“Ever as the spiral grew He left the old house for the new. Build thee more stately mansions, O my soul, While the swift seasons roll. Leave the low-vaulted past; Let each new temple, nobler than the last, Shut thee from heaven with a dome more vast, Till thou at last art free, Leaving thy outgrown shell By life’s unceasing sea.” ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes, The Chambered Nautilus
As we approach the end of 2022, we may emulate the Roman god, Janus, who had the fascinating ability to look backward and forward simultaneously. A year-end review is a powerful and effective way to evaluate the previous twelve months, consider what we might have chosen differently, find the gifts in each experience, and release the year with loving gratitude.
Oliver Wendell Holmes’ “The Chambered Nautilus” is often used as a metaphor for leaving the human body, as the soul takes its immortal journey at the end of this life; however, it can be justifiably viewed as a release of that which has served but no longer fits us in our spiritual progress right here on earth. The chambered nautilus is one of the oldest creatures known to survive in the earth’s oceans. It is a symbol of nature’s grace in growth, expansion, and renewal. It is also a symbol of order amidst chaos as reflected in its spiral precision. (The “other Holmes” has much to contribute to us!)
As we outgrow the lesser “shells” of our understanding, we prepare to move into a more expanded and successful consciousness. We have a clean slate before us and are free to create a life of truer freedom and greater attainment. The “more stately mansions” into which we may move include the experience of increased wisdom, deeper love, and grander creative ideas and their fulfillment. Forming a new vision for ourselves and the greater community in the new year is the first step in co-creating the world into which we choose to step. Establishing specific objectives and goals which are inspired by that vision is the next intelligent and productive action to take.
Our last gathering of the year will take place this Saturday, December 31st at the AVE Clubhouse in Malvern, 311 Lancaster Ave. Please arrive by 6:45 A.M., when Rev. Mike will lead us at 7:00 A.M. in a beautiful World Peace Meditation, corresponding with all other gatherings around the world at Greenwich Mean Time. At 8:00 A.M., we go to breakfast together at a local restaurant, as we did last year. Click here to sign up.
The next day, Sunday, January 1st, we will stream our Sunday Celebration, with a shared, “He Said/She Said” talk from both Rev. Mike and me. The title will be, “Begin with the Blueprint.” Our new theme for 2023 is, “Building a New Consciousness,” and January’s will be “The Foundation.” Simply go to our website www.cslphilly.org and use the “Watch Now” button to connect with us at 10:30 A.M. Let’s work together to “build more stately mansions” and occupy them with ever-expanding joy!
Be sure to view our calendar of events, tune into our live streams or view past Celebrations and Love Notes from Rev. Mike and me. You may also choose to visit our Practitioner Page, where you will find licensed practitioners who are happy to work with you in consciousness to address issues of concern, greater desired good, or simply to receive a greater understanding of Science of Mind.
With great love and respect,
Dr. Maxine