Mental & Emotional Health

Three Gifts of Kindness

Every Act of Kindness Helps Us Feel Our Own Goodness!

Catherine Nelson, Ph.D.
May – June 2025 • Vol 4, No 16

One act of kindness occurred on a train. It was a cold winter day in Philadelphia. Larry, who was retired, was taking the train to New York City to attend a new exhibit at one of the big museums. He boarded the train, bought a cup of coffee, and sat down to read a newspaper. At the Trenton station, Pete had his cup of coffee and his brief case in hand and climbed aboard to find a seat. He too was going to NYC, where he worked as an accountant at a well-known accounting firm. There were not many seats left. Just as Pete was ready to sit down, the train lurched forward. Pete lost his balance and spilled some of his coffee on Larry who was sitting next to him. Pete almost landed in Larry’s lap. Pete profusely apologized, and Larry helped Pete get settled next to him.

Larry put down his paper and they started chatting. Larry had been a businessman, and he and Pete found “common ground” and mutual interests. Pete could have retired a year ago, but he enjoyed working with his colleagues five days a week. Pete knew he needed to retire because his health was not so good. About a week ago, Pete went to his heart doctor who expressed concerns about his heart and wanted to run some tests. Pete had not told his wife about the doctor’s visit or his increasing health concerns. He loved his wife, Mia, but knew she would be worried. Mia wanted Pete to retire, and she had plans for activities they could do together. Pete was in conflict. He wanted to be with her but also enjoyed his work and his fellow professionals. He had not told anyone about his dilemma, and now, he was having trouble sleeping.

Pete and Larry chatted about current events as they drank their coffee. They were enjoying each other’s company when suddenly the train stopped. The conductor announced there would be a delay. The two men continued talking and the conversation became more personal. Pete learned that Larry was retired and that his wife had died five years ago. Larry missed her greatly. Larry had good friends who helped him in various ways, and he had adjusted to his life circumstances. Pete was listening and Larry noticed Pete had tears in his eyes. Larry became quiet and listened to Pete who wanted to keep working but it was getting harder for him. There were long hours traveling on the trains and sometimes he worked long hours. He was often tired by the end of the week.

Pete told Larry about how he had not told his wife about his health, and that he felt badly withholding information from her. They had always been honest and open with each other. Larry thoughtfully listened. He let Pete talk. He didn’t criticize or tell Pete what he should do. The train started moving once again.

As the train pulled into New York City, Pete turned to Larry and said, “Thank you for listening. I actually feel much better and I know what I have to do. When I go home tonight, I will tell my wife what has been going on for me. I love my wife and want to be with her.” Larry smiled at Pete and nodded. The two men shook hands before they got off the train and went their separate ways.

A second act of kindness was performed by my friend, Lisa. She lives in a condo, and from her living room window, she can see almost everyone else’s driveway in her small complex. Lisa has lived there for many years and knows most of the other residents. One of Lisa’s neighbors is a retired couple, Carla and Todd. They have been married for years and their adult children live in other states. Carla and Todd are enjoying their senior years with other friends in the local area. Todd was in the military for ten years, and he sustained several injuries during that time. Now that he is seventy-five, he needs a metal walker to get around. Todd is a very proud man. Years ago, he used to cut their grass, rake the leaves in the fall, and shovel snow in the winter. The only thing he can do now is get their mail from the mailbox every day. The mailbox is about fifty feet from their driveway and across the street. Carla knows how important it is for Todd to be able to do this one task. It gives him a sense of dignity and value.

However, in the winter there can be a lot of snow that needs to be shoveled and plowed, which is now done by a contractor for all the residents. Sometimes, there is still ice and snow around

that makes it hard for Todd to safely get to the mailbox. He cannot afford to fall, since it would be hard for him to get up and he could injure himself. Recently there was a big snow storm in the neighborhood. Lisa could see from her window that Todd was struggling to get his mail.

Lisa is about 50 years old and physically fit. She hikes and skis and loves the outdoors. One evening when there was still some daylight, she walked over to Carla and Todd’s condo and saw them inside watching the news on TV. Lisa quietly shoveled

some of the snow and ice from the garage door along the driveway and worked her way over to the mailbox. It took her about an hour to break up some of the ice and shovel the snow. She made sure the open space was wide enough for Todd’s walker.

The next day, when Todd went outside to get his mail, he stopped and was surprised that someone had shoveled a path for him. He looked around in all directions. He walked out to the end of his driveway and looked again but saw no one. He raised his arms to the sky and seemed very thankful. He had no trouble getting to his mailbox the rest of the week. Lisa shared that she was very happy to see Todd’s response to having a clear path to the mail box. As she finished her story, she smiled and said there was no need to tell Todd who had done the work.

The third act of kindness came from an electrician. Don had his own business as a licensed electrician. He was experienced and had a good reputation in the community. He charged his customers for his travel to and from their residence. He charged a second fee for an hour’s worth of work when he arrived. He also charged for any electrical parts he purchased for the repairs. Don would clearly explain these charges so the client knew what the cost would be.

One day, Don got a call from a resident in town. Mary was retired and she was a bird lover. All winter, she put out seed daily for the birds, and she had a deicer in her bird bath so the birds would have fresh water. However, one day a large chunk of snow about three feet high by two feet fell from her roof onto the bird bath. Mary had trouble getting the deicer to work and she thought the problem was with the outside outlet near the bird bath. She called Don and he explained his fees. The fees would be high for Mary, given her limited savings, but she wanted the birds to have water, so she agreed to the estimated charges. Don drove to her home the next day. He checked the outlet and reset it; checked the deicer and it was working. In barely five minutes he had helped Mary. As they were talking, Mary learned that Don was an avid bird watcher and they chatted about their love of wild birds.

