Love Is All There Is

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Love is all there is

I’ve not been pleased with my attitude or behavior towards others of late, yet have not seemed to be able to get back to feeling and behaving as the loving person that I am. I’ve been imploring Spirit to help me.

As a gift to myself and as a reminder of the love I am and give, tonight I listened to the What’s App recording of a spiritual mind treatment my dear friend Esther said for me, for us, last month. For some background, you can read a post about our first meeting, now known as our friend-a-versary. We each have individual nicknames, but we share the one of Dahlink, a throwback to the New York City vernacular we both grew up around.

Here’s Esther’s heartfelt, affirmative prayer intended specifically for me and our friendship—what an honor she bestowed on me, what a delight! I hope your heart too is touched by the love embedded in her words, reminding you of the love that you are, that love is all there is.

I know that love is all there is. And that love is the same thing as what we call God, that infinite, abundant blessing that is divinity within each and every one of us. And I know that that love and that light and that connection is what keeps us connected, keeps us thriving, keeps us mirroring each other, and helping each other grow in love and learn. I know that love is the basis of this Dahlink-ship. I know that light and healing and joy and playfulness are the essence of who we are, and that we now and always through eternity will bring that for each other, to each other, that we are a solid state of support and love and light and blessings.

So, Spirit, I just want to thank You, thank You, thank You, thank You for this relationship. Thank You for the sisterhood and the friendship that has just been unfailing from the moment we met.

I know and I affirm, and I trust that we will carry this through our lifetime always based in love and light. I know this is so because it already has been, it is, and it always will be.

And, so it is.

The Intelligence Within Me

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“I know there is but One Power in the universe and that Power is God. That Power manifests in and through all form, all people, all conditions and so is at the very center of my being.

“The Intelligence within me is constantly guiding me.”

– “365 Science of Mind: A Year of Daily Wisdom from Ernest Holmes,” May 8

The Intelligence Within MeThe license plate on my car is GUIDEME. I appreciate the regular reminder when I am out and about in my 2003 Camry; she is named Espiritu, another reminder for me of Spirit’s presence in my life.

When I think about it, I can see that the Intelligence within me is truly constantly guiding me. Of course, I need to stay attuned, and I find that I am more and more. When a situation or individual makes me feel uncomfortable, I know I need to pay attention. I might need to pause in order to grasp the full meaning and before I know what to do, what path to go down. But the answer, the guidance is there. Same as with when a situation or person feels easy and comfortable.

It’s interesting, and perhaps synchronistic, that today’s topic about following the guidance inherent within each and every one of us, is similar to yesterdays’ blog post, My Heart’s Wisdom. One may call it the Intelligence within, heart wisdom, intuition, or a variety of other terms. It’s all the same: Spirit guiding us as we walk through all of Life. We are not alone.

My Heart’s Wisdom

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“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
– Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

I am grateful to notice what my heart tells me and how it responds. I am assured that I can trust my heart and intuition much more than my logical mind, as my brain often caters to my ego, whereas my heart never does.

 I usually listen to my heart, always with beneficial outcomes.

 I know my heart is the Wise One within.

– Deborah Perdue, RScP
“Science of Mind Magazine,” May 7, 2022

Especially when I was a devout atheist, I relied on my logical and analytical skills regularly to live my life. That’s interesting considering that I am an especially sensitive, feeling person.

My Heart's WisdomSince my logical mind and ego could never prove the existence of God in the way that it was looking to do so, I was ‘stuck’ being an atheist. It was looking for the visible evidence of God. When I got into a 12 Step program and heard stories of miracles and witnessed the transformation of others, I knew it was the result of a Higher Power. The miracles and transformations were invisible evidence, but evidence just the same for me of the existence of God. My heart was touched, my heart knew. It was not of the mind.

From then on, I started relying less on my logical mind and trusting my heart, my gut, my intuition more. I’m still learning how to do that despite 30+ years, but the ways of this society don’t promote that. I am grateful to be surrounded and supported by those who do operate and live their life in that way, and by a Power Greater Than Myself that shows me the way.

The logical, analytical mind has its place in this world and in my life, but it’s a far smaller place than it used to be as I have relied more and more on my heart’s wisdom, on Spirit.

Help From a Higher Power

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“There is an affirmation in each of us that tells us we are in touch with a power greater than ourselves. There are few of us who don’t, at some time, believe we get help from a Higher Power. An inner voice, ever so quiet, gently guides us, assuring us we are not alone.”

– “In God’s Care*: Daily Meditations on Spirituality in Recovery,” May 6
*As We Understand God

I am reminded of a time many moons ago when I was in a live-in relationship with “Tom #1.” We had a lot in common, including a love of music, an atheist belief system, and, jobs at the same company. We were struggling in our relationship and seeking to determine if we should stay together and get married, or split. We decided to take a vacation together, since we didn’t have the same work hours or days off, and thought concentrated, fun time together would help us make a decision upon arriving home.

