FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER 2022 Inspirationally rec’d by Yvonne Crespo Limoges In trying times, we may get nostalgic for the so-called “good old days” and memories gone by. We seek solace and comfort looking back into our past for moments, people, relationships, places, etc. we have fond memories of, and how good they made us feel. We may even want to try to relive them. Yet, while we can always fondly cherish them, we cannot relive what we have already lived through. We are constantly changing as a person, and our perspectives, priorities, feelings and aspirations adjust and modify with changing circumstances as we move forward in life. However, our past experiences have shaped us and made us who we are now. That we had past joyful memories can provide for hopeful expectations that new, good and wonderful things can be found, not only in the present (if we look hard), but which still await us. Life is generally bittersweet, but we do deserve some good in our lives (whether of short or long duration), so try to have faith and hope in the opportunities and possibilities that still lie ahead. The potential to make new wonderful moments and memories always exists! SOCIETAL TRENDS - SINGLEHOOD Written by Yvonne Crespo Limoges On Valentine’s Day we think of romantic partners, yet singlehood is a growing trend in the US and an ever-increasing number of people (over 50%) have never been married, are divorced or are widowed according to the 2020 Census. And although there has been a rise in “gray divorces” (people over age 50, Pew Research dated 3/9/17), the main reason for this rise is the increasing number of the “never married.” Studies also show this happening in other countries as well (UK, Asian & Scandinavian countries, etc.). In addition, an increasing number of couples (married and unmarried) have an intimate relationship, but live apart due to financial or personal reasons; LAT- “living apart together.” Older individuals find it can “facilitate contact with adult children from previous unions” and provide a balance of privacy and autonomy…” Going Solo -The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone author and New York University sociology professor Eric Klinenberg has found in his research many reasons for the unpartnered: 1) there are more choices of persons to select (impact of social media) “many want a soulmate” and won’t settle; 2) it is ”legitimate and viable to be single for a long period of time;” 3) “the era of the extended American adolescence,” those in their 20s and 30s are focusing on careers and some “having a very difficult time moving into that next stage of what we’ve traditionally thought of as grown up life;” 4) anxiety of the future; 5) many just like being single (enjoying their freedom and independence); and, 6) those whose “marriage have ended are taking time to determine their priorities before getting into another relationship.” Among the unpartnered, the 2021 Pew Research Study revealed economic disparities as “Cohabitating adults tend to fare better than unpartnered adults, and married adults fare better still.” Unpartnered adults were found to have lower earnings and “are less likely to be employed and economically independent” and to “have lower educational attainment and are more likely to live with their parents.” Men are more likely to be single and less well off than women. The Pew Study concluded that, “As relationships, living arrangements and family life continue to evolve for American adults, a rising share are not living with a romantic partner.” Other studies have shown single people volunteer in their communities more; provide more help to friends, neighbors and co-workers; help their elderly parents more; and, participate more time in public events and civic groups. There is also a “solo” movement (not anti-marriage) whose aim is “to enforce the notion that people can find happiness and fulfillment outside of marriage.” Unpartnered people should not feel less than. Meanwhile, a developmental psychologist Jeffrey Arnett who has studied for two decades the change in “emerging adulthood” and the elderly, states: the “arc of adult development has changed” and “we need new terms and new ideas to describe how adults develop and grow” for the 21st Century. He states, “The entry to stable adult responsibilities comes later than ever before in many countries, but adult development also lasts longer than ever, with adults in developed countries typically having a life expectancy of at least 20 years beyond age 65.” It is a new reality. More studies exist and research is continuing. It is important for a society to know and understand the consequences of the life choices people make. ****** In The Gospel according to Spiritism, Ch. 4, item 18, regarding relationships it states: “In space [spirit world], spirits form groups or families bound together by affection, sympathy towards each other and by similar inclinations... Frequently, they will even follow each other into the incarnate form, coming here to be united in the same family or the same circle of friends and acquaintances, in order to work together for their mutual progress… [as] they become less bound by matter, their affections become more real and more spiritually refined, due to the fact that they are not perturbed by selfish or violent passions… It is understood, of course, that we refer to real affection, soul to soul, being the only love, which survives after the destruction of the body…lasting relationships are those linked by spiritual affection, all carnal affections being extinguished together with the cause that brought them about, in other words, the physical body. Understand by this, that the physical cause no longer exists in the world of spirits, but the soul exists eternally.” ACTIVITY IN THE SPIRIT WORLD Written by Sebastian de Arauco Millions and millions [innumerable] of spiritual beings in various degrees of evolution are dedicated to the care of the sick, who when they disincarnate, are thinking about their same pains. Others helping [spirits] to disincarnate. Others collaborating in the work of reincarnation. There are spirit guides or spiritual guides. They are beings that, within the magnetic aura [spiritual atmosphere] of the planet, are in charge of helping an incarnated being during one or more incarnations… Their degree of evolution is always higher than the incarnating being whom they try to help fulfill their destiny. There are guardian spirits that accompany other beings that incarnate with special missions, and in order to help them fulfill their mission. Well, it is divine law that all works of goodness and justice be defended and protected by beings of great