We cannot make affirmations and denials for 15 minutes and spend the other 23 hours and 45 minutes denying the thing we have affirmed and affirming the things we have denied and obtain the result we seek. We send out the word and it sets in motion the power. But if we begin to think the opposite thing ... it neutralizes the word and destroys the possibility of its effect.
(Ernest Holmes)
It is not enough to understand spiritual teachings. We must apply our learning in all areas of life, incorporating them into our thoughts, words, and actions.
(Unity Spiritual Principle #5)
When I was new to Unity, I heard someone describe the community as “that group of people who are happy all the time.” Their tone implied this was a criticism. I recall thinking, "What’s wrong with that?"
As a minister, I have noticed that those who reap the benefits of our teaching do so by practicing them without exception in every area of our lives. While simple, this is not always easy. I always encourage folks to stay until they experience the gifts. The truth is that changing our thoughts takes commitment and vigilance. “Salvation” is not found outside us. The Unity way calls each of us to embody the teaching as living practice.
An old 12-Step saying reminds us: "It works if you work it."
The answer to the question, “How is your practice?” will determine your degree of self-love and worth.
I am not always the best at technical matters like computers and mechanical things. When something isn't working, I can often blame the object. I jokingly remind myself it is likely "user error." I am not complying with the way it works. A bit of laughter and levity can lead to humility, curiosity and wonder.
Here at the office, I’ve reached this point when you can hear me calling out for help: M-A-R-C-I-E or T-O-N-Y!
I find this to be true about spiritual awakening. I have come to believe that our spiritual principles work absolutely when I am willing to apply them in all areas. The principle doesn’t change. Circumstances do, but my job is to be light, humble, curious, and ask for help.
I love the Third Step Prayer in the 12-Step program: “God, I offer myself to thee to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt." I have spent the better part of 30 years discovering all the little aspects of myself that I keep to myself, that I am unwilling to surrender to the power of God through our spiritual practices.
What areas might you be withholding from the Light, from Love, from God Consciousness? These are the exact areas that are calling for healing.
This becomes our very pathway home to spiritual awakening.
Though The Way of Mastery / The Way of the Heart will inspire our Sunday messages and Wednesday Touchstones, it is truly an intimate practice between you and Jeshua, the Christ of your being. It is spoken and written just for you. It is your curriculum and pathway of awakening. It is part of the fulfillment of my ministry, to touch, move and inspire individuals to awaken to their Divine identity and to create their lives therefrom.
Our first step in awakening is to take responsibility for being the creator of our experience. We become acquainted with the power we’ve always had and have been using all along. We will come to trust and know that Life is always communicating back to us exactly what we need to know.
The Practice: for 5 minutes every hour, pause and notice how you are creating whatever it is you are experiencing at that moment. What thoughts and beliefs have become the form and experience you are observing?
Then, say to the self: I am Spirit, unlimited and free. I have infinite freedom to choose what I create. I know who I am as Spirit. I know what I am as Christ. I know how I serve as a causal agent for change in our world.
I Love You,
Reverend René