Spiritual Lip Service

What do you believe? We believe in all sorts of things. Conspiracy theories of all kinds abound, aliens in the White House, Elvis sightings, remember, though no one admits to reading them, those tabloids by the check out counter sell millions of copies every week. The more curious beliefs aside, many worship at the alter of sports teams, politicians/political causes or even the environment, their ardor equal too and often exceeding that of the most devout church goers. I wish to make no value judgment on anyone’s secular beliefs, only that we have a capacity for passionate belief and commitment to an unlimited number of things. The question then is a matter of priority. I always find it curious when approached by a new student to metaphysics whom has spent untold hours in discussion/debate on a sport or team, politics or some cause but has had only a passing interest in the state of their soul or spiritual matters in general.

When the time comes, and it comes for all since our time in this flesh is finite, where will we stand? Will a life dedicated to secular pursuits and interests be of much assistance when faced with the ultimate and eternal? Is there really anything more important than our connection with God, Our Father or defining the spiritual parameters by which we live?

Please, do not misunderstand; be passionate, root for your team, campaign for your beliefs and stand for the issues that move you, but we must not neglect taking stock, an honest inventory of our life to ascertain where we really stand spiritually.

For those who belong to an organized Religion, our inventory is just as significant. Do we really believe what is being taught or are we paying it lip service with little passion, attending out of rote rather than deeply held conviction? How involved are we, for we reap as we sow. Are we committed to the beliefs our church espouses, the religion we choose, since we always demonstrate belief and commitment by our actions.

No one can take stock for us, so begin today to honestly inventory your beliefs, for spiritual honesty is a requisite if we are to find our true voice and place, to know peace and to comprehend serenity. What could possibly be of greater importance?

Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

 

Spiritual Jell-O

“The universe is run exactly on the lines of a cafeteria” Emmet Fox.  Just as at a self serve cafeteria, all of the gifts Our Father’s grace provides are laid out before us, but it is up to us to take the action to claim these gifts, for just as the cafeteria where we can sit wanting, watching others eating all around us, we remain hungry until we act. We must rise up in spirit and claim our spiritual nourishment through prayer, meditation and service, putting into action/demonstration the truths we have come to hold in our heart. We resist the alluring spiritual shortcuts arrayed before us that ultimately lead only to tears, for this would be akin to trying to exist on jell-o and desserts alone. Though colorful, tasty and satisfying in the moment, it is ultimately spiritually deadly if we try to exist on these solely. Spiritual Jell-o, you heard it here first, refunds available upon request.

Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

 

Spiritually: Tide Pool Or Salt Marsh?

Ever been to a tide pool or salt marsh?  A tide pool is consistently refreshed with an influx of new water with the rising of the tides while the salt marsh is only sporadically refreshed. While a tide pool is vibrant and fresh, a salt marsh smells of stagnation and rot.  As is true for tide pools and salt marshes, such is our spiritual lives. When we become static, stagnant in our thinking, restricting or worse, shutting off the fresh flow of experience taken to heart, we become resistant to change and slow or even completely stifle our spiritual growth.

Living on the Spiritual Basis when one door closes we rejoice, for we have reached the end of this part of the journey and fearlessly (I know, easier said than done, which is why we rely on God for strength) we stride through the new door opening before us, knowing that God is with us and will keep us unharmed if we are about His business: our ultimate awakening in Spirit.

Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

 

Words To Live By

Easy does it! Work hard but don’t make hard work of it. Has worry or being so tense a loud noise makes you jump ever improved or changed the outcome of any undertaking? Not in my experience. Take all prudent steps and indicated action but when this is accomplished, stop. Nothing positive can be had by redoing or rehashing something that was already well done. Worry and being tense are simply forms of fear, for truly, what is there to be afraid of? Living on the Spiritual Basis we cannot serve two masters, we are in the world but not of it. We are all children of God, loved beyond measure, eternal in every aspect that matters. We keep our head where our hands are and address the tasks at hand, and when done; we leave the results to God, reminding ourselves that, though our true Self is eternal, we live one day at a time. 

Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

 

Black Cats And Superstition

Step on a crack and break your mama’s back, three on a match, a dead man’s shoes, 7 years bad luck if you break a mirror, black cat crossing your path, spilled salt, anything 13, walking under a ladder, etc we have all heard these superstitions and many more. Many believe that life is influenced by seemingly random negative occurrences like these. When we begin to Live on the Spiritual Basis it becomes clear that life is filled with uncontrollable and unavoidable moments of broken mirrors, sidewalk cracks, black cats etc. and the only power they possess is that which we choose to give them. Living on the Spiritual Basis has taught us there is only one power, God as we understand Him. Superstitions, sacred cows and their ilk are all curious impediments to living happy, joyous and free, pulling us from the light and into self centered fear. Oh, in complete disclosure, I have two black cats, they made me tell you for God knows I wouldn‘t think of crossing them.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

Consistent Action, Day By Day

What do you believe, really? A double minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8). Is there a bookshelf full of spiritual books near you? Remember how uplifting they were when first read? Your Erroneous Zones, The Sermon on the Mount, The Purpose Driven Life, Joshua, Make Your Life Worthwhile, Never Alone, Just Like Jesus, The Secret, The Power of Intention, A Course In Miracles are just a few within my arms reach. All interesting and uplifting in their own right, providing valuable information, I found however that they are all variations on the same theme. Living on the Spiritual Basis.

Today mine eye is single and my vision has never been better. Many roads lead to Jerusalem, but we must pick one and stay on it, investing time and study in the path. A casual reading or passing assent avails us what all spiritual half measures deliver, nothing. To grow in awareness and understanding requires consistent unselfish constructive action on our part, being irresolute, complacent or cocky leads only to tears.

So we do not allow the tides of popularity to sway us, we have set our feet strongly on a chosen path, profiting in knowledge. We do remain open-minded, learning from all but clear in what we believe and the path of enlightenment we have chosen to follow, remembering, this is the road less traveled and there will be times when we seemingly are walking alone but in truth, He is always by our side.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

Piercing Ourself With Sorrow

Who has not heard, or some variation of, the quote: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10). Well, at least the first part anyway. Consider how many “successful” people throughout history have attempted to translate wealth into a position of power, to impress their will on others because of the false belief that financial success equals spiritual success. The supposed entitlement that wealth conveys unfortunately for many builds a barrier to enlightenment that often becomes insurmountable. To be clear: money is not the problem, the love of it is.

If our definition of success is based solely on possessions and wealth, we will have “gained the world but lost ourselves”, remember, he who dies with the most toys still dies and as much as we may wish to, we can’t take it with us. Many have tried and all have failed, we find them, disinter them and then parade them and their cherished possessions about, kind of creepy if you really stop and think about it, this grave robbing. Clearly it didn’t work out so well for them, did it? Additionally we all know or know of a family torn apart over an inheritance, money trumping love and family.

Living on the Spiritual Basis we learn to use money as the tool it truly is, to live well, enjoy life and praise God through our actions, demonstrating the path in every arena. God wants all His children to be happy, joyous and free and if we have been blessed with substantial resources, we seek ways to help others, preferably anonymously. For in this way we steer clear of the trap of love of money and avoid piercing ourselves through with many sorrows. 

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

The Way Of The Tyrant

Living by spiritual principles is not easy, no news flash there, and unfortunately many that do disagree on the path. Constructive conversation in congenial tones, on any topic, should be sought; unfortunately many are incapable of this. Their beliefs fall into the “my way or the highway” school of judgment, raised to Sacred Cow status, which leaves no room whatsoever for conversation, let alone congeniality. Spiritually, the “either get it my way or burn” club are individuals who have fallen prey to the temptation to exercise personal power over others. To make them toe the line, even to use others to advance their personal agenda, all for the greater good of course, the indelicate machinations of politicians notwithstanding, history is rife with those who may have started out with noble ideals but then began to believe their own press and (often unconsciously) placed themselves on the pedestal of “I know better” transforming from teacher to leader to tyrant.

Tyrant: 1. Absolute ruler: an absolute ruler who exercises power cruelly and unjustly 
2.  Authoritarian person: somebody who exercises authority unjustly and oppressively. 

To avoid this temptation is simple but not easy. It begins, and ends, with the absolute truth that all are equal in God’s eyes. The opening words of the Lord's Prayer,“Our Father” , states without doubt our relationship with Him who has all knowledge and power, all equally loved, the opportunity to live on the Spiritual Basis open to all, the key to freedom from this ignoble sin. When we look down on or speak derisively to or about anyone we open the door to the tyranny of spirit, hiding behind the straw man sentiment of “it’s for their own good.” To be free, we must salute their innate spirituality, recognizing the nobility of their spirit even though they are incapable of reciprocation.

