Loving Life

Home from Maui

2012-01-22T20:06:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, I was walking a sacred labyrinth on the coast of Maui, which is located on the edge of a sacred Hawaiian burial ground; beautiful rocks, a calm ocean of breath-taking color, a calm, cloudless sky, and whales¾whales playing, blowing and breaching as they showed off for those who would stand still long enough to watch.

Together with a group of ministerial friends, we walked in total silence and the silence remains with me now. Whenever I participate in an activity such as this, it reawakens in me a place that exists at my core. The fullness that I feel is almost overwhelming; at the least, it expands my heart and brings tears of joy to my eyes.

Walking in the company of seven ministerial friends and comrades who traveled from all over the United States to gather, pray, vision and design an experience to satisfy our ministerial field. Together we cooked and laughed and processed and allowed spirit to inform our being. I am so incredibly grateful for being elected to serve on this committee of individuals.

But more than being happy about this team, I am simply so glad to be called to the service that I give. My position offers me a unique role in life that is unlike many others. Each day, I am called to be a witness to the private lives of people in their darkest and their most joyous hours. This up-close-and-personal view alternates between being appreciated and resented. When I am doing my job well, it is because I bring to the table my intuition and my ability to see the truth. But there is a very thin line between students and congregants wanting to be seen, and feeling horrified when I am able to see things that they were hoping to hide.

The saddest part of this is that, If people realized that the more open, available and authentic they are, and the more visible and transparent they are, they would see how much more beautiful they are

This is true at the core of each, even though I sometimes have to pass by some of the ugliness of their humanity: when it is pure and unprotected, it has a beauty to it unlike anything else. True authenticity allows the witness to see not only the end result, but the path to that end result, and when you are able to see the entire thing, all you have left is elegance. Pure, beautiful, human elegance

This up-close-and-personal view holds for me the same kind of experience that the labyrinth walk on the coast of Maui provided. Both have an exquisite harmony and beauty to them and my heart feels the beauty and the healing of being a witness to this. I am so grateful.

Sometimes you choose

2012-01-20T00:59:00.000-08:00

This is something that I wrote after having to make a decision to be part of something that mattered to me very much. The choice came at the birth of my new relationship and so I had to choose to either nurture my new love or my interest. As you can see, love won out!

Oh god, what a trickster you are.
You bring a love to me that moves
   my heart and soul and then you ask me
   to have patience.
You open my heart and tell me to wait.
You show me what’s possible as my
   fullest expression and then lead me to
   have to choose.
Well, I have your number; I see what
   you’re up to.
You wanted to see if love would be my first choice.
You tempted me with an opportunity that would have me
   look like I am worthy and then your place this
   love in front of me to show me that I am worthy.
I have chosen love. I have chosen your gift. I have
   chosen this sweet expression of good, of love.
Have I passed your test?
Have I chosen correctly?
I say yes, and I accept the fully orbed experience
   of this decision.

As Love Unfolds

2012-01-12T07:49:00.000-08:00

The dust has settled and my feet are grounded again—thank God—but they most definitely have settled on higher, more luscious ground. Even after being single for as long as I was, which was shocking to me to begin with, I never identified myself as an individual that "would be without a man." Truth be told, I needed to be alone, and I needed to be alone for as long as I was.

In that alone time, I grew strong, faithful and confident; not so much in myself, but in the God of me, and I learned that I was capable in so many more areas then I could ever imagine. Mostly though I learned how to handle the pain of upset, disappointment and loneliness, and in learning how to navigate through those emotional waters, I became someone that someone would want to be with.

I left behind many tendencies that quite honestly are simply unattractive. I was never one to play the delicate woman who always needed a man, but I was needy in order to feel complete, and that is something that just does not live inside me anymore, anywhere. At this juncture, I bring the all of me to my relationship—to my man—but not out of a need for completion, but out of a desire to share my life, my fullness, my love and the expansion of my consciousness.

With all this being said, there is still a lot to learn. In an earlier blog, I declared that the me that I am has never been in a relationship, and that is so true; but because I am dealing with a new me, my old references are gone, the games are gone, and the automatic anything is gone. I live in a constant state of who am I, how do I feel about this and how would I like to proceed. The good news is that everything that transpires within my relationship is a definite reflection of feeling worthy to have this abundant love and man in my life. I bring a level of honesty and compassion that I used to save for people I didn’t know. How crazy is that? (Do you ever find that you are nicer to strangers than those living under your own roof?)

Since life never stops being life, there are things and feelings to handle and respond to; there is that dance that new lovers do that is a bit clumsy as they are each trying to learn the dance steps of that particular team. Staying awake and aware are key here, and the single most important thing that I hold onto in every moment is this: I am okay no matter what. A few years ago, I finally got the total and complete meaning of the spiritual truth that is taught: no one is against you. I will forever remember when this became true to the core of my being, and so why would this be different within an intimate relationship? It’s not: it still remains true and it carries me within our investigations of each other.

So here’s where I am: in love, in spiritual practice, in greater love, in greater spiritual practice and then, yes, in greater love. My love grows from my grounding in Truth, God and Unconditional Love. So love is unfolding, one sweet, delicious petal at a time, as it opens itself, exposing its fragrance and delicate ways. There can only be once response—thank you, thank you, thank you. And this process begs me to constantly remember that the love I am so thoroughly engaging in is the love that I bring to the experience, because I worked my butt off to learn how to love and accept myself as I am. And this love, lover and loving relationship is most definitely an out-picturing of my consciousness.

By the way, none of this truth takes away from the fact that I happen to be in love with an amazing, sensitive, awake human who is willing to meet me in the fire of transformation. For those of you who know me personally, how could I have had it any other way?

All my love,

Michelle

The Life of a Dust Particle

2012-01-12T05:02:00.000-08:00

They danced about in the light as the sun was shining through the window. Each particle of dust with its own life, space and substance. Reflecting light, that to a degree, added light to the room. Each floating in their own space, freely moving about. Are they aware of their own existence? Are they the microcosm to our world as the macrocosm? Is there life there on that little particle? Does each wonder about its purpose for being? Are we like those particles of dust; the microcosm to the macrocosm of the universe? How insignificant the particle appears from afar? But what life does it contain?
What life do we contain?

Making Room for One More

2011-12-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

For many years, my son Seth and I have functioned a bit like each other's side-kick. Yes, my other sons, and now my new daughter-in-love, were in our lives, but mostly it was Seth and I making our way through. Once my middle son, Keith, moved out with his fiancée, Seth and I were dependent on each other for so many things—mostly for being there for each other. This was good, and worked perfectly for both of us.

It would be no surprise to anyone who was close to us that the entrance of a new entity—especially one that would be taking up so much of my time and attention, not to mention space in my driveway and my bed—was going to mess with this formula that was cultivated over so many years. But me being me and Seth being Seth would require that this major change in "mommy's" life would have to have some ease and grace with it.

Now even a very mature 15-year-old might not consciously require such a thing as ease and grace, but when you are a PK (preacher's kid), especially one who has been reared around a high conversation regarding consciousness, responsibility for one's life, Truth, integrity and God, the desire for life to be and feel good becomes innate. So I watch as he works to share his mom, and most times he does it with great respect. He sits with mom's new distraction, converses, complains together when the Giants are losing, and greets him with a smile and enthusiasm. That part is all working beautifully.

The other aspect is pure conjecture on my part, but I do believe a reasonable and logical one; but again, my conjecture and probably, if I'm honest, a projection. The part that is still distracted in this beautiful son of mine is the little boy in him, the part he doesn't know exists—the part that will feel concern over a major change and how this change will affect the totality of his life. All of this is perfectly natural and we, my new distraction and I, are dedicated to making room for Seth to be as he is in his perfection.

What truly is beautiful here is the way in which all of my sons are happy for me. They, each in their own way, are welcoming this beautiful person into my life probably because of how happy I am. But still, it is a very interesting time for me to see my sons as the amazing, wondering, loving and mature beings who only want the best for me. Each of them in his own way is making room for one more. Yes, one more at our kitchen table gatherings (we love to sit close to each other around a small table when the dining room is very available), one more in our holiday rituals, one more in their scheduled time with me, and I know, over time, each will make room for one more in their hearts as well.

All this would not have been possible though if I had not made room in my heart. And this is why I keep up my spiritual practices at all times. This is why I keep up my conscious languaging, my prayer work, my time for contemplation. When we heal inside, our world changes form, our bodies change form, and our hearts open to more good. My sons can make room for one more because I finally said Yes and shifted the whole world with my Yes.

Stay in practice, stay awake and for God's sake STAY IN LOVE!

Feeling the All of Life

2011-11-26T09:46:00.001-08:00

Have you ever been in midst of pure, unadulterated feeling; a feeling so pure that you can’t quite put a name on it, a feeling that isn’t good or not good? It is just feeling. I have. It seems to happen when I am in a place of openness and availability. One of those times when I’m choosing to be fully present to unedited version of life.

It is safe to say that the holidays or as I like to refer to them the Holy season is often a time that provides all of the necessary conditions for this experience. You know what I mean, you watch all of your favorite old movies, the ones that make you laugh and cry at the same time. You look at pictures of seasons past and memories come wafting to your mind or you smell something baking and in that moment you are returned to your mother’s or grandmother’s kitchen.

Sometimes I experience a feeling as the result of judgment, upon me, of course. There is a sadness that comes at the moment when I am busy pondering the totality of my life. The fact is, that I have tried to do the best that I can throughout my life, I have. Yet, it appears that so much of my best has left a trail of wrong doing, sadness and regret that no matter how fast I run or what I do now, will not wash away the stain of who I have been. Or so it seems in the midst of it.

On the other hand, sometimes this feeling is the result of me pondering my future and my goals. These ponderances bring a feeling of hope and a sense of possibility and then I am filled to overflowing with these emotions. As I sit in gratitude for love, intimate love, motherly love, and self-love, deep emotions begin to well up once again.

