The Concentric Perspective was published in 1989 with the subtitle What’s in It from Me? The main focus of this book is that each person operates from a center point and his experiences emanate outward from the center. Eric Butterworth uses the visual of two spheres touching at their endpoints, one representing the divine and the other the human expression of the divine. EB suggests that in cross section these spheres can be seen as a series of circles with a common center point. That center point is the place from which each person most effectively responds to life.
EB suggests that the spiritual journey is one of self-discovery (auto-pedagogy). It is not a matter of forcing or trying or working hard. Rather it is a process of allowing. As a seeker gets him or herself out of the way, the inner powers are accessed and the individual finds him/herself in the flow. The most effective means to this end is prayer and meditation. As one focuses attention away from the outer and releases the energy of outer experiences to hold any power over him/her, (s)he is reconnected with the powers within.
All life and substance flow from within outward. So, EB states to live life fully, one needs to get in the flow of giving from within. From that spirit of selfless givingness, comes the circulation of giving and receiving. The visual of the “BEING” sphere connecting with the “being me” sphere shows that flow.
EB stresses that life is not about getting. When one looks to the outer for fulfillment, there is no lasting satisfaction. Life is about growth and personal development. The good that each person seeks is not to be found outside of them. It is already within. Sharing that good by loving one another and giving without any expectation for recognition or gratitude is an effective way to live life from within outward.
EB explores the power of meekness or gentleness. He talks about how when one is in integrity, there is no need for him to be forceful in his relationship to others or to situations. EB emphasizes the power of being cool, of simply being, and of acting from love. Giving in and giving way are important responses as they are ways of being non-resistant.
EB reports that stress takes its toll on those who are not aware of the still point that is always available within them. He reiterates that prayer is the vehicle to center oneself and claim one’s power. He maintains that from one’s center, all outer circumstances can be moved through without stress. Often what feeds stress is expectations and concern that they will not be met. Giving way and allowing life to unfold from within outward is the key. Living from love and from a consciousness of giving rather than expectations of getting contributes to stress free living.
Living from a consciousness of gratitude is an important factor, as is allowing decisions to reveal themselves. There is a sense of giving up trying to control things and knowing that when things occur from within outward, all is well. EB suggests that celebrating successes and not focusing on “problems” helps one to live stress-free.
Each experience encountered in life can be seen as a learning opportunity and not as something to be overcome. People who come into one’s life can offer challenges. EB suggests that rather than holding onto those people and challenging situations with any negative feelings, they be released through the process of forgiveness. This is the only way to move on and to see from another perspective the gifts that might be available from those experiences.
EB talks quite a lot about the need to be love in all situations. When in that consciousness one is able to get along with others by going along with the concentric flow. When one is in the flow of love, (s)he is able to be forgiving and compassionate with others. EB contends that love is always in each person and that there is no limit to the availability and accessibility of divine love.
EB believes that learning to move from personal will to willingness is an important step toward a life well lived. He talks about the importance of opening the clenched fist to let the open palm receive. That is achieved through prayer and knowing that God’s will is always for the highest and best. The Creator ‘s wish is to express perfectly through his creation.
There is no lack. EB reminds the reader that appearances of limitation or lack only occur when one is blocking the flow. The way to open any blocks is through giving. Giving from a sense of obligation or bargaining is not true giving. Giving without any expectations except for feelings within of sharing love is the giving that keeps the flow open for receiving one’s good. When tithing is done as a way of paying the bills, it is not true tithing. Rather one gives from a sense of gratitude and appreciation to the institution that has fed him spiritually. This practice does not in itself change the giver, rather it trains him in the practice of developing a giving consciousness.
The ultimate gift given to man is the Christ consciousness within each person. The purpose of life is to live from this consciousness. When one does this one is living from the concentric perspective.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Forgiveness
Eric Butterworth addresses forgiveness in a number of his books. He explains the Unity approach that sin is not something one needs to ask God for forgiveness about. Rather sin is missing the mark - not being centered with Divine Mind. He is often writing to a mixed audience of Unity/New Thought students and those unfamiliar with the teachings and ideas. So he does some basic teaching, but generally he moves pretty quickly through that emphasis and on to his deeper points.
