One of the greatest benefits of spiritual practice is the experience of stillness.This experience can be described as a feeling of at-one-ment, of being fully present or experiencing an extra layer of awareness grounded in peace. We don’t have to be absolutely still to get to the heart of stillness. All that is required is reverence for whatever is in this moment and an ability to forget everything else.

We often think of forgiveness as a grand act in response to a great offense; certainly, this is an important aspect of forgiveness. Yet, forgiveness is also an everyday tool for even the slightest of slights. When we don’t practice everyday forgiveness, those slights and nicks may not seem to affect us at the moment, but they can add up which leads to a sense of victimhood, burnout, and resentment.

There are notions about meditation that are simply not true—there must be absolute silence and no distractions; it must take a long time; your mind races too fast to accomplish its purpose; it’s hard to do. Meditation is the ability to appreciate what is in the present moment. When we do this, it anchors us in the now rather than reverting back to old perceptions of what has been. It opens us up to what really is and can be.

Affirmative prayer is the key tool of the Science of Mind practitioner. It is by affirmative prayer that we acknowledge our relationship with a higher power, and with that knowledge, look at our lives and affirm what that means. This contributes to the health of our bodies, relationships, self-image, and vision. Affirmative prayer is a means to manifest, see clearly, and live authentically.

Perhaps the greatest promise of Science of Mind is not only in the existence of a higher power but by also improving our relationship with this Power, we can change our lives for the better. This Power is present and willing if we are present to it, ready for renewal.  

Beyond the many plans and goals of our worldly lives, we are all called to a pilgrimage. It is the pathway to the Sacred and to all that is represented by the Christmas manger. Embrace this great journey and actualize ever-greater dimensions of our spiritual birthright.

These words are uttered by distraught George Bailey in the movie as he experiences a crisis. How do we open ourselves more fully in balanced times or crises to feel Divine guidance? 

In this episode, our lead ministers, Michelle Medrano and Josh Reeves check in with each other and discuss the holidays.

Using the storyline from the holiday favorite It’s A Wonderful Life, we explore a deeper commitment to the wonderful aspects of life and the holiday season.

There are spiritual techniques that can take us outside of clock time and into a sense of eternity. These glimpses of eternity help us return to our busy lives with a grander sense of a time that is not fleeting but Sacred and changeless.  This may be what we long for this holiday season.