat on the throne, said: Behold, I make all things new. And he said to me: Write, for these words are most faithful and true.” ~ Revelations 21:5 ~

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My ongoing project of decluttering my house of the items that no longer serve me continues.

Over the years, I have stored items that I no longer use into closets, drawers, cabinets, attic, basement, garage, or shed. The idea was I may have use for them at a later date.

From time to time, I would assess the situation and do some clearing out. The problem is, I always held on to as much as I discarded; while at the same time, always collecting even more.

This most recent round of decluttering has been the most thorough, although not complete. There are still items hanging in my closet that no longer fit, as well as furniture in the garage that I’ll never use.

The most amazing revelation about this process is the amount of “junk” I had saved. Instead of discarding certain things the moment I realized they were useless to me or anyone else, I simply put them away and told myself I would get rid of them later. Over the years I forgot about these things, forgetting that they were occupying valuable space.

How free I felt the moment I finally let go of the junk I had accumulated.

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As I pondered these things, the whole process of releasing undesirable “things” became a metaphor for how one declutters the ‘mental house’ of thoughts that no longer serve, especially in the context that thoughts are the origin of all things.

Just like the” things” that no longer serve are put out of our visible sight; likewise, the unexamined thoughts of lack, limitation, and separation accumulated through the years become hidden beliefs, i.e., the “junk,” occupying the subconscious realms of our minds.

The art of decluttering the mind of false beliefs is to practice affirming the Truth each time faced with that which no longer serves. A brief statement to yourself, such as I am love; I am peace; I am harmony; I am joy, I am abundance, I am beauty; I am that which I desire to experience, is the chi, also known as qi or the life force energy that flows through all things.

Once the thoughts of truth are believed, realized, and accepted, the worthless thoughts are dissolved into the native nothingness from whence they came. In that same moment, the exhilarating feeling of freedom is experienced. Once more you are self-empowered as you move forward, with a sense of peace, doing that which you are called to do.

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This Week’s Affirmation

“I am able to go beyond what I thought were my limits.”

https://www.fcionline.com/article/30-affirmations-to-power-happiness-and-positive-thinking/

(Revisited)
I and a friend were talking about the spirituality of gardening. The conversation began with us both acknowledging that the vegetables she is now growing in her garden, were comfort foods in our youth.  In this nostalgic mood, I remember my mother having a vegetable garden in the backyard, and the front yard being filled to overflowing with petunias of every color. My friend showed me pictures of the growth process. I learned a lot.

I began to recall a class project from grade school that taught the basic relationship between the seed, the soil, and the plant. Therefore, when I first heard this analogy used in The Science of Mind to describe how thoughts become things, it was easy to accept the concept.  Through practice, trial and error, and experience, it is more apparent than ever before the far-reaching implications of the creative process that is always taking place in life.

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I begin to imagine planet Earth swirling through space, carrying within itself an energy field capable of feeding all of its inhabitants throughout all time. ‘Just think’, I tell myself, ‘Beneath the surface of the ground there is a vibrating, pulsating mystery, that yields everything needed to sustain and maintain a healthy body.’ Mother Earth is never exhausted or depleted of its nature to create that which nourishes; and she always leaves behind a seed within every plant, guaranteeing a future gift of the same kind. Its self-givingness is endless. Not only does it provide food for our bodies (like my mother’s vegetable garden); It provides beauty for our soul’s delight (like my mother’s flower garden). 

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A limited vision of Truth may see no further than the farmer’s delivery to the supermarket where a selection of fresh, frozen, or canned versions of “our daily bread” are available. Sometimes, with a limited view, it may even appear that the store is “sold out”, while the reality is, we are eternally unified with a storehouse of consciousness that is forever expanding.

But wait, there’s more!

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The great teacher, Jesus, came along and told us: “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” (John 4:32 NIV) I believe what he is sharing here is his discovery that not only are our bodies provided everything it needs to live successfully on the planet; our minds, when properly nourished, likewise are provided all that brings about satisfaction and fulfillment ~ all that brings great comfort. 

