Vow to Love Myself

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self love

A Unity minister gave the talk last Sunday at the Science of Mind center I attend, and since it was the day before Valentine’s Day, she spoke about the various types of love.

Rev. Sophia Falke quoted a lot from 1 Corinthians 13 which describes many of the attributes of love. I’m sure you’re familiar with this bible chapter as it’s often recited at wedding ceremonies, starting with “Love is patient, love is kind…”

Noting some other characteristics of love, it rejoices in truth, bears up under all problems, believes and trusts, hopes, understands the faults of others, never fails, and perseveres. We often contemplate these characteristics and seek to apply them in our interactions with those we care about. But Rev. Sophia also spoke about self-love and shared other words often recited at wedding ceremonies that had a clever twist. It is an affirmation of loving oneself:

I Vow to LOVE myself

For Better or Worse

For Richer or Poorer

In Sickness and in Health

From this day Forward.

– Rev. Bill Englehart

The aforementioned is a potent reminder that the power of love comes from within, that it starts with the individual fully loving themselves, warts and all. In so doing, each of us is able to fully express out into the world the loving beings that The Divine created.

In the Service of Others

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“When you are in the service of your fellow beings you are in the service of God.” – Anonymous

In the service of others

Tonight, I attended a new women’s group forming at my spiritual center. I liked that it’s a mixture of ages, races, and cultures. I was keenly aware of myself, ensuring I didn’t try to take over leading the group, impose my ideas about how it should be, or exude an attitude of I know better than y’all. I simply wanted to be in the present moment and be of service, if at all possible. Well, I got the opportunity.

During introductions and us each expressing what we hoped the group would be about, one woman—I’ll call her Jane—stated that she desperately needed support as her husband had just passed away two months ago. She was still grieving and felt very much alone. She’d joined a grief support group, but it was a religious-based group and it didn’t sit well with her. I thought it courageous that she was venturing out as much as she was and sharing her struggle; it was also self-love. I was glad that during one impromptu exercise to learn and remember everyone’s name, Jane was able to have some laughs along with the rest of us.

After the meeting ended, I approached Jane to offer my condolences, and talk a bit if she was comfortable. I was warm and inviting, and not pushy. Without hesitation, Jane spoke of the circumstances under which her husband passed and how it was quite sudden. I wanted to make sure she was aware of the service the licensed practitioners offer after the Sunday talk, that is, to sit with a person for a quick “three-minute miracle” (at no charge), as well as one-hour scheduled sessions. I encouraged Jane to gift herself that opportunity to sit with such a person during this devastating time in her life. New to the center, she said she had thought of that, but didn’t know how it worked. I explained and she said she’d do that. I told her I’d be at the center Sunday and perhaps would see her there. As I was leaving, she thanked me. Her gesture confirmed that I’d been of service to another and had made a difference. I think Jane felt she was no longer so alone.

I am so grateful I was able to be there for someone in need. It makes me feel connected to another being and to Spirit. Especially with the pandemic and change in lifestyle, I simply have not been giving such service for a while. And, I’ve become more self-absorbed, not a healthy trait.

When I am being of service, I go to that space within and draw out the compassion, empathy, kindness, and love that I am inherently. I am of service to another, to the world, and to God. And, I am of service to myself, as I reveal and strengthen my spiritual qualities. Gratitude resides in my heart.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Spiritual Practice Takes Many Forms

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Spiritual practice takes many forms

– From “Everyday Joy, 365 days of ohmygod life,” by Z Egloff and Melissa Phillippe, February 16 –

Yep, as Spirit is everywhere, in everything, and always present, then anything and everything can be a spiritual practice. I ‘simply’ need to bring the person, place, circumstance, activity, etc. into my consciousness, remembering it is all part of the One.

Spiritual practice takes many forms. Singing, in particular, is a prolific one for me; depending on the song, it feels like prayer. I often say that when I was an atheist, singing was prayer for me, my connection to Source—of course, I didn’t realize it back then!

