Back to Basics: the Thing Itself

The First Sacred Secret: Live with a Spiritual Vision

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:16:51 GMT

We all have goals — things we want to achieve, places we want to go, experiences we want to have. But there’s a big difference between chasing outcomes and living from a vision. One is rooted in the external world and often leaves us feeling exhausted and unsatisfied. The other arises from a deeper place — a spiritual vision — and when we align with that, life begins to unfold with more ease, grace, and meaning.

In The Four Sacred Secrets, Sri Preethaji and Sri Krishnaji remind us that living with a spiritual vision isn’t about adding one more thing to our already busy to-do list. It’s about waking up to why we are here and allowing that deeper awareness to guide every choice, every interaction, and every creation. A spiritual vision becomes our inner compass. It’s not about what we want to achieve; it’s about who we are here to become and how we want to serve.

Science of Mind teaches the same principle. Ernest Holmes wrote, “Life is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it.” The inner vision we hold — that deep, consistent image of ourselves and our place in the universe — shapes the outer circumstances of our lives. When we hold a vision rooted in love, service, abundance, and divine purpose, we naturally magnetize experiences that align with that consciousness.

For me, this is really about being mindful of where I put my energy. Am I spending my time and attention fussing over things I can’t control? Or am I focusing on the things that bring me joy and expand my heart? The truth is, wherever we place our focus, we create more of that — so why not make it something that lights us up?

We recently held a community visioning at Light on the Mountains, and one of my favorite things about group visioning is how aligned the responses always are. There’s something so powerful about witnessing Spirit speak through many voices with one shared heartbeat. As you call forth your perfect full-time minister, you already hold a collective vision of what you want this community to be. And now, it’s time to be that — to embody the Infinite and sacred community you envision: living love, joy, connection, and wholeness right here, right now.

This Sunday, Sara Gorman will be speaking, and she shared a beautiful quote from Paul Selig’s book I Am the Word: “I see with the eyes of the Christ.”

Sara reminds us that “this is similar to the meaning of Namaste — ‘the God in me sees the God in you.’ When we learn to see with the eyes of the Divine within us, we begin to see only the Divine everywhere.” And what a beautiful spiritual vision that is — not just for ourselves, but for our community and the world.

This week, I invite you to pause each morning and ask yourself, “What vision am I choosing to live from today?” Notice how your thoughts, choices, and interactions shift when you consciously anchor yourself in that higher awareness. And as you move through your day, practice “seeing with the eyes of the Divine” — in yourself, in others, and in every situation. You might be surprised at how much more beauty, connection, and possibility reveals itself when you do.

Remind yourself: “I see with the eyes of the Christ.”

The First Sacred Secret: Live with a Spiritual Vision

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:15:44 GMT

If you missed class on Tuesday night, you’re in luck — the journey has only just begun! The first session was rich, engaging, and full of heart. We had an amazing turnout, and I’m so grateful for everyone who showed up. My sincere apologies to those who tried to join us on Zoom and couldn’t get in. I had no idea my plan had a limit on attendees — but that’s been fixed! We now have plenty of space for everyone to join us, whether you’d like to be with us in person at Light on the Mountains or tune in from the comfort of home.

And just a gentle reminder: this is a FREE class offered as part of our Stewardship campaign — a gift from our Leadership Council to our whole community. ALL ARE WELCOME.

The Second Sacred Secret: Discover Your Inner Truth

It’s so easy, isn’t it, to look outside ourselves and point to all the reasons why life is the way it is. We can spend a lot of time blaming circumstances, other people, the past, or even the state of the world. But the deeper spiritual invitation — the one that leads to real transformation — is to look within.

Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “But I’m not responsible for _________ (fill in the blank).” And you may be right. Yet the deeper truth is this: while we may not be responsible for everything that happens, we are always responsible for how we respond. That is where our power lives.

Real growth happens when we have the courage to be radically honest with ourselves — to pause long enough to notice what’s really going on inside, how we’re truly feeling, and how we’re reacting to what’s happening around us.

Think about it:

How often do we complain to our best friend about our partner, instead of sitting down and having an honest, heartfelt conversation with the person who upset us?
How often do we whine about our job, rather than recognizing we have the power to choose — to seek something new, or to shift our perspective and find gratitude for the opportunities it provides?

Every time we turn inward and take responsibility for our inner world, we reclaim our creative power. We stop being victims of life and start becoming conscious participants in it. That’s the spiritual work — and the invitation of this teaching.

Here’s a practice to help you Discover Your Inner Truth: take time to gently and honestly explore what’s true for you. Notice where you might be reacting instead of responding. Pay attention to the stories you’re telling yourself and whether they still serve you. And most importantly, give yourself permission to tell yourself the truth — even if it’s uncomfortable.

The more willing we are to look within, the more freedom, peace, and possibility we create in our lives. Your inner truth is not something you need to find “out there” — it’s already within you, waiting to be seen and lived.

The Second Sacred Secret awaken to Universal Intelligence

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:14:33 GMT

The Third Sacred Secret: Awaken to Universal Intelligence

How are you in relationships?

I know, that might sound like an odd question — but really, how we show up in our relationships says a lot about how we’re showing up in our relationship with the Divine.

Ernest Holmes once said, “Everything we see—plants, animals, humans, every visible thing—is a manifestation of God, differing only in degree. And every manifestation contains, in essence, the whole, just as one drop of ocean water holds the same essence as the entire sea.”

If I believe that’s true — and I do — then everything and everyone I’m in relationship with (including myself) is the Divine in form.

Two Lenses, Two Lives

I tend to see my life through two lenses.

The first lens is from the time when I didn’t know I was connected to anything greater — the years filled with pain, emotional and physical abuse, and a lot of numbing through alcohol and drugs.

The second lens began when I discovered The Science of Mind teachings through Religious Science (now Centers for Spiritual Living). That’s when I found sobriety and started to actually feel my connection with everything around me.

Before that awakening, my relationships — with others and with myself — were rooted in self-doubt, fear, dislike (sometimes even hatred), and a deep sense of not belonging. I didn’t like myself, so I attracted partners who reinforced that image. I didn’t respect myself, so I didn’t get much respect in return. And when I finally walked away, I’d find someone new who mirrored the same story right back to me.

So What Changed? Me.

Fast forward — I’ve now been with my husband for 22 years, married for 19. Before him, my relationships rarely lasted more than eight years. I used to joke that my longest relationships were with my dogs.

