Science of Mind: The Next 100 Years

I am proud to be a Religious Scientist.

I am proud to be part of a 100 year old philosophy, faith and way of life.

I am proud to be part of a 180+ year movement of New Thought and mental science, taking the Ancient/Ageless Wisdom of Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism and many other isms, along with the teachings of Yeshua, Moses, Plato, the Bhagavad Gita, the Vedas, the Tao, the Apanishads, and so many more and melding all that with the advances in quantum physics and consciousness sciences.

In his book, The Science of Mind, Ernest Holmes stated "Religious Science is a correlation of laws of science, opinions of philosophy, and revelations of religion applied to human needs and the aspirations of man." He also stated that Religious Science/Science of Mind  is not based on any "authority" of established beliefs, but rather on "what it can accomplish" for the people who practice it. Whether I and others in this Movement are speaking, writing or teaching this philosophy, the idea is to always state how to think in order to manifest one's greatest good, not what to think in order to receive favor from a Santa Claus version of the Divine.  There is no favor to receive, it is always there as a birthright to each of us. It is a power for Good (unconditional Love) and we get to decide what that good (the experience) looks like.

It was 100 years ago this year that Dr. Holmes wrote his first book....

It was the precursor, along with CREATIVE MIND AND SUCCESS, to his masterpiece/magnum opus and what is considered the textbook of a Religious Scientist and many other New Thought thinkers, THE SCIENCE OF MIND (originally titled THE SCIENCE OF MIND AND SPIRIT).

In CREATIVE MIND, Dr. Holmes laid out the basic tenets of the Religious Science philosophy. He wrote about who, what and why we are; stating that "Spirit is the first cause in the creative Universe" - call It God, Father/Mother, Divine Intelligence, the Power, the Force, the Big Bang, the Genesis, whichever (God doesn't care) - and that "Man is the outcome of the desire of that Spirit to make something which expresses the same life that It feels."  Here, I would refer you to the Burning Bush in the Old Testament's Exodus describing Itself as the "ehyeh asher ehyeh", the "I Am that I AM." Basically, Dr. Holmes was saying that there is One Mind and we are an individualization of that Mind, a personification of that Universal Power, call It what you may. Or as it says in the Gospels, "the Kingdom of Heaven is within."

In the book we are celebrating this year, Ernest Holmes also stated the concept of "The Law of Life is always with us and for us." Speaking here about the Law of Cause and Effect or the Law of Attraction or Correspondence, etc.  He pronounced the Law's function at the beginning of every broadcast of his radio show or as he began his television show...

And we are using it right now!

That was during the last 100 years and many other books and periodicals, blogs and lectures from various New Thought and transformational leaders have taught and inspired us from those same or similar ideas that Dr. Holmes and others of his time wrote about. 

But what about the next 100 years?

One of Holmes's most passionate beliefs was that our teaching should stay "open at the top" to new insights.  He stated that "nothing in our teaching is cast in stone."  He even wrote about the idea that if in 100 years you are still depending on the Science of Mind book, you didn't get it. He didn't state that to discount his work or that of any of the New Thought and Ageless Wisdom writings. He wanted us to keep progressing through his teachings, those of the Ancient/Ageless Wisdom and what is now considered the beginnings of the New Thought Movement (i.e. Ralph Waldo Emerson and the Transcendentalists, Phineas Quimby and mental healing, Thomas Troward's clear and concise writing on the metaphysical mysticism of mental science, Emma Curtis Hopkins' open at the top perspective and teaching of "High Mysticism" and "Scientific Christian Mental Practice" to the 20th centuries' new thought leaders, and several others) to the point where science and metaphysics met and beyond. Dr. Holmes stated:

Whenever you find truth, it belongs to everybody. You can't patent or copyright it. Truth isn't a product of our thinking. It exists. You must have faith and confidence in your own interpretation of God, man and the universe.

February was Black History Month. Last Sunday, on February 25th, I read of a man, who on that date in 1870, using his strengths as one of faith and confidence, began to share his wisdom and position in the advancement of not only the rights and dignity of the African American people, but for all, and in a way that was never before done or even allowed. His name was Hiram Rhodes Revels. He was a Mississippi Republican and also a minister of the AME Church. On that day in 1870, Rev. Revels took the oath of office as the 1st African American Senator of the U. S. Congress. 

