Category: practice

The Power of Conscious Thought: Shaping Your World from Within! by Rev. Rhoni Tretsven

In the vast landscape of metaphysical thought, a single, profound truth stands as the cornerstone of all spiritual practice: thought is a creative force. This isn’t just a feel-good phrase; it’s the fundamental principle that governs our lives. Every experience you have, every outcome you witness, and every reality you inhabit is first born as a thought, a belief, or a feeling in the great laboratory of your mind.

The universe, in its infinite wisdom and creative power, is a non-resistant medium. It’s a field of pure potentiality, a canvas waiting for an artist. Your mind is the artist, and your thoughts are the brushstrokes. The universe does not judge the quality of your thoughts; it simply responds to them. If you focus on lack and limitation, the universe, in perfect harmony with your mental state, will bring you experiences that mirror that feeling. If you focus on abundance, joy, and opportunity, the universe will likewise conspire to bring those things into your life.

This is a beautiful and sometimes daunting responsibility. It means we are not victims of circumstance but rather co-creators of our own destiny. Our freedom lies not in controlling the world outside of us, but in mastering the world within.

So, how do we harness this incredible power? The secret lies in moving from passive, unconscious thinking to active, conscious thought.

Practical Exercises for Conscious Creation

Here are two powerful tools to help you take control of your creative power:

1. Affirmative Prayer (Spiritual Mind Treatment): This is not a prayer of begging or pleading, but an affirmative statement of truth. It’s a conscious alignment with the reality you wish to create.

o How it works: Instead of saying, “Please give me a new job,” you would say, “I am now employed in a fulfilling position that brings me joy and prosperity. I am grateful for this opportunity and the gifts it brings.” You are speaking as if the desired outcome is already a fact, impressing the idea of completion upon the Universal Mind.

2. Visualization: Your mind doesn’t know the difference between a vivid imagination and a real-life event. By using visualization, you can impress a new reality onto your subconscious mind, which then works to manifest it.

o How it works: Find a quiet place and close your eyes. Picture in your mind’s eye what it would feel like to have already achieved your goal. If you desire better health, visualize yourself full of energy, engaging in activities you love. Feel the joy, the freedom, and the gratitude of that reality as if it were happening right now.

The power of conscious thought is the ultimate tool for personal empowerment. It teaches us that our inner world is the true command center, and that by tending to our thoughts with care and intention, we can create a life of purpose, joy, and unlimited possibility. As we learn to master this art, we step fully into our role as divine co-creators, shaping not only our own lives but contributing to a more beautiful and abundant world for everyone.

–Rev Rhoni

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

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

I Want to Live in Peace: Claiming My Right to Self-Determination by Chris Wheeler

In a world that often feels divided by politics, algorithms, and echo chambers, I find myself yearning for something simple and profound: peace. Not just the absence of conflict, but a deeper peace—a freedom to live authentically, to communicate my values without fear, and to participate in the ongoing progress of humankind.

Freedom to Express, Freedom to Forgive
I want to be able to speak my truth, whether or not it aligns with any group or ideology. True freedom means not being forced into silence or conformity. It means being able to share ideas, ask questions, and even make mistakes without the threat of persecution or retribution.

But freedom of speech is only part of the equation. I also want to improve my ability to forgive, even when forgiveness feels undeserved or difficult. Forgiveness isn’t always the obvious or easy choice, but I believe it’s essential for healing and moving forward—both personally and collectively. By practicing forgiveness, I can help break cycles of resentment and open doors to understanding.

Doing the Work of Inclusion and Humility
Inclusivity doesn’t happen by accident. It requires effort, empathy, and a willingness to listen. I want to do the work necessary to be inclusive, to recognize my own biases, and to make space for voices that have been marginalized or silenced. That means practicing humility—acknowledging that I don’t have all the answers and that every human being has inherent worth.

Rising Above the Noise
It’s easy to get swept up in the chaos and negativity amplified by social media algorithms. These digital forces often reward outrage and division, making it harder to see each other’s humanity. I want to rise above that noise. I want liberty and justice for ALL—not as slogans co-opted by partisan politics, but as real, lived values that guide our actions.

