In Gratitude…. by Rev. Rhoni Tretsven

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This past Sunday, the Center for Spiritual Living, Tucson held our annual meeting, where we elected and approved of new Board members. A rite of passage that happens every October. An important event in the life of our spiritual community. When I became the spiritual leader of CSLT, Mariann Moery, Chris Wheeler, Janet Salese and Linda Bullock were the standing Board members having already given 3 years of dedication. Sharon Whealy, RScP joined later in the year. As their new minister I asked, well, more like begged them to stay on for one more year since I was not familiar with the congregation to begin asking for “volunteers” to help me navigate the church. You see, the Board is responsible for the business/financials of the CSLT, and I am responsible for the ecclesiastical and education as a Science of Mind Center. We work as a team to create a safe, supportive, and spiritual environment for all of us.

In the last two years there have been significant shifts in our congregation. Many beautiful souls that were here in my beginning, have made their transition, or have moved to be closer to family. I reflect often on the joy they shared, and grateful for their presence in the life of CSLT and the gift they gave me knowing them. At the beginning of this year, we moved from our Little Theatre Workshop location, to sharing sacred space with Unity of Tucson. This was to support our growing community. In the process we have made the decision to either rent or sell our previous office space on Craycroft. I am sure most of you had no idea some of the “magic” that happens behind the scenes! Nothing stays static, everything eventually shifts or completely changes. It keeps us all busy, in a good way.

My reason for sharing this with all of you, is Mariann, Chris, Janet, Linda, Sharon, and I have made some significant decisions. Each one being closely scrutinized for the health and prosperity of our beloved CSLT. It wasn’t always easy, but we worked together and got it done. The Board of Trustees is a very important element of our Center. It is because of these individuals who said “yes” for another year, we are, in my humble opinion, doing very well. On Sunday the 19th, I will be honoring Mariann and Chris for their dedication and service. They are the last of the original Board when I began this journey with all of you. If you see them on Sunday, please let them know your appreciation. It is beyond words the gratitude I have for their ”hanging in there” an additional year. I know they are tired, but somehow, they still manage to smile and show up to our meetings. They are beautiful, dedicated souls, thank you.

On Sunday the 19th, I will be “swearing in” and presenting our new Board members. Jeff Jackson, Sandy Schnieder, and Morgana Campbell. In addition, Rev. Donna Smith will be joining the Board in January. Sharon Whealy, RScP will continue as a Board member for the year 2026. As your spiritual director, I am very excited about these individuals. Each has a background in business, finance, teaching, organization or more. They are equally as excited and looking forward to digging deep into, what creates a cohesive community? As Jeff has expressed, we are looking for “sticky.” What is our “product” that people just “have to” have? There is more to it, however, but that is your invitation to being part of finding the “sticky.” Being part of the glue, creating a supportive, growing, fun, safe spiritual community. There is much ahead for all of us, and I am truly grateful for all that is, all that has been, and all that will continue to grow! Thank you all for being a significant change agent in the life of CSLT.

Namaste – Rev. Rhoni

A Time of Change… by and for Mariann Moery

Right Now Right Here … (to mess with Michael’s lyrics) is for me a most definite time of change. Handing over responsibilities attached to being President of two Boards and catching up on the personal responsibilities I seem to have blithely ignored for too long a period of time, I find myself trying to smoothly transition some exits and begin the process of re-configuring what I do on a daily basis.

Call in the big power – Pulling out my dog-eared, heavily underlined copy of A NEW DESIGN FOR LIVING by Ernest Holmes – edited by Willis Kinnear.

To start with the blessing I invoke every morning:

“Something new and wonderful comes into my experience today. Today I bless everything I touch and am prospered in everything I do. Today nothing but love and good goes forth from me, therefore nothing else can possibly return. Today, this day, I am happy and whole. A New Design page 131.

Some mornings it takes 2 or 3 repeats to get there, but it supplies a spark to start the day.

Along with Dr. Holmes’ provocative, inspiring text extra good is provided by the inclusion of quotations from several remarkable leaders. “We are potentially all things; our personality is what we are able to realize of the infinite wealth which our divine human nature contains hidden it its depths.” W R Inge.

