Category Archives: Spiritual practices

Happy In-Dependence

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Today in the United States, most of us are celebrating our independence–from England, from others, from everything we don’t need.

In short, it often seems more like, “Ha ha, I don’t need you, I don’t want you, and there’s nothing you can do for me… Unless of course, I want to exploit you, in which case I’ll be happy to. But remember, I’m independent!”

I’ll say no more on that; I can already feel some cringing going on, and that’s not where I’m going with this.

Independence is something we can all have! But independence from what? A common way to start a Spiritual Mind Treatment (affirmative prayer, or metaphysical treatment) is this: “I recognize that there is but one Life in this universe. That Life is God’s Life, and that Life is my Life now.” Does that sound like self-serving, egotistical independence to you?

No! The independence we seek and truly celebrate, is in-dependence of God. We depend on God, and are independent of the personal ego. In our dependence we open to true freedom, ultimate reality, and the source of all things. When we depend on the ego and celebrate our independence from what we don’t like, we have not evolved at all. We’re still in victim consciousness, like a small child who says, “I don’t need your help! I can do it myself!”

However, when we celebrate our in-dependence with God, we know ultimate Truth:

“Why call ye me good? I of myself do nothing. It is the Father within me that doeth these works” –Christ

In this dependence, we release attachment to our personal, outer identity for something better: The inner knowing, and then the outward manifestation of our at-one-ment with God-Presence.

It starts within us, always. Independence is possible! But independence from what? From all that no longer serves our Highest and Greatest Good, from negativity, from reacting to conditions rather than responding from Love.

We can still celebrate a country’s independence, or personal milestones, and do so gladly! But at the heart of our independence is the recognition that God is our Source and the true doer of all things through us.

May this be a happy In-dependence Day, for each and every precious being God has created in His image!

And as we let it be so, so it is!

What Time is It?

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The following is from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, King James Version (KJV). For a musical version try this Video–Turn Turn Turn by The Byrds

3 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

“What time is it right now in my life?” I’ve been asking myself this question in prayer and meditation, so I can know and follow divine guidance. This text is comforting to me, and its rhythm and poetry speak to my heart, and keep my mind occupied. 🙂

Taken literally, this text doesn’t make much metaphysical sense. A time to kill? Inevitably we kill things sometime, but is that an image we want to hold for long? Generally, no. SO I take this symbolically. I believe the different stages in this text are all saying the same thing:

There is a time to actively participate in all things, and there is a time to rest and go within. There is a time to create, and a time to release. There’s a time to hold on, and a time to let go.

These times are rarely well-defined. We can’t say, “Ok. In Winter we don’t work at all. We just take it easy and rest by the fire. In Summer we work all day every day, no breaks, do not pass go, do not collect $200, just work work work!” Because then, what do we do in Spring and Fall?

No, these times can be much more subtle. They are above all, inner times, or inner seasons. They can and do overlap, but I feel they are a dominant state. The concept of “time” in this text is a guideline. You probably work in Winter, both on a mental and spiritual level as well as physically. But our dominant state, at least for those of us who live in cold climates, is more rest than outside work.

The author of Ecclesiastes is sharing the Truth that life works best for us when we flow with its seasons. We need to learn how to work with our inner seasons and landscapes, rather than resisting them.

The references to gathering stones, war and peace, etc, are cultural references of the time the text was written, as well as metaphors for the building up and taking down, the letting in and letting go that we experience as the evolution and change that take place in our lives.

Verses 9-15 read:

9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?

10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.

11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

15 That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.

There are beautiful images and great affirmations here! And the question is put bluntly enough: “What’s in it for us?” What’s the point of working or laboring? And what, do tell, is our God-given task?

The affirmation that put the whole thing into perspective for me is:

12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

So, we labor not only to receive God’s gift of joy to us, but also to participate in that gift. We, too, are the gift. We are a gift of and from God our Creator and Father; the same Father who makes everything, including us, beautiful in its time. And that gift is given to us, as merriment and a good life, as well as through us. We can only receive what we allow God to give through us.

But, God has not only made everything beautiful in its time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

What does this mean for us? It means the world is within us! We already have everything we could ever need, imagine or co-create with God. We just do not, because we cannot, see that whole world at once. We cannot, in our own mind, know God’s work from beginning to end, why things happen, or how they will play out. It is not ours to know. In fact, if we knew, our ego would explode–it is not equipped to handle all that! God knows this and keeps silent, rolling out the tapestry of our lives to us just a little at a time. What a blessing!

