Based On Assumption

The quality of our experience within so-called “reality” depends upon one assumption that is rarely, if ever, questioned. The assumption is this: That apparent “things” have existence apart from the mind in which they are seen. Because of this, we exhibit great confusion about our essential nature (which is Spirit) and the actual substance of the “world” in which we live. Believing our little “i” to be made of flesh and bones, we must assume that it requires a physical world made of “matter” in which to live. To this, I offer the following quote from an advanced-level law of attraction book entitled The Master Key System by Charles F. Haanel:

“All things have their origin in mind, and appearances are the result of thought. So we see that things in themselves have no origin, permanency, or reality. Since they are produced by thought, they can be erased by thought.”

Our instinctive reaction to this will most likely be as follows: “But, I can see myself; I can feel myself; I know that I am real as the body-mind.” At one time, I would have definitely agreed; but I can no longer. Having recognized true Self, I now realize that my body-mind is an appearance within Consciousness only. In spiritual terms, this is sometimes referred to as waking from the delusional belief of personhood. Let’s stoke this spiritual fire through the following quote from Neville Goddard and one of his wonderful books entitled Neville Goddard’s Interpretation of Scripture:

Things have no reality other than in consciousness. Therefore, get the consciousness first and the thing is compelled to appear.”

Let me be clear: This is not to say that things are not real; only that they are not absolutely real in the way that most readers may currently believe. An apparent person crossing the street who is struck hard by a car will still experience an injury and feel pain. The example of a desert mirage is often related; for although we know the mirage is not real (in the absolute sense), it still has an apparent reality within consciousness.

This glorious incarnation is an unparalleled opportunity to truly KNOW THYSELF. To awaken to true Self is to realize that our apparent human life is being lived within the waking state; which the majority of Beings erroneously assume to be foundational reality. Through comparative contemplation, we can realize that apparent matter, buildings, and persons are also experienced within the dream state. They must, however, be rendered only via the activity of the mind; for there is nothing other than mind from which they could be made.

With this knowledge, does the well-known placebo effect (in which an inactive ingredient within a pill yields a positive effect) now make more sense? Our beliefs (whether good or bad) that are habitually impressed upon the subconscious mind will be expressed as our apparent circumstances. Through more understanding, of ourselves and the way that creation occurs, we can deliberately choose our focus wisely and, thereby, attract the best outcomes possible.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2022 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. My YouTube videos may be found through this link. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. 🙏🧡

Thank You” & “Note to Publishers

Muscleman Joe

Muscleman Joe was “the man” at his local gym, and knowing that filled him with quiet pride. He had dedicated a major amount of his time and energy to achieving that status. All of the other weightlifters and bodybuilders, both male and female, considered him as the epitome of their sport. He possessed the strength, bulk, and definition that made the majority of them stand back in awe. He was the king of the chest press, squat, and deadlift. He had lost count of the number of first-place trophies that he’d won at various competitions.

In Joe’s mind, he (not surprisingly) held a crystal-clear image of who he thought he was. In his mind’s eye, he imagined himself as a successful bodybuilder, a veritable physical legend. Unbeknownst to Joe, however, his mind contained various other images, which (having been unwittingly impressed with feeling into the subconscious mind) were creating their effects. Like the greater unseen portion of an iceberg, these contents were causing other areas of Joe’s life to sink like the Titanic. His personal relationships were filled with conflict; his financial debt load was heavy; and his career path always veered from success.

One night after leaving the gym, Joe got into his truck and attempted to start the engine. Instead of hearing the familiar sound of a cranking engine, however, all that he initially heard was silence. It seemed to envelope him and force him to remain still. Within a few moments, he became even more bewildered when he heard a soft voice utter the following words:

You’ve been attempting to live a lie, Joe. Mistakenly, you believe that you are a physical bodybuilder. Given the conditioning of your environment, it’s understandable that you would believe that you are a person and, therefore, the doer; but such is an erroneous perspective. There is only one doer, Joe, and I Am That. Despite appearances to the contrary, I Am the One who lifts the weights…through you. I also beat your heart and breathe your lungs. To improve aspects of your life that you currently deem a failure, you must change the nature and quality of your thinking. There is no other way.”

When the message from the voice ended, Joe shook off his disbelief at what had occurred and pressed the starter button again. The car’s engine started without hesitation. Shaken with puzzlement, he then slowly drove home and soon fell into a deep sleep that lasted all night long.

