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“In the subjective mind of man, we find a law obeying his word — the servant of his spirit.”

— Ernest Holmes, The Science of Mind

Lately I’ve been returning to The Science of Mind with a “beginner’s mind”, trying to not just read it, but let it read me. With my coffee mug in hand, today’s reading brought a deep reminder… one that sounds simple yet is at the core of all New Thought teaching:

There are not two minds — only One Mind, known by two names.

For those new to New Thought, The Science of Mind was written by Ernest Holmes in the early 20th century. His teachings bridge spirituality, psychology, and metaphysics, sharing how the same Creative Intelligence that governs the universe also acts through us.

Holmes calls the two aspects of this One Mind conscious and objective, or subjective and unconscious (or sub-conscious.)

But these are not two separate entities operating within us. They are two functions of the One Infinite Mind, the same Intelligence expressing as both director and doer, Spirit and Law, Cause and Process.

The Two Aspects of One Mind

The conscious mind (the objective mind) is the chooser, the director of our thought. It determines what will be impressed upon the deeper level of mind which is the creative power that acts on our beliefs.

The subjective mind (the unconscious) is not unaware; it is subject to direction. It receives what we believe and accept it as true, and brings it into expression through the natural law of cause and effect.

Holmes calls this the Law, meaning the creative (and reliable) process by which thought becomes form. It is the way an inner idea takes shape as outer experience.

Spirit…our conscious intelligence - directs.

Law…the creative medium - responds.

This is the same dynamic that Jesus described when he said, “It is done unto you as you believe.”

The Law simply mirrors what we give it, just as soil brings forth whatever seed is planted.

Our Conscious Use of the Law

In New Thought, we use a spiritual practice called Spiritual Mind Treatment, also known as Affirmative Prayer.

It’s not about asking for help from outside ourselves, but about consciously aligning our thinking with spiritual truth and speaking that truth with conviction.

The Law is impersonal and infallible; it does not choose for us — it responds to us.

Our part is to choose consciously.

When we pray or affirm spiritually, we are not persuading some power outside of ourselves to act; we are consciously directing the Creative Power that is already at work in and around us, to unravel our patterns of thought that are out of sync with with our desired good and aligning them with Infinite Intelligence, which knows only wholeness and completion.

The Inspiration

Reading this passage this morning re-minded me — literally brought my mind back — to this awareness:

I am never separate from the creative flow of Life.

I am always impressing something upon It — through thought, feeling, or word.

When I think from fear, that energy becomes my experience.

When I think from faith, love, and Truth, that energy unfolds as peace, order, and good.

My responsibility is to choose wisely, to think lovingly, to speak powerfully.

For every word is a cause set in motion, and the servant of my spirit is ever at work.

The Law responds in perfect faithfulness. Always.

May I live with greater spiritual mindfulness — realizing that every prayer, affirmation, and vision is not wishful thinking, but the conscious activity of Spirit through me.

Here is a Spiritual Mind Treatment to affirm this spiritual truth:

Spiritual Mind Treatment / Affirmation

There is only One Mind - the Mind of God - expressing through and as me now.

This One Mind thinks through me consciously and creates through me subjectively.

My conscious word is the command; my subjective mind, the servant of my spirit, fulfills it perfectly.

Every thought and feeling aligned with Truth is a ministering spirit going forth to prepare the way.

I know my word is the Law unto that which it is spoken.

The Law responds in Love, Order, and Grace — manifesting Good in every area of my life.

And so it is.

If this reflection resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who would be inspired by it.

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In this episode:

- Understanding the One Mind and its two functions

- The relationship between Spirit and Law — Cause and Process

- How the subjective mind always acts upon our thought

- The importance of conscious direction

- Spiritual Mind Treatment, a way to align with the Infinite Intelligence expressing through you

Reflection:

Where in your life might you be giving unconscious direction to the Law through habitual thought? What do you consciously choose anew today?

Affirmation:

There is One Mind, and that Mind is my Mind now.My word moves through the Law with perfect clarity and creative power.

Resources:

📖 Read the full article: One Mind, Two Functions on New Thought New Life

💬 Share your insight or “aha” in the comments — I love hearing from you.

Sometimes the teaching we need most appears on the page before we realize why.

“There is no inherited tendency to disease nor ill health.
​I am born of Pure Spirit.
​False ideas cannot be transmitted from one to another, and I am free from race-suggestion.
​My Life is from Above, and I remember that I was always Perfect and Complete.
An ​Inner Light shines forth and frees me from the bonds of false belief.”

