ARCHIVES 2022
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 Researchers have discovered that brain cells with the same "birthdate" are more likely to wire together to carry out many functions, like the storage of memories. "Neurons born on the same day become part of the same cooperating assembly and participate in the same wave-ripple," says neurologist György Buzsáki.
“Oneness is not a vague mystical notion, but rooted in scientific fact. Even the atoms we breathe are physically the same as the stardust from the Big Bang. We are connected to all.” – Richard Rohr Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I’m thankful to know that, where two or more are gathered, Spirit is there in the midst. We – all of us – are unified cells in the body of Life, a Divine cooperating assembly. We dance together. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  Researchers think they can now explain the phenomenon of doppelgängers – people who look alike but aren’t related. "There are so many people in the world now that life is producing humans with similar DNA sequences,” a researcher said. “There's probably someone in the world who looks like you and even share your behavior traits.”
“The identity of each of us is founded in a Divine template, the great ‘I Am’ in which we all live, move, and have our being. We share in the image and likeness of pure Spirit. We are One.” – Scott Awbrey Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I am becoming clear about who I Am and what is important in my life. I discern the meaning of my ‘I Am-ness,’ awakening to the qualities of God in my body, soul, and experiences. With purpose and gratitude, I am carrying out the Divine’s intention for my life. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  The climate crisis rarely evokes feelings of joy, but a discovery this week had some scientists excited about what a drought has revealed. Dinosaur tracks from around 113 million years ago were uncovered in a riverbed in Texas – and more prehistoric findings are likely as water levels continue to drop.
“I think that's what we all want, in the end. To know that we left footprints when we passed by, however briefly. We want to be remembered.” - Mike A. Lancaster, Human.4 Affirmative prayer: I am forever known in the heart of God. My life’s journey is underwritten by the Divine, and my legacy is already etched in the soul of the Universe. Because God is, I am. And so it is. Amen.  Brandon Dalaly never again has to worry about losing his car keys after he had a chip implanted in his hand that unlocks his Tesla. A chip implanted in his other hand unlocks his front door, and it also holds his contact and medical information. What he really wants is for the chip to include info for his credit cards.
“God has no other hands than ours. If the sick are to be healed, it is our hands that will heal them. If the lonely and the frightened are to be comforted, it is our embrace that will comfort them. The warmth of the sun travels on the air, but the warmth of God's love can travel only through each one of us.” - David-Seth Kirshner, Rabbi of Temple Emanu-El Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, into thy hands I commit my life. I allow the Divine to work, play, and live through me. I’m grateful for my two hands that I may open doors of possibility and hold others in the spirit of Universal love. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  "Jim is my enemy, but it turns out that Jim is also his own worst enemy. And the enemy of my enemy is my friend. So, Jim is actually my friend. But, because he is his own worst enemy, the enemy of my friend is my enemy, so actually, Jim is my enemy." – Dwight, a character from “The Office”
“We forgive not to make the perpetrator feel better. It's because the longer we stay attached to the harm, the more we absorb it and risk becoming like our ‘enemy.’ Forgiveness actually says, ‘I will never allow this to infect my heart.’" – Nadia Bolz-Weber Affirmative prayer: Today, I remember that there is truly only One Life, that I am connected with all beings. I release the need to condemn that certain person in my life, affirming that the Divine is loving them through me. Oneness, absolutely. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  Tanzania has installed high-speed internet services on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, allowing anyone with a smartphone to tweet or WhatsApp their ascent up Africa’s highest mountain. While some criticize bringing connectivity to the mountain, it will allow climbers to get weather forecasts and to call for rescue in event of an emergency.
“Technology helps us to be more productive, healthier, more learned, and more secure. It can help people out of poverty, discover talent, and fix so much. But we get the best of technology only if we don't let it distract us from making human connections, addressing human longings, and inspiring the human energy.” – Thomas Friedman, Thank You for Being Late Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I am an essential aspect of a universal spiritual current that underwrites the Oneness of all life. I give thanks that my friends, family, and all persons are interconnected in the grandness of the Universe. We are not alone, for we abide in the unity of pure Presence. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  An extraordinary drought in the West is drying up the Colorado River and draining the nation's largest reservoirs, Lakes Mead and Powell. Hydropower at Hoover Dan is threatened. All this has moved the federal government to mandate steep water cuts. Experts say the term “drought” may be insufficient to capture what is happening in the West.
