Loving

“In loving others, I am doing that which brings me closest to God, for God is love.” - Excerpt from Today’s Daily Word, May 21, 2010

My loving others took some novel forms for me yesterday. In the morning, I did my first volunteer session at the Humane Society of Sedona. I got to be with Beeker, a canine who’s been living there for about two months.

He’s still a bit wary of humans, but when my mentor told me he loves affection, I exclaimed, “We’re a match!” Beeker enjoys his new temporary home and doesn’t like to go very far from it. Hence, my walking him turned out to be a bust but that simply gave us the opportunity to just socialize.

I spent about 30” with Beeker, keeping him company, petting him almost continuously, talking to him and telling him he was a good boy. I was simply loving him. I opened my heart and poured out to him kindness, caring, compassion, and hope for a better life in the future than what he’d lived in the past.

In the evening, during choir practice, one of the members’ children was playing outside and scraped her knee. Somehow I got involved in taking care of her wound, but I certainly didn’t mind. Tara is part of our Unity family and so it’s natural - and an honor - to pitch in and help. She appeared fine emotionally, but still I opened my heart to her as I gave first aid.

It’s “interesting” that yesterday God’s plan was to open me to two populations - both vulnerable ones - I’ve not had as part of my regular life, both in the same day. It was an adventure and an opportunity for me to love others and bring me closer to God.

And, it is not lost on me that it was also a way of loving the little girl within. We are all wounded in some way, but God’s love shining through other beings brightens our life and helps heal us all.

Prayer As Action

“We... seek God’s presence anywhere we are and in anyone we’re with. This is prayer as action...” - In God’s Care, March 28

Today is to be one of those days where I expect it to be quite easy to feel God’s presence where I am and in whom I am with. It’s to be a full day for me at Unity of Sedona: singing in the Mystic Choir, attending two services, joining in fellowship, participating in the annual meeting, and being of service. A time full with the love and joy of my (somewhat) new family.

The latter part of the afternoon Rog and I are going on a picnic. Yes, a real live picnic here in Sedona, here in the delightful springtime! We are the connecting piece of friends from Tucson/Clarkdale who used to work with our new Unity friends. A small world! So the six of us are getting together to get to know one another better, to celebrate, to connect.

As I said, I expect it to be an easy day to feel and fill up on the love, joy, and peace of Spirit. There are some days when feeling God’s presence is not that easy and poses quite a bit of a challenge.

Those are the days when more than ever I need to be not my ‘little me’ but the ‘big me’ that is my true essence. Those are the days that prayer is more important than ever. Those are the days when I need to really be conscious to seek God’s presence right where I am and with whom I am with.

That is prayer as action. And, that is knowing that wherever I am, I am with Spirit, standing together on holy ground.

Membership

Recently a fellow Mystic Choir member asked me why I was becoming a member of Unity of Sedona. You see, she’d contemplated becoming one but was a bit skittish. As was I.

I’d been a devout atheist for many years, and even after 20 years on a conscious spiritual path, I still had my issues around the word church. I associate church with organized religion, which at least these days I can kindly say that I am able to see how it is helpful for some folks. If I could get over being an atheist, surely I could get over my conception of church. I could no longer allow my mindset to keep me from my greater good.

Unity.org states:
“The five basic ideas that make up the Unity belief system are: 1) God is the source and creator of all. There is no other enduring power. God is good and present everywhere. 2) We are spiritual beings, created in God's image. The spirit of God lives within each person; therefore, all people are inherently good. 3) We create our life experiences through our way of thinking. 4) There is power in affirmative prayer, which we believe increases our connection to God. 5) Knowledge of these spiritual principles is not enough. We must live them.” Sounds pretty painless! Well, actually these are ideas that I very much resonate with and believe in.

Unity is a vehicle for instruction, inspiration, and prayer support for spiritual seekers. It is a place of education. Unity of Sedona specifically is where my spirit gets nourished and soars, whether singing with the choir or opening my heart at a gratitude meeting. It’s a place where I can be of service in a myriad of ways. It’s a place where I feel comfortable spreading my wings trying out new things. It is a place of learning and love where awakening happens.

