Spiritual Self Discovery and Self Expression
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Contemplation is actually communion with outer things. For example, we can contemplate a rose, acutely concentrating on the external object, and sooner or later we may lose the awareness of our bodies, or perceiving that we are looking at a rose. Beauty can suffuse our soul. We are simply "rosing" – becoming the rose, becoming one with it for a moment in time. What we must remember is that in reality, there is no "external" object, because all creation is of the one Source, only appears to be external. For example, when we look at you retina-to-retina (eyeball to eyeball), at some point we lose track of who we are and who you are, and for a second or two, we are communing back and forth, and we are one. In that second, we can recognize you as part of the Source – the same Source we are. And when we come back to ordinary awareness after that experience, remembering our differences, we can recognize that, between us, there has been a spiritual experience. When you are involved in an activity, such as cleaning the house, and you are very busy, do you actually think about the fact that you have a body? Don't you simply vacuum, wash the dishes, dust, etc., perhaps humming along with the radio, but so immersed in the activity that you are not actually conscious that you exist? The activity becomes almost pure joy. Joggers and runners have said this many times, that as they jog or run, at some point they transcend their ordinary state of consciousness, and simply feel some kind of movement through space. It is a mystical experience that defies description in mere words, but it is very common. Perhaps you sew, crochet, knit, do carpentry work, embroider, or other such work as either a hobby or profession. If so, then you know you can become lost in the activity. A sudden noise may jolt you back to consciousness of your own body, and you wonder where you have been. You were in a state of communion, one with the activity of God. Do not underestimate the wonder of this experience! You have the opportunity at any time to participate in the highest form of communication that exists in the universe. By taking thought, by making a decision, you can commune, open yourself, and master this art.
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About the Book
Self-discovery and self-expression are essential if you desire to grow in spiritual awareness. The emphasis in this book is the spiritual dimension of personal development. Personal development (often called self-improvement) is a popular subject these days. You can spend thousands of dollars attending courses and seminars; read hundreds of books that have been published on this subject. Many of these books, seminars, and courses can be quite helpful, and provide effective ideas and concepts that will be useful to you. Yet, there is usually something missing – the spiritual aspect. We spiritualize the concept of self-development or self-expression, and raise it to a higher level. Ask yourself, "Am I using my unique God-given talents? Am I focusing my physical, mental, and spiritual energies in the right direction? Am I excited about life? Am I becoming that which I most sincerely desire to be? Do I know where I am going? Is there a plan? Am I genuinely being true to myself? If not, why not?" Assess every area of your life so that you will know exactly where you stand in relation to your goals. Each theme will have his or hers viewpoint – the masculine and feminine!
About the Author
Charles Lelly
He remained at Unity Headquarters as editor of New Magazine, later rising to an executive position. He wrote over one hundred articles for Unity publications that reached a worldwide audience. Unity published The Beautiful Way of Life book that contained many of these articles
During this time, Lelly sought and caught glimpses of the great inner power we all possess. In addition to the Unity teachings, he studied other spiritual and mystical teachings, such as Rosicruianism, Self-Realization (Yogananda), Zen Buddism, Sufism, Hinduism, and Taoism. He was deeply inspired by the writings of Dr. Walter and Lao Russell.
In l978 Lelly moved to Kentucky to become the senior minister of Unity of Louisville. He is now retired, continuing to write. He continues to study any avenue that brings into balance the nature of spirituality and science.
Betty Lelly was raised in a traditional Christian family in a farming community. There she gained a continuing love of nature and gardening. She was working for the Kansas City Star when she applied for work at Unity School of Christianity, Unity Village, Missouri. There she served In Silent Unity Prayer Ministry for twenty years.
In 1972 she was the Leader of a shopping center Ministry in North Miami Beach, Florida. Later she was the assistant to the senior minister, Charles Lelly, in Pensacola, Florida.
In 1978 she moved with her husband who became Senior Minister at Unity of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky. She was a Unity Spiritual Counselor and Licensed Unity Teacher. Later she was ordained as a Unity Minister and became the Associate minister at Unity of Louisville, Kentucky. When Charles, her husband, retired in 1986 she became the Senior Minister and retired in 1991.
Betty has long edited all of Charles’s many writings.
She is now living in Louisville, Kentucky and continues to work along with her husband on various editorial projects.