Pure Inspiration Magazine

Maintaining Inner Harmony
In reviewing this issue’s contents, a theme jumped out at me—the importance of maintaining inner harmony. I use the word “maintaining,” because it must be consciously sustained; it doesn’t stay without effort. Reflecting upon my own experience, inner peace, stillness, and love are what my heart needs and wants. This state of being is so important that whenever we experience any kind of discord, be it physical or mental, the overwhelming impulse is to harmonize it.

In “The Divine Solution To Problems” (page 56), Saint Germain points out some very effective strategies for maintaining inner harmony. He emphasizes the need to quickly turn away from discord, knowing it to be only an appearance, and focusing upon God, our inner Source: “Whenever there is anything to be handled—it matters not what—the moment it seems to have an appearance...say: ‘God solve this problem and do it at once! I give You all the power where it belongs! I recognize You as the only Activity! Therefore, this appearance has no reality and dissolves instantly before Thy Mighty Presence!’ If the students will continually use this, they will soon find that they have no problems.” Doing this requires being on guard at all times, because once discordant thoughts gain momentum, they become much harder to control. Like snowballs on the hilltop, when they start rolling, they become larger, heavier, and more difficult to stop.

Brilliant philosophy and analytical thinking do not bring harmony; self-control does. This requires taking full responsibility for our thoughts and feelings and really governing them. How to get there? The same way one gets to Carnegie Hall—by practice. I remember when I first attempted to meditate, feeling overwhelmed by the seeming endlessness of my uncontrolled thoughts. However, patience and perseverance will bring us—regardless of the particular discipline used to control and quiet the mind—steady progress, until tangible results manifest. Affirm often that, as a child of God, you have all power to control your thoughts and feelings, and that you do control them effectively.

The inner also makes itself known in the outer—just as harmony is paramount for individuals, it is also necessary for success in any group or team endeavor. Even one person harboring resentment, hate, or envy toward another member of a team can undermine or diminish its success. Entertaining anything less than love sows the seeds of our own failure, and failure is not an option.

Standing guard over the doorway to your own consciousness,
set your sights on the Divine and refuse to acknowledge anything less.
If you see that you’ve dropped your guard, don’t berate yourself;
simply reset your focus instantly and go forward. Regardless of the
apparent multiplicity of spiritual paths and practices, there is one
energy sustaining all, and loving union with this Truth brings
eternal freedom.

Until the next issue, wishing you all peace, love, and health.

Sincerely
Robert A. Becker