“The word Unity, we might explain here, signifies the union of parts, a result of many drawn together into one perfect harmonious whole.”
~ The Science of Mind, Ernest Holmes ~ 

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
~ Margaret Mead ~   

“Kwanzaa, Freedom, Justice and Peace: Principles and Practices for A New World.”
~ Dr. Maulana Karenga ~

The Ten Commandments of Moses, The Beatitudes of Jesus, The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism are all examples of how a Principle-driven life has been offered those seeking liberation from the challenges they faced.  While each leader dealt with the fundamental principle of unity that undergirds all of humanity, their unique approach appealed to the people, culture, and circumstances of their time.

These leaders somehow knew that once their people began to follow a practice of unity amongst themselves, soon, like The Hundredth Monkey concept of Ken Keyes, and the Peace Begins with Me concept of Jill Jackson, humanity would become a world that works for everyone.   

This evolution in consciousness and action is an ongoing process. There continue to be leaders of every culture who share life-enhancing principles with their communities, thus supporting them through the challenges of life. The principles offered are more than self-help advice. Principles (or Truth) are universal in nature. They are not respecters of person but rather respond to all alike who take the time to understand and practice them. That being said, principles may be applied to any person, place, or thing and yield the result for which they are directed. 

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Although Kwanzaa was born in the midst of the Black Freedom Movement of the 1960s, and inspired by the traditions and the cultural roots of Africans worldwide; “its framework and focus are based on seven principles and practices as they relate to (current) issues of life, work, and struggle.” 

The principles are Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. While this information feeds my intellect, just like Christmas, Hanukkah, and other religious or cultural traditions may; it is not until the true meaning is activated within me. The ritual without an inner meaning is like faith without works. I must return to the practice over and over again until it is not only a felt experience, it actually becomes a tangible reality that all may bear witness to.  

Starting today, December 26, 2023, and each day, through January 1, 2024, my endeavor is to creatively apply the principles offered. I invite you to join me. I like to first center myself with what I presently believe about the principle for the day, and then remain open and receptive to greater insight and revelation. For example:

Unity: I know and affirm there is only One Life, God. That life is mine, and is the life of everyone, without exception; Self-Determination: I know and affirm the Great I that I AM, is infused with the creative power of God; Collective Work and Responsibility: I know and affirm the creative exchange of ideas, talents and gifts supports everyone; Cooperative Economics: I know and affirm there is unlimited supply right now; enough to spare and to share; Purpose: I know and affirm that I am divinely guided to do what is mine to do; Creativity: I know and affirm that I express my inner feelings of love, peace, joy, beauty, wisdom, harmony and order in everything I think, say,  and do; and,  Faith: I know and affirm the Presence of God in me and as me, is the power through which all things are possible.

Together, through a unified consciousness, great things happen. There’s great power in the awareness of Oneness.

Happy Kwanzaa!

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This Week’s Affirmation

“I continue to daily practice the life-enhancing principles of my unified consciousness.”

~ Mary Jane LaBonte, RScP ~

“Perfect God, Perfect Man, Perfect Being.”
~ Ernest Holmes ~

For some, Christmas is a religious holiday that honors the birth of Jesus, proclaiming him as the only begotten son of God, whose destiny is savior of the world. For others, Christmas is a spiritual revelation, transcending religiosity, proclaiming that humanity is begotten of the only God, and whose destiny is to rise above the tribulations of the world.  Some describe Jesus as the great example; i.e., the Wayshower, one who demonstrated the universal principle of unlimited possibilities.  It is no wonder that concepts such as these, which bring hope and joy to the world, are reason enough for celebration. 

Mystics, throughout all time, have recognized their inherent divinity, calling it by different names according to the particular culture they embrace. However, the name, or nature being described is actually the image and likeness of God, the Real Self, residing at the center of every living being. When one awakens to the Indwelling Presence that is always present; she, like Jesus, begins to give birth to these divine qualities, making a difference in the world, playing her/his particular role in the evolution of humanity. 

