Category: choice

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

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

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

Gracious Endings by Sharon Whealy, RScP

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Several people have asked about my upcoming class: What is Five Wishes? Is this a genie in the lamp thing? And they’ve asked about the new business I am creating. The two questions share the same answer.

The upcoming Five Wishes class teaches a path to plan for end-of-life needs with love and care. This is the service path I am exploring.

In December 2023, the paramedics revived my mother after her housekeeper found her passed out on her bedroom floor. The month of December was hectic for the family as she was transported from Show Low to Phoenix, then admitted to a rehab hospital. She wanted nothing to do with rehabilitation, so in addition to her birthday and Christmas, my sister and I had to rush and find a place for her to live where she would be cared for.

I am happy to say we got her settled here in Tucson, and she is still with us. However, the journey of getting her here set me on a path that I am choosing to embrace today. At the time, we had no idea what she wanted – there were so many questions! What should I bring from her home to make her new room feel homey and welcoming? What clothing should I pack? What does she want done with her remains when she does pass? What sort of celebration, if any, would she like after she has gone?

Early in 2024, I took an eight-week class called Gentle Dying that touched on before, during, and after death care. I have always thought of death as the other side of birth, and the class resonated strongly with me. What I felt most called to was the planning our death aspect of the course, and how those plans are not only a gift to ourselves, but a gift to our loved ones.

In February of 2025, I was introduced to the Five Wishes organization through a workshop that led to me taking a four-week class based on the Five Wishes advanced care planning. This is the work I have decided to do!

Why is advanced care planning important? From FiveWishes.org,

Advance care planning helps ensure that:

•you (or your loved/significant ones) receive care at the end of life that aligns with what matters most to you as a unique person

•you do not receive unwanted medical treatments at the end of life

•you do receive the care and treatments you want at the end of life

•loved/significant ones and health providers are prepared to make decisions based on what matters most to you

I am naming my new venture Gracious Endings because, according to an AI definition, “a gracious ending is characterized by kindness, politeness, and courtesy when concluding something, be it a conversation, a relationship, or even a job.”

This is the gift we give our loved ones when we preplan our ending. This is just the first step in my new venture. To learn more, join me for a four-week workshop based on the Five Wishes, happening in person on Tuesdays in August, or on Zoom Tuesdays in September.

–Sharon Whealy, RScP

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