Oroville Center for Spiritual Living

06/15/2023

Hello Friends and Family of the Oroville Center for Spiritual Living.

It's Tricia once again. I wanted to let you all know what is happening. Rev Dotty has to pull back her involvement in the Center, and our beloved Merlie is home happily recovering from her knee surgery. As a member of the board I can tell you all that we have had to face some hard realities. Our wonderful Center has seen a serious lack of participation in this ever changing world. While change can be good it may not always seem that way. I am 100% positive that this change is guided by source and that there is a higher plan in place. For now we are closing our doors till further notice. It has been an absolute pleasure being part of this teaching and spending time with like minded individuals has been the icing on the cake. I personally will miss each and everyone of you . I feel that we will meet again. Until we do, I thought it would be fitting to re-publish the wisdom of Rev Pat.. This was her last submission and this will be our last newsletter. And for now, The God in me, recognizes and honors the God in you.

And So it is!

Tricia Yingst

(From the archives of 2021)

“THIS LONG HOT SUMMER…

In these days of change, discord, confusion, I have felt the need to quiet my monkey mind and open my heart to new wonders. This search will of necessity require mindfulness, understanding what it is, what it requires, what it asks of each who are in search of meaning: what it means to live a meaningful life. Above all, at this point I am seeking my own personal capacity for kindness and substance. I believe as the Buddhist teacher, John Cornfield, writes “…Many are involved in finding ways for the hearing of the heart, the freeing of our minds, and the benefit of all beings.”

To start, what does “mindfulness” truly mean? There are many ways to describe it, but it’s simply explained in a small publication How to Speak Science of Mind, by Rev. Dennis Merritt Jones, DD: “Mindfulness is the practice of being consciously aware in the present moment regardless of what we are doing. Mindfulness reminds us to be one with the activity in which we are involved. When we spiritualize mindfulness, it means to be present in the moment, remembering that God’s presence is there as well.”

Just as in any form of grief we may experience, we learn to face our sorrow, look at expressions of shame, guilt, or anger we may be feeling in order to address them, deal with them, and ultimately heal them. In other words, be aware of them, mindful of them. Mindfulness is not for the purpose of beating ourselves up but to discover sparks of good within us.

Everyone continues to live out stories they’ve come to tell about themselves—wild ones at that. When made more aware of them, too often they make excuses as to why they can’t change them, perceive them differently, try a new approach to solve them, or alter the outcome.

Life is full of surprises. It’s more than finding a new style of clothing or discovering an exciting nougat from Forest Gump’s box of chocolates. It involves being willing to consider new viewpoints, alternative solutions, or even to take step-by-step thoughtful bits or bytes and give yourself permission to see beyond what you accept every time the same old story/circumstances show up.

Science of Mind teaches that changing your mind actually changes your life, but too often that sounds easier said than done. Your noisy self can bring up a load of fuss, justifying the same old responses. It’s during this period that a “yes, you can” patience, persistence, and positive imagining needs to take hold. The choice is yours. And remember, the Spirit of Life always has your back when you commit.

In Joy,

Rev. Pat

WEEKLY AFFIRMATION

I am the only power in my world, and I create a peaceful, loving, joyful, fulfilling life.

05/08/2022

11/09/2021

FEAST OF GRATITUDE:

We have scheduled November 12, 2021 for our Annual Feast of Gratitude Soup Dinner. Dinner will start at 5:30PM. As in past years we ask each person to contribute a pot of soup, Bread or Dessert. Price of admission is a non-perishable food item for donation to the Hope Center. Sign-up is necessary because space is limited, and we need a head count of attendees. You can call the center, 530-589-9719, to sign up.

10/17/2021

"Just as Microsoft's Windows or Apple's Macintosh operating systems are the link between our computer's input and its electronics, consciousness is what bridges our input with the stuff everything is made of. " Gregg Braden
To learn more, join us for a book study on "The Spontaneous Healing of Belief"
Tuesday at 10,
Oroville Center for Spiritual Living
$10

10/14/2021

(from the archives of Rev Pat Ballard)
"Fear Not the Monster”

There is an ancient legend of a youth named Theseus who set out to slay Minotaur, a fearful, half man-half bull monster, who lived in a deep, dark, underground labyrinth. Theseus had neither light nor sign posts to guide him on his perilous quest. Even should he slay the monster, his only way back was to retrace his steps through the dark maze by following a thin thread given him by Ariadne, daughter of the King.

