Spiritual Uplift 8/29/07

A Practice of the Heart! August 29, 2007

“To all treatments, no matter how intellectually or analytically correct they may be, there must be added this deep feeling and conviction that enable one to commune with the Invisible. “ –Dr. Ernest Holmes– RURTR–these are the first letters of the names for the steps of Spiritual Mind Treatment or scientific prayer: Recognition, Unification, Realization, Thanksgiving, and Release. These are the steps that the Practitioner/scientist uses to align his or her thoughts with the one Mind of the Universe. However, as Holmes implies in the above quote, there is a deeper, broader understanding that Practitioners have of the divine process of manifestation. Just like an artist, Practitioners turn their awareness to the inner divine Muse and allow themselves to become a willing vessel for the artistry of Spirit to fill with its beauty and magnificence. So many times we feel as though our prayers are unanswered; however, often the actual circumstance is that we are not prepared to receive our good. This is where the other connotation of RURTR comes in: Are You Ready to Receive? Here the Practitioner/artist becomes available as a open, purified channel for the bounty of Spirit to move through, thereby completing the preparations for divine manifestation to take place. The Practitioners of the Community for Spiritual Living, whether newly licensed or in service for five years or more, are committed to using their gifts and talents on behalf of our radiant spiritual community, uplifting and inspiring all who come into their presence. AND SO IT IS! “This is what an artist feels. In a sense he weds himself to the essence of beauty and draws it into his own being until beauty becomes diffused through his technique and makes an imprint that the intellect cannot analyze.” –Dr. Ernest Holmes–. Chandogya Upanishad 8.1 2-3 If someone says to you, “in the fortified city of the imperishable, our body, there is a lotus and in this lotus a tiny space: what does it contain that one should desire to know it?” You must reply: “As vast as this space without is the tiny space within your heart: heaven and earth are found in it, fire and air, sun and moon, lightening and the constellations, whatever belongs to you here below and all that doesn’t, all this is gathered in that tiny space within your heart.” For the next few weeks we will be presenting (on topic) passages from The Science of the Mind – Original 1926 Text by Ernest Homes. It is our hope that this will provide a unique perspective on Dr. Homes own words. The text is now available at the CSL bookstore. “The great mystics have been illumined, that is , they have, at times, seen through the veil of matter and perceived the Spiritual Universe. They have taught that the Kingdom of God is NOW PRESENT AND NEEDS BUT TO BE REALIZED; and they have, apparently, sensed that this Kingdom is within….the Spirit within them has borne witness to the Truth.“

Check Out CSL on the Web If you have not gone to our webpage as yet you are missing out on lots of information related to classes, services and special events. To learn more go to: www.community-for-spiritual- living.com Besides the Wednesday Uplift you can also listen to the Sunday presentation by going to the CSL Website, www.community-for-spiritual- living.com Love, Serve, and Remember,

Step 5: Release

We release these words now, Knowing in the Mind of God they are already completed. We let go and let God. Saying together … so it is.

On the Law of Attraction Universe blog Frank Butterfield has a great metaphor that can be applied to this step:

Imagine that you are holding onto a helium balloon.

This balloon is filled with all of your intention and desire. It has every piece of information about what you seek to manifest and attract to you.

If you hold on to the balloon, it will stay nearby and you can keep tabs on it. You can look at it, and think about it, and worry about it.

The problem is that nothing will ever happen if you keep holding on to it.

By releasing it to the sky, you are sending you desire and intention out to the Universe.

Similarly at the end of an Affirmative Prayer the last step is the Release. You know completely and fully that it is true, you’ve expressed your gratitude. Now let go and trust the process, trust the Law of Cause and Effect to work as it must.

So what balloon are you holding onto? Let go and let God.