They walked back to Don’s car, and he shared how grateful he was to be alive, since he had a sudden heart attack two months ago. He said he would have died if a stranger who found him lying on the street had not called the Rescue Squad. They were nearby, got him to the hospital, and he had surgery, which saved his life. Don said he was grateful for every day of his life. Mary pulled out her money from her wallet to pay Don and asked how much she owed him. Don took a deep breath and said he was not going to charge her anything. Mary was very grateful for Don’s generosity and thanked him.

We never know when an opportunity for an act of kindness will come our way. We never know how we might be able to help. Sometimes it can be as a good listener, sometimes it can be calling 911 to save a life. What we do know is that these unexpected moments will come along for each of us at times. What matters is our willingness to be of service when needed. Every act of kindness will help us feel our own goodness!

2025-04-25T07:48:00-06:00Mental & Emotional Health|

Government—The Protector or Threat to Life?

Letter to the Editor…

Adrie Min from Ryegate, MT
March – April 2025 • Vol 4, No 15

Dear Editor,

I appreciate your newsletters! I have written an opinion letter as a reply to the passing of Constitutional Prop 128 last November in Montana. I don’t want to get political, but I feel this issue is about the health and well-being of our whole society.

Thank you, Adrie Min • Ryegate, Montana

The founders of this nation, having suffered under the yoke of British tyranny and well aware of what history taught, declared that people should be free and independent. Their ideas, outlined in the Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson, were further developed into what became the U.S. Constitution.

To protect the people’s rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, we need government. Everybody for themselves with no rules to live by creates chaos and will not last. So, a republican form of government was chosen, representing the people; a government chosen from people among their peers: of the people, by the people, for the people with no special rights for anybody. Unique in world history! People steering their own destiny, instead of a few powerful families or a king ruling by decree!

So, representatives were chosen, employed by the people to entertain certain jobs necessary to PROTECT people’s rights, run a smooth society, clearly outlined in the constitution. A republican form of government was born, not a democracy! A democracy is mob rule!

None of the elected government officials have special rights, but the same rights as the people that chose them. None of them can pass laws violating people’s rights or excluding certain groups of people from exercising their God given rights. Laws legally passed have to apply to all equally!

The US Constitution limits the power of government; it gives the government certain enumerated powers. Not unlimited powers, as certain individuals think nowadays. Everybody can hammer a nail in a piece of wood; some people are better at it than others and become carpenters. That doesn’t mean that those who aren’t carpenters can’t still hammer a nail into wood anymore!

However, it seems that over time the ‘real’ carpenter saw the non-carpenter as a threat to the ‘real’ carpenter’s livelihood. So, a carpenter’s association was formed to petition the government to pass a law prohibiting non-carpenters from driving nails in wood to protect their livelihood. Sorry, I mean to say that society can now be protected from quacks that think they can hammer a nail in a piece of wood the way only a real carpenter does it!

Many professional groups have been able to just do that certain thing! Petition government officials to pass laws prohibiting people from doing stuff that comes naturally to them unless they attend expensive schooling, pass numerous exams, have annual licensing fees and abide by the ‘rules’ set by the governing carpenter’s body, all to protect society from a nail being hammered wrong!

To collect the annual licensing fees and to make sure that people stay within their turf, the government created a department of labor. All to make sure that non-carpenters do not drive a nail in a piece of wood the wrong way and also to ‘protect’ society.

Of course, we need enforcers of these laws and regulations so over time, agencies like the ATFE,  OSHA, DEA, TSA, FDA, CDC, BLM, Forest service and other enforcing government bodies, also at state level, were born! All for the good of society and to protect us from ourselves!

And so, society became an entanglement of rules and regulations; even lawyers need to specialize! The people were not free anymore. Government became all-powerful. Now a government license was required for even the most mundane jobs, like serving food to your fellow man, selling fruit at a fruit stand or opening up your own business. You mention a profession, and you need a government license! And crossing the street at the wrong place lands you in jail.

Except the individuals running for office, they don’t require a license, but they have proven to be the most dangerous of all! When this nation started, people were free. They could pursue their dream without government interference and keep the fruits of their labor.

Gradually the people in this nation have been made to believe that government officials have more power than the ‘regular’ citizens and that they can pass laws for anything. Every year new laws enter the books, but very few are being repealed.

When you vote for a person to represent you, you delegate your authority. You do not relinquish it. The government official may now act on your behalf within the constraints of the constitution. But they cannot abuse that power of attorney to pass laws to control you. And they cannot pass laws to enable certain groups of people to have increased privileges, or by law take away certain rights from groups of people because of some perceived threat. A lawful law passed for one, is a law passed for all!

That brings us to the ultimate right that is endangered. The right to Life is the ultimate right! Without Life and the RIGHT to Life, all the other rights have no meaning. Everything starts with life! Life starts in the womb! All men are created equal, not born equal!

Take a bald eagle’s egg, and you go to jail and get fined. The bald eagle’s egg does not contain a chicken, a kangaroo or sloth. It is a bald eagle in the making!

And so is the human fetus. It is not a blob of tissue, a cancerous growth, nor will it grow into a donkey. It is a HUMAN being in the making, ordained by the creator with certain unalienable rights, the most important one: the right to life!

People have the right to life and so the right to protect that life. The prospective mother has the right to protect her own life and, as the temporary governor of this incoming soul, has the obligation to protect this incoming life; just as our elected government officials have the obligation to protect the people’s rights to life.

Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese poet and artist (1883–1931), speaks of children in his book, The Prophet. A woman, who held a babe against her bosom, asked, “Speak to us of children.” And he said:

Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, and though they are with you yet they belong not to you. You may give them your love but not your thoughts, for they have their own thoughts. You may house their bodies but not their souls.

For, their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams. You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you. For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth. The archer sees the mark upon the path of the Infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far. Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness, for even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves the bow that is stable.

Life is sacred, life is God. And as the great poet said, the mother is not the owner of that life, she is the temporary protector of an independent soul. She is the bow, not the archer. The bow is merely the instrument to compel the arrow, the new life, into the world.

