Tag: self-discovery

Thanksgiving and Release

Posted on by cmryan

The last two of the five steps of a spiritual treatment or prayer in the Science of Mind philosophy are “Thanksgiving” (Gratitude) and “Release” (Letting Go). I find myself focusing on gratitude so much lately, caught in a cycle of total appreciation for what I have and what is happening in my life – and then letting it go…releasing the feeling, the moment, the thing that held my attention – so that I can then find gratitude in the next moment or experience. In this way I am able to know an infinite abundance of experiences and gratitude.

As long as I am living, these experiences will not end. As long as I remain in gratitude, having sincere thanksgiving for all I have, learn and experience, the more Good will find me. I’ve written here before about having an “attitude of gratitude.” The reminder is timely, as I prepare to change careers and the focus of my work in just a few weeks. There is no need to wait months or years to see the good; it is clearly present now.

As I prepare to leave the company where I’ve been employed for nearly two years, I am grateful for the time I’ve spent here. Yes, for the salary it’s provided. But mostly for the people I’ve been privileged to meet here (some of whom have already moved on to other jobs). I can see the benefits of having been a part of this company, of what I have learned, and am proud of the projects I’ve created. It was a fair trade. Now I want something more and different than what is available here. No bad feelings. I have grown and so I choose a new direction. And in that, I am grateful that I have such a choice available to me.

I give great thanks for living in a place, a country, where unlimited opportunities abound, whether it be how to earn an income, where to live or go to school, who to marry, how many children to have, where to shop, religious choice, etc.  As I go through my day, no matter where I am or what I am doing, I am constantly reminded of the blessings I have now and have had throughout my life – even those experiences labeled “bad” eventually revealed their benefits.

As I release one prayer of thanks, another takes it place. So, too, as I depart this job, another opportunity will take its place. Spirit loves a void – so it can be filled with something better, something larger, than what was there before. I look forward with grateful anticipation of what will be created next. My life is filled with joy, love, prosperity and so much more! I let go of the past, even a moment ago in time; it can never be saved; never be repeated or lived again. And, once more, I give thanks for such awareness and move into the next moment.

 

Placeholder

Posted on by cmryan

Within the past couple of days, one word has repeatedly appeared in conversation – placeholder. As I witnessed the repetition of this term, my mind started paying attention to its meaning or alternative meanings. The online dictionaries define it as “words that can refer to objects or people, whose names are unknown or irrelevant” or “a symbol in a mathematical or logical expression that may be replaced by the name of any element of a set.” I began wondering why this felt so significant to me. And then I knew!

First, some background is in order. The first conscious awareness of this word’s importance was at my place of work, regarding the holding of a spot on a website so that documents could later be inserted in the proper order. Next, as my husband and I were reflecting on our recent house move, leaving one home of two years to return to where we’ve lived for over 20 years, it seemed as if the temporary residence never even happened. It was rather a surreal adventure. We were just a “placeholder,” occupying the address until the next residents arrived at the house we no longer desired. We had appreciated our time there; life was full and active. We grew in consciousness, maturity and wisdom. Then it was time to move on, literally.  Finally, as I prepare to leave my job and return to a self-employment venture, I anxiously await news that a successor will soon follow and assume my role and duties.

It occurs to me that we could view our human bodies, our earthly lives, as placeholders, too. Not in the sense of being irrelevant or to be replaced by any element, but as placeholders for our souls. We occupy a role, name or persona that suits us for a time, until a change is accepted, perhaps unwillingly at times. We fill this earthly form for several decades then release it to dust and make a space for those who follow.

Spirit–God or Life Force– lives in and through us to experience this existence as we choose to be in it. The unseen energy or intuition guides us, if we pay attention to it. We are born, grow up, work, play, love and move through Life at whatever pace we prefer or allow. When one experience ends, no matter how long we’ve been expressing in that capacity, another begins…we move on. We are as significant as we desire or imagine ourselves to be. We are placeholders for God in that each of us is a unique expression of the Divine, living and learning and sharing our lessons until it is time to voyage onward.

The important thing is that, while we are here, in whatever place or way we live, we hold the highest and best consciousness for ourselves and the world. We grow our lives right where we’re planted until we hear the call to move on…whether that be to a new home, new job, new relationship, or new form of being. Everything in this physical realm is temporary. Only the Life that fills our bodies and energizes our soul is eternal. The fact that we exist, you and I, is evidence enough that Spirit is holding our place in line for the next great adventure.

