Category: contemplation

Peace be Unto Thee, Stranger by Sharon Whealy, RScP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–Sharon Whealy, RScP

Disappointment by Linda Bullock

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wishing peace and blessings to all during the holiday season.

–Linda

REMOVING & MOVING – SPIRITUALLY Chris Wheeler

Lately, I’ve been experiencing episodes of paralyzing fear. This is not a place I want to dwell, as it is far too uncomfortable. Fear urges me to react in ways that are counterproductive to living a happy and peaceful life. In response, I’ve been turning to books, seeking the regeneration that comes from gaining perspective through the printed page.

This approach is working. Recently, I came across an insightful concept. I made some small edits, but the core message remains unchanged.

**The Law of Non-Resistance** Edited excerpts from “Working With The Law” by Raymond Holliwell.

Resistance fails because it is not in harmony with universal law and order. By practicing non-resistance, one can tap into the universal flow of energy, leading to a more harmonious and fulfilling life experience. Think flow like water, water has no agenda water simply moves according to the force acting upon it.

If we go through life fighting, opposing, resisting, and arguing, we are bound to encounter many obstacles and may become so occupied with battling them that we lose sight of our true objectives. If we constantly brace ourselves for opposition or trouble, we can expect plenty of it. In contrast, if we strive to minimize obstacles and keep our minds focused on our goals, we may have to navigate winding paths, but perseverance will ultimately lead us to success.

When a person resists a situation, it clings to them. If they try to run away, it follows like a shadow, repeatedly reappearing. However, if they ignore the difficulty and fearlessly work around it, they will eventually find that the condition has been absorbed and removed.

Accept the condition as evidence of some good. Seek out that good, and by being open to it, more evidence of good will appear. We attract what we expect. Definite statements produce definite results. Add in some positive expectancy and we are off to a good start.

Remove and dissolve every obstacle by blessing it and being willing to understand it. Transform it from a stumbling block into a steppingstone toward your highest good.

–Chris Wheeler

And Now . . . . by Sharon Whealy, RScP

As I write this it is days before our national election. When this is published it will be the day after, and we will be awaiting the results. Whoever wins the election, according to polls, half the country will be disappointed with the outcome. I have been doing CSL’s 100 days of peace for our national election based on Prentis Hemphill’s book, What it Takes to Heal; How Transforming Ourselves Can Change the World. Hemphill presents ten “principles of embodiment” that are the inspiration for the daily prompts. From 100 Days, below are some of the thoughts and prayers:

1. Vision “We have a vision that’s deep, steep, and deeply rooted in possibility and potential so that whatever happens with our national election, we come to a deep understanding that we are spiritual beings having a human incarnation, meaning that we are resilient. We are resourceful and whatever happens, we’re going to build a kind, just, loving society, compelled by right action.” Day 1, Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith, Agape

2. Heal “We heal ourselves through mindfulness, intention, and a commitment to change. We can heal ourselves, our communities, and our nation, but we must first truly want to be healed. Healing takes courage. Sometimes we have to dig deep down in our hearts to find the courage to heal.” Day 52. Shahrazad Taylor, SLC-Atlanta, GA

3. Feeling and the Body “Any reflection on your feelings is a moment you can turn into gratitude. Thank rage for reminding that your feeling for justice runs deep. Thank happiness for showing how much you really like the situation you’re in. Thank anxiety for reminding you of your own tenderness and vulnerability… Ultimately, any feeling we have shows us we care and or what we care about today.” Day 43. Jericho Brown, poet.