Life is opportunity for the individual soul and for society as a whole! Abortion kills a human being, denies the soul and souls it would otherwise be connected with their destiny.

A government, which is We the People, condoning or even promoting abortion, promotes the cult of death, not only for the aborted soul, but for society as a whole. What goes around comes around. When we cherish our God-given freedoms and want to keep these for posterity, life has to be nourished by government and the mother as the temporary governor!

2025-04-25T09:03:34-06:00Mental & Emotional Health|

Two Brothers—

A Long Life and a Loving Life

Catherine Nelson, Ph.D.
January – February 2025 • Vol 4, No 14

Two young brothers, Ben and Tom, were separated at an early age. Ben was four and Tom was two when their mother died. Their father did not feel he could care for his children, and he knew his wife had relatives in two nearby towns. The father gave Ben to relatives in one of the  nearby towns called Elmwood. Tom was placed with relatives in Linville, a town across the river. The father had struggled to earn a living for his family, and he believed they would have a better life with the relatives. Soon after, he moved away from the area.

The two towns were separated by the large river. There were small stores, food markets, and nearby farms on both sides of the river. The towns almost looked alike at this time, but they were different in significant ways socially. Elmwood was a community of frequent travelers and people in search of a better life. There was a constant mix of social backgrounds, languages and cultures. Ben’s relatives taught Ben to be suspicious and wary of others, to question their motives, and to always be mindful of his personal safety.

Linville began as a trading post, established by an honorable and caring family. They had a reputation over the years of friendliness, fairness in transactions, and welcoming of people who came to settle on the nearby land. A number of people settled in the area and raised their families over several generations. Tom grew up with his relatives mirroring the same values of good will, a willingness to trust others, and a desire to be good neighbors. The only way to get across the river was by boat. The relatives on either side of the river did not get along very well. They had a history of family disputes and different values. They had no interest in visiting the relatives on the other side of the river. As a result, the two brothers grew up with little knowledge of each other.

Tom had become a physically strong young man working long hours at a mill in Linville. He was kind, thoughtful, and caring about others in his life. He enjoyed helping friends and neighbors, both young and old. In a few family conversations, Tom heard that he had a brother and became more curious about him. Ben was also a strong and healthy young man in his late twenties earning a living. He had recently moved to his own living quarters. It was a room near the lumber yard where he had worked for several years. Ben was proud to find his own place and finally be on his own.

Tom had asked around and learned where Ben might be living. Tom saved his money and one Sunday morning, he paid the fee to cross the river on the ferry. It took a lot of money to cross the river, but Tom really wanted to find his brother. He did not know Elmwood, and it took him the better part of the day to find his way to the lumber yard. He was told where Ben was living, and he knocked on Ben’s door.

Ben opened the door and looked at Tom. Ben was suspicious that this young man was his brother. Ben had not been forewarned. He did not know what his brother might look like, and he thought Tom might be an imposter. However, Tom knew the names of the relatives who had raised Ben. Slowly, Ben was willing to talk to Tom. That day,  the two brothers went to a nearby bar and had drinks together. They took a walk along the river and went fishing. Tom was happy to have found his brother and spend time with him. Ben remained suspicious even after Tom left and was relieved when Tom had to get back to the last ferry ride of the day.

Tom visited Ben several times that year, wanting to get to know Ben better. Each time Tom had carefully saved his money for the ferry and was happy that he was getting to know his brother. Ben was a quiet man who did not talk easily, but Tom was patient with him. As a child, Ben’s relatives told him that “he should be seen and not heard.” Ben complied and became a dutiful young man. Ben was hesitant talking with his brother, but they continued to go for walks and fish together.

There were a number of years when Tom could not visit Ben. There had been major flooding from the river and many homes had been washed away in Linville. Lots of people needed help in many ways to get back on their feet. The following years, there were storms and major fires that again challenged many of the homeowners and locals. The residents of Linville worked together, helping each other and caring for the needy, sharing their resources with everyone. They were able to create a community once again, both physically and emotionally.

Elmville also had the same major floods and storms, but the residents had a harder time recovering. Some people left. Some people suffered major losses with no help from others to recover or rebuild and reestablish a sense of safety for their families. The local people were less inclined or interested in helping others who were struggling. They didn’t know each other, and they believed it was up to each person to take care of their own. Ben helped his relatives, working hard to help them rebuild their home. Ben believed it was up to the elected town officials to manage the needed repairs for others. He said that is what they are paid to do. However, there was too much damage and many left the town. Many buildings needed to be torn down and rebuilt. There were numerous health issues for those that stayed. It took years for the town to recover.

Several years passed until Tom was able to visit Ben once again. Now it was easier for Tom, because there was a new bridge across the river, and Tom did not have to pay a fee to walk across it. Ben was surprised to see Tom once again. Ben always had a lot of criticisms and complaints about many things; Tom just listened most of the time. Ben asked a lot of questions and challenged Tom’s beliefs about the inherent goodness of people. Tom loved his brother and simply enjoyed being with him, walking and fishing together.

Both men had made it to their seventies. One day, Tom came to visit Ben. Tom told Ben that he was not feeling well. The doctor said he had a serious heart problem. Ben listened, asked a few questions, and the two men went fishing at one of their favorite locations. Tom was able to visit Ben two more times before he died.

The residents of Linville were very fond of Tom. He was well known, and he had been honored several times over the years for his good deeds and caring of others. For the very first time, Ben walked across the bridge to attend Tom’s funeral in Linville. Ben was surprised and overwhelmed by all the people in attendance. He had no idea of the extent of Tom’s contribution to their lives. Tom had never talked to Ben about his good deeds. Ben lived another ten years. He missed Tom in a way he never expected to feel or even wanted to feel about anyone. Once a week, while he was still able, Ben would walk down to the river and fish in their favorite place, remembering his brother.

