Category: Spiritual Living

Letting Go …..With Appreciation by Linda Bullock

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Maya Angelou

Buddhist wisdom tells us that suffering exists and presents paths out of suffering. Letting go of losses is a practice that exposes our expectations and eventually brings acceptance and peace. I like the word changes rather than losses and have been reflecting on ongoing changes occurring in our Tucson Center for Spiritual Living. We recently were blessed to see our former minister Reverend Janis for the occasion of installing our new minister.

We experienced a loss with the transition of our beloved Pat Masters this year. In a recent exercise for our Visioning class, it became clear that in my highest ideal I had envisioned a life like Pat’s. She was my first friend at CSL and was special to me, just as she was to so many in our community. Her generosity of spirit was immeasurable, and the void of her presence is still felt.

Our sweet Janie moved away from Tucson recently. She demonstrated unselfish service to our community. I loved her Texas accent and her kind demeanor. We wish her joy, health and peace in Colorado.

When a man’s thought rests entirely upon himself, he becomes abnormal and unhappy; but when he gives himself with enthusiasm to any legitimate purpose, losing himself in the thing which he is doing, he becomes normal and happy….Let the one who is sad, depressed, or unhappy find some altruistic purpose into which he may pour his whole being and he will find a new inflow of life of which he has never dreamed. Ernest Holmes, Science of Mind, page 440.4

Our Board of Trustees is experiencing substantial changes as members rotate off. We hope that they continue to be a part of our community.

I appreciate our outgoing Board President Maria for her wisdom, her sense of humor and her steady, reliable leadership. Maria’s awareness and actions helped us live our intention of inclusiveness, that all are welcome.

I appreciate Janet our Treasurer and de facto office manager. There is no way to enumerate all her contributions. Her off the chart technical skills, creativity, and loyalty are a key reason CSL Tucson survived the lean times of the pandemic, made improvements and continues to thrive.

I appreciate our outgoing Secretary Madeline. To see her in person is to experience a sense of Divine Light and Joy. I won’t say much about her because I have a precious, private friendship with her. I am not letting Maddy go.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to give thanks in all circumstances. I appreciate our practitioners who are an essential element of our service and practices. I appreciate Live Theatre Workshop and their staff for permitting and assisting CSLT to fulfill our mission. I appreciate our office/education center at 911 S. Craycroft for housing our operations and providing a safe space for classes and fellowship. I appreciate Basha’s food court for joyful gatherings. And I appreciate you, our CSL community.

Love, Linda

Thinking and Singing about Love by Maria

The end of my term on the board is up this week. Wow, how far we’ve come and knowing the best is yet to be.

My last article is going to be a love play list. Thoughts and songs that get me “in the mood” for Love (that’s capital Love.)

Love dissolves all fear, casts out all doubt and sets the captives free.

Love, like the River of Life flows through me and refreshes me with its eternal blessings.

Love cannot be afraid; it is fearless and strong, and is mighty in its works.

It can accomplish all things through the Inner Light of faith in the All Good,

Which fills my very Being with a Powerful Presence.

Ernest Holmes, The Science of Mind 522

One of the great designs of life is that humans can only think one thought at a time. It is possible to quickly switch back and forth between thoughts, but only one thought can happen at a time. Whenever I am sliding into fear and doubt, I can sing myself back to love. Another great design! sound/music (mechanical waves created when “chunks of matter” vibrate) and hearing (which is too complicated to describe between parenthesis).

This is a love song I can imagine God playfully singing to me.

Do you want to know a Secret 

You’ll never know how much I really love you
You’ll never know how much I really care

Listen
Do you want to know a secret?
Do you promise not to tell?
Whoa, oh, oh

Closer
Let me whisper in your ear
Say the words you long to hear
I’m in love with you
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh ooh…

The Beatles were so New Thought.

The second song is like the first part of a Spiritual Mind Treatment, with a gospel beginning which raises my joy. I Walk in the Love Of God by Rickie Byars.

There is a Power, a Presence, One Life of all

and no other power can exist outside of the Infinite

One Love, (there can only be) God’s Love

Oh yes I know that I walk in the Love of God.

 The last song is my present theme song. It was written by John Denver and never released on an album. It’s called Wandering Soul.

Suddenly the mystery is clear
That Love is only Letting Go Of Fear

Love is the answer, love is the way
Love is in knowing just what to do and what to say
Love is the reason, love is the why
Love is in heaven right here on Earth and peace inside

Inside my heart, deep in my soul
Within each part and in the whole

Love is the answer, love is the way
Love is in knowing just what to do and what to say
Love is the reason, love is the why
Love is in heaven right here on Earth and peace inside

–In love and light, Maria

Exciting News! from Chris Wheeler

This Sunday, we explored an incredible opportunity at the Annual Meeting—one that could truly transform our community. We have the chance to rent space on the beautiful Camino Blanco campus, which includes a sanctuary, adjoining areas, and oCice space. The best part? It’s within reach financially for us!

This move isn’t just about a new location. It’s about the future of New Thought in southern Arizona. Think about it: a dedicated home for us to expand, connect, and thrive, surrounded by others who understand and support the New Thought philosophy. It’s a space that could become our launching pad for growth, deeper connections, and a place where we can contribute even more to our community and beyond.

Where we are now has served us well—small congregations like ours excel at fostering close, caring, authentic relationships. We know each other deeply, and that’s something special. But, when we called our minister, we said we wanted more. We wanted to grow, to reach a larger community, and to spread the transformative philosophy of Religious Science. Our 2024 vision statement says it perfectly: “Open and Expanding into the Mystery…” This potential new home aligns perfectly with that vision.

