Write a New Story About Your Name

My sister was named for her grandmothers: Kathryn Anne came from grandma Kate Clark and grandma Anna Burrell.  My brothers each had a string of names, Gerald Roy, Neal and John Douglas Lorne. They were named for my parents' brothers and best friends. My name was chosen romantically.

This is the story that I would ask to have retold again and again. I was born in a small hospital, sixty miles away from our village. My dad couldn't be present for my birth due to Saskatchewan snow storms and a case of the mumps (both he and my sister had the mumps.) Because dad couldn't be present, he sent special flowers. The story I was told and retold was that in the flowers dad sent there was a sprig of heather and the flowers came at dawn. Hence I was named Heather Dawn. I loved that story. I loved my name.

I had never seen heather but I had seen pictures. It was really unimpressive.  In those days Heather was an unusual name and felt quite exotic to a child growing up in the prairies.

Now the name Heather is much more common, but any Heathers I know, like their names! I still like mine but gradually did not treasure its origin as I had once.  Later I traveled to Scotland and found out that heather was actually a weed, growing wild all over the heavenly place. It was usually quite scruffy. I felt I had an okay name but it wasn't special.

Today I had a shift in perspective. Our administrator had a new plant on her desk, given to her by her daughter for Mother's Day. It is unusual. It is exquisite. It is exotic. It is heather.

Me and My Namesake

As soon as I heard that it was heather, I turned to it and affirmed :
"How beautiful you are! How lovely! You are unique and exquisite. The individual blossoms look like tiny fairy trumpets!You are complex and forever unfolding. Your colors are bold and pleasing and yet the shape is quite soft.  You are not at all what I thought you were. Please forgive me for judging you so harshly."

Wow! Then it hit me. The inner me needed to hear those words about myself. I needed to be reminded to forgive myself for judging and not measuring up to my self-imposed expectations. I needed to go back to the wisdom of my inner child, the one who loved romance and felt quite special.

Now, whatever name you go by and whatever you feel about it, this is a great time to recognize your beauty, your loveliness and your uniqueness. This is the day to write a new story about your name which is your nature.

See through the eyes of love.

What to Do When You Are Misunderstood

Last Sunday my Sunday topic was "Living a Life of Character." The book suggested for the month is If You Know Who You Are, You Will Know What To Do, Living With Integrity.  The chapter on "A Life of Character" is about differentiating between the integrity of being true to yourself and living a life that is moral. In the book, author Ronald Greer states that Hitler was a man who was true to his  nature, but lived a life that most of us would consider immoral. I wanted to take a path that was closer to what we teach in the Science of Mind, namely that our nature is one with God, made in His image  and likeness. For me this is about knowing our Goodness and living in our Truth openly.

I chose to open my message with a short video about the heroic life of Malala Yousafzai. This young woman is the epitome of living a Life of Character. because she was passionate about education for everyone, especially women. She courageously wrote about it, even though the Taliban had made it illegal for girls to go to school. She was sought and identified and shot three times by an armed Taliban man. She survived and was the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize, which she received when she was just seventeen years old.

Meanwhile, I have been watching Season 2 of "The Crown" on Netflix. I have  binged but not yet watched the whole season. One of the episodes featured the marriage difficulties between Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. It showed him as quite a ladies man, committed to keeping his philandering ways private and secretive, especially from the Queen. Of course, the press found out and then the whole world knew about his behavior. Then the Queen had to repair her marriage and also to repair their reputation with her subjects. I mentioned in my message that his behavior would be the opposite to living a Life of Character. He was living fearfully and secretively whereas Malala is living her life fearlessly and openly.

Immediately after Sunday's service, one of our members confided she didn't agree with my example. She thought Prince Phillip's actions were illustrating an addiction, not a lack of character. It is quite true one could look at it that way. Then later in the week, someone simply asked for clarification. What did the story have to do with Science of Mind Principles? Both of these people helped me to realize that I had not done a great job of communicating what I intended to say. I am very grateful to both of them.  It might have been interpreted that I was saying that it was immoral to have sex with women to whom he was not married. But that was not what I was attempting to say. (That is very judgmental and does not really illuminate the Principles of the Science of Mind.)

What I was saying is that since we are One with the Source of Goodness and since a synonym for the Divine is Truth.

As Ernest Holmes defines it, " Being Infinite or All, the Truth can have nothing outside itself, other than Itself, or unlike Itself, by which to divide Itself; consequently, the Spirit is Indivisible, Changeless, and Complete within Itself. "

So we are always broadcasting our beliefs about ourselves.  When we think we need to keep our actions secret, we are saying that there is something unacceptable about us. It seems that the answer is obvious.

As Will Rogers once quipped, "Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell  your pet parrot to the town gossip."

Are You Willing to Tell the Truth?

