Read
Latest Daily Words
What is a “Spiritual Mind Treatment”?
In the book, Can We Talk to God, Ernest Holmes says, “There is a power and a presence in the universe which responds to us completely, perfectly, that we shall be amazed when we realize how completely and how perfectly, but it can only operate for us through us.” You see, we don’t believe in the Divine hand of intervention. We don’t believe that if we pray to God that somehow Its hand will come down and pluck us out of our misery and say, “Oh, you deserve to be happy. Here you go.” Nor do we believe that the Divine hand of intervention comes down and says, “Oh, no, you’re way too happy. Let’s have a little test, shall we?”
The Infinite Reality moves through us. We are the place where the Divine has awakened and has decided to experience itself through creative expression, with the ability to have free will, make choices, and move in the world. It’s not out there. It’s in here! So we begin by remembering that this is the truth. And we seek to find a place to stand so that this truth can move through us, as us. into the world as a joyful manifestation.
Ernest Holmes in The Science of Mind says that “Treatment is the act, the art and the science of inducing thought within the mentality of the one treating which thought shall proceed, that the person or situation is a Divine, Spiritual, and Perfect Idea.” We call it Spiritual Mind Treatment because it is a deliberately designed spiritual technology to induce belief and shift consciousness. It’s not just to move our conscious minds, it is to induce belief into our own subjectivity so that we live it, feel it, and accept that we may express and experience it.
Treatment is the art of moving into truth. It is the act of speaking that truth. And it is the science of using the Law to bring that truth into manifestation. And it begins in this profound place where we know that we are not begging, pleading, bargaining, wishing, hoping, or wanting for something outside of ourselves, to somehow relieve our misery or magically make our good get better. Our Spiritual Mind treatment is like taking a pill for our consciousness. That’s why we call it treatment. It’s like taking the antidote to negative thinking, false beliefs, and small expectations, or taking a growth pill for something that we want to expand or create.
It’s a deliberate treatment that we give our consciousness, because, quite frankly, Spirit is already expressing as us as fully and completely as it possibly can. We have felt it, haven’t we? We’ve touched the Presence of the Infinite, which is always there, always available, and always creating. It’s only the sense of separation and false beliefs that we layer on top of this truth that keeps us from knowing that it’s there. Treatment begins by remembering this truth.
We are deeply capable of utilizing this technology for ourselves and for those that we love. We’ve become good at applying what we’ve learned in meditation, using affirmations and visualizations, and practicing letting go. As we’ve worked with gratitude, it underscores and deepens our understanding of Universal Law, Spiritual Mind Treatment collects all of these together in a focused, deliberate process that doesn’t do anything to the Divine, but moves us into right relationship with Truth, Spiritual Mind treatment brings our whole being to the place where we acquiesce to the reality of the Divine as us and we utilize our power, intention, and choices to consciously participate in creation.
Emergence: Growing the Garden of Your Life
Living a positive, practical spirituality is so much more than the individual intentions we pursue such as healing trauma, changing perspective, or manifesting something that we need or want. Ultimately our spirituality provides us with everything we need to develop a deeper, richer consciousness that is grounded in the higher principles of Life. Then we are not so much focused on individual manifestations, we focus on the fulfilling and meaningful life we are here to experience and express.
“Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.” Soren Kierkegaard
Pondering this Kierkegaard quote from our soul’s perspective, we might rather say: “Life is not a problem to be solved, but a mystery to be lived.” This mystery is the fullness of YOU – your own unique way of being in the world, your gifts and talents, your way of experiencing and expressing joy, love, abundance, wholeness and all the qualities of Spirit. This mystery is the depth of your soul’s wellspring, sourced from the Infinite ONE, as it engages with the inner landscape of your being and the outer world of beauty and storm.
Developing consciousness is what allows us to experience our lives as a wholeness, like the way a meadow, stream, forest, and the contours of the land all flow together into a seamless offering of presence, inviting us into an experience that fills the senses, soothes the mind and opens the heart to the deep richness of Life. Everything is interwoven, in mutual grace yet each individual is simply being – expressing and experiencing Life!