It wasn't easy for Revels. His credentials arrived in the Senate on February 23rd and was immediately blocked by a few Democrats who had no desire to see a black man serve in Congress. They argued that Revels had not been a U.S. citizen for the required nine years as black Americans became citizens with the passage of the 1866 Civil Rights Act, just four years earlier. Revels was born a freeman and his supporters dismissed that statement, pointing out that he had been a voter many years earlier in Ohio. When it came to the vote, the Senate voted 48 to 8 to seat Revels. 

Republican Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts sized up the importance of the moment as he roared, "All men are created equal, says the great Declaration, and now a great act attests this verity. Today we make the Declaration a reality.  The Declaration was only half established by Independence. The greatest duty remained behind. In assuring the equal rights of all, we complete the work."

Senator Revels only served for a year or so, however he was the forerunner of the ex-slave Blanche K. Bruce serving six years starting in 1874, Edward Brooke (R-Mass) who served two senatorial terms from 1967-1979, Carol Moseley Braun (D-IL), President Barack Obama, and six others including, most recently, California's Kamala Harris, and, as well, over 140 in the House of Representatives.

A preacher, educator, administrator, Senator, former Republican (he later left party), Revels was the embodiment, the flesh and blood of the 15th amendment, which stated...

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

...and, as well, the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, which read...

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

We, as Religious Scientists, are the embodiment of the Science of Mind and Spirit.  We are the flesh and blood of the next 100 years of this philosophy. As Religious Scientists we must be bold in our word, clear in our thoughts, strong in our feelings, consistent in our spiritual practice, and always, always connected through our hearts.

We have launched a Movement which, in the next 100 years, will continue to be what Holmes called "the great new religious impulsion of modern times, far exceeding, in its capacity to envelop the world, anything that has happened since Mohammedanism started." He continued, "We have to have the same faith in what we teach and practice that the scientist has, or the gardener has, and when that great simplicity shall have plumbed and penetrated this density of ours, this human stolidness and stupidity, this debauchery of the intellect and the soul, something new and wonderful will happen. It is the only thing that will keep the world from destroying itself."

The next 100 years is about not only learning to walk this talk, but living this talk and being this talk, as around we walk. It is time we all be about the living of the Science of Mind and Spirit, not only in and for our own experience, but that of our community, city, state, country and planet. It is time we commit to standing tall and positioning ourselves mentally, spiritually and physically in declaring that we all are to be "devoted to knowing the Truth that sets humanity free from the problem of ignorance; that Truth which alone can bring enlightenment to the world, that war should cease, that people should live together in harmony because they have recognized the Divinity within each other," as Holmes stated. We are all called to be heart-centered, take a stand and step into Spirit-based social justice either with treasure, time, talent or a mixture of the three.

How do we do that, take a stand mentally, spiritually and physically?  In the dream I have written about before; the one where I met the Law of Cause and Effect, the gist of it was that where we take our stand in Mind and Heart, using our imagination, intuition and intention, matters. Do we take our stand on Truth Trail or Lack Lane? Is it on Fear Avenue or Faith Freeway? Is action taken with the perspective that we live on I Don't Deserve It Drive or Belief Boulevard?  We can teach the world that standing on Spirit Street or Truth Trail will not only recognize the Divinity within each other, it will show our magnificence and theirs. Faith, Love, Declaration, Revelation, Intention, Gratitude are all energy, expressed. As Albert Einstein would say...

And he wasn't alone. Nikola Tesla stated...

As well, many neuroscientists and psychiatrists, who are using the method of empirical or measurable evidence, are finding that consciousness is an intrinsic property of everything, like gravity. Many gather together yearly to discuss the crossroads of consciousness and science with the Dalai Lama at his Mind and Life conference.

So, let's make the next 100 years of the Science of Mind and Spirit one of making a cosmos out of the chaos we may be in at present, ease out of all the dis-ease there is the world, a harmonious balance of the Divine Feminine and Masculine in all genders, equality out of the imbalances that still exist in our systems, and most of all, love out of the ignorance's we face. Since all is energy, we can match the frequency of cosmos, ease, harmony, equality and love in Mind, Heart and body; in thought, feeling, belief and, especially, action. When we do the mental work, then take action, not only for our good, but for that of our world, we uplift everyone and everything.