Back then, I lived in a constant state of hurt, judgment, and avoidance. All relationships start with promise (otherwise, why start them at all?). But once the “honeymoon” fades, those little comments, gestures, and annoyances start to sting. And since most of us were never taught how to actually talk about our hurts, we bury them.

And you know what buried hurts become? Mountains. Because molehills don’t stay small forever. Once we start judging or labeling our partner, it’s not long before we start wondering why we’re even in the relationship at all — forgetting that this is the same person we were once crazy about.

How I Finally Broke the Cycle

So how did I move from abusive, toxic relationships to a marriage built on love, respect, and mutual cherishing?

First, I had to find myself.

No one on this planet — soulmate or otherwise — can complete you. You have to complete yourself. You have to love yourself so fully that anyone who comes into your life is simply the icing on your cake.

If you expect someone to fill your empty spaces, you’re setting yourself (and them) up for disappointment. No one can live up to unspoken expectations — especially the ones we don’t even realize we have.

Once you’ve found yourself and meet someone who sparks your interest, be honest. Be open. Be vulnerable. It’s not easy, but when you show up authentically from the start, there are no surprises later. And if your truth scares someone away, they weren’t your person.

Don’t shrink yourself to fit into a relationship. You’ll only resent it later — and trust me, if you get married, divorce isn’t cheap (financially or emotionally).

And maybe most importantly: don’t project your emotions onto your partner — or anyone else. Learn to pause and ask yourself, What’s really going on here? Then do the inner work to move through it. Because when you do, you’ll find yourself living from a place of peace, love, and authentic connection — a true reflection of the Divine within you.

And for those of you who’ve already figured this out — thank you for lighting the way. I’m beyond grateful to finally be living what I used to only hope for: a relationship built on love, honesty, and laughter.

The Fourth Sacred Secret: Practice Spiritual Right Action

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:12:04 GMT

So, what is Spiritual Right Action?

In The Four Sacred Secrets, Spiritual Right Action “is performed when we’re no longer desperately trying to control the flow of life but, instead, are responding to life as it arises from a powerful state of consciousness.”

That, in and of itself, is a powerful spiritual practice.

Speaking for myself, the real question becomes: Can I give up my doubts, my fears, my monkey mind, and step into the absolute knowingness that I am always connected to that which created all, is all, sees all, and knows all?

I’m good at this when life is going well. But when I’m thrown a curveball, I sometimes forget. I want to start controlling people, places, and things — because in that moment, I evidently think I know more than, as Ernest Holmes so lovingly called it, The Thing Itself.

When Life Throws a Curveball

Recently, as many of you know, our bank account was hacked. By the time I caught it, the hackers had taken over $7,000.

I’ll be honest — I got caught up in the fear, the anger, and the guilt. Yes, guilt. Because as smart as I like to think I am about scammers and hackers, I had let them into my account.

It took three long days and a mountain of frustration to finally get fraud tickets issued with my bank. Once that happened, I went from feeling like a victim to just feeling… numb.

On the fourth day, I was pulled out of my funk by an amazing community of people whose energy helped lift me. Then, on the fifth day, I wrote a letter to God. I said:

“I know my money that was removed from my account is put back easily and effortlessly, and it is done quickly.”

I dissolved my inner conflict and let it go.

On day six, all the money was returned to our account.

What I Learned

What I realized — finally — was that not only had the hackers stolen our money, I had let them steal my peace of mind. I had let them pull me away from my faith and fill me with doubt, fear, and self-recrimination.

The truth is, my emotions and my responses to what life throws at me are my responsibility.

I’m not suggesting we avoid our emotions. I’m suggesting we become acutely aware of them — and then consciously decide whether we’re willing to change how we feel about something.

How I Return to My Sense of Self

Here are the steps I use to move through stuck emotions and return to the knowingness of my innate perfection:

I let myself feel what I feel. I don’t cover it up or mask it. My human self is allowed to express its hurt and pain. But I don’t build a house there and hang pictures on the wall, becoming a permanent victim of the experience.
When I’m ready, I choose to heal the feeling. Holding on to emotions that don’t serve me keeps me out of the present moment — and can eventually manifest physically.
I journal. Getting the story out of my head and onto paper gives it shape and space, rather than letting it run on an endless loop inside me.
I reach out for support. Sometimes that means a therapist, sometimes a prayer practitioner, sometimes a trusted friend.
I talk to God. I may write a letter or simply speak out loud, but I always bring it to that Higher Intelligence.
I let it go. This can be the hardest part. And yet, at some point, I must decide: Is my happiness worth more than staying stuck? So far, the answer has always been YES.

Why It Matters

We can’t create — or be truly creative — when we’re in a state of inner conflict.

Finding our Sense of Self isn’t just a gift we give ourselves (though that is reason enough). It’s also a gift to the people around us. Our energy matters. The vibration we put into the world makes a difference.

So I ask you:

What impact are you having on your own well-being?

Loving the Unlikable: Decoding Unlikability

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:09:57 GMT

We Believe in the Unity of ALL Life

In October 1927, in the very first issue of Science of Mind magazine, Ernest Holmes published what became The Science of Mind Declaration of Principles: What We Believe. In it, he wrote:

“We believe in the unity of all life, and that the highest God and the innermost God is one God. We believe that God is personal to all who feel this Indwelling Presence.”

Did you catch that? He didn’t say some—he said all.

That’s a pretty tall order: to believe in the unity of all life and to know that people who don’t think, act, or believe like me still have a personal relationship with God. And yet, that’s exactly what Holmes invites us into—a consciousness where everyone is part of the Divine whole.

But how do we live that out in a world divided around, well… almost everything?

Let’s start with the basics. Remove our outer layer—the skin around our frame—and we’re pretty much the same. I know, I know, some of you just jumped to, “But what about this… or that…?” Sure, there are differences, but overall, we’re far more alike than different on the inside.

Did you know that we humans are born with only two innate fears?
1️⃣ The fear of falling
2️⃣ The fear of loud noises

That’s it. Every other fear is learned—through experience, conditioning, or culture.

Think about that for a moment. Every other fear, phobia, or dislike, we’ve picked up along the way. And that’s okay—unless we use those learned fears to make other people wrong.

I have my list of things I don’t like (don’t we all?). But the real question is: when do my dislikes keep me from listening to another person?

I personally got off social media because it proved toxic for my soul. Recently, I learned something that confirmed my choice: outrage equals engagement, and engagement equals profit. Algorithms are designed to feed us what keeps us angry—not what keeps us kind or connected. I’m not saying you have to do the same, but I do think it’s wise to be aware.

So what if, the next time someone says something you disagree with, instead of rushing to your “side,” you paused—listened—became curious—and asked kind questions?

