Immersion
- According to recent science, our habitual thoughts form "grooves" in our neural pathways, which perpetuate the habitual thinking. However, new "grooves" can be formed which gradually take the place of the old ones!
- Since most of us have been conditioned to live by the "conventional wisdom" of society, and have had the neural "grooves" of this conditioning reinforced by people around us, the media, etc., it's necessary to immerse ourselves in spiritual principles and practices in order to form the new "grooves" of connection with the Higher Power, universal love, seeing the Divine in everyone and everything, etc.
- One way of doing this is to embark on a program of reading, listening, watching video, and attending services, meditation groups, workshops, concerts, and other events - all on the subject of spiritual transformation.
- I'm usually reading about 3 books at the same time: flipping back and forth between, for example, a "straight-ahead" spiritual book, one on abundance, and another on relationships. I've found that one book or author of interest leads to another (endlessly!): I want to read more by an author I enjoy, and there are usually references and quotes in the current book to other books and authors!
- And now, many authors and speakers are doing podcasts, blogs, and movies- available on DVD, online, and via downloads. Immersion can happen easily and naturally in this environment!
- In the world of music, there is a whole new genre called "New Thought Music", "Positive Music", or "Empowering Music"- music with a positive message and a spiritual source. Listed here are some artists in this genre, as well as some sources of meditation music and music designed to facilitate meditative states by evoking certain brain waves.
- Here is a list of what I've been immersed in, in various media. Consider using some of it as a starting point in your own journey of discovery!!
Authors and Books:
Anon. Press, "Alcoholics Anonymous"- (not just for alchoholics!) some great ideas about turning to the Higher Power for guidance, how belief in a Higher Power makes sense.
Michael Bernard Beckwith, “Spiritual Liberation” - the founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center in a very inspiring book about personal and global spiritual transformation
Brother Lawrence, "The Practice of the Presence of God"- a 17th Century monk's writings about his dedication to awareness of the Divine Presence
Deepak Chopra, "The Book of Secrets", and many others...a lot on quantum physics-meets-spirituality
Wayne Dyer, "There's a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem"- and many other titles by psychologist-turned-inspired spiritual writer
Ernest D. Chu, "Soul Currency - Investing Your Inner Wealth for Fulfillment and Abundance" - Wall Street investment banker-turned-minister/abundance writer on the spiritual basis for meaningful career and abundance
Ester and Jerry Hicks, "Ask And It Is Given"- how to manifest your desires; with many great exercises to try!
Gregg Braden, "Fractal Time- The Secret of 2012 and a New World Age"
Charles (and Myrtle) Fillmore, "Christian Mental Healing"- and others, from the founders of Unity, another major New Thought movement
Louise Hay, "You Can Heal Your Life"
Ernest Holmes, "Science of Mind", "This Thing Called You"- and others by the founder of Religious Science, a major branch of New Thought
Joel S. Goldsmith, "The Infinite Way", The Contemplative Life", "Living the Infinite Way"- and others: inspiring writing about connecting with the Source and living from that connection
John Randolph Price, "The Abundance Book", "The Meditation Book"- and others
Lynne McTaggart, "The Intention Experiment: Using Your Thoughts to Change Your Life and the World", and "The Field"- quantum physics, and science in general, meets spirituality
Russill Paul, "The Yoga of Sound: Tapping the Hidden Power of Music and Chant"
Dr. Helen Schucman (Scribe), "A Course in Miracles"- wonderful principles and exercises for healing the separation from God, and having relationships based on wholeness and Divine Guidance
Thomas Troward, "The Edindurgh and Dore Lectures"- from one of the "founding fathers" of New Thought
Eckhart Tolle, "The Power of Now", "A New Earth"- letting go of the ego, and living mindfully, in the present moment
Wallace D. Wattles, "The Science of Wallace D. Wattles"- one of the pioneers in using Law of Attraction principles for abundance
Marianne Williamson, "The Gift of Change", "Return to Love"- contemporary writer/speaker, who's great insights are based on "A Course in Miracles"
Audiobooks and podcasts
Wayne Dyer and Deepak Chopra: Creating Your World
Michael Bernard Beckwith: "Life Visioning", "Beyond the Secret"; podcasts of Agape services and teleconferences with Rev. Michael at: http://agapelive.iamplify.com/?cid=AL0002
Marianne Williamson: "Romantic Relationships"
Video
Michael Bernard Beckwith, "Spiritual Liberation" (documentary)
Music
Anita Hall, "Send Love"- inspirational pop/rock/Gospel by one of Hawai`i's finest singers
Charley Thweatt- singer/songwriter/guitarist with lots on "A Course in Miracles"
Daniel Nahmod- one of New Thought's most well-known songwriters and artists
Donna Michael- inspiring chants and songs
Ester Nicholson- great singer and Religious Science Practitioner, trained at Agape International Spiritual Center. I attended her prosperity workshop at Unity Hawai`i (Diamond Head), which was very inspiring!
Faith Rivera- another great New Thought artist, originally from Hawai`i; now living in the LA area, and performing at major New Thought centers and spiritual conferences. Had a chance to play with her at CSL-Windward O`ahu, and took a voice lesson/music biz consultation with her at Unity Hawai`i (Diamond Head)!
Jack Fowler- inspirational New Thought songs and soulful vocals
Karen Drucker- another of New Thoughts most well-known artists; lots of chants, funky stuff, fun stuff...was very inspired by her concert at Unity Hawai`i (Diamond Head)!
Kelly Howell- guided meditations and use of sound to evoke brain waves to reach meditative states
Richard Mekdeci- head of Unity music and emPower Music and Arts; great music, too!
Rickie Byars Beckwith- wife of Michael Bernard Beckwith and music director of Agape International Spiritual Center: great inspirational songs!!! Chants and many with an R&B groove!
Russill Paul- Indian music designed for spirituality
Groups and Organizations
New Thought Organizations- check out centers near you for services, classes, workshops, etc.:
- Agape International Spiritual Center
- International Centers for Spiritual Living
- United Centers for Spiritual Living
- Unity
In Hawai`i, on O`ahu:
- Center For Spiritual Living, Windward O`ahu
- Unity of Hawai`i (Diamond Head)