Theme for April 2020: Bright Beginnings
FEATURE #2: “Create a Practice for Getting Results
By: Gaylon McDowell pg 20
This particular article is powerful because it included Science of Mind within the broader context of New Thought. In the first paragraph, he opens with a statement, “New Thought historically focused on getting demonstrations or manifestations. The movement always focused on proving what it espouses…When we get down to the core of the New Thought Movement, I don’t believe anything is promoted more than demonstrating the spiritual principles we teach.”
(Q) Are you focused on demonstrations-or manifestations in your spiritual life? If you are not familiar with these terms, we can talk about that.
He continues with how important demonstration is. You are only expected to believe what you demonstrate to be true according to Charles Filmore, the Unity Founder.
In the 3rd paragraph he states Ernest Holmes, the Founder of SOM (Science of Mind): “The ability to control your experiences and have them result in happiness, prosperity and success lies in your own mind and the ways you use it. This means you control your own experience-you really are in charge of your affairs and the way they are to develop.”
· The greatest creative thing we can do is to share ourselves in love. We will always create good for all. What does ‘in love’ mean?
McDowell talks about the New Thought founders as being practical and serious about getting results. He writes, “They believed strongly in the spiritual power within every human being and the mind’s ability to express the God-given power we all have.” The idea here is if one can think accordingly, one can demonstrate all the goodness of God.
(Q) What does demonstration mean? Do you think you have this ability? Do you see the importance of knowing this ability and your use of it?
Focus on Demonstrations pg 21
In the 5th paragraph he says, “I call my personal brand of New Thought ‘Hardcore Metaphysics’ because I strive to teach the spiritual principles of New Thought as purely as I understand them-and I focus on getting results.” He also says that he thinks people kid themselves with regard to their intentions, their actions and their results.
(Q) What does metaphysics mean? What would ‘hard core metaphysics’ mean? In other words, do you like a more gentle taste of spirituality or do you prefer to hold yourself to the highest standards possible? Are you honest with yourself about your intentions, actions, and results? Have you ever challenged yourself to know where you are in consciousness according to your results?
He goes on to say, “I know some people believe that teachers like me promote accumulation of material items and ignore inner growth because we focus so strongly on demonstrations or getting result. I disagree.”
(Q) Have you ever considered demonstrations and manifestations to be an accumulation of material goods? Are you OK with the idea of manifesting items you desire, but perhaps think other sorts of demonstration are impossible? What if your demonstration would be the natural outcome of spiritual practice? Do you have any spiritual practices? Can you name any?
Let’s talk about demonstration for a bit. The word demonstration becomes significant. We think of demonstration as any miracle, transformation of circumstances, or conditions, or healing as demonstration (manifestation). Demonstration does include the manifestation of material goods (supply) in this material (physical) world of ours, but it is not limited to or focused there.
Elevating your consciousness-through thought focused on spiritual Principle and Divine Truth-and knowing we are each an individuated center of God Consciousness; we can be assured that we are meant to participate in demonstration.
(Paragraph 7, pg 21) He continues, “I think focusing on demonstration is sound spiritual practice.” He quotes Jesus from his Sermon on the Mount: “You will know them by their fruits…A good tree cannot bear bad fruit.” Turn the page on 22 and read, “
The scripture is plainly saying that our process of evaluation should solidly be on the results (the fruit), which are a reflection of the source (the tree).”
New Thought and our Science of Mind teachings continually underscore that it is our own consciousness that is reflected back to us from our world and experience. When we change our consciousness -our thinking- we change our life. This thinking is the base of our teaching.
(Q) Is there anything in your life you would like to change? Are you open to the belief that change is possible? Would you like to learn or participate in a demonstration?
Be Clear in Your Intentions pg 22
McDowell explains, “Success is defined as a favorable or desired outcome,” and “Also you are clear about your desired outcome, you then get to decide how much, how soon and any other details. No one can decide what success is for you because only you know the results you desire.”
