How Shall We Live?

I am never completely surprised, but I continue to be amazed and delighted when Spirit reveals to me just what I need at exactly the right time. Such is the case with my rediscovery of the book, How Then Shall We Live?, by author Wayne Muller.

I read the book many years ago, and if memory serves, I also did a Sunday lesson series on it while I was at Unity of Arlington. I was reminded of my love for it during a morning meditation last week. Since I first became aware of Wayne Muller, he has been one of my favorite authors and spiritual guides. He expresses the wisdom that comes through him in eloquent prose that often has a poetic flair. I also enjoy listening to the sound of his voice and the cadence of his speech. I find it comforting. In case there is any doubt, I highly recommend this and all of his books. You can learn more about him, his books and his work at WayneMuller.com.

I enjoy listening to books when I exercise in the morning, so when the book came into my awareness last week, I searched my audio library first. I thought I had already downloaded the audio book because I recall listening to Muller narrate it. Much to my surprise, I later realized that when I was first introduced to the book, I had audio recordings on cassette tapes. That gives you some idea of how long ago it was. Since I no longer have a cassette player, I chose to download the audio file on my phone and began listening.

Last week, I began talking about the book on my weekly Wednesday and Friday Facebook Live sessions. I will finish up with that series of four sessions on Friday, May 1, at noon. Videos of the previous sessions are still on the Unity Spiritual Center Denver Facebook page. If you would like to go back and watch them, click here. Committing to these weekly sessions has given me the opportunity to go deeper with the questions Muller poses and hopefully inspire others to do the same.

He invites us to explore four questions which he says are a part of many spiritual traditions. They are,

“Who am I?”

“What do I love?”

“How shall I live, knowing I will die?”

“What is my gift to the family of the Earth?”

Earnestly going within, seeking and uncovering the answers to these questions can open us to a greater understanding of what we value and how we can choose to live from our values every day. I can attest that delving deeper has opened me to even more questions and a more expanded realization of how I want to live my life. Additionally, I can report that the answers revealed today are not the same as they were when I first read the book and did the exercises. I am confident that my answers next year will not be identical to the ones I receive now.

That is one of the great wonders and mysteries of life: We are on an ever-expanding spiral of evolution. Although we sometimes resist it, we are meant to continually grow and change. If we allow ourselves to cling to what we have known or to who we have believed ourselves to be at any one point in time, our life can become stagnate. There is always much more to explore and learn about ourselves and about the world around us. The book has reminded me to stay open and continue to live in the question, with no expectation of arriving at a final answer about myself or anything else.

Whether or not you choose to read the book, I invite you to join me in the questions. Take time to get quiet, close your eyes, breathe deeply into your heart of hearts, and ask the question, 

“Who am I?”

As I look before, beyond and beneath all the labels, all the ways I have identified and known myself, I ask “Who am I?  Am I, as Jesus said, “The light of the world?” If so, what does that mean? Am I a child of God? If so, what does that say about me? Am I a spiritual being having a human experience? These are all spiritual names that we can use to identify ourselves. But, they are only a beginning. They are closer to the truth than many other names we have taken on, but none of these can fully capture who we are.

Listen deeply, feel into the answer, and allow the answer to reveal itself.

What do I love?

What delights and inspires me when I see it, hear it, taste it, smell it, dance it, create it, and sing it? What touches my soul deeply and connects me with the essence of who I am and who I have come here to be? As Muller says, connecting with and following what we love leads us home to the One Love that sourced each of us and all creation. It is not selfish or self-centered to honor what we love. In fact, when we are true to what we love, we are true to the God of our being.

How shall I live, knowing I will die?

As far as we know, each of us will one day lay down these physical bodies. I am well aware that some people in Unity believe, as did our cofounder Charles Fillmore, that we can live eternally in these physical forms. I am not discounting this belief. I support anyone who chooses to make that a goal of their life’s journey. However, living forever in this physical form is not a focus for me.

Muller asserts that when we accept that our days on this Earth are numbered and that we have no way of knowing what that number is, we will begin to live each day, indeed each moment with greater appreciation and care. We will not want to waste a single minute.