There is One Mind, the Mind of God, and we have the Power of that Mind to use, be, and live in the vibration of Good. And to spread the joy of that communion of that vibration to illuminate, populate and celebrate our magnificence and that of everyone on Mother Earth.

Namaste!

Another Year, More Advice, Resolutions Abound ...Now What?

In the last week or two you have received much advise, tools, opinions, steps, goals and calls to action in blog posts, emails, tweets, newsletters, posts and Instagrams, Tumblrs, videos, mp3's or memes of one or another; describing what to do now that it is the new year, 2018. We hear it's the...

Year to come clean!

Best year to be seen!

or you should be...

Loud and proud - livin' the dream!

Slogans, sayings, quips, affirmations and quotes have been coming at you for days telling you what to do, what to say, what or how to think, affirming your ancestry and touting the inheritance of your prosperity. You're told that you are perfect, whole and complete right now, you're Divine Intelligence incarnate and individualized, and if you change your thoughts, you'll change your life. The Pope said to get rid of useless baggage (and he didn't mean the luggage in the garage). Deepak Chopra wants you to detoxify, meditate, rid yourself of self-judgement and choose to live in balance. Mike Dooley of TUT fame, is knowing we need to transcend, rise above, and live happily in abundance, health, and harmony...and that we all have the tools within to do so. Jim Lockard, the New Thought Evolutionary, encourages us to be part of a New Years Revolution. He wrote:

The key role of spiritual community today and in the future is to be places where such deep transformational work can be done in a safe and supportive environment. What the world needs now is empowered and realized evolutionary souls to contribute to an expanding consciousness of compassion, love, and service.

Dennis Merritt Jones talked about the seven practices that will shape your new year:  opening your mind to new possibilities, forgiving, writing down goals, challenging old patterns, being mindful, getting or being your own cheerleader and setting aside time to connect to the Presence of your Higher Power. 

Yes, ministers, preachers, philosophers, investors, parents, teachers, trainers, coaches, friends and enemies all have the secret to your 2018:  

buy this

avoid that

support them

stop doing something

start thinking something

...be your best!  

Advice is everywhere:  the folks at ThoughtCatalog.com published the article...

This Is The No Bullshit Advice You Need To Hear For 2018, 

Based On Your Zodiac Sign

And Forbes, Vogue, Business Insider, HuffPost, AARP, Dr. Hollywell, Mark Cuban, Fortune Magazine, Tony Robbins, Marianne Williamson, and soooo many others have shown you how to have the best investments, health, sex, fitness plan, anniversary destination or diet in 2018; and how to refresh your career and de-clutter your closet, office and life in 2018 or just simply how to be happier this new year the Gregorian calendar calls 2018. All great stuff. All fabulous reminders. All ideas to incorporate into your life. And not much different than you were told in 2016 or 2015 or too many other years.

SO NOW WHAT?

And what does the New Thought Guy want to tell you about 2018...

and a week into the game, no less?

Sorry, nothing new, nothing that I haven't told you before - nothing that you don't already know, though it may be hiding in the recesses of your mind and/or you aren't consciously and intentionally using It. I am here to joyfully remind you of what is already there, what you get to work with, what is all you need to be in your life to have all those things and activities that were listed in the first few paragraphs.  I don't mean to discount the tools the others have informed you or reminded you about - I like the reminders, too. What I want to remind you or inform you about is who and what is using these tools.

You (we, all of us) are always at choice, always have volition (conscious choice) and always get to decide what to resolve, transform, transcend and transmit. It is not something that needs to be put into any of us, though one might be required to re-ignite it now and again for purposeful / intentional use. It is not a secret kept from us, for even if one is intellectually ignorant of It, It reveals Itself everyday, if you care to listen and observe. It is something we were each born with and which can't be removed from us. It is the greatest gift and power of them all:

Divine Love

This is not some mushy, New Age-y, greeting card kind of love. This is that unconditional, non-judgmental, omniscient, omnipresent Love:

All Life is bound together by One common law of Love, and Love is the Self-Givingness of Spirit, manifested in and through all that is visible and invisible. It was the realization of this One Presence that illumined the saints and sages of the past.     ~Ernest Holmes

This unlimited, infinite Power that created everything, call It what you may, is that which empowers you. It is that which is beyond the physical, but is in your physicality. Is that which all the tools and goals and advise that is taken must be worked through, if they are to work consistently.