— Ernest Holmes, The Science of Mind, p. 508.2

I paused as I began to read this meditation, returning to the heading: “I Do Not Inherit Disease.”

I wondered if this was what I wanted or needed to be reading today, since I’m not dealing with any physical ailments to speak of.

I knew there was a way that this would apply, I decided to move beyond the literal meaning of disease and reflect instead on dis-ease: that state of being not at ease, not in flow, not in harmony, not whole.

This touches just the surface of what I’ve been feeling lately. Earlier this week, I lost my job, and it’s easy to find within my mind places that feel unsettled, places where I’m not quite at ease.

As I read the meditation again, first to understand what Holmes intended to convey, then more deeply to let the words become my own…I felt them rise as the affirmations of my heart:

As I greet and enter into this new day, I recognize that there is no inherent tendency toward dis-ease or scarcity.

I am born of Pure Spirit, and my nature is Peace, Ease, and Joy.

The feelings I am having in the midst of this experience—fear, uncertainty, even grief—are normal and natural, but they are not here to stay. The balloon remains buoyant even when pushed beneath the surface of the water.

Someone else’s beliefs cannot create my experience without my acceptance of them, whether conscious or unconscious.

In this conscious awareness, I am free from the world’s assumptions about limitation or suffering as my reality.

Free from expectations rooted in fear.

Free from the “shoulds,” the “musts,” the “how’s,” and the “what ifs.”

My life is Perfect and Complete, for it is the Light, Life and Love of God living as I AM, in me.

This Presence shines within me, lighting my world and freeing me from all bonds and restrictions of false belief and error. I am free.

I am of Spirit.

May this remembrance restore your own sense of ease today.

Even in moments of upheaval, the inner Light remains, unchanged, unbroken, and always seeking expression through you.

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✨ Mindful Moment

Where in your life are you being called to release dis-ease and remember the Wholeness that you are?

Embrace your so-called problems, they are a catalyst for your transformation.

Within Divine Mind, there is the version of who God KNOWS us to be, the masterpiece It created us as. That vision lives in us and awaits our recognition and embodiment of it; for us to BE it. Spirit continually calls us forward, knocking at the door - “This way! This way!” It whispers through our daydreams, our discontent, our wishes, and hopes.

The Divine, through the activity of life, is moving us into our greater good, and it is up to us to expand our consciousness for this greater good to emerge. Every so-called problem is only a problem to our current (old) way of thinking. It is that thinking that needs to be expanded. These problems and struggles are opportunities for us to expand on order that we may fly. The caterpillar turns into ‘goo’ for the imaginal cells of the butterfly to emerge; we are called to “die daily” to our old ways of be-ing for the imaginal cells of that masterpiece, the butterfly, the Christ in us to be born through us in the world.

Don’t let fear stop you! The only thing fear will do is keep us tied to the old life.

Celebrate those “problems”, because they are EVIDENCE that you have outgrown your old life… bless it, release it and let it go. You are bigger than you know!

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Compassion as a guiding principle and practice is more than just an ethical, moral or spiritual choice; it’s a cornerstone for living an authentic life. An awakened heart is not simply a lofty ideal but a necessity. And it is courage to be compassionate to ourselves that leads to living a fulfilling life.

What do we mean by compassion? Compassion is the heartbeat of a shared humanity, it is the impulse that arises from our empathy of one who is suffering, and the desire and action to mitigate that suffering with care.

Living Authentically Through Compassion

To live our authentic life, we must nurture compassion for ourselves and others, because compassion embraces our inherent worth, where we can honor our present experience to hear and feel the answers from our heart when we ask:

• What am I feeling?

• What do I need?

• What do I want?

• What matters to me?

The Necessity of Courage for Authentic Living

Embracing our true self, values and passions, even when they do not align with other’s expectations or “norms” takes courage. And such courage will make space for our self-compassion to acknowledge and accept our needs and  desires, ending the sacrifice of our own happiness and fulfillment in order to please others or meet their expectations.

The Hurdles of Societal Constructs

It is necessary to also realize we are not only confronting our internal landscapes. We also have to navigate a world with societal constructs that can stifle our compassion and authenticity. Toxic masculinity, for example, can cause men to hesitate to express vulnerability or empathy openly. Discrimination based on race, gender, orientation or any other basis can silence our compassionate voices. Through awareness of these external challenges we can hope to move through these complex social mazes that often cloud our true selves, and renew our resolve to courageously let compassion guide us to freedom.

Empowerment Through Self-Compassion

Self-compassion empowers us to be and act in ways that are in alignment with our authentic Self because anything less would cause us to suffer. It gives us strength to overcome challenges and setbacks and to persevere in the face of adversity. When we have compassion for ourselves, we recognize and accept our own worthiness and will take steps to protect and nurture our well-being.

