Not 'Yo Mama's Vision Board Workshop

Vision boards have been a quintessential strategy in helping people set their intentions for a New Year for a long time. This workshop is about creating a new twist to vision boards by creating something even more powerfully intentional.

This workshop will not only include your visual intentions for 2013, but will also take it a step further by creating a piece of art that is wrapped in your own personal energy around your intentions. We will be using sacred symbols, numerology, and feng shui to create a piece of meaningful art that up-levels the typical vision board and makes a beautiful addition to your personal altar.

Bring your old magazines or come prepared with your visual intentions already cut-out and we'll provide the rest!  

When: Sunday, January 13th, 2013  

Where: Center for Spiritual Living - Capistrano Valley - 1201 Puerta Del Sol San Clemente, CA 92673 Time: 12:30 - 3:30 PST  

Investment: $20 (includes all supplies)

The Spiritual Dr. Seuss Rhymes and Raps New Thought Teachings!

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the guy who'll decide where to go. ~ Dr. Seuss

And So It Is! 

Science of Mind & Christmas

Rev. Barbara Waterhouse explores the concept of the Christ Consciousness as we embrace this mystical time of year.

Share Your Light
And So It Is!

Validation A Fable About The Magic Of Free Parking

val·i·date   tr.v. val·i·dat·ed, val·i·dat·ing, val·i·dates

1. To declare or make legally valid. 2. To mark with an indication of official sanction. 3. To establish the soundness of; corroborate.

Validation
And So It Is! 

The 3 Words that Changed My Life

Miracles happen everyday...if you notice them.

They can be small or the "miracles" that are shared on mass media...the big ones.  The unforeseen unbelievable ones.

We can ask for miracles, however, I recently ready three  words that changed the way I approach everything...EVERYTHING!

I was reading Carolyn Myss's book, "Anatomy of Spirit" and three words J-U-M-P-E-D off the page at me as if they were screaming at me to notice.

"MIRACLES WITHOUT RESTRICTIONS"

I knew immediately what that meant.

I have been praying for my own miracles, but when doing so, I dictate "how" they should be and what they should look like.

For example, "I am so happy and grateful for receiving the $13,000 I need for a PR agent."

I realized that I had been restricting my good.  I have been telling the Universe HOW my good should show up when, in fact, it's completely out of my hands and I just may be limiting or restricting my good by saying exactly what I want.

Instead, I pray for exactly what I need that will perfectly move my life forward with my highest good at hand.  

My prayers for miracles were restricted by my own ideas of what my highest good is....and how can I possibly know that?

I can't.

So instead of dictating my own highest good, I simply pray for miracles without restrictions  and know that what the Universe has in store for me is MUCH more than I can even plan for myself.  

Namaste.

The Golden Circle - Why How What

What is the science of making change? It all starts with inspired leaders.

In this excellent Ted talk, Simon Sinek gives us a simple but powerful tool for how leaders inspire action, starting with a golden circle and the question "Why?" examples include Apple, Martin Luther King, and the Wright Brothers.

Let's Go Change The World
And So It Is!

Life is eternal, this we know. And yet today our hearts are broken.

Have You Ever Tried a Writing Meditation?

Insight Timer is an iPhone app to
time and track your meditation time.

I had never tried a writing meditation. A couple Sunday's ago Dr. Rev. Heather spoke of this "writing meditation," another tool for transformation, especially suited for tapping into your inner guidance system. 

The idea intrigued me. Sitting quietly in a lotus position is how I have defined meditation in the past. I didn't know you could write while meditating! I guess I should have taken the meditation class.

It was recommended that you write for 30 minutes. Giving yourself that long gives a chance for all the resistance to drain out.

I used my iPhone's "Insight Timer" to do my first writing meditation. As you can see from my settings in the picture I chose to meditate for 30 minutes. I decided to just quiet my mind for the first 10 minutes and then write for the remaining 20.

 What a great technique! Write down some questions and just keep writing. Try it for yourself. It only takes 30 minutes.

Vulnerability a Spiritual Practice?

I was having a conversation today with a friend/acquaintance about vulnerabilities that we both had.  In sharing each of our most vulnerable moments/fears in life, we realized how much we had in common.