We never shrink when confronted by tyrants, we stand firm, stating our belief with clarity and tact, resisting the temptation to reply in kind or worse, seek compromise using mollification of our belief as a method of avoiding the necessary confrontation. Tyrants only view this as weakness, our failure to stand strong in faith providing them license. An individuals demonstration belongs only to them, for all reap as they sow. Living on the Spiritual Basis we stand and deliver; without judgment or rancor, for flesh is ephemeral, the soul eternal. We will all fall short of this ideal, for such is the nature of being human, so we must always be gentle when dealing with ourselves, profiting from all experiences, sharing openly and honestly our highs and lows, successes and failures. Remember: liking or agreeing with someone is not a requisite for saluting their innate spirituality; it is our ultimate responsibility to one another as children of a loving God. In living this way we remain free of the temptation to exercise personal power over others.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

Becoming A Target

“When you raise your head above the crowd, you place a target on your back.”  Ever toss out a casual comment concerning a sports team or politician and find you have struck a nerve? When it happens we usually try to find a simple and quick exit since we had no intention of initiating a serious discussion or debate, especially with someone so emotionally attached and easily offended. Then there are those occasions when we watch the verbal battle lines being drawn, combatants square off and the war of words is joined. Most observers will remain quiet, silently rooting on their surrogate, choosing not to openly fly their flag (unless you pay attention to the little head nods). Why? Isn’t it because few enjoy being at the center of the storm, choosing the path of “silent assent” instead? Even believing possibly that others are better equipped to make “the” case than they are? And besides, what if we make a fool of ourselves? Then what will people think. It certainly won’t help if we look FOOLISH! Fear is a most powerful impediment to growth.

Secular discussions are one thing but the real devil jumps up when it comes to spiritual matters (politics a close second) for nothing engenders more passion than when we speak of God. By Living on the Spiritual Basis we cultivate peace, joy and harmony in our lives becoming beacons to others. Living in this manner we avoid gratuitous debate or attempt to answer "unasked questions", we let our life serve as the demonstration and when questioned we answer clearly and directly about what we are doing and how we live and avoid drifting into the “soft” sell in an attempt to avoid conflict with the questioner, remember, they approached you. We present our beliefs with tact and confidence, as one of God’s children we stand and rejoice in the opportunity to be of service and if persecuted/attacked do not shrink. Remain calm, stand tall and when the conversation ends, typically by letting them talk themselves out, we wish them well telling them we understand their position and perhaps they will consider ours. We withdraw, thanking God for knowing Him better; praying for continued enlightenment of all, and though we don’t look for trouble, we rejoice in the target on our back for there is no clearer indicator that we are on the right path.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

SERENITY

“We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace.” 

Serenity: calm and untroubled: without worry, stress or disturbance.

Consider a world where this is operative. A thing worth fighting for, no? Fighting for serenity, now there is a fight worth picking, the only fight that truly matters and we fight this fight by ceasing to fight everything and everyone. It begins with each of us, the path and process clear, requiring the ultimate sacrifice: the surrendering of self and our sacred cows as well as the belief that altering outside conditions, while leaving the inner untouched, is anything less than madness. We choose, just for today, to Live on the Spiritual Basis, embracing spirituality to the best of our current ability and understanding, for when we begin to comprehend serenity we become the true peacemakers, achieving not only peace of soul for ourselves, but ultimately for all for serenity in contagious.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

Peacemakers And Pigs Wearing Red Suspenders

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9). In contemplation some years ago I began thinking on the “enlightened” teachers of the East and elsewhere. Initially the thought was of how I would love to grow in consciousness, to attain the level of awareness they seemingly have attained. Then, out of the stillness a question formed, “why”? It’s amazing how a three letter word can raise the proverbial metaphysical devil. Why is a curious little word. In metaphysics, why is typically the booby prize. When a new student asks why this or that happened or why they need to follow directions they are usually looking for the “easier softer way”, a loophole to slip through avoiding the heavy lifting consciousness raising requires. My usual response is “because pigs don’t wear red suspenders, now you now why, now quit stalling and get to work.” Talking about building a house has never raised a single roof, deciding to go on a diet has never resulted in the loss of a single pound, it is only when we take action that change happens.

So in contemplation I began to consider the enlightened ones and the condition of the world in general. What has really changed in the last 2,000 years? Technology, general health and hygiene, transportation, better and more efficient ways of killing one another have all improved, but what of the state of our consciousness? Consider: Buddha, Jesus and other enlightened teacher’s message has been with us; in some cases thousands of years, yet we still act and think in much the same way we did during the time they lived, except now with smart phones, smart bombs and big screen TV‘s. How many have come to sit at the feet of a master in the last 2000 years? How has it changed the world? The argument can be made that without their and their student’s meditations and prayers the world would be much worse off than it is today, but I find that sentiment at best suspect.

