Here Now by Chris Wheeler

One concept that resonates with me is that religion evolves over time. That it is a process that humans have adopted and curated for many reasons. I wanted to recognize the role mass communications is playing in the process. In my quest for material to present in this article I have stumbled onto new wisdom to include in my philosophy. I have shared that as part of the piece.

As human societies have become more complex, religious ideas have continued to evolve and diversify. Today, there is a wide range of religious beliefs and practices around the world, reflecting the ongoing evolution of religious ideas in response to changing social, cultural, and intellectual contexts.*

Today with the 21st century well underway. Computing continues to accelerate. The world has gotten closer than ever before. There are human beings circling the entire globe every 90 – 92 minutes. Our communications can operate at the speed of light and an ever-increasing number of people are gaining the ability to communicate from wherever they are. Information is flowing at an astounding rate. Life continually presents opportunities for growth and transformation.

This globalization is opening the door for spiritual practices from around the world to mix and merge. Online spiritual communities are connecting people who are sharing spiritual experiences. This is allowing for hybrid practices to develop.

The process of Humanity continues.

“ Source is everything and inherently includes everything. It is magical and messy; heartwarming and heartbreaking; delightful and disappointing; filled with grace and grief; exquisite and excruciating, often at the exact same time. Embracing the great fullness of life asks us to attend to everything that is present, everything that shows up unexpectedly, and even everything we might be inclined to push away.”

“Acknowledging, accepting, and heeding all experiences allows us to learn, grow, see opportunities, and move toward greater empathy, agency, and possibility for ourselves and others. From everything fully seen and acknowledged, we can seek gratefulness and gain wisdom. As life invariably reminds us, it is often precisely from that which is most difficult that we are cleared out for some new delight.” Excepted from the article: Embracing The Great Fullness of Life by Kristi Nelson at Gratitude.org

It is unwise to attempt to stuff the unwelcome aspects of life — ours or others — behind closed doors without an eventual equalization. Life is too big, too mysterious, too much beyond our choosing and our control to compartmentalize.

Forces far greater than us are at work, and the results — while not necessarily “in our name” — belong to us and our interconnected world, nonetheless. Oppression. Degradation. Injustice. Violence.

Keeping our eyes wide open to see all that there is to see and accepting what is in our line of sight liberates us to better act and respond with agency.

To accept that something is true does not mean that it is acceptable.

We can perhaps only respond most effectively once we fully see and take into our hearts what is actually happening. Valuable energy and creativity can be lost in resisting what is actually “so” — energy that might be used in more empowered ways if we practice making room for holding the whole truth. What is happening is happening regardless of what we think about it, and our response is often the only thing over which we have control. The more we are in touch with the actual great fullness of life, the more we can respond with great fullness of heart.

Sources for this article: Article: Embracing The Great Fullness of Life by Kristi Nelson https://grateful.org/?s=kristi+nelson&swpmfe=e797ad6e7e8b736f3495d57dbc21a607

I use the LLM (Large Language Model, AI) “PERPLEXITY”. Perplexity cites its sources.

One of the first articles I discovered for this piece was one written by Google’s AI Gemini. I have included a link. I was fascinated. Google Gemini Article.

-Chris Wheeler

Editor’s note: I agree with Chris, this AI created article is absolutely intriguing.

A New Way of Thinking by Linda Bullock

Tamara Morrison illustration

“I am an old man. I’ve had many problems, most of which never happened.”  Attributed to Mark Twain.

“I now accept all that I have hoped for and believed in. There is nothing in me that can doubt that good will make its appearance in my experience.”   The Essential Ernest Holmes, p. 124

About 29 years ago, I became engaged to my now husband. I was very anxious about getting married again. I focused on a myriad of possible negative outcomes in our future relationship. I was obsessed with “what ifs.” I shared these feelings with my sponsor from 12 step meetings. She gently reminded me that it’s not about assurance of possible experiences in my marriage; that I needed to use my faith in my Higher Power to know that no matter what occurs (conditions) that I would get what I needed to get through and be okay. She further reminded me that because of our fellowship, I would not have to go through events alone unless I chose to.

