Freedom in Darkness

Hope you missed not having a blog the last couple of weeks - my computer system and I had a "minor" issue. The system (Vista - and don't start with me!) froze, the system had to be re-installed, and the external backup drive failed. The result is that I lost all files from September through the first part of December.

Now, having said that, it wasn't such a bad thing. Yes, yes, I do go to look for something (like the template for my counseling intake client form or wedding planning sheet for a bride) and discover it's missing. And I have to recreate the whole thing. Meaning that I have to spend hours...again...creating it. But I digress...I want to convince you that this is not a bad thing. Grrrr....

Which, actually, it isn't. Loss is loss, but we often think of it as a negative. Another way of looking at it is that it is very freeing. Granted, it is annoying as well, but most annoying things have a delightful message for me if I'll just stop whining or screaming long enough to hear it.

I've discovered what's important through this experience. I miss not having the pictures I took at the FAB Gala of the three of us, but no one can take the memory from me. I am annoyed to have to re-design all my forms I just created for my new center, but they were based on previous ministries/businesses. Perhaps I really am creating something brand new.

I also lost all my email and addresses. Fortunately, I still had my blog eList on the old Gmail account for the center, so you're getting this! But all those cherished emails I had saved, love letters, evidentials (when someone tells you that you're worth something or they really appreciate you!) and information I was going to read "someday" are gone into cyber hell or heaven. Now my "in-box" is fairly sparse. I rather like it that way. Information that's important is being made into a document or scanned...and IS being backed up now!

Today is the winter solstice, then time when it is the darkest on our part of the planet and the time when, after 6:38pm EST today, the days get longer and the nights get shorter. Yule, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are all festivals of light - life becoming brighter as we exit the darkness on our way to the birth of spring and new creation. As I come out of my cyber darkness, I hope you will take time to find what is important in your life, enjoy it, cherish it and celebrate it. Chances are, it's not going to be your computer, your Droid, your car or anything else that's mechanical.

May your holidays and the new calendar year be filled with love, joy and prosperity!

In Spirit, Truth and Playfulness,

Terry

Are You Reactive or Responsive?

A flight attendant colleague of mine asked me to write about avoiding negative energy from some of her customers. Her request reminded me of how different it is to “respond” to a situation instead of “reacting” to it. I began to think about how much energy we give to people and situations that challenge us.

Staying positive and upbeat around people who are constantly complaining can be difficult at best. Often we are just doing our job and people act as if we are trying to take their first born, e.g., when flight attendants have to repeatedly remind people to turn off electronic devices or stay seated when it’s too turbulent for even the crew to be up out of their jumpseats.

Part of the issue is allowing others to have their own experience while we are having ours. A passenger on an aircraft might be totally wigged out because the flight attendant doesn’t have complimentary pillows and blankets. Fine. That’s their experience. But does it have to be the same experience for the flight attendant? It can be, if s/he chooses to take responsibility for the upset.

The Universe reflects back to us that which we need to address in our own lives. If I take a deep breath and step back from uncomfortable or annoying situations (in spite of my initial human reaction to someone who is being plain ugly to me!), I usually find that Spirit is nudging me in a direction of acceptance, understanding or to just slow down. We often do not want to identify with the “Nellie Negatives” in our lives, but if we are honest we may be able to see some of the same attitude in us, just in some other circumstance.

The other issue is how much power we are giving that other person or situation. If we give others the power to “make us upset” then we have only ourselves to thank for the experience. The Universe does not require us to be victims or martyrs. However … and here’s the “Truth you love to hate”… if we choose to play the part of a victim or the martyr then the Universe (which only says “Yes!” through the Law of Cause and Effect) is obliged to provide the circumstance for us to play our part.

If we react to uncomfortable and annoying situations we will perpetuate the energy. It will feed on our upset and grow, just like oxygen feeds a fire. On the other hand, if we respond appropriately to our experience and in line with who we are then we can be at peace with what may have previously thrown us off course.

If someone chooses to be miserable and doesn’t want to change, let them be. S/he can only affect us if we let it. We do not need the approval of others to be happy. Of course, conversely, if you are a flight attendant dealing with a customer who is uncooperative, s/he can gently be informed that they need your approval to stay on board!

The people in your life who insist on being ugly, negative or nasty around you can be gently, but firmly, informed that they can take their attitude out of your space. After all, you’ve suffered long enough with crap like that. Aren’t you ready to try something else?!? The Universe awaits your command – order up something or someone you want, not something or someone that will make your life miserable! Life is too long to be lived in misery.

In Spirit, Truth and Playfulness,

Terry

Affected or Effective?

Those of you who are old enough will remember the peace slogan, “What if they had a war and nobody came?” The same is true of anything negative, like what we continue to hear about our economy. What would happen if we all just decided not to participate in the recession, or whatever economists choose to call it this week?

People of all political persuasions were stunned at the results of the elections last Tuesday. Some were elated. A few were humbled. Several said they were terrified. In spite of the polls and predictions, few people expected an outcome that could affect our lives in the next two, four or six years in ways we began to immediately hear about in the media. The Patriot-News here in Harrisburg is filled this morning with stories on how a change in state government will affect our taxes, and how we as a country should prepare for a two-year-long period of uncertainty because of the gridlock predicted in Congress.

