Tag Archives: uu in pittsfield maine

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.”

– Angela Einstein

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!  

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.

This. This. This!

Regardless of how we personally interpret or experience the Holy.  Regardless of which individual causes we are most inspired to dedicate time to.  Regardless of where we place our priorities on our day-to-day lives.  When any among our human family are adrift in turbulent waters of life, spiritually or physically, we are each Called to form such a chain as this.  Because we are each other’s saviors.  That is why we are here together on this planet.

 

Let the Light Enter

        The Dying Words of Goethe
“Light! more light! the shadows deepen,
        And my life is ebbing low,
Throw the windows widely open:
        Light! more light! before I go.
“Softly let the balmy sunshine
        Play around my dying bed,
E’er the dimly lighted valley
        I with lonely feet must tread.
“Light! more light! for Death is weaving
        Shadows ‘round my waning sight,
And I fain would gaze upon him
        Through a stream of earthly light.”
Not for greater gifts of genius;
        Not for thoughts more grandly bright,
All the dying poet whispers
        Is a prayer for light, more light.
Heeds he not the gathered laurels,
        Fading slowly from his sight;
All the poet’s aspirations
        Centre in that prayer for light.
Gracious Saviour, when life’s day-dreams
        Melt and vanish from the sight,
May our dim and longing vision
        Then be blessed with light, more light.
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper (1825-1911) was active in both African Methodist Episcopalian and Unitarian Universalist churches.  She was a prolific writer and poet, as well as a leader in the abolitionist movement. She helped slaves escape through the Underground Railroad and wrote frequently for anti-slavery newspapers, earning her a reputation as the mother of African American journalism.
As we enter into reflection about our Nation’s independence, may we ever be mindful of the blessings and responsibilities of freedom. May we seek to embrace the light, and be blessed by the light.
Happy Independence Day,
~ “Twinkle” Marie Manning
 

 

Theology Panels

Bravo to our UU cousins in the UK who host this annual conference dedicated to exploring our theology.

We so appreciate Rev.Lewis Connelly‘s perspective of embracing “egalitarian imminent spirit” and the importance to not completely detach from our theology, as tends to happen in Unitarian Universalist strides to detach from all creeds and remain non-dogmatic. The overall sense throughout this discussion by the panel, as well as the audience, is about the importance of not forsaking the creation of shared “spiritual” context of our faith, even allowing mysticism in our theology, and the art of telling stories about the divine, and the art of listening to them. Rev. Sheena Gabriel reminds us that our movement has suffered from the lack of good theology, the kind that is an art, and a poetry, and an experience of the heart. She says it is important to bring the head and the heart together through mysticism.  Rev. Sarah Tinker points out that our theology is a continual, ongoing process and that happens when we gather together, talk together, explore together.

Beginning this summer at Twinkle’s Place, we look forward to hosting panel discussions and small covenanted  group ministries focused on heart based explorations of theology embedded in reason as we open to and access the egalitarian universalist spirit.  Gatherings will focus on enhancing our UU spirituality and theological practices through exploration of theologies, philosophies and mysticisms.

Our gatherings will be by-invitation-only at this time.  However, if you would like to participate, please email us: TwinkleManning@gmail.com