I was cleaning up some papers this past week and found an old fortune cookie slip. It read:

"God can heal a broken heart, but you have to give him all the pieces."

I don't know when I got this fortune or why I saved it at the time, but it showed up again at the perfect time. With the inner work I've been doing with my "What am I Really Hungry For" group (using the book Women, Food and God), this fortune really hit home.

Last week I gave an assignment of going into the silence with the intention of healing, and then writing down 11 things we forgive ourselves for 7 days. As I have been doing the process, I've found emotional ties to things I thought I had already released. What I really did was think I had released them, but the feelings were still there.

For instance, I was abused as a child - the woman who adopted me at 2 1/2 was the abuser. She died years ago, and I have done many forgiveness processes, yet sometimes I find myself angry or hurt because I didn't experience love as a child - or even have a childhood. When it comes up, I think "Darn, I've done the forgiveness work on this, why is it back?" -- and now I know -- I've never given up all the pieces.

Ernest Holmes tells us it takes thoughts and feelings to create the consciousness of a demonstration. It makes sense then, that one has to release both thoughts and feelings with unwanted demonstrations as well.

How about you? If you're working on revealing the Truth about a situation, ask yourself if there are pieces you haven't given up - and then take a deep breath and let go. The infinitely intelligent, unconditionally loving Presence knows exactly what to do with all the pieces!

SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT

God is Love and Love is the greatest healing/revealing agent in the universe. I celebrate my awareness of unconditional Love and the power It has as I acknowledge It and let It flow through me.

I choose to let this Love fill me up and wash away all vestiges of pain in my emotional body and all thoughts of bondage or limitation from my mental body. As I do this I feel a sense of release in my physical body. I feel a lightness of Being. I have given all the pieces to God and my heart is healed.

Gratefully I embody these words as my Truth, surrendering them to the Law of Mind. The Law works, and works very well. I let go and let God do Its perfect work, in, through and as me, now and forevermore. And so it is.

Don't Doubt

One night I was channel surfing and came upon a program that was explaining some Sekh teachings. One of the comments that caught my attention was:
The first Law of Prosperity is “Don’t Doubt.”

That is not only the first law of prosperity but of practicing our spirituality as well!! Don’t doubt! Pray and don’t doubt the effectiveness of your prayers. Speak your word for health, and don’t doubt. For your new job, and don’t doubt. For love and don’t doubt!

Doubt is uncertainty in the context of trust. It implies challenging some notion of truth, or hesitating to take action due to concern that one might be mistaken. It is to hesitate in accepting something as truth.

Dr. Holmes writes in 365 Science of Mind:
“When the intellect is no longer contradicted by our emotional reactions, by unconscious doubts and fears, then the word of our mouth will immediately bear fruit.”

To me, the opposite of doubt is trust and expectancy. If we are going to let go of doubt, what do we trust? That Powerful Presence that is absolutely everywhere in the universe, that honors our deepest beliefs and feelings through Its aspect called Law. Dr. Holmes writes that “Learning to trust will make us happy.”

How do we trust? In this world of mixed messages, it’s easy to slide into doubt. I believe we have to consciously set an intention to trust, and every time we find ourselves doubting, consciously realign ourselves with Truth. The more we do it, the more we re-pattern ourselves, and trusting becomes natural.

One of the ways we can re-pattern ourselves is working with the Law in eager expectancy. (Doubt is expecting our Treatments will not work.) I love this writing by Dr. Holmes:
“What great joy should accompany everything that we do -- an expectancy, love. Love everything, praise everything, recognize all things, believe all things, accept all things. There is a laughter of God -- let's laugh it. There is a song of the Universe -- let's sing it. There is a hymn of praise -- let's praise it. There is a joy, a beauty; there is a deep abiding peace; let's experience it."

Now this is happiness.

SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT

There is One Perfect Power in the universe. It is infinitely intelligent and unconditionally loving. It surrounds and encompasses me. It is everywhere. It is my life. I trust that in every moment, the Power for Good is working in and through me.

I now choose to let go of all my self-imposed doubts and fears. I allow myself to fully benefit from this Power for Good. As I speak my word for my life, knowing that I am now healthy, wealthy, creative, loving and wise, I know these words are being immediately acted upon. I step up in eager expectancy, delighting in all I attract with my clear mind and pure heart.

I laugh and sing my praises for this wonderful Law that is always at work for me, through me. My life is joy filled. I am happy because I trust!

Gratefully I release these words to the Creative Process and allow each moment to unfold in grace and joy. And so It is.

Game of Life

I saw a cartoon the other day -- two people were watching television, and from the TV came the announcers voice saying: "Next - on The Amazing Race to Enlightenment - can Jim & Suzy achieve Right Mindfulness? ...and will Barb and Candy be eliminated for relentless clinging to the self?"

I laughed, and then I thought OMG, we do this don't we? We're acting like we're living in a reality show! We're constantly comparing ourselves to others, hoping we'll make it, wondering if someone is going to mess up before they make it (and sometimes secretly hoping they will), doing everything we can to prove we're more conscious than the average soul.

There seems to be two parts to this show -- sometimes we're playing Spiritual One-up-man-ship, and sometimes we're playing "I'm Not Worthy."

The Truth is, we're all as enlightened as we could ever hope to be right now. We just don't believe it. We don't believe it about ourselves, nor do we believe it about others.

