Author: J Douglas Bottorff

Doug is minister of Independent Unity, author of 8 books, musician and photography enthusiast. He lives with his wife and cat in western Colorado.

Our Mother Earth

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It is commonly acknowledged in metaphysical literature that the souls of our earthly parents did not give birth to our true essence. Souls don’t give birth to souls. Our earthly mother, however, did give birth to the body in which we arrived. But this body is made up of chemical compounds given to us by our more universal parent—Mother Earth. Astronomer Carl Sagan went a step further by saying, “We are made of star-stuff.”

And yet if we collected the proper amounts of oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and other chemical elements and mixed them together, we would not have a human being. We would have the pile of components that are needed to make up this earthly vehicle. What we would lack is the animating force, the life, love, power, and intelligence that stirs these compounds into a living being.

So, we celebrate our earthly mothers as the door through which we entered the material domain. We celebrate our Mother Earth as the provider of the raw materials that make up our earthly interface. We celebrate God as the creative life force that stands behind it all.

But perhaps celebration alone is not enough. If Earth is truly our mother at the most fundamental level, then our relationship with her must move beyond appreciation into reverence. We cannot claim spiritual awareness while ignoring the condition of the very body from which our physical form is drawn. To harm the Earth is, in a very real sense, to harm ourselves.

This awareness invites a quiet shift in consciousness. We begin to see the ground beneath our feet not as something we walk upon, but as something we arise from. The air we breathe becomes more than atmosphere—it is a continuous exchange of life. The water we drink is not separate from us; it is an essential part of our physical body.

In this light, spirituality is no longer confined to thought or belief. It becomes embodied, relational, a lived recognition that we are participants in a vast, sacred system of life.

To honor our universal Mother Earth, then, is to live with care, with gratitude, and with an awakened sense of belonging. For in remembering where our body comes from, we may also begin to remember who we truly are.

The God Problem

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Even after letting go of the image of God as an old man in the sky, we may still struggle to relate to God as an ever-present, creative life force working for our highest good. Revisiting inherited beliefs about our spiritual Source can deepen and clarify our prayer life.

For example, affirming God as life, love, power, and intelligence aligns me with the truth of these ideas:

  • The life of God is the very essence of my being, stirring as the enthusiasm I need to accomplish all that is mine to do.
  • As love, the creative life force draws to me what serves my highest good and dissolves that which does not.
  • I am empowered to move forward in faith, strengthened to hold fast to the truth that all things are working together for good.  
  • The intelligence that is God lights my way—clarifying the choices and decisions before me.

This is not the work of a distant being acting on our behalf. Emerson points to a different relationship between God and humanity when he writes, “Every man is the inlet and may become the outlet of all there is in God.” The image is of a natural flow—like a spring-fed pool with a spillway—constantly renewed. In that sense, the life, love, power, and intelligence we need are always moving through us. When a need arises, what is required to meet it is already present. In prayer, we align with this flow and affirm that the highest good is unfolding in and through us now.

Many believe that God can—and one day will—eliminate suffering at the human level. Yet suffering and discord are likely to continue until individuals recognize themselves as the inlet and potential outlet of all that is in God. This awareness cannot be achieved collectively; it is an inner awakening that each person must come to for themselves. This is why we do not look to the sky for help—the help we seek is within. As we affirm guidance from God, we are inspired with new ideas, given the right words, and shown the best course of action. In this way, we become instruments of divine action: God in expression.

The Courage to Disappoint

YouTube: The Courage to Disappoint: Breaking the Approval Addiction

Many of us may agree with the scriptural idea that human beings are made in the image and likeness of God. Yet living from that belief can feel difficult. What makes sense intellectually does not always translate into daily experience, and we may sense a gap between the potential we affirm in principle and the reality we live day to day.

That gap is one reason it helps to distinguish between the soul and the self-image. The soul—your true Self—is an expression of God. The way you see yourself (your self-image), however, is shaped by many secondary, body-centered influences such as family, culture, gender, education, and social standing. Spiritual education is the process of closing the distance between this conditioned self-image and our true ground of being: the soul.

