Friday, December 25, 2009
Happiness
He said: “Say 108 times a day: “Every cell in my body is happy.””
How simple!! And how profound. Since we’re focusing on this idea - that every cell in our body is happy -- the body has to respond!! Happy cells are healthy cells, and healthy cells make a healthy body.
I’ve shared this mantra with a few people since I got it. One of them told me last night at our Candlelight Gathering that after using the mantra for two days, he slept well for the first time in weeks. A woman who’s done it everyday for 4 days looked younger! Happiness is healing in more ways than I imagined!
I use this mantra after my morning meditation. (Sometimes I sing it!) Yesterday I thought: ‘I have to think of something simple like that for prosperity’ but nothing I thought of resonated the way this one has. I suddenly realized it was because if every cell in my body is happy, then I’m not stressed about anything!! If I’m not stressed that means every thing in every one of my bodies – (Spiritual, mental, emotional, physical) is working wonderfully!!
The other thing I’ve noticed is that it is impossible to say this mantra 108 times without FEELING happy! Maybe it’s the intention set forth, maybe it’s the energetics in the word ‘happy’, maybe it’s because I believe it will work – or all of the above. What I do know is that “what we contemplate we become” – so why not contemplate happiness!
This is your holiday present from me – it’s simple, and it’s fun!
I am so grateful to Nithya Shanti for giving us this gift!
http://www.lovingsilence.org/
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
Gratefully I acknowledge the Spirit of Joy within all of us. I can feel It in the air, and hear It in the sounds around us. I see It in the atmosphere surrounding us. It is The Divine in Its natural state.
I now accept that I can choose happiness at any moment. I declare that my life is filled with joy. Everything I do today is to promote this Joy in others. This is my Gift from the Universe and I share it with delight.
Gratefully I celebrate the holidays and all that they bring. I focus on Love, Peace, Family and Joy. I release these words into spiritual law, knowing they are embodied well, and so it is.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Light!
I had a sense of what it must have been like for the ancient peoples who had no knowledge of the revolutions of the earth around the sun, etc., and how scary it must have been to feel that the sun was abandoning them.
I don’t think anyone knows how long ago we started celebrating the winter solstice. According to Wikipedia, in a little book written in 1948 it says that Mesopotamians were the first with a 12 day festival of renewal designed to help the god Marduk tame the monsters of chaos for one more year.
However, most of the cultures around the world have some sort of solstice ceremonies and at their root: an ancient fear that the failing light wouldn’t return unless they intervened with ritual.
This is a good time of year to honestly look at what we are afraid of. What darkness do you believe is within you? Are you afraid that your Inner Light is dimming?
I had the privilege of doing an hour long Buddhist meditation with the owner of a bed and breakfast I stayed at in Kona. During the meditation, I saw a ball of Light residing inside me, just above my navel. When I first experienced it, I was fearful. I felt a deep pressure within me and it was hot and almost too bright, yet as I breathed deeply and relaxed into it, the Light seemed to explode throughout my body and I was filled with joy. In that moment, I realized there is absolutely nothing to be afraid of - our Light can never dim - It is what we are made of.
Bright Blessings for this Winter Solstice,
Rev. Angelica
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
Where ever I am, God is. Where ever God is, is Light. Therefore I now declare “Let there be Light” in my consciousness awareness.
I shine my Light brightly into all the dark corners of my mind and heart. This Light reveals each thing I have been holding on to through resentment, victimization, self-pity or blame. This Light transforms each experience into something other than what I felt it was. I now see the Truth of all who were involved in these experiences, and as I see their Light, I can honestly claim they are all God.
I am transformed by this awareness. All old feelings are now replaced with a deep peace and true joy. I am living in The Light, and It feels so good.
Gratefully I release these words, knowing they are done, and so It is.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Home
Langley has felt like ‘home’ as well, and I have Beloveds there -- but I’m only going to be there another few weeks. Baltimore will be home, but I’m not there yet. I felt like I was in limbo.
I wallowed in feelings of sadness and poor little ole homeless me …. and then I started laughing. I AM home. No matter where I am, the I AM within me is Home.
People talk about going home for the holidays – or wishing they could. This gave me a whole new perspective. I can’t go home, because I am always here. The longing to go home is not about a place but about Love.
Your heart is your home. Let it be free of condemnation, and let the Light shine brighter than it ever has before. God is Love, and this is where we reside, who we are, and what we express.
Welcome Home.
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
Gratefully I acknowledge The Presence within me and around me. This Presence is Love. I can feel this Presence as the Truth of my being. It is my Home.
I now let go of anything that is unlike Love. I am ready and willing to be Home not only to myself, but to all who come into my experience. Home is filled with Light, Joy, and celebration of the One Life I am living. Home is filled with Wisdom and Peace. All these things are ours by right of our Divine Birthright.
My heart swells with gratitude as I remember these things, and as I remember, a vibrational ripple of Home fills the Universe, and this is good, very good.
I release these words knowing they are so, and so It is.
Friday, December 04, 2009
Patience
Blessings from the Big
There is a plaque on the kitchen counter here that reads:
‘A’ohe hua o ka mai’a i ka lā ho’okāhi
“Bananas do not fruit in a single day”
This reminded me of my Mother’s saying: “
Yet – if we allow ourselves to look back at some of our successes – our demonstrations – we will see they came at the perfect time. It might not have been the time we wanted, yet it was perfect all the same.
One day, when I was being impatient, I had a mental image of the Universe as a huge machine with lots of gears, all whirling and twirling and meshing just so. I realized that all the movement was putting not what I wanted, but everything that had to happen so I could have what I wanted, in its perfect places.
I also realized I could force things to happen quicker – yet when I did, something was always lacking – things just didn’t fit right. Or I could spend my energies worrying about how or when it was going to manifest, thereby slowing down the process. I realized I had to start being patient and trust the Universe to do Its perfect work.
Think about that thing you’ve been treating for – how patient have you been? Are you trusting the Law and allowing the gears of the Universe to do the work only that only The Divine knows how to do?
The Law always works in Divine Timing, at the level of our receptivity. All Spiritual Mind Treatments are still active in Mind until we absolutely accept that which we’ve been treating for.
Yes, bananas don’t fruit in a day – yet they sure are delicious when they are ready!!
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
Gratefully I acknowledge The Divine. I know It is everywhere present, infinitely loving and all powerful. It is within me – the Source and sustainer of my life.
Recognizing this, I celebrate my willingness to use the Law for the expansion of my consciousness and the betterment of life for all. I let go of my impatience. I let go of any doubts I might have had. I declare that I know the Law works, and I let It work through me unimpeded, with ease and grace.
I now declare that the things I have been calling challenges are really projects in Mind. My job is to see the finished results and so I do. I see myself living a blessed life – healthy, wealthy, creatively fulfilled and full of love.
I feel so grateful for my awareness of Spiritual Law, so grateful to know that the results will be better than I ever expected. God is good, and all is well in my world. I release these words into the Law of Mind with joy and gratitude, and so it is.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Letting Go
It made me think about all the other times I have gone on what I call “Grand Spiritual Adventures.” There was always a letting go. I believe it is this way for all of us. We make sacrifices – and we do it consciously or unconsciously.
When I first came to Canada in 2000, I had shipped my 1989 Mustang from Hawai’i. I loved this car - - it had every bell and whistle you can imagine, and I looked really good in it. But more than that – my husband had given me this car, which made it a treasure of the heart.
One night after class, Brad, a student who has taught me so much over the past 9 years, was walking me to my car, and we were talking about attachments. Having just sold everything, left a successful church in Hawaii, along with my husband and family of choice – I said “I don’t have any attachments.” Brad said “Really?” and I responded “Well, my car. I really like my car – it’s the last thing I have from Hawai’i.” A few weeks later, when I returned from the Asilomar Conference in California, I discovered that my car, which had been parked on the street in front of my apartment, had been slammed into by a drunk driver, and totaled.
That’s when I learned that the root of the word ‘sacrifice’ is from the Latin meaning “to perform sacred functions.” You see, I wailed and cried for a few days about the sacrifices I had made to come to Canada, as if Something Else was making me do them. I was used to thinking of sacrifice as something awful – yet when I looked it up and discovered the words original meaning, I began to approach it with a sense of the sacred. I realized letting go is an important spiritual practice.
Will we be sad? Of course. Grief is natural and wants to be expressed. It is like a cleansing – a removal of another layer of dust to reveal the Diamond Within. We sacrifice something we have been - to be more – something more magnificent.