This is not always easy. It requires self-examination, and looking within. Caring for our whole self involves us confronting our fears and insecurities, and making choices that may go against the grain. But in doing so, we create a life that is aligned with our true selves, one that brings us joy and fulfillment.

The Nuances Between Love and Compassion

The words “compassion” and “love” are often used interchangeably, and some subtle differences explain why courage is often required to cultivate and practice compassion. Love, as an emotion, can be influenced by the relationship within which that love is expressed. It’s easy to be loving with those we feel love for. And when we aren’t feeling the love, it takes more of an effort to be loving - even with people in our circle - let alone with strangers or enemies.

Compassion, on the other hand, is a mode of being, not dependent on how we feel. It is living with an open heart sensitive to the experiences of others. This is the love that Jesus referred to when he said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you…Do to others as you would have them do to you.” It is a choice and decision to move through the world this way, not based on emotions but Principle. Courage will keep us on the path.

Facing Our Inner Critics

Each time we reject a part of ourself as unworthy or flawed, we strengthen fear's grip on our hearts. The desire for perfectionism is fueled by fear - fear of facing the messy reality of our humanity.

In the past, I have berated myself for doing something I said I wouldn’t or not doing something I said I would, or some other reason. This self-judgment instead of helping, added pain to what I already felt, at times even leading to shame. But when I would pause to consider how I would respond, if my best friend was in distress, I realize it would be with compassion, not cruelty. I would not be critical, nor belittle them. This realization helps to summon the courage to talk kindly to myself, acknowledge any feelings of disappointment, frustration, anger, regret or guilt, and then to voice love and grace. Self-compassion reverses shame into self-acceptance. We all get lost; we all act unconsciously, and we all deserve love.

The Courage to Bloom

Imagine speaking gently to your inner child when you fail to meet expectations. Tell that vulnerable part of you, "I love you as you are. You are worthy, always." This is the courageous compassion that allows our hearts to bloom and love fully.

By nurturing self-compassion, we ready ourselves to compassionately greet all within our shared humanity. It takes courage to love ourselves enough, and when we do, we will be able to love others enough.

May we all find the courage to be compassionate and live authentically, so the world becomes a mirror of our most loving Self.

Your Turn

Take a moment to reflect on a time you were harsh on yourself. What would you have said to a friend in a similar situation? Write down those compassionate words and then read them back to yourself. Courageously feel the impact of those words with this act of self-compassion.

But this time, instead of spiraling into shame, she whispered to herself, "It's okay to feel this way. May I be kind to myself." In that moment of self-compassion, her heart opened a little more.

We all have days when we need compassion most of all from ourselves. By nurturing this inner garden, we cultivate reserves of love to then extend to others.

Nurturing Self-Compassion

"We can't give what we don't have." This adage reminds us that to share compassion, we must first cultivate it within. Self-compassion builds our inner reserves of care to then radiate outwards. It's the fertile soil from which the seed of compassion can sprout.

Tending this inner garden is a patient practice. It is not always easy, Tara Brach writes, “Awakening self-compassion is often the greatest challenge people face on the spiritual path.”

Slowly, we till the soil of our hearts, softening and breaking up areas hardened by self-judgment. We plant seeds of self-kindness, watering them each day with small acts of self-care. It can include making time for hobbies, journaling, or savoring a warm cup of tea.

When Sam started painting on weekends, he was surprised how it unlocked something inside. "It's become a meditative space," he said, "where I can express myself without judgment."

As the blossoms of self-compassion grow, their fragrance infuses our lives. This inner shift ripples outwards. As Louise Hay said, "You've been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn't worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens."

Moving Beyond Self-Judgment

Does self-judgment serve us? Studies have shown some of the benefits of self-compassion such as, reduced anxiety and depression, greater motivation and joy. Ruth Fishel describes it: "It is a beautiful experience being with ourselves at a level of complete acceptance...When that begins to happen, when you give up resistance and needing to be perfect, a peace will come over you as you have never known."

For years, my inner critic blocked me from my own self-compassion. I understand now that feeling unworthy, how could I extend compassion to others? Self-acceptance opens the door for us to see in new ways, where before I had seen flaws, I am now able to see them as part of our shared human experience.

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Recognizing Our Shared Humanity

As we nurture self-compassion's blossoms, we cultivate insight into our shared human garden. When we water our inner world with patience and care, we see our common soil.

