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And, for this blog, something just a little bit different.
I am at the completion of a 10 week spiritual journey that began back on April 22, 2010. Ironically, I’m wondering if in fact it is a completion or really, only the beginning. The course was a 10 week Foundations of the Science of Mind.
Some of you that have been following my blog for awhile have commented on the fact that you’ve noticed something a little different. Not only a difference in some of the content and topics but a different side of me. As you might imagine there has been some Growth during this process. And, I shared some of that along the way.
That being said, our last assignment for this class was to prepare a final project. You my friends, are experiencing my project with me through this post.
I look back on the first night of class… about 35-40 people in attendance. Almost all of us not sure what we had just gotten ourselves into. I recall a few of those “deer in the headlights” looks but as the night progressed those looks of confusion began to melt away. We had united in a core bond as a group and an even tighter knit bond in smaller, more personal groups.
Each week we studied one of the basic principles and it’s corresponding spiritual practice. What I found interesting for me was that almost all of the principles and practices were ones I have been familiar with. Ones I have come to know and work with over the last 10+ years studying personal growth and development. What was new was the shift to a spiritual perspective.
I found it intriguing to look at this in a new light. I’ve often felt that many of the principles and practices had a foundation in spirituality but I could never really make the connection. Having now experienced this in a spiritual foundation program and doing similar exercises along the way I have done in the past, but now with a different point of view, I can say that the pieces of my puzzle are becoming more complete.
My connection to God is now more solid. I feel more rooted in the spiritual practices and principles of the Science of Mind. Having been raised in a Catholic home, being an alter boy and singing in the choir, and attending Catholic school all the way through high school I had what I felt to be a good religious background. In fact, you might say, I had had enough 
As I grew, I left the Catholic church and moved into being a Presbyterian. Again, moving a little farther on my spiritual path but not really feeling the inner deep connection that I was searching for.
As a result of this Foundations program I have discovered that God is not “out there” somewhere. The reality is that God is dwelling within me and that connection to Spirit that I have been looking for is now becoming stronger and more complete within me. I am more at peace and I am more happy.
We lost a few people in the class along the way, 10 weeks is a long commitment. We came from all walks of life with different spiritual backgrounds, religious upbringing and spiritual baggage.
Our discussions were very diverse, sometimes controversial, sometime humorous but always received openly. The readings and homework assignments were at times excruciatingly dull and yet powerfully enlightening. As a group we all grew.
I feel so honored and privileged to have participated in this Foundations class. It has been a joy to meet new friends and watch their spiritual shell fall off and and see a new one grow in its place. The relationships I have made here have only just begun to blossom. The journey I have embarked on is only the beginning.
And so, as this 10 week class comes to a close I find some sadness in my heart. I will truly miss learning with you, growing with you. Yet, I know we will all move on together. Forever united by this joyful 10 week bond. Thanks for allowing me to share it with you.
And So It Is!
Until next time, go out and Live Your Best Life!
We all have our unique spiritual journeys, Don. Good to see you working your way along yours.
Mine has actually been strangely opposite of yours. I never had a traditional religious upbringing. I rarely ever went to any kind of church. I studied world religions and philosophy in undergrad school, and the psychology of religion in graduate school. I was steeped in mysticism, comparative religions and what we label “spiritual growth”. I always told people that I’m very spiritual but not religious.
Whatever.
I’ve sort of traveled an opposite path. While and studied and taught that all religions are the same, just different perspectives, I’ve come to experience the most profound mysticism and spiritual growth in the same traditional religion I always thought I was too intellectual for. The problem with my search was that I continually studied the breadth of “religion” and never the depth.
It’s one thing to criticize (as I often did), the ridiculous practice of ritualistic prayer for instance, but another to immerse yourself in the revelation and immediacy that is difficult to obtain through any other channel.
So our journeys continue. At some point, all roads cross. I’ll meet you there, Don! It’s been great traveling a way with you.
David Merrill´s last blog ..Convert Leads Into Cash
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Don Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 10:12 pm
David,
I enjoy your perspective and the fact you have shared your journey. You are right, at some point all paths cross and I believe we will see each other at that point.