***

In the coming months, Muscleman Joe began to flex spiritual government of his mind. Meditation and visualization became a regular part of his daily routine. Just as he deliberately chose which foods that he included in his diet, he learned to deliberately choose which thoughts he allowed entry into his mind. No longer did he dwell upon negative circumstances. It became his ingrained habit to remain strong in his true power; to seek opportunity in every situation. By embracing a new vision for his future (through persistent positive thoughts, imbued with the feeling of having already achieved his goals), he finally turned his circumstances around. In fact, in some circles he is now better known as Spirit Man Joe.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2022 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. My YouTube videos may be found through this link. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. 🙏🧡

Thank You” & “Note to Publishers

The Life of Your Dreams

It was the last day of The Life of Your Dreams Exhibition for the current year; and Matilda, who had just turned thirteen, was so excited to see it. As she approached the grand entrance, her hand that was holding her ticket began to shake noticeably, in rhythm to the flutter within her chest. She had purchased the ticket from a scalper who had assured her that it was real. When the two persons in front of her had shown their passes, she nervously stepped forward to the grey-haired man who was checking tickets. He was wearing a name tag that read Noel the Gnostic. With a kind smile, he accepted her ticket and slid it beneath a scanner. A second later, he and Matilda heard a loud “Buzzz,” and the machine spat out “D-E-N-I-E-D” in a flat digital voice.

“I’m sorry, Miss,” said the kindly man, “but your ticket is a fake. The price of admission is a real one.”

Suddenly, the pressure was too much for Matilda, and she began to sob.

“There, there, Miss,” said Noel, as he leaned down and handed her a tissue. “Come with me, and I’ll explain a little more.” As soon as a replacement employee had arrived, he guided Matilda toward a quiet cubical nearby.

“Honestly, Sir,” said Matilda, “I paid for my ticket. I thought it was good.”

“I understand,” said Noel, “but the ticket isn’t real. When I placed it under the scanning machine, the message that popped up on the screen was Hope instead of Faith.”

“What’s the difference?” asked Matilda, as her sobbing subsided.

“Well,” began Noel, “the price of admission to The Life of Your Dreams is faith. We must believe with all of our heart and absolutely trust that our desires will come true. Hope, on the other hand, is more like an idle wish. It lacks true power.”

Matilda was beginning to see the difference. “I guess I was just hoping,” she said.

“That’s understandable,” said Noel. “This life is an apparent journey, and we’re meant to learn from it. Would you like some friendly advice about how to make your dreams come true?”

“Yes, please,” said Matilda, as a tremor shook through her body.

“It’s much easier to switch from hope to faith when we truly know What–not who–we truly are. You may not realize this yet, but you are actually an unlimited co-creator of your life. You’re a walking and talking spark of God. What you believe can–and will–manifest when you persistently envision your dreams as being–NOW–already achieved. Every night before you fall asleep, imagine what you desire in living detail. The trick is to think from the end, which means to feel as though you already have the results that you desire to experience. Use as many of your senses as possible; see, hear, smell, taste, and touch your desire in your imagination. The thoughts that we repeatedly impress into our mind are like seeds planted in a garden. What we impress into our mind will eventually grow into the events and circumstances of our life.”

“Really?” said Matilda, with an innocence that touched Noel’s heart deeply.

“Yes,” he said, “absolutely.”

“Thank you for telling me,” said Matilda. She was about to turn and walk away, when Noel tapped her gently on the shoulder and gave her a twenty dollar note. “Here,” he said, “please put this towards your ticket price for next year. I’ll be here, waiting to see you.”

***

Dear Readers: Our experience–of ourselves and the world–appears only within Consciousness. This so-called “reality” occurs in much the same way that events seem to occur within our nighttime dreams. To inspire you to continue to have faith in the achievement of your desires, I offer you the following quotes from Neville Goddard, who was a Barbadian born mystic, author, and interpreter of Biblical truth:

God in you creates and sustains your world by the use (or misuse) of your human imagination.

***

Things have no reality other than in consciousness. Therefore, get the consciousness first and the thing is compelled to appear.”

***

The world which is described from observation is a manifestation of the mental activity of the observer.

***

Imagination and faith are the secrets of creation.

***

God is your consciousness.”

