Separate from God?

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“To think you are separate from God is to remain separate from your own being.” – D. M. Street

Oh my! What did I do when I was a devout atheist?! Was I really so out of touch with my own self? Of course, I didn’t think I was.

Since I came to believe through 12 Step program and synchronicity provided me with the evidence I’d been seeking to prove the existence of God (it was just a different form of evidence that I’d expected), my concept of God is that It is everywhere, within me, within you, and surrounding us as well. [I still don’t subscribe to traditional religions in case you couldn’t tell!] It is The One, we are a part of It, and thus can never be separated from It.

Now, there are times I may feel disconnected from Spirit, separate from God. However, I know that in reality, God is still around and in me. When I have such feelings, it means I’ve moved away from and need to get back into alignment with the Divine. I can do that through numerous practices, including singing, praying, meditating, and reading spiritual literature. Focusing on my breath totally reminds me of God’s presence because I wouldn’t be breathing and alive without It.

Separate from God? Never!

Comparing Myself

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In my current work contract, I participate in a weekly meeting of my fellow technical writers hired through the same staffing agency. It’s an informal forum to share knowledge, ask questions, and simply to connect. We are an eclectic mix of demographics and technical writing formal education and experience. There are three job levels, and I am one of the senior technical writers.

When I hear my colleagues talk about software, processes, experiences, and the like that I’ve little-to-no clue about, I often compare myself to them, inevitably ending up feeling discouraged. Now, I learned years ago in 12 Step program that the only person I should ever, ever compare myself to is me at different times of my life. In so doing, then I get to see how far I’ve come, and that’s all to whom it matters.

IndvidualizedThis morning I got an ah-ha about comparing myself, my knowledge, and my experience to other technical writers. Sure, I may not have experience using the markup language DITA, or writing API documentation, which is so greatly in demand these days. And, my degrees may not be in technical communication, a relatively new college curriculum, or in Information Technology. However, I bring my eclectic educational background, my career adventures, and my life experience, along with my innate talents and spirit to the table—and, there is no one else that can do that!

We are each unique, and we each have a place at some company’s table where we can make use of our uniqueness and be of service. There is no reason to compare myself to others, nor they to me. We can each shine our light without our ego (fear, not good enough-ness, etc.) getting into the mix.

I suppose my revelation was the result of reading the following quotes this morning:

“The gift we each bring is unique and unlike any other. It’s a one-of-a-kind gift, which can never even in a million millennia be recreated.” – Dennis Merritt Jones

“The Divine has not incarnated in anyone else in just the same individual way that It has in me. I am unique and forever individualized.” – Ernest Holmes

We are each a unique and expression of Spirit, and yet by being part of It, we are one and the same too: Creative. Powerful. Divine.

We Cannot Stand Still

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“Our activity of thought is actually a Divine compulsion of the One Mind in us seeking an ever-increasing achievement and expression through us.

“All these desires are urges of the indwelling Intelligence, and we either can combat the urges we feel or we can give them expression. The choice is ours to make. But we cannot stand still. We have to continue to express this action of Life within us because creativity is our Divine Essence.”

– “365 Science of Mind: A Year of Daily Wisdom from Ernest Holmes,” April 17

Into ActionWhat struck me in the above was “…we cannot stand still.” I’ve had times in my life where I had little desire, little urge to do anything more than practice my morning sabbath, work my job, prepare and eat my meals, go to sleep, and then repeat the routine the next day. Not much meaning or purpose in my life, no rutter steering me, no current pushing me except to get up each day and put one foot in front of the other. As long as I have hope, I can do that.

This lack of an urge was especially true as the COVID lockdown went on for months and months, and I was isolated living alone, working remotely, with little contact with breathing beings. It sure felt like I was standing still.

I know others felt similarly and yet the lockdown was also an opportunity for folks not accustomed to going within, to do so, explore new areas, exercise their creativity. We each handle situations differently, and not having much interaction and emotional support makes a big difference for me to be in joy and to move forward.