Everyone experiences monsters of one sort or another, challenges we confront. As the song goes, “we weren’t promised a rose garden.” And even if we do enter such a garden, we undoubtedly discover roses do have thorns.

But if at any time we encounter a thorn we might recall Theseus. He first acknowledged the beast (the problem), determined a way it may be overcome, and shared his idea with a trusted friend (Ariadne). She offered her support (the thread). He had no “light”, no clear understanding other than the deep desire calling to him. I will overcome.

We might be “in the dark” as to how to find our way back from a broken relationship, a debilitating illness, a financial hardship, yet we too have a thread that can lead us back to safety, to support, to that place where we can be raised up and out of our dark place. This thread is our realization that we are bigger, wiser, more courageous than any monster we may be faced with. We have an inner source that when called upon can be relied on, trusted, believed in and which has the capability for healings of any nature.

This is done by first recognizing and accepting we are a dynamic reflection of the One Power of the Universe. Then “see” ourselves grander than any blockages to our highest good (slaying the monster). Such blockages are but False Expressions Appearing Real. Follow the thread of Truth—we all have It. Trust It. You might say, “I rely on my Inner Spirit, my thread of strength, wisdom and light that guide me to peaceful resolution of any conflict that I encounter.”

WEEKLY AFFIRMATION

I slay false monsters that prevent me from realizing my Truth and Light.

10/06/2021

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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER FOR

October 4, 2021

It is with great sadness that we announce the transitioning of Rev Patricia Ballard. Rev Pat was a much-loved member of our Oroville Science of Mind family and will be tremendously missed. There will be a Memorial service to celebrate her life Thursday October 14, 2021, at 2:00 PM. The location will be at the Oroville Center for Spiritual Living, 3135 Oro Dam Blvd East, Oroville, CA.

Due to the above we will continue to print Rev Pat’s articles from the archives until a suitable replacement is found.

(From the archives of 2015)



“Clearing Our Mind”

From the archives of 2015



In the book, Living the Science of Mind, by Ernest Holmes, he describes very clearly, using an analogy of waterways as to how blockages of every nature stop the flow of our own happiness and produce feelings of incompleteness. As I thought about this, I had the following idea.

If, while combating the flames from the many recent forest fires we’ve experienced, the firemen turned their hoses toward the flames but no water was forthcoming, you can bet your sweet bippy they didn’t just shrug their shoulders and wait for God to save them. No, they did something. They traced their hoses back to the water source seeking breaks or some damage that might be preventing the water from flowing through. Perhaps a kink occurred while the hoses were hooked up; maybe a rock or other debris somehow became lodged in the hose and needed to be removed. They knew their source of water in the truck was full, ready for use.

Well, we might use this simple analogy for our own blockages—blockages we’re experiencing as insufficient income, a lack of uplifting relationships, physical or emotional pain, or any number of conditions. “When the natural joy of life is unblocked it will flow freely through us and we shall become whole and happy. But doubt, fear, uncertainty, anxiety, and a sense of insecurity can so congest our mental life that nothing good can get through.”

If we are experiencing less than such a natural joy of life, then we must realize that it is we who are creating the blockage. So before we may realize such joy we must clear our minds of everything that hinders its flow.

In Joy,

Rev. Pat



WEEKLY AFFIRMATION

I am a Fountain of Life, and Its living waters of Love and Fulfillment flow through me easily now.



UPCOMING ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

FLEA MARKET: Sign up time for the October 9 Flea Market is getting shorter each day. Call the Center at 530-589-9719 or Connie Couser at 530-353-7124-to reserve a space. Opening time for sales is 8 am (vendors may arrive early set-up) and ending time is when the last vendor leaves.



BOOK STUDY: Rev Dotty Page’s book study continues October 12 at 10:00am – 12 noon. The title of the book “Spontaneous Healing of Belief” by Gregg Braden. The cost will be $10 per session. There is a sign-up sheet at the center, or you may call 530-589-9719.



