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Don't Throw the Baby Out With the Bathwater

I love new things. New technology, new guitars (I may have a problem, I won't deny it!), new goodies to print on my 3d printer. There is something about "new" that feels like an expression of life to me. New can be quite exciting and fun! In our society I believe that we are conditioned to assume that just because something is shiny and new, it must be better. The whole smartphone industry is a great example of this--we are told that we need that new iPhone every year, even though that new iPhone isn't really doing anything new or much better than last year's iPhone. It still takes pictures, it still makes phone calls, it still browses the Internet and has tons of apps that all do various different cool things. Functionally speaking, when I look at the core things a smartphone needs to do, the iPhone of today isn't really that different than the very first iPhone. They both do the same things; maybe the new iPhone does those things better, but that original iP
Recent posts

What to say when you talk to yourself with Edward Viljoen

In the quiet moments of reflection, the words we whisper to ourselves hold immense power. These silent conversations shape our confidence, sculpt our view of the world, and influence our steps forward. Recognizing the importance of nurturing a compassionate inner dialogue, we are thrilled to invite you to our Wednesday evening service at the center. This week Edward Viljoen will delve into the spiritual significance of gently cleaning up your self-talk. Edward Viljoen, known for his insightful and accessible approach to spiritual teachings, will guide us through the process of transforming our internal monologue. He brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the power of words. His message is clear: the way we converse with ourselves not only impacts our internal state but also reflects in our external world. Why does this matter? Our self-talk is often a mirror reflecting our deepest beliefs about ourselves and our place in the universe. Critical or harsh self-dialogue

Keeping a Weather Eye

  Meditation and affirmative prayer--these are all fantastic spiritual practices that can lead to incredible growth in our lives. But what do we do when we find these practices don't seem to be working?  If that sounds like an experience you've had, don't worry. You're not alone. In my classes about affirmative prayer I often have students ask me, "What do I do if my prayer doesn't work?" Or, I hear "I want to meditate, but my mind just won't be quiet!" The good news is that often when it seems like we are doing everything right--but not seeing results--it turns out there is a part of us that might be getting in the way. And these parts--hidden beliefs, attitudes, ways of being--can be addressed directly so that we might better understand what is keeping our prayers and meditations from uplifting our lives, and then bring in healing.  I invite you to join me in this exploration in our next Wednesday Evening Service, where I will be talking ab

Embracing the Puzzle Pieces of Our Mind

  We are more than the sum of our parts. The aspects of our mind that protect us, that hold on to innocence and joy, that are curious and compassionate--they all make up the whole that is us. I like to think of my mind as a puzzle where the final picture is constantly growing and evolving--and that picture is wonderful.  But what happens to the puzzle pieces of our mind when they are faced with discomfort? What happens when sometimes it feels like one of our pieces doesn't fit; or, worse, when we can't seem to find  one of those pieces?   Don't worry--if you have asked yourself these questions, you are not alone. I have for most of my life.  This is what we will be talking about in our upcoming Wednesday Evening Service as I share a glimpse of knowledge from my upcoming class, Spiritual Cartography. We will also have freshly baked bread, cookies, tea, and beautiful music from Christopher Fritzsche.  I look forward to seeing you at 7pm for a sneak preview of what's to co

What is this "grace" thing I keep hearing about? Find out this Wednesday at our 7pm service at the Center!

  Perhaps you have heard that term, "grace," in our community. But what does it mean, and what is its impact on our lives?  Join Rev. Siota Belle at the Center this Wednesday evening at 7pm to dive into how grace--the lovingly unconditional self-givingness of the Universe--can bring us comfort and healing as we wrestle with the most challenging aspects of life.  We will have tea, cookies, freshly baked bread, and a special guitar meditation. We look forward to seeing you and your friends! See you soon, -Russ

What Will He Say? Rev. Russ Legear on January 24, 2024 - "Embracing the New"

This month, our community has been exploring the theme of newness - in our thoughts, attitudes, and habits. It's a journey of renewal and transformation, where we open ourselves to fresh perspectives and embrace change in all its forms. And what better way to delve deeper into this theme than with Rev. Russ Legear's insights? Reverend Russ's topic, "Embracing the New," promises to be a continuation of our month-long exploration. It makes one curious – What unique perspectives will he bring? How will he guide us to incorporate this theme of newness into our daily lives? His sessions are always enlightening, often bringing forth ideas and approaches that are both thoughtful and invigorating. As we stand at the cusp of these new understandings and practices, Rev. Russ's guidance comes at a perfect time. Whether it's about shifting our mindset, adopting new habits, or simply learning to view the world through a lens of positivity and possibility, there's

Tonight with Rev. Russ and Christopher Fritzsche - Energizing Our Vision

  This past Sunday we spent time visioning on what our 2024 will look like. We had a lot of fun in our workshop and made some beautiful vision boards! But what can we do to keep that vision alive--and, more importantly, make sure we have the motivation to stick with it?  While a vision that is rooted in Spirit will always contain its own motivation, sometimes life can get in the way of that motivation by putting us in situations that can be demoralizing. Having solid spiritual practices can be so helpful in bringing us back into a feeling of inspiration and motivation, despite the circumstances of the world.  Join us tonight as we collect a whole set of creative practices we can employ keep connected to Spirit and its boundless motivation while we walk our vision.  See you soon! -Russ