I’m grateful my Life force strengthened, my Divine spark was fanned, and I started looking forward to some personal projects in which I got to express my artistic creativity. As noted recently, with the world, and my world opening up, I am enthusiastic about Life once again. I cherish my time alone—I always have—but I am also a people-person and my soul needs to be with others too. When we gather together, the connection to the One that we are all a part of is nourishment and soothing balm for one’s spirit.

Making New Friends

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Today was about making new friends. Even though I’ve lived in my new hometown of Prescott, AZ for about eight months now, due to working full-time remotely at home and COVID restrictions and closures, I have been very isolated. It’s like I really could have been living anywhere in the world!

But starting with spring’s rebirth, I am now socializing in person and spending time out in the world, out in my new hometown. I am tickled pink! My desire, and actual need, is to have close, local friendships and feel that I truly am part of the community.

Make New FriendsKnowing I would be attending a gathering this morning, my prayer this day included affirming that everyone at the gathering would receive what they needed, including moi, which included meeting new people, leading to making new friends.

I attended a women’s group at Unity of Prescott, even though I am currently a member of Center for Spiritual Living–Prescott; the group welcomes all who adhere to a similar outlook on life and Spirit. I’ve been involved in both the Unity and the Science of Mind New Thought philosophies for many moons and they are quite similar, so I was thrilled to be able to participate.

The group’s facilitator put a lot of thought into the activities of the meeting, the first in-person one in two years, all focused on getting to know one another; she did a fabulous job! I seemed to have something in common with each individual woman I met, and there was surely no lack of conversation throughout the entire morning. I know that I felt like I’d been let out of prison—others felt the same way!

Several of us continued getting acquainted after the meeting by breaking bread at lunchtime; we were all thirsting for friendship and connection.

Not only did I meet a number of interesting women, but by going out for lunch, I got to try a new restaurant. We also strolled over to the art gallery where the work of one of the women is being shown. We started a conversation with a couple visiting from Australia who’d been admiring Sandy’s artwork, and that further enriched the day. And, we visited The Palace, the oldest frontier saloon in Arizona dating back to the 1870s.

My new companions and I exchanged contact information and expect to get together outside of the women group activities.

I know that my morning prayer was answered—in spades! I met a bunch of local women, had fun, visited some new hometown locales, and ensured I had contact information so that I could move these blossoming friendships forward. With each such experience, I feel less alone and isolated.

I thought I’d share some quotes about making new friends:

“Strangers are just friends waiting to happen.” – Rod McKuen

“You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.” – A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

“We don’t meet people by accident. They are meant to cross our path for a reason.” – Unknown

“Friendship has always belonged to the core of my spiritual journey.” – Henri Nouwen

Dear Spirit– Thank You for a blessed day filled with new friends and community to nourish my soul and feel closer to You. Thank You for answered prayer. Good night.

God at Eventide

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This Friday evening I thought I’d just select one of my other works of spiritual literature from the living room bookcase—some of which admittingly I’ve never read—and see what the message was for today. Here’s what I got:

God at EventideThe Sunlit Way, April 15

“Know that your Source of joy is something changeless. The hopes of the world are but in material things and when these pass or change their joy fades, hope dies, only dark night remains.

“Speak comfort to such. Tell of My Love surrounding you, that My protecting Power is yours. That I can never fail one who trusts in Me. That you can breathe in courage from My Presence as you breathe in air.

“Tell the world—that for one who walks a cheerless road with Me, the bare hedge doth blossom as the rose, and life is bathed in sunlit joy.”

– From “God at Eventide: A Companion Volume to “God Calling” by Two Listeners,” Edited by A. J. Russell

The book, “God Calling,” is comprised of messages from a spirit guide to two anonymous female “listeners.” The listeners approached the day sitting in silence, waiting for a call from the spiritual realm. Wishing to remain anonymous, the listeners compiled the book of daily guidance edited by A. J. Russell, who refers to the book in the beginning pages as the “Daily Power.” The listeners claimed these messages were given to them by a universal “Jesus,” and it was God calling.

“God at Eventide…,” of which the above selection is from, is the evening devotions from the two listeners.

How apropos to pull this book from the shelf on a Friday evening, when I am seeking to wind down from a week of corporate work. The words are peaceful and comforting as apparently was the intention. And, picturing “life is bathed in sunlit joy” is so… yummy!