***

As in the subconscious, so on earth.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2022 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. My YouTube videos may be found through this link. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. 🙏🧡

Thank You” & “Note to Publishers

Moving Mountains

During the years that I have studied the law of attraction and our essential nature, I’ve faithfully used many affirmations. One of my favourites is the abridged version of the passage found in Matthew 17:20:

If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”

If the statement that “nothing shall be impossible unto you” seems too good to be true, please continue reading with an open mind. My initial interpretation of the passage was based upon a much more limited perspective; but now I know–not just believe–that all things are truly possible through God. As each of us is unique, the circumstantial mountains that we might desire to be removed will be different. For some persons, it might be a health issue or financial problem. For others, it could be a career challenge or conflict within a relationship. Whatever the nature of mountain we face, greater understanding plays a tremendously important role in removing it.

The biggest issue that all of us face is our own ignorance (meaning unawareness) of the nature of the world and our true Being. The majority of persons are unaware of their essential nature, but they are also unaware that they are unaware. Thus, they (as the apparent person) struggle against circumstances that often seem insurmountable. This was certainly the case with me. To gain greater clarity, we must let go of our assumptions and know REALITY as it IS. Let’s dive deeper into the subject by reading the following content from various books:

The Wish Fulfilled, by Neville Goddard

***

Before I Am, by Mooji

***

I Am That, Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

***

Living Truth, by Jean Klein

***

What you have read in the quotations is true. The reason why mountains can be moved by our belief is because they are “dream” mountains, made of mind. What we habitually affirm (through our thoughts, beliefs and actions) is confirmed as our apparent reality; but when we change our beliefs and attitudes, our problems are compelled to change. The well-known placebo effect illustrates this perfectly. When a patient has absolute faith that a medication or procedure will work, the treatment WORKS! The principle related to belief is shared in the Bible in Matthew 9:29, through the following words spoken by Jesus:

According to your faith be it unto you.”

To move our apparent personal mountains, it’s vitally important that we realize that we are–literally–not the body-mind (person). Such goes against every last bit of our mental conditioning. Therefore, we cannot possibly be the doer of actions. We are Awareness dreaming an apparently human life. This is also related in the Bible, in Acts 17:28:

For in him we live, and move, and have our being.”

The depth of this is more easily comprehended by contemplating that we also believe–with absolute certainty–that we are the doers during our nighttime dreams. Of course, when the dream ends, we realize that such couldn’t possibly have been the case–that all of the fantastic adventures, or scary situations, were rendered via the mind. Any actions that seemed to have been performed, occurred within a dream. The same holds true for this, the waking state. In Truth, we are the witness only.

Most Beings who are tightly bound to egoic identity will find the content of this article impossible to believe or, perhaps, even ludicrous; but its Truth may be known directly via the practice of self inquiry. Are you absolutely certain that you are the person? Can you actually be a name, or a body form that is changing moment to moment?

It took years for me to comprehend the nature of our mountains. The biggest challenge was my own lack of understanding. Perhaps you will also realize that you’ve been attempting to move mountains through an illusory character, instead of via the real YOU. Wouldn’t it be easier to let God within do it for you, and open yourself to life more abundant?

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2022 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. My YouTube videos may be found through this link. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. 🙏🧡

Thank You” & “Note to Publishers

Our Ruts of Fear

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of the word rut, as it relates to how I am applying it within this article, is as follows: “a track worn by a wheel or by habitual passage.” With regard to the human condition, persons often have certain ruts of fear that threaten, or outright deprive us of, our quality of life. For example, some individuals may be fearful of spiders, crowds, or dogs, which, thereby, limit their exploration of environments in which any of those three might be present. For other persons, the ruts of fear may be related to larger subjects, such as love, success, or fame. In any of these cases, either specific or general, our mental ruts are formed by repeatedly travelling the pathways of our fears.

At subconscious levels of our Being, our personal ruts of fear–which pretend to keep us safe–apply their subtle and subversive techniques and manipulation. At the brink of escape, as we reach for that which we most yearn, so-called logic or common sense often claws us back or blocks our pathway to success. It is then that the voice of the rut, most often disguised as a friend, whispers its haunting message: “Come back; come back to the safety of the known.” If given attention, our ruts of fear actually choke our lives of the very reason we breathe in the first place:

If not for the more joyful expression of the gifts within us,

why do we live?

