Category: contemplation

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

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.

“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

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

 

Giving Peace a Real Chance in 2025 by Rev. Sue Oliver

This week’s theme is based on John Lennon and the Plastic Ono band’s iconic song “Give Peace a Chance,” sung in 1969 as a Vietnam war anthem (their YouTube video). The song’s main lyrics “All we are saying is give peace a chance” are even more relevant and important today than they were back then. These days, the internet, social media, and various channels predominantly broadcast the bad news – conflicts, wars, and other crises in the world, such that peace can seem like an everdistant dream or fairy tale. Yet, spiritual wisdom and our own experiences as metaphysicians remind us of the great news: peace doesn’t start on the world stage – it begins within. In Religious Science, we speak of a “world that works for all” – one that is ever emerging and evolving, despite appearances to the contrary.

Although I can and do experience various human emotions, such as fear, doubt, worry, anger, sadness, and others, in reaction to events in my life and around the globe, there is always an inherent peace at the center of my being, my true identity. Even when I feel irritated when someone cuts me off in traffic or outraged at some injustice in another country or our own, peace is still a possibility for me to choose…or not.

Ernest Holmes wrote, “Peace stands at the door of your consciousness and awaits your acceptance of It.” (Holmes Reader on Change, p.59) Thus, we do not need to chase peace, as it is present and available in, though, and as each of us – here, now, and always. Similarly, the Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh taught, “Peace is present right here and now… every breath we take, every step we take, can be filled with peace.” (Peace Is Every Step) Our task is not to search for peace, but to wake up to it, moment by moment.

Well, to be honest, I frequently fall asleep at the consciousness wheel and forget this spiritual truth for myself and others. So, I don’t always give peace a chance in my own life, let alone in the world. Holmes reminds us that “even one individual grounded in peace can uplift a group caught in conflict.” (Science of Mind Magazine, 1955) This is the ripple effect of spiritual practice and the power of a spiritual community like CSL Tucson, where we can remind each other of our divine identity that is peace, love, prosperity, and so much more.

So, how do we respond, instead of reacting, to the dissonance and challenges that we might experience in today’s world? How do we know and affirm a peaceful world that works for all, even when it can seem so futile?

We can start right where we are, with even the smallest of peaceful thoughts and actions: spending a few minutes each day in meditation and affirmative prayer, speaking words of peace instead of criticism, choosing to see others – even the most difficult ones – as expressions of the Divine, sharing a smile, offering a random act of kindness, and, of course, participating in the CSL Tucson community. These actions are not trivial – they are the real work of spiritual peacemaking that feeds and waters a world that works for all.

Let this be our affirmation and action: Peace begins with me. Peace moves in me, through me, and as me, into the world. I am giving peace a real chance today. And so it is!

–Rev. Sue Oliver

We Are All…. by Mariann Moery

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Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing is a field. I will meet you there. — Rumi

 

 

 

I don’t know where your political, mental, spiritual or emotional energies are now, but for many of us it’s all a whirling haboob bringing nothing but hot wind and wtf [whiskey tango foxtrot (: )] . Doesn’t matter where we stand, sit or fall.

So, for me, it is time to return to one of the most amazing stories of reclamation and love triumphant that I have ever had the great gift of knowing about.

Father Gregory Boyle, Jesuit priest, has spent the last 30 years creating and building one of the most successful street “ministries” ever. HOMEBOY INDUSTRIES is the largest gang intervention program…in the world. Thousands transformed – hundreds buried. Homeboy Industries has grown to include multiple businesses all run by homies who have found their way there. (Homies is the preferred term now – since there is no gender exclusion.) Father Boyle, or “G” as he is known mostly has baptized many in prison, some more than once. Once they are part of this, they remain so – a fall from ‘grace’ simply means a delay in being welcomed back ‘home’.

Homeboy’s only and unwavering principles:

We are ALL unshakably good – no exceptions.

We belong to each other – no exceptions.

Why is it that the simpler the rule, the harder it is to actually follow?

Father Boyle’s books are available through Abebooks.com, Stacks Books, and likely, Bookmans locally, as well as Amazon. Maybe Tattoos on the Heart is already on your own bookshelf. His latest, Cherished Belonging, is a fine place to start but they are all worth a read and the realization that the most amazing things are indeed possible.

I periodically try to remember that we are all living essences of God and despite actions to the contrary, that is the actual Truth. My experience is quite mixed. The more separate the ones identified as “transgressor” are from my world, the easier they are to accept and love.

However, when the “transgression’ happens on my turf: physical, emotional, mental – well, my response tends to be guided with a lot that happens on the lower end of Life choices.

Because it is all by choice. True we have been trained not just in this life, but through centuries of “might makes right”, Manifest Destiny forever, and so on.

And, yet an alternate view of the rules above has been with us for just as long. From Jesus the Christ to Islam (which actually incorporates them) to say nothing of the Baháʼí.

We probably aren’t the mother in Cherished Belonging who while visiting her son in prison, waits for the guards to be momentarily distracted and then reaches into her bra and pulls the still warm burrito from his favorite store with the comment ‘it’s the special one’.

But we do all have those opportunities to share rather than glare. It usually is f’ing hard. From fear, from disdain, from simply not understanding.

If we start from a distance, it’s a start. Checks written, clothes donated, holiday meals served – but if we truly desire a better world – not just for thee and me – but for all. This is the best possible time to start. Everywhere.

It really is beautiful, and hard.

In Peace, Mariann

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. — Anne Frank

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