Why become a member when I already can participate in everything, except having a say with a vote on organizational decisions? Becoming a member, I feel ‘more a part of’, which is important to the little girl inside who always felt different, starting first with her family of origin. Outside of my 12 Step family (which is huge), I have never so felt a part of a group of people (it has not been for lack of searching). Becoming a member means I’m making a commitment to something I believe in and am willing to stand up for it. This is “my place” and I want to care for it; I want to support it. This community is my family and I want to protect it, strengthen it, nurture it. I feel as a member I can give with more of a whole heart.

As my family at Unity of Sedona helps me flourish and wake up, together we all awaken to a world of peace, love, and joy.

The Last Frontier

“The only way to become permanently prosperous and successful is through the quickening, awakening, and bringing into righteous use all the indwelling resources of Spirit. When we develop our soul and express its talents and capabilities in loving service to God and mankind, all of our temporal needs will be supplied in bountiful measure. We have access to the realm of rich ideas; we enrich our consciousness by incorporating these rich ideas into it. A rich consciousness always demonstrates manifest prosperity.” – The Story of Unity, James Dillet Freeman, page 235.

Like other issues in life, manifestation on the physical plane is the last place in which results show up. First, I go to Source. Flowing from there, I see effects and changes to my mental state, then my emotional state, and finally the physical world. The outer world comes to reflect my inner world. The outer world is the result, not the source. God is First Cause. If I want to change my outer world, I must change my inner world - the kingdom within.

Illness is a good example of this. Louise Hay relates health conditions to states of mind. Constipation is the refusing to release old ideas, being stuck in the past. An earache is about not wanting to hear related to anger and too much turmoil. Foot problems are related to fear of the future and of not stepping forward in life. Harboring hard thoughts and beliefs of bitterness, condemnation, and pride can result in gallstones. The state of mind precedes the state of physical health. That’s why taking a pill, which may provide some relief to the condition, is only a band-aid for a symptom; it does not address cause.

Just like illness is the out picturing of thoughts and consciousness, my financial condition is as well. Now that I’ve gotten myself back on track - in ‘fit spiritual condition’ - and in ever-expanding consciousness, I expect to see manifestation on the physical plane reflecting the richness of my inner life. I hold great expectancy of God opening channels from which money flows with ease and grace, and in perfect ways. The more that flows, the more I give, the more I am of service to God. Once again I am brought back to Source.

Primary Purpose

Just sit there right now. Don’t do a thing. Just rest. For your separation from God is the hardest work in this world. – Hafiz

This waking up business can be pretty tricky and challenging. The idea of unity with Source and of course with other people is great, but it’s often not simple or easy to think or behave in accordance with it. Waking up is my primary purpose and I cannot do it alone - obviously.

What a wonderful assurance this is: "Let there be light." What a blessing it is to know that the light of God is within me, day and night, in good times and in challenging times. One with God, I face each day with confidence. – Daily Word, 01.31.10

Out There

In these early days of January, when people are wishing one another a happy and prosperous new year, the BIG lesson for me is there is no out there, out there. The source of my abundance is me.

Manifestation is an inside job; it is effect and the individual is cause. Here there is no victimhood. I am the cause of that which I perceive ‘outside’ in the world of form (relationships, circumstances, events). If I don’t like what I’m perceiving, I can change it. Whatever it is, I am responsible. This is not about blame for so much of my experience has been produced from beliefs given to me when I put on this human space suit and many are unconscious; it is about empowerment.

Once I accept myself as the only cause of my experience, I can free myself from the results of a belief in victimhood and separation, for then the world doesn’t hold power over me. I, with Spirit, create – we are One. I operate from the consciousness of True Abundance.

So I’m waking up. I’m waking up to a new world, one in which I say what it is to be about. One where the shadows are reckoned with, where false and limiting beliefs are revealed so they can be dispensed with and I can be free.

This concept is really nothing new as A Course in Miracles and Eastern traditions especially have taught this. But it is really getting through to me now thanks to the current teachers in my life, Mark Pope, a Unity minister, and Roger Wyer, my husband and life partner.

I’m learning my lessons through love and they are bringing me peace, joy, and power, all which enable me to be a loving channel of God’s grace. I am grateful.

There is no one out there, there is no one else.
You hold all the answers deep inside yourself.
There’s a voice that whispers, there’s no you, no me.
There’s just one, there’s just unity.
- David Friedman, from his song Unity

Want Versus Need

I’ve really been learning a powerful lesson as these many past moons have gone by without a steady stream of income from one channel (i.e., a j-o-b): Spirit has provided for my needs at the very least, and at times even for my wants even though money wasn’t as abundant as I’ve thought it should be. And, I realize that my life is simpler, less stressed, and more joyful.