In Discover the Power Within You he talks about how God is goodness and therefore, does not know anything else. Because God doesn't even recognize anything that isn't goodness, forgiveness isn't something that God needs to do. This concept is likely a pretty difficult one for those coming from a more traditional Chritian background. EB goes on to say, "In our consciousness, we may feel guilty. We may be perfectly willing to take our punishment... The fact is we have already been receiving our punishment, for sin is its own punishment and righteousness is its own reward." 152 His point is that when one holds on to feelings of guilt or smallness or fear -whatever gives him a sense of separation from his good - those are his sin and his punishment. He needs simplyto turn his thoughts and feelings away and toward the divine within. "The moment I accept myself in a higher context, in that moment I have overcome, or come over, that which was the basic sin. That basic sin may have resulted in all sorts of secondary sins - but the basic sin was that I did not know who I was. The moment I come to myself, know the Truth of my innate divinity, my divine sonship, in that moment I turn on the light, and I let the flood of life and inspiration and intelligence fill me and thrill me - and I am transformed. Iam forgiven, because I have forgiven myself." 152,153
EB further states how important it is for forgiveness to be ongoing. One needs to forgive oneself to clear the way for the good to flow. One needs also to forgive others and situations that were hurtful. EB explains that as one holds on to these through feelings of anger or thoughts of getting even, what he is actually doing is staying connected to the pain of the original circumstance. Forgiveness isn't about condoning what happened, it is about releasing one's attachment to it. "In other words, you have been involved in an experience of limitation, resisting, it, talking about it, feeling sorry for yourself in it, but perhaps subtly enjoying it. But when you finally make up your mind that you have 'had it,' and determine that you are going to rise to a new level of consciousness, a remarkable thing happens. When you turn to God, God turns toward you. Suddenly, you have the whole universe on your side in your effort to change." 154 EB has this tendency to talk about God outside of the seeker, even while reminding him that God is within him. This last quote is an excellent example of how God outside might be perceived to react as one turns toward Him. It seems EB uses this languaging to help bridge the gpa for those readers who still think of God as being outside of themselves.
EB continues this line of teaching, "...the moment we turn toward God, the wisdom and love and life and peace of God shower us with the blessings of His presence. We really haven't changed God by our decisions to 'come to ourself,' but we have brought ourselves into a state of acceptance." 155
He concludes his chapter on forgiveness with a poem about finding one's right place. "You see, obviously your 'right place' is not a 'place' at all, but a right attitude of mind. The right place is the state of consciousness in which we know, and know that we know, our unity with God. We know our own divinity." 157
Forgiveness then is a letting go of past beliefs and a giving way for aligning with God's goodness. Whether one holds on to a concept of God being outside of him or knows the God of his own being, according to Butterworth, the very act of forgiveness opens the door so that he can feel his connectedness with the God of his understanding. Directing his thoughts and feelings toward God's goodness is the first step toward claiming one's own goodness, toward transforming one's life.