Because here’s the truth: We the People are the only ones who can stop the wildfire of hatred, misinformation, and unlikability that’s spreading through our world.

This isn’t a political rally cry. It’s a call to simple human decency, respect, and honor.

We believe in the unity of ALL life.

I wish I could tell you I’m really good at this—but the truth is, I’m still a work in progress.

How about you?

Loving the Unlikable: The Beneathness

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:08:33 GMT

“But the person who goes deeply into [their] own nature will find that God speaks in a language more subtle than the human language, without a tongue, in that universal language of spiritual emotion which is instinctive in humanity, and in brute, and held in common by all civilization, by all creation, by all people who have lived—the universal language of emotion, sense, feeling, intuition, instinct. Sometimes we call it conscience, sometimes we call it a hunch, sometimes we call it a vision, a dream. It makes no difference what we call it. It is a direct revelation of Omniscience through us.” ~Ernest Holmes, Can We Talk to God?, p. 11.4

I sometimes forget the sage wisdom of Ernest Holmes until I stumble upon a passage like this—something I may have read before but somehow missed. His words are both mystical and deeply practical.

Reading this again today, I realized I had no memory of the quote. And yet, it feels brand new and achingly familiar at the same time. That’s the beauty of spiritual growth: we meet truth again and again, each time with new eyes, a new heart, a new awareness.

Holmes reminds us that beneath the words, beneath the personalities and differences, there’s a shared language—the universal current of emotion, sense, feeling, intuition, and instinct. It’s the pulse of God expressing through all creation.

And maybe that’s what it means to love the unlikable—to look past the surface of behavior or belief and listen for the beneathness, that subtle divine language within every soul. When I pause long enough to hear it, judgment softens. Compassion rises. Love expands.

The practice, of course, is not always easy. It asks us to sit in discomfort, to breathe through irritation, to remember that every person—yes, even the ones who push our buttons—is an expression of the Infinite. To love the unlikable doesn’t mean to condone harm or ignore boundaries; it means we seek to understand the divine spark beneath the behavior. That’s the work of consciousness, and it’s the heart of spiritual maturity.

Today, I began a new journey of self-discovery—a 13-month mentorship program exploring multiple modalities of spirituality and healing. When asked what my intention was, I said, “To become an open channel for God; to be a safe space where others may discover their own divinity.” For me, it’s like jumping off the edge of my comfort zone and free-falling into the abyss, trusting that the universal language of the Divine will guide me as I build my net on the way down. That’s faith in action—the willingness to live from the beneathness, trusting the unseen currents of Spirit to hold and guide me.

That’s the invitation of “the beneathness”—to dwell in the depth where God still whispers, beyond words, beyond reason, beyond resistance.

Today, may we choose to listen beneath the noise and remember the universal language of Love.

Loving the Unlikable: Opinions, Facts, or Truth?

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:07:04 GMT

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Opinions are like… noses; everybody has one.” Our opinions are shaped by our individual experiences. They are our personal beliefs about things, and our beliefs are formulated over time based on our likes, dislikes, and perceptions.

When I was in sixth grade, I had an experience where I was ostracized by all the girls who had been my “friends.” The episode may have lasted only a few weeks, but in my memory it felt like months. From that experience, I created a belief that girls—women—could not be trusted. I believed I had to guard my feelings and emotions, because others might use them against me.

That belief became an opinion about people, based on something that really happened. The fact was, those girls did exclude me. The opinion was, “women can’t be trusted.”

Facts can be tricky. A fact is something that appears to be objectively verifiable — something measurable, observable, or commonly agreed upon. And yet, facts change. What was once considered factual in science, culture, or even in our own memories can shift as new information emerges.

Over time, I came to see that my sixth-grade experience was one small event, not a universal truth. I created new experiences (new “facts”) and discovered that women could, in fact, be some of the most loyal and loving friends imaginable.

In The New Thought Dictionary, Truth is defined as:

“In its universal sense, The Truth means God, Spirit, Reality; in a lesser sense, the word truth designates anything that is true – a psychological truth, a spiritual truth, a physical truth.”

And in The Basic Ideas of Science of Mind, Ernest Holmes reminds us:

“We need to keep clearly in mind the difference between a fact, something that is evident and concrete, and a truth, that which everlastingly is, whether we can see it or not.”

So, I had a very human experience (a fact) and created opinions based on those facts. Yet the Truth remains: God is over us, around us, through us, and as us. We experience our Divinity at the level of our consciousness.

As souls ever expanding, I wonder sometimes if humanity is still learning the same lessons, over and over. History repeats itself—not because Truth changes, but because we forget to apply it.

It’s said that the average American now consumes about 34 gigabytes of information a day. That’s an extraordinary amount of data to process! With so much information coming at us, discernment becomes a spiritual practice. Discernment helps us ask: Is this information true or merely opinion? If it’s fact, what is it based on? Will it still be a fact six months from now? And it reminds us: It’s always okay to change your mind when you receive new facts. Change is the one constant of life on this earthly plane.

In the introduction to the 1938 edition of The Science of Mind, Ernest Holmes wrote:

“We are not bound by precedent. We are not slaves to any tradition. The revelation of Truth is not closed to the human mind.

We are open to the influx of new thought, to the receptive awareness of new ideas.” He later condensed that to the phrase we know so well: “Open at the top.”

This doesn’t mean our philosophy changes; it means we are willing to look at new ways to apply Ancient Wisdom. When we do, we truly embody what it means to have a New Thought.

Loving the Unlikable: Grateful for Kith & Kin

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:59:36 GMT

I had no idea what “kith” meant, so I figured I should start there—because I bet I’m not alone.

Lyanda Lynn Haupt, in Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit, writes:

“Where kin are relations of kind, kith is relationship based on knowledge of place—the close landscape, ‘one’s square mile,’ where each tree and neighbor and robin and fox and stone is known, not by map or guide but by heart. Kith is intimacy with a place, its landmarks, its fragrance, the habits of its wildlings. Kithship enlivens kinship.”

~pp. 25–26 (Kindle Edition)

It’s a fascinating concept, especially now that my life is lived between two “kiths.” I spend 10–12 days each month in the Wood River Valley of Idaho—what many people know simply as Sun Valley—and the rest of my time in my new home of Bellingham, Washington. Both are stunningly beautiful, and both offer something very different to the heart.

