September 2011: Enter the Silence

Silence is a fence around wisdom. ~German Proverb

What sweet relief to go into the silence.  There is much peace, wisdom, enlightenment and bliss to be found in the sacred space within, if only we will trust the process of stillness and silence to deliver us to ourselves, our souls and to Great Spirit. Could we truly learn to trust that everything does not run by our thinking mind alone? Can we observe the intelligence at work in the universe and really "know" this for ourselves? Do we have to tell our heart to beat, our hair to grow, the sun to rise or the fish to swim? The answer, of course, no - we do not. There is so much here that runs perfectly well without us ever thinking a conscious thought. And the reason for that is because most of this creation runs according to it's true nature. And this gives us a clue about how to make "entering the silence" a part of our everyday lives. We're not only speaking of meditation, reflection or stillness, but of adapting and creating a way of being that taps into the deep magic of living a life that is centered in the stillness of our soul... and honors our true nature. For when we discover our true nature and become true to that nature, even as we allow ourselves the freedom to explore, expand and grow, we find our place in the grand scheme of creation and this sends out vibrations and ripples of deep contentment, pleasure, peace, fulfillment, love and gratitude to the whole world. And so that is what is returned to us a thousandfold. We find peace by engaging in peaceful practices which allow us to commune with the silent intelligence within. You must listen very closely to hear the whispers of the still small voice within. And if you are patient, all will be revealed.

SEPTEMBER AFFIRMATIONS

I access the deep peace within my soul.
I meditate in silence each day.
I contemplate and reflect upon the beauty of nature.
I drink in the perfection of creation and allow it to fill my cup.
I embrace the way of the peaceful warrior.
I focus my will through the power of attention, awareness, intention and surrender.
I open to a more balanced approach to life.
I create a harmonious and peaceful environment to live in.
I reconcile all the parts of myself and come into acceptance of what is.
I release and relinquish the rigid rules of the mind.
I open my mind and expand my consciousness.
I am humbled by my expanded view of life.
I am grateful for the richness of experience that higher consciousness brings.
I release all need to control outcomes.
I trust in my own process of human spiritual evolution.
I expand my field of awareness.
I listen to the instructions of my soul.
I allow my life to be informed by higher awareness.
I am mindful and present to myself and others.
I sit in blissful silence and sending love to all beings.
I fearlessly face the magnitude of my soul.
I allow the medicine wheel to help me balance, harmonize and integrate all that I am.
I see the essence of "things".
I open to the essential truths of every situation and relationship.
I walk in humility.
I realize the more I know, the less I know.
I remain a student of life, even as I teach.
I open to the unknown and look forward to the joy of discovery.
I allow nature to inform and guide me.
I receive spiritual messages which uplift and inspire me.
I continue to build trust in the unseen aspects of myself and this creation.
I can know the unknowable, see the unseeable and hear the inaudible.
I gather my energy in the stillness of my soul.
I am centered, calm and serene, because this is my eternal nature.
God has entrusted me with myself.

King's Council: Book Club & Discussion Group

Join us for this monthly discussion group and book club. We will be delving into the concepts in the book,
The Power of Kindness: The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Passionate Life, by Piero Ferrucci. All are welcome. Facilitated by Joe Stulb and Tim Albright.

Meets: 2nd Friday of the month
Time: 6:30pm
Cost: $5 (donated to space)
Location: Church of Spiritual Light, 1939 Park Meadows Dr. #1, Ft. Myers, FL 33907

SCHEDULE 2012

August - Introduction
September - Honesty
October - Warmth
November  - Forgiveness
December - Contact
2013
January - Sense of Belonging
February - Trust
March - Mindfulness
April - Empathy
May - Humility
June - Patience
July - Generosity
August - Respect
September - Flexibility
October - Memory
November - Loyalty
December - Gratitude
2014
January - Service
February - Joy
March - Conclusion

BOOKS
The Power of Kindness
http://www.amazon.com/The-Power-Kindness-Piero-Ferrucci/dp/1585425192

CoDA: Co-Dependents Anonymous Group

“Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart... 

Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.” -Carl Jung

We are pleased to announce a new CoDA (Co-Dependents Anonymous) Group is now forming. The group is facilitated by Angel Cardenas and hosted at Church of Spiritual Light, 1939 Park Meadows Dr.#1 Fort Myers, Florida 33907.

The intention of this group is to help people to learn about and gain support in forming and maintaining healthy and loving relationships both with self and others. We will be exploring personal boundaries and patterns of behavior that are beneficial to create better relationships, using the 12 Steps as a guideline for recovery.

