Center for Spiritual Living Midtown

This week, we are invited to celebrate both our unity and our diversity. Recognizing our divine connection often requires vulnerability and the courage to support one another as we share our truths. While we may not always agree, each challenge presents an opportunity to recognize our Oneness and recommit to Unity.

You probably remember the quote, “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last,” from Martin Luther King Jr.'s “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963. The phrase was originally a line from an old spiritual, possibly the title of a song, and it represented the idea that slaves were finally free after death, as no one could own their soul. Dr. King used the phrase in his speech to signify hope and belief that one day, all people would be free from the constraints of injustice and oppression. On Thursday, June 19th, also known as Juneteenth, we commemorate the day in 1865 when Major Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in the state of Texas to share the news of the Emancipation Proclamation, announcing the official end of the Civil War and freeing the slaves. But in what areas of our lives are we not truly free, and instead live in bondage to old beliefs, stories, fears, resentments and regrets that keep us from expressing and experiencing all the good life has for us? Join Rev. Dr. Jerry Troyer for his talk on Sunday, June 15, remembering Father's Day as well as Juneteenth

Either consciously or unconsciously, everybody is setting the limits to what is unlimited good. As we make room in our heart for all the good in our life expands in every arena. 

This week we celebrate the varieties of Human expression and experience. Just as the world around us is an explosion of color and variety, humans are no exception. Just as evolution in the world continues toward greater complexity, we humans are discovering the same trend. With the same enthusiasm that we greet a new variety of roses or species of frogs, we are called to embrace the newly discovered varieties of human experiences.  Oneness does not equal sameness, rather, it is present as all of its various expressions of life. 

Standing firmly in and speaking clearly about the truth of who we are takes a lot of self-awareness and courage. This week, guest speaker and musical artist Rev. Kit Holmes takes us on a deep dive into the transformative power of speaking out for individual and collective liberation. Join us to learn how embracing our voice can pave the way for personal empowerment and collective progress.   You can listen to Kit's music and learn more about her at www.kitholmesinc.com and on social media.

Join us this week as we discover how to find peace in our relationships and how Peace serves as a foundation for living an authentic life 

Whether we celebrate Mother's Day or not, the creative process is continuously taking place all around us. New life springs forth; seeds sprout; babies are born; and ideas are made manifest. Let's acknowledge the wholeness of life by exploring the sacred Divine Feminine. That's a concept worth celebrating! 

Concept: The Biblical verse in Proverbs 23:7 states, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Accordingly, what do the events in our lives reveal about the contents of our hearts / consciousness? The moment we choose to think and believe differently is the moment that our experience begins to shift.

In this talk, Nerissa Street speaks about the hidden barriers to activating the principle of Regenerativity in our lives and the surprising way to move forward with humor and grace.  

Resurrection is not a one time event. We can resurrect our life any time we make the choice to live in a different way. As Meister Eckhart reminds us, “The birth of the divine son needs to take place in each of us.”

There is a passage in the Bible, Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but those that keepeth the law, happy are they.” To this point, how many of us are aimlessly living with no “compass” to direct the way? This week, we are invited to identify our vision and to live into it actively. To see the horizon and go beyond the beyond of how we are conditioned to think, feel, interact, and live!   Grab your copy of the New Minister Sacred Covenant   https://cslmidtown.org/wp-content/uploads/new-minister-prayer.pdf 

Prior to assisting others in their growth, you must first nurture and nourish the extraordinary seeds you plant within yourself. Then the blessings you experience can be shared with others.   Look at the website for your copy of the New Minister Sacred Covenant. https://cslmidtown.org/wp-content/uploads/new-minister-prayer.pdf 

CSL Midtown is in a powerful and exciting time as a new Senior Minister is being welcomed into the life and love of this Center. The Co-Creation Process and the Sacred Covenant have established a new mental equivalent and set in motion the mystery of change. The opportunity is for all members to open their hearts, to be fertile soil and to accept and embrace the Good of a new experience of a New Minister.

Today we celebrate the possibility of new beginnings. The spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere is celebrated by planting new ideas, celebrating love, and acknowledging the return of the light.  This Sunday let's have a spring awakening in our spiritual practices by setting our intentions and consciously using the Creative Process. It is a good day to begin again! 

