In this blog post Rev. Kate Braestrup raises the question, “Is our religious movement a means to an end, or an end in itself?” Read the blog to see her thoughtful examination of this topic.
Category Archives: Promotions for Friends and Colleagues
The Art of Forgiveness
This! Listen to this!
finite mindfulness
“Mindfulness when struggling with addiction means doing things in a finite way in the moment. My son Daniel says it’s being peaceful.”
I love this quote! Angela is a crusader when it comes to helping heal addiction and her philosophy is as surprising as it is unique. (check out her website) and see how she is connecting celebrities to help with the mission of Rock the Record Straight™)
I am going to be thinking about how her idea of finite mindfulness relates to life practices in general whether struggling with addictions or simply seeking peace-of-mind and transforming negative feelings and thoughts.
Many spiritual practices turn our attention towards the infinite, which can help us see the larger picture of Oneness, yet it can sometimes also serve as a spiritual bypassing of sorts, which can become a habitual distraction, addictive in detaching (or hiding) rather than coping with what is present in our lives.
Bringing it to the finite perspective – which is truly what we have in each given moment –
is not only more manageable, but also practical in a spiritual sense because it opens the door to deep gratitude for the life we have, even if we are struggling in the moment, we are present to it and able to do something about it.
Thank you Ange – I needed this gem of inspiration today!
Congratulations Emiliano!!!
So blessed to call this man my friend. Looking forward to seeing you soon Emiliano!!
Emiliano Campobello, artist, musician, peace-activist, nominee for the 2017 Santa Barbara Peace Prize awarded by the United Nations Association.
UUs, Music and Appropriation
THIS! Was a wonderful episode of The VUU interview with DeReau K. Farrar and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout! I love the arc of the conversation. Important for us to contemplate as we build our worship services music, poetry, sermons – liturgy, all of it.
It could have gone on for another hour easily – – I hope they invite them back for another interview as I look forward to having more discussions about what ReNeau identified as the reality that for most UU Sunday services are more about social affirmation rather than spiritual development and Glen Thomas speaking about the vital role of embodiment for healing on a visceral level in our services and in our lives. Let us truly do the work of healing our wounds and intentionally transform our Sunday Services, and our mission and our purpose, to that of Spiritual Growth, to the Sacred embodied. Amen.
UPDATE: January 2019:
In this video, members of the Navajo Nation say that they are not offended by cultural appropriation. They feel: “It is unfortunate that we live in a culture where outrage has become a recreational pastime….it hurts cross-cultural relationships, it hinders us helping to understand each other.” (4:03 minute mark)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JC58UYeaBs
(Note: This is not an endorsement of The VUU. View The VUU with caution. Sometimes it is wonderful, other times it does not live in to content/context that resembles any kind of Love).
Living the Deeper YES! by Anna Huckabee Tull
Over the years I have been blessed to have collaborated with my friend Anna on many projects, including: Women of Spirit anthology, TEDxWaldenPond, Empowering Women fundraising concerts with Anna and The Porch Party Mamas, Women’s Retreats at First Parish in Concord, the list goes on. Anna is one of the most wonderfully creative and deeply spiritual women I know on the planet! She walks her talk. I am so proud to celebrate her new book with the world! Anna’s book powerfully discloses an oft overlooked reality we are all faced with: the entangled relationship we have with ourselves. Living the Deeper YES mindfully teaches us how to “unblend from the places inside that hurt.” Click the image below and order your copy today!
re-visiting Berry Street 2015
If you take the time to listen to this video – most especially Rev. Ian White Maher‘s Response at the end of the video, you will feel a lifting in your soul.
May you ever know that failure is inevitable – AND Continue to Dream Big anyways.
https://uuma.site-ym.com/?BSE2015Video
TEXT HERE
Twinkle featured speaker at Pecha Kucha Vol 25
“Twinkle” Marie Manning was the featured speaker at Pecha Kucha Vol 25 which opened the International Film Festival in Waterville, Maine.
She spoke about Community Media/PEG Stations. How they work and the enormous economic development impact they can have when utilized. She reviewed how the FCC rules have changed and impacted this asset and, importantly, explained how most every town and city in the USA receives funding for a community media station, whether or not they actually have one. This resource is on the extinct list. It could well save one’s community. The theme of her talk: “TV for Your Soul”: How to Create Your Own TV Show or Film and Why You Should!
pictures from this morning’s vigil
Vigil for September 11th
Monday, September 11th
6:30 am – 8:00 am
The Vigil space will be hosted by: Rev. “Twinkle” Marie Manning. She will be joined by Rev. Scott Jones and welcomes a multi-faith clergy presence, as well as active duty military and veterans. peace-workers.
At 7:00am a prayer will be offered, followed by local musician and songwriter Aaron McCannell singing his song, “Stand Tall,” which portrays the emotions of the tragic day as well as hope for the future.
This gathering is open to all who seek a place of spiritual sanctuary on this day of remembrance.