The First Cycle of study introduces you to Universal Law teaching the concepts and skills needed to effectively use these laws in your life. As you study, you will come to understand situations and circumstances from their point of origin – your thoughts. This awareness enhances your ability to respond in your everyday life and to knowingly initiate the fulfillment of your desires. Responsibility is explored spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically thus increasing your sense of freedom and creativity. You learn how to better direct your mental attitudes as well as your actions bringing goodwill, health, and prosperity into your life.

The weekly lesson material teaches the structure and function of the mind. This series focuses on development of the conscious, waking mind and control of the physical body and senses. In addition to the Universal Laws, you will be studying lessons on the power of the will, mental healing, the projection of love, creativity, relaxing and recharging the body, life force energies, dreams, visualization, communication, emotions, and much more. Through assigned spiritual and mental exercises you will develop skill in concentration, memory, listening, visualization, and meditation. Stillpoint FocusTM becomes the foundation upon which every mental skill is built.

In our lessons, a distinction is made between concentration and meditation. Concentration consists of trained attention freed from distractions and focused on your chosen interests. Meditation is a special form of concentration in which the attention has been liberated from restlessness and focused on listening to your Higher Self or the Creator. Meditation is concentration used to expand Self awareness of your relationship with your inner Self and all of creation. The rewards of meditation are apparent as one examines the lives of the creative geniuses and spiritual masters of the world. The greater the accomplishment, the greater the attunement with the higher levels of consciousness. Ultimately, meditation is a going within to the inner levels of consciousness, an attunement and alignment of the entire being to the Creator within Self. The first two stages of meditation - expectant listening and expectant observation - are practiced during this cycle of lessons.

Energy work comes in many forms, all springing from breath. Learning how to breathe is a fascinating study in reflective consciousness. You learn that what ties the soul to the body is breath. Here is the key to wealth, prosperity, and abundance in all its manifestations. Breathwork becomes a key to communication, emotional acceptance and control, vitality and longevity, mental clarity and command. Forty life forms are taught during this cycle of lessons that, when practiced daily, keep the mind and body healthy and in sync.

In-depth study in the significance of nighttime dreams begins in this series and continues throughout the educational program. You will become versed in the language of the mind, a language foreign to most. Our research has revealed two universal principles which guide dreaming: every dream is about the dreamer and every person, place and thing in the dream represents the dreamer. By learning to consciously interpret the messages from your subconscious mind, inner knowledge is accessed and can be used in your waking life causing greater harmony between your conscious and subconscious minds. Exploring head and heart intelligence frees the mind to directly experience the soul opening the door to experience in the inner levels of consciousness beyond the physical plane.

Students have applied what is learned in this series in a wide range of endeavors. High school and college students have improved their grades by using increased concentration while artists and writers have learned how to move beyond creative “blocks” by knowing how to set the mind into directive action. Some students have conquered insomnia by learning to relax the mind and body and control the senses, others have overcome speech impediments to become accomplished public speakers by learning to control the expression of thought and emotion. Some have accelerated their career opportunities by applying principles learned, while others have enhanced ability in sports or cultural skills through visualization. According to their individual needs and desires, students discover they can more fully direct their mental powers toward improvement and success in any endeavor. Most students discover a greater inner peace which reflects in their relationships with others. All students experience greater Self mastery, enjoying more fulfilling lives.

When the student has completed all assignments, papers, and laboratory requirements, his instructor recommends him to the National Education Committee which awards the Respondere Degree.

I cast the gaze of my inward eye
To follow hers into the sky,
up through heaven, to the Lord
Where omniscience is stored.
As my mind was still I could see
Just for a flash, true reality

–anon.

The warmth of forgiveness shines like the sun. It burns away the clouds of despair. It drives the current of thoughts with ever new expansion. The flame of awareness glows ever brightly and expands our thoughts toward union with our souls.
–PA, Chicago

As I was growing up I didn't like to read. I couldn't find books that would interest me. Until one day my roommate was in the School of Metaphysics and I picked up a book he got from the School . It was an assigned book he had to read. That was the first book I read completely in years. I thought it was great. It opened things up for me and changed my life. BF, Kansas City

Since starting classes in the School of Metaphysics, I have improved my concentration, my physical health, my memory, my ability to imagine and visualize, and many other things. I have avoided what might have been serious car accidents by remaining calm and concentrated. I no longer have a problem with connections in my nervous system. I have learned to enjoy the present moment and friends have told me I seem more relaxed. I have more energy and I am doing much more for people from teaching to creating art than ever before. I know what I want, what I need to be happy and fulfilled, what is in my way, and what I need to learn to meet my needs and give more to others. That is the greatest thing I have learned and am learning. I am aware of habits I never knew about that have caused pain and limited me, such as worry, scattered thinking, and doubt. I am learning to control my thoughts and change these habits. I have discovered talents, strengths, and abilities I did not know I had such as intuition, nurturing and teaching. I have used what I have learned to help me earn a 3.8 GPA in college, to create ideal jobs working for the Park Service and studying old growth forest to be financially prosperous. What the School of Metaphysics has taught me has great value. – JD, Springfield

From regular attendance of classes, I have learned how to drive better, how to heal quickly from a serious rear-end auto accident, to teach other adults how to learn to use reasoning and problem-solving, and how to clearly communicate thought in word, image, text, and demonstration. Through classes I have also learned the structure of Mind and how to use this knowledge in developing the expertise in counseling others to develop insight and teach others to learn how to motivate Self and satisfy the inner desires of the Soul. PR, Tulsa

I've gained patience in my interactions with an active daughter. I'm able to pass on to her some of the understanding I've received through the classes. Because I know myself better I can teach her how to learn about and love herself. My confidence in my ability to create my life the way I choose has increased and I'm learning to greatly value what I have to offer to my self and others and how to share that. MH, Grand Prarie, TX

During the studies I was able to increase my wages by six dollars an hour. I am more satisfied at home and on the job. My relationships with people have become more real and I communicate on a deeper level with others. I also understand myself and others better. I now know how the thoughts I have influence the world I live in and I have been able to achieve a better state of health. LJ, Norman, OK

The course in applied Metaphysics that I am participating in has helped to raise the quality of my life. The exercises in visualization and will power have aided me to rid myself of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. I have abused all of these and now I am free to live a much healthier life. My employers have appreciated my work because I am more efficient, quick, and accurate. Through public speaking, teaching, and appearing on radio and television I have gained more self confidence. Aside from all the wonderful practical uses, I also have built a strong spiritual base for myself. I'm much more peaceful than I once was and I have a stronger relationship with my God and my religion. My understanding and love of the Bible and all the Holy Works of the world has increased. LR, Kansas City