Skip to main content

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 come at the end of February. Friends and well-behaved furry companions are welcome!

Much love,

-Russ

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Wednesday Evening Service with Dr. Edward Viljoen – New Location Tonight!

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 ow...

Dr. Edward Viljoen at Wednesday Evening - Recovering from Betrayal: Lessons from Holy Wednesday

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...

Wednesday at the Center - Join Us for an Evening of Song, Connection, and Spiritual Unity

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, ...