In Discover the Power Within You he talks about how God is goodness and therefore, does not know anything else. Because God doesn't even recognize anything that isn't goodness, forgiveness isn't something that God needs to do. This concept is likely a pretty difficult one for those coming from a more traditional Chritian background. EB goes on to say, "In our consciousness, we may feel guilty. We may be perfectly willing to take our punishment... The fact is we have already been receiving our punishment, for sin is its own punishment and righteousness is its own reward." 152 His point is that when one holds on to feelings of guilt or smallness or fear -whatever gives him a sense of separation from his good - those are his sin and his punishment. He needs simplyto turn his thoughts and feelings away and toward the divine within. "The moment I accept myself in a higher context, in that moment I have overcome, or come over, that which was the basic sin. That basic sin may have resulted in all sorts of secondary sins - but the basic sin was that I did not know who I was. The moment I come to myself, know the Truth of my innate divinity, my divine sonship, in that moment I turn on the light, and I let the flood of life and inspiration and intelligence fill me and thrill me - and I am transformed. Iam forgiven, because I have forgiven myself." 152,153
EB further states how important it is for forgiveness to be ongoing. One needs to forgive oneself to clear the way for the good to flow. One needs also to forgive others and situations that were hurtful. EB explains that as one holds on to these through feelings of anger or thoughts of getting even, what he is actually doing is staying connected to the pain of the original circumstance. Forgiveness isn't about condoning what happened, it is about releasing one's attachment to it. "In other words, you have been involved in an experience of limitation, resisting, it, talking about it, feeling sorry for yourself in it, but perhaps subtly enjoying it. But when you finally make up your mind that you have 'had it,' and determine that you are going to rise to a new level of consciousness, a remarkable thing happens. When you turn to God, God turns toward you. Suddenly, you have the whole universe on your side in your effort to change." 154 EB has this tendency to talk about God outside of the seeker, even while reminding him that God is within him. This last quote is an excellent example of how God outside might be perceived to react as one turns toward Him. It seems EB uses this languaging to help bridge the gpa for those readers who still think of God as being outside of themselves.
EB continues this line of teaching, "...the moment we turn toward God, the wisdom and love and life and peace of God shower us with the blessings of His presence. We really haven't changed God by our decisions to 'come to ourself,' but we have brought ourselves into a state of acceptance." 155
He concludes his chapter on forgiveness with a poem about finding one's right place. "You see, obviously your 'right place' is not a 'place' at all, but a right attitude of mind. The right place is the state of consciousness in which we know, and know that we know, our unity with God. We know our own divinity." 157
Forgiveness then is a letting go of past beliefs and a giving way for aligning with God's goodness. Whether one holds on to a concept of God being outside of him or knows the God of his own being, according to Butterworth, the very act of forgiveness opens the door so that he can feel his connectedness with the God of his understanding. Directing his thoughts and feelings toward God's goodness is the first step toward claiming one's own goodness, toward transforming one's life.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Creating from Within Out
In both the Universe is Calling and The Creative Life, EB contends that the key to living the life one desires is to go within, meditate, and visualize the results one's heart imagines. He tells the reader that his faith that God is already creating what he envisions is what allows the outcome to outpicture. He suggests, "Faith is as natural as breathing. If you feel that your problem is lack of faith, the question you need to ask yourself is what are you believing in?" TCL p. 30.He goes on to say, "The Kingdom of all-potentiality is already within you. You do not need to become something different in order to release it... faith draws on the infinite, releasing a very real substance that ovecomes obstacles, removes mountains of difficulty, doubles one's power, and multiplies one's ability." TCL p. 39. "One thing is certain: To the person with an unshakable faith that something wonderful is going to happen, something wonderful is happening." TCL p. 40.
EB talks about the power found in the silence: "...the silence is not an end in itself. It is a means to the end of becoming imbued with power, building a focus of spiritual energy. Then you project this energy as you speak your word of truth." TUIC, p. 87. It is through meditation and being in the silence that EB teaches that one aligns with Divine Mind, Creative Power. Once in alignment with this power one is open to divine inspiration. "...if you can imagine something, you have touched an idea in divine mind. If you keep open to the inner flow, and 'trust the process,' then it is certainly possible of achievement...and there is no limit." TUIS, p. 57.
EB sums up his teachings thusly, "In a very real sense you are always 'praying without ceasing.' Your responsibility is to choose the level of cconsciousness on which you deal with the everyday experiences of life." TUIS, p 103. He goes on to say that "...scientific prayer...involves letting go, centering yourself at the 'stillpoint' within, in an awareness of oneness with the divine flow, and then speaking the word, affirming the truth in a treatment of positive power." TUIC, p 104. He is always maintaining that it is the responsibillity of each individual to turn within and to quiet the mind and listen for the guidance that is within. He says, "the whole of Infinite Mind is present in its entirety in every experience of your life and every idea of your mind. This means that an idea or an image comes replete with the understanding of how to complete it and the will to persevere with the process," TCL, p. 77. Not only does EB believe that divine ideas are supported to fruition, he further states, "...the divine intent active as you has one desire: to express expansively and creatively its uniqueness as the perfect idea it is in Infinite Mind. This is your spiritual destiny." TCL, p. 107.
