The Leaves of Change By Rev. Rhoni Tretsven

I recently had the opportunity to enjoy a weekend off, so Charles and I elected to go camping along the Delores River in Cortez, Colorado. A beautiful spot, Priest Gulch, where you can pitch a tent or an RV by the flowing water’s edge literally. Our motivation was to be witnesses to the leaves changing on the aspen trees, littered along the highways and the river. I, being the “morning person” greeted the brisk air, with a cup of camping coffee, and a blanket placed by the river’s edge for my morning spiritual practice, meditation. I settled in and allowed my body to breathe in the beauty and breathe out and let go all “baggage” of my previous week. After 20 minutes, I opened my eyes. I was met with bursts of golden yellow and red-brown hues of the leaves adorning each aspen tree. Nature all dressed up basking in the glow of the morning sun, as it slowly began to rise, taking its place in the sky.

What stood out for me in that moment was how easy it was for a tree to shift from being green, to a kaleidoscope of color. A simple aspen tree stands upright with green leaves most of the year, then it slowly begins to shift into yellow, red, and then brown foliage. Eventually, it will drop all its adornments and remain quiet through the winter months. Then, spring will awaken this sleeping vessel, and green leaves will again be part of its growing process. As I pondered this evolution, I questioned, “Why is it humans have such a difficult time, shifting or embracing change?” “Why do we resist, when we could easily go with the flow?” The trees obviously have no resistance to it, in fact, they accept it as it is what they do, change! For me it is always an opportunity to spiritually grow. The water nourishing my growth is those uncomfortable events I run into from time to time. But I have learned on my spiritual journey that is what they are there for, to be uncomfortable so I will grow and appreciate what I am waking up to, like the colour of the trees. A new perception and perspective having gratitude for it all.

One of the many things I enjoy about ministry is digging a little deeper when nature poses the question for me. As a metaphysician I have found what often creates curiosity, opens the heart and mind to an even greater connection with Spirit. So, what is it about trees so easily changing, or as I said, shifting effortlessly, a simple metamorphosis as it is? What I came up with was this; Trees have a profound symbolism within our human culture. They represent the many “branches” of our lives and represent wholeness in the human universe. Their branches in a continual flowing sun salutation while remaining forever grounded in the Earth Mother representing balance between the material (earth) and the spiritual (sky). In our witnessing the evolution of leaves changing colour, we are invited to the awareness of a rebirth for each season, proof that the Spirit continues to live and breathe and have its beingness, in and through all things. Trees to some are connection. We often use figurative language describing our “roots” and branches in family ancestry that although appear separate, we are still all part 2 of the One. Spiritually, trees represent both eternal life and Divine energy. Standing tall or small they are limitless even though they appear limited being in one place, they self-perpetuate. They come from a seed, and in their lifetime another seed will emerge from that same tree and be blown in the wind, only to land in the soft terra firma to begin again. It is within this process we understand the Divine energy of our ancestors. Often as travelers entrusting safety and health to a tree spirit/guardian to guide their way as they walked forward into the unknown territory of both mind and matter.

The trees that beautiful morning gave me a gift. They were a demonstration of placing my trust in the Spirit and allowing my life to unfold as it will. I accept I will always be invited to be the observer or participant as change happens naturally. However, I understand as I have a choice; I can remain rooted right where I am, or I can go with the flow and allow the breeze of life to carry me to my next greater yet to be. Infinite possibilities? I believe so, and so it is…

-Namaste, Rev, Rhoni Tretsven

Spiritual Bypass by Linda Bullock

“The extent to which I need to present myself as being just fine in all circumstances is the extent to which I am going to experience much more anxiety. Fear expressed allows relief.” Anne Lamott

The term “spiritual bypassing” was coined by the Buddhist teacher and psychotherapist John Wellwood. He describes the concept as “trying to rise above the raw and messy side of our humanness before we have fully faced and made peace with it….a tendency to use spiritual ideas and practices to sidestep or avoid facing unresolved emotional issues, psychological wounds, and unfinished developmental tasks.”