One common self-image is the “people-pleaser”—a pattern marked by an intense need for approval and validation. It often shows up as:

  • Difficulty expressing personal needs and desires
  • Overthinking and worrying about what others think
  • Minimizing achievements and brushing aside compliments

From a spiritual point of view, the goal is not to make the self-image more pleasing or acceptable to others. As Jesus observed, it does little good to gain the world at the cost of losing sight of the soul (Matthew 16:26). In other words: what do you gain by winning others’ approval if you lose self-acceptance in the process?

This is not an invitation to trade low self-esteem for an “in-your-face,” bulldozing personality. Rather, the most substantial catalyst for positive change is soul-level self-discovery. The need to please others is often the result of trying to live a meaningful life while making that life contingent on others’ approval.

When Jesus taught, “Seek first the kingdom, and all else will be added,” he was pointing to the importance of being true to yourself. Notice when you drift from that aim, and gently return to the truth of who and what you are. You may not please everyone—but you can become a steady presence and a genuine pleasure to yourself.

The Essence of Forgiveness

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Forgiveness is widely recognized as one of the highest expressions of moral character. Many people, particularly those with strong religious convictions, regard the act of forgiving others as not only virtuous but also spiritually meaningful. They believe that showing forgiveness to someone who has caused harm brings about a favorable response from God, helping them maintain their spiritual well-being and moral integrity.

However, genuine forgiveness does not alter God’s behavior. Instead, it liberates us, allowing us to align with the expansive activity of God. Emilie Cady observed that difficulties in life may stem from an inability to forgive. By continually dwelling on the negative actions of others, we may unintentionally hinder our own progress.

Why does this happen? If God’s nature is defined by creative expansion, then holding onto resentment restricts our own creative thinking. Our mental and emotional resources become channeled into a narrow focus, acting like an invisible burden that weighs us down and limits our potential.

It is important to recognize that the actions of others have less influence on our quality of life than our own reactions to what they say or do. Forgiveness is essentially the process of reframing these reactions. For example, when Joseph reunited with his brothers who had sold him into slavery, he acknowledged that they intended harm, but he chose to believe God meant it for good. By reframing their actions, Joseph created an opportunity to release himself from the destructive reaction of resentment.

What Joseph’s brothers did was wrong and he had every right to be angry at them. This resentment, however, may have prevented him from rising to his present position of power, second only to Egypt’s Pharaoh, according to the story. Throughout all his many trials, Joseph maintained his creative agility, turning each worse-case scenario into opportunities for advancement.

If you find yourself holding resentment for the past actions of another, do not seek to condone or condemn them. Seek, rather, the higher ground of release. Affirm that greater good is now unfolding through you and through all concerned. Even if they meant it for evil, God means it for good. Hold to this truth and free yourself from the bonds of resentment.

Balancing Soul and Self-Image

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We often use the words soul and consciousness interchangeably, but they point to very different realities. What we typically call consciousness—the sum of our beliefs, memories, and experiences—is better understood as the self-image: the accumulated ideas we hold about who we are. It is shaped over time, influenced by circumstance, and constantly changing.

The soul, by contrast, is not constructed. It is not improved, repaired, or reimagined. It is the stable center of our being—the unchanging essence that exists independent of our shifting thoughts and emotional states. Where the self-image is reactive and conditioned, the soul is steady and complete.

Much of what we call spiritual growth is, in truth, an effort to refine the self-image. We attempt to become a better version of who we think we are—more enlightened, more disciplined, more fulfilled. But this process, however sincere, rarely satisfies. It rearranges the surface without addressing the deeper longing that persists beneath it.

The reason is simple: the issue is not the condition of the self-image, but its position as the center of gravity. Our consciousness—our beliefs, perceptions, and decisions—forms around whatever we take to be our core identity. If that center is the self-image, our lives reflect its limitations. If the center shifts to the soul, our consciousness begins to reflect something deeper, more stable, and more expansive.

Jesus described this shift as being “born again”—not as a theological concept, but as a change in the basis of perception. To be “born of the flesh” is to live from the outward, senses-based identity of the self-image. To be “born of the Spirit” is to live from the inward reality of the soul.

This shift is not achieved through accumulation, but through release. It is less about learning something new and more about letting go of what we think defines us. Meditation, in this sense, is not a technique for self-improvement, but a doorway—an intentional turning from the noise of the self-image toward the quiet authority of the soul.

When the center changes, everything else follows. Our consciousness reorganizes. Our understanding deepens. And what once felt like striving begins to feel like alignment.

The Easter Mindset

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“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24).