Phoebe is going to a new family who has another Standard Poodle to play with and lots of acreage. I am going home to the States, to a larger community and lots of possibilities. The members and friends of Celebration Centre are stepping into a new Grand Spiritual Adventure themselves, collectively and individually. And I declare it’s all going to be Good, very Good!
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
God is the only Presence. God is Love and Love is the only Power. We all live, move and have our being in Love. We are living the One Life of The Divine.
Knowing this, I now declare that letting go is a sacred experience. As we move through our Grand Spiritual Adventures, letting go so that we can be Revealed Truth in action, we know that only good is real.
We acknowledge our feelings, and allow Nature to nurture us through them, and then cleansed, we turn, with eager anticipation, to the New Path we have chosen.
As we let go, we let God fulfill our Souls Contract. This Contract is about awakening more and more each day to our spiritual magnificence. I declare that we claim it, feel it, and see it reflected in our world! How wonderful it is!
I release these words into the Law of Mind with a grateful heart. And so it is.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Luck Has Nothing to do With It!
At lunch after our Gathering last Sunday, as I was answering some questions about my new position, one of our congregation said “You are so lucky.” I heard myself replying “Luck had nothing to do with it! I’ve been treating for this for the past 24 years!”
As I said this, I remembered another occasion. A group of us had arrived in Egypt in the middle of the night, tired and hungry. I went to bed as soon as I walked into the hotel room, and the next morning, opened the curtains to see the Great Pyramid in all its glory! I sat in awe on the balcony watching the sunlight move up the face of the pyramid and thought “I am so lucky!” and a voice inside my head said “Luck had nothing to do with it! You’ve wanted to be here all your life.”
Spiritual Law works whether we are aware of it or not, and it works according to our receptivity. Yes, I had wanted to go to Egypt since I was a child. I had pictures on my treasure map, and looked longingly airfares and tour companies. One day I received a flyer about a conference in Egypt called “Personal and Planetary Spiritual Evolution,” but after looking at the price, threw the flyer away. I couldn’t stop thinking about that trip though. Then the office phone rang and Terry Weiss of Power Places Tours told me I had been recommended as a speaker and would I like to participate? I couldn’t imagine who had recommended me, but said YES! After getting off the phone and doing my happy dance, I realized I was finally receptive to the idea of going, and the trip manifested in ways I could hardly imagine.
Dr. Ernest Holmes wrote, "But even God cannot give us anything unless we are in a mental condition to receive the gift. The Law cannot do anything for us unless It can do it through us. We live in the midst of eternal good, but it can only be to us what we believe it to be. We stand at the mouth of the river, but we must let down our own bucket if we wish it filled with the pure waters of Reality."
If you have a desire you’re waiting to manifest – don’t give up, no matter how long it takes. Keep doing your spiritual work. Check your level of receptivity.
And perhaps you might use this prayer by Dr. Kathianne Lewis of the Center for Spiritual Living, Seattle:
"Reveal to me the finished Kingdom though which I walk".
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
We live in an infinite Field of creative potentiality. This Field is Source Energy – the beginning of all that is, including us. This Field is impressed with our thoughts and feelings and becomes the 3D world we live in.
Knowing this, I now declare I am ready to step into my greatness. I let go of my little ideas about myself and release all doubts and fears. I step up to the River of Reality and drink my fill. I walk through a finished Kingdom and I recognize It!
Gratefully I release these words, knowing they are embodied deep within my subjective mind. I know God is absolutely everywhere – and where ever God is – all is good.
And so it is.
Friday, November 13, 2009
F. E. A. R.
It’s that ole fear of the unknown and constant search for meaning.
Rev. Shelly Downs of the Tree of Life Center in La Crescenta, California, posted this on her FB status:
“F.E.A.R. Many have heard this is an acronym for "False Evidence Appears Real"..... I have changed the focus a bit to be "Feeling Excited And Ready". For truly, what do we have to fear, when we are One with God?”
I love this!! We are so used to the feeling of fear that I’ll bet we mistake excitement for fear many times over. For instance – you’re getting ready to go on stage – you know your lines – you love acting – yet there’s that feeling in the pit of your stomach. Your mind says “Stage Fright” and you might flub a line. What if it was really excitement?
Or – You’ve been asked to go out with a new person for the first time – again you have that feeling in your stomach. Your mind says “What if he/she isn’t right for you?” and follows it up with the litany of sorrows from past dates or relationships. You might not go and miss something wonderful!! What if it was really excitement?
Or – you’ve applied for a new job, and you feel that feeling again. Your mind interprets it as “what if I don’t get it” and gives a multitude of reasons why. What if it is really excitement!
What if we had identified the feeling we were feeling in these examples as “Feeling Excited And Ready?!” How would that change the course of events?
Ernest Holmes writes: “In principle and in potential we are immersed in good for we are in the Mind of God. But we have freedom, or volition, to create in our own experience, out of the possibilities of life with which we have been endowed, the prerogative of heaven or hell. So we need to shake ourselves loose from the tyranny of fear and superstition and isolation and the emotional traditions.”
The Science of Mind (and many other faith traditions) teach: All there is, is God. When we truly embody this, we know there is nothing to be afraid of. Next time you feeling those feelings ask yourself “Am I really afraid, or am I Feeling Excited and Ready for all the good I am attracting into my life?” I choose excited and ready!!
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
Gratefully I allow myself to breathe deeply and go to the center of my being. Here is where the fountain of all good begins – the Source of me. This Source is infinitely intelligent and unconditionally loving. It is everywhere I am, because in Truth, It is all there is.
Resting in this sacred space - I feel all fear I have about anything drain away. In its place I find peace – a Divine Peace I now realize was there all along. This Divine Peace moves through me, realigning everything unlike Its perfect pattern in every area of my life – my body, my work, my finances, my relationships. I feel a deep sense of harmony as I recognize how connected I am with The All.
How grateful I am to have this experience. I choose to let this feeling permeate my subjective mind, and it feels so good. I am feeling excited and ready to enjoy my life! It is God’s Life and I have made It a good one!
I release these words, knowing they are so, and so it is.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Bodies
Magazines are now coming out with articles about weight programs for the holidays. Indeed weight loss is one of the biggest money making ventures around. Open any magazine, or go to your local bookstore and see how many different ideas there are about weight loss for both women and men.
Yes, at the bottom of all of our concerns about our bodies are ideas – ideas we’ve accepted according to where we live and what’s in style. Ideas that are based in fear – fear that we won’t be pretty or handsome enough, fear that we won’t be acceptable in society - plain old fear of not being enough!
Nithya Shanti, a spiritual teacher in India, wrote as his status line on Facebook one day: “Our bodies are magnificent. They are condensed Divinity. There is nothing in them at all to despise or be embarrassed about. Any cultural or religious ideas to the contrary can safely be abandoned at once.”
The Ancient Hawaiians believed the bigger you were the more mana you had (mana = spiritual power). Our bodies are condensed Divinity – or we could say thick thought. How does this idea change the way you will see yourself the next time you look in the mirror?
Looking at my body from this perspective erases the guilt of holiday eating. I will be conscious about what I’m eating and I will allow myself the pleasure of experiencing this once-a-year feasting.
Together, let’s abandon the fears of not being enough because of what we look like. Let’s enjoy being in a body. It’s an amazing self-repairing earth suit, designed by us, with abilities to experience the world we’re creating through our senses! It is God coalesced into form for our adventure here called Life.
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
There is only One Life – God’s Life. I am an expression of this One Life, living in a body I have created with my thoughts to be here now.
How grateful I am for every cell of this body. I have eyes that see, ears that hear, a nose that smells, a tongue that tastes, and hands that touch—and these things that allow me to experience through my senses are only a tiny part of the wonderful organism that I am. I am grateful for my skeletal structure, my muscles, and tendons. I am grateful for all the organs that are within me and the work they do for me automatically. I am grateful for the blood that moves through my body, bringing oxygen and removing that which is no longer necessary. I am grateful for my brain and all the electrochemical activities that run the body.
I now let go of any negative thinking I have been doing about my body. I choose to see it as the condensed Divinity It is. I am grateful that I now realize that this body is truly the Temple of the Most High.
The I AM that I am loves and nourishes and uses this body with great respect. I see this reflected in the way I treat my body. It is God in form.
I release these words into the Law of Mind, knowing they are planted deep within my subjective mind, becoming a builder of my universe, and this is good, very good. And so it is.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Imagination
Years ago when I was living in Los Angeles, as I was driving home from a week long trip, I saw that the hills in which I lived were on fire. I started worrying about my cats and my home. Various scary scenarios flashed through my mind until I could hardly breathe, my heart was pounding and every muscle in my body was rigid. As I kept driving I realized the fire wasn’t anywhere close to where I lived. I was so grateful my home was safe yet it took me a little while to come back to normal physically. This experience made me realize how powerful my imagination was.