“We should never be afraid of change, never fearful of what will come. Instead we should bring to bear on each new event the influence of the creative nature of our thought—an influence that is founded on an inward calm, a sense of certainty and peace, which will reflect itself in the changing scene of our everyday lives. A NEW DESIGN page 55

“…We need to work at clearing away those thoughts, ideas, or concepts which appear to be barriers to the greater good we desire….break the confines of our own imprisonment, whether it be our own individual thinking or the limitations of the thinking of the world about us that we have accepted. No progress was ever made by the individual who was satisfied with the status quo. A NEW DESIGN page 46

Recalling the teaching that there is no ‘big or little’ but only what we can know as ours: thimble or tanker. We choose. Adding ‘this or something better’ makes possible more rather than less or staying with what we know.

“….It might be wise if we do not try to do a remodeling job on our life. …The design will get messed up and we will find ourselves using too much secondhand material which is of no particular value, and more often than not completely useless. Start new, start fresh. …wipe our minds free of the influence of all undesirable conditions….finding ourselves unhampered, unrestricted… designing a new set of conditions about us. A NEW DESIGN page 121.

And from Dr. Holmes Conclusion – this important reminder for me and anyone thinking a New Design: “… you are now on your own. ….If at first you don’t succeed, think, think again. A NEW DESIGN FOR LIVING page 239

–Spirit’s grace, energy and power to all who ‘design’. In Peace, Mariann

Finding Inner Peace in Stressful Times by Sharon Whealy, RScP

Once again, I found myself without a topic to write about. As I moved through the week, I found myself feeling angry, sad, helpless, disappointed, and ungrounded. There is a lot to rant about, so for inspiration, I turned to Doreen Virtue’s Archangel Oracle Cards. I have been working on maintaining inner peace – that calm at the eye of the storm – and so I pulled the Peace card that reminds us, “Peace comes from remembering that only love is real.”

Look past the surface of this situation and see the underlying truth: that everyone involved is a child of God filled with love. By focusing on this truth, you elicit loving behavior and solutions. Even though appearances may seem otherwise, trust that a higher wisdom is in charge. Love is the only power that exists, and its light shines away any seeming darkness. Hold the intention to look for examples of this light within yourself and others, and you’ll have more light in your mind, heart, thoughts, and life. This knowledge is the foundation of peace.

Easy to say, but harder to do, so for the first time ever, I turned to ChatGPT and typed in: Finding Inner Peace in Stressful Times

In a world that moves fast and demands more every day, finding inner peace can feel like chasing something just out of reach. But peace isn’t a place or a perfect moment — it’s a state of being we can choose, even when life feels chaotic.

During stressful times, it helps to return to the basics: breathe deeply, pause often, and be present. Even five minutes of quiet can reset your nervous system and shift your mindset. Meditation, journaling, or simply sitting in stillness can create space between you and your stress.

Let go of what you can’t control. Much of our anxiety comes from trying to manage things outside our influence. Focus on what you can control — your reactions, your words, your self care.

Peace doesn’t mean avoiding problems; it means meeting them with clarity and calm. It’s found in the small moments — a morning cup of tea, a kind word, a walk outside. These are reminders that peace is always available, even in the storm.

In the end, inner peace isn’t found — it’s remembered. It’s already within you, waiting to be noticed.

~ChatGPT 9/18/25

When I was drawing cards, the first card that came up reminds us to be Gentle with ourselves:

Gentleness: Be very gentle with yourself at this time. Surround yourself with gentle people, situations, and environments. Doreen Virtue Archangel Oracle Cards.

Be kind to yourself and others. Take time out to center and remember that this too shall pass. Returning to Center we know all is well, all will be well and that God is Good, ALL the time.

–Sharon Whealy, RScP

Garbage In, Garbage Out: Media, Influence, and Choosing Our Input by Chris Wheeler

“Garbage in, garbage out” is one of the first phrases many computer science students learn. It’s a simple truth: computers will process whatever data they’re given—regardless of its quality. Bad input leads to bad output.

My interest in what used to be called “mass communications” began in high school, thanks to a teacher who made a strong impression on me. That teacher introduced our class to Marshall McLuhan, famous for his deep insights into media and its effects. We learned about the advertising industry and its carefully crafted messages designed to shape the perspectives of consumers.