It’s easy to run from the problem – we’ve all done it and I’m no exception – or just ignore it, decide to be a victim of it, or become depressed because of the seemingly hopelessness of the situation. I’ve run from jobs, only to find the same boss. I’ve fled relationships and ended up with the same issues. I’m still trying to figure out why I’m on my third Catholic husband when that religion is not a part of my spiritual path! I’m guessing it has something with acceptance of others or flashbacks to that past life I led as a cloistered monk in the eight century … but I digress – sorry, ADHD moment.

We can’t always change our circumstances, but we can change how we think about what is presented to us. Will you be “affected” by the change in the political climate, or be the “effective” change you feel is necessary? The media helps us all become well-versed in what is wrong with our society and our planet. We know what we don’t like, but often have difficulty in articulating what it is we really want. Understanding our needs, wants and desires help us to plot a course that will get us to our destination. Use the recent change in local and national politics to review the ideals for which you stand. Then, take action that is in harmony with the life you want to live.

Change around us can give us the courage to forge ahead or provide the excuse for pulling back. You probably know people who blame their financial woes on which party is in power. Yet there are plenty of people who, year after year, are still happy, have not lost everything and do not seem to be so affected. The latter have found the answer: It’s a choice to be at the affect of our circumstances or to be the effective force of change in our lives. Which will you choose?

In Spirit, Truth and Playfulness,

Terry

National Forgiveness Day

October 30 is National Forgiveness Day. I didn’t even know we had a “National Forgiveness Day” until yesterday, but I’m glad we do.

In truth, every day should be a forgiveness day. Holding onto grudges, hurts and pain is not healthy physically, mentally or spirituality. Letting go of the past, however, is not always an easy thing to do.

Take being a victim of child abuse. I once heard about a woman in her 40s whose life was a mess. She was unable to maintain an intimate relationship, couldn’t hold a job and seemed constantly angry at the world. She blamed all her problems on her child abuse. When questioned further about it, however, it came to light that she had not endured years of sexual or physical torment from adults. What she referred to as the reason for her life of misery amounted to being touched inappropriately on her thigh by an uncle while fully clothed…once…when she was four years old.

While admittedly a traumatic event, she had built a life of failure and disappointment on this one incident. When it was suggested she forgive her uncle, now long dead, she refused saying she could never forgive that horrible act and it would be the reason her life was miserable. As we know, the Universe only says “yes” to our words and beliefs. Given that she was unwilling to change her thinking there was little to do.

The woman refused forgiveness because she didn’t believe her uncle deserved it. That’s not the point. The point is that she deserved the forgiveness. Holding onto hate and disappointment with others only creates a psychic link between them and us. It doesn’t punish the other person one bit. The only person suffering is usually us.

Learn to “forgive as you go”, just as it is the habit of many of us to “pray as we go”. No matter how bad the situation looks, consider the possibility that everyone involved in the situation in question did the very best s/he could at the time. Could things have been different? Probably. Instead of fretting about the past, think about changing the future by altering our response or participation in what happened so that it doesn’t happen again. Then, let it go. If you feel you can’t, then write that person’s name on a piece of paper and place it on hold (in your freezer), or in a “God box” (somewhere you consider sacred that you can give it to God to handle). If we give it away, it’s no longer ours.

Make it a goal to forgive at least one person today. You don’t have to tell them, unless it’s appropriate. We are One, so on some level there will be a change in your relationship with them anyway. Can’t think of anyone? No problem. Starting with ourselves is a great place to begin!

In Spirit, Truth and Playfulness,

Dr. Terry

Big Girl Panties

Our challenges are unique and very personal. What may be appear to be a huge obstacle in my mind, may be mere trifle to you. However, having said that, I am brought to the reason for the title of this blog, Big Girl Panties, as in “Put on your big girl panties and deal with it!”

Challenges can be opportunities for growth or they can be just the reason we are looking for to stop us from moving forward. Most people are far more afraid of succeeding than they are of failing. Most of us know really well how to fail at something. How will we deal with success? What will change? Will we lose our friends? Staying stuck can actually be comfortable.

At times like this – and understand that you are the only one that can determine if the time is right – we have to grow out of Pampers® and put on our big girl or boy panties. How will you know? My answer to that is that if you have to ask you’re probably not ready. Just stay where you are for now – when you’re ready you’ll know it, so don’t force the issue.

For me, I know when I have to suck it up. It is when I start to lament to people about my latest challenge and halfway through the story I start getting bored! There’s that still, small voice inside my head going, “Really? Seriously?”

Take a moment today to ask yourself what “little” irritation has been going on long enough in your life. Determine that it has outlived its usefulness and make the necessary changes to move forward. Reach out for help if needed, but decide today to blast through one problem child this week. Let me know how that turns out for you!

In Spirit, Truth and Playfulness,

Dr. Terry

Equal or Special?

This article is bound to piss off someone, so you can be sure to love it or hate it! Read on…

There is a familiar theme with any minority group that feels they are experiencing discrimination. It can be lesbians, transgender, blacks, gays, seniors – it can be any group. It does not matter.

What we all say we want is to be equal. Fine, as far as I am concerned. There is no reason why anyone should be put down for the color of his skin, her cultural or ethnic background, with whom one sleeps, or how old one is. The problem occurs when the group or individual who cries foul that s/he is not being treated equally turns around and wants special accommodation. If they are equal then why do they need something special? Does that not negate their desired equality?

I recently saw an article written to accommodate transgender people by replacing “he” and “her” with “ze” and “hir”, more gender-neutral terms. Some would say that if a person who is transgender is finally living her life as a woman then “she” should be proud of that. But the transgender person might still need to let people know that “she” has made a choice to live “her” life in a way very different from the past. It not only allows her to transition, but also lets her come out of the trunk (sorry….”t” for transgender and looked for something more than a closet – there are enough of us coming out of there already…).