According to Melissa Noel Renzi, “We all have parts of ourselves we’d rather not look at, so we deny or push them aside. When we bury these aspects in the subconscious rather than resolve and integrate them, they often take on dysfunctional roles and behaviors that prevent healing and cause harm to ourselves and relationships.“ I have heard the phrase ‘you have to feel it to heal it.’ This concept applies and overlaps somewhat with the Shadow.

Jeff Foster writes, “Feel the grief, the anger, the terror that’s lurking inside. Feel it and process it and validate it and give it expression in a healthy way….We can’t skip to en-lightenment without en-lightening ALL our parts….I used to believe enlightenment was a transcendent state, free from sadness, free from anger, free from doubt. That was my spiritual ego, the part of me that wanted to be special, that wanted to escape, that wanted to be superior and safe.”

I was around New Thought for years with reluctance and half-hearted practice of the teachings. I eventually became aware of unresolved feelings of shame and guilt, held over from my religious beliefs from childhood of a punishing God. I lacked the feeling of worthiness necessary to accept the Good. Action was necessary to shift my perspective; I had to feel the grief and the anger in order to forgive myself.

I heard a psychologist who wrote a book of affirmations state that if we haven’t done our internal work and lack self-esteem our ‘affirmations can be like putting icing on a rotten cake.’ This calls to mind the comments we sometimes make to people who have lost a loved one. Comments such as ‘they’re in a better place’ reflect that we get uncomfortable when others are experiencing grief and want to make a quick statement that sounds spiritually wise and move away from the presence of pain and loss. This can also be described as toxic positivity.

Methods to avoid spiritual bypassing and toxic positivity include meditation which helps us become more aware of our thoughts, emotions, and patterns of behavior. We are encouraged to develop the skill of compassionate self-reflection as the first step in initiating real change. We all have blind spots that we cannot see. Relationships offer us a good opportunity to observe how our behaviors affect others and to pay attention to feedback. We can work on extending empathy to others.

According to Parker J. Palmer, “The question, ‘what’s life trying to teach me about myself and my world?’ has helped me find meaning amid the madness and tragedy that sometimes engulf our personal, professional, or political lives.”

–Linda Bullock

 

Bucket Lists by Janet Salese

Let us feel that our purposes are animated and inspired from on high and then let us go forth and make our dream come true in human experience. With an invisible Intelligence to guide, and an Invisible Law to direct, let us take our place in any legitimate activity, and thus cause our dreams to come to full fruition. (Science of Mind 477.3)

Do you have a bucket list? A bucket list consists of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime before they “kick the bucket.” These can be anything from learning a new language, reading all of Ernest Holmes books, going on safari, walking every labyrinth in Tucson, etc. The list is endless!

I don’t have an actual physical list but there are certain things I desire to do/see/experience and about 5 years ago I started working on accomplishing these. The first item was helping to build a Rose Parade float which I did with my niece and her kiddos in 2019. This year I’ll be crossing two items off my list, experiencing a total solar eclipse back in April and next week seeing the aurora borealis in Alaska. And Mike got to cross off playing the floating green at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course this summer. With each accomplishment, we not only fulfill our personal desires but also contribute to the grand tapestry of Life.

As we complete one item we replace it with the next one. Where do these yearnings come from? Where all inspiration comes from: Infinite Spirit wanting to express itself through and as us. The creation and pursuit of a bucket list can be seen as a way of engaging with the divine inspiration that motivates us. This inspiration comes from the Spirit within us, urging us to seek these experiences. By setting intentions and making plans to achieve these goals, we are participating in the larger cosmic dance called Life.

What is Spirit wanting to experience as you? What is on or do you add to your bucket list? And then, what is your plan to accomplish what is on your list? Trust in the invisible support that surrounds us and move forward with confidence and joy. As we continue to add to our lists and strive to complete them, let us celebrate the growth and transformation that each experience brings.

