Hope Lives in Me

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“One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

“Today I will remember that I am necessary to others, that my life is not an accident, and that God has a purpose for me.”

– “In God’s Care*: Daily Meditations on Spirituality in Recovery,” May 19
*As We Understand God

The aforementioned words uplift my soul as I still wonder what I am to be when I grow up, what did I come into this lifetime to accomplish. I still don’t know, despite being in the sixth decade of my life. I do know that I’ve not yet completed whatever purpose Spirit has for me to do because I’m still here.

At times I can feel discouraged and overwhelmed, without joy. I am grateful to always believe in hope; it is what keeps me going.

I especially enjoyed these words from the May 17, 2022 “Science of Mind Magazine”:

Hope Lives in Me“Hope is the bird who feels the light and sings when dawn is still dark.” — Rabindranath Tagore

“If it were not for the divine hope in us, our experiences would be more than the human mind could digest.” — Ernest Holmes

Hope is a game changer, a life saver, for me. Perhaps when I learn what my life purpose is, then it will be my driving force, my joy. In the meanwhile, I’m grateful, oh so grateful, that divine hope lives in me.

A Longer View

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A Longer View

Well, I have to say the following reading reminded me of how I have not taken the longer view in making many choices in my life when I was younger, including ones related to career and finances, both very crucial areas of decision.

“Every day I have choices to make. When I think about what will benefit me most in the long run, my choices get easier. Expanding my vision to a longer view helps me see the power of my choices. Though today may be only one step in a particular direction, my expanded view allows me to see all the good that comes when I walk in that direction. I embrace this longer view today.”

I choose wisely today. I step into my greater Good!

– “Everyday Joy, 365 days of ohmygod life,” by Z Egloff and Melissa Phillippe, May 18

Now, I can definitely see the power in the aforementioned practice. If I had followed that methodology, I’m pretty certain I would not find myself in my current financial situation of not being able to ever retire. But, I had lived in the present moment, a concept so often thrown at me in my earlier days of following a conscious spiritual path.

I chose to be an entrepreneur so I could be in charge of my work life, my schedule, and my creativity, to be the master of my soul. I was intent on being in my own business no matter what, even if I couldn’t earn a decent income. That, and some other choices, have landed me to where I am in the present. I had focused on the present moment, my immediate desires (ego), and had not looked to the future and hence had not planned for it. Now the future is here and I see in my current circumstances the power of my lack of taking a longer view.

Still, my life has been an adventure, a far interesting one I like to think than if I’d been more “practical” and taken a longer view. And, I know regardless, that the infinite richness of Spirit is mine to enjoy. In my realization of unity with the Divine, I link myself with enduring Power. Whether I stay in the present moment or take a longer view, I am abundantly supplied and blessed.

Spirit’s Computer Lesson

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Spirit's Computer LessonI am so filled with joy and gratitude for Spirit’s computer lesson I received today!

No, I wasn’t enrolled in software training or the like. My personal laptop had an Internet communication connection problem and I got through it with flying colors! That’s why I’m in my joy and gratitude (although the fact that the problem was resolved is nice too).

When I say I got through it with flying colors I am referring to the way I conducted myself throughout the three-plus hours of troubleshooting… how I showed up to myself, the automated ISP tech support helper, the human ISP tech support person, and the Geek Squad rep.

Since my work laptop was connecting to the Internet just fine, I knew the issue was specific to my personal laptop, so my first step was not to check with the Internet Service Provider (ISP). I started by researching and following troubleshooting tips online; they didn’t solve the problem. Nevertheless, I appreciated the online knowledge share, especially since I know the time and effort that goes into creating such content. I remained calm and peaceful, moving onto the next step.

I contacted the ISP so they could check the Wi-Fi router modem connection; the automated tech service confirmed all was working well. Despite that taking 20 minutes yet my problem prevailed, I didn’t get angry at the service, which can ofttimes be easy to do! I just went with the flow and moved on to a real live person. Stephen had me try several things, and went beyond the call of duty, but concluded the issue was something specific to the laptop’s hardware, which was beyond his expertise (and job description I suspect); he suggested I contact a computer repair shop. I never want to hear that! Still, I was in an accepting attitude, in the present moment, and grateful to no longer be on my own in getting this issue resolved.