Spiritual Uplift 8/22/07

A Community Supported through Practice! August 22, 2007

“There is a science of Mind and Spirit because there is a principle of Mind and Spirit.” –Dr. Ernest Holmes– We at the Community for Spiritual Living are celebrating the presence of licensed Religious Science Practitioners who support the Community with their time and talents. This past Sunday, as we welcomed our newly-licensed Practitioners into our Ministry, we had the opportunity to consider the Practitioner as scientist. Dr. Ernest Holmes, the originator of the Science of Mind and Spirit philosophy, used the term “science” to describe the process of manifestation and demonstration of our desires. He did so because we use spiritual laws and principles when we treat (pray), and they are as reliable and undeniable as the laws and principles of physics and mathematics. Licensed Practitioners use their knowledge of these spiritual laws to create an atmosphere of healing within their own minds, thereby beginning the manifestation process in the experience of their clients. Religious Science Practitioners have the ability to see the divinity in all people, places, events, and circumstances, even when appearances seem otherwise. They also know that there is no limit to the magnificence of our being and stand ready to support, encourage, and uplift each of use in achieving our goals and dreams. “The laws of this science are so simple, direct, and usable that anyone who cares to make the effort may demonstrate them.” –Dr. Ernest Holmes–. What Religious Science Teaches by Dr. Ernest Holmes In the practice of spiritual mind healing, we start with this simple proposition: God is perfect. God is all there is. God includes humans. Spiritual humans are divine beings, as complete in essence as is God. When in thought, in contemplation, in imagination, in inward feeling, we consciously return to the Source of our being, the divine pattern which already exists springs forth into newness of manifestation. When we clear the consciousness–that is, the whole mental life, both conscious and subjective–of discord, we are automatically healed. Religious Science gives us a definite technique for doing this. It teaches us exactly how to proceed on a simple, understandable basis. It is a science because it is built upon the exact laws of Mind, for the laws of Mind are as exact as any other laws in nature. They are natural laws. From a practical viewpoint, this is done by making certain definite statements with the realization that they have power to remove any obstacle, to dissolve any false condition, and to reveal humankind’s spiritual nature. True mind healing cannot be divorced from spiritual realization; therefore, the practitioners of this science must have a deep and an abiding sense of calm, of peace, and of their union with the Spirit. They must have an unshakable conviction that spiritual man is perfect, that they are one with God, and they must know that in such degree as they realize, sense, or feel this inner perfection, it will appear. The physical healing itself is a result, an effect, of this inward consciousness. For the next few weeks we will be presenting (on topic) passages from The Science of the Mind – Original 1926 Text by Ernest Homes. It is our hope that this will provide a unique perspective on Dr. Homes own words. The text is now available at the CSL bookstore. “Treatment is the act, the art and the science of inducing thought within the mentality of the one treating, which thought shall perceive that the body of the patient is a Divine, Spiritual, and Perfect Idea.“

Check Out CSL on the Web If you have not gone to our webpage as yet you are missing out on lots of information related to classes, services and special events. To learn more go to: www.community-for-spiritual- living.com Besides the Wednesday Uplift you can also listen to the Sunday presentation by going to the CSL Website, www.community-for-spiritual- living.com Love, Serve, and Remember,

Step 4: Gratitude

Awash in the Magnificence of Sprit, in the Divine Power and Presence of God right now, I am profoundly grateful for all of our blessings. I am so thankful that we are all immersed in the One Source and completely, perfectly express ourselves as beautiful emanations of this Pure Love and Light. I am bliss-filled at the sweetness of this Truth for each and everyone of us.

Once you completely and utterly KNOW your prayer is true in the Realization, the next step in Affirmative Prayer is to express your Gratitude for this new truth.

Here is a less spiritual description what is essentially equivalent to the Gratitude portion of Affirmative Prayer:

He would say, “I thank the Universe for…” and follow this with a detailed description of his desired outcome. By using what I call his “Future Thanks” method, he was suggesting to both his conscious and unconscious minds that he was already in the future. Because it is not possible to say ‘thank you’ for something that has not yet occurred without shaking up one’s perception of time, in a sense this moved him into a state which was quite outside ordinary experience. Moving outside of our present concept of time obviously places us in a different position relative to creating what we want in our lives. We are, in a sense, accessing a different Reality when we do that. EFT & Future Thanks

Step 3: Realization

Recognizing the Infinite Spirit that is within each and every one of us and within all life; and knowing One Source, One God, One Divinity; an Infinite Loving Intelligence in which All is Possible; and Realizing God as Pure Love and Light– an always present and always shining perfection. We recognize God as Source from which all life is created and bountifully supplied. We know God is all there is in each and every grace-filled moment.

The third step in Affirmative Prayer is the Realization. In the Recognition step, we know that everything is God, nothing is not God. In the Unification step we know that we contain all that is God which means we contain everything. In Realization we choose that part of the everything that we want to express. It is wholly my choice in this moment what part of God I will express in this moment. This is part of the Law of Cause and Effect which contains the Law of Attraction that is so popular now. By who I am and what I believe in this moment I create my future.

It has been repeatedly pointed out by serious thinkers on this subject that in order to bring about something you desire in the future, you must step into the future in an emotional sense, you must in a sense transcend time. To pay lip service to the concept of imagining something to be present which is not present right now is of course easy, but anyone conversant with the concept of “like attracts like” as expressed by the Law of Attraction, knows that you must be resonating with the very essence of that which you want in order to attract it into your life –– and this is not something that comes naturally to most people. Pat Carrington Using EFT with the Secret

This is essentially a description of the Realization portion of Affirmative Payer. KNOWING that something is true. It is important to stay in with this step until you know whatever you are praying for is true, completely and utterly true. If you are having trouble with this step, one possibility for change is to go to someone else who can know it for you. Pray with a Practitioner” after church is perfect for this or for a more in-depth session you can set up an appointment with a Practitioner for a Practitioner Session.

Step 2: Unification

In this knowing of Divine Oneness, I know God is in, through, and as me. I am one as God, Divinely filled and surrounded every moment of everyday. The beauty, peace, and wonder of God totally envelopes every part of my being. And in this knowing of Oneness, God envelopes all people in every moment, every condition and all circumstances, for God is all there is. We are all unique expressions of the One Mind, One truth and the One God.