Once again I am reminded that the important things in life are not material goods, but those things which are of the heart, the Spirit.

Happiness Comes From Giving

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Happiness comes from giving not from getting“Beginning with childhood, we all receive messages that getting is the purpose of living: we must have romantic love, sexual fulfillment, possessions, and prestige to be happy.

“God has a different message: Help one another. We learn from experience in our program that happiness comes from giving—whether it be time, talent, money, or other things. Experience tells us that giving what we have to help someone else makes us a lot happier than keeping it to ourselves.”

– “In God’s Care*: Daily Meditations on Spirituality in Recovery,” April 14
*As We Understand God

Growing up, my parents were caring, giving people, but not strong role models of volunteerism. I did some volunteering as I grew older, but still wasn’t all that much into being of service.

That changed dramatically when I joined a 12 Step program. Service and giving of one’s time, talent, and money is a huge part of the Program; it is the final step after working through the other ones:

“Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to compulsive eaters, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.”

Step 12 is the culmination of a spiritual transformation and it entails applying what I’ve learned as I go about my daily life, encountering people and handling circumstances that arise as part of life, to the best of my ability.

I received this blessing of recovery and want to help others learn how to be “happy, joyous, and free.” Step 12 and being of service is a way to express my gratitude for getting out of the despair of my addiction and my life becoming not only manageable, but rich in so many ways. And, because the 12 Step fellowship is a volunteer organization, it needs people to keep it operating; I give of myself so that it will continue to be there for others—and me too!

A by-product of volunteering and giving of myself is that my world expanded even further. I got to know others more deeply and cultivate new friendships. Abilities and interests I didn’t know I had were revealed. For instance, I was asked to help, stepped up to the plate, and was able to produce and direct special events like the annual holiday candle lighting ceremony and weekend retreats. I stepped into the role of newsletter editor and publisher. Through being of service and leading meetings, I realized I was a natural leader; I eventually became involved at a higher organizational level and became the local area chairperson. The list goes on and on.

In giving of myself, not only did I help others, but my recovery was strengthened. I have never felt as fulfilled as when I did service for the Fellowship and helped others who were still suffering. It gave my life meaning and purpose. Surely, happiness comes from giving!

It became natural for me to say “yes!” to giving of myself in the community at large. I became a board member of CHARACTER COUNTS! IN SANTA FE, created and facilitated The Gilbert Spirituality Group, and became a coach to folks leaving the prison system and re-entering society when I lived in Sedona (AZ).

It truly is a blessing to give of myself. I get so much back in return while helping others—it’s a win-win! Of late, I’ve more frequently given of my treasure, which I’m most grateful to be able to do, but it’s not the same as giving of my time and talents. In any case, without question, I know that true happiness comes from giving, bringing me far more joy than any possession can.

Thank You, Spirit!

Creativity of Mind

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Creativity of Mind“The ability to attain your goals—to control your experiences and have them result in happiness, prosperity, and success—lies in your own mind and the way you use it.

“If your thinking processes are under your personal control and if thought is acted upon by the creativity of Mind to produce results according to your beliefs, then you surely do have the power to become the master of your own affairs and to bring to pass those good conditions you desire.”

– “365 Science of Mind: A Year of Daily Wisdom from Ernest Holmes,” April 13

I feel so alive with spring here and Nature blossoming around me—it sets me on a path of creating the life I desire! I gratefully can pursue it a bit more easily now that the impact of the pandemic on life as we knew it is on the wane (at least for now) and the world is opening up. I am again attending live theatre performances and concerts, and discovering what my new home town of nine months offers culturally. It fills me with joy and enthusiasm. All these months I could have been living anywhere, as I worked a remote job and mainly went outside to run errands, not interacting with many folks. Now that’s changing. I am feeling more a part of my community, which feeds my soul.