4. Remapping Relationships (Rewiring) “The practice of rewiring is about shifting our attention. Every time we notice that which is rising up, that old story, that belief system, that judgement, that fear, we say no, and we choose to look at something else; to turn our mind to prayer, to turn to a higher idea, to turn to love, to turn to compassion. We are engaging in a practice of stopping and redirecting our thinking.” Day 44 Rev. Elisha Christopher, CSL Santa Cruz

5. Engage with the World “Breathe in peace, knowing this moment is for you. This is the moment to stretch beyond what you thought was possible and do one more thing for justice, one small action beyond all imagining to bring about the world we dream of. …This is the moment you are called to take your action. The world is calling your name and all you have to do is breathe and answer the call.” Day 65. Rev. Karen Strauss, Unitarian Universalists 6. Expanding our We “in order to form a more perfect universal union, I choose to assist and secure the blessings of life, love, beauty, wisdom, power, joy, and liberty to the posterity of all. I hereby broaden my me to we with a firm acceptance of the protection and power of the divine intelligence within all humanity, and pledge my life to the sacred honor of expanding our we.” Day 66, Rev Dr. Jay Willick, New Though Spiritual Center

7. Things fall apart (Release) Release is our mental, spiritual and emotional exhale. …To actively let go of our attachment to all of those prior experiences, everything that has happened up until now to make some space to invite something different, to invite something new, to acknowledge that something new is possible. Can you make room in consciousness for something bigger, something more joyous and wonderful than you have previously imagined possible? Day 37. Bill Marcion, Spiritual Director @ New Thought Philadelphia

8. Change is a Process “As we move into this space of possibility in our country, as we move into a space of no longer holding on to what was and embracing what can be, that change is truly possible, let us calm our nervous system and trust and know that we are safe in the midst of this change, that even if we feel unsafe, we are here for one another as community, we are here to promote possibility.” Day 48. Rev. Darrell Jones, Soul Gym Focus Ministry

9. Courage “We, my friends, have the God given courage to move through this time because we care so deeply. We care so deeply about each other, our country, and about our shared humanity. …we can together, as a collective, hold the vision of peace in our lifetime. We are made for this love. Let our loving courage lead the way.” Day 99. Shannon O’Hurley, Community Spiritual Leader, New Thought Center, Oswego, OR.

10. Love at the Center “For as long as it takes, look past others’ personality and differences and call upon ourselves to love the divine soul within them. Each of us has come to this planet to expand our consciousness of love. Ad we have the perfect opportunity to do that right now; maybe now more than ever, to practice this higher expression until it simply becomes who we are.” Day 80. Jim Blake, CEO Unity Headquarters.

— Sharon Whealy, RScP

Here – Now! Maybe… By Mariann Moery

“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Or as Raymond Charles Barker expressed it: “Yesterday ended last night.”

How much of our time is spent reviewing, reliving past experiences that brought little joy in their first experiencing and only grow more embedded as we mentally repeat it thereby strengthening it and the emotional cost to ourselves. I have been known to do this.

This summer I spent several weeks reading a book by Jack Kornfield : No Time Like the Present. Filled with exercises and understanding as he says on page 65:

When you are here, you see with greater clarity and respond with genuine love. There comes a growing capacity to accept and embrace what is here now with a courageous heart.

Being here – now, has become almost a throwaway line since Ram Dass created a rather amazing book with that title. It is a practice so simply stated and so very difficult to maintain for more than… well… nanoseconds for me. It’s not like I always mislike where I am or what I’m doing, it’s just that brain/ego/id – call it what you will – it likes to mess with us.

Yep, most of the time that whole struggle to be here – now, is a true power struggle and I need all the help I can enlist. Because just as I create the absent state of being, just so it is up to me to create the state of being present.

“You must live fully in the now to make your dreams come true… Frances Scovel Shinn

The only time in which I may create or experience my new design for living is now. …, there is only the fact that I may have barred from my experience of today much of the good it can hold. The past has no hold on me other than that which I permit it to have. I have to learn to live today, as this is the only time I will ever know. Ernest Holmes: A New Design for Living, p 133

When it works, it’s a fabulous sense of YES!. Knowing that I can recognize where and who I am and that gives me the power to disentangle myself from the wayward emotions that misdirect so much of my time. It is our default tendency to “emote” life rather than live it . Here it comes again – Live it Here and Now.

I’m learning for me that truly seeing and ‘accepting’ what is now, does not mean acquiescing to a state. It can and should mean being here without attaching so that I can see my next best steps in this present to build a better future.

And sometimes it works.

