Category: connection

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

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.

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

A World That Works for Everyone: Wisdom from Indigenous Traditions, Science of Mind, and the Beauty of Transience. by Chris Wheeler

What if the dream of a world that works for everyone wasn’t just a distant hope, but a path we could walk together—one mindful step at a time? We find inspiration for this journey in the deep-rooted wisdom of Indigenous peoples, the empowering philosophy of Science of Mind, and an appreciation for the fleeting, precious moments that shape our lives.

Across continents and ages, Indigenous cultures remind us that we are all family—woven together with each other and the living world. For Aboriginal Australians, the Dreamtime stories aren’t just ancient myths; they’re living blueprints for honoring the land and nurturing each other. For Native peoples across the Americas, spirituality isn’t just a practice—it’s the heartbeat of daily life, guiding land stewardship and community relations alike.

These traditions encourage us to treasure our connections, act with generosity, and live in a way that keeps the world wholesome and beautiful for generations to come. Isn’t that a world we can all find hope in?

Life moves quickly, and its moments—like wildflowers or a song on the wind—are beautifully transient. But fleeting doesn’t mean meaningless. On the contrary, every small act of kindness, courage, or care can leave a ripple that touches countless lives. Dervish wisdom reminds us that qualities like love, humility, and spiritual discipline change not only ourselves, but the very fabric of the world, often in ways we’ll never fully see. When we appreciate the passing nature of things, we feel inspired to cherish each day just a little more, to bring our best selves to this shared human adventure.

The Science of Mind philosophy, rooted in the teachings of Dr. Ernest Holmes, offers a heartening and practical roadmap for living with purpose and hope. At its heart, Science of Mind tells us that:

  • Every person is an expression of a loving, infinite Reality—call it Spirit, God, or Infinite Intelligence.
  • We are not separate from the creative energy of the universe; our thoughts and intentions shape the world.
  • Through conscious intention, spiritual practice, and kindness, we participate in the unfolding story of creation, both shaping ourselves and uplifting others.

It’s an approach that warmly welcomes everyone. When we shift our awareness toward love, wholeness, and unity, we tap into a wellspring of possibility. Each positive thought, prayer, or action becomes a building block for the better world we long for.

Walking the Path—Together
The beauty of this vision lies in its simplicity—and its invitation.

  • Pause and listen to the lessons of the land and the people who have tended it before us.
  • Cherish the little moments, making each connection, each kindness, count.
  • Practice the principles of Science of Mind by infusing your thoughts and actions with intention, love, and hope.
  • Come together in community, building systems—at home, in your neighborhood, and beyond—that nourish the dignity and well-being of all.

Imagine a world where everyone has a place at the table, where the wisdom of our ancestors harmonizes with the creative spirit stirring in each of us. A world where we remember, day by day, that we belong to each other and to this Earth. Let’s take each gentle step forward—rooted in wisdom, open to wonder, and committed to the loving, conscious co-creation of a planet where everyone truly thrives.

–Chris Wheeler

The Hallways of Life by Rev Rhoni Tretsven

Hello beautiful souls, recently I have had the privilege of having many conversations concerning what I name as the “Hallways of Life.” You know the pesky place that feels like you are in the doldrums. Nothing appears to move in any direction for us to understand where we are going, what our next step is, and there isn’t any light for us to see ahead to our future. Where is that door or window to let us out and unleash our talents to the world? I have many times ended up in that hallway. Wondering, wishing, watching. It is when I let go of how things “should be”, and trust the Divine Self, all will be revealed as I am to know it.

During one of my “stays” I, like most of us turn to books for inspiration or even a glimmer of how to escape the darkness of my mind. Yes, ministers are human too. As I scrolled through a few “Self Help” inspirational video’s, I happened upon a monologue given by Steve Harvey the host of Family Feud. It was about “Jumping” to your highest potential. I feel it is not just inspirational, but it gives us the gift of remembering who we are.