The Right to Learn and Dialogue
Education is a cornerstone of freedom. I want the ability to educate myself without censorship or ideological gatekeeping. I want safe, open dialogue where people can share ideas and experiences without fear of being attacked or ostracized. Progress depends on our willingness to listen, to question, and to grow together.

Learning from the Past, Shaping the Future
I don’t want to recreate some imagined “golden age” or demand adherence to any prescribed religion or philosophy. I want to learn from our shared history—the triumphs and the mistakes—so we can build something better. My actions, not just my beliefs, can be an agent of change.

Balancing Individual and Collective Rights
Personal freedom is essential, but it must be balanced with the rights and freedoms of others. Societies achieve this through laws, dialogue, and institutions that mediate conflicts and promote mutual respect. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary if we want to live in peace.

My Commitment
I claim my right to self-determination. I commit to doing the hard work of inclusion, humility, and forgiveness. I will speak my truth, listen to others, and strive to be an agent of positive change. I want to participate in the progress of humankind—not as a bystander, but as an active, compassionate, and thoughtful citizen.

Let’s choose peace. Let’s choose understanding. Let’s choose liberty and justice for all.

–Chris Wheeler

From Me to We by Sharon Whealy, RScP

I have been resisting writing this week. I have been angry with the state of our nation. I am saddened to watch our elected officials vote to dismantle our government, take away the social safety nets so much of our nation relies on, threatening Social Security and Medicare that we have paid into all our working lives, all in favor of the billionaire class.

I feel helpless and hopeless as I watch everything we as a nation hold dear get dismantled. Gutting education, ignoring court rulings, deporting people without due process, and sending them to countries that are not their home, ignoring climate change, are but a few of my concerns. The lack of basic human decency, empathy, and integrity deeply saddens me.

In practitioner training, we were told if we were looking for something to pray about, look to the news. The news is overwhelming, and I can only take it in small doses, usually from my friends, Seth and Stephen, Jimmy K and Jimmy F, John O and Jon S. And yes, I pray. I know that under the mess and chaos; Spirit is evolving something new. I remind myself that systems need to be dismantled to be created anew, and this can be a painful and messy process.

I recently saw this quote from Fred Rogers, “We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It is easy to say, ‘it’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.”

As a white, heterosexual, cisgendered female, without children, who grew up in a middleclass neighborhood in southern California, I recognize my position of privilege. It is easy for me to look around and claim it’s not my problem; it’s not directly affecting me. The truth is that it is my problem; your children are my children, your community is my community, your world is my world. I then remind myself that problems are opportunities in disguise.

I am currently reading a book that I am finding very powerful. The author says that to fully practice wholeness, I have to turn my “me” work into “we” work. This echoes a recent three-week Laddership workshop examining the relationship of moving from me to we to us. True leadership asks me to look beyond my self-interests, to get out of my comfort zone, and look out into the world to find how I may be of service to my neighbors, be they next door, in the next state, or country. It is my opportunity to speak up and make a difference, no matter how small that difference may be. There is no big or small in Spirit.

As I figure out where my energies are best spent, I am grounded by the Centers for Spiritual Living’s Global Vision Statement. I am sharing three statements here:

• We envision all people, all beings, and all life as expressions of God.

• We envision a world where personal responsibility joins with social conscience in every area of political, corporate, academic, and social sectors, providing sustainable structures to further the emerging global consciousness.

• We envision a world where each and every person has enough food, a home, and a sense of belonging; a world of peace and harmony, enfranchisement, and justice.

–Sharon Whealy, RScP

 

Evolution Ongoing and Eternal by Chris Wheeler

”Through spiritual discernment, we see that we have within us a power which can overcome every obstacle in our experience and set us safe, satisfied and at peace healed, and prosperous in a new light and a new life.“ Ernest Holmes from (Your Aladdin’s Lamp by William H.D. Hornaday pg. 218

Science of Mind is the proof I needed to realize Religion has not stopped growing.

Once upon a time human beings were totally at the mercy of the elements, the earth and the heavens. We were in the process of learning and understanding the basics of survival.