I imagine an energy field that surrounds all the inhabitants of the earth. I imagine this Light moving in, below, above, and through every living being. I imagine this Life Force as a vibrating, pulsating mystery that yields everything needed to sustain and maintain a healthy mind.   I imagine the “food” Jesus references is a perfect metaphor for the abundant and inexhaustible supply of Peace, Harmony, Love, Wisdom, Joy, Order, Beauty, and Wholeness that is ever-present. These qualities may be likened to seeds that may be planted in our minds, creating thoughts about the things we desire in life; i.e., health, fulfilling relationships, successful careers, sufficient finances, and more. I believe this food for thought is the very essence of Life Itself, and is the Great Comforter.

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The awareness of this phenomenon, this miracle, this divine connection that provides for every living being is obscured when you and I limit our vision of Truth based on the opinions of others, or a popular worldview. You and I must plant our own garden, realizing that we reap what we sow. It is Spiritual Law.

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This Week’s Affirmation

How grateful am I for all the abundance in my life right now and for all my abundance I have yet to discover!

By Keith Childers

(Revisited)
It was a peaceful, quiet morning; and, like Brother Lawrence, I was lost in sacred daydreaming as I stood at my kitchen
sink washing dishes. All of a sudden, I heard a bird screaming for help. Yes, I mean really screaming.

Although I had never heard that sound before, I immediately knew the little one was crying out to me. There was a
Great Mystery within me that knew it was my responsibility to provide the help needed. I followed the sound until I
realized the little one was trapped inside the chimney of my house. I supported the little one in re-gaining its freedom,
the issue was soon resolved and the bird, once more sang its song of life, and I resumed my daydreaming.

I began to imagine what the bird may have told its greater community. I imagined it saying things like, ‘I was so lucky;’ ‘it was a miracle;’ ‘an angel appeared;’ ‘I felt the Presence;’ ‘I heard the voice of God;’ ‘my Redeemer lives;’ and other sentiments in an effort to express the mystical experience it had just encountered.

As I continued my reverie of the events of the morning, the song “We Are the World” came to mind; particularly the line, “we’re saving our own lives.” I thought how easy it is to assume that another’s trouble (the trapped bird) has nothing to do with me, while actually, it is part of my very own household. 

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I recall times in my life when I felt trapped, with no feasible way out of an issue, be it health, finances, relationships, or grief. Like the little bird, my heart affirmed: “There is good for me and I ought to have it.”  Angels unaware rushed to my aid. Although they were ordinary people like you and me, I now know, no matter what; it was always the presence of God answering my call. I now understand, all life is God Life.

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As I contemplate the Omnipresence of Spirit, I realize the one who calls is also the one who answers. It is The Presence of God living IN, THROUGH, and AS humanity. It is this Phenomenon that unifies us as one.  I tell myself that the affinity, connection, empathy, and kinship felt for another are a sure indication of universal interdependence. There is a silent communication that takes place between all beings. It is Holy Communion.

I realize, the Great Mystery that lives deep within me, hears the call of the deep within all of humanity, and ‘When Deep calls unto Deep…Deep Answers.’ It is through ‘lowly listening’ that the still small voice is heard, revealing what is ours to do. Yes, our Higher Power, the Indwelling God, always hears and always answers.

Affirmative prayer and meditation are practices that support us in attaining and maintaining this awareness.

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This Week’s Affirmation

There is a Magnificence within me that is ever available to serve…
When I call on It, It always responds…
My needs and desires are always met!

By Robbin G. Ruffner, RScP, Emeritus

“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.”
~ Phillipians 4:8 ~

“We are not bound by the past unless we choose to be.” ~ “Principle is not bound by precedent.”
~ Ernest Holmes ~

We need not live a life of regrets; i.e., the “woulda, coulda, shoulda” syndrome. Remember “now” is the accepted time to go forth, fully-orbed with what you know in this moment, and with confidence, do what needs to be done by and through you, bringing a sense of fulfillment and joy. Our inherent freedom “to choose” is leeway enough to determine the quality of life we experience for ourselves as well as how it affects those within our circle of influence.

Making wise choices, powered by our inherent freedom to create our own lives, is the by-product of defining (to ourselves) our core values, and our personal beliefs. This takes commitment. It means taking time every day to affirm the vision we imagine as our life. When our choices, feelings, thoughts, and actions are in alignment, the universe responds by corresponding with our innermost convictions. Our choices affect others in a beneficial way to the degree our core values embrace a world that works for everyone.