It became a connector for us.  Both afraid to express our vulnerabilities, yet finding that they were the very link between us that will allow us to expand our friendship.  It was an eye-opener for both of us.

I was reminded of this Brene Brown TED Talk and thought it broaches an interesting question:  Is vulnerability a spiritual practice?

Jack Kornfield The Quality of Listening

In Africa. There is a story that illustrates the quality of listening that can come through meditation. In a particular east african tribe or village. When a child is born they don't count the birthday of that child from the day the child comes from its mothers body or even the day it is conceived as in certain other cultures, but rather from when that child was first a thought in its mothers mind, that is the real birthday. And as soon as the mother realizes that she would like to have a child with this particular partner, She will go off and sit out in a field under a tree, and listen, and wait until she can hear the song of the child that wants to be born in her heart that will come from the wedding or the coming together with this particular man. And when she hears this song, she sings it to herself, and then returns back to the village and teaches it to her partner so that when they make love together, joined together in love, They sing this song and invite this child to be born. And later as She is pregnant. She sings the song to the child in the womb and teachers it to midwives so that when the child is born. The first song or sound that it hears is those gathered around singing its own unique song. And as the child grows. The people of the village learn the song of this person so that when he falls or she falls and hurts herself. someone picts her up and sings her song to her, or in the rites of passage or rituals of the village the song is sung, the wedding ceremony where both songs are sung until finally even at the end of life, the song of this child now as an old man or women. is sung for the last time, and say their last words...

When I first heard the story in it touched in me a longing to live in a place where we heard one another's songs, where we were so in tune with ourselves and with one another that we could greet each other in that way, to meditate allows us to hear the song within ourself and to be respectful and hear the song of those around us. - Jack Kornfield

Happy Birthday Kate! 

Together...At Last

None of us can thrive in isolation; we are connected and each is impacted by what happens to the other.  We are all enriched by our diversity, and doubly so when we value each other and our diverse contributions to the whole.  An era of compassion and inclusion has been illuminated for the greater good of all, and it is time for us to step into this future together as one--manifesting a world that works for everyone...(can't you hear Etta James singing in the background?)  "at last...."

Welcome Home At Last 

What Is It You Want in Life?

"Behind the individual is the Universe, which has no limits." (Science of Mind, page 30)

What is it you want? You've got the Universe behind you...go get it!

Set your intentions. Dream with care.

Follow, follow the sun
and which way the wind blows
when this day is done.

Breath, breath in the air.
Set your intentions.
Dream with care.

Tomorrow is a new day for everyone,
brand new moon, brand new sun.

So follow, follow the sun,
the direction of the birds,
the direction of love.

Breath, breath in the air,
cheerish this moment,
cheerish this breath.

Tomorrow is a new day for everyone,
brand new moon, brand new sun.

When you feel life coming down on you,
like a heavy weight.
When you feel this crazy society,
adding to the strain.
Take a stroll to the nearest waters
and remember your place.
Many moons have risen and fallen long, long before you've came.

So which way is the wind blowin',
and what does your heart say?

So follow, follow the sun,
and which way the wind blows
when this day is done...

Your Vote Can Be Like Santa For A Kid With Autism

Can I get a click from you? Surfer's Healing is taking part in this years American Giving Awards, $2 million dollars is going to be shared with the charities that get the most votes.

Surfers Healing seeks to enrich the lives of children with autism and the lives of their families by exposing them to the unique experience of surfing. All of this is provided at no charge to them.

Surfers Healing was founded by our friends Israel & Danielle Paskowitz. Their son, Isaiah, was diagnosed with autism at age three. Isaiah often suffered from sensory overload. The ocean was the one place where he seemed to find respite. A former competitive surfer, Israel hit upon an idea. With Isaiah on the front of his surfboard, and Izzy steering from the back, the two spent the day surfing together. Surfing had a profound impact on Isaiah.

They decided to share this unique therapy with other autistic children and expose them to a completely new experience of surfing.

Voting Ends Today! Be Like Santa!

Let Us Help With the Holiday Shopping Madness

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!

Well, that's what the songs at the mall say...if you've been to the mall.

If you have, you may disagree with the song afterall.

This year, forget the mall, forget the madness, grab a cup of tea and shop...in your bathrobe...online...from over 400 retailers!

