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What I Learned on Summer Break
What I Learned on Summer Break
by,
Reverend Barbara
Summer break for me, consisted of a 10 day break and a visit to the beach with my family and my grandchildren. There was little time for prayer and contemplation due to all of the family commotion and although it was all good, I found myself longing for some solitude and time for meditation. None could be found.
Then, it occurred to me. I was missing the moment(s) all around me. Solitude and silence offers one entrance to that place of peace that provides solace. However, it is not the only avenue through which to experience the Divine Presence. Spirit was present in each member of my family. I needed only to look into the wide eyes of my grandsons to gain this realization.
I had been experiencing what is referred to as burn-out. A normal day's work for the seminary requires from me approximately 10 or more hours a day. I was feeling tired and loosing my connection to the creativity that is so important to the successful service of the seminary. During my long days at work I was finding myself longing for the same sense of solitude I again experienced at the beach.
Today, I am back to work as usual, but something has changed. I have learned to remember to look for Spirit in everything I do and everyone I see. I have learned to listen for Spirit in every person who calls the office. I have learned another way to connect to the presence of Spirit all around me--simply by staying alert and staying present.
I end today's entry with the following prayer:
Oh Eternal Presence, let me see your magnificence everywhere and in everything that I come across today.
Let me feel your breath in the wind.
Let me hear your voice through those I speak too.
Let me see your manifestation in those I see.
Let me also hear your mighty voice in the silence.
Remind me that what I seek is always there, no matter where I find myself. Remind me that I cannot be separate from your Eternal Presence
even when I fall asleep.
Wake up my heart so that I may embrace both the profound and the mundane thereby staying attuned to the peace that is found in this understanding.
Amen and again I say, Amen.
Be blessed!
Rev. Barbara
On The Sacred Act of Listening
On The Sacred Act of Listening
What does it mean to listen to someone? Or, for that matter, what does it mean to listen, period? It is a chaotic world. We are surrounded by noise--cars, planes, cell phones, and more. We must learn to tune out a lot of noise simply to survive. However, when this carries over to an inability to listen to what others have to say, it becomes a problem.
To listen with sacred intent, we must listen with our hearts. This requires the ability to focus on what is being said by the other without any preconceived notions. It means resisting the temptation to believe that we know all about the subject matter or that we know what the other will say, including their intentions. This is not an easy task. It requires the development of specific and sacred skills. It requires, as A Course In Miracles teaches, a miracle--a shift in perception.
There are two major roadblocks to developing successful listening skills--defensive behaviors and blaming. Students enrolled in the Seminary's Spiritual Counseling Programs become well acquainted with these two roadblocks. Imagine the amount of energy it takes to build a defense against someone who is trying to talk to you. You will not hear them because you are too busy building your case so that you can defend yourself regarding the topic at hand. This will not allow you an opportunity, a sacred moment, where you will hear the other person. You will not hear them because if you defend yourself you are really blaming the other person and labeling them as "wrong."
Here is a way to practice sacred listening skills.
- First: Practice simply listening to the many sounds that surround you. Do you hear cars, planes, the TV, radio, cell phone? List them all in your mind and simply take the sounds in.
- Second: Try to focus on just one of the many sounds around you. Pick, perhaps, the sound of the cars passing by. Listen to only one of the cars as it approaches and then departs. Can you block out the other sounds as you do this? Practice the art of focusing on one sound only.
- Third: The next time you are in a conversation with someone, practice the art of focus once again. Try to block out all the competing sounds and focus simply on what is being said by the other.
- Fourth: Try to repeat back to the individual what you think you have heard them say. For example, repeat (in your own words) what you think the other has said and then ask them if you heard them correctly. If not, ask them to repeat their conversation and try again.
You can apply this approach to sacred prayer or meditation. You can focus on a word, a pleasing sound or your breath. When other thoughts enter your mind, just thank them for coming and let them pass. Practice, practice and practice. Soon, in the silence, you will feel the spirit and receive the most beautiful and sacred messages. Be open, not only to those you speak with, but to the silent voice that can only be heard when we focus on its presence.
