Losing a job may prompt us to upgrade our skills, focus on what we really enjoy doing and start that business we've talked about for ages, or it can be another installment in the story of victimhood that we carry from one chapter of our life to the next. If we choose to be victims, we'll find plenty of evidence. If we choose to blessed, we'll find plenty of blessings. If you realize you don't know where you are as you navigate from point A to point B, are you lost or are you having an adventure?
This is how the law of mind action works: whatever we focus on increases. Focus on "bad" stuff and you'll keep finding more "bad" stuff. Focus on "good" stuff and you'll find plenty of "good" stuff. You're the boss of your own thoughts. You're the one who gets to choose how you respond to the circumstances of your life, and your response is what determines your experience. Each time you name something "good" or "not good", you are choosing (creating) your experience.
Every time you label something "not good", pause, and look at it again. Is there some blessing you can claim? Becoming mindful of your own responses is a very useful practice. If you notice yourself feeling that you aren't "enough", stop. Pause. Breathe fully. What labels have you been applying to the circumstances of your life? It is all-too-easy to move from "victim" to self-condemnation. Self-awareness is a wonderful tool!
Since we get to choose, develop the habit of choosing to see good, to claim good, to name your circumstances useful, helpful, beneficial. Unity Minister Eric Butterworth used to speak about developing the habit of what he called "LSGBS: Let Something Good Be Said". Its not always easy. And I admit- sometimes the best "good thing" I can find to say is that I am willing to be open and receptive to finding the blessing. That is still useful! Even if I cannot yet see or name the good, I have affirmed my willingness to receive good. I live with the expectation of good, instead of dread of disaster.
This is NOT simply saying "It's all good" every time something less-than-optimal happens. Choosing to see good means agreeing to be fully present to what is and choosing to remain open to the lessons present, to be willing and receptive to higher understanding. It means agreeing to act in alignment with the guidance that emerges as we claim Truth. Frequently, when people say, "...but it's all good", what they really mean is, "Yep- my life is falling apart, but hey- you can't expect me to do anything about it." Someone who is developing self-awareness might say, "You know what? I saw that my life seemed to be falling apart, and I realized it was time to make some changes. Now, I am actually thankful that my life got to that point, because it prompted me to really focus on my choices." Definitely not always easy, but a very worthwhile practice to develop!
Blessings and Light to each of you.
Namaskar (which means, the Divine in me recognizes the Divine in You),
Rev. Nita
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Happy New Year!
Join us on New Year's Eve (Monday, Dec. 31) at 6:00 pm as we let go of the old and prepare to take hold of the new. We've released the burning bowl ceremony... and embraced a different symbolism, allowing those things we're ready to release to dissolve into their native "nothingness" through the gentle cleansing medium of water. This is an opportunity to enjoy quiet space to listen to the desires of your own soul. Claim this hour to release 2012 and welcome 2013 with intention.
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ANNUAL MEETING AND MEMBERSHIP INSTALLATION
Our annual congregational meeting is held at the end of February, and we'll be installing new members at that time. Membership does not require that you sever any existing relationship with other centers or denominations, and does not require any financial commitment. It is basically a statement that you feel aligned with our community and wish to support it in any way that you feel most drawn. Nita's Sunday lessons in January and February will be focusing on basic Unity concepts and practices, and will serve as one part of our membership requirements. Besides attending at least three of these Sunday services, potential new members are required to attend a brief (less than one hour) membership class, which will be given at various times during January and February.
If you are already a member, plan on attending these Sunday lessons to add to your understanding of our Unity tools and practices. We are blessed with teachings which are useful even at their most basic level, and become increasingly more helpful and useful as we deepen our understanding.
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ARE YOUR INTERESTED IN CLASSES?
Our Licensed Teacher candidates are scheduling practicum classes, and SEE (Spiritual Education and Enrichment) Classes for Unity Institute credit will resume in late spring. Those classes are generally held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Nita is considering opening up a new session for those who may not be served by our current class times. If you are interested in classes, please replay to this email and let her know what times are best for you: evenings? days? Remember- you do not need to commit to taking classes for credit; all are welcome in all classes! Classes are a wonderful way to learn how to put our Unity principles to work in your life, as well as get to know other members of our community. We talk, we learn, we laugh. Friendships are formed and lives are transformed. We do not charge for SEE classes in our Center, love offerings are always welcomed. If you've ever got questions about classes, please ask! Reply to this email, or speak to Nita, Cindy, Barbara Richman, or our two LUT Candidates, Barb McLawhorn or Susan Sellers.
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OPEN-SPACE VISIONING FOLLOW-UP
Did you read our "record of proceedings" and find an area of ownership, service, or leadership that interested you? If so, have you connected with others who are interested in the same things you are? If you are a part of an action group, please let us know who you are and what you're working on. If you missed the event, and would like to become involved, read the ideas that have been presented, and when you find something you're interested in participating in, either tell any Board member, or reply to this email, and we'll help put you together with those who share your interest.
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INTERFAITH COMMUNITY SERVICES MEMBERSHIP
The Community Outreach Committee is excited to announce that Unity Spiritual Center of Peace has become a Faith Community Partner with Interfaith Community Services. The mission of Interfaith Community Services is: "To help Pima County seniors, individuals with disabilities and people in financial crisis achieve stable and independent lives through programs and services supported by staff, diverse faith communities and the community at large." ICS assists with transportation, meals, and care-giving services so folks can stay in their homes Additionally, they help people in financial crisis, providing a compassionate place to turn for vital services that help stabilize their housing, employment, food and health care situations, as well as access to personal resources, social support, and information to make informed decisions.
We will be focusing our attention on Interfaith Community Services in January. In the coming weeks learn more about how you can support this partnership through volunteering and financial support. We will also be taking the time to let you know about the very valuable and immediate help this organization provides and how someone can contact them for help. We are excited to be starting off the new year in partnership with this wonderful organization! Thanks to everyone for all the Community support this year. We supported many great organizations and brought light to many lives through our efforts in 2012!
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MISSED A SUNDAY LESSON?
Our Sunday lessons are available online at a new location. You may either listen online or download to listen offline anytime. Click here and bookmark our channel! If you use an Apple device (iPad, iPhone, etc.), you may even download an app and subscribe to our channel. Visit the App Store and get the free sermon.net app (Unfortunately, the media player on our website hasn't been functioning properly- we're working to re-launch our website, and will keep you posted.)
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UPCOMING LESSONS and EVENTS
12/30: Another Trip Around the Sun (POTLUCK)
12/31: New Year's Eve Service: 6:00pm
01/06: Back to Basics 1
01/13: Back to Basics 2
01/20: Back to Basics 3
01/27: Back to Basics 4 (POTLUCK)
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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.