For every purchase you make from Impact Shopping, a portion of your purchase will go to our Center.

**Please know, you will NOT pay more for your purchases.  All prices are normal, retail prices.

It's a win-win!  YOU shop from the comfort of your home AND help support our center!

Check out IMPACT SHOPPING HERE

We Are Star Dust In The Highest Exalted Way

We are part of this universe

We are in this universe

The universe is in us

Yes, the universe is in us

Every atom in your body

Came from a star that exploded

You are all star dust

From a star that exploded

Look up at the night sky

We are part of that

The universe itself

Exists within us

We are star dust

In the highest exalted way

Called by the universe

Reaching out to the universe

We are star dust

In the highest exalted way

Reaching out to the universe

With these methods and tools of science

(of mind)

Stand in the middle and enjoy everything both ways

The tininess of us;

The enormity of the universe

The atoms that make up the human body

Are traceable to the crucibles

That cooked light elements

Into heavy elements

These stars went unstable in their later years

And then exploded

Scattering their enriched guts

Across the galaxy

We are part of this universe

We are in this universe

The universe is in us

Yes, the universe is in us

And So It Is! 

Start your shopping here! Every purchase you make supports CSLCV!

Today is Cyber Monday! Get a good deal and do a good deed by shopping through our Impact Shopping site.

CLICK HERE! 

Not only will you find great bargains from over 400 retailers, you’ll also help us earn a sales commission at no extra cost to you.

Plus, we make it easy to get in the spirit of the season because there are no sign-ups, no passwords, and no special codes.

Thank you for all your support and happy shopping,
Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley

Light The Flames Of Faith

Everything is a gift.

Everything is a gift.
The degree to which we are awake to this truth is a measure of our gratefulness,
and gratefulness is a measure of our aliveness.
~ Brother David Steindl-Rast

Everything is a gift.

We are a way for the cosmos to know itself

We are all connected;

To each other, biologically

To the earth, chemically

To the rest of the universe atomically

I think nature's imagination

Is so much greater than man's

She's never going to let us relax

We live in an in-between universe

Where things change all right

But according to patterns, rules,

Or as we call them, laws of nature

I'm this guy standing on a planet

Really I'm just a speck

Compared with a star, the planet is just another speck

To think about all of this

To think about the vast emptiness of space

There's billions and billions of stars

Billions and billions of specks

The beauty of a living thing is not the atoms that go into it

But the way those atoms are put together

The cosmos is also within us

We're made of star stuff

We are a way for the cosmos to know itself

Across the sea of space

The stars are other suns

We have traveled this way before

And there is much to be learned

I find it elevating and exhilarating

To discover that we live in a universe

Which permits the evolution of molecular machines

As intricate and subtle as we

I know that the molecules in my body are traceable

To phenomena in the cosmos

That makes me want to grab people in the street

And say, have you heard this??

There's this tremendous mess

Of waves all over in space

Which is the light bouncing around the room

And going from one thing to the other

And it's all really there

But you gotta stop and think about it

About the complexity to really get the pleasure

And it's all really there

The inconceivable nature of nature

We are a way for the cosmos to know itself - Carl Sagan

28 Day Prosperity Prayer

Dr. John Waterhouse

This past weekend, Centers for Spiritual Living President, John Waterhouse shared a wonderful talk at our Sunday service.

He shared a beautiful abundance prayer that we wrote about in Science of Mind Magazine in September 2012.

He challenges us to say the prayer, multiple times a day, for 28 days.  He had a story about a couple who did this after reading the original article in SOM magazine, and on the 28th day, won the California lottery.

So, here's the magical prayer:

"I, (your name), know that God is the Source of all supply and that money is God in action.  I know that my Good is here now.  I am so rich and so full that I have an abundance of money to spare and share today and always.  I know that true prosperity includes perfect health, perfect wealth, and perfect happiness.  These words, which I speak in faith, now activates universal law, and I accept the results.  I bless all that I have now, and I bless the increase.  And I know that I now prosper in every way.  I give thanks for this Good, and so it is!"

Be sure to share with us your manifestations!