It is the Divine Matrix by which you are powered and empowered. It is the triune nature of your belief and manifestation process - the engine to create your best thoughts, plans, decisions and action. It is that holistic confluence of the creative force of your thoughts, feelings and perception. It is the balanced use of your mind, heart and gut (your imagination/intuition), that which molds your beliefs and then manifests into your experiences.

As I said in my November blog, SHOW ME THE GOOD, most have the mind thing down:

...the intellect and logic functions are always at play, the synapses are firing and the electro-chemical workings of the brain are flowing with the "I declare this in my life!" or "I reveal that in my life!" instructions. Other affirmations, prayers, declarative decisions are said, thought, contemplated and meditated upon using or starting with this mental function.



Some have the gut thing, the intuition and imagination thing going steadily:

...knowing what you want looks, smells, tastes, and sounds like and what its texture is. They use that intuition and constructive creativity, which is a direct infusion from the Divine, to create a symphonic symbiosis of the senses, describing and bringing to life, through this synesthesia, goals, desires, health, things, etc.

But the main connection....the one that matters most is that which we usually only think of as that muscle which pumps the blood through the circulatory system of our bodies.  But it is this often misunderstood organ that plays the greatest part in the Divine Matrix, the triune nature of that which is truly going to bring you the best 2018 that you could have: 

...the heart. 

And more specifically, the heart-brain connection.  

From the HeartMath Institute:

In the new field of neurocardiology, for example, scientists have discovered that the heart possesses its own intrinsic nervous system—a network of nerves so functionally sophisticated as to earn the description of a “heart brain.” Containing over 40,000 neurons, this “little brain” gives the heart the ability to independently sense, process information, make decisions, and even to demonstrate a type of learning and memory. In essence, it appears that the heart is truly an intelligent system. Research has also revealed that the heart is a hormonal gland, manufacturing and secreting numerous hormones and neurotransmitters that profoundly affect brain and body function. Among the hormones the heart produces is oxytocin—well known as the “love” or “bonding hormone.” Science has only begun to understand the effects of the electromagnetic fields produced by the heart, but there is evidence that the information contained in the heart’s powerful field may play a vital synchronizing role in the human body—and that it may affect others around us as well.

To have intentional conscious creation - to be consistent in your power to accomplish those 2018 goals, use those new or renewed tools, heed the great calls to action you have been reading about these last weeks for a great, love-filled, prosperous, and vibrant 2018 - tap into the triune nature of your being. Use your birthright of that Divine Matrix in you and around you to inform and empower your every move, thought, feeling and belief. I am constantly reminding all of us (myself included) that thoughts + feelings = belief ... and belief = experience. These thoughts and feelings are informed not only by the brain, but that of the heart-mind and the constructive intuition/imagination that is directed by the creative energy of the Universe. So, before, during and after you start using these recommendations from your favorite experts....

Put Your Hand on Your Heart

And Listen

The Universe is calling you to your greatness and is there to assist in whatever old, new or renewed plan or goal or call to action you have to live a prosperous life in every corner of your life.

Many blessings beloved reader and a joyous 2018!

The Gift of Hallelujah

The Gift of Hallelujah

In 1984, Leonard Cohen gave us a gift in the song Hallelujah.

Thought not popular at its release, over the years, especially the last dozen, it has become a recurring hit for many recording artists, featured in several television shows and theatrical films, and has been performed quite often in the New Thought spiritual centers throughout the planet - it is considered as the "baseline" of secular hymns and is one of the 500 best songs per Rolling Stone magazine. I have sung it a few times myself and as I studied Cohen's lyrics, it inspired me to dig deep into the stories that inspired its songwriter. The story starts with this:

Well I heard there was a secret chord

That David played and it pleased the Lord

….

Well it goes like this: the fourth, the fifth

The minor fall and the major lift

The baffled king composing Hallelujah

The story comes from 1 Samuel in the Old Testament. The baffled king spoken of is David, the youngest son of eight. Before he became King, David was a very protective sheep-herder that was well spoken, handsome, very connected to Nature and Spirit, a happy camper in life and evidently quite the charmer on the harp. The present King was Saul. Saul was

kind of a jerk:  forceful, willful, arrogant, tyrannical and destructive. He ruled by his head and not through his heart, pushing his rule from his consciousness of fear and lack ... taking, taking, taking. After many years of this, it started to take its toll, bringing dis-ease into his life. Saul became melancholic and at times violent, having consistent bouts of migraines, and the only panacea was music. Because of David's skill on the harp, he was summoned to sooth Saul with music. David immediately won the affection of King Saul, his music proving to be so effective in quieting the frenzied monarch, he was sent for quite often.