"Courage is a heart word. The root of the word courage is cor -- the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage meant 'To speak one's mind by telling all one's heart.' Over time, this definition has changed, and today, we typically associate courage with heroic and brave deeds. But in my opinion, this definition fails to recognize the inner strength and level of commitment required for us to actually speak honestly and openly about our experiences -- good or bad. Speaking form the heart is what I think of as 'ordinary courage.'"  Brene Brown

This idea moves me to tears. Why? I feel that I have not been speaking from my heart and I want to but am scared to do so at the same time.

This week I was disappointed and discouraged. Discouraged means to be disheartened.We had a relatively small crowd on Sunday. I judged myself as being not good enough. My story is that if I were really doing my job as a Sunday speaker, the room would be packed.

Am I feeling sorry for myself?  Am I blaming the lack of attendance on something other than consciousness? But consciousness is all there is. Whose consciousness? Mine of course. The only thing I ever see is my own consciousness.

Am I measuring my worth by the number of chairs that are filled?  Somewhat.

What do I want?  I want a sanctuary full of life-long learners who are excited about the Truth of their being, who love to be with their spiritual community and who practice and depend upon the Science of Mind principles and the Presence of Love in their lives; I want to know that I make  a difference. 

Now I remember the starfish story: A man was out walking and came across a stretch of beach that was littered with thousands of starfish.The tide was receding and the starfish were beached on the vast expanse of sand. A boy was racing around the beach picking up a starfish and then throwing them into the deep water. The man shook his head at the uselessness of it all asked the boy what he was doing. The boy answered that he was throwing the starfish back into the water so they wouldn't die. The man tried to dissuade the boy, by saying that there were thousands of starfish and only one of him. He could not hope to make a difference. The boy kept doing what he was doing, threw the next starfish into the ocean and and replied, "It made  a difference to that one."

Make a Difference to that One

I want to know that my ministry is making  a difference to the people who participate. I want to know that I am enough. I am enough to inspire, enough to support, enough to enlighten. That my own practice inspires others. My health and vitality inspire others. My stories inspire others. My consciousness inspires others. I want others to be healed of false beliefs simply by being in the same room I am in. (Okay, that may be a fantasy!) I want to glow with Spirit's love, confidence and energy. I want to feel supported even when I make mistakes. I want to feel supported when everything looks good and also to remember I am doing my best when the "ship is sinking." I want to be open and available to connect with others. I want to know that my innermost fears are safe with the ones with whom I share them. I want to love myself no matter what.

I want to remember the times when one person's life was changed because I could see and speak the Truth for them. Honestly, there are many such times to remember. I want to remember that others have also felt discouraged, that I am not alone in my human experience. And I want to remember that the One Source is immediately available,"nearer than breathing closer than hands and feet." 

I want to know that I am contributing to life, that I am a giver and life responds to me through that givingness. I want to be fully engaged in my life not a spectator of it. I want to live whole-heartedly. I want to know that as a human being I have imperfections as well as strengths.

When I started writing, I thought that a person with courage would not be discouraged. A person with heart would never be disheartened. But now I am thinking that a person with courage would be willing to tell the truth. Admit the pain. And then she would get back up, dust herself off and start all over again.

Losing My Peace

Recently, I was nudged backwards in time to my mid-twenties. Although I treasured how smart I was, I was undoubtedly very unenlightened. I have never been much of an athlete, but I was exceptionally good at jumping to conclusions. Many of them were false, some were potentially harmful, and for some of those opinions, the harm was done fifty years ago and is still perpetuating all manner of negativity. I may have worked through the stuff personally, but what happens when strong words affect someone else? Those ideas may still be in someone's subconscious mind.

Let me try to explain.

The other night my younger sister called, very happy that she had finally seen a psychologist for counselling. She sounded so hopeful and free. She said that she had spilled her guts, revealing secrets that she had never told anyone.

She did have some terrible secrets. She had some heart-breaking experiences. 

So she wrote about the two major secrets she had been keeping and sent them to her four siblings. She began the letter by saying that we all had had different parents and she knew that we would not have seen our family the way she saw it. Metaphysically this is true for all families. We each have our own experiences and our memories will reflect our world-view.

I thought I knew about the secrets but was shocked to see that I had played a big part in one of them!  Me--her biggest supporter!         

Right when she needed my love and compassion the most, I made assumptions about the situation that were only partly correct. I judged her.  I scolded her. I belittled her. I probably made her feel worthless. (Hold on a minute, no one can make you feel anything.) My self-righteous words acerbated her feelings of low self-esteem. They helped her feel ashamed and guilty.

It reminded me of one of our core concepts that we can use by examining our motives with the question: "Would you rather be right or would you rather be  healed?" Now I know I would rather be healed.  I know I was not completely heartless. If I had known her whole story, I would have been kinder and more compassionate. But at the time, I was pretending to be Don Quixote, wanting everyone to be respectful and wise. These qualities are great qualities,but maybe disrespect was the perfect way to be in  those circumstances.