What would happen if we started acting as if? What if we started acting from a place of enlightenment instead of working towards it?

Good question. Another is "What does enlightenment look like?" I think it looks like life just as it is - only without fear.

Blessings, Rev. Angelica


SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT

There is only one Life, that Life is God's Life, that Life is perfect, that Life is my life now. This is the Truth. All there is is God, and that includes me.

How grateful I am to be reminded of this Truth. I now realize there is nothing to be healed, there is only Truth to be revealed - in myself, in other people and in my world.

I chose right now to be a conscious revealer of Truth. This means I now drop complaining, whining, self-pity and feelings of not being enough. I am more than enough - I am Spirit in form.

I am already a winner in the game of Life, and so is everyone else. We are here, alive, awake and aware. This is easy to declare as our Truth, because it is already so.

Gratefully I release these words, knowing they have sunk deep into my subjective mind. I am proud to be alive. And so it is.

Epiphany

Have you ever had an epiphany? Most of us have. We think they are sudden events .. in fact the 3rd definition on Dictionary.com is: a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.

However, epiphanies are sort of like the Hollywood myth of being "discovered overnight." A lot of work goes before the discovery.

I see epiphanies having 4 parts: 1st - there's some sort of set-up that prepares us to receive it. 2nd - there is an external trigger. 3rd - there is the actual realization and 4th - there is proof that the epiphany has changed us.

Here's an example: Years ago, I had been working at a job I liked, but knew it wasn't my 'purpose.' I took classes and did lots of inner work, tried lots of different things, but never felt I had found that thing that was mine to do. All my classes taught me to do what I loved to do. My problem was that I loved doing lots of things.

(1 - the set-up) At one point I decided to become an herb farmer -- The medicinal and cooking uses of herbs fascinated me. I already had lots of herbs growing in my garden and had even designed my packaging.

(2 - the trigger) I got some books from the library to further educate myself and one day while looking through these books, I found a list of herb farms. There were so MANY in Southern California, which was where I was living. I remember a feeling of disappointment. My herb farm dream fizzled. I had to ask myself -- Why? Why did I want to grow herbs? The main reason was for the healing properties. As I contemplated this, I remembered all the classes I had taken in hands on healing, etc. Over the years as I had pursued my metaphysical leanings, someone had always talked me out of them. (Usually a boyfriend, telling me people would think I was strange).

(3- the realization) Suddenly I KNEW I could choose anything I wanted -- I wasn't with anyone, and I didn't have to allow anyone to stop me again! My life was my choice!

The time that elapsed from seeing the lists to having the realization of being at choice was about 10 minutes - an epiphany - or a revelation. I ended up dancing around my bathroom (isn't that where so many good ideas come to us) and feeling such a sense of joy.

(4- the proof of change) A few weeks later my cleaning lady told me about Rev. Terry Cole-Whittaker who had a TV show at the time. When she told me about Terry, I laughed to myself -- I'd tried religion and that wasn't for me. The next Sunday morning, I made my coffee and pushed the button on the TV, intending to watch a movie - and there was Rev. Terry, a beautiful little blond woman in a white suit. I don't remember what she was talking about, I just remember that I didn't even make it to my chair, I sat on the floor and listened. Everything resonated in my body and a voice very clearly said "You can do this."

Here I am 29 years later, doing what Terry Cole- Whittaker was doing (minus the TV show).

Epiphanies touch every area of our lives, not just one. My epiphany was that my life was always MY choice, and that realization has never left me.

Many people are frustrated with their lives at the moment. If you are, perhaps this is the set-up period to a epiphany of your own. With the way things are in our world, perhaps we're on the verge of a global epiphany. I think we're ready!

Blessings, Rev. Angelica

SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT

Taking a breath and turning inward, I acknowledge the Presence of The Divine. It is the LifeForce within me that is guiding me along my True Path. I celebrate my conscious awareness of this Presence, declaring It works through me ease and grace.

I now declare I am ready for my personal epiphany. I am ready to do the work necessary to discover that which is mine to do. I release any fears or doubts surrounding this, and realize I have always been working towards the Truth of my being. I release any frustrations about time or circumstances. Divine Mind, the Source of all, knows exactly what I need.

As I accept this Truth for myself, all the power of the universe rushes in to fulfill my heart's desires. I know this for everyone else as well.

I release these words into the Universal Heart knowing they are done, and so it is.

Shoulds

I was talking with a friend yesterday and asked "What would you like to read about in my Friday Message?" She said "Why do I continue to do what I shouldn't, and why don't I do what I should?"

Yipes! I was hoping for something easy!! Let me say right off that I don't like the "should" word, yet oh my - how I relate!! So let's look at these two questions:

1. "Why do I continue to do what I shouldn't?" ... I'd like to be flippant and say "Because we can" ... However, that doesn't really answer the question. There is a group of us who are working our way through the "Women, Food and God" book. It has opened my eyes to a few things. I love tortilla chips ... and I swear the shopping cart has a mind of it's own when it passes that aisle. I know I shouldn't buy them because I will eat them when I'm not physically hungry - and not just a handful either! I've observed an argument going on in my head as I move past that aisle - "Oh, you could get a small bag." "There are no small bags." "You don't have to eat them all in one sitting." "I don't want to even tempt myself." "A few chips won't hurt you." "No, I don't want to be tempted." "Who made the rule that you can't have chips?" "Well...I did... so maybe I could just eat a few at a time..."