Love Sets an Open Table
There is but one ultimate impulsion in the universe. This impulsion is love. This love is more than an emotional sentiment, although it must include all such emotional sentiments. It is the pure essence of Divine Givingness.
Behind all is a unity, through all is a diversity; saturating all is a divinity.
The perception of unity sees through all differences to one universal sameness. Yet unity does not mean uniformity. We do not all have to be alike, think alike, or act alike; but the world is learning we must all act in unison. The Infinite One manifests in infinite variations, each rooted in the One, but each divinely unique in its own right.
When we let the love that is within us go out to the God who is in all people and the Divine Presence that is in all things, then we are loving God with all our heart and with all our soul and mind because we are recognizing that the Spirit within us is the same Spirit that we meet in others. This is loving our neighbors as ourselves.
Love overlooks the little differences that we have and finds a point of reconciliation with others. Love creates tolerance and human understanding, without which we become really divided against ourselves and without which we almost unconsciously become filled with criticism, condemnation, and false judgment. No one can be happy or enjoy the greatest fulfillment in life until he has come to see that most people try to do the best they can. And when we are able to reach out beyond the indifference and the coldness of life, reach through all intolerance and unkindness, only then do we meet that Divine center that is forever established within every person.
Excepts from Dr Ernest Holmes
Emergence
After the dark comes the dawn. After winter comes spring. After sacred disruption and reimagining comes newness, possibility, and re-engaging with our lives in new ways. This year, 2023, is all about Emergence – the emergence of ourselves and our lives into a new light, a deeper awareness, and a greater commitment to growing healthy, joy-filled lives that live in harmony with Spirit, with each other, and with the earth.
When we recognize the truth of ourselves as an individualized expression of the ONE Life we realize that we are here to co-create and express the unique, beautiful, additions we are to the whole. Sometimes this expression comes in specific demonstrations of healing and physical manifestation. And boy do we love our TSRWs! And we should celebrate every single one! Other times our lives seem to take a meandering journey of unfolding, as we grow and progress in our acceptance of Good and our commitment to making a difference. This is our focus in 2023 – Emergence!
Emergence is the product of an emergent evolution that is forever happening as our consciousness expands and relies on the Law of Growth. Here are a series of quotes from the Science of Mind and Ernest Holmes to contemplate this month and all year long:
All is Infinite Being and all is eternally becoming. Infinite Being is Infinite Knowingness; as the result of this Infinite Knowingness, there is an Infinite Becomingness or Creation.
If we were to further inquire of our imagination what the ultimate purpose of evolution is, the most logical answer it could give would be that the purpose of Life is to produce beings who can consciously cooperate with It; that through such cooperation the evolving Principle Itself may more completely express.
The aim of evolution is to produce a being who, at the objective point of their own self-determination, may completely manifest the inner life of the Spirit. Even the Spirit does not seek to control us, It lets us alone to discover ourselves. The most precious thing we possess is our own individuality; indeed, this is the only thing we really have, or are.
Since the ONE is infinite, the possibility of humanity’s expansion is limitless. Therefore evolution or unfoldment is the eternal process through which Being passes into becoming. This does not make us Universal Spirit, nor do we create It; but we are, at any and every level of consciousness, at such a level, a manifestation of the original Mind. As a drop of water is in the ocean, and in its essence is like the ocean, but still never is the whole ocean.
Evolution is a principle, that, though invisible, finds manifestation in every form of life. It is the logical and necessary outcome of Universal Intelligence or Spirit. But evolution is an effect of intelligence and not its cause; it follows involution. Involution is the idea while evolution is the unfoldment of the idea. Involution precedes evolution with mechanical precision propelled by an immutable law — the Law of Cause and Effect.
Evolution is the time and the process through which the Spirit unfolds. In so far as any individual understands this mental law, he or she is able to use it. We must learn how it works and comply with the way it works…Involution and evolution, the thought and the thing, the word, and the law, the purpose and the execution — this is the sequence of the way the law works.