This is not the first time I have had to look at how my judgmental, critical self has gotten in the way of deeper intimacy.  However, seeing my actions through the eyes of an injured heart-broken child has given me a gift of self-reflection.

There are three questions you could ask yourself before saying anything. These questions have been attributed to Rumi, Sai Baba, the Quakers, poets and many others. I could not determine who said them originally but they are: "Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?"

In my case, I was not yet self-reflective. The world seemed pretty black or white to me then. I could only have answered yes to the first question and then I only had part of the facts.

When I read her email, I lost my peace. I felt regret and sadness. Then I remembered the power of self-love and self-forgiveness. I remembered that given who I was at the time and what I knew, I did the things that would have been typical for me. If I had known better, I would have done better. 

Now is the time to accept what is. Now is the time to forgive myself. Now is the time to choose to see through a peaceful heart and a quiet mind. Right now I choose to feel hopeful and filled with Divine Guidance.

This was a perfect week to begin our Peace Meditations. I needed it.

This is what I know for certain. It is never too late to make a new decision. Consciousness is always demonstrating itself. Life is good. The Universe is for us, even when we don't know it. Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

Part of our Peace Garden

Living In Alignment With Truth, Sunday Service

I open my entire being to the reality of God/Spirit/Life as that which I am. I live in alignment with my highest truth and know that I am a blessing to the world. And So It Is!

Why Do We End Our Prayers with "And So It Is"

In the book, The Universe is Calling, Eric Butterworth has a chapter titled, 'The Great Amen.' It is a fascinating chapter about the original meaning of the word "Amen." What does it really mean? Butterworth begins by quoting Shakespeare's Macbeth.

"Macbeth is wallowing in guilt and remorse and says: "I could not say 'Amen' when they did say 'God bless us.' But wherefore could I not pronounce 'Amen.' I had the most need of blessing, and 'Amen' stuck in my throat.'"  

Originally 'Amen' which has come to mean, "So be it," meant "This is the Truth."

Think about how powerful that statement is. When we pray, we have unified with a power greater than we know ourselves to be, we have spoken a word of Freedom, Truth, Beauty or Love and then with gratitude we release the prayer with love into Divine Law by confidently saying, "And this is the Truth!"

There have certainly been times in my life when I could not with integrity and certainty say that my words were the Truth. That is why I love our method of prayer so much. Ernest Holmes teaches us to speak the Truth and then, if there are any words which we do not believe, to step by step, deny and repudiate the spiritual necessity for whatever problem we are encountering or entertaining. If it can not be the Truth for God, it cannot be the spiritual Truth for me or you or Macbeth. We may need to quit wallowing in guilt and remorse. We would be better off if we let all those negative feelings go. Do you really need them?

It does not sound like we are hoping that this prayer is effective. We KNOW the prayer is effective. When we know the prayer is effective we let go and let God do Its work in us.

I am writing this blog while on a retreat with my Self Realization Fellowship friends. There are a couple of thousand of us. Meditating with this many people is a powerful experience. Yet often so still and quiet that I feel alone with Source.

Just like we think the SRF folks think, that the ultimate God is within us. They believe that the path to enlightenment is through conscious connection with God. We achieve that union through stillness and meditation.

They have a different view of prayer. They believe in it for certain. Their prayers always end in "Amen."knowing the original meaning of "Amen" is very helpful. We are praying for peace on earth. Amen. We are praying for individuals to have a personal connection with God. Amen to that. We are praying for kindness, respect and compassion in relationships. Amen to that. We are praying to persevere on our path despite any periods of feeling disconnected.

I believe the intention of these prayers could be heard in any temple, church, synagogue, temple, center or ashram. There are more points of similarity than of difference.

Don't Take It Personally

I love how the Universe always supplies us with whatever we need. Next Sunday, my topic is "Don't Take Anything Personally." When I returned from my trip to Canada to visit my mom, I came back to a note  "For Heather only." It was an anonymous hate note. I think the writer's intention was for me to chastise and berate myself. What people say about you speaks volumes about them.

Thankfully, I re-read The Four Agreements on my flight home from Canada.  I was prepared to read from awareness of the inner sacred self and not to form an agreement with the hater to hate more. Self-hatred is the most dangerous kind. I am always at choice to think different thoughts.

Don Miguel Ruiz writes that we are living in a dream in which we have incorrect beliefs about ourselves and therefore about others. 

I am glad that i am awakening to my spiritual magnificence and attempting to stay connected to spiritual truth. I know that the old me, secretly believing that I wasn't good enough, would have tried to protect myself by striking back. (Albeit, somewhat blindly because I don't know who sent the letter.) I definitely would have berated myself for not being a good enough minister. In a way, I invited the criticism because I secretly believed it to be true. That self abuse has to stop now!