Well, now spring is bursting out all over, and so am I! I desire a life of close friendships and am in the process of growing some, mainly through my spiritual center. I desire a more fulfilling job, and I’m in action with that. I desire a life partnership, someone with whom to travel this road with in love, joy, and laughter, as well as the challenges that may come along since, of course, that is Life—check, I’m working on that through online dating sites. I desire financial security and prosperity to share with others, lasting the rest of my days; one day at a time, I have that. I desire to be of greater service to others, as that gives more meaning to my life. I desire to continue having vibrant health. Most of all, I desire to know Source more deeply and always remain in gratitude.

To attain my goals, I need right thinking and intention behind any actions I take. Thoughts are so very powerful and I need to regularly feed my mind and soul with words of Truth. Doing such unleashes the power that I inherently have through the creativity of Mind, through Spirit.

It’s quite an adventure to see what I—and you—can create when we change every negation that crosses our mind (and they can be plentiful) to an affirmation… when we call in the power of God to create a life and a world that works for all.

Growth Opportunities

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When I got into 12 Step program a few decades ago, my entire attitude about life, the world, and people changed. Actually, it was more like I just started learning about them all, formulating a more accurate view. The Program taught me how to live life on life’s terms, how to have improved relationships with people, how to approach situations from a healthier and more mature perspective.

A concept I embraced was each problem contains its solution, and there is a learning for me when I have a problem, when I feel challenged by people, circumstances, and the like. Challenges are basically growth opportunities.

Opportunity Ahead“Concealed within each problem is an opportunity for spiritual growth resulting in greater understanding.”
– Jack and Cornelia Addington

“And our problems, then, are merely situations that confront us with the opportunity for greater self-expression.”
– Ernest Holmes, “Observations,” page 19

– “Science of Mind Magazine,” April 12, 2022

If I am open and willing, I can learn and grow so much from challenges. In fact, my life is made richer by them, I gain a greater understanding of myself and others. I must be interacting with people, partaking in activities, being a part of life if I am to grow, for that is where the challenges lay as well as the gems. And, in the midst of it all is Spirit, and the solution.

Spirit, Thank You for This Day

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Thank You for This DayDear Spirit—

 Thank You for this day, thank You for how it unfolded—not according to MY plan, but certainly more adventurous!

 As always, I am grateful for the morning sabbath, the time I am usually the most focused on Thee during the course of the day.

 I am grateful I have a job, which allows me to be financially abundant, and in which I am able to work from home, my cocoon. And, I am grateful for the flexibility permitted in my schedule, when I need it.

 I am grateful for the folks I interacted with at work, while running errands, and via emails, texts, and voice messages.

 I am grateful for my healthy eating habits, my vibrant well-being, and my youthful spirit.

 As I make my way towards dreamland, I pray to have a restful night’s sleep and dream sweet dreams, along with receiving messages from You that I remember when a new day dawns.

 I am grateful that I came to believe, and that as I am a part of You, Spirit, Your Power and Your Presence are forever with me.

 And so it is.

When the title for this blog post came to me, I remembered Karen Drucker’s chant, Thank You for This Day. Enjoy, and sweet dreams!

 

All Things Can Be Mended

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heartsThe following quote was read during today’s meditation at my spiritual center, and I thought it most apropos for these times:

“Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.” – L.R. Knost

There surely is so much brokenness evident in today’s world. On quite a major, visible scale, there is Putin viciously attacking Ukraine with no cause… COVID still in our midst… the increasing lack of reason and character in politics… the increasing cost of living and the supply chain still in chaos… powerful climate changes…

I can feel mighty discouraged; I am reading the news less and less to help fend off my dismay. I’m reading spiritual literature more to bolster my soul and attitude.

I will say that those of us on the planet during these times surely signed up for a wild time! I remind myself that love is our natural emotion, our natural state of being. And, there is a Power for Good that we can use to heal the brokenness.

I must be part of the solution, heal, love, and not contribute my own brokenness to the world’s energy. That can be challenging to say the least. I am grateful for my self-awareness. I ask Spirit to help heal me, heal my brokenness, thereby contributing bit-by-bit to the healing of this world. We each have our role to play. Just like peace is an inside job and begins with me, so it is true about healing. And, with the healing, comes a greater ability to express love to self and others.

I am can change. You can change. The world can change. How comforting to know “all things can be mended.” It requires mindfulness, intention, and that Power greater than all of us, Love.