One example has always stuck with me: Saturday morning commercials targeted at kids. These ads would show only the hands of a child playing with a toy, filmed from behind to simulate the viewer’s own perspective. The message was clear—imagine yourself owning and enjoying this toy.

When my children were young and we watched similar advertisements, I’d often ask them, “Whose hands are those?” It became a running question in our household, a reminder to look critically at the media we consume.

Today, the influence of mass communications has expanded far beyond television. Social media, constant notifications, and curated headlines surround us. I find myself mostly skimming headlines now, but sometimes a single image or mismatched photo stops me. Recently, I noticed a news photo that seemed entirely disconnected from its headline. Whether intentional or not, this is a reminder: news and media are often packaged to provoke reactions and drive profit, not just to inform.

Turning the Lens Inward

But there’s good news: perspective, self-talk, and thoughts are things we can influence. Modern stressors are now permanent features in the landscape of our lives, but our response is still up to us. Practicing mindfulness and what Science of Mind teaches—a mental recalibration—helps me reset and regain clarity.

Imagine if we consciously chose better inputs:

• Build our world on collaboration.
• Build our media on truth and understanding.
• Shape social platforms around positive connection.
• Use technology for empowerment.
• Consume foods that promote health and healing.
• Foster cultures rooted in creativity.

It all starts with the input we allow into our minds. We can’t always control what’s out there, but we can choose how we engage with it—and what we pass along.

–Chris Wheeler

Shift and Change, What Does It Mean to the Metaphysician? By Rev. Rhoni Tretsven

September, the month of shift and change. If we were on the East coast, we would start to see the leaves on the trees turn from green, to red, gold, and brown. Eventually blowing in the wind scattering themselves. Being a metaphysician and having experience I am lucky enough to go there in my mind. For me, yes, September signals the end of summer and the earth is preparing to rest, in some places go dormant for a while. It is our time to begin the slow shift and graceful changes we meet in the process.

In the metaphysical “church,” shift and change are not a passive concept, but a core principle of spiritual growth and transformation. It is rooted in the belief that reality is dynamic and that individuals have the power to consciously evolve their own lives and consciousness. The power of thought and consciousness work together. What we are emphasizing is thoughts are a creative force. The phrase “shift and change” relates directly to the idea that by changing you thinking, you can change your life. This phrase was constructed by both William James, and Ernest Holmes. This phrase is based on the principle that the mind and the material world are interconnected, and a shift in one’s mental state can lead to a corresponding change in their physical reality. Let us look at two things:

• Mind over matter: It’s a belief that sickness, unhappiness, or misfortune can be overcome by “right thinking” and an openness to divine wisdom.

• Creating your reality: Individuals are seen as co-creators with God or Infinite Intelligence and are responsible for their own happiness and unhappiness by living in harmony or discord with spiritual laws. Both true, when we are in “right thinking” our lives work.

Another element of shift and change is about an ongoing process of personal and spiritual development. It’s a journey of continuous growth, renewal, and transformation. This is a central theme in many metaphysical teachings, which often encourage movement from old ways of thinking to new, more enlightened perspectives.

• Spiritual growth: It’s seen as a life of continuation, change, and growth, where individuals are being “renewed day by day.”

• From self to divine: This transformation often involves shifting from a self-centered perspective to a more Christ-centered or divinely centered one, aligning one’s actions with a higher purpose.

All of this is important as we shift into love, the Christ-centered being we are. As we realign our hearts, we begin to embrace the “new” and let go (willingly) the old. As metaphysicians we see the need for change as a natural and necessary part of the spiritual journey. This can involve letting go of old beliefs, habits, or traditions that no longer serve one’s spiritual well-being. Examples being:

• New wine in new wineskins: This biblical metaphor is often used to illustrate the need to adapt and be open to new seasons of growth and direction. Holding onto old forms while trying to pour in new life can lead to stagnation or “brokenness.”

• Laying down preferences: Shifting is not just about starting something new; it’s about having the faith and trust to change direction even when already on a path, which may mean letting go of what is comfortable or nostalgic for the sake of greater spiritual growth, and looking through a new lens of possibilities.