Life operates through what we call the law of evolution (law of growth) or unfoldment, and we are subject to this law. It is not a limitation but is the way through which freedom and individuality express. There is an unfolding principle within us that is ever carrying us forward to greater and greater expressions of freedom, love, joy, and life.
Love and Light
December is the most holiday-filled month of the year, in the US. It’s also the month that groans under the weight of expectations, family dynamics, financial outlay, and forced cheer. Yet despite commercialism, stress, and broken relationships, there is much love and joy as well. Twinkling lights, holiday traditions, connecting with people you love, and fervent wishes for peace and goodwill abound. Holidays, with their rituals and feasts, spring from a deep place in our soul that is hungry for meaning, connection, and a spiritual way to live. This is the golden thread of Love and Light that is woven through the ancient practices and new traditions that knit us together, as one family of humans, in spirit, body, and soul.
All our holidays tend to be embedded in feasts, friends, and family. It is through our gathering that we share our love and connect heart to heart. This is an outpouring of the Love that is the impulse of Life, the engine behind the whole universe, and the gift that is forever flowing in, through, and as us. So often we crave love, seek love, and are unhappy when we don’t feel love, yet the very love we seek is who we are. Love is not something we receive, like a gift. Rather it is the very essence of who we are and what we bring to the feast. Our presence is our gift to Life just as infinite Love is Life’s gift to us. This season is an opportunity to BE Love wherever we go, with whomever we are celebrating, including when we are alone. Remember, love is always present because the thing you are seeking, IT IS ALREADY YOU.
The primary holidays we celebrate at CSLDallas this time of year are Bodhi Day, Hannukah, Solstice, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. Each holiday is unique and precious, bringing something important to our spiritual awareness. Yet each holiday also has one significant element in its ritual celebration in common – the lighting of candles – bringing in the Light. The Enlightenment which the Buddha achieved under the Bodhi tree included a deep realization that the Buddha Nature, this enlightenment, is within each of us. In the lighting of the Tree, Menorah and Kanara an outer light is rekindled so that the inner Light may be affirmed. This Light is already within shining forth through many hearts and lives. This season is an opportunity to BE Light wherever we go, with whomever we are celebrating, including when we are alone. Remember, light is always present because the thing you are seeking, IT IS ALREADY YOU.
Love and Light do not contend with nor fear the darkness. There is a beautiful rhythm in the yin/yang of these complementary opposites, weaving through the turning of our lives. Some years are more joyous and others more challenging. Some seasons bring great togetherness while others feel quiet or alone. This is the Wholeness of Life revealed and reveled in. Like the Lord of Misrule, when the Fool is made the King and the King serves the Fool, there is a balance and harmony in the seasons of our lives. This season is an opportunity to Be Whole – wholly wherever you are in your journey, wholly yourself, and wholly present to the joys and sorrows of life. Remember that inner Wholeness is always present and can never be harmed, damaged, or broken because the thing you are seeking, IT IS ALREADY YOU.
Woven throughout is an awareness of family, community, and humanity. The things that we value and that make for wholeness in our togetherness come from the deepest part of our souls. Not from our fear or need, but from that inner knowing that says, “you are me and I am you” and remembers that what we do to and for each other not only impacts the whole but is an expression of our own individual wholeness. The health of the community and our own health are reflections of each other, because we are, in fact, one body with many branches, beautiful flowers, and ripening fruit. This season, as we commune and share, gather, and prepare for the New Year, is an opportunity to remember that integrity, contribution, empowerment, and unity of purpose make for strong communities of powerful individuals who are Whole, filled with Love, and being the Light.