So EB teaches that seekers are responsible for how their lives outpicture. As they believe, so they achieve. As they spend time in prayer and meditation, so are they aligned with divine inspiration and the powers within them. These are the keys to realizing one's potential and to living life fully. Life is created from within, in cocreation with the One.
EB talks about the power found in the silence: "...the silence is not an end in itself. It is a means to the end of becoming imbued with power, building a focus of spiritual energy. Then you project this energy as you speak your word of truth." TUIC, p. 87. It is through meditation and being in the silence that EB teaches that one aligns with Divine Mind, Creative Power. Once in alignment with this power one is open to divine inspiration. "...if you can imagine something, you have touched an idea in divine mind. If you keep open to the inner flow, and 'trust the process,' then it is certainly possible of achievement...and there is no limit." TUIS, p. 57.
EB sums up his teachings thusly, "In a very real sense you are always 'praying without ceasing.' Your responsibility is to choose the level of cconsciousness on which you deal with the everyday experiences of life." TUIS, p 103. He goes on to say that "...scientific prayer...involves letting go, centering yourself at the 'stillpoint' within, in an awareness of oneness with the divine flow, and then speaking the word, affirming the truth in a treatment of positive power." TUIC, p 104. He is always maintaining that it is the responsibillity of each individual to turn within and to quiet the mind and listen for the guidance that is within. He says, "the whole of Infinite Mind is present in its entirety in every experience of your life and every idea of your mind. This means that an idea or an image comes replete with the understanding of how to complete it and the will to persevere with the process," TCL, p. 77. Not only does EB believe that divine ideas are supported to fruition, he further states, "...the divine intent active as you has one desire: to express expansively and creatively its uniqueness as the perfect idea it is in Infinite Mind. This is your spiritual destiny." TCL, p. 107.
So EB teaches that seekers are responsible for how their lives outpicture. As they believe, so they achieve. As they spend time in prayer and meditation, so are they aligned with divine inspiration and the powers within them. These are the keys to realizing one's potential and to living life fully. Life is created from within, in cocreation with the One.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Prosperous Living
"In God We Trust" is stamped on our money. EB states in his book published in 1969, Unity of All Life, "How important it is to get ideas of supply and support in the right perspective! Whenever income is received from any source, it is well to affirm something like this: 'I look to God as the source of my supply, and I bless the many channels through which it manifests.'" p.106. He is consistent in tellings his readers that there is a limitless source available to them at all times. God is that source, the unity of all life is that source, substance is that source. The mind set each person has and the expectations they hold are what define how that unending supply is either released or obstructed. In his 1982 book In the Flow of Life, EB states the same idea in different words: "Because you live within the allness of God-Mind, you are always in the flow of creative and success-producing ideas. There is never a limit to the flow, only a belief in limitation which restricts it." p.60.
EB offers practical advice on how to open oneself to that flow. Here is one suggestion from In the Flow of Life: "The need is to 'practice the Presence' of this inner flow. Meditate on the ideal that the creative process of the universe is rushing, streaming, pouring into you from all sides while you do your work. Get this feeling so strongly that your whole being bubbles with enthusiasm and your fingers tingle with power. Working in this consciousness, you are in the flow of life. Your work will be done effectively, but without ego. And because there is a true spirit of giving, there will be a fulfilling demonstration of receiving." p.58.
In each of his books, EB stresses over and over the will of God to express completely through each of his children and the fact that all one has to do is to have control over one's mind or consciousness. Consider this quote from Discover the Power Within You: "The will of God is the ceaseless longing of the Spirit in you to completely fulfill in the outer the potential within you. The will of God in you is the pent-up energy of your own divinity that is seeking releasement and fulfillment in your manifest life. It is God seeking to express Himself as you - as radiant health, as eternal youth, as an all-sufficiency of supply, as freedom from limitation of any kind." p.143. He goes on to suggest, "When we think good, speak good, do good, we not only tend to pay debts of past limitations, we prepare the way for inevitable future blessings." p.145.