If you would like to learn more about codependency, click here to review.

Meets Every Wednesday 5:30-7pmSuggested Donation (for the space): $5
Contact: Angel 272-7471
Open Meeting - All are welcome!


Click here to purchase CODA Workbook

Medicine Drum Circle

“The drum is the Great Spirit’s favorite instrument. That is why we were all given a heartbeat.” ~Navajo Elder

Please join us for our monthly Medicine Drum Circle with Tim Albright. The circle is open to all, drummer and non-drummers, musicians and non-musicians, alike. Tim will be helping us connect to the power of drumming by linking the rhythms of the instruments to our heart. Please bring your own drum or instrument, however, we will have several instruments such as rattles, shakers, rainsticks and some drums for those without an instrument to play.

When: Meets the 3rd Friday of the month - 7:30 - 8:30pm
Location: Church of Spiritual Light, 1939 Park Meadows Dr., #1, Ft. Myers, FL 33907
Facilitator: Tim Albright
Cost: $5

Besides being fun and just soul-satisfying, check out some of the therapeutic reasons to make drumming a regular part of your life!

Stress-Reduction 
Strengthened the immune system by increasing Natural Killer (NK) cell activity. (Bittman, Alternative Therapies, 2001) This protocol also reversed multiple components of the human stress response on the genomic level, not just reducing but reversing 19 genetic switches that turn on the stress response believed responsible in the development of common diseases. (Bittman, Medical Science Monitor, 2005)

Exercise
Drumming is an accessible exercise which burns calories and improves mood and may reduce the risk of disease. A Norwegian study of 25,000 women age 20-54 that performed leisure time exercises at least 4 hours/week experienced a 37% reduction in the risk of breast cancer. (Thune, Brenn, Lund, Gaard, 1997)

Self-Expression 
Empowers people to move beyond their perceived boundaries.

Camaraderie/Support 
A 1992 Duke University Study linked lengthened lifespan with having a close confidant. HealthRHYTHMS protocol builds camaraderie and support by creating a safe space where people feel comfortable sharing and offering support.

Nurturing 
Creates a level playing field where support of growth and development is encouraged. As equal partners in this process participants often discover inner strength and encouragement by those sharing the experience.

Spirituality 
According to Jan Gregory, Adjunct Professor of Liturgy, Worship and Spirituality at Hartford Seminary, “Hand drumming is an ancient art that has been used in many cultures. The music of drums creates a conduit to the Divine. This is an opportunity to experience worship with our bodies as well as our minds”.

Music-Making 
Systematic inquiry into the relationship between music and brain function is one of the most rapidly developing fields of human research. “Music making offers extensive exercise for brain cells and their synapses (connections). It would be difficult to find another activity that engages so many of the brain’s systems.”(Weinberger, N., 1998)

August 2011: Art for Life

"Everything you can imagine is real."  — Pablo Picasso

We reveal ourselves to ourselves and to the world by what we create. Come and join us this month to experience the divine within your creations. We're talking about everything you experience, design, or make, everything you do...as art. Your entire life can be a sacrament, a prayer and a devotion to the magnificence of being human and having this experience to becoming even more fully human. We're so busy trying to become holy, that we miss the mark and don't realize the full potential of being human and all that it entails. Certainly we seek to purify ourselves, but that does not mean that we live a dry, dull life, toeing some imaginary line that our distorted psyche holds us to. What we are exploring this month is the inner doorways to absolute abundance of Spirit within which leads us to our highest creative ideas and gives us the inspiration to create our lives from the next level of existence. Higher consciousness brings new ways of seeing the world...and this is an exciting vision to have. It infuses and inspires everything in an unexpected and often magically endearing way. For in that space, a common tea kettle is a miracle, a motorcycle is a dragon, a car is a golden carriage and human beings are works of art!

Sunday Talks with Rev. Renee Bledsoe

August 7 - Guest Speaker - Rev. David Essel
August 14 - Creation & Inspiration
August 21 - The Muse is Loose
August 28 - Art for Life

AUGUST AFFIRMATIONS

Everyday I create something beautiful.

I am a co-creator with the divine.

My powers of creation are ever evolving.

I create with confidence and courage.

I stretch myself by trying new things.

I embrace failure as proof that I am creating.

I consider the hidden intention of my “errors”.

My “mistakes” are lessons to learn from.

I give myself the leeway to make mistakes.

I love life and life loves me.

I take inspiration from nature.

I allow myself time to daydream regularly.