My point is that we do not get to tell others how they need to express themselves. Conversely, those who feel they must use alternate terms to define their lives cannot expect everyone to understand those needs without informing others. If you are African American and I refer to you as black, and later you tell me “black” does not work for you or offends you, then I will, from then on, refer to you as African American. When I used “black” at the beginning of this blog it is because there is little if any agreement within the black/African American community about what should be used when and with whom. I use both “black” and “African American” interchangeably – half my friends of color prefer one, the rest prefer the other – so if they cannot agree with each other what is a fifty-five year old Caucasian male who was raised a poor white boy in a trailer park to do?!?. Society also went from American Indians to Native Americans to First Nations Peoples, but many of the communities who were here before white Christians invaded their land are not even familiar with the currently political correct term. So what is the answer?

There is a passage in A Course in Miracles that says something to the effect that all of us are special and yet none of us are special. Does that sound like metaphysical psychobabble? It is not. In truth we are all one. You can base that statement on the scientific fact of quantum physics, the metaphysical law of universality or Jesus’ teaching of unity with the Father. We are all one. And yet, we are special. We are special because we get to individually express Spirit in a unique way that no one else can. We each have a gift to give to the world. If we are “hiding our light under a bushel basket” we are robbing people of the light we could be shining.

Do you really want to be equal, or do you want equality only when it suits you? Do you want to be special, but afraid that you will be called upon to do more than you are willing to do? Tough – that is life. But it is your life and you get to decide how to live it. The Universe will reflect back to us what we truly believe about ourselves. I would proffer to you that if you are currently experiencing doubt about the future or resistance from others around you to change then you are having reflected back to you your gravest fears and deepest reservations. No one is better than you, but what looks like inequality can often be the fact that someone else took an opportunity you missed. Claim your equality by taking the opportunities that are yours to enjoy. You are special – shine your light brightly, powerfully, loving and consistently, and let God show off through you!

In Spirit, Truth and Playfulness,

Dr. Terry

Open-Minded or Wishful Thinking?

“There is a difference between having an open mind and believing something because we want it to be true.” I heard that a few weeks ago on an NPR program. I had to pull over to write it down.

It is imperative that we keep an open mind when we live a life that is based on thinking positively. Circumstances may not always turn out the way I expect them to, but in the long run it is always for the best…even if it takes a while for me to figure that out. When I pray or treat for change I usually end it with “this or something better.” I have come to realize that Divine Mind is NOT stupid and often has a much better idea of what I need than I do. My friend and teacher, the late Rev. Helen Street, used to say, “For heaven’s sake! You’re dealing with Universal Intelligence, not Big Dummy in the Sky!”

But that open mind we have can lead to an endless pit of being used as a doormat if we allow it to happen. We must realize at some point in certain instances that change is not going to occur the way we want it to occur. Trust me – those Nigerian and Kenyan emails will never pay off and be the windfall for which you might be hoping. The same is true of our relationships. If he’s been cheating on you for the past five (or three or ten or how ever many) years, begging your forgiveness each time, promising it will not happen again and you believe him, then you deserve all the heartache you have set yourself up to receive. If you believe that the next time there is a vacancy in your company that the boss will finally appoint a woman to the position senior vice president, even though he has been committed to do so for the last eight vacancies, then you might want to take a reality check. What color is the sky in your world, precious?

Being open-minded and positive does not mean we have to be naïve or live in la-la-land (apologies to my LA friends!). Jesus the Great Teacher told us to be “cautious as serpents and yet innocent as doves” (Matt. 10:16). We must have the faith that our prayers are answered, but not expect money, people or situations to be delivered to our front door while we sit idly by. We must forgive those who have wronged us in the past, but we also acknowledge our part and make sure not to place ourselves in that situation again. Forgiveness does not mean automatic trust…”cautious as serpents.”

It is a fine line between open-mindedness and wishful thinking, believing in something that will never happen. The latter will not be our experience if we build our hopes and dreams on a firm foundation of faith instead of the shifting sands of popular thinking. Who decides which is which? We must all make that decision ourselves and at the same time, seek to avoid judging those who appear to be locked into making what we consider to be the same mistakes over and over and over again. We would be wise not to think we know what is right for others. How very arrogant to think that we, rather than Universal Intelligence, could possibility know what is best for someone else.

In Spirit, Truth and Playfulness,

Dr. Terry

Science of Mind: How to Use It

One of the greatest difficulties in New Thought is that we are far too likely to indulge largely in theory and too little in practice. We only know as much as we can prove to ourselves. Theory always goes beyond application; otherwise there can be no progress in science. Since all of the Science of Mind (SOM) principles are intangible, it therefore requires practical application in our field. Why? Because every demonstration adds to our belief that mental or spiritual thought has a supremacy over any apparent material resistance.

SOM teaches the perfection of each of us, but requires that we acknowledge the reality of where we are. This means to recognize what is currently going on with us, our lives or our bodies. This is different from some other groups who also practice mental healing through the use of the denial of disease or any condition. Here is what Dr. Holmes had to say about this: “It is easy enough to rush about shouting that there are no sick people, but this will never heal those who appear to be sick.” We must prove the Law by our actions and demonstrations, not merely announce a principle like some town crier.