Isn’t it wonderful that we – spiritual beings having this human experience – get to FEEL? I am so grateful for my ability to feel without shrinking back or hiding. Do you let yourself feel? Do you free yourself to be in that visceral experience that dares your heart to open? I know it is scary, I do. I’m scared, but only for moments because I remind myself immediately to be present to what is right now. In this present moment, there is no judgment, no requirements, no need to be different in any way. For this now is truly always perfect.

For me transparency is extrememly important; the reason why will remain mine for the moment, but it still remains important. So at the risk of exposing myself a bit too much, I write and I publish this blog. Hopefully it supports you and your freedom. Much love to you throughout this Holy Season. May you feel fully alive and may you feel safe feeling it in its raw and beautiful state.

I'd like to introduce you to someone - me!

2011-11-23T12:53:00.000-08:00

This woman standing before you has never been in relationship before. Truly, she hasn’t, not ever. Although her years are not few, she is new to life in relationship. Her hearing is fresh and can hear only words of love. Her speech is new and refined and can only speak and report from an expanded point of view. The words that fall forth from her mouth are loving and tender. Her eyes dance over the surface of everything as she sees Truth and is in constant awe of perfection.

Oh, this woman, is the very activity of love and so brings this to all aspects of her life but mostly to her relationship. She brings an open heart as she fearlessly strides forward toward the open arms of her other and she is received with equal receptivity. This newness is birthed from her new mind, her healed heart and a willingness to receive a full portion of good as determined by her birthright.

No, this woman has never been in relationship before. This woman will not be defined by any wounds, stories or old ideas; for now is her only time and here her only place. Her lover receives this untainted expression and meets it with his open and healed heart, his open and free mind and his wide open arms.

This is a virgin relationship, brought together in consciousness, and supported by an endless flow of love and joy and humor. Oh, how a new and untainted mind creates such beauty. No stories that matter. No wounds that distract. There is only choice and peace and loving intention.

So let me introduce you to this new woman who has never been in relationship before, it is me, I am here and I am walking in love, being love. Thank you God for transforming all the aspects of me that made this possible.

The distraction of passion

2011-11-12T15:53:00.000-08:00

Yes, I normally use this blog as an outreach for my spirituality and a way to vent but sometimes something else moves me. Hey, its my blog anyway.

She decided to be available, so she opened her heart.
She decided to let love in, so she opened her heart.
Once her heart was open, creation began.
Once her heart was open, she prepared to feel.
As the feelings began to flow, her world changed form.
As the feelings began to flow, her world sped up.
But she remembered a promise she made to herself,
   she would maintain her equilibrium, she would stay
   grounded even while tantalized, distracted and consumed
   by passion.
As her promise was kept, her heart remained open, love showed up,
   and creation ensued. But grounded she remained as she
   returned to the deepest place of love - her love.
So - her heart remained open, and love rushed in, and
   feelings exploded, and creativity poured forth as
   grounded she stayed in her god, in her way, in the
   most intimate sanctuary of all, her heart.
And this was good, for her cup was full and her lover
   could drink of her fullness.
Intoxicated they both fell into a dance of ecstasy.

BE THE SOLUTION

2011-10-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

This following article is part of a series that has just been relaunched. Enjoy!

Be the Solution is Back

Be the Solution, a self-coaching opportunity to support you in clearing out that which stands between your current experience and your desired experience, is back from a very long sabbatical. You can choose to sign up for this program by sending an email to BE THE SOLUTION, or by signing up on Sundays at the Center. The Science of Mind© is referred to by many as Practical Spirituality. This program is to support readers in applying the tools and principles that we teach.

Making a commitment to the application of these principles in your daily life is what separates this teaching from a “Sunday only” religion. If what we teach matters, then it is worthy of your time, attention and practice. And remember, practice doesn’t really make perfect if you are practicing imperfectly; however, practicing perfectly makes perfect. What is perfect? Any practice that keeps you and your life in a constant state of evolution and revealing.

So to re-launch Be the Solution, we bring to you: Practice No Complaining.

In addition to being an annoying quality, complaining is simply not effective. It will never get you where you want to be—ever. In other words, you can’t get there from here. Why? Because complaining is a mechanism of destruction, and not a mechanism of creativity and possibility. Think of your thoughts as a path being laid out before you to support you reaching your ultimate goal. Does it make sense that complaining could ever reveal to you a path of peace, harmony and possibility? Not to me. Only a path laid out through harmony, love and graciousness can provide a path that will carry me to where I want to be.

Let me share my influences on this matter so you can do further research yourself. My quest to rise above the complaining habit began with Emma Curtis Hopkins and her book Scientific Christian Mental Science; it continued with Eckart Tolle and his book The New Earth, and, finally, the piece of work which drove the point over the top was by a brilliant metaphysician, Christian Larson, in his book The Ideal Made Real. If you have to choose only one to read, choose the latter; it says it all within the first two chapters.

Taking on this life transforming habit took me into a lot of practice and contemplation, and I came to realize that my mother, God bless her heart, had two main languages: gossiping and complaining. Now I am not complaining or blaming, but I did have to accept that I had known these two languages way too intimately for too long. No wonder my life wasn’t working smoothly.

So this is a simple—ha!—task. Stop it. Yes, that’s my entire spiel; stop the complaining. Catch it every time; cease the action both out loud and in your mind. Begin with a 30-day commitment to NO LONGER COMPLAIN ABOUT ANYONE OR ANYTHING TO ANYONE, not even to yourself. Here’s the gift. Every time you stop you will feel a sense of relief, and in no time, you will begin to retrieve a boatload of energy—the type of energy needed to feel better, to be happier, and to have better relationships. Yes, this is a promise. If you take on this practice today, you will feel so much better so quickly that you will lose your taste for it, and it will cease.

A great point that Eckart Tolle makes in his book is that every time we complain, we assume ourselves to be a victim. Victim consciousness is extremely limiting, and does promote a life experience that leads to happiness. As with each practice, let’s remember that the practice is to support our individual shift in consciousness to Life is good, Life is grand, and I am deserving of my full measure.

Live in a household of people who are moaners and complainers? See if you can engage them in this 30-day challenge. Enroll them in the possibility of greater freedom and newly found energy. You can even make it a game with a prize at the end. Do this and watch what transforms in your home. I have created a PDF that you can download and hang on your front door to forewarn visitors as they enter, which is located on: www.cslnj.org
Also, hang it on your refrigerator and bathroom mirrors—all the important places. Imagine what a great holiday practice and gift this would be to change the energy in your home through this No-Complaining Practice.

As always, do your best each and every day. Be loving, gentle and forgiving with yourself and if you make a mistake, simply begin anew.
Enjoy your practice. Enjoy your life,
Michelle

A prayer for my family

2011-10-28T12:47:00.001-07:00

Living a Life of Abundance

Dedicated to my family by Mom, Michelle

There is One Life.

This One Life is everywhere present, always available, always flowing and always creating out of the Good that It is.

This One Life is wherever I am, in every moment, of any day.

There is no separation, never has been and never will be.

Today I step into full availability with this all good, all love and all creativity.

I accept my birthright of this full measure of good.

Through my acceptance Life shows up on my doorstep with ease, grace and wonderful prosperity. Yes, I accept who I am, exactly as I am and as I am not, knowing that I am worthy of an extraordinary Life, fully expressed, fully prospered.

There are no prior thoughts, ideas, beliefs that have any power over me or distract me from my good. Any ideas of fear, doubt, lack or limitation are neutralized now and forever.

Yes, I say yes to all of my life unfolding naturally and effortlessly.

I act and speak faithfully. Not having faith of something outside of me, but faith of that Ever-present Good within me. My mind is steady and on target as I set my intentions to live a fully prospered and abundant life. Not a life of materialism but one of generosity and flow. I give from my overflow and reap the benefits of this flow as love, as good as ease and grace.

With bountiful gratitude for the abundance that I see and experience all around me, my gratitude activates even more good and I accept this activity through me.

Trusting that I have just spoken the truth, I let it be so. And so it is. Amen.

Nice Guys Finish Last!

2011-10-06T07:47:00.000-07:00

Ranting again - enter at your own risk

Don't you just hate that statement or at least the idea of that statement? And it has taken forever for me to actually make sense of it. I normally like to at least assume that a motto like this one was originally based in some kind of reality that was worthy of understanding. So I take time with statements like this to try and back into the wisdom or the logic that created it in the first place.
According to dictionary.com nice means: pleasing; agreeable; delightful; amiably pleasant; kind etc.
If you look it up in a thesaurus, it offers: admirable, amiable, approved, attractive; peachy, pleasant, pleasurable, or polite.
We'll come back to this.
I know some nice people, really, some very, very nice people who would open their home to you, give up their bed for you and give you the shirt off their back. I like these people; I aspire at times to be thought of as nice because of how much I like certain people. Are you hearing the but coming. . .
Nice is very good in many places but nice can very definitely get in the way when being nice interrupts progress, productivity or for individuals who want to climb out of the world of mediocrity. Very often an individual will sabotage their own personal desire for greatness, order and success to maintain a composure of niceness. Might this sound familiar to you? Am I speaking about you?
Back to the definition. Nice is nice but I personally want more then nice. Nice is good but it doesn't motivate me. Integrity, success, clarity motivates me. I am inspired by individuals who do not settle for mediocrity and are always reaching for EXCELLENCE. So nice is nice, but I want more.

Let's take a look: imagine you are dealing with someone who agreed to do something but they didn't follow through. Unfortunately for you, you really needed them to do what they said they would do and in not doing so, you cannot complete your part of the project. So you find yourself standing in front of this person asking them about their agreement and they begin to offer you their explanation (code for excuse) and instead of holding them to their agreement, you smile and say you understand. Why? Because you’re NICE! Yikes, how is that working?