-In Peace, Mariann

The Leaves of Change By Rev. Rhoni Tretsven

I recently had the opportunity to enjoy a weekend off, so Charles and I elected to go camping along the Delores River in Cortez, Colorado. A beautiful spot, Priest Gulch, where you can pitch a tent or an RV by the flowing water’s edge literally. Our motivation was to be witnesses to the leaves changing on the aspen trees, littered along the highways and the river. I, being the “morning person” greeted the brisk air, with a cup of camping coffee, and a blanket placed by the river’s edge for my morning spiritual practice, meditation. I settled in and allowed my body to breathe in the beauty and breathe out and let go all “baggage” of my previous week. After 20 minutes, I opened my eyes. I was met with bursts of golden yellow and red-brown hues of the leaves adorning each aspen tree. Nature all dressed up basking in the glow of the morning sun, as it slowly began to rise, taking its place in the sky.

What stood out for me in that moment was how easy it was for a tree to shift from being green, to a kaleidoscope of color. A simple aspen tree stands upright with green leaves most of the year, then it slowly begins to shift into yellow, red, and then brown foliage. Eventually, it will drop all its adornments and remain quiet through the winter months. Then, spring will awaken this sleeping vessel, and green leaves will again be part of its growing process. As I pondered this evolution, I questioned, “Why is it humans have such a difficult time, shifting or embracing change?” “Why do we resist, when we could easily go with the flow?” The trees obviously have no resistance to it, in fact, they accept it as it is what they do, change! For me it is always an opportunity to spiritually grow. The water nourishing my growth is those uncomfortable events I run into from time to time. But I have learned on my spiritual journey that is what they are there for, to be uncomfortable so I will grow and appreciate what I am waking up to, like the colour of the trees. A new perception and perspective having gratitude for it all.

One of the many things I enjoy about ministry is digging a little deeper when nature poses the question for me. As a metaphysician I have found what often creates curiosity, opens the heart and mind to an even greater connection with Spirit. So, what is it about trees so easily changing, or as I said, shifting effortlessly, a simple metamorphosis as it is? What I came up with was this; Trees have a profound symbolism within our human culture. They represent the many “branches” of our lives and represent wholeness in the human universe. Their branches in a continual flowing sun salutation while remaining forever grounded in the Earth Mother representing balance between the material (earth) and the spiritual (sky). In our witnessing the evolution of leaves changing colour, we are invited to the awareness of a rebirth for each season, proof that the Spirit continues to live and breathe and have its beingness, in and through all things. Trees to some are connection. We often use figurative language describing our “roots” and branches in family ancestry that although appear separate, we are still all part 2 of the One. Spiritually, trees represent both eternal life and Divine energy. Standing tall or small they are limitless even though they appear limited being in one place, they self-perpetuate. They come from a seed, and in their lifetime another seed will emerge from that same tree and be blown in the wind, only to land in the soft terra firma to begin again. It is within this process we understand the Divine energy of our ancestors. Often as travelers entrusting safety and health to a tree spirit/guardian to guide their way as they walked forward into the unknown territory of both mind and matter.

The trees that beautiful morning gave me a gift. They were a demonstration of placing my trust in the Spirit and allowing my life to unfold as it will. I accept I will always be invited to be the observer or participant as change happens naturally. However, I understand as I have a choice; I can remain rooted right where I am, or I can go with the flow and allow the breeze of life to carry me to my next greater yet to be. Infinite possibilities? I believe so, and so it is…

-Namaste, Rev, Rhoni Tretsven

Spiritual Bypass by Linda Bullock

“The extent to which I need to present myself as being just fine in all circumstances is the extent to which I am going to experience much more anxiety. Fear expressed allows relief.” Anne Lamott

The term “spiritual bypassing” was coined by the Buddhist teacher and psychotherapist John Wellwood. He describes the concept as “trying to rise above the raw and messy side of our humanness before we have fully faced and made peace with it….a tendency to use spiritual ideas and practices to sidestep or avoid facing unresolved emotional issues, psychological wounds, and unfinished developmental tasks.”

