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Bringing Love Into Being
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The word "Advent" means to come into being. This is a time of preparation for the ever-increasing awareness of the Christ within each of us, and our focus this week is Love. We all know we should love. We all know we want to be loved. How exactly do we go about bringing love into being in our own lives?
A useful place to begin is through cultivating the "impersonal" aspect of Love. Personal human love can get confusing. If we just try to "love everyone" we quickly get caught up in mental games around "yeah, but..." and begin categorizing all sorts of exceptions to loving everyone. What about the boss who is a jerk? How about the demanding, bitter family member, the public figure caught up in lies and scandal, or the murderer? For now, let's just set the whole difficult concept of personal love aside.
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Recognize that you don't need anyone or anything external to yourself to be a radiating center of Love. No matter how strange this may sound, it is true. As an expression of the Source we might call God, you already are everything that Divine Source is. The Revealing Word, our Unity glossary, states: "Love is the pure essence of Being that binds together the whole human family."
You already are the pure essence of being. You cannot NOT be that. Neither can anyone else. As humans with free will, we can choose to behave as though this is not true, but our human choices do not invalidate Truth. For example, I may decide to behave as though gravity does not exist. However, whether I choose to believe in gravity or not, the results will still be disastrous if I step off the edge of the Grand Canyon.
Since we already are that pure essence of Being, our work is not complicated: it is to behave in a manner consistent with our essence. The Revealing Word continues: "Love is an inner quality that sees good in everything and in everybody." We begin our work by training ourselves to look for that Good, which is always present. At first, you may need to acknowledge that your human ego is still too active to accomplish this goal. That's okay. If you look at someone and can't see the good within them, just claim willingness. Your inner dialogue might go something like this: "I don't know... it's supposed to be there... it might be there... I sure can't see it! But okay, I guess I'm willing... for all the good that does." That simple willingness will work wonders when affirmed day after day.
Be still for a moment and remember that each one of us began this human journey as a helpless newborn baby. At one point each of us looked at the world with eyes of wonder. It would probably be easier if everyone always wore a button with a picture of themselves as a baby. The pure essence of being which shined so brightly when we were younger is still there. It's just been covered up by years of pain, loss, disappointment, and poor choices.
Sometimes, it's easier to transform our thoughts about others if we start with strangers. Go for a walk and silently bless everyone you see. Imagine what they looked like as a newborn baby and acknowledge their inner Light. The same Life which flows in and through you flows in and through them. They are also the Light of the Universe expressing.
At some point during your walk, a thought or sight will distract you. When you realize this has happened, think of the precious newborn you once were. Or think of your own child or of their child, or your favorite pet. Remember the pure essence of Love within you. As part of your preparation for the spiritual adventure you find yourself having, cultivate the ability to see good everywhere and in everybody. It's a skill you can cultivate; no matter how "badly" your human ego says you did at our first little exercise. Once upon a time you did not know how to drive, or ride a bike, or even sign your name. You did not know how to walk or talk or even how to use a toilet. You managed to learn all of these things, and you can learn to do this.
Pause, breathe, and recognize your own infinite potential. Train yourself to see good in everything and in everybody. Bring the Love you are into expression. This is a wise choice.
REMEMBER YOUR TOOLS!
PAUSE: Mostly, we live in our heads. Invest a moment to pause and shift your focus to your heart area. Imagine that your heart is actually breathing.
ASK: Have you ever acted based on a false assumption? Could your inability to see good in everyone and everything also be based on a false assumption?
RELEASE: Consider something you just don't like. Are you willing to release this prior judgment and look again?
BE: Think about your day-to-day routine. Pick one simple thing - maybe laundry - and BE the essence of pure love as your perform that task.
CONTINUE: During your time of daily stillness, just focus on your heart, and think of something or someone for whom you have uncomplicated affection. Maybe your first pet, or a newborn grandchild. Allow yourself to simply feel this affection.
DO: Continue doing something you enjoy. Even 15 minutes is good.
REST:Allow yourself to take a 10 minute break every couple of hours.
Namaskar-- the divine within me recognizes and honors the divine within you!
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Upcoming Events:
December Outreach:
Our Sunday School students are coordinating our monthly outreach, which will focus on Heifer, International. Bring in your pennies, nickels, dimes, dollars, and checks to help our kids help others, who in turn pass along the good they receive by sharing. Visit Heifer's website to learn more.
December 14 Gino Walker is returning for her annual visit! This New Thought musical artist is also a wonderful teacher and speaker. For a preview, visit Gino's website. Don't miss this special service, 12/14/14 at 10:30am December 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 6:00pm
Come experience this dual celebration as we honor the birth of the man, Jesus, who exemplified what it looks like to live a fully-human, fully-divine life, as well as the birth of the awareness of the Christ within each of us.
December 25
Christmas Morning Service (VERY Casual!)
10:30am
We celebrate Christmas, family-style. Wear your comfy clothes, and enjoy a very informal morning with friends.
December 25
Christmas Potluck
11:30am
Bring a dish and enjoy a good meal with friends. Feel free to bring your friends, as well!December 31 New Year's Cleansing Bowl Release Ceremony 6:00pm
We celebrate the transition to a new calendar year with prayer, meditation, and intention.
General Information:
CHILDCARE IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE DURING SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE
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, their Volunteer Coordinator, Tori Carlson, either by phone at 520-297-6049 ext. 217 or visit their website
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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