Trained thought is more powerful than untrained thought – not that there is more power for one person than another, but that the one making more use of a force available to everyone is going to have better results. As we train our conscious thought, as it becomes stronger, we must also guard our subconscious thoughts, as they too have more power. Why? Because this Power is working for us by working through us. We use the universal power to guide and improve our life by making conscious choices in line with our desires, as opposed to letting events happen to us.

Our standard is one of perfection. Scripture records Jesus the Christ as having said, “You must accordingly be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” That grates on most people because in our culture people equate being perfect without making any mistakes, which is ridiculous because we make mistakes all the time. The English word “perfect” comes from two Latin words, “per” and “facare” – literally, to be thoroughly done. A tuxedo is perfect for the opera, not for shoveling snow. Just because we do not use it for shoveling snow does not mean it is not perfect for some other activity. We strive to be able to look at a wrong condition – meaning one we want to change – with the knowledge that it can change. How can we believe this? The realization that we have this ability must be gained by the application of our knowledge, and sometimes we do that through our mistakes.

How do we do this? Remember, “Practice makes perfect”? Just do it! Practice. Let us say you are currently experiencing what we call lack, not a stretch for many people if we believe the news about the global economic situation. You know this condition is not in accord with God, or at least that is what I believe and teach. Spirit imposes no limitation, and the Universe is abundant. There is no real law to support poverty, other than the fact that the Law is responding in accord with our belief in poverty or lack. So we do a spiritual mind treatment, or affirmative prayer, and this is how it is done: You begin with Recognition about God/Spirit/Higher Power in Its vastness, Its unlimited potential. Then, relax into the Unification with that Power. Now you are in agreement that God is expressing as you. The third step, that of the Realization of your desire, is to speak the Word of God for what you want. See it not as coming to you, as if it is far off, but embody it in the now, stating that it is already an accomplished idea in the Mind of God. When you experience a feeling of peace, give Thanks, and Release it for demonstration. Then get up and go about your business. Do not get up and start worrying. If you would like an example of a spiritual mind treatment about something which is concerning you, call me at 717.645.8885, or email me at: terry@newthoughtpa.org and I will be happy to demonstrate this process for you personally!

Our environment may do anything but encourage us to change, to better ourselves. The newscasts are usually pretty grim. Be willing to frame your experiences differently. “So cold outside” vs. “So crisp, so alive!” “So dark during the winter” vs. “I have so much more time to read now and stay in to enjoy my home and cats.” “So gray and bleak” vs. “Snow is so white and sparkly!” (Okay, not so much when I’m shoveling it!) If you do this you run the risk of being labeled a “Pollyanna.” That is not really so bad. Would you rather be known as someone up and happy, or gloomy and down, like Eeyore, the gloomy donkey from Winnie the Pooh stories who keeps losing his tail? The Eeyore consciousness: Walking around the world with your tail falling off. “Change your thinking, change your life” – Dr. Holmes.

Treatment always works. Prayers are always answered. The Truth is instantaneous in Its demonstration, taking only as much time in Its unfoldment as is inherent in the Law for a logical and sequential evolution of events. The healing, or demonstration, takes place as our minds become attuned to the truth of Being. “There is no process of healing, but there is generally a process in healing,” says Dr. Holmes. The process is the time it takes and is in exact proportion to our realization of Truth.

If you wish to practice this Science, then take time daily to mediate and mentally treat your thinking about the condition, no matter what the apparent contradictions may be. Work silently and privately with the Law, and the Law will find an inlet by means of your faith. By doing so you are aligning yourself with the harmony of the Universe. Meditation and treatment are to be entered into with ease and grace – not forcing things or outlining exactly how the Universe is to produce the desired result. The Universe already knows how to do whatever it is we are asking it to accomplish. “We do not put the power into this Word, but we do let the power of the Law flow through it,” says Dr. Holmes, “and the one who most completely believes in this power will produce the best results. This is the Law of Cause and Effect.”

The 21^st century will see the end of many old religions, deadly prejudices and paralyzing fears. What we will see in their place is a new science, a new religion and a new philosophy. I believe strongly in the Science of Mind and the mission of the organizations who practice this philosophy. I believe it to be a science, a religion and a philosophy for the 21st century. It is not THE way for I do not teach that there is only one path to enlightenment. But it is a way, it is my way and it is the teaching you will hear about in my blogs and hopefully in upcoming classes here in Harrisburg at the New Thought Center of Center PA. It is my joy to share a more positive outlook of life with people. If you felt a connection to what you have read in this four-part series, let me know and keep in touch!

Dr. Terry

Science of Mind: What It Does

The woman called the Teacher of Teachers in the New Thought Movement, Emma Curtis Hopkins, once said, “There’s good out there and I ought to have it.” I believe that we should have whatever we want to live life to the fullest, but saying that can cause people to think that Science of Mind is all about getting “stuff”.

It is not. Science of Mind allows us to create the lives we want, or actually, accept the lives that are already ours to enjoy. We are in human form and I believe that we ought to experience that plane of existence to the fullest – to feel, taste, smell, hear and see all that this corporeal world has to offer. However, true happiness, contentment and peace of mind can never come from the physical alone. The key is to balance the spiritual with the physical.

