Wednesday Evening Service

A Taizé service is a contemplative, meditative practice inspired by a monastic community Taizé in France. Its simplicity, repetition, and silence characterize it, creating a space for deep reflection and prayer. The service features short, repetitive songs that are easy to learn and sing meditatively, helping the participants focus on the divine. Taizé services often include periods of silence, prayers, and readings. The service intends to foster an experience of inner peace, unity, and communion. Karen Druker will provide a Taizé service for our community on Wednesday, November 20, from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. Here is what Karen says about the experience: “Music has the ability to bypass the mind and sink into the heart.” Breathing, stillness, rest, calm, allowing yourself to just “be” and not “do” for a little while. Settling into your heart and dropping into that place of inner knowing. With all that is going on in the world right now, give yourself a “time out” and allow yourself to be

Tomorrow evening at 7 p.m., we welcome you to an inspiring community service at the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa, led by Dr. Edward Viljoen. The service will feature music by Christopher Fritzsche and Rev. Russ Legear, creating an atmosphere where spiritual unity, reflection, and heartfelt connection can flourish. What to Expect:  In our beautiful social hall at 2075 Occidental Road, we will come together for an evening filled with community singing , powerful call-and-response readings , and moments of meditative peace . This service is designed to reconnect, reflect, and rejuvenate in the presence of like-minded individuals who seek harmony and a more profound sense of oneness. Community Singing Be moved by the melodies of beloved, familiar New Thought songwriters. Imagine voices blending in songs like “I Am So Blessed” by Karen Drucker :  “I am so blessed, I am so blessed. I am so grateful for all that I have. I am so blessed, I am so blessed.\ I am so grateful, I am so b

As we approach the conclusion of this election season, we invite you to come together in the community for a special Post-Election Prayer Service on Wednesday, November 6, at 7 p.m. Dr. Edward Viljoen will lead this gathering. We will unite in prayer in the Science of Mind style, focusing on our government, leadership, and fellow citizens. In times of change and uncertainty, it’s important to ground ourselves in the understanding that we are all connected and part of a greater whole. Through prayer, we affirm our collective desire for peace, unity, and wisdom to guide those in leadership positions. We recognize the power within each of us to contribute to harmony and balance in our communities and beyond. This service is an opportunity to reflect, release tensions, and align ourselves with the highest vision for our country. Dr. Edward will guide us in affirmative prayer, holding a vision of goodwill for all and trusting in the underlying intelligence that governs the universe. Whether

In this touching video, Astra shares her experience of discovering the Center for Spiritual Living Santa Rosa in 2006 and how it became a sanctuary for her evolving spiritual beliefs. Attending the center with her son, Kaspar, has provided them both with meaningful community, guidance, and support. Astra reflects on how the teachings inspire her music, while Kaspar expresses his joy in hearing his mom sing and participating as an usher with his nanny. Their story beautifully illustrates the sense of belonging fostered within the center. Consider how the center has impacted your life and what you value most. If you haven’t already, you can complete your online giving intention form here .

   Join us tonight as Practitioner Lawrence Edwards leads us in a discussion about the last letter of D.E.I--Inclusion. He will share his perspective, informed by the Science of Mind, on Inclusion and how we can embrace it to experience and express more Oneness in the world.   Join us at 6pm for a delicious potluck (and bring your own culinary creation to share), and at 7pm for our conversation with Celeste. We look forward to seeing you and continuing our exploration of diversity, equity, and inclusion.  Much love, -Russ

  One need only turn on the news to see examples of what society considers to be power--and often it's shown as the various ways we try to control our world and one another. But what if power was something more than just the ability to control? What if by giving up our attachment to control, we are able to tap into a deeper, more permanent source of power? Join me tonight for an intriguing conversation about power and how it's much more than control. We will explore four simple Buddhist contemplations we can use to discover our authentic values and the true power within us.  See you at 7pm at the Center! Love, -Russ

  Are you ready to unlock your true strength? Join me for a heartfelt talk on “Personal Power.” We’ll explore how mindfulness, self-compassion, and the creative power of thought can transform the way we live. Drawing from my own journey, we'll discuss how our thoughts shape our reality, and how presence can give us clarity and peace—even in challenging times. Together, we’ll practice simple techniques and affirmations to reconnect with the power that already exists within us. Come discover how to embrace your inner strength and live with more intention! See you soon, -Rev. Siota

