I pray that you are enjoying this beautiful Fall morning. I hold each of you in my prayer and meditation, knowing Wholeness, Deep Peace, and an abundance of Joy as the Absolute Truth of your being…knowing that whatever is unfolding in our lives and in our world, these are available when we look within.

The past seven months have been challenging in many ways. Our world is undergoing a major shift…or perhaps many. We have had to become much more flexible as our situation changes from day to day. The interesting thing is that this is always the case…conditions are always changing. But the pandemic, the recent fires throughout the western United States, the volatile political scene and other societal tensions have brought it to the forefront. The world is changing and changing fast. And we are called to evolve our ways of being and living on the planet. And it may be difficult. And we may not like it. We may be noticing a range of feelings in any given day…everything from anger at something in the news, to confusion as to why people do what they do, to deep sadness at a recent loss. And then, on the other end of the feeling spectrum, we may feel the joy of spending time with a loved one; we may feel relief at hearing good news from a health care professional; or we may feel the absolute glory of walking in nature. The point is that the pendulum swings can be extreme and often. How do we handle all of what is coming at us right now?

There are a few preventative measures that each of us can take. First and foremost, maintaining consistency in meditation, prayer, or whatever Spiritual Practice connects you to your Source can serve your emotional stability. Second, consciously looking for the Good in life…reading uplifting books, watching heart-warming movies, seeking enjoyable hobbies, maintaining connection with friends and family, and getting out in nature can all offer comfort and bring joy. All of these are ways to keep yourself in a positive frame of mind. Finally, limiting the amount of news you take in and practicing discernment when choosing the forms your news takes can be most helpful. A short time spent with reputable sources that are free of drama and hype is sufficient to keep you informed.

Okay, so you say, “I’m doing all of these things, but I’m still struggling.” What then? I have noticed, in working with others this past seven months, that many folks…particularly those involved in the New Thought Movement…believe that they should always be able to put on a happy face. They mistakenly think the message is one-sided…Change your thinking, change your life. There is so much more to it. While it is true that changing our thought patterns has a positive effect on our lives, it is also true that our feelings are important tools if we use them as such. Human feelings are pointers. They can lead us to where we need to focus our attention. And the counterpart to feelings…emotions…are equally important.

I see feelings and emotions as two parts to one human process. Feelings are internal experiences brought about by some stimulus, either internal (like a memory or other thought) or external (like a situation). Emotions are the outward expression of feelings. Emotions are fluid. They are Energy-in-Motion. They are the mechanism by which we process our feelings. And when they are allowed to do their work, feelings can move smoothly through us, ebbing and flowing like waves on the ocean. The problem is that many people are hesitant to express their emotions. Maybe there were early childhood experiences that made it unsafe to express feelings. Maybe there was societal pressure to keep things inside. Or maybe there is self-judgment that says showing feelings is a sign of weakness. Whatever the reason, the unwillingness to allow feelings to flow outwardly as emotions is not healthy. It interrupts the natural human process and creates energy blockages in the body. Both Eastern and Western medicine can verify that this is true.

So, in addition to maintaining positive preventative measures, remember to give yourself permission to feel, and to express. Of course, if your expression involves another person, be respectful and kind. But express, nonetheless. Our emotions are an important part of our humanity, part of what makes us human. In this time of great change, each of us has the opportunity to make positive changes for the future. But moving into the new involves letting go of the old. And letting go brings a certain amount of grieving for what has been lost. Give yourself time to acknowledge and grieve the loss you may be feeling, whether it be for a loved one, a beloved pet, or a way of life. Only then will you be able to move joyfully into a new and exciting future filled with possibility.

I find it interesting that as I complete this message today, I open Unity’s Daily Word. As so often happens, my morning devotionals align with what I have written…even when I write first. Here is what it offers:

“Through God within, I create waves of peace…When I allow myself to open to the presence of God within and fully process my thoughts and feelings, the result is deep peace that radiates outward, contributing to the energy of genuine healing everywhere…I welcome all my feelings with acceptance and allow them to wash over me. Like a wave, they build, crest, and calm as I send myself love. The resultant peace that surpasses all understanding is mine to share.” It also cites one of my favorite verses from the Bible: “The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:26)

Know that today and always, I am here to support you.

Know that today and always, you are stronger and wiser than you know.

Know that today and always, Infinite Intelligence continues to pour Its blessings upon you, and upon our world.

May we all recognize, welcome, and willingly receive the grace that is showered upon us. Life is most certainly Good…

May we all be well…stay in touch…know our unity…and thrive!

And may we know the Absolute Beauty and Wonder of this Grace-filled, once-in-a lifetime day…