This passage from John 12:24 serves as a central metaphor for the Easter story. In this verse, the imagery of a grain of wheat falling into the earth and dying is used to illustrate the traditional narrative of Jesus’s death, which is presented as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. This metaphor highlights the idea that through death, new life and abundance can be achieved—a concept that resonates deeply within Christian theology.

From a technical standpoint, it is understood that a seed does not actually die when it is planted. Instead, it undergoes a process of germination, transitioning from a dormant seed to a living plant. This scientific fact suggests that the metaphor may not be entirely accurate in a literal sense. Given that Jesus would have been aware of this fundamental truth about seeds, it is plausible to interpret this passage as a reflection of John’s alignment with the theology of the early church, rather than a direct expression of Jesus’s own teachings.

Metaphorically, the seed serves as a powerful symbol for our understanding of self. It represents the perception of ourselves primarily as physical beings who possess a soul. However, to “die to this seed self” means to move beyond this limited view and recognize that our true nature is spiritual, with a physical dimension as a counterpart. This realization is central to spiritual growth, which does not require a literal death, just as a seed’s germination does not necessitate the death of the seed itself. When we plant a seed in the soil, it is an act that expresses our expectation of change. The soil is symbolic of an environment that is open and ready for transformation, reflecting a receptive and anticipatory attitude that facilitates growth.

Each day presents us with situations and appearances that tempt us to react from the perspective of our limited seed-self. In these moments, we may feel powerless, yet we have the opportunity to embrace a deeper understanding—that there is a greater process at work within us. This inner power is indeed greater than any external circumstance we face.

Jesus emphasized the importance of not judging by outward appearances, especially those that reinforce the perspective of our limited seed-self identity. By shifting our awareness, we can respond from a place of spiritual empowerment rather than limitation.

Fear, Shadow, and Misperception

NOTE: The subject of understanding fear from a spiritual perspective always raises interest. As a companion article to Sunday’s talk, Confronting Fear, I thought I would share this article on the topic.

Fear as Contraction

If the Creative Life Force is always expressing, and if the soul is never separate from its Source, then what most disrupts our experience of peace and spiritual coherence? Over the years, I have come to see that the primary obstruction is not sin in the traditional sense, nor ignorance alone, but fear. Fear acts as a contraction, narrowing our perception and limiting our experience.

When fear arises, perception narrows. Imagination projects onto reality, faith becomes fixated on threat, judgment turns reactive, and the will succumbs to impulsive responses. Instead of affirming creative power, elimination becomes a denial of our affirmative abilities. The flow of Life does not cease, but our experience of it constricts. Fear does not extinguish the Light; it simply restricts reflectivity.

Rational Caution vs Imagined Fear

It is important to distinguish between rational caution and imagined fear. Rational caution is an intelligent response to a real situation, such as encountering a wild bear in the woods. In this case, the body responds appropriately, attention sharpens, and distance is maintained. This is not distortion; it is alignment with the facts of the situation.

Imagined fear, by contrast, arises when the mind projects threats where none exist—like fearing a bear under the bed. This imagined bear appears only in darkness, when perception is unclear. As visibility diminishes, imagination fills the gaps, and emotionalism overwhelms discernment. The bear under the bed is not reality; it is projection. The problem is not the dark itself, but misinterpretation of what might be lurking in the dark.

Emotionalism and the Collapse of Discernment

Fear intensifies when emotional response overrides rational evaluation. Without clear perception, imagination becomes creative in unhelpful ways; faith focuses on worst-case scenarios, judgment leaps to conclusions, and will braces for conflict. Through our faculty of elimination, we may try to suppress anxiety without resolving it. The faculties themselves are not flawed—they are simply misdirected. The bear in the woods demands caution; imagined fear collapses quickly when discernment is restored.

Shadow as Belief in Absence

Shadow, within this framework, is not an opposing force to light but the belief in the absence of light. There is just as much light in the darkness of space as there is on the face of a full moon; the difference lies in reflection. Similarly, there is no region of existence devoid of spiritual Light. What we experience as darkness is often a surface not yet reflecting clearly.

Fear gives darkness substance, but darkness has no independent existence. It is the temporary absence or blockage of revealed light. This distinction is essential; if darkness possessed independent substance, nonduality would collapse, and we would be forced into cosmic dualism—Light battling shadow, Good versus evil. But if shadow is cast by perspective, then the struggle is not between rival forces, but between clarity and contraction.