There were things that we couldn’t reckon with: storms, floods and all sorts of disasters. Without any understanding of the mechanics and causes of things we experimented with ideas relating to the supernatural. If we did not have the power over these forces maybe someone or something did. Then there were all sorts of deities to be experimented with.

Time went on and our understanding grew. We understood that we have an effect on the world, and we can change certain aspects of our environment increasing our chances of survival.

We were having a bit of success with things around us. Our tribes were turning villages, villages into cities, cities into empires. Then monarchs were often given total power because any deity(s) involved must be on our side because we won. And this person must have a connection to the deity because we won … so the leader gets total power. And So It Goes…..

But our concept of God has been evolving along with our ability to comprehend increasingly complex systems.

We now have new information thanks to Ernest Holmes because of his attention to all religions. As our knowledge and understanding has increased, this new thought also coincides with our scientific knowledge. Our understanding of the universe (multiverse) has been realigned with an increased understanding of God and new laws that align with our understanding of God.

“Consequently, evolution is an eternal unfoldment of the more yet to be.” Ernest Holmes, The Science of Mind Text – 44.1

We now have an increasing ability to influence and change our reality like never before. We will continue to evolve and gain a better understanding of the unknown. Leading us to an ever-increasing connection to God.

–Chris Wheeler

Wherever you go…there you are by Mariann Moery

“When we go to a new place we shall find there only what we have taken with us. If we have taken success we will find success; if, on the other hand we have taken failure we will find failure. Ernest Holmes Creative Mind – 80.2

Or Friends. Or Loneliness. Or Pizza. Or Limitations.

Holmes first book: Creative Mind published originally in 1918 is amazingly clear and direct, expressing all the important tenets of Science of Mind largely unencumbered by any of the ideas or language contemporary to that time.

“We have missed the whole point, unless we have learned so to control our thought that time and place make no difference.” 21.4

C’est fait par du monde – lifting from Oliver Burkeman’s Meditations for Mortals (Day 27): Attributed to a French-Canadian grandmother, ..whenever a family member expressed overawed admiration for art, technology, anything, it roughly translates to- People did that.

“The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings.” William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, spoken by Cassius to Brutus.

“The thing to do is to unify ourselves with the biggest ideas that we can compass; and realizing that our ideas govern our power of attraction, we should be constantly enlarging within ourselves.” Ernest Holmes Creative Mind – 81.1

“If you want to do a new thing, get a new thought and then you will have the power of attraction which has the possibility of drawing to you the circumstances which will make for the fulfillment of your desires. Get over the old idea of limitation. Overcome all precedents and set yourself in the new order of thing…..God has created you for a glorious future; dare to fling out into mind the greater assurances about yourself.” Creative Mind 62.1

And one last quote:

“The one who dares to fling thought out into Universal Intelligence, with the assurance of one who realizes their own divine nature and its relation to the Universe—and dares to claim all there is—will find an ever-creative good at hand… God will honor the request. To the soul that knows its own divinity, all else must gravitate. Let us , then, enlarge our thought processes and dare to think in Universal terms. Let us dare to believe that every constructive word is invincible.” Ernest Holmes: Science of Mind Text – 142.3

May we all dare and do.

–In Peace, Mariann

Transitions by Linda Bullock

Spirit understands adversity as opportunity. Spirit is able to work for the good in all things. As I encounter difficult transitions in which I doubt the good which is unfolding, I remind myself there is a higher plan in motion with which I can consciously cooperate. As I face my resistance to change, as I choose to align myself with events as they are unfolding, I find in my acceptance a sense of tranquility, a promise of safety. Change embraces me as I myself embrace change. Transitions: Prayers and Declarations for a Changing Life by Julia Cameron.

Sometimes difficult circumstances are the impetus for change. Such is life and in the midst of personal change I am relying on the promise of safety and occasional sense of tranquility. We are preparing to sell the house that has been our home for 24 years. I don’t want to focus yet on all the change this house has seen, the life changes retirement and health decline have brought, the 5 dogs and 3 cats no longer with us, the friends who enhanced our experiences. That will be part of my grieving, reliving the joy and the pain. There is work to be done now.