Science of Mind scientific and rational. Religious Science is a blending of spirituality and science, two concepts not often used in the same sentence, but in truth one and the same. Dr. Holmes said, “The Universe is impersonal...It is no respecter of persons.” That means that it is going to work the same for me as it does for you every time. Can you imagine if electricity only worked if we were in a good mood or “nice people”? We are the ones who allow Spirit to work in our lives – there is no resistance on God’s part. To allow God to work in our lives, Ralph Waldo Emerson advises that we get our “bloated nothingness” out of the way of the Divine power. Those who think too much of themselves (the arrogant ones that scripture calls those puffed up with pride) will not perceive the simplicity of faith, yet the pure in heart see God. The farmer sees the Heavenly Host in her fields. The infant frolics with God as it plays with its toes. The mother has clasp God to her breast as she nurses. The fond lover has seen God in the eyes of his partner. We look far too far away for the Reality of God. About this Holmes says: “We have made a riddle out of simplicity; therefore, we have not read the sermons written in stones, nor interpreted the light of love running through life.”

To return to a sane simplicity of the Reality of life is one of the first and most important things to do; the Science of Mind gives us the framework to do just that. That may seem elementary, simple. But simple is not always easy. We live today in a world that we as an industrialized nation have made very complicated. It is not always easy to get a straight answer to questions you want answered. It does us good once in a while to step back from our lives and do a reality check. How complicated do we want our lives to be? Are there areas we can make simpler, with less stress? We will not eliminate all stress in our lives, but we do not want to add to the stress in our lives by living complicated, rigid lives just because so much of our world does that.

The study of metaphysics, Religious Science and the Science of Mind is like any other course of study or area of expertise. It has a language all of its own. We use terms which are not commonly used in the daily language of people on the street, and we use commonly-used words in a new and different way. Words have ower and meaning we assign to them. Dr. Holmes tells us the “laws of nature are set and immutable” (which mean unchangeable), but the spontaneous recognition of these laws gives us the power to bring them into practical use in everyday life and experience.” When we put our thoughts out there and believe, opportunities will arise. That is the way the Law works: a conscious action and an inevitable re-action to our action (or conscious thought). Life always becomes to us the particular thing we need when we believe that It becomes to us that particular thing. The understanding of this is the essence of simplicity. Yet, what do we say? "But HOW does it work?" "You can't just expect it to react that way - why look how hard I've worked all my life!"

To change our lives we must acknowledge our doubts, our fears, but we must not let them run our lives or allow them to take our eyes of our visions and goal. Turn to any doubt in your mind and find the falsehood of that doubt, or be willing to acknowledge the issues that the doubt brings up and deal with them to the best of your ability. The Principle we have to demonstrate is perfect, and to the extent that we can convince ourselves of that perfection, to that extent it will automatically demonstrate. Do not waste your time arguing its possibility or reliability with those who doubt the power of prayer or have no faith in the Power of God Mind. Believe change is possible.

Be willing this week to open up to just a fraction more of this Power, or as much as you want. And then, let God show off in your life and embrace all the love and good which is already yours!

Dr. Terry

Science of Mind: The Way It Works

This is the second in the four-part series about the Science of Mind. Science of Mind (SOM) is a scientific approach to religion and a religious reverence in scientific law. It is a spiritual philosophy which deals with the unity of all life and which proclaims that God Power exists at the center of every person. SOM is not a special revelation; but rather a compilation of many revelations. Dr. Ernest Holmes said he never had an original thought. I believe he had some amazing ways of expressing ancient principles, but this speaks to his belief in the unity of all people. In Eccl. 1:9, wise King Solomon tells us that “there is nothing new under the sun.” Religious Science (RS) accepts the good wherever we find it and then makes it our own to the best of our understanding.

None of the practice of SOM can be effective without a firm belief in God, or whatever you personally call that Higher Power, Universal Force, Life Energy, etc. This is the meaning of the mystical saying of the Apostle Paul in Acts 17:28: “In Him we live, and move, and have our being.” We, meaning Religious Scientists or New Thought practitioners like myself, see God as a Consciousness of Unity. We do not traditionally communicate in a way that supports unity; rather, English and many other major languages are inherently full of separation and sexism.

When a religious scientist prays s/he must have a strong belief in the unity of all life. The form of prayer that RS uses, called Spiritual Mind Treatment, or affirmative, scientific prayer, is what sets RS apart from the other New Thought religions. (For more information on this, please refer to the page on our new website at: http://newthoughtpa.org/ ). This type of prayer must have a basis of unity. The one “treating”, as it is called, must believe in One Mind and One Spirit, therefore only Divine Right Action can come of the situation at hand.

There is one Law or Principle in any given situation. As to our physical bodies, there are not two separate Principles, one of sickness, one of health. There is one Principle used two different ways, one way producing what we want, the other way producing what we do not want. Both outcomes are a result of our belief system and how we think, either consciously or sub-consciously. The possibility of healing exists in the consciousness of each of us. There will come with the desire for healing or change everything we require to fulfill that longing — but we must be open to that. We have the faith in the thing unseen, this Universal Power.

We believe in our own individualized use of this Active Force. We believe we can make a difference; that conditions in our lives which are undesirable can be changed; or, at least believing we can see conditions in a different way. We recognize that this Power is consistent and always present. It works all the time and for everyone. That is why the Apostle Paul told the Hebrew Christians of the first century “some did not enter into the faith because of their unbelief” (Heb. 4:6). We may enter in because of our belief, but we cannot enter while there is unbelief. This is what the scriptures refer to as “a house divided against itself” – we are pushing and pulling at the same time and accomplishing nothing.

