Category Archives: Blog starting 2022

To Enjoy Life

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“Man is put on Earth to enjoy life, and he is given the freedom to decide how he is to live; always there is placed before him the possibility of two things: to be or not to be.” – “365 Science of Mind: A Year of Daily Wisdom from Ernest Holmes,” April 29 For as far back as I can remember, I always thought we were here to be happy. That’s why when I starting learning about the Judeo-Christian religion before I was even in my teens, I couldn’t buy into the idea of a punishing, fear-provoking God. Also, I thought it strange that the adults around me didn’t think life was about happiness… or perhaps they hadn’t really given much thought to it at all. But I’ve no question in my mind that we are here to enjoy life and relationships, to be happy, to love. It doesn’t mean we won’t experience sorrow, but of course how we respond to what occurs is what matters. And, we don’t have to go through anything alone. Knowing there is a Force for Good, a Power Greater Than Myself that is All-Loving, simply confirms to me that we are here to enjoy … Continue reading →

Nothing is Ever Lost

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“There is no loss. Nothing can be lost, misplaced nor forgotten.” – Ernest Holmes, “The Science of Mind,” page 511 One day on the shores of the Hudson River, a metal detector hobbyist unearthed a gold and onyx ring in pristine condition. It turned out to be a class ring, from a local private school. He contacted the school, which determined the ring’s owner based on the class year and the initials engraved on it. They put him in touch with the alumna. She was elated and surprised when she got the call with news of her ring. She thought the class ring she had lost 53 years earlier was gone forever. When she was 17 and swimming in the river, it had slipped off her finger. She and friends searched for hours to no avail. This story reminds me that nothing is ever lost in the Universe. Everything is always in its perfect right place, even though it might not seem like it. – Rev. Joanne McFadden “Science of Mind Magazine,” April 28, 2022 … Just like me (and you too). This excerpt also makes me think about the concept that matter can neither be created nor destroyed—it always … Continue reading →

Gratitude is a Distiller of Emotions

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“Gratitude is a distiller of emotions. When you give thanks, you are purifying your emotional response to life by focusing on love and leaving fear, doubt, worry, shame and blame behind.” – Diane Harmony, “Science of Mind Magazine,” April 27, 2022 I’ve never heard it put this way, but I would agree: Gratitude is a distiller of emotions. When I am in a grateful state of mind, I find myself in the present moment, and hence am not focused on fear, doubt, or really anything else. It’s like time stands still and I am just right here. And even when I’m writing my evening gratitude list about things from the past events of the day, I am brought back to the present moment as I think about the person, situation, etc. that has made me feel grateful. Gratitude stirs my heart, opens it up further to Spirit and love. Years ago, as a devout atheist, “gratitude” was another word not in my vocabulary nor something I experienced. Today, I find much peace and solace in gratitude, another avenue to Spirit.

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Surrender to the Breath

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Since yesterday afternoon I’ve been stressed about getting a writing assignment done well and completed in time for an important personal meeting tomorrow for which it is needed. While simultaneously having my corporate job to pay attention to today, I did get it done—yay! However, I can feel the stress is still stuck in my body, as I have a headache and feel tight all over. I know I must get rid of it, especially since I didn’t get much rest last night and I have to start my work day tomorrow a little earlier than usual. Ahhhh. I’m working on remembering God and taking deep breaths, which connect me deeper to Source. Conscious breathing really brings me back to Spirit and the present moment. It is an effective and easy way to not only get back to Spirit, but simultaneously release the excess energy in my body temple and move to a state of peace. Peace in my spirit body, peace in my physical body. I surrender to the breath, I surrender to Spirit. I am grateful for the simplicity, for the remembering, for the miracle of the breath in so many ways—I feel better already! Thank You, Spirit!

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Body, Mind, and Soul

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I’m back home tonight, Monday evening, from my trip to the Big City. It was brief but rich, and today has been busy and eclectic, exhausting my body, mind, and soul. After meditating in my hotel room, I managed to arrange the room so I had sufficient space to do my Naam Yoga stretches and poses as I chanted. After breakfast and some computer work, I packed and it was off to my naturopathic doctor (NMD) for a 90-minute session, a treat. On the drive over, stopped at a red light, a man was standing in the hot Phoenix sun and heat seeking money. NO ONE, should have to do that to survive. I opened my window and handed him a $5 bill, and said “God bless.” As I drove away, I was in tears, so touched by this person’s situation. I may not have stood in the hot sun seeking money, but I’ve been without a home, without sufficient funds. I didn’t care what he used the money for—alcohol, food, water, rent—just as long as he could know that there are people who care and want to help. No matter what has put him in that situation—mental illness, alcoholism, … Continue reading →