This holiday season let us step into the truth – we are already divine. There is nowhere to seek and nothing to find. Rather we are to realize the truth – divinity already lies within. The Love, Light, and Wholeness we seek is already present. The gift has already long been given and is given again and again each and every day. As Holmes writes “The thing you are looking for, you are looking with, and looking at.” This is ONENESS. This season Be ONE! Be one with all beings everywhere. Be one with humanity, even those who are difficult. Be one with yourself – the joy and uniqueness of your own being. Be ONE! Be one of those who knows the truth and lives Wholly from Love and Light for it is already present.
This holiday season may you, yourself, be the gift.
Is It All Too Serious?
Mix a little foolishness with your prudence: it’s good to be silly at the right moment. (Misce stultitiam consiliis brevem; dulce est desipere in loco.)
Play is as important as laughter. Silliness lightens the load. Do something simply because you enjoy it, without any thought of accomplishment or return.
Reflection: Are you playing enough in your life? Create something, now, that is playful and silly.
Affirmation: I am secure and confident enough in myself to be silly and playful!
Act in Faith
“Faith without works” is mere belief in a theory, without having proved it to be true. Its opposite, “active faith,” is knowing from direct experience that a theory can be proved.” — Ernest Holmes
Your life is God’s gift to you. What will you do with it? That’s your gift to God. It’s simply not enough to know that Spirit is the indwelling presence in your life. You must act on that fact, as if you believed it to be true!
You are constantly co-creating your life with the Universe. Stuff happens (that’s the Universe!) and, then, you get to decide what to do and how to respond. The more creatively you can respond, the less stuck you are. Even out of the negative stuff, you can create possibility.
Reflection: Where are you not acting on your faith? What “move your feet” actions do you need to take?
Affirmation: I confidently step out from my faith and co-create a joyous life in partnership with the Divine!
Spying the Divine
”…how often in my trivial conversation with my neighbors that somewhat higher in each of us overlooks this by-play, and Jove nods to Jove from behind each of us.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of the Divine! These may show up as “coincidences” or “serendipitous happenings”. You may see the Divine in someone’s joyous laughter or a special gleam in their eyes. Notice beauty that moves you. Pay attention to possibility, as it presents itself to you. Especially look for things that uplift and expand your heart and your soul.
The easiest way to catch a sighting of the Divine is in those moments of connection when you are with someone and you know you are meeting heart to heart. Or when you experience oneness communing with nature. You may often be looking directly into the heart of God! Pay attention. Don’t miss it!
Reflection: When and where do you catch glimpses of the Divine?
Affirmation: I pay attention to all the ways Spirit shows up in my life – through people, circumstances, and all of life.
Breathe, Again
“To ensure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.” — William Londen
Learn to breathe your stress away. In yoga, it’s called that centering breath. Take a moment and simply breathe. Take one deep, conscious breath. Then take another one. You can take as many of these as you need. Notice how the breath takes you deep into the center of your being. Simply breathe.
This centering breath makes all the difference and takes no time at all. You can do it anywhere, anytime, and in any situation. As you do this more and more often, it’ll only take one breath to bring you back to center. Breathing is free. Moments are free. Then, you are free!
Reflection: Do you remember to breathe?
Affirmation: I take a centering breath. I breathe in Spirit and breathe out everything else.
Finding Hope
“The attitudes of praise and thanksgiving are salutary. They not only lighten the consciousness, lifting it out of sadness and depression; they elevate consciousness to a point of acceptance.” — Ernest Holmes
Depression and suicide are epidemic today in all ages – young, middle-aged, and elderly people. Sometimes people are overwhelmed by the pace of their lives or simply unable to cope with changes and loss. Yet, there is nothing too big, too hard, or too much for the Infinite Divine Reality. Spirit is bigger, deeper, wider, richer, and more full than you can possibly imagine!
Do not despair. There is always hope. Even if you do not have, or can not get, everything you want, you have something to be grateful for. No matter how low you might feel, you have something to give. You can give your love, your song, your time, your creativity. You can be grateful for the air to breath, and the sunshine and rain. Giving and Gratitude are what make like meaningful.
Reflection: What one thing can you contribute today? What are you grateful for?