Man is a threefold principle of life and action; (s)he is spirit, soul and body. From the Spirit (s)he receives inspiration and guidance; in the soul (s)he finds a perfect Law of life; and through the body (s)he proves that (s)he is a real individualization of the Invisible Principle. (Science of Mind 477.1)

–Janet Salese

Got Joy? by Madeline Pallanes

Focus on the things that bring you joy.

The phrase “where focus goes, energy flows” essentially means that whatever you concentrate your attention on will grow and develop.

For some and probably most, life can be stressful and finding joy is essential. Discover your joy. Think about what makes you smile, laugh and enjoy life. Make time for joy. Schedule joy into your busy day. There is always time for joy and happiness. Remove the joy killers. Identify and minimize things that drain your happiness.

Whether it’s a negative friend or your home you don’t feel like cleaning, find ways to reduce their impact. I choose to avoid the “energy vampires” since they drain my emotional energy, intentionally or unconsciously. I also choose to have my house dusted and floors cleaned weekly since I have no desire to do it myself. Both choices I consider part of my “self-care” and bring me joy.

Spread joy. Joy is contagious. Share your funny stories, you’ll be surprised how much joy you bring to others. You’ll laugh too, which is great exercise. Laughter is my exercise program; my insides are jogging and I’m using 15 facial muscles. The added bonus is I’m not paying for a monthly gym membership I wouldn’t use or have home gym equipment to hang clothes on. Again, this is part of my “self-care” and brings me joy.

–Madeline Pallanes

Committing to Forgiveness by Mariann Moery

 

Edwene Gaines’ The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity – Tithe, Forgive, Set Goals and Divine Purpose.

For me one of the absolute hardest steps is when she declares:

“The only sure-fire way to know whether you’ve made a commitment is when there’s no turning back and the only way out is through, all the way to the other side, because if there’s a side way out of it, that’s not a commitment. That is so important, I’m going to say it again” If there’s a way out, it’s not a commitment.” Edwene Gaines The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity p.156-7

But wait – stop…there’s always a side door – or a window – or something.

I repeat our POWER class because it’s the hardest practice I’ve encountered so far, just as I find myself re-reading Edwene from time to time. Yes, I need the reminders of the Four Laws, but primarily for that very sentence. To commit to leading a good life, to be Spiritual in the truest sense.

To accept that the very people I have the hardest time accepting are also emanations of Spirit – just like me. Under their disliked behaviors there is that self-same spark of Divinity.

Does this mean I don’t work hard to change what I think are bad laws and practices – that I accept behavior which is demeaning or harmful to me or others. No it does not – working to make things better is a worthy commitment. It does mean not demeaning, not brutalizing mentally or physically the people I hold responsible for the behaviors I find unacceptable.

It means not hating the people whose acts I find despicable.

Told you it was hard.

In a perfect world there would be no back doors. Once we understand the Truth of we are all One, spiritual behavior should become the way of Life. Well on my good days I can come close, but when all around there is noise and static and reasons to be immensely upset – it gets hard to focus on the act and not the actors.

And now giving Edwene the final word:

“But I believe that on our spiritual path, we must learn to ask new questions. Instead of asking, ‘Who’s to blame?’ we should instead ask, ‘How can we solve this, fix this, make this better?’ “

….It’s our nature to find answers, seek solutions, fix what’s broken. But simple forgiveness is the best possible tool for ‘fixing what’s broken’ in our bodies, in our relationships, in our finances, in our careers and in the world. Forgiveness frees us from the endless loop of blame and bad feeling that keeps our minds focused on all the wrong things. With forgiveness, we can let go of the past and turn to other, more important issues in our lives…” Edwene Gaines The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity p 124.

Like so much of the good stuff, it sounds simple – it’s just really hard.