Steve Harvey did this impromptu monologue between tapings of the show. What I truly embrace is he encourages people to take a leap of faith and pursue their God-given talents and dreams, rather than staying in a safe but unfulfilling existence. He encourages us all to “Jump.” He explains, everyone has a gift: emphasizing that every individual is born with a unique gift or talent. This isn’t just about traditional artistic abilities; it could be anything from networking to cooking, teaching, or even landscaping. He further tells us, you have to jump to use your gift. To truly live and achieve success, you must take a chance and jump off the cliff of life. This means stepping out of your comfort zone and dedicating yourself to your gift. The parachute won’t open immediately. Harvey candidly warns that when you first jump, your parachute (success, support) will not open right away. You’ll likely face setbacks, failures, and hardships – you’ll hit the rocks and get some skin torn off.

Eventually, the parachute must open. This is the core message of hope. He assures listeners that if they persist and keep believing, their parachute will eventually open, as it’s a promise from God. He cites his own life experiences and God’s faithfulness as proof. Staying safe means never knowing your potential.

Harvey argues that if you choose to remain on the cliff, never taking that leap, your parachute will never open. You’ll never truly discover what God has in store for you or experience the abundant life you’re meant to have. Bills will always be there. He addresses common excuses like I have bills. He points out that bills exist whether you jump or not and living a life of just existing is not truly living.

As he continues, we suddenly understand this is a call to action, inspiring each one of us to overcome our fears, embrace our potential, and take the necessary risks/steps to live a life of purpose and fulfillment. I promise it will move you in many ways. I am grateful I can share some of my ah-ha moments along my journey of life with all of you, and the path I took to “see the light” and realize it is not an oncoming train.

He has written a book with the title, “Jump” if you choose to explore more.

–Namaste – Rev. Rhoni

 

Remember Who You Are, Sharon Whealy RScP

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“You are a powerful, loving, and creative child of God. You are very loved.”

For the past several weeks, I have been drawing a card from Doreen Virtue’s Archangel Oracle card deck to help me ground my week. This week’s card was “Remember Who You Are,” a great reminder as I begin navigating a career change at 65 years old. I have been doing bookkeeping for decades, and I’m good at it; it is easy for me, and it is safe. It is also something I have been feeling complete with for a while now. Did I mention bookkeeping feels safe?

As I consider creating something entirely new, I have been experiencing self-doubt, procrastination, and fear. What if I’m not good enough? What if no one wants what I have to offer? What if doing something that feels like my soul’s calling won’t support me and pay my bills? What if, what if, what if …?

When we were kids, if we asked our mother, “What if …?” she would reflect the question back at us, saying something like, “Well, what if …?” She would not even entertain a question rooted in what is essentially fantasy thinking. Why is it that when we imagine a new future for ourselves, our first thoughts are all the ways things could go wrong, rather than imagining all the ways things could go right?

The expanded message of the card reminds us:

“You are made in the image and likeness of your Creator, so you embody aspects of all those qualities. Your inner Divine light is pure and bright in truth, and no mistakes can undo God’s handiwork of true perfection. Don’t be afraid of your power, your magnificence or your wisdom. When you succeed, you inspire others. When you change your life so that it’s more aligned with your interests, you inspire others. Be powerful! Be magnificent! This is who you are.” Archangel Oracle Cards ~ Doreen Virtue

When I pulled this card from the deck, I knew this was exactly the reminder I needed. I am Spirit incarnate; my inner Divine light is pure and bright in truth. Who am I to hide that light in self-doubt and fear? There are no mistakes in God’s world, and I am guided in this new venture. Changing my life to be more aligned with what my soul is calling me into allows me to step into my wisdom, my power, and my magnificence. When I align with my soul’s calling, I align with Spirit’s highest expression of Itself as me. I am powerful and magnificent.

And so are you!

My reminder to myself, and my reminder to you, is that we are all made in the image and likeness of our Creator, and that God, Spirit, Life is best served when we allow ourselves to shine brightly, to own our wisdom, to be in our power, to follow our dreams, and be magnificent.