My Kith of Bellingham

If you’ve never been to Washington—or Bellingham, for that matter—let me share a bit of the landscape that lives inside me. Bellingham sits at sea level and yes, Western Washington earns its reputation for rain. That rain is why everything is so green, so lush, so alive. Because we are further north (only 21 miles from the Canadian border!), winter brings more snow and crisp air.

We are a land of water—lakes, rivers, streams—and the city itself opens into Bellingham Bay at the northern edge of Puget Sound. Washington has five major volcanoes, and I have always lived near one. Right now, I’m only 27 miles from Mt. Baker.

My neighborhood has deer, squirrels, and occasionally a black bear who wanders through like he owns the place. (And honestly, he probably thinks he does.)

My Kith of the Wood River Valley

My kith in the Valley is new; my first visit was in May—and yes, it snowed that weekend. The average altitude is about 5,500 feet, depending on where you stand. The Valley is made up of four towns—Bellevue, Hailey, Ketchum, and Sun Valley—each with its own charm.

I love the Aspen trees. In fall they turn brilliant reds and yellows, and when the wind moves through them, they “quack.” It’s a sound that goes straight to the soul.

And the elk—oh my goodness, the elk. Herds of them. They sit at the roadside during evening traffic, waiting patiently for cars to thin so they can cross to where they sleep for the night. The speed limit is lowered at dusk—nobody wants to meet an elk at 55 mph.

I’ve become quite enchanted with the Magpies, too. Maybe that would change if I lived there full-time, but for now they feel magical and beautiful.

And then there is Light on the Mountains. The first time I saw it, I literally stopped the car. It takes your breath away.

Kith, Kin, and Science of Mind

So what does any of this have to do with the teachings of Science of Mind?

In our Declaration of Principles, Ernest Holmes writes:

“We believe in God, the Living Spirit Almighty; one, indestructible, absolute, and self-existent Cause. This One manifests Itself in and through all creation, but is not absorbed by Its creation.

The manifest universe is the body of God; it is the logical and necessary outcome of the infinite self-knowingness of God.”

I look at my life in two sections: before discovering the Science of Mind teachings and after. One of the greatest differences is my awareness—my connection to my “kith,” the place where I stand in the moment, and my connection to my “kin,” which for me is all humanity.

It is important to remember we are all connected energetically. I’m not always fond of that idea—and yet I know it’s true, because I believe “the manifest universe is the body of God.” Which means everything—every tree, every human, every elk, every raindrop—is Divine Intelligence expressing Itself in form.

And because of that truth, it matters what I think, how I feel, what I say, how I react. We are not isolated little islands; we are dominos in a vast field of consciousness.

So I’ll leave you with these questions:

What are your predominant thoughts today?

Are you noticing the beauty of the place you inhabit—your own kith?

Or are you complaining about the weather?

Are you offering grace to the people you encounter?

Or are you judging their appearance or behavior?

We are responsible for the reality we create. I may not always notice the beauty or feel the connection, and yet every single day, I am doing my best. And that’s all any of us can do—show up awake, aware, and willing to be part of the great weaving of kith, kin, and the Divine expressing as each of us.

Loving the Unlikable: The Soul of an Octopus (Awe and Wonder)

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:57:34 GMT

I know nothing about octopuses; although I just learned it is not octopi – who knew?

Another interesting fact is that I’ve been carrying around a horoscope I clipped from a newspaper. I don’t know how long I’ve had it—probably less than a year—but I’ve kept it tucked in my purse because it made me smile. It reads:

“Octopuses have three hearts, each with a different function. Every one of their eight limbs contains a mini-brain, giving them nine in total. Is there any doubt, then, that they are the patron creature for you Pisceans?…”

Now you can pooh-pooh astrology if you want; the point isn’t the horoscope but the feeling it sparked. Something about it delighted me. It woke up a tiny spark of wonder—like the soft tap of Spirit saying, See? There’s more magic here than you remember.

In Atlas of the Heart, Brené Brown reminds us, “Awe and wonder are essential to the human experience. Both awe-inspiring events and experiences that leave us filled with wonder often make us feel small compared to our expansive universe. Small, but connected to each other and to the largeness itself.”

Life is interesting. As children, we swim in awe and wonder like fish in water. Our whole lives are one big “Wow!” The world is enormous and surprising. But somewhere along the way—between deadlines, responsibilities, appointments, and trying to appear like we have it all together—many of us slowly lose that shimmer. We trade wonder for routine. We replace awe with efficiency. Yes, every now and then something startles us back into amazement, but mostly we function from a place of “been there, done that.”

It has taken me time, intention, and a gentle softening to find my way back to looking with the eyes of a child. Now I notice things that used to slide right past me.

I’ve been alive 26,936 days. That’s 26,936 sunrises and sunsets. Granted, I live in Washington where we don’t always see them—but they happen whether we notice or not. And I wonder: How many of them did I miss simply because I didn’t stop long enough to look?

I have a friend who goes outside on her patio every single morning specifically to greet the sunrise. She treats it like a sacred appointment. Something about that devotion inspires me.

These may seem like little things, but they are FREE gifts from the Divine. No subscription. No password. No membership required. Just grace—offered new every morning.

Now I pause to watch deer grazing in the yard, or a squirrel streak across the fence carrying… well, something important to him. I notice the miracle that’s woven into the ordinary. These gifts don’t care how old we are, what we believe, or what mistakes we’ve made. They simply ask us to pay attention.

And in the grand scheme of things, does it really matter how many Facebook friends we have? Or how well our favorite team is doing? Isn’t it far more nourishing to play shuffleboard bowling (yes, it’s a thing—I’ve witnessed it!) with the friends standing right in front of you? To wander through town in search of the best ice cream? To let yourself play again?

Because here’s what I’m learning:

When I was a kid, I couldn’t wait to grow up.

And now—after all these days, all these sunrises, all these missed and rediscovered moments—I’m learning to be a kid all over again.

To wonder.

To notice.

To laugh.

To be delighted for no reason at all.

To remember that the Divine hides in plain sight.

Maybe that’s the real wisdom of the octopus: nine brains, three hearts, and zero hesitation when it comes to exploring life’s mysteries.

If they can manage that, surely I can manage one more sunrise.

Celebrating Divine Truth: Welcoming the Shadow

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:56:02 GMT

Ernest Holmes writes:

“We can sit in the shade or move into the sunshine. Sitting in the shadow we may not really believe that there is any sunshine. But the sun would be there all the time and all the time we are in bondage the real freedom exists. It is there but we must awake to It.” ~Science of Mind, p. 411.3

This quote describes my life story—and I know it resonates with many who have walked their way into a new life. It doesn’t matter how we arrived at our awakening; what matters is that it brought us belonging, peace, and love. If your path led you there, then YES—celebrate it.

