"Somewhere along the line of development we discover what we really are and then make our real decision for which we are responsible. Make that decision primarily for yourself because you can never really live anyone else's life, not even your child's. The influence you exert is through your own life and what you become yourself."

Eleanor Roosevelt

Each and every day, I continue to realize that there is nothing to fix in the world. My only job seems to be to clear anything within myself that is holding me hostage....by that I mean anything that makes me doubt my own lovability.....anything that would keep me from seeing the love-beauty all around me.

If you've been reading this newsletter, you know about our 7-day mental diet where my congregation and I decided to catch any negative thoughts and transform them into thinking about something we could be grateful for. I've been paying very close attention to the thoughts I'm thinking, catching myself before I start going down the road of negativity about anything, and all I can tell you is that I've been so happy.....and over nothing in particular. I'm living in a state of general bliss. It is true, you see that if you spend the majority of your time thinking about all you have to be grateful for or what you appreciate about your life, there just seems to be more and more good stuff coming your way. You get instant feedback. The payoff is enormous. I'm training my mind to be positive. It's wonderful to be happy for no particular reason except that you are alive.

When you stop to think that you are creating your life each and every day by the thoughts you think, you really hold the power. You just have to want to be happy more than you need to be right. Part of it is loving yourself so much that you have nothing to prove to anyone else, hence, no need to argue, judge or criticize. Your life is the proof.

The next time you are feeling crummy, or down and out, or depressed, check in and look to see what you've been thinking. You are the master of your own fate. Everything is a choice. I think I'm going to keep on this mental diet for the rest of my life............a lifetime of love, peace and joy........doesn't sound so bad, does it?  

In gratitude,    

Rev. Karen Wylie

Gratitude and Thanksgiving

Our deep appreciation goes to our wonderful speaker this past Sunday, Rev. Greta Sesheta. She filled the room with her beautiful presence and sweet energy. See her in action below.

I am grateful for those who serve in our community.  Here are two of our beautiful greeters.

We express our gratitude and appreciation to our great didgeridoo player, Darrell Deerborn.

Spiritual Cinema Night 

Join us tonight, January 27, at 7 PM, in the multi media room at Casa de La Luna, 710 S. La Luna Avenue, here in Ojai, for our free feature film of the month entitled "I AM."  "I AM" is joyful, profound and surprising.  Filmmaker Tom Shadyac narrates what the New Yorker called, "his own fall from, or perhaps into, grace."  As our guide, Tom confronts the most serious crises humanity faces and reveals transformative solutions.  With wit, empathy and compassion, he finds and exposes our deep interconnections and oneness.  Admission is free, thanks to the generosity of Casa de La Luna Retreat.  For more information, contact Leslee Goodman, (805) 625-1031.   

Lasting Love Made Easy - The Greatest Love Event Ever in Ojai!

Please let your friends and email contacts know that the Symphony of Life is sponsoring another great event, "Everything singles and couples really need to know about great relationships," Sunday, February 12, 2012, a workshop with Gay and Kathlyn Hendricks, 2-5 PM with a book signing from 5-5:30 PM. This event will be held in the Matilija Auditorium, 703 El Paseo Road, Ojai 93023. Tickets: $30 prepaid; $35 at the door. Tickets are on sale on line at  www.solsc.org, at Contempo Hair Salon, Soul-Centered, a metaphysical shoppe, and at the Symphony of Life Spiritual Center, all located in Ojai, or by mail addressed to the Symphony of Life Spiritual Center, P.O. Box 322, Ojai, Ca. 93024. This is a great price for a fabulous event!

Kathlyn and Gay Hendricks  

Creative Adventures Winter Program

Our deep and profound thanks to Steve Weed and Chris Prideaux who facilitated our youth program this past Sunday.  We welcome children 3-11 years of age to enjoy prayer, story telling, visual arts projects and/or music and movement. Our program is enriching and appropriate for young people regardless of their religious backgrounds. Please call Rev. Marilyn Miller, (805) 640-0498, if you are interested in assisting with the children. Look at the great pictures below.

Volunteer of the Month for January

I am so happy to announce the Volunteer of the Month for January. Christine Prideaux has served on our Board as Secretary and has stepped up so many times to be team leader on several events over the past few months. She was team leader for our Ojai Day Hugs and Kisses Booth and most recently was the team leader for our Interfaith Service at Meditation Mount. She also serves as a greeter and works in the youth program one Sunday a month. In every way, Chris exemplifies what it means to be in service to God. I am so grateful to have Chris as a part of our spiritual community. We are blessed by her presence. Please make it a point to express your gratitude to Chris for being such a wonderful example of service in action!

Christine Prideaux

Special Request

We would like to start making CD's of our service. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in helping us with that project, please give Rev. Karen a call at (310) 968-8928. We know you are out there!

Open Invitation  

New YouTube Video 

Check out the home page of our website to see our YouTube Video!

Visit our SOLSC Website

Please go to www.solsc.org to visit our community website.

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