Love Restores Perception

I have suggested that the action of love is the drawing together of what allows further expression and the dissolving of what inhibits it. In this sense, love dissolves fear by restoring accurate perception. When we understand that the bear is not under the bed, fear dissolves naturally and no force is required. Love does not attack fear; it illuminates.

Practicing visualization of love dissolving fear is not magical thinking, but reorientation. It is consciously directing imagination and faith toward coherence rather than contraction. Fear cannot withstand sustained clarity.

Fear Is Not Based on Reality

If fear limits our perception, it cannot be considered an inherent evil. Fear does not exist as a rival principle to the creative power of life; it arises from finite perspective and failure to see the bigger picture. To live on Earth is to experience alternating day and night; limitation is built into vantage, but limitation is not corruption. Fear is understandable within finite awareness and becomes problematic only when misinterpreted as ultimate reality.

This distinction removes enormous theological weight. There is no cosmic villain opposing the Divine, no permanent stain attached to the soul. There is contraction and expansion, misinterpretation and correction, but the Light remains intact.

Variation in Suffering

If spiritual Light is constant, why do some suffer more intensely than others? The answer cannot be simplistic; it must consider trauma, biology, environment, and injustice. Embodiment includes many facets. Suffering is amplified or reduced according to interpretive conditioning. Past experiences shape imagination, cultural narratives influence faith, emotional patterns distort judgment, habitual responses influence will, and unexamined beliefs resist change. None of this damages our spiritual essence, but it profoundly affects our experience.

Patience and compassion are essential in spiritual practice. Habitual fear does not dissolve instantly. Even when fear returns and intensifies, the Light has not withdrawn.

The Courage to Illuminate

The spiritually mature response to fear is not denial, but illumination. We do not mock the child afraid of the dark; we turn on the light. We do not shame ourselves for contraction; we seek to clarify our perception. As clarity increases, fear naturally recedes. Alignment with the true light restores peace of mind and returns us to our true center of power.

Dealing with Shadows of Fear

Affirm that there is only light, and that the appearance of shadow is perceptual, not real. Do not deny a negative appearance as if it does not exist, but refuse to engage in negative imagery and uncontrolled emotional energy. If you awaken at night afraid, do not remain in distress; get out of bed and refocus. Read something positive until the emotional storm subsides. Turning on the light is the most effective way to dispel fear.

Choosing the Path to Peace

Often, the journey toward greater peace and clarity requires us to confront actions or situations we have been avoiding. It may mean stepping forward to do something that is uncomfortable or daunting. This willingness to act can be pivotal in breaking free from the grip of fear or emotional contraction.

Avoidance is sometimes rooted in hardened attitudes toward others or circumstances. Thoughts like “She doesn’t deserve this,” or “He’s only getting what’s coming to him” create rigid mindsets that block compassion and keep us locked in emotional turmoil.

The real question is about you: Do you deserve what you are mentally and emotionally doing to yourself? Are these attitudes robbing you of your own peace? Honest reflection encourages a shift in perspective.

When you notice your mindset stealing your peace, look for an “off-ramp”—a conscious opportunity to exit negativity and return to clarity. Be willing to soften your stance and reconsider your attitudes. By doing so, you restore calm and reconnect with inner strength.

Love this “enemy” by affirming that love is drawing to them what is for their highest good and dissolving what is not.

Do not pretend that a situation needing your attention does not exist. Name it for what it is, and strip away all mental and emotional baggage that does not belong to it.

Transforming Attitudes Through Love and Awareness

It is important not to ignore or deny situations that require your attention. Acknowledge the reality of the circumstance, name it clearly, and let go of unhelpful mental and emotional baggage. Focus on clarity and constructive action.

Confronting Fear

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Fear stands out as one of the most damaging emotions we can experience. It has the unique ability to disrupt our peace of mind and undermine our overall well-being. Despite its harmful effects, fear is deeply ingrained in the human experience—so much so that it seems to be as natural and inevitable as the very act of breathing.

One reason fear is so widespread is that we often focus our attention on the external things we fear, rather than examining the nature of fear itself. By concentrating on these fearful objects or situations, we allow fear to persist and take root in our lives, making it a common and recurring presence.

