The Christmas Promise

An early post in this blog was A Hymn For The Season.  I reproduce the post here, and dedicate it to all who are facing life's challenges at this time.  It has come to me that the central message of Christmas is the promise that all obstacles can be overcome, and that each of us is an immortal manifestation of universal love. All of you have been on my mind and I send you this message of love and comfort, with the wish that it fills you with joy and hope, as it does me:

Sages of many religions have adopted the phrase "Christ Consciousness" to describe the presence of God in all of us. In that spirit, I offer this hymn for the holiday season.

 At this time of celebration, I rejoice in the blessings we all share, that are symbolized by the coming of the Christ into this world.

I celebrate the endless birth of Joy in the world and in my heart.

I celebrate the promise of forgiveness.

I celebrate the all-encompassing Love that surpasses our power to understand.

I celebrate the Oneness of all beings in Spirit.

I celebrate the power of Light to triumph over darkness.

I celebrate the immortal Soul that denies the reality of death.

I declare that Christ Consciousness shines in me and in all beings.

I declare that all beings shall unite in Love in this world and all others.

I declare that Peace glows in every heart.

I proclaim the dominion of Love and Light, and banish darkness and hatred from my Universe.

I proclaim the sovereignty of God's healing power.

I gratefully acknowledge these and many other blessings, which I accept on behalf of all beings.

And so it is.

Blessings and holiday wishes to every one of you.

What Part of Me Is Immortal?

There is a part of each of us that is mortal, and a part that is immortal. The body is mortal. It will die sooner or later, and its elements will be returned to nature. It is harder to identify that in us which is immortal. Should I include the influences I have had on others as part of the "me" that will survive my physical death? On the understanding that ripple effects never completely vanish, perhaps. My DNA also will continue to exist as DNA for as long as I have descendants. But the really interesting question is whether there is something called a "soul" or a spiritual aspect of me that will not die with the body, but will exist forever as "me" in some form. 

Constant Mindfulness

The constant practice of mindfulness is necessary in order to maintain focus on the spiritual life. For most people mindfulness does not come naturally. 

To be mindful does not necessarily mean to be focused, nor does it mean to be distracted.  Life is replete with potential distractions, and the mindful life even more so. I would define a distraction as something that draws your consciousness away from whatever it is centered on at a given moment. Since mindfulness involves being aware of what is happening around you as well as within your own mind, it is easy to see how the mindful person must be especially on guard against distracting influences. There is a practice of noting the distracting event without focusing on it – merely allowing it to pass through one’s awareness without being evaluated or judged – that can help us maintain centered equanimity, either to focus on a subject of our own choosing, or to remain in the passive, unfocused state that invites the guidance of Spirit to enter in.

A Healing Blessing

This is from my Web page, The God In You, The God In Me

A Healing Blessing

You are a perfect child of God, and all your needs are provided before you ask.

God's love enfolds you now, warming your soul and permeating your body, softening and driving out any appearance of negative thoughts, energies, and emotions.

God's light glows from your center, and its rays emanating from you shine forth in purity and power. No shadow of illness or infirmity can exist in the presence of this brilliant illumination.

God's peace is in you always, soothing and calming whenever you turn to it for comfort.

We are God's perfection manifest in physical form. We are one in God and God is one in us. This is the one Universal Truth in this moment and at all times, in this place and everywhere.

By the power of God in you, you are whole.

And so it is.

Compassion or Manipulation?

A disciple came to the Teacher and said: “This person is taking advantage of you! How can you allow that?”

The Teacher replied: “In your Universe people take advantage of each other. In mine, people take care of each other. When a person in need comes to me for help, I give it to them. I do not judge whether the need is ‘genuine.’  It is a privilege for me to fulfill another’s need, even if what they truly need is just to know that I care about them. No one can take advantage of me, because I freely and willingly give what is asked.”

Teachings of Love and Comfort

One reason for Spontaneous Beauty is to bring teachings of love and comfort to people who are struggling with some aspect of life.  Most of us struggle daily with one thing or another, especially in these trying times.  

I would like to share a selection of teachings with those who may find them helpful.  Please be aware that these are for the most part meant to be food for meditation and contemplation, not platitudinous thought-bites.  If you take them seriously, you risk changing your life in the way they have changed mine.  I believe the change brings greater peace. As you will see, the central principle is Love.

Here are some relevant posts.

Everything is all right

Learn love from hard times

Replace self-pity with self-love

Replace fear with love

Affirm Love and Joy

Healing through oneness

A visit from Elvis

Inner Peace

Thoughts on the passing of a friend

Selfless giving

Finding meaning

Peace through surrender to Spirit

Immortality

Impermanence

Affirmation for Difficult Times

Please join me in this affirmation:

I am well at the core of my being.

I am connected to the Source of universal love.

There are many people I love, and who love me.

We support each other.

We are one in our essence.

All that I need is provided to me.

Nothing can harm my essence.

Whatever happens, I can handle it.

I react to all events with equanimity.

Because I can handle anything, 

And I know I am safe, 

Equanimity comes easily to me.

I am surrounded by love that is all powerful.

I am at peace.