–Peace and Poise to you on your journey. Mariann

Soul Work, Leading and Loving the Power Within by Rev. Rhoni Tretsven

How many of us are conscious of the fact we are a soul, that is in a body, having a human experience we call life? We probably don’t think about it much, because we have so much other stuff to be concerned with. But for the moment, let us think about it. The soul has a great responsibility, or some would call an agreement here on this earthly plane. It is all about learning whatever it is we have come here to know, and then when we have learned or feel complete, we leave again and enter a space of rest, and maybe we decide because we had such a good time we return and open our soul to another earthly experience.

I tend to lean into teaching our philosophy and faith, the Science of Mind, through the lens of the soul. Yes, this is indeed deeper work, but I believe we can all benefit from it. I will learn with you. Together we share ideas as well as questions we may have but sometimes always don’t have the courage to ask. As your Spiritual Leader, I encourage you to please ask! I have spent much of my spiritual journey in the soul study. I find it to be both fascinating and intriguing how the soul usually knows what to do to heal itself, the challenge is to silence the mind, to listen.

What we understand working with the soul is our minds are part of our experience and we learn they are extremely powerful. The mind is something we study in the metaphysical/spiritual world. We learn through the mind we can demonstrate/manifest what our desired outcome is. Our mind creates daily how we feel about our experience of life. As Ernest Holmes often said, “Change your thinking, change your life.”

I want to open this portal for us to share the questions we may have about life. One of the many things I have learned on this journey is the meaning of life, is basically the meaning you give it. No one else has that answer but you. You are a soul, having a human experience, and what an experience it has been for all of us. Life and the way you are living it is truly all about you and your personal relation with the God of your understanding. As a soul, there is no beginning or end. Your body is the only finite thing about you. The soul is infinite/eternal and continues. Ernest Holmes taught that we are never born, and we never die, because the soul is infinite. For those struggling with end-of-life issues, I hope you find comfort in this. We simply step out of this life and into the next consciousness.

So, it is our “job” as both human and soul, to allow ourselves to listen to that still small voice. Jesus the Christ said, “Be still and know.” Know what, you ask? Everything that your Divine Self is calling you to create. Yes, you. You are creating a life but along this great adventure be mindful of your gift of you. YOU bring everything. Everything about you contributes to something that creates a difference in the world. Pablo Picasso said, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”

I can remember a colleague once told me that same thing, a little differently. “My gift is not to keep, but share.” So, my gift to you is the desire and love I feel to share our discovery of our divinity. The part of us that is truly loving as our higher divine Self we tend to be unconscious of. I truly desire for all to awaken to the love-light within each of us and pass it on to enlighten others that appear in the dark. We are the lights of the world. Keep on shining the way!

Namaste – Rev. Rhoni

SYNERGY INCLUDED by Chris Wheeler

The book study facilitated by Robie-Jean on Thursdays has been a continuously expanding knowledge base for me. The more I can absorb from Science of Mind related texts the more at home I feel in my daily life. Even small adjustments in my understanding bring benefits that bring me comfort.

I have a slip of paper I use for a bookmark to the page that has an affirmation that we read together at the end of each book study session. This is what is printed on the bookmark.

“The Mind of God is eternal Cause in an eternal Process of thinking within Itself, upon Itself, creating ideas of Itself which it projects into form through the Law of Itself. The Infinite Is forever in the process of Self-Discovery. This Self Discovery, individualized in man, is called evolution. We are the Infinite unfolding Its newly discovered aspects.” From the book The Power of Decision by Raymond Charles Barker

The infinite potential referred to in this statement about God and purpose excites me because like everything it is always changing and improving through discovery. A continuous process of exploration and progress.

As we have been progressing through the book This Thing Called You by Ernest Holmes. I realized the text is punctuated with affirmations that are a summary of the preceding text or an affirmation that compliments the text. And I very much like the affirmations and their availability throughout the book. That means I can randomly read any of the italicized text and have a great affirmation to ponder as I move through my daily life. This book is an even better resource than I anticipated.