Dear Readers: Please hear this message and let it resonate deeply within your heart. In all of our issues of life, greater awareness is the magic key to greater accomplishment and joy. Let not your ruts of fear keep you apparently safe, while the clock of your lifetime ticks the minutes away. It is only by examining our fears by the Light of Consciousness that they diminish.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2022 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. My YouTube videos may be found through this link. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. 🙏🧡

Thank You” & “Note to Publishers

Being Joy

The inversion of Truth (that things and achievement are the source of our joy) has become so prevalent in society that the majority of persons are unaware that it is an utter falsity. For reasons that are highly suspect, the story related to happiness/joy has become very corrupt. On a daily basis, we are informed that this, that, or another thing will guarantee our happiness. The problem is that the heavily-advertised equation is rarely, if ever, subjected to mathematical investigation for validity. Does 2 (money) + 2 (possessions/achievements) actually = 4 (lasting happiness)? If not, working persons are unknowingly subject to a system that cannot possibly yield the freedom and joy which they seek. Many will fall into an early grave, minus a nose lost to a heartless grindstone.

By the statements above, it might be easy for readers to assume that I’m against the finer objects and experiences of life. Such is definitely not the case; although I will admit that they have never held great importance or appeal. We are informed in books about the law of attraction that abundance–in all its various forms–actually allows us to live more fully; and with this, I most certainly agree. Through abundance, we may not only help ourselves but also extend our reach and capacity to help others. Therefore, we are wise to welcome abundance–in health, wealth, and relationships; for these represent our true wealth, which is awareness of God within.

The most effective method of deliberate manifestation functions directly opposite to what we’ve been told. When we express ourselves joyously, and ensure that our talents are applied to lift humanity, our success is literally guaranteed. It is then, through the sharing of our innate joy, that the symbolic rewards of that joy expressed will manifest in our lives. Galatians 6:7 states this clearly:  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” God, (aka Consciousness) cannot be mocked; for It is the Source of all intelligence and realizes the degree of sincerity within our intentions. When we give, we must give with our heart–purely! We must give as though we are the receiver of the gifts, because in Truth we actually are.

For many readers, a perfectly logical question may arise: “How am I supposed to give generously and express myself joyfully when I am impoverished of both?” In response, I offer the following: Can we now, if even modestly, offer sincere and humble gratitude for the goodness before us? Through the gift of my eyes, I am enabled to see the words upon this page. Through the gift of my fingers, I can type upon the keyboard. When we stop, even momentarily, and live with increased awareness, we will realize that there is always something for which we may give thanks. Likewise, through greater awareness, we realize that we can give a smile, hold open a door, or lend a hand–all of which cost nothing. These are not meaningless actions; they possess power to activate spiritual law that benefits everyone.

Just for the record (I’m sure the majority of readers realize this already), but the absolute best way of increasing our joy is by sharing it with others. Give, give, give! Give your friendly assistance; give your time and/or resources; give your smile. The good that we share immediately reveals its benefit within us. Be a joy unto others–through your service and daily interactions–and watch how the circumstances of your life change for the better.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2022 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. My YouTube videos may be found through this link. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. (F. A.) 🙏🧡

Thank You” & “Note to Publishers

Theo McFacts

Theo McFacts was forty-four going on ninety four, with a spirit so covered with body-mind debris that he seemed more dead than alive. That is to say that his perspective was almost always buried in the dank grave of his present circumstances and his oh-so-terrible personal history. If asked to tell of the last time he really felt unbridled joy, he would have been hard-pressed to offer an answer. Perhaps, that time when a two-for-one coupon unexpectedly arrived in his mailbox–yes; that was pretty neat, yes it was!

The point of sharing this account about Theo is not to ridicule him; not at all. The point is that without being aware of it, Theo had developed the unconscious habit of arguing for his limitations. Theo McFacts knew the facts, and no one was going to convince him otherwise! If he had been a defense lawyer, he would have won every case! The reason why he couldn’t fall in love again was that he had experienced a painful divorce ten years prior. The reason why he couldn’t start a new successful business was that he had started three that flopped in the past. The reason why he was destined to carry the spare tire of weight around his abdomen was that he had already tried every diet in the books. He would love to date a compatible woman, BUT, you see, it could just never work out. He would love to dream big, BUT, you see, that just isn’t practical. In short, Theo habitually defended an “I cannot” attitude. As many motivational speakers share, Theo was allowing the wake (story) of his boat (person) to determine the direction of his life.

All there is, is NOW. The past does not exist if we stop carrying it forward, through our attention to it. If you know someone like Theo, perhaps the following quotations will help him/her break free:

***

What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.”

Plutarch

***

There is but one consciousness in the universe able to think; and when it thinks, its thoughts become objective things to it.”

Charles F. Hannel (The Master Key System)

***

Certainty, Faith, Belief, is a necessary part of creating wealth–or anything else for that matter. It is that which gives the universe a go-ahead to do as you wish it to do.”