At the time I wasn’t familiar with Science of Mind teachings but recognized the truth of my friend’s statement. And such has been my experience. I was raised with a fundamentalist belief that stressed sin and punishment. I literally had trouble believing in a God that loved me unconditionally. I didn’t believe that life was supposed to be happy. I experienced shame and guilt without any sense of forgiveness. It took a lot of work to release the selfcondemnation and shift to a consciousness of a loving God. I’m grateful that I hung around New Thought teachings until this shift happened.

According to Ernest Holmes, “One cannot be a good student of the Science of Mind who is filled with fear and confusion… We suffer because we are not in both conscious and subjective communication with the affirmative side of the Universe… There is nothing in the Universe that denies the right to be happy, if our happiness does not deny or interfere with the general good.” (SOM, pages 160-161)

I now use affirmations and affirmative prayer to override old religious ideas. I have learned that it’s not how I feel but what I do that determines the quality of my life. A daily spiritual practice is the solution. I am usually aware of when I am entertaining negative thoughts and endeavor to release them. Anxiety based on fear is a useless emotion. Today I can choose to be happy. One day at a time.

“You’re not the limited, anxious person you think you are…really, you’re the very heart of compassion, completely aware, and fully capable of achieving the greatest good, not only for yourself, but for everyone and everything you can imagine.” (Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, The Joy of Living)

~Wishing peace and many blessings to all, Linda

Limitless, Infinite and All That Jazz! by Mariann Moery

Raymond Charles Barker when talking about ‘Limitless Opportunity’ chose this text from the Bible: “The world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come are all yours” 1 Corinthians 3:22

Barker continued: “This statement of Paul’s tells you that you can have what you want; you can become what you want; the Universe is a limitless opportunity for the exploration by the individual…. the people who are near to the heart of God are the people who are active – the people who are adventurous,….. not merely good; they are good for something. They are projecting, creating, and demanding from life that everything shall be theirs.” Raymond Charles Barker: Collected Wisdom 187-188

Jesus: It is done unto you as you believe. Matthew 8:13

We do not have to do it, it is done unto us, it done by a power that is all….Life externalizes at the level of our thought.” Ernest Holmes: Creative Mind 25

The law implanted within us is that we need nothing except ourselves and this All-Wise Creative Mind to make anything; and that just so far as we depend upon any condition, past, present or future, or upon any individual, we are creating chaos.” Ernest Holmes: Creative Mind 24

We know this. We have read it, studied it, been instructed in it….and yet. It is so easy to forget. To slide into …it is done unto me by events outside of my control….ooops.

One final quote from Ernest

Where do we find the one who can live above their surroundings, who in their own thought can dominate all conditions, and in the midst of the crowd keep their own way and their own counsel. Ernest Holmes: Creative Mind 20

It is by our thinking, our knowing, our consistent persistence in ignoring the events that distract and staying fully present in the game – so say Holmes, Troward and even the Dali Lama. To stay present with joy knowing we are delivering our best unique expression as our contribution to lift that common hour pool of thought. That ‘gene pool of humankind’s history’ that governs events when we do not direct our own Life.

But first, before we can be in charge… we must decide and specify and keep constant what it is we want. The precise object/idea/change we want and then let it happen. As in get out of the way while holding on to the knowing that it or something better is coming.

Keep it in Focus. Always. Trust and Know. And so It is.

–In Peace, Mariann

Remembering Jasper by Sharon Whealy, RScP

Jasper came to live with me in June/July of 2015. Before leaving Sonoma County for my new Bakersfield home, I thought that, while I would sure like a dog, my cat Maggie could use a cat companion. I knew I would be busy with school and creating my new life, and I’ve always had two cats so they could keep each other company.

Within the first month of living in Bakersfield, my neighbors were moving and had to leave “Cheeto” behind. They were happy he was making himself welcome in my home, and that I was happy to have him. The name Cheeto had to go, and I spent some time asking him what his new name was. In time, the name Jasper came to me. I looked up the meaning and found Jasper is a gift and the name of the fourth magi mentioned in some traditions.