Self-judgment and criticism builds walls around our vulnerability, keeping our suffering out of view. It close our eyes from being able to see in others what we are not willing to accept in ourselves. Self-compassion opens the gate, helping us witness and recognize our shared needs, desires, flaws and wounds.

By embracing the all-ness of who we are, we see behind the masks, embracing our universal need for belonging. We begin to understand that each harsh word or cold shoulder grows from unmet longing we too feel. And when self-care helps us grasp our own wholeness and gifts, we find resonance with this same essence found in all hearts.

Tending to ourselves with compassion reminds us of one basic truth - we all wish to love and be loved. To live without the grace we extend our own being is to walk alone. But caring for ourselves with intention and wisdom, we build bridges of empathy, crossing into new connections.

We will discover that we all feel occasional loneliness, even when surrounded by people. We all feel at times, fears of failure, of judgment, of the unknown. Desires to belong, and to be accepted as we are. Recognizing our shared humanity makes our own emotional challenges more bearable.

Embodying Compassion in Action

With hearts filled by self-love, we gain the insight and courage for compassionate action. While inner critics can block this flow. Meeting those voices with gentleness opens the floodgates.

We can start small:

• Smiling at strangers

• Writing encouraging notes to friends

• Volunteering once a month

Each act of compassion to our self or others, touches us all deeply. And when we receive compassion during hard times, we feel less alone in our suffering.

As the Dalai Lama said, "If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion."

An Ongoing Journey of the Heart

Daily self-care fosters a heart ready to share love freely. Together, through our compassion, we illuminate the world.

Let's commit to this journey of the awakened heart - one gentle step at a time. Imagine people coming together, hands joined, hearts opening to each other. A tapestry of compassion that warms and connects humanity.

The journey begins within. What act of self-compassion will you take today?

Accept the place the divine providence has found for you, the society of your contemporaries, the connection of events,

The great have always done so and confided themselves childlike to the genius of their age, betraying their perception that the eternal was stirring at their heart, working through their hands, predominating in all their being.

And we are now as they, and must accept in the highest mind the same transcendent destiny,

and not pinched in a corner,

not cowards fleeing before a revolution,

but redeemers and benefactors, pious aspirants to be noble clay under the Almighty effort, let us advance on Chaos and the Dark.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance

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The light of compassion lives within me, as it lives within all people. This divine light aligns me to the highest version of myself.

I set my intention now to open my heart and mind to compassion in all its forms.

May I see with the eyes of empathy, seeking to understand rather than judge.

May I feel with a heart of kindness, connecting to the shared experience of Life.

May I respond to suffering with fierce care, moved to selfless action.

I choose to be a vessel of love in action, extending compassion not just to those I know but to all.

I choose to embody love in my thoughts, words, and deeds. And when I falter, it is compassion for my Self that corrects my course.

Opening up to compassion awakens my heart to see beauty where I once saw lack.

I am wired for compassion. Kindness is my nature.

This is the truth that lives within me now. And so it is.

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Modern life is filled with twists and turns, joys and sorrows, and there is one beacon that lights our way: compassion.

Compassion is not a luxury; it's a necessity. Compassion is the heartbeat of our shared humanity, the primal urge that moves us to see, feel, and respond to suffering with fierce care. From the dawn of humanity to the intricacies of modern existence, compassion has been our guide. It points us to our True North, shaping the way we live, love, and lead.

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Wisdom of Philosophy, Science & Spirituality

The ancient Greeks held compassion as a shining virtue on the path of living fully. As Aristotle once stated, "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts," reminding us that our interconnectedness amplifies the impact of compassion in society. Eastern philosophies have long placed compassion at their core.

Modern neuroscience reveals that our brains are wired for compassion. Acts of kindness and care trigger the release of bonding neurotransmitters like oxytocin, creating a "helper's high." Studies have shown that releasing oxytocin through acts of kindness not only strengthens our social bonds but also lowers stress hormones, affirming its evolutionary advantage.

Spiritually, compassion aligns us with the divine across traditions. In Buddhist philosophy, the practice of Metta, or loving-kindness, encapsulates the essence of compassion, guiding us to wish well for ourselves and others.

Built for Compassion

Cooperation and care enabled early humans to survive and thrive together. It played a crucial role in our evolutionary development as social beings. We are built to be compassionate! Without our ancestors helping one another, it is possible they may have never survived, and where would that have left us? Compassion remains key to living happily together through simple daily acts.

Everyday Acts

Consider the following examples: when a friend listens without judgment after a bad day; when a stranger holds the door open while your arms are full; or when a loved one remembers your favorite ice cream after a visit to the doctor. These compassionate acts, however large or small, uplift our spirits.