As Terry Cole-Whittaker wrote, "What you think of me, is none of my business!" However, what I think of me is really my business! And because what we think about, with feeling, comes about, there must be a matching experience in the world of effects.

Rudyard Kipling first published the poem, If, in 1909. the first verse is:

"If you can keep your head when all about youAre losing theirs and blaming it on you,If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,But make allowance for their doubting too;If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,Or being hated, don't give way to hating,And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:"

Ironically Kipling had a sad and tragic life yet his poem has inspired millions of readers to live a life of hich Don Miguel Ruiz would approve.

The next time you are tempted to feel bad about someone else's opinion of you, I encourage you to ask yourself if the Divine Presence would berate Itself. You know It could not. You are made in It's image and are worthy of good thoughts and experiences.

What's Your Divine Sign?

Signs are important in our day-to-day life. They direct our traffic, point us to the correct restroom and enable the disabled. These, of course, are not the signs I'm referring to. I'm here to write about Divine Signs.

As of this month, I have been working for myself as a programmer for about a year now. I have been blessed with enough work from a single corporate client; however, I'm at the end of the projects and starting to see little to no work in the future. What this means to me: I need to either a) Find another client or b) Find another job.

My wife Amy is an amazing woman. When I discussed this predicament with her she put it plainly, "I don't think you're happy working for yourself. Are you?" Smoke may have come out of my ears at that point -- I mean, for the last year, I believed this was what I wanted, I had gone out on my own and made something of myself. I was building my own business and proving to the world that I could be successful on my own. It took me a week or two (and a lot of meditation) to realize she was right.

After just under an hour in deep meditation I had this feeling of inspiration. I sat down at my computer and started job hunting. To be honest, I was not hopeful, my expertise is in a very old programming language known as Visual Basic. Furthermore, I had done this job hunting multiple times in the past years without any luck. In fact, I couldn't even find VB jobs at all. It took me about 20 minutes of searching before I ran across the absolutely perfect job title for my expertise, "VBA Developer (Excel)"

After clicking on the link and reading the job description I start laughing because it was too perfect. I showed Amy and she agreed, "This job was made for you." she said. The only issue was that the job was located in Michigan, but after discussing it, we both agreed that we would move for the right opportunity. Then I saw the Divine Sign that would change our lives forever ...

On the left-hand side of the job description was the recruiter's contact information. The job recruiter's name: STG. My name is Sean Thomas Greenroyd, the recruitment company IS my initials! My name is literally on this job! We took this as a Divine Sign and I revamped my resume and cover letter and sent it in as soon as I could. Two days later the recruiter called me, I had an excellent interview that Friday and the next Monday they offered me a larger salary than expected with full benefits. Needless to say, I accepted the position.

Sometimes the Truth is muffled because my mind is busy with distractions or fooling me into believing I'm limited. But when I opened to the idea of a new job, it made itself known and when I opened up to the idea of moving to Michigan, the way was already paved. Divinity pointed the way and my action made it possible.

God spoke to me and I answered the call. Will you answer yours?

The Action of Your Love Matters

This week the theme in the Commitment Experiment here at our center is The Action of Your Words is What Matters in Relationships. In contemplating this topic for the last few days I have been inspired to feel it out. By that I mean explore how this idea feels in my life, in my experience, in my relationships with God, myself (and Self), my husband, kids, friends, etc. etc.

So, what I discovered about the action of my words mattering is that this age old, tried and true, truism is true! Again, I discovered this again. It's not like I didn't know it. I realized that there are many sayings that we (join me if this is true for you) toss around, such as:

'Actions speak louder than words'

'Talk is cheap'

'Say what you mean and mean what you say'

'Walk the talk'

"Who you are speaks so loudly, I can't hear what you're saying." 

And then there is the very well used and often fallen back on: Do As I Say, Not As I Do! Who hasn't said that? I dare to suggest that this is not going back on our word, or our intetntion but is a first baby step in changing a habit, or pattern in our lives. It is often easier to start with saying or acknowledging what we know. For instance, I know I should exercise every day, I tell myself that every day... and yet, my actions have not caught up with my words - yet! They will, I know and trust they will because I really, really, really know the value of exercising every day, not just some days,  but every day. So, is that going to make the difference - adding the extra really's to my knowing? It might help, but what is going to make the difference, for me, is taking action - Yes, the "A" word. Action. To me, it means, caring so much, believing enough, trusting that even if it is just for a minute, or five, or twenty it is enough. It is enough to match my actions to my words even in a very small way. Because, walking my talk really does matter to me, experiencing being impeccable with my word empowers me, and I love the breakthroughs that happen in my life when I say what I mean and mean what I say! And, I have found, that when I trust myself it is easier for me to trust others, to trust life. That is the power of Life responding to me!