SUNDAY SERVICE: Please join us for Sunday Celebration Service, October 10, 2021, at 10:30am. We are still unsure who the speaker will be.



JEWELRY CLASS: We will be holding a Jewelry Making and Repair class on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at 10AM – 12PM. To sign-up for the class call the Center 530-589-9719. There will be no charge. You will be given the opportunity to make several pieces for yourself and the Center for the Christmas Boutique.



FEAST OF GRATITUDE: We have scheduled November 12, 2021 for our Annual Feast of Gratitude Soup Dinner. Dinner will start at 5:30PM. As in past years we ask each person to contribute a pot of soup, Bread or Dessert. Price of admission is a non-perishable food item for donation to the Hope Center. Sign-up is necessary because space is limited and we need a head count of attendees. You can call the center, 530-589-9719, to signup.



CHAIR YOGA: We will begin a weekly Chair Yoga class at 9AM on October 20, 2021. There is a sign-up sheet. You can call the center, 530-589-9719, to sign-up. Feel free to ask family and friends to join us.



WHAT ARE YOU DOING TODAY TO MAKE THE Oroville Center THE PLACE YOU WANT IT TO BE?

Oroville Center for Spiritual Living

3135 Oro Dam Blvd East, Oroville, CA 95966

(530)589-9719

e-mail: [email protected]

website: orovillecenterforspirituallivin

09/22/2021

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER FOR

September 13, 2021

(From the archives of 2015)

“Trying To Find Myself”

One of the more challenging statements I wrestled with, in the beginning, was the one saying, “You are not your thoughts.” I went along with it much as the lemmings follow along, or so I’ve heard, without the knowledge of where they are headed. But deep down I didn’t understand it, and no didn’t truly believe it. They were my thoughts I was having in my head—who else could claim ownership.

Michael Singer, in his book The Untethered Soul, wrote, “There is nothing more important to true growth than realizing that you are not the voice of the mind—you are the one who hears it. If you don’t understand this, you will try to figure out which of the many things the voice says is really you…People go through so many changes in the name of “trying to find myself”. They discover which of these voices, which of these aspects of their personality, is who they really are. The answer is simple: none of them.”

What a revelation. I am the one who hears the voices of unworthiness, too late, not enough, too much; never will happen, ad nauseam. I am not the voice nor the negative thoughts it conveys. Singer goes on to add, “…The day you decide that you are more interested in being aware of your thoughts than you are in the thoughts themselves—that is the day you will find your way out.”

That is perhaps the day you find meditation to be a way of quietly viewing your thought world, sitting quietly, aware of the activity but refusing to take part in it. You may view your thoughts as logs floating by in a stream of consciousness, yet quietly resist the urge to jump on and ride them as a lemming. You are the observer, the witness- not the log, neither the thought.

In Joy,

Rev. Pat



WEEKLY AFFIRMATION

I accept only those thoughts generated by a consciousness of love, balance, and harmony with all that life has to offer.

08/11/2021

THIS LONG HOT SUMMER…

In these days of change, discord, confusion, I have felt the need to quiet my monkey mind and open my heart to new wonders. This search will of necessity require mindfulness, understanding what it is, what it requires, what it asks of each who are in search of meaning: what it means to live a meaningful life. Above all, at this point I am seeking my own personal capacity for kindness and substance. I believe as the Buddhist teacher, John Cornfield, writes “…Many are involved in finding ways for the hearing of the heart, the freeing of our minds, and the benefit of all beings.”

To start, what does “mindfulness” truly mean? There are many ways to describe it, but it’s simply explained in a small publication How to Speak Science of Mind, by Rev. Dennis Merritt Jones, DD: “Mindfulness is the practice of being consciously aware in the present moment regardless of what we are doing. Mindfulness reminds us to be one with the activity in which we are involved. When we spiritualize mindfulness, it means to be present in the moment, remembering that God’s presence is there as well.”

Just as in any form of grief we may experience, we learn to face our sorrow, look at expressions of shame, guilt, or anger we may be feeling in order to address them, deal with them, and ultimately heal them. In other words, be aware of them, mindful of them. Mindfulness is not for the purpose of beating ourselves up but to discover sparks of good within us.