Most of the time, I end the argument by forcing the cart past the aisle, even though the chips call to me all through the rest of my shopping experience.
But when I don't avoid the aisle, why do I continue to do what I shouldn't?
As I've learned in the Women, Food and God book, there's something else going on - something deeper. I realized I have to stop and sit with the situation. What am I really hungry for? What does my Spirit want in this situation?

2. "Why don't I do what I should?"
Many people I know are self-employed, and find themselves playing on the computer, reading novels, doing house or yard work or laundry, instead of working. Maybe it's phone calls that need to made, bookkeeping that needs to be done, or going out to contact clients. We find all sorts of ways to avoid what we think we should be doing. This answer is simple -- we're afraid to put ourselves out there -- afraid of rejection or doing it wrong, and we're avoiding feeling that fear.

Again we have to stop and sit with the situation. What does our Spirit want in this situation? Then feel the fear, and do it anyway!

One thing I know for sure -- if we have a clear Vision of what we want - whether it be a healthy, trim body, or a successful business -- and we are committed to that Vision -- the tyranny of the shoulds is not so frequent. So perhaps the real questions is: What does Spirit want to do through me? By the way, the word "commit" comes from the Old Latin and means to "join together." You are not in your Vision alone! God and you are doing it together!!


SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT

We live in an infinite field of creative potentiality. Using the Divine Aspects of Love and Law, we can be anything we want to be, and do anything we want to do. All this is possible because this Field is Divine Energy and this is what we're made of.

I now declare I am finished with the tyranny of the shoulds. I pay attention to the Divine Vision that wants to express as me. I allow myself to get enthused with it, creating in me a willingness to do what it necessary for the fulfillment of this Vision.

I remember I am not alone. There is That Within Me that is serving me well, and has only the highest good for all concerned in Mind. I trust this Presence, knowing that it is infinitely intelligent, and that all the answers are within me.

I step up to my Vision, I re-commit myself to it, and I move forward gratefully, acknowledging my Source. I breathe deeply and say YES!

I release these words into the Law of Mind knowing they are done, and so it is.

One Person

September 10, 2010

The news has been painful lately. I quit watching it on TV years ago as it was too depressing, but now I find myself drawn into reading things online.

Our President can't do anything without someone finding something wrong with it, Mother Earth seems to be really acting up, a preacher wants to do something which could have larger consequences, miners are stuck underground possibly for months, fires burn ferociously, disasters abound, just to mention a few things.

Part of me is saying "What ???" Part of me wants to grab peoples shoulders, give them a good shake, yelling at them "What are you thinking??"

Then the metaphysical part of me kicks in and says "Everything is just as it should be," and I take a deep breath and decide I will give them safe passage through my mind.

My buying into these stories doesn't help solve them. My wanting to yell and shake people only adds to the chaos. I can't solve a problem with the same consciousness that created them.

Ernest Holmes wrote in his famous "Sermon by the Sea" ...

"Find me one person who is for something and against nothing, who is redeemed enough not to condemn others out of the burden of his soul, and I will find another savior, another Jesus, and an exalted human being."

I want to be that person who is for something and against nothing. To do this, I have to give myself a shake, ask myself what I'm thinking, and detach from the mesmerization of the media, constantly reminding myself it's all good - it's all God.

Blessings, Rev. Angelica

SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT

Regardless of appearances, I KNOW the Truth. All there is, is God. God is the Source of all things, the essence of all things. It is not a person, but a Divine Energy that fills the universe and so much more. This Energy is within us, working through us by means of Love and Law.

Knowing this I now declare that all whom I come in contact with, either personally, via the media, or any other way, have safe passage through my mind. I allow myself to consider them with a clear mind and a compassionate heart.

I know and claim there is a Higher Intelligence working through all, for the highest good of all. I call forth that Intelligence within me, so I don't get mesmerized with sensational details. I allow myself to be part of the solution by declaring the Truth and knowing the Truth sets us all free.

Gratefully I release these words into the Law of Mind, knowing they are done.

And so it is.

Wanting

I moved into my apartment last February, painted it the colors I love, attracted all kinds of wonderful furniture and started to settle into my new home.

Two months later, 4 adults and 2 children moved in upstairs. My wonderfully peaceful home became full of noise - footsteps, TV, kids playing, people talking, doors slamming, telephones ringing. One night I woke up in a fright as I could hear someone in my closet! After turning on the lights, I realized the noise was from someone hanging up their clothes in the apartment upstairs!

I haven't lived in an apartment for years, and when I rented the one I did, upstairs noise wasn't even in my consciousness. It certainly is now!

I decided to start looking for a townhome to rent. I found one that was fantastic, good area, wonderful view, lots of space, etc. I went to the management office of the complex I live in to see how to break my lease so I could move. Whoa - lots of paperwork and a huge "breaking the lease fee" as well as being responsible for the rent until this apartment is rented again.

They offered me the opportunity to move to another unit on one of the top floors - yet even that was another pile of paperwork, a large "transferring" fee, and having to sign another year's lease.

As I walked back from the management office, I realized two things - one, I will never rent from a corporation again, and two - I've got to love what I have, and quit bemoaning what I don't have! My lease is up in 5 months - those months will fly by, and the most perfect townhome will be ready for me.