“I got it, I lost it.” Does this sound familiar? As we move through life, we will continue to experience moments where we feel like we've got it—and moments where we feel like we've lost it. But the truth is, in every moment, we are already whole. We are already connected to our True Divine Nature. 

How do we distinguish between the chattering voice of our ego and the true voice of intuition. Can the answer be found in spiritual practice?

The seeds of awakening and love are in all people and all species on earth. With a spiritual dimension in your life, you will live more deeply in every moment. With that energy you will shift the consciousness of those around you, which shifts the consciousness of the organizations we serve and communities to which we belong. All this is necessary if we wish to create a world that works for all life.

Rev Jean talks about different Women and how they changed and pioneered in the world and in new thought.

Our theme for the month serves as a reminder of our responsibility, as light workers, to stay conscious; to stay alert, aware and awake for our consciousness is needed now more than ever in human history. It is a reminder of who we are as co-creators of the Universe. It is a reminder for us to be still and know. Mindful Living is a way of life to live in the State of Love.   Page 496/2 of the textbook reads and I quote” We have the mind of Christ in such degree as we trust implicitly in the Universe, and no longer do those things which contradict the fundamental goodness. From the Mind, proceeds the Perfect Law, which is the Law of Liberty”. End of quote.  Living mindfully allows us to live within the Law of Love. We will share with you Three concepts to aid in cultivating the art of Mindful living. 

We've all heard the age-old question: “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” But what about our happiness? Do all the great things we experience in life make us happy, or does knowing the truth of our intrinsic happiness create all the great things in our life? Which comes first? Let's discuss why happiness matters, and how using spiritual principles helps us experience more of it! 

When we can free ourselves from the idea of separateness, we have compassion and understanding, and the energy we need to transform ourselves and the world. Affirmation: I embrace my connection with all life.

Infinite potential is inherent in life; however, we must consciously choose, and be open to, the limitless possibilities for our lives. This week we will explore how to open the door to opportunities and avoid sleepwalking through our life. 

Do you see yourself as a being in God or something less?  Dr Fox explores options to help you with the understanding that you are truly unlimited.

Is it time to Declutter? What does it mean to declutter? Not only the physical spaces (homes, apartments, cars, offices) but the spaces of our lives as a whole! We cannot effectively live our lives while something other than our highest and best occupies the space of our lives. We will explore and practice how to move into a space where we can effectively create and live the life we desire and deserve. Be warned… This means some things will need to be removed in order to Make Space for “It!”

As we move into 2025, many of us will vow to do something new or different. Do you and I really decide or just think about making changes? We have the power and ability to start anew every moment of every day, if we truly make the decision to do so. There is no need to wait for a special date to do so, because there is only the eternal now. We can celebrate our greater good any time, because Spirit always says yes!

What have you done to prove to yourself you have expanded your consciousness by practicing principles shared throughout this year? The Theme “A Grand Rising” was presented to aid in that expansion. We say we are open at the top. It is one thing to be open, it is another to expand into that openness. There is an old Zen saying, “When you get to the top of the mountain, Keep climbing. The Principles – The mountain– stay the same. Our relation to them expands as our minds, heart and wisdom expand. It is comfortable to stay with the old – but growth does not happen in old comfort. We will review four principles that require that we keep climbing the mountain to continue to rise in consciousness.

Christmas is about the kind thought. The gentle act, giving our humanity to humanity. As Mother Theresa said, “It's not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”

Be like water… How often have you heard, read, been told, or told someone else to “go with the flow?” How often was the way to do this also shared? Living Beyond the Beyond by live a Trans-Spiritual life is in and of itself an embodied way of living in the flow and as the flow itself! We think of our world as solid, but Holmes reminds us that “we are dealing with a fluent force.” We can learn to flow with liquid law and not be stopped by appearances of solidity. It takes a shift of consciousness and a grounding in Truth Principles to look “solid facts” in the eye and say, “You are not so real after all!” Just as we have come to understand that thoughts are things, we also become aware that things are thoughts in form. Changing our Mental Equivalents, changes the things.