According to Melissa Noel Renzi, “We all have parts of ourselves we’d rather not look at, so we deny or push them aside. When we bury these aspects in the subconscious rather than resolve and integrate them, they often take on dysfunctional roles and behaviors that prevent healing and cause harm to ourselves and relationships.“ I have heard the phrase ‘you have to feel it to heal it.’ This concept applies and overlaps somewhat with the Shadow.

Jeff Foster writes, “Feel the grief, the anger, the terror that’s lurking inside. Feel it and process it and validate it and give it expression in a healthy way….We can’t skip to en-lightenment without en-lightening ALL our parts….I used to believe enlightenment was a transcendent state, free from sadness, free from anger, free from doubt. That was my spiritual ego, the part of me that wanted to be special, that wanted to escape, that wanted to be superior and safe.”

I was around New Thought for years with reluctance and half-hearted practice of the teachings. I eventually became aware of unresolved feelings of shame and guilt, held over from my religious beliefs from childhood of a punishing God. I lacked the feeling of worthiness necessary to accept the Good. Action was necessary to shift my perspective; I had to feel the grief and the anger in order to forgive myself.

I heard a psychologist who wrote a book of affirmations state that if we haven’t done our internal work and lack self-esteem our ‘affirmations can be like putting icing on a rotten cake.’ This calls to mind the comments we sometimes make to people who have lost a loved one. Comments such as ‘they’re in a better place’ reflect that we get uncomfortable when others are experiencing grief and want to make a quick statement that sounds spiritually wise and move away from the presence of pain and loss. This can also be described as toxic positivity.

Methods to avoid spiritual bypassing and toxic positivity include meditation which helps us become more aware of our thoughts, emotions, and patterns of behavior. We are encouraged to develop the skill of compassionate self-reflection as the first step in initiating real change. We all have blind spots that we cannot see. Relationships offer us a good opportunity to observe how our behaviors affect others and to pay attention to feedback. We can work on extending empathy to others.

According to Parker J. Palmer, “The question, ‘what’s life trying to teach me about myself and my world?’ has helped me find meaning amid the madness and tragedy that sometimes engulf our personal, professional, or political lives.”

–Linda Bullock

 

Bucket Lists by Janet Salese

Let us feel that our purposes are animated and inspired from on high and then let us go forth and make our dream come true in human experience. With an invisible Intelligence to guide, and an Invisible Law to direct, let us take our place in any legitimate activity, and thus cause our dreams to come to full fruition. (Science of Mind 477.3)

Do you have a bucket list? A bucket list consists of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime before they “kick the bucket.” These can be anything from learning a new language, reading all of Ernest Holmes books, going on safari, walking every labyrinth in Tucson, etc. The list is endless!

I don’t have an actual physical list but there are certain things I desire to do/see/experience and about 5 years ago I started working on accomplishing these. The first item was helping to build a Rose Parade float which I did with my niece and her kiddos in 2019. This year I’ll be crossing two items off my list, experiencing a total solar eclipse back in April and next week seeing the aurora borealis in Alaska. And Mike got to cross off playing the floating green at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course this summer. With each accomplishment, we not only fulfill our personal desires but also contribute to the grand tapestry of Life.

As we complete one item we replace it with the next one. Where do these yearnings come from? Where all inspiration comes from: Infinite Spirit wanting to express itself through and as us. The creation and pursuit of a bucket list can be seen as a way of engaging with the divine inspiration that motivates us. This inspiration comes from the Spirit within us, urging us to seek these experiences. By setting intentions and making plans to achieve these goals, we are participating in the larger cosmic dance called Life.

What is Spirit wanting to experience as you? What is on or do you add to your bucket list? And then, what is your plan to accomplish what is on your list? Trust in the invisible support that surrounds us and move forward with confidence and joy. As we continue to add to our lists and strive to complete them, let us celebrate the growth and transformation that each experience brings.

