I often come home on Sunday afternoon and write this article as I am doing today. The reason for this is that everything from the morning is fresh in my mind. Today we celebrated an early Valentine’s Day with valentines and a potluck. There is nothing that warms my heart more than to see the fellowship hall filled with people eating and talking. For some it is the only time they get to share a meal with others. And I love to try the many varieties of food that folks bring. We always have more than enough.
I talked this morning about a video and interview that was done by Charles Eisenstein. The video was Drew Brophy sharing his near-death experience and then Charles doing an interview with him at a later date. I am sharing both here as I said I would. I do hope you take the time to watch one or both. Drew shares what I hope we all learn in this lifetime it’s about kindness, love, and people. I would love to hear from you after you watch it with your thoughts. Here is the link to the video https://youtube.com/watch?v=-3L9JLHEG34&feature=shares
And here is the link to the interview… https://youtube.com/watch?v=vOZZ_8QYmEE&feature=shares
One more item to share is that Deana wrote a new song to replace Namaste and I and others really like it. Please take a listen if you missed it…watch the service…
Ethics For a New Millennium is the series I am doing during the Season of Nonviolence. Today’s theme was inner peace. The Dalai Lama says that genuine happiness has peace as its principal characteristic.
There is no single answer for where we find inner peace, inner peace that is rooted in a concern for others.
The Dalai Lama says that such things as good health, friends, freedom to express our personal views and a degree of prosperity (flourishing mentally and emotionally) help contribute to inner peace.
Other contributors to inner peace are: our basic attitude – how we relate to existing circumstances; actions we undertake in our pursuit of happiness.
Our attitudes toward others, as well as our surroundings, are important determiners of inner peace. Moreover, actions that show a concern for others and that make positive contributions are also important in whether we achieve this peace.
Some practices for this week:
• Talk with at least two people in your family, asking them what they think it means to be truly happy…. even when the circumstances are grim.
• Notice what helps you to cultivate inner peace each day over the next week.
• Reflect on what you have observed and develop a more intentional practice that will cultivate inner peace daily for you.
• Practice a random act of kindness. Note the results both in yourself and in others.
Next week: The Ethic of Restraint; The Ethic of Virtue
For Black History Month: Frederick Douglass https://youtu.be/1f7_Mz7lbJk
In 1867, only two years after slavery ended in the U.S., Douglass spoke out against racism against Chinese and Japanese Americans. He argued that Chinese immigrants should be allowed to become citizens just like any other immigrants.
He envisioned a “Composite Nation,” a multi-racial, multicultural America that recognized human rights.
He was way ahead of his time, but he is right on time for solidarity and compassion for us and others.
This music video sets the excerpts from Frederick Douglass’s “Composite Nation” speech to “Joseph Pierce,” an original work by jazz giant Francis Wong.
Performed by:
Amanda Kemp, Vocals
Michael Jamanis, Violin
Francis Wong, Tenor Saxophone
Matt Woodson, Percussion
Text from 1867 “Composite Nation” Speech
You are a blessing in my life,
Rev. Patricia Bessey
Labyrinths are ancient geometric figures. One leaves one’s worries and stress at the entrance and walks meditatively to the middle. As one walks to the center she/he becomes centered within her/himself, calmer, and more grounded. 