Holding the door open for another… attentively listening to someone… meditating… cooking a meal… hugging a child…doing the laundry. Oh, let me count the ways of spiritual practice (some can seem more obvious than others, but it’s wherever one places their consciousness)— well, they’re infinite! As is Spirit.

Wherever I am, I make a choice to focus on Spirit, and in so doing, practice the Presence.

By the way, I too love eating popcorn while watching a great movie!

One Heart

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“It’s easy to think that if only everyone around me changed, everything would be better. True spiritual maturity is realizing that I am the point of power for change. When I change myself and my attitudes, I realize that everyone around me is doing the best they can. I can practice loving them just as they are. I can also practice loving myself…”

— “Everyday Joy, 365 days of ohmygod life,” by Z Egloff and Melissa Phillippe, February 15.

Yes, everyone is doing the best they can, including moi.

I am internalizing more and more that we are all one, all part of Universal Mind.

universal mind“The mind of each one of us is the Mind of God functioning at the level of our perception of life.”

— “365 Science of Mind: A Year of Daily Wisdom from Ernest Holmes,” February 15

If we are all part of the great I Am, and we are each doing the best we can, why would any one of us even think of hurting another? It would be the same as harming our own self. I envision myself treating others with kid gloves, with soft caresses of love, flowing out in all directions, to all peoples—all beings—in all situations. And, I envision you doing the same.

Wow, what a concept! What practice is needed—one person at a time, one heart at a time, one soul at a time. Just like peace in the world begins with each person having peace within, loving others in the one Universal Mind starts within.

We are all a part of One Heart.

Beyond Words

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heart

On Valentine’s Day, I like to wish people a Happy Love and Friendship Day. For me, the day is about celebrating love in all relationships, and the greeting is inclusive of them all, not just romantic love. In addition, no one needs to be reminded they’re not in a romantic relationship if that happens to be the case, yet they have that yearning. Like moi.

Leo Buscaglia said, “When love is accompanied with deep intimacy, it raises us to the highest level of human experience.” Who wouldn’t want that?! It is such a time of vibrancy, discovery, adventure, and connection. Spirit feels particularly present; Love is in this space.

“Real love is identifiable by the way it makes us feel. Love should feel good. There is a peaceful quality to an authentic experience of love that penetrates to our core, touching a part of ourselves that has always been there. True love activates this inner being, filling us with warmth and light. An authentic experience of love does not ask us to look a certain way, drive a certain car, or have a certain job. It takes us as we are, no changes required. When people truly love us, their love for us awakens our love for ourselves. They remind us that what we seek outside of ourselves is a mirror image of the lover within. In this way, true love never makes us feel needy or lacking or anxious. Instead, true love empowers us with its implicit message that we are, always have been, and always will be, made of love.”

– “Daily Om, February 14, 2022”

I’ve been deeply in love and I have experienced what is described below. It was a joyous time no matter what my partner and I were actively engaged in. Simply being in one another’s presence was enough. It was Home.

“Opening your heart and soul for another person to enter is an intimate act of loving trust. The aliveness that comes from the vulnerability of not knowing where you are headed together brings you so vibrantly present that time disappears.
“…You enter into a time warp where days seem like moments and moments are eternal. Days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and before you know it, it’s next year.
“… The merging of two souls dissolves the boundaries of the mortal realm, opening the gates to the celestial delights. It is a connection beyond words and a journey that’s out of this world. You experience your beauty being reflected back to you from a mirror of another loving soul.”

– “Science of Mind Magazine,” February 14, 2022

It takes courage to open one’s heart fully to someone else, risking being hurt. It requires authenticity, honesty, and trust to fully experience true love. But oh, the experience is rich and rewarding (even when challenges arise). I’m up for it!

Happy Love Day, every day!

Come Alive!

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Howard Thurmond“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman

Yes!