Really delving into a particular spiritual study can be an eye opening experience. I have learned a fair share of many faiths and beliefs in my walk but I have also seen that for the most part the message is essentially the same. I guess in the long run it’s not so important how you hear the message. What’s important is that you do.
Enjoy your journey.
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Wow Don the course sounds awesome. My husband comes from a very religious Methodist background, in fact his grandfather was a pastor. Ivan rejected the church as an adult but has since found a deep spiritual connection. Funnily enough his dad who passed away almost 3 years ago at age 94 also rejected much of his religion towards the end of his life embraced a more “accepting of all” belief.
I am going to go back and read some of your previous posts.
Sue
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Don Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
Thanks Sue,
I’m finding that as I grow in life that there are many paths to follow in your spiritual journey. Some stay on the same path their whole life and that’s fine. Others continue to venture about until they find what’s right for them. I feel that no matter how you find it making that deep spiritual connection is something many of us look for in life.
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Thank you Don for sharing your spiritual journey~ It’s amazing to hear life experiences of how we individually progress!
I also was raised Catholic. My mom took me until I was in 3rd grade. Later she told me that she did it out of Duty (with a capital D). My mom being agnostic, encouraged me to discover and decide for myself. As a kid, I believed in God and Jesus, but it wasn’t until later in life that I explored the Asian and Indian beliefs (and even a little bit of Sience of the Mind. I have come to realize that eternal truth is eternal truth, no matter what it’s packaged in.
I’ve developed a strong relationship with my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and have truly become Christian to the core~
I’m glad we’re together networking! It’s fun to learn about you and from you!
Linda
Linda G. Cox´s last blog ..As you wish-
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Don Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Linda,
The cool part about this class is that we all came from some very different backgrounds. The joy has been seeing everyone discover their own way.
Thanks!
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Don,
Thanks so much for sharing your insights about your journey. This is one area that can hold alot of emotional baggage or judgments for some. You handled this topic with grace and power, standing by your convictions and beliefs from a firm foundation.
My journey began by being raised Catholic with no real idea what everything meant. Now I have searched and found my space by learning that it isn’t the label that counts, it’s who you are and how you treat others. The Source is within us, whatever name you use, to support and guide us on our journey. Listen to that voice to discover peace.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate it,
Val
Val Wilcox´s last blog ..The Key – Your Burning Desire…
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Don Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 4:02 pm
Thanks Val,
It’s nice to be able to share your thoughts in a place that is very public yet pretty safe. It seems there are quite a few people that had the door to Faith open through the Catholic church. It also seems that many have moved onto to further exploration as well.
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Don,
Spiritual journeys are deeply personal. Thanks for sharing yours, as I now feel like I know you just a tad better. You expressed your growth in a powerful, sensitive manner. This is definitely a topic that many people find difficult to discuss.
I was raised in a Seventh-day Adventist home, filled with a lot of rules and regulations. I have come to realize that my spiritual journey is all about a personal relationship with God and doesn’t need to have a connection with a particular religion.
However you choose to see your higher power, I think it is important to have a deep and abiding connection with it.
Thanks again for sharing your inner journey. I admire you for doing so!
Darlene Davis´s last blog ..The Art of Procrastination
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Don Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:59 am
Thanks Darlene,
It’s been a long search for the true connection. I have now finally tapped into it and am creating that relationship. There are many paths along the way and it’s great that we all have choices in find the one for us.
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I told you I’d go to your blog and here I am. What a wonderful reflection on our time together. I’m so glad you were in my pod and that we took our journey together. I hope we can continue to interact and learn from each other. Thanks for your insight and support!
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Don Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 9:04 am
Hi Sherri,
Thanks for sticking to your word, I appreciate it. The class last night was very inspirational and moving. Experiencing everyones final project and then sharing the qualities we admire in them. What a powerful connection.
I certainly look forward to continuing to grow the relationship we just started. I can’t wait to hear about your next encounter with the rooster in your neighborhood. Oh wait, I think he was someone’s dinner.
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Thank you so much for sharing your final project with all of us last night. Your insight throughout our class has been a true blessing. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to walk with you over the last 10 weeks on this spiritual journey and wish Terri & you much joy on all your future endeavors. XOXO Bonnie
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Don Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 9:09 am
Bonnie,
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and leave your thoughts. 10 weeks ago none of us really knew each other. After last night, all of us have come to Love each other. The journey has been wonderful.
