Inspiration
Have you noticed that we really never stop dreaming ~ wanting ~ desiring? Everything that we have created in our lives has come from a thought, a divine idea, which propels us to move forward in a specific direction or to consider the possibility of something new in our lives. This activity of thought and our nature to dream, imagine and visualize is part of the creative process of life.
The time between the thought of what we desire and the manifestation of our desire in the physical realm is largely dependent on our thoughts, feelings, beliefs and ultimately the vibrational frequency that we are sending out. The actual dream or desire that we are seeking begins to appear in our life experience when we are able to feel the joy and live in the dream now ~ regardless of what is appearing in our life at the moment.
It was 2005 when I was inspired to create a spiritual community. I didn’t know how or where, it was simply a seed, a thought that filled my entire mind with joy! I imagined hundreds of people who would come together in unity. I would close my eyes and see people who were singing and smiling. Feelings of peace, freedom and joy would fill my heart and I could feel the love of the people whom I had yet to meet.
Initially, my dream of a spiritual community looked more like a Tupperware party; a small gathering in my living room. In one of my quiet moments of contemplation, I remembered a letter that Mother Teresa had written, and posted on her wall in the Children’s Home in Calcutta, India. It was Titled DO IT ANYWAY: “People are unreasonable, illogical, self-centered, LOVE THEM ANYWAY. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives, DO GOOD ANYWAY. If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies, SUCCEED ANYWAY. The good you do will be forgotten tomorrow, Do GOOD ANYWAY. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable, BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY. What you spent years building may be destroyed overnight, BUILD ANYWAY. People really need help but may not show love and gratitude for your efforts LOVE PEOPLE ANYWAY. Give the world the best you have and you may not see immediate results. GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU’VE GOT ANYWAY.
From that day forward, I chose to give the world the best that I had. I stopped concerning myself with what others thought and chose instead to focus on the feelings of love and inspiration that were at the core of my vision. I developed my “dream team”; a select few friends that could uphold my vision and support my dream with affirmative thoughts and ideas. I no longer concerned myself with those who disapproved or feared that I would fail. I stopped seeking approval and chose to no longer compare myself to others. I carved out time each day to be still and silent and created ample opportunities to spend outdoors in nature where my imagination could express itself freely.
My dream that began with a Divine Idea and a small gathering in my living room with three people was unfolding in its perfect order. The good news continued to spread and when there was no longer room for all of us to fit in my home, the next door of opportunity opened. Unity Center of Light moved to a historic church building in Newport and opened its doors as a Sunday celebration in October 2007. Over 50 people attended our first service and the feeling that I imagined back in 2005 was now expressing as a spiritual community. The unfolding of this dream has taught me many lessons. I leaned that the difference between three people, three hundred people or three thousand people is my willingness to look for the good, live in the now and practice the presence of love right where I am.
In looking back at my initial dream I realize that it too has changed. My initial vision to lead a church community actually manifested through my inner desire to create sacred community. This energy of love has no walls; and there is no time or space in spirit. The technology of today makes it possible to share inspirational messages and classes with people from around the world! When I moved to San Diego in January 2010 I felt a new sense of freedom and wonder; maybe it is the bright sun and the warm climate … but I know it is deeper than that. I have come to realize that wherever I am and whatever my next desire, my task is to maintain a positive outlook, practice patience, celebrate the ordinary miracles and watch for signs of wonder every day. Life is a journey and as we shine our love and light in the world ~ we give others permission to do the same!
In a Spirit of Love and Oneness … Laura
… “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” It’s what the angels said to the women when they went to the tomb to dress the body of Jesus.
As we approach the Easter celebration, let us remember the wisdom of this message. We have a choice to make about what we focus upon and think about. If we are dwelling on the past and holding on to anger and resentment then we are living amongst the “dead”. The living moment is the here and now and it is filled with promise and possibility.
Join me in making a commitment to celebrate the living: water one tree, smell one flower, walk barefoot through the green grass, smile at a stranger, call someone you care about and let them know that they are loved! Let’s celebrate the beauty of Mother Earth as we reflect upon our many blessings and thank God for each one of them large and small. Life is a wonder and indeed an incredible gift to us all!
Affirmation: Today I make a conscious effort to no longer dwell upon or talk about past actions, errors and negative experiences. On this day I choose to focus upon the resurrection and the rising up of activities in my own life. I open and receptive to perfect health, vitality, abundance, and new ways of seeing the good my life
Happy Easter! In a Spirit of Love and Oneness,
Laura
March 28, 2010
Palm Sunday commemorates the first day of Holy week. Holy week includes Palm Sunday (Jesus’ triumphant walk through Jerusalem), Maundy Thursday (commemorating the event of the “last supper”) and Good Friday, also known as God’s Day, which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus.
It safe to say that Jesus was misunderstood! Jesus made no effort to establish a new religion; he did not come to criticize, threaten or overthrow the oppressive Roman government. Yet the religious leaders of the day, the Pharisees and Sadducees felt very threatened. The message of Jesus contradicted their religious law and strict teachings in the synagogue. These religious laws were almost impossible for anyone to live up to – and so it kept the people in religious bondage; always feeling less than and inferior in the ‘eyes’ of God.
The chief priests and the teachers of the Law of Moses were looking for a way to get rid of Jesus because they were afraid of what the people might do. They feared the people might begin to believe what Jesus was teaching; that they had the potential to do great things and to live life abundantly. Jesus was accused of being an intruder and an imposter.
Jesus was not interested in power, prestige or popularity. Jesus was not interested in worldly wealth. He said, “My kingdom is not of this world”. “I have come that you may have life and have it more abundantly”. Jesus’ mission was to bring to us a greater understanding of our relationship to God; this divine love and power that cannot be bought or traded. A power that heals the sick, feeds the multitudes and parts the seas.
Jesus exemplified the power of love and compassion in our relationships “Do unto others as you would have other do unto you”. He taught not to judge those who make mistakes “Ye without sin, cast the first stone”. During this Holy week, let us keep our sites on the resurrection. Rather than focus on what is wrong in our world, in our family, in our workplace, in our personal lives, let’s together focus on what is good, what is possible, what is working. Join me in seeing the best in our children, our spouses, our friends and our neighbors. Allow the lilies and the beauty of nature to remind us of the ordinary miracles that surround us all. We can focus on the cross or we can focus on the resurrection; where we place our thoughts and attention will make all the difference!
In a Spirit of Love and Oneness,
Laura