As a serious magazine junkie, I turn through or pore over three or four dozen a week.  I get them at the magazine swap corner at my nearest public library (Eva Perry in Apex), the swap shop shed at the county recycling center (the dump), the PTA Thrift Shop in Chapel Hill (currently 2 for a quarter), or occasionally even by subscription.

For one thing, these stray issues are a window into subcultures.  I've picked up publications aimed at audiences such as accessories retailers, Mormon teenagers, architects, surfers, drummers, spa managers, and so on.  (In addition, to my core interests of gossip, clothes, The New Yorker and The Atlantic.)

It was at the library give-away stack that I happened onto the digest-sized Science of Mind, which I'd never seen before. Wondering if it was a cousin of the infamous Scientology, I added it to my pile.

I found that it wasn't kin to that entity.  Instead it's mainly a month's worth of daily inspirational readings, like the Methodist Upper Room, but about as non-denominational as it's possible to be.  The doctrine seems to be: know that I am one with everything and think positively.The magazine's subtitle is: "A Guide for Spiritual Living."

Sounds as if it might be goopily vague and sentimental, right? And it's true that as I write this on the day after Valentine's, there is a a rainbow colored heart on the home page, which is so not-my-somewhat-sardonic-style.

However, I've found this guide to be damn good.

Reading one of the daily pages, then meditating for a few minutes, is, though I hate to use the hackneyed word: empowering.  Energizing.  Spirit-lifting. 

Around since 1927, the magazine was started by a man named Ernest Holmes (I'd never heard of him before either.)  Here's what the editors say about their purpose now:

"Science of Mind is a philosophy that integrates spiritual truths with science and philosophy. Simply put, Science of Mind teaches the unity of all life. Intentions and ideas flow through a field of consciousness, which actually affect and create the world around us. This idea is common to most major religions and is supported by the teachings of psychology and quantum physics.

In Science of Mind, we believe that the secret to living a successful life is to consciously choose positive and productive thoughts. Put another way, 'As you think, so you become.'"

One of the recent daily pieces I read (in a very old issue) said something I like a lot.  It talked about the Golden Rule:  do unto others as you have them do unto you.  Familiar stuff.  But the emphasis was on the word "do."  Do rather than waiting to be kindly done unto.  In essence, be fearlessly well-meaning, active, and bold. I love that.

They give a 30 day free online subscription here.  And there are 400+ Centers for Spiritual Living, which are congregations with ministers, focusing on this philosophy, one here in Raleigh, NC.  And lots of Meet-ups, for folks who like to get together and discuss.  Me, I'll stick with my magazines.

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