What I Know for Sure

One of my favorite parts of the Oprah magazine is her "What I Know for Sure" column, so I'm sharing my wisdom with you in my own version of "What I Know for Sure."

What I know for sure is...volunteering and serving is the best, easiest and most fulfilling way to find belonging in any community. It gives us purpose to connect, fosters friendships, and offers a whole new reason for showing up. Whenever I start in a new group or community, I always look for ways that I can serve because I know it's the fast track to making friends.

I found our Center about 14 years ago when my girls were small and getting up by 6:30 a.m. every morning.  Since we weren't doing much on Sunday mornings AND we were up early, I decided to seek out a spiritual center with a vibrant youth church. God guided me to our Center and the most spiritually grounded, fun and loving youth director; our very own Ms. Pattie (now Rev. Pattie). I didn't know a soul when I walked in the door! It was just me and my girls. I asked Pattie if I could serve in youth church. Of course she said YES!

I was new to the Science of Mind teaching and really didn't know how I could help, but I was a warm body with a willingness to serve. At the same time, I signed up for Dr. Heather's Science of Mind classes.

I learned the philosophy from Dr. Heather in class and the application in youth church with Rev. Pattie, made complete by a hands-on craft!  Additionally, I made friends, so many friends, creating connections with all members of our congregation. My bond with Rev. Pattie is deep and lasting. She knows me so well and supports me in countless ways. Overall, my time in service made our Center my spiritual home.

I continue to serve, but in a different way. Although, you might see me back in the youth church in the not too distant future. I hear Spirit calling my name.

There are so many ways to be in service at our Center and I know there is the perfect way for you.

What I know for sure is that you will come away from a service experience more enriched with flourishing with friendships and a deep sense of belonging.

One of the Greatest Gifts I Can Give

This month's global vision theme is all about service and one group who generously serves our community is the Practitioners. We have 19 Practitioners and five Ministers who lovingly hold our Center and it's congregants in prayer throughout the year. It's a title that doesn't come without commitment, dedication and faith and I'm on a quest to find out what's behind the title. Who are the people that serve as Practitioners?

Practitioners must take two years of required Science of Mind courses followed by another two years of Practitioner training. In that time, participants take a deep personal look at their thoughts and beliefs and learn how to "see rightly" as Ernest Holmes would say. To become a licensed Practitioner, one must take a written and oral exam. 

Throughout the month, I will have a conversation with our Practitioners through a series of questions that delve deeper into what's behind being a Practitioner.  Already, just with the first question, I'm inspired; I hope they inspire you too.   

 First question: 

Why did you become a Practitioner and how has your Life changed?

"My decision to be a Practitioner came from a prayer demonstration for my perfect health in 1993.  In my first Science of Mind class,  SOM 101, my prayer partners  (five people)  prayed for the healing of my physical heart; a valve wasn't working correctly and the doctors said I needed surgery.  After 6 months of prayer, I was tested again and all damage in my heart was gone.  I knew then that I wanted to share this great teaching and affirmative prayer with others to assist them in making their life better!

My life is filled with joy and gratitude as I pray with others and see dynamic results of prayer.  Its such a wonderful feeling of Love. ~~ Reverend Judee Chapman

*****

I actually made my decision to become a Practitioner about a month into my second year of Practitioner training. I had started Practitioner classes because I wanted to continue my studies and deepen my own understanding and practice. At some point, I realized that I love serving, in fact much of my life centers around serving.

My life now is radically different. I enjoy much more abundance. I am more financially prosperous, I enjoy my family and friends at a deeper level and I have more confidence. I have stepped further and further into leadership. And in leadership, I can do my part in making this a better world for everyone. ~~ Pamela Rocke, RScP

*****

I decided to become a practitioner because I was so excited about how the Law worked.  I wanted to share the gift of Joy, Love, Wholeness, Peace, Prosperity, and Creativity with all those who could not see it in their own lives.  I knew it was possible for anyone who desired it and wanted to share with them the infinite possibilities. 

Since becoming a practitioner, I have lived a life of my dreams.  When I look back on how my life was before becoming a practitioner, I realize how much I have manifested by simply utilizing the practices of prayer and meditation as a lifestyle.  I can never go back and I would never want to. ~~ Reverend Karyn Allen

*****

My decision to become a practitioner was at one level the natural next step during the normal course of  my Science of Mind study. Also, I was becoming aware of the opportunity to help others by knowing and holding on to the Truth about them. An amazing gift for me to give.

