Author Archives: Joyce

The Divine in You

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I have studied Science of Mind before, but getting back into it again since moving to Prescott and attending the local Center for Spiritual Living, has been transformational. It seems to be penetrating my soul more than any New Thought philosophy has before, and at a deeper level. Perhaps my soul is better prepared and receptive to it than before. Of course, no explanation is really needed. I am simply delighted and grateful! I am embracing and incorporating into my life and actions the principles I am learning even though this is not the first time I’ve heard of them. I’m reading literature daily and, between it, and attending the Sunday service and classes, the philosophy is permeating my being. Principles are coming to mind when situations arise, and I need guidance. It was synchronistic that I had a work meeting coming up in an hour but had not yet read my morning daily meditations/guides because of an early start time today. I thought it a perfect time to pause and read. I’m in a new job and I was nervous and fearful about the upcoming meeting, concerned that my colleague (I’ll call him Steve) would think I was an … Continue reading →

Bookending with Spirit

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Thank You, Spirit, for a day of diversification—which You know I love!—and richness. My day at the job was productive and I got into the groove of a new project with clarity and sharpness. It felt good. Thank You for my work and personal interactions, keeping me connected to others, albeit briefly; still, a little connection with beings for me is better than none at all. I got a wee bit of fresh air, sunshine, and steps in when I made the brief walk to the mailbox. I did some cooking at dinner time, and accomplished financial administrative work, and then ordered yet more health supplements—but I’m keeping healthy during these crazy times, and I am so grateful. Yes, Spirit, it was a full day, starting out with my morning sabbath of meditation, Naam Yoga, spiritual literature, and journaling, and soon to close with writing out my gratitude list. I feel a sense of peace as I bookend the day communing with You. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! Sweet dreams.

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I’m Easy!

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I’m easy! It has been another great, joyous weekend, the second consecutive one. It’s pretty simple for me to understand why: I’ve been meaningfully engaged with people in person! What a concept during these continuing days of COVID. During both weekends I spent a chunk of time with spiritually like-minded folks, and we celebrated life through music, arts and crafts, inspirational talk, and meaningful conversation. We even got some laughter and a few quick hugs in too. The time was so much about connection. I felt connected to others, and through them, Spirit. And, Spirit is Love, what we all yearn for. At my spiritual center this weekend, I got to learn more about others as they shared openly about their lives, as did I. There was an exchange of energy, we gave of ourselves, of our love, to one another. When folks are authentic and speak from the heart, that allows for connection; I get filled up. In completing our “A Consciousness of Joy” class project, it was insightful, delightful, and inspirational witnessing the creativity and myriad of gifts my colleagues displayed. I’m grateful that that fun, joy, and so much more will continue as friendships kindled in that … Continue reading →

The Power of God

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In the next chapter of the saga of the need to purchase and physically get a ladder into my house so that I can eventually install HVAC filters, I’ve been looking to Spirit for further guidance after being given a Spiritual Mind Treatment in the middle of the night recently. I researched online what was available to meet my needs, including my budget, and was delighted to see that I could get a ladder delivered for what I thought was a very reasonable price. Fabulous news, problem would soon be easily resolved. Ha! I thought it best to see it in person before ordering, and today was the day to play adult and go to Home Depot. I shopped for some smaller items, getting help from the plentiful and knowledgeable staff, leaving the ladder for last. When it was time for that, it was mighty difficult to get assistance. My research proved helpful, and I was able to decide which one to purchase. With not knowing if the ladder would fit into my Camry with the back seats down, I thought I’d check with customer service about paying for the item in store and arranging delivery as I had seen … Continue reading →

The Divine Engineer

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I went to college not to get prepared for a specific career (I had no clue what I wanted to be when I grew up), but simply to gain more knowledge. I completed a major in sociology, a second and more beloved one in philosophy, and also a minor in psychology. So what job did I accept when I graduated? I became the assistant supervisor for North American tours at a wholesale travel agency, assigned to the rail division. A whole new world opened up to me, and I fell in love with trains and wanted to work directly for a railroad company. I applied for jobs throughout the country at a time when small passenger lines still existed. I ultimately landed a job right at home in NYC at Amtrak, recently established through the consolidation of 20 passenger railroads. I worked in a variety of departments, fueled by a desire to learn as much as I could about the railroad. And, I traveled as much as my schedule allowed, even getting to ride in the cab with the engineer from time-to-time. Engineers had a love for trains, took their job seriously, and were adamant about getting their passengers to … Continue reading →

Invisible But All-Penetrating

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“If we carry a light into a darkened room, the darkness is dissipated without effort on our part. So it is the experience of one who has a deep consciousness of Life. Something invisible but all-penetrating will flow through his every look and gesture. People will feel better sitting in his presence.” – 365 Science of Mind: A Year of Daily Wisdom from Ernest Holmes, February 3 Reading the aforementioned got me strolling down Memory Lane, the early days of being in 12 Step program. I had found Home when I stepped in to my first meeting back in March 1990. I resonated with people’s stories, feelings, reactions to life, and the use of our common drug of choice as a coping mechanism. More importantly, I found love, compassion, understanding, and acceptance unlike I had ever known. As I studied and put into practice the principles and tools of the program, I came to believe in a Power greater than myself. Giving of my time, talents, and treasure—being of service—gave my life tremendous meaning and filled me with joy and enthusiasm. My whole attitude and outlook upon life changed. It was all so new and quite different from my past … Continue reading →

The Three-Minute Timer

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“The first duty of love is to listen.” – Paul Tillich I grew up in a dysfunctional family of six, my mother, father, and three brothers. It seemed like most of us regularly interrupted someone when they were trying to speak. It was like you had to jump in and override someone else to have any possible chance of speaking in an undisciplined setting. To top things off, there was very little real communication in the family system; I felt like we were six people who happened to live in the same house. I was indeed lost… So, it’s no surprise I had to work on my listening and other communications skills. A milestone (one of many) came when I joined a 12 Step program more than 30 years ago. Most of the meetings I attended used a three-minute timer when members shared. This was to ensure that as many people as possible would have the opportunity to speak. I will never forget my delight in knowing that I had a full three minutes to share and no one was going to interrupt me! It provided me with a feeling of peace, worthiness, being respected, etc. Cross-talk was not permitted … Continue reading →

Resting in the the Peace and Presence of Spirit

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“Most prayer is asking for something… God knows who we are…and what we need and want before we have even a thought of it. Why pray then? “Because it keeps us in touch with our Maker. It reminds us who we are, children of God, under Divine protection. “Asking keeps us in touch with the source of our power.” – In God’s Care*: Daily Meditations on Spirituality in Recovery, February 1 *As We Understand God The aforementioned is similar to another writing in the same book from only about a week or so ago. Despite it being so similar, I am not thinking that I am wasting my time in reading it. Repetition works for me especially when it comes to my relationship with Spirit. I constantly need to remember that Spirit exists—sometimes it can seem like I’m back in my atheist days! As humans we can easily forget things, especially really important things that make a difference. I can get busy and sidetracked and land up feeling like an island unto myself. But Spirit is always around and always present—I just need to wake up and remember. Asking Spirit for help keeps me from thinking I am alone in this thing … Continue reading →

Recognizing Blessings

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Ya know how you can hear or see something like a million times, and then suddenly you are hit with a profoundness about it? Well, that’s what happened to me around the area of complaining when a group of us were role playing at the Saturday class focused joy. Two people can go through the same adverse event, and one can interpret and then respond to it in one way, and the other person has a totally different idea about it and responds in the totally opposite way. One can see only the negative aspects, but the other one is able to extract the blessings. Same event, two different perspectives and responses, one spiraling downward, the other spiraling upward. Which person do you want to hang out with? Which person do I want to be? It reminds of the Zen parable of the Chinese farmer… Once upon a time there was a Chinese farmer whose horse ran away. That evening, all of his neighbors came around to commiserate. They said, “We are so sorry to hear your horse has run away. This is most unfortunate.” The farmer said, “Maybe so, maybe not.” The next day the horse came back bringing … Continue reading →

Joy is in This Place

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I am sitting in my hotel room in the East Valley of Phoenix, close by to where I used to hang my hat, assessing the full day that is now winding down. And, I am thrilled and grateful to be able to say it has been a totally joyous day! I haven’t said that very often in the past two years of living on this planet dealing with a pandemic. As I’ve learned, my joy comes down to relationships, to people, to connection. Spirit. The impetus for coming to the big city for the first time in five months was to join in the celebration of the retirement of the two Unity of Mesa ministers. That Center continues exercising caution to help keep folks safe and healthy during these times, so I felt comfortable attending in person—and I’m so glad I did! When I met my friend Shannon later this afternoon, she asked how my day had been. “Perfect, absolutely perfect. Every single thing went according to plan.” Joyce’s plan, of course. When I left Prescott this morning, I was treated to the unfolding of the sunrise as I drove serenely with no traffic through the hills and mountains, listening … Continue reading →