So, have my words built a stronger case for my actions? Yes, and that makes it easier to match my actions to my words! I say I love you - I believe they are the most powerful words we can say and hear. Hard words to say aloud? Let me show you I love you and we both experience how "the action of your love is what matters". Join me and the spiritual community at the Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley and experience love, joy, beauty, creativity, connection - experience why you matter.

p.s. I really do love you!

Life is a Story

I just finished reading Life of Pi an amazing story about a young boy and a Bengal tiger surviving on a life raft for seven months. Months ago I saw the movie and was struck by how spiritual it was, but is wasn't until reading the book I truly understood how spiritual it is. It has helped me appreciate the Divine Mystery once more.

Near the beginning of the novel, an old man  tells the narrator that he had a story...



 "...that will make you believe in God.
I stopped waving my hand. But I was suspicious. Was this s Jehovah's Witness knocking at my door? "Does your story take place two thousand years ago in a remote corner of the Roman empire?" I asked.
"No."
Was he some sort of Muslim evangelist? "Does it take place in seventh century Arabia?"
"No. no. It starts right here in Pondicherry just a few years back..."

By the end of the novel, I was convinced that the nature of God, not as a magical Presence who interfered in the natural order of things, but of God as Love, Life and full self-expression. The Divine Mystery that is greater than the sum of its parts.

I believe in God. I believe that God is greater than any words can ever articulate, infinite in nature and scope
.
Last Sunday, Dr. Jim Lockard explored the question of the nature of God in his inspirational talk, Defining God. Truly we are reminded that the nature of God is not some old man who whimsically dishes out good or evil based on his changing whims or for no reason at all. Dr. Jim reminded us that the awe-inspiring nature of the Divine is Its activity through us, through our self-assessment, our beliefs, our passion. He also reminded us that our lives are the reflection of our own acceptance of the nature of God.

Now, the story of Pi, on a life raft with a Bengal tiger, did not bring me to the same conclusions. In this story, both in the movie and in the novel, I felt that Pi's Spiritual Experience, (he defined himself as a Hindu, Christian, Muslim), was one of feeling the Presence of Transcendent Love. His faith was based on a Deity, outside himself, who kept him alive  for seven months in a very dangerous situation. He believed in a transcendent God that was outside himself. He had faith in God. The story was about courage, choices, perceptions and love.

Ernest Holmes writes: " Why must we believe? Because God is belief. God is belief, and belief is Law, and Law produces form, in substance. When Jesus explained to his disciples that they had failed to heal because of a lack of faith, they protested that they did have faith in God. Jesus explained to them that this was insufficient; they must have the faith of God. The faith of God is very different from a faith in God. The faith of God IS God, and somewhere along the line of our spiritual evolution this transition will gradually take place, where we shall cease having faith IN and shall have faith OF.Always in such degree as this happens, a demonstration takes place." SOM 317

The charming story of Pi is also about how one perceives or discerns the circumstances and events of his or her life. It is a story of unbelievable courage living on a small life-raft with a dangerous Bengal tiger. Or it may be a story about a devout vegan Hindu boy whose life circumstances brought him in close proximity with bestial danger, and the choices he made to survive. At the end of the novel, people are questioning Pi about his story and asking him to tell what really happened. Pi responds,"Isn't telling about something --- using words, English or Japanese -- already something of an invention? Isn't just looking upon this world already something of an invention?" Then he went on to say, "The world isn't just the way it is. It is how we understand it, no? And in understanding something, we bring something to it, no"? Doesn't that make life a story?"

Yes. Indeed, it is our understanding OF life that determines our experience of it! I know that that understanding grows as we evolve spiritually. What is your understanding of Life? of God? 

I believe in Love, when I see the evidence of it. I see Love when my heart is full of Love.

How do you define God? Do you have faith IN God? or do you have the faith OF God?

Do You Have the Power to Stop God?

Have you ever denied your identity? When I watch one of my favorite musicals, Les Miserables, I am always moved by the goodness of the protagonist, Jean Val Jean. He was a man who was cruelly and brutally incarcerated for stealing a loaf of bread. Released from prison after nineteen years of unjust punishment, he was bitter and angry. He was shunned by everyone he met except for a kindly man of God.

 "Bishop Welcome" as he was known by the people in his area, not only treated Jean Val Jean with kindness,giving him food, clothing and a place to sleep. The Bishop told him he was in God's house and was welcome, treating the former prisoner with respect and brotherly love. Val Jean still hardened from his treatment in jail, stole several expensive pieces of silver from the Bishop. When the gendarmes caught him and took him back to the Bishop, the Bishop told them that the pieces were a gift from him and insisted that he take even more.