Shift and change will include a shift in one’s perspective, moving from a temporal, worldly view to an eternal, spiritual one. Examples:

• The prism of perspective: The way you view the world acts as a prism, setting your attitudes, actions, and experiences. A spiritual shift involves learning to view life through a “Christ-centered” or “God-centered” lens.

• Transcending reality: This shift in perspective allows one to find purpose and hope in a higher plan, transcending difficult or challenging circumstances.

So, to sum all this up, as a metaphysician we welcome a dynamic and intentional process of personal and spiritual evolution. It’s about consciously using the power of thought to transform one’s life, embracing new perspectives and letting go of old ones, and recognizing that spiritual growth is a continuous journey of self-discovery and alignment with a greater, universal consciousness. Understanding the power of the mind, you have limitless possibilities! Go for it.

–Namaste – Rev Rhoni

NOW IS THE TIME Mariann Moery

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“They” say it always comes to this….if you don’t practice stillness when times are good that when you really need the strength and calm of it – you’re starting if not from ‘scratch’then certainly without all the ‘ingredients’ you need.

So here we are – and it doesn’t matter where you stand politically or other – the times are filled with events that whipsaw us from one mental state to another with daily headlines and postings.

Letting go of personal, individual knowing what’s right, and just stopping for a few minutes to breathe and letting mind and body rest. That’s where it is for me at this point in my individual space/time continuum.

There are I’m sure thousands of “ways” to meditate – the only thing that’s important is the actual stopping to give yourself a chance to simply be. Minds wander and egos distract and to do lists pull attention. It’s okay. Really.

I have it from Pema Chodron who on a three year (!) meditation retreat wrote how easily and often she was distracted. Granted she’s probably better at returning to place than I am, but still – it happens — to her. Stop using it as the excuse that you just can’t.

Not to say that being easily distracted is not a thing – because it is. Mike Manson, incredible life coach/teacher admits to doing Sudoku in meetings to occupy just enough of his brain to enable him to sit through and be present. Personal truth: I frequently do stupidly complex doodles during meetings for the same reason. So …

There are ways to increase your presence through some activity – journaling with an open mind to what flows from your pen, listening to certain kinds of music – R Carlos Nakai works for me – literally walking with intention. If sitting in the traditional posture doesn’t work for you, then don’t try for it.

Teachers are legion and some are legendary. Sharon Salzburg, Jack Kornfield, Jon KabatZinn, CSL’s Rev. Dr. Edward, Henry Shukman, Pema. Insight Timer is an app many use as it includes hundreds of guided meditations and a wide choice of soundtracks.

All that really matters is that we stop as best we can and let the outside subside to as dull a roar as we can – and that does get better with practice. Can’t be said enough, it is a practice.

An amazing yoga instructor once told me when I was in a personal world of hurt: It doesn’t matter if you do the poses – just get your butt on the mat for a bit. That will help. And it did.

So have a seat and just breathe.

Holding peace, calm and ease for all of us through this time and beyond.

–Mariann

SOAR 2025 Sharon Whealy, RScP

Earlier this month, I attended my first CSL SOAR retreat, this year held in Banff, Alberta, Canada. The theme this year was A Journey of Revelation, Restoration, and Grace wrapped in the Hero’s Journey. It was great to meet my fellow Practitioner Council members in person and to meet others from all over the Centers for Spiritual Living. The scenery was beautiful, the music was fantastic, and the speakers were inspiring. Here are some of the highlights of the weekend.

Thursday evening began with Rev. Dr. Christian Sorensen with a fiery talk about Interdimensionality, how we transcend our perceived limitations of physical and mental time and space to meet the infinite in this moment of now. Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell Smith, CSL’s Spiritual Leader, followed with an introduction to the course of our weekend. The evening ended with a ritual of setting our intention for the weekend.

Friday morning began with Rev. Elzia Seku’s talk Stepping into Tomorrow, Embracing the Mystery. He invited us to step into the process of becoming and to embrace the power of perception and awareness, and to trust the process. He said, “Let wonder be your compass, mystery, curiosity, and the unknown is fertile with potential.” Deborah Gayle, RScP followed with her talk, We are One Heart Open Wide. She reminded us that we are all it, all the time and that what we contribute is vital and important. The invitation was to be the hero, a=irming I know who I am, I know what I am, and I know how to serve.

