Thanksgiving, a time to sow and grow our seeds of gratitude, is a state of mind we should strive to embrace every day. For many, the holidays are “the most wonderful time of the year” because the fruits of the spirit are in season and are ready to be reaped! It is the best season to combine the daily activities with the spiritual development. THIS is a virtue, so few have attained - to make their religious experiences, their spirituality, PRACTICAL in their daily lives! (1204-3)
There is joy and cheer in the air, it is the perfect time to reflect upon your ideal and to study the “Search For God” readings, for they are but experiments in applying the fruits of the spirit!
Imagining the best version of yourself and measuring your actions by that image is called setting an ideal. However, to measure others by your standard is called passing judgment. Know then that gratifying the impulse to criticize others is like ingesting and or administering poison. It is a dismissed addiction, for our society is addicted to finding fault. Thankfully, we can overcome this addiction. We can create peace and harmony by overlooking imperfections, by meeting others where they are, rather than where we want them to be, and by ingesting and sharing the fruits that spread the seeds of truth!
Be more in that [spirit] of a LOVING INDIFFERENCE as to relationships and as to conditions as surround; knowing that to be CONTENT in whatsoever position, circumstance OR condition, is to be in the greatest position of making use of, and finding enjoyment in, that being accomplished. NOT SATISFIED, else there would be no desire for change… but rather use every phase of association - in a social, business relation - as that as may be used as stepping stones…
(349-7)
Condemn no one. Love all. [Search for that which is lovable in everyone.] Do good. And ye may experience it all.
(281-30)
So, let’s take command of any unhealthy habits and spiritualize, yea, beautify our earthly experiences this holiday season. Embrace everyone like soulmates/ family. Doesn’t the Lord’s Prayer begin with “Our” Father? Remember, our soul pushed itself into our current physical body, but all souls were created in the beginning and are finding their way back to whence they came. (3744-5)
Do try your best to avoid condemning yourself or others regarding diet. Remember, during the wedding at Cana, the water wasn’t turned to Beef Juice, it was turned to wine! For the elements of the water blushed in the presence of their Master. There is a fine line between being disciplined and being extreme in your dietary habits, thankfully, the Cayce readings provided some powerful guidance to help us all enjoy the holidays while we consciously apply the fruits of the spirit:
For, know - as has so oft been indicated - there IS an ideal in which extremes meet - the beginning and the end of patience, love, faith, hope and kindness. (641-6)
… for the purpose of life IS pleasure, but that which is constructive and not destructive! (1995-1)
… just be kind, just be patient, just be lovely, just be friendly to thy fellow man. (792-1)
…for the Lord, the Christ—who came, who will save the world—careth for thee. (262-128)
About the author:
Adrian E. Castillo, LMT is an environmental scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey. He is also a licensed massage therapist, musician, and a student of the Edgar Cayce readings. He volunteers his time with the A.R.E. Southeast Gold Coast Team and has lectured on programs with John Van Auken, Kevin J. Todeschi, MA, and others.