"We are not held back by the love we didn't receive in the past, but by the love we're not extending in the present." 

What a successful Sunday we had with our morning service filled with messages of love in word and song, and then an afternoon with Gay and Katie Hendricks who gave us seven principles and seven magic moves to take us into conscious loving in all of our relationships.

The first principle they shared was that relationships thrive when each partner commits to total union with the other person and total creative expression as an individual. The second principle had to do with the fact that each partner can learn from every relationship interaction, especially the stressful ones, instead of running programmed defensive moves, which is what most of us do most of the time. The third principle was that relationships thrive in a climate of absolute honestly with no hidden feelings or withheld truths. All feelings (anger, sadness, joy, fear, sexual attraction) are okay to discuss with the other person, and each person is able to listen, free of listening-filters such as listening-to-find-fault and listening-to-fix. The fourth principle had to do with the fact that relationships thrive when people keep their agreements impeccably, no matter how trivial the agreement seems. The fifth principle states that people thrive in a climate of 100% accountability, where nobody blames or claims victim status. One hundred percent accountability is the shift from "I was wronged" to "I take full responsibility for events occurring the way they did." From this empowered position, problems can be solved quickly. The sixth principle taught that relationships flourish when partners appreciate each other liberally. People grow more beautiful through our appreciation of them. The final principle stated that everything can be resolved with willingness and love. Love is the ultimate healer and liberator, because only love is vast enough to embrace its opposite.

Gay and Katie also talked about the "moves" you can make or the actions you can take to put these principles into practice in all your relationships. It was a great workshop and was well received by all. Enjoy the pictures below which will give you a taste of our afternoon together.   

In gratitude,    

Rev. Karen Wylie

Symphony of Life Free Spiritual Cinema Night

Come join us tonight, Feb. 17, for our free film of the month. In honor of Valentine's Day, this month's feature is Love Actually, a 2003 romantic comedy starring a high-wattage ensemble of British actors....Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson, and Emma Thompson, among others.....and American Laura Linney. In it, writer/director Richard Curtis weaves together a series of poignant and hilarious love stories, which end in lots of romantic climaxes on Christmas Eve in London. The film's thesis is that, everywhere you look, love is the motivating force in people's lives. The movie begins at 7:00 PM with the doors opening at 6:30. We meet in the multi-media room at Casa de La Luna, 710 La Luna.   A discussion will follow the screening. For more information, contact Leslee Goodman, (805) 625-1031.

Sound Garden Sanctuary

Join Darrell Deerborn for an individual and group healing experience at the Woman's Center right after service on Sunday, February 19, from 12:15 to 1:45. Darrell plays the didgeridoo, harmonium, and Native American flute for us at the Symphony of Life. After service, he will be facilitating an experience in sound which bridges science and spirituality utilizing sacred breath, toning the chakras, creative imagination and the highest intentions of love and peace. He invites you to come and experience the healing power of your own voice as the most healing instrument on the planet.

Darrell Deerborn 

Prosperity Boot Camp

Rev. Marilyn Miller will be starting a 12-week program which begins Tuesday, February 28. This class is for those serious about making more money. Rev. Marilyn says, "Having done this intensely fun program several times, I know what it did for me and others in the program. Our success rate was miraculous." The program is guaranteed. If you don't feel more prosperous by the time it's over, your tithe is refunded. The investment is $55 for the workbook, textbook and CD's. For information, call (805) 640-0498. Classes are from 7 to 9:15 PM, and the location will be announced.

Sacred Service Saturday

The Symphony of Life Spiritual Center serves one Saturday a quarter in support of an organization here in Ojai. Our upcoming Sacred Service Saturday will be held on March 17, 2012, from 8:00 to 12:00 noon. We will be serving with Ojai Trees. Coming together in service like this is always a joyful experience. We have heard it said, and the truth is, it is in the giving that we receive. Put the date on your calendar and join us for a joyful morning. More information will be provided.

On Board with the Board

We decided that we would like you to know more about our Board members at the Symphony of Life so we will be featuring a Board member in our upcoming newsletters. This week it is our pleasure to introduce you to, and tell you something about, our newest member on the Board, Leslee Goodman. Leslee is a freelance writer, publicist, development and communications consultant, whose agency, Alchemy, specializes in serving individuals and organizations committed to creating a world that works for everyone.

In her 30 years of experience she's had the honor of working with authors, activists, peacemakers, and spiritual leaders from many paths. She is especially interested in the intersection of spirituality and social justice and is about to launch an online radio show on that topic on the Women's Information Network (WIN). She believes that powerful intention and effective communication create alchemy.

Leslee's "life resume" includes being elected to serve at the 1978 Hawaii State Constitutional Convention; attending the 1985 United Nations World Conference on Women in Nairobi; apprenticing with a Native American spiritual elder in the summer of 2011; and being a regular contributor to The Sun magazine. She is married to Micheal Parks, and has two grown sons, Noah and Hudson.  

Leslee Goodman

Volunteer of the Month

Creative Adventures Winter Program

Our deep and profound thanks to Rev. Marilyn Miller 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. 

Open Invitation  

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