ARCHIVES 2022
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ARCHIVES 2022
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Passengers aboard a United Airlines flight were in for a surprise when they found a snake slithering beneath their seats. When the plane landed in Newark, the serpent was removed. (It was a garden snake.) Unlike in the "Snakes on a Plane" movie with Samuel Jackson, no one was bitten, the plane didn't almost crash, and no passenger fell in love with another passenger. “Girl Scout survival skills teach, if you see a snake, you should stand still or walk slowly away – never run. Yeah, right. I would run as fast as I can, but I’d be thinking, ‘I shouldn't be running.’” ― Firoozeh Dumas, It Ain't So Awful, Falafel Affirmative prayer: When faced with peril, I breathe deep and sense the presence of the Divine. I know that the light of God surrounds me, the love of God enfolds me, the power of God protects me, and the presence of God watches over me. Thank you, Infinite Presence, forever. Amen. When James Warren saw a stranger sitting in the dirt at a bus stop in Denver, he knew immediately he could help. He built a bench from scrap wood with the words “Be Kind” etched into the seat, and placed it at the bus stop. Since then, he’s built seven more benches, each with his “Be Kind” motto. “It’s a message anyone can do. Spread a little bit more kindness in the world.” “The sun is never denied the light it gives. Likewise, you are never denied the kindness you bestow.” - Matshona Dhliwayo, Canadian author and philosopher Affirmative prayer: I give thanks for the kindness that I see everywhere and in everyone. Our relationships are underwritten by goodness and generosity, and our lives are lifted up, blessed, and made whole. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. The city of Den Bosch, Netherlands is home to an unusual Dutch community known as “Bolwoningen,” which means ball houses. At first, it looks like huge golf balls or an alien invasion, but the houses really are occupied by humans. The Netherlands wanted to fund experimental low-cost housing and the idea of spherical houses, made of cement and fiberglass, was born. See them here. “The circle, or sphere, is the universal symbol of unity and wholeness. It is the most mysterious and subtle of shapes, the essence of the Divine feminine, the motherly womb of Spirit. Voltaire said, ‘God is a sphere whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere.’” - Krystle Marie Smith, live performance artist Affirmative prayer: I am encircled by the Divine. I center myself in the midst of Spirit, in the heart of goodness, beauty, and love. One life – in, through, and all about everything. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. A musician had a brain tumor removed in Italy during a nine-hour surgery that he spent not only awake, but playing his saxophone. Neurosurgeon Christian Brogna said the tumor was removed successfully. "When we operate on the brain, we are operating on the sense of self, so we need to honor the patient as a person - their personality, the way they get through life.” “When we realize that we are so much more than our organisms, that we are actually Beings of Light, each of us radiating a unique expression of universal Light, we gain access again to our source of true Power.” – Roger Teel, This Life is Joy Affirmative prayer: I reside in this Life setting with an anticipation of good and with confidence that I am in my right place. I am here by divine appointment. My unique talents, energy, and sense of Self lead me to full expression. I am blessed, and I am a blessing for others. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. “I behold with awe and delight the illustrations of the One Universal Mind. I see my being imbedded in it. As a plant in the earth, so I grow in God. I am a form of him. He is the soul of me.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson Affirmative prayer: Today, I live in a vivid experience of Oneness, knowing that pure Spirit is everywhere present. There is no place where the Divine ends and I begin. I live – we all live - in a seamless essence of love, power, and Infinite Beingness. I do not try to let God into my heart. Rather, I open my heart, and let God out. Amen. NASA's recent DART mission successfully changed the trajectory of an asteroid when its spacecraft intentionally slammed into the space rock. The agency said the spacecraft changed the asteroid's orbit by 32 minutes, marking the first time that humanity intentionally changed the motion of a celestial object. “We are made for transformation. Changing a thought can create a new perspective. Choosing a different path can forge new triumphs. Changing a deeply held belief can transform the trajectory of one’s life. Changing a single note can lift the mood of a melody. We are the composer of our life song.” – Scott Awbrey Affirmative prayer: In my life journey – or with a single project I’m working on – I make a course correction by changing an idea, a thought, a belief. I am nimble of Spirit, and I am empowered. I know that the power of my consciousness can move heaven and earth in the direction of my dreams. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. After more than 20,000 deaths on US roads this year, the National Transportation Safety Board has recommended a new vehicle system that could stop drivers from speeding. The technology recognizes speed limits and issues alerts when a driver is speeding or prevents vehicles from going above those limits. It’s up to automobile manufacturers whether they introduce the technology. “When gripped by fear or anxiety, the reflex is to speed up or remove oneself. That’s typically when we need to slow down. Often, when we feel the impulse to flee, it is the opportunity to face ourselves. Taking a deep meditative breath can often break the momentum of anxiety.” – Mark Nepo, The Book of Awakening Affirmative prayer: Today, I move with the cadence of the Divine which invites me to be still and know the presence of all Good in my life. With each pause, I return home to my higher Self. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. A tile-mosaic floor depicting birds and other animals has been found under a field in Gaza so well-preserved it could have been buried yesterday. Olive farmer Salman al-Nabahin was planting new trees when he chanced upon the ancient relic which is believed to date from the Byzantine era. “I see it as a treasure, dearer than a treasure,” said Salman. “It isn’t personal, it belongs to every Palestinian.” “There is divine potential at the depths of your being, awaiting your discovery. This holy treasure is not yours alone; it is the essence of Spirit's life within us all. As we uncover it in ourselves, we recognize it in others. So too, as we admire it in others, we feel its power within us. Undivided beauty and goodness.” – Scott Awbrey Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I’m hanging out today in the beauty, love, and goodness of life, recognizing it in myself and in my sisters and brothers. I give thanks to be in this heavenly realm, and I serve as a point of spiritual reference that others may know the truth of their own being. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. “Conflict is inevitable, but resentment is optional. Suffering is optional. Violence, belittling, self-sabotage, rejection, hatred, and unhappiness are all optional. We have the spiritual wherewithal to claim more magnificent and life-affirming options for ourselves and for the community of humankind.” – Roger Teel, This Life is Joy Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, today I claim life-affirming thoughts, prayers, and actions for my life. Where there is a sense of separation, I embrace unity. Where there is discord, I claim love. Where there is the appearance of lack, ill health, or strife, I affirm that the fullness of pure Spirit is revealed. My life is restored. I cruise through this day on the currents of Infinite Love. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. The astonishing efforts of war-time champions mended a 10-year-old’s broken heart when she was reunited with her cat. Agnessa Bezhenar was forced to leave her kitty, Arsenii, behind when she and her family fled Ukraine for the safety of San Francisco. Nearly a dozen people, including other refugees, truck drivers, a motorcyclist, and flight attendants teamed up to journey the kitty through Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Greece, Canada, and finally to the waiting arms of Agnessa in the U.S. “Overcome thoughts of fear and doubt with hopefulness, determination, joyousness, and effort. Let this day bring you and others endless joy, love, laughter, and blessings.” - Rajesh Goyal, National Institute of Construction Management, India Affirmative prayer: I lift my desire and my heart-and-soul efforts with the love, energy, and power of Spirit. All that I am, all that I am called to be, and all that I give is underwritten by the Divine. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. Researchers in the UK have found that an ancient Greek inscription on a 2,000-year-old marble tablet resembles a yearbook for a graduating class. The tablet, which sat unexamined in the National Museums Scotland collection for more than 130 years, lists the names of young men who finished their civic and military training. One of the names appears to be that of “Caesar,” with the moniker, “Most likely to Succeed.” (not really) “When God writes our names in the 'Book of Life,' He doesn't do it with an eraser handy. He does it for eternity.” – R.C. Sproul, Renewing Your Mind Affirmative prayer: I give thanks to know that my name is emblazoned on the heart of Life. That I shall forever be known by the Divine. Pure Spirit breathed me into being and invites me every day to be in a life of wholeness and joy. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. Alain Aspect, John Clauser, and Anton Zeilinger have won the Nobel Prize in physics for their landmark achievements in quantum mechanics – the study of the behavior of particles and atoms. The trio won for their experiments with what’s known as entanglement – a mind-boggling phenomenon when two particles behave as one, even though they’re at a vast distance to one another. Albert Einstein once described the phenomenon as “spooky,” but the three physicists showed that quantum entanglement is real and could allow the transfer of information across huge distances. “Scientists have shown that sub-atomic particles, once physically connected, then separated, are still connected. The particles can be eons apart, but when there is a shift or a movement in one, the other shifts in like manner. A rotation by one particle is matched by the other particle, no matter how great their distance. Scientists refer to the phenomenon as ‘quantum entanglement.’ Mystics and prophets have called it ‘Oneness.’”– Scott Awbrey Affirmative prayer: I tap into the vibration of my true Self, a spiritual current that affirms my oneness with the Divine and with all that exists. I feel a complete union with my life partners. We are One, blessed by Infinite Love. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. A recent poll from the UK found that many adults consciously limit themselves in life because they fear what others would think if they moved out of their comfort zone. People reported that they feel more alive when they take a risk, or when they engage even in simple adventures, like singing out loud, expressing their feelings, and – maybe the whackiest behavior of all – dancing in front of others. “It is during the times I am far outside my element that I experience myself the most, that I see and feel who I really am. It's during those scary moments, hurling myself into the unknown, that I am like a comet hitting a new atmosphere. Suddenly I illuminate magnificently. I discover a smile I didn't know I had. I uncover a feeling that I didn't know existed in me. I see myself.” - C. JoyBell C., author Affirmative prayer: Today, I boldly go where the Infinite is always coaxing me to be. I advance to the forefront of consciousness, to the place where there is no sense of otherness, no judgment – just the love of pure Beingness and the certainty that anything is possible. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. The Clooney Foundation for Justice, founded by George and Amal Clooney, advocates in matters of human rights and justice around the world for women, minorities, journalists, and survivors. “We wage justice for victims of human-rights abuses, said Amal. “We bend the arc toward it.” Read more about their work here. “Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things break, and all things can be mended. So go, love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.” - L.R. Knost, author and social justice activist Affirmative prayer: I am my brother’s and sister’s keeper. Tenderly aware of our Oneness, I embrace the joys and sorrows of others. Taking on God’s vision for a higher good, I bring my compassion, talents, and ingenuity to bear. I know what I’m called to do. My inspiration has legs, and I lift up my companions with the strength and love of God. Amen. “How much of your creative energy is tied up in guilt, hatred, resentment, lack, or fear? The truth is that you could be using all that energy to re-create a new destiny.” – Joe Dispenza, Becoming Supernatural Affirmative prayer: I show up in my life as one sourced by Infinite Intelligence. My creative energy is charged by Divine essence, and I move from thoughts and beliefs that downplay my life to an empowered consciousness which uplifts my heart and imagination. Today, I look at the fear behind my anger. I perform one act of forgiveness. In this, I more clearly know the truth of my being, and am made free to fulfill my potential. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. Located near a hillside in Sussex, England, in a field of fluffy farm animals, a “sleep dome” is offering the chance to dose off counting real sheep. The dome hosts two guests and features views of idyllic surroundings. Guests are encouraged to count the sheep before gently drifting off into a blissful slumber beneath the stars. “Rituals are useful in threshold moments: lighting a bed-time candle, reciting an evening prayer, peace-giving lullabies. These are agents of restfulness. Sleep is more than sleep. It tells us that the world is, in many ways, safe.” – Evan Hodkins, School of Alchemy Prayer: “Now the day is over. Gently dance us out of this day into the arms of night. Give us peaceful rest. Let the star dust of your love descend on us. O mysterious Beauty, your music lingers in our souls, lulling us to sleep peacefully in the shadow of your wings. O Dancer of the Distant Stars, we are part of your starlight. Renew us and restore us as we sleep. Amen.” - Macrina Wiederkehr In 1937, the “Wedding of the Waters” occurred when a gourd of water was carried from Tulainyo Lake in Sierra Nevada – the highest lake in the United States – to Badwater Basin in Death Valley, the lowest U.S. lake. The gourd was first carried on foot, then by horseback, a covered wagon, a mule team, stagecoach, a narrow-gauge train, and lastly a Lincoln-Zephyr car. Finally, the water from Tulainyo Lake was emptied into Badwater Basin. “This journey is a spiral and never a straight line.” – Richard Rohr, Falling Upward Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I ready myself for the journey before me, moving through the highs and lows with trust, vision, and purpose. With each step, I find myself home in Spirit’s Life. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. When tennis great Roger Federer played his final match last week, all the re-counting of his many career wins was eclipsed by the love he showed for his fellow players – and their love for him. Roger's tears were flowing at his goodbye match and his greatest rival, Rafael Nadal, cried alongside him. Roger’s unbelievable number of wins proves his class, but his love for his opponents shows his true greatness. “How we live and whom we love leads us to a profound understanding of our purpose. There are no insignificant relationships. Every experience that we have contains purpose and meaning. Our spiritual task is to elevate them in our awareness so that our mission can shine forth in its full dimensions.” – Caroline Myss, Sacred Contracts Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I open to the beauty of loved ones in my life, to the blessings of relationships. I give thanks for my soul friends, and I nourish our communion with my attention, affection, and gratitude. Heart to heart, I reach out. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. Today, Jupiter is making its closest approach to Earth in 59 years. The two planets don’t orbit the Sun in perfect circles, so they’re at different distances each time they pass. Today, Jupiter is only 367 million miles from Earth. Excellent views may be possible this evening with a good pair of binoculars. The final mystery is oneself. When one has weighed the sun in balance, measured the steps of the moon, and mapped out the seven heavens star by star, there still remains oneself. Who can calculate the orbit of his or her own soul? – Oscar Wilde, De Profundis Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I am sourced, upheld, and guided along my cosmic journey. The image of my self is bright as I reflect the love and light of God. I give thanks that I share this life with other brilliant lights. In our orbit, we are points of love and inspiration for one another. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. In an interview with Anderson Cooper, Stephen Colbert said he learned to “love the thing that I most wish had not happened.” Talking about a plane crash that killed Stephen's father and two of his brothers when he was 10 years old, he said, " It's a gift to exist, and with existence comes suffering. If you are grateful for your life, then you have to be grateful for all of it. You can't pick and choose what you're grateful for." “Grief has a very holy purpose. Through our feelings of loss, we actualize true gratitude. When we see the depth of our grief as reflecting the depth of our love, the holes that a loved one's spirit once filled go from triggers of sadness and regret to altars of gratitude.” – A. Helwa, Secretes of Divine Love Affirmative prayer: Today I let myself grieve, consciously being in the sadness. No resistance, no avoidance, no masking my grief with a brave smile. I welcome the gifts that this moment offers, finding resilience, wisdom, and a renewed sense of hope. I’m thankful for the depth of realness, for the healing, the soul recovery, and the lightness of being. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. “Your treasure is within you and, to claim it, you must leave the busy commotion of the mind, abandon the desires of the ego, and enter into the silence of the heart.” – Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love Affirmative prayer: Today, I quit striving. I let my agendas, plans, and dreams rest, allowing them to steep in a relaxed sense of wholeness. All my attention now is in the field of consciousness, this moment, pure Presence – and all is well. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. The International Day of Peace is observed today, September 21, around the world. The United Nations General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. But achieving true peace entails more than laying down arms. It requires the building of societies where all people feel that they can flourish, creating a world in which people are treated equally. Affirmative prayer: I know there is but One Mind, which is the Mind of God, in which all people live and move and have their being. I know there is a Divine Pattern for humanity and within this pattern there is infinite harmony and peace, cooperation, unity and mutual helpfulness…so all people shall live together in peace, harmony and prosperity forever. – Excerpted from “A Prayer for World Peace,” by Ernest Holmes. Go here to read the entire prayer. Stuck in gridlock, an Indian surgeon ditched his car and ran almost two miles to the hospital where one of his patients was awaiting him for gallbladder surgery. Dr. Govind Nandakumar of Bengaluru said he sat in traffic for quite a while, then made the decision to make a run for it. “Running in the middle of the road in formal shoes is not ideal, but the surgery went smoothly and my patient recovered well.” "I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast and, when I run, I feel God's pleasure." – Eric Liddell, British Olympic runner Affirmative prayer: I live and move and have my being in the life of Spirit. Today I live with great intention, mindful that, with every step I take, I am moving more deeply into God’s heart. Amen. Sea urchins like to put rocks and shells on their heads to protect them from predators and the sun. So aquarists made little hats for them. Not only are they kept safer, they’re quite stylish. “I asked the earth, I asked the sea and the deeps. I asked the winds that blow, the heavens, the sun, the moon, the stars. My question was the gaze I turned to them. Their answer was their beauty.”- St. Augustine Affirmative prayer: Today, I cultivate a greater awareness of my place in the ocean of Spirit’s Life. I am kept safe and vibrant by Divine Love. I am in plain sight of God, giving thanks that the Divine sees me as part of the holy mystery of Its own life. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. In his book, The Lyrics, Paul McCartney divulges the origins of his most enduring songs: the way snippets of memory inspired him; his mother’s bedside jar of Nivea cold cream; and spotting the name “Rigby” on a tombstone. “Life infused us with the power to conceive, express, and enjoy the fruits of our creative power. We create through thought, word, and deed. We are each here to reveal the creative ideal of the Divine.” – Iyanla Vanzant, One Day My Soul Just Opened Up Affirmative prayer: Today, in concert with the Divine, I give radiant life to the landscape of my soul and my estate. My creations, my handiwork are made visible wherever I place my attention. I manifest beauty, abundance, love, and right action. I do this on purpose for myself and for those in my orbit. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. |
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