What happens when this happens? What happens is that you collude with that individual's self image as less then. What happens is that you sacrifice your desire for order, success and greatness in order to be nice. What happens is, you walk away with a false smile on your face, and this person thinks you’re nice but you are stuck in the loop of mediocrity.

As a graduate of Landmark Education's Forum and Advance course, I was deeply moved by their focus on clarity, greatness and integrity. The influence of this education left me reaching for a greater experience of my leadership and what has become crystal clear is being nice is a form of self-sabotage. Greatness, potency, accomplishment and excellence are a different mindset and standard then nice. Thank God I have also now learned that you can hold someone to their agreement in support of their greatness. This means that when I choose to collude with greatness sometimes the idea of just being nice has got to go. So in a way, I am taking a stand for them more than they are for themselves. Because the norm is comfortable and greatness makes us stretch.

Nice guys finish last because they take the crumbs, they want to be nice more then they want to experience their greatness, because they don't want to push people and leave a bad taste in any one's mouth. But there is salvation, you can be nice and be clear; you can be nice and collude with the greatness of others; you can be nice and live a life beyond mediocrity.

Nice guys can finish first! How? Be nice and clear. Be nice and definite. Be nice and collude with your highest and best and the highest and best of others. Don't let people let you down because they can't do that without letting others down. Take a stand for greatness, yours and others!

What are the chances?

2011-09-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

What are the chances that I would be sitting in my living room on the phone in prayer when a 4" in diameter branch would come flying out of my tree?
What are the chances that one of my oldest cats would be hanging out on the deck at that exact time - UNDER THE BRANCH - only to get hit in the head?
No joke, this happened just yesterday morning. My cat is now at the vet for emergency care and I am hundreds of dollars lighter in my purse.
I will have to report back to you, she is trying to stay alive and I am still in prayer.
That was yesterday. Through the night, she made some strides toward recovery. This morning I await the doctors call.
I am truly fascinated by how Life creates coincidences to show up to keep us mere mortals at attention.
There must be Order that we cannot see from our point of view. There must be a Divine Intelligence within which is a higher idea.

STOP IT! And start ANEW!

2011-09-28T10:05:00.000-07:00

STOP it!
Stop it!
Stop the gossip.
Stop the complaining.
Stop the judging.
Stop the criticism.
Stop the incessment practice of making anyone wrong.
Stop the self-hatred.
Stop the violence.
Stop the racism and all the other ism's.
Stop the comparisons.
Stop the sarcasm.
Stop withholding your love.
Stop withholding your heart.
Stop withholding your generosity.
Go back to basics:
Practice:
FORGIVENESS!
Forgiveness for all.
Forgiveness for the past.
Forgiveness for yourself.
Forgiveness for humankind and its insanity.
Forgiveness for what preceeded you here.
JUST GIVE IT UP!
Practice:
LOVE!
Love - unexplained.
Love - full-out.
Love - for all.
Love - for Oneself.
Love - for all of humanity.
LOVE - for all, unexplained and exuberant.
Love and total acceptance for who you are and who you are not.
Love all of your spiritual family - those you know and those you don't.
Love the creator by any name: God, Spirit, Life, Energy, Creative Power by any name.
Love when it's easy and when it's not.
Love with all your heart, with all your soul!
Practice:
GRATITUDE!
In this way and for EVERYTHING BECAUSE EVERYTHING IN LIFE IS FOR YOU, WORKING IN YOUR FAVOR!
I am grateful for ALL of my life, without exceptions.
I am grateful for the good, the glorious and the graceful.
I am grateful for the challenging (anything which makes me grow).
I am grateful for my bodytemple and how it functions as it is.
I am grateful for my mind, my heart, my soul.
I am grateful for my birth family, adopted family and spiritual family.
I am grateful for every experience in my life that led me to here.
I am grateful for my employers and/or my employees.
I am grateful for my spiritual and religious influences
I am grateful the Creative Source of Intelligence that gave life and expression to me.
And I am grateful for the All of me, the More of me, the Not Yet Expressed of me.
Now begin being the YOU that YOU want to be!

A call to service

2011-03-15T05:14:00.000-07:00

I am sharing with you here, an email I sent out to my community yesterday.
Prayer is good. Prayer and movement for me is natural and in Principle. This was my call to "arms", so to speak.

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Time to roll up our sleeves
Being the "good" Religious Science student that I am, this past Friday morning upon hearing about the Tsunami, the very first thing that I did was prayer treatment. I continued with alerting all of my ministerial body to solicit their treatment support, contacted my Practitioner body for their treatment support and then wrote a prayer for our email list. I have done my due diligence.

But what's next is the question that is being asked and I would like to answer it as I contemplate the serenity prayer and remember that we are One human family.
Here are my suggestions:
Always begin by doing your work in consciousness first.
Stay informed.
Talk about it, keep the energy for support alive.
Move the conversation as soon as you can to possibility, support & solution.
Ask yourself this important question: What is mine to do?
Then ask the leadership of any organization that you might belong to what they are doing? Prod them to get involved.
Get involved yourself by attaching yourself to anyone who is doing something responsible.

While doing all of this count your blessings and always touch the place of compassion within you - never the place of pity. Pity is a heavy and ineffective energy while compassion will move your heart and your feet.

Remember this: With God all these are possible. Lean into God for your strength, inspiration and guidance. God as YOU will know what to do and when the call comes, say YES.

It is my intention as the Spiritual Leader of this Center to make something happen. What that will look like is yet to be determined?
If you would like to be part of the solution please CALL the office and leave your name and phone number and tell us what it is you have to offer the cause.
973.669.1900
Blessings to all of us, may we find our bounty and the wisdom to act responsibly and heartfully.

Winter Faith for Winter Solstice

2010-12-08T09:49:00.000-08:00

The days get short and cold.
The nights get long and colder.
The earth slows down to her winter nap, resting in repose.
The sun still on its course is just out of reach for our earth’s warmth.
Surface water stops flowing and all water freezes within the belly of the mother.
What was green, turns brown and what was growing, takes a rest.
Our animal siblings go into a deep and prolonged sleep.
Those that don’t sleep lie in wait for signs of life, not thinking, not fearful and not wondering, just waiting.
We, the human tribe, watch; some with worry, some with fear, all with the question: did I prepare for mother’s nap.
With great courage we move slowly, mindfully, living with a certain amount of hope.
As the dark secures its role and the cold settles in for the winter,
we are called to deepen our faith and courage.
We are called to remember that our mother will not forsake us,
will not simply leave us.
So we, too, go into our cave, settle into a nap of sorts, take inventory of our blessings and faithfully step one day at a time through the long winter always knowing that she, he, it will once again make sure that:
The days will get longer and warm.
The night will get shorter and become more inviting.
The earth will once again wake up in full celebration
of the life that did lay dormant in her bosom and her veins
waiting the moment of return.
Let us cultivate the faith necessary to navigate the waters of change.
Let us find the strength needed to prepare and protect ourselves mindfully.
Let us remember that our mother has never forsaken us.
And let us live in gratitude for her love, life and generosity.
Happy Solstice.

A mother's reward

2010-10-31T20:42:00.000-07:00

I love this “thing” that exists inside of me that will drive me to get out of bed - no matter how tired and exhausted I am - to put another blanket on my son when I think it is unusually cold. It is an impulse that seemingly has a life of its own with enough power to move me when I really don’t want to be moved.

I love how this “thing” that can be so innately motivating also has inherently within it, the most profound sense of satisfaction. There is a feeling that comes with a selfless action such as this that fills my soul.

The truth is, none of my three sons will ever know how often I have done this and a thousand other things for them, a thousand other actions, decisions that were made with them in mind, to care for my children and to complete this sacred contract that comes with being a mother. They will probably never thank me or even be able to appreciate the choices because it takes a particular point of view to be able to see these things and right at the time when they might be able to see and fully appreciate these things, they will probably at that time be fathers themselves, making these same kind of decisions, with their entire attention on their children.

It’s okay though. This is the natural order of things, the circle of life as they say and I am just thankful that I can experience that deep, moving feeling of satisfaction that comes with saying yes to life and the willingness to be responsible for another human being.

Oh, thank you Mom, thank you Dad. Thank you for caring for me especially with me being the last of seven. Thank you for hanging in there and honoring your sacred contract with me.

Sometimes you just have to take a Stand - albeit in LOVE

2010-10-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

This must stop now! What? Violence, prejudice, racism, war, holy wars, righteous battles, bigotry, separatism, violence in the home, gang warfare and anything, anyplace where we justify giving life to our wounds. Our personal pain and personal opinion is not justification for harming another. Just think of the gang members from NYC and what they are accused of doing to another human; if those young men, the victims, can physically recover and spiritually and emotionally heal, they at least can be saved from a lifetime of hatred should they choose forgiveness. But their perpetrators are faced with living with their actions, their hell is here and now on this earth plane of existence; they don’t have to wait for death or karma, they will suffer because of their sins, NOW. The same goes with anyone engaging in righteous violence – whether it is gangs, the KKK or a military action/offensive.
We, the global we, the awake, forgiving, loving we must turn up the heat on what we are doing and choose to do more. WE, ourselves, must heal the place inside where any hatred or violence lives and then we must stand in our truth, our knowing, our love and bring who we are to a larger playing field. Why is it that the reasonable, the loving and the spiritual are always so quiet? Let us begin to be the squeaky wheel, singing our song louder from the mountain top and right there on the city streets.
Let us pray for the souls of any individuals who participate in anything unkind. Let us be a beacon of light shining so brightly, so boldly beckoning these individuals to return to their true essence. And, let us do this somehow without any of our judgment or prejudice. Let us strengthen our resolve and emanate a vibration that allows these individuals to drop their defenses, feel safe in the world and return to Love.
Let us speak to this end, lovingly. Let us write letters to individuals of influence, let us teach great love, acceptance in our homes, in our schools and for God’s sake in our Spiritual and Religious Centers around the world. Let us “think again” about translating scriptural readings to teach separateness, justify violence and promote holy wars.
I pray for the victims of the NYC gang, but I also pray for the gang members who have lost their souls enough to be able to harm another. And, no amount of justified punishment or legal action will get to the heart of the problem. The loss of their hearts IS the problem.
Today let us pray in this way:
Oh Mother/Father/God, let me find the strength today to face and accept the truth of my being. Let me express the full love that I am and the let this love be infectious, infecting all those who come near. Let me bask in the desire to love first and always. Let me practice “do no harm” and let me do this on all levels. And, lastly, let me remember that wherever the I AM is, healing happens.
Each day I commit to the practice of Oneness and Unity, celebrating Life in all forms and forever take a STAND for all PEACE. God is so good all the time. For this I am eternally grateful.

