To Enjoy Life

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Enjoy Life“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 life. Why not choose to use that Force for Good to bring about that which will make us happy?

Nothing is Ever Lost

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place

“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 exists, it is eternal, it just may take a different form.

I am eternal, and I am in the right place, right now. I am not lost; I am not supposed to be somewhere else. I am here in the present moment. I am here where Spirit is. Always.

How peaceful and uplifting such Truth is to me!

Gratitude is a Distiller of Emotions

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Gratitude“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.

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.Breath

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!

Body, Mind, and Soul

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Body, Mind, and Soul

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, whatever—once again, no one should be in that situation. Where is humanity?…

Arriving at my NMD, the subject of the fellow arose, and I just sobbed, to the point of exhaustion; it felt good to talk about it, especially since I really don’t have another human being to share my inner life with. We both shared how we are so grateful for all that we have, that we are able to appreciate our blessings. After conversation, she gave me a bit of a tune-up, working on my body using acupuncture, craniosacral massage, and other healing modalities; whew, did I feel better when she was finished with the session!

I met a former work colleague for lunch at a restaurant that was new for me, and had a delightful time discussing her work place, my current work place, travel, her daughter, and more. I appreciated getting to know her better. Then it was back on the road, homeward bound, knowing I had plenty ahead of me to do once I got back to my cocoon.

A writing assignment was given to me late last week, and it was not good timing since I knew I was heading out of town. But I truly had to accept it and trust Spirit that I could fit it into my schedule and produce an excellent piece of work. I accomplished what I could before I left for my trip, but only got started really. So, I’ve been working on it most of the time since I arrived home this afternoon and here I am up late; my body and mind are feeling the effects of today’s encounters, body work, the two-hour drive home, etc.

So, I have to keep trusting God that I will hand in a finish document tomorrow night, so that the recipients can review it in time for a Wednesday morning meeting. But for now, I have something else to ask Spirit’s help with: getting some solid rest tonight, especially since it’s been a mentally and emotionally exhausting day even whilst it’s been rich and satisfying.

 Dear Spirit—

As I lay down in my own bed tonight, all cozy and snuggly, please grant me a quick path to dreamland. May my body, mind, and soul get the rest it needs, and be healed during the night by Your angels and spirit beings. I turn over to You all that occurred today, not being bothered with tomorrow, just staying in the present and presence of Your love, peace, and serenity. May I awake in the morning feeling refreshed and enthusiastic for a new day, keeping You ever-mindful, letting go, and seeking Your will, guidance, and support.

Thank You, Thank You.

And, so it is!

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.

VesselsTonight, one of the songs was about shining your light. These two women are powerhouses with their singing voices, but also powerhouses in their life. They lead rich, heart-filled, service-oriented lives. Individually and together, they are vessels for God to use and fill up with love to spread to others. They are an inspiration to me, not only through their thoughtful, conscious lyrics, but through their example of living a Spirit- and love-centered life.

This world is blessed to have these two beings shining their light, spreading God’s love, and uplifting folks wherever they go. I am grateful.

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.

Look for the giftI’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 look for the blessings, I lift myself out of that victim consciousness. I take the focus off of what is “bad” or “wrong” and find the good and the lesson.

“Discovering the gift brings a person out of victim consciousness into a space of receptivity and teachability. This is when Spirit rushes in, excited that we’ve accepted the invitation to grow.

“I tell my students that being able to center themselves and look for the gift in any difficult situation sooner than later demonstrates spiritual growth. That in itself is a great gift.

“In every situation, I empower myself by looking for the gifts it offers, expanding my understanding of the truth of myself as an expression of Spirit.”

– Rev. Joanne McFadden, “Science of Mind Magazine,” April 23, 2022

 

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, which is always your thoughts.”
– “Science of Mind Magazine,” April 22, 2022

The message is loud and clear: if I want to change my life, I must change my mind, my thoughts.

changing your mind

A huge change in my life, which also resolved the problem of my eating disorder, was to shift from thinking there is no god to thinking there is a Power Greater than Myself. But I had to be willing first to open my mind to that new concept, which came somewhat gradually. But the great news is that it did! I opened my mind and my entire life was transformed through learning and living the 12 Step philosophy. And, that was just the beginning!

This concept has been around for a while, stated by James Allen (“As a Man Thinketh”), Paramahansa Yogananda, Norman Vincent Peale (“The Power of Positive Thinking”), William James, Wayne Dyer, Louise Hay, and numerous others.

What a great demonstration and lesson of the power of one’s thoughts I was gifted with 30+ years ago. It is one I will never forget; it is with me constantly.

A Light to All

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The Light Remains

“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.

2003 Hawaii Samara+Joyce

Hawaii, 2003

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 I may have sought to enhance my physical health, my spiritual and emotional health greatly benefitted during our sessions as we talked about Spirit, shared from the heart, and formed a bond. Soon we were socializing, meditating together, and attending satsang.

We relocated from the Big Apple to the Southwest just a few months apart, with she and her partner/husband Ken moving to Santa Fe, and I trying out life in Taos. After six months, I headed back south to Santa Fe, and moved to an apartment not too far from their home. We grew closer and closer; we were like a family, one that I had never before experienced. Here was unconditional love, support, caring, and fun. It was with, and due to, Samara and Ken (who was like a brother to me) that I truly learned how to relax. I didn’t feel alone in the world with them in my life. We enjoyed meaningful conversations about Life, Spirit, and relationships; traveled together; and helped one another in business. We were there for each other in times of joy and times of grief and sorrow.

Samara was generous, kind and compassionate, and a light to all who met her. She was a healer, passionate about helping others on their journey of health.

Well, I could go on and on, but I will end (for now) by saying that Samara and I enjoyed 26 years of friendship this lifetime. I am most grateful our paths crossed and that I was able to be of service to her, helping her to complete her work here. She, of course, contributed so much to my life, to my spirit’s well-being.

Samara was a dear and true friend. She remains in my heart and I trust that our souls will meet up again in that vast land of the eternal now.

Resting is an Accomplishment

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Resting

“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 feel a sense of peace and tranquility. The Divine is surely present, restoring my soul before I go back out into the world again. I breathe deeply, knowing I am taking good care of myself and living a balanced life.