–Sharon Whealy, RScP

The Summer of Love…All the Time 365/24/7 by Rev. Rhoni Tretsven

As we try to “beat the heat” I thought a way to “cool down” would be to celebrate the “Summer of Love,” June through August, stepping back into the 1960s with music of that era being my talk titles and the music sung during our Sunday experience. So, I encourage everyone to wear your best tie dye, bell bottoms, peace signs and grooooovy sunglasses as we are turning back time. The year is 1967, San Francisco…. From a spiritual perspective, the Summer of Love wasn’t just a cultural phenomenon; it was a profound yearning for transcendence and a collective awakening to new forms of consciousness. Against a backdrop of war and societal unrest, the youth of the 1960s sought spiritual liberation, turning to Eastern philosophies, psychedelic exploration, and communal living as avenues for personal and collective transformation. This period saw a widespread rejection of materialism and traditional institutions in favor of inner peace, universal love, and a deeper connection to the divine. The spirit of the Summer of Love was, at its core, a call for humanity to shed its illusions, embrace its interconnectedness, and discover a more authentic, joyful, and spiritually attuned way of being.

Beyond the external manifestations of flower power and free love, the Summer of Love embodied a spiritual quest for inner peace and collective consciousness. It was a time when many sought to transcend the confines of conventional thought and embrace a more holistic understanding of existence. The influx of Eastern philosophies, particularly Zen Buddhism and Hinduism, coupled with the exploration of psychedelic substances, aimed to unlock deeper levels of perception and foster a sense of unity with all beings. This pursuit was not merely an escape, but a deliberate effort to create a world built on principles of compassion, interconnectedness, and a radical faith in the inherent goodness of humanity – a vision of a global spiritual family rather than a collection of competing nations.

The spiritual dimension of the Summer of Love went far beyond mere cultural trends; it represented a profound rejection of the perceived spiritual emptiness of post-war consumerism and materialism. Many of those who flocked to San Francisco were seeking authentic meaning and a deeper connection to something beyond the mundane.

This search manifested in various ways

• Exploration of Eastern Philosophies: There was a significant turn towards practices like yoga, meditation, and the study of Zen Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism. Figures like Alan Watts popularized these concepts for a Western audience, offering alternative paths to understanding the self and the universe. The idea of “cosmic oneness” often associated with psychedelic experiences resonated strongly with these Eastern mystical traditions.

• Psychedelic as Sacramental: For many, LSD and other psychedelics were not just recreational drugs but seen as tools for spiritual awakening and expanded consciousness. The belief was that these substances could break down ego barriers, induce mystical experiences, and reveal the interconnectedness of all things, thereby facilitating a direct encounter with the divine or a higher reality. Timothy Leary’s famous mantra, “Turn on, tune in, drop out,” while often misunderstood, had a spiritual undertone, advocating for an inner transformation that would lead to a re-evaluation of societal norms.

• Communal Living and Shared Ideals: The formation of communes and intentional communities was an attempt to live out spiritual principles in practice. These groups often emphasized cooperation, simplicity, and a rejection of competitive individualism. They sought to create micro-societies based on love, peace, and mutual support, reflecting an ideal of a more harmonious and spiritually aligned human existence.

• Reclaiming the “Sacred”: There was a conscious effort to find the sacred in everyday life and to integrate spirituality into all aspects of being. This involved a rejection of rigid religious dogma in favor of a more personal and experiential spirituality. Music, art, and dance became vehicles for spiritual expression, fostering a sense of collective ecstasy and communion. Events like the Human Be-In were intended as “gatherings of the tribes” to celebrate this new spiritual awakening and to demonstrate the power of collective consciousness.

• Antinomianism and the Pursuit of Authentic Self: The Summer of Love fostered an antinomian spirit, a rejection of established rules and norms, in the belief that true spiritual liberation lay in shedding societal conditioning and embracing one’s authentic nature. This often extended to expressions of sexual freedom, viewed not just as rebellion but as a natural part of a liberated and holistic self.

