Category: practice

It’s An Inside Job by Mariann Moery

It’s cyclical for me. Ups and Downs. Feeling the Spirit within and then not so much.

The lesson story of the difference between two stone masons: one was doing his job laying bricks and the other was building a cathedral…same/same but totally different.

We always succeed, so our immediate problem is not one of success, but what kind of success we are having.…We need to learn to succeed in the right things. Ernest Holmes – A New Design for Living, 143 & 148

There was a time when automobiles were forbidden to go faster than 35 mph, because it was known that faster than that and our brains would explode.

Because we fail to realize that Principle is not bound by precedent, we limit our faith to that which has already been accomplished, and few miracles result. When, through intuition, faith finds its proper place under Divine Law, there are no limitations, and what are called miraculous results follow. Ernest Holmes, Science of Mind, 162.3

And so, we are in charge of how we view life, of how we live Life. We choose the Energy we use to create our experiences. We are not actually governed by what has gone before, or how we responded to events before – or how we named the experiences of our life before.

…only by starting now, not tomorrow, will we ever come to believe more, to experience the proof of that which we do believe. We have in this moment the choice, the right, and the privilege either to maintain and support any pattern of thought we may have previously established, or to establish an entirely new pattern of action.

We must decide…Now is the only time we can ever act. Ernest Holmes, A New Design for Living, 130.2

Consistency is all important. Consistent negative thought gets us into most of our trouble; consistent positive thought is the only thing that can get us out. … each additional successful experience will breed more of it. Success breeds success, so let us be sure of the direction in which we are going. Ernest Holmes, A New Design for Living, 146

If you are like me, and sometimes feel negative energy eroding that which is our basic good, then I will share these words from Dr. Holmes – the capital letters are his – he thought it important enough to YELL:

WE ARE BOUND BY NOTHING EXCEPT BELIEF. WE MAY CHANGE THE TREND OF CAUSATION WHICH HAS BEEN SET IN MOTION AT ANY TIME WE DECIDE TO DO SO. Ernest Holmes, Science of Mind, 128

–Knowing for each and all peaceful change toward the good, Mariann

 

Gratitude In All Things by Sharon Whealy, RScP

We are all familiar with gratitude lists as a tool to help us shift our thinking. We sit down with a piece of paper and list all the things we are grateful for: our home, our work, our family and friends, food on the table, good health. The list goes on. This practice of gratitude tends to focus on all the things we already have in our lives, and not so much on what we desire to have in our life.

Zen Master Sono shared this practice of gratitude saying, “Thank you for everything. I have no complaints whatsoever.” (SOM Magazine Nov. 2023). I journaled about this passage, delving into the idea of being grateful for everything, without complaint at all. How do we get to that place of gratitude for everything, not just the things we love having in our lives, but everything else that we would rather just go away?

For me, the first step is acceptance, can I acknowledge what has happened, or is happening, just as it is? It is done, and now it is up to me to choose how to respond. I can fight it, rail against it, try to change it, or I can say, okay – this is what is happening now.

My next step is to breathe and center, to get myself into present time. I look around and check in with what is actually happening right now, in this eternal moment of now. This allows me to remember and know that God / Spirit / Love / Life is right in the middle of what is happening and so it must be good, often despite appearances! Then I anchor that with Spiritual Mind Treatment (God is, I am, all is well and good, I am Grateful, and so it is).

Finally, I continue to look for the good in every situation. Anytime there is a natural disaster; floods, fires, hurricanes, etc., people come together to help each other. During Covid we saw the planet begin to heal, we gave each other space, and we learned new ways of staying connected. It is often when we hit “rock bottom” that the deepest shift and healing begin.

In Joe Dispenza’s Becoming Supernatural, he talks about manifesting the life of our dreams. About gratitude he says, “Gratitude is a powerful emotion to use for manifesting because normally we feel gratitude after we receive something. So, the emotional signature of gratitude means it has already happened. When you are thankful or you feel appreciation, you are in the ultimate state to receive” (pg. 82)

Lately I have been playing with the idea of being grateful for things that have not happened yet. When Jesus blessed the loaves and fishes, he gave thanks for the abundance they were about to receive. To open our last Gratitude Rainshower I read from Colette BaronReid’s The Dream Weaver’s Oracle, card 31, “When the Birds Sing Grat-it-tude”: “The true manifesting power of gratitude is the declaration in advance of your needs being met. . . . Can you be thankful for whatever happens?”

Next Gratitude Rainshower is Tuesday, February 25 th at 6:30pm on CSLT’s Zoom room.

