Luke: There’s something not right here… I feel cold. Death.
Yoda: That place… is strong with the dark side of the Force. A domain of evil it is….    In you must go.
Luke: What’s in there?
Yoda: Only what you take with you.

I love how Wisdom expresses itself.  The above quote is a small part of the Star Wars franchise.  There are many more obvious lines and ideas that express Spiritual concepts in this series, but this one stands out to me.  Maybe because of all the references to Spiritual Wisdom, it is one of the most clear about our impact on our own lives.

In this scene, Luke needs to step into a place he does not want to go.  He needs to delve into that which he most fears at this moment.  And his Spiritual teacher states what is true for all of us who wish to continue on our path of Spiritual growth.

• In you must go
• And the only thing in there is what you take with you

And I find these concepts to resonate particularly strongly during the Holiday season.  Many people who are on a Spiritual path are blessed by loving and supporting community that they have chosen to be a part of.  But they may not have the same support from family and old friends.

Traveling back to your childhood home may trigger deep concerns.  You may be faced with an environment that churns up old thoughts and beliefs.  It may trigger emotions that seem overwhelming in the moment.  But the Wisdom of Spirit tells us that even the place that appears most fearful and dark houses only one thing…  what we take with us.

Know that wherever you walk, Spirit walks with you.  Know that whatever you hear is the voice of Spirit.  Look upon that which used to cause you fear or anxiety and bless it.  For if you can bless it, it can only push you closer to the Truth and Love that is with us at all times.

Recognize Spirit in all aspects of your life.  Whether it is the sunset over the water, or the co-worker whom you feel conflicted with.  Whether it is the family member who wants to change you, or the loving practitioner who embraces you as you are.  For they are all from the same source.

And when we can acknowledge Spirit in all aspects of our lives, then there is no place of “darkness” that we can not walk into unafraid.  Because to walk in the Love of God is to walk in the Faith and Wisdom of the ages.

It is to boldly say that wherever I step, I bring all of myself.  And knowing that Spirit steps with me, I can bring the Light and Love of Spirit with me wherever I go.  I take with me the Love of Spirit.  And with that Knowledge and Faith, there is no place I cannot enter unafraid.

Some of the most spiritual people I know are very religious. Many have their own congregation and certainly base their life, their teachings and their spirituality off of an established spiritual tradition. I have the utmost respect for those who find and walk their spiritual path as part of a religion.

So why the name “Spiritual Not Religious”? Simply put, it is what people are searching for. And I mean that in the literal “Google” search sense. And if there is one thing I believe is that there should be a shining “Welcome” sign for anyone searching to expand or explore their spirituality.

I believe in that principle so much that I am willing to take someone reading more into the name than what I and those who support and present this site believe. So let’s go ahead and set the record straight on what this site is about.

Ernest Holmes once said, “It would be wonderful indeed if a group of persons should arrive on earth for something and against nothing.” That is what we are about. We are not against organized religion. We are not against those who believe differently than we do. We are not against anything.

But we are certainly for something. We are for people living life to it’s fullest. We believe that a spiritual practice is an avenue for truly living heaven on earth. We are for you living a prosperous, joyful, loving life. We are for you and against nothing.

“Show and Prove” is a phrase we used a lot when I was younger. Usually it was when someone on the basketball court would talk about how great their jump shot was and how there was no way to stop them. Show and Prove. Let’s get this game going and see if your actions match those words.

I have been observing in my own life where I need to Show and Prove. At first that was with the simple example of stating my Faith. Being comfortable acknowledging that I believe in the concepts and philosophy of Spirit in my life. Of Spirit as my life. And of expression of Spirit not only in what I say and do, but in what I see and hear.

Powerful stuff. Being comfortable in one’s own faith without need to justify or explain it. To state without hesitation that I have a belief system, based on the teachings I learned at the Center for Spiritual Living and supported by my own experiences and continuing exploration of Love and Spirit in my life. And yet that is only scratching the surface of Show and Prove.

