Unity Spiritual Center Denver: Recent Episodes
Unity Spiritual Center Denver
This Sunday, Spiritual Leader Trish Morris continued the exploration of tuning into presence with Mindfulness Meditation practices. You can join us in person each Sunday morning at 10:00 at Unity Spiritual Center Denver. Come see what our spiritual community is all about!
We concluded our Summer of Awe series Sunday with the grandeur of epiphany!
Who doesn't love a good epiphany?
Epiphanies are those big ‘aha’ moments whereby our current understanding of life gets rearranged in such a way that a whole new perspective suddenly becomes known.
In his book Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life, the author Dasher Keltner summarizes the experiences of epiphany from the participants in his study of awe as follows:
“Around the world, people were awe struck by philosophical insights, scientific discoveries, metaphysical ideas, personal realizations, mathematical equations, and sudden disclosures that transform life in an instant. In each instance, the epiphany united facts, beliefs, values, intuitions, and images into a new system of understanding” (pg. 18).
I have come to consider that we are in an experience of collective epiphany. Of course our individual experience of a new understanding depends on where we are in our initial level of understanding. Regardless of where we land in that, there remains a shared opportunity for growth. I have certainly felt a deeper understanding of the ‘essential truths about life’ over these past several years. I am guessing you have as well.
I have also become more keenly aware of how we are all so influenced by the prevailing social, political, religious, and cultural beliefs and values of our times. I have also been surprised by my former unawareness in that regard. I believe that many of us have become more aware of how these influences really do shape our sense of identity, for better or worse. It is often that very identity that we so often have to peel back in order to uncover ‘the gold’ of our True, Spiritual Nature. Who we think we are, or who we think that we should be, must eventually give way if we are to uncover the depth of who we are in Spirit. This is the essence of the lesson behind the spiritual teaching requiring that we ‘die to the self’ over and over again.
The magnificence of this whole process is that we are hard-wired for these experiences of awe and wonder—which then continue to call us toward the fullness of Divine Life within and all around us. That fullness of Life strengths and guides us in rising up to meet the challenges of our times.
It would seem that the very experience of awe is an epiphany as it connects us to something larger than our self, and holds a continual potential for expanding our perspective.
We are all actively experiencing the paradox of change -which holds both great potential and opportunity alongside the feelings of uncertainty, and fear of chaos. It can be tempting to just hide away until the chips fall where they may.
Yet, the wonders of life continue to call to us. Divine Intelligence is always at work and seeking to deepen, strengthen, and grow us. Experiences of awe and wonder are essential now more than ever because they help to neutralize the sense of overwhelm that uncertainty can exacerbate. Ultimately, these experiences support a much needed deepening of our connection to the Divine- in ourselves, each other, and the natural world. Perhaps that is, as Dacher Keltner concludes, " the great epiphany of our species" (pg. 244).
He also offers this final intriguing question,
"What is it that awe connects us to that is larger than the self?"
Take some time to consider that question for yourself.
I hope that you have been taking time to notice the plethora of opportunities for awe and wonder that life so freely affords us. This Sunday we will consider the power and purpose of Mystical/Spiritual Awe.
The term mystical here simply means a direct, personal experience of the Divine. There are a plethora of these opportunities to connect. As we discussed last week, many of us feel this powerful connection while “walking in the Cathedral of nature” as Dr. Lisa Miller puts it.
In his book Awe, author Dasher Keltner explores how our spiritual life actually grows out of experiences of awe. Keltner refers to mystical awe as “…the feelings of encountering what we call the Divine, {meaning} what we feel to be primary, true, good and omnipresent” (pg. 195).
Such experiences draw us closer to the power and presence of the Divine within and all around us. They also fulfill a deep and fundamental human need.
The awe-inspiring body of work recently published by Dr. Lisa Miller in the book entitled, The Awakened Brain shares how science has also concluded that humans are hard- wired for spirituality. Not surprisingly, their work also shows the positive trends toward overall resilience and happiness, as well as greater physical health, and mental wellbeing among people with a strong spiritual foundation.
Yet, statically speaking fewer Americans are finding that foundation in traditional religious settings. The need for spiritual connection and growth is alive and well, but the stronghold of dogma and outdated doctrine are increasingly less appealing in meeting that need.
Keltner explored the analogy set forth by Rev. Jen Bailey in her experience of ministry as one of “composting religion.”
I understood this to mean that she is doing the work of freeing religion/spirituality from its outdated and decaying foundations, particularly those rooted in racism and sexism. Doing so supports her ability to distill a message of Truth and a fullness of Spirit that nurtures deeper growth, and supports authentic connections among her membership.
Using the natural process of composting is a powerful metaphor. In nature, this is the process by which raw material is broken down by microorganisms that consume any toxins, distilling the purest mixture of organic matter to then nourish new growth.
Keltner goes further by drawing the following intriguing comparison,
“Mystical Awe follows {that} pattern of decay, distilling, & growth. Our own experiences of mystical awe, or spiritual experience, follow this pattern of the decay of the default self’s preconceptions about the world, which results in the distilling of some essential feeling that gives rise to growth of our own spiritual beliefs and practices” (pg. 196).