We worked for AMTRAK and created a wonderful itinerary: travel on the overnight train from New York City to Miami, FL; take a four-day cruise to the Bahamas; and then rent a car in Miami and drive north to Disney World. After a couple days there, we’d drive to the Kissimmee AMTRAK station, drop off the rental car, and hop aboard the train home. Whew! A busy, but adventurous vacation planned; Tom and I designed it and the AMTRAK travel person made the reservations, etc.

Throughout the various legs of the trip, Tom and I got along well, and we learned more about one another as we were thrown into different situations and observed the other’s responses. It didn’t seem like we would choose to stay together once we got back to New York.

The last day of the trip was strictly a travel day. Since Tom didn’t like to drive, I would be driving us to the train station (despite my having caught a cold), about a 30-minute drive. We would need to first return the rental car and check our baggage before boarding the train, so we needed at least another 15 minutes. As we were packing at the hotel, I looked at the rail tickets and realized I had the wrong time in my head about when the train departed—it was earlier—and we’d already been cutting our hotel departure time close! Now we really had to hustle. I really didn’t want to miss that train, as there was only one a day: I didn’t feel well physically and was tired of all the busyness; I was scheduled to work the following day (late shift); and, I didn’t want to spend any more time with Tom. The train makes a quick stop of a few minutes at Kissimmee, simply to drop off and pick up travelers; it’s not like it would be hanging out at the station. I simply needed to make that train and get home to my space.

Kissimmee FL Amtrak Station

Kissimmee FL Amtrak Station

We hurriedly checked out of the hotel, got onto the freeway, and I made my way over to the left lane, very intent on speeding a bit above the limit. I had always been a good driver, but I was driving on an unfamiliar road, was agitated, and didn’t like driving so quickly. Despite not believing God existed, I sensed a Presence and that It was keeping me safe driving at a high speed in a car that was not my own, on a road that I was driving the first time. I was very conscious of It, and a bit surprised to say the least. I didn’t know if we’d get to the station on time, but I did know we’d get there safely. It was comforting. I did indeed get help from a Higher Power, even if I hadn’t believed in One. Just like the above-mentioned quote, I sensed a quiet, gentle voice and Presence guiding my driving and making me feel I was not alone. I’d never had such an experience.

You may be wondering if we managed to drop off the rental car, check our baggage, and catch the train…

Well, luckily the train was running a few minutes late and so yes, we did! Feeling so miserable physically and spent emotionally, I sank into our living quarters for the ride, and breathed a huge sigh of relief. I do have to say that despite that experience with a Higher Power, it did not make me believe that God existed. That would have to wait another ten years.

Higher View

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“Those whose behavior makes them the most difficult to love, need our love the most. Their lack of inner peace and self-doubt pushes them to the behavior that makes us want to turn away. We need not turn away. God invites us to love all our fellow travelers fully and unconditionally. Negative attitudes can provide our personal lessons in acceptance and serenity, and we will develop gratitude for these lessons, in time.”

– “In God’s Care*: Daily Meditations on Spirituality in Recovery,” May 5
*As We Understand God

Higher ViewThis excerpt reminds me of A Course in Miracles concept that everything is love—either giving of love or a cry for love (fear). When I can look at a person from that higher perspective, I can often get to a place of compassion and empathy. They are doing the best they can (as am I) and by genuinely accepting that truth, I can forgive their behaviors and actions, let go of judgement much easier, and be loving, understanding, and compassionate.

We are all spiritually ill, to one degree or another. When in a difficult situation or relationship with another, noting all are holy encounters, when I come from that higher view and offer love, we are both on the road to healing and peace.

Unity Principles

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Logo UnityI often refer to and write about Science of Mind philosophy and its principles. However, I learned about Unity principles before I learned about Science of Mind. Exposed to both, it was easy to see the similarities between the two. Of course, it was no surprise, since they are both part of the New Thought spiritual movement, which also includes Divine Science and Christian Science.

The five basic ideas that make up the Unity belief system are:

  1. There is only one Presence and one Power active as the universe and as my life, God the Good.
  2. Our essence is of God; therefore, we are inherently good. This God essence, called the Christ, was fully expressed in Jesus and it is within us. This spark of Divinity is within everyone.
  3. We are co-creators with God, creating our reality through thoughts held in mind.
  4. Through prayer and meditation, we align our heart-mind with God. Denials and affirmations are tools we use.
  5. Through thoughts, words and actions, we live the Truth we know.