Friday evening invited us into the dark night of the soul. Rev Sunshine Daye asked us to reframe the darkness as a place of birthing and creativity, saying, “to embrace the dark is to embrace our own sacred beginning.” Rev. Dr. Petra Weldes followed with a storytelling exercise to help us befriend the darkness and to surrender to the experience.

Saturday morning’s talk was by Rev. Abigail Scherer titled, Where Your Monsters Become Your Guides. She reminded us that we were not buried, we were planted. And all that sh!t? That’s fertilizer! Those people we consider the enemy are threshold guardians that let us know we are on the doorstep of growth. Rev. Dr. Roger Teel followed with his talk, The Spark in the Dark. His talk a=irmed our “problems” are necessary for our evolution, that our dark nights are our invitations to the mysterious journey of the soul. He suggested we 1) make no comparisons, 2) make no judgements, 3) Delete the need to understand.

Saturday evening was given by Dr. Andrea Asebedo, the Alchemy of turning Lead into Gold, the lead being our undeveloped consciousness, and illumination being our gold. She reminded us that the shadow side of courage is fear, and that fear is the companion of growth. She exemplified this with a story of the cow, who every night would go into fear she had eaten all the grass, and she would starve, yet every morning, her pasture was rich with grass. The shadow of imagination is habit and routine, and she talked about love of their routine. Cow thoughts of worry and fear, and dog habits and routines, will keep us from growing through courage and imagination. CSL member, Claudette Godsen closed Saturday night with her gentle talk of the sacred art of becoming something new. She observed how so many of us look at our lives and see all the things not working, and that we simply must change our focus. She suggested we practice less striving and more allowing in “the sacred art of becoming something new.”

I was unable to attend Sunday morning’s sessions to be sure I made my flight home. That, my friends, is a story for another day.

–Sharon Whealy, RScP

Emerging from Routine… By Chris Wheeler

I Ching Image # 3. Chaos – Where Brilliant Ideas are Born

I Ching Image # 3. Chaos – Where Brilliant Ideas are Born

For years—then all through COVID, and even until now—my music room was a comfortable nest of familiarity. Everything had settled into its place so completely that, at every turn, change felt insurmountable. My drum set sat planted in the same corner like an old tree. Every time I walked in to play, everything was exactly as I’d left it. Safe, but somehow stifling.

We’re often told that progress is the product of careful planning, step-by-step orderliness, and an unwavering commitment to structure. The desk should be neat, the calendar colorcoded, the to-do list checked off with precision. But life rarely happens so neatly—and even if it does, things can become stale or stagnant. Sometimes, in order to grow, we need to do something that feels backwards: we have to throw things out of order.

Order provides stability, but too much order can make us feel boxed in. When everything is predictable, patterns repeat themselves. We optimize for safety and comfort, but real progress often requires shaking things up.

Think about it. The rooms we live in for years—eventually, the arrangement becomes invisible. We stop asking if our furniture still suits us, or if we even like half the things we keep. The same pattern shows up in business routines, creative projects, and personal habits. We cling to “what works” until it stops working, and then we try to fix things by doubling down on the same old structure.

But sometimes the cure for stagnation isn’t reordering within the same frame—it’s tossing out the frame altogether.

Right now, I’m still in the thick of this process. It’s taking much longer than I expected, but I’m determined to see it through. The repercussions of reorganizing are already rumbling through the house as decisions get made and the overflow of items creates—and demands—attention.

It’s messy, and the disorder can be unnerving, but it’s necessary.

This process has freed up energy. It’s helped me recognize what I’ve outgrown and remember what still excites me. I can see new possibilities that I’d forgotten in the comfort of routine. I’m embracing the discomfort—chaos is loud, but it’s honest—and I’m challenging myself to rise to the occasion.

The next time you feel boxed in by your own order—whether in a music room or anywhere else—remember: progress doesn’t always begin by putting things in line. Sometimes, it begins when you pull everything out, start fresh, and let yourself discover a rhythm you never expected.

The Power of Conscious Thought: Shaping Your World from Within! by Rev. Rhoni Tretsven

In the vast landscape of metaphysical thought, a single, profound truth stands as the cornerstone of all spiritual practice: thought is a creative force. This isn’t just a feel-good phrase; it’s the fundamental principle that governs our lives. Every experience you have, every outcome you witness, and every reality you inhabit is first born as a thought, a belief, or a feeling in the great laboratory of your mind.