 

To Love and To Serve

Posted on by cmryan

A recent topic of discussion has revolved around the purpose of life and what that is at its purest, most basic level. After peeling away the reasons for working or…why we do certain things or…our goals in life…it seems to come down to this – the purpose in life is To Love and To Serve….each other, ourselves, family, friends, employers, humanity.

I was reminded of the importance of living with this purpose in mind when I attended one of my grandchildren’s graduation ceremonies – from kindergarten. While the five- and six-year-olds were clearly nervous standing in front of their families and those of their classmates, it was evident from their smiles and their performances that they felt supported…served…and loved. Every parent and grandparent had a camera device to capture the moment. The answer to the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” received applause with each response. The children displayed their talents of signing the ABC’s, singing songs, and greeting guests in celebration during the reception…and in return, they received support and love and validation that their young efforts had not gone unrecognized and that they were ready to move on to first grade.

We love and serve our children (and others) when we support them in their growth, when we encourage them to find out who they are, what they can do, and how they want to be in the world. We guide them through the lessons of life and social graces and education. It is they who must do the work and experience the effects of their efforts. They have the choice, the option, to accept what we offer, or not…as do we when learning from the world…and to eventually integrate these lessons and ideas into our lives or let them go. We find out what works; what causes pain; what brings rewards.

It’s important to celebrate these graduations, these milestones of growth in our lives, no matter what age we are when they are recognized. We can love and serve ourselves through private celebrations, kind words, and loving thoughts. It’s the recognition of our God-self, that creative spirit, which keeps us growing and striving to be all we’ve come here to be. There are no limits except the ones we place on ourselves. Once we sense how life inspires us and expresses through us, we connect to a greater intention for living in this world: to love and to serve. There is no higher purpose.

After Life…Comes Peace

Posted on by cmryan

I may have captured a glimpse of what the “after life” looks like. No, I didn’t die and come back from the grave. This new perspective actually took place late one evening in my back yard. With it came a rush of peace and calm, recognized but not experienced for quite awhile.

As our small dog bounded from one shadowed bush to another in the full moonlight glow, sniffing for prey, I sat watching her, observing the scene before me, and listening. The gentle breeze rustled leaves and swayed branches of the nearby willow tree. Stars seemed oddly misplaced. The wooden furniture and lawn decorations reflected a glow below the giant white orb in the sky. I can only describe it as a gray light, revealing earthbound objects with dark lines and soft, eerie shapes, as well as identifying the whereabouts of a small dog and scurrying rabbits. Then I noticed the peace.

A calm contentment filled every cell of my being. “This is it,” I mused. “This is what the ‘after-life’ is like.” After the busyness of the day. After the chaos of a longed-for event. After being with many people and their life’s challenges…and mine…this is what final rest must be like. I wondered if after my tired body is no longer needed, perhaps my spirit, my soul, becomes part of this gray light, filling the night with peace simply by being the light. 

I enjoyed my few moments alone in the shimmering shadows. I also happily shared this insight with my husband as he sat down beside me on our wooden bench. As we sat there and shared the final remnants of this late evening moment, I envisioned the two of us together, still holding hands of eternal love and our souls melting together into the silence of the gray light. And I smiled.

Creative Intelligence

Posted on by cmryan

I’m continually amazed at the way Creation takes form. While I know, with every fiber of my being, that we all have access to this incredible and intelligent Creative Power, I still get giddy when a new (and brilliant!) idea comes to mind. It’s like asking for guidance and then having a special secret revealed to me alone. The best part is that, as I allow an idea to enter my active, receptive consciousness, then decide if I want to act on it, and the more willing I am to open myself to this Creative Intelligence, the greater the flow of ideas that keeps coming to me. There is NO END to this supply!

Therefore, it can be deduced that, if there is no end to this supply of ideas, then the only limiting factor in this equation is me… my openness to receive them or the intelligence to recognize their value; my energy level to pursue them; my aptitude or connections to bring them into form. Me.

Once I recognize this, what do I want to do about it? I believe I have the choice and the responsibility for these gifts, these creative ideas that desire to express through me. Yes, I have free will and can choose on what I will place my attention. Yes, I can choose to express an idea in any number of ways or I can make its journey into form nothing but drudgery and chore, resisting the creative urge that will not be silenced. I may choose how I will express its creation, but its expression will be birthed. Yet I create nothing on my own. I do not even create my next breath – that is done for me, too. There is Divine Life, Spiritual Force, within each of us that supports and guides, inspires and expresses through us in unlimited ways and ideas.

