"Love is what we were born with. Fear is what we have learned here."

Marianne Williamson, Return to Love

At the Symphony of Life, we have been talking about love which seems to be a major topic of conversation during the month of February. I think our purpose on earth is to return to love, which is our true and inherent nature. In doing so, we have to seek and find as Rumi says all the barriers we have built up over the years that block the love we wish to express. It seems that all real love starts with self love as we can't give away what we don't have.

The invitation is to keep our hearts open even when we would like to close them. An open heart is receptive to love, able to give and receive love freely, without condition or expectation. In every relationship, we are teaching either love or fear. Marianne tells us "In loving, we learn we are lovable. In fear, we learn self-condemnation and more fear." During the rest of this month and beyond, see yourself as God sees you...lovable in every way for you are Its creation. Love and appreciate yourself, give yourself time for rest, use positive self-talk, and become your own best friend so that you can be that kind of a friend to someone else.

Our affirmation for the day: I rest in the awareness of the Unconditional Love within me.  

Peace and blessings,

To expand my own love quotient, this weekend I'm leaving for Brazil on an inward journey to see, pray and meditate with John of God. For those of you who are not familiar with John of God, he is a world-renown mystic and healer. People come from all over the world to be in his presence and receive a healing. I'm happy to say since there is only one life, you will be making the trip with me.

I'm comfortable in knowing that I'm leaving the Symphony of Life in good hands and hearts. Rev. Marilyn Miller, Rev. Susan Burrell and Rev. Will Castagna will be taking the reins in my absence. It will be my joy to share my experience when I return. In the meantime, just know that you are loved!

Volunteers of the Month for the Month of February

It is my pleasure to announce the Volunteers of the Month for February. They are Terry and Cindy Wright. They both have been volunteering for a number of years in various capacities around Ojai and at the Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center. As you know, Cindy is our resident didgeridoo player on Sunday mornings. Both Cindy and Terry frequently show up to be of service at events sponsored by the Symphony of Life, and they are usually the ones who stay until the last dish is washed or last weed is pulled. Who they are truly does make a difference! When you see them, let them know that you appreciate them.

Terry and Cindy Wright

Spiritual Cinema Tonight, February 22nd 

February's Spiritual Cinema Night will feature Opening Our Eyes, winner of the 2012 Ojai Film Festival's Enriching the Human Spirit Award. Opening Our Eyes is the story of a mother-daughter team that traveled the world to find and film stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things to make a difference in our world. The film profiles 11 people on six continents.

Doors open at 6:30 and the movie begins at 7:00 p.m. The event is by donation ($5-10 suggested; although no one is turned away for lack of funds). Casa de la Luna generously opens its doors for these community screenings and is located at 710 S. La Luna Avenue, in Ojai (between Baldwin Road and W. Lomita Avenue).

Symphony of Life Book Club 

The next meeting of the Symphony of Life Book Club is Friday, March 1st at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Peggie and Duane Williamson, 11756 N. Ventura Avenue, Ojai. We will be discussing our current book selection, A Dog's Purpose, by Bruce Cameron and choosing a new book for the month of March. You are welcome to join in at any time. If you like to read and are interested in having a stimulating conversation about the books you read, you'll enjoy this group. Dessert is served during the meeting. Contact Peggie Williamson, (805) 640-2450 for more information.

Mystical Mediterranean Odyssey 

June 27 - July 6, 2013

Join Rev. Karen on an amazing Mystical Mediterranean Odyssey from the holy city of Rome, Italy to Istanbul, Turkey, cities filled with architectural wonders and monuments to the faiths that inspired them. There will be morning and evening meditations, led by Rev. Karen throughout the voyage. As we go back in time, we will take our own personal inward journey in discovery of the mystical in us. Below is the flyer which contains more information. 

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