Absolutely Yours

This post piggybacks one I wrote earlier in the year. Because of its simplicity and practicality, it is my favorite post. Here’s the bottom line: YOU ARE DEALING ONLY WITH GOD – NOT PERSON, PLACE, CONDITION OR THING.

This Happened Recently

Not too long ago, I had to get copies of my mother’s death certificate. People were packed arm-to-arm in the small office. I stood in line listening to the clerk’s rude and snappy responses to the people ahead of me.

Normally, I would’ve braced myself for the clerk’s attitude, but not this time. “Allen,” I reminded myself, “you’re dealing only with God, not personality.” This ousted both person and personality and left only the Infinite Goodness and Love of God. The transaction was brief and pleasant.

Most recently I had to schedule an appointment with an optometrist. My eyeglasses (which are required for driving) were on life support – one lens missing and the other falling out of the cracked frame at the most inconvenient time.

The last time I visited an optometrist was over twenty years ago, and she told me I had a cataract forming in my left eye. At first, I braced myself for the doctor suggesting cataract surgery, but since I knew that was not an option for me, I just reminded myself, “Allen, you’re not seeing an optometrist. You’re dealing only with God.”

From the moment I stepped into the office, I looked around and claimed the Truth: I am dealing only with God – not glasses, technicians, doctors, etc. The visit was like a party. The doctor and I laughed and shared stories about visits to New York City but best of all, my vision had improved. There was no mention of cataract surgery.

Those are my stories, but here are some other ways this gentle reminder can be helpful for you.

There Are No Others

Perhaps you are an entertainer and must perform before large crowds. If you think you are performing for “other” identities that appear separate from you, it’s easy to get your nerves in a knot. But this doesn’t have to be. Here’s the spiritual solution.

Before you step in front of your audience, remind yourself that You and God is One. Look at the audience and know “I am dealing only with God.” Here, you’ve eliminated separation and acknowledged that you and the audience is One – God. This will bring out the best in you and your audience, and it will be a great time for all. Let’s move on to another scenario.

Driving Can Be Pleasurable

Cars zipping by, lights turning red, drivers distracted by phone screens, and scooters darting in and out of traffic can make driving a living nightmare. It doesn’t have to.

Many people tell me they are uncomfortable driving. No matter what reason they give, it really boils down to this: Appearances. Most drivers think they are trying to manage cars, drivers, traffic, lights, and a host of other things. When you are driving, YOU ARE DEALING ONLY WITH GOD – NOT PERSON, PLACE, CONDITION OR THING. That’s the Truth.

God is one Infinite and Indivisible Presence. Keep this in mind and it will wipe out all otherness and leave only God’s Peace and Love in your awareness. When you get in the car, as driver or passenger, remind yourself that you are dealing only with God. It will make a big difference in your driving experience.

Improving Telephone Conversations

This is also a wonder-worker with telephone conversations. It prevents them from sinking into a ditch of dualism, and it can turn an ordinary conversation into a magnificent moment. Try the following.

Before you make a call, or answer the phone, acknowledge, “I am dealing only with God – the One Infinite and Indivisible Presence of Love and Light.” (You don’t have to use those exact words. Choose your own.)

If the conversation starts heading toward unpleasant places, just remind yourself of the above Truth. When you do this, I guarantee something will subtly change and the conversation will take wing and fly to wonderful places you never imagined.

No, I don’t mean you will start talking about God and spiritual matters, but you will sense/feel that Truth undergirds your conversation as it heads heavenward. Again, try it and see for yourself.

Your Wonderful Body

This post cannot end without addressing the Body. Do you think of your Body as a mass of flesh housing muscles, organs, bones and blood? When you think of your Body, do you attach a birth date to it?

Yes, even in the case of your Body, you are dealing only with God. You cannot leave the Body out of God’s Allness. If your joints seem to ache and swell, if your head hurts, or if your stomach aches, bring your attention back to this one fact: you are dealing only with God’s presence of changeless perfection.

Perhaps it appears that you need immediate medical attention. By all means get it, but keep in mind that you are not dealing with a fleshy, material body. You are always and only dealing with God.