I did a little research, seeking a live person I could speak to on the phone (not an online chat) right then and there and work remotely to troubleshoot the problem. My hope remained steady that there was a simple remedy to this issue that could be resolved over the phone and I wouldn’t have to surrender my laptop to a repair shop and be without my personal PC for who knows how long. I decided on the Geek Squad. The rep was very polite and professional although not a native English speaker nor a techie. Nicholas simply shared steps in a company-issued manual, and as the laptop took time to restart, I engaged him in conversation. It was thoughtful, personable, and human. I was grateful for my genuine interest in learning about him and his country (Columbia) and we had a most pleasant conversation. When the computer was up and running and I went to the browser, lo and behold, the Internet worked! I was so grateful to Nicholas and expressed my sentiment. BTW, the service was free—what abundance the Universe provides!

I had maintained my peace throughout today’s adventure, and had treated those who were trying to help me with respect, kindness, patience, friendliness, and gratefulness. I’ve not always behaved that way despite the fact people were on my side trying to be of assistance. I’ve no doubt Spirit was walking beside me to give me peace in a disconcerting circumstance, and have me learn and experience that it is possible to walk through challenging times in such a way. I’d been asking for help in my words and behaviors towards others, to be love and to receive love. I think today was a demonstration of that. How much more pleasant is the time when we, when I, take this road?!

Thank You, Spirit, for Your Presence, Your Grace, Your Patience in teaching me and showing me the true way of walking through life as a spirit having a spiritual experience in a human suit.

Prayer is…

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Over the centuries many folks have expressed their ideas about prayer.

When I first got into recovery, easing away from atheism and moving towards coming to believe, I learned “prayer is talking to God, meditation is listening to God.”

Here are some other thoughts about prayer gleaned from today’s “In God’s Care*: Daily Meditations on Spirituality in Recovery,” *As We Understand God.

prayerPrayer is…

… an attitude, an awareness of God’s presence

… a feeling that we are not alone—ever

… a thankfulness, a silent appreciation of and communion with our source

… stepping back and letting go

I cannot separate any of the aforementioned—they are all part of my attitude as I step into the evening to relax, being aware of Spirit’s presence and hence assured I am not alone, feeling grateful for my Higher Power, and surrendering the evening and everything else to Spirit.

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 that came from his own experiences in mental healing. Below is one that resonated with me.

The Promise

I Keep the Promise

I shall keep the promise that I made to myself.

I shall never again tell myself that I am poor, sick, weak nor unhappy.

I shall not lie to myself any more, but shall daily speak the truth to my inner Soul, telling It that It is wonderful and marvelous; that It is the One with the Great Cause of all Life, Truth, Power and Action.

I shall whisper these things into my Soul until It breaks forth into songs of joy with the realization of Its Limitless possibilities.

I shall assure my Soul.

– “The Science of Mind,” by Ernest Holmes, page 517

I practice positive, loving self-talk regularly, but there is always room for improvement. And, making a promise to myself feels empowering and exciting. We shall see what the future brings as I keep the promise.

Just Be (Be Loving II)

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Just Be

In the wee hours of the morning while still in bed, Spirit put into my mind today’s blog post, apparently a continuation of yesterday’s, Be Loving.

Be loving.
Be loving.
Be loving.

Be.
Be.
Be.

Just be!

When I Just Be, I am in the present moment, I am conscious of Spirit, of Oneness. All that exists at that time are the attributes of Spirit and, by extension, the attributes of me and you. All There Is includes Truth, Compassion, Life, Peace, Joy, Hope, and, of course, Love.

When we Just Be, we Love.

Be Loving

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Be LovingAs 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

The article continued with instructions for how to send love ahead of your day; you can learn about that here.

And then, I entered the breakfast and reading phase of my morning sabbath and there was no doubt Spirit had heard my pleas to help me be more loving.

“Wanna know the formula for true love? Practice seeing everyone with the eyes of love. It works!

“When I practice seeing everyone with the eyes of love, a wellspring of love is opened up in me. The more I practice, the easier it gets… The more I work it, the more love flows—from me to them, from them to me, and from me to me.”