I find myself living more on purpose and being more conscious, and I find myself honoring others in true Namaste fashion... 'The divine in me recognizes the divine in you.' 
~~ Dave Friedman, RScP

*****

For me it is a sacred calling.  My path to God was through service.  I have found no greater joy in life than watching someone step into their own power and experience their own creative process. To watch someone become a bigger, fuller, expanded version of who they truly are and what they came here for. 

Since I have become a Practitioner,  I have met the love of my life and we got married (we met in practitioner class).  My joy and serenity levels have tripled.   There is more love, more joy and more prosperity.  I have over 100 clients that I have had the privilege of serving and I have an awe inspired appreciation of Life. ~~ Kathy Story, RScP

*****

Almost from the time I first walked into a Church of Religious Science I wanted to have the consciousness of the practitioners I met. I saw in them, something I wanted. I quickly began classes and worked toward that goal. By the time I began practitioner training, my husband had Parkinson’s Disease and I needed all the tools I learned as I went through that awesome training. It was one of the most growth-filled times of my life.

Since becoming a practitioner, I have learned what a blessing it is to serve in this way. Having practitioners for prayer partners has brought some of the closest relationships I have ever had and I am learning to trust others to help me when I need it. I live in more peace than I ever could have without this learning and support, but most important of all has been the fellowship of the practitioners who have served with me in every Center I have belonged to. They are giving, loving and we are there for each other. This allows us to be there for others. It is a blessing that I am truly grateful for. ~~ Dr. Jeanne Hounshell

*****

I decided to become a licensed practitioner about 5 years ago after using the principles consciously since 1986.

My life has a much more purposeful direction since I started using SOM principles in all parts of my life.

Lots and lots of good abundance and gifts  in all areas of my life. Beautiful home, beautiful wife, boat, friends, vacations  great business.. I treat every morning before I get out of bed and it works!! ~~ Patrick Freeman, RScP

*****

When I was taking Practitioner Training Classes my wife said to me: " Now let me get this straight, the Catholic Church only needs  two miracles to be verified after a persons death and they are asking you to verify 3 miracles while you are alive"...without much hesitation I said "I think So, yes". ....That is the kind of conviction and belief I have in our teaching and the positive effects it has on my life. ~~ Reverend Arpad Petrass 

*****

I decided to become a practitioner because it was in harmony with what I was already doing in my profession and the knowledge and practices offered more tools to help my clients.  How it has changed my life is that i now have something to do that makes a difference when in the face of circumstances that seem difficult or even hopeless without this knowledge. I am able to generate a sense of trust and calm.

The decision to become a minister was similar. it was the next class and the next step. How that changed my life is understanding this teaching more completely and enjoying an even deeper connection, recognition of and trust in my source. As an aside, it sometimes startles me when I notice people at the Center seeing me as somehow different from them after I became a minister. ~~ Reverend Bruce Fredenburg, M.S., LMFT

*****

Deciding to become a practitioner was a natural progression. As I learned more about my connection with spirit, it became very easy and satisfying to be in prayer. Every time I pray for another I find myself being blessed as well. What has changed in my life is a total trust in the givingness of God. ~~ Fred Mercado, RScP

*****

I decided to become a Practitioner because I saw and felt the power of Spiritual Mind Treatment.   It was a different prayer than I had known growing up, and I wanted to understand it and be able to help people through powerful prayer. 

How it has changed my life to be a practitioner is I have discovered the joy of self-awareness, self-discovery and, instead of trying to be what I think the world wants, I have come to reveal and understand what is mine to give to the world. And, I have found the greatest gift I can give is to look for and see Truth for myself and others. ~~ Reverend Pattie Mercado

*****

I have been involved with Science of Mind in sporadic spurts, from 1996 through the present.  I was very much involved with Agape International for a couple of years in the late 90's, however, due to distance and work, the desire waned.  After changing my lifestyle as a career person and moving into a more unstructured one, I discovered that I had no clue how to move on. Changes were happening to and around me and I wasn't sure I could cope.  I ran into a dear friend in 2011 who was a CSL practitioner and I began having monthly sessions with her.  I initially did this because my beloved dog, Margo, was dying and I wanted to be there for her, but did not know how.  I admired my friend greatly and I spiritually flourished under her guidance. As a CSL Practitioner, she not only guides me, she demonstrates and lives her life as one with ease and grace.  In many ways, she supported me to help myself.  She introduced me to CSL's Online classes and in 2013 I signed up with the Foundations class.  Since being involved with CSL's Online schooling, it has been one of the most rewarding times in my life.  It became more and more evident, as I gained clarity and awareness as to who I am, that there was something larger than myself moving me forward to a greater good. As I continue on in my studies, my desire to serve has been strengthened and grown.  There is an affirmation stated in a book by Paul Selig (The Book of Knowing and Worth) that struck a cord in me and which made me realize how important it has always been for me to know myself. I have used it in contemplation on many occasions; 

"I know who I am, I know what I am, I know how I serve."

