In the Science of Mind and Spirit, we believe in a perfect and orderly Universe. We know that our thoughts and feelings are creative and that how we perceive the world is manifested as our experiences.

In regard to this belief, Ernest Holmes, the Founder of Religious Science once wrote: “No one can demonstrate peace and cling to unhappiness.” Yes, no one can demonstrate peace and cling to violent behavior in the name of peace. No one can demonstrate peace and cling to hatred against another.

As we look out at our world, what do we see and how are we reacting to it? How are we perceiving what is occurring? There are wars. There are plagues. There is anger. There is indifference. There is a sort of numbness that I feel from the majority of people who just don’t know what to do anymore. Then, there are those out fighting for the rights of others. There are so many constantly going to battle each day in the courts and out on the streets, marching and protesting. It seems that nothing is changing, but what I know is something is unfolding. That is the way I choose to look at all of this.

I see so many things in my own life changing. I see so much just falling apart. My world is a reflection of the bigger world, but I choose to look at it differently. I choose to look at this change as the movement of the Great Presence, the Source, the Creator of all, showing up in the process of evolution. I see more and more people taking care of themselves and others in a spiritual and physical way. I see love showing up all over the place.

We might not be able to fight the world of conditions, but we can step back into consciousness and change our thinking, our energy, and our beliefs, and thus change the trajectory of our own life.

I am in a place of change right now. I rely on my own creativity, knowing that the Creative Intelligence of the Universe is moving through me. I also know that the Spiritual Universe is absolutely perfect, and if I keep thinking, feeling, and acting from that premise, the way will be made clear.

Julian of Norwich, a 14th-century English mystic and writer, wrote: “All shall be well. All shall be well. All manner of thing shall be well.'” She wrote this during times of great unrest, plagues, and wars. This quote is my go-to in times when I feel lost or hopeless. I truly believe this.

Yes, the most important thing I can do right now is to stay persistent, firm, and consistent in my own spiritual practice. The most important thing I can do right now is to live that spiritual practice every day as I step out into the world. The most important thing I can do is to persistently see a world that is evolving for the highest good of all—to actually look for evidence of that.

With Love and Aloha,

Rev. Dr. Rita Andriello-Feren, Author, Co-Founding Spiritual Director CSL Kaua’i