That afternoon, I read Marci Shimoff's recent e-newsletter, which was all about this same thing!! She started with a statement by American Zen teacher Adyashanti:


"The key to happiness is wanting what you have
and not wanting what you don't have."

I just love it when the Universe affirms an ah-ha I've had!!

I realized my being obsessed with the noise upstairs obliterated my happiness with my apartment. Everything became centered on "when I find my new home." I'd even become envious of others people's homes.

I am going to want what I have. This doesn't mean that I don't want to better my circumstances. I will when the time is right. Right now I accept what is and I am going to focus on what I like about my apartment. I'm reclaiming my happiness. Will that stop the noise from upstairs - probably not, yet I will be so busy appreciating what I have in this moment, I won't be fixated on it. And that brings back my peace.

What are you wanting that you don't have? Have you become obsessed with it like I did? Are you missing the good that is right at hand now?? Let's all take a deep breath and want what we have.


SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT

In my conscious recognition of the unity of all things, I remember who I am. Spirit in form. I remember that Spirit is absolutely everywhere and in everything.

I am so grateful for Infinite Intelligence within me, that constantly brings me back to Center. I choose now to pay more attention to It, instead of being distracted by the things of the world. I know now, that nothing can shake me off Center -- I can think I am out of balance, and it will show up in my life, yet within me, there is always that Powerful Presence that is perfectly aligned with everything that I am, and everything It is.

I choose now to love what I have. I choose to be at peace with my world just the way it is. I do not need to judge anything. I do not need to change anything. I can if I want, but I am no longer run by need. I am run by Love, in Love, with Love.

I am so grateful to know these Principles and use them. I am so grateful to be able to speak my word into the Law knowing the Law works. I celebrate loving what I have.

And so it is.

Awe and Wonder

21 years ago yesterday, I was standing in the Prince Kuhio Mall, on the Big Island of Hawai'i, with the Friends of the Paneawa Zoo. I had charge of an I'o, an Hawaiian hawk, was sharing stories with the shoppers about raptor birds.

In the middle of my spiel, I saw my best friend and her husband walking towards us. Kalyan was pregnant - very pregnant. I asked her how she was feeling and she said she was in labor! They were heading home. I promised to get there as quickly as I could, and I did. I got there in time to see my goddaughter born.

Not having any children of my own, this was an amazing experience. I was in awe of the female human body and the things it is created to do. The knowledge and nurturing of the midwives was incredible. I felt such as rush of joy as I looked at the tiny little being that was born.

I remembered thinking that here was a new soul coming into our world, and into our lives. And that we were so blessed to be able to take care of this new soul.

Now Esther is officially an adult. I am still in awe of this young woman, and her Mother, who's done a great job.

Though I haven't birthed babies, I've birthed lots of ideas - and so have you. Have we looked at those ideas and their manifestation with awe? Have we been amazed at the wonder working power of Divine Law? Have we felt grateful for the blessings we've brought into our lives?

I hope your answer from now on is YES! Mine is.

SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT

Divine Life - that perfection of Love and Law - is moving through us, as us, at all times. It is the Source of all that is and is eternally creating.

How grateful I am to be consciously aware of my part in the process. How grateful I am to know the process is continually going on.

I choose to make good choices, tapping into Divine Wisdom with my meditation and prayers. I choose to be a good caretaker of all I have brought forth, even if that means letting go. I choose to acknowledge myself and all the work I have done. I remember there is only one Life, that Life is God's, and that Life is the Life we are living now.

Each person, including myself, is God in form, a blessing to the world. This is good, very good. I release these words into the Law of Mind, knowing they are the Truth. And so it is.

Superstition

Ooooooo ... it's Friday the 13th!! It's only 8:52 AM and already I've heard 3 references to Friday the 13th being bad luck...

Logically, why should a number, attached to a particular day, be 'bad luck'? It doesn't make sense, According to Wikipedia, the legends of Friday the 13 are numerous - maybe starting in the 1100's, but the real fascination with this date came about in the early 20th century. We've got centuries of collective consciousness to deal with. I also read that it used to be a good luck day, but the Catholic church, trying to get rid of all things pagan, promoted it as bad luck.

We know it's done unto us as we believe ... here's an interesting point ...Wikipedia also referenced an insurance company that states that fewer accidents happen on this date because people are being more careful!

It makes me wonder - what other superstitions have I bought into that are imbedded in the collective consciousness?

The Buddha said "The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly."

Not to anticipate troubles!! We do that all the time. It's called worry. Dr. Holmes called worry "negative prayer" ... and that's what believing in superstitions is as well. Allow yourself time this week to investigate what superstitions you've bought into and intentionally release them.

Today is a good day - It's God's day!! Live the present moment wisely and earnestly.

SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT

There is only one Life - that Life is God's. This is the life we are living right now.

Knowing this, I now declare nothing outside me can harm me in any way. Nothing inside me can harm me either. I have now released the bonds of the collective consciousness around superstitions and know the Truth. The bottom line is "It is done unto me as I believe." I now choose to believe in a blessed life, a life filled with all my heart desires. I believe in Good everywhere, and I know this is so because all there is - is God.

With a grateful heart I release these words, celebrating my freedom from superstition. I live, move and have my being in Higher Ground. This is good, this is God.

And so it is.

Emerging

I spent the a week in Chicago at the International Centers for Spiritual Living Summer Conference. It was fantastic! For me the theme was emergent evolution -- humanity emerging as the authentic loving Self -- a conscious awareness of being Spirit.