power and purity. They are spirits…of a higher evolutionary degree than the humans of our world. And these also incarnate, sometimes, for special reasons of advancement to humanity. There are protective spirits that, still belonging to the magnetic influence of the planet, protect humans in special cases, such as those who take charge of protecting people and groups dedicated to a noble purpose. When people dedicate themselves to the practice of good, by divine law they receive the protection from on High. And among these protectors, there are those in various degrees of evolution, depending on the need for protection… There is an immensity of superior spirits who, out of love, descend to the lower planes of darkness…trying to persuade disembodied beings [spirits] who have strayed and are tormented by human passions who, out of ignorance, remain attached to the physical plane. And these missionaries, who out of love for suffering humanity renounce their well-being and voluntarily sacrifice themselves to bring the Light to those suffering spirits…on those lower planes teaching the reality of divine goodness, to demonstrate the existence of a wonderful superior world, of a life free from persecution and suffering, and to teach the true …religion of universal love. There are various other service activities, one of which is to help souls, in the areas of darkness and environments of suffering, [where] spirits have reached true repentance and cry out for mercy and forgiveness. Then…[spirit] missionaries prepare the rescue work, confirm the veracity of repentance, they are transferred to special [places] for aid, to recover strength and where preparation for a new incarnation begins, according to each case. And there are also minor, auxiliary guides and protectors, like the mother who disincarnates, leaving one or more small children who still need her care; and they actually become an invisible helper. And many other aspects that would be long to list. As can be easily appreciated, in that world of the spirit there is a very wide range of activities within a perfect hierarchy, unknown to humans, and which offers multiple aspects of progress. Every spiritual being on a mission of service, receives the Light and the spiritual Force necessary for its realization by beings of greater light, love and power who, in turn, also receive from other higher beings, and others, in progressive succession until the Divinity… Although not complete, this description can give us an idea of this universal law that is contained within the Law of Love; as well as an idea of the great possibilities of progress and beautiful active life at the end of this brief period of human life on the physical plane. (11/04/19 article excerpts from the Association of Spiritual Studies of Group Villena, Alicante, Spain; website www.amorpzycaridad.es ) NOTE: How active the spirit world is that awaits us! Invisible activity to most, there is constant interchange between the inhabitants of the spiritual and material worlds. And, it is during spirit communication sessions through mediumship we can come into contact with some of these spirits and get an inkling into their particular job responsibilities. And, if deserving, feel the powerful and loving vibrations radiating from the good spirits that are very superior to us. - Y.L. STAYING PRESENT By Julie L. Harper The best plan for moving forward is to be in the present in mind, spirit, and action. Do not be disheartened by a past mistake, but view any error as a stepping stone for growth. The past is not your current experience and neither is the future. If your focus dwells on the past or projects too heavily into the future, helpful lessons, needed wisdom, and the joys of today could be missed. When you are in the state of presence - knowledge, appreciation, and joy is in the now. Feel in the breath of aliveness by staying in the present. Youth speaks… HESITATION Written by S.P. No matter what we are dealing with, we must not let hesitation keep us from moving forward. Hesitation is like a representation of fear that can prevent us from doing what’s right in life. If we let it take control over us completely, we may never be able to overcome what challenges come at us. So, it’s very important that we should conquer our fears and continue fighting for our inner freedom and happiness, because we are spirits that have reincarnated using a material body to progress, and to acquire the merits which will lead us eventually to eternal happiness. We have to recognize what the consequences of our actions reveal to us, and that we all have our own trials and tests. The most important thing is that we continue to have faith in ourselves, in others and in God. In many types of situations, we have our opinions and feelings. If appropriate to do so, we should not hesitate to share ours. Our voice is like music for our spirit guides and the rest of the spirit world to hear. And, let our prayers be sent with true faith and hope as we continue to face the challenges and trials we chose to conquer. POWER OF LOVE Written by Sebastián de Arauco Only by giving love will we receive love. That is the law… The one who gives the most, will be the one who receives the most… Let us keep thoughts of love towards everyone and everything in the home or family group, in our work with our colleagues, in our human relationships, giving of ourselves, trying in every way to be useful and contribute to the happiness of others; and with it we will be conquering our own happiness. Because, the love felt and realized in daily life, makes life more pleasant and bearable… As love radiates from us, we are creating a psychic atmosphere of harmony around us…which can improve the health of body and soul; and consequently, a gentle sensation of peace and joy will flood our souls and minds… In addition to all this, when we vibrate in love, wishing everyone well, we are also creating a protective magnetic [spiritual] field against the onslaught of negative invisible forces… And finally, the practice of love in its various manifestations will be the force that will open the door to the Higher Planes - environments of happiness - at the end of the current earthly life, freeing us from the environments of suffering when passing to the Beyond. (Excerpts from 08/05/19 article entitled “Love in the Home;” from the Association of Spiritual Studies of Group Villena, Alicante, Spain; website www.amorpzycaridad.es ) ****************************************** Edited by Yvonne Crespo Limoges, Director E-mail: ylimoges@aol.com Spiritist Society of Florida (est. 1982) 5042 22 Avenue North St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 Website: www.spiritistsocietyfl.com