Jasper was the companion for Maggie I had hoped for. They spent time together, often sleeping near each other, and Jasper loved to clean Maggie. She, however, never gave him a cleaning. Jasper didn’t purr much, and I learned that some cats – those lacking nurturing in their kittenhood – don’t purr. It was always a joy when he was content enough to relax into a quiet purr. In general, he was a quiet cat, which I suppose is good for hunting. Something he was VERY good at. When Charlie (that dog I had asked for way back when) came into our family, Jasper welcomed him with a slap on the nose – I’m the cat and you are the pup, know your place!

In October Jasper began losing weight and I knew something was going wrong. Having had many cats before him, it looked like his kidneys were failing. In November the diagnosis was confirmed. The Doctor recommended a prescription diet which helped for several weeks, but eventually, he lost interest in that as well. I began moving into acceptance and asking how I could best serve him, and not push my agenda (please, eat something).

This past week, Jasper would make appearances, then go off to whatever quiet place he found to prepare for his transition. I asked him daily what I could do to help, if anything. I practiced listening with my heart. On Monday, Jan 5, I reached out to our prayer team for support for Jasper and myself; asking for his peaceful transition, guidance if I was to help facilitate that, and clarity about his remains, all while I held it gently with love.

Our prayer team all said yes, you are in our prayers and Rev. Rhoni sent this lovely prayer:

Oh Mr. Jasper kitty, I am knowing your peaceful transition from this physical world to the next beautiful incarnation, to simply breathe in and step out of that furry body that houses a purrrfect soul. I know you will let your mama Sharon knows when it is time, whether it is facilitated, or you simply sleep peacefully releasing and letting go. And as you let go, you will allow her to know what to do with the body that you no longer occupy. I understand this to be a loving transitional experience for you and mama Sharon. I am grateful for the time you have shared with her, and know you are truly loved. Thank you, Jasper, for all that you are, and all that you will continue to do as an infinite soul. In gratitude and love, Rev. Rhoni

I sat with Jasper as we read the prayer together, he nosed the paper a few times as we shared our love, knowing the time for goodbyes was growing short. The last time I saw Jasper was Thursday morning, January 9th. I know in my heart he has gone, and that he went peacefully on his timing and his terms.

After mentioning his transition in service Sunday, I am grateful to those who offered their condolences. I am thankful for the opportunity to sit and pray with a friend whose cat Franklin is beginning his transition. When she asked what she could do for him, I suggested sitting with him and listening deeply with her heart, he would tell her what he needs as his time with her grows short. I also sat for a few minutes with Rev. Dr. Jonathan as his beloved cat, Cardiff, made his transition last Tuesday.

When I mentioned writing about Jasper to Rev. Rhoni she gave me her blessing and suggested we create an animal ministry to support our members and their pets, and I joyfully said YES! Rev. Dr. Jonathan said, we turn our pain into our ministry. Please let us know how we can support you and your beloved companions.

In my grief, I am grateful for Jasper being a part of our family for the last ten years. Deep grief comes from deep love.

Goodbye, Jasper Buddy, you are missed. We love you.

Jasper is survived by his sister Maggie, my mom’s cat Sam, and of course, Charlie the dog.

–Sharon Whealy, RScP

 

Thank You for the Music by Linda Bullock

There is a song of the Universe. Let’s sing it. There is a hymn of praise. Let’s praise it. There is a joy, a beauty; there is a deep, abiding peace. Let’s experience it. Ernest Holmes, Ideas of Power, p. 158

I was raised in a traditional Christian church with acapella gospel music. I have always loved the music in churches, especially when I can sing along. Since coming to learn about and adopt Science of Mind teachings, I cannot espouse religion which preaches a punishing God and declares that I need to be saved. Yet I can still appreciate some of the songs.

My first year of college was spent in a small Christian college in Arkansas. On Thursday nights, weather permitting, a large group of students would gather at the reflecting pond and spontaneously sing hymns, the climax of which was always “How Great Thou Art.” Those occasions were special to me and the voices were beautiful. I still like the first verse of that hymn and find it comforting: “Oh Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds Thy hands have made, I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed.” The rest of the song mentions the Savior God who sent His Son to die.