At the final talk, I was reminded that this was the last summer conference the International Centers for Spiritual Living will have. Next year, it will no longer be International and United - it will be one organization - Centers for Spiritual Living.

I felt myself going through a period of sadness. I thought about the Past Presidents Panel that was held earlier in the week, and how I remember so much of what was talked about. I've been in this organization for 30 years, 24 of them as a minister. The sadness was for what was ending, not for what is to be. Even though there is a tremendous amount of planning, no one really knows what the new organization will be like. As I thought of that, I got excited.

There is a lot of change going on in the world right now - a lot going on in our own lives. We must allow ourselves the luxury of grieving what was, without getting stuck there. As we move through our grief, we find a whole new world - one that we have no idea how it will turn out, but we know will be greater and more expansive than the one we just left.

It must be - that is the way the Universe works. It's always making something better than what It was before.


SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT

We are living in an infinite field of creative potentiality. The Original Essence of this field never changes. It is Love and Law. Love points the way, and Law makes the way possible. We are not only living in it, we are It. We are the expressed consciousness of this Field.

Knowing this, I now declare I am ready and willing to be a vital part of the expansion of humanity into its authentic self. I am willing to move along my personal path with a sense of awe and excitement as to what will be, using my mind to create in me a clean heart and a consciousness of Love.

I see the desires of our hearts made manifest and I celebrate our oneness. Because of our Oneness, I know that what I think, do and feel has an effect on the whole.With Love, I gratefully see my world and my life emerging into divine balance. This is good, this is God.

And so it is.

Pray for Change

My neck and back had been hurting lately, and I visited my chiropractor. He suggested that since I use a laptop, the screen is in the wrong position. He advised me to put the computer up on phone books, and get a new keyboard.

(Did you know that the proper height for your computer screen is for the top of the screen to be at eye level?)

So off I went to Staples and came home with a bells and whistles ergonomic keyboard. Now I've been typing for over 45 years (OMG! How can that be!) and I am quite fast. This new keyboard, however, is quite a learning curve. OpenOffice Writer puts a squiggly red line underneath the misspelled words, and sometimes my documents look like a sea of red!! Thank goodness it does so I can correct things before sending them out.

Then I started thinking -- what if we had a program where our negative words showed up in red before they got out our mouths? It could be a movable program. First it would work in the middle of the path from our brains to our mouths, and then when we were used to it, it would move into the space before the thoughts that become words. Soon we wouldn't have any negative thoughts at all!!

Oh wait - we do have a "program" like that! It's called Spiritual Mind Treatment or Affirmative Prayer! All we have to do is set it in motion and let it do its work! Of course, even SMT has a learning curve -- and the only way to learn is to DO IT.

And just like my new keyboard, the more I use it, the more familiar I become with it, and the easier it is to use.



SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT

There is only one Power - one Presence - One Life. A Divine Energy that is the Source and substance of all things. It is within me, and is activated by my thoughts and feelings.

I now declare with Love: I am ready and willing to release any thoughts and feelings that created behaviors that no longer serve me. From this moment on, I expand my consciousness to a new idea of who I am - Spirit in form. I am a divine expression of love, health, wealth and creativity made manifest. All the "programs" within me are facilitating a higher good.

I am grateful to be able to choose this. I am grateful for these teachings. I celebrate Life!!

I release these word into the Law of Mind, knowing they are so now. And so it is.

Wonder

It's Summer! All sorts of images arise - memories of beach adventures, back yard parties, camping, fireworks, vacations. Enjoying nature in all her glorious beauty.

Have you ever lain on a blanket and just stared at the night sky? The stars are so beautiful. You begin to notice the constellations, the milky way, maybe even a shooting star or two. And the more you look, the more you see. Soon the black sky with a few brilliant jewels becomes layers upon layers of lights, twinkling in the atmosphere.

This is how meditation works in our lives. When we first begin our practice, we see the obvious things around us, yet as time goes by and our practice deepens, we begin to see so much more - more beauty, more love, more Light.

It was always there - It will always be there -- as we become still and mindful, we open to the beauty of Life as It reveals Itself.



SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT

God - the manifest and unmanifest beauty of Life - is present absolutely everywhere. God is the source and substance of everything I experience with my senses and more. It is all that there is.

I now relax into the season of summer and all that means to me. I choose to slow down and experience Life in new ways. I am opening up in deep surrender to the wonders of Life. I see more with God's eyes, hear more with God's ears, taste more with Gods tongue, touch more with Gods hands. Because I am willing to be mindful in every moment, more of Life is revealed to me.

How grateful I am to be alive! How delightful is the world I have chosen to live in! How glorious are the new things I am discovering! How magnificent God is!

I release these words to the Law of Mind, knowing the Law works. I celebrate all of Life right here, right now! And so it is.

The Path

Next week Friday I will be "officially" installed as the Pastor of the Center for Spiritual Living Baltimore.

I stated thinking about how I got here. In the past, I've always thought about this Path starting when I was a young adult ... however, this evening driving home, I
remembered being in 4th grade in Ramona Convent Catholic Girls School, running out of the classroom crying. I had just stood up proudly in class and announced I was going to be a priest. Sister irritatedly told me: "Don't be silly - girls can't be priests." and my classmates laughed at me. I got teased about it for months - and because of that - I told them I didn't care what the "rules" were -- I was still going to be one!

