Shock, horror, devastation, death tolls, political rhetoric, financial instability, terrorism and xenophobia are just a few of the themes that have dominated the news throughout the world during the past few weeks. The mass shooting in Orlando, the tragic flooding in West Virginia, the rash UK vote to leave the European Union, and the political infighting and gridlock in our national government has shaken up our souls individually and collectively. The mass consciousness of humanity has been permeated by waves of insecurity, instability, anxiety, and fear. Disturbed by these events many wonder, “What is this world coming to?”

Remaining spiritually grounded during such times can be challenging for even the most dedicated Truth students. Principle One of Unity’s teachings professes that God is the source and creator of all. There is no other enduring power. God is good and present everywhere. Many may ask, “If God is all there is, then how could such horrific things be happening and where is the good in all of this?” In John 7:24 Jesus reminds us, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” Here Jesus is telling us not to evaluate circumstance through the worldly lens of our five senses and through the consciousness of fear, scarcity, and separation. Instead the Master Teacher proclaims that we must live centered in the consciousness of Oneness viewing events through the discerning eye of the Christ within. In John 16:13 Jesus spoke of overcoming the world. He reminded us that we live simultaneously in two realms, the physical and the Absolute. In the physical realm we experience tribulation and impermanence. Since God is All-ness itself, we can never be separate from Divine Potential, therefore, we always move and breathe and have our very being in the Realm of All-Sufficiency and Absolute Good.

So, how can you rise above the pain and suffering and live from the consciousness of All-Sufficiency and of Love? Now more than ever it is important to not only be well versed in Spiritual Truth, but to step out in Divine Faith and live the Truth despite what is going on in our lives and all around us. Here are some ways you can put Spiritual Principle into action:

1. Release the practice of complaining and being critical of situations and people. When you join in the energy of fear and separation it individually and collectively intensifies. When you want a camp fire to stop burning you do not add another log or more lighter fluid to the fire. Every thought, word, and act that carries the vibration of cynicism, criticism, resistance, and worry ignites the experiences we disdain.

2.  Look for and know Good exists. As you move through the day look for the “good” and the light. Thousands of people every day are doing incredible things to make a difference. What you focus on, you will experience. Additionally, conflict and chaos or creative tension is a sign that new life desires to emerge. It seems that the old patriarchal paradigm of greed, competition, dominance, control, and inequality is crumbling right before our eyes. Hooray! Let us hold the knowing that we are birthing harmony, inclusion, cooperation, and equity into our collective experiences. How painful the birthing process will be is dependent upon the consciousness held by humanity. Science has shown that it takes only 10% of a population to hold a thought or an idea to affect change and shift the majority.

3. Be the Love and Light you seek. Throughout your day, it is important to use affirmative prayer to help you live from the inside out and to remain centered in the consciousness of Oneness. To pray without ceasing, you must know that it is not enough to utter words of Truth but to be them. It is very tempting and common place for many to resist and retract into their own little worlds of created comfort and safety when dreadful things are occurring. Again, when you resist, the very experiences you don’t want, persist in your life. In order to truly experience Divine Love and Life you must engage in acts that emulate this vibration. Throughout the day ask yourself these questions: “How am I showing up right now? “How can I be the Light in this situation?”

Dear friends, these are just some ways you can remain vibrantly alive, compassionate, joyous, and strong during times that seem to be daunting. Together let us courageously and powerfully bring the Light!