Category: blog

A Time for Everything … by Mariann Moery

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:  Ecclesiastes 3

Many of you know that I am, personally, in a time of change of my life focus and energy. I have been graced with helping two groups from positions of leadership for the last few years, and that season for me is passing.

It is time to transfer the energy and commitment I’ve happily (mostly) given to people and groups I honor. The time is now for that energy to flow toward more personal dreams.

I am exiting where and what I have been to open the space/time to be another expression of myself that is creative in a very different way. My camera has basically been idle for these last years and it’s now time to pick it up and move into that which has been set aside for too long.

“Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiousity, wonder,
spontaneous delight or any experiences that
reveals the human spirit.” e e cummings

For whatever reason or whatever, I’ve been so busy with things that needed doing, I’ve kind of missed the actual home-work. So, that’s the plan. Time to do me in whatever, wherever and with whomever I am graced with encountering.

“Consider the computer metaphor for yourself. You’ve taken in so much
information, and heard so many instructions. That’s enough input.
It’s time for output. Run the program. Stop interrupting yourself
with new information. Let yourself execute one plan of action,
and see it through to fruition. Derek Sivers Useful Not True, page 73.

Or to phrase it another somewhat more elegant way: Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning That is at one with your life’s desire. Awaken your spirit to adventure; Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk; Soon you will be home in a new rhythm, For your soul senses the world that awaits you. John O’Donohue, To Bless the Space Between Us – A New Beginning.

Thank you one and all for the gifts given, the time shared and the lessons learned. See you sometime. In Peace, Mariann

The Power of Choice by Sharon Whealy, RScP

I have been participating in a CSL certificated class based on Deepak Chopra’s The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success. Last week’s topic was chapter three, The Law of “Karma,” and the main theme of this law is our power to choose. He says, “You and I are essentially infinite choice-makers. In every moment of our existence, we are in the field of all possibilities where we have access to an infinity of choices.” As someone who enjoys her routine, it was a great reminder to be more conscious about the choices I am making, from brushing my teeth to where I will go on vacation. When I think about my life, every moment from getting out of bed in the morning to when to get to sleep at the end of my day is a moment of choice. My day is filled with infinite opportunities to make a choice.

One of the discussion points in class was about reacting versus responding. Are we allowing those “buttons” and “triggers” to be pushed, and then reacting according to our pre-programmed choice about the thing? I shared that many years ago, I began the practice of noticing when a “button” was pushed. I practice noticing the “button” when I feel upset or find myself reacting in a particular pattern, by getting angry or withdrawing. Chopra says this is the first step in conscious choice-making.

Chopra’s second step in choice-making is to ask ourselves two questions when faced with a choice: “‘What are the consequences of this choice that I’m making’ and ‘Will this choice bring fulfillment and happiness to me and also those who are affected by this choice?’”

I often think of the story of the “two wolves,” a tale often attributed to a Cherokee grandfather, about two wolves battling inside a person: one representing negative emotions like anger and envy, and the other representing positive qualities like love and joy. When the grandson asks which wolf wins, the grandfather replies, “The one you feed,” meaning the one you choose to nourish with your thoughts and actions will ultimately be the one that prevails. In all my choices, I ask myself where my attention is, and what I am choosing by focusing my attention on it. With all that is going on in our country and the world, am I focused on what is not working, or can I turn my attention to what I want to create? Am I being the change I want to see in the world?

This past Saturday, I attended the No Kings protest in Oro Valley. As I was thinking about my signs, I wanted to be sure to be grounded in what I was for and not focus on what I am against. One side of my sign said I was there standing for Human Rights, Freedom of Speech, Democracy, Free and Fair Elections, and Accountability. These are all things I am choosing for our country as we move through this time of national disturbance. The other side of my sign is a quote from Sharif M. Abdullah’s book The Power of One: Authentic Leadership in Turbulent Times: “Can you imagine a world in which everyone acts out of love and compassion instead of fear and pain?”

Every day I do my best to make choices that will bring happiness, security, love, and a sense of belonging for others as well as myself. Today I choose Love.

Dream Catcher White Wolf Black Wolf by Carol Cavalris

–Sharon Whealy, RScP

From the Goo to a New You: Trust the Transformation by Rev. Sue Oliver

Change seems to be a constant these days – in our world, our communities, and our own lives. Sometimes it feels exciting and full of possibility; other times, it feels uncomfortable or even overwhelming. Yet whether we welcome it or resist it, change remains one of Life’s greatest teachers.

So, what is your relationship to change? Do you lean into it, resist it, or avoid it? Along our spiritual journey, we might even tell ourselves, “It’s all Good and God,” even when our experience feels far from that (what some call a “spiritual bypass”). Whatever our relationship to change, in any given moment, we can remember that it is an evolutionary process – one that calls us to trust, to grow, and to have faith in the unfolding of a “greater yet to be”. Ernest Holmes reminds us to not deny our experiences, but to deny their power over us.

Let’s take a cue from one of Nature’s most amazing transformation stories: the caterpillar’s metamorphosis into the butterfly. After a time of constant activity, the caterpillar becomes still and hardens into a chrysalis. Inside, its body dissolves into a rich, organic “caterpillar goo.” In the middle of this seeming chaos, special imaginal cells begin to appear. These tiny cells hold the blueprint of the butterfly – the vision of what’s to come. At first, they are scattered and even attacked by the old caterpillar’s system. But they keep multiplying, connecting, and communicating until they reach a tipping point. Then, amazingly, the imaginal cells unite and transform into a butterfly – a completely new being that is lighter, brighter, and freer than ever before.

As human beings, we too can experience this level of transformation. Within each of us are our own imaginal cells – the seeds of infinite possibilities – Peace, Health, Prosperity, Love, Joy, Harmony, and so much more. When Life feels uncertain or “gooey,” when things seem to be falling apart, God – within us and as us – is rearranging the pieces of our lives so that something greater can emerge.

As Science of Mind’s teaching reminds us, “Change your thinking, change your life.” It sounds simple, but living this principle takes courage, patience, and deep self-compassion, especially during life’s challenges. Change has a way of calling us forward – to trust, to release, and to begin anew.

So how do we move through change with greater Ease, Grace, and Joy? Below are some possibilities:

• Create more time and space for self-care, nourishing your mind, body, and spirit with good food, movement, rest, relaxation, and play.
• Deepen your spiritual practice, including meditation, journaling, time in nature, and affirmative prayer.
• Reach out and connect with friends, family, and your CSLT spiritual community, especially when the tendency is to withdraw.

As we move through these transformative times, let’s remember that, like the imaginal cells that join to form the butterfly, we are stronger together. So take a deep breath. Trust the process. The butterfly is already within you, waiting for its moment to soar. No matter what “goo” you may be moving through, know that God is the Divine and Perfect Order expressing as you. And so it is!

 

-Rev. Sue Oliver

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.

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