One of the many things I do to deepen into my spiritual life (and maintain my sanity) is that I attend classes and services at New Vision Spiritual Growth Center, which teaches the Science of Mind. SoM is a philosophy that teaches the principles of Hermetic Law in a simple, logical way and provides practical tools for using those laws in your day to day life. I really love talking with the kids about spirituality and making it a part of our daily family life. They have such a natural understanding of Divinity and their place within it. We come from such different places, though, that we can sometimes get caught up in terminology and lose the deeper meaning. I find that SoM helps me bridge the gap between the different religions and beliefs within our family (Buddhist, pagan, agnostic, humanist...), and provides me with a common language in which to explain my truth and to hear theirs. After all, who can argue with the following:
There is only one power, the "All Good," and it is in and of all things. I exist, therefore I am part of the "All Good." As part of this power, I create (and am responsible for) my own reality.
Ernest Holmes was the founder of SoM, and he wrote a number of lovely books describing his philosophy. I especially enjoy his short meditations, and find them extremely helpful in refocusing when I'm finding myself challenged. Here is one of my very favorites, to which I refer regularly.
Free from Sensitiveness
My feelings cannot be hurt.
No one wishes to harm me, and there is nothing in me that can believe in any seperation from the All Good.
I perceive that I am free from all people, and I cannot be harmed or mistreated.
I have such a sense of unity with all that the circle is complete and perfect.
I love my friends and they love me, and that love is in, and of, God, and cannot be marred or hindered.
I am filled with joy and love, forever.Labels: agnostic, buddhist, children, ernest holmes, family, kids, meditation, New Vision, pagan, science of mind