Extremely Happy People Are

Dr. John Waterhouse graced the stage at Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley this past Sunday. I was excited to hear him speak as he is the author of one of my favorite Science of Mind books, "5 Steps to Freedom an Introduction to Spiritual Mind Treatment". Needless to say he did not disappoint.

He shared the 9 commonalities all extremely happy people have. Of course his version was interspersed with stories and antedotes but I want to share his 9 points.

• Extremely happy people are passionate about life.
• Extremely happy people are not defined by facts. They live in principle.
• Extremely happy people don't react to circumstances. They respond to life.
• Extremely happy people always consider their options 
• Extremely happy people are accountable for their lives.
• Extremely happy people focus on what's important.
• Extremely happy people stay in gratitude. 
• Extremely happy people are exceedingly generous.
• Extremely happy people find God in Everything.

Don't Worry, Be Happy!
And So It Is! 

Centers For Spiritual Living Identity Prayer

Centers For Spiritual Living Identity Prayer ~ Rev. Dr. John Waterhouse

I know that within myself there is that Life which is Perfect, Complete, Divine.
It was never born and cannot die for it lives and is God.
Within myself is the Wholeness, Peace, Poise and Power of Life.
This Life is Health, It is Abundance, It is Love.
There is One Life and it is the Life of God.
And This is my Life now.
                                           And so it is!

Bring Your Unique Gift to the Holiday Boutique!

Do you have a unique gift or talent that you'd like to share with others during the Holiday season?  



If you craft, cook, sew, paint, etc., we want you to be represented in our 2012 Holiday Boutique.

On Sunday, December 2nd, after the service, your beautiful creations will be made available to sell to our congregation and to the general public, right here at the center.

Sign ups will start in November and are free to members. We request a 10% tithe back to the Center on your sales for the day. 

Please contact Rev. Karyn if you have any questions: email or 949.240.6463 x 103.

A Chinese Proverb Shared by Dr. Heather

This past Sunday, Dr. Heather shared this beautiful Chinese Proverb.  With it being an election week, I thought it important to stand as a reminder of what a peaceful world truly comes from:

Get Out And Vote!!!

"The destiny of man is not measured by material computation. When great forces are on the move in the world, we learn we are spirits--not animals." ~ Winston Churchill

Daniel Nahmod Brings CSLCV a Gift

This past Sunday, singer, songwriter and producer, Daniel Nahmod joined us as our guest musician at the Center for Spiritual Living.

We were blessed with, not only his songs during the service, but also a beautiful concert following the services.  Those of us in attendance received an up close and personal look at who he is and got some insights on some of his most popular songs.

It's always special to get that "inside" look at someone you see online, hear their music, but really don't know.  It's even more special to find out that they are, in fact, "normal!"  (gasp!)

Daniel is certainly a heart-centered individual.  He expresses from the heart his gift of singing and songwriting, his love of his family, and his true and genuine desire for others to enjoy his music.

He is also passionate about creating a space for other musicians to bring their gift to the world by offering scholarships to those who may not be able to afford to record their music.

Daniel is building a new recording studio to bring his own record label, Humanity Records, to a whole new level, but also to create the physical space for his scholarship winners to express their creative gifts.

To learn more about Daniel's project and see how you can contribute to the project,  CLICK HERE

Just as Daniel's work and passion help create a better life for humanity, so does our contribution to sharing, donating and supporting his cause.  With every set of eyes who sees this post, we have the power to help another individual get his or her music out into the world.

Please "Like," Tweet or 'G+' this post so we can create some buzz about Daniel's project.

Daniel Nahmod Sharing Is The Very Best Part

Sharing is the very best part,
Sharing your home
Sharing your heart
Nothing's ever felt so good
As giving it away
Coming home at the end of the day, oh
Being happy isn't having the most stuff (oh no)
Happiness ain't having your own stuff (oh no)
Being happy isn't having the most stuff (oh no)
It's sharing your love.

Sharing (Is The Very Best Part) Daniel Nahmod 

Daniel Nahmod Thank You For Sharing With Us.

The Importance of Continuous Spiritual Learning

This week I start two 8-week classes to continue my spiritual learning at the Center for Spiritual Living - Capistrano Valley.  I will be participating in "The Creative Process in the Individual" and "Meditation is More Than You Think."