Wherever I go there I am!

2010-04-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

This is not a new term; we've all heard it before but the more honest you get with yourself, the more true and the more significant this statement rings. Recently I found myself feeling frustrated, let down and disappointed in certain individuals that I look to depend upon in my life. But unlike years past it has become painfully clear to me how closely tied together are my own behavior, choices and decisions in my life to the way that I experience the world around me.

It has become CRYSTAL CLEAR to me that that which I object to, I have given life to; that which I judge, I have done; and that which I criticize, I have been guilty of. Again, this is nothing new BUT the more awake I become, the shorter the distance between my observation of my life and the reality of me as the creator of it.

What I can see is there is no one outside of me to deal with, to forgive or to get "right" with. There is no real need for deep process with another if I am willing to take complete ownership over my own experience. And there is absolutely no need to blame another human being ever for my pain, suffering and discomfort. Yikes! Here is my truth as I am experiencing it right now: life is all about alchemy and this alchemy is made possible by all of the elements that exist everywhere. By everywhere I mean within and without simultaneously but they are always housed within the scope of my consciousness.

Knowing there is only One, I must surrender into the spiritual practice of dealing with all of life right where I stand, right where I think, right where I AM. Each time that I return to this knowing and its reach and meaning; I recognize there is only one thing for me to do and this is it: forgive myself more and more quickly, be more patient with myself, be gentler with myself and absolutely, completely, with great abandon love myself more. Then, there in that place, in that moment, I begin to recreate my world from the depth of my being.

My dog Eden

2010-03-19T05:22:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I read a book called One with All Life by James Allen Booth. A wonderful little book, a true story about a man's journey into a new and profound relationship with all animals. Through his dog, he learned the art of communicating with animals. I was extremely moved by this little book and I highly recommend it to any animal lover - you'll never see your animals in the same way. Since reading that book, my dog of 17 years, Hamlet, a Golden Retriever, had died and we acquired a new dog - Jack. Some of you have read my articles about Jack. Jack is a Catahoula Leopard dog who has since moved out with my son and his fiancée.

Then as if we didn't have enough animals in our home: 1 dog, 4 cats, a fish tank and 4 family members, we went out and adopted Eden, the current love of my life. Eden is a half Rottweiler, half Sheppard, she is sweet and playful and my loyal companion.

Well, then came along my eldest son moving back into my home and he brought his boxer, Soco. YIKES.Yes, we are back to two large dogs, 4 cats, a fish tank but only 3 family members. The difference this time around is my eldest son's dog, Soco was never FIXED - you can see where this is going.

Back in January my Eden and his Soco mated - how can I be sure? On Tuesday, March 16th, she gave birth to 5 - yes 5 puppies - AND SHE GAVE BIRTH TO THEM ALL RIGHT ON MY BED.
Must be an act of love or familiarity or something - I had a cat do the same thing once about 25 years ago.

Yesterday morning while my son, Michael, was checking on them he discovered that one of the pups was deceased. I think Eden accidently laid on him and suffocated him. I'm told that this is quite common with dogs. All upset, Michael, came downstairs to give me the news and I suddenly had to be the strong one. Wow, how did this happen? I had to remain calm, go in, remove the pup while watching Eden be very upset and confused and remove him from the pack. Michael has since been buried this little one in the back yard next to our golden and one of eldest cats who passed some years ago.

Last night, I slept with one ear listening all night for fear of losing another one. Did you know that sometimes these pups sound just like little babies whimpering - as you can imagine - it wasn't a good night sleep. But we did wake up with all pups alive and well. Eden is starting to get her energy back and seems quite proud and enthusiastic about her accomplishment. I wonder: did she know what was coming? Has she already let go of the little one that passed? Her instincts are marvelous; I am in awe of how much she knows to care for them.

A few weeks from now, we will have to take them from her one pup at a time and give them away. How would you feel if your children were being distributing to others? I am blessed to have this experience and will stay very close to her throughout the balance of this experience. In case you are wondering, we will get her "fixed" now.

Blessings to you,
Michelle

I am of the Infinite!

2010-03-08T20:27:00.000-08:00

There is one Universe, this Universe penetrates my being effortlessly and fills all space with its natural love. This love knows me intimately and I surrender into this knowing and disappear into the One.

There is One Infinite Life and that life is my life now. Within this Infinite is the possibility of all good all the time. I am opened up, and transformed by this simple realization. From within, all things are made available and possible, all of me is spiritual and powerful, and every expression is loving and potent. I am the Alpha and the Omega because God as me is so. Since I live right where God exists which of course is everywhere present than I am always available for God’s inspiration and intelligence. Effortlessly I morph into a being of great light and possibility as Spirit continues to seek to express. Yes, I am of the Infinite and it is good and very, very good.

For the life that is my life now, I am extremely grateful. May God always recognize me as available and willing for its use. I release this word into the Law and the Awe.

And so it is.
Amen.

Podcast cite

2010-03-07T20:37:00.001-08:00

Here is the link for our new Podcast site.
Enjoy: http://www.cslnj.blogspot.com/

Today is the day that Spirit has made.

2010-03-07T20:34:00.001-08:00

March 7, 2010

Today is the day that Spirit has made and I celebrate it in through of my actions. I celebrate this day by setting my sights on experience each and every day to its fullest. I tackle each day armored with Spirit’s guidance and strength. This strength carries me places where I could not have gone myself alone; yet with Spirit as my inspirer and my navigator I discover worlds both on the inner and outer that excite my soul.

I live and breathe into the gratitude that is at the foundation of this activity and in so doing, it multiples one hundred fold. Declaring that this life is good I trust that Spirit will move me into the proper place for my greatest receptivity.

I release this word and let it be so.

And so it is.

Amen.

Oh Beloved

2010-03-06T05:18:00.001-08:00

Something I wrote some time ago that continues to live in me:

Consume me in your fire of love. Burn away the veils that cloud my perspective of you. Return my attention to your brilliance. And do this all while loving me so completely that I will never again doubt your love, your availability, your essence. In readiness, I make myself available by keeping my heart open to your love, my eyes on the inner horizon to capture all of your inspiration and my mind ready for your intelligence and empowerment. Oh Beloved, I avail my total being to you.

Standing Naked in the Light

2010-03-03T11:14:00.000-08:00

It doesn’t take too much courage to stand naked in the dark. After all, the darkness affords you the liberty of imperfection with its veil of safety in the form of blurred visibility. But step into the light and that same buffer is dispersed and you are left naked like never before. The kind of naked where each and every imperfection is revealed and you have no excuses or explanations.

This level of nakedness, of being authentic, simultaneously excites and enlivens me while it scares me half to death. The death that is actually taking place is the death of my ego, my protection, the part of me that keeps me playing small. Doing what I do as a minister, a teacher, a coach often catapults me into this light stark naked by far faster than I am ready. Yes, I could close down, avoid, resist and guard myself but what would that say about me.

If I could design the world, this is what my world would look like. I would have you love me in my nakedness with ALL of my flaws. Love me when I am on fire and love me when I am falling. Love me in my fullness and successes and love me in my failings. And furthermore I say, if you aren’t willing to love the all of me, then please just let me be. This is the kind of love I want to know for the balance of my life and this is the kind of love that I AM offering.

I want to stand naked; all flawed, all exposed and feel absolutely safe. In addition though, I would love for YOU to stand next to me, all naked, in the light, with all your flaws. Then together we can embrace the bigger possibility of Life without excuses or explanations. Spirit know me in this way and I will commit to the Allness with the entirety of my being.

For Haiti

2010-01-23T05:15:00.000-08:00

This is a typical prayer treatment that I send the members of my center frequently. This one is for us being in service to Haiti. May you benefit from this prayer today.

If not us – who?

Affirm: If good is going to happen - it must be thru me.

There is One power, One presence, One light, One love, One intelligence – ONE. It is the very source of love and its love is the foundation for all healing energy all movement all transformation. I recognize its magnificent essence and I align myself with it in every way possible. The One and I and still there is only One.

This One permeates all, penetrates the depth of my being and everything that is in form and activates good everywhere possible. Yes this One is the action of possibility happening before my eyes, working in logical and natural ways that just seem like miracles. Today I open myself to be used, guided and directed. Today I am more willing to be an ambassador of love, peace, healing and transformation. As I invite the sweet power of this One to demonstrate through me, I, myself am transformed. I stand clearer, more compassionate and more generous while knowing that nothing I do is a burden because it is essence of Life itself doing it through me. Humbly, I admit that I am the willing vessel and Spirit is what sources itself through me. All weight is taken from my shoulders as I choose to be available to support my spiritual family wherever necessary. I do what I do within my capabilities and Spirit does the rest.

May my willingness to serve always be met with Spirit’s willingness to provide.

And so it is. Amen.
Take a look at my Center

Something profound or NOT!