It’s been a joy for Terri and I to get to know you. So, Stay in touch!! Don’t let the distance of your new home keep us from growing more. I’m sure you’ll be happy in your new home and we’ll want to hear all about it.
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Hey Don
I came across this blog post via the lovely 4th July message you sent us. What struck me as I read your post was a deep solid commitment to your beliefs from your recent journey.
A spiritual journey can be a heavy one to read sometimes, but your writing held me, your new found enlightenment was indeed written from a place of strength & power & for that I congratulate you.
Your friend
Anna
Anna Johnston´s last blog ..HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT WEDDING PLANNER -amp NOT END UP A BRIDEZILLA
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Don Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Thanks Anna,
I’m glad you enjoyed the 4th of July message even though it’s just another day in July in OZ.
I’m also glad you liked my post. As I mentioned, some of the reading was very dull. I didn’t want to pass that along in my post. I can’t have readers falling asleep at their computer
I’m peeling another layer of the onion away and I’m getting much more grounded. Thanks for your kind words.
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Thanks Don for sharing such personal information. I LOVE this Tribe!
Blessings,
Karla Setchel
http://www.KarlaSetche.com
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Don Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Karla,
Thank you for stopping to visit. I think you’ll enjoy it here.
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Hi Don
Thanks for sharing your journey, it is amazing how something that has always been in our life can some times take on a whole new and deeper perspective when we study it more closely.
Belinda Cunningham´s last blog ..Creating a link to an external URL in your menu bar of a wordpress blog
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Wow Don, thank you for sharing your journey! It sounds like an incredible program. My parents just completed the Foundations program a few months ago at the Center for Positive Living in North FL. I told my Mom I’d take her to Agape if she ever wants to visit Cali. Have you been?
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Don Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Hi Jen,
No, we have not been to Agape yet but it is something that we plan to do at some point. The journey has been very enlightening and it seems like it is really only beginning.
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Hi Don — I’m so grateful and thankful to have met you and Terri at USC, and so glad you were in my pod. You are defintely one of the people I actually look forward to seeing each week, who help me feel welcomed in this new community. You always have such good insights and I definitely appreciate and admire your willingness to share, especially since that is something I’m not so good at. Hope to see you both soon! Cheers,
Cathy
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Don Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Hi Cathy,
thanks for your kind words. It has been a pleasure to get to know you too. As you showed us on the last night you can step outside your box and share openly. It’s only just begun. I look forward to our growing friendship.
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Hey Don,
Your blog this week took me a bit by surprise. For the last few years in my circle there has been some enforced conversations about religion. Meaning, people being criticized and scrutinized due to their religious beliefs. Right here in America. I mean, I thought that existed somewhere else at a much earlier time than now. In any case, it was great to feel the freedom of your own expressions as it relates to your recent and ongoing spiritual growth. I personally believe that religions divide us, and being spiritual and connected can unify. The question is do we really want to be unified. Some do, some don’t I guess… bottom line, we I am feeling grounded with who I am, that is the only way I can communicate to the world how I want to be treated. It’s about feeling great about who we are. Then we are able to freely communicate to others thus really assist others.
Congrats on your spiritual wins Don! and thank you for sharing!
Lisa Molina´s last blog ..Star Spangled Banner – Let Your Freedom Ring
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Don Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 7:44 am
Hi Lisa,
I’m glad you enjoyed my post. It’s sad that people don’t feel confident to share the beliefs they have or the beliefs that change as a result of growth and exploration. Or for that matter, are worried of being criticized for expressing what they think.
I’ve learned that there is more than one way for someone to find their spiritual path. It’s a journey we all take and the route is different for each of us. We are all connected. Some of us just realize it more than others and that seems to be part of the process.
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It has been such a joy to witness glimpses of your growth over the course of this 10 week program. I have both seen and felt it, and yes, I agree, it is only the beginning!
My experience is similar to David’s. My mom was raised in a very devote catholic house as well, and like you, she’d had enough. So she raised me and my brother really with no religion. I have had my own spiritual journeys, but never in an organized way. I studied a lot of religions in college, and incorporated what worked for me from each. Now, as a mother, I am feeling conflicted about how to raise my son. I’m feeling like I missed a depth of connecting to God from an early age, and yet I have no idea what direction to go. We’ll have to chat more about your Foundation program, it sounds very intriguing.
