There is nothing in the world that can take the place of love, friendship, appreciation and cooperation in our lives. … I do not believe there is a single fact in human history or a single manifestation in the universe that is or could possibly be anything other than a manifestation of the One Divine Mind, the One Universal Presence, the One Infinite Spirit.

— Ernest Holmes

Setting a Higher Bar

By Holli Sharp, Editor & Creative Director

The clarion call for change is in the air, and not just because it's a new year. Because it's a new day, and we must change or fade away. We must be innovative, vulnerable, willing to listen, learn and take action to actually create the world we talk about.

The January-February double issue of Science of Mind magazine offers multiple invitations to surrender to the Divine's highest purpose for our lives and leave an undeniable impression with the time and resources we have. We are truly better together, and as Raymont Anderson says in the January magazine, “There is work to be done.”

Let us lovingly embrace the evolution and each other.

—Excerpted from the January 2024 Science of Mind magazine

Embrace the Present in this New Year

By Soni Cantrell-Smith

As the calendar flips to a new year, we set resolutions. We create a list of goals. We vow to exercise more, eat healthier, save money, be happier or learn a new skill. While these aspirations are well intentioned, they lead to focusing on the future, inadvertently pulling us away from the most precious moment — the present.

Living in the present moment requires discipline and practice. We may not be comfortable being with what is right now. Mindfulness is an ancient practice of being fully present, aware of where we are and what we ’re doing, and not being overly reactive or overwhelmed by what ’s going on around us.

So how does this all relate to New Year's resolutions? First, I believe the fear of not achieving our resolutions can lead to stress and anxiety. … Practicing mindfulness allows us to let go and focus on the present moment. … Mindfulness invites us to be present without judgment.

Second, New Year's resolutions emphasize the result. … But when we live in the present, we learn to find joy in the journey itself. Instead of fixating on the end goal, we celebrate each small step.

Third, we may treat ourselves harshly if we fail to live up to our resolutions. Mindfulness engenders self-compassion. … We can acknowledge our choices and make more mindful ones going forward.

New Year's intentions can be powerful tools for personal development and growth. But remember, they shouldn't overshadow the importance of living in the present moment. As the new year begins, I invite all of us to set our intentions with the understanding that the present moment is where our lives are truly lived, and it's here that we can find lasting fulfillment and happiness.

— Excerpted from the January 2024 Science of Mind magazine