Stating and sharing your beliefs is just the beginning. Emma Curtis Hopkins wrote the following:

There are three ways of dealing with the principles announced in Truth. There is the deep thinking which the mind exercises respecting them. There is the speaking them forth which we do not hesitate to do. There is the careful recording of them, which is writing down what we know of them. The next is living them, which we are sure to do if we think, speak, and write them. It is by faithfully doing all these things with Spiritual doctrine that we accomplish the works of the Spirit in us

Here she is stating that speaking your word of faith and truth is simply one of the first steps. The next step is to write them down. In the Emma practice, this literally means to journal how Spirit touches your life. Document your miracles. Put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) and inscribe your faith on your heart as a step in building that Faith. And if you speak your Truth and you write your Truth, then you will certainly live your Truth.

And when you are living your Truth, then Spirit is living fully through you. There is nothing you can say or do that is not the most brilliant expression of Life and Love.

And it starts by speaking the Truth of who you are. Writing the Truth of who you are. And living the Truth of who you are. You are the living, breathing expression of Spirit as substance.

Today I challenge you to look at something in your life that does not feel like the perfect embodiment of Spirit. I implore you to acknowledge that situation as not being the Truth of who you are in Spirit. If you are challenged today with a cold or illness, acknowledge that there is no sickness in Spirit and that as the living embodiment of Spirit you are free from such ailment. If you are challenged today with a lack of monetary funds, acknowledge that Spirit is flowing, overwhelming Abundance and that as the living embodiment of Spirit you are inextricably a part of that flow of Abundance. Whatever the situation, know the highest Good for yourself as Spirit and find the words to express that highest Good.

Speak the Truth of that situation, as it would be complete and whole in Spirit. Write the Truth of that situation, as it would be complete and whole in Spirit. Live from that place in your heart that knows the Truth of that situation, as it is complete and whole in Spirit.

And if there is even the tiniest shift, speak your gratitude for that shift. Document that shift by inscribing your experience on paper and in your heart. Live from that new level caused by the shift and hold the highest Good in your heart as each and every shift occurs. Show and Prove!

And know that this site… this community is a place to learn and be supported.  Join us in the discussion forum or in The Stream if you desire support on your path.

At its simplest explanation, “Show and Prove” means to demonstrate. We have the words. We have the teachings. What we need is for you to live your Faith to its fullest, and get out there and “Show and Prove”.

Do you know what you want? Do you know what would make you happy? If someone told you to follow your bliss, would you have any idea what that is?

A practice many of us engage in is the practice of asking ourselves, “What is my Good?” This isn’t meant as a superficial question. It’s meant to be a deep inquiry into the desires of our heart. When I’m with someone during this inquiring process I notice that the body always reflects how on track the person is. When a person names their true heart’s desire as “their Good” they can’t help but smile.

This week, practice articulating your deepest desire to yourself. Practice paying attention to your body as you do this process. Notice when you relax or tense up. Notice if you frown or smile. Use your body as a feedback mechanism.

Why do this? Because your Good is your God. Name your Good and you name your God.

Many Blessings,
Rev Kathianne Lewis

I’m not sure where I heard the above statement, but it made sense and stayed with me. Besides, I love statements that come packaged in sound bites.

“Hurt people, hurt people” reminds me that when a person has been hurt deeply in the past or is hurting now, it’s common for them to lash out at others. A hurtful person has been hurt by something or someone in their past. This doesn’t excuse bad behavior, but it helps us understand others and react with more compassion. This simple truth, that hurt people hurt people, also gives us a clue for how we can make the world a better place: help people heal their hurts in body, mind and spirit.

Join me in this affirmative prayer: Father Mother God, comfort the broken hearted; heal the abused and restore those who have lost their way. I trust in the Principle of Goodness now.

Many Blessings,
Rev. Dr Kathianne Lewis

I believe strongly in spiritual practice.  I have my own practices including regular prayer, meditation and gratitude work.  Even here in Spiritual Not Religious Online Community we have groups focused on spiritual practice including prayer and the “Emma” practice.

It is likely that you have also experimented with many different spiritual practices from your families traditions to where you are today.

It is not uncommon for individuals to switch from one teaching philosophy to another on their travels.

