As I enter the 2nd day of our stay-cation here on the west end of the Island of Kaua`i, I am just landing. It has been a full time for us since June of 2022 and before. In fact, our life is always full and busy as Spiritual Directors of a growing Center. What am I feeling now is the question I am asking myself this morning. I am realizing many things about my life, where it has been and where it is and where it is going. I can see that if I want to choose the positive path, I must free myself of the minutia of life.

What is the definition of “minutiae?” As I understand it, it is the “minor details of life.” It is the things that can trap us in a web of confusion, will power and the trying to get it right in the world of form. It can include expectation of others and their non fulfillment of those expectations. It can include getting trapped in thinking that you are the one getting things done. This of course leads to frustration and sometimes exhaustion. Not so much physical exhaustion, although that will be the outcome, but mental exhaustion.

In our Philosophy of the Science of Mind, it is stated, “To assert our individuality is to rise above the law of averages into a more highly specialized use of the Law which brings freedom rather than bondage, joy in the place of grief and wholeness instead of sickness. We cannot do this unless we are first willing to ‘judge not according to appearances.” In this judging ‘not according to appearances’ we are impressing the Law with a new idea of ourselves … a less limited idea, and we are learning to think independently of any existing circumstances. This is what is mean by entering the Absolute.” Ernest Holmes

The “Absolute” is another word for what Esther Hicks/Abraham would call the “Vortex,” or Dr. Joe Dispenza would call “The Field, or no one, no thing, no time, no space.” So, it makes sense, in order to have a stress free, creative life, one must turn within and get in touch with that Individuality which is our True Selves and allow it to fully live through us. That would be living in the Absolute. It makes sense there has to be trust and faith that something is working through us in every endeavor that only has our highest and best life in mind. “Individuality,” is the True Self; while “personality” is what we do with that Individuality as we live in time and space. Personality can get in our way as it is filled with ego, the limited small self.

What I’ve noticed for myself is that it takes a lot of mental energy to merely move matter. For example, thinking of continuing to move our home upon our return can seem overwhelming if I am thinking from a standpoint that I alone am responsible for making it all happen. Of course, I need to move my feet, but am I moving them with stress or faith that everything is showing up to give ease and flow to my journey?

So, as I continue this unveiling and revealing that is taking place on this brief stay-cation, as I take a moment to pause and reflect, as I truly get honest with my real desires and the forward motion of my life, I feel the revelation of direction and clarity of what I will and what I will not do.

I am conscious that I am entering what many would call the final chapter of my earth life. Without feeling morbid, I do know that the minutiae of life is not where I want to get lost. What I want is to give my True Self in service through all my gifts, to allow my Creative Self to fully emerge. I am truly feeling that a great shift and change is taking place in Center for Spiritual Living Kaua`i and it is happening through me and through Patrick and the decisions we make for ourselves and how we want to live and give. It’s all about service, first to ourselves, and then to others. I loved what Rev. Diane Decker said in her power talk during the Telethon. “I give to myself first.” She is correct. If we do not give to ourselves first, who is going to give to everyone else.

Much Love and Aloha,

Rev. Rita Andriello-Feren, Co-Founding Director CSL Kaua`i and the Institute of Magnificence and Author of “What Do I Need to KNOW? 101 Thoughts That Changed My Life” and “This Thing Called Treatment,” both available on Amazon.