Our imaginations are one of the most awesome tools in our spiritual tool box. Yet our imagination cannot tell what is real or not real, so letting our imagination run wild from a fear base can cause effects that are not conducive to our highest good.
When the darker side of our dreams seems to bleed into our imaginations, it is the perfect opportunity to work through our fears. How do we do this? First we admit we are afraid. We face them head on and recognize them as dream blockers. We claim the Truth about them. They are not Real. We don’t beat ourselves up for being scared. We laugh at the costume that fear took!! Then we get busy and have fun imagining what we really want!
J. K Rowling, author of the delightful Harry Potter books, said in her 2008 commencement address to Harvard: “We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.”
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
One Power, one Presence – one Heart, one Mind. This is The Divine. The Source and substance of all there is, including me. I celebrate my conscious awareness of this One, as I speak my word into spiritual law:
No longer do I let fear immobilize me. No longer do I let fear take over my imagination to block my dreams. I declare I am fear-free. I use my imagination to visualize a world that is fear-free. And it feels good.
I also declare that anytime fear creeps into my imagination the Silent Witness gently and humourously reminds me that this is not my Truth.
I am so grateful for this wonderful tool. I build my Vision for my life with ease and grace. I experience what I imagine and it is good.
I release these words into the Law of Mind, knowing they are so, and so It is.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thoughts
I reflected on our thinking processes. Some like everything to be black and white. Some like lots of drama. Some like lots of colour, lots of details. Some like simplicity. No one is wrong. We are all right in our own way. My right might not agree with your right but that doesn’t make either of us wrong. Imagine how our world would be if we could accept this.
The Hawaiians have a forgiveness process that is popular right now. Ho’o pono pono. The word means “to be the cause of making the right right.” There is no wrong. There is only a revealing of a higher Truth.
The Truth is we are all unique individualized expressions of the One Mind. How grateful I am that we don’t all think the same! Whether your world is black and white or full of colour – I KNOW it is beautiful!!
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
I recognize the powerful presence of The Divine all around me. It is in everything, everywhere. It is the Source and substance of all that is. It is the Lifeforce within me. It is – and it is all there is.
Today I declare I am willing to let go of any judgments I have about how others think or live their lives. I now see them as another unique expression of God. I appreciate our differences.
I am also willing to let go of any judgments of how I think. I appreciate my uniqueness.
Because of my willingness, I see the blessings of Peace filling our world. I sense a calmness filling my atmosphere. Life is good, very good.
I release these words into the Law of Mind, knowing they are so. And so it is.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Willingness
I had the opportunity of meeting a wonderful Chiropractor who has been working with David and I since March. He said he had come to Kelowna to heal the city.
He accepts a patient, X-rays them, sees them three times a week for three months, twice a week for three months, then once a week for three months. His theory is that we have to train the body to re-member how to hold the adjustments he gives it.
What amazed me is that he asks each patient how much they can pay per month and if they can't pay anything, they don't, and whatever they can afford is what they pay for their treatments! No balance piling up, no accounting each month.
He belongs to Trinity Baptist Church and is a very delightful, cheerful and positive Christian, who knows all about how the mind and body work together. Our philosophies differ very little.
He told me he used to go to church every Sunday and volunteer his time. One day he thought; "There are lots of people who volunteer here". So now every Sunday he goes down to the Mission where they do a breakfast for the homeless and he does around 30 Chiro adjustments for street people. Here is a man who really walks his talk.
Yes, here is a man who really walks his talk. I love his willingness to know his gifts so clearly and give them regardless of what our society would say. I can just hear his fellow chiropractors – “You mean you just give it away? You can’t do that!” Yes he can and yes he does.
My teacher, the late Rev. Helen Street, used to say that within 5 minutes of conversation she could tell what God the person had. As I read this e-mail, I see a man whose God is a loving, giving God. One that supports him in doing the work he knows he must do. One that he trusts.
I love this God.
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
I acknowledge the Divine Energy that is within us all. This Divine Energy is the Source, the sustainer and the substance of all. It is Love working through Law. It is, and It is all there is.
Knowing this I speak my word into this wonderful Energy and I declare “I am ready and willing to be all I can be. I am ready to give my gifts to the world and I am ready to trust that everything needed to do this work is already at hand.”
I celebrate my willingness, my courage and my ability to trust. I am so grateful for these Principles and the Universe’s constant reminder of them. I gratefully step forward in faith and do the work I am here to do. God in me, as me, is living a wonderful life!
I release these words to the Law of Mind, knowing they are done, and so it is.
Friday, October 02, 2009
Change
Holmes writes in the Science of Mind “All seeming change is merely the play of Life upon Itself.” Creation demands change as Life creates by a process of Divine Self-Imagination, and Life’s imagination flows through us at the level of our receptivity. The only thing that ever changes is form. The form might be our job, our home, even our relationships. Because of our fears, we often resist change when everything inside of us is urging us to move! I call that urge a sense of Divine Discontentment.
Holmes also writes: “Nature will not let us stay in any one place too long. She will let us stay just long enough to gather the experience necessary to the unfolding and advancement of the soul. This is a wise provision, for should we stay here too long, we would become too set, too rigid, too inflexible. Nature demands the change in order that we may advance. When the change comes, we should welcome it with a smile on the lips and a song in the heart.”
Yes, change is happening, and always will. Let’s move into our changes with a clear understanding that Who We Are in Truth never changes, just the forms. Let’s welcome change, knowing it is an advancement of our soul.
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
I acknowledge and celebrate the powerful Presence of the Divine right here and now. I know It is absolutely everywhere including within me. It serves me though Law according to my awareness of It, and I serve It with Love.
I now declare I am ready to accept that Who I Am in Spirit is changeless. I am Spirit in form, and it is the form that changes. I accept these changes as results of my consciousness. Every change in my live is about advancing my expression of Self, about growth in consciousness, and about having a deeper experience of the Divine. I declare that change is good!
With a grateful heart I let go and let God guide me to my highest good and greatest joy. I release these words into the Law of Mind, knowing they are done. And so it is.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Training
On the walk home, I realized our minds are a lot like puppies. They need training. Consistent training. And even when we think we’ve got it, we need reinforcement training.
I know we sometimes get discouraged or overwhelmed by this work. Sometime it seems so hard! We do our Spiritual Mind Treatments, we journal, we meditate, we listen to great messages on Sundays, yet still, that thing our heart desires isn’t manifesting. We’re not happy. Why is this? We’ve let our minds go wild.
I don’t know how many times over the past 30 years that I’ve been in this teaching when I thought “Oh to be ignorant again – ignorance is bliss.” Yet when we’re ignorant, we fall into the collective unconscious way of thinking. What’s in the collective unconscious you ask? Turn on the radio or your television, and what ever the story is, it’s probably based in fear! Remember, we attract what we are predominantly thinking and feeling!
We’re like spiritual athletes, constantly assessing our performance, moving into more training. And as most athletes will tell you, training in a group is a great experience. Classes started this month – are you in one? That training brings awesome rewards!
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
Gratefully I honour The Divine Presence within us, among us and around us. It is the Sustainer of Life, Love and all things. It is all there is.
I know this Presence as both Love and Law, therefore I now speak my word into this Law, declaring:
“I am an excellent spiritual athlete. I have a trained mind, and the trained mind is the dominant mind. I know that as I declare a thing, it is done with ease.”
Because I have declared this, the whole Universe rushes forward to make this my reality. Doors open, opportunities abound. Life is good.
I celebrate my conscious awareness of Principle, and the knowledge of how to use it to create a world that works for everyone including me! I live my life in gratitude, and it is good, very good.
I release these words, knowing they are so, and so it is.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Celebrate!
Tonight at sundown Rosh Hashanah begins. This is the Jewish New Year. There are many rituals and prayers involved in this holy time – and the one I resonate to is Tashlikh (Hebrew for “casting off”). During the afternoon, people go to a large, natural body of flowing water and “cast off” the previous years sins by throwing pieces of bread into the water. The word ‘sin’ in the biblical Hebrew, the generic word for sin is het. It means to err, to miss the mark.
Tomorrow, September 19 is Navratri (or nine nights), a Hindu holiday that honors Shakti or the Divine Feminine/Mother and looks to her for spiritual cleansing, guidance, and enlightenment.