Our direct and personal experiences with the Divine grow us by expanding our limited preconceptions about the Divine, ourselves, and the world.
Mystical awe, like most things, begins with awareness!
We all have the ability to perceive what Emerson called “the benevolent life force.” That perception offers a direct connection with the vastness and mystery of that force.
That connection also unifies us with all of creation, and our perception continues to widen.
Consider for yourself:
How do you experience mystical awe?
What settings or practices support you in a direct and personal experience with the Divine?
How have these experiences expanded your preconceived ideas about yourself, and the world?
Last weekend while camping, I experienced firsthand the reprieve that time in nature offers. This was no doubt magnified by my concurrent reading of the book, Awe by Dacher Keltner. As the Universe would have it,I was literally reading the chapter on Wild Awe which speaks to the emerging science behind what so many of us have experienced in nature!
Not surprisingly, a growing number of Americans report feeling the greatest connection with the Divine while in nature. I have long appreciated that experience myself without the need for scientific data, but it is truly awe inspiring to consider why that is and how it works.
It seems to affirm the fullness of divine intelligence imbued in every aspect of life – including the energetic power of nature itself to calm our nervous systems and put us in touch with the majestic vastness of the cosmos, and our small, but powerful place within it.
Keltner’s explanation for why he decided to embark on this study of awe is telling:
“ ...going on the hunch that awe may be an antidote to our overheated and overstressed times. We suspected that awe might shift the inflammation response caused by our immune system, in particular that which comes from chronic threat, rejection and loneliness. Awe,
by contrast, heightens our awareness of being a part of a community…” (Keltner, D., Awe, pg. 117).
He goes on to share the inspiring findings that time spent in nature correlates with a decrease in the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines which are not only heightened by our natural immune response to ward off bacteria and viruses, but also triggered by social threats.
“Studies find that social rejection, shame, being the target of prejudice, chronic stress, loneliness and threats to loved ones also elevate these levels in your body. The prediction is that everyday awe can be a pathway for avoiding chronic inflammation and the ills of the 21st century that is associated with it: depression, chronic anxiety, heart disease, auto immune issues and despair” (Keltner, D., Awe, pg. 118).
How?
Among other things, Keltner notes that "awe, by contrast heightens our awareness of being part of a community, of feeling embraced and supported by others. Feeling awe, we place the stresses of life within a larger context” (Pg. 118).
To me, this is the scientific proof, of the magnificent divine design imbued within every aspect of creation itself, which we can absolutely plug into and benefit from.
To be perfectly honest, I landed in nature last weekend quite exhausted and a bit overwhelmed. That was BEFORE going through the motions of ‘setting up camp’. :) In fact, I missed the star-filled sky the first night because I was already asleep! Thankfully, I was well rested and able to stay awake to see the stars – which always seem to reflect some piece of timely wisdom back to me.
As I gazed out and felt the heaviness of my own overwhelm ease a bit into the vastness of the cosmos, I could literally feel more spaciousness in myself. I could breath more deeply.
It was as if I could feel more of the fullness of life itself which, for that moment, expanded my awareness beyond my own experience of overwhelm. A deep feeling of relief came over me, followed by a literal sense of awe at the process that had just occurred.
If you are feeling overwhelmed – remember to get outdoors and connect with nature! Notice how doing so connects you with the fullness of your own nature beyond whatever is feeling so overwhelming.
Our teacher and wayshower, Jesus of Nazareth spent meaningful time in prayer, in the wilderness. It was there that he had the great revelation that the Kingdom of God was indeed already here-- among us!
Shereen Hill offers a lesson on living a purposeful life to bring awe, joy, and an expectation of good in every day.
How can we live “the good life” has long been the perennial question. “Find awe,” was the simple answer that inspired UC Berkley psychology professor and author, Dacher Keltner to study the emotional state of awe. His book entitled, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life, offers inspirational stories and insights on the evolution of the experience, and the spiritual component that often imbues this emotion.
I can't think of anything more awe inspiring than realizing the depth of Spirit within us, as well as the basis of all of creation! That has absolutely been a source of good in my life, and I hope the same is true for you. Awe connects us with something larger than our self and expands what Philosopher Peter Singer called “the circle of care; the network of people we feel kindness toward” (Keltner, D. Awe, 2023, pg. 81).
Expanding our circle of care is a key aspect of what ‘living the good life’ really means. It goes beyond the more self- serving aspirations like wealth, status, and success to include our interconnectedness.
Kelter defines the good life as being “one enlivened by joy, and community and meaning that brings us a sense of worth and belonging and strengthens the people and natural environments around us” (Keltner, D. Awe, 2023, pg. 3).
It seems that a great many of us are realizing just how important our need for meaning, worth and belonging is to our sense of well-being as we seek greater experiences of authentic connection and community. We may also come to realize how out of practice we are with those experiences of just being together. The chronic push to define ourselves by all that we do has taken a toll on us as a whole.