Join us for our evening service This Wednesday, October 2, at Congregation Shomrei Torah (2600 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404) from 7:00 to 7:45 p.m .  New Location Our usual location at the Center is being used for the High Holy Days celebration, so we’re gathering at this new spot for one night only. The Cathars of France Dr. Edward Viljoen, who recently returned from a European vacation, will lead the evening with a fascinating discussion about how we form our personal beliefs about life. He’ll share stories from his travels through Southern France, including his time in the land of the Cathars—a Christian sect from the 12th to 14th century whose beliefs stood in stark contrast to the dominant church of their time. Their tragic history raises powerful questions about what happens when deeply held beliefs are challenged. How do you respond when your beliefs are questioned? In this casual, engaging setting, Dr. Edward will guide us in reflecting on how we came to our own be

  Peace is not passive. We have been learning this month that peace is experienced when we have done the necessary work to heal separation within ourselves. And when we heal our belief in separation, we open ourselves up to experiencing the kind of peace that is the very foundation of life itself.  It can take work to make this kind of change in our lives, though. Western society seems designed to promote conflict rather than curiosity, competitiveness rather than collaboration. And so we are often tasked with cleaning up the parts of our consciousness that continue to cling to the idea of separation. This is the active part of the peace process--cleaning up areas of our consciousness where we still feel separate.  Tonight in our Wednesday service, we will dive into spiritual practices that can actively help us find our way back to a feeling of oneness and peace. Once we have that peace, it can then be our source of energy and motivation as we move through the world.  See you soon! -Ru

  In a world that can feel overwhelming, the idea of finding inner peace might seem out of reach. But what if peace is something we can consciously cultivate within ourselves? How do we transform the mental noise into quiet, calm, and joy? Come explore the art and science of tapping into a deeper sense of oneness and wholeness. Together, we'll learn how aligning our thoughts with peace can shift us from feeling overwhelmed to feeling still and receptive. Inner peace isn't just a goal—it can be a new way of living. We’ll start the evening with a bit of music and a short meditation, followed by a talk and some easy spiritual practices to enhance your inner calm. Tea, cookies, and good company provided—seating is café style, so it’s a great way to meet new friends! See you soon, - Rev. Siota

  This Wednesday, Celeste Austin will lead us in a discussion about the second letter of D.E.I--Equity. Equity and equality can sometimes be misunderstood in the context of conversations about what it means for all to have the same opportunities in life. Celeste will lead us through the nuances of this conversation, sharing the differences between equity and equality, as well as suggestions on how we might better recognize the value of equity as we work toward building a world that works for everyone.  Join us at 6pm for a delicious potluck (and bring your own culinary creation to share), and at 7pm for our conversation with Celeste. We look forward to seeing you and continuing our exploration of diversity, equity, and inclusion.  Much love, -Russ

  The Science of Mind teaches that the peace we often seek outside already exists within us. It is an attitude of the Spirit within us, the foundation of our being.  If that is true, then why don't we always feel peace? Well, we are also human, and that means that we sometimes experience challenges, that we sometimes experience chaos. The peace within us hasn't gone anywhere, but our focus has been called to the chaos before us, and the feelings of unease that often feel contrary to peace.  In this week's Wednesday Evening Service, we will learn a practical spiritual technique we can employ in any situation where we feel off balance, where we might feel as though the chaos of the world is overriding our natural sense of peace. We will also learn how we can use this practice daily to build up our "peace muscle" so that we have more access to peace when times get tough.  I look forward to sharing some Peace with you this Wednesday! Much love, -Russ

  Loneliness and a sense of disconnection can be a spiritual signal guiding us to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us. Othering--the practice of marginalizing and alienating individuals or groups because they are different from us--creates division and reinforces a sense of separation. Separating ourselves through differences deepens loneliness and hinders our ability to form meaningful connections with ourselves and others. This separation can make us feel as though we have approach life alone.  Join Rev Siota tonight in our Wednesday Evening Service to explore how healing our “lone wolf” and loneliness brings greater inclusion with all of life, deepening our experience of wholeness and oneness.

