Category: Spiritual Living

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

NOW IS THE TIME Mariann Moery

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“They” say it always comes to this….if you don’t practice stillness when times are good that when you really need the strength and calm of it – you’re starting if not from ‘scratch’then certainly without all the ‘ingredients’ you need.

So here we are – and it doesn’t matter where you stand politically or other – the times are filled with events that whipsaw us from one mental state to another with daily headlines and postings.

Letting go of personal, individual knowing what’s right, and just stopping for a few minutes to breathe and letting mind and body rest. That’s where it is for me at this point in my individual space/time continuum.

There are I’m sure thousands of “ways” to meditate – the only thing that’s important is the actual stopping to give yourself a chance to simply be. Minds wander and egos distract and to do lists pull attention. It’s okay. Really.

I have it from Pema Chodron who on a three year (!) meditation retreat wrote how easily and often she was distracted. Granted she’s probably better at returning to place than I am, but still – it happens — to her. Stop using it as the excuse that you just can’t.

Not to say that being easily distracted is not a thing – because it is. Mike Manson, incredible life coach/teacher admits to doing Sudoku in meetings to occupy just enough of his brain to enable him to sit through and be present. Personal truth: I frequently do stupidly complex doodles during meetings for the same reason. So …

There are ways to increase your presence through some activity – journaling with an open mind to what flows from your pen, listening to certain kinds of music – R Carlos Nakai works for me – literally walking with intention. If sitting in the traditional posture doesn’t work for you, then don’t try for it.

Teachers are legion and some are legendary. Sharon Salzburg, Jack Kornfield, Jon KabatZinn, CSL’s Rev. Dr. Edward, Henry Shukman, Pema. Insight Timer is an app many use as it includes hundreds of guided meditations and a wide choice of soundtracks.

All that really matters is that we stop as best we can and let the outside subside to as dull a roar as we can – and that does get better with practice. Can’t be said enough, it is a practice.

An amazing yoga instructor once told me when I was in a personal world of hurt: It doesn’t matter if you do the poses – just get your butt on the mat for a bit. That will help. And it did.

So have a seat and just breathe.

Holding peace, calm and ease for all of us through this time and beyond.

–Mariann

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.

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

“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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