And so it is.
Thanks for sharing your journey with us, Don.
Beth Allen´s last blog ..Moments that Matter…Living Your Fullest Life-
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Don Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 4:37 pm
Hi Beth,
It’s been interesting going through all the comments that have been left. It seems there isn’t just one “right” way to gain the connection we seek to God. It’s individual. The trick is finding out the way that’s right for you. The one that brings you the connection you’re looking for. It’s taken me a lifetime to get where I am today and all the pieces of the puzzle along the way played a part.
I’d enjoy sharing more about this with you.
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Congratulations, Don, on your dedication as you met the challenges of a 10 week commitment to yourself. The growth that comes from keeping a promise to ones self is unparalleled!
Val
Val Haderlie´s last blog ..Making Room for Miracles Part 3 – Wishing Others Well
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Wow Don…what a powerful story and thank you so much for sharing it. It’s amazing to think that a 10 week course can have such a profound effect on a person. I myself have been traveling along my own spiritual journey through yoga in recent years and have also found an inner peace I never knew before. Enjoy the rest of your journey.
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Don Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Hi Louise,
Thanks for stopping by the blog. I love Yoga too. Yoga, meditation, you name it. The key is to go inside and connect to the inner self.
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Good for you Don! Thanks for sharing your spiritual journey with us. I was in a similar situation and made a commitment for three years each spring with a Catholic group. The bonds of growing together with a group is so powerful and I can empathize with your sadness when the group ends. We make such close connections in any spiritual growth group. The input is awesome.
I’m glad you found a deeper part of spirituality. I believe there is a God myself and the graces are plenty. We just have to take our blinders off to see them.
Congrats! Donna
Donna Merrill´s last blog ..MARK HOVERSON’S Q-A WEBINAR BLEW MY MIND-
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Don, I loved this post. I am deeply spiritual and it is so refreshing that you shared your personal spiritual journey. I love this tribe and those whom it is attracting. You shared with grace and I can feel your balance approach to your own personal development and spiritual evolution.
I was raised in the episcopal church. My mom called it the liberal catholic church. My mom as a college professor always encouraged us to heed our own counsel when it came to expressing and experiencing our own spirituality.
I joined Unity Church and then Science of Mind when I first moved to Seattle Wa. from Illinois. I found these communities to be in alignment with my own intuition and personal perspective of my spiritual experience.
I was also introduced in the 1970′s to the Course in Miracles which to this day is as profound as ever. Authors like Gary Renard made the teaching of the Course so much more relevant and understandable.
I congratulate you and thank you for sharing this side of your life. You give all of us permission to do the same.
Faith
Faith Barnard´s last blog ..Mike Klingler’s Marketing Funnel Mastery Course- the Missing Link in Your Online Marketing
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Don Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 8:26 am
Thanks Faith,
It has been quite a journey and of course, it still continues. How fortunate for you growing up to have a mother that encouraged to find your own spiritual direction. That’s not the case in many families.
I first came upon the Course In Miracles in the early 90′s. It has had an affect on my development. There are so many great tools available for one to search and find their true connection. Thanks for stopping by.
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Thanks for sharing with us Don. I have been in groups like this and the ending of the journey is so difficult. The connections made in spiritual circles like this are long lasting.
I am so happy that you completed this Don. My spiritual journey started as a young teenager. I too, grew up Catholic – 12 years of Catholic school. After that I was done! I went on my spiritual quest and learned many things along the way. But as fate will have it, I decided to return to the Catholic Church only because I took classes and understood it better. There were magical signs everywhere in my life that time so I followed. I can tell you truthfully, that I am at peace with God once again.
It doesn’t matter what we call it, or how we praise the Creator. All that matters is that there IS ONE! I am blessed to be in tune with it and follow with all my heart where I should be going in life. This has been my saving grace that lead me to more abundance in life. It has made me a better human too.
So I can share your feelings and see your growth and I applaud you Don. Keep on learning and doing. The connection only gets stronger and there is no turning back.
Blessings to you,
Donna
Donna Merrill´s last blog ..Reciprocity- The Backbone Of Social Marketing
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