Thanksgiving is about recognizing our blessings and appreciating all the things for which we are grateful. Hanukkah celebrates the faith that keeps the Light when darkness seems inevitable. The Winter Solstice rejoices in the Light emerging from the dark. Christmas honors the birth of a new possibility in the Human experience. Kwanzaa celebrates community and unity in diversity. New Year's Eve and Day invite us to acknowledge and release the past while preparing for a brilliant new future. “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” – St. Augustine. Our Soul is not bound – our choices (conscious or unconscious) make an impress in creative Law, which continually creates for us until we become conscious- change our Mind and move toward our conscious intentions.

Have you noticed that everything seems to be changing? The weather—the county—time seems to be speeding up. Attention spans seem shorter. Feelings are rampaging for some. On an individual scale some are grieving while others are celebrating. It seems that the one thing that we can count on is change. While that may be cliche, it is true, nevertheless. How then shall we live? The New Age demands that the fear and superstition surrounding religious convictions be removed, and that the Truth, plain, simple, and direct, be presented that people may learn to live now, in the present, with the assurance that the eternal God is their refuge. ~ Ernest Holmes, LSOM, p. 74

The title says it all! Let's talk about one of the most famous miracles in the Bible: the “loaves and fishes” feeding of the multitude. We'll study the steps that took place for such a miraculous demonstration of abundance. We'll also discover how a monkey can prevent us from creating our own miracles. A talk you won't want to miss!

The message will examine fear from a number of perspectives. It will also examine how to use Science of Mind Principles to deal with change, and discuss five steps we can take to live a more purpose filled life.

In a time of division and discord, join us for a spiritual talk exploring the power of Oneness. Discover how focusing on shared values and embracing our inherent unity can heal the rifts that separate us.  Drawing wisdom from spiritual teachers we'll delve into:  The Importance of Seeking Unity – prioritizing our common ground over our differences is crucial for collective healing.  Embracing Diversity – tolerance and acceptance of differing perspectives pave the path towards oneness.  The Joy of Inclusion –  true happiness lies in expanding our circle of love and embracing all of humanity.  Together, let's rediscover the power of unity and create a more harmonious world. 

Humanity is at a breaking point, and many of us are beginning to realize we need each other! Something magical happens when we come together and recognize our shared intentions and our shared sense of purpose. It can help us navigate world events that feel chaotic, destructive, and exhausting. Let's explore our collective power as believers and deep thinkers, with practical ideas and suggestions for moving forward.

The journey toward personal power is always going on within us, within our lives. How power shows up and out pictures in our life experiences reveals our Mental Equivalents and the content and quality of our Trans-Spiritual work. Questions to ask ourselves include; is there a hidden agenda in my expression of power? How does my expression of power relate to my values? Does my power in any way diminish another person's quality of life? When asked what to pray for, Ernest Holmes answered by saying we can pray for anything that brings more life and harms no one. This approach works with our use of power as well. Am I using my power to bring more Life-Affirming experiences to the world? Does my expression of power heal or harm others? How can I use my personal power in a more clean and life-sustaining way?

Many of us may have triggers regarding our experience of power.   When we give ourselves permission to go within to discover our beliefs around power, there are tools that we can use for ourselves and others, to begin healing our relationship with our inner power.  Healing these triggers allows us to be better able to stand in our own Power, more confidently. 

This past month CSL Midtown has explored inner Peace, Peace with others, Peace in community and World Peace. Today, we are going to put all the pieces of Peace together to explore the question, “What is mine to do?” to have a Grand Rising and reveal Peace on Earth Now.  We must practice the presence of peace consciously, definitely and deliberately. If we can do it individually and, in the family, and to a certain degree in our offices and businesses, which we can, why can't we do it for the whole world? We can.” —Ernest Holmes, “World Peace is not an Illusion”  Rev. Mignonne explores the One Love and One Peace that we can radiate throughout the world.  

Peace covers a lot of ground. It's more than just the absence of war and hostilities, which is what most people tend to think of when they hear the word “peace.” Let's explore peace in all its many forms. We'll take a look at where peace originates and some things we can do to make it a reality in our world. Hint: It starts with each of us individually.

There is no place like OM. Join us to experience the power of coming together as a CSL Peace Sangha—Spiritual Community–with the intention of stepping more fully into the vibration of Peace and Kindness in our own lives and those in our broader community.