2009-12-23T05:49:00.000-08:00

I've taken on this title: Spiritual Director. Often it sounds so important and meaningful and most definitely something to live up to. And in attempting to live up to the name, I am called to live life in a higher order, seeing Truth where others see pain and suffering, seeing potential and possibility where others see limitations and failure. I'm not bad at it and some would say that I'm even pretty good.
HERE COMES THE BUTT(yes two t's)
Sometimes the best I can do is get up in the morning shake off my previous day, laugh at myself and start again.
I have to tell you that life without a sense of humor, life can have a very limiting experience. Thank God I do not take myself too seriously. Thank God I have learned that I can survive failing to get back up without too many bumps and bruises and than try all over again. Thank God I am no longer afraid of failing because I know that that fear is what scares most people away from trying. And truth be told, the fear of failing is worse than the failing itself.
I think my close friends and family members have probably been watching me for years now, shaking their heads, and wondering: What the &%$@? All I can say is, I hope they had a good laugh.
Yes, I do get up again, try again and risk failure ALL THE TIME. I would like to be a lot better at many things; but it is what it is and I am what I am. Here, naked, (metaphorically), available and often completely oblivious - hence - needing a great sense of humor.
May you laugh at yourself this holiday season, may your heart open wide, remain open and find lots and lots of room for lots and lots of love but mostly may you Laugh Out Loud at yourself at good times and tough times.
Peace

I love TEENAGERS!@&%

2009-12-10T05:38:00.000-08:00

I love teenagers. I do, I really do, I love my teenager. I love the mood swings, the dirty looks. I love that he really does always know more than I do. I love being there for him whenever I possibly can and changing my schedule to be in service to him, he’s my son after all. And then I love being able to practice non-attachment as he show’s me that I need to give without any strings. Of course I shouldn’t expect some extra cooperation or mutual support, that would be manipulative on my part – wouldn’t it.

If it wasn’t for having a teenager or even just being a mother to any age child, I might make the mistake and think that I actually deserved some FUN and FREE TIME. It is so good to have that little reminder living in my home to keep me straight. And god knows without being a mom, I might think too highly of myself as I attempt to embrace my role as Spiritual Director of an active, growing, vibrant community. Without being a mom, I might actually attempt to solidify more of my dreams and visions and who knows what would happen if I was able to embrace a greater experience of success. That would take time away from car pooling and shopping for that new shirt before a party or running out to get a gift for that party that I didn’t know was scheduled.

So I am grateful for my son keeping me grounded and available to a side of God and spiritual practice that can only be found as a single mom of a teenage boy. Yes, between this teenager and my other two sons, my skills for being authentic are always being honed and refined and just to think I don’t even have to pay for a therapist or a coach to enjoy the fruits of this task.

Have I earned my way into heaven YET? Love your kids because they make you strong and their love truly is fierce, even when it looks a little funky.

Chop Wood, Carry Water

2009-11-02T05:50:00.000-08:00

If you knew me before now, in high school, as a young adult and young mother, as someone struggling to get through life. . .

If you saw me making my mistakes, mistake after mistake. . .

If you saw me throwing back shots of tequila and staying out late. . .

If you were close enough to watch how I miraculously made my life work by keeping my home in decent order, putting food on the table, getting my children off to school, having my life appear as normal, creating birthday and holiday experiences and always working –and all of this while being depressed and not plugged into Spirit. . .

Then you witnessed a woman holding onto life by the skin of her teeth and you probably would never have confused me with being a faith-filled, spirit guided individual. I wasn’t. I didn’t have Source then. I was alone.

OH BUT NOT. . .

Now in my quiet moments, I acknowledge my Beloved in this way – and no I am not some radical religious freak – I just love God.

To my Beloved,

I wake in the mornings and I just want to crawl inside your skin, sweet Spirit.

I ready myself to lose my identity as Michelle and be seen only as you, seen only in your reflection.

I make room for you in my thinking, my breathing, and my awake moments and when asleep.

And when I feel lost or alone or confused – it is you that I turn to, you that I love, you that I lose myself in, my Beloved.

I guess this is why I love the writings of Rumi and Hafiz, they so loved God.
So now, I keep my home in decent order, put food on the table, get my youngest off to school and my eldest off to the train station, my life IS normal, still creating birthday and holiday experiences and yes, I work a lot – but now I am full, alive and fully expressed. And you would probably not recognize me, I know that I don’t.

So as the saying goes: Before Enlightenment, chop wood carry water. After Enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. (not to imply I am fully enlightened but the journey is sweet and so much fun)

To be called TEACHER

2009-10-30T05:50:00.000-07:00

I am so incredibly blessed to take on the title and mantle of teacher. Being a mother and a teacher are the two most rewarding roles that I could serve in my life. Both of them however are riddled with complications and other interesting elements.

Being a mom isn’t always a breeze, it is filled with worry (if you subscribe to it) and upset and a mélange of emotions that you don’t even know you have until you are feeling it. It is kind of like exercising and then finding muscles that you didn’t know you have. It has become very evident to me that my pleasure of being a mom can easily be sabotaged by my own demands and expectations. I see where my upset is born and the reality is most of the time it is just because I am busy wanting something to be what it is NOT.

Now being a Teacher has this whole other dimension to it and that dimension is: objectivity. Similar to both parenting and teaching, one of the greatest pleasures is being a witness to someone’s growth. As a teacher, I can sometimes almost feel guilty at the amount of pleasure I get in watching live time transformation. The beauty of doing this for so many years now is with my experience I am enjoying increased confidence which benefits each student who is in my classroom and within reach of my influence. Guiding these students and working with them to support their transformation happens with more ease and grace then ever and transformation happens in a much shorter time frame than ever.

But the temptation to feel guilty is only because I get so much more out of supporting and teaching others than they do. I am sure of this because through the time I invest in my preparation of a lesson or a Sunday celebration I am basking in material and truths and realities that are constantly pulling me to a higher state of expression. Sure it is possible to keep it all very cerebral but that is not me. For me – I must grow, I must expand in consciousness and I must be always in the unfolding of my Divine Expression. If you want to be extraordinarily happy, teach. Take your expertise and give it away, whatever it is. The world will benefit but never as much as you.

The element of teacher that took some getting used to was watching the students as they grew in their friendship with each other and would leave to gather, make plans, go out but NOT with me. While I constantly fall in love with all of my students, I had to learn that I was their teacher and not their friend and this definitely took some getting used to.

So, thank you to all my students, my clients, my members. Thank you for mirroring back to me where I must grow. Thank you for the pleasure of service. Thank you for allowing me to witness your truth as you find your liberation from the collective way of thinking. Thank you for your bravery and your heart. Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to live into a new truth and bask in the glory of one of the greatest professions there is – TEACHER.

Loving my Shadow

2009-10-19T05:18:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago at my Center we viewed the new spiritual film, The Shadow Effect, by Debbie Ford. If you have never had any exposure to Debbie’s book or to the concept of Shadow Effect, I would take time to get to see this film or at least get her book, The Dark Side of the Shadow Chasers. It lays down a very good foundation of a psychological formula that has been around since Carl Jung but Debbie Ford brings it into reach both in understanding and in its practical nature for healing. (We are showing the film again at my Center this coming Friday evening, October 23rd. Check it out: www.cslnj.org) While you are on the site, check out the announcement about the workshop that is also being taught on Saturday, October 24th called: Loving the Shadow by a friend of mine who is a Debbie Ford coach.

Pros and Cons of Shadow work.

Cons: It can be very intimidating and very scary to look inside yourself to see what you see. Once in there, truths are revealed that you have systematically albeit unconsciously buried so you could deal with them. If you have been in any kind of depression, I would only work with this material with the support of a coach or practitioner, someone who has done the work and truly understands. Left alone, it can be difficult to work with and don’t plain scary as I said earlier.

Pros: If you would like to live your life being fully alive, fully expressed, healthy, and happy, then this is the work to do. Once you move past the shock of what you’ve buried and how you have projected it onto others, then all of the aforementioned becomes your beautiful daily experience. Me – I love my shadow. I love the good and the not so good. I love the nurturing, loving, tender parts of me, but I also love my witch and my bitch. Why, you might ask? Because in learning to love the all of me, and not judging the parts, I have made room for a more satisfying life experience. I’m not afraid of what I don’t see any more. I’m always willing to look inside and to be amused by what’s there.

Now I really know that YOU are not my issue. My son, my friend, my neighbor or the guy behind the counter are not the problem. Now I know that my challenges live within me, within reach, where I can do something about it. That which is inside of me is available to me and I can love it ALIVE and HEALTHY.

So yes, I love my shadow and I hope you do too.

Be the teacher

2009-10-19T04:55:00.000-07:00

Being a teacher - of sorts - must be what was always mine to do. I say this because it is probably the ONLY thing in my life that has come easy, that I have never felt intimidated by, that I didn't have to build up my confidence around and that I was fairly good at from the beginning. I know many teachers, all different in their approaches and all very good at what they do. I’m not trying to say that I am the best at what I do compared to anyone else, I’m simply saying that for me in my world, I am absolutely satisfied for what I bring to the classroom and for what my students receive from me.

I LOVE to teach. I love the mind of the new student and I love the mind of the more experienced student. BUT what I love most about teaching is how much I learn. My learning of any subject that I am currently teaching is quadrupled by the act of teaching it. By being the teacher, I must know my subject matter, I must be prepared. During the time of contemplating my subject and how I would like to bring the subject alive in my classroom, I get to live with the material, ponder it, apply it and often move more deeply into the lesson.

Teaching teaches the teacher. I remember reading somewhere many years ago that the best way to really learn something was to teach someone what you’ve just learned – a willing listener of course. The article said to teach the subject matter within 24 hours of hearing it and it would solidify itself in you. I have put this to practice and I do find it to be true.

Many of my most significant moments, realizations and self-discoveries have come while preparing for a class, workshop or Sunday Celebration. So here is what I have to say about this, if you really want to get a lesson deep inside of you be the TEACHER. Share what you’ve learned from your enthusiasm especially if it was life changing for you. It doesn’t have to be in the classroom, it simply can be a phone call with a friend. This way, you will always be the best student, because the material will take hold inside of you.

Enjoy. Teach.