That declaration has taken me on an amazing adventure! I played in the Disneyland of metaphysics with great success. I joined various different faith paths and read lots of spiritual books and had fun. In 1979, I had an indescribable Revelation, and just a few weeks later, I discovered Religious Science and knew I'd found Home and my vocation.. The adventures continued. I found myself in Honolulu, Hawai'i, and then started a church on the Big Island. I traveled to awesome power spots around the world. I lived in a different county and I started another church. Now I'm here.

Most of the things I have done were because of an Inner Urging that kept at me until I said Yes. Sometimes I felt I had no choice - yet my choice has always been to be of service to humanity. And in return I have been served well.

I wonder what adventures are ahead -- what ever they are, I know Spirit will guide me well, and I will do my Work to the best of my ability.

And it will be good, very good.

SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT

How grateful I am for this thing called Life. I know there is only One Life, that Life is God's Life, and that Life is the life I am living.

I choose to continue to life this Life to the best of my ability, enjoying every moment. I choose to have my expression of this One Life be for the highest good. I choose to continue to be a vehicle for awakening humanity to its spiritual magnificence.

As I do this, the Power of the Universe supports me, the Love of the Universe nurtures me, and Mind of the Universe empowers me.

I am so grateful for all that I am, and all that I will be. I am so grateful I have heard the Inner Voice and honored It and will continue to do so.

My God is so good to me. Gratefully I release these words to the Law of Mind, and so It is.

Pray

All of us have been effected by the oil spill in the Gulf Coast. People are sad and people are angry. There's a lot of conversation going on with a lot of emotion.

As a global New Thought community, we have to feel our feelings and then get to work. We know that changing our consciousness can change absolutely anything!

There have been so many wonderful meditations, prayers and processes posted on the internet. I put some together to work with and I invite you to join me or create your own and use it this every day this week:

1. Find some ocean water if possible, and if not, use a bowl of water as a surrogate, and declare your intention:

'My intention is for the Deepwater Horizon's oil leak to be immediately and successfully contained, and full eco-balance restored to the surrounding sea and marine life.' 

2. Do a little ho'oponopono:

To whales, dolphins, manatees, pelicans, seagulls and all aquatic bird species, fishes, shellfish, planktons, corals, algae and all ion creatures in the Gulf of Mexico,
I am sorry.
Please forgive me.
Thank you.
I love you.

3. Visualize the waters clean, and clear, and the plant and animal life healthy.

4. Say a prayer of gratitude for being able to do this work.



(1. Lynne McTaggart, author of The Intention Experiment, 2. Dr. Masaru Emoto)


SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT

We live in an Infinite Field of Creative Potential. This Field is acted upon by our thoughts and feelings and sets the Law of Attraction in action. I let myself embody this sacred Truth as I move into the center of my being, centering myself in peace, ready to make my declarations into the Law.

I am one with the ocean, the sea life and the oil. I choose to take my energy off the challenges. I step forward as One who will make a difference by knowing a greater Truth. I see the oceans healthy and clear. I see the sealife healthy and growing well. I see everything back to its natural patterns.

Gratefully I release all attachments to the how. I know the Law works. The Truth is revealed as easy and effortless solutions. I keep my mind and heart on the end results. I celebrate God's Life in all that there is. And so it is.

Cleaning House

Have you seen the commercial on TV for a paint that masks household odors?
If not, you can see it here: http://dutchboy.com/refresh/

When I first saw it, I shook my head and said "What??? How about cleaning the house!"

Then I suddenly realized, this is an outward manifestation of something much bigger. Just think about the work of Debbie Ford, Byron Katie, Deepak Chopra, and many other spiritual teachers today. They are talking about Shadow Work. The work many of us would rather cover up than tackle!!

I've done it - haven't you? In fact, we as a race have swept so much under the collective carpet, it's exploding around us!

The whole universe is trying to get our attention -- it's time to clean up our act! In fact, it's time to stop acting, and become Real. It's time to communicate those things we're holding back on. It's time to let go of the feelings of resentment, shame, and blame. It's time to stop denying our problems, trying to run away from them or lying about them.

It's time to become transparent and loving and honest.

In the Science of Mind, by Ernest Holmes, we are told to turn away from the condition and pray for what we want as if we already have it. However he did not say to deny what is. He said to stop feeding the condition with the attention we give it. In order to turn away from a condition we have to accept what is, and move to what we want. For instance, if I have a broken arm, I accept I have it, and turn my attention away from the story around the break, towards knowing I am healed.

In this very moment, each of us has the potential to be more than we've been up until now. Are you willing to do the work? Let's do it and call it Sacred Work! What we do for ourselves is helping the whole of humanity and the planet herself. One thing I know for sure -- we are not alone in this Work. God's got our back!

SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT

There is One Life, that Life is God's Life, and that Life is my life now. I let myself embody this sacred Truth as I move into the center of my being, breathing in the Love that is everywhere.
I am one with my brothers and sisters, and the animals, plants, minerals, water, air, fire and earth. I do not refuse to see what is happening around me, but I do choose to take my energy off it. I step forward as One who will make a difference in this world by dreaming a bigger dream, knowing a greater Truth.

Divine Love moves me to be actively conscious and mindful. I am honored to aware that I am able to participate in Life. I celebrate my willingness to be an empty vessel - allowing myself to be filled with all that is good.