The commitment for me personally is much more than dedicating two nights a week to my own personal spiritual growth.

It's making sure I have child care.  It's making sure my boys are bathed early, already fed, and ready for bed by the time I leave for my classes.  By the time I get to a night class, I may be tired, but I also know that when I leave that night, I will no longer be the person I was walking in.

That could be an easy excuse to bow out of classes, and yes, it would be much easier to do so, however, I know that the commitments I have made to spiritual classes, business seminars, etc. in the past have up-levelled my life in such a way that it's no longer an option to stop.

I once heard, "If you aren't growing, then you are staying the same."

Because of my continued growth in the last few years, I'm stronger, I'm worry-free, I'm more successful, I'm more patient with my kids, I am more loving and appreciative towards my husband.  I'm better at what I do because I continue to stretch myself.  All because I committed to continued learning.

For every class I take there are others committing to their same growth.

We grow together and thrive together!  We watch each other grow, we build a community of support and guidance.  I'm not alone in this endeavor, I simply ask that you take a look in the mirror and ask, "How have I committed myself to my own spiritual growth?"

The lesson here is:  We commit to our families, our children, our jobs, etc.  But it's MORE important to commit to ourselves! As we continue to grow spiritually, we automatically become better at all the roles we play in life...i.e. father, daughter, wife, husband, mother, father, etc.

I invite you to join me this week and be my partner in advancing our spiritual growth - Visit the Center's home page to see what classes are being offered!

DOING Affirmations or LIVING Affirmations?

Today I was reading something that asked if the reader sets time to do affirmations each day.

Affirmations are  positive statements that re-train your own mind and tell the Universe what you are...i.e. I am successful.  I am healthy.  I am full of energy and an inspiration to friends. 

Personal development gurus and mentors suggest spending time in the morning in front of the mirror saying affirmations and repeating them throughout the day.  

When I read the statement asking if I "do" affirmations, I had a quick thought of, "Oh man, I don't set aside time to do affirmations." 

However, I quickly reframed it to, I live affirmations. 

After learning what I have in personal development and at the Center for Spiritual Living - Capistrano Valley, I no longer have to set aside time to do affirmations.  I live them.

My language affirms my being.  If I don't feel well and someone asks how I am doing, I always answer, "I am well.  I am grateful!"  I no longer go into a list of symptoms.

Even when my husband and I have conversations about challenges we may be having, we always say, "It will be...." or "When (this) happens..."

We live affirmations in our daily activities.

So I ask you...do you make time to do affirmations or live them?

Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love.

Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love.

There's nothing you can do that can't be done. 

Nothing you can sing that can't be sung. 

Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game It's easy. 

There's nothing you can make that can't be made. 

No one you can save that can't be saved. 

Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time - It's easy. 

All you need is love, all you need is love, 

All you need is love, love, love is all you need. 

Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love. 

All you need is love, all you need is love, All you need is love, love, love is all you need. 

There's nothing you can know that isn't known. 

Nothing you can see that isn't shown. 

Nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be. It's easy. 

All you need is love, all you need is love, 

All you need is love, love, love is all you need. 

All you need is love (all together now) 

All you need is love (everybody) 

All you need is love, love, love is all you need.

Center For Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley
Located in San Clemente California 

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

Sing Your Song ~ Gino Walker

Sunday we were blessed with the very talented Gino Walker kicking out the love.

 Sing Your Song & The World Will Sing Along! 

 Welcome Home To San Clemente.

Key #8 in the 9 Keys to Creating a Phenomenon in Your Life

This week's video is sharing the 8th key in the 9 Keys to Creating a Phenomenon in Your Life!

This one is probably the one that is most desired in people's lives.....

1201 Puerta Del Sol, First Floor
San Clemente, CA 92673

A Spiritual Living Phenomenon

And So It Begins! Welcome Home. ~ @ClarkDRHeather

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. ~ W.H. Murray
Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.
Begin it now. ~ Goethe

Center For Spiritual Living San Clemente

Come enjoy the very first service with us in our new home in San Clemente!
10:30 am Sunday October 7th


View Larger Map

Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley 

Now Located In San Clemente!
1201 Puerta Del Sol, Suite 100
San Clemente, CA 92673
949-240-6463

Today is a fresh beginning, a new start, and a joyous adventure on the pathway of eternal progress. 
Today is bright with hope and happy with fulfillment. 
Therefore I affirm that this is the day that God has made, that it is good, and that I find fulfillment in it.
And So It Is! 

