YES, absolutely, pray and take action! In Religious Science we say, “Treat and Move Your Feet.” “Treat” refers to a Spiritual Mind Treatment (SMT) which is our form of affirmative prayer. I would write or speak my SMT and then move my feet.
If I am feeling depressed, I will say a treatment and then I might go for a walk in the red rocks, sit in the garden amongst the jewel- like faces of the pansies, call a friend who makes me laugh, watch a funny movie or read something inspirational. I use the techniques that work for me to pull me out of the depression. Recently during the COVID lock down, I found myself depressed about 2-3 weeks in. When I realized and acknowledged that I was sleeping 10-11 hours per night, I knew I had to rectify the situation immediately. I committed to getting up, dressing up and showing up for myself. No one else could do this for me, it was all on me and I knew what it would take. My mood improved, my spirit elevated and I was on the road to happiness and contentment again.
When we take responsibility for our actions – when we move our feet – we are telling the Universe - God - Spirit whatever you choose to call Her that we are committed to receiving. In the case of depression – receiving joy or even contentment. If we are choosing more abundance, we also need to be open to receiving. If your friend invites you to lunch and offers to pay, ACCEPT the gift! Very often you say NO – NO – NO, I can pay for my own lunch. Now you have confused the Universe, you just did a STM for more abundance, your friend shows up to buy you lunch and you refuse. The Universe is like, “Wait, didn’t you want more abundance? I sent your friend to buy you lunch. Isn’t that abundance?”
This reminds me of a fable:
The people have been warned, the dam broke, the city will flood soon – evacuate!
But one guy says, “No, I’ll stay & pray, God will save me.”
The water rises and rises, he moves to the second floor and then the roof. Along come some folks in a row boat, “Come on man, we’re getting out, jump in.”
“No thanks, God will save me,” says the guy.
Along comes the Coast Guard in their big cruiser. “Come on man, we’re here to save you.”
“No thanks, God will save me.”
Finally, a helicopter flies over, they lower the basket down, “Dude, get in, we’re here to help you!”
“No thanks, God will save me.”
He drowns and shows up at the Pearly gates of Heaven. God comes by and says, “What are you doing here?”
“I thought You would save me!”, the man says.
God replied, “I sent you a rowboat, the Coast Guard and a helicopter, what the Hell were you expecting?”
Okay, God didn’t say “Hell”, but really the story is so much better that way don’t you think?
If you desire more Peace and Love in your world, you can:
· Write or speak your Spiritual Mind Treatment/Prayer
· Show up and BE Peace and Love
· Brainstorm ways to manifest more Peace and Love, for yourself and others
· Listen to other’s perspectives – what are they feeling, what do they want?
· Open your mind and heart to new possibilities
· Commit to Peace and Love no matter how you’re challenged (I work on this constantly, especially when driving)
· Vibrate your Peace and Love to others and to the world!
· Be grateful for all the Peace and Love you already experience.
These actions may not change the world, but they can change your world, here and now. If you happen upon someone who is in a rage or sad and depressed, how can you affect that person’s life in a positive way? How can you help them see a different way? Maybe if all you can do in that moment is send them light and love, do that.
When we put our intentions in writing or meditate on them – the Universe automatically creates a support system for them. We effectively stir the energy pot!
Act as if – Act as if you already have it, are it or do it.
The more positive energy we create around our intentions, the more likely they will happen. Also, we must deeply believe IT is ours. If you have any core issues like, “I’m not good enough,” “I’m too old, too sad, too ugly, too dumb”, etc., just clean that crap out right now! Clean those negative thoughts out of your brain and fill it with positive thoughts.
God – the Universe – Spirit, whatever you call Her wants us to take responsibility too. We don’t pray that our children will be safe and then let them play in the street. We don’t pray that our lung cancer will go away and continue to smoke three packs a day. (OK, some folks will, go figure!)
An aspect of our lives where this shows up is being happy. If you want to Be Happy – Be Happy! (If you suffer from chronic depression, you are exempt, you may need outside help.) But, if you’re just average Jane or Joe and you want to be happy – Go Be Happy.
Average Jane or Joe (AJJ): Dear God, In 2020 I want to be Happy!
God: Okay, be Happy.
AJJ: No, you don’t understand, I don’t have a partner, how can I be happy?
G: What are you doing to have a partner?
AJJ: Well, I prayed. (Once with fervor)
G: What else did you do?
AJJ: What do you mean, What the hell else should I do?
G: Last week you were invited to a party, but you didn’t go. There were a couple of great people there who would have been delighted to meet you. The other day, you saw a cute guy at Whole Foods, he smiled, but you didn’t smile back. In fact, later when you saw him eating in the deli, you didn’t even say Hi, or smile, or anything. You want to be Happy? Show up for your own parade! I put that guy there, he tried, but you didn’t show up. And furthermore, be Happy for all you do have, the good friends, a home, car, music, books. Be joyful, that you live in such abundance.
What do you really want? Are you willing to be scared? Are you willing to do the work? Are you willing to be vulnerable? What’s it worth to you? On a scale of 1-10, what’s your commitment level?
By the way, I’ll love you no matter what!
Yours always, God
Treat/Pray and Move Your feet! Show up for your own Parade! Be Happy! Love Yourself, you deserve it!
Today, especially I ask that you Pray for light in the world, Pray for love, Pray for acceptance, Pray for open minds and hearts, Pray for vibrant health. Pray for Peace!
Today, especially I ask that you Take action:
· Support a good cause with dollars or time
· Have an honest conversation with yourself and others about your biases and beliefs
· Stand up for what is right/truthful and just.
· Honor love and compassion when you see it or experience it.
With love and light, BakeR