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Greetings!
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Many of you know that I am currently on vacation at my sister's home an hour or two northwest of Detroit. This is a very rural area- the road in front of her home is dirt, and the view from her deck is of corn and soybean fields. I saw a pair of wild turkeys with their babies, and last night we watched the fireflies flickering in the tall grasses of the field next door. I've enjoyed a few days of visiting, and have not cooked, cleaned, or done anything obviously "productive" this entire week. A part of me (and this would be my ego-brain!) keeps wanting to check email or scroll thru Facebook or simply "get some work done". For the most part, I have resisted those urges!
I know that this is all part of the curriculum of this moment of my life; it is a time to rest, a time to return to neutral. This is a very busy time in my life, and downshifting into this neutral period is wonderful - and more than a little bit uncomfortable. My sister is treating me like royalty - making my coffee each morning just the way I like it and fixing my tuna sandwiches for lunch (made just the way we enjoyed when we were kids). I am barred from helping with the dishes or housework. Other than preparing this email and a tiny little bit of website updating, my to-do list was done before I left Tucson.
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It's good every now and again to notice what gear we are in, and determine if it is time to downshift, upshift, or simply find neutral for a bit. When asked the question, "How are you?", what is your answer? For many of us, the answer is one simple word: "Busy." For others, the social inquiry, "What've you been up to lately?" may evoke "Nothing much." If you recognize either of those as your habitual responses, it may be time to seek neutral.
In our on-the-go, multi-tasking, 24-hour-day culture it is easy to think that if we aren't doing something, we're falling behind. That perceived demand to be always accomplishing something can easily lead to overload, which may then lead to a type of paralysis, making us feel that we have too many options, too many choices, too many possibilities. This may in turn prompt us to retreat into hours of numbing behaviors such as watching mindless television or playing online video games for hours on end.
There is stability in neutral, a sort of balance point. If we are strong in our neutral stance, we are well-positioned for the next steps, whatever they may be. There is no need to grasp onto whatever seems "safe". If we are well-poised in our balanced Selves, we are free to act or not act according to the Wisdom within us. We can move forward, backward, to the side, over or under with intention and clarity.
I find that this strong neutral stance actually feels very much like what I tend to call God- I am standing in the center of the infinite field of pure potential and possibility. There is no need to rush. This eternal moment is complete within itself. There is no need for anger or blame; within this firm space of balance, I can see that we are each acting according to our best understanding of the people and circumstances of our lives. We have each done, and are doing, the best we are capable of doing in each moment. There is no need for guilt or regret. I know that I have also done the best I was capable of doing in each of the prior moments of my life.
In this strong neutral stance, we can observe, listen, evaluate, and contemplate. We can focus on our highest intentions and discern our next best actions. When it is time to act, we will be rested and able to see clearly. We can reconnect with family and friends, and enjoy nourishing and satisfying activities which may have been crowded out by the to-do list. By releasing the need to be continually "doing", as well as by allowing the fog and haze of numbing activities to dissipate, we can better recognize that which genuinely nourishes us and gives us true, lasting pleasure and fulfillment.
Neutral is a very good and blessed place to be.
Namaskar (which means, the Divine in me recognizes the Divine in You)
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Family Movie: "Hugo"
Sunday, June 30th
Following Potluck (about 12:15)
Welcome to a magical world of spectacular adventure! When wily and resourceful Hugo discovers a secret left by his father, he unlocks a mystery and embarks on a quest that will transform those around him and lead to a safe and loving place he can call home. There is no charge for this excellent family-friendly film, which is rated PG, and runs slightly over two hours.
Sunday, June 30th, 11:30am
Most of you know that we've been having monthly potlucks since our inception. Bring your favorite dish (home-made or store-bought!) to share on the last Sunday of each month. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy all of the others in our spiritual community, catching up with old friends and making new ones.
UPCOMING CLASSES:
Rev. Nita will facilitate two classes starting the first week of July. All of our classes are open to everyone, and both of the following classes are required for those seeking credentialing as Unity leaders. There is no charge for Spiritual Education and Enrichment (SEE) classes at Unity Spiritual Center of Peace. Textbooks are highly recommended and may be obtained at class or from your favorite online bookseller; a few library copies may be available. (A love offering will be blessed, and for those seeking Unity credentialing, a $36.00 registration fee is required for Unity Institute credit).
(SEE Class) PROSPERITY
Wednesdays 10:30 - 12:30pm,
July 3, 2013 - July 31, 2013
Prosperity is based on a combined study of Charles Fillmore's book, Prosperity, and Eric Butterworth's Spiritual Economics. In our study, we will compare and contrast the ideas of these two great teachers: substance, the activity of mind, faith, visualization, what it means to develop a giving consciousness, the truth about money and how to replace a consciousness of lack with a lasting consciousness of abundance. As we study each concept, we will explore ways to use those ideas in our daily lives. There are two required texts: Prosperity by Charles Fillmore and Spiritual Economics by Eric Butterworth. (An electronic version of "Prosperity" is available at no charge- request a copy via email.)
(SEE Class) METAPHYSICS (Part 1, Sec.1)
Saturdays, 10:00am - 12:00pm
July 6, 2013 - August 3, 2013
During this course you will explore some of the fundamental Principles of Spiritual Law and how they can be applied to your life for greater love, health, and prosperity. By studying the quotes of prominent Unity writers, as well as specific metaphysical and theological views and commentary presented in our required text, Heart-centered Metaphysics, you will be encouraged to awaken your awareness and understanding of spiritual Truth. Through the consistent use of these practical principles, you will realize more of your spiritual potential and find that your life is transformed.
WORKSHOP: UNLEARNING RACISM
Wednesday, July 24, 1:00pm - 5:00pm (Free)
One of our Core Values is "Acceptance". As our community grows and more and more folks find us, this seems like a good time in our history to look at our feelings and beliefs around diversity. This workshop provides a forum to discover conscious & unconscious ways racism impacts our lives, regardless of what we look like. During the four-hour workshop, individuals view the film The Color of Fear and participate in small and large group facilitated discussions. The program is designed to encourage meaningful dialogue and offers opportunities to create individual action plans Please join us for this important dialogue and step toward greater awareness, understanding and meaningful action.
The Color of Fear is an insightful, groundbreaking film about the state of race relations in America as seen through the eyes of eight North American men of Asian, European, Latino and African descent. In a series of intelligent, emotional and dramatic confrontations the men reveal the pain and scars that racism has caused them. What emerges is a deeper sense of understanding and trust. This is the dialogue most of us fear, but hope will happen sometime in our lifetime. (1994, 90 minutes)
SAVE THE DATE: CALL TO ARTISTS AND VOLUNTEERS
Fall Arts/ Crafts and Kid's Fun Festival
Saturday, Oct. 19th.
Anyone who is interested in helping out or those who have arts and crafts they may want to display for sale are invited to participate. Email us
and we'll put you in touch with the coordinator of this event, Cheryl Perry. Keep an eye out for more information to come!
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. We provide professionally trained and screened childcare for those ages 0-3, so that you may enjoy attending service while knowing that your little ones are well cared-for.
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