“Humankind is full of creative possibility. It’s called to assist God and to co-create. We can set into creation all that is necessary and life-sustaining.” – Hildegard of Bingen Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, knowing that I am called to earthly stewardship, I devote my prayers and actions to life-giving measures and the greening of our planet. By my spiritual and earthly governance, I help to maintain a climate that is healthy, balanced, and fruitful. I affirm that humankind is taking respectful and prudent care of our planetary systems, and resources are plentiful. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  A long-term research project in the United Kingdom found that returning some farm land back to nature does not decrease the amount of food produced, and it naturally creates wildlife habitats, increasing the population of birds, butterflies, and small animals. And farm yields were maintained or even enhanced for some crops.
“When you move on from this world, you'll be remembered not for what you accumulated but for what you gave. You live an abundant life not because you are a chosen one, but because you have chosen to put yourself into the affluent flow of Life.” – Christian Sorensen, Living from the Mountaintop Affirmative prayer: Today I live with a grateful heart, aware of what is mine to give. My generosity is inspired by grace, energized by love, and beautified by the One who connects us all. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  Players from the Green Bay Packers made a little girl’s tea party a thing to remember. As the athletes were heading to practice, young Aria Rubens lifted her empty pink tea cup to each, asking, “Would you like some tea?” Each player gulped down a pretend sip and thanked her. One player said, “You make the best tea!” Aria’s mom, Ashley, loved the moment. “It’s crazy how people just want a good story about people being kind to each other.”
“One of the ideas in Zen Buddhism is that humans are essentially Buddhas, but they get distracted from their true nature. When we take a closer look at ourselves, we can expect to find a loving-kindness already there waiting to be invoked, and that it remains with us wherever we go.” – Edward Viljoen, Ordinary Goodness Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I align with the natural order of a spiritual Universe. By kindness, empathy, and a generous heart, I open avenues through which love can flow. I am blessed, and I am a blessing. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  My two-year-old made it through a two-hour drive to the airport, a two-hour wait at the airport where he read a book quietly to himself, an hour flight where he happily watched ‘Finding Nemo’ on silent, a bus ride where he laughed the whole time, and then screamed the entire 15-minute drive home in our own car.
“What you see you become. What you see is a selective act of attention. Although you are inundated by billions of bits of sensory impulses, you selectively filter out the vast majority, allowing only a very small fraction into your awareness. Your attention and interpretations create what you see and ultimately determine what you believe.” – Deepak Chopra, The Way of Gratitude Affirmative prayer: Today, my attention is on the myriad of ways that goodness shows itself. I give thanks to know that what I believe in, focus on, and give my energy to is amplified. Today, I see wholeness. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  What takes four years to make and costs more than $20,000? A trash can in San Francisco. That costly bin is among six trash cans hitting San Francisco’s streets this summer in the city’s long saga in search of the perfect can. Overflowing trash cans are a common sight in the Northern California city.
“The task of the first half of life is to create a container for one's life and answer the essential questions: ‘What makes me significant? How can I support myself? Who will go with me?’ The task of the second half of life is to find the actual contents that this container was meant to hold.” – Richard Rohr, Falling Upward Affirmative prayer: Today, I am a container for the makings of God. I release thoughts and beliefs that hinder my spiritual readiness, and I become a clear and open vessel for the wonder, love, and beauty of the Divine. My soul is filled with good measure, pressed down, and running over. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  Isaiah Jarvis was at bat in a Little League championship game when he was hit in the head by a pitch. He fell to the ground and adults raced to attend to him. Luckily, he was not hurt and, after a couple of minutes, got up and trotted to first base. The pitcher, Kaiden Shelton, was still visibly shaken and that’s when Isaiah walked to the mound and wrapped his arms around Kaiden. "I wanted to go to him and spread God's love and tell him I was okay.” Witness Isaiah’s moment of compassion here.