I used to love “The Old Rugged Cross” with the words “where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain…” And there’s Amazing Grace “that saved a wretch like me.” The Science of Mind teaches me that I don’t need to be saved. In Living the Science of Mind, Ernest Holmes states that “the future religion will be free from fear, superstition, and doubt,” (page 72).

There is an abundance of New Thought music, and I enjoy the performances and the messages. Our local Center for Spiritual Living Tucson is blessed with talented musicians, led by our creative musical director, Michael Zimmerman.

My current favorite spiritual compilations are written and performed by Rickie Byars in her album In The Land of I Am. “I Release and I Let Go” is often heard at CSL Tucson. Her rendition of “My God is So Good To Me” with a backing choir is an energetic performance sure to raise one’s vibration. She includes beautiful, haunting chants, such as “Om Shanti” and “Oyaheya.” The song “Use Me” is a personal dedication: “Use me, oh God, I stand for you. And here I’ll abide as you show me all that I must do…” Ms. Byars has made her music available in a Songbook online.

Karen Drucker is a prolific songwriter loved among New Thought communities. I find her song “Gentle with Myself” to be especially calming and reflective of the self-compassion evident in her music. Ms. Drucker’s songs are frequently a part of New Thought worship services; “I’m So Grateful,” “Thank You for This Day,” and “I am So Blessed’” among others.

Other outstanding musicians have graced us with their talent. Daniel Nahmod’s “Love is My Decision” is very familiar. He also is prolific, continuing to write and share his music in a weekly online concert. Faith Rivera has an extensive collection of spiritual music including “Rise” and “Power of Now.” Jami Lula has produced lots of spiritual music, including “Love is My Religion” and “There’s a Healin’ Goin’ On.” So much good spiritual music available for us!

Singing Wrong Lyrics with Confidence is an Art; and I’m an Artist.

–Peace and blessings to all. Linda Bullock

Infinite Possibilities by Chris Wheeler

As the New Year approaches, I find myself reflecting on the significance of this time—a period that invites introspection and renewal. It’s fascinating to recognize the myriad traditions celebrated across cultures, each offering unique rituals that highlight themes of renewal, community, and prosperity. These practices not only allow individuals to express their hopes and aspirations but also foster a sense of unity among participants as they collectively step into the new year.

Embracing Renewal

Dr. Ernest Holmes, in his metaphor of a blackboard, beautifully illustrates our ability to erase past mistakes and craft new narratives for our lives. This powerful imagery reinforces the notion that we are in charge of our own happiness and fulfillment. Whether it’s the dawn of a new year or simply the start of a new day, we have the opportunity to choose narratives filled with positive thoughts, affirming terms, and inspiring ideas.

The Power of the Present Moment

I’ve come across the idea that we can restart our day at any moment. Each moment is a chance for renewal and growth, a reminder that we are not bound by yesterday’s experiences. In his writings, Holmes expressed a hopeful vision for humanity: “I would like to suggest that mankind stands now at the very beginning, not at the ending of the human race.” (Dr. Ernest Holmes, “Letters From Other Dimensions,” 1974). This perspective invites us to see every day as a fresh start filled with infinite possibilities.

Looking Ahead

So here we are, on the brink of a new chapter. Let us embrace this moment with open hearts and minds, knowing that the best is yet to come. Together, let’s step forward into this new year with optimism and a commitment to create meaningful narratives for ourselves and our communities.

My Beloved CSLT by Rev. Rhoni Tretsven

My Beloved CSLT,

Thank you for this gift, this opportunity to grow with you as not just your minister but as a spiritual being like you. I am truly grateful for all the shifts and changes this past year we have created and will continue to do more I am sure in 2025. As a spiritual community we are embarking on an infinite journey of love and learning together, and I am very excited for us. Wherever you are today, please know you are loved, and a light that shines in this world. My wish for you and our community is peace and infinite expanding love. My heart is full. May you continue to unwrap the gift that you are. Christmas was always a special time because as a child I always enjoyed the stories that were read at Christmas. Today, I wish to share with you a very special story, from my heart to yours…….