The range of ideas can be anything: learning to play an instrument, having a loving relationship with your spouse or grandchild, designing a product or service that benefits others, providing leadership or support to an organization, writing an essay or a book, planning a special vacation, starting a business, training a pet, advancing your education, or whatever. This, and so much more, are possibilities that exist in Life. A spark of an idea can ignite anytime, anywhere. There is a Divine Intelligence guiding each creative spark. It knows exactly who and what is the proper match to bring that spark into full flame. The ideas can come easily. You must be willing to receive them.

How do you bring ideas into form? One option is to share it, to partner with someone who is better equipped to bring it into form. Another way is to acknowledge the idea, note it, and consider it for creation at another time. My favorite is when I can see the idea – in a split second – from its inception all the way to its complete form and delivery to the world. Those are the ones that produce such energy in my body and mind that the project becomes an obsession until its creation is complete.

Through every step of the process, I pray for God’s guidance and direction, and I listen for the answers. It’s just easier that way. Pray with me: I am open to the Creative Intelligence of Life, of Spirit. I am a receptacle for Divine Inspiration. I feel the power of Creation expressing through me! I know it is for Good and that it is coming from Divine Intelligence. I need not question it. I know this is mine to do. And so it is.

Intention. Attention. Anticipation. Success.

Posted on by cmryan

The weeks leading up to the Christmas holiday season are filled with anticipation on many levels. Children write letters or lists for Santa and parents. Adults shop, bake or arrange outings. Friends and family travel or prepare for guests to arrive. Then, the New Year follows close behind and brings its own forms of anticipation. Whether there are special parties to attend or to host, resolutions to concentrate on, or decorations and packages to store away, many of us breathe a sigh of relief as the old year comes to an end and the new one begins. A fresh start.

We ask ourselves, “what next?” and prepare for change. This expectancy can be a feeling of welcome and excitement or one of fear and dread. We wonder what the new year will bring, because we recognize that with passing time, we WILL change. Life will provide a challenge to stimulate our learning. We will have another birthday. We might notice a change in our energy level, health or hair color (more gray?). Our children will grow. Friends move to and fro. People die. Babies are born. Everyone will become more knowledgeable in some way as we face change in life. The preference is to choose the desired change (or your response to it) rather than to sit idly by, waiting for whatever might befall you.

Anticipation often includes a feeling of hope or something you look forward to. Intention has to do with having a purpose in mind, an aim that guides your actions, to set a plan in motion (one that has certain objectives). Clear intentions are generally followed with the anticipation of success. However, anticipation alone, without any set intention in mind…while you might feel good for a time…soon fizzles in the fog.  Success in achieving your goals and objectives increases substantially when your intentions are determined first, aligned with your prayers and practical applications (attention), and energized with anticipation.

Anticipation requires active intention (a form of participation) to see the manifestation of the desire. True, something could manifest the way you anticipate without your having to physically do anything toward its creation. The act of anticipating, of focusing your mental energy on the desired outcome…and certainly a lesser form of attention than if you get physically involved in the creation process, such as pick up a hammer, write a goal statement, take a class, etc… could result in something being created, but in what form? 

To create what you truly desire, to bring something into existence (manifestation), requires: 1)  intention; 2) attention; and 3) anticipation, all working together to create the ultimate form – whether that form is a new job, a piece of art, creating a home, developing a relationship, writing an article, or experiencing a more positive attitude and new year.

Anticipation alone? Well, that’s like waiting for Santa to show up and bring you the one present you’ve always secretly wanted, but have never even put on your list; there’s bound to be disappointment. But add intention and attention to the equation of creating the life you envision, and some degree of success will always occur, if only that you learn from mistakes to improve your choices, grow awareness, or sharpen your clarity. Pray…and then do your part. Treat…and move your feet.

Intention. Attention. Anticipation. Success. Happy New Year!

Our Most Precious Gift

Posted on by cmryan

In days of gift-giving, whatever time of year, it is wise to pause on the weight of our decision. What do we really want to give to those we love? How much focus do we place on the cost or size of our gifts to others? What is the most precious gift?