 

Dear Spirit-
Thank You for the New Thought spiritual movement that offers tools and empowering ideas about us and the Divine so that we can co-create lives that are happy, joyous, and free.

Change Your Thoughts

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“One comes, finally, to believe whatever one repeats to one’s self, whether the statement is true or false.”
– Napoleon Hill

Repetition of thought is essential for changing one’s life, and I choose to have life-affirming statements running through my monkey mind.

This includes how I speak to myself when I err. I learned years ago to speak kindly and gently with myself when I goofed something up. Instead of using a figurative baseball bat, I could use a wet noodle 😊

My self-talk includes ever so lovingly saying, “Honey, it’s okay…” It sure is a lot healthier speaking to myself that way than badgering myself with how badly I messed up and what a bad person I am. Besides, I cannot change the past. My thought, combined with energy, i.e., emotion, is very powerful and long-lasting. I choose the loving way.

I am vigilant about keeping my thoughts centered on positive truth statements. God is Good and only wants the very best for me; then why should I think anything less for myself? Peace, love, joy, optimum health, prosperity, love, and more, are mine; they are Life. I can’t be thinking negatively when Life is forward movement.

There are numerous New Thought spiritual teachers who’ve made uplifting, life-affirming statements, statements of truth. Here are a few to contemplate. Change your thoughts, change your life—we each get to choose what to fill our mind with, what kind of life to create and live.

Light bulb Change Your Thoughts“What you radiate outward in your thoughts, feelings, mental pictures and words, you attract into your life.”
– Catherine Ponder

“Change your thoughts, and in the twinkling of an eye, all your conditions change. Your world is a world of crystallized ideas, crystallized words. Sooner or later, you reap the fruits of your words and thoughts.”
– Florence Scovel Shinn

“There is no evil. There is no absence of life, substance, or intelligence anywhere. Pain, sickness, poverty, old age, and death cannot master me for they are not real. There is nothing in all the universe for me to fear, for greater is He that is within me than he that is in the world.”
– H. Emile Cady

Really That Simple

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Heart Leaf

For a little change of pace, I thought I’d be inspired by another writer of spiritual wisdom and chose Hafiz.

Making the Rounds and Causing Trouble
The words renounce and discipline were making
the rounds and causing trouble, as some
might expect.

Some newlyweds came to me to discuss the threat this posed.

They looked at me with serious faces and sincerely asked,

Does God want us to renounce the sweet pleasures
our bodies and the earth may give?

And I replied, Do what most enables you to fly,
and brings a feeling to the heart that makes you
glad to be alive.

My guests then said, Is it really that simple?

And I said, Why not?

– “A Year with Hafiz: Daily Contemplations,” May 2, by Daniel Ladinsky

Sometimes Life is really that simple. We’re often indoctrinated with man-made concepts that may bear little resemblance to Reality, and make our lives and relationships complicated.

What God wants for us is simple. The Divine is a Force for Good and really only wants us to be happy, to enjoy life, to have our hearts sing in jubilation and joy. Let’s embrace that and fly, fly, fly!

Joy has Come to Live With Me

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Joy

The topic for the month of May in the book “365 Science of Mind: A Year of Daily Wisdom from Ernest Holmes” is joy. I’m excited about the topic and look forward to the daily readings.

Below are quotes from the month’s opening page:

Joy is the emotion excited by the expectancy of good.
– Ernest Holmes

Joy has come to live with me. How can I be sad?
I do so love Thy presence, which is joy within me.
– Ernest Homes

Be like the bird
That, pausing in her flight
Awhile on boughs too slight,
Feels them give way
Beneath her and yet sings,
Knowing that she hath wings.
– Victor Hugo

Happiness is a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.
– Nathaniel Hawthorne

Joy is the realization of the truth of one-ness, the oneness of our soul with the supreme love.
– Rabindranath Tagore

Being the Light

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“Real giving is the givingness of the self. A kind word, a thoughtful act, perhaps just a smile can help lighten the burdens of others.”
– Ernest Holmes, “Ideas for Living,” page 55

We really don’t know the outcome when we are being the light, engaging in some sort of interaction with a person. We’ve all heard stories of a simple conversation and human connection preventing a plan to suicide, unbeknownst to the other party. Yet what an act of kindness.

Just like I know that often the person on the other end of the phone line talking to me doesn’t realize how much they are brightening my day even though it’s in a customer service context. You see, between working remotely from home, a job where I can go for days without speaking to anyone in the organization (amazing, I know), living alone, and isolation due to COVID, there are times my psyche is inwardly screaming for human interaction.

The act of being the light can be simple, yet so powerful. Let’s each keep shining our light, being the light for others—we will brighten up this planet!

Being the Light