A few years ago, I wrote a book called “Forever…and 365 Days” which described the daily thoughts and actions of a metaphysics teacher, like myself. One of the chapters dealt with the idea of God and what it means to different people. I’m certain, each of us has a different sense of this Almighty Power.

In my networking efforts I connected with an inspirational author, who to my surprise also served as a pastor in Northern California. He befriended me on my metaphysical Facebook page, and I thought about how I would answer him if he, being a man of God, would ask me:

“What is your idea of God and what does God mean to you?”

I would answer him without hesitation:
God is Universal power, the Almighty substance that sustains all life. I am part of this substance called Consciousness. I can think, and thinking is the conscious activity of this substance led by God’s urge of expression.

God is Wisdom. So, I, being part of this Wisdom, must choose wisely as to what I think. It is my duty!

God is good. So, I must be and act good to live up to God’s standards. It is my duty!

God is Intelligence. So, I, being part of this Intelligence, must act intelligently and in accordance with the Truth. It is my duty!

Most of all: God is Love. So, I, being part of Love must love unconditionally all Life. It is my duty!
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I am a fragment of God’s essence, and I must honor my heritage.
Yes, this is how I would answer his question. Time to practice! 

I had a conversation with a friend the other day and caught myself complaining about some trivial things. You know: the service at this restaurant is too slow, I like the food but there aren’t enough vegetarian options on the menu…the weather has been too hot – now suddenly, it’s too cold. The pool isn’t usable anymore, the pool man didn’t do a good job this time, whine, whine, whine,…
 
I really gave this some thought and realized that it’s not just about things that are not perfect, but the complaints include people who are not behaving the way I (we) expect them to. All in all, things are just not the way I (we) would like them to be. This person seems nice, but…The gardener didn’t clean the yard good enough…the store was out of so many things…and on and on!
 
Once sucked into the vortex of negativity, the mood darkens, it sets the tone for the day, and trouble is closely lurking around the corner. Why is it that we constantly find something that is not exactly to our liking? Should we accept the things as they are?
 
The above comment “Finding fault is finding trouble”, coined by W. W. Walter has stuck with me through the years. It’s a subtle reminder that our work is to stop finding fault in others, things, and situations, because when we do this “fault finding”, we are giving power to negativity. We see others and our environment as incomplete and less than good. The truth is, the errors of others aren’t our affairs and frankly, they are none of our business. Nevertheless, sometimes I continue to look deeper and deeper into the faults of others instead of keeping my focus on self. Yes, let’s be frank, I have enough to correct in myself. It keeps me busy!
 
The comforting thought, however, is that we are all in a state of unfoldment relative to our understanding of how Mind works. Our only duty is our daily mental work, practicing and striving to correct ourselves. We need to address all our habits. Good or bad, we need to look at them honestly. Then we can correct misconceptions within self and stay busy with our own unfoldment. Let us find the virtuous, not faulty – let us celebrate this everlasting goodness within!
With Love, ULRIKE

Overcoming loneliness is on the agenda this sunny day. It’s not often that I feel this way, but certain events have left me wondering about the value of companionship.

Yes, I have learned and know, that all is contained within. I’ve attempted for a long time to grasp this fact of oneness. Intellectually, this realization taught me that I am never alone, but always all-one. This is a Universal Law. However, emotionally at times, I struggle with this concept. It takes inner strength to see the Truth within.

This inner strength of truly knowing the Divine Presence is already within each and every one of us, will eternally provide continuous strength and support, and I will always feel loved and cared for.

But the main thing to remember is that I have myself, my loving, perfect and already complete self. And this all-embracing ‘self’ is the source I can draw from when I feel less than, abandoned or lonely. This inner strength, once I know and trust my own Spirit, will guide and protect me from any and all emotional and mental pain.

When I feel alone, fighting the battle by myself, always carrying the burden – I know in my heart that this sense of heaviness is self-inflicted. So, how can I change this daily load to a more positive and lighthearted experience? Can I let go of this self-inflicted weight and worrisome attitude? What causes this intense sense of separation and loneliness?
Is it that I separate myself from God, this Universal power that sustains all? Does this sense of separation—which is only an illusion, as it is impossible to separate from your life source—leave me feeling empty and in a constant struggle?

So many questions are yearning for answers. I believe I can change my sense to a lighter outlook by letting go and by knowing that all is good and for a good purpose. ‘Nothing, absolutely nothing happens in God’s world by mistake’, says the Acceptance Prayer. I must continue to have faith in the Allness of Good, there is no other way. I must start from this premise of goodness being the underlying principle of all life. Only then can I let go of what seems burdensome and oppressive.

“I think - and that is all that I AM. My awareness of self - is all that I AM. I AM that I AM.”
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With Love, Ulrike