“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” Albert Einstein
We are reminded each day what a fragile line we walk between peace and conflict. War might look like it’s happening somewhere else, but daily we face inner conflict and turmoil that causes us pain and suffering.
Since our human nature is 98 percent emotional and 2 percent rational, conflict causes a physical feeling of anxiety and an emotional feeling of insecurity. When anxiety is experienced, we have a choice between reacting or reflecting. If we neglect to choose, our default mode is reactive.
The reflective path takes commitment and intention. It cannot be established during the conflict; it is something we have to practice before the conflict takes place. When we are reflective we observe both our own behavior and others. We use that 2% of the rational mind that allows us to feel compassion and love and eventually forgiveness.
There is a lesson in the Course in Miracles that invites us to focus our thoughts: “Peace of mind is clearly an internal matter. It must begin with your own thoughts, and then extend outward. It is from your peace of mind that a peaceful perception of the world arises.” The lesson invites us to notice our fearful, anxiety-producing thoughts and offending personalities or events and repeat a new thought: I could see peace instead of this.
Dr. Wayne Dyer stated it best, “How do you get world peace? You get world peace through inner peace. If you’ve got a world full of people who have inner peace, then you have a peaceful world.”
I am often overwhelmed with the conflicts and issues about our country. I am grateful for this prayer from Ernest Holmes.
My Prayer for My Country
by Ernest Holmes
Believing in the Divine destiny of the United States of America and in the preservation of liberty, security, and self-expression for all, I offer this, my prayer for my country:
I know that Divine Intelligence governs the destiny of the United States of America, directing the thought and the activity of all who guide its affairs.
I know that success, prosperity, and happiness are the gifts of freedom, the Divine heritage and is now operating in the affairs of every individual in this country.
I know that Divine guidance enlightens the collective mind of the people of this country, causing it to know that economic security may come to all without the loss of either personal freedom or individual self-expression.
I know that no one can believe or be led to believe that freedom must be surrendered in order to insure economic security for all.The All-Knowing Mind contains the answer to every problem which confronts this country.
I know that every leader in this country is now directed by this All-Knowing Mind and has the knowledge of a complete solution to every problem. Each is compelled to act upon this knowledge to the end that abundance, security, and peace shall come to all.
And I know that this spiritual democracy shall endure, guaranteeing to everyone in this country personal liberty, happiness, and self-expression. Amen.
“The most fortunate are those who have a wonderful capacity to appreciate again and again, freshly and naively, the basic goods of life, with awe, pleasure, wonder, and even ecstasy.” Abraham H. Maslow
Beyond Van Gogh
Imagine what it would be like during those 3 a.m. wake up sessions to think about a world of possibilities instead of thoughts of fear and dread. Can you imagine letting go of the worries of tomorrow and focus on the infinite possibilities that await us?
What would the world would be like if we took dominion of our thinking and focused on what we want instead of what we don’t want? Can you begin to imagine what it would be like if we lived life from a daily place of gratitude and appreciation?
Our problems won’t magically disappear. But shifting our thinking to what we want will calm the mind, release the stress in our bodies and give us a new outlook. We create new neural pathways in the brain and we are open to new possibilities.
Joe Dispenza states, “Spend time, contemplating who you want to be. The mere process of contemplating who you want to be, begins to change your brain.”
Change your thinking, change your life and imagine what the world could be.
“Cause every night I lie in bed
The brightest colors fill my head
A million dreams are keeping me awake
I think of what the world could be
A vision of the one I see
A million dreams is all it’s gonna take
Oh a million dreams for the world we’re gonna make.”
– A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman
Affirmation: I am willing to change my thinking and imagine an amazing world.
“The purpose of life is the expansion of happiness.” Deepak Chopra
Expansion of Life is the fourth step of exploring the frequency of love.
Letting go
Opening the heart
Vibrating vitality
Expansion of life
When we are able to let go, open the heart, tap into vitality we open to the expansion of life. There is an expanded sense of self and a deepening of our mystical experience. This is divine power.
Living in a world that craves external power, Carolyn Myss reminds us, “Power originates behind your eyes, not in front of your eyes. Once power becomes visible, it evaporates. True power is invisible.”
Expansion is the all-encompassing presence of love. Now we live in the awareness of love as a frequency, a vibration, a presence of grace. We no longer try to possess love but instead learn to live as an expanded sense of self and give love away.
Practice sending love every chance you have. Send energy, send light, send grace. It is all love. Whatever you give out graciously is returned multiplied.
Enjoy the journey.
Affirm: I am grateful for the expansion of love as my life.
“In truth, it is not God who lifts you up. Nor is it me. You lift yourself up as you remember how lovable you are and accept your role in God’s plan.” Paul Ferrini
A Taize Service îs a contemplative time of meditation and music. It is a time to mindfully go within and contemplate what Spirit has to offer.
Our theme this month is Love Without Conditions. February is often thought of as a time of love and romance. But it is much more than that. It is a time of awakening Divine Love and recognizing how much we are loved unconditionally.
Music by Lauri Jones.
Love Without Conditions Taize Service
February 17, 2022 @ 6 p.m.
Unity of Beaverton, 12650 SW Fifth Ave, Beaverton, OR
Love Offering – All proceeds will benefit the Women’s Retreat Scholarship Fund
“Every part of my body is in harmony with the living Spirit within me. The life of this Divine Spirit flows through every atom of my being, revitalizing, reinvigorating and renewing every particle of my physical body.” – Ernest Holmes
I was in the reception area of my chiropractor’s office and overhead a conversation in the hallway. One person said they were not looking forward to their birthday coming up later this month. They dreaded the idea of being another year older and were hesitant to celebrate. Their co-worker agreed.
Their comment stuck with me. I thought about a friend with cancer who gives thanks for every day she has. There are families whose loved ones did not survive the virus and they grieve their loss.
In the world before COVID (B.C.) we took people, plans, experiences and our health for granted. We were comfortable knowing we had plenty of time and energy to do what we wanted, when we wanted. In today’s world, nothing is certain. We are learning to be flexible in a shaky, chaotic world.
In the B.C. world, birthdays could be seen as a nuisance, a reminder we are getting older. In the post COVID world—I say they are a blessing, acknowledging how fleeting and fragile life is.
Perhaps living in our post-pandemic life is less about the outer experiences and more about the inner reflections and opportunities to grow and connect. What brings me joy? Who can I send love to today? What am I grateful for?
When we are grateful we send out a vibration of love. That vibration benefits us and raises the vibration of the planet. Something we need more than ever.
I am grateful for my healthy, vibrant body.
I am gratefully enjoy each day of my life.
I am appreciative of all the ways I am loved and blessed.