The universe, in its infinite wisdom and creative power, is a non-resistant medium. It’s a field of pure potentiality, a canvas waiting for an artist. Your mind is the artist, and your thoughts are the brushstrokes. The universe does not judge the quality of your thoughts; it simply responds to them. If you focus on lack and limitation, the universe, in perfect harmony with your mental state, will bring you experiences that mirror that feeling. If you focus on abundance, joy, and opportunity, the universe will likewise conspire to bring those things into your life.

This is a beautiful and sometimes daunting responsibility. It means we are not victims of circumstance but rather co-creators of our own destiny. Our freedom lies not in controlling the world outside of us, but in mastering the world within.

So, how do we harness this incredible power? The secret lies in moving from passive, unconscious thinking to active, conscious thought.

Practical Exercises for Conscious Creation

Here are two powerful tools to help you take control of your creative power:

1. Affirmative Prayer (Spiritual Mind Treatment): This is not a prayer of begging or pleading, but an affirmative statement of truth. It’s a conscious alignment with the reality you wish to create.

o How it works: Instead of saying, “Please give me a new job,” you would say, “I am now employed in a fulfilling position that brings me joy and prosperity. I am grateful for this opportunity and the gifts it brings.” You are speaking as if the desired outcome is already a fact, impressing the idea of completion upon the Universal Mind.

2. Visualization: Your mind doesn’t know the difference between a vivid imagination and a real-life event. By using visualization, you can impress a new reality onto your subconscious mind, which then works to manifest it.

o How it works: Find a quiet place and close your eyes. Picture in your mind’s eye what it would feel like to have already achieved your goal. If you desire better health, visualize yourself full of energy, engaging in activities you love. Feel the joy, the freedom, and the gratitude of that reality as if it were happening right now.

The power of conscious thought is the ultimate tool for personal empowerment. It teaches us that our inner world is the true command center, and that by tending to our thoughts with care and intention, we can create a life of purpose, joy, and unlimited possibility. As we learn to master this art, we step fully into our role as divine co-creators, shaping not only our own lives but contributing to a more beautiful and abundant world for everyone.

–Rev Rhoni

“Otherness” by Mariann Moery

I’ve been thinking and reading and wondering what it is within us humans that assigns doubt, fear and distancing to those who are seen as different. “Otherness” is the current naming for it, and it occasionally runs amok through the world.

And it is NOT restricted to any one political party or group.

Literal distance can certainly be a contributing factor, though it is not a requirement. Neighbors can be ‘other.’ A friend was telling me about a current cable series which is based on a society that has two groups. One, of course, socially more elevated with the ‘other’ group bound by rules, laws and behaviors strictly regulated and enforced. Not hard to take that metaphor into daily life historical and current.

But it needn’t be that overt. Each of us carries definitions of what is acceptable and what makes us nervous and reluctant to interact.

City mouse and Country mouse. Even in children’s literature the divide has been recognized.

And yet …

God wills us to have everything. As we express life, we fulfill God’s law of abundance, but we do this only as we realize that there is good enough to go around—only as we know that all of God’s gifts are given as freely and fully as the air and the sunshine… alike to all.

Ernest Holmes:  The Science of Mind 459.2

Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too

Imagine all the people
Livin’ life in peace

John Lennon – Imagine

When we realize that God and man are One and not two, we shall love both. We shall love man as an expression of God, and God as the Life Principle in all…. We are to look for God in each other and love this God, forgetting all else. But would this compel us to accept from people that which is not good? Of course not! …for this would be like suffering for righteousness’ sake, which is always a mistake. We should be wise in the ways of the world, as well as imbued with Divine wisdom.

Ernest Holmes: The Science of Mind 459.5

And so the hard and harder part….to accept each and all as emanations of Spirit – the love that knows no bounds – while remaining able to disagree without hate or anger. It has been proven anger overrides intelligence. It limits our vision as to what might otherwise be possible.

It seems the times in which we live are well past ‘interesting’ and deeply into challenging.

My prayer is that enough of us learn to lean past our anger and open to knowing we are all One and that is the only way to move on.

–In Peace, Mariann

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