This does not mean we are exempt from the effects of the choices others make. After all, we are all unified in the One Mind. However, it does mean we have within our power to choose to negate or conform to another’s viewpoint.

The untrained mind may inadvertently react impulsively and emotionally. To paraphrase Howard Thurman, they may feel justified “to give as good as they get when it seems someone has done violence to their self-respect and decent regard.” They may be inclined to retaliate in kind, as they ‘consider the source.’ This attitude may very well perpetuate an undesired climate of darkness.

On the other hand, the trained mind has a tendency to respond with deliberate thoughtfulness; always considering “The Source.” This high road of distinguishing ‘the deed from the doer’ may seem like weakness, while actually, it takes great strength of character. It is a consciousness of unity, of Light.

The difference in how one responds to the people, places, and things one encounters, may be a determining factor regarding health, wealth, and peace of mind, individually; as well as a determining factor in the world we live in, collectively.

With mindfulness of our true nature, we make choices that yield ease, grace, and a sense of well-being. So, it is with unwavering faith, we move forward, anchored in a peace that surpasses all human understanding.

The good news is, we are forever evolving into our greater-yet-to-be.

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This Week’s Affirmation

“The power of choice is my greatest strength.”

https://thegoodpositive.com/positive-affirmations-for-decision-making/

(Revisited)

“Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.”
~ Isaiah 42:9 ~ (KJV)

“And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also, he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
 ~ Revelations 21:5 ~ (ESV)

The mystical teachings of the Holy Bible, as well as all sacred texts of the world, are sometimes obscure simply because of the unfamiliar language in which they are written. Of course, there have always been a precious few, the mystics of the time, who gleaned the deeper and esoteric meaning found in the various scriptures. 

The Metaphysical Movement of New Thought presents ancient wisdom in a language that may be understood by anyone who is a sincere seeker of Truth.   One of the most liberating revelations, taught in the Science of Mind is, “Principle is not bound by precedent.” 

Principles are invisible laws of nature that cannot be broken. Their indestructible nature assures reliability, dependability, and permanence. While this is the core of all sciences, when it comes to The Life Principle undergirding our very existence, it is the blessed assurance that, with God, all things are possible. The Life Principle is one of forgiveness, inasmuch as, once understood and applied, the mistakes of yesterday no longer have an independent power to punish or to repeat themselves. 

With an understanding that there is a power for good in the universe and we can use it, superstition of all kinds is no longer an excuse for limitation. False notions return to the native nothingness from which they came. The native-nothingness is the field of pure potentiality that has no opinions but rather conforms to the beliefs that the thinker thinks.

The moment you and I catch the idea that we are truly spiritual beings right here and right now, fully imbued with the creative nature of God, we may speak a word of Truth and it becomes the reality of our lives immediately. Careful here. Our creative nature is not making something happen by our word, but rather, it is unleashing that which is already happening. The word we speak is an affirmation of our divine life right now and ignites the Principle of Truth. 

Careful here. Our creative nature is not making something happen by our audible word, but rather, it is the embodiment of the word spoken and feeling the feeling it ignites. The word we speak is an affirmation of our divine life right now and ignites the Principle of Truth; i.e., our inherent nature of Love, Peace, Harmony, Abundance, Wisdom, Order, Joy.

The story of the prodigal son is a perfect example of the Law in action. It tells of the instantaneous response received by the one who aligns herself with the Peace, Love, Harmony, Wisdom, Joy, Abundance, and Wholeness that is our true birthright. The shadows of lack, limitation, fear, disease, poverty, bigotry, and various kinds of mental prisons, melt under this Light of Grace.

None of this implies that, as enlightened beings, we no longer experience problems that must be worked out, any more than one proficient in the knowledge of mathematics will never mis-calculate. However, it does imply that, just as the mathematician applies his Principle of Numbers to his challenge, we apply the Principle of Spiritual Truth to ours.

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This Week’s Affirmation

“My mind is set free.”

www.thecoffeybreak.com