Key #6 in the "9 Keys to Creating a Phenomenon in Your Life"

Today, we are bringing you Key #6 in our 9 week video series for creating a phenomenon in your life.  In this video, we talk about a key component to creating a life you love...meditation:

Adventure in Faith starts in two weeks.  Join us for this celebration of community, commitment and growth!  There are many activities planned for the month of October at the Center for Spiritual Living, so CLICK HERE and grab your calendar so you don't miss a thing!

Adventure in Faith Events

The month of October is host to our celebration of commitment called Adventure in Faith.

Our AIF steering committee has been working for the past few months to bring you an exciting, meaningful and profitable celebration.

For me, being a mom with a business, getting events into my calendar early is the key to keeping organized and not missing a thing that I want to do to fill my soul.  So, get your calendar ready and be sure to mark down the wonderful things we have planned that you want to take part in!

To make it easy, I'll give you dates and descriptions so you know exactly what "floats your boat!"

Sunday, September 30 - Find a Sacred Circle in your area and come together with members of your community to watch and discuss the movie, "Phenomenon."  CLICK HERE to learn more about Sacred Circles. 

Sunday, October 7 - Help us celebrate our first service in our new Center located at 1201 Puerta Del Sol, Ste. 100, San Clemente, CA 92673.  There will only be ONE service held at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, October 14 - Join us at the Center for a wonderful prosperity workshop at 1:00 p.m. hosted by Rev. Karen Russo, author of "The Money Keys."  Learn more about Karen Russo and her signature workshop HERE

Sunday, October 21 - Raffle tickets are on sale for wonderful Adventure in Faith gifts and prizes.  Come to our Sunday Service at 10:30 and be sure to visit the table outside to learn more about the give-aways!

Sunday, November 4 - Join us for a Harvest Festival after our services!  Sign up for a silent auction to win your spot at a special dinner of your choice hosted by members of our Center.  Gourmets for God is a fun fundraising opportunity to bid on the dinner you want to attend and all proceeds go to our beautiful new Center.

Also, there will be a LIVE auction of beautiful artwork given to our Center by members and outside artists who wanted to help our fundraiser. I have gotten a sneak peak of some of the art, and I will tell you, you won't want to miss out on the auction.  There are some fabulous pieces, so if you've got a blank wall in the house, get yourself a beautiful piece of art at our live auction!

Lastly, bring your family to enjoy the wonders of fall and great family activities that will be going on during the Harvest Festival.

As we move through the month of October, we will be announcing upcoming events during the service, however, this is to give you a heads up of the events coming up!


photo courtesy of Kelly's Kindergarden

What's Up with Sacred Circles?

Our Adventure in Faith celebration is quickly approaching in October. 

Adventure in Faith is a celebration of commitment.  Commitment to one's continued growth.  Commitment to our center, both financially and spiritually...and a commitment to our community.


Napolean Hill taught in his book, "Think and Grow Rich" about the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded people to continue your own growth.

There are many activities planned for our month-long Adventure in Faith celebration, but one that is most fulfilling are the Sacred Circles.

Sacred Circles meet once a week at a host's home and this year, we will watch parts of the movie, "Phenomenon" starring John Travolta.  Just as in a book club, we will discuss our biggest take-aways from each part, how we can implement what we learn in the movie to our lives, and we can surround ourselves with people who are of like-minds.

For me personally, being new to our Center last year, the Sacred Circles allowed me to get to know a smaller group of members and really create a bond with them.  I formed a great bond with the group that taught me some great tools and principles that have come to create great change in my life.

Join a Sacred Circle.  Get to know our community and create a group of friends who truly have your highest good at heart and want to help you create an amazing life!

You can join one of about 10 Sacred Circles located in all areas of South Orange County.  Visit us for our last service at the Center for Spiritual Living - Capistrano this Sunday, September 30 to sign up for a Sacred Circle near you!

The Light / Alan Watts

You Yourself are the eternal energy 

which appears as this universe. 