From the very beginning of time, there was a promise and a hope that there would be one who would come, who would show the way.

One who would be a light in the darkness, who would be inseparable from the Creator and, by their very being, would express the Truth of human existence.

It had been prophesied from times of old that there would be a child born who would rightfully inherit the kingdom.

One who, by their very nature, would bring Peace, Balance, Harmony, Tranquility and Serenity to this world and all whom they encountered. The world yearned for this coming, the birth of this child, the fulfilled promise. All the earth and heavens yearned for the coming of this child. Wisemen foretold and saw the signs in the heavens, for, indeed, it was to come to pass that a child would be born.

A holy child filled with knowledge, a child filled with love and understanding, one worthy of inheriting the kingdom on this earth. One whom by their very being would bring Love, and by their very existence would bring understanding of who they truly are and where they truly dwell.

The world and even the heavens yearned for the birth of this child, the Christ child, for the universe would not be complete, nor would the world ever be the same again. So, it came to pass in the perfection and fulfillment of time that this child was brought forth into the world.

This child was announced by the angels of heaven that the fulfilled promise had come, for God had become humanity. A new star appeared in the heavens, for a great soul, a teacher, had been born into this world.

And then, in the innocence and wonder of this new experience, YOU took your very first breath.

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanza dear ones.

Namaste, I love you, and so it is…Amen. Rev. Rhoni

Smelling the Roses & All That by Mariann Moery

Seems this season is the time to stop and consider the following quote:

“Enough is as good as a feast. Enough brings satisfaction. Beyond that lies excess, not greater satisfaction. It says a lot about us (and about contentment) that people often wake up to the feast of plain life only when they reach death’s door. There, under the most “reduced circumstances” of all, many a person has discovered the sweetness of things previously too ordinary for them to notice.” Nelson Foster ” Storehouse of Treasures: Recovering the Riches of Chan and Zen pg.168

How many times have we told others…or been told by others ‘to stop and smell the roses.’ It’s good advice, in fact, well and good. Once we get past the stage of….I would if I had time. Oh yes, that bit of circular logic. Or non-logic.

And I am retired. As in no longer working in the world of corporate publishing in Manhattan NYC. Still it doesn’t seem like there is enough time in my life to actually enjoy all the good things I have in it.

And there are many excellent things in my Life. People, photography, good foods, the Catalina Mountains and an ever-increasing number of actively beckoning books on a growing number of subjects I want to know about.

Notice I said ‘know about’ not so much ‘learn about’ which takes time and focus and energy. Same issue different execution.

December I celebrated another birthday, there have been a bunch, and despite best effort not to do it – I once again am focusing on what do I want for me/as me during the next 12 months.

Dr. Ben Hardy is one of the major proponents of ‘focus today on who/how you want to be in the future”, rather than on the stickiness of today. Which I’ve decided flows well with

“I must let my thoughts encompass more and more of what I want and at the same time become more of what I really am.” Ernest Holmes, A New Design for Living, pg.155

To that end I am changing my morning journaling to the practice of declaring where I will be as I move on from where I am. Which has meant forgoing whining to my pages about all the stuff that makes me crazy: including acts by me as well as others. Letting that go is hard.

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” – Winston Churchill

So for the next 12 months (and foreseeable future), I work toward stopping to metaphorically smell the roses and instead to realistically take those moments for the actions which bring me joy and a richer Life.

-May your next year bring you brightness, peace and joy! Mariann

Peace be Unto Thee, Stranger by Sharon Whealy, RScP

Peace be unto thee, stranger, enter and be not afraid. I have left the gate open and thou art welcome in my home. There is room in my house for all. I have swept the hearth and lighted the fire. The room is warm and cheerful, and you will find comfort and rest within The table is laid, and the fruits of Life are spread before thee. The wine is here also, it sparkles in the light. I have set a chair for you where the sunbeams dance through the shade. Sit and rest and refresh your soul. Eat of the fruit and drink of the wine. All, all is yours, and you are welcome. Ernest Holmes

This invitation is found on the dedication page of The Science of Mind. Years ago, when I “discovered” the welcome, I printed and framed it. It currently hangs on my refrigerator, as a reminder that Spirit is always home, the table is laid with the abundance of the Universe, and that I am always welcome. All I need do is accept the invitation.

