We don’t know what consciousness is, but we have plenty of theories. What we believe about consciousness informs our understanding of what it means to be human, and it influences how we behave toward others. We’ll look at some ways to understand consciousness and consider what understanding best serves our Unitarian Universalist values. Rev. Barbara … Continue reading Consciousness and Behavior
With an enormously consequential election two days away, we’ll examine the rise in conspiracy theories (some downright bizarre) that used to reside at the fringes of society, but have moved into the mainstream. One journalist calls this the “crank realignment.” How do these beliefs take hold, what is the impact on society, and how can … Continue reading Debunkbot and the Crank Realignment
A Sermon with Zen Tales Watch the service HERE. In the early 1980s, psychologist John Welwood coined the term “spiritual bypassing” to refer to the use of practices and beliefs to avoid confronting uncomfortable feelings, unresolved wounds, and fundamental emotional and psychological needs. In the years that have followed, many well-meaning seekers have fallen under … Continue reading The Path, Part II: Keeping to the Path, or How to Steer Clear of Spiritual Bypassing
Watch the service HERE. In a world overrun with words, thoughts, noise and conflict, how might we clear a path to a more heart-centered life? We’ll explore new paradigms for setting deeply-felt intentions for our “homecoming” service that could yield better results than resolutions or even “goals.” The service includes a guided meditation for opening the heart … Continue reading The Path, Part I: Clearing A Path to Heartfulness
Watch the service HERE. In cities throughout the world, individuals are “checking out” real live people in a program called “Human Libraries.” The goal is to encourage us to engage with others in one-on-one conversations to break down stereotypes and the judgement that comes with focusing on the “cover” and not the “book.” What have … Continue reading Unjudge Someone
Watch the service HERE. I found the reading “A Conversation with a Mayfly” in a decades-long pile of papers I was sorting through. It humorously and seriously considers whether one’s importance is linked to the length of one’s life and what is important. And, after reading it, I spun off on so many different ideas related to those two that … Continue reading A Conversation With A Mayfly
Watch the service HERE. “We have to recognize that there cannot be relationships unless there is commitment, unless there is loyalty, unless there is love, patience, persistence.” – Cornel West. As a wedge is plunged deeper into our cultural, religious and political divides, to whom or to what are you loyal? Family? Friends? A cause? … Continue reading Your Loyalties Are Your Life
Watch the service HERE. During times when we are under extraordinary duress (the pandemic, for example), “putting on a happy face” seems almost suspicious, and yet, social media keeps churning out perky family holiday snapshots and “think positive thoughts” pep talks. Subscribing to the “positive psychology” gospel these days requires us to reject our so-called … Continue reading Happyish: The Upside of Negative Emotions
Watch the service HERE. Letterboxing is a quirky hobby combining orienteering, puzzle solving, journaling, and treasure hunting, dating back to the 1850’s in Dartmoor, England. As we begin 2024 with our well-intentioned resolutions in tow, we’ll explore Letterboxing as a spiritual metaphor for getting “lost” (in healthy ways) — stepping off the well-worn paths of … Continue reading Letterboxing: Getting Lost and Found in the New Year
In times of conflict and strife, be it personal, societal, or both, we need creative ways of tending the seeds of healing, vision, renewal and rebirth. In such times the oldest stories can speak to us, reminding us how to hold fast to what endures, remains and cannot be broken. Storyteller Will Hornyak shares traditional myths, … Continue reading The Art of Waging Peace in a World at War