We tend to talk about “shadow” more in winter when the days grow short. And if you think about it, our literal shadow appears when the sun is brightest. It shows up because there is light.

Every one of us has a shadow—not because we are bad or broken, but because we are human. It’s the part we don’t usually want to reveal, because it doesn’t feel loving, kind, or joyful. And yet, in its true essence, the shadow is not negative at all. It is simply: unloved, unseen, unintegrated.

Yes, it holds the energies we label “dark”: shame, guilt, fear, unworthiness. And it also holds our disowned brilliance—our power, creativity, confidence, and boldness—wrapped in layers of protection.

My own path to the light—and to owning my shadow—came through Centers for Spiritual Living. I spent most of my early years, into adulthood, as a high-functioning drug addict and alcoholic. And on some level, I believed I deserved to be miserable.

When I walked into my first “church,” something shifted instantly. I felt a sense of belonging I had never experienced before. That community, that teaching, that atmosphere of unconditional acceptance—that was my path to redemption. And it became my path to sobriety.

Here’s the funny twist: my sobriety story is also part of my shadow. I didn’t go through a traditional recovery program—those programs are powerful and save millions of lives. My sobriety came through the teachings of Ernest Holmes. After 23 years clean and sober, people assume I walked a familiar path, and when I explain mine, some want to doubt its validity. And that’s what the shadow is: the parts of ourselves we resist owning—whether it’s our brilliance or our insecurities.

Stepping into the light doesn’t eliminate the shadow. It simply doesn’t allow it to drive the bus.

So, let me be honest: when I’m hungry, angry, lonely, or tired—my shadow grabs the wheel and aims for the ditch.

That’s when I pause, breathe, and ask:

“What are you trying to show me? What needs healing now?”

And then I gently return to the driver’s seat of my life.

Life is a journey.

We will all have “days.”

But those days do not get to define us—unless we hand them the keys.

The light is always there.

Freedom is always there.

Wholeness is always there.

Just like Holmes said:

“The sun would be there all the time… but we must awake to It.”

And every time we wake up—every time we re-claim our seat in the driver’s chair—we bring another piece of the shadow into the light and discover, again and again, that we are whole.

Celebrating Divine Truth: Making Magic

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:54:20 GMT

I’ve always been fascinated by the word magic. For some people it carries mystery and delight; for others it brings up fear, fantasy, or childhood stories. It’s a word with history… and with baggage. And yet, underneath it all, magic is simply the experience of the unseen moving through our lives.

Years ago, when I was searching—aching, really—for something, I didn’t know what I was looking for. I just knew my life wasn’t working, and something had to change in a big way.

One day I wandered into a metaphysical bookstore. I didn’t know much about metaphysics at all, but the owners welcomed me with such patience and kindness that I felt instantly at ease. I told them what was going on in my life, and they listened without judgment. That alone felt like magic.

They loaned me a book—one I read cover to cover. I loved almost everything about it. But one part gave me pause. At that time in my life, the word witch carried a lot of cultural baggage for me. It wasn’t that I believed witchcraft was bad or wrong; it just wasn’t a word I was personally comfortable with. And honestly, I had already put my parents through so much that coming home and saying, “Guess what? I’m becoming a witch!” didn’t feel like the next conversation we were all prepared to have.

I wasn’t rejecting anyone’s path. I was simply trying to find the spiritual language that resonated with my soul.

I asked the bookstore owners if there was something that carried the same sense of wisdom, connection, and sacredness—but in a vocabulary that fit my upbringing and my heart.

Two weeks later, I walked through the doors of my first Religious Science / Center for Spiritual Living community. And in that moment, something in me whispered, home.

That experience taught me something deeply important:

Words matter.

Language shapes our comfort, our perception, and often our willingness to stay open.

Back then, magic wasn’t a word I could claim.

Today… it absolutely is.

Because Affirmative Prayer? It’s a kind of magic.

A shift in consciousness? Magic.

Healing that begins before anything changes on the outside? Magic.

Faith in something unseen yet felt down to our bones? That’s the most beautiful magic there is.

We live in a magical universe—one in which our thoughts, our intentions, and our willingness to be transformed all become the ingredients of creation. Not the stage-prop kind of magic. Not the sleight-of-hand kind. But the sacred, interior, soul-led kind.

The magic of alignment.

The magic of realization.

The magic of remembering who we truly are.

So when I say Making Magic, I’m talking about partnering with the Infinite.

I’m talking about the creative power within each of us.

I’m talking about the everyday miracles that unfold when we choose to say yes to Life.

That’s the magic I discovered.

The magic that reshaped my world.

And the magic that is available to all of us—right here, right now, with every word, every breath, and every prayer.

Celebrating Divine Truth: The Joy of Becoming

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:52:18 GMT

Have you ever fought changing? I know I have! The wave of what is keeps you treading water so fiercely you don’t think you have the capacity to do anything different.

That’s why The Joy of Becoming first made me laugh out loud. And then it made me stop and think. Changing was a process for sure, and it wasn’t always joyful. And I wouldn’t do it any other way because I experience joy every day of my life now.

I’m not saying I don’t have my moments or let’s be honest days and yet hands down my worst days now our light years better than when I felt like I was drowning.

In the Science of Mind Textbook, Ernest Holmes says, “We are not becoming this Life but are now in and of this Life. There is no other Life. God is not becoming: God IS. God is not growing; God is complete. God is not trying to find out something; God already knows. (p. 292.4)

And as Lyle Lovett would say, “That’s the difference between God and me.”

Yes, I am a manifestation of It in form and I am a work in progress; It is not. If you have ever taken any classes from Landmark, which I have, the introductory class asks the question, “what is life?” People come up with all kinds of answers and the response is, “Life just is”. Just like God, it doesn’t judge it just responds. The difference is God is that ever present, all-knowing, all-seeing, absolute power that loves us unconditionally.

Why wouldn’t we want to be more of that? And it’s a choice. Each one of us has the opportunity every single day to change our thinking (on things big or small). Think about it, if you decided to change one thing every single day in 2026 by the end of the year not only would you have 365 new ways of being, you’d be a brand new, different you.

So, here’s the challenge you can keep on keeping on – complaining about issues big and small or you can join me in giving up one thing every day in 2026 – an item, a thought, a habit, whatever you chose. Write them down every single day and next year at this time we’ll be celebrating the Joy of Becoming.

One thing a day. Write it down. Do it anyway. See you next year—different.

