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Tuesday 06/17/2014
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.
Ellen Grace O'Brian
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Wednesday 06/18/2014
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 06/19/2014
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 06/20/2014
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 06/21/2014
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, 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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Sunday 06/22/2014
Establishing a routine of meditation is similar to beginning an exercise program. At first the body and mind resist; then the positive benefits begin to influence our decision-making process. When the subtle pleasure, or bliss, of meditation permeates the mental field we start to want to meditate and miss it if we don’t. Persevering to this point establishes a positive habit and brings us joy.
Ellen Grace O'Brian
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Monday 06/23/2014
God’s will refers to the highest good, or the fulfillment of divine purpose. God’s will for the individual does not differ from that individual soul’s true desire for fulfillment and liberation. We can trust in God because God is our Life, not separate from our essential Self.
Ellen Grace O'Brian
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