Probably the most-used and well-known New Thought/ Unity practices are affirmations and denials, which help us to train our minds to think more productively. Denials help us to release old, erroneous beliefs which do not serve us, and affirmations help us to integrate Truth (which is ALREADY True) into our thought processes. No matter how long you've been studying New Thought or how much you think you are ready for the "more advanced" teachings, denials and affirmations are always helpful, and can help kickstart shifts in thought (which helps facilitate shifts in behavior).

Zeal is one of our inherant abilities in life: the ability to be enthusiastic. Enthusiasm motivates us and helps us to more readily activate our other abilities, which helps us live more optimally in the world. As with all of our abilities, enthusiasm can also go astry if used from our sense consciousness. Licensed Teacher Susan Smith presents today's lesson.

Spiritual Community is where we learn to live together authentically. We learn to assume the best of one another, and grant one another grace to try what may be a very new way of being in the world. Today is also the day we affirm our leadership council and welcome new members into our community.

Our words and our thoughts are important. The things we say have an effect, on us and on others. The way we talk about ourselves is especially important. Today we have a guest, singer-songwriter Teri Wilder, who supports the message with her music. Thank you, Teri.

Our fourth Unity principle is that prayer and meditation are the tools we use to train our minds and most optimally align our thoughts and feelings with Truth. Hint...affirmative prayer is probably not the type of prayer you grew up with.

We've come to the 5th principle (note: #4, Prayer and Meditation, was not recorded due to technical difficulties. Check out the new series, Basic Practices, on 02/10/2019 for a lesson on Affirmative Prayer)

O= One Power, One Presence

O= Original Good

M= Mind Action

P= Prayer and Meditation

A= ACTION!

The Five Basic Principles:

O= One Power, One Presence

O= Original Good

M= Mind Action

Continuing our look at the five basic Unity principles:

O= One Power, One Presence

O= Original Good

We're beginning the year with a look at the Five Basic Unity Principles. O: One Power, One Presence

As we prepare to begin a new year, it's a good time to remember that, just like the dates on the calendar, everything in the outer world changes. Placing our trust in outer things will always provide an opportunity to grown. Placing our trust in the absolute, eternal nature of Spirit helps us to grow our faith.