Catherine Nelson, Ph.D. has a counseling practice in Bozeman with many years of experience working with individuals and groups. She has taught at the Barbara Brennan School of Healing and is a certified Pathwork Helper. She offers workshops on personal transformation and energy healing and is available for individual sessions. Call Catherine at (406) 585-8025. E-mail to: cnhobbit@gmail.com. Visit: RockyMtnPathwork.org.

2024-12-27T08:26:22-07:00Mental & Emotional Health|

Skunk Encounter!

A Lesson Learned…

Catherine Nelson, Ph.D.
September – October 2024 • Vol 4, No 12

Yes, my friends, this is a true story…

A friend recently shared an event that happened to her. Beth is in her fifties. Her husband died in a car accident a few years ago. Beth has worked in a professional position at a local business for many years, and now she is the manager. She is good at solving problems—she enjoys people and wants to help others any way she can. Her five-day-a-week job sometimes re-quires extra hours. Several nights a week, she is a volunteer at the local library. By all accounts, she is a successful, caring person leading a busy life. Beth is also well organized and has good skills in planning ahead with all of her activities.

Two weeks ago, she decided to take several vacation days to work on some personal projects at home—her garden needed repair, her bedroom needed painting, and she wanted to get rid of some items in her garage. Already two vacation days had passed, and she was making progress with her to-do list.

On Friday, Beth decided she had some time to go on a bike ride at a nearby park, along the trails in the woods and then around the lake. She had not ridden her bike for several years, so on Friday night, she made a list of items she wanted to be sure to bring on her ride. The list included her helmet, water bottle, cell phone, gloves, tire pump, tool kit, wind breaker, etc. She felt prepared, and off she went on Saturday at 6:30 am.

It was barely daylight as she bicycled into the woods. The sky was a deep blue, and there was a cool wind blowing. Beth proceeded slowly on the trail and kept looking ahead in case someone was walking their dog. She was surprised at the many plants and bushes encroaching on the trail, making it unexpectedly narrow.

Beth came around a tight bend on the trail and suddenly, she saw a young skunk jump out of the bushes in front of her. Both Beth and the skunk were surprised to see each other. The skunk turned and ran back into the bushes. Beth kept moving and cycled past the skunk. She was relieved that she had not hit the skunk. She thought she had moved quickly enough and had not been sprayed.

Well, Beth was wrong. She HAD been sprayed! Beth continued to bicycle around the lake. She noticed a slight smell of skunk in the air. She thought maybe there had been another skunk in the area. Beth rode home and was pleased with her bike ride, but when she stopped, she soon realized that the skunk had sprayed her bike, her bike tires, her sneakers, and her legs.

Beth had planned to do more things that day. She was going to the Farmer’s Market, the post office, and then the hardware store. However, she couldn’t go anywhere because of the skunk smell! She had to stay home and work on cleaning her bike, washing her sneakers, and cleaning herself from the smell. Beth worked hard that morning doing her best to get rid of the smell. It took several washings to clean the smell off her body. That afternoon, she sat outside near her garden, eating her lunch.

This was not what she had planned for her Saturday or Sunday. Her weekend had been turned upside down. She had to go to work on Monday and did not want any skunk smell on her body. Beth stayed home the rest of Saturday and all of Sunday, working by herself.

Over the weekend, Beth thought about the unexpected event and slowly realized how much she was enjoying staying home with no schedule and no responsibilities to anyone else. A sense of peace and feelings of freedom started to creep into her being. She actually read a magazine, cooked two of her favorite vegetable recipes, took a nap, and watched a favorite movie on Saturday night.

On Sunday morning, Beth sat outside and listened to the birds chirping in the trees. She wondered if there was a bigger message for her. Usually she was too busy to enjoy the peace and solitude of being home, being alone, and doing things to restore herself. There was little time for self-reflection in her life, but maybe she could begin to do it differently. She realized she had unresolved feelings about her husband’s death. She had not taken any time to attend to her needs for self-growth and self-regeneration. Some of her ongoing skills at “planning” and “doing” and always being busy were perhaps a pattern of avoidance of her own deeper feelings.

When Beth called me and shared all that happened from the skunk spraying her, she laughed and said, “There is no way you can prepare for an unexpected event that comes along.” She said the unexpected event had interrupted her usual way of living. She is going to make some changes in her life to help her find time for herself and for her own self-care.

Together we laughed, as she said she could never imagine getting sprayed by a skunk, and she could never imagine it would lead to several personal insights.

 

Catherine Nelson, Ph.D., has a counseling practice in Bozeman with many years of experience working with individuals and groups. She has taught at the Barbara Brennan School of Healing and is a certified Pathwork Helper. She offers workshops on personal transformation and energy healing and is available for individual sessions. Call Catherine at (406) 585-8025. E-mail cnhobbit@gmail.com. Visit: RockyMtnPathwork.org.

2024-08-26T15:23:45-06:00Mental & Emotional Health|

Aspiring Toward Good Stewardship

Cultivating Your Best Relationship with Money

Raymond Ziemkowski
July – August 2024 • Vol 4, No 11

In 1955, Christian mystic Flower A. Newhouse wrote a short pamphlet titled, “Aspiring Toward Good Stewardship.” This 23-page booklet offers profound instruction on abundance, Providence, supply… all things related to our relationship with money.

Flower shares that “a seriously mistaken concept most persons have is the belief that their security was mainly dependent upon finances.” To that, she firmly writes, “our only security is God.” And that “our outward income depends upon values that are God-given. These values consist of good health, useful knowledge, creative resourcefulness, and good mental and spiritual development.”

She offered four symbols and modes that portray mankind’s general attitude and stewardship towards money. These four are:

  • The Closed Hand
  • The Sieve
  • The Measuring Containers
  • The Ever-Renewing Pool

In her pamphlet, she writes in the voice of her Christian Mystic Ministry on each of these symbolic representations in the order above. As you might intuit, she teaches that the fourth symbol, the ever-renewing pool, is ideal. And she discusses the limitations and restrictions that are inherent in the preceding three modes and attitudes toward money.

