By Rev. Ric Beatie
In these ever-changing times, it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of uncertainty, swept away by the constant tide of negativity. But what if there was a way to navigate these challenges with more clarity and purpose? Unity co-founder Charles Fillmore believed that the key lies within us – in the Power of Will.
Will, according to Fillmore, is the “executive faculty of the mind,” the driving force that allows us to choose, lead, and decide. It’s not merely about willpower, but about recognizing that our conscious choices, moment by moment, decision by decision, actively shape our reality. While many may fuss about external events and the actions of others, the profound truth is that each of us is continually co-creating our experience.
So, how do we harness this profound power to navigate turbulent times? It starts with persistence in our vision. Fillmore emphasized that “what a man wills or decrees comes to pass in his experience.” This means we decide on a thing, and then we “cloak our decision in divine substance” – or as we might say today, in focused energy. If our deepest desire is peace, we must persistently direct our attention and energy toward peace, not toward divisiveness or chaos.
This isn’t always easy, especially with the constant stream of distressing news and information in the world. However, here is where our will truly shines: the power to selectively focus our attention. Just as a physical executive chooses what projects to prioritize, the executive faculty of our mind, our will, allows us to choose what we focus on and, crucially, what we ignore.
Consider simple, yet powerful, daily acts. For instance, rather than tuning into news or talk radio in your car, choose to listen to quiet, calming music. This deliberate act uses your will to shift your immediate environment and mental input from potential sources of anxiety to sources of serenity. Other powerful ideas for consciously directing your will include:
- Mindful Media Consumption: Be intentional about when and how you consume news. Instead of constantly checking updates, set specific times for brief news consumption from trusted, balanced sources. Avoid “doomscrolling,” the compulsive consumption of negative online content.
- Curate Your Input: Just as you might choose healthy foods, choose healthy mental nourishment. Seek out uplifting content, follow inspiring social media accounts, and engage in conversations that uplift rather than drain you.
- Embrace Calming Practices: Engage in activities that bring you joy and peace. This could be meditation, spending time in nature, pursuing a creative hobby, or simply practicing deep breathing when you feel overwhelmed.
- Cultivate Gratitude: As you wisely noted, what we are grateful for, we tend to have more of. Make gratitude a daily practice. By focusing on the blessings in your life, you actively shift your mindset from lack to abundance, from fear to appreciation.
By consciously directing our will and selectively focusing our attention on that which aligns with our highest good and our desired experience, we can navigate these turbulent times with greater confidence, inner peace, and the profound ability to truly create the reality we desire.
If you enjoy these ideas, visit us in person on Sunday at 10 am or check out our livestreamed services.
Rev. Ric Beattie
Senior Minister