It may sound morbid at first glance, but he suggests that we practice saying aloud and to ourselves, “I could die today.” Not to declare that we want to die today, but to help us be mindful of the possibility and to be aware that we never know when our life will end. Living with this realization can help us to live each day as if it could be our last. We may find that we take more time to cherish the people we love and honor what we love.

What is my gift to the family of the Earth?

I know that when some of us read that question, we think that we are supposed to find the cure for cancer, end homelessness, or give some other magnificent gift to world. When we believe that, it may stop us from going within to inquire.

Muller affirms that each of us has something unique to give to the family of the Earth. It may not be something for which we will be recognized by the world. It may be as simple and relatively small as sharing a hug with a neighbor, showing kindness to a grocery store worker, smiling at everyone you meet.

As Mother Teresa once said, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” The small things we do can have a greater impact than we may ever realize. Honor and respect the gift that you are to the world. There is only one you. You are the only one who can give your gift. Give your gift of love freely, however it expresses as you.

We make choices in every moment that impact how we live our lives. Many of them are made unconsciously and may not reflect who we choose to be when we live from our deeper realization of who we are. Living in these questions daily can connect us more consciously with who we truly are, with God as love, with how we choose to live when we are aware of our mortality, and with the gifts we embody.

The quest need not be arduous; it can be exciting and fun. We may discover that we want to make changes. That’s okay; life is full of change. We may uncover something we love that we have dismissed or suppressed. We can rejoice in the rediscovery and begin to explore how we can incorporate it into our lives. Owning our mortality, can free us to live more fully in the present moment. Owning our gift(s) can empower us to share them in ways that we have yet to imagine.

How then, shall we live? May it be a continuous journey of discovery!

The Voices Within

Lately, I have been feeling a low level of anxiety. I am sure I am not alone in that. I have attributed it to all the uncertainty with which we are all living at this unprecedented time in our history. I don’t doubt that the issues surrounding COVID-19 play a role in our anxiousness.

However, while praying with my prayer partner today, I became consciously aware of a voice in my head that has become my constant companion. In this book, The Untethered Soul, author Michael Singer refers to this voice as the “inner roommate.”

He constantly urges me to do more, be more, give more and have more. He continually reminds me of all the things I “have” to do or “should” be doing. While I trust that he is well-meaning and only has my best interest at heart, he is quite annoying at times.

His constant reminders of the tasks I must complete do little to inspire me to do my best. If anything, they spur me to joylessly accomplish what I am doing so that I can move on to what’s next. His attempts at motivation, while seemingly rational, are not helpful.

His efforts to encourage me to improve my skills and expand my knowledge through his not-so-subtle critiques, only stir resentment and resistance in me. They certainly do not promote a desire to learn and grow.

His incessant commentary on everything I do and on everything I don’t do not only stimulates anxiety, but also triggers my defenses which often show up in me shutting down, hiding out or escaping through excessively watching television, overeating, or other avoidance strategies.

I am guessing that I am not the only one who deals with this “inner roommate” on a daily basis, especially during this time when many of us are staying at home and spending more time alone.

It has been suggested that there are several ways to deal with him. I can choose to laugh at his ridiculous antics. I can greet him with sarcasm with retorts such as, “Yeah, you’re right. I am a slacker. Get over it.” I can respond with direct defense and say, “Shut the hell up. I don’t need your input.” I have tried all of these. I haven’t found them to be very helpful, however.

Instead, I have found it helpful to allow him to have his voice. The following practice has proved beneficial. I offer it here in hopes that it will help you, as well.

Position two chairs facing each other. Sit in one of the chairs. Imagine that the “inner roommate” is sitting in the other. Engage him in conversation. With as much detachment as you can muster, listen intently to what he has to say. Listen beyond the words to hear the feelings that lie beneath. Lean into what he might be trying to achieve through his incessant chatter. Give him as much empathy as possible just as you would a cherished friend. Once you feel complete and have a sense of relaxation, say, “Thank you. I appreciate you. I will take what you have shared with me and use it for good,” or something similar.