Happy Anniversary to our Center

2009-10-04T20:59:00.000-07:00

Seven years of work,
and joy.
Seven years of growth,
and resistance to growing.
Seven years with some pain and tears,
and seven years of reaching to God
and prayer partners for support.
Having good income.
Having terrible income.
Getting paid and NOT - whew, glad that's over.
Seven years of serving the Science of Mind and God
and the members and the organization,
all of them satisfying - hum.
Seven years of learning what I'm good at,
and what I'm not so good at - and learning to accept both.

Yes, seven years ago, a small band of us gave birth to a new
and beautiful idea. I would not have wanted to do anything else.
Thank you to everyone who ever did anything to support this idea.
Today I am feeling very blessed to be a minister and to called to serve.

Miracles are real although they are not miracles at all.

2009-10-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

Back when . . .

Many years ago for sometime – I’m not avoiding telling you how long, I simply don’t remember – I was in therapy. I don’t remember ever really getting all that much from it except I did absolutely love my psychologist at the time; mainly because I felt safe with him and feeling safe with any man was not my norm back then.

Now . . .

At this time, many years out of therapy and many years studying the Science of Mind and inducing Spirit through my spiritual practices, I find that now my life is richer, more beautiful and much, much healthier. I am more emotionally and spiritually healthy then ever and most of the time I am just plain happy even if the outside world does not reassure me that all is well. Happy, I have learned, is very much a choice and not the result of being prosperous or in love.

Recently my thirty-one year old son moved back into my house for an undetermined amount of time. I was only too willing to make space for him once again both in my heart and at the hearth. What I also knew was that he left as a young man but returned as a man and I needed to remember that and treat him accordingly with all the appropriate respect of an adult. I, well we, both knew that that there would be some challenges. (Initally it was not looking good at all, I admit, I was concerned.)Thank God that I did, however, have faith in possibility because I know that I am not the woman I was then. I have strength and resolve now that is born of my practices, my meditation and my prayers. I am no longer walking the earth in fear, not of anything outside or inside.

The other day while spending time pondering our home situation and wondering what could possibly be the source of our collective pain; I started to remember how much I had always adored him and how much I fought for him and his highest good – THAT IS UNTIL HE LEFT. Yes, at eighteen, Michael decided that the world at large was a better place to be then the sanctuary of his own home. This hit me very, very hard. I was devastated. And while I was doing all of this pondering the other day, I allowed a feeling to come up inside of me that I was unaware of for over a decade. I was harboring: You left me. Yes, silently, deeply and oh so painfully, I was hurt, angry and profoundly sad that Michael had choose to leave (me).

At the moment that this emotion was unearthed, I was able to feel it in the depth of my soul. I felt it everywhere, absolutely everywhere and I realized that I have been afraid to feel safe around him. I was working with an “objection” to him not because of who he is but because I was terrified of feeling that pain again. So here is my miracle: At the moment of this realization something shifted inside of me so powerfully that I could see that all of my current pain and fear was based on something old and just as quickly as I allowed myself to feel it fully – IT left. The feeling left. The pain left. The energy behind the story left. And immediately and dramatically EVERYTHING CHANGED. Without a single conversation or confrontation or explanation life between us and in the home became easier, gentler, sweet, cooperative and loving.

Over a week later and I am still reporting that we have experienced only Peace, cooperation and fun in the house. The moral of this story - OUR HEALING IS AN INSIDE JOB. As within, so without has never meant so much to me as this moment. I am blessed to have been guided gently through this process of transformation. Thank you Spirit.

Participating in my own success

2009-09-17T06:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes getting really honest with oneself can have an initial sting that goes to the core of one’s being. Working with my prayer partners often allows me the opportunity to experience this sting. The very inquiry from a friend in a safe place such as, “What’s going on for you?” can lead me into a revelation of honesty that is followed by that “sting”.

For me, living the inspired life is easy. Allowing Spirit to have its way with me is not only easy but fun and it is where I live most comfortably. I am very comfortable in the world of “I don’t know but I’ll figure it out” or when I catch a vision or inspiration, I always just say YES. And I do understand that this is frightening for many but not for me. Give me a problem to solve or ask me to create a sacred ritual or special event or throw me into an experience where I have to speak extemporaneously – ah, there I rise up and perform comfortably with ease and grace.

Now let’s look on the other hand. Ask me to get my home completely organized, to clear out my basement or my attic. Tell me to file all of my paperwork and put things in order. Suggest that I create a schedule in my own home of things that have to be done on a regular basis so my sons and I are all on the same page. God forbid I set up a system of paying bills and organize my affairs the same way that I do at the Center. Here – this is where my life falters. This is where I am not a good steward of my life. I am fairly common – unfortunately. Many of us “spiritual type” do live in this dichotomy.

But if you’ve been following my blog, what you know about me is this: I never allow good enough to be my standard. Even at my age, even with this being a pattern that has been created over time, I have declared that it will end NOW. I am putting myself on notice and declaring that my home life and all of my personal affairs will now begin to support my inspiration. I will not be at the mercy of what was. Why? Because I know better, I have experienced more than this. I have experienced the full out realization that what was does not determine what is – unless I allow it. I simply haven’t succeeded in applying it here – YET.

So right now, I will begin the process and if necessary, get whatever help and support that I need. I don’t have to do this alone. But with prayer and determination – a powerful combination – I will rise up to have a different life experience. And one of the things that I know is true about this process is that as I become this better steward, my inspired life will be free to be even more expressed and I will not have to entertain regret or guilt about it because I have done the right thing and put order in place. Okay, here I go.

These are Your Hands

2009-09-16T07:02:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I am intrigued with myself or should I say amused by myself. I was brought up to be open-minded and loving and compassionate and God was definitely an “inside” entity so I have never had to combat the idea of an outside entity. BUT as I observe myself, my focus and attention and see where I lose myself, it continues to surprise me that God, Spirit, Life gets the greatest proportion of my time and energy. Yes, every day when Spirit is the first thing on my mind, I look back at myself and say – who are you and what did you do with Michelle? Sometimes I feel like some religious freak.

I never saw in my future me having the desire to serve Spirit, me practicing the art of surrender, me saying: THY WILL BE DONE. At celebration this Sunday, our guest musician Chanda Rule sang a song by one of my friends’, Grateful by Christie Snow. God I love her music and I love the way that Chanda and her accompanist Nick performed it. But right there smack in the middle of the song, standing in front of the entire congregation, I found myself raising my arms in praise like I was brought up in a Baptist Church. How did this happen? How did I, a self-pronounced Religious Scientist turn into this demonstrative, singing out loud, and Spirit praising woman? How?

Well, I do have one theory. Spirit in its pure form is absolutely intoxicating, accepting, loving and in a way passionate. Maybe I have just fallen in love with God and this is what my love looks like. Yea, I do believe that is it.

So with some trepidation I declare: my hands are God's hands and I am willing to be used. I am willing to love as God loves and I am willing to live life knowing, THY WILL BE DONE.

Believing in Worldwide Peace in this Lifetime.
Michelle

Jersey Girl Wisdom

2009-09-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

For a long time now I've wanted to write a book entitled - Wisdom from a Jersey Girl, but then I think even I would even have trouble taking it seriously. I love being from New Jersey. I love who we are, how we all blend together, and I LOVE our sense of humor - yes the sarcasm.

Yes, we are a little sassy and rough around the edges but I love our edginess. The only time it doesn't work is when we are around people from other parts of this great land. But boy we are most certainly amused by ourselves. I get to travel a few times a year around this country and I get to see value coming home again each and every time.

You see, I am a minister, a Founding Spiritual Director, is the fancy name that we've given it but in the end I am a minister. Every day I am grateful for my sass and my sense of humor. Every day I am grateful for the tolerance I have for people in general and the patience that I've learned. All the experiences of my life - all of them have aided me for what I do. Growing up in an edgy, not-always-so-nice neighborhood made me strong and boy have I needed that both for my job and to handle life as a single mom.

The truth is it has even taught me to be completely appreciative of the presence of Spirit in my life especially because I got tired of trying to do everything on my own. I appreciate Spirit because I get to feel valuable with all of my faults and flaws. I have learned that I deserve every ounce of happiness that I have gleaned from all of my work and practices and simply because I AM. Because of Spirit, I feel forgiven, accepted, valued and worthy - exactly as I am and if you have known me for a long time you will appreciate this even more.

I have done harm, I have made some very bad decisions, I have hurt individuals and thank God, I feel loved anyway. So take it from a Jersey Girl who has been around the block a few times, life, Spirit, God - is always open, available and ready to forgive, love, inspire and support you - right here and now.

Love to all,
Michelle - Jersey Girl

Sometimes it's the simple things

2009-09-10T04:57:00.000-07:00

Well I am home from Disney World and filled with memories of rides and great meals, laughs and thoroughly enjoying the company. We played hard, ate amazing meals, rested and found total restoration.
Out of all the memories that will stick out in my mind though, there is one that I will retain that happened BEFORE we even got there. As a matter of fact, we were still in the air, when I found this moment of pure inspiration.
Upon confirming our flight, I moved our seats, for my son and myself, to an emergency isle. I found out that he could not sit there because of his age so we have to be moved - TO THE BACK OF THE PLANE. Now you know who is at the back of the plane don't you? Families with LOTS OF KIDS. Nice ones, cute ones, crying ones, demanding ones - Yikes. My son reminded me that it was all good and I should relax - so I did.
We sat in a seat next to this very young African American man from Newark traveling alone with his 9 month old boy. What a sweet opportunity to be with this baby and I even got to be in service to the dad and hold his son while he went to the rest room. So I guess sitting there was perfect.
But this wasn't what was so wonderful. Sitting across the isle and in front of us was a mixed race family with four children. When the lunch was served, they were only given four meals because they only paid for four seats. My son Seth who was witnessing this turned around and offered his food to the father of those children. Can you imagine that, a thirteen year old American boy, taking time to notice this and responding so beautifully? I was moved then and I am moved now. Sometimes I am in awe of my own son, not because he is mine but because he is so comfortable in his own skin.
I am so thankful to my spiritual community, the Science of Mind teaching and the Teen Group that he has been supported by. He is clearly a product of feeling safe and accepted as he is.

