Spiritual Solutions

If you haven’t done so already, soon you will be taking down the Christmas tree and putting away the lights and Christmas decorations for another year. The nativity scene has been put away. But will you also be putting away the Christ for another year?

So now what? At Christmas we affirmed the birth of the Christ within us. So what happens now? Where do we go from here?

We often go back to the same old routine, the same patterns and beliefs, the same mistakes we have made before. We forget that we have affirmed a truth of our being, of the presence of God born into our awareness in a whole new way.

I was reminded of this recently when talking to a man who was telling me about his dog. He said, “We have a wonderful little dog in our family, but he does some stupid things. He likes chocolate, and chocolate is poison to dogs. A few weeks ago somebody brought a chocolate cake over. They had put it on the

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Mind is the Master-power that moulds and makes,
And Man is Mind, and, shaping what he wills,
Brings froth a thousand joys, a thousand ills –
He thinks in secret, and it comes to pass:
Environment is but his looking-glass.
(From As a Man Thinketh, by James Allen)

Attention is the key to life; you tend to become whatever you give your attention to. Rudyard Kipling wrote of a Newfoundland fisherman who seemed to have the appearance of a great codfish. We must look where we are going, because we will most certainly go in the direction in which we are looking.

When the Israelites of old looked toward God, they prospered; when they looked away from God, they came to know want. We are told, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength.” To love God is to give our attention to the transcendence in life. God has much in store for us, but He can give to us only when we give Him our attention.

Victor Hugo, speaking of the tremendous power of concentrated attention, wrote:

“There is neither fog nor problem in algebra which can
Withstand in the depths of the numbers or the skies
The calm and intense fixation of the eyes.”

When we grasp this idea, we feel as the child does when he discovers that a magnifying glass held to the rays of the sun will cause paper to burst into flame.

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Alan Cohen brings us the following thought-provoking message:

A True Perfectionist

A friend of mine declared, “I used to think I was a perfectionist. I found the tiniest flaws in everything. Then I realized I was not a perfectionist at all; I was an imperfectionist! If I was a perfectionist, I would see perfection wherever I look.”

The life we experience is the product of the vision we use to interpret events. At any moment we can see through the eyes of appreciation or criticism. And we will see more of whatever we are focusing on. We master the game of life by finding good wherever we look. And there is much good to be found.

While having lunch with some business associates at an upscale restaurant, one of our party asked the waiter for an unusual dish not on the menu. The waiter replied that he would ask the chef to accommodate the request. Then another member of our group sarcastically commented, “I’ll bet that will just tweak the chef’s day!”

But the waiter did not flinch. “Actually,” he replied smoothly, “I’m sure he will be glad to accommodate you — this gives him a chance to shine.”

Every situation gives us a chance to shine, if we recognize our power as creative spirits. No situation is any one way, except what we make it. You can make anything out of anything. So why not make it perfect?

The story is told about a man who was walking along a city street when a flowerpot fell off a sill above him and crashed at his feet, missing him by inches. There are four paths of response the man might take. First, the path of knee-jerk reaction: he would yell a curse toward the window or perhaps dash up the stairs, find the owner, and punch him out. Second, the path of the victim: this experience would confirm his belief that the world is out to get him, and he would go about the rest of his day protecting himself from evil, retelling his story many times. Third, the path of detachment: he would rationalize that this was his karma, do nothing, and just keep walking. Finally, the path of love: he would go to the flower store on the corner, buy a new plant, and deliver it to the person whose plant had been blown off the sill by the wind.

Shakespeare declared, “There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” We see the world not as it is, but as we are. Changing the world is not about setting it right, but seeing it right. If you believe the world is broken and you need to fix it, you will find more and more things broken. If you see the world as whole and beautiful, you will find more and more things to celebrate.

Ram Dass noted there are three kinds of people: those who say, “not enough!”; those who say, “too much!”; and those who say, “ah, just right!” Actually, there are just two kinds of people, for “too much” of one thing is really “not enough” of another. We are continuously choosing between affirmation and resistance.

Does seeing perfection mean we are to simply be passive observers and sit around and do nothing? Not at all. Perfection includes the process of changing, growing, expanding, improving, and moving ahead. But our actions to improve do not proceed from an attitude of pushing against lack. They proceed from a sense that things are already good, and wouldn’t it be a delightful adventure to make them better? The true perfectionist creates effective change by seeing the highest possibilities and becoming so excited about them, that conditions must rise to match the vision.