He continually emphasizes that one's life's experiences are dependent on one's thoughts. Consider these words of advice from Unity of All life, "Identify yourself with abundance. Claim abundance. Wherever you see affluence, say to yourself, 'I am one with that.' Begin to act as if success and prosperity are yours and that it is impossible for you to fail. Accustom yourself to thinking that you are surrounded by a divine presence that wishes you only good because you are an 'organ of activity.'" p.104.
Spiritual Economics is the better known work of EB's that specifically addresses prosperity prinicples. In this book he begins by stating that "...prosperity is not just having things. It is the consiousness that attracts things." p.9. He goes on to say that, "The starting point in realizing prosperity is to accept responsibility for your own thoughts, thus taking charge of your life." p.11. He reminds the reader to watch his words and to consider meditating on the visualization of God's abundance flowing to him.
EB sees each person as pure potential, existing in unlimited substance, and holding the key in his own mind to unleashing the flow of that substance to him. All of life is about consciousness. Experiences in life offer each seeker opportunities to remember that and to make the choices that will bring him the prosperity that he is worthy of receiving.
EB makes the point that often it is that question of worthiness that undermines the flow. As a child of God, he asks, how can one not be worthy? He says, "The kingdom is that within you which is your very own inlet that may become an outlet to all there is in God. Claim your inheritance of abundance. You are entitled to the support of God-substance in everything to which you give your mind and hands." p.23. EB even goes so far as to say, "The Universe owes you a living!...You are a creative expression of the Universe, with the responsibility to let your light shine. Thus you owe the world a life. But in all the many ways in which you apply yourself in the world, the Universe owes you complete support." p.23.
EB continues this line of thinking and teaching, always emphasizing the need for each person to take responsibility for his/her thoughts. As the seeker does that, so does he realize a more prosperous life. EB finishes his book Spiritual Economics with the idea that each individual's success with this practice effects others. "Just one person who changes his thoughts, becoming alive with the idea of the all-sufficiency of God-substance and staking his claim for prosperity and success in the world, not only begins to experience abundance in his own life, but also becomes a powerful influence for prosperity in the world." p.209. The reader is once again reminded, "Wherever you may be, you are an unborn possibility of limitless life, limitless intelligence, limitless substance, and yours is the privilege and the responsibility of giving birth to it." p. 214.
EB offers practical advice on how to open oneself to that flow. Here is one suggestion from In the Flow of Life: "The need is to 'practice the Presence' of this inner flow. Meditate on the ideal that the creative process of the universe is rushing, streaming, pouring into you from all sides while you do your work. Get this feeling so strongly that your whole being bubbles with enthusiasm and your fingers tingle with power. Working in this consciousness, you are in the flow of life. Your work will be done effectively, but without ego. And because there is a true spirit of giving, there will be a fulfilling demonstration of receiving." p.58.
In each of his books, EB stresses over and over the will of God to express completely through each of his children and the fact that all one has to do is to have control over one's mind or consciousness. Consider this quote from Discover the Power Within You: "The will of God is the ceaseless longing of the Spirit in you to completely fulfill in the outer the potential within you. The will of God in you is the pent-up energy of your own divinity that is seeking releasement and fulfillment in your manifest life. It is God seeking to express Himself as you - as radiant health, as eternal youth, as an all-sufficiency of supply, as freedom from limitation of any kind." p.143. He goes on to suggest, "When we think good, speak good, do good, we not only tend to pay debts of past limitations, we prepare the way for inevitable future blessings." p.145.
He continually emphasizes that one's life's experiences are dependent on one's thoughts. Consider these words of advice from Unity of All life, "Identify yourself with abundance. Claim abundance. Wherever you see affluence, say to yourself, 'I am one with that.' Begin to act as if success and prosperity are yours and that it is impossible for you to fail. Accustom yourself to thinking that you are surrounded by a divine presence that wishes you only good because you are an 'organ of activity.'" p.104.