Our belief sets the limit to how successful our treatments/prayers will be. Spirit is ready to fill everything, because It is Infinite. It is not a question of Spirit’s or God’s willingness or ability. It is entirely a question of our own receptivity to being blessed. You are a thinking, willing, knowing, conscious center of Life. You are surrounded by, immersed in, and there is flowing through you, a creative Something . . . call It whatever you want. The sum total of all your thought, will, purpose and belief, creates a “tendency” in this Law that causes It to react to you according to the sum total of that belief. It behooves us, therefore, to do all we can to see that our thought processes are in line with the life we desire to have.

Ignorance of the Universal Laws excuses no one from its effects. It, therefore, stands to reason we ought to learn the Law, learn to believe of and in It, and approach It directly, head-on and specifically. That is why I hope to hear from enough of you locally that I can begin offering classes, where we can look deeply into the issues in our lives and how to use the Principles to assist us in making changes for the better. Please let me know if you are interested! Drop me a line: terry@newthoughtpa.org

In Spirit, Truth and Playfulness,

Dr. Terry

What is the “Science of Mind”? – Part One

I hope you enjoy this brief introduction to the Science of Mind philosophy that I have spoken about in my blogs. Each of the four parts comes from the first four chapters of the Science of Mind textbook, written by Ernest Shurtleff Holmes.

Ernest Holmes was born in 1887 and passed on in 1960. Holmes published his Science of Mind philosophy in 1926 after many years of studying metaphysics and countless ancient philosophers. Eventually this philosophy led to the establishment of the Churches of Religious Science, one of the three “New Thought” religions – the other two being Unity and Divine Science.

Holmes spiritual philosophy aligns with all religions. Many people think of Science of Mind as their way of life, but still practice a traditional religion. Holmes believed in the unity of all life and proclaimed that God Power exists at the center of every person. Thanks to the discovery and evidence of quantum physics in the twenty-first century, this is no longer metaphysical psychobabble – it is current science.

The Science of Mind deals with and uses the science of the laws of thought as they pertain to our relationship to the universal creative Mind (or God, or Force, or Higher Power) and to health, happiness and success. In the front of my copy of the Science of Mind textbook I have an anonymous poem. I have heard some people say that Dr. Holmes wrote it. I do not know that to be true, but it certainly agrees with his philosophy. This is what it says: “Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act upon must inevitably come to pass”. Two basic Holmes’ concepts are Love and Law. The Law is perfect, so therefore the Love must also be perfect. "The study of the Science of Mind is a study of First Cause, Spirit, Mind, or that invisible Essence, the ultimate Stuff and Intelligence from which everything comes, the Power back of creation – The Thing Itself."

Dr. Holmes refused to believe that the Creative Intelligence of the Universe would create humankind in bondage and leave us bound as some faiths teach. To do so would be to dishonor the Creative Power that we call God. Because of this belief we trust that the basis of the Universe is Love, and that we have at our disposal all we need to live happy, productive, satisfying lives. We are individuals, and the Universe allows us to discover our individuality.

Freedom is our birthright and we all feel that instinctively. Humankind must have freedom to grow, to explore and to figure things out. Some call it intuition, some call it the inner voice, or the still small voice - but it is there within each of us, calling, beckoning to us to be more than we are, or at least more than we believe ourselves to be. It is the innermost thoughts we all have, however buried beneath all the pain, hurt and guilt. It is what we know to be our calling.

The Science of Mind is filled with what I call, “Here’s the Good News/Here’s the Bad News” statements. They are not really good or bad, but they are sobering. Here is one of those: The Universe never plays favorites. For scientific proof of this, take the action of mixing colors – it works the same for everyone. Why? No one knows. We know it does, but we really do not know how or why this works. That lack of understanding, however, does not stop the artist from mixing colors. So is it true of the metaphysical laws; we do not have to understand any more about metaphysics than we do about mixing colors to use the laws of metaphysics. In fact, we probably will never know why the laws of metaphysics work the way they do. That is why they are metaphysical, beyond the physical, beyond physical law. An in-depth knowledge of any physical or metaphysical process is not necessarily required to use the process.

I once heard Dr. Jay Scott Neale say, "We often hear it said that Religious Science is not for everyone. That is not true. However, not everyone is for Religious Science." That is because our teaching is not some magical answer, or a quick-fix, get-rich scheme. It requires dedication, faith and hard work. It is far easier to blame God, the government or our parents than to take personal responsibility for our lives and community. But the rewards of taking on that challenge are beyond anything you might be able to imagine.

Two other basic beliefs from Dr. Holmes are that there is nothing supernatural about the study of life and there is limitless power at our disposal. We do not have to be well-educated or esoteric in nature to understand life. Nor are we without power. Many churches do not teach these Truths – for centuries the Church has kept the masses in the dark, touting the religious as the only ones who can truly understand the scriptures. Science of Mind is a philosophy and way of life that allows us to align with whatever we consider that power greater than us to be, without the intercessors of priest, minister, church or dogma. We are spiritual beings having a human experience. That is because we live, move and have our being in a Spiritual Universe; that God is in, through, around, for and as us.

Holmes taught that "[a]ll thought is creative". Fortunately for us, all our thoughts do not immediately manifest! But if we believe in a Universe that does not judge and that is there to be directed, it should give us pause to consider twice on what we concentrate, what we ponder and how much energy we give to that which we do not want.

Religious Science is best known for the Holmes’ quote, “Change your thinking, change your life.” We are not bound by the past – we can create a new future and a better present. There is a Divine Essence, a Divine Nature within each of us - that is the Christ Consciousness. The mind which we discover within us is the Mind that governs everything and forms the very basis for Holmes’ philosophy. I hope you will return next week for part two in my series, “The Way It Works”.