Empathy, compassion and understanding for our “inner roommate” helps to soothe him. It also helps us to connect with some of the deeper longings within us that we might have been ignoring.

I have found that this “inner roommate” truly does have my best interest at heart. He just doesn’t know the most effective ways to communicate his care and concern. I have to listen more deeply for what he is trying to convey.

It is also important for me to remember that I have another “inner roommate.” He speaks in a still, small voice that can often be drowned out by the other one. This other “inner roommate” is the voice of Spirit that speaks in my heart, not in my head. I trust that this voice is constantly guiding me to the highest and best unfolding of my soul.

Even though I may, at times, not understand it, and even though, at times, I may argue with it, I know that this voice is my constant friend and companion. It lives within my heart and speaks to me of love.

I have learned that I can use the practice outlined above to communicate more directly with this voice, as well. It helps to personify these voices, assume the seat of the witnessing presence, and hear their deepest desires.

We are all blessed by these “inner roommates.” While it may be tempting to think of one as “bad” and the other as “good,” I have not found that approach to be helpful. Each of them has something valuable to contribute to our lives if we are willing to connect and listen.

Today, as I listened through my anxiety to my “inner roommate,” I discovered a deep longing to make a meaningful contribution to my spiritual community and to the world. While not in the most helpful ways, my “inner roommate” was doing what he believed would support me. He was only sharing from what he knew to do. As I connected empathically and compassionately with him, I felt my anxiety relax. I was then more open to connecting deeply with the voice of Spirit in my heart and open to the guidance I received. This post is one of the outcomes.

The next time you feel anxious, I encourage you to recognize that your “inner roommate” is doing its best to communicate with you. When you can, stop. Connect. Assume the posture of the witnessing presence. Listen with empathy and compassion. Receive the gift. 

What now? What's next?

In my lesson this past Sunday (watch it here), I talked about how many of us are asking the questions, “What now?” or “What’s next?” as we face the uncertainty of life in this current pandemic crisis. We have been thrust out of our comfort zones and displaced from our routines. We wonder how life will look once businesses are reopened and the shelter-at-home orders are lifted. Some are hoping for life to return to normal, while others are anticipating the promise of change. Perhaps the only thing any of us can know for certain is that we don’t know.

What can we do in this time of uncertainty? We can remember that we have always lived in a constant state of uncertainty. True, that may be more evident for most of us now, but the truth is that we can never be certain of what tomorrow will bring. We can’t even be certain of what the next moment will bring. This current situation has given us hard evidence that things change and that we are not in control.

Thankfully, there is a Higher Mind, a Universal Mind that does know, and we can tap into that Mind when we are willing to cease our busyness, be quiet and listen. I am not suggesting that we can all become soothsayers and begin prognosticating the future. I am, however, asserting that each of us has the ability to connect with Universal Consciousness, receive the information we need in every moment and be guided to the next right thing.

Further, Love is the Law of this Higher Mind. This Mind knows the highest evolutionary trajectory for humanity, indeed for all creation. Each of us is here at this time and in this place to play our part in the manifestation of a world that is grounded in Love and reflective of Love.

Our opportunity in every moment is to enter into conscious communion with Higher Mind, listen for the still, small voice that speaks to us in the silence, discern what is ours to contribute, and take the inspired action. For most of us it will not be a monumental task. It may be as simple as to hold the world in the energy of Love for 10 minutes every day or every hour. For others, it may be something bigger. It will be unique for each of us.

Know that you know what you need to know when you need to know it. There is a Higher Mind within you and which you are within that knows what will move us all toward the manifestation of the New Jerusalem written about in Revelation 21: 1-7.

The next time you find yourself asking, “What now?” or “What’s next?”

• Stop.
• Breath.
• Drop your attention from your head into your heart.
• Invite communion in the Universal Mind that speaks to you of Love.
• Listen to the still, small voice.
• Receive your guidance.
• Take the inspired action.

We may not be able to predict the future, but we can rest assured that when we earnestly ask the question, “What now?” or “What’s next?” and focus in our hearts we will receive the answer that is appropriate for the moment. 