The Centers for Spiritual Living has been a direct channel for me to express myself, and I am able to embody that sense of surrender to the greater good that I have always wanted to experience.  The love and support experienced in this community of souls reinforces and reminds me of what it is to be alive and ready to serve. ~~ Donna Wallace, Practitioner Intern

The Healing Power of Serving Others

I just read September Warren’s poignant post about 9/11. I, too, watched it unfold on television all those years ago, and somehow, even though I was on the other side of the country, and mercifully lost no close friends or family that fateful day; just seeing the images of the towers engulfed in flames brings the feelings of horror and helplessness flooding right back… I suspect that I am not alone... It was truly a sad day for our nation, and one that will take a long time to heal.

Perhaps that is why the Centers for Spiritual Living selected September 14 as the World Day of Service. As we look to heal from the tragedy of 9/11, we know that one of the very best things we can do is to serve others.

World Day of Service has been organized as a day to come together in service to our communities. This Saturday, dozens of Centers for Spiritual Living across the country will participate in various community-service activities, designed to remind ourselves that it’s all about connection. We really are all one: one people, one planet, one God.

So what are we doing? I thought you’d never ask! That’s the best part!

We are hosting a BEACH CLEAN UP 3:30-5PM at North Beach in San Clemente.

Followed by a no-host BONFIRE at 5:30pm!

(No-Host means that you bring whatever food you want to cook, but we will have plenty of wood and fixin’s for s’mores!)

If you’ve never done a beach clean-up, they are really fun. Not only are you helping the environment, but you get to be outside, enjoying the sun and beach. It is a win-win. One tip though: they provide those thin latex gloves. I recommend bringing your own rubber gloves (not leather or fabric). You’ll also want a hat and sunscreen, because even the late-afternoon sun can burn.

Finally, plan to bring a friend or two. Serving others is much more fun when it is shared. If there is someone you’ve wanted to invite to church, this is a great way to introduce them to us.

Dr. Kenn Gordon, spiritual leader for Centers for Spiritual Living, says, “We believe that prayer changes lives. We also believe that the only way God can accomplish anything is through us–God works in us, through us, and as us. We can pray that the hungry are fed, and we do, but we also need to take action to feed the hungry. We envision a world that is free of homelessness, violence, war, and hunger. World Day of Service is about taking action in our communities around the world so together we can create that world, a world that works for everyone.”

This Saturday, September 14, at 3:30pm we are coming together at North Beach to help clean up our little corner of the world, but in so doing, we recognize that we are part of a global effort. There is so much power in that – plus, we’re gonna have a really good time! I hope to see you there.

For more information, please contact Diane at the Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley 949-240-6463 or media@cslcv.org

It Takes a Village

Just as the old saying goes, "It takes a village to raise a child,"

I believe it also takes a village to build a community of like-minded individuals spreading an impactful message. 

So, what happens when the village goes quiet?

When new ideas are generated, the village gets excited.  Everyone chips in their ideas and their efforts, but as time goes by, life gets busy, excuses form, and slowly but surely, the village gets quiet.  There is always a few die-hards that keep the ideas and efforts going, but they work harder making up for those who have decided to go quiet.

This very blog was an idea spawned by a dedicated few committed to spreading the message of our Center and truly discussing the transformations it has brought to our lives.  We started out strong, but little by little, the messages dropped off, until there was one silent blogger getting the message out.

What I have come to realize is "how you do one thing, is how you do everything."  It was a wake up call for myself.  I know I'm a doer, I know I'm an action-taker, but I dropped the ball on this blog, and I committed a disservice to this Center and to myself.   That said, I have known in the past few months that I have been quiet here, and that I dropped the ball, but I ignored that whisper. 

I have committed to this Center and to myself to "show up" in every aspect of my life.  So, I recommit my time and energies to the very things that I have committed to.  I call myself out. 

So, I turn the tables....where in your life are you not "showing up?"

What have you committed to that you know and recognize that you have dropped the ball?

When you identify it or are called out on it, it's never too late to pick that ball back up, gratefully reengage and honor your commitments.