“In conclusion, what the world needs is spiritual conviction, followed by spiritual experience. I would rather see a student of this Science prove its Principle than to have him repeat all the words of wisdom that have ever been uttered. It is far easier to teach the Truth than it is to practice It. But the practice of Truth is personal to each, and in the long run no one can live our life for us. To each is given what he needs and the gifts of heaven come alike to all. How we shall use these gifts is all that matters. To hold one’s thought steadfastly to the constructive, to that which endures, and to the Truth, may not be easy in a rapidly changing world, but to the one who makes this attempt much is guaranteed. The essence of spiritual mind healing – and all of true religious philosophy – is an inner realization of the Presence of Perfection within and around about. It is the hope of heaven, the Voice of God proclaiming: “I am that which thou art; thou art that which I am.” Ernest Holmes

As I read this last section of the Science of Mind called the Final Conclusion, I understand that this is the simplicity of our teaching – to actively live the Principle and demonstrate it as our life. It is easier said than done and I believe is a life-long endeavor.

I do not believe it is something that just happens, it is a practice, because as the world turns and changes, so we must meet new demands each day. The deeper we go into the practice of Truth, that more that reveals itself to us. The more that reveals itself, the deeper we go. We are a process not a finished product. We are evolution, which is God unfolding and knowing itself through this experience called life as us.

For me, I am certain that it is the key to living the life that we desire. We cannot just go around shouting God is all there is or that everyone is healed when, although this might be true in theory, it is not being lived. Living it is the key to transformation. Living it when it has not demonstrated is the quest. We are not to judge by appearances and what better time to prove this than now. Ernest Holmes once wrote, “The best time to work is when things look the worst.”

Spirit is made to be lived here as us on earth, while we are here. Otherwise, it will ever remain invisible and theoretical. There is no greater school than earth that I know of right now. I am learning every day. What I mean by learning is that I am practicing to reveal my true nature amidst everything that I encounter every day. COVID19 taught me this and I’m sure there will be other experiences for growth. Spiritual Growth doesn’t stop. Evolution is an ongoing process of unfoldment to the greater us.

Why do we learn through challenges? Hmm…that is a good question. I think it is the consciousness of the race, but I do not think it will always be so. We are asking ourselves to show up in greater ways and challenges are the way we do it. Sometimes we learn great lessons and move on and sometimes we repeat the same challenge over and over.

Healing is not always instantaneous and that is okay. Healing is revealing me to me, either with the help of a practitioner or on my own. This Tuesday, we will have a Healing Circle that will reveal this specific idea in practice.

“Why can’t I heal myself?” is often whined by people in this Science. Just asking his question answers the why. It’s because we think we are doing it. As soon as we give it up, the healing process speeds up.

I believe that when we can get beyond saying God is all there is into truly living it, we will be practicing the Science of Mind and Spirit and I do believe that what Ernest Holmes says about giving us 1000 people, just 1000 that can do that, that the world will be changed.

Keep in mind, that the Science of Mind is not a religion that we are all supposed to convert to and live. It is a life Principle that states we must accept our oneness with God and each other and live it. It’s that simple and that difficult at the same time.

• When will we be able to look at others and see God instead of faults?
• When will we be ablet to live our authentic selves no matter what anyone says?
• When will we choose love all the time?
• When will we take our expectations off others and expect only the best from ourselves?

It either is or it isn’t. And that means all the time. I believe that it is, which means that no matter what, Spirit is aback of everything and it is my vision coming from that place that has to be changed if I want a different result.

Vision precedes demonstration. Conviction makes sure it is so. No matter what, we must stick to the Truth. Can we know the truth when everything is pointing in the opposite direction? Can we live from this place no matter what? This is spiritual conviction, living spiritually, believing in the unseen, not judging according to appearances.  If we can do so, we will know that we have not just said it, we have definitely done it.

Love and Aloha!

Rev. Rita Andriello-Feren

Spiritual Director CSL Kaua`i