So, who are the real peacemakers? Look in the mirror. The enlightened teachers have much to offer, but it is the raising of our consciousness by daily Living on the Spiritual Basis that transforms and improves the world. Through our raised consciousness the world approaches, one day at a time, one person at a time, the tipping point when it will metaphysically slap it’s self on the forehead and say: “what were we thinking!” finally assuming our true place as children of God. So today, Let there be peace, and let it begin with me.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

A Curious Thing

It is a curious thing; typically the first person to offer financial advice, often unsolicited, is someone who has never had any real finances to speak of. Relationship advice, typically someone who has never been in a real one or had a successful one is the first to step up. On a different level we all know the house painter, who does very nice work, but whose house always seems to be in need of paint. The obese/smoker doctor, the mechanic whose wife’s car is always in need of some kind of repair are almost cliché. One group is quick to comment on areas they have either no real experience or success in, the other, though quite knowledgeable and possibly accomplished have failed to practice what they know so well in their own lives.

Spiritually we must seek out those who have demonstrated that which we desire in our lives: peace, serenity, respect, life success, etc and ask them the questions on our heart, becoming willing to follow direction. To have a spiritual awakening we must be honest with ourselves about everything in our lives, open-minded to learn and experience new ways of thinking and be willing to change. For in truth we all reap as we have sown. 

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

The Sharpest Instrument

When Living on the Spiritual Basis one of the hardest tasks in life is to not answer the unasked question. To illustrate: I had been working spiritually with a young man for some years and though he sought answers and asked the right questions, he was blocked from writing the answers on his heart. On the surface his life appeared well put together, successful provider, caring family man, giving attentive friend, of service to his community, friends, even strangers. His laugh quick and genuine, handshake firm, but he had a secret that in the end cost him nearly everything. I knew of his secret for many years, had I broached the subject with him, unbidden, we would have had a conversation that at first blush would have appeared positive but in reality would have marked the end of our relationship. How do I know? Bitter experience. So I waited. Answering only the questions asked, regularly biting back words, being circumspect to the best of my ability, praying regularly for him and his loved ones and asking in meditation for direction, hopeful for the day when he would step from ship to shore. It took him ten years and the fulfillment of the lesson: the only instrument sharp enough to cut away the excess of self is pain. I’m grateful it only took ten, for most unfortunately never disembark. What this man discovered is that he had the answers he needed all along, having asked most of the right questions along the way, all that was required was a commitment to follow through and truly do the work, thus transforming theory (mind) into belief (heart).  It has been said “when the heart speaks the heart listens” so do as this man finally did, take the things you “know” and put them to work in your life.  

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

  

A Simpler Level, Our Happy Destiny

If you are struggling with forming a conception of God, a simple way to begin is by setting aside any prejudice, animosity or preconceived notions concerning God and religion, and begin anew at a simpler level: that God is loving, intelligent and available. Loving: all are connected in spirit, no one favored over another, for if in fact God played favorites we would not live in a universe but a chaos. Intelligent: the creator of the universe is the epitome of intelligence. Available: if our prayers have no purchase, God unavailable to His creation, His children, we would be little more than animals and though all creatures great and small are noble, we alone posses the intuition to question. The Lion and Gazelle both graceful and a wonder in their own right never question their place in creation, only Mankind questions.

Additionally we must strife to be open minded and stay teachable. The surest way to shut oneself off from the sunlight of the spirit is to believe that there is nothing left to learn or because of fear we chose not to freely give of what we have learned, denying God, no crowing roosters required.

Finally, honesty. Be honest with the world but of much greater importance is being honest with ones self. When troubled or confused we ask for guidance in prayer and meditation, never allowing secrets to be the hidden driver behind our fears. We unburden ourselves of our secrets, and if we don’t know how, again we seek guidance in prayer and the answers will come if we are willing. By doing these simple, but not easy things we will begin to see God everywhere we turn, for Happy Destiny is not a destination, it is all around us now.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

Pure Of Heart And The Pebbles Path

The concept of a pure heart can be troubling, unless we possess the spiritual key. Once a heart has been touched by loss, sin, suffering of any kind, is it possible for that heart to ever truly be pure again? Some misguided souls would have us believe that it can't be, fortunately for “His” children, which in truth is all of us, this belief is false. Living on the Spiritual Basis we have learned that everything and everyone is connected. Every choice, decision and action having significance, from the seemingly mundane to the monumental, affecting not only ourselves but the entire world in the same manner as a pebble dropped in a pond.

