We All Want Answers…

It is so tempting to want the answers before we begin the journey. We like to know our way. We like to have maps. We like to have guides. But we are more like a breathing puzzle, a living bag of pieces, and each day shows us what a piece or two is for, where it might go, how it might fit. Over time, a picture starts to emerge by which we begin to understand our place in the world. –Mark Nepo, The Book of Awakening

We all want answers… don’t we? We want to plan things, make lists, think of every detail that might come up. We want to know how things will unfold, how we will pay for it, how long it will take. It sounds almost trite to say it, but we are too often focused on the destination at the expense of the journey. The best advice I ever got when stepping out on my journey to ministry was, “Take the next step, do the next thing.”

I spend a good bit of my time talking with people who are feeling called to a life of service. This past week in Virginia Beach for Unity’s Eastern Region conference, I had multiple conversations with people studying the “how” of things. Don’t get me wrong, we all do it. My friends will smile (or laugh out loud) and tell you I do it. What Mark’s quote has stirred for me though is relevant to us all… not just to those called to a life of ministry.

How often do we miss what might be by clutching at what we can see? How often do we settle for a lesser experience because we can see how it might happen? The question that has stayed with me this week is–How can I live in the realm of the possible? What can I let go of, what gets in my way? Plans, lists, need to know… how? Can I step out in faith to do the next thing? And like Mark says, live as a breathing puzzle-open to the piece each new day brings.

A Constant State of Becoming!

Count Basie once said, “I don’t like to write endings for my music… because music is in a constant state of becoming.”

I believe we too are in a constant state of becoming. And yet, have you ever noticed how often in our lives we write endings? Without really noticing? We seem to just accept the messages bubbling up from our subconscious mind.

We gather evidence—We notice limitations.

We begin to list lots of buts…

But I’m too old—we think.

But I can’t afford it—we think.

But I don’t have the experience—we think.

But I just don’t have the energy—we think.

But they might not approve.

But I don’t have enough time.

But, But, But, But—

Whenever you use the word but… ask yourself this. Does this But make my Thought look big?

Does this But get in the way of possibility—of becoming? If we could only see how often we give our attention to the Buts in life. How much time, energy and intention we spend gathering evidence of limitation! When we focus on the buts we hit the pause button on that “Constant State of Becoming.” Pause because—“Where we focus our thoughts—Our energy and attention flow.”

Ernest Holmes once said, “If we wish to enter into a less limited experience—We must first sacrifice our limitations!” I say lose the But and play joyfully in the constant state of becoming.

What if Now?

A Greater Vision

What if each one of us began to live our lives as if everything was possible? What if we began to live our highest potential? What would that look like for you? What would change or fall away? What would spring up from the fertile ground of your imagination?

What Would That Look Like?

Notice, I didn’t ask how things would happen, how they would unfold. The question I want you to answer is “what would that look like?” What is my highest potential, my Greater Vision?

How Would It Feel?

Once you have created that picture in your heart and mind—Then imagine what that would feel like. Allow yourself to feel the love, the celebration, the joy, the quiet satisfaction, whatever it feels like for you, go with the vibration of that feeling.

What Would You Say?

What would you say? What would it sound like? How would you share what you are feeling and experiencing with those around you? Would you do a happy dance, hug someone and excitedly share with them what was blossoming in your life? Would you laugh out loud or shout yes, yes, yes!

What Would You Do?

How would you act? Might you be more confident, smile a lot? Would you walk with a spring in your step? Do it now! Think it, feel it, say it, and do it now! That is how we live our highest potential. What if now—every one of us began to live our highest potential?

What if now—I start to be the one I’m meant to be?

What if now—I begin to shine my light?

What if today is the day I celebrate the beauty of my song?

What if now—I finally let my spirit see?

Everything would find it’s perfect place somehow

What if now?

 

By Michael Gott and Carole Maloney

 

What if now—You began to live your highest potential? What would that look like, feel like, sound like—how would you act? The time is here—do it now!

You are loved and lifted up!

Rev. Mark Fuss

PS—The lyrics above are from a wonderful new song by Rev. Michael Gott. His new album is called Amazing Things and is available on iTunes or by visiting his website www.michaelgott.com

This music changes lives—check it out!

Life is a University of Uniqueness!

Unique U.

I believe that life is a University of Uniqueness. From birth to death you are enrolled in Unique U. From the day that you arrive on campus earth you walk a self-created pathway of expanding awareness.

You get to make the choices and you get to discover your gifts and your talents. As you grow and mature, you get to choose a degree that interests you and you get to decide your purpose and direction in life.

You will choose for yourself the courses and the lab experiences that you wish to have. Just be aware that the University will add a few classes and experiences of its own choosing as well. And just in case you were wondering, most often many courses and lab experiences will precede your choice of a degree, purpose and direction for your life. Do yourself a favor and learn to live in the question.

You will choose for yourself all sorts of extra-curricular activities, things that feed your soul and put your gifts and talents to good use. Truth be told, these extra-curricular activities will help you discover, hone and develop your gifts and talents.

You will choose to do the homework or not. It is your responsibility and your choice. Just be aware, the homework will remain present in your life until you do it. Lest this sound too harsh, just know that you will always have people in your life to support and to guide you. They will show up as friends, partners, teachers, adversaries, cheerleaders, co-workers, ministers and family. They will guide you even when you would rather they didn’t.

You will graduate with honor. You will always graduate with honor from Unique University because you are uniquely you. It is in your expression, your uniqueness, that God lives. God is found in your expression, as you.

God is also the University, the beautiful campus on which you live, the buildings, the art, the classes, the learning, the knowledge, the people, the food, the love, the anger, the fear, the doubt, the pain, the worry, the family, the friends, the awakening, the light of consciousness, the smile, the laughter, the love—in everything, as everything—you’ll find God the Good. You can choose to live in that consciousness of God—of evolving, dynamic, creative Good!

Welcome to Unique U.