Daivd Cameron Gikandi (A Happy Pocketful of Money)

***

To know this law is enough: Whatever we accept as a permanent mental image in our consciousness must manifest in our world, for we become in life what we are in consciousness, and nothing can alter the fact.”

U.S. Anderson (The Magic In Your Mind)

***

All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men [women], for they act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible.”

T. E. Lawrence

***

Dear readers: Life is far more magical and vibrant than you may have assumed. The ideas, thoughts, and beliefs that we habitually entertain make a tremendous difference in the apparent circumstances that manifest in our life. Are you living the best life you can imagine?

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2022 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. My YouTube videos may be found through this link. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. 🙏🧡

Thank You” & “Note to Publishers

Baker’s Dozen: Power Quotes

There are many people who believe that they understand the law of attraction; but quite often that isn’t the case. To get the most from the following baker’s dozen of power quotes, a paradigm shift (from a matter-based world to a consciousness-only reality) is required. As you read the quotes, please imagine your body-mind to be as light as your character would feel to you in a nighttime dream. So-called daily “reality” is actually occurring within the waking state. This understanding (as challenging as that might be to your logical mind) is the key to help you manifest more of what you desire. What follows are thirteen of many law of attraction quotes that I have accumulated during years of study. May they help to awaken a deeper understanding within you:

There is but one consciousness in the universe able to think; and when it thinks, its thoughts become objective things to it.”

(The Master Key System, by Charles F. Haanel)

***

No living soul can demonstrate two things at the same time, if one contradicts the other. There is no way except to let go of all that you do not wish to come into your experience, and, in mind, take all that you do wish.”

(Creative Mind, by Ernest Holmes)

***

Wealth consciousness is simply the expansion of your consciousness and awareness into the wealthy parts of your Self.”

(A Happy Pocket Full of Money, by David Cameron Gikandi)

***

More gold has been mined from the minds of men, than the earth itself.”

(Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill)

***

There are only two things you can do for yourself. One is conception, and the other is conviction. All the work of creation rests with another than you. For no man is responsible for anything in his life except this thought and belief.”

(Three Magic Words,” by U. S. Andersen)

***

When you change the story you tell, the world changes too.”

(Magic Words, by Genevieve Davis)

***

Thought is the only power which can produce tangible riches from the formless substance. The stuff from which all things are made is a substance which thinks. A thought of form in the substance produces the form.”

(The Science of Getting Rich, by Wallace D. Wattles)

***

All is mind and we are mental, we are in mind and can only get from it what we first think into it. We must not only think but we must know. We have to provide within ourselves a mental and spiritual likeness for the thing desired.”

(Creative Mind, by Ernest Holmes)

***

The law is always the same, that our Thought forms a spiritual prototype which, if left undisturbed, will reproduce itself in external circumstances.”

(The Edinburgh Lectures on Mental Science, by Thomas Troward)

***

Thought creates the world. Thought brings things into existence.”

(Thought Power, by Sri Swami Sivananda)

***

The Power in you is the Creator of the world.”

(Illusion vs Reality, by Shri Ranjit Maharaj)

***

The mind is a magnet and attracts whatever corresponds to its ruling state. Whatever image is in mind, whatever we expect and think about, will tend to bring into our lives the things and conditions that in harmony therewith.”

(Working With The Law, by Raymond Holliwell)

***

Things have no reality other than in consciousness. Therefore, get the consciousness first and the thing is compelled to appear.”

(Neville Goddard’s Interpretation of Scripture, by Neville Goddard)

***

Because it’s in my nature to give, and we are always told to “go that extra mile in everything we do,” I’m going to close this article with another quote, to make it fourteen in total:

As the Divine Thought Energy flows through your consciousness and out into the phenomenal world to appear as prosperous experiences and conditions, its ‘plastic’ quality allows it to be impressed by the tone and shape of your dominant belief. Therefore, what you see, hear, taste, and smell are your beliefs objectified.”

(The Abundance Book, by John Randolph Price)

Dare to Dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2022 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. My YouTube videos may be found through this link. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. 🙏🧡

Thank You” & “Note to Publishers

The Better Way

If you are searching (as was I) for a better way to live and, thus, to experience an improvement in the circumstances of your life, I offer you the following examples to consider. When the principle behind them (which is Divine Love by All for All) is applied until it becomes our habitual way of Being, we will definitely notice positive changes in our life. The world of effects is a mirror to our innermost beliefs and assumptions; therefore, we do ourselves and everyone else a favour by maintaining our highest ideals. By practicing this way of Being in the easy times, we develop a strong mental muscle that proves of great service during the most challenging situations. So, onward…to the good life!

