The holidays present an excellent opportunity to plant and grow the seeds of gratitude. During “the most wonderful time of the year,” the fruits of the spirit are in season, and they are ready to be harvested. There is truly no better time to: 

…combine the daily activities with the spiritual development. THIS is a virtue, so few have attained - to make their spirituality PRACTICAL in their daily lives! (ECRL 1204-3) 

There is cheer and joy in the air, but the world is still a bit on edge, making it the perfect time to reflect upon our spiritual ideal and study the “Search for God” readings, which are, in essence, experiments in applying the fruits of the spirit. 

Imagining the best version of ourselves and measuring our actions by that image is called setting a spiritual ideal; however, measuring others by our standard is not a constructive activity along the spiritual path because each individual is as a planet unto themselves. You may be moving slowly like Pluto, or fast like Mercury, or perhaps you’re somewhere in-between, but each person is orbiting the light at their own pace. 

There is progress whether you are going forward or backward; the key is to move! (ECRL 3027-2) 

Everyone has the right to their unique opinion(s), and we should be free to exchange our ideas with each other. We may agree, disagree, or agree to disagree. However, when we intensify these experiences by expressing disapproval of each other’s views, when we seek to “correct” each other, the constructive debate more times than not becomes heated and is converted into passing judgment one with the other.

Condemnation or the activity of showing stern disapproval is a faculty of the mind, and rather than build, it destroys. In truth, it is one of the grandest overlooked or dismissed addictions, for our society appears to have a compulsion towards finding fault. And unfortunately, we are unknowingly violating the spirit of the Fifth Commandment, not to take a life. Under the surface, the heart of the commandment is to not be destructive in our thoughts, words, or actions towards ourselves or others. 

…there is so much good in the worst of us, and the potential for so much bad in the best of us, that it is not appropriate for ANY of us to seek and find the faults within each other! (ECRL 1158-15) 

Thankfully, we can overcome this addiction. By sharing the fruits of the spirit, we scatter the seeds of truth! We can create peace and harmony by meeting others where they are, rather than where we want them to be or where we think others should be. 

This doesn't mean being goody-goody, but gently honest with yourself and others! (ECRL 257-98) 

Be angry, but do not sin. For, those who are never mad are worth little, but those who are angry and do not control their anger are also worthless. (ECRL 1156-1) 

…control self in anger is beginning the first lessons or laws of experience… This is patience, and love, and hope, and humility, and pureness of heart. The meek shall inherit the earth, said He – and the pure in heart shall see God. (ECRL 262-25) 

Then KNOW that the emotions that arise from those disturbing situations in your experience and have become antagonistic have their place. Use your faculties - do not abuse either in knowledge or in the freedom in Him. These are innate forces; these await your will and activity in the applications of self in YOUR relationship to others. (ECRL 1156-1)  

This, then, is that attitude of mind that puts away hates, malice, anxiety, jealousy. And it creates in their place, in that Mind that is the Builder, the fruits of the spirit - love, patience, mercy, longsuffering, kindness, gentleness… They break down barriers, they bring peace and harmony, they motivate us not to find fault because someone "forgot," someone's judgment was bad, someone was selfish today. These you can overlook, as did the Master. (ECRL 357-13) 

These are the laws. (3548-1) 

Against these, there is no law, for they ARE the law of love. (262-50) 

…in this activity, there is produced humbleness… For as the Master gave, who was, who is, who will always be the manifestation of the Spirit - which is true psychic force – those that will be the greatest will be the servants of all. Not necessarily being as a doormat, but ever willing, ever helpful – for the glory of God and to the honor of self. Not to glorify self in any manner or way, but in humility, preferring one another. (3548-1) 

Furthermore, through the universal language of the fruits of the spirit of truth, we put into action the age-old truism that what we say is often less important than how we say it! And in this Aquarian Age, the Age of the “Water Bearer,” let us not add fuel to the fires of a heated debate but instead pour water by sharing these sweet fruits. They will sweeten a bitter conversation, they will smoothen the edges of a sharp tongue, and they allow the pressurized altercation to let off steam. 

We may not condone the thoughts, words, or behavior, but we can surely do our best not to condemn each other. There often exists the opportunity to disagree and keep a gentle silence, when appropriate, respectfully. 