And that can be healthy for a time.  I certainly believe that spiritual practice and one’s relationship to Spirit is far too personal to be easily encapsulated in any one teaching.  One of the best ways to find a practice that works for you is to be exposed to different teachings, philosophies and methods.

But I believe there is a risk in swiftly moving from one practice and philosophy to another.  It is not the risk of separation from Spirit.  That is a constant, and spiritual practice is simply a way to make that experience a clearer reality in our lives.  We pray, we meditate, we study, we give and we commune because they are natural ways for us to feel Spirit in our lives.

The risk is that we start to treat spiritual practice as “work”.  That we feel we need to try whatever our friends are trying to be closer to the One, and we spend more time searching and less time being.

Because ultimately the goal of spiritual practice is not to reach a “level”.  There is no graduation ceremony where you are proclaimed done with your practice.

The practice IS the goal.  Because it is through the clear understanding of our Oneness with Spirit that we build faith.  And it is with that faith that we can see each and every moment as perfect.

And it is with that knowledge of the ever present, perfect now that we can express the pure Love of the Universe fully in our lives.

And we can choose to start doing that NOW.  Today, make your spiritual practice to be joyful in the now.  Continue whatever spiritual practice is working for you now for the simple reason that it makes you happy.

And when you can stay present in the perfection of now, you can truly live fully and completely, which is what spirituality is all about.

Stuff happens.

All of us have experiences in our life that we do not foresee or court.  Why “bad” stuff happens to good people (or any person) is a topic unto itself, and for those interested I would suggest reading about “race consciousness” or “race thought“.  There are also a couple of Weekly Empowerment Messages here at Spiritual Not Religious Online Community that explore the topic deeply.

But whatever the reason, stuff happens that disrupts or changes the existing flow in your life.  This could show up as the loss of a job, the ending of a close relationship or the passing of a loved one.

The metaphor I use for “stuff” happening is turbulence.  All of us have flown on a plane and experienced turbulence.  One moment we are flying through calm airs, smooth and steady to our destination and the next we are bouncing around in our seats, hearing the ding of the seat belt fasten sign and being told to return to our seats and buckle up until further notice.  Sometimes these bumps make us grin because we have been through it before and know all is going to be OK.  Sometimes they are jarring, making us wonder if just maybe this time we are in for more than what the plane can take.  But however we react, the bumping itself could never be called graceful.

What causes turbulence is differences in air temperature that interrupt the smooth flow of an airplane moving through the air.  Hot and cold air of different densities resulting in uncertainty in air flow.

The same phenomenon of uncertain air flow also occurs in thermals.  Thermals are columns of rising warm air coming off the Earth.  Generally these are created by the sun heating the ground and causing that air to rise.  The rising warm air mixing with the surrounding cold air causes the same uncertainty of air flow as with turbulence for a plane in the air.

Hawks and other soaring birds take this phenomenon and use it to climb on the wind.  The thermals themselves are disruptions to the airflow, inconsistent based on other conditions and constantly varying in magnitude.  Yet the hawk always turns this into something of beauty and grace.  It simply opens it’s wings and rides the thermal while it lasts.

We all face turbulent air in our lives.  We can choose to push through it, take the bumps and hope we have what it takes to come through with minimal damage.  We can also choose to let it flow in and out of our lives with the grace and beauty of the soaring hawk.  The next time you feel the turbulence coming, open your wings and let Spirit help you ride that thermal so you come out of it at an even higher place than where you started.

Trinity: “What’s he doing?”
Morpheus: “He’s beginning to believe.”

I love “The Matrix”.

Starting with the Training Scene until the end of the movie, almost every major idea is an analogy for a metaphysical concept.  There are many that stand out, but the one that has been resonating lately culminates with the exchange above between Trinity and Morpheus.

Throughout the film Morpheus’ faith in Neo being “The One” is complete and unbreakable.  Neo has his own path to understand and demonstrate based on that faith, but Morpheus’ own faith in Neo never wavers.