Focusing on neediness can be a downer, and Thurman’s quote is most uplifting. It follows on the heels of Gilda Radner’s quote I wrote about yesterday, both of which appeared in Daily Guides of the February 2022 edition of “Science of Mind Magazine.”

“While we have the gift of life, it seems to me the only tragedy is to allow part of us to die—whether it is our spirit, our creativity, or our glorious uniqueness.” – Gilda Radner

In my heart and mind, they are related. They speak of passion, of what makes us alive, and going out and doing it! Being all that we can be. Not only is it a loving, satisfying action for the individual, but the world at large benefits. The benefits may take physical form but for sure, the individual provides inspiration for others to go out and follow their passion, express their creativity, be all that they can be.

It was interesting for me to learn that Howard Thurman was an American author, philosopher, theologian, educator, and civil rights leader who was born around the turn of the twentieth century and died in 1981. He played a leading role in many social justice movements and organizations. Thurman’s theology of radical nonviolence influenced and shaped a generation of civil rights activists, and he was a key mentor to leaders within the civil rights movement, including Martin Luther King Jr.

It seems to me Thurman followed his passion, that his spirit was enlivened, and he no doubt made an impact upon others and the world. He practiced what he preached. I’m inspired!

Be Your Greatest Me!

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“While we have the gift of life, it seems to me the only tragedy is to allow part of us to die—whether it is our spirit, our creativity, or our glorious uniqueness.” – Gilda Radner

This quote hit home this morning after the events of yesterday’s work day and my ruminations about it.

I’ve always admired folks whose means of earning money tapped into their creativity, their spirituality, their passion. I’ve enjoyed that from time-to-time, usually while in my own small business, but was never really able to sustain a decent level of income in order to be financially stable and comfortable. Several years ago, I made the decision to go back into the corporate world mainly so I could collect a steady paycheck. Still, if I’m spending 40 hours a week on a job, I want to enjoy it, be creative, learn, and make a difference in lives. What better use of time could there be?! I know many folks are happy satisfied enough with simply collecting a paycheck, but I’m not one of them.

Since making that decision, I’ve been working contract jobs as a technical writing and business support consultant. I’ve managed to earn some good money, learn new things, be creative to a limited extent, and sometimes make a meaningful difference in the project as well as in the work lives of team members. I’ve attempted to bring spirituality to each despite working at financially-oriented institutions, not spiritually or personal-growth oriented ones. I’ve seen a lot of disorganization, poor communication, and a waste of company money. The greatest waste is in the human capital, the people.

I am fed by my daily spiritual practices, especially on days when I need to be on the job. They enable me to go through work days that are not so fulfilling, that may even be stifling and unhealthy for my emotional and spiritual well-being. There is a point at which Spirit speaks (softly at first) saying there is more to life, there is more for you to enjoy and be than what is available on the job. Eventually the time comes to move on.

Greatest Me

Immersing myself more deeply into Science of Mind philosophy, I am transforming and awakening more and more to my authentic self. And, I’m more strongly internalizing that it would be a tragedy to stay in a particular job, organization, activity, or relationship that is not enabling me to be my highest self, my joyous, creative me. In a world of abundance, one can have their cake and eat it too. One can have fulfilling time, with it also being a channel of great financial support.

Each and every being is here to be their greatest me! While we have this gift of life, let’s uplift our spirit and come to live in a world that works for everyone, that is fulfilling and harmonious for all.

Thank You, Spirit, for Your help in making this so!

 

Above All Confusion

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ladder-into-the-sunHappy Friday, the end of the work week for me, which I greatly welcome!

I simply want to share a paragraph from one of this morning’s readings. As I read it, I felt sweetness and peace. The wording creates a serene vision to carry in my heart, especially if there’s turbulence swirling in and around me.