Vessels for God

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It’s Sunday evening and I’m writing from the “Big City”—Phoenix, AZ. I don’t come here often since moving back north to a more rural landscape and smaller population. But I had good reason: a house concert featuring two of my favorite local New Thought singers who I came to know through Science of Mind and Unity. It’s amazing how many years have passed since we first met! I met Cerise when I initially moved from Santa Fe to Phoenix back in 2003. She was a young, married woman in her 20s; now she is 42 years old, a mother of three, tour operator and guide, in addition to being a singer and songwriter. Jeanne came into my life when I moved to Phoenix a second time, relocating from Sedona in 2015; we met when she sang at Unity of Mesa. She became my Naam Yoga teacher, and my client briefly; these days she ministers in her own church, in addition to working full-time in the corporate world, studying to be ordained as a Unity minister, and, of course, writing songs and singing. Tonight, one of the songs was about shining your light. These two women are powerhouses with their singing … Continue reading →

Look for the Gift

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I believe life is a series of adventures—but it’s also a school filled with many lessons. It takes courage and willingness to be introspective especially when a challenging situation arises or a difficult person shows up in your life. I’ve come to believe that every situation and every person that comes into my life has a purpose in doing so. And whether they are a delight or a challenge, I look for the gift—everything is a blessing. I wouldn’t be able to see the world and Life this way if I didn’t now believe in a Higher Power, and one that is only about Goodness and Love. I believe that everything is for my spiritual upliftment, even when it is painful. Connecting more closely with Spirit gets me to see the blessing and ease the pain. It may be an extremely difficult task to achieve, but one surely worth it if it brings me closer to The Divine and to understanding myself better. I appreciate that others think this way too, spreading their light and positive energy. I never did realize that I was in a victim frame of mind when I didn’t try to see the gift; when I … Continue reading →

Change My Mind

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I get a kick out the overlap of topics amongst my morning readings. And, I also get a kick seeing the common ideas among various writers and philosophies. Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything. – George Bernard Shaw Disastrous circumstances have forced us to change our mind. Now that we know we cannot get along without others, nor without a Higher Power to guide us. We are still tempted to go it alone…but we can change our mind as often as needed. With God’s help, I can exercise the greatest force for change in my life—I can change my mind. – “In God’s Care*: Daily Meditations on Spirituality in Recovery,” April 22 *As We Understand God The aforementioned was written in the context of 12 Step recovery principles. It piggybacked on the following, an excerpt from today’s “Science of Mind” Magazine: Man’s conscious thought, acting through Law, may change any condition in his experience, provided he can clearly conceive of such conditions being changed. – Ernest Holmes, “The Science of Mind,” page 133 “Only by working from cause can a problem be solved. “If you want to solve a problem in your life, work from the cause, … Continue reading →

A Light to All

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“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” —Helen Keller Today marks four years since my dear friend Samara passed over to the other side. I’ve really been thinking about her a lot in the last two weeks or so. She was very intuitive, a trait I strive to develop. She was about eight years’ older than me and quite a wise woman; hence, she was like an older sister to me. That was delightful especially since I’d never had a sister. We met in NYC and it was clearly a Spirit-orchestrated coming together, so meant to be—even if our meeting was delayed a bit. I was researching colonic hydrotherapy and seeking a colon therapist; Samara was the only professional to return my call. After being a devout atheist for many years, thanks to joining (and working) a 12 Step program, I was on a conscious spiritual path for about 18 months when we met. I was still so thirsty to talk about Spirit, learn about the various concepts of the Divine, know more about the Universe in a way I’d never wanted to before. While … Continue reading →

Resting is an Accomplishment

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“Resting is an accomplishment. When I allow myself the rest I need, I am achieving the goal of living a balanced life.” – “Everyday Joy, 365 days of ohmygod life,” by Z Egloff and Melissa Phillippe, April 20 I’ve gotten more conscious striving to live a balanced life, and I appreciate hearing that someone else looks at resting as an accomplishment—I know it is for me! Since I work a full-time job Monday through Friday, I very intentionally look at my calendar on a monthly basis and schedule an entire Saturday off hibernating in my cocoon. The day is to do or not do whatever my heart desires. It usually starts with rest, i.e., sleeping in. The day might consist of a movie marathon, creating a collage or vision board, or anything else that strikes my fancy. It is a pressure-free day that does not include any “shoulds,” unlike the rest of the week when I am running around and fulfilling my responsibilities playing grown-up. However, I never miss my morning sabbath, my quiet time to focus on Spirit, seek inspiration, and nourish my soul. On my designated carefree day of rest, taking a break from usual activities, I especially … Continue reading →