Dr. Holmes writes in the glossary of the Science of Mind, under Feminine Principle: “The Universal Soul. In us, the subjective or subconscious intelligence. The Universal Medium or Soul has been called the “Womb of Nature,” and the “Holy Mother,” because It is receptive to the Spirit, and is impregnated with Divine Ideas. It gives birth to the Ideas of the Spirit, and is, therefore the Feminine Principle of Nature.
Even the holy days of this month are telling us to clear the clutter to make room for what we want to manifest in our lives!! There’s a brook running through our back yard – I am going to use the Jewish ritual to let go of all the things I might be holding against myself or others. My main error or the mark I might have missed would be to think that myself and others are not God.
Then I will use the Feminine Principle to consciously connect with my Hearts desires and let those take the place of the ‘sins’ I let go of. My Hearts desire is to be happy and of service to my world. To be loved and loving. To feel all my feelings. To see everything as Divine.
How would you use the energy of these holy days?
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
I celebrate the holiness, the wholeness, of the One Life that is the Source and Sustainer of all things. I know It is absolutely everywhere, including within me.
In this Oneness is both Love and Law – Love pointing the way, and Law making the way possible. I now speak with Love into the Law and declare: I am willing to let go and be more Real. I am willing to accept my Good with an open heart and mind and arms. I am willing to accept the Truth of my being, which is God.
As I declare and feel my willingness, Life fulfills the desires of my heart. Both the ones I am conscious of and the ones I am not. I see Life opening up for me as I open up for It. And this is good, very good.
Gratefully I release these words, celebrating their being embodied deeply in my subjective mind, and seeing them manifest. And so it is.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Safe Passage
Flash forward to September 11, 2001 – No matter where we were or what we were doing, we all remember that date. It was the day the universe as we knew it toppled. Chaos reared its ugly head and smiled a horrific grin and all hell broke loose. A reactive mode set in with a vengeance – one whose effects we are still experiencing today.
Our world changed in an instant – all because someone, somewhere thought they were right and everyone else was wrong.
Today I invite you to honour those who lost their lives on 9/11, and those that are still suffering the effects, whether physically, mentally or emotionally, by examining your life to see where you are stuck in We Are Right. It could be an issue with a neighbour, a boss, a spouse, or even someone that’s not in your lives any longer. Whoever it is, you will know by the energy you feel in your body when you think about them.
It’s time to give those people safe passage through your mind and heart.
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
There is only one Life, that Life is God’s Life and that Life is the Life we are living right now. All there is, is God. There is no other. This Life is filled with possibilities. It is based in unconditional love, and works through spiritual law.
Knowing this, I now declare all wars I have had in my life are over. No longer do I hold anyone hostage in my mind. I open my heart and let go of my need to be right. I accept that each of us has our own ‘rightness” and others might not be the same as mine. I accept that regardless of appearances, the Truth always sets us free.
Gratefully, I rejoice in being able to allow Peace to reign in my life and the lives of others. I celebrate God in everyone and know the Peace of God at a deeper level than I have ever experienced before.
God is good, and all is well in our world. This is my Truth. And so it is.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Relief!
At one point I started smiling, and then it turned into laughter. I don’t like carrying around a bag of fresh dog poo either. I know that feeling of relief when I finally get around the course to a trash can and can let go of it. But that’s not why I was laughing.
I was remembering a workshop I attended in the early ‘80’s led by the actress, Gloria Manon, called “Break Through Drama.” It was the first workshop I’d ever taken of its type, so it had extra impact. At one point I was sort of embarrassed/amused by a term Gloria used – she called our old beliefs, (the ones we were hanging on to regardless of how they were working in our lives) “precious turds.”
As I sat on that bench in the park, I could see how gingerly each person held their bag of precious turds. They did anything to prevent from dropping them, all the while, trying not to touch them! They stopped to talk to people along the path, and tried to ignore that they even had them.
You see where I’m going with this? Isn’t this what we do with our lives? We have all sorts of interesting crap we’ve picked up over the years, and mostly we try to ignore it. Occasionally we remember, and then do everything we can to avoid it. Once we allow ourselves to let go of it, however, Wow – what a relief!!
Here’s something else I noticed – if a person doesn’t see that their dog has pooed – everyone around tells them and then watches them to make sure they clean it up! This seems to be what’s happening in the collective consciousness at the moment. The success of Debbie Ford’s Shadow Work, and the work of others, shows us that we might as well consciously participate!! Enrolling in Science of Mind courses is a good way to examine your beliefs as well. We can all use a good consciousness cleanse!!
Here’s to feeling a great relief!!
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
I recognize the powerful Presence of Divine Love. It is absolutely everywhere, including within me. It is the air I breathe, the things I touch, taste, smell, hear and see. It is all there is.
This Presence works for me, by working through me, according to my dominant beliefs. Knowing this Truth, I hereby declare I have released all that does not serve me. My mind is now filled with thoughts of beauty, peace, wisdom, health, wealth and creativity. My mind is filled with Divine Thoughts.
I focus on God, the Good, and as I do this, my life begins to reflect this Good.
What a relief this is. I have let go of worry, doubt and fear. I have accepted Christ Consciousness as my own. I know the Truth, and this Truth has set me free.
With a grateful heart, I release these words, knowing that I have already embodied them, and this too is good, very good. And so it is.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Moments
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNVPalNZD_I
As I watched, it evoked memories – many different memories. Suddenly I realized it would do that for anyone watching, yet each person would have a different experience of it. Each person would be attracted by different moments in the film, and even if we were attracted to the same moments we would have a different experience of them. The memories that were evoked would be different. This is how we give meaning to things we see in present time – by what we know about things through our memories.
This is the way life works. We are all experiencing a different reality. We are experiencing the same story, but with different content because of the value we have given our memories of our experiences – especially the first time we did anything. We are born, raised from childhood to adulthood, get dressed, fall in love, fall out of love, have jobs, wash dishes, have colds, make love, have arguments, etc. Our lives are basically the same. Jesus, Buddha and Hitler all did the same things. However the meaning we give these experiences is different.
Our lives are made up of little moments. The more I study the Science of Mind, I realize how important each little moment is. It is like our little moments are beads strung on our timeline. Hmm, I just thought of a rosary. Did you know that the rosary has four sets of "Mysteries of the Rosary" - Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious? What if we are the Universes rosary? How would we be prayed? What are our mysteries? OK, I’m getting a little out there – but really, what are the moments of our timeline like? It’s up to us. Are we creating knots or beautiful, translucent beads. (Even sorrow can be beautiful.)
Make some beautiful memories with your little moments today.
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
We live in an infinite Field of creative potentiality. This Field is God. It has no beginning and no end. No boundaries. It is absolutely everywhere. Within It are both Love and Law. Love points the way to various possibilities and Law makes those possibilities real.
Today I choose to let go of yesterday and see each moment as brand new. This moment right now is fresh and unconditioned by my past. This moment is expanding into the next moment and the next, and I feel the preciousness of all of them.
My eyes are open to see a new reality. My mind is clear. My heart is pure. I choose to experience Love and Light and Joy. I choose to experience the Wisdom within me. I choose a Divine Reality that continually makes all things new. I come to this Reality with the wonder of a child, feeling loved and blessed.
My life is a string of beautiful moments. I am so grateful for this. So grateful to have the awareness to choose wisely. So grateful to be aware of the Power within my word, and grateful for my embodiment of Truth.
I release these words into that Infinite Field, knowing they are so, and so it is.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Truth
There is only one Mind, God, Infinite Good, Infinite Love, Infinite Truth. This Mind rules and governs all. This Mind is my mind now.
The Life, Love and Mind of God are in action in me at this instant. I am filled completely with the light and Spirit of Truth. Through my mind God thinks. Through my heart God expresses Divine Love. Through my body God expresses perfect life, health and vitality. There is no life, truth, substance nor intelligence in evil; God, the Good is all there really is, and I am surrounded and filled with It.
In my life God is the only activity now taking place. I have spiritual wisdom, spiritual perception and spiritual discernment. I love Truth, speak Truth, rejoice in Truth, for God is Truth. Amen
Raymond Charles Barker
I love this Spiritual Mind Treatment. It says it all. Imagine what our lives would be like if we really believed it!
A church I drive past often inspires me with its marquee statements. This week’s is “Want a new life? God takes trade-ins.”
If we really embodied the above S.M.T as our Truth, isn’t this what we’d be doing – trading the life we are living now with its limitations for one of limitlessness? Trading a life of physical, mental or emotional pain for one of peace?
Go ahead – read the Treatment again – and read it with as much feeling and belief as you can. Read it out loud. Read it until you really FEEL it, and watch what happens in your life!!
