Essential to the Whole

Me with Millions of Snowflakes

I grew up in Saskatchewan, Canada, a place of much snowfall. I remember being enchanted with the idea that no two snowflakes were identical! In all that snow, you would never find an identical snowflake. It was mind-boggling to me then and still is. I later transferred that feeling of wonder to the awesomeness of human beings. There are billions of us, and no two are identical.

Ernest Holmes wrote: "Life has set the stamp of individuality on you.  You are different from any other person who ever lived.  You are an individualized center in the Consciousness of God.  You are an individualized activity in the Action of God." Thoughts are Things  (p. 79.1)

What does it mean to be an individualized activity in the Action of God?

To me it means that God's energy or Life is flowing through everything I do. I am individualizing God's energy by my perceptions, values, beliefs, words and actions.

When I think about the sacred trust that has been given to each being, I am amazed and a little overwhelmed. The creator created me with Its Creative Mind, imbuing that Creative Mind in me, and I do whatever I am moved to do. That many of these choices are not original but rather habitual leads me to question myself; to think about what I think about. I find myself choosing to be entertained through the creativity of others. Thanks to the fantastic array of writers, actors, cinematographers, and all manor of creative geniuses. It is quite humbling. And I am truly grateful to all those beings who said yes to the creative urge within them. 

And occasionally I am moved to think outside the box and let my inner genius come out and play. What should we make today?

One thing that helps me release the feeling of overwhelm or inadequacy is to remember that each being is spiritually magnificent just the way she is and just the way she is not. All beings matter. All my choices matter. I am an essential part of the whole -- and so are you.

Coming Home - Awakening to Spirit

A meeting designed for the new and long term person in sobriety to “reawaken” our connection to spirit, or our Higher Power. We would also like to invite people from all areas of life even those who have never had any problem with drugs or alcohol. It is our belief that people who are new to recovery could benefit from the experiences and support of others from all walks of life.

The format of this meeting will be a general discussion of the problems we face in life finding sobriety day by day and awakening our consciousness to help improve our lives.

1.  We will start with a short quiet meditation.

2.  Those who wish may share about the problems they are facing.  

3.  We will learn how gratitude can help us face these problems.

4.  What and how do we surrender problems to help us awaken to gratitude.

5.  We will learn how to connect with all of our relations for healing.

Facilitated by Gene Stone and Joyce Fournier Stone

Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley, San Clemente California Feb 5, 2016 at 8 AM. 1201 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente, CA 92673 This is a non-smoking facility.

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!

More Is On Its way

A Birthday Bouquet

I have long thought that being a skilled teacher would be an advantage in a ministry such as the Centers for Spiritual Living because there is a great emphasis on taking classes. I have had some wonderful teachers in my life -- great models of creativity, wisdom and love. One such teacher was my father, Gordon Clark. Gordon's major was in mathematics. he had an ability to take the most difficult concepts and simplify them. He was also very patient when students didn't understand quickly. He had a agreed to tutor my then husband every Saturday morning. He would be ready with humor and wisdom for the lesson even when his personal life had taken him "out with the boys until four in the morning." My dad inspired me.

I remember, years ago, a member of the congregation of a Center grilled me on my idea that being a teacher gave me an advantage in a Science of Mind Center. She said that people don't need a teacher because the truth is within them already. I know she spoke the truth and a great teacher helps students discover their own gifts. I believe that is the teacher's job to remind her students of their infinite potential and their worthiness, right now! It is true that we do not need a teacher to put ideas into students' minds. But it is very helpful to have a teacher hold up a mirror to for the student to see her magnificence. And with a good teacher the spiritual  awakening is more rapid.

Many years ago, I was led to see the vision of my future life, of what it could be. That vision has inspired me ever since. I saw myself being celebrated. In the vision, I was several decades older than my present age. I was living by the ocean near a port. there were palm trees all around. I heard people coming to thank me for helping them, for making a difference in their lives, helping them to see who they are and who they have come here to be. Basically I am living my vision now.

And in order to move into the vision, I have had to make many changes. I have had to let go of my present good to open to my future good. Resistance did not help at all it simply prolonged the experience. I simply took the next indicated step. When I have been able to do that, trusting that I live in a friendly universe and that the Source of All wants me to succeed, life has flowed with grace and ease.

For my recent birthday, I received three bouquets of flowers. Each one is beautiful and I did not compare them I simply enjoyed them. A gift of flowers is symbolic of the gift of transformation. With care, some of the flowers will provide beauty for a long time. Other flowers teach us to be in the moment. 

Doing right work for your soul is not the end of the story. You must keep growing and listening to the deep calling within you.

Is there something that is calling you to become? Have you been deeply listening and seeing with your inner eyes? Like me, you may be living your dream now, and get ready, more is on its way!