Stimulus
by Rev. Karen Linsley, M.A., Interim Minister
This month we’ve been talking about emotions. As we wrap up the month I want to share this quote I came across in Science of Mind magazine. This quote is at the beginning, heading up the table of contents. Here’s what it says, “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is the power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” And I would like to add that we are also at choice in our response because we can also choose stagnation and limitation in our response. If we respond to a stimulus with defensiveness, blame, shame, guilt, or self pity, we limit ourselves. We deny the opportunity for growth. We refuse the invitation to step into something greater for ourselves. In my work, much of what I do consists of facilitating growth and transformation. In fact, facilitating growth and transformation is the foundation of all of those talks, podcasts, blogs, retreats, workshops and conversations that I have in my work. Even my weddings are a facilitation of transformation, because getting married does transform people. It’s what I do. Because I’ve learned that transformation is a beautiful thing. But other than my weddings, I’ve also learned that people generally don’t want to transform. They don’t want to be different. They don’t want to do different. It seems that to want to be or do different somehow means that what they were before was somehow wrong. I do not understand this mindset. Why on earth someone would think they’ve been wrong when they are invited to do something differently is beyond me. It’s always been beyond me. But I continue my work. Because I know that in choosing transformation in our thinking and ways of being, we are choosing freedom and growth. And I love that. So my message for today is to consider that an invitation to transform does not mean that what was is bad or deficient or wrong. It just means it is time for a change. It just means it is time to step into a new level of freedom. So this is the foundation for my treatment for today.
God. Spirit. The Universe. Or my favorite, The Force.
As Obi Wan Kenobi said, “The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us, it binds the galaxy together.” This description of Oneness, of unification with the One, never fails to remind me of who and what I am, and of my part in things. For I know that I am indeed part of creation.
And so I speak my word today for anyone activated by stimulus. Whether that stimulus comes from a conversation or an event or a situation is irrelevant. It’s the activation that matters, for I know that in that very agitation, dismay, upset or frustration that is the manifestation of activation, lies the invitation to growth and freedom. I know that I choose growth and freedom through transformation, every time. And I know this to be true for anyone reading this treatment. I speak my word for freedom, for growth, for self compassion, for self love, for acceptance of self and others, because I know that in that compassion, love and acceptance lies that beautiful transformation into a new and more wonderful way of living.
I release this word into the law, knowing that the answer is and always has been a giant yes, and with gratitude I anchor:
AND SO IT IS!