Several years ago while I was walking through the Los Angeles airport, I felt annoyed by the massive construction going on. I saw ugly makeshift plywood walls to my left and right, a maze of paint-laden scaffolds, and long winding detours to baggage claim. I grumbled to myself about what a mess the place was, and how long it was taking to fix it. Then I discovered a sign that stopped me in my tracks. It was an artist’s rendering of what the airport would look like when the construction was complete. It was magnificent! The glass atrium roofs, sleek marbled corridors, and potted palms were a delight to behold — a far cry from the current mess. Then I relaxed. If that is what this is leading to, I thought, then I am glad they are doing it. When I dropped my resistance, I enjoyed the process, including the construction phase.

The entire universe is in a construction phase, never totally complete as it is, but always perfect as it unfolds. When you appreciate the beauty as you go, you become a true perfectionist.

About the Author:

Alan Cohen is the author of many popular inspirational books, including the best-selling Why Your Life Sucks and What You Can Do About It, the award-winning A Deep Breath of Life and his newest is the prosperity guide Relax into Wealth.

To receive Alan’s free daily inspirational quote and monthly newsletter, visit www.alancohen.com or email info@alancohen.com. For information and a free catalog of Alan’s books, tapes, and seminars, phone 800.568.3079 or write P.O. Box 835, Haiku, HI 96708.

A special footnote to remember from Alan’s message above:

Notice his last paragraph, which says, “The entire universe is in a construction phase, never totally complete as it is, but always perfect as it unfolds. When you appreciate the beauty as you go, you become a true perfectionist.”

You can apply this to your own life too. You, personally, are also in a construction phase, never totally complete as you are, but always perfect as you unfold. When you appreciate your own beauty and true worth as you go, you become a true perfectionist.

Remember to look at yourself, others, and your world, through eyes of love and appreciation rather than criticism. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.

Rev. Alan A. Rowbotham

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Rev. Alan A. Rowbotham, a Unity minister for over thirty-six years, invites you to enjoy more articles and/or subscribe to his free inspirational newsletter, Spiritual Solutions or go directly to the Spiritual Solutions Blog

If you’d like to receive weekday inspirational quotes, you can subscribe at Rich Words

To make a donation to “Spiritual Solutions,” just go to Send a Love Offering and it will take you to a simple form you can use. Thank you - I am very grateful for your generosity!

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Don’t take my word for it . . .

Decide whether the Messenger Mini-Book Program is right for you based on what past participants have experienced . . .

You are invited to join the next group of authors from around the world in a 90-day journey to write and self-publish your own Messenger Mini-Book.

On Wednesday, October 15, at 9 pm EST, Robert Evans will be on a conference line to talk about the program and answer any questions you may have. (This call was changed from 12 noon to 9 pm EST. It will also be recorded if you would rather listen to it later.) No need to register – here’s the information you need to join the call:

Dial-in Number: 712-432-1600

Access Code: 588994#

Click the link below for more information, to hear previous info calls, and to view a PDF document full of testimonials and sharings of past participants. Read 10 pages of true sharings and then decide whether this program is right for you and whether it is time for you to embrace the Messenger Author within YOU!

www.authorin90days.com

In the midst of so much change in our country and in our world, I’d like to share with you an article written by my wife and fellow Unity minister, Kathryn, in the year 1975, when we and our ministry were in the midst of change. I think you might find it particularly meaningful for yourself in this present climate of change and uncertainty.

We had sold our little home in order to move into a large old Dutch Colonial house which was big enough to house our Unity of Roanoke Valley church office, with a classroom and kitchen, and to create an apartment for us upstairs.

Prior to this we had conducted our ministry out of our home, meeting in different places for our Sunday services and weekly classes, but we knew we needed to create a Unity church home if we were to grow our ministry. So we prevailed upon our board of trustees to lease the large house and then used our own money from the sale of our home, plus special gifts from church members, to purchase items with which to furnish the church office. And we made the move.

Here’s the article which was printed in the monthly newsletter in February, 1975:

LOVE NEVER CHANGES          

In the midst of change, one thing we can always depend upon is the unchanging love of God. The words of the Bible, “Underneath are the everlasting arms,” are a reminder to us that the principle of Truth underlies all conditions, all circumstances, and all relationships, and is the foundation upon which we can place our trust at all times.

Unity of Roanoke Valley is in the midst of change right now – and change means growth! Alan and I are also going through a change in our personal life with the sale of our beloved little cottage and the move into our new Unity home at 1830 Grandin Road.

As I pondered upon these changes, praying for guidance and divine order, the following Daily Word message was a comfort to me. Perhaps you, too, are facing a change or need to make a decision and will find comfort in these words:

“I meet change fearlessly. I press on to greater good.”

