I recently saw Marianne Williamson on something and she suggested that whenever we realize we have placed someone in the "enemy" category, that we should pray for them for 30 days. I knew when I heard those words that I needed to do that, and honored that commitment. I wish I could say that my feelings for the ones involved were completely transformed into loving kindness. They weren't. But I have softened in my feelings, and I much more easily remember my intentions of willingness to completely release myself and these fellow expressions of Christed Beingness from my own human anger and resentment. Here are some suggestions that may help you lighten your load of anger and resentment:
1. Willingness: yes, I know I sound like a broken record here. And, we must remain willing. Many people say they want to forgive, but they really aren't willing to entertain the possibility that it is possible. No matter what has been "done to you", it is over and in the past. By forgiving, we are not excusing or condoning the act. We are simply releasing ourselves from bondage to the chains of victim-hood which we have allowed to hold us.
"I am willing, in this moment, to forgive and
release __________________ and live in peace."
2. Bless the other person: yes, really, we must do that. If you cannot bless the dysfunctional human who treated you badly, bless the Christ Light within them. Bless the expression of Oneness which is always present within each of us. Bless the Infinite Field of Possibility and Potential which has expressed in this physical time and space as the person you are perceiving as your enemy.
"The Divine within me blesses and honors the Divine within __________________."
3. Forgive yourself for your own unforgiveness and "less-than" beliefs and actions. As I went through my 30 days of forgiveness, I realized at some point that much (all?) of my lack of forgiveness was simply my own ego-self throwing a temper tantrum, stomping its feet and wanting to be acknowledged to be "right." Okay then. Maybe it wasn't all their fault. Maybe it was. Whatever. It is done and it is over. (See "willingness", above!)
"I release myself and I release ____________________. We have done the best we could in each moment. I release myself and I release ______________
to our fullest expression of Good."
4. Claim gratitude: in some way, this person has played the role of teacher in your life, allowing you the opportunity to learn something very important. Even if you don't know yet what that lesson is, you can be assured that there is one to claim. As your teacher, they have behaved as a friend to you, whether it looks like it or not. (again, see "willingness" above...)
"I am thankful for ALL the Good and ALL the blessings which have been given me by _________________. I choose to live in Peace, I choose to live in Light. Within the Christed awareness that is my Truth, there is no chaos, no anger, no blame, no resentment. There is only Love. The Love that I AM is the same Love that ____________________ is. I AM thankful for ALL the Good that God is."
I know it is hard to do this work, and we both know it is so very important! Begin where you are, "acting as if..." you are willing and able to do it. As you are willing, as you work to "faith it 'til you make it", change will occur. Harsh feelings will soften. Awareness will increase, and willingness will increase.
Please know that I am thankful for you! This journey is made so much nicer because you walk alongside me. If you've got questions or comments, or simply want to say hello, just hit the "Reply" button. Your email will come directly to me, and I'll be happy to hear from you.
Happy Thanksgiving and Namaskar
Rev. Nita
**************************
Daniel Nahmod IN CONCERT
November 18th (child care provided)
Sunday service at 10:30, Concert at 1:00pm (tickets $15.00ea or 2/$25.00)
We'll be enjoying another musical Sunday on Nov. 18th, this time with Daniel Nahmod. If you are familiar with Daniel's music, you already know how powerful his musical message is. If not, visit his website, sample some tunes, read his lyric sheets, and discover a new resource for your journey. Daniel's mission is to create music that can be sung by ALL people, regardless of religious affiliation, music that allows us to come together and know the One Presence, One Power, the Oneness that is our Truth. Download and share the flyer here.
When he visited us last year, tickets nearly sold out. If you have family members or friends who might be receptive to the messages of Unity and New Thought, this will be a wonderful event for them to attend. Tickets also make a great early Christmas gift, for yourself or others! If you are looking for ways to nourish yourself along the journey, an afternoon of Daniel's powerful music will refresh you and provide an excellent start to the holiday season. You may purchase tickets with cash or checks on Sunday or at the door. Purchase with credit cards may only be made online:
For single- ticket purchases ($15.00 each), use the above button
For special 2-for-$25.00 ticket pricing, use this button.
**************************
COME JOIN US FOR MOVIE NIGHT!
THE MOSES CODE
Friday, Nov. 16, 6:00 pm
This month's movie is James Twyman's "The Moses Code". The film focuses on the power of Soul Manifestation, drawing upon our own innate spiritual ability to produce miracles everywhere we go. Many other films and books have focused on using the Law of Attraction to get the things we believe we need for example, houses, cars, or other goods. The Moses Code takes the next much more important step showing how to use this law to give from the soul, automatically attracting spiritual blessings to us! Doors open at 5:40 p.m. for fellowship and popcorn. The movie is free. Snack and beverages available for small fee. (Please, no pets. Trained service animals are always welcome)
**************************
A NOTE FROM OUR OUTREACH COMMITTEE...
We are reorganizing the community bulletin board and all items will be removed on
NOV 25, UNLESS YOU CONTACT Nicole Huerta to request that your card, notice, etc be placed on the new board. We hope to ensure that the board remains helpful and up to date. Nicole can be reached at church on Sundays or by email: nicernh1@cox.net
**************************
OPEN SPACE LEADERSHIP FOLLOWUP
Sunday, Nov. 25th
On the weekend of Oct. 12th, we explored the theme, "What does governance, leadership, and ownership look like as we go forward in Spiritual Community?" On November 25th (Potluck Sunday), there will be a gathering called Convergence, which will allow the various groups of interested folks to identify themselves and begin putting feet on these ideas. Pick up a copy of the proceedings from 10/12, and see what calls to you. Then attend on 11/25 for the next step. Stay tuned!
**************************
DID YOU KNOW...
Audio of our Sunday lessons is available online at our website?You may click here to listen. There's also always a button along the left side of these emails that will take you right to our "Listen" page. You may also listen and subscribe to our channel at Sermon.net And- if you have a mobile device, you can download the Sermon.net app from your App Store and subscribe to our podcasts. When you do, you'll be notified when new audio is available. We also generally have a few CDs available at church for those who may prefer to listen in their cars or elsewhere. New lessons are usually posted every couple of weeks.
**************************
Sunday School and Child Care is always available on Sundays
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.
**************************
UPCOMING LESSONS
11/18: Appreciation, No Matter What!
Special music and afternoon concert by Daniel Nahmod
11/25: Guest Speaker, Rev. Jim Marshall
POTLUCK AND OPEN SPACE CONVERGENCE
12/02: Prayers of Peace: A Special Service,
Presented by our Licensed Teacher Candidates and SEE students
12/09: Gino! Wisdom and Music by Gino Walker