Everyone continues to live out stories they’ve come to tell about themselves—wild ones at that. When made more aware of them, too often they make excuses as to why they can’t change them, perceive them differently, try a new approach to solve them, or alter the outcome.

Life is full of surprises. It’s more than finding a new style of clothing or discovering an exciting nougat from Forest Gump’s box of chocolates. It involves being willing to consider new viewpoints, alternative solutions, or even to take step-by-step thoughtful bits or bytes and give yourself permission to see beyond what you accept every time the same old story/circumstances show up.

Science of Mind teaches that changing your mind actually changes your life, but too often that sounds easier said than done. Your noisy self can bring up a load of fuss, justifying the same old responses. It’s during this period that a “yes, you can” patience, persistence, and positive imagining needs to take hold. The choice is yours. And remember, the Spirit of Life always has your back when you commit.

In Joy,
Rev. Pat

WEEKLY AFFIRMATION
I am the only power in my world, and I create
a peaceful, loving, joyful, fulfilling life. 💜

07/30/2021

ANOTHER JULY BITES THE DUST…

This month I learned a number of things that I had either forgotten or never did learn about our Constitution and Declaration of Independence. I’ll have them close at hand as topics in the news are printed and what effect they might have on our nation as well as locally and individually.

John Kenneth Galbraith wrote on the challenge of being open-minded: “Fast with the choice between changing ones mind and proving that there’s no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on getting proof.”

We all have “sacred cows” we hesitate to pull from our herd of beliefs. Once we make up our mind on an issue we stick to it. This can be a demonstration of persistence—a good thing when we are working toward fulfilling a desired result, or a hindrance when a new or revised method or idea is suggested that runs contrary to a long-held belief.

Yet there is a strong tendency within each of us to grow, to delve deeper into this thing called life. And this requires that we question those very areas we shy away from. “There is no coming to consciousness without pain,” said Carl Jung. And there will always be among us those who would choose to harm or belittle others in some fashion if their choice of political or religious beliefs differed from theirs, and there are those who greatly fear failure and hesitate to consider change.

Think about this. We’ve all read of the profitable inventions and publishing business of Benjamin Franklin, as well as his success as Minister to France, and his help writing the Declaration of Independence. Yet not all of his ideas won wide acceptance: After all, Franklin’s choice for the national bird was the turkey. But that didn’t cause him to lose faith in work he was committed to. I’ve read that he ultimately chuckled at his bird choice. And I don’t know if it’s true, but I also read that he initially suggested daylight savings time in humor, never dreaming it would be taken seriously. Even the most creative among us must learn to respect that everyone has the right to express themselves freely as long as that right neither harms nor wrongfully damages another and intentions bend toward easing hardship for those in need.

“Civilization is a stream with banks. The stream is sometimes filled with blood from people killing, stealing, shouting, and doing things historians usually record—while, on the banks, unnoticed, people build homes, make love, raise children, sing songs, write poetry, whittle statues. The story of civilization is the story of what happens on the banks.”—Will Durant, The Story of Civilization

We might ask ourselves, do I choose to live in the stream or on the bank.

The big, bad wolf thought he was gaining ground when he huffed and puffed against the homes of the three little pigs. But he was no more than a bag of hot air when faced with stronger beliefs put into liberating action.

We always have a choice of holding on or letting go. It’s sometimes not the easier one that is the best choice. Choose the one that spells freedom.

In Joy,

Rev. Pat

WEEKLY AFFIRMATION

Today I no longer choose to live

in the prison of my mind.



UPCOMING EVENTS

SUNDAY SERVICE: Please join us for Sunday Celebration Service, August 1, 2021 at 10:30am. Scheduled speaker is Rev Pixie Dufour. Music by Jon Dufour. Following service will be our monthly Potluck/Birthday Celebration.

07/16/2021

WEEKLY AFFIRMATION

I now accept the Spirit within me to express

Itself in freedom,

bringing increased joy and harmony in my experience.



UPCOMING EVENTS

SUNDAY SERVICE: Please join us for Sunday Celebration Service, July 18, 2021 at 10:30am. Scheduled speaker is Rev Charymane Palmquist.