The Imperative of Compassion

Compassion is no mere luxury; it's an indispensable compass directing us to our highest potential. As we open up to love out loud, let's take time to recalibrate our inner compass. Let us remember that each act of kindness, however small, is a whisper in the cosmic conversation of love. From the simple nod to a stranger to the profound sacrifices for those we hold dear, compassion is the melody of our collective soul. It is not merely an option but an imperative.

The Path Forward

Opening our hearts to connect compassionately also opens us up to something greater than ourselves. It fills our hearts with purpose and meaning.

So, as we navigate life's complexities, let's recalibrate our inner compass toward compassion and be the change we wish to see in the world. Let our inner compass point unwaveringly toward the True North of compassion, for it is the key to a life lived fully and meaningfully.

When I was nine year old I went on a school field trip to a children’s museum. During our visit, I was drawn to a calligraphy exhibit. When I had the opportunity I grabbed the pen to try my hand at writing my name following the displayed examples. To my surprise and delight, the woman responsible for overseeing the display praised my attempt by asking, “Have you done this before?” When she recognized me it made me look at what I had written with pride.

In that moment, I felt joy and connection. It ignited a love of calligraphy within me. I practiced my “strokes and swirls” every chance I could. The questions of what I would like for my birthday or Christmas received answers about fountain pens, nibs, ink and supplies. Over the years, I have worked through many handwriting methods and manuals, my most recent being in 2021.

It sparked in me an interest and curiosity in anything to do with writing, including pens, ink and paper. It is not a surprise that my art revolves around ink, paper, strokes and swirls. And while my handwriting today is a mess because I type everything, the spark of that  passion for the art of beautiful writing opened my eyes to the power of self-expression and making my “mark.”

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Our passions are the unique colors on the palette of our spirit. When we feel and lean into the inner “Yes!” of joy, interest and aliveness there is no telling where it will lead us - if we allow it.

Passions from childhood can reveal talents. Walt Disney was doodling cartoons. Beatrix Potter explored nature and wrote stories. Steve Jobs tinkered with electronics. Their passions led them to the work they would one day do that aligned with their purpose.

And while not every childhood passion will lead to a career, that’s not what they are about. They show us what ignites our spirit and the vibrant colors we long to express. If we follow their trail, passions can unveil clues about our purpose.

What made your heart sing as a child? Dance, bugs, space ships, storytelling, nature? Revisiting those passions can remind us of our essential self, before the world and those around us said what we should be.

That wise inner child lives within and whispers of our purpose. Are you ready to listen?

It’s our passion that ignites and informs our purpose. To truly step into our purpose, we must first reconnect with our deepest passions. Last week, I had the opportunity to act with passion and purpose. I was honored to be invited to speak at the 2023 SOAR retreat for Centers of Spiritual Living, held at the historic Asilomar conference grounds.

Religious Scientists have been attending summer spiritual retreats at Asilomar for many decades, beginning with Ernest Holmes. This was my first time at Asilomar, and I was thrilled to finally make my “pilgrimage.” Many spiritual giants have stood on that stage in Merrill Hall; it was an honor and privilege to be asked to speak.

Looking back, I’m not certain I was excited to go. However, there was a sense of “How could I not?!” As the event approached, I felt a heaviness within me, something I didn’t understand. While I had no anxiety about speaking or having something to say, something was brewing beneath this heaviness.

Facing Core Wounds and Limiting Beliefs

In hindsight, I discovered a core wound. A “core wound” refers to deep emotional pain rooted in past hurts or traumas. These experiences can impact our self-image and relationships with others. Feelings or beliefs that we are broken, flawed, unlovable, or unworthy evidence these wounds. Until they are examined and healed, they can shape our beliefs, behaviors, and choices throughout life. Our unhealed traumas can drive us, and we may not even realize we are running from shadows.

The heaviness grew as I got closer to the retreat. While packing the night before, I was filled with doubt. I told Kevin that only a few were even looking for me to be there, and hearing myself saying this out loud made me sad. Like shadows unveiled by light, inner wounds can feel threatening when exposed. I was going to speak about renewal, yet I didn’t feel renewed, and the feeling was growing worse.

But the voice of a belief, birthed in trauma, kept whispering. I heard this voice for so long that I stopped noticing it until now. “‘What are you doing here? You’re not that special. You don’t belong.’ It became so loud I couldn’t ignore it, a nerve had been hit, a core wound had been triggered. A wound of ‘I don’t belong.’”