Blessings, Rev. Angelica
Note: Dr. Raymond Charles Barker was ordained at the Unity School of Christianity in 1940. He later affiliated with Religious Science, and at the request of Dr. Ernest Holmes, the founder of Religious Science, opened the first Church of Religious Science in New York City in 1946.
Dr. Barker served as President of the International New Thought Alliance from 1943 to 1946. Later he served as President of Religious Science International from 1954 to 1957, and again from 1959 to 1962. Well known throughout the New Thought movement for his writings and lectures, Dr. Barker spoke in every major city in the United States, as well as in Europe and South Africa. His many books and pamphlets, including “Treat Yourself to Life” and “The Power of Decision” have enjoyed steady sales through the years, and have touched the lives of thousands of readers in all walks of life.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Colour
I do a lot more walking now that I have a puppy. Morning, noon and night. Each time is so different. In the morning, everything looks and smells fresh and green and fills me with a sense of a newness. At noon, things have been hot and dry and yellow seems to be the predominant colour. At night there is no colour ... just shades of black and grey .. even the street lights fade out the colours.
I used to be afraid of the nighttime when I was a child - perhaps it was because of this - no colour. Colour helps us define things. Our interpretation of colour gives meaning to Life. We judge things by colour and have given a positive and negative meaning to each colour. For instance, to me, green is growth or jealousy, yellow is creative energy or illness, blue is peaceful beauty or loneliness, red is life or anger. Black and its various shades, are power, or death. (and makes you look thinner - LOL) Black symbolizes the unknown… and here is might be why I was afraid of the dark. Everything looks different, and feels unknown.
As adults, we’re not comfortable with the unknown, either. We sometimes stay in our uncomfortableness because at least we know what it’s like.
With Debby Ford’s new film “The Shadow Effect” there’s a lot of talk about the unknown within us – the beliefs and feelings we’ve hidden away because we couldn’t deal with them at the time. I believe this is what is going on in the collective consciousness as well. We are beginning to realize that things aren’t always as they appear – and that in Truth, we’ve judged a lot of people and things on appearances only. That we don’t really know anyone or anything, until we know our Selves.
This is why I love our teaching. A deep study of Science of Mind Principles helps us to uncover the “shadows” that are still active in our consciousness, and having an effect on our lives today. We not only break through those shadow places, we begin to realize we are more than we ever thought we were. We are the very Presence we have been afraid of. We begin to realize all judgment is really self-judgment, and is unnecessary. All our shadows are replaced with brilliant colour and Life has more meaning than we could ever believe possible!!
Here’s to Life in all Its radiance, shining brilliantly through us!
Blessings, Rev. Angelica
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
Gratefully I recognize the powerful Presence within and around us. There is no spot where God is not. God is both Love and Law, and it works through us according to our thoughts and feelings.
Therefore, today I declare I am ready to stand naked in the Truth. Freed of all my shadow effects, having claimed the disowned parts of myself. I am whole and holy. I am healthy, wealthy and wise. I am loving and beloved. I am complete in my Self.
My life is so much brighter because of my declarations. I am shining the Light so brightly that all who see me, know The Divine. My way is one of blessings, and everyone around me feels the effects.
How grateful I am to be here now, to recognize my Self, to honour my Self, and to rejoice in The Self in everything.
I release these words to the Law of Mind, knowing they are done. And so Is is.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Solitude
I equate solitude with silence, and this made me remember a bus ride years ago in Honolulu, where I watched one person after the other get on plugged into their Walkmans. I felt sad then too, because it felt like they were isolating themselves and because I felt they couldn’t be without noise. (Of course we can never be without noise, we can only choose the noise we want to listen to.) Now we have Twitter, FaceBook, My Space and numerous other social media sites. We can be alone in our homes yet not be alone at all.
Solitude has its benefits. Though its meaning is akin to loneliness, I think it’s the state of being alone without being lonely. It is being at one with yourself, providing time that can be used for reflection, meditation, creativity or enjoyment. Think about this for a moment, everything we do, even those things we do with others, we actually do by ourselves, so solitude isn’t something to be wary of!
Moments spent in solitude give me a rich, fulfilling peacefulness. I enjoy the quiet or creative moments, coming away with a feeling of satisfaction. I love walking in a wooded area, feeling the energies of the trees, listening to the birds, smelling the rich loam. I love writing at my desk, with only the sounds of nature and my pets around me. I love relaxing in a bubble bath, reflecting on my good, or sitting in my prayer chair, experiencing a deep meditation.
In our busy worlds, solitude is something we have to cultivate. It sooths our nervous systems, clears our minds, empties and then fills our hearts. It replenishes our soul. This is the most important benefit of solitude – replenishing our soul!
Ernest Holmes writes in the Science of Mind: “We are on the path of experience, just waking to the real fact of our true being; as we awake we find we are surrounded by many false conditions, but there is something within which remembers the real state. If we will sit in quiet contemplation of good, as an inner experience, we will experience the good which we contemplate.”
In moments of quiet solitude, we remember who we are – Spirit having an experience we’re calling being human.
Be still and know that I am God.
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
As I go into the silence, I breathe deeply and can feel the presence of the Source of all there is. I spend time here, remembering that all that I understand Spirit to be, I am. Spirit is not only within me, It is all around me, and even more than that. It is everything, manifest and unmanifest. It is Life Itself.
My soul yearns for me to consciously acknowledge it with spiritual nourishment. This silence is nourishment. As I move into the silent spaces between each breath, I let all thoughts be on God, the Beloved of my soul. I breathe deeply again, allowing peace to permeate every atom of my being. My body is refreshed and renewed. My mind is clear and my heart is pure.
I declare that I enjoy spaces of solitude in my life, and I cultivate more of them each day. These spaces replenish my energy levels and I am able to do what is mine to do with grace.
I am so grateful for the awareness of the beauty and benefits of solitude. I am grateful to be able to be in constant communion with Spirit. I release these words into the Law of Mind and know that they are done. And so it is.
Friday, July 31, 2009
When Wendy Craig-Purcell, author of "Ask Yourself This: Questions to Open the Heart, Expand the Mind and Awaken the Soul," used this statement as her status line on FaceBook one day, it caught my mind and wouldn’t let go!
It reminded me of a story from my time in Hawai’i. I had a wonderful dog named Hobbs. He traveled with me from Los Angeles and went through quarantine. I had heard Hawai’i had a terrible flea problem so Hobbs and I made an agreement. He would not get fleas!!
I lived for awhile with a friend who was going to university to be an organic chemist. He used to sit with Hobbs every night and examine his fur. I finally asked him what he was looking for – and he said “Fleas.” I told him about my agreement with Hobbs and he laughed at me. “All dogs have fleas!” he said “you can’t stop that, especially in Hawai’i!” and went back to examining his fur.
I got nervous since I knew that what you look for you will find, so after class one night, I told my teacher, Rev. Helen Street, what was happening and what I was afraid of. She hugged me and said “Don’t worry honey, the trained mind is the dominant mind,” and walked away.
I was in Science of Mind 300, studying to be a practitioner, and knew I was going to be a minister, so I figured I had a trained mind. I went home, reminded Hobbs (and myself) of our agreement, told my friend he could look all he wanted, but he would never find anything. Sure enough, Hobbs never did have any fleas. Even my Vet had a hard time believing it!!
What does this story have to do with us today? Many of us are experiencing the effects of circumstances in the world. We have surrendered our consciousness to facts not Truth. We have surrendered our consciousness to fear.
Ernest Holmes writes: “Begin to act from your dominion. Declare the Truth by telling yourself there is nothing to be afraid of, that you no longer entertain any images of fear.”
Our Truth is God is all there is. God is both Love and Law. The Law will attract to us whatever we focus on. Let’s stop focusing on fear and focus on Love.
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
There is only One Mind – God’s. This is the mind I am using. In this mind is everything I need to live the One Life – God’s Life.
Knowing this One Mind works through Law, I now declare that I let go of the world’s facts, and remember I am co-creating this life. No longer do I need to conform to the world ways of thinking. I have no need to surrender my consciousness to circumstances. I am no longer afraid.
I choose to experience a good life. I know Divine Mind is Infinitely Intelligent and knows what this means to me, and therefore attracts to me all that is necessary for the fulfillment of my good. I stand open hearted, open minded, and with open arms, ready to receive. I surrender to my highest good and greatest joy!