We need to trust God, because in our limited mental and intellectual understanding, we will never know God’s work from beginning to end. The thought “Give God what is God’s” comes to mind. We need to allow God to take care of us. He will do it anyway–but if we really allow it, we experience much more good, and less struggle.

The text ends with the greatness and eternal nature of God:

14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should *fear before him.

15 That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; **and God requireth that which is past.

*this is not dread or ego-centered fear as we know it, but awe and wonder

**God sees the big, eternal picture, and everything in every time, existed for His glory. Everything was required, from the eternal perspective.

I encourage you to read this text or another on seasons that resonates with you. Ask yourself that question: “What time is it right now in my life?” You will receive guidance. And by following it, you will live in the flow of God-Life within and around you.

And as we let it be so, so it is!

Your Holy Grail: What it is and how to Find It

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I’m sure you’re familiar with the concepts of gurus and the Holy Grail. But what do they have in common? And more importantly, do you need either one?

If you’re a writer, you know there are writing gurus out there. I’m not naming any here, because that would not serve. 🙂 You also know there are books that editors, publishers, other writers, teachers, coaches, mentors, and anyone else who feels like weighing in, says you need. But again, do you truly need them?

I understand these concepts. I understand that gurus are “only” people who are great at what they do, and who choose to teach or mentor others. I understand that what is a must-have Holy Grail of you-name-it for someone, might not be that for me.

I read a lot. But books can only get me, or you, so far! Classes are great, but we’re only learning someone else’s material in whatever way they present it. Having a coach is important, but if you ask a coach for guidance, please don’t sell yourself short! Don’t think their opinion is better than yours, because it probably is not. And don’t believe everything you read.

Why? Because true guidance, already customized to your soul’s purpose, is already inside you!

Where? Under all that stuff spinning around in your mind from everyone else’s books, opinions, seminars, classes, coaching and counseling sessions, therapies, modalities, and programs!

There are so-called experts in every profession and every area of study. And usually they’re the ones making money–not you. As you continue reading–for which I thank you!–ask yourself this question:

Who is the only expert I need in my life?

There’s nothing wrong with support from others! In fact, support, rightly given, is one of the most valuable things we can offer anyone. However, look first within! And any outer support or tools you need will be added to you.

I repeat: It’s not the outer tools you need! It’s connecting with your natural, God-given intuition of what is right for you. Then, the perfect tools and people follow naturally and easily.

Put away the books sometimes. Others’ opinions are not Gospel Truth. The only Gospel for you is the one within you. My Gospel is not your Gospel. The very highest and best support anyone can offer is the space, the state of consciousness, the love and confidence required to tell you, “Look within yourself where your Truth already is.”

To find your Truth, let go of the “I need this book, this guru, this one thing, and then I’ll be fine” mentality. Give up the personal ego, which thinks you are never enough as you are. All that you need is already within you! And the more you seek it, the more of it you will receive in your life.

Christ taught meditation, and most other traditions also teach some form of meditation. Christ said, “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6 NKJV)

Christ is telling us to go within the room of the mind. He says to shut the door, meaning become quiet, turning away from outer distractions. Then, we ask the Father, who is within us (in the secret place of the subconscious mind). And the Father, who sees everything, rewards us.

It’s that simple, once we’ve gotten the personal ego out of the way. And when we have, we easily, gently, like a waterfall, receive what we need to carry out our unique purpose in this life.

Remember to give thanks for the guidance that is within you, and the strength and confidence to carry it out.

And as we let it be so, so it is!

igo – Metaphysical Treatment Poem

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aka the ego and I

i don’t know
i wish i did
i want the answer
that i hid

i don’t care
except to find
the pathway out
of my own mind

i don’t think–
just all too much
and to this ego
i have clutched

In Truth I know
the All-There-Is
when i let go
I really live!

I know the answer
without thought
in oneness with
the Mind of God

So i let go
and I appear–
where there is Love
there is no fear

I choose the One
and live in flow
for as I AM,
through God I KNOW!

For personalized, confidential treatment services, Click here.

Poetry is to Prayer As…

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Remember those analogies from school? “Mouth is to teeth as book is to pages.” What is their relationship? A mouth contains teeth and a book contains pages.

Here is mine: “Poetry is to prayer as

song is to meditation.”

What is their relationship? For me, poetry and prayer are the same, and song and meditation are the same.

To anyone who writes or enjoys both poetry and song, chew on this. 🙂 It may not be true for you, but it will make you aware of your own inner truth.