In metaphysical terms, David represents the beloved, the loved. He lived the essence of Divine Love individualized in human consciousness; one who daily communes with God and reflects divinity in all he thinks, does, acts on and reacts to. David may not have used these words, but he lived his life knowing the Universe has his back. He trusted Nature and Love to watch over him. Saul, on the other hand, wasn't so sure.  According to the metaphysical dictionary of Charles Fillmore, Saul represents the will functioning in the limitations of personality. Saul signifies personal will. He represents the "consciousness that is willful and stubborn, shy and impulsive, yet very brave under great stress. When first chosen as king, Saul was very humble; and true humility is one of the first qualifications for spiritual leadership. The will is a very complex phase of the mind, however, and its paradoxes often perplex the most acute."

All of this represents the power of Love (David) to harmonize the discords set up by disconnected thinking and violent consciousness (Saul). David was an innocent here.

He was just Being, he didn't think of himself or his music as magical, he was a heart-centered guy singing the Universe's praise. Which leads me to the title of the song, Hallelujah. 

The transliteration of the Hebrew of Hallelujah is:

hallalu - joyous praise in song

yah (short of yahweh) - God

Later, when he fought Goliath, King Saul offered his armor and weapons to do battle with. But David refused the armor ... he trusted his strengths and instincts (the sling)

That which is natural for him, the Truth to know he would prevail in a fight that didn't for all accounts look to be in his favor. But David knew the what, spoke his Word, and trusted the Universe to deliver the how:  Key to his success!  Interestingly, he killed Goliath with a shot to his forehead, the 7^th chakra area, the connection to Divine Intelligence

After he became king, David started believing his own propaganda. He got more and more into his head … without his heart. He began to depart from from what I call the...

Divine Matrix:  

the confluent integration of mind, heart and intuition/imagination

And that leads me back to the song – verse two:

Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you to her kitchen chair
She broke your throne and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Now Cohen is melding the David and Bathsheba story with the Samson and Delilah story … and that's good. Both David and Samson became dependent on the physical, the accomplishments, the ego, the head – not the Divine within.

They weren't telling the Universe, I want what he's having;” meaning the flavor, the essence of a Bathsheba or Delilah, but that woman, the Bathsheba and Delilah.  They wanted to take, not receive. They thought they deserved it - their “status” deserved it. And that was misusing the Law of Cause and Effect.  For when you demand of the Universe that which is not yours to demand (i.e. someone else's property or someone's own choice in the matter [i.e. Bathsheba and Delilah]), the Universe reads that idea in your belief system as "I want to take/steal that" because "I can't have" or "I am full of lack without..." is screaming its limited idea to the Universe. That's trying to receive your Good from a lack and limitation consciousness, not trusting the Universe will provide the best version of the “that” (her, known as Delilah and Bathsheba) for you. Also, you may think you want x.y or z; but that may actually end up being settling for what is not best for you. We all have fantasies of ... well, for example, you may think you want Brad Pitt or Bathsheba or so and so's house, etc.; but you don't know what Brad Pitt is really like - he could be the biggest jerk of them all. What "Brad Pitt' represents is what you probably desire:  the success, the looks, the six-pack, etc. Hopefully you go a bit deeper than that, but that's what you want to require from the Universe. And then let the Universe will bring you the best version of that "Brad Pitt", etc.

These dorks (David and Samson) were so blinded by desire, they couldn't think straight:

    

    Samson knew that Delilah was a member of his enemies community, but that didn't stop        him. Delilah kept asking for the secret to his strength (5x), but, in his blindness and        

    arrogance, he didn't get what was going on. And we know how that story ended.

     And David:

      A. he's married, she's married and he knows it

      B. wants her so much, he sleeps with her anyway

      C. she gets pregnant
      D. David tries to hide it by bringing her husband back from battle, but they don't sleep                 together, so
      E. David sends her husband to front lines, where he was killed
      F. the son of David and Bathsheba dies in early childhood

Come on now, how dumb can a guy be? Yeah, I know, you don't have to answer. They, like so many of us, male and female, old and young, just...

