Skip to content
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Center Staff
  • Board of Trustees
  • Services
    • Sunday Services & Meditation
    • Wednesday’s Wisdom
    • Congregational Songs
    • Archived videos on our Youtube Channel
  • Gallery
  • Media
  • Contact Us
Top Menu

Center for Spiritual Living
Center for Spiritual Living
No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, know that you are welcome here.
  • Programs
    • Animal Kinship Ministry
    • Circle of Love
    • Coming Home – Awakening To Spirit
    • Community Outreach Programs
    • Jewel Tones Choir
    • New Thought Bookstore
    • Shifting Sands
    • Youth and Family
  • Science of Mind Classes
    • Course Descriptions
    • Current & Upcoming Classes
  • Events & Calendar
  • Prayer Ministry
    • Affirmative Prayer: Career and Creativity
    • Affirmative Prayer: Health
    • Affirmative Prayer: Love and Relationships
    • Affirmative Prayer: Spirituality and Consciousness
    • Affirmative Prayer: Wealth
  • Ministers
  • Give
  • Volunteer
  • Blog
  • Programs
    • Animal Kinship Ministry
    • Circle of Love
    • Coming Home – Awakening To Spirit
    • Community Outreach Programs
    • Jewel Tones Choir
    • New Thought Bookstore
    • Shifting Sands
    • Youth and Family
  • Science of Mind Classes
    • Course Descriptions
    • Current & Upcoming Classes
  • Events & Calendar
  • Prayer Ministry
    • Affirmative Prayer: Career and Creativity
    • Affirmative Prayer: Health
    • Affirmative Prayer: Love and Relationships
    • Affirmative Prayer: Spirituality and Consciousness
    • Affirmative Prayer: Wealth
  • Ministers
  • Give
  • Volunteer
  • Blog

We Are Spiritually Supported Always



During our Tuesday night class on The Essential Ernest, students were asked to write a paper on how their thoughts create their reality. Pat  Brencic used what she knows about the importance of a positive attitude to create positive results in her life. She learned  something  about judgment and perception as well. Her writing is so beautiful; I wanted to share it with you. 

One of my greatest joys is to see students awaken to the power of their own minds. I love to see how the Universe is always supporting us. I love that we are always at choice about how to use our minds. The following was submitted by Pat Brencic, a long time student of the Science of Mind.



A TRIBUTE TO BARBRA STREISAND by Pat Brencic

“I was driving north on Coast Highway headed for watercolor art class–my favorite activity of the week! I was listening to a favorite Streisand CD, “Higher Ground.” A mellow mood of peace surrounded me as Barbra sang, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”  As I listened, my heart was bursting with appreciation for the warmth of the day, the sunshine, the beauty of my surroundings.
When I arrived at my destination and began to collect my painting gear, I realized my purse was missing. I looked everywhere—under the seat, in the back, in the trunk! In a matter of seconds, my serene mood gave way to panic. I vacillated between disbelief and reality. My heart beat loudly and irregularly. A sick liquid rose from my belly into my throat. An all-too-familiar voice shuddered through my body: “How could you be so stupid?” “How can I ever trust you?” “Look what you’ve done, now!”
Humiliated, I turned the car around to return to the coffee shop where I’d placed my purse on the counter while I added cream to my coffee. Doubtless, innumerable customers had been there in the meantime. In my mind I sorted through the content of my purse–$200 in cash, credit cards, drivers license and bank debit card—potentially an irresistible temptation to a desperate human being. I thought of the varied patrons of the coffee shop and of the two Vietnamese, who worked there, particularly of Dennis, the cook, who spoke few words, seldom made eye contact and whose face never showed any expression.
My body and mind were beset with distrust, discouragement and shame as I began to retrace the route I had driven earlier under an aura of gratitude and blessing. How was it possible that the flavor of my reality could change so quickly from light to dark, from joy to hopelessness when nothing had actually happened in those brief minutes? Nothing at all changed except MY THOUGHTS!
 In a moment of clarity, I realized that I had a choice. The result of this event in my life remained unknown. I could spend the next 15 minutes of my drive painting the outcome with fear, shame and mistrust. Or . . . I could try to unearth and reestablish the sense of gratitude and appreciation that had colored my earlier trip along this route. Knowing this was a pivotal moment, I made my choice for the latter. I turned Barbra on again, trusting her voice to reengage my earlier vibrant mood. As she sang, “I Believe,” I visualized people going in and out of the coffee shop and sent them thoughts of blessing and good will. I imagined good fortune for the couple who operated the shop. Several times, doubts overwhelmed me, but I also remembered my ability to choose again!
My purse was nowhere in sight when I entered the coffee shop once more. With little hope I asked the small, shy woman behind the counter if anyone had found my purse. She paused for a moment, and then reached behind her. Her eyes showed delight when she handed me my purse and said, “Dennis found it!” In that moment my heart swelled so much that I thought it would burst out of my body. I couldn’t speak! So, by way of saying “thank you” I reached in my purse, took a large bill out and held it out to her. She shook her head and backed up, refusing to accept it, even when I tried again and again. I suspect it may have shocked her that I was crying. How could she know the depth of the lesson she had brought me that day.
When I returned to my car and started it up again, Barbra was singing, “We are standing on Holy Ground.” Isn’t Barbra amazing!”
Here is a challenge for all of us: Next time you are tempted to fret, fear and make scary stories about your future, remember Pat’s story, its lessons and its happy ending.