While the Summer of Love was ultimately fleeting and faced challenges with commercialization and practical difficulties, its spiritual undercurrent left an indelible mark on Western culture. It laid groundwork for the New Thought movement and continues to influence contemporary spiritual practices and a broader openness to diverse forms of consciousness and self-discovery.

“You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need.” – Mick Jagger (from The Rolling Stones song, 1969)

–Namaste – Rev. Rhoni

 

Quiet, Please by Mariann Moery

All poetry quoted is from David Whyte’s What to Remember When Waking. Essentials p. 52

“To become human
is to become visible
while carrying
what is hidden
as a gift to others.

What gift lies hidden within each of us. So much of the time to be ignored if not actively put away.

“You are not
a troubled guest
on this earth
you are not, an accident
amidst other accidents,
you were invited
from another and greater
night than the one
from which
you have just emerged.

How often do we measure our worth, indeed our reason for being – our personal why – by judging ourselves against the standards of other, their assumed greater importance or a value we attribute to others. Neglecting, hiding, ignoring or simply denigrating ourselves.

Lest we seem arrogant, pushy, prideful. (We all know what happens with pride – going before that oh-so-deserved fall.)

Plus, it frequently seems easier to stay within our hidden aspects, not giving anyone a “handle” to maim us.

“What shape
waits in the seed of you
to grow and spread
its branches
against a future sky?

For me right now, it seems incredibly difficult to hear my singular inner voice amidst the turmoil that is the current moment. It doesn’t actually matter your position or place on the violently adamant V that has replaced the bell curve of human behaviors, it is simply very, very hard to find the quiet to be.

“What you can plan
is too small
for you to live.
What you can live
wholeheartedly
will make plans
enough for the vitality
hidden in your sleep.”

In closing – a favorite blessing from John O’Donohue. One I keep on or by my computer and placemark what I am reading. Because this is the blessing and prayer I frequently give myself and send to all the world.

TO COME HOME TO YOURSELF
May all that is unforgiven in you
Be released.
May your fears yield
Their deepest tranquilities.
May all that is unlived in you
Blossom into a future Graced with love.

John O’Donohue To Bless the Space Between Us (pp. 97-98).

May this find its way into your heart and soul. Peace, Mariann

All poetry quoted above is from David Whyte’s poem What to Remember When Waking. Essentials pages 52-53.

Yes, Now. By Chris Wheeler

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Consider the following: I have the tools to re-define the reality of my life when I use them.

I was thinking the other day that I would very much like to feel like I am making progress in all the directions I wish to go. I was hoping to reframe my perceptions and feel good enough to feel like I was making headway. Very often that is as far as it goes, and I remain locked into old thinking loops. Sure sometimes I am doing better than I’m feeling but real progress at a rate I would like takes getting to some positive emotion like excitement or anticipation. Regular meditation is one of my life practices. I often join my wife on a zoom Transcendental Meditation call that began during Covid. The opening before the meditation includes interesting things that often speak to the genius of nature. After the meditation an inspirational thought or a poem. On this occasion I got exactly what I needed.

Our True Heritage
Each moment you are alive is a gem,
shining through and containing earth and sky,
water and clouds.

It needs you to breathe gently
for the miracles to be displayed.
Suddenly you hear the birds singing,
the pines chanting, see the flowers blooming,
the blue sky,
the white clouds,
the smile and the marvelous look
of your beloved.

You, the richest person on Earth,
who have been going around begging for a living,
stop being the destitute child.
Come back and claim your heritage.
We should enjoy our happiness
and offer it to everyone.
Cherish this very moment.
Let go of the stream of distress
and embrace life fully in your arms.
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

This quote reminded me that what I seek is actually there all the time I need to remember to keep thoughts like that forefront in my mind. All I really need is to be persistently aware.

–Chris Wheeler

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