Without looking at a definition, how would you describe forgiveness? Which has the stronger pull on your emotions: the need to forgive or the need to be forgiven? Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or condoning the wrongdoing, nor does the intention have to be about reconciling a relationship. The power in forgiveness is in the release of the baggage from past experiences; and being at peace with oneself — free to experience the gift of the present. I invite you to join me, as I explore how embracing an attribute of forgiveness can lead to spiritual freedom and peace within. “Forgiveness is a constant attitude, not just an occasional act”. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Have you ever felt like your world was falling to pieces and you didn't know what to do? Today we will share tools for your spiritual toolkit to have a Grand Rising from pieces into Peace, revealing deep Inner Peace. 

I grew up in St. Augustine, Florida home of the state's school for Deaf and Blind students. Ray Charles and Marcus Roberts, both amazing jazz musicians, attended that school. Marcus is classified as blind. However, when he plays the piano, his music opens up a world of textured colors and feelings for me. This week we will examine the idea of wholeness in the context of those who are” differently abled.” According to Science of Mind, every person is an individualization of the One Spirit, regardless of physical or mental abilities. Wholeness is not determined by physical conditions but by recognizing the inherent spiritual essence within everyone. Disabilities and differences are understood as unique expressions of the One Spirit, and physical or mental conditions do not limit a person's worth or spiritual potential. Come join this Sunday as we discuss one aspect of the nature of wholeness.

Sex is not just for procreation. Among human beings, sex is another way the Infinite Presence express Itself in pleasure. And when engaged in from a higher state of consciousness, it becomes a source of great power, the power to create a world that works for all. But first, we must be able to talk about it.

It is crucial that we begin to discuss the often taboo topic of trauma in our Spiritual communities if we are to support every individual's right to a grand rising. Very few, if any, people are immune from trauma, including individual experiences of abuse, ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), poverty, medical trauma, or collective experiences of war, displacement, terrorist attacks, mass shootings, and natural disasters, to name just a few. Science of Mind and Spirit provides a strong foundation of principles to support and facilitate healing, and yet we must go beyond knowing Truth in Spiritual Mind Treatment to applying a kind of “Trauma Informed” Science of Mind and Spirit which acts in ways that promote a truly holistic healing, wholeness, and compassion in our communities.

Today Rev. John is exploring how “others” can make our lives uncomfortable. Where is this discomfort coming from and where is it felt? Of the parties involved, who is the most uncomfortable? What do the others need to do to make us more at ease? Let us open our hearts and our minds to exploring this issue at this critical time in our journey.

My question to you is if Practice makes perfect imperfect, why practice? First, we define practice as the customary, habitual, or expected procedure or way of doing something: The reason for practice and why you came to the planet is to free yourself of the FITS (feeling, images and thoughts) you created out of innocence. The Purpose you came is to express the God that you are through your FITS. Dr. Holmes addresses our reason on the first page of the textbook, “The Divine Plan is one of Freedom, bondage is not God-ordained. Freedom is the birthright of every living soul. All instinctively feel this. The Truth points to freedom under law. Thus, the inherent nature of humans is forever seeking to express itself in terms of freedom.”

Accepting ourselves with all our angst, quirks, and imperfections is vulnerable, scary, and unapologetically authentic. Rumi invites us, “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right-doing, there is a field. I'll meet you there.” Authenticity opens us to a world of valuable learning experiences and unexpected breakthroughs.

The message is asking us to look at our lives and see where we place our attention and how that affects our life. We are the masters of our fate we write and direct the stories of our life. 

Have you ever felt like you had to be perfect or do something perfectly? Spiritually, we know we already are perfect, but we humans love to try anyway! Perfectionism is a tricky personal standard no one can meet. Let's explore our misguided pursuit of perfectionism, how it holds us back and potentially limits our spiritual growth. Perhaps there is something else we can do instead!

The Presence of God in us expresses in abundant ways. The more we give our unique expression permission to flow out into the world, the more radiant and abundant our life will become. Your Own Unique Expression is the key to living a healthy, happy and prosperous life.

If we believe in something so deeply and we decide to pursue it, we may feel a sense of freedom to accomplish it. There are no limits or barriers that can stop us. We feel like nothing is holding us back, and we are unbounded and unstoppable to express and manifest life's creativity. When we feel this way in God, we feel irrepressible and unrestrained, liberated and lifted, and ready to take on anything with faith, strength, and trust in the unlimited potential of the Infinite that is within and all around us.