Spiritual Economics is the better known work of EB's that specifically addresses prosperity prinicples. In this book he begins by stating that "...prosperity is not just having things. It is the consiousness that attracts things." p.9. He goes on to say that, "The starting point in realizing prosperity is to accept responsibility for your own thoughts, thus taking charge of your life." p.11. He reminds the reader to watch his words and to consider meditating on the visualization of God's abundance flowing to him.
EB sees each person as pure potential, existing in unlimited substance, and holding the key in his own mind to unleashing the flow of that substance to him. All of life is about consciousness. Experiences in life offer each seeker opportunities to remember that and to make the choices that will bring him the prosperity that he is worthy of receiving.
EB makes the point that often it is that question of worthiness that undermines the flow. As a child of God, he asks, how can one not be worthy? He says, "The kingdom is that within you which is your very own inlet that may become an outlet to all there is in God. Claim your inheritance of abundance. You are entitled to the support of God-substance in everything to which you give your mind and hands." p.23. EB even goes so far as to say, "The Universe owes you a living!...You are a creative expression of the Universe, with the responsibility to let your light shine. Thus you owe the world a life. But in all the many ways in which you apply yourself in the world, the Universe owes you complete support." p.23.
EB continues this line of thinking and teaching, always emphasizing the need for each person to take responsibility for his/her thoughts. As the seeker does that, so does he realize a more prosperous life. EB finishes his book Spiritual Economics with the idea that each individual's success with this practice effects others. "Just one person who changes his thoughts, becoming alive with the idea of the all-sufficiency of God-substance and staking his claim for prosperity and success in the world, not only begins to experience abundance in his own life, but also becomes a powerful influence for prosperity in the world." p.209. The reader is once again reminded, "Wherever you may be, you are an unborn possibility of limitless life, limitless intelligence, limitless substance, and yours is the privilege and the responsibility of giving birth to it." p. 214.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Keeping the High Watch
Eric Butterworth talks a lot about prayer in his books Discover the Power Within You and The Universe is Calling. His very definite ideas about how to pray effectively seem to remain fairly constant between these two books, in spite of the fact that 25 years passed between their publication dates. EB sees prayer as a way of changing the one who is praying, not God. God is changeless and all knowing. We pray to see things newly not to change things. "The most important purpose of prayer is lifting ourselves to a high level of consciousness where we can be conditioned in mind and body with the all-sufficient life, substance, and intelligence of God." Discover, 111. Once we realize that, we begin to align ourselves with the Truth of the powers within us. "...everything you might need in life exists as a potentiality within you now. Thus the need is not to pray for things, but to become a channel for the release of that cosmic energy that takes form as the things. Claim your good and become a positive channel for its release. " Universe, 90
We are called to constantly turn our attention toward our potential and toward the abundance of substance. Any time we find our thoughts straying toward ideas of lack, limitation, dis-ease, or problems, we know to discipline our thoughts and turn them back to God. "Prayer is simply opening our lives that we may receive what God has always been trying to bestow - conditioning our lives with "God." Discover, 112. EB reminds us that it is God's good pleasure to give us the Kingdom. "Pray to re-establish your contact with divine power, and 'all things shall be added unto you.'" Discover, 112.
So what does it mean to "keep the High Watch?" Does it mean to ignore human needs and the concerns we face as we live our lives? I don't think so. I think it means to move through those temporary conditions from a place of being centered and grounded. According the EB, "Your responsibility to yourself as well as to the divine law, is to keep yourself inwardly poised and to keep your thoughts positive and loving, in spite of injustice or disorder around you." Discover, 83. EB is suggesting that what is ours to do, whether conditions seem challenging for us or for others, is to see beyond appearances to what we know. Every step on our path leads us to remembering our Oneness. EB states, "Say Amen to your good. Put the stamp of acceptance on that which you want to see manifest. and when you pray or treat, be sure that the words are ones to which you want to give total acceptance, and say Amen to that." Universe, 116.