Ignored the red flags

They were so disconnected to their intuition, their inner wisdom that they were deaf to the calling from the Universe:  the hints, the whispers, the repeated warnings from Divine Intelligence that a dumb mistake was being made.

Have you ever done that – ignore the red flags?

Did David and Sampson really think the Law didn't know about their lack and limitation consciousness? Do you? The Law is always at work and is no respecter of persons:

Hence, it follows that if we believe that It will not work, It really works by appearing to “not work”. When we believe that It cannot and will not, then, according to the principle, IT DOES NOT. But when It does not, It still does – only It does according to our belief that It will not. This is our own punishment [inevitable consequence] through the law of cause and effect; we do not enter in because of our doubts and fears. It is not a punishment imposed upon us by the Spirit of God, but an automatic result of failing constructively to use the law.

                                                                 ~Ernest Holmes THE SCIENCE OF MIND, p. 52-5

These boys were ruled by ego, those thoughts and actions dependent on looks, status, pretty wife, successful husband, wealth, achievements ... the “I'm gonna take, otherwise I won't have” syndrome.

The problem is not the ego itself. The problem is when the ego takes the driver’s seat of your soul. And it will. Every. Single. Time. Human existence was destined to be ego-driven. However, I also believe human existence is destined to realize that it is ego-driven and then have the greater realization that the ego is all an illusion...The only true reality is the eternal nature that is the indwelling spirit (God) inside each and every one of us. THAT spirit is both eternal and unchanging.    

    ~JOSHUA TILGHMAN - Spirit of the Scripture blog

Remember:  we have volition, we are always at choice. We choose to listen by Edging God Out or Entertaining God Only. We choose to listen to our head and ignore our intuition and heart. 

And now let's get into the third verse:

.....
There's a blaze of light
In every word
It doesn't matter which you heard
The holy or the broken Hallelujah

What Word are you speaking in your beliefs?

When the will proves inadequate to the gaining of self-dominion what does our higher judgment reveal to us as the remedy? It shows us that the heart, not the head, is the dominant factor in life. Love (David) is more powerful than the will (Saul) to direct us into the way of self-dominion. Where there is a conscious subjective unity of head and heart victory is assured. Man can overcome every enemy, and establish a great kingdom, like David, by uniting and harmonizing the spiritual forces of his being.                

~Charles Fillmore

David did this, he learned his lesson and returned to heart-centered living. This whole lesson points to the heart as the center through which Spirit rules and the best decisions are conceived, intuited and made. As it says in the Samuel 16:7...
  

Jehovah looks on the heart 

-the Law works its stuff through your beliefs-

When you find that your willful self-rule is not proving a harmonious outcome – which you will, get still and:

Treat (affirmative prayer), Meditate...

Spark a Flame in the Divine Matrix

You can always come back from the misstep, the missing of the mark, the mistake, the short dumb journey into the head...

Practice Self Forgiveness!

The above is the ho'oponopono prayer

And now, with self forgiveness intact, the last verse reveals how to live the rest of your life:

.....

I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you

And even though some things went wrong

I'll stand before the Lord of Song

With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

Nothing on my tongue but praises and trust of that Divine within

Nothing on my tongue but the song of Love, prosperity, vibrancy and vitality

Nothing on my tongue but gratitude for my blessings and lessons

Nothing on my tongue but Truth …

!!Can I Get a Hallelujah!!

An affirmation:  I am the hero/heroine of my journey and I choose Love; I choose Grace and I choose to boldly stand before All with Divine Power and Wisdom guiding me.

SHOW ME THE GOOD

Show Me the Good

An aspiring Yogi wanted to find a Guru. He went to an Ashram and his preceptor told him, “You can stay here but we have one important rule--all students observe a vow of silence. You will be allowed to speak one sentence only after 12 years.” 

After practicing for 12 long years, the day came when the student could say his one sentence. He said, “The bed is too hard.” 

He kept going for another 12 years of hard spiritual practices and austere discipline; then came his opportunity to speak again. He commented, “The food is not very good.” 

Twelve more years of hard work and he got the chance to speak once again. This time, after 36 years of practice, he announced: “I quit.” His Guru retorted, “Good! all you’ve done the whole time is complain, complain, complain.”