When we are facing some new situation, some change in our lives, we may have conflicting emotions. We may have looked forward to change, but when the time comes to make it, we may feel reluctant to leave the old behind, to take on the new.

This kind of reaction is not unusual, but it is on the surface only. In the deeper part of us we know there is nothing to fear. We feel the urge to go ahead. This is the Spirit of God in us that is dauntless and fearless, the Spirit that has brought us through old situations and accompanies us into the new.

We may be changing our living patterns and leaving accustomed paths, but all the good that has been a part of our experiences never leaves us. It has, in fact, prepared us for the new path that lies before us. So we can meet changing circumstances, we can cope with new situations, successfully, fearlessly, lovingly.

Let us give thanks that God has prepared the way before us. Let us meet change fearlessly and press on toward our greater good.

Lovingly,

Over the last several weeks, I’ve been writing a book while participating in a great proram on the whole process of becoming an author of mini-books. A mini-book is a pocket-size book which also has an online journal for the reader to access, making the book an individual interactive experience for the reader.

I’m still in the process of writing as well as moving forward into the design and publishing process. It’s a fascinating journey. When I’m finished writing and publishing my book, you who are on my mailing list will get first dibs at it. My book will have the title Miracle Power You Can Use Today.

I’m telling you about this now because Robert Evans, the originator of “Messenger Mini-books,” will be starting another Mini-Book program in November. If you’re interested and would like to check it out, go to http://www.authorin90days.com where you can get all the information about the program.

I look forward to hearing that you will be joining me in this writing adventure. By the way, there are lots of resources provided and you’ll enjoy the sharing with and support of others that will be on the journey with you. Even after the initial program is completed, you’ll still have access to all the resources so there is no pressure to complete your book within the program timeline.

I decided just to have fun with it. Maybe you can do the same.

Remember, God is Blessing You Right Now!

Rev. Alan

 Enjoy this great story and its powerful message, by my friend Alan Cohen:

Fritz Kreisler was a skilled and devoted violinist who had a lifelong dream to own a Stradivarius. For many years Fritz worked hard to earn enough money to buy the coveted instrument. Finally he took his life savings to New York City’s music district and searched many stores. After numerous inquiries, he found a shop with a Stradivarius for sale. The shopkeeper went to the back of the store, removed the violin from under lock and key, and showed it to Fritz.

    Fritz’s eyes lit up and his heart began to pound as he held the delicate instrument to his neck and began to play. Heavenly tones sang forth, and Fritz knew this was indeed the instrument he had dreamed of. When he asked the owner the price, Fritz was shocked to learn it was twice the amount he had saved.

    “Can we work out a payment plan?” asked Fritz hopefully.

    “Sorry, we don’t do that,” answered the shopkeeper.

    “Then will you hold the violin for me until I can borrow more money to purchase it?”    

    “I’m afraid I cannot do that, either, sir. “If someone comes in and offers the asking price, I will have to sell it to that customer.”

    Fritz went home and scurried to gather together more money from friends and investors. He made slow progress, but within a month he found people to help him. Eagerly he returned to the music store and told the owner he was now able to make the purchase.

    “You’re just a little late,” the shopkeeper explained. “A few days ago a wealthy collector came in and purchased the Stradivarius.”

    Fritz was crestfallen. He had come so close to having his heart’s desire! On his way out of the store, an idea occurred to him. He turned and asked the shopkeeper, “Would you give me the name of that collector? I will contact him directly and ask if he would sell to me.”

    The shopkeeper gave Fritz the information and he made an appointment to go see the owner. “It has been my lifelong dream to own this instrument,” Fritz told the fellow. “Would you consider selling it to me? I think I can get some more money to purchase it from you at a profit.”

    The owner shook his head and answered, “I’d like to help you out, but I know the value of this violin. It is the jewel of my collection. I intend to keep it as an heirloom.”

    “I understand,” answered Fritz. “Perhaps, then, you would let me play the violin for just a minute of two. It would mean a lot to me, and I will keep the memory for a lifetime.”

    The collector consented and handed Fritz the violin. Joyfully Fritz took up the bow and, knowing he would never play this violin again, made the instrument sing with absolute passion. After a few minutes he returned the violin to its owner, thanked the man, and made his way to the door.

    As Fritz had his hand on the doorknob, the owner called him back. “Don’t go,” he told him. “You made such beautiful music. I bought this violin simply as a collector’s item. You will bring more happiness and beauty to the world with it than I will. The violin belongs to you. Here, please take it.”