 This generous action transformed Jean Val Jean. He made a new life for himself. He was a just and fair man who was still being hunted by Inspector Javert for changing his identity. The clip shows Jean Val Jean's inner struggle when another man was mistaken for Val Jean. He comes to the conclusion, that he must do the right thing, even if it means going back to prison. 

One of the greatest pieces of advice ever given, is found is the play Hamlet, when Polonius is talking to his young son.He advises, "To thine own self be true." What great advice especially if we know who we really are. 

Many years ago, when I was starting out on my spiritual path, I attended a spiritual personal development course, called On Course. During the course, the facilitators, Michael and Paulette Sun, helped people realize their inherent goodness, their infinite possibilities, their God nature. Filled with compassion, I was flooded with tears with each person's awakening. 

Then Michael came to me and asked quietly, "You really see the goodness, truth and beauty in all of these people don't you Heather?" I nodded. 

He went on, "You see that each one is a powerful God being filled with God qualities.?"Again I agreed. 

Then he said, "But you don't really feel that you are worthy, lovable and capable, do you?" I agreed again. 

Then he said, "Do you know how arrogant that is?" I was dumfounded! Tender-hearted me, being accused of being arrogant!I looked at him speechlessly. I had no idea what he meant. 

He went on, "You believe that you are the one human being, on the entire planet, who is separate from God! You are strong enough to stop the Creator of the Universe from doing what It does! You stop it from being God in you!" 

 Something in me, heard him with new ears. I got it. My shoulders dropped. I felt filled with Peace. I was transformed. His honesty and perception gave me a gift greater than silver candlesticks; he gave me  a glimpse at my true identity.

Who am I? I am Heather Dawn Clark, made in the image of Truth, Beauty and Good. Who do you think you are?

Namaste

Religion 101: Spiritual Not Religious

Which of the world’s religions most accurately defines me as a person?

One of my very favorite parts of the service is in the very beginning. “Lighting the Flames of Faith, a Call to Service” when a reverend will light a candle for each of the world’s religions

“We perform this ceremony at the start of Sunday service to promote the universal consciousness of Life which acknowledges that all peoples and all faiths, all sentient beings, come from the One Great Universal Presence, which we call Spirit. Fundamental to this truth is the unifying nature of all Religious thought and experience, which we honor here today.”

It also makes me giggle a bit. I think of “Religion 101.“

It’s spring 1986. I am looking through the college catalogue to pick my classes for my first semester. I choose Religion 101. It not only provides me an opportunity to examine my beliefs but also fulfills a Humanities requirement.

Fall arrives and I’m a freshman in Religion 101 and our first paper is due. I diligently read all the reading assigned and proceed to answer the essay questions. I’m confused. My studies didn’t give me the world religion sampler platter I was anticipating.

I have vague, very vague, memories of those reading assignments, scattered pages across multiple obscure titles in the dusty section of the library, some selections just a page or a paragraph each. Something about a pole and everything revolving around the center ...

I was just wondering if I should remain a Catholic or maybe check out the Unitarian Church down the street?

Does it matter? Is church just a way to ruin a perfectly good Sunday. I remember going to church with my “Protestant cousins” and was shocked when I discovered we sang and recited from the very same missalette. Maybe we weren’t that different?

Does organized religion have anything to offer me?

In a panicked scramble that I failed my first paper and a desire to tell the professor that I AM LOOKING FOR ANSWERS HERE I end up furiously writing a 17 page stream-of-consciousness rambling missive of my religious beliefs sprinkled with a few incidences of psychic phenomenon. I run to the professors office to deliver this masterpiece. I blurt out a few incomprehensible statements and run off to my next class.

Now I cringe just thinking of the babbling dither that was on that paper. But I was honestly looking for answers and all I knew to do was to look at my personal history.

The following Monday our papers were handed back. My paper had received an A. After all that ... my paper was fine. Wish I understood it.

I was feeling a bit exposed in class. I settled down and realized this class was probably not going to be guiding my personal decisions. I had assumed that a religion professor, someone who had devoted ones life to the study of religion, would pick the best one.

Throughout the semester the professor revealed he had practiced about 44 religions up to this point and the last one he mentioned I was sure I read about in the paper. They were accused of behaving very inappropriately with one another on some international plane flights and they wore a lot of red.

I resolved to never let myself get that crazy.

It’s much different now. I’m not looking for a label. Labels I did wear in the interim “Spiritual Not Religious” or "Recovering Catholic." But I have come to believe that Truths are repeated across centuries, civilizations and religions. I can appreciate them dressed in whatever tradition they come.

For me ... it’s in that candle lighting ceremony.

“Fundamental to this truth is the unifying nature of all Religious thought and experience, which we honor here today.”

And that’s why I’m here. To get a piece of that.

Peace.

What is the path that led you here?