Did ya ever ask the Universe, “hey, where's mine... show me the good.”

• You do what you were taught

• You do the right things

• You get the training

• You practice or rehearse

• You keep learning

• You do your spiritual practice

• You show up

• And yet it hasn't shown up

What ever your it is:  Better job, advancing career, better or continued health, a soulmate, financial freedom, more this or that, peace of mind, etc.

• We meditate, contemplate, motivate, visualize, vision or…

• ...we get a mentor, a teacher or coach...

• ...use this program, go to that workshop, get this certificate, go to this seminar or that school...

• ...we sit in silence for 10 days, take up yoga, pilates, running, swimming or high impact training…

• ...we light a candle, burn some incense, bang a gong, ring a bell...

• ...we go here, there and everywhere searching for the answer, seeking the key, looking for that secret code...

• ...in the Scriptures, the Bahagavad Gita, the Tao, the Book of the Dead, the Vedas, the Quaran, the Talmud, the Upanishads, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Gnostics, the Toltecs, the New Thoughters, the Ascended Masters, the Arch Angels...

• ...we use alchemy, astrology, fortune cookies, the I ching, tarot cards, angel cards, affirmations & prayer...

• ...we hire psychics, a hypnotherapist, an intuitive, a practitioner, a therapist, a cleric of one type or another

We go and do and take refuge in everything but the True thing:

The Thing in You

The Divine in You

The Living Spirit in You

That which illuminates You...

The God in You!

I am not knocking all the things I listed
                  ...they are tools to use to build a consciousness and clarity
                  ...to be inspired by and transformed from or to be transcended through


However, none of those work or stick without belief and without a passion for the idea(s)
                  ...and nothing solidifies belief more than the heart

I believe there is a triune nature to the way we humans work the Law and that is: 

Mind ... Heart ... Intuition/Imagination

I find that most have the mind thing down
           ...we us our intellect and logic
           ...our synapses are firing
           ...the electro-chemical workings of the brain are in force

And we use our Word:

           I declare this in my life!

           I reveal that in my life!

I know that some have the intuition and imagination thing going strong
           ...what your it looks like, smells like, tastes like, what its texture is
          
Remember, intuition and creativity (when constructive) is a direct infusion from the Divine

But the main connection...

the one that matters most...
is the heart

The difficulty we find in our field …is the difficulty of sincerity, the heart not acquiescing to the statement of the lips; it is the difficulty of using constructive rather than destructive conversation; it is the difficulty of not being able to see reflected in each other the symbolic Christ or manifestation of the Infinite, the Spirit. That is what heals - seeing the Spirit in each other – it is the difficulty which arises from a certain form of spiritual stupidity which we all have: a lack of faith, a lack of absolute conviction that now we have it and we can use it, the absolute simplicity of it – the difficulty of surrendering the mind in complete abandonment to the idea; that is hard. That means putting the foot out, as it were, into a vacuum, into a nothingness; but if the faith and conviction is there it will be on a solid rock.    

                                                                       ~ Ernest Holmes, Unpublished Papers

Connecting to your heart can be achieved in many ways including using the tools listed near the beginning of this blog and also through a guided meditation or just listening. Stopping what you are 'doing' and just being ...listening...

           ...if they are destructive messages coming back or doubts or confusion or alienation or separation ideas are showing up, that is your head talking - the ego that edges God out - or dumb ideas taught to us by parents, teachers, religion, society...i.e. lack, inability, no talent, our family isn't successful, too young, too old, not enough "fill in the blank"


John Prendergast, a Northern California psychotherapist wrote an article called:

Five Keys to Trusting Your Heart and Acting From a Place of Inner Wisdom

Key 1. Trust Your Heart Physically:
          ....Place your hand over the center of your chest and imagine that you are directly 
                 breathing into and from the depths of your heart area.

Key 2. Trust Your Heart Mentally:
          ....Inquire into any beliefs that obstruct your love and the acceptance of yourself and 
                 others.

Judgments or prejudices may show up as you step into listening and the onion peels of negativity begin to flake. You may find yourself screaming, "OMG, what now?"   ...see key 3

Key 3. Trust Your Heart Emotionally:
          ....Attune with that deep place in the heart that loves and accepts everything just as it 
                 is.
          ....Visualize embracing any parts of yourself that need this love. Hold them in your 
                 heart.