You didn't come into this world, you came out of it, 

like a wave from the ocean. 

~ Alan Watts

And So It Is!

From Fear to Fearlessness Pema Chödrön

Smile At Your Fear. 

Pema Chödrön describes a liberating way to relate to our fears: not as something to try to get rid of or cast out, but as something we became very intimate with. In so doing, she explains, we come to find that the journey of knowing fear is in fact the journey of courage. From this wisdom, we learn to embrace the fullness of our experience in life.

Print this out, write out your fears, crumble it up, throw them away, and so it is. 

Week 5 in the "9 Keys to Creating a Phenomenon in Your Life"

I caught up with Kathy Story this week and asked her to share key #5 in the 9 Keys to Creating a Phenomenon in Your Life."

Here is what she had to share on Serving....

Be sure to grab your Serving Exercise HERE to find out how to implement this key into your life!

Victor Vroom's Expectancy Theory and the Science of Mind

Expectancy ... it's not just for pregnant ladies.

On the first Sunday of this month Dr. Heather introduced our theme "Expectancy." She mentioned the Law of Expectancy was introduced as a business principle in the 1960s. This got me curious so I just had to go look it up on the internet.

What I discovered is that in 1964 a man named Victor H. Vroom of the Yale School of Management developed this theory of expectancy in regards to how people make decisions and how this can be harnessed by management to motivate employees.

His theory breaks down into these variables: expectancy, instrumentality and valance.

Expectancy
The perceived likelihood that effort will lead to performance.

Instrumentality
Perceived likelihood that performance will lead to desired rewards.

Valance
The value of expected rewards to the individual.


And so I couldn't help but think about my attitude towards the Laws which we discuss at the center.

After all isn't science about discovering the true cause and effect of the things which make up our world. As we experiment with causes and effects we begin to learn what works and what doesn't.

As we quiet our minds through meditation and introspection we discover what creates happiness and peace for ourselves.

Using our tools of transformation we craft our own experiments and recipes and our faith grows into wisdom.

Celebrating the Life of Billie Jean Hart 1926-2012

Billie Jean Hart 1926-2012

Lives that express love, famous or not, lighten and brighten the world.

Bill & Billie 68 Years Of Love

Gourmets for God Center Fundraiser

 

 This year, Adventure in Faith is even more delicious.

 

Last year, we auctioned off five meals during our Adventure in Faith auction and they were so much fun that we want to invite everyone to get involved!  If you love to cook, host or entertain, host a party and we'll auction tickets to members of our church community.  

To host a meal:  

During September, we will collect your proposals for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, picnics, and barbeques.  Fill out the HOST SHEET HERE or pick one up at the church.  Your parties can happen any time from late November through March 2013.  Let us know when, where, how many people you can feed, and set a starting bid for your meal.  The auction will run for the month of October.  All that's left for you to do is shop, cook and host a fabulous party!

To bid on a meal:  

Let's say a host has offered a chicken barbeque for ten people with a starting bid of $25.  You bid by signing up on the bidding sheet.  After ten people have bid $25, the eleventh person must place a higher bid.  This bumps the last low bidder off the guest list.  Keep checking the bidding sheet.  If you were outbid and you want to ensure your seat at the barbeque, you must counter with an even higher bid.  In the end. the highest ten bids buy tickets to the meal then show up at the appointed time and place for a great time and great food!  CLICK HERE for the rules.

Remember:  It's a fundraiser!  Eat well, meet new people and support our Center all at the same time!

Photo courtesy of Hansford Auction

Key #4 in the 9 Keys to Creating a Phenomenon in Your Life

So far, we have covered three keys to creating a phenomenon in your life:

1.  Visioning
2.  Imagination
3.  Gratitude

This week, I caught up with Rev. Pattie Mercado to have her share number 4:  Spiritual Healing

Be sure to grab your Spiritual Healing Exercise HERE and learn about the very areas of your life that you could use some healing to create a phenomenon in your life!

Keep following our blog to find all the spiritual guidance that will allow you to truly build the life you dream of!