Moments add up to days; days to weeks; weeks to months; months to years; and years to a lifetime of being present to Higher Mind and following where It leads. Trust that It will lead us to our greatest good. 

Easter Journey

Today, as I have reflected on Easter, I am reminded of a photo I have of my mother, sister and me that was taken on Easter morning when I was around three-years-old. My mother is dressed in a yellow dress, an Easter bonnet, and high heels. If you knew my mother you would know how unusual that was. My sister is in her ruffles, socks and patent leather shoes. I am dressed in white shorts, jacket and tie, with knee-socks and black loafers. I’m sure I loved getting dressed up, even then.

Easter was the most important Sunday of the year. Everyone donned their finest clothes, most often newly purchased for the day, and after attending church service came home for a special home-cooked dinner, usually pot roast with all the side dishes, along with my favorite homemade biscuits.

Even though I don’t have vivid memories of that particular Easter Sunday, except what stirs in my mind as I gaze at the photograph, I recall fondly those times spent at my grandmother’s house surrounded by family, laughter and love. At least, that’s what I choose to remember. I’m sure there was plenty of arguing too.

Today, as I look at the photo, I am also reminded of the young age at which my indoctrination in the theory of substitutionary atonement began. This is the predominate Christian belief that Jesus was sent by God, the Father, to sacrifice his life in atonement for the sins of humanity, and that through his blood sacrifice, we are saved from eternal damnation so long as we profess belief in him.

Until I was in my late 20’s, I had no idea that there was any other perspective from which to view the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. I thought that you believed it and were saved, or you didn’t believe it and were condemned to eternity in hell.

Imagine my delight and surprise when I was introduced to A Course in Miracles, which at first seemed heretical. Soon after that, I found New Thought through Unity and Religious Science. I was amazed to learn that there was an entire movement of people who believed differently and who were not being struck deaf, dumb, or blind because of it.

I admit that when I first heard someone say that they did not believe that Jesus saved us through his crucifixion and resurrection, I was somewhat shocked. I expected the ceiling to come crashing in at any moment. Yet, I was intrigued. The more I read and studied about this exciting, yet, at the time, somewhat weird belief system, the more I resonated with it. I was home. I jumped in with both feet.

Then came Easter. I was confused all over again. I couldn’t understand why, if we don’t subscribe to the doctrine of the blood sacrifice of Jesus, which is what Easter is all about, then why make such a big deal out of it. I mean, they were going all out with a sunrise service, special music, and communion – the whole nine yards. It would require a great deal more reading, study, prayer and meditation before I could reconcile Easter with New Thought.

I am pleased to report, especially now that I am a Unity minister, that I have come to appreciate the observance of Easter. I even look forward to it. I now understand that Jesus is the prototype for each of us. We are invited and encouraged to follow Jesus and to live what he experienced, metaphysically and metaphorically speaking, of course. Jesus is our way shower, and his life is the perfect roadmap that we can follow if we choose to be on the path of conscious awakening and spiritual illumination, what Christianity would term “salvation.”

Easter is the culmination of a journey that Jesus walked on his way to the final surrender of his attachment to the things of the world, including his body, and the ultimate realization of truth and power of eternal life as represented by the resurrection. Jesus fully embodied the Christ consciousness. As Charles Fillmore, cofounder of Unity, said,

“His way of attainment must be our way. He acknowledged himself to be the Son of God (Matthew 14:33). This calls for nothing less on our part than a definite recognition of ourselves as sons of God, right here and now, regardless of appearances to the contrary.”

In my own words, the following are the steps I have identified that Jesus took on his journey.

Willingness to let go of the known in favor of what is yet to be discovered as represented by his baptism.

Acceptance of himself as God made manifest – the Christ – the only begotten idea in the Mind of God for all creation as represented by the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Dedication to reconciling the aspects of himself that he would rather have kept hidden (ego, shadow) as represented by his time in the desert.

Surrender of the personal will in service to the higher will for Universal good as he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Divestment of all attachment to the things of the world, including his physical form as represented by his acceptance of betrayal, passion and crucifixion.