This is when that onion peeling of the dumb stuff we have learned or accepted start coming out. Yes, it is not fun while that is happening, however, as we learn to love and accept those negative ideas at the same time we are letting them go, the grace and ease they are let go is more prevalent and assured. And yes, there is always something to learn whilst removing those superfluous beliefs.

         ....Do the same for others—inwardly bless them and wish them well.
         ....Be generous in expressing your heartfelt love daily.

Key 4. Trust Your Heart Energetically:

Remember everything is energy ... you, me, the device you are reading this on, the planet itself ... all are energy formed into objects. If you don't believe Dr. Ernest Holmes (SCIENCE OF MIND),  try Albert Einstein, Nikola Tesla, or physicists of all sorts .... everything is just energy.

          ....Sense into the various layers of your heart including the inner sanctum at the back 
                 of the heart and that of the infinite or Great Heart

Which leads us right into Key 5:

Key 5. Trust Your Heart Spiritually:
          ....Make a deep commitment to live open-heartedly, then work steadily and                  
                  compassionately toward keeping it.
          ....Rest in and as the open heart
          ....Gaze with a spiritually oriented friend.

You don't have to do this alone. We all got stuff. Even if you don't discuss everything, find a prayer partner or a meditation partner. 

Now, there will probably be a learning curve as you begin this practice. You will enter into what is called liminal space. Richard Rohr, a Franciscan priest of the New Mexico Province and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, describes limal space as....

...an inner state where we can begin to think and act in genuinely new ways.  It is when we are betwixt and between, having left one room or stage of life but not yet entered the next. We often enter liminal space when our former way of being is challenged or changed--perhaps when we lose a job or a loved one, during illness, engagement, or at the birth of a child. During this graced time we are not certain or in control. This openness allows room for something genuinely new to happen. We are empty and receptive--an erased tablet waiting for new words. Liminal space is where we are most teachable.

When we are in our heart space, we can be vulnerable to do just that ... be teachable, transformable and ready to transcend! 

Even through the liminal, the onion peel, the attention paid to and the healing from the negative junk in our habitual thinking, using the heart-mind and the intentional conscious Power of the Divine within, we can reconnect to the power of gratitude:

Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.    ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Gratitude is a heart action and a mind action

As a mind action, it is a thought that comes after the reception in reverence to the receiving. Which reminds me of a story:

Two guys are walking through a game park when they come across a lion that has not eaten for days. They can see trouble in his eyes and, of course, the lion starts chasing the two men. They run as fast as they can panning the park for a place of safety. After a few minutes, one guy starts getting tired and decides to say a prayer, "Please, oh please, please, please, turn this lion into a Christian, Lord." 

A few moments later, the one man turns to see if the lion is still chasing and he sees the lion has stopped and is on its knees. Happy to see his prayer answered, he stops his friend and heads back towards the lion. As they comes closer to the lion, he hears it saying a prayer: "Thank you Lord for the food I am about to receive."

That is mind action. Now Heart action...

Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse.      ~Henry Van Dyke                                                               

...is an inward journey and anticipatory.  We must begin to live consciously and from the wisdom of the heart. It is the key, it is the Divine space, it is, quoting Dr. Prendergast again, "the keenly sensitive area of feeling and knowing that is a portal to our deepest self. Heart wisdom is a blend of deep feeling and understanding."

There is nothing small about us or the Universe. Spiritual prosperity, by living through the heart-mind - that connection to the Infinite Source of All – will increase incrementally and exponentially as our consciousness grows – and nothing in life or mind or belief changes permanently until we connect through that heart-mind to our passions and the Divine. The triune nature I spoke above at the beginning is a holistic approach to manifesting your best life.

I invite you to open up your heart today, no matter what emotional pain may show up. Be brave and bold in letting that onion peel. With heart-centered wisdom and gratitude, the healing and manifesting begins.  When you connect through the heart, faith deepens, belief clarifies and you are empowered intentionally and consciously to let the Universe Show You The Good.

God speed and happy Thanksgiving!

Please take a moment and affirm with me:

With gobs of thanksgiving - soaked in a gravy of resolution and Love, 

dressed in Mind and spiced with Spirit - 

 I manifest my greatest life right here and right now!

Blessings to you and yours!