-In all things, may you be grateful. Blessings. Sharon

Smelling the Roses & All That by Mariann Moery

Seems this season is the time to stop and consider the following quote:

“Enough is as good as a feast. Enough brings satisfaction. Beyond that lies excess, not greater satisfaction. It says a lot about us (and about contentment) that people often wake up to the feast of plain life only when they reach death’s door. There, under the most “reduced circumstances” of all, many a person has discovered the sweetness of things previously too ordinary for them to notice.” Nelson Foster ” Storehouse of Treasures: Recovering the Riches of Chan and Zen pg.168

How many times have we told others…or been told by others ‘to stop and smell the roses.’ It’s good advice, in fact, well and good. Once we get past the stage of….I would if I had time. Oh yes, that bit of circular logic. Or non-logic.

And I am retired. As in no longer working in the world of corporate publishing in Manhattan NYC. Still it doesn’t seem like there is enough time in my life to actually enjoy all the good things I have in it.

And there are many excellent things in my Life. People, photography, good foods, the Catalina Mountains and an ever-increasing number of actively beckoning books on a growing number of subjects I want to know about.

Notice I said ‘know about’ not so much ‘learn about’ which takes time and focus and energy. Same issue different execution.

December I celebrated another birthday, there have been a bunch, and despite best effort not to do it – I once again am focusing on what do I want for me/as me during the next 12 months.

Dr. Ben Hardy is one of the major proponents of ‘focus today on who/how you want to be in the future”, rather than on the stickiness of today. Which I’ve decided flows well with

“I must let my thoughts encompass more and more of what I want and at the same time become more of what I really am.” Ernest Holmes, A New Design for Living, pg.155

To that end I am changing my morning journaling to the practice of declaring where I will be as I move on from where I am. Which has meant forgoing whining to my pages about all the stuff that makes me crazy: including acts by me as well as others. Letting that go is hard.

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” – Winston Churchill

So for the next 12 months (and foreseeable future), I work toward stopping to metaphorically smell the roses and instead to realistically take those moments for the actions which bring me joy and a richer Life.

-May your next year bring you brightness, peace and joy! Mariann

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

Compassion Practice by Sharon Whealy RScP

Leave a comment

“Only in an open, nonjudgemental space can we acknowledge what we are feeling. Only in an open space where we’re not all caught up in our own version of reality can we see and hear and feel who others really are, which allows us to be with them and communicate with them properly.” Pema Chodron, When Things Fall Apart p. 97

I began a twenty-one-day Interfaith Compassion Challenge through ServiceSpace.com on September 8th. There are people from over 50 countries participating and almost 200 people post their thoughts on the daily prompts. Each day there are readings for the head, a practice for the heart, and more resources for the hands that “challenge” us to experience compassion through various religious views. Below are the first ten days of of the challenge:

• Baha’i – our first day and I was moved by the song “See Me Beautiful” by Red Grammer – having compassion for others begins with having compassion for myself.

• Indigenous Traditions – this was primarily centered around North/South American traditions. The parable of the Eagle (male energy) and the Condor (female) reminds us that balance is required in our compassion practice

• Jain – our grounding parable was the 6 blind men and the elephant, each “seeing” the elephant according to their perspective. We have compassion when we recognize everyone has a unique perspective.

• Judaism – finding the sparks of infinite light in everyone. A beautiful reminder that everyone is a divine spark of God and when we see that spark in another we find our compassion for them and lift us both.

• Taoism – Wu Wei or effortless action. This practice was about allowing and being in the flow; where doing nothing is getting out of the way and allowing the all that is to do the heavy lifting.

• Hinduism – seeing God in everyone. The practice was to share what we have selflessly, knowing that as we give to another, we are giving to God/Brahman.

• Quaker – the practice of Holy Silence. This compassion practice was all about being still and listening for divine inspiration.

• Sikhism – Seva, or selfless service. The Sikhs spiritual foundations are 1) Remembrance of God 2) Mindful Living, and 3) Share with others. When we live by these values, compassion naturally flows.

• Christianity – Loving your enemies. One reading offered the idea that we need “enemies” to practice loving those unlike ourselves. Another reading moved beyond this, saying finding a middle ground and releasing dichotomies of us/them, neighbors/enemies is the true practice of compassion.

• Atheism – Self-Directed compassion. Having compassion for another just because it is the good and human thing to do. The practice was to make someone happy today.