Affirmation: I am filled with the presence of Love and Hope! Nothing is too big for God!
Creative Play
“You are led through your lifetime by the inner learning creature, the playful spiritual being that is your real self. Don’t turn away from possible futures before you’re certain you don’t have anything to learn from them. You’re always free to change your mind and choose a different future, or a different past.” — Richard Bach
Life is your playground! The very nature of the Universe is like play-dough. Quantum science shows how the interaction of observation and intention literally shapes the physical reality. In the same way, your life is shaped by the “hands” of your attitudes and beliefs.
What this means is that nothing is permanently the way it is. Everything can be re-shaped. You can take any part of your life and roll it backup into a ball, and begin again. You can renew yourself with a positive attitude, expecting a good outcome for whatever you try. Like a game, you can change the rules or start over again. Just start playing!
Reflection: What area of your life would be enhanced by a more playful approach? Where are you taking yourself way too seriously?
Affirmation: I playfully engage with my life. I take my life in my own hands and create it however I choose!
Be Yourself
“Envy is ignorance, imitation is suicide…To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Be yourself! Do not try to be like anyone else. Do not waste your time trying to be something you are not. Trying to be something other than who you are creates an inner discord that is harmful to yourself. The tension you feel gets communicated to those around you, no matter how hard you try to pretend.
You are a priceless gift to the world! Your unique qualities and talents are your special gifts. You are free to express yourself in the ways you choose; ways that bring more love, joy, light, and hope to you, and to the world.
Reflection: How are you trying to fit in? Where are you trying to be something you’re not?
Affirmation: I am wholly and completely myself. I like who I am. I am a gift to the world!
Calmly Speaking Out
“It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great one is one who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Do not be afraid of the negativity in the world or in someone else. You do not want to become superstitious or afraid. Each time you are confronted with negativity, whether it is in the news, on TV, or from the mouth of a friend, it is a call to prayer. Rather than becoming worried, fearful, or angry, move into the centered space within that you know and feel every time you go into meditation or prayer.
Pray for peace, healing, justice, and right action. Speak your word of truth that Spirit is present and everything will turn out for good. You will be a benevolent presence to everyone, including yourself, and to Life itself.
Reflection: What do you do when confronted with negativity? How could you come from a place of Truth?
Affirmation: I speak for the Presence and Power of Spirit in any seemingly negative situation, for the Good of all.
For Something and Against Nothing
“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.” — Ernest Holmes
Are you for something or against something? Often, when you are against something, you are actually lending your energy to the very thing you don’t want to have happen! Being for Peace rather than against War, focuses all your attention and intention on the end result you want to experience.
The same thing applies when you think about whether you are moving toward your dreams or moving away from something that you want to avoid? Running TO something is always taking you to a better place. Running AWAY from something just causes you to recreate the unhealed experience someplace else. Being for and moving towards are both POSITIVE, expansive actions. Being against and seeking to avoid are both contracting, NEGATIVE actions.
Reflection: Where are you against something and how can you change it to be for something, instead? Is there someplace in your life where you are running from rather than running to?
Affirmation: I am for everything that supports life – my life and all life. I move toward my dreams, letting them expand me!
Sabbath Time
“Sabbath requires surrender. If we only stop when we are finished with all our work, we will never stop, because our work is never completely done. With every accomplishment there arises a new responsibility… Sabbath dissolves the artificial urgency of our days, because it liberates us from the need to be finished.” — Wayne Muller
The Sabbath is set aside to take a complete break from the ordinary demands of life. Regularly set a day aside to turn off your phone, email, and Facebook. Turn off the TV, news, and internet. Stop trying to complete what’s in your inbox or on your to do-list. Take a day and let yourself get bored. This reconnects you with a slower rhythm and helps you find your own pace, again. This re-centers you in yourself and in your own life.
Reflection: How can you create a regular Sabbath time in your life?
Affirmation: I take time to reconnect with my life by slowing down and by unplugging from all electronic devices.
You must be logged in to post a comment.