Do we pray only when things are not going well? No. We are always praying. Our thoughts and feelings are our prayers. We are called to pay close attention, then, to what we believe about ourselves. "The word prayer from the ancient Sanskrit root pal-al, means 'judging oneself to be wondrously made.' The practice of prayer should lead us to lift up our eyes and know that, if we are worthy to draw a breath, we are worthy of the fullness of life." Universe, 141-142
In every situation we are to be a non-anxious presence, both when praying with another and in our own prayer life. Anxious thoughts create and feed challenges, so we take charge of our thoughts. We go within to keep the High Watch. "You can only radiate what I call 'the contagion of a triumphant spirit' that comes when you clear your own mind, and get yourself centered and in tune. If you don't alter your thoughts, but remain upset and concerned about this other person, then you will be a part of their problem." Universe, 121.
Friday, April 23, 2010
"The vastness of creation is whole. The Infinite Creative Spirit made it all possible; but there is no division, separation, or diminution of the Creator in the created. The Creator has expressed and fulfilled Himself (or Itself) in the creation, which has no existence outside of the Creative Spirit that brought it forth. The whole is present at every point; therefore, all is totally and completely 'within' you all the time. It may be difficult to comprehend, but the Infinite I AM is the point in you where the whole becomes individualized as you. You are the temple of God and the Holy Spirit dwells in you. This is the great key to all human existence, the unity of all life." (Unity of All Life, 35). Eric Butterworth reiterates this teaching throughout his book Unity of All Life which was published in 1969. He stresses that when one only sees what is happening on the surface of life, (s)he can feel powerless, a victim of circumstance. EB explains how futile it is to look to the world to find meaning. "Life, of itself, has no meaning. only you have meaning. However, life begins to be understandable and manageable when you begin to realize your unity with the Infinite, to know that the wholeness of the possibility of God is inwrapped within you. Then life becomes an exciting adventure of self-discovery." (Unity of All Life, 36).
The key, according to EB, is to turn within for guidance and to know that God is working through us. EB cautions against thinking that God is doing anything to us. He reminds us that "meaning in life comes from our right of choice, the choice to have faith, to believe in deeper realities, to see the larger horizon." (Unity of All Life, 40).
In a much later book, The Universe is Calling, EB, reiterates the need for us to place our attention and energy on the power within to see the changes we desire outpicture. “You can find great help through prayer. But as you come to understand the science of prayer, you will realize that it is not an act of entreaty to God. It is turning the focus of your consciousness away from the problem to your center of being in God, and giving way to the creative flow which will stream forth therapeutically from within your innermost self” (The Universe is Calling, 30).
Throughout his books, EB is firm in the conviction that we have within us all that we need to overcome any appearances of dis-ease, limitation, or sense of separation. He vigilantly reminds us: “God is the wholeness of life, substance, and intelligence which is always present. It is not a miracle that is needed, ever, but the disciple of consciousness to let ‘Thy kingdom come, they will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,’” (The Universe is Calling, 26).
EB stresses over and over again that it is our responsibility to discipline our consciousness. He states, “Man is the channel for the expression of Infinite Intelligence and energy and love. We are using the same power, the same basic Infinite Mind stuff, whether we are rising to success or floundering in mediocrity, whether we are manifesting health and youthfulness or suffering in disease and old age. The Infinite Creative Spirit in us is to each of us what we are to it. It invariably responds to us by corresponding with our mental attitudes.” (Unity of All Life, 35). Is he saying that our thoughts create our experiences? Definitely. He believes that is true in all cases.
EB does suggest that race consciousness can affect our experiences. However, he clearly states that when challenges occur, the place to go to change the direction of our lives is to our consciousness. What we need to learn to do is to detach from our experiences so that we are responding rather than reacting to them. EB puts it this way: “…the incident is completely external to you. It may happen around you or even to you, but of itself it does not happen in you. Your mind is your domain. Here you are the master.” (Unity of All Life, 63).
So is he saying that we should live in our inner world and not engage at all with our experiences in the outer world? No, I don’t think so. He talks about the fact that our experiences give us feedback on where our consciousness is. He clarifies for us ways that we process information. When we use what he calls horizontal thinking we look at our life experiences, analyze them, and base our perceptions and choices on past results.