(Q) Did you know you have the power within you to have what you want? You are the foundation of your life and your thoughts will get you where you want to go, so if you are not where you want to be, clearly you can change your thought about it. I will be happy to help each one of you later on how this works and your part in it.
“Feeling gets the blessing,” is a quote form Rev Ike. The feeling of yes you can will achieve this result or yes God can, or just plain YES! You can change the dynamic by doubting or getting frustrated. “Belief is the activator of faith and allows us to work with Universal Law (the law of cause, causation) to get our desired results.”
(Q) Has it ever occurred to you or is it clear to you that you are able to set your intended goal for demonstration? If not, I will be happy to talk and support you later. How well do you think you can do this or will you need help?
(top of page 23) McDowell suggests spiritual techniques which you may or may not be familiar with: “affirmative prayer (spiritual mind treatment), meditation, visioning, visualization, goal setting, vision boards, study and other exercises to create the consciousness to demonstrate the results we desire.”
· My example of a demonstration
Stay in Integrity pg 23
What does integrity mean? McDowell explains why he thinks a focus on demonstration to be key: “A focus on demonstration gets you beyond talking and reading about Truth to getting results. When you focus on results you stay in integrity with your practice, actions and words.” He defines integrity as: Integrity can be defined as ‘the quality or state of being complete and undivided.’ Where you are in integrity with anything, you are in alignment with it.”
For example, if you are seeking to heal an illness in yourself, being in integrity would be to think thoughts of health and wholeness, to speak about oneself in terms of health and wholeness and to feel (believe profoundly) that health and wholeness is being revealed. Even when you have symptoms, being in alignment can be challenging… but you must align yourself with thoughts, words, and emotions according to your demonstration. Using SOM ministers or Practitioners will help to support and bolster your consciousness with words of Truth and with powerful prayer which I know you may not be familiar with but that is up for discussion, too.
(Q) Have you ever experienced a challenging time in your life in such areas like health, wealth, relationships or creative expression and wanted help and support and assistance? What are the chances of you following the instructions until you see the demonstration? Will integrity play a part in that? For example, using meds and reading the instructions or labels and doing exactly what it says until you are well.….do you do that? Let’s read their example for being in integrity and aligning with yourself on page23 paragraph 3.
McDowell reminds us that the issue of integrity is central to your success. He quoted Dr. Coleman saying, “It works if you work it.” This quote is often aid at the end of the 12 step recovery meetings.
(Pg 24) When we focus on results, McDowell writes, “Evaluating our lives based on results gives us an objective way to evolve spirituality.” Emmet Fox shares, “The real reason for desiring demonstration is that they are proof of understanding. There is no such thing as undemonstrated understanding.”
(Q) After reading the top paragraph on page 24, do you understand now why when we focus on results, we don’t allow the victim to appear. We don’t shame or criticize anyone because who knows blah, blah, blah. When we value our results: We get crystal clear about what you want and the actions you would take to make your goal. It really takes others out of the picture and that is where it should be. Your life…. your results. I don’t know about you, but the hardest part for me was getting clear on what I wanted and staying with it. You get to choose and that is all it means…. your choice. We can talk later about choice.
· my example of a demonstration…. sticking with it and watching how Spirit created the perfect way.
So, the question would be can you see by evaluating your results gives you an objective tool for measuring your spiritual growth? Do you see Fox’s point that demonstrations are proof of understanding? (impt)
“If you want to get more consistent results or demonstrations, you must have a system. Choose a spiritual practice and create a schedule for techniques you will use for a predetermined period. Write down daily the actions you will take to support your spiritual and mental practices and be in complete integrity with your system” according to McDowell. And this is known as creating your life…. the foundation of our philosophy.
Next week we will talk about embracing new beginnings and navigating smooth endings. That feature starts on page 66 in your SOM magazine. If you have any questions, let me know by email at lyssabozeman7@gmail.com or call or text me at 334-399-1416. Your spiritual journey is your most precious possession and I am so thrilled to be walking with you.
Always Love, Light, and Laughter,
Rev Lyssa