A Person Develops a Cold

This year was the first time in years that I got a flu shot. I thought that getting a flu shot would be insurance to support the divine idea of health in me as me, but instead I came down with the flu. I just got out of my pajamas for the first time in several days. It felt delicious to have a shower and I am looking forward to fresh sheets on my bed tonight. I realize now that I needed more than the flu shot to ensure vibrant health.

I do pray and meditate daily.  I always include health and wholeness for myself in my morning prayers. So what happened? Did the law quit working for me?

The answer is simple. The law is always working. The answer is that on the subconscious level I must have had a greater belief in illness than health, a greater belief in stress than relaxation, and a greater belief in confusion than in clarity.

So what do I do? 

I often check out Louise Hay's guides to see if what she says rings true. 

Regarding colds, Hay writes the probable cause is, "Too much going on at once. Mental confusion, disorder. Small hurts."

Well, I have had a lot going on. We were at our annual convention last week from Monday night through Thursday night. Friday night was our Center's gala fiftieth anniversary party, which was wonderful. In addition to these events, we have had and accepted an offer on our building. Saturday I started coming down with something but I had no conscious idea of what it could turn into. I should have stayed home last Sunday. I could have. I even had an amazing guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Kenn Gordon. But I didn't. I drove our guests back to their hotel and then I put on my pajamas. I slept and slept.

Louise Hay suggests the following affirmation for colds. "I allow my mind to relax and be at peace. Clarity and harmony are within me and around me."

First, analyze my thinking. Are there instances where I have a greater belief in illness than I do in God? Am I in agreement with disease or illness anywhere in my life? Have I made an agreement with limitation? Do I believe in another power, one that is greater than God? I do not. 

The next step is to speak the affirmation and be mindful about my life, then to pray from a greater awareness of God's grace and power.

In this holy moment of now, I recognize and know the Truth which frees me from any condition, consequence or effect. I recognize that the Power of Life Itself is within me and is responding to me always according to belief. I remind myself that this mighty moving power is the Power of Creation and there is none other greater than it. I remind myself that the nature of the Divine is perfect harmony, clarity, vitality and energy, God indwells me. God is at the Center of my being. 

Knowing this is so, I remind myself that I live in a harmonious Universe, in which there is sufficient time for living life fully, without undue stress or concern. I remind myself that I am made in the image and after the likeness of the Creator Itself.  I remind myself to choose to breathe and relax during all the events of my life.  I remind myself that God continuously and easily makes all things new. I remind myself that this power is moving through me -- my ideas, my beliefs, my body and my affairs. I choose perfect health. I breathe easily. I take everything in stride. My mind is relaxed and I am at peace. I clearly see what is mine to know and to do. 

With great gratitude for the Omni-active law of Mind and for the Spirit within that always guides, I place this Word in the action of Law. It is complete. 

And so it is.

Reverent Reverend

What is Affirmation and Treatment?

Often you hear me say that our Center is based on and teaches how to use  spiritual tools. Those tools help us to awaken to our spiritual magnificence and to stay awake. Those tools help us create a world that works for everyone.

The first tool is Affirmation, although it is not the most powerful tool. 

Affirmation helps us change our consciousness by reminding us of what we want to be. Affirmations are usually short and powerful. For instance, if I want to increase my generosity I might affirm: "God's limitless resources are mine now to share and to enjoy. God loves a happy giver. Naturally, I am known for my generosity of Spirit."

Think of your subconscious mind as a huge pail filled with some dirty water. The affirmations are a drop of clean water. As your continue to affirm these words, eventually, there will be more clean water than dirty water Because we will say those affirmations often, our conscious mind is focused on the good.

All affirmations are written and stated in the presence tense. You want to be a prosperous person now not in the future. They are written in the first person. They are written in language that is comfortable for you. It is an easy tool to learn and to use.

Spiritual Mind Treatment or affirmative prayer is a tool to change consciousness. Done correctly, from a consciousness of oneness, it is a powerful way to transform your life. It is best to learn to do treatment for yourself so that you can use it immediately  when you experience unhappiness, anxiety, or fear of any kind. The best place to learn how to do spiritual mind treatment is by taking an accredited class.