The second step in Affirmative Prayer is Unification. Each one of us is one with God. The best example I’ve seen is the comparison to a hologram. If you take a little tiny piece of a hologram, it still contains the entire holographic picture within it. This is the unifications step – even though I am only a small part of the whole that is God, I contain within me ALL that is God.

Step 1: Recognition

Recognizing the Infinite Spirit that is within each and every one of us and within all life; and knowing One Source, One God, One Divinity; an Infinite Loving Intelligence in which All is Possible; and Realizing God as Pure Love and Light– an always present and always shining perfection. We recognize God as Source from which all life is created and bountifully supplied. We know God is all there is in each and every grace-filled moment.

The first step in Affirmative Prayer is the Recognition that God is All. There exists nothing in this universe that is not God – All emotions, All circumstance, All material existence are all contained within the wholeness that is God.

Affirmative Prayer

Welcome to the 5 new Practitioners: Georgia Woodworth, Edward Keneski, Jeanette Keter, Michael Keter and Lael Walters!

This Sunday’s Service is about the 5 steps to Affirmative Prayer.

Recognition:

Recognizing the Infinite Spirit that is within each and every one of us and within all life; and knowing One Source, One God, One Divinity; an Infinite Loving Intelligence in which All is Possible; and Realizing God as Pure Love and Light– an always present and always shining perfection. We recognize God as Source from which all life is created and bountifully supplied. We know God is all there is in each and every grace-filled moment.

Unification:

In this knowing of Divine Oneness, I know God is in, through, and as me. I am one as God, Divinely filled and surrounded every moment of everyday. The beauty, peace, and wonder of God totally envelopes every part of my being. And in this knowing of Oneness, God envelopes all people in every moment, every condition and all circumstances, for God is all there is. We are all unique expressions of the One Mind, One truth and the One God.

Realization:

I know and accept the Power, Presence, Intelligence of Divine Spirit in me and the people around me this very moment. I know that the gifts of Spirit are not owed to me but already in me. I open myself to the wellspring of goodness I want in my life. I know absolutely that the Love of God, the Beauty of God, the Happiness of God permeates every person and every object in this House of God making this moment unique and perfect.

Gratitude:

Awash in the Magnificence of Sprit, in the Divine Power and Presence of God right now, I am profoundly grateful for all of our blessings. I am so thankful that we are all immersed in the One Source and completely, perfectly express ourselves as beautiful emanations of this Pure Love and Light. I am bliss-filled at the sweetness of this Truth for each and everyone of us.

Release:

We release these words now, Knowing in the Mind of God they are already completed. We let go and let God. Saying together … so it is.

Look for the podcast at: sunday podcast archive

Spiritual Uplift 8/15/07

Asilomar – Renewing Your Spiritual Space! August 15, 2007

“We have come to Asilomar [to spend] this wonderful week together in love for each other and adoration for the God we believe in.” –Dr. Ernest Holmes– The annual summer United Centers for Spiritual Living gathering at Asilomar on the Monterey peninsula is a rich experience for the senses. Seeing the ocean in its many moods, the beauty of the woods covering the conference grounds, and the faces of loving friends and colleagues is a visual delight. Hearing the inspiring music, messages, and workshops brings joy and thoughtfulness. Smelling and tasting the marvelous food in the dining hall constitute a celebration, and feeling the sunshine, the fog, and the innumerable hugs is unforgettable. But there are other experiences to which our physical senses are not privy. There is the sense of acceptance, safety, and support, encouraging many people to find new and greater expressions of their divinity. A sense of belonging washes over new arrivals as they walk into the social hall and realize they have come to a family reunion of sorts. Every participant gains a new sense of self, or perhaps more accurately, a sense of Self, as they hear time and again that they are wonderful, beautiful, perfect expressions of Spirit. These experiences cannot be captured on a CD, in a photograph, or from a recipe; they are remembered by the heart and can be taken home as the ultimate souvenirs of a spiritual pilgrimage to that sacred space within–and savored again and again. “Our religion is not something to be lived merely here at Asilomar, as much inspiration as we receive from it, but rather to take that consciousness which we have arrived at here back with us into whatever activities we may be engaged in.” –Dr. Ernest Holmes–. A Brief Word from the Dali Lama Because we all share this planet earth, we have to learn to live in harmony and peace with each other and with nature. That is not just a dream, but a necessity. We are dependent on each other in so many ways that we can no longer live in isolated communities and ignore what is happening outside those communities.

Check Out CSL on the Web If you have not gone to our webpage as yet you are missing out on lots of information related to classes, services and special events. To learn more go to: www.community-for-spiritual- living.com Besides the Wednesday Uplift you can also listen to the Sunday presentation by going to the CSL Website, www.community-for-spiritual- living.com Love, Serve, and Remember,

Quote: The Law of Intention is Neutral

“In studying mathematics or simply using a mathematical principle, if we get the wrong answer in a sort of algebraic equation, we do not suddenly feel that there is an anti-mathematical principle that is luring us into the wrong answers…..Evil, and evil spirits, devils and devil possession, are the outgrowth of man’s inadequate consciousness of God. We must avoid thinking of evil as a thing in itself-a force that works against man or, against God, if you will.”

Eric Butterworth