A Disney Adventure

2009-08-31T04:43:00.000-07:00

Well in about four hours we are off to Disney World in Florida. You might not think Disney is worth you reading about or me blogging about but this time it is. The “we” that I am referring to is my thirteen year old son, Seth, my ex-husband and his beautiful wife. Now this is what I want to blog about.

You see I am very, very proud of this relationship - actually we all are. We all like each other and many years ago my ex-husband's wife stopped being my ex-husband's wife and became my friend. So it is on this basis that we travel together, play together, dine together and even worship together. My ex is one of my best friends and I love that.

You see most relationships don't break up because of anything serious enough. Most relationships end because of stupidity, laziness and a lack of taking responsibility. When we blame anyone for our experience we will NEVER LOOK IN THE RIGHT PLACE FOR HEALING. No amount of marriage counseling can save a marriage if the individuals are looking outside or to the other for the answer.

My ex and I are able to have what we have because we each healed our own world - yes it is obvious, we did this AFTER THE MARRIAGE ENDED. Why, because I was being stupid, lazy and blaming HIM. The blessing is that we were dedicated enough to our sons to never tear each other apart and the healing has happened. For him the healing happened through years of study and Landmark Education. For me it was the study of the Science of Mind.

So off to Disney we go. Laughing together and sharing a fun and wonderful vacation.
I’ll write to you upon my return. Blessings to all.

Old Slippers

2009-08-22T11:21:00.000-07:00

What is it that makes spending time with old friends so delicious? I recently have had the opportunity to reconnect with some old friends through Face Book. And last night I got to spend some time with some of them, it was sweet, delicious, and so familiar just like slipping into a pair of old slippers.

The thing I love most about being with friends from childhood and high school years is that they "get me." They do, they get me. I'm not weird or outspoken or sassy with them. With them, I'm just Michelle and it is so nice to fit right in. Sometimes it feels like I have been a duck out of water for the past thirty years.

It is good to laugh with someone who has the same sense of humor and to whom you do not have to explain yourself. It's good to have shared memories - even if you wish to forget some of them. I even love the embarrassing stories, they keep me humble. I so appreciate Sandy Glick, an old high school bud, who started hooking us all up on Face Book. It has truly been a blast.

And yes, I do love my new friends. The good thing about new friends is that they make room for your growth and newness and see you now and not limited to who you were. Here's to friends in general old and new.

Naked Bliss

2009-08-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow at my Center in West Orange I am speaking about Naked Bliss. Well, you might wonder what that means and quite frankly I was wondering also. This however, is the beauty of setting a title out there and living into the title for some time prior to speaking about it. When I pick a title it is either about something that I want to know more about or about something that has recently captivated my attention and transformed my life.

Making room for this title: Naked Bliss, has taken me on a journey which has been “bliss-filled”. (I know it’s not a word.) The Bliss comes from looking for it and knowing always that what I am looking for, I AM LOOKING WITH. So this is my reality as I claim it - bliss lives and breathes in me, through me and AS ME. This is good news. Finding bliss quickens your body temple to be more and more healthy and your heart to be more and more happy.

So here is the gig – set your sails high, let the wind carry your heart and your imagination to fill all of your desires. Have a bliss-filled day.

ONE LAST NOTE!
Last week I suggested this to my congregation, see if you want to play with us. Each and every day upon waking, go to the mirror, look yourself straight in the eye and say, “This is the happiest day of my life!” Do this with great enthusiasm.
All my love,
Michelle

A weekend with Rickie & Michael

2009-07-19T18:19:00.000-07:00

Who you might say - Rickie Byars-Beckwith and Michael Bernard Beckwith? Yes, yes, the guy from The Secret - not the best way to remember him, although he was and is always brilliant and made the movie workable in my eyes.

I just drove to upstate New York with one of my closest friends to the Omega Institute. Omega is known for its transformational programs and good food; it is also known for its not-so wonderful accommodations and so far I concur with all those findings. What I didn’t know is how incredibly beautiful the place was and how this group of conscious individuals have managed to create a center for education that is profoundly, deeply and sacredly spiritual without feeling like it was influenced by any one religion or practice. I was moved and inspired the whole weekend even with no air-conditioning and with loosing electricity for a day.

If you have never been to Omega and especially if you live on the east coast within driving distance, get there. If it is a matter of money, save your pennies and give yourself a gift as soon as possible, it is worth the effort.

Now on to Michael and Rickie. A weekend spent in the teachings of Michael Beckwith complimented with the inspirational heart opening music of his wife, Rickie, is simply one of the most valuable investments I have ever made in my life. I have been blessed to journey with them on more than one occasion and their heart and brilliance is clearly from the ONE infinite source. Michael is one constant, direct, download of intuitive intelligence. His teaching is fresh, logical, smart and heartfelt.

The direct teachings which are presented in a classroom format with plenty of time for questions and answers are offered up in a way that captures the attention of beginners and advanced students alike.

If you have an opportunity to be in the company of Rickie and Michael – do it! Go with an open heart, an open mind and the inquisitive mind of a beginner. Google them or go to their website: www.agapelive.com

The Fruits of Your Consciousness

2009-07-17T04:12:00.000-07:00

"Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord, if I will not open to you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it!"
Malachi 3:10

You only know what you can prove! Like it or not, this is the truth.
You know your life by the fruits that it bears. There is no version of reality that is truer.
Your life and your consciousness proves out and the sooner that you stop trying to explain it away and make excuses the sooner you can get to the place of having a “decided mind.”

A decided mind redirects one's attention and focus to that which is good and life-fulfilling.
You can choose to go the psychological root that your life is a shambles for a 1000 different reasons, memories and hurts - if you want. This is a belief that says you are what you were. In this consciousness you are stuck repeating history BUT this is NOT who YOU are. It is not, I say! You are the composite of your current time intentions, choices and ATTENTION.

Where is your attention? That is a question worthy of pondering over and over again. Tell your mind, your subconscious that you choose to be a NOW being, a here being and declare that whatever was has the luxury of hanging back in your memory never again to have any current time power. This is the beauty of being a conscious, intelligent being. This is cause for celebration.

Align yourself with Spirit and Spirit will pour itself out – in – and through you – in all ways – always. Your very breath is the breath of God, of Spirit, of Freedom, Life, Energy – breathe it in. Accept.

With love,
Michelle
www.cslnj.org

Divine Appointments

2009-07-09T11:58:00.000-07:00

I have found in my life that some of the most Divine Appointments that I’ve had, have nothing to do with the length of time that I connect with someone or even who that someone is. These profound moments last a few moments, a few months or can be captured in a glance. I’m sure that you have one or more of that kind friend that you hardly ever see but whenever you connect it is like no time passed.
A week ago I was walking in the small town of Lititz, PA and as I was getting out of my car I looked up to see a gentleman on a high ladder meticulously painting the trim on the outside of a chapel that belonged to one of the local Moravian Girls colleges. As I glanced up I said to him, “Wow, you’re a man on a mission.” You could see his caring from the ground. Well he turned to me with this huge smile and said, “Yes, yes I am.”
After going into the store that I was there to visit, we returned and spoke again at which time he came down off of his ladder to offer a tour of the inside of the chapel and the work that he had also completed inside. He was so proud and so humble, a truly beautiful being.
In the few moments that I spent with this sweet man whose name is Chris, time suspended itself and I was having a wonderfully “now” experience. It felt safe and raw and so authentic. We continued to converse and I did tell him that I am a minister and explained how much I appreciate seeing the inside of all churches. I have no doubt that we will both remember this short time and each other. Something happened in that time. Something changed; I was changed, enriched – not unlike falling in love but in love with Spirit that resides in him.
Thank you Chris, to who you are and your open heart.
So, I have one question: what was the quality that made this moment possible and how can it be replicated at will?

No More Excuses

2009-06-15T07:23:00.000-07:00

I swear, I did not know about Wayne Dyer's new book when I came up with this title for my Sunday Celebration, of Sunday, June 21st. But I am amused as to how often ideas, thoughts, themes find their way into the collective unconscious and how many individuals if they are listening will tune in at the same time.
BTW, in case you want to check my Center: http://www.cslnj.org/

Whenever I hear someone else and especially myself begin to explain why I did or did not accomplish something, a task, a phone call - anything - I have begun to recognize how incredibly impotent I am when I live life from excuse to excuse. So I have been looking at taking away the reasons and the excuses and replacing them with greater intention. When I set my very real and powerful intention in motion, I know that worlds open up to support me. Yes, I am giving up excuses and moving toward greater and greater integrity.

Not the moral type of integrity, simply the type that says that I will do, complete and follow through on my word. I am choosing to be my word. More and more, as much as possible. And what I know is this: when I am willing to take responsibility for my world, and stand in true authentic power than there is no where else in the world that I would rather stand.

What are the seeds of violence?

2009-06-15T05:45:00.000-07:00

This blog offering is a response to my renewed/old friend Jerry DeMarco's article in the Examiner about a beat cop in Passaic.

The seeds of violence that produce the fruits of abuse, violence in the home, war and all manner of crime are not hard to find, to track and to understand. What is difficult is the processing of uprooting the violent seeds and replacing them with seeds of love, patience, peace and an abundance of compassion.

Just think about the conditions that must exist, that would allow ANY human being to hurt, harm and do damage to any other human. Think about what must exist and what must be missing. Some time back I hit a deer while going home one night, it got up and ran off but I am sure it was hurt. I was sick to my stomach knowing that I harmed this beautiful creature. Having said that, I cannot imagine raising a hand to purposefully harm another.

But we know that this level and frequency of violence exists and so it would behoove us to understand its roots so we can be on the lookout for it and rework the formula.