This thinking, he says, keeps us in a loop because we are making predictions and choices about our future based on our past. We can’t expect different results if we continue with the same patterns of behavior.
Vertical thinking moves us out of the loop. We pay attention to experiences and then we see how the results might have been different. “The vertical thinker knows there is always ‘more’ in the man and in the knowledge accumulated by the man. He is open to the influence of the intuitive. He deals with conditions, experiences, and persons not as they are but as he is, and he uses them as the challenge to a greater discovery of that isness. He does not think about problems and thus develop a problem-oriented state of mind. He thinks through problems to the whole Spirit that is only being partially expressed. Thus he develops a solution-oriented state of mind.” ( Unity of All Life, 65).
Butterworth invites each of us to look at our lives with different eyes. He urges us to remember that within us are the powers of the Creator. As we focus our thinking and our attention on the infinite possibilities of expressing those powers we live fully in the unity of all life.
The key, according to EB, is to turn within for guidance and to know that God is working through us. EB cautions against thinking that God is doing anything to us. He reminds us that "meaning in life comes from our right of choice, the choice to have faith, to believe in deeper realities, to see the larger horizon." (Unity of All Life, 40).
In a much later book, The Universe is Calling, EB, reiterates the need for us to place our attention and energy on the power within to see the changes we desire outpicture. “You can find great help through prayer. But as you come to understand the science of prayer, you will realize that it is not an act of entreaty to God. It is turning the focus of your consciousness away from the problem to your center of being in God, and giving way to the creative flow which will stream forth therapeutically from within your innermost self” (The Universe is Calling, 30).
Throughout his books, EB is firm in the conviction that we have within us all that we need to overcome any appearances of dis-ease, limitation, or sense of separation. He vigilantly reminds us: “God is the wholeness of life, substance, and intelligence which is always present. It is not a miracle that is needed, ever, but the disciple of consciousness to let ‘Thy kingdom come, they will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,’” (The Universe is Calling, 26).
EB stresses over and over again that it is our responsibility to discipline our consciousness. He states, “Man is the channel for the expression of Infinite Intelligence and energy and love. We are using the same power, the same basic Infinite Mind stuff, whether we are rising to success or floundering in mediocrity, whether we are manifesting health and youthfulness or suffering in disease and old age. The Infinite Creative Spirit in us is to each of us what we are to it. It invariably responds to us by corresponding with our mental attitudes.” (Unity of All Life, 35). Is he saying that our thoughts create our experiences? Definitely. He believes that is true in all cases.
EB does suggest that race consciousness can affect our experiences. However, he clearly states that when challenges occur, the place to go to change the direction of our lives is to our consciousness. What we need to learn to do is to detach from our experiences so that we are responding rather than reacting to them. EB puts it this way: “…the incident is completely external to you. It may happen around you or even to you, but of itself it does not happen in you. Your mind is your domain. Here you are the master.” (Unity of All Life, 63).
So is he saying that we should live in our inner world and not engage at all with our experiences in the outer world? No, I don’t think so. He talks about the fact that our experiences give us feedback on where our consciousness is. He clarifies for us ways that we process information. When we use what he calls horizontal thinking we look at our life experiences, analyze them, and base our perceptions and choices on past results.
This thinking, he says, keeps us in a loop because we are making predictions and choices about our future based on our past. We can’t expect different results if we continue with the same patterns of behavior.
Vertical thinking moves us out of the loop. We pay attention to experiences and then we see how the results might have been different. “The vertical thinker knows there is always ‘more’ in the man and in the knowledge accumulated by the man. He is open to the influence of the intuitive. He deals with conditions, experiences, and persons not as they are but as he is, and he uses them as the challenge to a greater discovery of that isness. He does not think about problems and thus develop a problem-oriented state of mind. He thinks through problems to the whole Spirit that is only being partially expressed. Thus he develops a solution-oriented state of mind.” ( Unity of All Life, 65).
Butterworth invites each of us to look at our lives with different eyes. He urges us to remember that within us are the powers of the Creator. As we focus our thinking and our attention on the infinite possibilities of expressing those powers we live fully in the unity of all life.
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