“We are actually quite remarkable creatures. We are created in the image of God. We are God carriers. Growing in godlikeness, in caring for the other. Each time I act compassionately, I experience a joy that I find in nothing else.” – Desmond Tutu Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, today I embrace others with kindness. I live mindfully, aware of the distress of those around me. I release thoughts of separation and judgment, and I honor the compassionate heart in us all. By our God-connection, we are nurtured, uplifted, us, and kept safe. Thank you, Spirit, forever. Amen.  The “world’s largest beach clean-up project” began in 2015 when Afroz Shaz started picking up the trash from Versova Beach in Mumbai. Others joined him and, to date, they’ve removed 5 million kilograms of trash. More than 8 billion tons of plastic is thrown into the ocean every year. To reduce your own plastic waste, avoid single-use cutlery, take away plastic coffee cups and straws, use your own grocery bag instead of plastic ones, and buy plastic-free products.
"Never forget that you are one of a kind, that if there weren't any need for you in all your uniqueness to be on this earth, you wouldn't be here. Never forget, no matter how overwhelming life's challenges seem to be, that one person can make a difference in the world. In fact, it’s because of one person that all the changes that matter in the world come about. Be that one person." - Buckminster Fuller Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I give thanks for the power and beauty of one person’s service to the world. I devote myself to showing up for the good of the planet and for my sisters and brothers. May I be humble, generous, determined, and resourceful. May my love be a real-world blessing for others. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  In trying to understand the nature of the cosmos, theorists have long proposed that the Universe expands and contracts in endless cycles, which means that it has no beginning and no end. But a new study by University at Buffalo physicist Nina Stein contends that, even if the Universe has cycles, it still has to have a beginning. "The idea that there was a point in time before which there was nothing – no time – bothers us," Stein says. “What was before that?"
“If this is the beginning of the new age, my work is to quiet my mind, open my heart, and relieve suffering. Or, if this is the end of the world, my work is to quiet my mind, open my heart, and relieve suffering.” – Ram Dass Affirmative prayer: Today, I am whole-heartedly aware of the eternal Oneness of life. I am in the vastness of the Universe, and it is in me. Before the beginning, God is and I am. Always – before I begin anything – a new relationship, a new venture, a new chapter – God is and I am. Thank you, Infinite Presence, forever. Amen.  Captain Holly Pettit and First Officer Keely Petitt made Southwest Airlines history when they became the first-ever mother/daughter pilot duo. Holly began her aviation career fresh out of college as a flight attendant, then earned her pilot’s license. Keely knew as a 14-year-old that she wanted to follow in her mom’s footsteps. The two women are breaking barriers and empowering other women to pursue their dreams.
“Embrace who you are and your divine purpose. Identify the barriers in your life, and develop discipline, courage, and the strength to move beyond them. Keep moving forward.” – Germany Kent, The Hope Handbook Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I give thanks for life pioneers. For their visionary and generous hearts, and for the patterns of love and success that they forge. Today, I discern a divine pattern within me, see myself as worthy and capable, and act upon its grand realization. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  Climate change is taking a destructive toll on America’s national parks. Wildfires, heavy rains, rising sea levels, and more climate-related threats are some of what we are witnessing. Researchers predict that, without aggressive mitigation, average annual temperatures across 62 major parks could warm between 5 and 11 degrees this century.
“Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” - Gary Snyder, Pulitzer Prize winning poet Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I harmonize with the divine love of our earth home. I raise my commitment to tending this garden. By my prayers and actions, the collective consciousness about earth stewardship is enhanced. I give thanks that we are all cast in the love story of nature, life, and the love of God. I live my days for the greener good of our home. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  Sharon McKellar of the Oakland Public Library has collected all kinds of items – doodles, recipes, old photographs – left in books returned to the library. After attempting to find their owners, she scrubs personal identifying information, then scans and uploads them to the library’s website. See them here.
“Each of us leaves a legacy, whether we mean to or not, stamped on the hearts of others. We leave behind our attitude toward the world, for whether we inspired in others a love for life. We will be remembered for our smiles and frowns, our laughter and complaints, for our kindness and our selfishness.” – Joah Chittister, The Gift of Years Affirmative prayer: I give thanks to know that my name – the essence of who I am – is etched in the heart of God. May the spirit of my life be a blessing to others. Today, I share the love and truth of Oneness with my sisters and brothers. Today, I lift up another. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  A severe shortage of teachers has hit crisis levels. School superintendents say their teachers are underpaid, overworked, and exhausted. A recent survey showed that almost half of teachers are seriously considering leaving the profession, while fewer young people are entering the field. A drop in the education experience hurts the students and, ultimately, the workforce, economy, and our society.