But here’s the challenge we’re facing: we’ve been in “maintenance mode.” This happens when a church focuses on keeping things as they are, rather than growing and taking risks. It feels comfortable, but it keeps us stuck. If we want to break free from that, we need to make bold moves. We need to position ourselves for growth.

Rev. Robert T. Latham, in *Moving on from Church Folly Lane*, explains that staying in maintenance mode means prioritizing the status quo, avoiding risks, and limiting our vision. And sure, we feel safe that way—but are we really fulfilling our potential? I believe *we’re called to do more*.

So, why is it so important to expand the philosophy of Religious Science? For me, this hits deeply. I’ve had my share of reservations about traditional organized religion. But what makes Religious Science diCerent is its openness—it’s a philosophy that’s always evolving, always ready to embrace new truths. As Ernest Holmes said, it’s “open at the top.” It’s not about rigid doctrines; it’s about continuous growth and learning. That’s a powerful mission, and I want to see New Thought reach more people and create a larger community of likeminded souls.

So, how do we make that happen? The Camino Blanco space solves the very catch-22 we’ve been stuck in: we need more space to grow, but we need to grow to get more space. This move gives us the room to expand and the visibility to welcome new people into our community.

Imagine what we could achieve with a permanent, recognizable location. More space means more opportunities to share the life-changing teachings of Science of Mind. It means we can create new relationships, support each other’s growth, and contribute to a world that’s ready for this transformative philosophy.

This move is more than just a rental. It’s a steppingstone toward the future we’ve envisioned. A future where our thoughts, beliefs, and intentions align with the spiritual principles we hold dear, and where we grow together into a larger, more connected community.

Let’s be bold. Let’s embrace this opportunity and step into the growth we’ve been dreaming of.

Are you ready?

–Chris Wheeler

Compassion Practice by Sharon Whealy RScP

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“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

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

Committing to Forgiveness by Mariann Moery

 

Edwene Gaines’ The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity – Tithe, Forgive, Set Goals and Divine Purpose.

For me one of the absolute hardest steps is when she declares:

“The only sure-fire way to know whether you’ve made a commitment is when there’s no turning back and the only way out is through, all the way to the other side, because if there’s a side way out of it, that’s not a commitment. That is so important, I’m going to say it again” If there’s a way out, it’s not a commitment.” Edwene Gaines The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity p.156-7

But wait – stop…there’s always a side door – or a window – or something.

I repeat our POWER class because it’s the hardest practice I’ve encountered so far, just as I find myself re-reading Edwene from time to time. Yes, I need the reminders of the Four Laws, but primarily for that very sentence. To commit to leading a good life, to be Spiritual in the truest sense.

To accept that the very people I have the hardest time accepting are also emanations of Spirit – just like me. Under their disliked behaviors there is that self-same spark of Divinity.

Does this mean I don’t work hard to change what I think are bad laws and practices – that I accept behavior which is demeaning or harmful to me or others. No it does not – working to make things better is a worthy commitment. It does mean not demeaning, not brutalizing mentally or physically the people I hold responsible for the behaviors I find unacceptable.

It means not hating the people whose acts I find despicable.

Told you it was hard.

In a perfect world there would be no back doors. Once we understand the Truth of we are all One, spiritual behavior should become the way of Life. Well on my good days I can come close, but when all around there is noise and static and reasons to be immensely upset – it gets hard to focus on the act and not the actors.

And now giving Edwene the final word:

“But I believe that on our spiritual path, we must learn to ask new questions. Instead of asking, ‘Who’s to blame?’ we should instead ask, ‘How can we solve this, fix this, make this better?’ “

….It’s our nature to find answers, seek solutions, fix what’s broken. But simple forgiveness is the best possible tool for ‘fixing what’s broken’ in our bodies, in our relationships, in our finances, in our careers and in the world. Forgiveness frees us from the endless loop of blame and bad feeling that keeps our minds focused on all the wrong things. With forgiveness, we can let go of the past and turn to other, more important issues in our lives…” Edwene Gaines The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity p 124.

Like so much of the good stuff, it sounds simple – it’s just really hard.

–Peace and Poise to you on your journey. Mariann

SYNERGY INCLUDED by Chris Wheeler

The book study facilitated by Robie-Jean on Thursdays has been a continuously expanding knowledge base for me. The more I can absorb from Science of Mind related texts the more at home I feel in my daily life. Even small adjustments in my understanding bring benefits that bring me comfort.

I have a slip of paper I use for a bookmark to the page that has an affirmation that we read together at the end of each book study session. This is what is printed on the bookmark.

“The Mind of God is eternal Cause in an eternal Process of thinking within Itself, upon Itself, creating ideas of Itself which it projects into form through the Law of Itself. The Infinite Is forever in the process of Self-Discovery. This Self Discovery, individualized in man, is called evolution. We are the Infinite unfolding Its newly discovered aspects.” From the book The Power of Decision by Raymond Charles Barker

The infinite potential referred to in this statement about God and purpose excites me because like everything it is always changing and improving through discovery. A continuous process of exploration and progress.

As we have been progressing through the book This Thing Called You by Ernest Holmes. I realized the text is punctuated with affirmations that are a summary of the preceding text or an affirmation that compliments the text. And I very much like the affirmations and their availability throughout the book. That means I can randomly read any of the italicized text and have a great affirmation to ponder as I move through my daily life. This book is an even better resource than I anticipated.

I have heard that this book referred to as a concise rendition of the SOM textbook. The book does a good job at generalizing some of the principles. And of course what would a book study be without a wide range of perspectives.

Due to my cognitive biases and blindspots, engaging in dialogue is necessary for improving my overall perceptions. I need to remember these tendencies, and working with other people helps to develop a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of our universe. More about the Book Study

–Chris Wheeler

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