In Spirit, Truth and Playfulness,

Dr. Terry

Islam, Glenn Beck and New Thought

The past week, culminating with the rallies in D.C. this weekend, has been noteworthy. I am putting my four-part series about the Science of Mind philosophy on hold for a week to address the way we can use New Thought and the Science of Mind principles to make sense of these current events.

Human rights, environmental and financial issues that could have been tackled long ago are being hit head on in our time. It is no longer laughable to be a “tree-hugger”. Being green is the new “in thing”. Last week I saw a Prius with a Sarah Palin bumper sticker – talk about an oxymoron!

Science and government are finally being more forthcoming and telling us what we need to hear about our environment and our society, not necessarily what we want to hear. The first eight years of the new century provided a false sense of financial security – the pretty bubble finally burst. In the past eighteen months we have had to pay the price for living on credit for so long. We have been buying into slick advertising for years, believing that “it” will make us taller, thinner, sexier, younger or whatever else. One Science of Mind minister, Dr. Raymond Charles Barker, said that prosperity meant being able to do what we want, when we want, with whom we want, and in the style in which we want to do it. That does not have to involve money. Our society has redefined prosperity to mean being able to buy things we do not need with money we do not have to impress people we do not like!

The history of our country is being re-written before our eyes. The far right would have us believe that Christians have the market cornered on principles by which to live. Glenn Beck would have us believe that the principles that built this nation are the sole property of Christians. Yet Judaism, Christianity and Islam all trace their roots back to Abraham, and nearly all other religions in the world have some form of similar edicts for good living.

Too many Americans have come to see Islam = bad, Christianity = good. The Catholics and Jews are tolerated, and the rest of the religions have not been much of an issue (yet) so they are not even mentioned in this debate. It is not Islam that has and does attack us, but terrorists who stain the name of the religion they claim to hold dear, just as the Church stained Christianity when it carried out the Crusades centuries ago, killing thousands of Muslims.

The Founding Fathers were wise beyond the Glenn Becks of the world. They created three branches of government so that there would be checks and balances. They knew the danger of injecting religion into the Constitution. They prudently crafted a document that separated church and state so that freedom of religion – all religions – would be the right of every citizen.

So how do we deal with misinformation, anger, and accusations of “if you’re not Christian you’re not American!”? New Thought teaches that we are responsible for our situation. Our culture has brought these issues to a climax in our time. Ultra-conservative politicians out for their own gain get people to believe that we can return to better times, where families had both a mother and a father with sparkling clean children, just by being Christian. News flash – The “Father Knows Best” and “Leave it to Beaver” families were creations of Hollywood, not Jesus. The 1950s and 1960s were prosperous times, but that “everything is wonderful” attitude covered over alcoholism in the home and abuse because “we just don’t talk about those things”.

New Thought also teaches that we can change, but change is scary to many people. At least if things continue the way they are we sort of know what to expect. What if the change makes things worse? If you have seen your retirement fund lately you know it would be difficult to get worse. But with change (even for the better) comes resistance. Dodge is running ads that basically say, “Drive the big truck! You deserve it! It’s your right!”, though it is plain we need to downsize, not supersize, our transportation vehicles.

When we hear the Dodges, the Glenn Becks and the Ann Coulters of the world we must keep mindful of what we want for our future, not cower in fear just because someone is telling us what it means to be an American, a Christian or just a good person. New Thought teaches action. Not action that harms others, lies about others to get our way or denies others their human rights, but action that is in line with the highest good for all concerned. Action that can mean leading a nation or simply helping a neighbor. Works that can be organizing a city or organizing our own homes to be more in line with holistic harmony.

Above all, do not let those who would scare you into following their lead cause you to react instead of act. Remember, too, that inaction is also action – we are still acting by choosing something, even if that something is doing nothing. Examine the facts, remain objective and level-headed, and then take action that is in line with what is right for you.

In Spirit, Truth and Playfulness,

Dr. Terry

What is “The Science of Mind?”

I often refer to “The Science of Mind” and the teachings of Ernest Holmes. Since many of my readers are not familiar with these concepts I thought I’d offer some further explanation. The Science of Mind philosophy works in every area of our life and basically helps us create a life worth living.

We might be afraid to ask God for what we want – whether that desire is peace of mind, connection with all other beings or some “thing” we think we need. Perhaps we believe some desires are too trivial or that we are being selfish. Maybe we think what we want isn’t spiritual enough for God – that's a favorite one of many people. What causes this?

An inaccurate belief about God is one reason. What is your relationship with God? That is difficult for some people to think about. Why? Because there’s lot of "stuff" attached to God, caused very little by God and quite often by organized religions that seek to use God, Jesus or some other figure to control us. Some churches don't use "God" and replace that title with other terms, e.g., Divine Love, Universal Intelligence, Higher Power, etc. I use “God” much of the time because I have a deep faith in Intelligence far greater than I, even though I often substitute other terms as well. Using replacement terms helps to establish God as a presence, rather than an individual with a changeable personality. In this way we can replace the anthropomorphic image of an old, judgmental man in long white robes throwing lightning bolts and punishments from above.

A healthy relationship with God (or however you see that power greater than you in your life) allows us to ask for things, situations and help that we might not ask of the judgmental God of the Old Testament. In Truth, there is nothing for which we can't ask, with the possible guideline that it should be for the highest good of all concerned and in line with the forward movement of our evolutionary process, i.e., no death wishes, harm to others, coveting, etc.

