"Who would you be without your story?"

Byron Katie

Where have you heard that before? This is a great question to help us move beyond our self-created limitations. Brene Brown says in her book, Daring Greatly, that as children we found ways to protect ourselves from vulnerability, from being hurt, diminished, and disappointed. We put on armor; we used our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors as weapons; and we learned how to make ourselves scarce, even to disappear. Now as adults we realize that to live with courage, purpose, and connection...to be the person whom we long to be...we must again be vulnerable. We must take off the armor, put down the weapons, show up, and let ourselves be seen.

She further states that the word persona is the Greek term for "stage mask." Masks and armor are perfect metaphors for how we protect ourselves from the discomfort of vulnerability. Masks make us feel safer even when they become suffocating. Armor makes us feel stronger even when we grow weary from dragging the extra weight around. The irony is that when we're standing across from someone who is hidden or shielded by masks and armor, we feel frustrated and disconnected. She says that's the real paradox: Vulnerability is the last thing I want you to see in me, but the first thing I look for in you.

Join us this Sunday as we continue to uncover all the ways in which we've been hiding out. It's time to unsuit....take off the masks and armor and get into the game of life. The world is waiting for your unique gifts and talents. No one can deliver them like you....you and you alone have been created for this purpose and the time is now!

Rev. Karen Wylie  

Symphony of Life Spiritual Cinema Night 

Coming up on Friday, April 26, at 7:00, we will be screening A Small Act, an award-winning documentary on the life-changing consequences of one women's generosity.  

A Small Act tells the true story of a child in rural Kenya whose school fees were paid by a Swedish woman he had never met. When the child grows up to become a human rights lawyer, he decides to search for the woman who made his education possible and from there, the story evolves. The film won numerous awards in 2010, including the 2010 Humanitas Prize for Documentaries, and was an Official Selection at Sundance. The late Roger Ebert, film critic for the Chicago Sun Times, named it his top documentary pick of 2010.

A discussion will follow the screening, led by Peggie Williamson, a local artist who started her own "small act" of generosity after a trip to Tanzania in 2009. The nonprofit she created, "Wishworks International," now supports eight basketmakers and six Tanzanian schools.

This event is by donation ($5-10 suggested although no one is turned away for lack of funds). Casa de la Luna, where the film is shown, is located at 710 La Luna Avenue here in Ojai. There is parking on the property.  

Symphony of Life Book Club

Our next Symphony of Life Book Club meeting will be held on Friday, May 3, at 7:00 p.m. We will be discussing our current book selection, A Fine Balance, by Rohinton Mistry, and choosing a new book for the month of June. 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.

Old-Fashioned Homemade Bake Sale 

Below are some pictures of our recent Symphony of Life old-fashioned homemade bake sale. Fortunately, the rain stopped so we could "hawk our wares," (pun intended.) Once we got into the swing of things, it turned out to be lots of fun!

Mother's Day Brunch

After service on Sunday, May 12, 2013, the Symphony of Life will be having a Mother's Day Brunch at Eggs & Potatoes Restaurant here in Ojai. All are invited to join in as we celebrate mothers everywhere!

Symphony of Life First Annual Spring Dance

and Talent Show 

Save the date! On Saturday night, May 18, 7:30 to 11:00 PM, the Symphony of Life is having its First Annual Spring Dance and Talent Show complete with live music (a great band), a drawing, refreshments, lots of fun, joy and creativity! Get down with SOuL! It will be held at the Ojai Woman's Center, 441 E. Ojai Avenue. Admission is $15. Regarding our Talent Show, this is your opportunity to show us what you've got! Tessie Goddard has been designated as our Talent Scout. You will need to contact Tessie at (805) 640-0652 if you would like to be considered for the Talent Show. This event is a fund-raiser for the Symphony of Life, so please invite your friends. Everyone is welcome! If you love to dance or if you have a talent you've been waiting to share, this night is for you! Check out the flyer below.

Rev. Karen Wylie and Suzi Kesler Lula on Retreat

Below are some pictures from the wonderful day-long retreat led by Rev. Karen and Suzi at La Casa de Maria in Santa Barbara. It was a fulfilling experience for both the facilitators and participants alike. We were grateful to be doing sacred work on such sacred grounds.

New YouTube Video 

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