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When we travel our spiritual journey, it seems there's a tendency for us to think we're doing this spiritual work because we're not good enough as we are. That we have to "fix" all of the things that are "wrong" with us. We seem to have the belief that there is something called "perfect Spiritual Being having a human experience", and that we must become that perfect expression. That there is a "good" way to live life and a "bad" way to live life, and if I am behaving badly then I must be bad.
I have certainly thought this for much of my life. If only... I wasn't so judgmental... could maintain a perfect body weight ... was better at math... wasn't so bossy... could more playfully join in at Halloween... You get the picture. For most of my life, I've maintained a very meticulous inventory of my own shortcomings, quite certain that with enough work, I'll be able to check off each one, and, Tah Dah! That will surely be the day of my enlightenment!
Maybe, but I've come to doubt it. As I've lived more and more with the wisdom shared by those who have walked this fully human-Fully Divine path before us, I no longer think this is really what the journey is about, and I REALLY don't believe it was the message of our Master Teacher, Jesus.
Yes- it is important that we be honest about our behaviors and the effects they have on our lives and the lives of those around us. If I am judgmental, I will experience the consequences of being judgmental. If I am bossy, I will experience the frustration and pushback which that behavior creates. There is, however, a huge difference between wishing to develop beneficial life skills and accepting the shame which comes with believing that I am bad.
Jesus said we are the Light of the world! He reminded us that Hebrew scriptures tell us we are gods. He said that the Kingdom of the Heavens is within us. His reassurances were not placed in some far-off future, or given with conditions of remediation. He told us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. To forgive, bless, and pray for our enemies. To resist not evil.
When we look at the Bible metaphysically, everyone, everything and every situation is symbolic of something within our own consciousness. Our neighbor is that within us which feels separate, so we must love those aspects of our self which seem unlovable. Our enemies are those thoughts which keep us in darkness and acting in ways which are contradictory to our highest good. So we must forgive those thoughts. We must "give" Truth "for" error and bless ourselves for our willingness to recognize that the darkness is only a mistake in our understanding. When we look at the oh-so-detailed inventory of "bad" stuff we think we need to "fix", we must be gentle. Fighting and struggling against those things we think are "wrong" is surely resisting evil, as well as inviting it to persist!
For this Halloween, why not be a compassionate friend to yourself? Wish yourself well. Thank yourself for doing the brave work of looking at your life and being willing to put one foot in front of the other along this journey of ever-increasing awareness. Allow your inventory of shortcomings to become like breadcrumbs marking the path to fuller understanding. Recognize that we are all in this together, and that developing tolerance for our own stumbling helps develop tolerance for others' stumbling. You are just exactly perfect as you are. You do not need to become anything other than What you already are: Whole and Divine.
On this Halloween, and on each of the days to come, remove the mask you have worn which has appeared to be less-than-okay, and allow your True Self to shine. Jesus said you are the Light of the world. YOU - as you are, right here, right now. YOU are in just the perfect place to learn the absolute perfect lessons for your life to unfold in the most wonderfully perfect manner. YOU are the Light of the world, right here and right now!
The Light I AM recognizes, blesses, and honors the Light You Are-
Namaskar- Rev. Nita
 DAVID ROTH in CONCERT!
Nov. 3rd
10:30am - Sunday Service
1:00pm - Concert - $15.00 (suggested- no one turned away)
Tickets available online now. (They make great early Christmas gifts!)
We sing David's song, "This is the Year" as one of our anthems, and are very happy to announce that he'll be joining us for Sunday service and a concert. Mark your calendar, and stay tuned for details!Visit David's website!
" David and his music will touch you to the very depths of your soul. He'll make you laugh and cry, inspire you to rise and fly..." Jack Canfield, co-author, Chicken Soup for the Soul
"David has reached our hearts. With voices like his still singing, there's a certainty that the candle will remain lit, the hope reasserted and the dream still sung..." Peter Yarrow (Peter, Paul, & Mary)
WORD OUT ABOUT DAVID'S VISIT
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 "Loving our troops one card at a time." When: November 17th, 2013
Time: 12:30 pm (directly after our worship service)
Where: Unity Spiritual Center of Peace Pizza and refreshments will be provided, as well as all the supplies needed to make beautiful and creative cards to send to the troops.For more information about Operation Christmas Cards please visit their website. Thanksgiving Day Potluck
When: Thanksgiving Day, November 28th, at 1:00 pm
Come join us for an afternoon Thanksgiving Day potluck.
We will be enjoying food, fun and fellowship.
Please bring a favorite dish to share with us as we celebrate this special holiday together. We will have turkey and rolls and whatever else everyone brings. We know it will be the perfect mix for our holiday feast.
We also are planning to play games afterwards so if you have a favorite game you like to play please bring it in as well! Respond to this email if you've got questions. We look forward to celebrating this holiday with you. No RSVP necessary.
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Spiritual Enrichment Classes- Drop In Anytime!
Metaphysics- (No prerequisites!)
Wednesdays, through 11/1310:30am-12:30pm OR 6:30-8:30pm
We've been having such a good time talking metaphysics we're just going to keep going! The Quest for Wholeness Saturdays, through 11/16, 10:00am - 12:00noon What is "Wholeness", and how do you get it? We talk a lot about wholeness, healing, Oneness, aligning ourselves with Spirit, and in this class we'll look at all of this. Additionally, we'll begin doing the spiritual work of bringing ourselves into living more and more from this state of Wholeness.
Develop your Super Brain!
Fridays, 2:00pm
Barbara Richman, LUT, is organizing a study group which will focus on healthy habits and practices which support maintaining (and reclaiming!) well-functioning brains. The series, based on the PBS program "Super Brain" will include DVDs featuring Deepak Chopra and Harvard medical school professor, Dr. Rudy Tanzi. Contact Barbara at 760-4906 if you have questions.
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. 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.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
There are many things which need to get done here in our center, and Susan Smith is working to make it easier for you to become involved. Please check at the information table to see what might be fun for you to do.
INTERFAITH COMMUNITY SERVICES (ICS) RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES
To volunteer through our affiliation with Interfaith Community Services, you can contact, Sandi Brickley, ICS Volunteer Resources Manager, either by phone at 520-297-2738 ext. 217 or at their website
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If You Could Benefit from ICS resources, referrals are available
Interfaith Community Services provides a wide range of services for seniors, disabled individuals and people in financial needs. Please contact Susan Smith or Rev. Nita with questions about ICS services. Contact Susan via email.
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