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October-December, 2004

Keep it Simple… Peace First

by Rev. Debbie Bolton, O.M.C.

I just celebrated a birthday, and many things drifted through my mind. It became a time to reflect, a time to realize all my blessings, a time to appreciate others, and a time to smile gently (even chuckle) at myself. In the course of reviewing my life, a large portion of the reflections were of my spiritual path — you know the one that is sometimes rocky, other times like gliding on cool sand on a hot day, and sometimes it even comes to a complete halt. Road block barricades big, red and white. Other times with many forks in the road. Which way to go?

I think to myself, if I had one piece of advice to give to someone stepping on to one of those paths, what would that advice be? Now, I could offer such advice and I do know what that tidbit would be, but more importantly, I also know I am not here to give advice. I am here to facilitate a “process” and yes it is a process! Cuz, like me they too shall do the work of stumbling on rocks in the path, being confused at the crossroads, maybe even hop off the path at times. Still, I do feel I can share a tidbit that I have found valuable — always, always, always remember — peace first, and keep it simple.

I learn this lesson over and over. And perhaps one day I will get it all the time instead of most of the time, which is better than where I used to be, which was some of the time. (My mind healing partner, Michelle and I frequently giggled early on in our journey together, that we should just tattoo a big P on our foreheads to help us remember!)

I have learned practice is the key. Practice until it is second nature or on automatic pilot. Our receptionist frequently hears me breathe deep and thinks it is a big sigh. Nope, it’s practice. Seeking and soaking in the peace. I don’t know if anyone can relate, but one of my re-current behaviors was to get into that Miracles book, bury my nose, furrow my brow, highlight the good stuff, and try to figure out what is said, then analyze it (recovering Virgo, analytical, perfectionist) memorize it, then get exhausted and put it on the mental shelf! Finally, I just sat back, remembered “Peace First,” took a breath, and decided to just read on. It will come clear. It always does. Be patient, trust, chill! And sure enough, unexpectedly, with ease will come a new morsel of understanding, reaffirming once again that this is a process.

The other lesson I learned from returning as much as possible to “aiming for peace first” is this. Many times, when I asked Holy Spirit for guidance, unbeknownst to me, what I really had was an agenda. I was asking for what I wanted (or thought I wanted), and ultimately may not really be in my best interest, or my path. In other words, there was frequently an attachment there.

Opening myself to peace rather than specified (agendized!) guidance has led me to more discoveries. Relationships faded away that may not have been for my greatest good, activities surfaced which brought enhancing situations in to my life, and all in all my faith has been strengthened. It led to discoveries of areas where I may be using projection, denial, etc., and has allowed me to see them, ask for Guidance, and release them. All in time when it was right for me.

Doing the “peace first always” process has also led to the discovery that there were times when I segmented my life, giving this problem to Spirit, that relationship to me (uh, ego), that job search for Spirit, this issue for me, like sharing M&M’s — ego… Spirit, one for me, one for You! When I came to this realization, a light bulb went off and I began the practice of going to peace and turning to Spirit for all things all the time, everywhere, in the store, car, shower or workplace.

My mind healing partner Michelle goes to Spirit when she picks out her watermelons. Why not? It’s wonderful! Needless to say, a big smile surfaces whenever I buy watermelon, and I value the lesson learned.

Peace can be ours as we remember. Joy can be in all those little things we may take for granted. Spirit will guide us if we let It, and I sense Spirit loves us to ask. I ask to be open to the guidance of Spirit, and trust in Its wisdom.

My gratitude extends greatly to all of us as we share our experiences and heal our minds.

© 2004, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
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