Issue # 48

UPWARD BOUND J * O * U * R * N * A * L
SPIRITUAL LESSONS FOR YOUR PERSONAL GROWTH
What an interesting lesson
that simple story provides.
We tend to think that the
story of Narcissus is one
that illustrates the vanity of
contemplating ones own
ego, the foolish pursuit of
inflating ones sense of self
importance, but the lesson
is far more important than
that. Remember the saying,
beauty is in the eye of the
beholder? Reflections tell
us more about ourselves
than about someone or
some-thing else. As a
delightful bonus, wherever
and whenever we see
something beautiful, we are reminded that we are seeing a reflection
of something beautiful within ourselves.
In point of fact, everything we see physically with our eyes, is actually
light reflected from the surface of that object, caught by the lenses in our
eyes and deciphered by the capacity of our brain to recreate the image in
our minds eye. Without the light there is nothing to see. But, how we
perceive that reflection is dependent upon our own state of consciousness
In his hugely successful book
The Alchemist, author Paulo
Coelho relates the ancient tale of
Narcissus, the young boy who
knelt beside the still waters of a
lake, just to contemplate his own
reflection. So mesmerized was
he that one day he fell into the
lake and drowned. Legend has it
that a beautiful flower sprang up
in the place he had kneeled, and
it became known as Narcissus.
But there is more to the story.
After the boys drowning the
crystal clear lake became cloudy
and salty. The goddess of the
forest came to the lake and asked,
Why do you weep, filling your
lake with tears?
I weep for Narcissus, the lake replied.
I understand, said the goddess, He was so beautiful to look upon.
Was Narcissus beautiful? the lake asked. I never noticed that he was
beautiful; I weep because I miss seeing my own beauty reflected in the
depth of his eyes.
Reflections, Light & Mirrors
photo by Art Holt
at that particular moment in time. If we could see Light as a metaphor
for Gods loving presence, what a difference that would make.
God said, Let there be light; and there was light. And God saw that
the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. (Gen.
1:4 RSV)
If we think about it Light is a pretty fair description of what we
identify as God. Light emanated from the Big Bang, the instant of
creation, and has been present everywhere throughout the Universe ever
since.
God created the Universe and Gods Presence is being revealed to us
from every star and every Galaxy, shining forth in every direction. By its
very nature Light is showing us Its way.
Light is invisible except when looking at the source of light or its
reflection bouncing off the surface of some object. We cant see the
stream of light running from the Sun to our Moon, the path itself is
invisible to us, but we can see the light of Sun bouncing off the surface of
the Moonno matter where we may be standing here on Earth.
Awesome! As a matter of fact everything we see, everywhere we look,
is nothing but a reflection of the light that has come from the Source and
bounces in our direction. Our eyes were created solely for the purpose of
receiving all those reflections and providing our brain, our mind, with the
ability to understand and interpret the image received.
In the development of our human languages we have also used the idea
and the word light as illumination, a two-fold description of both
physical light and intellectual enlightenment, understanding, knowledge
wisdom. Omniscience, is the illuminated mind of God. It seems to make
sense that that which is the source of All Knowing must send forth the
rays of knowledge as Illumination. We image a bright idea as light, and
we understand that the power of our imagination to conceive of something
begins in our mind as an idea that seems to come out of nowhere, and we
can almost feel the guiding force within us to develop that idea into a
physical reality. We just know that it will work and that we can
accomplish it. Where does that level of knowing come from? Illumined
consciousness.
This gives a whole new meaning to Jesus words when He said: You
are the light of the world. ...Let your light so shine among others, that
they will see your good works, and give glory to your Father in
heaven (Matt. 5:14-16). What is light if it is not Gods presence? So
when we let our light shine, we are radiating and glorifying Gods
presence through our whole being. The same must be true as well of the
light we see radiating from the lives of others.
We see beauty or ugly based on our consciousness, not on the intrinsic
beauty of the object. In other words, if love fills our heart everything
appears to be beautiful, but if were filled with anger the whole world can
appear to be gray and ugly.
For the last several years the world appears to have become more and
more divided - politically, religiously, economically and culturally. One
side is angry, pessimistic and aggressive. The other is defensive, idealistic
and yet hopeless, and neither seems willing to listen to the other or work
together for the common good. Both see only what they want to see.
Both hold onto their particular state of consciousness with an iron grip.
And neither is at a level of consciousness that allows them to see beyond
their own perspective, or is open to a higher level of consciousness where
they can become One with Divine guidance.
The most wonderful and wonder-filled years of my life occurred when
I stopped trying to make things happen my way and opened my
consciousness to the loving, guiding Presence of God. I became in the
flow of the Divine and doors opened along with opportunities that would
have been impossible for me to make happen. My struggling years had
U P W A R D B O U N D J * O * U * R * N * A * L
been a reflection of my struggling consciousness, and suddenly my
productive years reflected the result of my becoming willing to seek a
higher level of consciousness. In short, I opened myself to an upward
bound journey and I have been upward bound ever since (with a long way
yet to go).
The metaphor of a reflection reveals a great deal about our state of
mind and provides us with important lessons. Everything in life is a
reflection which provides revealing tools for self growth, development and
fulfillment.
For example, the game of golf has taught me much not about
improving my golf swing so much, but about understanding life. Just look
at Tiger Woods. The most winning golfer the game has seen; that is until
he got caught with his demons and his life quickly fell apart. For the past
several months he has attempted to jump back into the winners circle, but
failed miserably. Until he can make peace with his life outside the golf
course, he is not very likely to accomplish much on the golf course either.
In short, his golf game is clearly a mirror of his unrepentant lifeand its
a mirror for all the world to see.
On a more Spiritual plane, our faith reflects our consciousness and our
consciousness creates our level of faith. Faith is the mirror that makes our
highest state of consciousness visible. Remember the Synagogue ruler who
asked Jesus to come to his house to restore his daughters life. Jesus said,
Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well (Lk. 8:50). And to the
woman who was healed when she touched the hem of His garment, he
said, Daughter, your faith has made you whole. Go in Peace (Mk. 5:34).
The consciousness of both these people was sufficiently high enough to
allow them to be a vessel or conduit for the healing energy Jesus
conveyed, and their healing achievement was a reflection of their elevated
state of consciousness.
Not all mirrors reveal miracles, but they can reveal personal insights
that might not be available any other way. Joanne had been divorced for a
few years and in that period of time had gone through several relationships
she had optimistically thought would develop into marriage. When the
third relationship fell apart, Joanne sat down in frustration and began
making two lists. One contained all the elements of the last relationship
that she found positive and that attracted her to what she had thought was a
wonderful man. The second list was filled with the negative attributes that
she found repelling, the attributes that were driving her out of the
relationship.
Looking over the first list she wanted to pick up the phone and arrange
reconciliation. But something told her to look at the second, the negative
list, and contemplate its contents before making that call. As she did, she
slowly began to realize that each of his negative attributes actually applied
to her as well. They may have manifested a little differently in her, but
they reflected her problems just the same. Then it dawned on her; the
relationship had been a mirror to her own shortcomings and the man had
actually provided her with a lesson she desperately needed to learn about
herself. Both the good points and the negative ones were mirrors,
providing her with the ability to see herself in an honest way that she had
been unable to see before. The whole relationship had not only been a
lesson, but a blessing in disguise.
With a new level of awareness of her reality she began to live and act
from a higher state of consciousness, realistically observing and adjusting
her own behavior and her relationships with other people. It didnt take
long for Mr. Right to come along, and it was no surprise that his level of
consciousness was right up there with hers.
Everything in the world we see is but a reflection of our mind our
consciousness. For many the global reflection is one of ego, a state of
mind where God has little or no place at all. There are a lot of people who
profess a belief in God and are frequent church attendees, and yet live their
lives straight from their ego. Thankfully, there are many, many other
U P W A R D B O U N D J * O * U * R * N * A * L
people whose consciousness is God centered and so the reflection of the
world they see is one of Peace, Love and Joy.
If there is one thing that can have a positive effect for all people
everywhere, it would be raising our consciousness to a level that would
transform the world into the peaceful loving place that I believe God
intended. Raising our consciousness is something that must be done
individually, but its power lies in having it accomplished collectively. It is
an idealistic goal, but may not be as impossible as people might think.
And no other common goal is anywhere near as worthwhile, for this is the
objective that will take us to the Omega Point, a state of conscious
oneness.
If we are to accept the writings of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin for the
incredible Spiritual insight they portray (and many people do), we have
cause for celebration. As a priest and a working geologist, Teilhard
pursued the scientific evidence of evolution from creation to extinction and
came to the conclusion that humankind is destined, not for extinction as
even scientists say our earth must eventually reach, but for a
metamorphosis into the mystical state of oneness with our Creator. Thats
the Omega Point.
In his book Friends In High Places, Thomas Shepherd describes it
much better than I can: Teilhard says if we look at the trend of evolution
we must conclude that higher consciousness is the ultimate goal since that
is where nature has most heavily invested its energies. Teilhard even goes
so far as to say it is love the attraction of two elements and their union in
relationship which hold the universe together.
So it is safe to say that love is the ultimate state of consciousness that
will not only bring humankind together, but is the funnel through which
we must travel to reach the Omega Point. And it is not as difficult as one
might imagine. Jesus very clearly and very simply told us how when He
said; You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all