When a pebble is dropped into a still pond the surface ripples emanate out in all directions, rebounding to eventually touch every shore. But what of the unseen ripples? As the pebble slips from sight, it’s journey continuing to the bed of the pond, it sends out unseen waves touching every aspect and every creature in and of the pond.

To be pure in heart is to know the pebbles path, aware of our true relationship with “Our Father." This new awareness, this filter for the issues of our heart, when intelligently used blesses us and all our brothers and sisters, for we now “see God” in everything and everyone, our true connection in Spirit revealed, saluting our innate spirituality, regardless of station or circumstances. Our pebble is our consciousness falling through an eternal, infinite pool, touching all and being touched by all, the pool nothing less than God's love and knowledge, purity personified. Our raised awareness cleansing us, renewing us as we travel through eternity hand in hand with our Father.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

Mercy, Cloudy Days And Dragons

Being merciful toward others is laudable, but what of the mercy we fail to show ourselves? Do you mentally (or worse, out loud) chastise yourself when a mistake is made or when some negative or objectionable thought floats through your mind? We all make mistakes and curious thoughts float up in everyone’s consciousness, so we must put away the mental cat of nine tails and demonstrate mercy in our own house (consciousness). God, Our Father, wants all His children to be: happy, joyous and free. So we stop berating ourselves and thank God that by knowing Him better we can learn from our mistakes and when those curious negative thoughts seem to appear from nowhere we can turn to Him in prayer, ask if there is anything to be learned (sometimes there is, but not always, often a cloudy day is just a cloudy day) and move on. Under no pretense do we engage in a hunt for the cause of the thought, attempting to root out it’s location in the psyche. To do so only opens us to the deadly trap of morbid reflection and in the ancient cartographer’s lexicon, there be dragons. If there is something to be known or learned, God will make it abundantly clear, so ask Him; but don’t go looking for dragons.

 ©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

True Mercy In Action

To show mercy to those in pain, whether physical or emotional, is of course a quality to be cultivated. But how merciful are our thoughts? It is the secret place the Great Teacher is really speaking too with the lesson: Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy (Matthew 7:1-5). To help but hold contempt in our heart for anyone, demonstrates having missed the point entirely. Having embraced Living on the Spiritual Basis does not mean we ignore the contemptible acts of others, but we must not confuse the act with the actor. In truth we recognize them, praying for the individuals consciousness to be raised and in meditation seek to improve conditions. Their acts will be addressed by the proper appointed secular authority if applicable and spiritually we are all ultimately responsible for our own demonstration, reaping what we have sown. A more seductive form of contempt is when we decide that anyone is beyond the pale, incapable of growth or spiritual understanding for any reason. The most spiritually handicapped individual’s life will improve when we shine the sunlight of the spirit, to the best of our ability at the time, on them. Sometimes the change in condition will be obvious, often however it will not be and that is none of our business anyway. What matters is our demonstration, for by our action we have raised not only our consciousness and the consciousness of those around us, but the entire world.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

What Does It Mean To Be Righteous?

Righteous. This word has been married with “self” so often that if someone is righteous it has a seemingly negative connotation, which could not be further from the truth. Since placing our feet on the path, wholeheartedly committed to Living on the Spiritual Basis; to become a righteous person means we are not only living by right conduct but embracing right thinking. Right thinking, now there is a loaded term. Right thinking; spiritually, means keeping an open mind, remaining teachable, refusing to accept negative thoughts or conditions as God‘s will, to truly practice patience, tolerance, kindliness and love in every area of life. Now, do not misunderstand, righteous does not mean we become servile or scraping, on the contrary. Our lives, the true demonstration of the path, will naturally attract inquiry from those seeking a better way of living but we do steer clear of argument and debate with those just seeking confrontation, avoiding the trap of being labeled: self-righteous. We stand firmly for our beliefs and will witness to them whenever or wherever it will serve any good.

To sum up: to be righteous means our conduct is right, that we are maintaining an open mind, are willing to learn and will honestly share our heartfelt beliefs whenever it will serve any good purpose.
So being righteous is a desired state of being, free of the concerns of self.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

Meek As Moses?

It is difficult for me to think of Moses and not picture in my minds eye Charlton Heston standing with arms raised, staff in hand, robes flowing, hair and beard blowing in the wind exhorting the Red Sea to part. Not exactly the secular definition of meek. Yet Moses is the epitome of Meek. To be meek spiritually means we have abandoned our old ways of thinking and living and have placed our feet solidly on the path of enlightenment, embracing Living on the Spiritual Basis. In this light we pray we stay the course, one day at a time, so in time we truly become “as meek as Moses.”

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson