What’s New

Delights of the Inner Path
     “Whoever is eager enough to find the secret kingdom will never fail in his quest.… To live rightly in this world we must first become aware of it. The problem is man’s false assumption that he is already aware, which leaves him no motive for investigation. Do not assume that the only existing world is that presented by the five senses and the surface mind.” These are beautiful words of encouragement from Vernon Howard.

Take Charge of Life!

     Here is a new and exciting ongoing series of articles written by New Life Students who have been attending classes for a number of years. They have experienced the benefits of coming to class on a regular basis for themselves. Life throws challenges at us all the time so why not learn to deal with them consciously and effectively. Read and enjoy these helpful and insightful essays which will cover a wide variety of life topics.

The Value of Self-Observation by Regina Netherton
     Why is self-observation stressed so much in these studies? For the simple reason that we are not now in charge of our own lives. Cunning and unseen forces within keep us from finding the happy life above thought — above the level of this confused and crazy world. Wrong reactions and evil imps attract all our troubles and pain. But miraculously, they can be seen through with honest self-observation.
     Only inquiring as to what is going on inside of me will expose them. Constantly practicing to turn your attention back on yourself is what will reveal the destructive thoughts, attitudes and emotions that now crowd the mind and feelings. They are not us but have invaded the inner life of every person on this planet.
     We have to see what’s wrong first. That's the right order for being rescued; that is what gives the invitation to God to relieve our burdens. Nothing else will do it. We need an incredible amount of help and the honest admission that we’re lost is a necessary first step. Here's a guarantee from Vernon Howard: “If you decide to go along with that world out there, I guarantee it will destroy you. If you decide to go along with the teaching at New Life, I guarantee it will save you.”
     The real turning point in this work comes through understanding that the only problem in the entire universe as far as I am concerned is what’s wrong within. To receive this revelation, it is necessary to stop placing the blame outside onto other people and events. For example, when we get angry we insist that other person or event caused it. Self-observation can reveal that it is the anger itself that is the enemy and that must be exposed. With patient self-work, the light can dissolve it.
     When we are afraid of anything, including the news, the correct use of the mind is 1) Observe the fear. 2) Remember, “My fear is its power. My fear is its only power.” Truth says we have a very deep-seated belief that evil people and events have a power independent of us, but they don’t. If we didn't justify our fears, they would cease to have any authority over us at all. Satan is no match for God.
     But to live this reality, we must refuse society’s tidal wave of influence and be receptive to the facts presented by God, by Truth. Even if every other human being on earth chose to live life in hidden fear and anxiety, we don’t have to. Nothing in this world has power over who we really are.
     Vernon gave us all kinds of exercises to work on ourselves. Here’s a favorite: Break thought and turn your attention back on yourself every few minutes. Know where you are. Remembering this aim again and again will change us! Use it to start waking up and to take charge of life.