In a poem I ask. It has form, but it’s not total oneness for me. For someone else it probably is! But for me it’s a step below. Poetry is a stepping stone to the experience of oneness.

Poetry is like prayer. If I’m “already there,” knowing my oneness with God-Mind, I don’t need to pray. Similarly, if I already feel oneness, it will come out in a song, and I don’t need a poem at that time.

A poem is a spiritual thing, but more intellectual than a song. I don’t know why I feel this way. Music as you know, is technically based on complex mathematical equations. Don’t ask me about that–I neither know nor care what’s scientifically behind the music I love and love to experience. 🙂 Still, for me, songwriting, playing music, and singing come from a state of oneness that is already established. But a poem is often my mind’s way of tiring itself out, so it can be quiet and let the oneness in.

When I write I feel either of these:

* I’m not experiencing oneness right now, but I know I want to, and I know I can. So I write a poem to get there. The poem gets rid of the subconscious goo, so I can come back to oneness. This is also why I journal.

* I’m experiencing oneness now; therefore, I write a song.

What does this have to do with prayer and meditation? Two things resonated with me in my metaphysical ministry lessons along this line. The first is that prayer is talking; meditation is listening. Poetry is expressing in words, the desire for oneness, the knowing it can be so, and its realization. So is prayer.

Second, meditation is the highest form of prayer. Music has always been important to me as a form of relaxation, expression, a place of comfort, and a way to experience good regardless of what’s happening around me. So, and again I only speak for myself here, music is like meditation.

In meditation I know my at-one-ment. And I know it in music as well.

In prayer I consciously connect with at-one-ment, but I’m not quite there yet. Likewise, in poetry I’m reaching for the at-one-ment I know I can have, but I haven’t realized it (made it my reality) yet.

For more, see Affirmative Prayer Class Week 1. Notice how the benefits of prayer and the benefits of writing poetry are similar.

Also think about this. Do you remember more songs, or poems? My experience has been that many people can sing songs automatically, but few can recite a poem from memory.

Do both poetry and song connect with the primal force of creation? I believe they do. It resonates with me, if, indeed, “the word was made flesh.” If “in the beginning there was the Word,” then was it a word of poetry? Or was it a song? I wonder…

The idea here is: the rhythm, the creative force, the form of poetry and song remind us of our ability to create. We create our reality within our own minds. Everything already exists, but we don’t experience it all at once! What we do experience, is what we’re consciously connected to.

If we want to experience true Universal oneness, how can we do that? Through asking, or praying, or using poetry if that works for us.

And when we experience that oneness “now,” we are in a state of joy, happiness, love, bliss, peace, meditation… Like a favorite melody or lyric, where we are so focused on Being that we know only this moment. We don’t have to ask, attract, focus–we just BE.

The poem is a reaching tool, reaching into Higher Mind. It usually starts with more “me” and less Higher Mind.

Song, for me, is Higher Mind expressing itself. There is much less, if any “me” and lots of Higher Mind.

Poetry is me telling Higher Mind something–funny, it never seems to work as well as I think it should! Because ideally, I’m in a state of song, where I let Higher Mind tell, guide, and flow through me.

The really cool thing is that we can create the poem or song. And at the same time, it has its own existence. It’s a form, an expression, and it’s a support to us. A poem (song, or anything else we resonate with!) can remind us of Truth. And/or it can be created/written from the experience of Truth itself.

Poetry and song, like prayer and meditation, and like every one of us, are fluid. Always evolving, changing, expanding, improving, and expressing. This is Creativity; this is Truth. This is the God-Power within us, flowing through us.

All we do is allow it to flow and express through us, as we are God-Creations, into our individual expressions of divine Creativity–which are God-Creations too! And they go forth and play a part in creating a feeling, striking a chord, or lighting a spark in someone else, who expresses more God-Creativity…

So, while I tend to use poetry to release negativity and/or ask for a blessing, and song to express “oneness now,” I ask to let them fly. I ask to be open to their purposes as well as my own, and not to put them in a locked box where they cannot express fully.

I give thanks for this realization; for the forms and expressions of poetry and song; and for the state of being where being, is all we are.

And as we let it be so, so it is!

Blessing for Men

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To all men, who have the potential to be fathers–
of children, inventions, projects, and of their own lives

I thank you for your good
Appreciate you for your love
Admire you for your strength
Respect you for your provision
Express gratitude for your protection
And love you… for being you!

May you always feel loved, blessed, whole,
And connected to the Father within you.

