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!

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