Do you have sacred practices or rituals that you use to commune with the divine? Or, do you have comments on conversational skills regarding your significant other or coworkers? Share your gifts of insight with those who read this blog. We really want to know what you have to say.
Be blessed!
Rev. Barbara
On Birthdays
On Birthdays. Human Development and Spiritual Growth
Today is my birthday. I'm not telling you this so that you will send birthday greetings my way. I'm telling you this because, as I approach my 60th year, (I am now, today, 59) I view birthdays very differently than when I was young.
When I was young, I looked forward to my birthday because it was the one day I would feel special and because I would probably (although not always) get a gift. I looked forward to my birthdays as a teen because I was getting closer and closer to adulthood and freedom!! I looked forward to my birthdays in my 20s because I felt that people would respect me more if I had a few more years of experience in whatever it was I was doing at the time.
Today, I view my birthday as a time of gratitude. My birthday falls in the spring-time which is a time of renewal and rebirth. My birthday is in the month of the Holy Virgin (according to Catholicism) and I as such, I have a special connection to feminine divinity. And, as I have been blessed thus far to experience many birthdays, I view my birthday as a time of reflection upon my life, and the wisdom I have gained..
The students of the seminary that are studying to obtain their certification as a non-denominational minister are often perplexed in that the course requires them to study certain aspects of human development as it pertains to spiritual growth. Many of them moan, while others can't see the connection. Still others, however, find the structure a helpful lens to use, especially when viewing where they are in their own personal and spiritual growth and perhaps they gain a glimpse of what lies ahead of them.
One of the theories students are introduced to is the developmental theory of Eric Erickson. Ericson believed that humans face certain tasks at each stage of development, and the successful completion of each task would leave the individual with a certain basic strength; Ericson's Psychosocial developmental stages are as follows:
1. Infancy (Birth to 18 Months) - Task: Trust vs. Mistrust. Basic strength: Drive and Hope
2. Early Childhood (18 Months to 3 Years) Task: Autonomy vs. Shame. Basic strength: Self-control, Courage and Will
3. Play Age: (3 to 5 Years) Task: Initiative vs. Guilt. Basic strength: Purpose
4. School Age: (6 to 12 Years) Task: Industry vs. Inferiority. Basic strength: Method and Competence
5. Adolescence: (12 to 18 Years) Task: Identity vs. Role Confusion. Basic strength: Devotion and Fidelity
6. Young Adulthood: (18 to 35) Task: Intimacy and Solidarity vs. Isolation. Basic strength: Affiliation and Love
7. Middle Adulthood: (35 to 55 or 65) Task: Generativity vs. Self absorption or Stagnation. Basic Strength: Production and Care
And, of course, the final stage:
7. Late Adulthood: (55 or 65 to Death) Task: Integrity vs. Despair. Basic Strength: Wisdom
I find myself somewhere between Middle Adulthood and Late Adulthood. I'm not sure that I have completed all of the tasks as outlined by Ericson, although I do feel I have drive and hope, self-control, courage and will, purpose, method, competence, devotion and love. My life is centered around production and care and I do feel (as I suggested earlier) that I have gained wisdom. Yet, the outline is just an outline.
On The Dalai Lama and Religion
On The Dalai Lama and Religion
The Brazilian Theologist, Leonardo Boff, once asked the Dalai Lama the following question:
"Your Holiness. What is the best religion?"
Boff thought the Dalai Lama would defend oriental religions as the best, but instead, His Holiness responded as follows:
"The best religion is the one that gets you closer to God. It is the one that makes you a better person."
How wise the Dalai Lama is. His statement tells of a God that is powerful enough to speak to all faiths, all religions, all cultures and all beliefs. I believe that what the Dalai Lama was saying implies that there is no one "right" religion. If your religion leads you to become a good and compassionate person who can see the bigger story, then that is the right religion for you.
This may be a very challenging to some who think there is only one "right" way. I can understand that. Being raised as a Catholic, I was taught that you were either "Catholic" or "Public." This, of course meant, that you either went to a Catholic school and thus were saved, or you went to a public school and were not saved. Fortunately, I was graced to overcome this rigid and Non Christian attitude.
Let us know what you think. This is an important and meaningful topic considering the hatred that is so predominant in our world today.