The season of Christmas, with all of its images and stories of the imminent change that takes place on the planet when the Christ Consciousness is birthed into the human experience, is reason enough for celebration. 

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From the above perspective, each one of us, right here, right now in this moment is fully imbued with The Christ, or Atman, or The Holy One, or Our Father, etc. However, the journey of Self-Realization is filled with seeming contradictions and paradoxes when our gaze is downward and while we are judging by the appearances of the world. At such times, our true nature of Love, Peace, Harmony, Abundance, Beauty, Joy, and Wisdom may seem out of reach. That is why “spiritual practices” are essential in our daily lives so that we may stay awake, aware, and deliberate in our actions. 

Daily meditation keeps us anchored and poised in the possibility of peace on earth and goodwill towards all people. Through this process, we soon abandon all sense of separation and spontaneously unify with all beings through our common nature.   Soon, the Living Spirit within recognizes the Living Spirit in everyone you encounter. It is in the silence of meditation, when all is calm, that the Bright Light of Truth is seen.

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It is from this pinnacle in consciousness that we exchange our gifts of the Spirit with one another, thus becoming a beneficial presence in the world. It is from this place of high-mindedness that we respond to the still small voice that causes us to expand into our greater-yet-to-be. It is from this place of child-like expectancy that we look forward to the fulfillment of our heart’s desires. In other words, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)  

Yes, there is reason enough for celebration. Happy Holidays!

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This Week’s Affirmation

“Today I celebrate the season of Peace on Earth and consciously practice Goodwill toward mankind.”

~ Judy Hilley ~

REVISITED POST

“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)

 “Behold, I am making all things new.” ~ 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. 

In the self-same moment that we know the Truth, the former things (errors: mis-steps, mistakes, ignorance) fall away, for there is no longer a belief that sustains them. They are nothing. The picture of our lives begins to change.

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 miscalculate. 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 Weeks Affirmation

“I turn with authority to my own mind and declare that all of God is with me and all of God is for me.”

 ~ Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith, 40 Day Mind Fast Soul Feast  ~  

“What I Know for Sure”
~ Oprah Winfrey ~

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“Before ye call I shall answer.” 
“This means that “every good and perfect gift” is already man’s, – awaiting his recognition.”
~  Florence Scovel Shinn, The Game of Life and How to Play It ~

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“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
~ 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) ~

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“Whatever the nature of any principle may be – in so far as it is understood by anyone, it may be understood by all who take the time to investigate.”
~ Ernest Holmes, The Science of Mind ~

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When is enough, enough? What is the difference between faith and belief? Are some individuals more deserving than others? Does one have to know the Truth in order to benefit from the Unfailing Principle of Love and Law; or, does Grace fit into the equation? Truth seekers want to know – and, be for sure. Yet, we can only know for sure what we can prove for ourselves. 

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Recently, I watched re-runs from the once-popular TV Game Show, “Deal or No Deal.” The dynamics of the show reminded me of some of the above questions. The whole premise of the game was to receive the largest sum of money possible by ‘the luck of the draw,’ or ultimately, by striking a deal with the banker in order to get the best possible outcome.

The process/or strategy of the various contestants was interesting to observe. Some, I noticed, were defiant, insisting the case they chose contained the big prize, although the only reasoning that went into the selection was pure sentiment or superstition. This approach is used by those who “wish” and “hope” their dreams come true. With nothing to lose, they take a “chance” on life.

There are participants who have a preconceived notion (mental equivalent) of the amount of money that would be sufficient for their well-being. Yet, when arriving at that mark, they gamble it all, hoping for more. The mental equivalent, or consciousness they brought to the game, can be likened to a container or their capacity to receive. “Man can only receive what he sees himself receiving.” (Florence Scovel Shinn, The Game of Life and How to Play It) 

Some players are influenced by the opinions of their family and friends; i.e., the by-standers.  Others, while accepting support and encouragement, nonetheless, make the final decision for themselves. Ultimately, the power within everyone, guides us to our highest good, when we allow it. 