I will be teaching a beginning accredited class in September. It is a great class for beginners and is also great for any long-time students as a review. If you want to learn how to use these tools, enroll in class.

San Clemente Experiment: An Affirmation for Gracious Driving

The Joyous Living Journal entry for yesterday was titled Hurry, Busy, Rush, but I didn't actually see it until today because I was too busy. Ha! And that was right action, because it caused me to stop and think about that.

 I drive carpool most mornings. Do you drive carpool??

The journey to school quite often reminds me of driving the Mario Cart video game. It's almost comical when I think about it. People jump out of no where. Construction crews set up cones and funnel traffic for seemingly never-ending construction (have you driven Vista Hermosa lately??). Drivers blow through stop signs and red lights. And, while I'm keeping a watchful eye out for obstacles and driving the car to the best of my ability, I keep thinking to myself, "Hurry, hurry, we are going to be late!!"

Maybe most drivers on the road between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. are thinking the same thing. "Hurry, hurry, I'm going to be late...for school, for work, for a meeting, etc." And because we all believe, or at least tell ourselves over and over, that we are going to be late we attract these obstacles to fulfill our wish. Because...as we know...the Universe always responds to our thoughts; whether we like it or not!

 The writers in the Joyous Living journal suggest an affirmation:

 I have all the time I need because there is an infinite eternity in God.

 Another great affirmation to try (from my good friend Melissa Echelberger):

 I always arrive at the perfect right time.

 How would my morning carpool experience be different if I changed my thinking? Instead of "Hurry, hurry, we're going to be late!", I might try:

Relax. Be present. I always arrive at the perfect right time.

That feels better already!

Okay San Clemente...If you find yourself on the road between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. on a week day morning, let's all try "Relax. Be present. I always arrive at the perfect right time." Followed by a deep satisfying breath.

We can do this! We can change our morning experience from one of rushing and anxiety to one of peace, generosity and gracious driving.

I will report back any changes I notice and I encourage you to add your experience with this new affirmation in the comments.

We Are One Of The Ways The Universe Knows Itself

In today's excerpt from the Joyous Living Journal we are reminded about the Law of Attraction. Many people have discovered this law from the movie, The Secret. Those of us who attend a Center for Spiritual Living know that this is how the world works.

Like a magnet, our attitude, beliefs and words are our attractors. We are taught to focus on what we want, rather that what we do not want. We discover that we attract more good, love and joy, into our life by expressing good, love, and joy. That is the way of the walk, to notice the positive, talk about the positive and be grateful for the good things in our life. 

Affirmation: Today I discover that I am a magnet for the positive life I want, I release my negativity and any old patterns that no longer suit me. I look for the good in everything and praise it.

It's this thing called life, thank you life!
And So It Is.

I Just Don't Get Affirmations!

"I Just Don't Get Affirmations!"

I heard those words come out of my friend's mouth and I shuddered.

For years, affirmations have been a part of my daily life...

...I probably use them hundreds of times a day.

I believe in them so much that I even painted a "Today's Affirmation" chalkboard wall in my house.

I post these daily affirmations on Instagram and Facebook as it is my hope that the day's affirmation will serve someone else as it has me.

Affirmations are a powerful daily practice that are much more powerful than many think.

My friend went on to explain that she doesn't get  affirmations because she can't believe them enough to transform her thinking.

So, I explained that, even though affirmations may not be truly believeable at first, they are STILL more powerful than the limiting thought you are trying to change.

You see, our lives are based on energetic vibrations.

Although this may seem like a strange idea, you probably have noticed it through life experience.

For example, you walk into a room after a couple has been fighting and you "feel" the tension in the air...that's a lower vibration of energy.

On the other hand, you walk into a room where people are celebrating and the energy feels electric...that's higher vibrational energy.

Thoughts also carry a vibration.

When you have a thought that is on a lower vibration, being that you attract back to you the energy you put out, you will attract other lower vibrational experiences in your life.

So, it's important to up level the energy of a lower vibrational thought immediately, by replacing it with a higher vibrational thought...like an affirmation!

Even if you don't believe it, a higher vibration is much more powerful than a lower vibrational thought and it will help you attract a higher vibrational life experience. 