With a grateful heart I release these words, knowing they are embodied deeply in my subjective mind. I experience the All Good with grace. And so it is.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Esther
Almost 20 years ago, I was present at the birth of a darling baby girl. The past 3 days I’ve had the privilege of interacting with the woman she has become. Wow! Esther, my Goddaughter, is absolutely delightful! It amazes me how someone so small and helpless grew up to be so beautiful and self-assured.
I moved away from Hawaii when she was 10, and missed the teen years, which sometimes makes me sad because we grow up and change so quickly. I’m sure every parent has felt the same. This is a reminder of how precious each moment of life is.
Kahlil Gibran wrote in The Prophet: “Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.” Not only do I see how Esther has grown physically and in her personality, I notice her Spirit as well. It’s like her Spirit is the same as it always was, she’s just grown into It. And this is a beautiful thing!
I just asked: “At this time in your life, what would you say is your most important Life Lesson.” Esther responded, “That we have the power at any given time to be happy. It’s not the experience that makes us happy, it’s what we choose.”
Excellent piece of Wisdom for today!
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
How delightful to be aware of Life’s longing for Itself as us. Love and Law together, working through us, for us – Spirit in form. Each of us, a unique expression of The One, moving through time, expanding our awareness of Self.
I am so grateful for every expression of The Presence in my life. I honour each as Life made manifest. I acknowledge and appreciate our differences while celebrating our Oneness. I rejoice in the wisdom that I experience through them. I honour the Sacred Messages that each has for me, and the ones I have for them.
God is absolutely all there is – and is showing up wonderfully in my life!! My Life is more magnificent because of conscious awareness of this! How grateful and blessed I feel!! And so It is.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Little Things
In the film, Russell, an 8 year old, is talking to Carl, a 78 year old, telling him about his trips to the ice cream store with his father … he ends the tale by saying “It might sound boring, but sometimes it’s the boring things I remember the best.”
That line resonated with all 4 of us during our discussion of the message of the film at dinner.
On the way home I was thinking about how so many are looking for their “Purpose.” In my observation, we think our purpose is supposed to be some Big Deal, something that makes us famous and leaves a legacy. What if in the looking for something bigger, we’re missing the real purpose in the “boring things we remember the best.” If you stop and think back on your lives right now, what is it that you remember? Granted it could be a big event like the birth of a child or a wedding, yet I think it will be times spent with family and friends, doing the day to day stuff.
I believe our Purpose is to experience God in everything - and God is Love. Love isn’t all fireworks and passion – it’s also the “boring things.” Our lives are made up of a strand of little moments – let’s give them the value they deserve!
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
There is only one Life – God’s. There is only one Love – God. I am so grateful to be aware of this magnificence in, through and as me. My Life is God’s Life, and since God is Love and God is all there is – I too, am Love.
Today I declare “I put Love in action in all my little moments.” If I find myself out of Love, I breathe deeply and remember Who I Am - Love in action. It is up to me to give value to my moments, and so I do, gratefully and gracefully.
I declare I am achieving my Purpose – constantly acknowledging God in every moment and everyone.
Gratefully I release these words into the Law of Mind, knowing they are so – and so It is.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Exciting Times
I agree that the energy is building – and that big changes are coming. How could they not!! With the way things have been going on the surface level, it looks like everything is falling apart – yet, what if everything is really falling into its right and perfect places?
What if all the individual prayers for peace, harmony, prosperity, right-work, health, and love are coming into fruition right now? Things certainly are showing up more quickly in my life! I just have to think a thing and there it is!
And because what I am experiencing is just a microcosm of the macrocosm – what if all the prayers we’ve been doing for world peace, health, prosperity and food and water for all, are coming into fruition right now?
Have you noticed that in your own experience, things seem to look the worst just before they get better??? The old paradigms are in their death throes, battling to stay alive. The new paradigms, that I believe we set up more publically in the ‘60’s, are taking their places.
We are living in exciting times!! And each of us is going to experience these times by what we focus on. It is more important than ever to keep the High Watch. It is more important than ever to keep claiming Good for all. Here’s a spiritual practice for you: At least four times today, let yourself stop what ever you are doing, take a few deep breaths and say “I live in a wonderful world.”
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
I am so grateful to remember Who I Am – God in form, having an experience of being human through and as me. I am grateful to know I am Love and using Law in every moment.
I refuse to participate in a conversation of doom and gloom. I am living in world of my making that is peaceful and filled with happiness, health, wealth and creativity. I am living in a world that works for everyone. I declare I am ready to ride the wave of good for all.
As I speak these words, I let them sink deep into my subjective mind and become fully embodied there. Nothing can move me off Center because this is where I am rooted in faith. I trust God, the Good and my All–Sufficiency, with my whole being.
Gratefully I release these words into the Law of Mind, knowing they are already so, and so it is.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Proud of Myself
“Right now, say it out loud: “I’m so proud of myself.”
The rush of strength and expansiveness that comes from declaring this honestly is the antidote to paralysis and the beginning of wonderful adventures, and each time you choose that, instead of shame, you really should be proud.” -- Martha Beck
Go on – say it: “I’m so proud of myself.”
Say it again – and really mean it!
Tears welled up in my eyes when I read this in Martha Beck’s daily e-mail last Tuesday and allowed myself to say it out loud. I often tell others how proud I am of them, yet don’t think I’ve ever said it to myself. Have you?
Most of our self-talk is about what we should or could have done, said or been. We’re ashamed of not getting things done when we think we should. We’re ashamed of not having the money to pay our bills. We’re ashamed of not being in the right job, the right relationship, the right body. Being in the faith tradition we are, we’ve even become ashamed that we don’t seem to be using Principle in ways that more beneficial for our lives.
Shame is a great paralyzer. We become immobilized by what we think about ourselves. Truth is – we are always doing the best we can. We are good people. That part of us that immobilizes us is probably only 10 % of who we really are and yet we let it run our lives. It’s time to let it go.
There truly is a rush of strength and expansiveness that comes from declaring this. Say it with me: “I’m so proud of myself!”
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
There is only One Life – that Life is God’s Life and this is the Life I am living. I celebrate every aspect of this One Life today.
I celebrate myself by declaring: I am so proud of myself. I let go of all thoughts of littleness, of believing I am not enough. I now realize I am more than enough because who I am is a unique expression of The One.
I am proud of my willingness to live a Divine Life - to open my heart and mind to inspiration and empowerment – to be all that I can be, in God, as God. I am proud of my Self and see my Self outpicturing in ways that are expansive and delightful. What a great adventure Life is!! I am proud that I have chosen to take conscious part in it!
With a heart filled with gratitude, I release these words into Divine Law, knowing they are so. And so It is.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Life!
It was Farrah’s hair I was in love with – during the early ‘70’s I had really, really long hair. I took a magazine cover into a beauty salon and said “Make me look like this.” Little did I know that there were thousands of women doing the same thing and this at a time when it was important for me to be an individual! A few years ago, when I decided I wanted long hair again, I naturally went back to that style. It works for me.
I wasn’t as enamored with Michael Jackson as many of my contemporaries were. I was more of the folk music type – but I loved dancing, and his music was certainly danceable! A few weeks ago I heard him say on an interview about his upcoming England tour “This is the last, the final goodbye.” How prophetic those words were – what surprised me was that he still sounded like a young boy at 50 years old.
Watching the interplay between Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon on late night TV was delightful. And oh my goodness, those envelopes, every few months over the years, from Publisher’s Clearing House, with a letter from Ed McMahon, brought hope and fantasy to the hearts of many!
Going back to value and meaning … Whether its death from a long illness, old age or sudden death, it reminds us of our mortality. We’re all going to do it – and the fact that many of us grew up with these people brings the fact that we’re not going to physically live forever even closer.
It reminds me to LIVE now – really live – not just observing from the sidelines, but getting in there and wallowing in every aspect of Life – feeling all the feelings, whether they be happy or sad, glad or mad – it’s all part of the human experience.
It also reminds me I am here for God to experience Itself as me. What kind of experience does my Spirit want to have? I believe It wants me to be authentic, use my God-given gifts well, and be fully present! So for the Divine Feminine, partially expressed through my hair, for the Divine Child within, and for the divine wise older person I have become -- This is my intention, and I am so grateful for every moment of my life.
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
There is That Within Me that desires to be more fully expressed, to have greater experiences of Itself. It is Life, my Life, which is GodLife. This Life works through me, as me, for me, through Love and Law.
I choose to open my heart and mind to let Life live an even greater experience as me. I let go of my sense of littleness, of not deserving, of unworthiness. I am the incarnation of The Divine right here and now. I accept this, I acknowledge it, I express it. I am fully alive!!
Gratefully I acknowledge all aspects of my Life, relishing being a spiritual being living a human experience. This is good, very good.