Keshner asks and answers a valid question that also explains why I am inspired to try to cultivate awe and wonder with you on Sunday mornings this summer.
“Why would I recommend that you find happiness in an emotion that is so fleeting and evanescent? That requires the unexpected, and moves us toward mystery and the unknown rather than what is certain and easy?
Because we can find awe anywhere.
Because doing so doesn’t require money or the burning of fossil fuels – or even much time.
Because we have a basic need for awe wired into our brains and bodies, finding awe is easy if we just take a moment and wonder.
Because all of us, no matter our background, can find our own meaningful path to awe.
Because brief moments of awe are as good for your mind and body as anything you might do”
(Keltner, D. Awe, 2023, pg. xvi).
Spiritual Leader Trish Morris presents the lesson, "The Transformative Power of Awe."
For more information on Unity Spiritual Center Denver, visit unitydenver.org
Spiritual Leader Trish Morris presents the lesson,"The Freedom To Be. To find out more about Unity Spiritual Center Denver, visit unitydenver.org
“Judge not, that you be not judged.
For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged…”
Our lesson this week will consider the practical implications of that infamous saying offered in Matthew 7:1-2.
Like most of us, I came to understand this to mean that as I judged others harshly, GOD would judge me harshly in return. This stems from the teaching of a literal ‘judgement day’ whereby our eternal future will be decided, for better or worse..
What many of us love about Unity is that it offers us access to be able to apply spiritual understanding in the here and now.
Consider the metaphysical interpretation of the 'Last Judgement" as described in The Metaphysical Bible Dictionary by Unity Co-Founder, Charles Fillmore:
“The description of the Last Judgment, as given in the Gospels, has been used to terrify men and women and thus compel them to unite with the church; but in this day of enlightenment people are not so easily led or driven by fear. They ask for understanding. When they seek light concerning the judgment it is given, and they learn that the judgment is all a matter of divine law. They find that for every departure from this law they suffer, not in some future time of great tribulation, not in a great judgment after death, but in this life--here and now."
Jesus is actually teaching us something about the quality of our judgements rather than threatening us with the wrath of a judgmental God.
Rev. Linda Martella-Whitsett writes, “Read allegorically, which many Bible scholars and metaphysicians endorse, this is our call to integrity in our expression of judgement” (Divine Audacity, page 139).
In reality, we use our judgement faculty all of the time, in order to evaluate our options and make wise choices. It is our propensity to be pass judgement that this lesson really points out. When we evaluate our own worth or that of others through the process of comparison and evaluation, the question then becomes what standard are we using for such evaluations?
Working toward that higher understanding reveals our human tendency to make judgements based on the more superficial aspects of our experience. We can also see how our social, cultural and religious norms influence our perception of what is ‘good’ or who is ‘worthy’ which are then reflected in our own judgements.
The lesson deepens when we consider another aspect of this teaching from the Gospel of John, “Judge not by appearance, but judge righteous judgement” (John 7:24).
Eric Butterworth explains this by saying,
“In other words, don’t be misled by the façade, by the personality or superficiality of yourself or others. There is always that of you that is greater than your littleness, stronger than your weakness, wiser than your follies, better than your deeds" (Butterworth, Discover the Power Within, pg. 52).
Righteousness his another concept that has often been misunderstood and misapplied.
“Righteousness to Jesus meant the actual practice in thought of one’s essential spiritual unity with God. It is the right-use of spiritual law... to think rightly [is] to practice the presence of God…” (Butterworth, Discover the Power Within, pg. 134).
This is ultimately an invitation to realize a greater depth of God within us, and use our judgement and discernment faculty from the depth of that realization. That is to say that w can grow our capacity to know the fullness of ourselves in God, rather than to limit ourselves, and others to the temporary things and conditions of this world. Otherwise, we do indeed reap what we sow in the field of our limited judgements.
Prayer is one of the primary commonalities in every spiritual tradition. Although there are a variety of different prayers and ways of praying throughout the world’s religions, all of them use prayer to focus attention on the qualities of the Divine and our relationship to it. All of us at some point have been exposed to some form of prayer and along with that, we have also absorbed a number of myths and misconceptions about prayer as well. Today we explored what prayer is and is not. We will talk about how to tell if your prayers are effective, and learn more about Unity’s Affirmative Prayer Flow, all with the aim of finding your own authentic way to pray that works perfectly for you.
Rev. Rachel Harrison was our guest speaker this week. She talked about the 29th verse of the Tao Te Ching that begins with the line " Do you think you can take over the universe and improve it?" When I began my Soul Recovery journey and began to unravel my unhealthy beliefs- this was at the heart of my suffering... my desire to control. I have been reading (listening to) Dr. Wayne Dyer's book "Change your Thoughts- Change your Life' and am on my second time through it. I have loved learning about the Tao and how it fits into Unity teachings and the reminder to allow the natural unfolding of our lives.
Rev. David explores the Law of Karma based on The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra.
Denise Rosier was our special guest speaker and musician this Sunday at Unity Spiritual Center Denver.