Who Do You See?

The Edge of the Forest

I sat on my porch this morning and watched the sun come up. As it rose higher, pools of sparkling sunlight broke through the tree line and danced on the wet grass, the flowers and tree limbs swaying in the breeze. I am surrounded, circled by the woods this Memorial Day morning.

As I sat in silence, observing the wildlife… the big owl, the deer, the fox that thinks I can’t see him, the groundhog that ambles from under the front steps… a story comes to my mind. It is a piece of guided imagery I used during a recent workshop based on the story of the boy King Arthur and the Sword in the Stone by T. H. White.

The wizard Merlin, tutoring Arthur, schooled the boy in understanding and wisdom by turning him into various creatures… a badger, a goose, an ant, a falcon. When the time came for the assembled knights to try and pull the sword from the stone there was great noise and hoopla… and they all failed. When the circle cleared and Arthur wrapped his hands around the hilt of the sword, his experience was the same. Alone on the rock he grunted, sweat dripping from his brow. And then he paused, breathing slowly, his eyes sweeping the now empty clearing. What was that? Movement at the edge of the forest… and as his eyes adjusted to the shadows among the trees he saw them. They were there… the badger, the falcon, all those from whom he had learned. All those who had nurtured him, taught him. “As he greeted them with his eyes, he opened again to the powers he perceived in each of them – the industry, the cunning, the quick boldness, the perseverance… and knowing they were with him he turned back to the stone and, breathing easy, drew out the sword, as smooth as the knife from butter.”

Remembering

This Memorial Day I am remembering those who have taught me, given me love and seen things in me that I couldn’t see in myself. From my grandfather who served his country and never spoke of it… his gentle strength encouraged me… to the uncles who served with integrity and honor. The strong women in my family, my Mother raising four kids after my Father died from cancer… working two jobs to keep things going. The teachers, Mrs. Holbert, Mrs. Houseal, who saw something in that skinny, shy kid all those years ago… encouraging me to find my voice. The ministers, mentors and colleagues who challenged me to become. And the friends… who shared the laughter, the support, the tears, and the triumphs. I see them all in the edge of my forest and today I honor them with my love and a heartfelt thank you. I know they are with me still.

Who do you see?

Unity Institute Seminary Sunday… Planting Seeds

Seeds of Consciousness!

A ministerial education at Unity Institute is about spiritual formation… it is a journey in consciousness. And our Unity congregations, ministers, and teachers are gardeners of consciousness. Seminary Sunday is a program designed to help us all become more conscious gardeners! We all can help shape and support the future leaders of the Unity movement.

“I hope to bring a sense of excitement for knowledge and hunger for spiritual Truth to my work as a minister. I believe that my passion for spiritual principles, my love of Unity and my commitment to self-awareness will be an inspiration to many to join our quest to change the world one consciousness at a time.”—Ken Daigle, Unity Institute Ministerial Student

Learn More About Seminary Sunday…

In June, Unity Christ Church in Golden Valley, Minnesota, held the first Unity Seminary Sunday—a new initiative designed to raise awareness about Unity Institute—the educational “arm” of Unity’s world headquarters. This outreach campaign is aimed at sharing the Institute’s mission with church congregants around the country and raising funds to support educational programs for current and future Unity ministerial students….

Read more about Seminary Sunday!

I’m Here to Remind You…

…Of your magnificence.

These words are from a favorite song by my friend Rev. David Ault. I consider them part of my job description as Admissions Rep for Unity Institute.

SEE Your Way!

We are in the midst of three weeks of Spiritual Education and Enrichment (SEE) classes here at Unity Village. Students from across the country have come for a week or two of classes. Budding metaphysicians, teachers, ministers, and scholars seeking to grow in consciousness huddle in the Inn, the Library, or the bookstore deep in conversation… discussing this idea, turning it over, trying it on. Their energy and excitement are palpable.

Much of my job deals with the logistics of enrollment… helping prospective ministerial students understand the process, the prerequisites for application. We tour student housing, talk finances, challenges, and frustrations. Two or perhaps three years in residence seems like a lifetime to be away from family… it is a huge commitment to leave a previous career, home, friends, spiritual community. It is a big commitment of time, talent, and treasure. And for what?

To be of service. To walk the path to ministry. To become a Unity minister. And I get to be a witness to all of this magnificence.

Popcorn Anyone?

This weekend at Unity of Overland Park, Rev. Eileen Stulak used the fitting metaphor of popcorn to describe spiritual growth and understanding. She reminded us of how it was when we first experienced those kernels of spiritual wisdom. It’s as if the idea or a deeper understanding “popped”! Then another pop, another idea and another as we grew in consciousness! This week I have felt like I was inside a theater popcorn machine… watching the kernels pop all around me. These students all exhibit the passion, the purpose, the open minds and hearts, that they will need on this journey.

It has been my joy to sit this week with several people as they talked of their calling with growing clarity and awe. Not sure of how or when… but each with that deep inner knowing that this is theirs to do. And I realized at some point this week that they are here to remind me. Of why I am here… doing what I do. And yes, to remind me of my own magnificence.

I’m here to remind you of your magnificence,

To help you awake to all the wonder that you are…

I long to show you all the joy you’re worthy of

I’m here to remind you how much you’re truly loved.

By David Ault