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"Continued practice of mindful awareness combined with an attitude of nonjudgmental acceptance will eventually dissolve all resistance in consciousness." Rev. Robt. Brumet,
"Finding Yourself in Transition"
Continued practice of mindful awareness...
I've been living with this statement for the past few years. I have it written on index cards to use as bookmarks. I printed it on fluorescent paper and taped it to my desk. I've had it filling the 6-foot whiteboard on my office wall. From the moment I first read these words, I knew they were important, and I didn't have a clue how to integrate them into my life. The good news is that, by keeping them in front of me, they've become more useful and helpful.
At this time, my intentional practice of mindful awareness is primarily focused on my tendency to default to annoyance and/or resentment when things do not go my way. I find myself triggered by everything from legal hassles with former employees, to peeling an orange which turns out to be dry and tasteless, and on to the fact that "Jeopardy" was preempted, or the fact that - after more than five years - the toilet at church still doesn't flush properly.
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The oh-so-obvious fact is that I cannot control any of these things. I can offer my opinion and state my desires. I can do other things which might (or might not) resolve the situation to my satisfaction, but none of these circumstances are going to change just because I don't like them.
...combined with an attitude of nonjudgmental acceptance...
In "The New Earth", Eckhart Tolle advises that if we truly wish to live in the kingdom of Heaven on Earth, we must do all that we do in one of three states of consciousness: acceptance, enjoyment, or enthusiasm. There are many things we do which excite us, and for which we have great enthusiasm. I absolutely LOVE to teach SEE classes! (and, "Finding Yourself in Transition starts tonight!)
There are other things I do which I genuinely enjoy: my mornings of quiet and solitude, sitting in stillness, reading, writing, meditating, and so on. I am truly nourished and replenished by these activities. I enjoy watching movies with my husband, as well as sitting on my patio watching the quail and the hummingbirds. The opportunity to stare at the ocean always reminds me of our Oneness, my inter-connectedness to ALL beings.
And, I accept that laundry must be done, the tires on my car must be rotated, and taxes must be paid. I don't necessarily enjoy those things or have any enthusiasm for them, but I certainly understand and accept the need for them to be done. If I am anything, I am a person who does what must be done.
But... surely I'm not really expected to accept having to listen to the loud, soul-jarring rap music coming from the car next to me while stuck in traffic? How could anyone NOT be annoyed and resentful from having to sit through something like that?
...will eventually dissolve all resistance in consciousness."
What does all of this look like in day-to-day practice? I do my best to recognize when I am triggered. When I can catch myself, I pause, I breathe, I remind myself that "this too shall pass", and the less I resist, the sooner it will pass. When I react before recognizing I'm acting from my tendency to be triggered, I do my best to disengage as soon as I can. Sometimes this means to just stop talking: "I guess I'm just going to shut up now." And then, I have to really stop. Sometimes I have to apologize. Sometimes just knowing I "should" apologize, triggers a whole new round of resentment! I remind myself that I am doing the best I can, and I forgive myself as soon as I can.
I know that within the Infinite Field of all potential and possibility, peace is always possible. Even when I'm stuck in traffic construction listening to rap music booming from the next car. Even when the whole bag of oranges is dry and tasteless, and Jeopardy is preempted. Even in those moments, I could choose to know the peace of nonresistance.
Blessings and namaskar (the Divine within me blesses and honors the Divine within you)
 
Mark your calendar for our Good Friday service, April 3rd at 5:00pm,
and our Easter White Stone ceremony on Sunday, April 5th at 10:30 am.
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The mission of NAMI Southern Arizona is to improve the quality of life for those affected by mental illness including individuals, family members and the community at large by providing education, advocacy and support that is high quality, recovery oriented, and culturally sensitive organization. This will be our third year having a Unity Spiritual Center of Peace team at this walk. Please plan on joining us! If you'd like more information, just reply to this email. Please visit our team webpage to make a donation, join our team and/or find out additional team information
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New Classes
All classes are offered on a love offering basis, and EVERYONE is welcome to attend. Come get to know your fellow travelers along the spiritual journey! All of these classes will be facilitated by Rev. Nita. Hit the reply button if you've got questions. -
The Christ.Wednesdays,3/25-4/22, 10:30am-12:30pm
What is it, really, that we're talking about when we refer to "The Christ"? Together, we take a gentle journey into the meaning of "being the Christ we already are". Texts will be provided for use in class. (Required for credentialing.)
- Finding Yourself in Transition. Thursdays, 3/26-4/23, 6:30-8:30pm Based on the book by Rev. Robt. Brumet (a few copies are available at class). If you are having a human experience, you are always in transition. We'll explore how the classic "Hero's Journey" is actually YOUR journey, and what to do to manage it more optimally. (SEE elective credit available).
- The Sermon on the Mount. Saturdays, 3/28-4/25, 9:30-11:30am TEXT: The Sermon on the Mount, by Emmet Fox. Many of us have "Bible issues". This loving look at the teachings of Jesus may help you to begin finding the wisdom contained in the book Dr. Fox called "Our Story." (SEE elective credit available).
CLICK HERE for our full class schedule.
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Ben's Bells Group Experience, May 2nd
Free of charge; sign up by March 29th, either at our Information table, or you can reply to this email to let us know you want to join us!
Ben's Bells are beautiful, ceramic wind chimes, handmade by the community. By the time one Ben's Bell is complete, at least 10 people have been involved in its creation. Ben's Bells are hung randomly throughout the community, in public spaces, for people to find and take home as a reminder to practice intentional kindness. The mission of Ben's Bells is to inspire, educate, and motivate each other to realize the impact of intentional kindness and to empower individuals to act according to that awareness, thereby strengthening ourselves, our relationships and our communities. Visit their website
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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
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