We have a roof over our heads, food in the pantry, clothes on our backs. These are basic needs, that when not satisfied can make one fearful, and unable to focus on anything else life has to offer until addressed. God has us covered.

We have good health – mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically (most days).

We wanted to attend a number of events this past weekend in Sedona and be able to overnight for two nights. Our experience was one where Spirit gave us more than what are the basic needs to survive. And, without having to dip deeply in our not so deep pockets.

We enjoyed two nights in a spacious, lovely condo to stay in without paying the $300 it would have cost had it not been for the kindness of the owner, our friend, and our agreeing to play housekeeper. In doing gardening service at Unity, we were fed lunch on Saturday. We attended a potluck on Sunday, and friends treated us to dinner on Monday. We were spiritually nourished at a mystical musical meditation one evening, a church service Sunday, and meaningful conversation with new friends and old throughout.

Except for fuel for our car and one meal tab in a restaurant, we really didn’t incur anymore than the ordinary expenses we would have had we stayed home. Yet, our spirits were enlivened by the natural beauty surrounding us in Northern Arizona and the spiritual beauty of the souls we encountered.

God, my Source, is providing for me. I am very blessed every day and realizing it more and more.

Time for God

I’m sitting here on hold, waiting for a GoDaddy rep to get on the line to troubleshoot a problem with a client’s website. I’m glad to say that instead of bemoaning hearing that it’ll be a 12” wait, I’m taking it as an opportunity to spend time with God – and I sure need to today, as much as possible!

A priority has been to ask for prayer support, particularly from a Unity chaplain. I had signed up for the Unity of Sedona mailing list, and a few days ago received the “Thought for the Week”. I’ve not met the sender, but Marie welcomed replies and offered prayer support.

So with my telephone headset on, listening to Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” (which I love) while on hold, I wrote Marie. I humbly told her of our situation and asked for prayers. Her response within minutes included “As I read your email, I thought here is a couple being the activity of God as strength, courage and knowing what God wants for you; therefore, I am holding you in prayer knowing that perfect plan is already in place for you. I encourage you to continue staying open and receptive to what God has in store for you.” She also asked if it was okay to ask the “Team of Prayer Chaplains to be holding you in prayer?” Such a question!

Being in contact with a person of such heart, faith, and encouragement is surely uplifting. Who knew I could be so pleased with being placed on hold?! Oh, and the website problem was easily remedied.

Thank You, God, for my awareness, willingness, and creativity to see the opportunities throughout the day where I may find time to connect with You. With You, I always find peace.

Among the Irises

I attended the monthly "Garden Party" at Unity of Sedona this weekend where I was of service by helping to spruce (no pun intended) up the gardens. I've been wanting to spend more time in nature, with Nature, and this was a wonderful opportunity to do so. My soul and physical body have been in sore need of feeling Mother Earth, of letting Her soil run through my fingers.

I pulled some weeds but mostly I hung out with the irises.

Irises are widespread on the grounds and there were plenty of dead, burnt leaves to remove. The more I worked with the irises, the closer I felt to them. I apologized when I accidentally tugged on a healthy leaf, I let them know how lovely they were, I felt their cool temperature even in the summer heat. We bonded.

Thank You, Spirit for this special experience and for the very many blessings in my life, which come in many forms and numerous types of kinships.

The Answer: Community

Our adventures yesterday up north answered my prayer to receive messages from God for our next steps.

The talk at the Unity of Sedona service was given by a member rather than the minister. He plunged right in to telling about how he had woken up one day and realized he’d had no friends. His was inspired to find a community, and here he was about a year later, sharing his insights and gratitude for the spiritual community he had found at this Unity church. The support and connection there had helped him grow tremendously in the past year, get through some challenging situations, find meaningful service work, and even meet his future wife! His gratitude was strong for the love and friendship exchanged in community.

The afternoon found Rog and me in the company of healer friends and colleagues. We had a relaxing lunch as we caught up on our lives and related our spiritual “ah-ha’s” and unfolding knowledge. Then we spent two solid hours in what turned out to be sacred, healing circle. It was a powerful experience for each of us as individuals and as a group as a whole. There is no doubt that this group of individuals (with a few missing folks) is a community.