Your Father Knows – Metaphysical Song

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As I have for all but 2 times I’ve lead a Sunday service, I shared a new song with Do not Worry: Why and How? I hesitate to say I write these songs, though the ideas, words, music and form come through me. I know it is really God who writes them, and I’m thankful for that!

This song is very special to me. As a child I was intrigued by the New Testament verses about lilies being more glorious than Solomon in all his splendor, and the birds being fed. I imagined it as auto-feed – the birds need food, and they just magically receive it from God? Wow! And the lilies just stand there and grow to be so beautiful!

Now, I’m still intrigued, and I’ve been blessed to experience the peace of that state of oneness. We’re not separate beings that need to feed ourselves and clothe ourselves, because we’re all alone and no one will do it for us. When I thought about this before, the phrase, “God helps those who help themselves” came to mind. So that blows the whole “Your Father takes care of you” thing out of the water, doesn’t it?

Actually, no! “God helps those who help themselves” means God helps those who are one with His Presence. God helps those who help their own state of consciousness. And when we are one in mind with God-Mind, we know that truly, we don’t need help. And we know that no one outside us, will take care of us, no matter what appearances seem to say. Instead, we have a deeper knowing that our Father – the God-Power within each of us – is the Source of all care.

This song is special because it was a tool for me to experience these truths. And the experience of writing it was amazing!

I was camping, spending time in beautiful weather, in an area with lots of birds and trees. I took my ukulele and sat quietly, letting things flow around me and thoughts flow through my mind. Whenever I played a loud chord, the birds stopped singing. When it was quiet, they sang again. And when I played the notes in the song, they kept singing. This was truly a blessing and a gift, and again I feel thankful to the Infinite God-within, that helps us experience such beauty.

So, as you take in this song, take in the birds, their peace, their song and the beauty of how God cares for them. Christ said, “Are you not of more value than they?”

Matthew 6:26,28-29,32-33 NKJV

See passage.

Your Father Knows – Lyrics

Instrument: Lady – tenor Flea ukulele

1. See the birds! They neither sow nor reap.
Yet they’re fed. Are you not loved as these?
For your Father knows and supplies all their needs.

Chorus:
Lay down the struggles and burdens you bear;
Pick up the peace that is yours in God’s care.

2. See the lilies! They neither toil nor spin.
Yet they’re clothed better than Solomon,
For your Father is pleased to provide all for them.
Chorus:

3. When you seek the Kingdom of God within,
You shall have all that you need to live.
For your Father knows and is ready to give.
Chorus: (twice)

Pick up the peace that is yours in God’s care.

Do not Worry – Metaphysical Service

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Sunday service/celebration reflecting on why and how we can live in peace, free of worry, stress and struggle. Audio includes invocation, treatment for health, scripture (within talk), message, meditation, and affirmation. Approximately 30 minutes in length.

Remember to check out the companion song!

See also Daily Word for Sunday, June 9, 2013 – not included here.

Invocation

I call forth God’s presence, from the center of my mind. I release all negativity from the past week, and open myself to God-thoughts, inspired action, and peace of mind and heart. I allow God to work through me, and flow through me to others. I give thanks that at any time, I can bring my focus back to God’s presence, within me always. As I let it be so, so it is!

Excerpt from Teach us to Pray

by Charles Fillmore

Talk to the Father as if He were an entity present within you. He is visible to your soul, and when you have attained the particular inner confidence called faith, you will realize His presence as clearly as you realize visible things. When you have stilled the outer senses and have become quiet, you are in the mental realm where thoughts are obedient to the word. Error thoughts must be told to go, and true thoughts must be called to take their proper place.

. . .

Six-day Prayer Treatments

Fear, anxiety, worry, dread, and suspense–these thoughts cause the mind to become tense, thus shutting out the great helper, the Spirit of truth. Say silently:

I am now free from fear, anxiety, worry, dread, and suspense. I have faith in Thy Holy Spirit, and I trust Thee to protect me, to provide for me, and to bring all my affairs into divine order.

Matthew 6:25-34 (NKJV)

Affirmation

Treatment for Peace

I know that God knows I have needs. In this moment I choose to release all worry to the God within me. I allow peace and security to take its place. Whenever I feel worry, I turn within to experience peace. I let God supply my needs, guide my life, and lift my mind to the highest and best, for me and for everyone. For this I give thanks. I let it be so. And so it is!

