Julia Griffin - author Home About Writings Contact us
Spring 2026 20th February 2026
The title of this piece came to mind as I read the words at the bottom of an email: Please consider the environment before printing this message. Of course, it is important to consider our use of paper, including its source, whether it is recycled, and many other factors. But it immediately struck me that so much more could change if truth were valued and seen as a crucial first step to changing our priorities and behaviour.
If people knew that truth was the very essence of their spiritual being, and how much this truth and their growing mind could fundamentally change their lives, and the lives of others, they might be quite shocked, especially when considering the changes we believe are necessary in order for truth to flourish and make its mark on the World; changes such as a global financial crash which we believe would not only be the great leveller in terms of enabling equality that so many have fought for, but would take away the stress and burden of daily life because money would not be the controlling influence. People will thus have the space and time to think more, to question and find answers, driven by awakening minds seeking truth and understanding.
How much do we think before we speak, not only to ensure we give the truth, but to ask ourselves why we are saying something and what it is we want to impart? I certainly ask this of myself at times, and know that saying nothing, or saying something more clearly and slowly, using fewer words, would be better. When we listen to Spirit, it is thoughtful, measured, with each word carefully used for good purpose. And that purpose, of course, is to help us understand something, or to give us a broader view of a situation or piece of knowledge. If we want to consider the impact our words make on people and the World, and we want to be truthful at all times, as we endeavour to be here in the Foundation, then could slowing down the pace at which we live our lives play an important part?
Recently, at a Friday evening meeting, Paddina spoke about preparing and thinking more before we act. People, generally, have a tendency to behave spontaneously, which, as Paddina mentioned, is right and needful at times. If we give a little time and patience to what is to come from within us, and which could have consequences not just for ourselves, but for others, then this is worthwhile. As we prepare to give talks to the public again, it is a helpful reminder for those of us endeavouring to do so to consider our audience and tailor what we say and how we say it.
It is a way of training our physical brain to slow down and allow thoughts to come to us from the mind, as well as the brain, which could help us in all our communications. This is why, of course, meditation is such a valuable tool. When we feel peaceful after a meditation, it is easier to move slowly, to think slowly and clearly, and not try to do so much that we sap our energy, which may affect our responsibilities.
But meditation alone is not the answer. As we get to know ourselves and apply what we have learnt, I think we naturally slow down and, in time, realise what we should focus on and where to put our energy. With this in mind, I have been trying to get less involved in things and people. I do what I can, or, if asked, I might be able to help in some way, but in my mind I try to anticipate when to say ‘no’ and hope to do so graciously. I have my responsibilities, as we all do, and so it is the balance - such an important word - that has to come into play when considering our words and actions. Of course, here at the Foundation, we understand the great benefit of working through something, of taking responsibility and learning from the experience, but sometimes we need help, and that is only right and natural. I cannot put it any clearer than the words of Lord Ult: “To be involved, and yet not involved”. This is how an Ancient would behave, so for most of us, this is likely to be something we aim for and perhaps achieve to a certain extent. I think I can say that these words are well logged in my mind now! It has taken some time, but as is often said, what is time? It doesn’t matter how long something takes, but it matters that we try, and we try again to do the right thing; in the end, we learn, usually from doing the wrong thing a number of times!If the above is the answer, or part of the answer, to considering the World before speaking a lie, then perhaps it is not surprising that so many lies are told, or being uncovered, at this time. Because our world has to find its peace in the minds of its inhabitants and in the decisions we make, based on understanding the imbalance so evident today in the World we have created. This understanding will take time to unfurl, to gather into some semblance of reason and logic, so the mind can find acceptance and peace. These lies have infiltrated much of the essence surrounding our world, creating a dark shadow of evil. Truth, being the daughter of time, is certainly evident through the developing story surrounding the Epstein files, which has some way to go, it would seem, and is demonstrating that whoever you are, you are not above the law, with potential downfall in black and white or in a photograph. Many years ago, at our London meetings, we spoke of the future, and of the “little people” rising up to stand for change, for truth, for something better. Looking at the news, we see the strength and courage of many who are doing just that in many parts of the World. Very often, it is the young rising up to fight for their future. For example, in Iran recently, thousands are thought to have been gunned down in the streets by the country’s security forces following protests erupting across the country. They were angry about the economic hardship and a collapsing currency, which escalated into calls for an end to the Islamic Republic. With an internet blackout throughout this period, it is difficult to know the true horror of what happened.
Such is the evil of this world that we have given safe harbour to over time, that it is early days, and much more is to come from all corners of the globe. Closer to home, we have the latest story of potential injustice in that a man who has been in prison for 23 years refuses to admit he was guilty of stabbing a young woman in order to gain release. He said he would rather remain in prison and maintain his innocence than lie about something he had not done. This case is still under review. Also, the powerful presence of Gisèle Pelicot, who waived her anonymity by openly attending the trial of her husband and 51 other men involved in the case, in which she was drugged and raped by these men, orchestrated by her husband over a number of years. It will give other women the strength to come forward and speak out if they feel they have suffered in a similar way. I believe the authorities are reviewing their files and acknowledging that they had not accepted that this evil could occur. Having just published a book, A Hymn to Life Shame Has to Change Sides, Gisèle Pelicot says she has now found peace and, according to her co-author Judith Perrignon, simply wants to go back home and live a normal life.
So, the Great Mind, in his wisdom, is slowly uncovering the truth for us, allowing us time to learn, to understand, to reason with our mistakes and the positives that come from them; the pace of our learning is meaningful in that the lessons have time to sink in, the conversations grow more frequent and more urgent as events slowly unfold and we learn about ourselves, and from each other. Even the word ‘unfold’ has a gentle feel, reflecting the Great Mind's concern for his children.
We often talk of the ‘when’ in relation to the events we have some knowledge of. Over time, I think we are all appreciating that there is a sequence of events that, perhaps far in the future, we will look back and see with clarity why things happened at the time they did and in the manner they did; and why people were living the lives they were living at a particular time, so that we had opportunities to learn.
Slowing down, taking time to consider, to think; finding the strength and courage to give truth. We have much spiritual knowledge and experience to share, and taking time to prepare for the interest that will slowly come, builds a strong foundation.
Our knowledge of the spark of truth within us all, and the strength to deliver it if we choose, is a message more important than ever in these times of chaos. So, “please consider the world before speaking a lie.”