    Society’s rules of ownership are superseded by a profound spiritual principle called The Right of Consciousness. You own what you own not by money or force, but by your love for it and your spiritual connection to it. If something is deeply imbedded in your soul, it belongs to you. It comes to you and adheres to you by your appreciation and right use of it. While it appears that external rules govern who owns what, the prevailing law is the Right of Consciousness.

    You cannot get what you have not earned by right of consciousness. If you are trying to attract a mate, job, or living situation, you must be equal to it in your thoughts and feelings. You must love it, know you deserve it, and hold a vision for healthy, joyful use of it. Then and only then will it come to you, and without struggle or strain. You don’t have to fight for it; you just have to be one with it.

    When your consciousness is ripe for the object of your heart’s desire, it will come naturally. It will not require a miracle or quantum leap. It will be in the flow as your logical next step. And no one will be able to take it from you. Jealousy is a form of insecurity, and represents ignorance of the principle of Right Consciousness. If you are matched with something you truly deserve by your unity with it, it is yours by universal law, and no one can interfere.

    A Course in Miracles tells us, “You are under no laws but God’s.” Behind all the rules people create, eternal principles are operating flawlessly. Justice is always being accomplished by the power of intention. Found yourself in spiritual law, and everything you want and deserve will come to you and stay with you by virtue of love.

(Thanks, Alan, for a great story. Here’s Alan Cohen’s website: www.alancohen.com )

God is Blessing You, Right Now!

Rev. Alan A. Rowbotham

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Rev. Alan A. Rowbotham, a Unity minister for over thirty-six years, invites you to enjoy more articles and/or subscribe to his free inspirational newsletter, Spiritual Solutions or go directly to the Spiritual Solutions Blog

If you’d like to receive weekday inspirational quotes, you can subscribe at Rich Words

I have been asked how a person can donate to “Spiritual Solutions.” Just go to Send a Love Offering and it will take you to a form you can use for your donation. Thank you - I am very grateful for your generosity!
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WELCOME TO:
Lesson Two: Visioning

(Note: This is the second lesson adapted from the series “Steady in the Wind,” by Ann Strong, www.thrivingcoaches.com, about the application of twelve life principles.)
 

Please listen to the audio first by clicking on the link below, and then come right back here as we read the lesson together.

http://www.audioacrobat.com/play/WgtmvjMQ

Lesson Two: Visioning

In this lesson, we will cover visioning to support us in having more of what we want and less of what we don’t want in our lives.

Visioning allows us to live proactively rather than reactively. It also gives us the opportunity to work more consciously with All That Is (Indwelling Christ, Your God-Self, the Christ Mind, Your Higher Self, etc.), tapping into all Universal forces, both seen and unseen.

Visioning can especially serve us when a situation in our lives doesn’t feel good or doesn’t seem like what we want.

TO CREATE A VISION FOR SOMETHING YOU WANT IN YOUR LIFE

The best time to create a vision is when something isn’t going your way. Start there. Look squarely at the situation and begin to determine what you would like ideally. Do not censor yourself because what you want seems impossible, selfish, or unrealistic.

So you begin to think about what you would want ideally. You decide what you would like your outcome to be. Immediately, you notice the voices in your head saying, “Yeah right! How will that ever happen?” Just tell the voices to stop. Then, continue visioning.

Now, write a short story about exactly how you will feel, what it tastes like, sounds like, looks like, etc.

Write your story as if your vision has already happened. Make it really juicy, with as many details as possible. Make it come to life for you, as though you are in the midst of a movie of your life. Use phrases and concepts that feel powerful and motivating to you. Have fun with it and let it feel great as you experience it in mind in advance.

THE PURPOSE OF VISIONING

The purpose of visioning is to get your mind off what you don’t want (your current situation) and onto what you do want (your vision). It is true that whatever we focus upon expands. Since you do not want more of the situation you don’t want, you need to focus on what you do want so that it can expand.

You may want to read your vision every morning. You may want to keep it with you and read it on an “as-needed” basis. You may want to create an affirmation to support it. You may want to re-write it as you think of more details.

CREATE A TREASURE MAP

You may want to create a treasure-map, an image book, an I Am map, or a vision board. These are all similar in nature. Basically you will glue or paste pictures and words that represent you, your surroundings and possessions as you want them to be, as a collage onto a poster board or a series of smaller collages on individual blank pages of a homemade book.

