"Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity."

Henry Van Dyke

We may think we suffer because of lack of love from others, but that is NEVER THE CASE. Our suffering actually comes from not loving ourselves. Nothing is more painful than that.

I read somewhere that self-love is like food for the starving. As you begin to feel your own love, you realize how much energy you've put into trying to get love on the outside and how, no matter how much of that you've received from someone else, it's never been enough. That's because it doesn't change your inner beliefs. If another person says you're wonderful and on a core level you don't believe it, their love will only be a temporary fix. Soon enough, you will be looking for more from them or someone else. Only self-love will fill up the emptiness inside of you that stems from your false belief that you are unlovable.

Everything in your life is going to reflect back to you this lack of love for yourself. If you are wounded inside and haven't addressed those wounded places, they will outpicture in those around you. Life is like a mirror.

Self-love is vital to our well-being. If I say I am Spirit in the flesh, how can I not love God as me? I am a spiritual being having a human experience. How can I not have compassion for my God-self? When we realize who we are as Divine Being, loving the Self is not a selfish act. It is action which assures our walk in the world as a beneficial presence.

Look into the mirror and behold the Christ Presence in you. In humility, be grateful that so much love has been planted within you. You are not to waste it. You are to love and be loved.

Our affirmation for the day: My loving is assured! I spread my wings and fly!

In gratitude,    

Rev. Karen Wylie

Gratitude and Thanksgiving

Our deep appreciation goes to Darrell Deerborn for his wonderful sound healing workshop last Sunday. It was well attended. Below is a picture of Darrell doing one of the things he does best. Thank you Darrell!

Prosperity Boot Camp

Rev. Marilyn Miller will be starting a 12-week class for those serious about making more money. She is Director of the Singing Earth Foundation and the Symphony of Life Youth Program and has been teaching prosperity programs for twenty-five years. This coming Sunday at the Symphony of Life she will be speaking on "Prosperity Promises," Ancient, Historical and Contemporary Promises of Success & Economic Well-Being. Having applied the prosperity promises to her own life and career, she passionately passes on tools to help you increase your income. Speaking about the Prosperity Boot Camp, her upcoming program, Rev. Marilyn says, "You will love this fun and fruitful program." The program is guaranteed. The investment is $55 for the workbook, textbook and CD's. The time and location of the class will be announced. Call Rev. Marilyn Miller for more information at (805) 640-0498.

Amitabhan at the Symphony of Life

I'm pleased to announce that Amitabhan is coming back to perform for us again at our center on Sunday, March 4. He performs regularly at new-thought churches and centers, at concerts throughout the Western United States, and for internationally known spiritual teachers. Given the name "Amitabhan" by the living saint Mata Amritanandamayi in 2000, his words, music and heart-opening presence spring from the depths of a quieted gratitude, and over 20 years of meditation, devotion and wisdom-based spiritual exploration. An award-winning songwriter, he has been influenced by a wide variety of musical traditions, and especially loves sharing songs/chants that open the heart and invoke the divine presence. Join us on Sunday, March 4, for a beautiful, inspirational morning!

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. We will be planting, staking and watering trees from 8:30 - 11:30 and then we will be served lunch. Coming together in service like this is always a joyful experience. It is in the giving that we receive. Sign up to join us for a joyful morning of service to our community. Phone Rev. Karen, 805-640-3743, for more info. 

On Board with the Board 

Our featured Board Member this week is our Board President, Robert "Rick" Ricksen.  He began his creative career in 1966 while an engineering student at USC looking for a summer job.  At that time, he found his dream job with KCAL Channel 9, a local independent TV station in Los Angeles, where he continued working for 38 years.  In 1990, he won the Los Angeles Area Emmy Award in Technical Direction for "NBA Lakers Basketball."  He is an active member of The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and has served as representative for the Electronic Production peer group.  He recently participated as a judge for the 33rd College Television Awards and for the Television Academy Foundation's 2011 Summer Internship Program.  His creative interest is oil painting and he has studios in both Ojai and Los Angeles.  His paintings have been in shows and on display throughout the Southland including Ojai, Ventura, Santa Paula and Los Angeles.  He is the Founder and Board Chair for the Ojai Academy for the Arts, a member of the Santa Paula Society of the Arts, the Meiners Oaks Business and Artists Association, the Ojai Chamber of Commerce and the Made in Ojai artisan's collective.  Rick is pictured below. We are grateful to have him as President of our Board! 

Volunteer of the Month

Creative Adventures Winter Program

Our thanks to Todd Chandler and Rev. Will Castagna who facilitated our youth program this past Sunday. Todd has developed a game that teaches principles of Science of Mind. Check out the board game below.

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  

This is an invitation to singers and musicians out there who would like to perform at the Symphony of Life.  Contact Rev. Karen, (805) 640-3743, or Patricia Cardinali, (805) 646-2098, if you are interested.

New YouTube Video 

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

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