I release these words into the Law of Mind, knowing they are so, and so it is.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Fly!
The light changed and I drove on, but the visual picture stayed with me. If that picture had a word, it would be Trust. The bird didn’t hold onto the branch for dear life as the wind blew – she threw herself into it! It held her up and she only needed to flap her wings when she wanted to adjust her direction.
I thought about how with the winds of change in today’s world, there’s a part of us fearfully clinging to the past – to what we’ve known. We’re now realizing that what we’ve known isn’t necessarily going to work anymore. It’s time to throw ourselves into the wind and soar! We can look at the wind as Divine Law. It will support us. We just have to flap our wings and let It know where we want to go!!
I came home to find this in my e-mail box. I love how the Universe confirms my thoughts!!
Have you ever seen the acrobats on the big trampolines, or the people in the circus on the big bounding nets? And they hit that net and they spring forth into flight. Well, the moment that they hit the net, that's like the platform of your life. But it is the flying through the air that is the main event.
We want you to think of your "now reality" as nothing more than the net that is springing you -- but it is the flight through the air that is your life.
So many of you, you hit that net and then you lay on your stomach, and then you wrap your fingers and toes into it, and you put your face tight into it, and you say, "I've got to face reality." And we say, you didn't come forth to face reality. You came forth to spring off of reality. You came forth to let the reality be the basis from which you take flight. --Abraham-Hicks Philadelphia, PA ‘99
Whoo Hoo!! Let’s fly!!
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
I recognize and honour the powerful Presence that is absolutely everywhere. It is the wind beneath my wings, and the wings themselves. It is my breath and my heartbeat. It is - therefore I am.
I now declare I willingly untangle myself from wherever I have been stuck. I jump up and fly! I know that as I make the leap, the whole Universe is supporting me. I now leap into a new consciousness of Self. I leap into the consciousness of health, wealth, service and love. Everything my heart desires is now mine, and what I desire is for the greatest good for all.
Gratefully I fly free – allowing The Divine to guide and support me – and I enjoy the flight!
I release these words to the Law of Mind, knowing they are done, and so It is.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Sacrifice
Once again, it is all a matter of perspective. Yes, we have had to tighten our belts, find new jobs, new homes, make sacrifices – yet we can look at it differently.
The word ‘sacrifice’ comes from the Old Latin meaning to ‘make sacred.’ ‘Sacred’ means dedicated to a deity or religious purpose. If we look at this from a Religious Science point of view, what would our lives be like if all the changes we were making were done from the perspective of making our lives sacred? Dedicating all that we are, all that we have, and all that we have ever had – to the Divine?
We would be living in Truth. The Truth is, there is nothing but God. There is no separation at all. Everything we are, everything we have, every thing we think we’ve given up is God. The sacrifices we’re making are so we can more fully be our Divine Selves.
And that’s a good thing!
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
The I Am that I Am is hungering to be recognized – and so I do. I celebrate this awesomely powerful Presence that is my life and everything I experience. I celebrate the unconditionally loving and infinitely intelligent nature of this Presence. I know it as Divine Energy – the Source and substance of all that is.
I open my heart and mind to make all things sacred. Everything I experience with my senses is sacred. Everything I feel is sacred. This makes my life a holy experience. I rejoice in this Truth. The Divine in me, as me, is honouring Its perfection as me.
As I change my perceptions, I change my experience. I declare my life is one that reflects the wonder and uniqueness of The Divine. I feel joy in all my endeavors. My whole being dwells in the generosity of Spirit.
With a grateful heart, I release these words – knowing they are so. And so It is.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Slow Life
There is so much continually attempting to get our attention. Besides the various technological tools we have bombarding us with information, there are also ‘to do’ lists, errands, our families, friends, jobs, people and pets. How often do we really participate in life in a slow, conscious manner? Or allow others to do so?
At one point on the way home, I was traveling the speed limit, enjoying the beauty of the forest I-5 goes through. Cars whizzed past me, some drivers honking, some glaring at me for going “too slowly.” I wondered where they were whizzing off too, and spent some time making up stories about them. When I realized what I was doing, I laughed at how easy it is to get pulled out of the present and brought my attention back to what I was doing. Those people were none of my business. My business was to enjoy my drive home. And I did.
Awhile ago I heard of the Slow Food movement – where one uses fresh ingredients, makes things from scratch and enjoys their meals. I think we should start a Slow Life movement. Where we show up, pay attention, and truly experience each moment.
Join me?
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
Today I show up for my life with a new intention. My intention is to consciously experience all of it. As I do this, I am able to more easily remember and experience the Oneness of all Life. I honour every second of Life. I honour how Life shows up for me, whether It be in people, plants, animals or places.
I am ready to live a Slow Life.
I open my mind and heart to experience the things I have forgotten. I let go of my need to be plugged in to my computer, Ipod, TV or newpapers. I recognize these as wonderful technological tools, yet they are not the reason for my existence.
My existence is for the Glory of The Divine. To experience God knowing Itself in, through and as me. I am now consciously aware of all of my Now moments, and consider them a great gift. I honour the gift by paying attention.
God in me, as me, is an expression of my good, and my good is everywhere!
With a grateful heart, I release these words, knowing they are so, and so It is.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Gratitiude
Last Sunday, our Centre initiated a Gratitude Campaign. For 30 days, we are choosing to be grateful instead of complaining!! Using Blesslets acquired from www.gratitudeinaction.com that read “Thank You God,” we are ready to experience more good, more joy and more Life!!
Here’s how it works: Remember the “Complaint-Free World” campaign we participated in a couple of years ago, in which Unity minister and author, Rev. Will Bowman, designed a purple bracelet to break ourselves of the habit of complaining? He suggested that every time we caught ourselves complaining, we change the bracelet to the other wrist.
This is the first part of our Gratitude Campaign. We’re taking it a step further. When we change the Blesslet to our other wrist, we change the complaint to an expression of gratitude. Here’s an example: I needed to buy gasoline. I came to my favourite gas station and noticed the price - $1.05 a litre!! I started to complain, realized what I was doing, changed my bracelet, and declared “Thank God I have a car to drive!” I immediately noticed the physiological changes in my body – from a clenching of my muscles at the beginning of irritation, to the releasing of my muscles and a much, more peaceful feeling.
Metaphysically we know that ‘where the attention goes, the energy flows.’ I would much rather be focusing my energy on what I’m grateful for, wouldn’t you?
Sai Baba of Shirdi said:
Before you speak, ask yourself:
Is it kind, is it necessary, is it true,
does it improve on the silence?
WOW – My Mother was always telling me as a child to think before I spoke. Now I can ask myself: “Does what I am about to say improve on the silence?” Certainly complaints wouldn’t. Gratitude would.
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
I am one with the Great Silence, the Divine Creative Power that is the Cause to all. It is within me and all things. It is an Energy that is acted upon my thoughts and feelings.
Knowing this, I now declare I live a life of gratefulness. I celebrate everything I have attracted into my experience and everything I have not. I am grateful for my body, this wonderous earthsuit that allows me to experience all there is to experience in this place in time. I am grateful for my emotions, that give richness and meaning to my experiences. I am grateful for my mind, that is working for me all the time. I give thanks for that One behind my body, mind and emotions, that is my Life and my Guiding Light.
I declare that Life is good, very good. Joyously I release this word to Law and see that it is my Truth. I am so grateful. And so it is.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Trust
When I feel myself in this situation, I like to use the Power of NO! As I catch myself worrying, I say “No! This is not my Truth. I prayed about this and I know prayer works! Nothing is too hard for The Divine! I let go of my fears and trust!”
Dr. Holmes writes in today’s 365 Science of Mind,
“I know the Infinite Creative Law is always bringing complete satisfaction into my experience. I am conscious that there is an Infinite Wisdom directing me. Whatever I should know, I will know. Whatever I should do, I will do. Whatever belongs to me, must come to me, and because of this Infinite Intelligence that is mine and that is within me now, I am compelled to recognize my Good, to see more, to understand and accept and express more.”
Let’s trust this Truth!!
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
There is an infinitely intelligent Power working through everything right here and now, including me. This Power is a palpable Presence that lifts my heart, and fulfills my mind. This Power is both Love and Law, and works through me at the level I will accept for It to work.
Today I declare I am open to all the blessings of the Universe. What ever I have been praying about, I now choose to accept that this Power is so awesome It can fulfill all requests with ease. I let Spirit go before me preparing my way. Being Infinite Intelligence, It knows how, when, why, where and who. I breathe deeply and let go of my fears. I trust God to do Its perfect work, in, through and as me.