Be blessed,
Rev. Barbara
On Faith and Politics - Millennials Do it Their Way
On Faith and Politics - Millennials Do It Their Way
I had a great Easter/Spring Break. I was lucky enough to spend a few days in Florida, enjoying the sea breeze and the 70+ degree temperatures. While there, I laid back to read the USA Today. I always like to review the Religious articles. In the March 29th edition, (page 9A), Stephen Prothero (Professor of Religion at Boston University) presented an article entitled "Millennials do faith and politics their way."
The title caught my eye and I immersed myself in Prothero's writing. The author described "Millennials" as those "Born after 1980..." . In addition, according to Prothero, Millennials also have the following: a tatoo, a Facebook page, only own cellular phones and text. The author describes this generation as "confident, self-expressive, liberal, upbeat and open to change." Other than the tatoo, I could relate to these characteristics--even though 60 is right around the corner for this Baby Boomer.
According to the article, this generation is "less religiously affiliated" than other generations. But, this does not necessarily mean that they are secular. Prothero obtained his information through a Pew Research. You might like to view the link below to find out all about religious affiliation and the Millennial generation.
I find this information of importance for those of us who take a nondenominational ministerial approach to religion and spirituality, This young generation is not about forcing one's political or religious views on others. They believe there are many ways that religious truths can be interpreted. They are more accepting, tolerant and understanding. They do not want to be branded. In addition, they refuse to be labeled Republican or Democratic.
I find this information refreshing. I find it hopeful for a future that is not so full of prejudice, hatred and war. The Millennials may usher in a era of peace. According to Professor Prothero, they exhibit "deeply engaged both spiritually and politically. They care about things of the spirit, and they are eager both to vote and to volunteer." I say "hats off" to Generation-X for producing such a fine generation with high morals, confidence and drive!
As a nondenominational or interfaith minister, this information serves as a guide regarding how to meet this generation where they are and be of service to them. What are your thoughts? I would be interested in your reply.
Be blessed!
Rev. Barbara
On Faith and Politics - Millennials Do It Their Way
On Faith and Politics - Millennials Do It Their Way
I had a great Easter/Spring Break. I was lucky enough to spend a few days in Florida, enjoying the sea breeze and the 70+ degree temperatures. While there, I laid back to read the USA Today. I always like to review the Religious articles. In the March 29th edition, (page 9A), Stephen Prothero (Professor of Religion at Boston University) presented an article entitled "Millennials do faith and politics their way."
The title caught my eye and I immersed myself in Prothero's writing. The author described "Millennials" as those "Born after 1980..." . In addition, according to Prothero, Millennials have the following: a tatoo, a Facebook page, only own cellular phones and text. The author describes this generation as "confident, self-expressive, liberal, upbeat and open to change." Other than the tatoo, I could relate to these characteristics--even though 60 is right around the corner for this Baby Boomer.
According to the article, this generation is "less religiously affiliated" than other generations. But, this does not necessarily mean that they are secular. Prothero obtained his information through a Pew Research. You might like to view the link below to find out all about religious affiliation and the Millennial generation.
I find this information of importance for those of us who take a nondenominational ministerial approach to religion and spirituality, This young generation is not about forcing one's political or religious views on others. They believe there are many ways that religious truths can be interpreted. They are more accepting, tolerant and understanding. They do not want to be branded such as calling themselves Republican or Democratic.
I find this information refreshing. I find it hopeful for a future that is not so full of prejudice, hatred and war. The Millennials may usher in a new era of peace. According to Professor Prothero, they are "deeply engaged both spiritually and politically. They care about things of the spirit, and they are eager both to vote and to volunteer."
I would be curious as to your views. Please leave your comment and open a friendly discussion on this topic. Until the next time, be blessed!
On Realistic Religion and Miracles
Is religion or spirituality realistic? Does religion provide an opportunity for rational thinking? Or, is rational thinking limited to science and materialism?
These are important questions to ponder regarding the reality of religion and spirituality. The spiritual follower will say that belief is a matter of faith. Faith is believing something that you cannot explain. The materialist (defined here as someone who believes that everything is made up of matter and can be understood from a scientific perspective) will say that faith is unrealistic because it cannot be defined in scientific terms.