I’ve known that community is very important to me (it’s family for me), so Spirit’s message is clear: Community is a driving force in deciding on what my life is to be about and where we are to live. Various spiritual communities await us in the Verde Valley/Red Rock Country area, and that is where we are to go make a new home. There no longer is doubt. I will leave the “how” up to Spirit as I continue to remain open to Guidance and following It.

I’m excited, enthused, and grateful that yesterday’s prayer was answered. And, I so look forward to my new home region and all that it offers my soul.

It's a Choice

Let unconquerable gladness dwell. - Motto used by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, from “A Prayer Book for Soldiers and Sailors”, original source unknown.

The aforementioned quote was mentioned at Unity today. It was a delight to hear that a world leader had it grace his office, that he held such a philosophy and prayed such a prayer.

I can think of those words as a prayer answered - unconquerable gladness dwells - and look at everything as a blessing. No matter what the experience, the encounter, I get to choose my perspective, and whether I want “to be right or happy.”

Unconquerable gladness dwells and everything in my life is a blessing. So it is.

A Rich Day

Dear Spirit –

Thank You for this day of richness.

From the sun shining to great music at Unity, I am grateful. I gave of my self, my time, my money.

It was a balanced day of time with Rog, time alone with You, music, reading, and exercise. I connected with several people on matters as diverse as website design, spiritual guidance, and Father’s Day greetings.

You were with me throughout, and that is the greatest of riches in my life.

The World

I’m one of the most logical people I know. This ability strongly impacted my life and personal relationships – not always for the good – until I joined a 12 Step program, opening the door to a new way of thinking, a new perspective on life. Over the years I’ve striven to use less logic and analysis and operate more from my heart, my intuition.

As amazing as it may sound for a church service, this morning’s message at Unity focused on Quantum Physics. I was really struck by the idea that even though quantum physics is such a part of our daily life and tools, our thinking is still firmly entrenched in Newtonian Physics.

According to Newtonian Physics, the universe is a huge mechanical system of solid objects based on absolute (fixed) time and three dimensional space and as such is linear (uniform). The universe is considered strictly deterministic and causal in nature. From this perspective, everything is perceived as being separate from everything else. Boy, does this explain a lot about today’s society: greed, isolation, ‘dog-eat-dog’ mentality, etc. This outlook cannot promote harmony and peace, that’s for sure!

Quantum Physics deals with the behavior of matter and energy on the minute scale of atoms and subatomic particles. “... you must forget about all logical physical laws, because the laws in the subatomic world are inconceivable for us.” Quantum Physics says that in essence the physical universe is just a myriad of "tendencies to exist" associated with a vast interconnected energy field. In the realm of Quantum Physics, observing something actually influences the physical processes taking place.

As far as I’m concerned, people have never seemed to behave or think very logically. I’m beginning to understand why. This really isn’t a logical, cause-and-effect world. Quantum Physics provides a better explanation of my world. It allows for multiple dimensions, mystery, synchronicity, adventure, and Oneness.

Spiritual Refreshment

I’ve just come home from a Unity service. I was exhausted as I left the house, having stayed up way too late working on computer-related projects. Nonetheless, I knew that going to Unity would be a worthwhile activity as it would feed my soul (my most important need) and then even perhaps refresh my body. It did.

There, I was in the company and energy of other people seeking peace, comfort, and connection. I was refreshed through meditation, prayer, words of the lesson, and music.

Dear, sweet music for my soul. An instrumentalist, Paul McDermand, played steel drums choosing selections mellow enough for the setting. It’s unusual to not have a singer to provide the gift of music, but Paul’s music was delightful, and seeing the joy upon his face as he worked his art was an additional boost for my spirit.

And, I “lifted my voice” several times in song, my most enjoyable pastime. In so doing, I was also of service. Observing that there was no formal singer to lead the congregation in song, I decided that I would really put my all into singing and hopefully aid others in their musical expression. Besides, I was alone in my 2nd row position and there was no one sitting in the row in front of me to disturb! Singing spiritual songs with all my heart and in bold voice, I felt wonderful.

I don’t know if anyone around me heard me or was helped by me. But, I know that my idea was inspired and following it put me in a giving space and made me feel a closer connection to Spirit and the other church attendees. It was additional spiritual fuel for my soul, a surprise treat.