I’ve often thought the answer was time. If I only had more time, I could do… be… whatever. That is linear thinking, isn’t it? All we truly have is the present moment. Right here. Right now. When we’re conscious about this fact, we can make better use of our time. We can choose to do what is the most important to us in that moment, while simultaneously considering how our actions and thoughts of today will create our tomorrows, for they will. The gift of time can, indeed, impact how we live our life, but is it the most precious?

What about love? Love is indeed precious. Through centuries of Bible verses we have been told that “God so loved the world…” [John 3:16]. In this one verse it states that we are loved so much that God gave something valuable to us so we would have something even more priceless in return. Logically, one could believe that, while love is indeed a precious gift, apparently it is only an avenue to an even greater one.

Still, in the physical world where we live, move and have our being, we are encouraged to…“Write that letter. Make that call. Go see that person. Give that gift. Say that thank you. Grab that time together. Show them you love them now.” [from gospel.com] We find human and spiritual connection through loving acts. We feel good relating in positive ways with those we feel close to. What could possibly be more precious than love?

The answer can be found in many places, one of which is again the Bible [Romans 6:23]: “…the gift of God is eternal life…” Think about that for a moment: eternal life. Naturally, we’re not talking about this physical body existing indefinitely. In fact, we’re not even sure our consciousness remains the same, no matter how enlightened we may be. We’re talking about Life…the unseen force that breathes us…the invisible energy that inspires and creates through us…the Divine Power that exists in and as us.

We – as living expressions of God – with body, mind and eternal soul energy (Life) are the most precious gift! Imagine that! Dr. Ernest Holmes once said: “You and I are born out of God, and we are born out of a divine urge that creates. ” He also stated that “…Life is a blessing or a curse, according to the use we make of it.” Life IS precious!

So what use are you making of the life you have? Yes, your place in the material world can be important. But ask the even greater question: what are you doing as a soul-filled creation? Do you spend your time in ways that inspire the Life in you or others? Do you love the world so much that all bias and judgment are gone? Are you expressing in such a way that your soul, your Life force, is a gift of God? What about being a gift TO God in return?

Now there’s something to think about. Maybe God could use a nice present this year, too. Consider this affirmation as a starting point:

I express and honor this precious gift of Life as a loving gift of God.

 

Who Am I, Really?

Posted on by cmryan

I discovered a simple practice recently – a meditation of sorts – while preparing for sleep. After removing clothing and work jewelry, bathing and teeth-brushing, I paused in the darkness and quiet of the bedroom. My fingers touched my wedding rings and, for whatever reason, I removed them. I then took out the one earring stud I always wear. And lastly, even I find this hard to admit; lastly I put down my cell phone. In that moment, I sensed relief. I stood in the silence, closed my eyes, and allowed myself to feel a weightlessness move throughout my body, detached from any material possessions.

There in the darkness, I asked the question, “Who am I really?” My professional wardrobe, titles and the way I present myself describe how I live in the world, the work I do, the education I’ve attained. My rings define the relationship with my spouse and, in some respects, indicate the parenthood role I’ve filled for most of my life. The earring stud is symbolic of my rebel side, birthed in teenage years and ever-present…as is my tattoo but not so easily removed (or seen). And the cell phone, this ‘smart’ device, is my constant connection to the world, my cyber companion. It’s how I stay plugged in to everyone and everything I care about. The phone is with me everywhere, at all times, and it is the most difficult possession to put down.

The question remains, “Who am I really?” Without all the trappings and jewelry and titles and symbols, without all the electronics, usernames and passwords, how do I define myself? How would I introduce myself to God? My name, bestowed on me by my parents, is simply a human label, helpful in this realm of living. So I immediately released any attachment to my name, which allowed me to let go of my entire past. In my mind’s eye, as my name disappeared, so did my body. All that was left was a buzzing awareness… alone with the Divine Presence of the One Mind. Only the present moment. I breathed.

This blissful state of being was my answer. I am consciousness and energy. I am love and joy and compassion. In this state of awareness, I am truly an expression of God. There is only God. There is nothing else. There doesn’t need to be.

In this state of connection to my true Source of Life, all relationships, though temporary on this plane, are holy and precious; we all come from the same Source. This awareness can resolve any difficulty, forgive any person, release any unpleasant experience, or heal any hurt feelings. Our earthly relationships give us opportunities to grow in consciousness and to practice being God-like. Some of us need a lifetime to get it right; others, not so much.

Yes, I’m still here. I still have work to do. And I am grateful for the glimpse of who I really am.