The evidence of violence exists where the seeds of self-love, self-acceptance and connection with all other humans have not been properly propagated. In the places in life where we move in communion with one another, in a rhythm and syncopation, we rarely do harm. But one of the main seeds of violence is the belief that we are separate from one another and out of that belief is the overall belief that "they are against me." Anywhere we are measuring anything by means of us and them, separation begins. Anywhere where we are consumed with the me, me, me, my, my, my and more, more, more, there in that mindset grows greed, separation and looking out for number one.

The seeds that need to be propagated are the seeds of: we are all ONE, there is no private good, when anyone succeeds - all succeed, no one is against me and so much more. Violence cannot exist in these places. Violence exists because of fear, pain and wounds. But if take time to heal those wounds, to relieve the pain and to release the fear, then suddenly and what might seem miraculously what appears is a sense of peace and a foundation of possibility.

I feel deeply for the victims of crime and violence but I also feel for the perpetrators because of what conditions exist inside of them that made room for this possibility. If you care and if you want to make a difference, healing begins with planting, watering and fertilizing the seeds of love, acceptance and compassion first with yourself, then at home, at work and in your community. WE WHO CARE MUST BE THE CHANGE, there is no one else.

Those Darn Emotions

2009-06-13T11:22:00.000-07:00

I am all for "honoring" the emotions, I am, truly. But there is a subculture within this society that can seen more and more and it is eating away at the fiber of us humans showing up as powerful and available. This subculture is made up by individuals who are led by, distracted by and governed by their EMOTIONS. Oh yes, those lovely emotions that so often we confuse with intuition and that we think we can do nothing about.

Not being able to do something about them is simply not true. But first let's see if we can identify what they are so we know what we are talking about. (By the way, I am clear that my opinion is not new at all and has been taught by many teachers greater than myself, this is simply my take from my experience.) Our feelings are a measurement - yes truly that's what they are. They are a barometer for who we HAVE been. Your emotions are a signal for when you are tip toeing on past issues, pains, wounds and history. Clearly I am talking about feelings of grief, pain, anger, fear, jealousy etc. We focus on and separate out these emotions because when these emotions are present our energy is sabotaged, decreased and sets up a toxic inner landscape that leads to ill health, discord and dis-ease - physical, mental, and spiritual.

These (negative) emotions exist at a very low vibration so it is easy for them to exist in the world as we know it. It is when we want to lift ourselves up and increase the vibration that greater energy is required. At a higher vibratory rate, trash (error thinking) cannot stay connected and hang on. Low level emotions on the other hand are available to anyone who has not trained their minds to be strong.

Now, let's go back to my opening. Living life at the mercy of one’s emotions is like trying to sail a boat without a rudder. Impossible! Our feelings must be honored because we are human – beautifully human. Yeah, wonderful, hip, hip, hooray. (some Jersey sarcasm) It is part of what creates our sensitivity and magnificence. Through our sensitivity and depth of compassion, we move into our experience of the ONE. BUT, being driven by our emotions is comparative to putting a five year old behind the wheel of a Mack truck – not a good idea. Let’s acknowledge that we are Spirit having a human experience and work through the limitations of our humanness so we can embrace our stronger divine entity.

I suggest that we take all measures necessary to learn how to rise above their influence and hold on us.

How do we go about doing this, transforming this crippling experience into one of expansion and liberation?

We begin by noticing them and what prompted them – ask yourself this: Where is this feeling coming from; is it familiar, and does it empower or dis-empower me? Then it is our turn to be loving, patient and gentle as we look upon them. And we then do whatever is necessary. And what is the way, well you get to decide, there are thousands of “ways and paths” and not just one way.

One thing I do know is this: we can actually use our higher, lighter, vibrational feelings to redirect and lift the lower, heavier, slower vibrational feelings. Use whatever method you know or ask a friend or pick up one of thousands of books on the subject but don’t for a second underestimate the value of NOT LIVING AT THE MERCY OF YOUR EMOTIONS. We are so much more than that and when we create an elevated point of view then we can take a stand for the world and help to heal what is happening all around us simply by being healed and whole.

The generator of Love

2009-06-09T05:07:00.000-07:00

I am a lover. I love deeply, profoundly and completely. I forgive easy and accept what sometimes appears to be the unacceptable. This is who I choose to be. This is my calling card and hopefully what I am remembered for. I am, however, absolutely clear that although I generate my love from my beingness, the true source of it is not the small me, it is the I AM OF ME. That I am is the I am of Spirit, the universal I am. I know this because I know that no one person could possibly contain the same amount of love that one can be available for.
Being available for love to move through you is not the same as containing it. Being a container of love is not the same as containing all of it. When you are truly willing to BE love itself, it is with the awareness that something huge is happening in you and THROUGH you. I am grateful to have this awareness because then I will never allow myself to be fooled regarding the source of this good.

But here in lies the problem.

When individuals come into my company and experience the love that is present very often they think that it is "me". If they have not moved into the awareness of its true source, then they will be distracted by the human form from which the love is physically emanating and do not realize that it couldn't possibly be contained in that human form.
I love when the love that I exude is noticed and appreciated but this must be known, IT IS NOT ME except by means of my willingness. On the same note, if I notice It in another, it is not their love that I am feeling. What is happening is that we are in RESONANCE.

When you are in the company of someone with whom you feel this amount of love, it is imperative that you know that YOU ARE THE REASON YOU ARE EXPERIENCING IT. Love responds to love and if you are not aware of the imprint of love within you than you could possibly think that it is outside and separate and IT IS NOT. When you see beauty in the world, it is because beauty resides in you. When you see compassion and human connection, it is because your caring exists in you and you are simply seeing the confirmation in the world. We live in a time when individuals are stepping away from their old religious experience, more and more primarily because their inner beauty, joy, power, love and so much more is not supported. Spiritual and religious leaders are busy taking credit or at the very least not redirecting one's attention to its true source.

How about this idea for a "new religion", a "new spirituality"? The knowledge that the true source of all good and all love is always available to each of us in complete form and we do not have to do anything to deserve it. Now that is a religion that I can live with. Only when we recognize the beauty, power and love of all other beings equal to our own, only then we will be truly free.

Faith in Action

2009-05-26T10:22:00.000-07:00

I have three sons and this past weekend my 26 year old son, Keith, took my 13 year old son, Seth, for a four day, three night, hike along the Appalachian Trail. It was my job to drive them to the drop off point on Friday morning. So we traveled a little more then two hours north into New York State and "somewhere" along a dead end, dirt road, I let my two sons and the dog out and drove off waving good bye.

Well, as you can imagine thoughts of them came regularly throughout the weekend but the beauty of where I am in my life right now is that every time a thought came a long that felt a little like worry, I simply affirmed: they are guided, guarded and protected. (Thank you Dr. Karen Kushner for that verbiage) Each time that I returned to being more mindful, my practice of faith became stronger; and I became more confident in the Oneness of this glorious Universe.

Being a mother has been one of the biggest inspirations to date for me to "Be" the practice that I talk about by being in full application at all times. The application that I am referring to is my Faith that life is basically good and always in my favor. Early in motherhood we make the mistake of thinking that we are in charge; but once a level of spiritual maturity sets in we get in touch with the reality that control is an illusion. For those of us who have children that are old enough to move away from home we really get in touch with this illusion of control in a big way. There are numerous opportunities to discover that sometimes all you can do is pray and that my friends is what gets me through this life.

Thank God for my sons and the lessons that motherhood has brought. I am changed forever and this is a good thing.
Blessings,
Michelle

The Awe of Intentionality

2009-05-26T06:38:00.000-07:00

There is quite a lot of information these days available regarding the power of intention, setting intentions and living by them. What I don't think has been brought out though about living an Intentional Life is the sense of ease and grace that it translates into in one's life.

Living a life of profound intentionality is not the same as goal setting which it is often confused with. In order to live a life of intentionality, you must begin first with making a good assessment of your life right now and then identify the places where you are not living or acting in accordance with whom you want to be in the world. Sometimes we miss some of the signs that we are out of "accord" or out of "integrity". Through spiritual practices and gentle processes we are able to elevate our way of "being" and in turn become more available to the essence that begins to move through us more freely. When we provide the room and the willingness for this essence to move through us, It simply does. This process for some is long and arduous, for others it is gentle, remember you can choose gentle.

Now we are ready to live an Intentional Life, one where we live from our character, from whom we want to be in the world and the effect that we want to have on the world around us. Life in this fashion begins to flow with such ease and grace and it is here that you get to experience the awe. The awe grows in the soil of gratitude so the more we notice the more it multiplies. Enjoy the awe of intentional living.

Freedom Reigns

2009-05-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

This is my Center's monthly affirmation.
Enjoy!

As I unify with Spirit I utilize my spiritual practices for the purpose of healing and being revealed. I claim more freedom each and every day because of my mindfulness practices. Every day that I pray and every day that I sit in silence and meditation I rise above the human element of upset, strife and limitation. With God as my partner, the path to greater freedom is open and available. I celebrate my freedom by sharing who I am. Yes, freedom reigns.

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T06:28:00.000-07:00

Today I am steeped in thoughts of my brother Carl Wadleigh who left us young in the Viet Nam War. He was misidentified and buried in the wrong man's grave for twenty-five years. When discovered the Army did the right thing by bringing him home and giving him a full military burial with all the dressings in Arlington Cemetery in Washington.

Now his name is on the wall and on the Viet Nam memorial in Jersey City.

I have three sons. May I never know the pain of them having to pick up a gun and point it at another human being. When will we WAKE UP and realize that what we've been doing doesn't work and the only thing that can create peace is Peace itself. Why is this such a mystery to those in charge. Let's do within our government what we would do for ourselves - make amends, say I'm sorry, clean up the problem and communication and have set an intention to lay down all arms, cease the creation of new destructive products and make nice.

I declare that it is possible for us to know Global Peace in this lifetime NOW.