Celebrating Divine Truth: The Light of a New Dawn

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:50:58 GMT

It’s hard to believe we’re closing out another year. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m older now—as Joni Mitchell so eloquently sings, “I look at life from both sides now”—or if it’s because we’re constantly inundated with information. Either way, life can feel like it’s moving at breakneck speed.

I know some people push back on making resolutions—or even claiming January 1st as the “real” start of a new year. Some people use their birthday. Some follow the Chinese Zodiac. I actually love all of it. I’m not married to the calendar, but I am committed to reflection. Because reflection is how I tell the truth about my life.

So as 2025 comes to a close and we set our sights on 2026, I’m asking myself three simple questions:

What am I really proud of?
What would I do differently if I could?
What do I have zero intention of repeating?

Because here’s the thing: we are not just living for today. We are writing tomorrow with the way we live right now. I am the ancestor future generations will speak of. And so are you.

It doesn’t matter who we love, where we worship, how we vote, where we live, or what color our skin is—what matters is how we treat ourselves and each other. That’s the legacy. Individually and collectively. The world doesn’t just need our opinions; it needs our integrity.

And if that sounds big… good. It is big.

Unity isn’t a nice idea—it’s a practice

Unity doesn’t mean we agree on everything. It means we remember we belong to each other anyway. And that lines up perfectly with the CSL Global Vision that calls us to live and grow as one global family—respecting and honoring the interconnectedness of all life.

So I’m asking myself: What would change if I lived like that was true? Not just when I’m in a good mood. Not just when people “deserve” it. But as a spiritual practice.

Ernest Holmes drops a mic (as usual) in Creative Mind and Success:

“Every person is surrounded by a thought atmosphere. This mental atmosphere is the direct result of thought which in its turn becomes the direct reason for the cause of that which comes into our lives.”

Your thought-atmosphere is real. It’s what you carry into a room before you ever say a word. It’s what you feed with your attention—your scrolling, your conversations, your fears, your prayers, your gratitude. And it shapes what shows up.

So here come the honest questions:

How much time in 2025 did I waste comparing myself to other people?
How much time did I spend gossiping or judging others (and no, I don’t get a pass by calling it “discernment”)?
How much time did I spend grateful for my life exactly as it is—and exactly as it is not?
How often did I tell the people I love that they matter to me?

I can’t get 2025 back. But I can decide what kind of ancestor I’m going to be in 2026.

2026 doesn’t need a “new me.” It needs a more awake me.

Less excuses. More integrity. Less judgment. More love in action.

I don’t need perfection—I need presence.

And I’m in.

Back To Basics: The Thing Itself

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:49:11 GMT

Happy New Year! We have booked another 365 days.

I love the Science of Mind teachings—probably because they gave me the tools that helped me change my life. They opened a kind of Pandora’s box within me, one that invited me to take responsibility for all the wins (few at the time) and all the missteps (more than I could count—or would want to share).

In his own words, Ernest Holmes defined Religious Science as “a compilation of the opinions of philosophy, the laws of science, and the revelations of religion applied to the aspirations of (wo)man.”

Since 2026 (2+0+2+6 = 10 = 1) is all about beginnings—and February’s Chinese New Year ushers in the Year of the Fire Horse—I’ve decided to take a deeper dive into the wisdom of the sage who changed my life: Ernest Holmes.

So, we begin with The Thing Itself.

The Thing Itself is the Power behind all creation. It is known by many names:
Judaism—YHWH
Christianity—God
Islam—Allah
Hinduism—Atman
Taoism—Tao
Indigenous and Earth-based traditions—Great Spirit

The Thing Itself is all of that, because all of those are It.
Many paths. One destination.

In our Declaration of Principles, Ernest Holmes wrote:
“We believe in God, the Living Spirit Almighty; one, indestructible, absolute and self-existent Cause. This One manifests itself in and through all creation but is not absorbed by its creation. The manifest universe is the body of God; it is the logical and necessary outcome of the infinite self-knowingness of God.”

This is that which has always been, will always be, and is present right here and right now. It does not have a favorite person, team, religion, or country. It loves all things unconditionally.

People often ask, “Well, what about this person?” or “What about that action?” Here’s the truth: we are all individualized expressions of God in form. And with free will, we get to choose whether we live from that awareness—or forget it.

It can be tempting, even as ministers, practitioners, or students of this philosophy, to place blame. Yet one of the greatest lessons of Science of Mind is this: you are responsible for your life. And on a global scale, we are responsible for our collective life.

It’s not that God—the Thing Itself, YHWH, Allah, Atman, Tao, the Great Spirit—doesn’t care. It’s that the invitation is to recognize the power and presence of It within you. Not from an egoic place, but from the truth that It is in, through, and as everything.

I may not be able to change the world, but I can change the way I see it.

I may not be able to change my country, but I can change what I focus on.

I may not be able to change my neighbors, but I can change how I choose to show up with them.

If you want a better world, a better country, a better neighborhood—practice being a better person.

Start by owning this truth: The Thing Itself is no farther from you than the nose on your face.

Back To Basics: The Way It Works

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:47:18 GMT

Sometimes the Universe doesn’t whisper. Sometimes it knocks you flat and waits to see what you believe next.

You’re cruising along in your brand-new car, minding your own business, when—bam—you get rear-ended or sideswiped. No, this didn’t actually happen to me. It’s an analogy.

Or you’re flying down the mountain, doing what you love, when another skier takes you out and suddenly, you’re in a toboggan headed to the emergency room. Again—an analogy.

My point is simple: life happens.

God. Spirit. Mother Earth. The Universe—whatever name you use—is not picking on you. And neither is life. Disappointment, loss, and uncertainty are not punishments; they are part of being human. Very few people make it through this life without being knocked sideways at least once.

And then there are moments when the curveball isn’t theoretical—it’s personal.

What do you do when you’re a minister, life feels golden, and you’re told there is a high probability your husband has colon cancer?

The first thing you do is reach out for prayer—because faith does not mean bypassing fear. Sometimes faith begins with letting yourself fall apart long enough to be honest. Sometimes strength looks like asking for help.

And then comes the deeper work.

You remember that things don’t just happen to “other people.” They happen to us. Even when we teach this philosophy. Especially when we teach it.

And yes—then you realize you have a blog to write on The Way It Works… and suddenly the teaching isn’t abstract. It’s alive.

In the Science of Mind textbook, Ernest Holmes reminds us that the Law is impersonal—neutral, precise, and always available. It responds to consciousness, not circumstance. It doesn’t create the event, but it governs how we meet it. The Law is not cruel—but it is exact.

