In the interest of research purposes for my thesis, I decided to attend a Christian Science service to experience it first-hand. It was unlike any service I have ever attended – an interesting mix of Christianity and Metaphysics. One quote in particular stood out to me:
“Devotion of thought to an honest achievement makes it possible.”
Every reaction is a choice. I can choose to absorb everyone else’s stress, or I can choose to seek and find serenity. I choose not to absorb everyone else’s stress. I choose to be serene. I choose to exist in a state of relative detachment. Often, it’s easier said than done but it comes easier with practice. In time, I’m learning that I simply be a fly on the wall: observe, process, and release. I don’t have to carry any of it.
Blackstone Lake
I’ve finally selected my topic for my Master of Metaphysical Science Thesis: Christian Science.
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.
The Serenity prayer reminds us of the importance of finding inner peace. By recognizing things and events that can and cannot be changed (and coming to terms with them), peace is closer than we realize. This prayer is a gentle reminder of acceptance with that which cannot be changed and understanding that human beings are not always in charge. At the moment, I am finding stress in some of the behavior of my partner and his children. It’s very difficult for me because I am on a raw food diet. I have to accept the fact that we do not eat the same way. I cannot change him – nor do I want to. I can, however, change my actions.
I am looking for the courage to avoid the temptation of the foods that I make, prepare, and serve to him and his children. I have the wisdom to know that, although he will eat or drink some of the things that I create, he is who he is and I need to accept this. Going forward, I can certainly alleviate some of my stress by repeating the Serenity Prayer to myself – accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Most of all, I need to infuse myself with this wisdom, not judgment.
Blackstone Lake, Ontario
“Love does not have to be all flowers and pounding hearts; it doesn’t have to be drama and pain. Maybe love is two people who need each other; who understand each other; who want nothing more than to be with each other at the end of the day.” – Jason Shields
There is such beautiful in observing life in action. There is peace in growth and cultivation.
I am working on growing and cultivating a friendship at the moment. If NOW is all that we have, we cannot dwell on the past, there is only the NOW in which we reside. From this knowledge, I am hoping to see a sprout of compassion and understanding develop, that may someday be a great and admirable plant.
Proverbs 31:10-31
It gives me something to aspire to!
| I joined a Tuesday night Encounter Group at my church. Each week, we are doing a study of one of the Psalms. I’ve discovered, as of late, that there is much comfort (and inspiration) to be found in these studies. David, in the desert of Judah (Psalm 63): “My soul thirsts for you. My body longs for you. In a dry and weary land where this is no water… My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods.” This actually came to mind over the weekend when I was preparing a grilled sandwich for my partner’s son. It smelled wonderful. I longed for the taste… brought back by fond memories. However, in the quiet of my mind I said a quick prayer, asking to be satisfied and grateful for that which I was partaking – something raw and green. Saying a quick prayer, my soul was satisfied and I felt content. |
This past Thursday, I delivered a speech entitled “Eat, Pray, Love… Gratitude“. Inspired by the book Eat, Pray, Love, I was made aware of the parallels between the book and my own growth/development and chosen path in life.
Eat: Raw and living foods. Even though I am detoxing and relatively miserable at times, I know it’s a temporary state and I’m willing to push through it. The fact is: I am more concerned these days with what comes out of my mouth, rather than satisfying addictions going into it. I miss eating certain things, but I am enjoying and relishing the process and learning experiences that come with having to deal with one’s feelings head on… I can no longer eat them!
Pray: My growing involvement with church/activities. I am finding my new community to be loving, inspiring, and supportive. I’m happy to be a part of it. I am attending weekly service, as well as a Bible Study and Encounter Group. This is becoming an important part of my spiritual journey.
Love: My relationship. Am I really considering committing myself to someone with 2 young children? Am I willing to put aside most of the “me” to become a “we”. The answer is yes. I love him deeply and want to spend my life with him. I don’t think I’ve ever been able to say this – calmly, rationally, and without a drink or 5 2. Everything I am and will be, I want to share with him.
I eat. I pray. I love… 1 Cor 13:13b “But the greatest of these is love.”