If you decide to do this, make it a fun project. Gather a whole bunch of magazines, catalogs, and so on, and then cut out words and pictures that represent your goals and dreams for your life. In selecting the pictures to cut out, reach far beyond your present concepts of yourself and your world.

As well as outer “things” you might desire, remember to let those pages or your overall collage describe your positive inner qualities, such as your emerging self-confidence, your warm and loving nature, your femininity or masculinity. With representative pictures depict yourself as an effective and caring spouse, parent, or friend.

It is a good idea to have at the center of your collage a picture which represents your spirituality or the Source of All Good. (In fact, the stated purpose of an “I Am map” is to create a new you, based on the image of your I Am that you desire to hold for yourself,  such as “I Am prosperous,” or “I Am healthy,” or “I Am a wonderful and unique expression of God.”)

Let your unfolding spiritual nature express itself as it creates a description of the desirable visible outer part of you, so your concept of life can undergo a dramatic transformation. This will be true for your physical appearance, your clothing style, your surroundings and everything else in your world.

I recently came across an amazing tool that you can use to create a virtual “vision board” on your computer. You can include personal pictures, affirmations, and power words, and select your own background. You can incorporate mp3 music and voice recordings which, if you wish, will play anytime your vision board comes up.

There’s a special poster creation program which allows you to copy your images and text onto a poster on your screen, which can then be taken to a print shop. These are just a few of the many features of this great tool. You can even display images on your mobile phone or Ipod.

I went ahead and got a copy of the system for myself, and I highly recommend that you take a look at their site. The vision board also comes with some great bonuses, which in themselves are more than worth the investment.

Check it out at Vision Board

Whichever method you choose, be sure to take a few moments each day to review the images and affirmations you have put together. As you look at the pictures and read the words, feel that you are this person now and that everything has already come into your life.

Feel that your vision is an accomplished fact, even if it isn’t so yet. For it to become you and part of your life your vision board or treasure map needs to be a present-tense experience, not a future one. Feel it now!

Focusing your attention on your vision board, image book, or treasure map daily causes the Law of Mind Action and the Law of Attraction to work for you. Be sure to join your conceptions with feelings of gratitude, excitement, and a sense of already having accomplished these inner and outer goals. Create abundance and prosperity in your life!

KEEPING YOUR FOCUS ON YOUR VISION

If you notice yourself thinking about what you don’t want or how you’ll never get what you want, then STOP. Read your vision, look at your vision board or treasure map, and refocus your attention.

If, for some reason, you cannot get excited about your vision at a particular time, at least distract yourself from focusing on what you don’t want. Instead of thinking about the slow economy or whatever, take some time to do something that will make you feel good. Take a brisk walk, call a friend, sit in the sun sipping lemonade, make twenty entries in your gratitude journal or play with your pet.

Then, when you feel happy and centered again, get back to work. Do not let yourself spiral deep into the story of what you don’t want.

Visioning helps hold us steady in the wind because we know we have connected to the highest part of ourselves and that we can create our lives rather than live as victims of the wind, however and wherever it blows.

Whenever you ask for something, remember to ask for “This or something better.” Also, pay attention not only to what you want but also pay attention to why. We always want things for some kind of internal experience, such as feeling more secure, more appreciated, more loved, etc. There are many paths to the internal experiences we desire. You may even get the internal experience without getting the outer thing you think you want.

PRACTICE VISIONING THIS WEEK

Begin to integrate visioning into your daily life.
- Practice writing visions for “problems” big or small.
- Record how your visions unfold in your evidence journal.
- Continue to focus on and track your visions over the next weeks and months.

CONTINUE PRACTICING DEEP LISTENING

At least once this week, set aside time for listening within and at least once this week, practice deep listening with another. Begin to integrate both into your natural, regular routine.

CONTINUE PRACTICING YOUR OBSERVER ROLE

Two or three times this week, consciously observe yourself and record your observations in your evidence journal. Begin to view your relationship with observing as a natural part of your life and work.
Next week, you will receive Lesson Three: Commanding.
Until then have fun visioning, listening deeply and observing.

God is Blessing You, Right Now!

Rev. Alan A. Rowbotham
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Rev. Alan Rowbotham, a Unity minister for over thirty-six years, invites you to enjoy more articles and/or subscribe to his free inspirational newsletter, Spiritual Solutions or you can go directly to
Blog

Feel free to share this article in its entirety with a friend. You may also reproduce and publish this article if you also include this reference box. Thank you!

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Rev. Alan Rowbotham

Special thanks to those of you who have sent tithes or love offerings for “Spiritual Solutions.” I am very grateful for your generosity.
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