Actualization of himself as spirit.

Realization of himself as eternal life.

Our opportunity is to embrace this path as our own as we follow Jesus, our way shower. While it appears in the Jesus story that these where solitary events in his life, they most likely will not be in ours. Our path is not a linear one, nor is each step a single event. Our journey to “salvation” is unique to each of us, but the stops along the way are similar.

Similarly, Easter need not be a once-a-year celebration. We can celebrate the meaning of Easter every day as we make our daily journey of Christ embodiment. 

Easter – Enjoy the journey!

Opening to the Divine

“The Divine is like the wind: It enters through whatever window we open for it and sometimes through cracks we didn’t know existed.” - Philip Goldberg

When I was serving as spiritual leader at Unity of Arlington, TX, J and I lived in a house built in 1954 which still had most of the original windows and doors that allowed for a great deal of draftiness. If you are familiar with casement, single-pane windows and louvered glass doors you know what I am talking about. When sitting inside on a windy day we could feel the breeze.

So, when Goldberg uses the analogy of the Divine as wind entering through any opening available, I have a sense of what he is talking about. However, it is important to point out that the Divine, as we know it, is never absent, so It does not need to enter. Rather it is the awareness of the Divine that is like the wind and will enter through the slightest crack.

Although, we often do not recognize it, each moment is fraught with opportunity to open to the conscious awareness of the Divine, and every aspect of our humanity is a portal to it. Every thought is a window; every sensory perception a gate; and every emotion a door. However, we often have the house of our consciousness so tightly closed off that we are unable to perceive the movement of the Divine in our daily lives.

Thoughts are not personal: they arise in the field of Infinite Mind and we have access to them all. All thoughts are recycled communal property. They are not ours unless we attach ourselves to them and begin to believe them. When we avail ourselves of the opportunity to observe a thought, rather than claim it as our own, we open the window through which the Divine enters. Allowing ourselves to become the “silent watcher” creates the opening. And, the great thing about thoughts is that they happen continuously giving us multitudes of openings each day.

Brain research has shown that our memory of past experiences greatly impacts how the brain interprets stimuli from the physical senses. When we see, taste, touch, hear or smell anything, our memory of it has a profound impact on what we perceive. For example, if one smells a rose, expecting to encounter a sweet bouquet of fragrance, the mind will conjure the memory of the scent even if there is none present.

The same is true of the ways in which we perceive the phenomenal world that we encounter every moment. Allowing ourselves to truly “stop and smell the roses” opens the gate through which the awareness of the Divine may enter. Rather than casually encountering the world around us and assuming that we know what we are seeing, touching, tasting, smelling and hearing, we can slow down enough to be present with whatever is before us in the moment and fully experience it, giving ourselves permission to touch, taste, smell, hear and see the Divine in all things, fully present, fully aware.

Just as thoughts and senses are openings, emotions also offer us doorways to the awareness of the Divine. Many of us in Unity have become accustomed to using denials to assist us in releasing the power of negative thoughts, thus affecting our emotional state in positive ways. For some, denial has taken on a psychological context not in keeping with the original intent, meaning that rather than using denials to deny the reality of negative thoughts or the permanence of so-called “negative” feelings, we use denial to deny our experience of feelings that we consider to be “negative.” 

For example, we may think that feeling angry is not “spiritual” so we deny that we feel angry. This is not the intent of the spiritual practice of denial. Attempting a “spiritual bypass” which is our effort to move quickly to peace, thereby avoiding any “negative” emotional state, only serves to keep us stuck. When we are truly willing to feel our emotions, whatever they may be, and go deeply into the experience of whatever we are feeling in the moment, we open the doorway to the experience of the Divine present in the moment. Being willing to delve into all emotions, including a “negative” emotion, is an act of Self-Love that opens the doorway to transcendence and realization.

Some philosophies teach that our humanity is just an illusion. Even if we believe that, each us of is living the experience of it for now. So, at least until we transcend our humanity, we might as well make the best use of it as possible. Let us choose to allow our humanity to be the opening through which the wind of the Divine, and our awareness of it flows freely.