 |
Living the Fully Spiritual Fully Human Life
| |
|
|
|
|
Join/Donate
|
|
|
|
Greetings!
| |
In recent weeks, we've covered affirmations and denials, counting our blessings, developing a prayer and meditation practice, gratitude, and touched upon a few of our twelve powers. All of these tools serve the same purpose: to help us move from head to heart, and to live our lives in a fullerawareness of the Truth of our Being.So... what does that look like in the real world?
While our teachings tell us that we are eternal, NOW is the only moment in which we can grow, NOW is the only moment in which we can be useful. NOW is the only moment in which we can know God. New Thought writer and teacher, Emmet Fox has this to say in Diagrams for Living:
|
|
|
|
|
|
"We must demonstrate on the level where we are. We must be doing our level best, and our level best is the highest we know at any particular stage of development.... The first duty is to start where you are and fulfill your responsibilities in the best way you know.... In short, there is no substitute for the spiritual growth that comes from doing one's daily duties. We must meet our family responsibilities, our business duties, and our obligation to the community if we want to grow in spiritual power."
Early Christian mystic Brother Lawrence agrees:
"The most excellent method of going to God is that of doing our common business without any view of pleasing people but purely for the love of God. It is a great delusion to think our times of prayer ought to differ from other times."
There is not life AND work or your spiritual path AND your career or God AND... anything! Ultimately we must learn to integrate the Wholeness of Life into every moment of our lives. Three major indicators of a well-integrated relationship between Spirit and work are:
Honesty
Integrity
Service
As you read this, do you feel good, knowing that you are doing good, honest work the best you can? Or do you feel a twinge of conflict, knowing that unwise shortcuts are taken, facts and figures are being fudged, or that you are participating in activities that do not reflect your highest and best efforts? Have you become friends with the phrase "situational ethics"? Or do you just know that you've become so bored with your work that you truly don't care?
If you are demonstrating anything less than honesty, integrity, and the spirit of service in your work - whatever that work is- perhaps it is time to begin to take that into prayer and claim resolution. Examine your actions closely, and begin the process of coming into alignment with what is the highest and best possible work that you can do. Be scrupulous in your dealings with others, and see how that willingness to to take the first steps in the direction of Spirit will begin to transform your life. Our lives really are the sum total of our many actions. Make yours count for you, not against you!
Namaskar (which means, the Divine in me recognizes the Divine in You)
UPCOMING EVENTS...
We've got a lot going on. Keep reading and you're sure to find something that calls to you. MOVIE NIGHT FINDING JOE (Joseph Campbell and the Hero's Journey) Friday, March 22nd Doors open at 5:40pm, movie starts at 6:00pm (FREE) FINDING JOE (2011) NR, takes us on the ultimate hero's journey: the journey of self discovery. This movie is viewed through the metaphoric journey that we all must take to conquer our own barriers as we move from separation into initiation and then to return. There are references to movies from the Wizard of Oz to Star Wars which portray us in self transformation, filled with a-ha's as we claim our inner resources. Several visionaries speak of the hero's journey: mythology present within all traditions, which was the primary focus of Joseph Campbell's writing. Of note is that President Obama personally requested a viewing of this film and to speak with the director, Patrick Solomon. Afterward, Solomon reported that, "He wants to say it was the best film he had ever seen! He wants to invite me to the White House to do a personal screening for the cabinet..." (And, to support you on YOUR hero's journey, consider attending Susan Sellers' class, Finding Yourself in Transition", details below.)
Spiritual Book Study:
FINDING YOURSELF IN TRANSITION by Rev. Robert Brumet
Wednesdays, through April 10
10:30am - 12:30pm
Facilitated by Susan Sellers, LUT Cand.
Life is a series of endings and beginnings. As one door closes another always opens, but that does not always happen simultaneously! This book is an exploration of the process of moving from one segment of life to another. We are never standing still, and if we learn to navigate the process of change with ours eyes and hearts open, the journey will be much less frightening. Books are available from Susan.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROJECT, INFO and
SPECIAL SERVICE OPPORTUNITY
Tuesday, March 26th, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Saturday, April 6th
This month we have chosen to support NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI is a non-profit organization with more than 1,100 affiliates nationwide, providing support, education, and advocacy to all who are affected by mental illness - those living with a mental disorder, family members, friends, or loved ones.
NAMI wants to support you, through a special program called FaithNet, which helps develop partnerships between NAMI and faith communities by providing education about mental disorders - what they are, what can be done, and who can help. The goal is to promote recovery, when the individual and loved ones can live quality lives that aren't dominated by mental illness.
Dr. Sharon Nielsen, the FaithNet Coordinator, will join us for a full presentation on Tuesday, March 26th at 6 pm, where she will detail NAMI resources and programs, and answer specific questions and concerns.
On April 6th, NAMI is holding the 7th Annual NAMI Walks, their major fundraising event. Some of our community members will be participating. For the next few Sundays we will have a table where you can make a donation, sign up to walk, or become a sponsor. Remember, your business or employer can sponsor too!. Please stop by!
Spiritual Development SEE Class: Lessons in Truth
Saturdays, March 30 - April 27
10:00am - 12:00noon
Facilitated by Rev. Nita
In print and read by New Thought students for over 100 years, Lessons in Truth is considered to be our foundational text. The nature of Being, thought, freedom, faith, spiritual understanding, and other topics of vital importance along our spiritual journey will be discussed. As always, the intention in Rev. Nita's classes is that you learn how to implement these ideas into your life. Talk is fun, but life is what is really important! Wherever you are on the spiritual path, you will find valuable and useable information. There is never a charge for SEE classes at our center; love offerings will be blessed. (For those on the path to becoming credentialed Unity leaders, this is a required class.)
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE
Friday, March 29th
5:00pm - 6:00pm
We enter into the most sacred weekend of the year by coming together for a contemplative hour of prayer, meditation, and music, facilitated by Rev. Nita.
WHITE STONE CEREMONY - EASTER SUNDAY
March 31st
10:30 - 11:30am
On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the demonstration of Life shown to us by our Elder Brother and wayshower, Jesus. As our master teacher, the Christed Jesus taught us that there is no death, only an experience of transformation to be lived. Rev. Nita will also facilitate our annual White Stone Ceremony; which offers an opportunity to discern the spiritual focus for your own personal journey of transformation at this time.
Child care and Sunday School is always available for kids
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 Sunday Lessons
3/24: PALM SUNDAY3/29: GOOD FRIDAY, 5:00-6:00pm
3/31: EASTER SUNDAY,10:30 - 11:30 White Stone Ceremony
|
|
|
|
|
