Askology 101: The Science of Spiritual Curiosity

Dear Beloved Community,

“There is One Infinite Mind, which we may approach for inspiration, guidance, and direction. The answer to every question is within.”— Ernest Holmes, The Science of Mind

Years ago, while attending Mile High Church, I heard a woman speak about how asking the mind questions can work better than repeating affirmations. Something in me knew she was right.

At the time, I was working in a bank, desperate to bring in business. I tried affirmations, visualization, and positive thinking — but fear was louder than faith. I was looking for a quick fix to save my job, not realizing that what I really needed was healing.

My belief system needed tender love and care. I didn’t yet understand mental equivalence or the power of aligning thought with action. When things didn’t change quickly, I gave up. Looking back, Spirit wasn’t withholding — It was preparing me. It would take years, and the love of a few teachers, before I understood that the Universe always answers— not always how we expect, but always in the way that grows us.

Today, standing in this beautiful community, I can see that Science of Mind was the missing key — the teaching that turned my questions into communion and my seeking into knowing.

 The Science Behind Asking “Why”

Modern research confirms what Ernest Holmes intuited: our minds are designed to seek answers.

When we ask expansive questions like “Why am I so loved?” or “Why does everything work out for me?”, we activate the Reticular Activating System (RAS) — the brain’s natural filter that focuses attention and looks for evidence of truth.

Psychologist Noah St. John calls these Afformations — positive, empowering questions that bypass resistance and open the subconscious to new possibilities. Neuroscience shows that curiosity also activates the dopamine reward system, meaning our brain literally feels rewarded for asking questions that expand our sense of possibility.

Affirmations declare truth. Questions invite truth to reveal itself.

“The mind that asks, receives. For the question itself is the door to revelation.” — Ernest Holmes

 Faith Before Evidence

We must not look for proof before believing — though that’s what we’re taught to do.

I used to say, “Prove it, then I’ll believe.”But Spirit works in reverse. You have to believe it, and then it appears.

Your life right now is already the visible effect of invisible belief. So why not use that power consciously?

Instead of “Prove it and I’ll believe,” try:“I believe, and therefore I see.”

“Believe, and the keys of the kingdom shall be yours.” — Ernest Holmes

When we approach life this way, belief is not wishful thinking — it’s the creative act that shapes the unseen into form.

 Ask the Mind Better Questions — Live Better Answers

Try these this week:

• Why is it so easy for me to feel peace right now?

• Why does everything I need find its way to me?

• Why am I surrounded by loving, supportive people?

• Why is my faith growing stronger every day?

• Why does joy flow through me so naturally?

• Why is this Center such a magnet for Love, Creativity, and Abundance?

Ask not to get answers, but to become the answer.

A Community of Curious Souls

Here at Center for Spiritual Living Prescott, we are more than a Sunday service — we are a spiritual home where curiosity is sacred, learning is lifelong, and transformation is our shared practice.

This is a place to explore and find the Truth for yourself — a sanctuary where we lift one another up and use our lives as evidence that these principles work. There is no need to judge, force, or fear. These teachings invite us to learn, apply, and witness the Universe in action through us.

We are each transformed by the quality of our thinking — and that is up to us.Only you can answer the question:

Am I living the life I dream of?Is it time to ask a new question?

An Invitation

As we move into this season of gratitude and light, let’s rise above personal preferences and old stories, and put our energy toward the questions that revitalize our lives and our community.

Join me this Sunday as we explore how asking the right questions can change the course of our lives — and the destiny of our Center.

Together, we embody the Love, Joy, and Beauty that God is.

“The answer to every problem already exists in the mind. Ask, and you shall awaken to it.”— Ernest Holmes

Join me this Sunday as we explore how asking the right questions can change the course of our lives — and the destiny of our Center.

Together, we embody the Love, Joy, and Beauty that God is.

With Gratitude, 

Rev. Tracey