When I am still, I am also creating.

There is much to be expressed from within me.

I look forward to what is revealed through my creativity.

I help others to be creative.

I allow my unconscious to be expressed in my art.

I trust my own creative process.

It is possible to make money from my art.

I bring color and my use of it into my awareness.

I use color to change and command my energy.

I am human, a multi-colored being of light.

I give myself permission to be creative.

I am creative in all my endeavors.

I let my imagination soar.

My life is a masterpiece.

I am a work of art.
Life is my art.

The 10 Commitments (that lead to freedom)

The 10 Commitments (that lead to freedom)

I recognize and honor the indwelling spirit of the divine presence within myself and all creation.

You shall have no other gods before me.

I will remain vigilant over anything that subverts my free will, be it mental or physical, and continually seek wholeness.

You shall not make for yourself any carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
 

I will take excellent care of myself as befitting the divine presence that lives within me.

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
 

I will keep my promises. I will honor the 7^th day as an agreement that I made with the Universe as a whole to go into the stillpoint of God and reaffirm the spirit of creation.

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your manservant, nor your maidservant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
 

I will balance and harmonize the divine masculine and feminine principles in all aspects of my life.

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.
 

I will cherish, guard and protect my life and all life.

You shall not murder.
 

I will be faithful and trustworthy in all my relations.

You shall not commit adultery.

I will embrace prosperity consciousness so that I may give generously.

You shall not steal.
 

I will tell the truth to myself and others and enable others to do the same.

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
 

I will be joyful and grateful for the success of others, for when I intend good things for others, two or more are gathered and I bring  the vibration of abundance to us all.

You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.

Source: Rev. Renee Bledsoe 

July 2011: Free To Be

           " You have freedom when you're easy in your harness." ~Robert Frost

In our country the Fourth of July marks a very special milestone in human history: a collective acknowledgment in a new world for liberation from tyranny, injustice, slavery and anything that bars our pathway to life, lliberty and the pursuit of happiness.


Does anyone ever notice that our founding fathers put the pursuit of happiness right up there with life and limb? But how many of us truly honor and guard our pursuit to happiness as much as we do our very lives? Don't we tend to suffer as long as we can tolerate the suffering? Which for many of us is very long. Don't we say someday I'll be happy when... Don't we underestimate our need for deep soul satisfaction as being something that would be nice, but not necessary for our survival?


I daresay our ancestors had gave us alot more than a free country when they signed those documents. They gave us the true formula to properly prioritize the care and feeding of the human spirit. Isn't it fascinating that this powerful message comes forth in what is considered a political, secular document? In one of the greatest revelations of the power of the people the Declaration of Independence is possibly one of the most sacred documents in existence for our time, if you consider that God can speak through humankind.

We must be committed to our freedom. Freedom isn't free and we must be willing to pay the price, to fight if need be not only for our right to do as we please, but to be who we really are. We must fight our own inner demons and that of our ancestral karma to be free of old patterns and programming, while enjoying the gifts we've been given to create ourselves by the power of the divine will that resides within each of us. This is our path to freedom, right through the center of our heart. Most of all we simply want to be free to love, to be love, to flow love and to receive love. This is the greatest gift we can give to ourselves and to each other.

"Most people want security in this world, not liberty." ~H.L. Mencken

"We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it." ~William Faulkner

"Freedom is the will to be responsible to ourselves." ~Nietzsche

Free to Be 

I am committed to the freedom of my spirit.

I allow my soul to soar.

I practice freedom in my life.

I allow others the freedom to be who they are.

I am free to love.

I am free to just be myself. I am free to discover who I am.

I am free to make new choices.

I give myself permission to express myself in different ways.

I am a growing, evolving spiritual being.

I have the higher vision of eagle within my being.

I am free to explore the possibilities of life.

My will to live is ignited and my love is the flame.

There is so much to live for and I am grateful for my life.

I am the intention of my ancestors, but I am ultimately made in the image of the creator.

I remember who I am. I remember all that I have been.

I activate stellar consciousness and witness the birth of this universe and all that is.

I am a Shining Star.

I am gifted and talented at____________________________________________.

I love to____________________________________________________________________.

Others think I am good at ___________________________________________________________.

My journey has been long, but I have never been alone.

I feel the supportive power of my people.

I experience God through my people and my family and community.

I call upon Archangel Michael, the mighty Eagle, to clear me of the imprints of the past.

I clear and purify myself and reset the future.

With great excitement and gratitude I step into my destiny.

I am free to choose life.