Whether we are responsible for just our personal and family finances, engaged in business pursuits, or on a board of a nonprofit or charitable organization, our relationship with money requires our attention in today’s challenging times. Flower’s voice and message on this topic is as profound today as it was in the 1950s. Enjoy! —Raymond

The Closed Hand

Flower wrote, “The hand has always expressed service and sharing in religious symbolism. A closed hand denotes the repressing or withholding of giving or sharing.

“Those who are afraid to spend money either possess excessive fears in regard to their security, or they are victims of a compulsive neurosis in regard to saving. Neither of these states is good from the standpoint of normal, psychological well-being.

“Persons with a savings complex need to learn to open their hands, their hearts, and their minds where money is concerned. Because their hold upon money’s outgo is so obsessively tight, their income and general attractions from life are consequentially limited. Their lack is the creative result of their wrong attitudes and practices.

“Reminding themselves of what their negative conduct is called in the terse, forthright terms of the world should help such persons to drop these un-wholesome habits. Smallness, meanness, greediness, stinginess, and hoarding are associated with this first type. Their characteristics are the opposite of kindliness, faith, and outgoingness.

“Let those who find it hard to deal trustingly with money devote themselves to a deliberate, sustained cultivation of faith in supply. They should form the new, constructive habit of investing in happiness every day. Smallness can only be mastered by large-heartedness persistently applied.”

The Sieve

Flower wrote, “Those who are inclined to emulate sieves where money is concerned are the very opposite of the first type. Their emotions lead where their minds should be in charge. Here we find desires unchecked and out of control.

“There are two types of extravagant spenders. One kind splurges consistently on anything that delights or benefits him. The second kind is not as lavish on himself as he is with others. An extravagant individual’s trust is fool-hearty, because it is not tempered by discrimination, patience, and wisdom. These spenders think only about the moment at hand and so, will purchase temporary pleasure at the cost of meeting tomorrow’s rent or the monthly bills. They are indeed ‘robbing Peter to pay Paul.’

“There is nothing wrong with this second type’s trust in Divine Provision. To their faith they must add qualities of good stewardship—self-control, accountability, and self-denial—wisely exercised.

“As a means for overcoming imprudent spending, the sieve type should practice the best qualities of the budgeter—the third symbolic type. These good traits are wise self-denial and objective patience.”

The Measuring Containers

Flower wrote, “The symbolic outpicturing of the third type of steward is that of measuring containers, such as pint, quart and gallon jars. The one who lives within his income intelligently, frequently does so because he budgets his earnings to cover his monthly needs and investments.

“A budgeter realizes the value of practicing self-sacrifice in the present moment in order to achieve a reserve, which will ease and benefit his living in future months or years. He is honest and discriminating. He does not buy what he cannot afford at a time when there are not funds. He

purposefully and creatively does without extras now in order to be in a better position to afford them when the time is favorable. Because there is a plan behind his self-denial, the budgeter does not suffer from self-pity or a case of imagined martyrdom. He makes interesting use of the time, materials, and utilities he now enjoys. From an inner viewpoint, we would say that the budgeter is involved in learning how to handle finances capably.

“As admirable as most of the qualities and characteristic of this stage are, a worthier concept or realization is yet to be attained. The third type needs to guard against cultivating negative tendencies during his budgeting stage. Budgeting itself can be-come a rigid habit. If it tends to make one inflexible in his attitude towards money, then there is danger of the budgeter becoming too narrow, circumscribed, and cautious in financial matters.

“A good steward needs the enthusiastic faith of the sieve type, plus the self-control and patience of the budgeter type. Yet he needs even more development before he is worthy to be a trusted steward in the House of his Lord. He must advance to the stage where consciousness is diligently maintained as an ever-flowing, creative pool in the center of Being.”

The Ever-Renewing Pool

Flower wrote, “A pool fed by an everlasting spring symbolizes the fourth type of steward. Man’s pool of consciousness, in order to be clear and pure, requires the continual circulation of spiritual currents, powers and ideas.

Since every person’s Pool of Consciousness is fed by God’s Inexhaustible Spirit, his resources are limitless and are composed of infinitely varied combinations of opportunity. Like a natural pool that both receives from the larger stream and returns to it the overflow of its contents, man needs to share eagerly and willingly of his ever-inherent plenty.

“Most spiritually interested persons tithe regularly. They find it a remarkable experience in ever-deepening awareness of appreciation for God’s countess blessings. The practice enables them to participate in the enriching events of supporting the Work of Christ in the outer world. Few things are so satisfying as to witness the progress of a spiritual movement one has helped with his tithes. The building of a church, the broadcast of truth through the spoken and written word, and the widening arc of Light-radiant lives are benefits that follow the faithful support of sincere spiritual movements.

“One, who has achieved the stage of stewardship designated as the ever-renewed pool, always realizes a generous sufficiency for all his needs, as well as his desires. He has learned the secret of purposeful containment and of giving gladly from his overflow.

“This fourth type possesses no money complexes, fears or compulsions, because his renewal is continually realized. He is not spend-thrifty, since he understands that he is as responsible for maintaining steadfast reserves as he is for the constant circulation of overflow. He is beyond smallness and meanness, just as he is above devious or calculated giving. This symbolic type reveals an ever-widening source of knowledge. His is a productiveness that is stimulating and original. The beauty by which he is surrounded is keyed to purest simplicity and is devoid of artificial sophistication. Few contain such a zest for gracious living or for wholesome enjoyments as this kind of steward.”

Flower A. Newhouse (1909–1994) founded, with her husband Lawrence (1910–1963), the Questhaven Retreat and Christward Ministry in San Marcos, CA in 1940. She is a well-known, twentieth-century Christian mystic who wrote and lectured extensively, reawakening humanity to the reality of the Living Christ, the Inner Worlds and the Angel Kingdom. Today, Questhaven continues to offer visitors a quiet and sacred space for worship, study and renewal as a Christ-Centered Spiritual Retreat and Nature Preserve, located on 655 acres of pristine wilderness nestled among the coastal hills of San Diego County. You can investigate their books and many offerings at Questhaven.org.