Also, every time you repeat a specific affirmation, you are also reprogramming your subconscious with a higher vibrational thought so it will become almost natural, over time, to believe your own affirmation.

The more you grow into your belief in an affirmation, the faster it manifests into your physical life, so don't delay on getting started!

Reprogramming our thoughts take spiritual practice.  

It takes a daily commitment to yourself and to your life to reaffirm you highest and best good.  

If you want a place to start, start with this powerful affirmation:

Today, I attract my highest and best good!

Merry Christmas from Southern California

An 81 degree Christmas day affirmation. 



Today I celebrate the Christ Consciousness of Christmas.
The true Spirit of Christmas resides within my heart.
I see the beauty of nature that is all around me.
The warm sun radiates through my Body and Soul.
I am grateful for the loving gifts of my family and friends.
Collectively, the space of peace is called forth.
The energy of Southern California continues to Light the way.
   All is calm, and All is Bright.
And So It Is.
Amen.
Namaste.

Learning to Trust Your Inner GPS

Within me is a presence that knows exactly where to go and how to get there. 

It calls to me as a whisper or a longing and it pulls me forward. 

I surrender, trust and follow it's guidance, 

discovering my highest calling and greatest joy.

And So It Is! 

Soaring with Confidence

Today, the stories of the past fall away. 

I am released from regret, mistakes and fear; set free to soar to great heights. 

Confidence supports my rise. 

Faith leads the way.

Will The Real Me Please Stand Up

Today, I allow myself to be seen, loved and acknowledged for all that I am. 

I release any need to hide and welcome all parts of me into the light. 

With God lighting the way, I see all the magnificence I am. 

And So It Is!

And So It Is! 

Affirmation: Gifts of Imperfection

Today, I declare great love for all that I am. 

Anything once seen as a flaw, I now view as Divine perfection uniquely expressing as me. 

I am a gift given to this world by the Great Creator,  

who makes no mistakes.

And So It Is! 

Sunday Affirmation: It's Game Time

Today, spiritual practice rises to the top of my priority list, strengthening my faith, training my mind and releasing false beliefs, so that regardless of appearances I see Truth in all situations. Instantly and without effort, I choose to see God in all experiences knowing life is unfolding in perfect right order always.

Affirmation - Playing with Spiritual Practices

Today, I enter into my spiritual practices with child-like innocence, wonder and awe. Playfully, I explore silence, journaling and prayer, allowing my one-on-one time with God to be filled with great joy.

Affirmation: Consciousness Conditioning

I am pure consciousness and the creator of my life. 

Each day I acknowledge this truth and open my mind to the grand possibilities. 

This simple practice elevates my vibration, my life and the world, 

creating a world that works for everyone.

Affirmation -- Permission to Shine

I remember that I am made in the image and likeness of God: 

brave, beautiful and brilliant. 

I release any belief in rejection or limitation 

and give myself permission to shine more brightly than the sun, 

filling the world with my magnificence.

Affirmation: Boundaries without Borders

I give myself permission 

to say no to the things or requests that don’t serve my highest calling, 

acknowledging it as an act of self love. 

And I know 

the simple act of setting boundaries 

does not sever or limit my good, 

but rather enhances it 

and allows my authentic self to shine. 

Sunday Affirmation: The Web We Weave

I am a weaver, 

weaving love, compassion and connection 

with every touch of my Being. 

Much like a spider 

with a golden thread 

uniting perfectly chosen points for greater expansion, 

I touch people and create community. 

I know every person in my web is there on purpose 

and divinely chosen for my most magnificent experience.    

Living Today - Ernest Holmes Affirmation

Yesterday is gone, tomorrow has not arrived, and I lie in an eternal
present filled with an everlasting good.  There is nothing unhappy or
morbid in my consciousness.  I have no fear of yesterday nor do I
anticipate tomorrow with anything other than enthusiastic expec-
tation.  Everything good in my experience shall create my future.  I
have no fear in looking backward or forward, but realize the eternal
day in which I now live.  Today is big with hope fulfilled, with love
and life well-lived.  Tomorrow will provide its own blessings.
~ Ernest Holmes