Stories: It's a Beautiful Way to Live

Jack Kornfield reflects on the role of wisdom in our technology centric culture and how practices from Eastern contemplative traditions can play a role in the West, for a wiser, happier culture. The video is part of the 'Stories from the Path' collection, a series that profile changemakers, culture-shapers, and great teachers who are courageously changing the world through the way they live, the ideas they connect, and the projects they build.

For more stories of a wiser culture and tools to be the change, visit www.cultureofchoice.com

A Culture of Choice empowers the gen x and millennial generation to a create happy, healthy, harmonious lifestyle by offering the vision + tools for making conscious choices, by synthesizing science, spirituality,and social systems and apply these teachings and tools to the contemporary lifestyle.

Stay Connected, Help Share the Good Stuff! If you found this blog inspiring, please share with a friend and to your social networks. We also invite your comments and for you to share your story!

The 3rd Key in the 9 Keys to Creating a Phenomenon in Your Life

In this video, we introduce the third key in the 9 keys to creating a phenomenon in one's life.  This 9 week video series leads up to The Center for Spiritual Living - Capistrano Valley's Adventure in Faith Celebration. 

This week, Pam Rock introduces our next key:

Grab your gratitude exercise HERE and start to attract more to be grateful for each day!  Enjoy!

Love Is Not A Whisper Or A Weakness

Don't give up
I know you can see
All the world and the mess that were making
Can't give up
And hope God will intercede
Come on back
Imagine that we could get it together
Stand up for what we need to be
Cause crying won't save or feed a hungry child
Can't lay down and hope for miracles change things
So lift up your eyes
Lift up your heart

Singing mercy will we overcome this
Oh one by one could we turn it around
Maybe carry on just a little bit longer
And I try to give you what you need

Me and you and you and you
Just want to be free yeah
But you see all the world is just as we've made it
And until we got a new world

We have got to save it
Got to say that love is not a whisper or a weakness
No love is strong
So we got to get together yeah
Gotta get gotta get gotta get
Til there is no reason
To fight

Mercy will we overcome this
Oh one by one could we turn it around
Maybe carry on just a little bit longer
And I try to give you what you need

Yeah...
Ah...
Oh...
Yeah...

Mercy will we overcome this
Or we come to far to turn it around
Oh and asked too much to be a little bit stronger
But I want to give you what you need

Mercy what will become of us
Oh one by one could we turn it around
Maybe carry on just a little bit longer
And I try to give you what you need...

We are the heart, we are the hands,
We are the voice of Spirit on Earth,
And who we are, and all we do,
Is a blessing to the world.

Key #2 in the 9 Keys to Creating a Phenomenon in Your Life

Today, we are sharing key #2 in our "9 Keys to Creating a Phenomenon in Your Life" video series.

With Dr. Heather gone for a week, we are doubling up on the content this week, so help me in sharing this week's post with our guest, Dave Friedman introducing the second key.  This spiritual guidance is sure to help you get in tuned with your own personal gifts and talents!


To expand your imagination, CLICK HERE to download your imagination expansion exercise!

Enjoy and if you experienced an "a-ha" moment within this post, please share it, tweet it, G+1 it.  Help us spread the goodness of creating a phenomenon in one's life!

Act On Your Inspiration 

Vitality is the Presence of God

Vitality is an energy which SHINES.

Every month at #CSLCV, Church of Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley, we have a theme which all the Sunday services revolved around.

Vitality has been the theme for August and I have found it a more potent idea than I had previously considered. In fact Vitality has given me food for thought.

"The natural vitality is the presence of God and it flows through us."

"That feeling, that is the presence of God. That is who you truly are. That shining presence in you is the presence of God."

Vitality to me has meant energy, a natural healthy energy, a fueling energy which helps me accomplish, a sustaining energy which gives me strength.

But to think of Vitality literally as the presence of God within oneself led me to think about our responsibility to nurture that Vitality, that God source which we experience and that we have the responsibility to share.

Those of us who come from the Christian tradition have certainly heard some version of Matthew 5:15 which in the King James Bible says, "Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under a bushel, but on a lamp stand; and it gives light unto all that are in the house."

And so to nurture ourselves in a healthy way, eating life sustaining food, participating in healthy activities, following our creative passions, letting our best self shine forth is expressing God or Universal Consciousness or whatever you feel comfortable calling it.

To shine is our natural calling.