U P W A R D B O U N D J * O * U * R * N * A * L
your soul, and with all your mind; (Matt 22:37). And then He added, ...
love your neighbor as yourself (22:39). Later and in even simpler terms
He said: Love one another as I have loved you.
If you and I want to be loved and accepted as who and what we are, by
all people, everywherewell, its quite simple; we must love and accept
all others (all races, religions, culture, ethnicities, colors, creeds, wealth,
poverty and education or lack thereof) as though we were walking in
their shoes, and they in ours. It is a simple idea, though not necessarily
easy.
We can do it, and this little thought from Albert Schweitzer might help
us remember just how important it is. He said, Sometimes our light goes
out but is blown again into flame by an encounter with another human
being. Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled
this light (within us).
May the Light of God surround, enfold, protect and watch over you
each moment as you take your upward bound journey toward your own
Omega Point.
All love and blessings,
Art & Dottie Holt
photo by Art Holt
open up fully to his loving presence. The feeling inside is as
beautiful as the sight we are beholding. A refreshing breath
confirms our discovery.
With a new perspective on the divine nature of the light, we
now begin to set our intention to look at the light everywhere
for what it really is, God, invisible and yet radiant in every ray
that meets our eyes. There it is again in the diamond like
sparkle in a drop of dew; and looking up through the tree
limbs, streams of light filtered by the branches, rich in golden
colors and softened by the textures of the leaves, landing
safely on the mossy ground at our feet.
Light and love, Gods presence making itself known to us,
everywhere we look, filling our hearts with a new awakening
and deep appreciation. God is all around us; goodness
radiates from within and is reflected from every surface, and
we are filled with Joyand Loveand Peace.
Our elevated vibration has attracted the very good we have
been seeking, and seeking has created even more good for us
to share with the rest of the world. The words of Emerson
are brought to mind with a new and deeper sense of meaning:
To the illumined mind the whole world burns and sparkles
with light.
With one more deep breath we softly say, Thank You, God,
for this wonderful moment together.
And so it is
Amen
As you prepare for your time of meditation, relax your body
and rest your tensions, letting go for the moment of all your
stress and concerns. Slowly take a deep breath in and
release it with gentle ease. Let the words that follow be a
reflection of your very own thoughts and the creation of your
imaginationas we take this journey together.
What a beautiful day; pleasantly warm, light blue sky with
puffy clouds scattered here and there, sunlight making the
colors brighter and the faint aroma of wild flowers mixed with
evergreens carried lightly on a gentle breeze.
As we walk together we notice the path beneath our feet is
cushioned and comfortable to our feet. We ascend the hill
before us without effort, actually feeling energized with each
step, the crest is just ahead calling us to come and take in the
vista that it provides. At the top of the hill a fallen tree
provides a natural seat, the perfect spot for contemplation.
The view is mesmerizing; sunlight sparkles and dances on
the mirrored surface of a lake just ahead, sheltered by the
rolling landscape that surrounds it, providing an idyllic sense
of peace and contentment. Each sparkle a brilliant flash of
light that seems to have been created just for our eyes to see.
Its as though God is right there, calling us to awaken and
M E D I T A T I O N