I have been enjoying viewing compassion through different lenses and practicing being a gentler, more compassionate person as I move in the world. It has been interesting to see what has bubbled up over the past ten days, and I look forward to the next eleven as we complete our challenge.

For more information about Service Space

To watch the See Me Beautiful Song

-Sharon Whealy, RScP

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

Healthy Boundaries by Linda Bullock

“Detaching does not mean we don’t care. It means we learn to love, care, and be involved without going crazy.” Melody Beatty; Codependent No More

If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching or cool one pain, Or help one lonely person into happiness again, I shall not live in vain. Emily Dickinson

Many of us have taken to heart the above words of Emily Dickinson. Enneagram Type 2 persons are described by Sandra Maitri in The Spiritual Dimension of the Enneagram as wanting “to be seen as loving, generous, kind, empathic and above all, ‘there’ for others.” (page 155). As with many personality quirks that appear to be assets, when taken too far, the character trait can become toxic to both oneself and to others. Helpfulness can be manipulative and an unhealthy way of seeking pride or ego flattery.

In The Dance of Anger, Harriet Lerner states “All change requires self-focus which is not self-blame but rather the capacity to observe and change our own steps in the pattern that is bringing us pain.” Codependents are caretakers; they have said yes when they meant no; they have bent over backwards to avoid hurting people’s feelings and, in so doing, have hurt themselves; they lack a healthy sense of self-worth. One must take action in order to heal.

“People with boundary problems usually have distorted attitudes about responsibility. They feel that to hold people accountable for their feelings, choices and behaviors is mean…. To rescue people from the natural consequences of their behavior is to render them powerless.” (Boundaries, page 43 by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend)

A boundary shows me where I end and someone else begins. It always deals with me, not the other person. We set boundaries to say what we will do or will not do. Only this kind of boundary is enforceable because I can control myself. I can set limits on my own exposure to other people who are behaving poorly; I can’t change them or make them behave appropriately. Yasmin Cheyenne states “Boundaries ask us to learn how to show up for people without taking ownership of all their problems.”

To develop better boundaries and heal a sense of believing I am unlovable and not enough, I find comfort in the following affirmation from page 67 of This Thing Called You by Ernest Holmes:

I know that I am one with God.

I know that God in me is perfect.

I know that my real nature is spiritual.

I know that I exist in a boundless good, in a heavenly state, and in perfect being.

I know that my mind is being acted upon by pure Spirit.

Divine Intelligence guides me into peace, happiness and success, into joy, love and perfect life.

 

–Linda Bullock

Spiritual Bank Accounts by Madeline Pallanes

How would it be if we all opened a spiritual account with the Bank of Life and, realizing that we drawing on the Infinite, each day deposited enough hope and happiness and faith to more than meet any emergency that might possibly arise? The wonderful part about this is that we know Life contains all these things and it wants to give them to us. – Ernest Holmes 365 Science of Mind page 121

Once upon a time I walked into CSLT and opened a spiritual bank account. Unlike my other bank accounts, this one wasn’t about money or investments. Instead, it focused on enriching my spiritual life. I realized that my account balance was initially zero and decided to make regular deposits to build a substantial balance over time. It is an investment in myself and a way to accumulate spiritual wealth.

You might wonder how I make deposits into this spiritual bank account. Naturally, I have my own unique approach:

Tithe: I tithe 10% of my income to where I receive my spiritual guidance.

Service: I attend service each week either in person or on Zoom.

Acts of Kindness: With every act of kindness, I make a deposit. It can be helping others, volunteering, or simply smiling at someone. I know these are valuable contributions to my account.

Prayer and Meditation: Our morning meditation group is welcoming to all and a Divine part of my day. Each moment and connection, along with the daily spiritual guidance and prayer, is a deposit to my account.

Gratitude: I practice it daily. Whenever I count my blessings, my account balance grows. Gratitude is my currency. It represents the accumulation of spiritual wealth and blessings.

Forgiveness: Forgiving others–even when it is difficult–is another way I add to my account.

Acts of Love: Acts of love are like gold bars in my spiritual vault. Whether I am loving my family, friends, or even strangers, I know that love is the ultimate currency.

As the days go by, my spiritual bank account grows. My spiritual bank account affects my overall well-being. I feel richer in ways that cannot be measured. When I am faced with challenges, I withdraw from my account—drawing strength, wisdom, spiritual guidance, and love.

Life isn’t just about material wealth. Our spiritual investments matter too. I invest wisely.

I hope you consider opening your own spiritual bank account at CSLT and make these valuable deposits every day.

–Madeline Pallanes

1 2 3 4 … 9