Embracing the “Newness of Now”

I wanted to be fully present and embrace the newness of each retreat moment, but I wasn’t feeling it. Tuesday. Wednesday. On Thursday morning, I observed dozens of joyful souls singing, dancing, and enjoying one another. I sat feeling heavy, burdened with an old inner script: “You don’t belong here. What are you doing here? They don’t care what you have to say; they are only being nice. What could you offer to them?” Though this might sound like “imposter syndrome,” that I was speaking that night was incidental, what I was feeling echoed from the deep well of “I don’t belong.” Unwanted.

Mindful in that moment, my mind became still, I became conscious of the unconscious. I wanted a different thought, NOW. Insight arose from my willingness to be made new, and I saw for the first time how that thought, “I don’t belong,” had been in operation for decades. I was tired of suffering.

I thought, “you know what to do, treat your Mind.” I began to offer my limited thinking to Divine Mind, willing to embody Its realization as me.

Delivering My Unique Message, My Gifts, My Self

Later that evening, behind the stage curtain before my talk, while waiting in the wings and watching the band performing, realization struck…

I was invited here! My personal purpose finds its roots in this spiritual community; this is my tribe. I belong here! I had reason to stand where my heroes once stood, not because of ego; I had gifts to share that only I could give and I was there to do exactly that!

Speaking authentically, I tapped into passion and purpose. The audience, my tribe, was warm, interested, and laughed at my jokes. No longer bound by a belief in separation, I stood healed before my community. Transformed.

For so long, I have avoided groups or conversations, waiting to be noticed or invited, not wanting to intrude. Standing on the sidelines waiting for permission. While others can make us feel welcome, our sense of belonging comes from within, when we embrace our full expression.

I left the retreat changed and renewed. I met a part of myself there, and I’m curious about how I and my world will change by bringing light to the shadow (I am worthy) and surrendering old thoughts (I don’t belong). I found my healing, belonging, by releasing past wounds and beliefs, in the newness of now.

YouTube Recording:

While reading one of my favorite books, "This Thing Called You" by Ernest Holmes, I came across a quote that really spoke to me:

"You are a spontaneous, self-choosing center in Life, in the great drama of being, the great joy of becoming, the certainty of eternal Expansion. You could not ask for more, and more could not have been given." — Ernest Holmes, "This Thing Called You," pg. 25

This month, my focus is on "My Passion, My Purpose," and these two sentences from Holmes stood out to me as powerful reminders of what is available to me as I explore this area of my life. As I reflect on these words, I realize that I am not limited by external circumstances or societal expectations. I am a spontaneous, self-choosing center in Life, meaning that I have the power to chart my own path.

Everything I need has already been given to me. The infinite abundance of the universe is available as I open myself up to receive it. It is available and waiting for me in this now moment. It is comforting to know that I am not lacking in any way, and I am always supported and provided for by the very essence of Life itself. I don't have to wait to fulfill my passion or purpose.

Each day presents new opportunities for me to become more of who I truly am, to explore my passions, and to fulfill my purpose in this world.

Am I actively participating in this flow of Life? Am I consciously choosing the direction I will go today?

As I deepen my awareness and pursuit of my passion and purpose this month, I am reminded to trust my inner guidance and intuition. Life is not meant to be stagnant or monotonous; it is a joyful journey of growth and expansion. The answers I seek are already within me, waiting to be discovered. It is up to me to listen to that still, small voice and follow the path that resonates with my soul.

I affirm that resistance has no power over me. I am not bound by the limitations of fear or doubt. Instead, I choose to embrace the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. I choose to embrace uncertainty and take the steps I now can towards my dreams.

I am grateful for this reminder that I am a co-creator with Life itself. I have the power to embrace and align with my passion and purpose, bringing forth my voice and gifts, to make a meaningful difference in the world. With each passing day, I am growing, evolving, and embodying more of who I am here to be.

A digest of recent articles, books and podcast notes, talks, and more to support you in embracing a new thought and a new life. If there is anything you would like to see let me know.

Hello,

Included in this email are links to articles that I published this week to New Thought, New Life. You may know that I'm in a writing cohort, its day 16 of 30. And I'm loving it.

I've been asked/told: "I haven't been getting your articles every day." Because I didn't want to flood your email inbox - I'm sending out a weekly digest with everything in one place - "A Collection of Thoughts."

Also, this week, I've added to this "Collection" links for to access "Notes & Quotes" for two books that I'm reading currently.

I've also included links to the latest episode of The Living Out Loud Show and Sunday message from Concordia Center for Spiritual Living.

My intention is that you may be inspired with a new thought that will unlock for you a new life.

Blessings!