You Can't Fully Prosper With Beliefs Like That!

My Potted Azalea Last Year

Several years ago, at the top of the housing market, I succumbed to the lure of buying a condo that I didn't love or even like. Real estate prices were rising so fast I fell into the urgency of that market, thinking this would eventually become my savings for my future. 

People were pleased for me. Many people poured their love on me -- they helped make the home brighter and lighter by painting, cleaning, papering the cupboards, installing screens and doors.I felt so loved by the members of my community who wanted the best for me. I was very grateful but at the end of the day, my heart sang with gratitude for the people in my life but not for my home.

The home was still dark, damp and cold. Although there was a small patio, there was no place where the sun reached. I knew inside that I had compromised.I was not being true to myself. I was not living my dream. One of the turning points was to look at my patio to see a couple of potted plants that had only weeks previously been full of healthy blooms, now looking bedraggled and forlorn. I believe they were reflecting my consciousness.

Two years ago I started listening to my heart's desires to live somewhere beautiful! After three floods and a crash of the housing market, I finally woke up to the fact that this condo would never provide me with good, because I didn't love it. I tried to love it. Sometimes I got close. 

The Church of my Childhood

Perhaps you can relate. I believe it is very important to be living your dream. That means to pay attention to what you really love and do it. It is really loving yourself. No matter how much love is poured on you by others, you will never bloom fully until you are fully loving yourself: loving without restrictions or conditions; telling the truth to yourself; saying yes to the voice of the great I AM. 

There is an old gospel song that we sang in the church choir when I was a kid, "There is sunshine in my soul today." I loved that song then. (It no longer fits my musical taste or beliefs but the feeling of being filled with joy is still important.) It is really the sunshine of your soul that makes everything flourish! 

For some people shade is pleasant and soothing. I am not one of those people. I like living in  the light. Spiritual living is living in the light.

I finally realized that no matter how painful it was to give up, to quit trying to make something work, it was even more painful to stay where I felt imprisoned. I decided to put the condo on the market even though the market price was much lower than what i owed on it. It was scary and it was worth it. Last year I moved to a large condo that is filled with light. My patio is filled with beauty. The potted plants not only survived the move, they thrived from the move.

Nature does not withhold our good from us. We do it to ourselves when we  are living from the world of effects. Looking back I see that I was originally motivated by fear and greed. Fear of never being a home owner again and greed to cash in on the inflationary market. Of course, I could never fully prosper with those beliefs as my initiating causation. I had to let go and tell myself the truth. When I did, the entire Universe conspired to make my dreams come true. 

Nature is a big show off. My potted plants and I love our new location. My heart is filled with sunshine and my home reflects the beauty and sunshine of my soul.

We've got Spirit, yes we do. We've got Spirit, how about you?

Cheering for Oneness

 

The theme of the month at Center for Spiritual Living, Capistrano Valley is Upcycling.  For this past Sunday, "Trash Talk" was the topic of Dr. Heather Clark's message.

In rivalries, taunting others with "Trash talk" can have a smidge of truth in a mindset.  If we are in a way of thinking that does not encompass Allness, a sense of separation can sneak in and create a dramatic tension between two sources. 

Especially in the ways of religious thinking, is one direction or belief better than another?  Each person who has come here to reside on Earth is following their own path.  If the path is laden with a way or belief that isn't agreeable to someone else, it may be difficult to believe that path is one leading to salvation or Awareness.

What if that path leads to a place of pain or discomfort?  Sometimes it's hard to humanly understand these times of sorrow, however, just know that Divine Right Action takes place in every situation.  Sometimes out of great pain, a revelation is born, which may not have been revealed if not for the painful journey.  When we are Spiritually guided we know when Divine Right Action requires our participation or not.

In the title, "We've got Spirit, yes we do... How about you?",we don't need to "Trash Talk" about any other religion or belief system.  All we should know is Spirit is working through each and every one of us.  There are many individuals who are deeply rooted in Spirit in several faiths.  With their wisdom, they can touch those who are congregants of their places of worship.  It can be likened to speaking different languages, some may not hear it spoken in this way of thinking, but it’s completely clear in that one.  Or, at their time of life, they may not have heard it in their 20's, but it's crystal clear in their 30's.  So, if you find yourself questioning, “Why can’t they see it my way?” fret not, they are seeing it their way, in their own time.  We may be Divinely guided to act in their unfoldment, but ultimately, our highest calling is to know Truth.

Q: “We’ve got Spirit, yes we do! We’ve got Spirit, how about you?
A: “We’ve got Spirit, yes WE do! We’ve got Spirit, we All do!”