The player does not have an opponent, his/her fate is between herself and the banker. 

While the TV Game is about money, the principle applies to all “things ” whatsoever are desired.

All of this reminds me of Howard Thurman’s prose where he compares individuals with “A Seed Upon the Wind.” He describes how we are constantly being pushed and pulled by conditions and circumstances. The one who is unaware of their relationship with The Omnipresent Spirit, often believes he is powerless over what happens in his life. On the other hand, the one who is anchored in a Principle-driven life is assured, with unwavering faith, that the Life Force whose Divine Nature is Love, Peace, Harmony, Order, Wisdom, Abundance, and Joy is forever present in all of life experiences. 

Reflecting on our personal relationship with The Divine often reveals the answers we seek.  

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This Weeks Affirmation

“It’s true. I AM exactly all that I know what I AM!”

~ Keith Childers ~

(Revisited Post)

“In the Science of Mind, we do not say everything is all right when it is all wrong. We do not say peace when there is no peace, but rather we try to discover what is wrong and why we do not have peace. We do not say that people are not poor, sick, or unhappy. We ask why these things should be if the Original Cause of all things is Harmonious, Perfect, Radiant, and Happy.”
~ Ernest Holmes, Living the Science of Mind~

“Crying out to Life, beseeching It to be good, has no effect whatsoever upon It; It already is good. Asking It to give you life produces no good results; It has already incarnated Itself in you, as you. But inward awareness unifies the intellect with Life and binds the personal man back to the Universal Presence. This is what is meant by spiritual understanding and realization.”
~ Ernest Holmes, “The Art of Life” ~

Breaking down the barriers of limited thought that untrained murmurings of the mind erect each time it bemoans: ‘ain’t it awful’ and ‘what terrible times we’re living in,’ is a practice, not for the faint of heart.  Rising above the human fact to the spiritual reality is not always easy.  It is, nonetheless, a necessary undertaking in the process of aligning with the Truth that sets us free from the hypnotic spell of error-thought. 

Some would say the discords of the world have always been, and there’s nothing that can be done about it. And, to some degree, this certainly seems to be the case. The Master Teacher, Jesus, told his followers: “In this world you will have trouble.”  “But,” he goes on to say, “Take heart! I have overcome the world.”  And, he made it clear that he was not an exception, saying: ‘The things that I do you may do also, even greater things.’ (Wow, no human ego here!) 

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Once we (individuals) consciously tap into and activate the inner power of mind, enabling ourselves to choose the direction of our lives that works best for us, there soon follows an awakened awareness of our union with the collective consciousness that out-pictures as world events. With this revelation, we are called, once again, to activate the power of mind, enabling ourselves to consciously choose thoughts, words, and actions that contribute to a world that works for everyone.

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People like Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Joan-of-Arc, and Siddhartha Gautama, to name a few, have made significant contributions to the ever-evolving-consciousness of the world. Yet, most of the light bearers of humanity are people just like you and just like me whose names may never be recorded as such.  Yes, this creative power is within every one of us. Let’s become the change we desire to see in the world.

The first order of action is the realization of God’s Omnipresence; i.e., the Peace of God is the potential where war seems to be; the Oneness of Spirit is the potential where separation and exclusion seem to be; the Wholeness of The Divine as health is the potential right where disease seems to be; and, Perfect Love casts out all fear. Remember, enlightened thoughts supersede old unenlightened ones and cause new things to appear. 

Next, with this God-consciousness deeply anchored in our being, ours is to activate the God-potential through thoughts, words, and actions. Let us go forth, now, making a difference in the world. Let’s deepen our faith, knowing we are divinely guided to do what is ours to do, thereby, actualizing the vision of a world that works for everyone. 

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This Weeks Affirmation

“I now consciously choose thoughts, words, and actions that contribute to a world that works for everyone.”

~ Mary Jane LaBonte, RScP ~

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