Tools for Transformation -  

Learn to Use Your Spiritual Toolbox  

There is nothing magical about Lent. The mere fact that it is the Lenten season will do nothing to transform your life. Lent is a tool that we can use to help facilitate the work of transformation. Anyone who has ever worked with a "real" toolbox knows that even though you might be able get a job done without the proper tools, having the proper tools make the process go much more smoothly. Denials are tools. Affirmations are tools. Meditation is a tool. Gratitude is a tool. Service is a tool. Tithing is a tool. Prayer is a tool. Study and contemplation are tools.

Lets start with a couple of basics: denials and affirmations. If you've "been around the metaphysical block a time or two" and feel like you're "beyond" affirmations and denials, I invite you to claim a beginner's mind and willingness to rediscover these very important tools. A carpenter would not throw away her hammer and screwdriver just because she learned how to use a lathe. A tailor would not throw away his thimble and tape measure because he'd learned to use a sewing machine.

Denials and affirmations are not magic spells. They are statements we use to train ourselves to think in more productive ways. Just as weeds occupy space in a garden and will take over if they are not eliminated, thoughts occupy "space" in our minds, and we must learn to control them. If our minds are filled with negative thoughts, there is no space for the positive thoughts to take root. We must remove the weeds before we plant the seeds, so we begin with denials.

Our teachings tell us to use denials firmly but gently, as though brushing away cobwebs. Dusting cobwebs is a completely different process from stripping and scrubbing the kitchen floor. Denials are important, and we are not to give them an undue amount of attention.

Having made our denial statement, we follow immediately with the claiming, affirming statement of Truth that we wish to build upon. Look again at the statement at the top of the page: "Forgetting the things that are behind" is our denial- we are letting go of that which does not serve us. "I realize I am strong, positive, powerful, wise, loving, fearless, free spirit. I am God's perfect child." This is our affirmation- we are consciously and intentionally claiming those aspects of Beingness that we wish to demonstrate.

Say this affirmation out loud, and do an honest check of your feelings. Sometimes people find that it feels like they are lying to themselves when they make affirmative statements. Affirmations may not accurately reflect the outer circumstances of your life at this time. They are statements that reflect the Truth of us at our core. You (the human personality of you) may not feel strong or powerful, but in Truth, since you are the image-and-likeness-of-God, an individualized expression of Divinity, you must be strong and powerful because God- Oneness - Spirit - is strong and powerful.

Promise yourself that you will select a healing, transformational denial and affirmation and invest five minutes first thing in the morning and five minutes last thing at night speaking it aloud, with feeling. Allow yourself to imagine that it is demonstrated in your life NOW. Write it on a piece of paper and keep it on your desk. Carry it on a card in your pocket and look at it frequently. Memorize it and speak it to yourself as you drive. Allow the TRUTH of the statement to do its cleansing and empowering work.Repeat those actions every day during Lent, and expect to experience positive change!  

Ask and you shall receive: Resources are yours for the asking...

Rev. Michael Brooks Workshop at Tucson Center for Spiritual Living

Anton Mizerak returns with Laura Berryhill Friday, April 15th at 7:00pm

Unity Institute SEE (Spiritual Enrichment Education) Class Schedule