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Admitting to ourselves that we've made a poor choice, or that we're not really suited for some work we've taken on is not easy. Many of you know that my all-time favorite quote by Unity co-founder Chas. Fillmore (or pretty much anyone, for that matter), comes from "Talks on Truth":
"It is your mission to express all that you can imagine God to be... If you can imagine it is possible to God, it is also possible to you..."
With that reminder as a foundational aspiration in my life, it is very difficult for my human eogic mind to accept that sometimes things I thought were good ideas initially do not always turn out the way I imagined they would.
I've also previously shared Eckart Tolle's wise instruction that, to live effectively, we must always bring either enthusiasm, enjoyment, or acceptance to everything we do. If not, we are really working at cross purposes in our lives. With these foundational beliefs, what are we to do when the project or pathway we've entered seems to bring nothing but annoyance, frustration, and resentment?
Thomas Edison famously stated at one point in the seemingly-futile quest to bring forth some invention that he had not failed in his work; he had actually discovered several thousand things that did not work. We must be willing to re-frame our efforts. Egoic mind wants to name everything black or white, good or bad, success or failure. Live, however, is rarely so easily categorized.
Finding a point of genuine acceptance in the midst of annoyance, frustration and resentment is either next-to-impossible, or a wonderful, wide-open opportunity to really learn and practice what we claim to believe. We find- again and again- that life is choices and we determine our experience through our choices. This is also how we gain mastery of our spiritual tools. Cultivating spiritual practices on a daily basis makes it much more likely we'll remember to use them when we're caught up in our frustrating stories. Here are some tools to keep at hand:
- Stop-Pause-Breathe: these are our first-line defenses, and help short-circuit the "downward" spiral.
- Our words have power: listen to the words coming out of your mouth, as well as the thoughts in your heard. If they are not words you wish to empower, remember #1: stop-pause-breathe.
- Be aware of the stories you are telling. OH MY GOODNESS! I have discovered I seem to be very fond of telling my victim stories. With each re-telling, we are carving a deeper rut of victim-consciousness into our brains. Just STOP! If you catch yourself telling your story, yet again, STOP TALKING! Apologize to your listener, and tell them you need to just stop and move on to something else. I have become painfully, acutely aware of how invested I've become in some of my own particular stories. ARGHHHH!
- Let it go: over and over and over again. Every time you become aware, speak your denial. Follow it with the affirmation of Good. "This situation has no power to disturb the calm peace of my soul. I release myself and claim awareness of Good, which is always present. I claim the blessings present in this moment and move forward with acceptance, enjoyment, and enthusiasm."
- Practice Patience: patience is our ability to perceive circumstances from the perspective of the Christ Mind. Use your imagination to raise your vision from the details of the outer world and see instead the importance and inter-connectedness of ALL things. There is no time, space, or distance in the Christ Mind. All is One. All is Whole, All is well.
- Choose to smile and bless your efforts. You agreed to something outside of the rut and routine of your normal comfort zone. Yay, You! Apparently you haven't perfected the entire range of human behavior. At least you said "yes" to an opportunity put forth to you. Again- Yay, You! The world will never enjoy Heaven on Earth until we each choose to do things differently. Even though this may feel like a period of chaos, remember that chaos is simply a higher expression of divine Order which isn't yet visible on the human plane.
Stop-pause-breathe. Give thanks for clarity and willingness. Appreciate those in your life who still love you, even when you are telling your story for the umpteenth time. Bless yourself for your willingness.
Yay, You! (and me, and all of us...)
Blessings and Namaskar (the Divine within me blesses and honors the Divine within you)
  
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Upcoming Events and Class Schedule....
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We've Got Music...
We're partnering with our friends at Center For Spiritual Living Tucson to bring you absolutely the BEST New Thought Music available.
It's the 2nd Annual Tucson
Daniel Nahmod, Karen Drucker, and Sue Reilly Sunday, Nov. 15, 7:00pm at Donald R. Nickerson Performing Arts Center 
 It's Movie Time! Saturday, 11/21, 12:30pm "Inside Out" It's free, it's fun, it's for all ages. (Actually, it may be aimed more at adults than kids, but we hear kids like it too...) Come meet the little voices inside your head.
If you haven't seen this yet, here's your chance. If you have, come see it again. Based on actual neuroscience, this Disney/Pixar film is a charming, funny, sad, moving, exciting journey through the psyche. We've been planning this movie date for months, and have just been waiting for the video to arrive. Join us!
Classes Are in Session...
Spiritual Enrichment classes allow us to explore the principles which help us live life more optimally. These classes are offered on love offering basis and facilitated by Rev. Nita. Please speak to Nita if you're interested in learning more about credit classes or credentialing as a Unity Teacher or Minister.
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself
Wednesdays through 11/11, 10:30 - 12:30pm
Facilitator: Barbara McLawhorn, LUT
Based on Dr. Joe Dispenza's book 'Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself'. A powerful teaching that bridges the gap between Science and Spirituality. This class gives the necessary knowledge to change any aspect of one's self and teaches the step-by-step tools to apply what one learns in order to make measurable changes.
Unity Prayer
Thursdays through 11/19, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Facilitator: Rev. Nita Strauss
Metaphysics 3
Saturdays through 11/21, 9:30 - 11:30am
Facilitator: Rev. Nita Strauss
This course identifies basic, metaphysical tools for living. You'll be encouraged to investigate and use these tools to learn how to express more of your innate Divine Potential. Topics explored are: Functions of Consciousness, Thoughts/Feelings, The Word, Denials and Affirmations, Creation, and the Twelve Powers. (No pre-requisite;there are four metaphysics classes, and the numeric designation simply identifies course content) Text: Heart-Centered Metaphysics by Rev. Paul Hasselbeck (may be less expensive from us than Amazon- check with Nita if you need a copy)
 So you know... Some of our participants have breathing problems which are exacerbated by fragrances. Fragranced products can adversely affect people with allergies, asthma, migraines. Thank you for considering lessening or eliminating your fragrance use when attending classes or other events
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Support Unity Spiritual Center of Peace through AmazonSmile
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 You can help support our center every time you shop at Amazon.com just by selecting us to receive a portion of each purchase. You pay nothing extra, and we'll receive .5% of every purchase. (Please Note: When you search for us, look for Unity Spiritual Center of Peace Tucson. Thanks!)
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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 ICS, contact their Volunteer Coordinator, Tori Carlson, either by phone at 520-297-6049 ext. 217 or visit their website
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