“I now climb a ladder of thought that takes me above all confusion. Climbing joyously, I pass through the clouds of fear and doubt. I behold light everywhere. I sense the enveloping presence of Love everywhere. The good that I desire, I now affirm and accept, knowing that my definite intentions produce definite results.”

– “365 Science of Mind: A Year of Daily Wisdom from Ernest Holmes,” February 11

Yummy and divine, a picture of heaven.

Multifaceted

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multifaceted

I was a devout atheist until my 30s when I finally entered a 12 Step program for eating disorders. Learning and practicing the program principles, I eventually came to believe in a power greater than myself. It was quite a revelation that I could choose my own concept of God, and even the name(s). That opened up a myriad of possibilities and my concept of this Power is multifaceted and  has fluctuated over the years. I’ve even subscribed to more than one concept at a time, having learned that many paradoxes exist in this life and that’s okay. Additionally, nothing is impossible for God or with God! Spirit is everywhere present, always present, within me, and all around me.

The aforementioned came to mind with today’s reading in “In God’s Care*: Daily Meditations on Spirituality in Recovery (*As We Understand God).” In part:

“All of us have experienced times when we felt forsaken, when we were no longer certain that a Higher Power really existed, was present within us, and in charge of our life.”

It seems to me that my concept of Higher Power and philosophy of life are continually leading me down one path or another and it is up to me to choose what works in the given circumstances. Like believing there is a blessing in every situation even when things appear so gloomy… There is a Higher Plan for the upliftment of all… Looking at life as a classroom and everything that occurs is an opportunity to learn… Or, I signed up for this gig so I get to experience the full array of Life’s offerings. Or, in the grand scheme of things, it’s a spit in the bucket.

I can pause and take a deep breath, grateful and joyful to be alive regardless of what is happening around me. It takes practice, I know. But, I’ve come to learn that my life is really lived on the inside, not the outside. How I respond to people and situations determines my road to joy and peace or sorrow and upheaval.

And, when I do feel alone, I have the power and imagination to feel Spirit’s love and peace in an instant. Feel It within me and around me, always present, always available. Spirit is the Law of Good, neutral, playing no favorites, wanting only the highest good for each and every one of us.

Friends

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“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.”
– Albert Schweitzer

At this time nine years ago, there was a lot happening in my life.

After almost eight years of marriage, I’d finally made the decision to divorce the man I’d thought was The One for life; my pain and grief ran deep. I was reacclimating to living alone again even though for most of my adult life I’d done so. I was putting a lot of time and energy into growing my business so I could keep paying the bills. On the other hand, I was in the midst of organizing the Sedona, AZ chapter of the Threshold Choir, singing for those at the thresholds of life. I dove deeper into being of service. I returned to attending kirtan as well as Dances of Universal Peace. Yep, there was a lot going on.

Friends Joyce and EstherAnd, I met someone who has become a dear, dear friend. Today, February 9, 2022, Esther and I acknowledge and celebrate our nine-year friend-a-versary. Also known as Dahlink, a throwback to us both being native New Yorkers, she has added tremendous richness to my life and my soul’s journey.

With Esther, into my life came adventure and new experiences; meaningful conversation; arts and crafts; travel; singing; and, introductions to new spiritual teachers and education. I started playing again, enjoying so much more that life has to offer than I had been in recent years. We bonded over shared spiritual philosophies and experiences, and supported one another in personal growth. Laughter became a mainstay in my life, helping me to heal, as did lots of hugging. I have been blessed with love and joy, both in receiving and giving, for which I am grateful.

Through the years, we’ve shared deeply from the heart and been there for one another in times of joy and in sorrow and loss. We are ‘sisters’.

“Friends are the family you choose.”
– Jess C. Scott

As of about six months ago, we no longer live within close traveling distance to get together in person regularly, but we continue to connect daily thanks to the various offerings of technology.

Next year, we plan to celebrate in person and mark our ten-year friend-a-versary, doing something special to acknowledge the precious and loving bond we share.

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt

That’s my Dahlink!