Radical Forgiveness

We started a radical forgiveness class last Wednesday night. When we think of forgiveness, we often see that we were the victim and someone else is the victimizer. We forgive the other person because we realize that they acted out of their own sense of pain and woundedness. This method of forgiveness has worked for many of us for a long time. Colin Tipping is encouraging us to go deeper with the concept of forgiveness and entertain the thought that there is no victim or victimizer. On some level we agreed to this particular dance in order to assist each other with our individual healing. It doesn't mean that I condone bad behavior, what it means is that I see that I created and participated in the situation at some level. I found myself resisting this idea. It is not new to me, Unity teaches that our perception creates our reality. I just never have given it as much thought as I am as I facilitate this class. This past week, I saw how insidious the victim consciousness runs through me. I saw how I can take anything personal or make it about me. I don't know if I orchestrated the situations more than I interpret them in that way because of the filter through which I continue to see the world. This does not mean that I beat up on myself for not arriving at enlightenment yet. It means that I stay aware and honor the emotions around it while releasing the need to be a victim in my world. As a result, I am already experiencing a deeper sense of appreciation for life and a belief that the Universe is here to support me as I continue to live my mission. I know this for myself and others as well. That is why is it called radical forgiveness-I see that I have a choice at any point to engage with an event or person differently simply by changing the way I see them and myself. Share your comments about your process of forgiveness as we all travel this human journey together. Go to www.radicalforgiveness.com for more information about the program we are using.

Welcome new board

Yesterday we dedicated our new board after our weekend retreat. It was an exciting and bittersweet moment. We have had a stable board for the last 3 years and each one of those board members have stepped down for a variety of reasons over the past four months. Their lives have changed and have gotten full. This is what church is for. We are here to help people grow and mature so they can pursue their passions. We are also here to support people with having fulfilling healthy relationships. This has been the gift for each board member. I am excited for them and at the same time, I am deeply sad. I have gotten to be close with each one and have come to see them as a friend. As with any relationship, the nature changes. Yet, knowing that does not always take the sadness away. For that, I let my tears fall and let God massage my heart. At the same time, I make room in my heart for three new board members. I often wonder if I should learn to distance myself from people in church. People come, get what they need to grow and many times they leave to pursue new paths. Each time, when it is someone I have gotten close to, I grieve. Yet, I think my ability to be vulnerable and available is what makes me a good minister. Regardless, it is who I am and I don't know that I can change it. So, I say good by and bless the board members who have served us well while welcoming with excitment and appreciation our newest board members. And so the cycle of life continues.

The Secret on CBS Sunday Morning

CBS Sunday Morning news show featured the "Secret" as its lead report. They talked about how a number of people had different opinions about the "Secret" showing the bottom line which is that the movie and its ideas are helping people live better lives. One woman said that it is helping her to be more positive about her life. Unity has been teaching the principles presented in the "Secret" for over 100 years and salong with much more. The "Secret" is entry level New Thought and it is exciting to see it in the mainstream. I also get excited when I see people going beyond simply wanting "the stuff" to wanting to see how they can make a difference in the lives of others. When it comes down to it deep down all we really want is to know is that we matter and we can make a difference in our world. We are having a second showing of the "Secret" Friday, April 13th which will be followed by a discussion. I am also excited about the workshop we are sponsoring Sunday, April 15th with Karen Cressman on the laws of attraction. That will give us a chance to see how we can apply these principles in a way that blesses ourselves and others all at the same time.