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.   

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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.

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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.

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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. 

~ ~ ~ ~

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.

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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

The words we hear ignite certain feelings that create images in the mind. When left alone, these feelings and images evolve slowly or quickly into the physical realm. The invisible feelings, emotions and images of the mind become visible depending upon their intensity.  These mental impressions are forerunners to “the word”; i.e., a single distinct meaningful mental seed that contains its own fulfillment.

Yes, the words we hear are immediately translated and transcribed into our memory or subjective mind. They may be called into action at any time, either deliberately through conscious choice, or unconsciously through resonating with the belief it contains. 

Many words carry more than one meaning, therefore the context that they connote needs to be understood. Otherwise, what evolves into form may be different than expected, and in most cases not even remembered as having once been a feeling.

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“Grace” is one of those words that is rarely misunderstood. It always implies some natural goodness. When I hear the word ‘grace’ I sense and feel the essence of loveliness. Images of simple elegance flowing with effortless ease enter my mind. Soon I find myself in an environment of courteous goodwill, respect, consideration, and thoughtfulness. 

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The word ‘grace’ triggers a spiritual awareness within me. I begin to feel and sense an Intimate Presence divinely guiding the affairs of my life, bringing about peace and tranquility in all my undertakings. This awareness of The Great Mystery of my being inspires me to devote more quiet time contemplating The Beloved of my soul.  

I notice that whenever I begin to forgive myself for human errors that may have caused a negative experience for myself or another, the energy of love, peace and harmony surround me, infusing my consciousness with a sense of well-being. Once I decide to let go and let God, I notice unexpected good flowing in my life even before I imagined its possibility.

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Ernest Holmes says: “Grace is the giving-ness of Spirit to Its Creation and is not a special law, but a specialized one. In other words, Grace is, but we need to recognize it. It is not something God imposed upon us, but is the logical result of the correct acceptance of life and of a correct relationship to the Spirit.” 

~ ~ ~ ~

The more aware I become of the Love of Spirit all around, the more inspired I become to practice random acts of kindness; to forgive easily, gaze more deeply into nature, and to become a beneficial presence in the world, doing that which is mine to do. 

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This Week’s Affirmation

“I walk this world with grace.”
By Natasha Brown
https://www.gritsngrace.com