Don't Worry Be Happy!
And So It Is! 

Share this post

Author: Heather Clark

Recent Blog Posts
  • The FAD3 Fundraiser Concert

    The FAD3 Fundraiser ConcertFriday, January 13, 2023, 7 p.m, Our first event of the NEW YEAR is a Fundraiser Concert given by the FAD3, Dave Friedman, Karyn Allen, and Rick Dale Friday evening, January 13, 2023. This fun evening includes classic Beatles songs performed by the FAD3, live and silent auctions, and carousing with friends…

    January 8, 2023
  • Book Study – The Surrender Experiment: My Journey into Life’s Perfection

    Beginning Wednesday January 18th, Mary Brogdon will lead a book study based on Michael A. Singer’s bestselling book, The Surrender Experiment. Singer tells the story of what happened when, after a deep spiritual awakening, he decided to give up his personal fears and desires and simply let life unfold before him. From Goodreads: “Spirituality is…

    January 8, 2023
  • Class: Reignite Your Life

    Reignite Your Life: Spiritual Principles & Practicesthat will move you in the direction of your intentions with Rev. Alice Reid CHANGE YOUR THINKING, CHANGE YOUR HEART, CHANGE YOUR LIFE! Are you ready to discover your emerging direction and purpose and how to make it happen? Join us for 5 weeks of self-discovery and revelation. Classes…

    January 8, 2023
  • Christmas Eve Candlelighting Service

    Return of the Light Christmas Eve marks the return of the light. Winter has arrived, the longest night has passed, and finally light begins to return. Life and wisdom are illuminated, newness abounds. Join as we welcome the Return of the Light, Saturday December 24th. Caroling: 4:45 p.m.Service: 5:00 p.m.

    December 6, 2022
  • Annual Holiday Boutique & Brunch, December 4

    Our annual Holiday Boutique and Brunch is set for December 4, 2022, after the service. Our Center’s artists, artisans, and authors will be offering their work for sale at our annual boutique. We have a number of professional photographers, graphic artists, fiber artists, and authors in our community. Here is your chance to do a…

    November 16, 2022
  • Thanksgiving Eve Taizé Wednesday November 23

    Remembering What’s Important Gather with your spiritual family Wednesday November 23 for a special Taizé service. We will hear readings on the importance of giving thanks. We’ll quietly contemplate gratitude in our own lives. And we will chant as one. Date: November 23, 2022Time: 7 – 8 p.m.Where: In person only, at the Center.Notes: No…

    November 16, 2022
Categories
  • Blog
  • Classes
  • Events
Tags
Affirmation Affirmative Prayer Audio blog center for spiritual living capistrano valley creativity Darin McClure Darin McClure Dr. Heather Clark Dr. Heather Clark Ernest Holmes Forgiveness gratitude gratitude Jason Silva Joyous Living Journal Joyous Living Journal Juli Isola Juli Isola Lisa McClure Lisa McClure Love Love Meditation meditation Music Oneness Parenting Quotes Rev. Dr. Heather Clark Rev. Dr. Heather Clark Rev. Karyn Allen Rev. Pattie Mercado Rev. Pattie Mercado Science of Mind September Warren September Warren spiritual growth Sunday Service Sunday Service Vidette Vanderweide Vidette Vanderweide Wednesday Wisdom Wednesday Wisdom Youtube
Contact Us
Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley
1201 Puerta Del Sol
Suite 100 San Clemente, California 92673

Phone: 949-240-6463

Other contact options

Volunteers: Please check your assignment schedules here.

Latest Tweets
  • https://t.co/p2YlbiLr6r https://t.co/ntd6y49CHo https://t.co/o1SPxRSiuY https://t.co/tCBkUwmXpr2 days ago
  • https://t.co/V9ThIgDYHn #meditation #SanClemente #CenterforSpiritualLiving #CapistranoValley https://t.co/uQaXkilvvf6 days ago
  • https://t.co/ntd6y49CHo https://t.co/p2YlbiLr6r https://t.co/l0p2pY2KW09 days ago
  • Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr. https://t.co/STFYDxtZrD15 days ago
  • https://t.co/iHSlx2NAVM https://t.co/A1ACZfLjuQ https://t.co/2MV6ewfWC016 days ago
  • Tonight, at the Center, 7 p.m.! 1201 Puerta del Sol, First Floor, San Clemente, CA https://t.co/Th77lGtmAr18 days ago
Latest Facebook Update

Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley

Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley

Season for NonviolenceDAY 2: JANUARY 31STThe thought for today is SMILING. "If, in our daily life, we can smile…not only we, but everyone will profit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work.” - Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat HanhA smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friendship and nonviolence. A smile not only improves our looks, it improves our outlook, and when our outlook improves, it is much easier to be at peace.Today: I will share a sincere smile with everyone I meet, knowing that my smile contributes to peace.

... See MoreSee Less


Photo

View on Facebook

·
Share



Share on Facebook



Share on Twitter



Share on Linked In



Share by Email

Center for Spiritual Living
© Copyright Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley