Category Archives: meditation

When We Give

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“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Sir Winston Churchill “Perhaps it goes against our instinct for survival to give away what we have… a fatal philosophy is formed: what I gain, you lose; what I lose, you gain. “This dog-eat-dog philosophy, of course, brings us nothing but grief. We are all in this life together, dependent on one another. We now know that when we give, there is no sacrifice; it is all our gain. We now know that when another loses, we lose something too. We are not in competition with others anymore; instead, we need them. They are our means to discovery; they are our doorway to the spiritual world.” – “In God’s Care*: Daily Meditations on Spirituality in Recovery,” May 24 *As We Understand God The meditation book the aforementioned is quoted from is focused on 12 Step recovery. In working the steps to recover from an eating disorder and being a part of the fellowship, I have come to solidify the philosophy espoused in the excerpt. Helping one another in recovery, truly knowing that we are in this together—that we need one another—, that … Continue reading →

I Keep the Promise

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Rev. Kathryn McDowell was the guest speaker at Centers for Spiritual Living-Prescott this morning. She highlighted some of the powerful words the founder of Science of Mind, Ernest Holmes, set down in his volume “The Science of Mind.” I had read a lot of the text more than 15 years ago, but had not studied it much over the years since then. I’m thrilled to say that since moving to Prescott, I’ve gotten involved with studying and practicing the philosophy again and welcomed Rev. Kathryn’s remarks. She pointed out the Introductory chapters in the book that spell out what the philosophy is about: I. The Thing Itself II. The Way It Works III. What It Does IV. How to Use It This Thing is the Power back of creation and can be used to improve our lives in all ways. I knew when I got home I needed to take down my copy of the textbook from the shelf and start reading. I was inspired—and, I really need to make some changes and improve my life to feel happier and more fulfilled. Looking through the text I was moved to glance at the short meditations Holmes shared of his ideas … Continue reading →

Be Loving

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As I was in meditation this morning, the thought came to me to focus on the sentence “Be loving” throughout the course of my day. That uplifted me as I felt it surely was direct guidance from Spirit since I’ve been praying and asking to be more loving in my interactions. I was ready to chant “Be loving” all through the day. Then I checked my email and took notice of the subject line from my DailyOM message: “Sending Love Ahead to Your Day.” Wow, looks like Spirit is truly here helping me… guess I’m going to experience some synchronicity around this today. The message read, in part, “… While our lives are busy and frequently replete with challenges, they are also rich with joy and experiences worth savoring. We can attract this natural bliss into our lives by starting each day with a message of love. When you send love ahead to your day, that love will manifest itself in your interpersonal interactions, your professional endeavors, and your domestic duties. Tasks and circumstances once made trying by your own anxiety are transformed by your love, and you will find yourself approaching life’s subtle nuances with great affection.” – DailyOM … Continue reading →

Remembering My Higher Power

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“…our Higher Power never moves away. God is as close as our breath, awaiting our invitation to take charge. “It’s our ego that fights giving up control… We are frustrated again and again as we try to force what we think is the best solution; again and again, in the end, after we’ve given up the struggle, God smooths the path. “This program guarantees us a smooth trip every step of the way. All we have to do is give up control to God who is always waiting for us to turn our attention from our problems to God’s presence.” I will feel peace and joy throughout today because I’ll remember my Higher Power’s presence. – “In God’s Care*: Daily Meditations on Spirituality in Recovery,” May 11 *As We Understand God Ya know, I meditate each morning—and remember my Higher Power. I chant as I go through my Naam Yoga poses—and remember my Higher Power. I say an affirmative prayer over my breakfast meal, read spiritual literature and journal while I eat it, remembering my Higher Power. Yet as I move into the work day and the outer world, it seems so easy to forget my practices and the fact … Continue reading →

Separate from God?

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“To think you are separate from God is to remain separate from your own being.” – D. M. Street Oh my! What did I do when I was a devout atheist?! Was I really so out of touch with my own self? Of course, I didn’t think I was. Since I came to believe through 12 Step program and synchronicity provided me with the evidence I’d been seeking to prove the existence of God (it was just a different form of evidence that I’d expected), my concept of God is that It is everywhere, within me, within you, and surrounding us as well. [I still don’t subscribe to traditional religions in case you couldn’t tell!] It is The One, we are a part of It, and thus can never be separated from It. Now, there are times I may feel disconnected from Spirit, separate from God. However, I know that in reality, God is still around and in me. When I have such feelings, it means I’ve moved away from and need to get back into alignment with the Divine. I can do that through numerous practices, including singing, praying, meditating, and reading spiritual literature. Focusing on my breath totally … Continue reading →

Loving-kindness Meditation

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  Loving-kindness meditation consists primarily of connecting to the intention of wishing ourselves or others happiness. Metta is an ancient Pali (Buddhist) term meaning loving-kindness, friendliness, benevolence, and non-violence. In practicing Metta meditation, one begins with their self and gradually extends the wish for well-being happiness to all beings. Specific words and phrases are used to evoke good will. Metta is first practiced toward oneself. Sitting quietly, mentally repeat, slowly and steadily, the following or similar phrases:   May I be happy. May I be well. May I be safe. May I be peaceful and at ease.   Allow yourself to sink into the intentions the phrases express. After a period of directing loving-kindness meditation toward yourself, bring to mind a friend or someone in your life who has deeply cared for you. Then slowly repeat phrases of loving-kindness toward them:   May you be happy. May you be well. May you be safe. May you be peaceful and at ease.   After a while, gradually extend the wish for well-being happiness to all beings. Bring to mind other friends, neighbors, acquaintances, strangers, and animals, and send out loving-kindness to them.   May we be happy. May we be well. … Continue reading →