  The United States is known to be one of the most diverse countries in the world...a melting pot of sorts.  From the outside looking in, it would seem so. I believe we can do better at cultivating communities where all races, colors, creeds and ethnicities are valued; I believe we can better recognize the goodness and talents of all people who were born here, or immigrated here, so we might all take part in the American dream. Diversity for me is the goal. Within our CSLSR community of like-minded souls, I wonder what it might look like if we were more curious about those who are different from us. So much can be learned and appreciated when one lives amongst a variety of people whose cultures and experiences don't match with our own. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) will be discussed in detail beginning on Wed. 8/21 at Rev. Russ's mid-week service. We will look at how Diversity has deep spiritual roots, and how honoring Diversity is a rich spiritual practice. There w

  For much of my life, I went about my day completely unaware of my self-talk. I didn't take the time to really understand what I was saying to myself, and how that could impact my life for both good and ill.  Have you ever taken the time to really examine the ways you speak to yourself? I was surprised when I did, and I noticed that not only is my self talk sometimes negative, but that it sometimes doesn't even use words  to communicate. Once I know this, I can then make changes to both speak and listen to myself in more kind and loving ways.  How we talk to ourselves is what we will explore together in our Wednesday Evening Service tonight at 7pm. I look forward to seeing you all in the Social Hall! Much love, -Russ

  Curiosity is the antidote to "othering," the process by which peoples' differences can be emphasized in ways that are unhealthy, and that can make people feel unwelcome. Curiosity makes the things we don't understand understandable. It gives us insight into things we don't know, and that insight can make the unknown feel a little less scary.  This knowing allows us to then build better connections to ourself and to the world around us, and through those connections we experience a greater sense of healing and belonging.  Join us tonight in our Wednesday Evening Service at the Center as we explore curiosity and how we can remove some of the blocks that can shut us off from our curiosity.  See you all soon! -Rev. Russ

  Life is constantly changing. To try to make  things perfect amidst the ever changing nature of life is impossible.  In tonight's Wednesday Evening Service, we will explore how we can, instead, reveal  the inherent perfection of life amidst the constant flow and change of life. We will do this by learning how we can embrace the ever-changing nature of existence, and how we might relax our desire for everything to remain the same.  I look forward to seeing everyone at the Center at 7pm! -Russ

Are you a people pleaser? I am. I know many who are. People pleasing is something that helps me to feel safe and to be liked in the world.  The challenge with people pleasing is when I do it at the expense of my own authentic needs and desires. We are often taught to make our needs and desires secondary to those of others, but this can be very debilitating. It can also lead to perfectionism, to us judging our own self-worth based solely on what others think about us.  In tonight's Wednesday Evening Service, we will explore people pleasing and share a spiritual exercise that can help us understand better what it is we authentically desire--and what we don't  desire! Join us at 7pm at the Center tonight as we work to unlock a little more authenticity in our daily lives.  See you soon! -Russ

  It can often feel like the world expects perfection from us. That anything less than perfect is unacceptable. Our media tells us day after day what "perfect" looks like, and implies that if we don't meet that standard, something must be wrong with us. We should try harder, do more work, pull ourselves up by our bootstraps.  The challenge is that this is a standard that is often unattainable for the vast majority of us. And this sort of thinking can embed within us a subconscious belief that we are not enough as we are, that we are not worthy unless we can meet this unrealistic standard.  In this week's Wednesday Evening Service, we will explore some of the ideas that author and shame researcher Brené Brown shares in her book, The Gifts of Imperfection , that can help us to unlock our inner perfection, and from that perfection gain a sense of self-worth and resilience so we might live a more wholehearted life.  I look forward to seeing you this Wednesday at 7pm at th

  July 4 is Independence Day in the United States, and it reminds me of what my independence means. It means that I have the power of choice. I recognize that my power of choice is an expression of freedom; but this then makes me wonder, where does my freedom really come from?  I've also learned that while I am free, my freedom is not isolated from the freedom of others. This is where interdependence  comes in. I am able to be independent because of my relationship with others. And in as much as my conscious, positive use of my independence can affirm life, so too does that strengthen the bonds of interdependence between myself and others.  Join us tonight at 7pm at the Center as we discuss our independence and interdependence. Bonus: our air conditioning works great! Come cool off and discover your inherent gifts, where they come from, and how you sharing them with the world can enrich us all.  See you soon! -Russ

  Deep within our being there exists a sacred knowing which continually offers support and guidance. By living and collaborating in harmony with Spirit, all things become possible, even those that seem impossible. Accessing this inner Spirit can sometimes feel challenging. Luckily, there are a number of practices that have been developed over millennia to tap into our inner wisdom.  Join Rev. Siota this Wednesday at 7pm at the Center to explore ancient wisdom practices to enhance our sense of being alive in Spirit.