Gratefully I release all sense of separateness, and know the Truth is always revealed. I am lovingly honest and transparent as I let God be magnified though me. And so it is.

Conpassion

The other night I watched a show on ABC called "What Would You Do?" There were many scenes of people getting harrassed by other people in front of observers.

One was an event in a restaurant, that was staged over and over again by actors during a weekend, where over 100 people witnessed a same sex couple being verbally abused, in front of their children, by a waiter. I was so dismayed to see that most people turned away, trying to pretend the event wasn't happening. Only 7 people stood up for them.

Another incident was a young man with Down's Syndrome, who was sacking people's groceries. Over and over again, people made rude, derogatory remarks knowing full well the young man could hear them. I stood up and cheered when an older black woman stared down two teenagers and told them: "He's someone's beloved child -- aren't you someone's beloved child?" The teens visibly shrunk under her look.

The show was painful to watch. It's hard to believe how cruel we can be. When the host of the show questioned people after each incident, most said "It was none of my business." Why have we become so afraid to get involved? If it was happening TO us, we'd want people to help. What happened to our compassion?

Today I did a christening ceremony in a back yard filled with friends and families. During lunch I watched the children. Each were having experiences of playful wonder and delight. I want them to keep that wonder and delight in life alive. One of these children could be the next president of the United States, a spiritual leader, a teacher, a policeman or ??? It came to me how important it is for us to model compassion to these young ones.

Not just for them, but for our world. We are all one. In the mystical Jewish tradition it is said "Kindness gives to another. Compassion knows no other. "



SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT

I recognize the Divine Presence in all. I let myself move into the center of my being, breathing in the Love that is everywhere. I let go of judgment, and open my compassionate heart. This is the heart of God.

I am here for my brothers and sisters. I do not refuse to see what is happening around me, as I know that what is happening to them is happening to me. I let my compassion guide me wisely. Love is the Divine Impulse to be actively conscious and mindful. I know we are here for each other, and I am honored to be able to participate in this life.

Gratefully I release all sense of victimization, and know the Truth is always revealed. I let go and let God be magnificent as each of us. And so it is.

Transparency

Late last night I was playing with a Facebook app called "Goodreads" and I wanted to share it with one person. Unfortunately I hit the wrong button, and even tho I tried to shut down the app, it sent an invite to everyone on my gmail list -- and I have a lot of contacts!

When I realized what happened, I started to get nervous. All these people were going to see what kinds of books I read. Yes, I read wonderfully enlightening spiritual and self-help books, and many good novels -- but I also like escapist reading -- romance novels. My ex used to tell people I read Truth and trash. (You'd be surprised at how much Truth is in trash novels these days -- but then again, I can find it anywhere.)

This morning as I saw the numbers of people who'd also signed up for the app, I again thought "Oh no ... they're going to know I read romance novels!" Now I'm not sure why romance novels have such a bad rap -- the first one was written in 1740 so they've been around a long time. They make up 55% of the paperback market, yet even Wikipedia agrees that "Despite the popularity and widespread sales of romance novels, the genre has attracted significant derision, skepticism and criticism" and that "...most women are embarrassed to be caught reading one."

Reading this made me groan in embarrassment as I thought of my e-mail fiasco. My secret is out!!

Then a story from Marlo Morgan's book "Mutant Messenger" came to me, in which she writes about being on a walkabout with some aboriginal people in Australia. The walk was mostly in silence, yet when the group stopped to rest or eat, it seemed like the verbal conversations were ones that were continuing a conversation she hadn't heard the beginning of. She asked one of the women about it, and the woman told her that they talked all along the walk -- they talked telepathically. Marlo wondered out loud, "I wonder why I can't do that?" and the woman responded with "You Westerners have too many secrets."

What if we were really transparent people? We are the ones who give value and meaning to the things in our lives. If we were transparent, we wouldn't have secrets. OK - I enjoy romance novels. I'm going to stop being embarrassed about it. Truth is, I like writing them as well, but have always been afraid to submit anything because, after all, I'm a minister - what will people think?

The Science of Mind teaches that what we think is what we're teaching others to think about us. As long as I'm embarrassed about something, or have secrets, I will be afraid to be my Real Self. My fear will very subtly color every conversation and connection.

As we look around us at the global picture, we see lots of "secrets" coming to light. And maybe that's the point. Let's bring our secrets and fears to "Light." In the Light we can release the energy that's been holding the embarrassment in place and be free!!


SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT

Divine Life is absolutely everywhere. It is within me and around me. It is me.
Divine Love moves through me in compassionate waves, Divine Mind makes the way clear for a greater understanding of Truth.

The Truth is I have never done anything wrong. I now release my secret embarrassments. I no longer give them any value or meaning. I let them go with a sigh of relief. I am now free. Free to be my Real Self. Spirit in form, expressing uniquely as me.

With a grateful heart I declare my transparency. I am now more open to the indwelling Spirit and this is good, very good. And so it is.

Breathe

A few people I know are going through what seems like a “dark night of the soul.” I’ve been there. I know how hard it is when it seems like everything in your life is falling apart. When you feel like your prayers don’t seem to be working or you’re not even really sure anymore if this stuff we practice works!

After I had my experience I realized that a dark night of the soul is when things of the world no longer work. This is when the pedal hits the metal - when we really have to “keep the faith.” We have to ask for help and regardless what our life looks like, we have to trust. A way always opens, usually through our hearts.

