The Wise Heart, by Dr. Andrea Asebedo

“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

When I was at university, one of my favorite professors was a Catholic priest named Father Burns. Through Father Burns, the world’s religions were discovered, the mysteries of sacred texts explored and the rich wisdom of biblical stories unfolded. In particular, I was enthralled by King Solomon and his choice of gifts when offered a boon by the Holy One. Solomon chose the gift of wisdom, and at the ripe old age of 20, two years into my studies to become a licensed Practitioner of the Science of Mind, I followed Solomon and began to ask for wisdom. Wisdom is a boon at any age, and as Spirit always says yes, my request continues to unfold through me and continually awakens in me a desire to develop what Jack Kornfield calls “the wise heart.”

I believe there is a hidden aspect to practicing the Science of Mind philosophy that transforms our teaching from simply an intellectual and philosophical understanding into a robust mind, body, spirit experience of embodied wisdom. This hidden aspect arises as we continue to develop our understanding of the mechanics of consciousness and actually practice utilizing the Law of Cause and Effect, deepening our understanding of the vast gift of being One with Spirit, letting go more and more of limited ideas, perceptions and habitual ways. For me, the practices have refined and developed this wise heart - my spiritual capacity to love even that which has been unlovable and to become illumined in the service of that love. This developing love and wisdom are potent aspects of the actual daily practice of our philosophy which has guided my own spiritual life for decades.

For example, as I continue to practice consciously utilizing the Law of Cause and Effect, I become more and more grounded in taking deep responsibility for my thoughts, words and actions. This spiritual practice alone is a powerful source of wisdom. As I deepen my relationship with the One, it leads me ever more clearly into trusting the availability, the offering, if you will, of any and all support needed. This spiritual practice allows me to wade into all that life holds with an assurance that the wisdom of Spirit is mine to use. And the practice that most allows the wise heart to shine may be the daily practice of letting go of limiting beliefs, habits and perceptions. One of my favorite teachers in our tradition, Raymond Charles Barker, points to this practice in “The Power of Decision.” He says, “Without realizing your infinity and eternity, you take original ideas and place them in limits . . . make yours the open mind, the navigable channel for great ideas . . . give up your hurts, your errors, your negative assertions of righteousness, in order to be flexible.”

To practice the Science of Mind is to become more and more fully alive in wisdom and love. What a rich gift to bring to ourselves, our families, our communities and the world!

Dr. Andrea Asebedo


Dr. Andrea Asebedo is the Senior Minister for the Center for Spiritual Living in Bellingham. She brings a wealth of experience to our spiritual community and under her leadership, our community is flourishing. A noted storyteller as well as a student of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, Dr. Andrea has served in ministry for thirty years.