  To live a compassionate life is to live a life fully aligned with Spirit. Compassion is the ability for us to identify with, and work to alleviate, suffering. Compassion is the spiritual principle of Oneness in action.  In tonight's service, I will lead us through a meditation and conversation about compassion so that we might find new ways to cultivate it in our daily activities.  As the 14th Dalai Lama says, "If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." See you tonight! -Russ

The world can be a frightening place. What is the antidote to the fear that is often thrust upon us? Courage. Courage is the ability to act despite our fears.  I used to think that courage was something I had to get outside of myself--that somehow, if I made the right choices in my life, I would become more courageous. What I've discovered is that courage is not something I can get outside of myself. Courage is a core trait of our inner Spirit--who we are when we delve into the center of our being. Spirit is naturally courageous, because it knows it has nothing to fear. And because our inner Spirit is a part of the infinite Spirit that is the source of all creation, that means that there is limitless courage within us. All that remains is learning how to cultivate it. There are a number of spiritual practices we can use to get more courage in our lives. Join me tonight at 7pm as we practice cultivating courage together. -Russ

Heroes are the folks who inspire others to greatness and make a difference in their world. Somehow they hear the call to adventure, face adversity with resilience, and gain wisdom and insight on their journey. How can we embrace our call to action with compassion and resilience to gain newfound wisdom that inspires and uplifts us-to make a difference in our lives and world? Join Rev. Siota this Wednesday at 7pm at the Center as we explore how we can empower our inner hero so we might cultivate more joy and meaning in our lives. 

This past Sunday I shared a bit about my own personal journey and how each step of my life built upon the ones that came before. Each of those steps contained something good that helped me to grow and evolve.  One gift that has come out of that evolution is having a deeper relationship with my own Spirit--the essence of my being, the wise Self that is who I am when I am able to help all the worried and controlling parts of me relax. Feeling more connected to Spirit has enhanced my life in countless ways.  Tonight we will talk about how you can better recognize the Spirit, or wise Self, that is the core of who you are, so that you might grow on your journey. Join us at 7pm at the Center for music and shared spiritual practice as we tune in to the wise, loving Spirit that is within us all.  I look forward to seeing you! -Russ 

The consciousness of Spirit is alive in each of us as a center of light. The ancient wisdom traditions worshipped light as a sacred symbol of something greater and more powerful than human consciousness. What is the mystery behind the inspiration and transformation light brings that has captivated people through the ages? Join Rev Siota Belle at the Center at 7pm tonight to discover the healing power of light and how we can more easily align our consciousness with Spirit. We will explore using our 5 Step affirmative prayer to awaken to light, shining it upon our unique gifts so we might live a more authentic life.

How big is your container for good? How much good can you acept in your life?  Science of Mind teaches that we are always surrounded by, and infused with, good, but that we can only experience as much good as we are able to accept. Over the years, through spiritual study, I've learned how I can expand my own container for good--my ability to use my imagination to expand beyond the limitations of what I believe to be possible for my life. This practice has led to drastic shifts, and tonight we will share it together to see just how many amazing things are possible when we open to the limitless nature of our imagination.  Join me at 7pm at the Center tonight for some beautiful spiritual practice. I look forward to spending this time with you! -Russ

Our theme this month is Good to Great to Grand. Tonight we will explore goodness, and how shifting our focus to what is good, or positive, can be a simple yet powerful spiritual practice to help us reorient our spiritual center of gravity and find more balance in our lives.  Sometimes I find it easy to get caught up in all the things that appear wrong with the world. Doom scrolling on my phone, getting annoyed with traffic, frustrations with politics--all these things can add up and feel like a ball and chain around my soul. Making a practice out of actively seeking out the good in my life, then, is the antidote when I find myself focusing on everything I think is bad.    Tonight we will share in a two part spiritual practice to help us learn how we can choose where we place our focus in life, and allow that choice to embrace the good that is inherent in Spirit. I would love to see you at 7pm at the Center tonight. It will be GOOD! See you soon, -Russ