Man is a threefold principle of life and action; (s)he is spirit, soul and body. From the Spirit (s)he receives inspiration and guidance; in the soul (s)he finds a perfect Law of life; and through the body (s)he proves that (s)he is a real individualization of the Invisible Principle. (Science of Mind 477.1)

–Janet Salese

Got Joy? by Madeline Pallanes

Focus on the things that bring you joy.

The phrase “where focus goes, energy flows” essentially means that whatever you concentrate your attention on will grow and develop.

For some and probably most, life can be stressful and finding joy is essential. Discover your joy. Think about what makes you smile, laugh and enjoy life. Make time for joy. Schedule joy into your busy day. There is always time for joy and happiness. Remove the joy killers. Identify and minimize things that drain your happiness.

Whether it’s a negative friend or your home you don’t feel like cleaning, find ways to reduce their impact. I choose to avoid the “energy vampires” since they drain my emotional energy, intentionally or unconsciously. I also choose to have my house dusted and floors cleaned weekly since I have no desire to do it myself. Both choices I consider part of my “self-care” and bring me joy.

Spread joy. Joy is contagious. Share your funny stories, you’ll be surprised how much joy you bring to others. You’ll laugh too, which is great exercise. Laughter is my exercise program; my insides are jogging and I’m using 15 facial muscles. The added bonus is I’m not paying for a monthly gym membership I wouldn’t use or have home gym equipment to hang clothes on. Again, this is part of my “self-care” and brings me joy.

–Madeline Pallanes

Soul Work, Leading and Loving the Power Within by Rev. Rhoni Tretsven

How many of us are conscious of the fact we are a soul, that is in a body, having a human experience we call life? We probably don’t think about it much, because we have so much other stuff to be concerned with. But for the moment, let us think about it. The soul has a great responsibility, or some would call an agreement here on this earthly plane. It is all about learning whatever it is we have come here to know, and then when we have learned or feel complete, we leave again and enter a space of rest, and maybe we decide because we had such a good time we return and open our soul to another earthly experience.

I tend to lean into teaching our philosophy and faith, the Science of Mind, through the lens of the soul. Yes, this is indeed deeper work, but I believe we can all benefit from it. I will learn with you. Together we share ideas as well as questions we may have but sometimes always don’t have the courage to ask. As your Spiritual Leader, I encourage you to please ask! I have spent much of my spiritual journey in the soul study. I find it to be both fascinating and intriguing how the soul usually knows what to do to heal itself, the challenge is to silence the mind, to listen.

What we understand working with the soul is our minds are part of our experience and we learn they are extremely powerful. The mind is something we study in the metaphysical/spiritual world. We learn through the mind we can demonstrate/manifest what our desired outcome is. Our mind creates daily how we feel about our experience of life. As Ernest Holmes often said, “Change your thinking, change your life.”

I want to open this portal for us to share the questions we may have about life. One of the many things I have learned on this journey is the meaning of life, is basically the meaning you give it. No one else has that answer but you. You are a soul, having a human experience, and what an experience it has been for all of us. Life and the way you are living it is truly all about you and your personal relation with the God of your understanding. As a soul, there is no beginning or end. Your body is the only finite thing about you. The soul is infinite/eternal and continues. Ernest Holmes taught that we are never born, and we never die, because the soul is infinite. For those struggling with end-of-life issues, I hope you find comfort in this. We simply step out of this life and into the next consciousness.

So, it is our “job” as both human and soul, to allow ourselves to listen to that still small voice. Jesus the Christ said, “Be still and know.” Know what, you ask? Everything that your Divine Self is calling you to create. Yes, you. You are creating a life but along this great adventure be mindful of your gift of you. YOU bring everything. Everything about you contributes to something that creates a difference in the world. Pablo Picasso said, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”

I can remember a colleague once told me that same thing, a little differently. “My gift is not to keep, but share.” So, my gift to you is the desire and love I feel to share our discovery of our divinity. The part of us that is truly loving as our higher divine Self we tend to be unconscious of. I truly desire for all to awaken to the love-light within each of us and pass it on to enlighten others that appear in the dark. We are the lights of the world. Keep on shining the way!

Namaste – Rev. Rhoni

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