I have heard that this book referred to as a concise rendition of the SOM textbook. The book does a good job at generalizing some of the principles. And of course what would a book study be without a wide range of perspectives.

Due to my cognitive biases and blindspots, engaging in dialogue is necessary for improving my overall perceptions. I need to remember these tendencies, and working with other people helps to develop a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of our universe. More about the Book Study

–Chris Wheeler

Bridging the Divide by Sharon Whealy, RScP

“The world is perhaps at the point of the greatest crisis in all human history, and there seem to be two attitudes we can assume. One is calmness, faith, and conviction; the other would be despair. And despair is unthinkable. Let each, in [their] own way, dedicate [their] time, service, hope, and spiritual conviction to the common cause of liberty and justice for all. And let’s work without tiring and pray without ceasing.” Dr. Ernest Holmes, The Essential Ernest Holmes, p. 179

The past few weeks have been especially tumultuous politically. The attempted assassination attempt on former Pres. Trump, President Biden withdrawing from the 2024 bid for re-election, and the endorsement of VP Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. The tragedy, the sadness, the excitement – a whole world of emotions is at play in this current election cycle. And that is not to mention the platforms the two parties are running on; one creating fear, the other focused on freedom. How do we maintain our balance and focus?

On July 21st, I attended a webinar presented by Centers for Spiritual Living’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee titled, Our Vision, Our Voices, Our Vote; A Practical Guide for Civic Engagement. It started out with the legalities of how a non-profit may engage in the political arena, what they can and cannot publicly endorse. It then shifted to what we can do, as individuals, to be engaged in the discussions we want to have with others that hold a different point of view.

First, they suggested we check in with our own values and they presented CSL’s Values:

Accountability – Open Communication – Financial Health and Prosperity – Integrity – Love – Community Service – Safety – Compassion and Caring – Spiritual Living – Diversity and Inclusivity – Education – Transformation and Evolution – Creativity – Continuous Improvement.

Feel into which of these aligns with your own personal values. I believe this is our starting place; can we find common values with others unlike ourselves? Doesn’t everyone want Financial Health & Prosperity, Education, Safety, and Love, to name a few?

Next, we can be curious. We can take the time to ask questions – remember the 5 W’s? Who, What, When, Where, Why?? With an open heart, we can seek to understand the other’s point of view without compromising our own. With an open mind, we can be flexible and open to new ideas about something. With courage, we can deeply listen and seek to understand, not be understood.

When something comes up that we find uncomfortable or upsetting we can lean into our spiritual practice rather than becoming defensive. We can take a step back (spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and yes, physically) to check in with ourselves. What about this is upsetting? Am I in fear, if so, about what? Leaning into our spiritual practice means we take time to sit in the stillness, find the Love that permeates all things, even those whom we find disagreeable, and center on that Love and Peace, knowing the Unity of all things.

Last week, the CSL Spiritually Motivated Social Engagement (SMSE) Committee published this affirmation in the newsletter:

“Let us affirm together: I am a vessel of peace and love. I choose to radiate compassion, understanding and kindness in all my interactions. My heart is open, my mind is calm, and my spirit is at peace. I attract love, harmony and unity into my life. I spread these gifts to those around me. I am rooted and grounded in love.”

And so it is.

–Sharon Whealy, RScP

Healthy Boundaries by Linda Bullock

“Detaching does not mean we don’t care. It means we learn to love, care, and be involved without going crazy.” Melody Beatty; Codependent No More

If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching or cool one pain, Or help one lonely person into happiness again, I shall not live in vain. Emily Dickinson

Many of us have taken to heart the above words of Emily Dickinson. Enneagram Type 2 persons are described by Sandra Maitri in The Spiritual Dimension of the Enneagram as wanting “to be seen as loving, generous, kind, empathic and above all, ‘there’ for others.” (page 155). As with many personality quirks that appear to be assets, when taken too far, the character trait can become toxic to both oneself and to others. Helpfulness can be manipulative and an unhealthy way of seeking pride or ego flattery.

