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Greetings!
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According to the Surgeon General, one in every five Americans experiences a mental disorder in any given year, and half of all Americans have such disorders at some time in their lives. These illnesses of the brain affect all of us, regardless of age, gender, economic status or ethnicity.
Last Friday, over 400 faith leaders, including four of our Board members and me, gathered at St. Phillip's to learn how we might better serve and support those in our community who struggle with mental illness. We were also told that one in four people have someone in their family who lives with mental illness. If all of these statistics are correct, then probably at least 50 - 60 of those receiving this email are in some way personally impacted by mental health issues.
Our keynote speaker was a Methodist minister who has struggled personally with mental illness for much of her adult life. One of the things that was most difficult for her was that she could not "see" a path to wellness. My first thought was that we are so very blessed to have our teachings, which includes our power of Imagination, and the understanding that whatever we can perceive, we can achieve. Then, it occurred to me that, while we are indeed blessed by that understanding, some of us in New Thought have a different problem. Sometimes we are unable or unwilling to admit that we are experiencing a dark time. We may feel that, as good Truth students, it isn't okay for us to ever admit that there might be something wrong. With our emphasis on the Good, and our positive, affirmative practices, it can be difficult to say, "There is something wrong and I don't know what it is or what to do about it." We can feel terribly alone if we cannot give voice to that fact.
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We may try to pretend that everything is okay, that nothing is wrong, and in so doing, become even more and more isolated. Since affirmations and denials are basic tools in Unity, please let me state explicitly than when we practice denials, we are NOT pretending that things are okay when they are not. When we use a denial, we are claiming awareness of the Truth that, in the realm of the Absolute, this undesired circumstance has no power over us. A denial is a tool that we use to remind ourselves that there is, within us, That which is never less than whole, complete, and perfect. In one of Charles Fillmore's unpublished talks, he gives a definition of denials as a tool we use to help us relax our grasping tension, worry, and anxiety over our problems.
Whether coming from a traditional religious viewpoint that we are inherently broken and need to be fixed, or coming from the very mistaken idea that a good Truth student shouldn't admit that they are currently walking in darkness, the Truth is that we can only move forward from where we are. Hiding and isolating ourselves does not work. Self-medication with alcohol, drugs, gambling, cutting, or any other destructive behaviors does not work. There is a bridge to the awareness and expression of Wholeness, and the first step of that bridge is located precisely wherever we. As long as we "pretend" we are okay, we cannot see that bridge to cross it.
There should be no more guilt, shame, or judgment placed upon those with mental illness than there is placed upon someone who breaks their arm playing baseball or a woman who receive a diagnosis of breast cancer. I have personally experienced sometimes-debilitating mental illness. I have at least one family member who died in great part because of mental illness. I grew up in a family that did not talk about our problems. We did not "need anyone's help" dealing with our problems. The truth is, we did need help and it was not okay to ask for it. As I have become comfortable talking about it, I have found that most of my friends and nearly all of my colleagues have also walked in the darkness of mental illness.
You can only move forward from where you are. You cannot pretend that there is nothing wrong and expect things to get better. There is help available and that help is of absolutely no use to you unless you are willing to ask for it and accept it. Do your spiritual work. Pray. Meditate. Use the tools of denials and affirmations. Visualize and imagine Wholeness. And put our fifth Unity principle into practice: Live the Truth that you know. Pray and move your feet. Make the phone calls. Click on the links below. The Bridge to Wholeness is right here, right now, at the very point you are. You must take the first step.
To locate your own first step on that bridge, the best place to start could likely be NAMI: The National Alliance on Mental Health in Southern Arizona. They offer a huge range of services. While you should always call 9-1-1 in case of life-threatening emergency, there is free, confidential crisis help available 24/7/365 by calling the Crisis Response Network of Southern Arizona at (520) 622-6000. Frequently, it seems our only alternatives in an emergency are to call the police or go to the emergency room. There are other options and they will help you sort them out and connect with the resources you need.
For free, confidential 24/7/365 prayer support, call Silent Unity at 1-800-NowPray (1-800-669-7729). You may also send an email to us at prayers@unitychurchofpeaceaz.com, or simply reply to this email with your prayer request.
We are taught to claim Light when traveling in darkness. Please join with me now for just a moment to know and to claim Light for all of those affected by the experience of mental illnesses, or any experience of separation from Truth. We know that Wholeness is always present, even at the times that seem the darkest. We are open and receptive to knowing Light for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for all who suffer. There is a kingdom of the Heavens within each of us, and sometimes, in our humanness, we are not able to access that kingdom. We who are able shine the Light that we are as a beacon for those whose Light is presently obscured. By doing that, we help them to see and to know this Truth for themselves as well. We are thankful for this Truth that allows us to see and to know Wholeness, and we are thankful for those who have dedicated their lives to serving in this important area. We are each blessed, we are each Whole, we are each connected to the other. In Oneness, in gratitude, Amen.
 A Very Special Treat this Saturday
Saturday, May 5, 12: 30 - 4:00pm "Releasing Old Thought Patterns" Presented by Gino Walker
It turns out Gino's in Arizona and she'd like to share an afternoon with you. Recognize your power is in the "Now". Learn how powerful you really are! Work with experiential exercises, shift your awareness and watch your perception change. Let's write a new script, purge the old away, move with music and live the life you desire. Awaken to your feelings, and let them guide you to living in the NOW. Suggested love offering $15.00. For more information, download the flyer.
 Marcia Breitenbach in Concert
Sunday, May 20th at 1:00pm
Our music director, Marcia, has a new CD! Gifts of Joy is a co-creation with Spirit that brings messages about the choice to embrace life, love, peace, joy and transformation. Each song empowers us to do what is ours to do, as we let go of what no longer serves. This is Marcia's "first" concert of her music, and you can be sure there will be a surprise or two as well as the unveiling of her new and wonderful music. Visit Marcia's website.
Child care and Sunday School is always available for kids
Our Sunday School teachers look forward to sharing Unity principles with your children aged 4-12. If you've got questions, please speak to our YOU teachers: Cindy Cawthorne, LUT, Barbara Richman, LUT, Judyth Willis, and Sunni Adams. Our nursery is available for the very young ones, as well.
Some closing thoughts...
It can seem contradictory to say that we have to accept and admit where we are and what is going on in our lives when things aren't going well. No matter how difficult things are in the human realm, we know that eventually it will pass, because everything in this realm changes. Only the spiritual, Absolute realm is unchanging, unchanged, unchangeable. To find the blessing in the midst of human chaos is always possible, and rarely easy. We must always remember that we are spiritual beings have a human experience. There are lessons to be learned from our human experiences, and each of those lessons unfolds a bit more of the Truth of our spiritual journey. Compassion towards ourselves and each other is necessary. Whatever is going on in your life, know that you are welcome and loved, just as you are. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Blessings to each of you,
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Upcoming Sunday Lessons (Revised):
5/6: Habit #3 - Putting First Things First
5/13: Habit #4 - Think Win/Win
5/20: Gifts of Joy - Marcia's CD release party after church!
5/27: Habit #5 - Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
6/3: Habit #6 - Synergy
6/10: Habit #7 - Sharpen the Saw
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