Self-soothing: Realigning with Truth

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We often hear the word “self-soothe” regarding babies. It usually means they shove a tiny fist in their mouths to keep from crying. I don’t know about you, but that sounds like self-suppression to me. So, how can we, as spiritual beings living a human experience, self-soothe for the better?

Self-soothing means gently lifting the ego and personality to a higher state of consciousness. The object isn’t to have no ego or personal uniqueness at all! Instead, it is to willingly rest the personal ego and character in the hands of Universal, Higher, God, or Cosmic Mind. How you do that will depend on what resonates with you at any moment. Here are some ideas:

* Music–music is a powerful force. It’s an expression that comes right from the heart. When used for good, music can bring us back from a negative physical, mental, emotional or spiritual place.

Types of music are so diverse! With a little asking for guidance and a search of your music collection, you’re sure to find some that can, as I often say, “Match you, then take you higher.” Maybe you’ll need to start with a piece that reflects where you are–sadness, anger, etc. But consciously choose to move on from that, with a better-feeling piece of music. Keep doing this until you are where you want to be in consciousness and vibration.

Meditation–Of course, meditation is always recommended. 😀 Connecting with the God-Power within you is the best way to drop what you don’t want, for what you want.

But sometimes meditation isn’t practical, or you’re just so caught up in feelings and emotions that it seems pointless, or even fuels the negative feelings. At times like this it can be helpful to use something else first. Music as above, writing, or walking can help. Or take a coffee or tea break, talk to a friend–but be careful not to dwell on the negativity! So distract yourself from the negative feelings, then meditate to affirm well-being.

Writing–No, this is not “for writers!” In fact, self-professed writers might have trouble with this! This is for you, and you don’t even have to read it, not even once. This is stream of consciousness writing. You write what you think, as you think it. Your hand or fingers might have trouble keeping up with your thoughts, but that’s ok. Just write.

Write until you feel the burden lift, until you feel soothed. Then choose what to do with it: keep it, burn it, read it, don’t read it, bury it. Do whatever will add to a positive state of mind–that’s why many people don’t keep the writing, because it doesn’t serve highest good to do so. 🙂

Review your creations–In What is Self-expression? I mentioned using my songs to self-soothe. I know you’ve created something you’re proud of! Or maybe someone has given you something that reminds you of your achievements. Use these things to remind yourself that you’ve felt positive before. When you’re “there,” you can shift to the idea that you can feel positive, be creative, and achieve goals again. This is my current favorite way of coming out of the fog of negativity.

Realize that the same thing may not work all the time. Just because music usually works, for instance, doesn’t mean it always will. Be open to new ways of bringing your personal mind into alignment with Higher Mind. Because as we evolve, so do our ways of responding to life.

Self-soothing in this case, is not escapism. It’s not about just forgetting how you feel or what’s bothering you. It’s about truly sublimating negativity with positiveness. It doesn’t mean you’ll never feel negative again. But as you practice this true self-soothing, you’ll reach for positiveness more quickly. You’ll connect intuitively with the God-Presence within you, maintain contact with it, and allow it to express itself in your life.

And that is what Life is about!

Tools of the Trade – A Deeper Meaning

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Prayer, meditation, reading, journaling, listening to music… These and many other practices can be tools for self-discovery. However we spend our time should be fulfilling, fun, joyous and beneficial. And spiritual practice is ideally rewarding.

The idea here is to choose tools that resonate with you. Journaling, for instance, is a valuable practice for many people. However, taking up journaling just because it’s “recommended” may not be rewarding for you. Whatever tools you choose to deepen your spiritual practice must be beneficial to you.

If you currently have a journaling practice, is it working for you? Do you feel that it connects you to God at the center of your mind? If not, perhaps explore new journaling tools and techniques. Or try a different tool, like listening to music, another form of meditation, or prayer.

The purpose of true metaphysics is to connect with the God-within, and use that power in your life. Any practices you engage in regularly should meet this goal.

The question is, how do you discover the tools that work for you? The answer is so obvious that many of us (and I do mean US!) overlook it. The way to fulfilling, deep and beneficial spiritual practice is to ask for guidance. Maybe you feel you don’t pray, meditate or write well. But that’s ok! All you need to do is quiet your mind and ask with a clear intention, “I ask for guidance from the God-Mind within myself, toward the physical and spiritual tools that deepen my awareness of the Presence.” This simple affirmation will open your conscious mind to God-Mind, and truly, this is all we ever need to do.

May the God within you bless you, fulfill you, and bring you tools that are fun, joyful and rewarding for the enrichment of your life!