In The Dance of Anger, Harriet Lerner states “All change requires self-focus which is not self-blame but rather the capacity to observe and change our own steps in the pattern that is bringing us pain.” Codependents are caretakers; they have said yes when they meant no; they have bent over backwards to avoid hurting people’s feelings and, in so doing, have hurt themselves; they lack a healthy sense of self-worth. One must take action in order to heal.

“People with boundary problems usually have distorted attitudes about responsibility. They feel that to hold people accountable for their feelings, choices and behaviors is mean…. To rescue people from the natural consequences of their behavior is to render them powerless.” (Boundaries, page 43 by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend)

A boundary shows me where I end and someone else begins. It always deals with me, not the other person. We set boundaries to say what we will do or will not do. Only this kind of boundary is enforceable because I can control myself. I can set limits on my own exposure to other people who are behaving poorly; I can’t change them or make them behave appropriately. Yasmin Cheyenne states “Boundaries ask us to learn how to show up for people without taking ownership of all their problems.”

To develop better boundaries and heal a sense of believing I am unlovable and not enough, I find comfort in the following affirmation from page 67 of This Thing Called You by Ernest Holmes:

I know that I am one with God.

I know that God in me is perfect.

I know that my real nature is spiritual.

I know that I exist in a boundless good, in a heavenly state, and in perfect being.

I know that my mind is being acted upon by pure Spirit.

Divine Intelligence guides me into peace, happiness and success, into joy, love and perfect life.

 

–Linda Bullock

Pathways of Love by Janet Salese

“Love is the central flame of the Universe, nay, the very fire itself. Love reigns supreme over all. God is Love and Love is God.” SOM 475.3-5

As a child, even though we were Catholic, my father would occasionally take me to different religion’s Sunday services to be exposed to other beliefs and practices. I remember going to a Lutheran, Baptist and Methodist church. We would discuss the differences, but more importantly, the similarities between them. He showed me that there was not just one way to experience God.

I recently enjoyed spending time with my sister and her family while celebrating her granddaughter’s nuptials. This Christian family welcomed a Muslim groom into its fold. There was much discussion and explanation of religious beliefs. I was made aware of how diverse they are in their religious practices, each worshiping at a different church: Apostolic Pentecostal, United Pentecostal, Reformed Presbyterian, Assemblies of God, Catholic. While they share some common ground, each denomination has its unique theological perspectives and practices yet, at the core of each, is the belief in God and Love. Each individual is taking a slightly different path, but all leading to God.

As my niece put it, “We hold firm to our convictions and beliefs but don’t look down on others with differing beliefs. As a family, we have had challenges, discussions, and disagreements at times, but have learned to accept each other despite our differences. Professing to be Christians, we must exercise the Biblical principles we embrace, study and teach. One of those foundational principles is loving others. We seek to demonstrate the love of God to others, despite differences in beliefs. Personally, I have seen so many families divided, distanced, and separated over such seemingly insignificant, petty matters. Though our family is far from perfect, I believe we have managed to keep a strong bond of love for one another despite our differences in beliefs, and for that I am truly grateful.”

My sister shared a quote from our Dad, “Love is all that’s real. Love is all there is.” The love present that weekend amongst family members and friends could physically be seen and felt. Our father’s legacy lives on!

Unlike Dorothy and her Oz traveling companions that all had to follow the same yellow brick road to get their heart’s desire, we have choices. At CSLT, we proclaim to welcome individuals from all faith traditions wherever they are along their spiritual path. We practice and demonstrate our beliefs. Several people have expressed that they genuinely experienced this feeling of love and acceptance attending our Sunday celebration. I am privileged to be part of a family and community that is able to share God’s Love openly and freely while allowing differences.

–Janet Salese

1 … 4 5 6 7 8 … 48