I wrote recently about how we repeatedly do things that are not in our best interests. I suggested that there is a deeper reason beyond a lack of self-esteem or a lack of planning on our part. I think it's about settling.

Some people act as if there is something wrong with them if everything's right. They don't want to arrive at the office on Monday morning without a suitable "story" to share. It could also be the little rebel in us: Because I have to do this, I can't do that, so I'm going to let everyone know about it. Or, it might just be we're plain lazy. Or, maybe we just love the attention we garner from everyone when our lives look like a badly-written soap opera. Can we say, “Drama Queen”?

Must we continue to our lives this way? Well you can if you want. In fact I’d venture to say you can think of a few people in your own life that have made a smashing career out of being miserable (just don’t let them take you along for the ride!). We can change, if we want. It’s easy to cop out with, "That's just the way I am. I've always been late. Why I was even overdue when I was born and mother was in labor with me for 14 days." Guess what? If you are willing to settle for being less than you can be, then this is the wrong blog for you and my ministry is not what you’re looking for.

People who attend New Thought churches and other organizations that use metaphysical principles to have a life worth living don’t go there to complain about how bad life is. We recognize the situation and take time for the story, for compassion and love. But we aren’t not interested in dwelling on the negative, the "Ain't it awful", the "poor, poor me". We come together to remind ourselves and each other of our divinity – our awesomeness – our immortality – our abundant nature.

Success in life is not a destination, it is a journey. Along this journey we call life are hills and valleys, straight-aways and rocky, curvy paths. Sometimes we have to take the rocky roads for various reasons, but when given a choice, why choose the hard way? Do you still believe you have to work hard physically to get everything? It's the American ethic, it's what people do, but it's not the only way. Using the principles of the Science of Mind and metaphysics we learn how to work smarter, not necessarily physically harder. However, the other side of that coin is that the work that we are required to do is often the difficult inner work we strive to avoid.

I invite you to journey with me in the coming four weeks, but I do so with the same warning and promise that was given to me over 25 years ago when I began this life path: You’re life will never be the same. The warning is that you will no longer be able to blame the government, the Devil, God or your parents. The promise is that you will discover a life that you never before even dreamed could be possible for you.

Consider until next time what one challenge you would like to overcome in your life. It is my intent that you begin to see more possibilities in your life, ones that in the past you thought were impossible or unsolvable problems with which you just had to suffer. I'm here to tell you that you are the beloved of the Most High. That you can be all you want to be. You've suffered long enough, are you ready to try something else?

Next time I’ll be talking more about how to understand those ancient principles to create a better life now and a brighter future. The next blog will be part one of a four-part mini-course on the basic principles of the Science of Mind. I hope you’ll join me!

In Spirit, Truth and Playfulness,

Dr. Terry

"Frying Bacon in the Nude"

We are often very hard on ourselves, harder than we might even be on other people. Most of us don't treat strangers the way we treat ourselves: "I'm so stupid", "I'm not a lucky person", and “I’m too fat/skinny". Why do we say these things?

Basically low self-esteem or a pattern of putting ourselves down, but more often than not it’s when we've done something which we wish we hadn't … like FRYING BACON IN THE NUDE! This story comes from a question asked by an innocent, cute and very adorable three-year-old boy, who just happened to be enjoying a weekend at a nudist camp along with his mother and grandparents. “Mommy? Everyone is naked. Why does she (referring to the lady cooking breakfast) have on an apron?” “Because, Terry, you don’t fry bacon in the nude!” Such a wise woman, my mother.

We all know that bacon grease splatters all over the place when you're frying it on the stove. But in the heat of the moment, the warmth of the summer morning or the desire to let go of all confinement, you just might find yourself faced with the opportunity of cooking “au natural" so to speak. So away we go, flying around kitchen like crazy, and the bacon begins to get hot. The grease splatters start and we begin to realize that we just didn’t think this through as well as we might have done. Now we’re faced with standing back as far as possible to turn the bacon strips, reach tentatively for the stove control knob, consider running for the robe or apron we COULD have put on in the first place, risk having the bacon burn (causing the fire department approved smoke alarm to start blaring, which in turn freaks the cats and attracts exactly the neighbors you don't want to see us right now), and when it's all over, we ask, "What in the world was I thinking when I thought I could do this in the first place?!?”

Now, perhaps you’ve not had this experience, but perhaps you've had these feelings. There's all kinds of things we try to do that we wish we never tried, but we certainly don't share these faux pas with others … except, of course me, since I’ve devoted my life to shouting my foibles from the rooftops with the hope that I can help others avoid the mistakes I’ve made, provided doing so is for their higher good. Here are some others:

· Too tired or rushed to stop for gas, so we try to get there on fumes.

· The covers and sheets are all which away on the bed, it would be logical to get up, remake the bed, enjoy a peaceful nights rest, but struggle all night with them, or attempt to remake the bed while we're lying down.

· We know what time we have to leave to get to work on time, but keep hitting the snooze button, get up late, and then try to figure out some kind of believable excuse.

You get the idea – and we'll try these stunts again. Why? It’s not just lack of self-esteem, or lack of planning. Part of the problem is our reluctance to change. Like the alcoholic’s definition of insanity, “Doing the same thing over and expecting a different result.” It’s not going to happen. But our unwillingness to alter our path goes deeper. I will talk more about that in the next installment – look for it in about ten days!

In Spirit, Truth and Playfulness,

Dr. Terry