Revisited Alice, my classmate of the 70’s, said she did not give to the poor, that she only gave to the prosperous. At first hearing this, we, her fellow classmates, were taken aback at what seemed selfish and self-promoting. She went on to explain that she was speaking about the realm of ideas. In other words, she did not give energy to the idea of “poor,” knowing that her energy would eventually harden into facts. She explained that she gave her energy to ideas of “prosperity,” aware that her energy would eventually harden into facts. It was an “aha” moment for all of us. We realized it was her way of saying, “where attention goes, energy flows.”

Alice had reconciled within her mind that if God, the Omnipotent Good, is all there is; then the idea of poor is a false idea…. a false belief that keeps repeating itself, until it is replaced with the truth. Therefore, she decided not to perpetuate the idea of “the poor,” by giving it her attention.

Now this does not mean that Alice did not give to charitable organizations. In fact, she was very generous in this regard. However, her giving was with a consciousness of prosperity. She let her idea of an abundant and lavish universe be her motivation. Her consciousness of Truth, followed by action proved her point; i.e., there is sufficiency right here and right now for every person to have enough food, a comfortable home and a sense of belonging. 

Giving, in the context it is being used here, is “affirming what is already so” or “bestowing a blessing.” Of course one cannot give what he/she does not “have” an awareness.

The enlightened ones of the ages agree with Alice. The mystic poet Kahlil Gibran said, “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”

William Shakespeare understood the power of right thinking when he said, “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” In other words, it is the way we think, or our perception of reality that ignites the Law of Mind action, which in turn, mirrors our beliefs into the world of people, places, and things. 

Jesus said: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27) His exalted consciousness gave to humanity what already belongs to humanity. His self-giving was a consciousness of the Peace at the center of all beings.

When I ponder, ‘what is mine to do;’ I ask myself what does my consciousness have to give, and what action am I willing to take to prove the reality of my gift. 

 The Psalmist said, “Be Still and Know that I AM God.” (Psalm 46:12) I have come to understand that what I have; I Am. My spiritual practice is to keep my attention and energy on that within me that I would like to see in the world.  My self-giving-ness of the divine ideas within me, coupled with my corresponding action are sure to harden into the facts of life.

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Weekly Affirmations
“I am a magnificent being with an abundance of power and love to give.”

http://bmindful.com/affirmations/giving

Revisited
It has been some 50 years since I first heard the teachings of the Science of Mind. Yet, I remember the welcoming words the minister spoke that Sunday morning as if it were yesterday. He said, in effect, “It does not matter what religion you embrace; the study of the Science of Mind will support you in becoming a better devotee of that particular faith tradition.”  

He taught us that The Science of Mind acknowledges a golden thread running through all the major religions of the world. However, only a relatively few individuals have realized that the Principles taught, are actually the spiritual nature within every one of us. This Self-realization is the healing balm that actually sets us free from every sense of limitation; be it health, wealth, relationships, or creative self-expression.  

He taught us that it is not enough to know “about” the Love of God and the Law of God working together for specific good; this knowledge must be activated through our thoughts, feelings, and emotions.  

The Principles of Mind, I learned, operate no differently than the principles of gravity, electricity, and the sound of music. These invisible forces are all governed by spiritual laws and evidenced in the physical realm. Likewise, the mind within man is governed by spiritual laws, and shows up as the people, places, and things encountered.

 Ernest Holmes said, “The one who wishes scientifically to work out his problems, must daily take the time to meditate and mentally treat the condition, no matter what the apparent contradictions may be.” To “mentally treat a condition” is to envision the condition in a state of wholeness that expresses peace, harmony, love, wisdom, and every good thing the mind imagines.   

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I now realize that the rituals, songs, and bible verses that I learned by rote in the religion of my childhood were filled with lessons that taught:  There is an Invisible Power for Good in the universe, governed by the Love, and Law of God. “Love points the way – the Law makes the way possible.”

These same concepts are found in all the sacred books of the world; The Quran, Vedas, Upanishads, Talmud, and Bhagavad Gita, to name a few. The seeming differences may be based on language and culture. Otherwise, the Truth known in one place is known everywhere.