So, here’s the practice when appearances are loud:

I don’t deny what’s happening—but I refuse to give it ultimate authority.

I acknowledge the fear—and I choose not to live from it.

I don’t know the outcome of this diagnosis—or even if there is one—but I do know where I stand.

It is my work to hold space for healing.

And as a prayer practitioner, I know that healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Sometimes it’s physical. Sometimes it’s emotional. Sometimes it’s a deep remembering of who we are beneath the circumstance.

So, I lean into the teachings that changed my life.

I choose to know the Truth even when evidence tries to convince me otherwise.

And when I’m standing in the forest and can’t see clearly, I let others point out the trees.

I choose abundance over fear, knowing that lack is never about resources—it’s about consciousness. I choose love, light, peace, and joy—not because life is easy, but because that is the world I am committed to living in.

The Way It Works isn’t something I talk about when things are going well.

It’s something I live—especially when life asks me what I really believe.

Back To Basics: What It Does

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:35:37 GMT

“Perhaps the simplest way to state the proposition is to say that we are surrounded by a Mind, or Intelligence, that knows everything; that the potential knowledge of all things exists in this Mind; that the abstract essence of beauty, truth, and wisdom coexist in the Mind of the Universe; that we also exist in It and may draw from It. But what we draw from It we must draw through the channel of our own minds. A unity must be established, and a conscious connection must be made, before we can derive the benefits which the greater Mind is willing to reveal or impart to us.” ~Ernest Holmes, The Science of Mind

The more immersed I become in the Science of Mind philosophy, the more I realize—it doesn’t pull any punches.

This teaching is expansive and compassionate, yes—but it is also direct. The Universal Mind is always available. Infinite Intelligence is never withheld. The Good is omnipresent. And yet Holmes reminds us that what we draw from It must come through the channel of our own minds.

There is no spiritual bypassing here.

Spirit does not force itself into expression. It responds. It mirrors. It creates according to the level of consciousness through which it is invited to act.

This is where the teaching becomes deeply practical—and where I often think of Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. King didn’t just hope for a better world. He held a vision so clear, so unified, so rooted in spiritual conviction that it reshaped collective consciousness. He didn’t wait for conditions to change before he acted. He aligned his thinking, his words, and his actions with a higher idea of justice, dignity, and beloved community—and then he lived from that place.

That is Science of Mind in motion.

Spirit worked through him because he was willing to be a conscious channel for it. His clarity of vision became a mold into which Universal Intelligence could pour courage, creativity, resilience, and love. The results were not accidental—they were lawful.

Science of Mind teaches that Spirit works for us, by working through us, and as us. But the Law responds only to what we consciously accept and embody. Passive awareness doesn’t produce active demonstration. Agreement with truth is not the same as living it.

This teaching asks us to participate.

I often compare it to electricity. The power is everywhere—constant, infinite, reliable. But unless there is a clear circuit, unless the wiring is intact, unless the switch is flipped, the room stays dark. When the light doesn’t come on, we don’t blame the source—we check the connection.

Science of Mind invites us to do the same with our lives.

When something isn’t working, the question isn’t “Why is Spirit withholding?”

The question is, “What am I believing? What am I expecting? What am I consistently declaring?”

Universal Mind can only express through the mold we provide. If our thinking is vague, conflicted, or rooted in fear, the demonstration will reflect that—not as punishment, but as precision.

And here is the grace: nothing is wrong with us.

We are not broken.
Nothing is missing.
We are not separate from the Good we seek. As Emma Curtis Hopkins is often quoted as saying, “There is good for me and I ought to have it.”

Everything we need is already within us. Our work is not to become something else, but to become a clearer channel—to establish unity, to make conscious connection, and to allow the Infinite to move through us with intention.

Dr. King showed us what is possible when a human being lives aligned with a higher vision. Science of Mind reminds us that the same Power that moved through him is present for each of us—right here, right now.

The Power is within you.
The Mind is already present.
And the channel… is yours to open.

Back to Basics: How to Use It

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:31:39 GMT

“The practice of the Science of Mind calls for a positive understanding of the Spirit of Truth; a willingness to let this inner Spirit guide us, with the conscious knowledge that ‘The law of the Lord is perfect’ (Psalms 19:7). And we must believe this to be a fact. INSOFAR AS OUR THOUGHT IS IN ACCORD WITH THIS PERFECT LAW, IT WILL ACCOMPLISH—AND NOTHING CAN HINDER IT. ‘Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away’ (Matthew 24:35), said the beautiful Jesus, as he strove to teach his disciples the immutability of the Law of Righteousness.”

— Ernest Holmes, Science of Mind Textbook

And it is a practice.

There is no wiggle room in the Law. That can be a challenging truth, and at times even a painful one. When prayers seem unanswered, it’s natural to ask, Why wasn’t my prayer heard? The truth is, God doesn’t play favorites, and Spirit isn’t keeping score.

When something doesn’t appear to manifest the way we hoped, it’s always a good idea to go within—for clarity, understanding, and a deeper sense of conviction.

I remember a time when I was praying very sincerely for a specific outcome. I was clear—at least I thought I was—and I was doing all the “right” things. What showed up, however, looked nothing like what I had imagined. At first, I was disappointed. I wondered what I had missed. But as I sat with it, I realized the answer had come at the level of my consciousness, not my expectations. What arrived was exactly what I was ready to receive—and it prepared me for what came next. Spirit always responds to consciousness.

As metaphysicians, we are taught to be clear in our what and then allow the Universe to determine the how. This is where I sometimes catch myself wanting to step in and manage the process. I want to offer Spirit a roadmap. I want to explain how it should all unfold.

But that is not mine to do.

There is a clear delineation of responsibility:

My work: Be crystal clear about what I desire.
Spirit’s work: Bring it forth in perfect form and timing.

So the practice is this: clarify, align, release—and trust.

It is not always easy and sometimes you may feel like you’re swimming upstream. Beloved family, well-meaning friends and the collective consciousness of society will tell you why it won’t work or never happen.

Don’t be swayed. You’re working in the realm of consciousness, not in the court of public opinion.

Back to Basics again and again!

The Nature of Being: In the Beginning, God!

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:28:14 GMT

Before anything takes shape—before a word is spoken, before an action is taken, before a decision is made—there is Spirit: the First Cause, the Creative Intelligence, the Life Principle from which all is created and continues to be created.

And that means this: every beginning begins in consciousness. Every thought, every idea, every choice, every word is an expression of consciousness—and we get to decide what leads our thinking and living.

