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Discerning the "Still Small Voice" of Wisdom
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Join/Donate
Faith Rivera Workshop:
Single Concert Tix-$15.00
Pairs of Concert Tix-$25.00
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Greetings!
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One of the questions I'm frequently asked is: how do we tell the difference between the "still small voice" of wisdom, and our own egoic mind? It's a very good question! Most of us are pretty skilled at convincing ourselves that we are "right" about most everything. Yet, when we look with the 20/20 vision of hindsight, it is frequently apparent that the voice we were following was not the voice of Divine Wisdom. "Spiritual discernment always places wisdom above the other faculties of mind. It is pure knowing, and comes by kindling the inner light. The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable." (Chas. Fillmore, "Keep a True Lent") When we wonder "which voice" is speaking to us, this can be our guide. Is it pure and is it peaceable? If so, proceed. If not.... listen some more. If, before acting, we remember to ask those questions, and answer them honestly, we am much more likely to choose well. Is it pure? What are the motives behind this choice? Does it reflect and reinforce my own pre-conceived notions around the situation? Am I overly attached to the outcome? Am I presenting evidence for an agenda which may not include everyone's best interests? |
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If the answer to any of these questions is "yes", then perhaps I should continue to listen. It may turn out that this is indeed a good choice, and if it is, I will feel better about proceeding from appoint of clarity. If it is not, then the added period of contemplation may show me even better options.
Is it peaceable?
Am I trying to "win"? Will there be a "loser"? Will there be hurtful consequences to others? Is there any element of facilitating a process where someone else will "get what they deserve"? Would I feel victimized or taken advantage of if this action was visited upon me? This is not to say everyone concerned will necessarily be personally happy with the outcome. But is my heart clear and at peace with this course of action? If I were on the receiving end, even if it prompted some painful self work, would I know in my own wise heart that it was an appropriate choice?
As I consider the likely outcome, does it serve the highest and best for ALL parties concerned? The guidance of True Wisdom generally creates a win-win outcome, even if it involves some temporary human discomfort.
Begin your wisdom practice by working with simple decisions. One day soon, and probably not too long from now, you'll have the opportunity to use if for a bigger question. At that point, when you really need this tool, you'll already know how to use it. Divine Wisdom is not mysterious, and is not separate from us is some far-off place. It is within us and always available. We simply need to learn how to recognize it.
Namaskar (which means, the Divine in me recognizes the Divine in You)
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coming soon... FAITH RIVERA
Sing*Play*Shine Workshop, Sat. May 18, 1:00 - 3:00pm
(suggested love offering $15.00)
Sunday Service, May 19, 10:30am
in Concert! Sunday May 19, 1:00 - 3:00pm
(Tickets $15.00 or 2/$25.00)
Download the flyer!
Do you have stage-fright? Did someone tell you that you can't sing or that you have no rhythm? Does your creative spirit want to sing, dance, shine & finally be free?! Here's your chance to shine your light, sing & groove in a fun, nurturing, creative space! Led by Faith Rivera (Emmy-winning Singer/ Songwriter & touring Positive Music Artist) join in this "musical firewalk" on Saturday afternoon to break through the old reasons why you shouldn't sing or dance & instead, experience more creativity, joy, freedom, confidence, and empowering fun than you've ever had before!
On Sunday, Faith will share her inspiring message during our Sunday service. In the afternoon, we'll come together again to enjoy a family-friendly concert by Faith. We've enjoyed her music frequently during our Sunday services, and are thrilled to host this event. Mark your calendars and enjoy an inspiring weekend!
Also... Faith will be available for private lessons on Saturday afternoon from 3pm-5pm Take advantage of Faith's professional experience as an award-winning session singer & songwriter with 9 album releases on her own record label. Book time to learn in the areas of singing, songwriting, performing, music business, & more!
30min = $40, 60min = $75, Sign up at http://tinyurl.com/faithlesson
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 MOVIE NIGHT - The FREE movie this month is -
"The Life of Pi", winner of 4 Oscars*
Friday, April 26th, Doors open at 5:40pm. Film starts at 6pm.
After a cargo ship carrying passengers sinks in a violent storm, a solitary lifeboat remains bobbing on the Pacific ocean. Inside there is a resourceful Indian boy named Pi, a handful of zoo animals, and a fierce tiger, the only survivors of the wreck. Life of Pi is a tale of faith, hope, and the fight to survive.
*A NOTE FOR PARENTS FROM REV. NITA: This is a wonderful movie, which is rated PG. It is also a very intense movie, and there are "cycle of life - survival of the fittest" scenes which are difficult to watch. Most of the parenting websites I checked suggested ages 12+, while a couple said ages 8+. You know your children!
Enjoy popcorn, wholehearted snacks, a great movie and discussion afterwards! See you there!
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Shared Responsibilities
We have many opportunities available here at our center for people to share their time and talents. Barbara Richman, with the assistance of Susan Smith, is leading an effort to assure that everyone who attends our center has an opportunity to share in the work that is done here in order for our us to do what is ours to do. Are you interested in becoming a volunteer and yet concerned you don't know how to do a job? Shadow training will be provided for all positions. Please stop by our new Information/Welcome table, before or after services on Sunday, to find out how you can share responsibility for our work here at Unity Spiritual Center of Peace.
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.
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