“The most fundamental harm we can do to ourselves is to remain ignorant by not having the courage and the respect to look at ourselves honestly and gently.” – Pema Chodron Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I honor the gift of our children – our future – and affirm that our educators are respected and empowered. I extend gratitude and encouragement to the teachers I come by. May all those in helping professions be rewarded in harmony with their talent, efforts, and leadership. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  "That's here. That's home. That's us," Carl Sagan wrote. These words take on new meaning as NASA continues to release images from the James Webb telescope. We can now see 13 billion light-years away to when the Universe was new. What a privilege it is to be alive, to be here right now, together, on this planet.
“There is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human vanity than this distant image of our world. It underscores our responsibility to be more kind with each other and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known.” - Carl Sagan, Pale Blue Dot Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I give thanks for the gift of Life, and I choose to make this day – this moment – count. I live on purpose in gratitude and generosity. My very presence is a blessing for others, and I am blessed. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  Nancy Pelosi arrived in Taiwan Tuesday, becoming the highest-ranking American official in 25 years to visit the self-ruled island. Her visit ratcheted up tension between China and the United States because China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, and it views visits by foreign government officials as recognition of the island’s sovereignty.
“Go to the top of the mountain, go to the middle of the ocean, or just sit in the corner of your room. With a pure heart send blessings, love, and compassion to others and notice the transformation in you and the world.” - Amit Ray, Walking the Path of Compassion Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I am pure of heart in my relationships and my aspirations for the world. My spiritual union with others transcends borders, and I claim the highest, most fulfilling life for all soul companions. I affirm that all beings are free from sorrow and abide in equanimity. May all beings everywhere find an ocean of happiness and joy. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  What used to be a landscape devastated by erosion is now 1,360 acres of forest in Kokilamukh, India, thanks to Jadav Payeng, who planted a tree every day for 40 years. The forest is home to hundreds of elephants, rhinos, boars, and birds. Jadav says he will plant trees until his last breath. “Nature is God. It gives me inspiration. It gives me power."
“Every point of nature is a word of God and a book about God.” - Meister Eckhart Affirmative prayer: There is only one Life. It is the life of God and it shows Itself in every expression of nature, in every embrace of humanity, and in every point of light, love, and power in the Universe. May my thoughts and actions this day reflect this golden truth. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  “Believe that life is worth living and your belief will create the fact. Be not afraid to live.” – William James
Affirmative prayer: Today, I abide in prayer and engage in life with such fervor that all timidity is dismissed from my consciousness. I am appointed every day to express the life of pure Spirit. I am blessed and I am a blessing. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  The English village of Long Newnton has come up with a creative, mindful solution to motorists driving too fast near their town. Officials planted wildflowers along the highway and were happy to see drivers slowing down to look at them. “Evidence shows that if you introduce beauty, drivers will slow down,” said district council member Jenny Forde.
“Way down underneath all the busyness, something or Someone waits for us to come home to who we truly are. All it takes is slowing down – a simple pause to get us in touch with the holy Presence who keeps vigil with us.” - Macrina Wiederkehr, Seven Sacred Pauses Affirmative prayer: Today I slow down. My stride allows the Divine to get my attention. With my mind stayed on the sacred – the beautiful – I am kept in perfect peace. I feel joy and gratitude, and all things are made new. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  New research from the American Psychological Association found that Americans have actually become more cooperative towards strangers. Amid a torrent of bad news regarding the climate, the pandemic, and political rifts, the findings suggest that there may be hope yet for our collective ability to face our challenges.
“What is in one is in the whole. What happens to the least of my brethren happens to me. The great spiritual masters have given us the teachings that we are in this life together. That each of us is a part of the same collective experience.” – Caroline Myss, Intimate Conversations with the Divine Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I lean into the creativity and passion of my brothers and sisters, allowing their brilliance to light up and enrich my life. I give thanks for the godsend of unified lives, and I celebrate the power of our collective consciousness. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  “A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit, and a violin; what else does one need to be happy?” - Albert Einstein
Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I give thanks for the unity of life. Today, I am at home in simple comforts. All I need is provided, and I hold with the prayer of Julian of Norwich that "All shall be well; all manner of things shall be well." Thank you, God, forever. Amen. |