The Open Road ... Spring 2006

Editor’s Notebook ...James Schmidt

Shift Happens!

Yes, shift happens! As I write this, my world here in Bracebridge, Ontario is covered in a beautiful white blanket of snow, the lake is frozen and the coniferous trees stand tall and barren in the sky while the evergreens cradle the snow in their branches. But in a short time this will shift quickly, the snow and ice will disappear giving way to spring flowers, green grass and trees regaining their green splendour. Shift⁄change is a normal cycle of nature and surrounds us.

Shift happens not only in our environment but in our lives as well. From the cradle to the grave nothing stays the same. Our bodies change, our minds grow, our awareness blossoms. Thus is the cycle of life.

How we approach “shift” or change in our lives will determine its impact. If we approach it in love we can‘t help but be blessed. If we expose ourselves constantly to uplifting ideas, our life will be influenced for good by the kinds of thoughts that rule our mind and manifest themselves in our life. On the other hand, if we approach it in fear we will deprive ourselves of happiness and tranquility. As Cayce stated many times, “Spirit is the life, mind is the builder, the physical is the result.”

Remember also, as Cayce said, “When there is a start to be made, don’t step over! Start where you are.” (349-12) Once that decision is made the universe will move to flow into us with its abundance of life and substance, placing opportunity before us and a guiding light on our way.

Shift happens and it is a constant in this material world — therefore, let us ensure that we are not building on shifting sand but rather, solid ground aligned firmly with our ideal, attuned to the “Creative Forces.”

May God bless you every day in every way as you co-create with Him.

—James