Upward Bound of Unity, Inc.
10870 SW 71st Circle
Ocala, FL 34476
Phone (352) 861 - 5518
Email: UpwardBoundRev@aol.com

Upward Bound Journal
is a Unity publishing ministry based on Biblical teachings and dedicated to
writing and presenting spiritual, inspirational, and metaphysical principles
which empower people to enrich and transform their lives.

For more information about Upward Bound email us at:
UpwardBoundRev@aol.com or go to our website:
www.upwardboundjournal.com.
Issue # 48
Upward Bound Journal is of Upward Bound of Unity, Inc. 2010

Member: Association of Unity Churches International, SunCoast Unity Ministers Association, and
affiliated with: Unity Institute and Silent Unity, publishers of Daily Word. Upward Bound of Unity, Inc.
is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), charitable corporation sustained entirely by your tax deductible gifts.
U P W A R D B O U N D J * O * U * R * N * A * L
WORDS WE LIVE BY
Our thoughts and words create our reality. Let us acknowledge
another word that will impact our lives in wonderful ways. This time
the word is
We Are One

Head to Head &
Heart to Heart
We are brought together
In Love and Light,
To express & experience
Our Oneness with all Life

And so it is
Amen
Rev. Arthur Holt
Unity Minister
Dottie Holt
Licensed Unity
Teacher
(Art Holt photo, - Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC )
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Upward Bound Upward Bound Upward Bound Upward Bound
Journal, Journal, Journal, Journal,

10870 SW 71st Circle,

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Photo by Art Holt
Dear Friends and Supporters Dear Friends and Supporters Dear Friends and Supporters Dear Friends and Supporters,
A new Upward Bound Journal Web site is now ready.

Just go to: www.upwardboundjournal.com to see it all. I finally have a web site that I can
manage and update myself.
Past issues from UBJ #20 to present (UBJ #48) are all available in Adobe PDF file format
and just a click away. Read them on your computer screen or save to your hard drive, or print
your own copy, or send the PDF file to your friend(s) as an attachment to your email.

Youll find links to Silent Unity and the Unity churches up and down the SunCoast of
Florida. I have even started posting some of my photography to a Shutterfly web site with
a direct link from UpwardBoundJournal.com. Just click and youre there.
The pictures may or may not have anything to do with Upward Bound, but they will show
the people, places and events we may be visiting from time to time. Since I dont have room
for very many pictures in an issue of Upward Bound Journal, posting some of my favorites
gives me a chance to express my creativity without diluting the messages in U. B. Journal.
Let me know if you enjoy seeing them.

Art & Dottie Holt Art & Dottie Holt Art & Dottie Holt Art & Dottie Holt