In hindsight, it’s in trusting, even in the depths of darkness, that we realize that what we believe in – God, Love working through law – is always with us.

Hindsight is great – yet how do we get to that place in the middle of the dark night experience? Breathe and remember this wonderful Unity prayer:

The light of God surrounds me;
The love of God enfolds me;
The power of God protects me;
And the presence of God watches over me.
Wherever I am, God is ...

Breathe and trust.

SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT

In this moment, this sacred moment, I breathe deeply and remember:
There is only One. One manifesting as creative power, a loving heart and an infinitely intelligent mind. Since there is only One, It is right where I am – at the core of my being, expressing Itself through me.

Because I know this, I choose to love myself and all concerned through any dark nights. I let go of any judgments and am compassionate and forgiving. I know those times are temporary, and in fact, make me appreciate my life even more when they are over. Instead of being afraid of them or resisting, I now allow myself to be open to the newness that follows in their wake. I am open to a greater idea of who I am, Spirit in form.

I celebrate Life and all the ways It expresses through me. I am so grateful to know that the Light is always where I am, and I open my eyes and see!
And so it is.

Peace

"Life is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it."
~ Ernest Holmes

At the beginning of this month, a family moved in upstairs. Up until then, the unit had been empty. The building I live in is an old building, and the units have been renovated quite nicely. One thing that wasn't renovated were the ceilings. Suddenly the quiet I had been enjoying disappeared. With every step the family takes, (and with 3 children there are a lot), my ceiling creaks. At first I thought that after they got all their things moved in and their unit fixed up, the noise would die down, but it hasn't.

I've allowed it to bother me. I've told people about the noise. I expect it every night. I even have it timed. I know what time the parents get home, and what time the family goes to bed. I've had headaches and frustration.

Then last Sunday I met a young woman in the parking lot with a darling doggie, who immediately began to tell me how horrible the ceiling noise was in her unit. She was really angry! At first I was glad I wasn't the only one with the problem and commiserated with her - then I realized she was my mirror! The Universe was reflecting to me what I was feeling - with a little more drama. I realized I had been choosing to be a victim, and this was not where I wanted to be.

In speaking to my prayer partner about this realization, she shared a powerful quote with me: "I cannot prevent the wind from blowing ... but I can adjust my sails to make it work for me."

I don't know if there's a solution to the ceiling noise, but I do know I can choose to be ok with it. I thought about how people who live near trains or freeways say that after awhile they don't even notice the noise. I had been focusing on it, allowing it to bother me -- and now I choose to remove my focus. Nothing outside of me can move me off Center. I choose Peace.

Where do you need to adjust your sails?


SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT

All creation is One. All creation is the wholeness of the Universe expressing uniquely. Just as this is true for all life, I know it is true for me.

I now declare I live in the peace of Spirit Within. Nothing outside of me can affect my peace. My mind, heart and body are in perfect harmony with Divine Peace. This is my birthright.

When ever I start to feel oppressed or distressed by something outside me, I now declare I am easily and gently reminded of my Truth. I see Life's reflections around me, and realize they are there to remind me of who I am. I am grateful for the insights and inspirations revealing my True Self at every moment.

I now see and experience only Good around me and am grateful to be a part of the creation of that Good. My life is unfolding in harmony, peace and joy.

I release these words into the Law of Mind, seeing the perfection of their manifestation in my world. This is good, very good. This is God.
And so it is.

Gifts

Last weekend I went to the Sugarloaf Arts and Crafts Festival here in Baltimore. What a magnificently delightful array of colors, textures, scents and creativity. I love craft shows because I am reminded of my own inner artist, and how much fun it is to be creative.

A woman I spoke to while waiting in line for the restroom said she loved to come to the shows, but they made her sad. When I asked why, she said it was because she'd always wanted to be an artist, but had no talent whatsoever. I asked "So what do you like to do?" "Cooking" she replied. "Then you are an artist" I exclaimed "It takes an artist to create a good meal!" At first she looked at me like I was crazy, unwilling to let go of the story of not being creative, then her eyes got bright and she gave me a big smile. "I'd never thought of it that way" she said, "but I think you're right. My sister is always telling me how talented I am in the kitchen." "Then you're a culinary artist" I said - and it was my turn to go.

I wonder how many of us do the same thing -- look at someone else's work and wish we could do something like they do - instead of focusing on our own gifts.

In Ernest Holmes classic writing, This Thing Called You, he states,
“You exist that Divine feeling, fire, imagination and creativity may be expressed through you. The Spirit comes to you with a new and fresh creativity. You need not ask what others have done or how they have done it. Be yourself and express life as you find it. Never imitate. Trust the self. Find the self in God and God in the self.”




SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT

There is that within me that is infinitely creative. It seeks expression through me with unconditional love. I know this is Truth. As I acknowledge It, I am allowing It to flow though me freely.

I open my mind and heart to do the things that are mine to do. The ones that give me great pleasure while I am doing them. The ones that make me forget myself and serve others. No matter what my unique gifts are, I no longer ignore them by longing after anothers. I am all I desire to be right now, and I have everything within me to fulfill those desires.
I am grateful to remember the feeling of knowing I am in my right place, doing the right thing, and grateful that I can. I am so blessed.

I release these words into the Law of Mind, knowing they are so, and so it is.