According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus entered Jerusalem during the final week of his life, fully aware of the danger that awaited him. Even as he understood the gravity of his situation, he did not shy away from facing it. Just before his arrest, Jesus prayed for the removal of the circumstance he feared most—the very event that would lead to his death. Despite this, he ultimately surrendered to the path before him, expressing acceptance with the words, “Thy will, not mine, be done.”

This story offers a profound lesson for us. Often, our prayers focus on asking for the removal of what we fear, rather than seeking the strength and understanding to overcome fear itself. If we shift our perspective and examine why we choose this destructive response, our object of fear can provide the opportunity for spiritual growth and enlightenment. The real challenge is to reach a place where, even if what we fear remains, we no longer feel afraid.

By setting aside our fear-based reaction—which seeks conditional freedom from fear—and allowing God’s greater will of freedom and power to prevail, we discover that experiencing the circumstance without fear is truly possible.

We can experience our own triumphal entry by using a fearful moment to confront our fear, to truly examine what it is that is prompting us to choose this negative response. Fear loses its power, not when circumstances change, but when we no longer grant it authority within us. What we once avoided becomes the very doorway through which courage and clarity emerge.

The Conditional Nature of Manifestation

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We exist in two distinct yet interconnected realms: the material and the spiritual. While our bodies depend on physical necessities such as air, water, food, shelter, sleep, sanitation, and security, our soul transcends these requirements and exists independently of material limitations. This duality in our existence sets the stage for understanding the unique role of imagination in our lives.

Imagination serves as a vital bridge linking the material and spiritual realms. It operates without restriction or limitation, allowing us to envision anything we desire, regardless of our present circumstances. The freedom of imagination is unconditional—there are no boundaries to what we can conceive in our minds.

However, when we seek to translate our mental imagery into tangible reality, conditions inevitably arise. The process of manifestation requires us to navigate the limitations of the material world. In this way, while imagination itself is boundless, the act of bringing our visions into physical form is subject to the conditions of our environment.

To transform ideas into material reality, several essential conditions must be present beyond imagination. First, faith—an expectation that the envisioned outcome will occur—is necessary. Alongside faith, persistent and focused action is crucial. The process begins by picturing what we desire; we believe it can manifest, then dedicate ourselves to the consistent effort required to bring it into existence. Time is also a significant factor. In the spiritual realm, time may not be relevant, but in the material world, it is an undeniable condition. Just as a planted seed requires time to sprout and grow, so too do our ideas need time to come to fruition.

The allure of immediate results can be strong, tempting us to expect instant manifestation. However, lasting results require commitment and perseverance. As illustrated by the teaching of Jesus: once you begin plowing a field, you must remain steadfast—keeping your hand to the plow—if you wish to complete your task. The process involves visualizing the harvest, working diligently to prepare and tend the soil, and maintaining your efforts through each step until the harvest is finally realized. This commitment to the fundamentals ensures that the journey from idea to manifestation is completed.

I Am Enough

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For many years, I carried the belief that I was spiritually lacking. I thought that by accumulating more spiritual knowledge, I would eventually feel fulfilled. This mindset is not unique to me; I have met many others who share this same perspective.

During my Unity Bible studies, I was encouraged to view the Bible as a story of human consciousness evolving over time. The narrative begins with Adam and Eve, who represent a fall from an ideal state, after which humanity has been striving to recover and reach the level of Jesus Christ—the one who is seen as having achieved this highest state. While the message is subtle, it leaves the impression that, as a member of the human race, I am incomplete and must constantly work to reach that goal.

Over the years, I have realized that this very system might be the root of my sense of spiritual inadequacy. On a spiritual level, I am already complete. The mistakes I make, which bring discomfort or hardship, usually stem from forgetting my true nature. Yet, even my greatest moments of spiritual short-sightedness are not final failures. I always have the opportunity to recover, learn, and try again.

Reflecting on my childhood church experiences, I recall how the minister would make an altar call every Sunday as the congregation sang the hymn, Just As I Am. This was a comforting tradition, as it emphasized that I was welcome just as I was—no matter my human flaws or circumstances. The message was clear: I only needed to show up as myself.

Declaring “I am enough” does not mean we stop growing or learning. Instead, it affirms that our pursuit of knowledge and growth is driven by genuine desire, not by a sense of obligation or inadequacy.