Submerged in Light

Submerged in Light

   Every morning(on the way to school), I listen to music. It calms me. It doesn't have to be spiritual or meditative music and usually isn't, but something I feel peaceful listening to. And, I usually do this whilst staring out the window, observing the landscape whizzing past me in a blur of dull, gray road, the occasional garden, and a flash of golden, morning light bursting through silver clouds. It is truly my relaxing way to spend the twenty to twenty-five minute drive to school. As you can see, above there is a picture of a double rainbow. The picture above was taken on one damp, cold October morning on my phone while I sat in the front seat of the car, rocking out to some tunes. I remember the morning vaguely, but I can recall the exact song I was listening to while this photo was captured. The song was Vanilla Twilight, written by none other than Owl City, and in that moment when the song came on, I watched as this beautiful manifestation shot out before me in a beam of brilliance.   

"When violet eyes get brighter/

And heavy wings grow lighter/

I'll taste the sky and feel alive again/

And I'll forget the world that I knew/

But I swear I won't forget you."

 There are many days and occasions when I remind myself that the light is always there, and Spirit is always expressing as me and in the beauty I experience or encounter. But, sometimes it really takes that extra unf to truly see it for myself. And those moments, when you realize you are supported by the Universe, or loved unconditionally, or in my case that the Light is always there, are so important. Those moments express the Universe reacting to your thoughts and needs. And in that moment of pure bliss when you relax into the realization and know that you are encompassed by the Universe's gifts, as when the sky's magnificence exploded around me and the music was in perfect alignment that day, it can leave you in awe(it raised the hairs on the nape of my neck) and leave a positive impression on you as does a hand print in the sand. 

   Every morning when being driven to school(during this season), the sun is hidden behind the thick, wet fog, and it leaves me wondering when the sun will come out. It drops me into a state of cloudy thoughts and a misty, negative mind set. But, when the sun peaks through the clouds, I remember that no matter how thick the fog is, the sun is always there just behind it waiting to shine its light upon me. That is a comforting thought. So, while writing an entry in my journal the other day, I wrote this down and thought it matched perfectly with what this week has consisted of: reminding myself-that the light is always there, and love is ever-expanding. 

"Even though our doubts and fears fill our throats with silence and a throbbing starts in our chests, the fog will always lift up. It seems like basic knowledge when you’re done experiencing it, but while you stare up into the endless hidden sky, it seems as if you know nothing but the lingering cloud mass engulfing the world around you. And, once the sun shines through and relief catches your breath, you realize in the end that no matter how thick or dark it may seem, the fog will always find a reason to leave." 

No one mourns the wicked

No one mourns the wicked.

Yes, Goodness knows
The Wicked's lives are lonely
Goodness knows
The Wicked cry alone
Nothing grows for the Wicked
They reap only
What they sow
-Stephen Schwartz -

Upon viewing the performance of Wicked in Los Angeles about 4 years ago, I remember noticing the metaphysical connections in the lyrics.  Upon viewing the performance for the second time last night in Orange County, I was reminded how it is a great story of the mass consciousness of good and evil.  I liken it to the Taoist parable:"Who knows what is good and what is bad."  In it a farmer has events occur in his life where a neighbor labels "bad", only to realize a fortunate outcome.  All along the farmer is stating, "Who knows what is good and what is bad."

In the lyrics above, the citizens have a collective agreement (mass consciousness) the witch is wicked and lonely, she is "bad" and she gets what she deserves.  They are not able to see the underlying goodness she has done.  They refuse to see it and they have no capacity to accept her goodness.  It's a classic example of duality, that good and evil exists. The witch's actions have always been about doing good, righting wrongs, and fighting for a cause but the citizens only see her as "bad."

Because she is blamed, discouraged or shunned, at one point the witch is in agreement with the citizens singing, "No good deed goes unpunished, all helpful urges should be circumvented."  Deep in her heart she knows her Truth; however, she enters into the mass consciousness of duality.

Then, in the end, the strength of her Truth prevails.  The citizens believe she has died.  She collaborated, with her love, to fake her own death.  Her love, who she turned into a scarecrow to save him from a human death, reunites with her.  The scarecrow and the witch leave the land of OZ together with the decision to not tell anyone, even their friend, the good witch.  They know the citizens wouldn't have the capacity to know the wicked witch still exists.

A line in the lyrics, "Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?" brings up a topic of who we truly are and who we become.  We are all born Good.  Throughout our development we may have entered into an agreement of not being so.  If this is the case, it's time to come back home to the Truth, the knowingness that It's All Good. In the Science of Mind, Ernest Holmes writes, "We experience good and evil because we perceive a presence of duality rather than unity." "The time must come when we shall have left the apparent evil behind; when it shall be rolled up like a scroll and numbered with the things which were once thought to be." Mourning the wicked ("bad") thoughts makes way for a better sense of clarity, an understanding of Universal Principles (we are all One) and the Law of Attraction (reap what you sow). 

Today see only the Goodness of God.