– “Everyday Joy, 365 days of ohmygod life,” by Z Egloff and Melissa Phillippe, May 13

I didn’t send love to my day ahead today, but I did remember my chant, “Be loving” in the afternoon after I got upset about a personal customer service phone call and then jumped on a call with a peer from work. I said “Hello,” and then immediately starting ranting to her. I caught myself, apologized for blasting at her, and then said, “I just want to be loving and that wasn’t loving.” Ah, the day’s message finally came back full circle! I took notice of that and felt grateful for my awareness. I felt grateful to remember Spirit in that time and space.

I plan to focus on my Spirit-given chant “Be loving” as well as practice seeing everyone with the eyes of love. And hopefully I will also remember first thing upon awakening to send love—and joy and peace—to my day ahead. I’m excited about surrounding my day and myself and others with love!

New and Fresh

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Since I’ve lived on my own for a great portion of my life, I can lead an insular existence despite my being a people-person, and being open-minded. The isolation shuts me off, or at least diminishes, the number of new ideas coming from outside of me. Two years of COVID made my times of isolation even more extreme. So, today’s reading resonated with me tremendously because I don’t have a steady flow of ideas and inspiration from others to help me keep/expand my open-mindedness.

New and fresh breeze“When I close my mind, everything gets really stuffy. I turn further and further into myself, where the fresh air of new ideas and inspirations can’t find me. Today I remember to keep the door open! I allow the gentle breeze of Spirit’s love and illumination to fill my mind and heart. The open flow of ideas invigorates my life. New opportunities and adventures are in store!”

As I open my mind and heart, my life is made new.

– “Everyday Joy, 365 days of ohmygod life,” by Z Egloff and Melissa Phillippe, May 12

While I may not have people around me regularly to pepper me with new and fresh ideas to expand my world, Spirit is ever-present, all-knowing, and wants only the finest for me. I call on Spirit to keep my heart and mind open so that my life is happy, joyous, free, and fresh!

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

RememberingYa 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 that Spirit is with me all the time.

There is no need for me to try to control the day, my life, or other people—not that I can anyway!

A quick pause to breathe can get me back on track remembering Spirit’s presence, power, and peace and that I am not alone. I surrender to God, struggles dissipate.

As I review my day at bedtime, I can easily list the people, circumstances, and things I am grateful for—thanks to remembering my Higher Power.

I Embrace Change

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Free Bird - I Embrace Change

“Free Bird” – Copyright 2015 Julia Watkins

“…great things happen when I embrace change. Actually, breaking routines and stepping into the unknown is beneficial.”
– Deborah Perdue, RScP

I embrace change.

Today I submitted my resignation for the contract job I’ve held for five months and which had about ten months to go, if not more. It is 100% remote, I’m earning the most money ever in my life, the people are pleasant, my schedule is somewhat flexible, and the work load relatively light. A dream job? Hardly. At least not for me.

I’ve barely made use of my vast experience and talent, I don’t feel I’ve been of much service, and I’ve not gained additional skills to add to my resumé. In fact, I feel like I’m regressing, because as the adage goes, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.”

So, a couple months ago I made the decision to let go of the easy, comfortable role and embrace change, i.e., find another job. It’s more than a full-time job to look for a job, but it’s needed and worth it.

In a couple weeks I start a new contract. It’s 100% remote, I’ll be earning more money than I have earned in my life, the eight individuals who interviewed me are most pleasant, and my schedule will be about the same. However, the job promises to be a lot more interesting than my current one—it’s in academia rather than financial services where most of my experience has been aside from when I was in my own business. I’ll get to make use of my eclectic background, experience, and skills, and I know I will be in learning mode. It is a very collaborative, people-oriented environment, and I have no doubt I will be of service. My soul is excited about this change and the opportunity to be more nourished.

Yeah, it can be scary taking the risk of leaving a cushy job. But really, there is no choice for me. If I want to have a richer life in all respects, allowing my spirit to soar, I need to take action when the current circumstances don’t foster that. And, I don’t have to feel I’m doing it on my own. Spirit is always with me.

“I give thanks for my courage to try new things and to let my routines be broken. I have confidence that God’s got this—and me.”
– Deborah Perdue, RScP