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Sunday 02/15/2009
When we rest in the silent awareness of our own spiritual nature, the door of infinite blessing opens to us and we are invited to enter the kingdom of divine possibility, to realize that our life is God’s life, and to see with the eye of spiritual wisdom that we are one with the Source of all that is.
Ellen Grace O'Brian
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Monday 02/16/2009
Spiritual practice takes place in the moment-to-moment choices we make. Meditating, studying scripture, charitable giving, or other actions we might consider as “our practice” are preparation for the actual spiritual practice of fully conscious living. Sometimes people think, “I don’t have enough time for spiritual practice.” But this moment is the time we practice. We practice by the choices we make.
Ellen Grace O'Brian
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Tuesday 02/17/2009
Spiritual practice is choosing peace, clarity, and compassion in thought, speech, and action. We have only to observe our thoughts and choices to determine whether we are aligning ourselves with peace, chasing after desires, or succumbing to depression or inertia. Practice is making any corrections needed. In this way, our spiritual practice moves from the theoretical to the actual building of character.
Ellen Grace O'Brian
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Wednesday 02/18/2009
Just as one thorn may be used to remove another embedded in one’s foot, so can we use desire itself to remove the negative force of desiring. Most desires lead us further from the truth that we are already complete as we erroneously seek the freedom and happiness that is inherent to our soul nature. Ultimately all desire must be transcended but initially the desire for God or peace can bring us closer to truth. After the thorn is used to remove the one embedded, both are tossed aside.
Ellen Grace O'Brian
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Thursday 02/19/2009
When we worry, our mind is preoccupied with thoughts of the future. With despair, it returns to the past. Awareness of our essential spiritual nature requires us to bring our attention into the present moment. Only in the pure present—not one moment before or after—can we experience freedom from want.
Ellen Grace O'Brian
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Friday 02/20/2009
Forgiveness has little to do with the person who has committed a wrong against us; it is about us and how we want to live. To forgive, or to become willing to forgive, frees us. It brings us back into the present moment where love is available and we are free to choose it.
Ellen Grace O'Brian
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Saturday 02/21/2009
If we are hurt by criticism, we can deduce that we are also seduced by praise. Both praise and blame can be practice prompters for us. When we feel ourselves getting involved with another person’s opinions of us, it is an opportunity for self-inquiry. With praise, inwardly release attachment and give thanks to God for all gifts worthy of praise. In times of blame or criticism, ask if there is any truth in it. If so, use it as an opportunity to grow.
Ellen Grace O'Brian
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