In his book, "Modern Physics and Ancient Faith," Stephen M. Barr presents a compelling argument for the realistic thought of religion. His thesis is clear. Materialism is not as realistic as religion. Why? Because materialism has a rigid dogma. (Interesting, yes?) That dogma states that "The materialist, by contrast (to the religious)* is in a straitjacket of his own devising. Nothing is allowed by him to be beyond explanation in terms of matter and the mathematical laws that it obeys. If, therefore, he comes across some phenomenon that is hard to account for in materialist terms, he often ends up by denying its very existence.......What cannot be explained by the theory is eliminated from consideration." **
Spiritual seekers, by contrast, have no problem accepting the reality of unexplained phenomenon. They have no problem believing in mystery--that which cannot be explained
Materialism, as explained above, is an extreme dogma. Yet, not all scientists hold this dogma as truth just as not all religious or spiritual believers hold extreme dogmas as truth.
Barr further outlines his his book how quantum physics is helping to bridge the gap between spirituality and science. It seems that the more modern physics discovers, the more materialism falls short. Modern physics asserts that too many coincidences would have to occur for materialism to hold true. Yet, isn't this what religion has asserted all along?
Outside of the realm of science lies the mysterious. Of particular mystery is the occurrence of miracles. I've experienced a miracle or two in my life, of which I will blog about in future writings. Religion and spirituality views the miraculous as a truth. Perhaps quantum physics is devising a way, metaphysically, to begin to shed light on the existence of the miraculous.
Have you had a miracle happen to you?
*author's words
**Barr, Stephen, M. (2003). Modern physics and ancient faith. Indiana: University of Notre Dame. P-17.
On Ethnocentricity and The Owning of God
I received an email from a young lady yesterday who is clearly searching for her own spiritual path. She is looking to main-stream religions, new age philosophies, family of origin beliefs and the Catholic Church in her attempts to make sense of her spiritual search. She is searching for the truth.
While communicating with this sweet soul it was clear to me that most religions suffer from ethnocentricity. Ethnocentrism is the tendency to view one's culture, religion, etc, as all-encompassing and correct. In religions, ethnocentrism supports the tendency to believe that one has knowledge of the only truth regarding God. Our desire to be aligned with the only truth promotes is us an intolerance to other religious and spiritual points of view.
This young lady I was communicating with is a victim of ethnocentristic confusion. She is searching for one right path. She is seeking one right truth. But in each direction she encounters absolute truth claims. Somewhere in her soul she knows this cannot be true, but she is blinded by the ethnocentricity of those to whom she is looking for guidance.
America is becoming more and more racially and culturally diverse. This challenges ethnocentricity. Many Americans do not like this and find hateful ways to promote the belief that they alone own the truth. But, do they really believe they can own God?
It is ironic, when you think about it, that this country was built upon the right to practice the freedom of religion. The separation of Church and State was guaranteed in our founding documents. We came from many countries to settle in this country. We brought with us many cultures, religious beliefs and identities. And, we brought with us our own ethnocentrism regarding the rightness of our belief system and the wrongness of another's. This was evident immediately as we annihilated the Native American Indians.
It is no secret that our lack of respect for each other's religious beliefs leads to war and the killing of the innocent in the name of God. This has happened throughout history. Unless we learn tolerance, compassion and understanding of our diversity, the pattern will continue.
Dr. Charles Kimball has written a book entitled "When Religion Becomes Evil." I believe it is a must read for every Christian and non-Christian alike. Kimball outlines the warning signs that indicate when a religion is turning evil. These signs include absolute truth claims, blind obedience, establishing the "ideal" time, the end justifies the means, and declaring Holy War.
The signs as outlined by Kimball all stem from the inability to see outside of one's self. They are compassionless and self-righteous attempts to limit the manifestation of God's love and grace to one culture, belief or religion. However, I am grateful to know that this simply cannot happen. No one owns God. God's love is there for all to partake in no matter what religion or spiritual orientation.
When I was a little girl, the nuns gave me a small box for lent. The box was to be used to go to the neighbor's homes to collect dimes for the pagan children in other countries. It was to be used to save their souls. I use to stay awake at night and worry about all of these babies who did not have the chance to know Jesus. What was going to happen to them and how could I help save them??
I didn't collect very many dimes. I was only five. I was sad when I turned my little box in to the nun who told me I was a disgrace and didn't live up to Jesus' expectations. What was going to happen to all these babies' souls? Now, when I reflect back on this experience, I realize that this was simply ethnocentric confusion. I now know that God loves all the little children. The nun was blinded by her own belief system and believed in a God that was selective regarding the innocence of these babies. How could a God of love punish the innocent in the way she believed?
I now believe in a God who loves all children. I believe in a God who doesn't care what language they speak, where they live, or how they pray. I believe in a God who sees the innocence in these children and does not punish them because of it.
I believe in an all-powerful God. In my mind, limiting God's magnificence to the confines of one belief or religion is not possible. I believe in a God that is everywhere and in everyone. I believe in a God that can lead all to Grace. I believe in a God that speaks all languages, loves all cultures, shares all joys and hears all prayers. I believe in a God that provides numerous pathways to grow in spirit, joy and love.
Let me know what you think.
On Creativity
I was blessed the other day to receive a phone call from a prospective student who was very interested in learning more about the courses offered through the seminary. I always know when I am speaking to someone connected to Source because the hair on my arms stands straight up. "I am a spiritual hypnotherapist" the caller said. "I try to help people connect to the Source within themselves to find the answers to their problems." I felt honored to speak with this individual.On Creativity
After a lengthly conversation, the caller shared with me some helpful feedback about our site at www.ministerialseminary.com.
She told me that while she loved everything she read, she found that something was missing. She did not see anything on the site that referred to the important topic of creativity.
I agree with the caller. Creativity is an important element to spiritual growth and development. It is a topic that deserves to be addressed. Creation can be viewed as the beginning and purpose of life.
We are taught about our ability to create in all of the great texts. Here are just a few references:
Exodus 35:31-32 And he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze...
Buddha: "The mind is everything. What you think you become."
Gandhi: "Every moment of your life is infinitely creative and the Universe is endlessly bountiful. Just put forth a clear enough request and everything you heart desires must come to you."
One need only look around to see what these sacred quotes are trying to teach us--that we are indeed capable of creation. Beginning with the ability to harness the creative power of fire by the early cave dwellers, creativity has been a part of the human experience. Some of our human creativity has been and remains beautiful, serving the common good of humankind. Some has not and poses a threat to our very existence.
As I contemplate the topic of creativity, I come to realize that it is an ability we all carry within, even if we are unaware of it. However, when this power remains unconscious, it lives a life of its own, creating in undirected and undisciplined ways.
"As a man thinketh, so is he" the BIble says (Proverbs 23:7). If we think from a prejudice point of view, we create more prejudice in the world. If we think from a tolerant point of view, then we create more tolerance in the world. Accordingly, to be creative in and of itself is not enough. Discernment upon how we use this creative power--the power of our thoughts--is essential.
As a student of the Course in Miracles, I am reminded daily that miracles occur due to a shift in perception. The Course teaches us to view our brother through a new lens-through Christ Consciousness--and thus the world changes.
It is indeed quite a responsibility to accept the fact that we create our own reality. Yet, what about issues of illness, disability, war, etc. It is fair to think that if we change our individual perception--change our own mind--that the entire world will change? Should we feel guilty as to our part in creating our own illness or the darkness currently found in the world?
It is helpful to me to remember that I am not the only one on this planet that is trying to think differently. We have, I believe, a "collective consciousness" as coined by Carl Jung. The totality of thought on this planet weighs heavily into what will manifest . But, I can do my part in the creation process by consciously aligning my thoughts with God and opening my mind to the creative potential inside of me, thereby allowing the Source to spring forward and flow outward to my family, friends, community and the wider world.
And, promoting thoughts of guilt or shame regarding our own illnesses, etc., assumes that we are capable of knowing the totality of the reasons why things are as they are. We do not, I believe, have that ability. For example, we may not know what lesson or gift was given to another through the experience of illness. The strength of someone courageously battling cancer, for example, could touch the lives of numerous individuals, in ways that we will never know. I believe it is a big mistake to tie in guilt, shame or a sense of failure to these issues. Rather, it would benefit us to view these things with non-judgment and in the light of compassion and love--through Christ Consciousness.
I decided to contemplate on the beautiful words found in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. It reminds me that I do not have all the answers and do know know all the reasons for the way things are. I would invite you to join me and send your experience by way of commenting to this entry.
To everything there is a season,
a time for every purpose under the sun.
A time to be born and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
a time to kill and a time to heal ...
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance ...
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to lose and a time to seek;
a time to rend and a time to sew;
a time to keep silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.
Creativity--such an important topic. I am sure the seminary will offer education and training to address this powerful force. In the meantime, I pray:
Dear Creator,
We were made in your image and likeness and granted free will to create within your creation. Guide me as I seek to align my thoughts with your mind. Help me to be aware of what I am creating, through my thoughts, and guide me away from unconscious contributions to pain, darkness and suffering, both within myself and within my brothers and sisters. Help me look through your eyes and see the light of God within all, thereby supporting and promoting each person's creative potential as directed by their God given gifts, and performed in ways that contribute to the salvation of all of your creation. I ask this knowing that when I ask, I shall receive. Amen. And again, I say. Amen.
Until the next time, be blessed!
On Leadership Without Ego
On Leadership Without Ego
The purest moments for contemplation come to me in the morning. If I can get out of that warm bed early enough, I can ride the silence of the morning right into prayer and meditation. There is a stillness that is very powerful. It is in that stillness that I can best experience the "I Am!"
As clergy members, we are all faced with issues of leadership. In the course of a busy day with the seminary, it is very helpful for me to pause and remember the "I Am" that is guiding my every step. I believe that staying in tune with the "I Am" is at the core of successful leadership.
The very fact that we are clergy means that we are viewed as leaders by students, congregation and community. However, when we view ourselves as a leader, it is essential to check the "ego" at the door, being careful not to let the ego drive our decisions. Successful leadership of a congregation is not egocentric nor ethnocentric. It cannot be built upon "I am right and you are wrong!" type thinking. We must be on constant watch for egotistical motives and behaviors. This is not an easy task.
To be successful, we must first identify what the ego is for us. Some refer to the ego as evil, the devil, darkness, the shadow self, etc. Whatever the name, the outcome is the same. Claiming our ego side is essential to establishing good leadership skills.
So, what would define behaviors that are of the ego? Simply put, they would be behaviors that promote separation. These would include thoughts such as the following:
"They all love me." (as if you are the only one who can be loved)
"I am granted a special power from God." (as if you are the only one that can connect with God)
"I alone can interpret God's word." (As if you are the only one who can think)
"They (the congregation) don't know anything and it is my job to teach them."
"I have the final word as I am the pastor."
So, how do we know what kind of structure to institute Everything needs some type of structure or it will collapse. A thought that came to me to contemplate in order to answer this question is found below and is the focus of my contemplation today:
Let the congregation lead. Listen to their concerns, their struggles, their issues and these things will guide you to lead as a servant of God rather than as a servant of the ego.
This thought brings to mind such words as: love, integrity, honoring, support, praise, equality, encouragement, example setting, non-judgment and focus.
And so this morning, I spent some time contemplating on the meaning of these words and how I can best express the "I Am" through the behaviors these words would elicit. And so I prayed:
Dear God,
Help me keep my ego in check. Remind me that I am doing your work, not mine. Let me hear your gentle guidance as found in listening to those whom you bring to my door. Their needs direct my decisions regarding leadership and service as they are one in the same. Let me lead by serving. Let me listen to your strength, power and direction as found in the "I Am" that speaks loudly to me in the silence. Help me to view my ministry as one that lifts all to your holy altar knowing we are all your children, united in your divine love. I ask this knowing I shall receive. Amen, and again I say, Amen.
Until the next time, be blessed!
PLEASE SEND YOUR COMMENTS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE, THOUGHTS AND IDEAS REGARDING LEADERSHIP. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!!