We often approach spiritual practices one at a time when we are learning them. This is a good approach as we learn how practices like prayer and meditation and visioning work. But these spiritual practices don't exist in isolation. Each compliments the others, and they all work together to uplift us in ways we often cannot see.  Tonight in our Wednesday Evening Service, I will be leading us through a three part spiritual practice process--meditation, then prayer, and then visioning. Each practice will build on the last to help us open our hearts fully to allow Spirit to show us the way forward in whatever area of our life we may be seeking guidance. It is my hope that you will see just how effective these practices can be when we combine them.  I look forward to seeing everyone in the Social Hall at 7pm tonight for some beautiful spiritual practice! Much love, -Russ

The Transformative Power of Chanting, Humming, and Community in Spiritual Practice Finding a moment of peace often feels like a distant dream in the bustling rhythm of life. However, spiritual practices such as chanting affirmative phrases and humming the sound aum can bridge inner tranquility and personal transformation. These practices, rooted in ancient traditions, offer profound benefits and connect us deeply with ourselves and others. The Power of Chanting Affirmative Phrases Chanting affirmative phrases or affirmations is more than just a vocal practice; it's a method of nurturing our inner calm and clarity through the power of spoken words. Each affirmation is a positive statement that can reprogram the subconscious mind, helping to foster a sense of peace and clarity.  The effectiveness of this practice lies in its repetition and the emotional intensity behind the words. When chanted in a daily routine, these phrases embed themselves in our psyche, gradually transforming o

  What if I truly surrendered? This is a question I often ask myself. But, to what am I surrendering?  Spirit. The Self within. That part of me that is the core of who I am when I take away all my agendas and fears and expectations and beliefs and opinions.  Psychologist Richard Schwartz defines the Self as that eternal part of us that is wise, and that embodies the following qualities: Compassion, Courage, Clarity, Calm, Creativity, Curiosity, Connectedness, Confidence Additionally, there are five P words that describe the Self: Presence, Perspective, Playfulness, Persistence, Patience    Knowing this, the question for me then becomes, what might happen if I were to surrender fully into these qualities of my wise Self? Believe it or not, the answer can sometimes be frightening. You see, I have parts of my mind that like to keep me safe, as we all do, and they sometimes don't find these qualities of Self to be safe. Sometimes when we grow up, our natural compassion comes out in a s

Betrayal can leave us reeling, lost in a sea of shattered trust and emotional turmoil. Yet, within the stories we've inherited, there are paths forward, lessons on resilience, and recovery that resonate through time. Holy Wednesday, often overshadowed by the more prominent days of Holy Week, offers profound insights into the nature of betrayal and the steps toward healing. Dr. Edward will talk about the story of betrayal, understanding its impact on our peace, and the steps we may take to heal from it. The Story of Betrayal Holy Wednesday marks a pivotal moment in the Easter narrative—the day Judas Iscariot chose to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. This act wasn't a mere transaction; it was a breach of deep, personal trust. Judas, one of the twelve disciples, had walked alongside Jesus, sharing in the journey, the teachings, and the miracles. His betrayal set in motion the events leading to the crucifixion, a cornerstone of the Easter story. Understanding the Impact B

Spring Equinox is a special time of the year for me. The days and nights are equal, and this reminds me of the harmony and balance inherent in nature.  Sometimes I find my life out of balance; the world can be quite frightening, and occasionally, if I am not careful, I can let the stressors of my life add up. Spring Equinox is a lovely reminder, then, that the balance I am often seeking in my life is a vital part of the universe in which we live. It's not something I have to create, but rather something that already exists that I can choose to cultivate.  This Wednesday during our Spring Equinox Potluck, we will celebrate that balance with food, song, community, and shared spiritual practice. You will have an opportunity after our potluck dinner to create an affirmation of balance and harmony for yourself, our community, and the world.  Our potluck begins at the Center at 6pm, and the special Wednesday Evening Service begins at 7pm.  See you soon! -Russ

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

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

  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

  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

  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

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