In the Hearts Center Community, we are committed to spiritual practices that support and create true alchemical changes in ourselves first and then outside at large in the greater community. Through meditation and the science of the spoken word (prayers, songs, chants and decrees), we draw upon subtle spiritual energies and technologies as we transform ourselves and our planet. We hold the space of Aquarian Love in our hearts and send it out into the world to bless all of life. Visit: The Hearts Center Community.

2024-06-26T14:08:23-06:00Mental & Emotional Health|

Who Am I Now?

Cultivating Joy, Awe and Gratitude

Janet Little
May – Jun 2024 • Vol 4, No 10

New beginnings of spring—a favorite of mine is crocuses, which are in bold gold and royal purple and warm white—in complete overcoming of snow and ice. They survived the winter—outside!

It’s not always as easy to see the new beginning in ourselves. Oh, we may be walking outdoors more, perhaps celebrating sandal weather early by getting a pedicure, maybe throwing balls with kids. Yet, what is new and different in us? How did we survive the snow—or whatever else happened during the winter? What did we learn? How did we grow? Who are we now?

Who am I now? It’s a question I like to ask clients, just to get them thinking. It prompts further inquiries, like what is important to me now, what are my immediate priorities and my long-term ideas? What makes me happy? What do I believe now? What is still true? Are some of the positions I defend outmoded in my own reality? That is, do I really still believe them or was it because I wanted the kids to grow up a certain way? Would my perspective change if I opened up to new research or evidence?

Dye My Hair Indigo? Why Not!

Blessed are those who have the time—or determine to mindfully take the time—to examine their perspectives, to allow the opportunity to modify the constructs or thought- forms that may have given them structure—or imprisoned them. Anything that is about something we’d like to do but ends with the question, “What would people think?” is probably one of those.

Really, why don’t I dye my hair indigo? Follow that train of thought to see what it has to say about who you are now. You may find it’s less about what would people think and more about not desiring the attention, positive and negative, that would result. And there it is—insight into who you are now.

Why don’t I use the pasta attachment that fits the mixer? You might find it’s not about time, or what I’m going to do someday, and more about I don’t care that much, and I really don’t want to clean up the mess. Or I’m gluten-free now. (And that’s a whole other story!) All of which leads naturally then, to why do I keep it?

Now you’re on your way to de-cluttering. And isn’t it easy how you got somewhere you knew you wanted to go—someday. And that day is now! I’m telling you—someday can be now.

Time to Reinvent Who You Are

Asking “Who am I now?” allows us to reinvent ourselves to fit our lives as they are or can be right now. Letting go of a disdain for landscaping gives way to designing a natural, low-maintenance front yard with native plants that you do like. It be-comes a whole new creative pursuit, and maybe even leads to a new friend in the neighborhood who admires the effort.

“Who am I now?” is a good question to ask after any transition—and maybe even during one, when your old situation is like a burning island and everyone on it takes to the water. Whether in a motorboat or a dingy or swimming with the sharks, everyone must leave the island. You haven’t a clue where you’re going, only that you can’t stay where you were. Even then, ask the question.

I am no longer Jason’s partner. I am no longer mom to Max, the golden retriever. I am not now a teacher. Who am I now? You may even re-member that once upon a time, you always thought you were going to be an artist, or a writer, or fly planes—or fly fish!

Embracing the Wonder of It All

In his book, “Awestruck: How Embracing Wonder Can Make You Happier, Healthier and More Connected,” Jonah Paquette PsyD, makes the point that we can cultivate awe, that we can open ourselves to being more awestruck—with nature, at the arts, through social connection, and through habits we can learn and practice.

In Montana, there is no shortage of awe-inspiring scenery, darn-good food, and beautiful works of art. “Who am I now?” makes us ask, “What is my response to the pure magic of this state? Do I revel in the moment and appreciate all that is here? Can I learn to be child-like and open to wonder and awe and the new experiences that God, or the Great Universe, brings to me?”

If the answer is no, then the next question is, “What do I need now?” We may have learned a lot about giving, but have we learned to give to ourselves? The flight attendants are right about the oxygen-mask thing. You know—put yours on first before assisting others. Give yourself the love, the compassion, the smile, and the sleep that you would wish upon another human being.

Once you have given yourself the care you need—and it may take a while—then go find evidences of gratitude. Appreciate the neighborhood cat who somersaults to greet you and to experience the warmth of the sidewalk. Go where you can overhear a tourist exclaiming over a wonder feature of your state, no matter what language they speak. Take responsibility for your own happiness and ask, “Who am I now?”

Visit The Alchemy Exchange store and look up the book, “Happiness,” by Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov. Discover the magic of gratitude. Recapture your moments of bliss!

In the Hearts Center Community, we are committed to spiritual practices that support and create true alchemical changes in ourselves first and then outside at large in the greater community. Through meditation and the science of the spoken word (prayers, songs, chants and decrees), we draw upon subtle spiritual energies and technologies as we transform ourselves and our planet. We hold the space of Aquarian Love in our hearts and send it out into the world to bless all of life. Visit: The Hearts Center Community.

2024-06-26T14:08:23-06:00Mental & Emotional Health|

Transpersonal Gratitude

Giving Thanks for Earth, Sun, Cosmos, Nature and/or God

Arnold Shapiro, MD
Jan – Feb 2024 • Vol 4, No 8

Transpersonal gratitude is the third of three Dimensions of Gratitude. The other two (covered in previous articles of this magazine) are Intrapersonal (for the plentitude within us), and Interpersonal (for the benefits we receive from others). Transpersonal gratitude refers to everything from the World (Earth/Sun/Cosmos/ Nature/God) that we can be thankful for.