So, when I say, “It is important to me…,” I’m naming how I choose to begin.

If God is the beginning, then truth must be my starting place.

My word is powerful, and I am responsible for how I use it. That’s why it matters to me to tell the truth regardless of the situation. That’s why it matters to me not to gossip—because gossip is poison. It harms the soul of the one who speaks it, and it can wound the spirit of the one it’s spoken about. If it’s not true, I won’t say it. If it’s not right, I won’t do it.

If God is First Cause, then my thoughts and my words are not small—they are creative.

“In the beginning” isn’t only a moment long ago; it is the moment before anything becomes real in my life—the moment of intention, the moment of inner choice. That’s why I treasure my thoughts, ideas, and words. That’s why I teach and remember the law of cause and effect, the principle that like attracts like. Not as blame, but as empowerment: I am responsible for my truth, my energy, my focus, and my response.

If God is everywhere, then I can return to God anytime.

When the world gets loud, I don’t have to let the noise lead me. I can shut it off. I can be still. I can pray. I can breathe deeply—taking in fresh new energy and releasing what keeps me feeling separate from the whole. I can sit in silence and listen for the small voice within. I can journal. I can come back to center. I can begin again.

And because God is the beginning, I honor the beginning in how I live with others.

I allow each person to walk their own path, regardless of beliefs. My responsibility is to walk my talk and live by example. If people ask, I can share my practices—but each person must choose their own happiness. I speak clearly and passionately, and I allow others to do the same. I ask questions when I don’t understand. I give my full attention to the people I’m with. I listen more and talk less. I refuse judgment. I am for things and against nothing. I choose to be the change I want to see.

So, “In the Beginning, God” is not only about ancient history. It’s about how I begin right now—how I begin my day, my conversations, my choices, my reactions, my relationships, and my thoughts. I begin with Spirit. I begin with truth. I begin with conscious choice.

And I stay awake and aware, allowing the power and presence within me to work in, through, and as me—because the beginning is not behind me.

The beginning is here.

The beginning is now.

And in this beginning, I choose God!

The Nature of Being: Mind…..The Greatest Discovery

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:25:33 GMT

“The important Truth is that you are a spiritual being with the Allness of Infinite Mind within you. Whatever your needs may be, the answer is not to get God to give you more through some divine sleight-of-hand process, but rather to uncover and release your own “imprisoned splendor”. Certainly all things are possible, not because God makes an exception for you by reason of your plea, but because your faith is the key to the kingdom of the power within you to apply the laws that transcend human limitation.” ~Eric Butterworth, Spiritual Economics

The important Truth, as Eric Butterworth reminds us, is that we are spiritual beings with Infinite Mind within. That doesn’t mean life is easy or that we never need support. It means the deepest Source of strength isn’t outside us. And that’s where the practice comes in.

We live in a time when loneliness, depression, anger, and fear are everywhere. The self-help industry is thriving—not because growth is bad, but because discomfort makes us easy to convince that we’re missing something.

And I’m not saying we shouldn’t seek help. Support can be healing. Wise teachers and tools can guide us. But the best guidance always returns us to our own inner authority.

Because the real work is different: it’s learning to uncover and release our own “imprisoned splendor.”

Not through a divine sleight-of-hand.
Not by begging for exceptions.
But by aligning with what’s already true within us.

And trust me—I am a pro at looking outside myself for fixes. It takes practice and commitment to sit quietly and listen to that still, small voice within… to journal honestly about what I’m feeling and why… and then to look up, as Marcia Mode-Stavros shared last Sunday.

So here’s a simple practice—a way to return to your power:

A Simple Return to Power

Pause. Take one slow breath. Put a hand on your heart.
Name the Truth. “Something deeper in me is steady, even now.”
Choose one true next step. “What is one thing I can do today that honors my wholeness?”

Start where you are. Your power doesn’t require perfection—only practice.

And the more you return to that Truth, the more you remember:

You are not cut off.
You are not empty.
You are not lacking the Source.

The Nature of Being: Spirit

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:17:42 GMT

In the Science of Mind textbook, Spirit is defined in the Glossary as:
“God, within Whom all spirits exist. The Self-Knowing One. The Conscious Universe. The Absolute. Spirit in people is that part of them which enables them to know themselves—That which they really are. We do not see the spirit of people any more than we see the Spirit of God. We see what people do, but we do not see the doer.”

Our Declaration of Principles echoes this truth:
“We believe in the incarnation of the Spirit in everyone and that all people are incarnations of the One Spirit.”

In the simplest terms, we believe God is in, through, and as everything—everywhere.

I am currently teaching an amazing class based on Spiritual Economics by Eric Butterworth, where he speaks about faith as the power that releases our “imprisoned splendor.” I love that phrase. It feels so true. We often imprison our own greatness by not fully grasping what it means to be God in form—a unique, individualized expression of Spirit.

Some people call this inner guidance intuition. Others refer to it as the still, small voice within. To me, it doesn’t really matter what we call it. What matters is the practice: learning to recognize and live from that splendor—the deep knowing that I am enough. In fact, I am more than enough.

When I listen to that voice, good things happen. I have experienced profound moments of guidance and grace by paying attention to it. When I ignore it and try to go it alone, I tend to struggle.

Recently—and this is a small but telling example—as I was preparing to travel from Bellingham, WA to Sun Valley, ID, I was packed and ready to go when a thought arose: “How is my luggage going to get from Alaska to Delta when I land in Seattle?” Had I not listened—had I not paid attention—my luggage would still be circling baggage claim, waiting for me to retrieve it.

On a much larger scale, over twenty years ago, if I hadn’t chosen to visit the Center in Kirkland instead of the one in Seattle, I never would have met my husband. I truly have no idea what my life would look like now if I hadn’t followed that inner nudge.

Our founder, Ernest Holmes, is not always an easy read, but he was a profound mystic. His core teaching—Change your thinking, change your life—sounds simple, yet it is not for the faint of heart.

Recognizing yourself as Spirit in form—already whole, complete, and perfect—takes courage. It requires commitment, willingness, and sometimes a healthy dose of moxie.

And the reward?

Freedom.
Alignment.
The release of your imprisoned splendor.

Practice for the Week:
Each morning, pause for one quiet minute. Place a hand on your heart and silently affirm:
“I am Spirit in form. I am guided. I am enough.”

Then ask, “What would Love have me notice today?”
Move through your day paying attention to subtle impulses, gentle reminders, or unexpected clarity. At the end of the day, take a moment to acknowledge where you noticed guidance—even in the smallest ways.