Dorothy got it right when she said “There’s no place like home!” Time at Unity Village is always a tremendous inspiration. Simply stepping onto the sacred grounds of Unity leave me awe struck. It was far too early in the year for the fountains to be on and still the grounds were beautiful. It was a first for me to see the beauty of Unity Village with a hint of snow covering. Yes, that’s right, there was snow which only means cold temperatures too! I stepped out to go to class on a nineteen degree morning.
Magical! This is the only word that describes the vision of Unity Village donned in white. As you might imagine, the full moon only added to the splendor at night. Seeing the perfectly round bright full moon hanging over the sparkling white ground was a truly picture perfect scene. Sitting fireside with classmates, enjoying enlivened conversation about ministry, rising to the challenges of our world today, and imagining those who have come before us engaged in similar conversations, only added to the magic.
Each Field Licensing Program Intensive brings great learning, new insights, and shifting of perceptions. This spring’s intensive was true to form. As we sat in classes about Policy and Procedure, Contracting, which can sometimes be underwhelming, there was insight. As we talked in our forum about being driven by “The Why” of what we do, there was a clear resonance that the “Why” is the foundation of all that we do. “The Why”, is the bedrock for our mission, vision, and our core values. Without a clear answer to why? we simply flounder along doing this or that without a true, knowing of our purpose.
When we initiate new commitments in our life, knowing that they are in harmony with “the why” of life, our happiness and contentment is enriched. When we live outside of our why, we may struggle to find that contentment and peace because we are not congruent with our truth.
The world often distracts us from our why with political banter or challenging differences of opinion. We see that in our newscasts and in casual social conversation. The world is ready and eager to disengage us from our spiritual nature and draw us into the drama of human existence. This is typically not where I choose to live life. While I do occupy this body for the time I am here, my purpose is to live more and more moments from my spiritual awareness.
Each FLP intensive serves as a grounding space, a deep reminder that my why in this world is to be the best expression of my divinity and embody the God nature, the image in which I am created. I John 4:8 says …”God is love.” To me this means, I am to be Love. Then I am to be more Love. In the face of daily challenges, I am here to be Love. In the midst of the social and political issues before us today, I am to continue to show up as Love. In family and friend dialogue, I am to be Love. Whatever arises I am to be the presence and power of Love. It sounds simple until I am called to be that every day, every encounter, ever trigger of my stuff.
So I ask, what is your “Why?” What is the reason you step into the world each day? Do you go to work to pay bills or is there more to how you spend your days? Not I, I go to my office often, I never go to work. I go to be a presence in my spiritual community that invites (or instigates) spiritual growth. Above all I have come to Love.
Speaking of Love. Saturday we conclude our first series of LET’S TALK ABOUT…. with the topic of gender identity and orientation. These conversations have been powerful and transformative. Please join us at 10:30 Saturday, March 2th. After conversation, we will enjoy lunch together.
Just like Dorothy, I’m happy to be home. I’m excited to see you Sunday and to share more of The Wisdom of The Dalai Lama. What great inspiration comes from our Buddhist teacher. You know I’m saving a seat for you because it is never the same without you!
Blessings always,