We are continuously sup-ported, lifelong, by the Earth’s air that we breathe, and by the ground beneath us that we are gravitationally attached to. The Sun gives us lifelong light and energy/warmth. The Sun is part of the Milky Way Galaxy, a disc of a few hundred million stars, and is estimated to be 5 billion years old. The Earth is a planet, along with several others that have orbited the sun since it formed.

The Earth is our home in the vast Universe. During the last few billion years, Life, directed by DNA, has initiated and evolved on Earth, all the way to our miraculous lives and conscious awareness. We are branches of the Tree of Life. It has its figurative roots in the earliest life forms, one-celled organisms. These earliest forms are called “Extremophiles,” and were able to survive the harsh conditions of the early Earth. Some forms of Extremophiles still flourish around the thermal features of Yellowstone National Park!

Only relatively recently (±50,000 years), has there been consciousness, language, and reasoning. We are the special creatures that have the capacity to thank our precious lives, and our roots.

Gratitude is found in all cultures that inhabit our planet. It is deeply ingrained in the human psyche. It is a socio-cultural “glue” that binds us together. Indigenous peoples everywhere have gratitude for the Great Spirits that created their land and ancestors, and support their lives. Gratitude is expressed in ceremonies, where sources of support are highly praised.

All three Dimensions of Gratitude are interconnected. We share extensive commonality, within us, between us, and outside us. The traditional Hindu greeting “Namaste’” expresses commonality and kinship by communicating: “The essence within me salutes the essence within you.” Gratitude is a part of Inner Peace, and Unity with the Allness.

— Namaste!

Dr. Shapiro is a career clinic physician who has utilized relaxation techniques with many of his patients. His YouTube channel is: “Arnie Shapiro, MD • Breathing Easy.” Email Dr. Shapiro at: alloydshapiro@gmail.com.

2023-12-27T13:30:02-07:00Mental & Emotional Health|

It’s a New Year!

Keep on Reading, Learning & Growing!

Raymond Ziemkowski
Jan – Feb 2024 • Vol 4, No 8

We know from the recorded lives of Saints and Sages of the world’s diverse religious traditions, that enlightenment and direct connection with God/Source is a possible and experienced reality. Each unique story and path adds to a “collective revelation” of our potential experience of God and unity, beyond our human sense of limitation and separation.

The “ultimate” Venn diagram of mankind’s course from separation to unity, includes the unique circle of experience and perspective of each of us. The more overlap we see and know, the more unity and cooperation we will experience in our lives and our world.

A Venn diagram uses overlapping circles or other shapes to illustrate the logical relationships between two or more sets of items. Often, they serve to graphically organize things, highlighting how the items are similar and different.

Every new person we meet… every new book, teaching or idea we discover, contributes to expanding our circle of understanding and compassion and offers an opportunity to bring us together towards an ultimate unified circle of oneness and unity.

Do you have a favorite saint or sage, or teacher and teaching, that inspires you to expand the circle of your understanding and your love/ compassion toward all life?

It’s a fun and rewarding exercise to sit down and distill a list of the top ten books that you have read, that have influenced your life and understanding. You might be inspired to read again and reboot these tomes that have inspired you on your life journey.

Two books, A Dweller on Two Planets and An Earth Dweller’s Return, by Phylos the Thibetan, published by Borden Publishing Co., are in my top ten esoteric book list. Collectively, these two books chronicle the progression of “classic” karmic entanglements of a group of souls, as well as larger national, ethnic and planetary karmas playing out (the battle of light and darkness) from their root causes in Lemuria and Atlantis until finding resolution in 19th century America.

These books can be read as fiction or embraced as an Akashic record of our soul’s individual and collective struggles through our earthly journey in time and space. Some of the most powerful imagery of the written word that I have ever read, are within these books.

It is comforting and brings co-measurement to our understanding of the world we live in today, when we see and understand what has been set in motion in our ancient past and is come to our doorstep for resolution today.

I’m convinced that planetary peace and unity will never be achieved by political or militant force. Peace and unity will ultimately be won by the work that we do on ourselves, as within so without. Imagine a planet and culture that honors each individual’s sovereignty and unique path to experience life, learn and grow. Separation and division will decrease, and unity and cooperation will rule the day.

I am grateful for a new year of self-discovery and service. I am grateful for this opportunity to share with you my love/wisdom through the Natural Life News online magazine.

Peace, Joy and Blessings to You Throughout the New Year!

Just Published!

Kuan Yin on Mercy, Forgiveness and the Bodhisattva Path
by David Christopher Lewis, with 15 Illustrations by David Keil

Kuan Yin shares her wisdom and love to move us forward to walk the bodhisattva path and fulfill our divine mission on Earth. She speaks of the grace and compassion of mercy, of how mercy is the greatest form of justice and how to accept the flame of mercy in our hearts as a transformative power and life-changing virtue.

“Mercy is required for true healing at all levels of consciousness. The mercy flame impels each being to see the divine within all. The voice of mercy-peace will help end war upon Earth even while merciful, compassionate communication is key to ending all conflict.”

Within these sixty poignant messages, Kuan Yin unveils for all the mystical path of mercy, bodhicitta and bodhi-sattva love. You do not have to be a Buddhist to enjoy the Presence and powerful radiance of Avalokitesvara—another name for beloved Kuan Yin.

The books mentioned here and much more are available at the Alchemy Exchange Bookstore in Livingston, MT, or from their Hearts Center Online Store. Also available at Amazon.com.

2023-12-27T13:30:03-07:00Mental & Emotional Health, The Metaphysical|

Inter-Personal Gratitude

Giving Thanks for the Wonderful People in Our Lives!

Arnold Shapiro, MD
Nov – Dec 2023 • Vol 4, No 7

In a previous article, I described the “dimensions of gratitude” as Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal. I will now focus on Interpersonal Gratitude, the thanks we have for other people in our lives.

It’s highly likely that we have received much benefit from many people in every phase of our lives. Our infancy and early childhood had constant need for parental and para-parental care and concern. In our school years, there were teachers and other caretakers who helped our development. By High School, there was likely a teacher or two who excited our interest in one field or another.

