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Most of us learned when we were young that right to vote is a privilege which carries with it the obligation to be informed citizens and to exercise that privilege responsibly. Since each thought is a moment in consciousness in which we choose the nature of our life experience, we can think of each thought as our "vote" for the state of consciousness we experience. Since our thoughts not only affect us individually, but contribute to the nature of the collective human experience, each thought is also a "vote" for the state of consciousness of the collective human consciousness. Are you exercising that right of freedom responsibly?
Each thought represents your contribution in consciousness to the whole. With each thought we make a claim - a vote - for good or for something-other-than-good. If we watch TV, see what is shown, and think, "That's terrible! What is the world coming to?!" we are adding our vote to doubt and worry. If we watch the news and begin a rant based on the apparently-pervasive nature of violence in the world, we are adding our vote for the belief in the pervasive nature of violence in the world.
Each thought is an opportunity for us to name the experience of Life. This is the dominion given to us in the creation story. The names we choose reflect our beliefs, and as we believe, it is done. Every negative thought is a vote for the belief in and creation of a negative life experience for us individually and collectively. Every positive thought is a vote for the belief in and creation of a positive experience. Since we are One, whatever affects one of us affects all of us. In other words, as singer-songwriter Tom Kimmel shares so beautifully in his song, "No one gets to Heaven, if anybody else is left behind."
It's hard enough for us to keep our own thoughts in line. How are we supposed to make sure no one is left behind?
One thought at a time. Observe and accept responsibility for your own contribution to the collective Whole. Commit a portion of each day to practice. Our "normal" human tendency is to allow our thoughts to simply ramble on, one after the other. Then, we follow along, blindly believing our thoughts. That would be fine if our thoughts were always centered in the One Divine Mind, but they aren't! Our thoughts are mostly the reactive nature of the human ego, thinking up ways to stay safe from what it perceives as the danger-filled world in which we live.
Left to its own devices, the human mind acts like a hamster, running on an endless wheel of same fears, same thoughts, same reactions. We have to actually work to cultivate the ability to short-circuit the habitual behavior. This is what meditation is for: it is a time to stop, to breathe, to be aware and notice what actually is. To step off the wheel of worry and fear about what was or what might be, and actually become aware of what is. When we pause and learn to see clearly, we can begin to notice when our thinking is out of alignment with what we know to be Truth, and we can make changes. We cannot change until we see.
When we learn to see with eyes that recognize unproductive thought, we can adjust. If I catch myself ranting about the state of politics, I can choose to align my thoughts with the chaos and confusion, or I can choose to focus on the ability to be wise which is within each of us. Which actually helps to bring about positive results? I get to choose. I can choose to "vote" for chaos and conflict, or "vote" for wisdom.
When I see that there has been an act of violence, I can focus on the hatred and violence, or I can shift my focus to the Love that God - Spirit - Divine Mind is. I can breathe and hold these brothers and sisters in my heart with compassion, or I can become another angry "vote" calling for vengeance. Which thought, which "vote" will actually cultivate positive change?
Through practice, through willingness, through learning to shift from fear to peace, we can change the balance of world power. World power is not actually held by the men and women we see on the news each day. True world power is held in consciousness by each and every one of us, and we exercise that power through our thoughts.
Each thought is a moment in consciousness in which we get to choose the name and the nature of Life on earth. I choose Good. I choose Love. I choose Wisdom. I choose compassion. I choose Peace.
Blessings and Namaskar (the Divine within me blesses and honors the Divine within you)
  
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Sharing Our Stories
Sunday, January 31, 11:30 (During Potluck)
If you would like to join in a conversation about how Spirit works in our lives, please be sure and join us during Potluck lunch on Jan. 31st when we will be sharing real-life stories that demonstrate the power of the Divine.
If you'd like more information, just reply to this email and your questions will be forwarded to Barbara McLawhorn, LUT.
Spiritual Education class: Breaking (Unscrambling) the Ten Commandments, Thursdays, Feb. 4 - March 3,
9:00 - 11:00am (love offering) Participants will explore one of Eric Butterworth's most intriguing books. Butterworth suggests it is time to "break" the Ten Commandments and live from them rather than by them. Learn to unscramble the Ten Commandments and unlock the deeper, metaphysical meanings. Sue Nyhus, LUT Cand.will facilitate the class.
Spiritual Education class: Keep a True Lent
Wednesdays, Feb. 10 - Mar. 9,
10:30 - 12:30pm (love offering) Probably the clearest and most accessible of Unity co-founder, Charles Fillmore's books, Keep a True Lent not only defines and explains many New Thought concepts, but provides a daily practice of transformation. Rev. Nita will facilitate the class, which may be taken for Unity Institute elective credit. A limited number of books will be available in class, or may be obtained through your favorite online bookseller.
Aviva Children's Services - Bags For Kids
Saturday, February 13, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Because Every Child Matters -Aviva provides services that improve the quality of life for children who are victims of neglect, abuse and poverty and who are in the care of Child Protective Services. We'll be making duffle bags for the children Aviva provides services to. Come spend the day with us and/or drop in for an hour or two! No sewing or other experience is necessary, and we've got lots of different things that need to be done. Please download the flyer for complete information!
Celebrate your Valentine at a
Re-commitment of Vows Ceremony for all couples
Sunday, February 14, 2016, 12:00 noon, after Sunday services.
Please reply to this email to RSVP, and you'll be connected to one of our Licensed Unity Teacher Candidates, Lynne Booth and Sue Nyhus.
Annual Membership Meeting and Leadership Council Service Opportunity
Our annual meeting will be on Sunday, Feb. 28 at 12:00pm
Please plan to attend. If you are already a member, attend regularly, and are interested in becoming more involved in leadership, please speak to Nita or any current Leadership Council member.
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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