Be more in that spirit of a LOVING INDIFFERENCE regarding relationships and conditions in your environment, knowing that to be CONTENT in any position, circumstance, OR condition is to be in the greatest position of making use of finding enjoyment in, that being accomplished. NOT SATISFIED, else there would be no desire for change… but rather approach every challenging experience – whether in a social or business relation - as stepping-stones, rather than stumbling blocks… (ECRL 349-7) 

So, if you find yourself at the dinner table during the holidays, surrounded by disturbing conversation(s) regarding our tumultuous times, let spirit be your guide. Perhaps, respond with a private prayer blessing those around you, e.g., “Forgive us, Father, for we know not what we do.” 

Speak gently, speak kindly to those who falter. You do not fully know THEIR own temptation, nor the littleness of their understanding. Avoid judgment over this or that activity of another; instead, pray that the light may shine in THEIR lives as it HAS in yours. (ECRL 2112-1) 

These are the manners in which the sons and daughters of men may KNOW His way. In this mundane sphere, there comes to all that period when doubts and fears arise, even to doubting YOURSELF. These may EASILY be cast aside by knowing that He is IN His Holy Temple, and ALL is well. (ECRL 2112-1) 

Lastly, let us try our best to avoid condemning ourselves and or others regarding diet. There is a fine line between discipline and extreme, and the whole world is unconsciously feeling the influence(s) of the planet Uranus in this Aquarian age. But as Cayce explained: 

In Uranus, we find the extremes… This is well, if it is balanced in the spiritual nature - of the truth that is expressed in the Master. (ECRL 2571-1) 

…there IS an ideal in which extremes meet - the beginning and the end of patience, love, faith, hope and kindness. (ECRL 641-6) 

Then the diet: This should not be so rigid as to appear that you can't do this or you can't do that, but rather let the attitudes be - everything that is eaten, as well as every activity - purposeful in conception, constructive in nature. Analyze that! Purposeful in activity, constructive in nature! (ECRL 1183-2) 

… for the purpose of life IS pleasure, but that which is constructive and not destructive! (1995-1) 

And so, my friends, let us take command of any less-than-ideal habits and spiritualize, yea, beautify our earthly experiences this holiday season by ingesting and sharing the fruits of the spirit. We consume these “fruits” by showing ourselves gentleness, kindness, mercy, patience, love, etc., and when we’re spiritually stuffed, we can more graciously share the same level of love with others. 

Let us celebrate each other, the connection we all have, and glorify the beautiful relationship between the Creator and all of creation! Remember, although we were all born into separate physical families, separate physical races, as soul-entities, we are all part of the same spiritual family, the same spiritual race! 

…all souls were created in the beginning and are finding their way back home. (ECRL 3744-5) 

According to the Cayce readings, these concepts are the necessary building blocks that lay the foundations for understanding the universal Christ-Consciousness, or the awareness of our oneness with the Divine. And so, I know in my heart that we can all work just a little harder at embracing each other more like a loving family. Always remember, doesn’t the Lord’s Prayer begin with “Our” Father?  

KNOW that ALL ARE ONE! 

Whether they be Greek, Persian, Jewish, or Gentile - whether they be of Mohammed, Confucius, or even Shinto or On or Mu - the Lord is ONE! 

For all force, all power that is manifested within you is of the ONE source. (ECRL 1494-1) 

Love all by searching for that which IS lovable in everyone. Do good by being good for something, for a purpose, and in so doing, you may experience it all. (ECRL 281-30) 

And as it has been well said, let not your heart be troubled. You believe in the Divine. Then believe in that closeness with which YOU may walk with the Master. (ECRL 1695-4) 

…just be kind, just be patient, just be lovely, just be friendly to yourself and others. (ECRL 792-1) 

Keep your face to the light, and the shadows fall far behind. (254-101) 

…and there can come - with that peace - contentment of heart AND mind… (ECRL 451-2) 

He cares for you. If all would come to know, "The Master cares for me." If that is held constantly in the trials of the day, there would be little fear or doubt… Then, give your best each day. For the Lord, the Spirit of the Christ who came, who will save the world – loves you. (ECRL 262-128) 

So, take hold of the law of love, and LOVE will take hold of you! (ECRL 254-101) 

Happy Holidays! 

Adrian Castillo has some exciting programs coming up in 2022! For more information visit the following links: 

The Power and the Promise: Edgar Cayce, the Book of John, and Your Spiritual Transformation

Edgar Cayce on the Seven-Year Cycle: The Body Temple and You