Imagine with me, humanity shedding the biases that enable a mindset of separation and otherness. Imagine with me, that a world that works for everyone is the new normal.

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This Week’s Affirmation

“My deepest truth sustains me continuously.”

http://bmindful.com/affirmations/truth

“Human transformation is an internal shift that brings us in alignment with our highest potential. – Both systematic and miraculous, there’s no timeline on inner transformation. It can happen in an instant, through a lifetime of development – or, more commonly, through both.” ~ Allaya Cooks-Campbell ~

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There is a Mystery that moves throughout all life. Scientists research the patterns of this Universal Phenomenon; philosophers ponder the hidden meaning that It imparts; and mystics know, without knowing how they know, the language of the soul. 

 There is a Presence of Intuitive Energy that causes humans to evolve through their own self-will. The same Mystical Intelligence ignites the instinctive nature of our animal friends. This One is alive in every plant and in every stone. The Great Something, called by many names, is the Power that governs the stars, moons, planets, and all of the sky-filled Light.   Its Movement courses through every drop of water and every grain of sand. There’s not a spot where God is not. 

In quiet moments, we may each feel and realize the awesomeness of Spirit as our very own life; and, our soul may spontaneously begin to sing, “How Great Thou Art.”   Otherwise, it is easy for the implication of this profound cosmic reality to slip into the background of our consciousness as we deal with the comings and goings of the experiences we encounter most of our hours and days.   This is not a criticism, but rather an observation. 

It takes courage, determination, and unwavering faith to undertake a way of life that utilizes our inherent creative nature to make choices that are in alignment with the highest good we can imagine for ourselves and for our neighbors as well.   

This does not suggest that manifesting a beautiful home, loving relationships, the ideal job, or the adventure of traveling is not wise. Of course, it is. However, it is a consciousness of Beauty, represented by a place of Peace; or a consciousness of Love represented by harmonious and fulfilling relationships that bring true happiness. In other words, the implication here is to practice aligning one’s self with the nature of the Origin; i.e., The First Cause that is sure to yield the true desire of the heart.  A consciousness of the essence of all things makes a difference.   

The difference that it makes is, there’s no anxiety about how things will work out; or if you have other people’s approval; or will there be enough to do what is mine to do; or, will there be a relapse; or if I am loved; or is success mine; or am I safe? Free of those doubts and worry, there is a blessed assurance, a sense of security that, like the lilies of the field, we neither spin nor toil. 

The good news is, we may begin anew at any moment in time, creating the desires of the heart. Ancient wisdom teaches, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” ~ Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Remember that prayer is a recognition of the Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent Life Force Living within you; i.e., “the highest God and the innermost God is one God.”

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This Weeks Affirmation

“Every day I make choices that are in alignment with the highest good I can imagine for all.”

By Mary Jane LaBonte

Repost

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

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. My first assumption was the bird was outside. 

I followed the sound until I realized the little one was trapped inside the chimney of my house.  I then moved forward in action, doing what was mine to do. The issue was soon resolved and the bird, once more, was free to sing its song of life and I resumed my daydreaming as I continued with my morning chores. 

I began to imagine (using human terms) 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.

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 has nothing to do with me (the bird is outside); 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 exclaimed: “There is good for me and I ought to have it!”  Angels unaware rushed to my aid. Although they looked like ordinary people/or incidents, 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 that which call is also that which answers. There is a silent communication that takes place between all beings. I tell myself that the affinity, connection, empathy, and kinship felt for another are a sure indication of universal interdependence. It is the phenomenon that unifies us as one.  It is The Presence of God living IN, THROUGH, and AS humanity. It is Holy Communion.

‘When Deep calls unto Deep…Deep Answers.’

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This Weeks Affirmation

“Every day and in every way, I overflow with faith and trust in the truth of my being .”

Keith Childers

Repost

“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 takes 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.  It is a moment that reveals the magnificence of The One; a feeling that declares, I am that I AM. 

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This Weeks Affirmation

“All my thoughts and feelings encourage me to reach my goals.”

http://bmindful.com/affirmations/feelings