This week we begin our fall book study. Our book this year is the unthered soul by Michael Singer. As we begin our journey together we begin to understand our tendency to allow the inner dialogue constantly running through our head to convince us it is our truth. However, you are not your thoughts. You are not the voice in your head. We must learn to be the observer of our thoughts instead of getting lost in them. The inner realm is a dream, an alternative environment, which you have control of. You gain freedom by becoming the observer of your inner thoughts. I am in the world not of the world.
To be authentic with others and maintain honest relationships we must first learn to be honest with ourselves. But Singer asks "what self are we being honest with." This is not as easy as it seems. When we become aware of the voices, beliefs, and ideas that seemingly float in and out of our consciousness we discover there seems to be a variety of selves all trying to co-exist in our mind. Our journey is to discover who the true self is and not try to control the other voices but to become an observer of the voices. To become aware that the life we are presently living is a dream. Like Plato's allegory of the person in the cave seeing only a shadow of life on the wall. The world we see and, currently, live in is only a reflection of the true world, the world of awakened consciousness.
Sign-up sheets for home study groups are available in the social room outside the chapel. Books are available for purchase in the social room as well. Plan to attend and participate in this powerful study. The work is enlightening and the home study groups are a great way to deepen your relationships and connections to others. Rev Ray will start the series off speaking on the topic life is a dream. Gwen Moser, our LUT, will lead the meditation and John Gage will provide the special music. I happen to know that Phil Crowther has selected a very special song for our opening congregational song. You won't want to be late.
Rev. Ray Nelson
Senior Minister
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