Gratefully I release these words into the law of mind, knowing they are so now – and so It is.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Surrender
The song was “I will follow Him” by Little Peggy March. I remember this song as a teenager. I thought it was a love song written for a boyfriend, however when I read the lyrics, I discovered that every ‘him’ was capitalized. I will follow Him.
Now I don’t believe God is male, much less separate from me. However, when I read the words from a metaphysical point of view, the message for me is – There is only God, God is everywhere, and God is Love. It is up to me to surrender to Love. Love is my destiny – because Love is all there is.
In playing with the word ‘Destiny’ at a workshop not long ago, I decided it meant “Divine Expression of Spiritual Truth Invoking a New You.” At that same workshop I wrote in my journal “I am available to what wants to happen by means of me.”
Yes, I will follow Him.
What song is your Soul singing lately?
Blessings, Rev. Angelica
Come on – sing along with me
I WILL FOLLOW HIM (Little Peggy March)
I will follow Him, follow Him wherever He may go,
And near Him, I always will be,
For nothing can keep me away, He is my destiny.
I will follow Him, ever since He touched my heart I knew,
There isn't an ocean too deep,
A mountain so high, it can keep,
Keep me away, away from His love.
I love Him, I love Him, I love Him,
And where He goes, I'll follow, I'll follow, I'll follow.
I will follow Him, follow Him wherever He may go,
There isn't an ocean too deep,
A mountain so high, it can keep,
Keep me away...
I will follow Him (follow Him),
Follow Him wherever He may go,
There isn't an ocean too deep,
A mountain so high, it can keep,
Keep me away, away from His love...
I love Him (Oh yes, I love Him)
I'll follow (I'm gonna follow)
True love (He'll always be my true, true love)
Forever (Now until forever)
I love Him, I love Him, I love Him,
And where He goes, I'll follow, I'll follow, I'll follow,
He'll always be my true love, my true love, my true love,
From now until forever, forever, forever...
There isn't an ocean too deep,
A mountain so high, it can keep,
Keep me away, away from His love.
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
God, the Eternal One, the Everything That Is, is the Lover of my soul. I celebrate this Truth with every fibre of my being.
I now declare I am ready to express my authentic Self more completely. I am surrendering to the Higher Good of my Being. I am no longer willing to live in my little, complaining self. I no longer avoid my good.
I am now expressing the best of my Self. I am prosperous, healthy, loving and successful in all I do. My life and work is service to The One through many different avenues, and all avenues bring me great joy. I serve Love with Love.
I am so grateful for knowing I am the Beloved and the Lover. I am living in amazing Grace.
I release these words into the Law of Mind, knowing they are already so. And so It is.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Awake!
Devotees celebrate by offering flowers, incense and pouring water over the shoulders of a statue of Buddah to symbolize the cleansing of negativity. They also use the opportunity to reiterate their determination to lead noble lives, to develop their minds, to practice loving-kindness and to bring peace and harmony to humanity.
It is said that when Buddha was first enlightened he was asked,
"Are you a God?"
"No," he replied.
"Are you a saint?"
"No."
"Then what are you?"
And he answered, "I am awake."
That’s what “Buddha” means – awakened, or enlightened. I know there is That Within Us urging us to awaken to our own Buddha / Christ / God nature. Perhaps today we could honour our Selves with flowers, something that smells good and a ritual shower or bath. We can re-commit ourselves to the Universal Principles taught in Religious Science and use them to lead noble lives, to develop our minds, to practice loving-kindness and to bring peace and harmony to humanity.
Happy Awakening everyone!
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
There is One Life. This Life is God’s. This is the life I am living right now. I celebrate my conscious awareness of this One Life as I move into the very centre of my Self.
I acknowledge enlightenment as my Path. I am awakening, and as I do, millions of others are awakening with me. We are ushering in a time of enlightenment in humanity.
I recommit myself to living a Divine Life, opening my mind and heart to the possibilities of Divine Expression moving through me. I allow myself to be in a greater place of loving-kindness. I am compassionate with myself and others.
I honour the Paths of those who have walked before me with courage and grace. Because of them I am who I am.
Gratefully I walk this Path with Joy. The details of my life reflect my gratitude and joy in being alive. I am living the One Life and It is good.
I release these words into the Law of Mind, knowing they are so, and so it is.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Tra La!
I loved being woken by this serenade from the Universe!! Definitely a better message than the dire, depressing ones we’ve been getting lately, which to me, all break down to one thing: “Be afraid, be deathly afraid.”
For years I have been saying that the old paradigm of ‘might makes right’ is dying. We are in the midst of its final death throes! These are such exciting times, where loving-kindness, compassion, unity and peace are revealing themselves in the forefront of our collective consciousness. While this new paradigm is getting more firmly grounded, we’re seeing the old one fighting for its life. Years from now, we will look back and wonder “Did we ever really think like that?”
Many of you in this teaching have experienced this in your own lives. I look back “before Religious Science” and wonder who was that who wrote those odd things in her journal? Who was that who was so concerned with what people looked like, and how much she had gathered, what labels were on things, and how well she fit in? I know that person was me, yet it seems like someone else!
Today, Rev. David Ault posted on FaceBook that he “is having a great laugh after seeing a bumper sticker that read, "Oh EVOLVE already!" Perhaps our global message for May?”
YES! YES! YES! We’re doing it anyway – Let’s do it consciously and have fun with it along the way!!
“Tra La – It’s May – the lusty month of May. Be a little bit naughty today !!
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
“Everything in life responds to the song of the heart. Ernest Holmes
Knowing the powerful Presence of The Divine that is absolutely everywhere, filled with all knowledge and unconditional love, is within me, I now open my heart, my mind and my whole being to experience today in all its fullness.
I declare I am ready to be showered with joy filled possibilities and Divine Gifts. I am open to receive all of Life’s blessings. I laugh in the face of negativity. I dance the evolutionary dance of Becoming. I am a radiant expression of the One Life!
For these and all the things I have received and for all the things I shall experience, I give thanks. I am so grateful to be alive, right here and right now. And so it is!!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Little Things
“I work in the sewing room at Hilo Medical Center.... The other day one of the physical therapists came in and asked me to stitch something really fast on a couple of wrist splints.
My scissors fell of the table....as I reached down to pick them up she said " An absolutely brilliant tool.....scissors" and smiled.
It was an "aha" moment of sorts. After she left the room, I looked at my scissors and was grateful for them.
Who-da thought?”
Wednesday night our Centre community gathered to celebrate the Earth, and as we drummed and sang and prayed, it became all about gratitude. I read a quote from the Catholic writer Ernesto Cardenal from Abide in Love who observed: "Everything in nature has a trademark, God's trademark: the stripes on a shell and the stripes on a zebra; the grain of the wood and the veins of the dry leaf; the markings on the dragonfly's wings and the pattern of stars on a photographic plate; the panther's coat and the epidermal cells of the lily petal; the structure of atoms and galaxies. All bear God's fingerprints."
We began to acknowledge patterns: butterfly wings, spider webs, the glistening of snow in the moonlight, the rainbow effects of oil on cement, the ripples of a drop of water, the feathers on an eagles wing, the petal whirls of flowers, the threads in the carpet beneath us and the cellular structure of our bodies.
I noticed none of us shared “big” things … and the phrase ‘it’s the little things that count’ came to mind. And there are gazillions of little things making up the place you are sitting right now.
Stop reading and look around you. Let yourself have an open eyed gratitude meditation …
I am grateful for my chair, the table I am sitting at, pens, paper, my computer, the printer, my camera, the phone, and all the cords that help them work, my journal, my coffee cup, the table cloth, my warm fuzzy slippers and robe. Each one of these I can follow deeper, finding even more things to be grateful for – like the electricity in my home and the recycled pop bottles that are now the fleece robe I am wearing.
Our lives are made of little things…. And Gratitude – it’s the key to being happy.
Blessings, Rev. Angelica
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
Gratefully I acknowledge God in the details of my life. This reminds me God is absolutely everywhere. There isn’t a place where God is not.
My life is made of little things. I open my mind to see them. I open my heart to appreciate them. In my mind’s eye, I see a web of ‘little things’ connecting everything and everyone together. I am so grateful to be an essential part of this web of Life. I am grateful to be able to recognize my value in this web. As I recognize the little things, I am honuring their purpose. As I see all these little things as expressions of the Divine, I am honouring my purpose.
God is absolutely everywhere – and where ever God is, all is well. I know this is True, I claim it and I accept it, and this is good, very good.
I release these words with a full heart. And so it is.