Alan Vukas

Written Posts From This Week, July 23 - 29:

Articles that have been published this week:

New Thought, New LifeAlan Vukas

New Thought, New LifeAlan Vukas

New Thought, New LifeAlan Vukas

New Thought, New LifeAlan Vukas

New Thought, New LifeAlan Vukas

Notes & Quotes:

I don't know if you do this, but I usually have multiple books that I'm exploring at any given time. Most of the spiritual and non-fiction books I read, I make digital notes - making "Notes & Quotes."

These documents are what would be considered "literature notes." Rough notes of thoughts and ideas that occur reading the book. Sharing them hoping they may inspire new thoughts for you. You can comment on the pages you read.

This Thing Called You - New Thought

Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte (Productivity)

Read Along With Me?

I had an idea about this and thought it would be fun for us to read along together.  Here are some of the book that are at the top of my pile that I am considering to read next. Which of these would you be interested in me reading next?

• Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today; by Hal Hershfield (Cognitive Pyschology, Happiness, Self-Help)

• Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself; Kristin Neff (Spiritual Self-Help)

• The Circle Way: A Leader in Every Chair (Leadership)

• A New Design for Living; Ernest Holmes (New Thought Spirituality)

• all about love: New Visions; bell hooks (Cultural Studies)

• Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones; James Clear (Psychology, Personal Transformation)

Do you have a book you would be interested in use reading together this way? What would you be interested in seeing notes and quotes Please comment below, or reply to this if you would like to read along.

Podcasts:

The Living Out Loud Show

The latest episode of the weekly conversation between Michelle Wadleigh and myself and friends about practical spirituality for living life out loud.

Concordia Center for Spiritual Living

The latest talk given at Concordia Center for Spiritual Living, where I serve as the Senior Minister:

What would you say to a friend who was doubting themself? What might you say to guide them to see what you know about them?

If you are like me, you may say something like this:

You are worthy - regardless of what your inner critic says, your essence and intelligence has inherent value. It’s not always easy to believe that when stuck in self-doubt, but I want to remind you it's the truth.

I understand you may look around and think others contribute things more important than you, or that you lack skills and talents to feel deserving. You may think that they are the "pros" and you "hope to someday." Your mind lies to you.

“Comparison is the thief of joy.”
- Theodore Roosevelt

I see your gifts, strengths, and beauty in you that you overlook. That doesn't make your struggle less real or painful, but hang in there because there are other ways to tell your story. Your best one hasn’t been told yet!

Remember all the steps you have taken getting to here. Your determination and resilience has given you poise, you have got this!

Remind yourself of the small things you CAN value within yourself now. What brings you little pockets of joy - a favorite food, the sun on your face, time with family? A simple act of kindness you did? None of these erase self-doubt entirely, but they are pieces of worth that exist alongside the negative stories.

You deserve to see yourself as I see you - whole, worthy, and enough! The world needs your unique gifts. Practice self-acceptance and self-forgiveness.

You belong here exactly as you are.

You do. You really do.

If we want to see real change in the world, we need to start by changing our own consciousness and perspective.

Our experience of the outer world is a reflection of our inner state. When we recognize that our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions shape our experience, we empower ourselves to be the change. This recognition opens the door for transformation. As we expand our consciousness and align with higher truths, our entire way of perceiving and interacting with the world shifts.

Limiting beliefs become catalysts for new possibilities. Scarcity consciousness gives way to prosperity, fear transforms into faith, and hatred is dissolved with compassion. The results of these internal shifts ripple out through our words, actions, and energy.

These shifts in us uplift everyone around us.

Our energy and enthusiasm become contagious. We welcome new people, new ideas, and new opportunities into our path. Changing our own thoughts changes our experience of the world, and because we are different, the world has been changed for all.

The change we wish to see is created first in our consciousness.

When our inner state aligns with our vision, change flows into the world through our words and our actions. To transform the world, we begin by changing our minds. The power lies within us.

With all our responsibilities and routines life at times can feel like a grind or that it has lost its spark. When we begin to notice the Divine in everyday life we will see things with new eyes.

The sacred is all around us, infused in everyday moments. But we've stopped noticing. We often trudge through to-do lists while we hustle, oblivious to the beauty and blessings that surround us. What are some ways to start noticing them?

Open your eyes again to the beauty in nature. When was the last time you stopped to witness the sunset cast pinks and purples across the sky?

Catch that random act of kindness. You will begin to see what you are looking for - the cashier patiently assisting a customer in need. Holy moments happen every day, look for them.

Shift from cynical to grateful. Make a list of people and things you're thankful for. Health, satisfying relationships, and faith are some of our greatest gifts - don’t take them for granted. Savor your morning coffee, laugh with friends, and enjoy deep restful sleep. When we bring gratitude to the life that we have, we awaken to delight.