This is a time I need my faith to be strong and my physical strength to be sustained. There will be opportunities to assume more of the decision-making in the ongoing elements of a big move, to ensure safety for my husband and pet throughout, to plan and adjust to a new community which will be very different from our rural one.

This is a time when I need to release my reluctance to ask for help, to remember that I am part of the Living Spirit. Julia Cameron affirms on page 94; Today I place my trust in universal love. I open my heart to receive care and comfort from unexpected sources. I allow my good to come from many quarters. I surrender my fixed ideas as to what best serves me. I open to the innovative grace of my unfolding life.

This is a time to be grateful for new experiences, new conveniences, new relationships ahead. I am grateful that this move is our choice, not one necessitated by disaster. I am grateful that technology accommodates ease of ongoing communication with likeminded individuals despite physical distances. I am grateful for Science of Mind teachings that overcome fear and anxiety. I am grateful for the practice of affirmations, such as the following from Ernest Holmes in Creative Ideas, page 27.

Today I do affirm that I am divinely guided and that the Spirit goes before me and paves the way. There is that within which knows what to do and how to do it, and it compels me to act on what it knows.

I accept this guidance as now flowing forth into action through me. Therefore I shall do that which I should do, I shall know that which I need to know, I shall encounter those new ideas I need. With nonresistance and complete acceptance, I let the inward stream of life carry me safely and surely to the accomplishment of my every good purpose.

May all your transitions be peaceful.

–Love, Linda

A Pot of Gold Consciousness by Rev. Rhoni

“Yes, you can have it all!!” Was the “consciousness cry” of the 80’s for Religious Science. Many of us concentrated on manifesting partners, palaces and parking places. Manifesting our hearts desire, proof that the power of the mind and the Divine does in fact work. In the Christian dogma there is now the “Prosperity Gospel” (Abundance Good News). Something metaphysicians have always practiced. However, has this consciousness changed? I have been a lifetime member of Religious Science, and I have been a witness and a participant in all the metamorphosis our philosophy continues to experience. I have watched other faith traditions embrace what we already have as a spiritual practice, of knowing “It’s my good, and I ought to have it” said Emma Curtis-Hopkins with conviction.

In the face of our current existence, we are bombarded by the financial stability of our country. Which I understand for me is to also look at my prosperity consciousness. There is a revelation a foot. A mirror reflecting to me, do I feel impoverished in my life? Or do I feel full and accept everything and “all that I need comes to me?” Abundance consciousness is not about money, it is about how we live. Sure, money creates things to be easy and carefree, no worries etc., but what about the other facets of our lives?

Ernest Holmes said, 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.

I understand it as most people, probably feel somewhat comfortable with their present beliefs, and might prefer to stay at the present level of consciousness and at the present level of life it provides, rather than spending the energy to change your consciousness, and our life. The question deep down is, “Do we want something more? To have a different experience of this life we have currently chosen? How about giving yourself permission to want a different experience and totally change it! Jacob Needleman a professor of mine while studying at the University of Philosophical Research said, Our modern world-view tragically misperceives and wrongly defines what it is to be human. We are conditioned by our society to believe happiness comes from pleasure, or from getting things or power over people or money or fame or even health and survival. None of these sometimes very good things can bring ultimate meaning to our lives. We are born to be deeply conscious, inwardly free and deeply capable of love. The longing for these things is the definition of what it means to be human. Yes, we are human. It is important to note, although it is nice to have material “things”, it is not our source or our supply. God-in-me is the Source and Substance of my highest good throughout my life experience. We are, prosperous as love as the Divine lives and breathes and has its being through me and you. Is it really about the material we want to live in? Or is it about our relationship with our Highest Source? When we live in the consciousness of abundance of our entire life, WILL BE THAT EXPERIENCE. Through our mind in action, we embrace the mantra, “God is my source, God is my supply.” When we live in that mind set, IT IS. This month I will be speaking each Sunday on the topic of abundance as we explore together what it really “feels” like to live in an abundant universe. I hope you will join us either on YouTube or in person at 11 am on Sundays.

–Namaste, Rev. Rhoni

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