***

  • For that irate driver who swerves suddenly and almost causes an accident–LOVE him/her.
  • For your children who, unaware of the burden that you are carrying, take you for granted–LOVE them.
  • For your boss, who piles an increasing work load upon you and rarely, if ever, expresses praise, LOVE him/her.
  • For your friends, who at times may seem to be only fair-weather friends, LOVE them.
  • For your spouse who, in the midst of a challenging day, uncharacteristically snaps at you, LOVE him/her.
  • For your co-worker, who takes credit for your creative ideas, LOVE him/her.
  • For persons who, in dealing with their own fears, intolerantly demand your behaviour to mirror theirs, LOVE them.
  • For strangers who, in dealing with their own stressful lives, express anger toward you, LOVE them.
  • Last, but definitely not least: For you, when you make a mistake regarding best behaviour or the wisest choice, LOVE yourself.

The purpose of these examples is not to turn us into holier-than-thou persons willing to subjugate our needs at the expense of poor behaviour. The principle of Divine Love expressed is to free us from the negative repercussions that we attract when/if we retaliate with negative thoughts and behaviour. Like truly does attract like. Please realize, also, that although I’ve written that we are wise to express LOVE, this does not mean that we are to suppress our true feelings and tolerate abuse, of any nature. If it’s time to exit a situation that is harmful or demeaning, we must realize this and ensure that we protect ourselves and our best interests. It’s true that we teach others how to treat us; therefore, what we tolerate out of fear, we appear to condone.

The positive effects of this way of Being in the world will not occur overnight–but “occur” they will when we change within. As we apply the principle of Divine Love for all, our world will begin to change without. As ye sow, so shall ye reap is not a trite saying intended to appease the masses; it is spiritual law. What we sincerely feel in our heart (not that which we think/utter with idle lip service) is reflected back. The world (which is created via, and known by, Consciousness) reflects our innermost way of Being; and when we exercise our inner authority in a positive way, circumstances MUST change for the better. Of course, the way to prove this for yourself, is to put it into practice.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2022 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. My YouTube videos may be found through this link. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. 🙏🧡

Thank You” & “Note to Publishers

The Chain of Gratitude

Recently one morning, I had finished eating my breakfast of poached eggs, when a thought entered my mind about gratitude. I was actually brushing my teeth when it occurred. I found myself thinking, “thank you for my breakfast.” Just as quickly, another thought related to gratitude entered my awareness; leading to the following chain:

  • Thank you for the eggs.
  • Thank you for the bread, butter, and plate.
  • Thank you for the frying pan and stove.
  • Thank you for my kitchen.
  • Thank you for my refrigerator.
  • Thank you for my apartment, electricity, and running water…

As you can readily tell, the list of related items and conditions for which I gave thanks are like links of a chain. I soon actually chuckled to myself, because I realized the chain is endless. I’m glad that a willing and eager desire to offer thanks is within me. Such is part and parcel of realizing a good life.

I am not advocating a Pollyanna approach to life–far from it. People who deliberately give thanks still encounter challenging situations. My point about offering sincere gratitude is related to the science of neurophysiology. Hebb’s Rule, or Cell Assembly Theory, basically states the following: neurons that fire together, wire together. By practicing gratitude, we’re actually training our mind to deliver a positive outlook, which equates to less suffering.

As this relates to the law of attraction, it’s important to know the following: Whatever we practice becomes performed more easily. It, thus, becomes our habit. This also includes suffering and pity parties, in which we have trained our mind to label situations negatively. We can avoid worsening challenging times by ingraining a perspective in which we deliberately seek out the good that surrounds us. It is here. Napoleon Hill, who wrote Think and Grow Rich, was well aware of this. I offer one of his famous quotes:

Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.”

Gratitude, habitually and sincerely expressed, has the power to transform our lives. Circumstances and events that might have been considered commonplace (such as a breakfast of poached eggs) become miraculous. You might ask yourself the following: “What have I trained my mind to focus upon–that which I’ve labelled good, or that which I’ve labelled bad?” If you’re seeking to improve the quality of your life, I highly recommend introducing, or continuing, the practice of gratitude. Breakfast anyone?

Dare to Dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2022 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. My YouTube videos may be found through this link. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. 🙏🧡

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