Faith eases fear. Carve out meditative space - light a candle, listen to peaceful music, spend time in nature. Getting grounded and present anchors you. Trust in a design greater than your limited vision can perceive.

Ordinary moments shimmer again when we see them as sacred. The spiritual is not somewhere far off - it's woven into the fabric of daily living, familiar and near. We need only open our eyes to notice and give thanks.

As a man with an established meditation practice, I found asking myself a simple question during the pandemic that has profoundly supported me in living with authenticity and integrity.

While meditation cultivates presence, it didn’t automatically translate to alignment in my daily life. I could still operate from old habits rather than inner truth. And like many men, I have been subject to conditioning that can keep me out of touch with my emotional landscape, except for possibly anger and frustration.

Having also had an experience in my 20s of living with panic disorder and agoraphobia, I found that during the lockdowns, my life began to mirror that past experience and I wasn't quite sure why. So I began to practice a simple form of inquiry and self-reflection to find out.

Pausing repeatedly throughout the day to ask, “What am I feeling?” and then naming those emotions without judgment brought with it the effect of grounding me in my experience.

The practice of asking myself this simple question, “What am I feeling?”, has helped me embrace the full spectrum of emotions, fostering wisdom and greater emotional maturity.

This simple check-in has helped me:

• Recognize unskillful patterns and their roots.

• Consciously witness how my feelings drive behaviors.

• Develop greater emotional intelligence.

• Fully process experiences rather than suppress feelings.

This ritual evolved organically. I started first by trying to name my feelings throughout the day. I noticed that my “emotional vocabulary” was limited - happy, sad, lonely, mad. I found and began using a chart to help me name my emotions specifically and kept a log of them to become familiar with my emotional landscape. I have learned more about what triggers my stressful emotions and what welcomes affirming ones.

The question, “What am I feeling?” became an embodied practice. Repeatedly returning to emotional awareness recalibrates my compass when off course.

When I am aware not just of what I think, but bring to it my emotions, I feel significantly more focused, purposeful, and guided by my inner compass.

This simple practice has proved to me that self-inquiry brings transformation, one feeling at a time.

There is no guarantee of success when trying anything new, or even for the hundredth time. As we learn to walk by getting back up again, accomplishing our goals also requires resilience when we miss the mark. Resilience allows us to persevere and see the journey through to completion.

Perseverance falters when you make these 3 common mistakes. Avoid them to build resilience:

1. Dwelling on failure. When we fail, dwelling on a “failed experiment” undermines perseverance. Instead, reframe failure as valuable feedback to adjust your approach and achieve eventual success.

2. Isolation. Perseverance requires community strength. We all need help from others in getting back up. Isolation drains essential motivation for perseverance. Seek support, share struggles, and connect with inspiring people. You’ll gain strength to overcome challenges.

3. Rigidity. When you hit obstacles, be flexible rather than rigid. Adapt and try new approaches to build resilience. As Doris Kearns Goodwin wrote,

“Rigidity is the path to failure. Only with fluidity, flexibility, and lively attentiveness can we hope to master change and challenges.”

Avoiding these 3 limiting behaviors can make the difference between giving up and achieving your biggest goals. Reframe failure as feedback on a experiment, connect with supportive community, and be willing to adapt. Mastering these empowers perseverance to overcome any challenge.

A digest of recent articles, books and podcast notes, talks, and more to support you in embracing a new thought and a new life. If there is anything you would like to see let me know.  

Written Posts From This Week, July 16 - 22:

Articles that have been published this week:

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Listen to your body - Physical signals like fatigue, headaches, and stomach issues can indicate you're overloaded. Pay attention to the messages your body is telling you.

Notice your emotions - Feelings like anxiety, dread, irritability, and resentment act as red flags that you're taking on too much. Don't ignore these emotional cues.

Check your energy levels - Evaluate your energy throughout the day. Declining energy means your reserves are draining. Frequent dips may signify overextension.

Review your priorities - If you're unable to focus on your core priorities, your plate is too crowded. Difficulty concentrating shows overextension. Reset your commitments.

Checking these four areas will allow you to course correct before hitting your limit. It's important to tune in and adjust your commitments. Saying no to maintain balance and self-care will serve you better in the long run. Listen to what your mind and body are telling you.

Incorporating mindfulness and reflection will support this process. Simple practices like meditating, journaling, or just sitting quietly increase self-awareness. They allow you to slow down and tune into your signals versus running on autopilot. Mindfulness and inner listening are key to understanding your limits.