as conscious dictates

I have learned from experience that the greater part of happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances. – Martha Washington

Practice is a definite statement in mind, a positive affirmation. The Science of Mind pg 277

George Washington, whose birthday is today and whose religious sympathies show him to have been a “warm Deist,” stood staunchily for religious freedom and tolerance. In 1790 he replied to a greeting from Congregation Yeshuat Israel of Rhode Island with, “May the Children of the stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the inhabitants; while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid.” This new republic, he felt, was designed to be the beacon to all.

Religious freedom contains four parallel truths. The first is, we are free to believe what we want, even if that means we’re unconvinced of anything, and wish for more evidence before saying we commit. The second is, we’re free to allow others to believe what they want, since theirs is the same freedom we claim for ourselves, and their beliefs are their private affair as well as their entitlement. The third is, we’re free to change beliefs anytime we want, slightly or a lot, without needing anybody else’s permission. The fourth is, once we decide we believe something, we’re free to actually put it to use, and this last is the most overlooked, being quiet and personal; we’re free to live by the lights we have chosen, in deed as well as word, exemplifying our beliefs while abroad in the world, seeing the divine presence in all we behold.

Today I make my life a stand for freedom, unleashing my mind to the wonder and discover, and offering my blessing of peace and friendship to all others on their journeys