I also read this on a human level – is my gate open, am I welcoming, is there room for all? Am I sharing my abundance and making my home a place of renewal, so that our souls may be refreshed? Or am I guarded, protecting what’s “mine”? How often do I close myself off to those who might make me uncomfortable?

When we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate the love, the light, and the peace of the season and I often hear reminders that this Love, Light, and Peace is available year-round. Can we hold compassion in our hearts and minds for everyone, regardless of if they look, believe, or celebrate as we do?

This year, Hanukkah is December 25 through January 2nd. This eight-day celebration honors the miracle of abundance and never-ending light. God is always with us, providing what we need, without hesitation or limitation.

Kwanza, the African American celebration of family, community, and connection, is celebrated December 25 through January 1st this year. As we honor this tradition, this year can we be inclusive in our definition of family, can we expand our community? Let us celebrate the connection we have with one another.

This is my holiday blessing for the season and the year to come,
May we welcome the stranger with open hearts and minds.
May we be the Love and Peace of the season, allowing it to radiate into the world.
May we honor the Light that dwells within each one of us, and express gratitude for the neverending flow of good.
May we celebrate the connection of family and community as a reminder we are never alone.
May we be blessed with knowing all is well, and all will be well.
God is Good, all the time!

–Sharon Whealy, RScP

Disappointment by Linda Bullock

We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

I am among those who were disappointed in the results of our recent national election. The outcome was a surprise, and I experienced sadness, anger, anxiety and frustration. My reaction was sincere, yet I know not to live in despair for too long. We are to keep moving, attend to self-care and get back to center, where we are guarded and guided by the Living Spirit.

According to Brene Brown, disappointment is unmet expectations. The more significant the expectations, the more significant the disappointment. Our expectations are often set on outcomes totally beyond our control. We come away from experiencing disappointment feeling bad. Our negativity is tinged with astonishment and surprise, and, at the same time we’re trying to think positively and urging ourselves to move on. It’s exhausting.

She cautions that there are too many people in the world today who decide to live disappointed rather than risk feeling disappointment. This can take the shape of numbing, foreboding joy, being cynical or critical, or just never really fully engaging. (Atlas of the Heart, pages 43-44 and 50)

Disappointment happens to all of us. Some writings on the subject stress the opportunity for growth and change. It takes courage to address our disappointments by facing reality and finding out about ourselves, rather than experiencing it as a wound that makes us retreat from future relationships and situations.

In his book Consolations, the poet David Whyte declares “To be disappointed is to reappraise not only reality itself but our foundational relationship to the pattern of events places and people that surround us, and which, until we were properly disappointed, we had misinterpreted and misunderstood; disappointment is the first fruitful foundation of genuine heartbreak from which we risk ourselves in a marriage, in a work, in a friendship, or with life itself.” Ouch.

I have learned that I have often had unreasonable expectations of others, particularly if I haven’t expressed my expectations. No one can read my mind. Sometimes the risk of vulnerability keeps us from stating our expectations. Shifting a desire to a preferred rather than expected outcome can soften hurt feelings. Ultimately, I want to feel compassion for the other individual by listening to their perspective and assumptions. Lower expectations mean fewer disappointments.

When it comes to expectations in our spiritual practice, Ernest Holmes affirms that we can expect to receive the Good we desire. “The structure of our whole philosophy is based on two things: the Universe as Law and Order, and the Universe as a Divine Presence. The one with which or whom we may commune; the other that we may use. I believe God is the only Presence there is, infinite, intimate and personal to each one of us; present with each one of us, and in each one of us as what we are. Our word goes out as law. This is a glorious concept, for it teaches us that at any moment we may transcend the past no matter what happened…” (The Essential Ernest Holmes, pages 174- 175)

Wishing peace and blessings to all during the holiday season.

–Linda

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