When Morpheus states “He’s beginning to believe” is the scene when Neo opts to no longer run. Neo turns and directly faces an Agent.  In doing so he knows he commits to doing something that everyone has stated is impossible.  Until that point he had been directed by signs or shepherded to reaching his true potential.  This is the first time he takes his own direct action, not based on any sense of duty or honor, but simply by holding the thought that he is indeed “The One”.

Spirit’s faith in you is as unshakeable as Morpheus’ faith in Neo.  We each have our own path to walk and it is perfect in how it unfolds and is revealed.  Each and every moment the Infinite is watching and supporting you knowing with complete faith and confidence that you are already complete. whole and Divine.

We each have our own path to walk.  No one can open the door for you.  But we can know, believe and support you.  And we can all share our experiences along the path.  It is with knowledge of the faith of the Infinite in us that we can begin to believe in the truth that we are all “The One”.

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“Do not try and bend the spoon. That’s impossible. Instead… only try to realize the truth.”
“What truth?”
“There is no spoon.”
“There is no spoon?”
“Then you’ll see, that it is not the spoon that bends, it is only yourself.”

I pray.  I pray often and in different ways.

That was not always the case.  There were many years where I did not pray at all.  This was the time between being a child who could look to a simple view of God and make pleas for what I wanted, and the time of reaching a different understanding of God.  During that in-between time, the concept of praying to a God for what I wanted simply did not resonate.  Something inside me knew that it was fundamentally flawed to be constantly asking for what I wanted.  Of course, this expressed itself in my life with harsh individualism.  With the idea that anything I had to work and scrape for anything I wanted.   In many ways that path worked.  In a few important ways, it didn’t.

Fostering a relationship with Spirit has been a fairly recent development.  It only came after my experience listening to Rev Dr. Kathianne Lewis.  It allowed me to open up to an entirely different concept of God.  One that not only felt true, but that allowed me to thrive in truth.  The truth that I need not ask for anything, because the good is always present.  That all I needed to do was accept the blessings that Spirit always has in front of us.

Coming to the realization that the concept of Spirit was far greater than anything I had been taught opened me back up to prayer.  And now I pray often.  I would say “daily”, but that is not really accurate.  I do actively perform “affirmative prayer” (which I highly recommend, because it works), but that is only part of my practice.  With a concept of Spirit as One and All, ever present, always whole, always complete, I am able to pray visually; imaging myself experiencing what it is I desire.  Feeling the Joy and Love of that experience as if it is now, and making it Now!

Seeing my body as pure Spirit.  Substance that is whole, powerful and expressive.  Even when I work out at the gym, I revel in the touch of skin to steel.  Marvel at the body machine as a miracle of Spirit, and seeing Spirit do the work and transform my body into the tool that exists purely for the expression of Health, Love and Light.

I pray knowing that Spirit is present, whole and complete and does not change for me (or anyone else) through prayer.  God is the constant completeness.

I pray because when I do, I bend.  And as my concept and understanding of Spirit grows and as I continue my practice, I bend and stretch to be a larger expression of  the greatness of the ever present Spirit.

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I started out this morning reading.  Not that uncommon, as I generally start my day with a cup of coffee and catching up on friends, news and work.  But I came across a series of articles today that all seemed to fit the general discussion of Spiritual Not Religious.

A quote from this article,  Are Rational Religious People All That Rare?, caught my attention.

Our minds very easily cling to a “Santa Claus” view of God, believing that if we do good things, we will be rewarded, but if we do bad things, we will be punished. That may be comforting when we are children (or even as adults!), but when are able to become more rational, we see that it’s a hard belief to justify. Not only that, uncritical religious thinking can easily lead to narrow-mindedness and arrogance, and has justified wars, genocides, oppression and great injustice.

For me one of the biggest issues I had with traditional religions was the idea of the “Big Guy in the Sky” concept of God.  A concept where God was a person (usually depicted as a man), who granted favors or doled out punishment.  If that basic premise was not bad enough, that God was one who seemed to be swayed by petty jealousy, mood swings and the need to be worshiped by us in order to care for us.  Not my cup of tea for a foundation to the most intimate of relationships.

And what does this mean if  We are as we see God?

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