Our family and peers probably played an important role. We may have been excited to develop a special interest and/or mentored through difficulties by a special, caring person. We were the recipients of givingness.

The success of society and community is based on webs of cooperation (including people we are not acquainted with). Gratitude is intertwined with the will to cooperate, and has been called “societal glue.” We give a courtesy, receive a courtesy, and we are “all in this together.”

I’d like to emphasize the benefit of expressing our gratitude. “Thank you,” verbalized when any benefits are received, is common in community. All cultures have words for it. Written thanks are highly recommended to individuals who have been lastingly helpful. When we write down our gratitudes in the form of a journal, it is particularly beneficial.

Expressing gratitude renders us happy. Scientific studies have been conducted using a technique called functional MRI (fMRI). fMRI can detect changes in activity and blood supply to specific centers in our brain. What they found was that when a subject expressed deep gratitude, there was activation of brain centers rich in dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. These are neurotransmitters described as “pro-social,” “pro-pleasure.”

Gratitude leads to positive emotions. Additionally, gratitude is a Relaxor, and induces the Relaxation Response, which suppresses the Stress Response. It helps to have intervals of gratitude in times of stress.

In summary, Interpersonal Gratitude is a response to benefits we have received from others. Expressing our gratitude elevates the state of mind of the receiver and the giver. One of the very best things we could do with our gratitude is pay it forward, in the form of acts of kindness, generosity, and love.

— Namaste!

Dr. Shapiro is a career clinic physician who has utilized relaxation techniques with many of his patients. His YouTube channel is: “Arnie Shapiro, MD • Breathing Easy.” Email Dr. Shapiro at: alloydshapiro@gmail.com.

2023-12-27T13:30:07-07:00Mental & Emotional Health|

To Savor That Which Is Sacred

Be Emotionally Nourished by Taking Time to Savor Your Religious Heritage

Catherine Nelson, Ph.D.
Nov – Dec 2023 • Vol 4, No 7

The two words, savor and sacred, seem to be missing in our vocabulary and in our contemporary life. The word “savory” is mostly used to describe food that is delicious and tasty. However, “to savor” can describe how we choose to focus on something positive, beautiful, and impactful with all of our senses of sight, smell, hearing, and feeling. It is as if you are inhaling emotionally into your innermost being something that awakens your essence in every cell of your body.

The word “sacred” can refer to our beliefs and/or feelings about something of great value that may be personal, cultural, religious, or spiritual, which is worthy of veneration. Here are a few examples.

The ancient Hawaiians had a strong relationship with the stars and constellations in the heavens and also with the oceans, which they depended upon for their survival as islanders. Over generations they studied the stars and constellations and their movements in the heavens. They also had great knowledge of the oceans, the waves, the currents and seasonal patterns. Their religious deities emerged from their relationship with the heavens and ocean. They would pray to their sacred deities and ask for help, especially on their long ocean voyages sailing to far-away shores. They would connect with their deities through prayer, through festivities, and with gratitude for keeping them safe. Their deities had divine powers.

Another example of that which was and still is sacred is the culture and beliefs of the American Indians in their respect and reverence for the lands they have inhabited and worshiped for generations. They treasure the mountains, the rivers and lakes, the forests and plains, the wildlife and all the plant life that gives them food, shelter, and protection. They show deep respect for the spirits of the animals they hunt and kill for food. They savor the meat and celebrate the hunt with prayer, ceremony and spiritual gratitude. They understand and appreciate their inter-dependence with all aspects of nature and hold sacred the circle of all life.

Across many cultures and religions, there are sacred objects, recordings, ancient writings, jewelry, icons, and precious stones. There is a sacred vibrational energy that can emanate from objects that may be religious, historical, of personal and/or cultural value.

In Judaism, there is the Torah, which contains the five Books of Moses. They believe that God gave the Torah to Moses. It was handwritten in Hebrew without punctuation, and it contains the history of the Jewish people, as well as their behavioral commandments. The Torah is chanted when read during a service. They so treasure the Torah that to destroy a Torah is equivalent to a homicide.

In the U.S., there are numerous Christian religious groups that have honored, worshipped and celebrated the birth, life and death of Jesus Christ. In our past, people took time to savor the beauty of the religious holidays, to sit quietly listening to the religious music and the special homilies, and to attend the beautifully decorated churches and cathedrals. There are great sacred works of Christian art, sculptures, and artifacts that have been handed down through the centuries. These days, so much of the Christmas holiday is blanketed with marketing, selling merchandise, pressure to buy presents, and planning festivities and celebrations. It is a crescendo of social activity that many people find exhausting. There is no time to savor that which is truly sacred. In some ways, we are losing out on our connection to the basic tenants of our religious doctrines.

Ironically, many would be emotionally nourished by slowing down and taking time to savor the beauty and the spiritual wonder of their religious heritage, beliefs and values. They would be able to access a deeper awareness of spiritual connection, self-worth, core values, and life’s purpose.

Our children need our help and guidance too. They need to learn how to separate from all the electronic technology and commercialization that so many seem to be addicted to these days. At a deeper level, the children especially need to learn that they are spiritual beings. They are loved and valued, and they have a life purpose. If there are children in your life, won’t you set aside some time during the upcoming holidays to instill a sense of the sacred with them? It could be as simple as looking up into the night sky and telling them the story of the Star of Bethlehem. They will savor the moment and remember it for a lifetime.

Catherine Nelson, Ph.D., has a counseling practice in Bozeman with many years of experience working with individuals and groups. She has taught at the Barbara Brennan School of Healing and is a certified Pathwork Helper. She offers workshops on personal transformation and energy healing and is available for individual sessions. Call Catherine at (406) 585-8025. E-mail cnhobbit@gmail.com. Visit: RockyMtnPathwork.org.

2023-12-27T13:30:07-07:00Mental & Emotional Health, The Metaphysical|
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