There are many ways to give, and it is no doubt true that as we give, we receive.

Now I’m fueled up spiritually, physically too, and ready to move forward in my day.

Thank You, Spirit, for the myriad ways I receive connection and I get to give.

Giving

Yesterday I volunteered to help out at the Unity church I attend even though I’m not a member. I’ve really been missing being of service and here’s an opportunity to help an organization that’s right under my nose.

It was certainly no coincidence that two of my readings this morning were about giving...

Excerpted from today’s Daily Word:

I give generously from my heart.

The good I do for others makes a difference in their lives. I contribute my energies in ways that benefit people--some known and others unknown to me. By being helpful, I honor the Christ within me and within them.

When I give of myself, I am expressing consideration and generosity.

The other one was a story about an American on a train bound for a foreign town, with no one to meet him at his destination as his host had been delayed. Two strangers traveling in the same compartment help him, with one driving him to his final destination. When the American tried to pay the man for his kindness, he pushed away the money and said, “You do...” [Click here for full Daily Guideposts story.]

And, one of the prosperity principles that came up in discussion today was about giving and the law of circulation.

I have been the receiver of many gifts from the universe in recent months and have felt that I’ve not given back anywhere close to a similar proportion. Well, now I’m stepping up to the plate. It feels great!

In networking today with a group of job seekers, I told them that I’ve reduced my rates – “I need to earn some money but I really want to give too.”

True giving is a way to express love and we all ‘win’ – after all, I can’t be a giver if there’s no receiver!

Cherished Times

Dear God;

It’s been a long day.

It felt great being at Unity this morning, going into the silence, singing, and listening to a helpful lesson. I cherish that time, especially since the rest of the day, while with loving people, was hectic.

I so enjoy being by myself or just Rog and me – and of course, with You; I get fueled up. My challenge is being with a lot of people for a long chunk of time, especially when the conversation is focused on worldly things rather than on You.

May I feel refreshed after tonight’s sleep, knowing that tomorrow is another cherished day with You. [Of course, I know that You will be with me throughout the night.]

Thank You.

Poised

I went to a Unity service this morning. The minister was just back from a trip to Ecuador where he has a second home. He said that throughout all his travels around the world over the years, whether for the Marine Corps or church business, he had always felt protected. This last trip was different.

Joel told of his adventures, in the comical way that he so well does. And in the end, the message was he needed to “stay poised in the Christ Mind.” With working so much before his trip, he had not taken care of the state of his soul, and his outer world reflected it.

The message was apropos, since I’ve been praying for peace of mind regardless of what is going on in the outside world. I’m developing a peace that will “deal with all things in my life with equanimity.” I’m told that eventually this will lead to Nirvana – sounds good to me!

I cannot access the Kingdom when I’m out of sync with Source. So I continue to pray, seek guidance, and develop the kind of consciousness that allows me to deal with all the vicissitudes of life in a peaceful way.

The Prayer for Protection

I’ve gotten into the habit of chanting the following when I’m lying in bed:

The Light of God surrounds me;
The Love of God enfolds me;
The Power of God protects me;
The Presence of God watches over me;
Wherever I am, God is!
And, all is well!

The aforementioned is known as the Prayer for Protection and it was written by James Dillet Freeman, a prolific poet, essayist, and columnist. I think some folks at Unity, who Freeman wrote for, added the last line, which sits well with me.

I’m somewhat familiar with the prayer, but because I was going to blog about it tonight, I thought I’d Google it. It was a fascinating and worthwhile search, one which I had to finally stop so that I could get to bed sometime while it was still Tuesday!

I learned some interesting history about the prayer, including that it was written for all soldiers during World War II, and there is a long version. "Prayer for Protection" is one of two Freeman compositions carried to the moon by Apollo astronauts. Mr. Freeman served Unity School of Christianity, the parent organization of the worldwide Unity movement, as a teacher, writer and speaker, and was an adventurous, spiritual, colorful character. Click here to read more about James Dillet Freeman.

I have found the prayer quite helpful. When I’m lying in bed with my mind still racing at 100 miles an hour, repeating the prayer several times calms me down and I soon fall fast asleep. If I feel fearful, it gets me back on track, for when God is everywhere that I am and all is well, what else matters? Therein is faith, and, where there is faith, fear can not exist.

To that I say, “Amen!” and “Goodnight!”