For the past two years, our beloved labyrinth has been held with deep care and loving attention. Under the devoted leadership of Cali Crowley and Barbara Kowalska, and with the helping hands and hearts of so many of you, this sacred space has been lovingly restored and brought back to life. While the work isn’t quite finished, I’m happy to share some wonderful news: We have received a $1,000 grant from New England Grassroots to help us move closer to building an ADA-accessible walkway along the outer perimeter of the labyrinth. This will allow those with mobility needs to more easily and fully experience the quiet beauty and wisdom the labyrinth offers.
Looking ahead, May 2 is World Labyrinth Day, and I’m excited to share that on February 21, I’ll be participating in a panel hosted by the Legacy Labyrinth Project. The gathering: The Power of the Collective Walk: Unity and New Thought Churches Prepare for World Labyrinth Day 2026 will be an opportunity to exchange ideas and inspiration as we explore what it might look like for our ministry to once again host this meaningful event. If you’re interested in joining the conversation, the two-hour Zoom presentation is offered from noon–2 p.m. and again from 6–8 p.m. More information is available at legacylabyrinthproject.org.
If you feel called to help co-create World Labyrinth Day at Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, I would love to hear from you. It is my hope that this year’s celebration will include not only the traditional 1 p.m. labyrinth walk, but additional activities that deepen connection, reflection, and community.
Allowing What Is: Staying Grounded in a Swirling World
This Sunday, we explored a simple but powerful spiritual truth: so much of our suffering doesn’t come from what is happening in life, but from how much we resist what is already here. We often tell ourselves we’ll be present after things settle down, after we feel better, after the world makes more sense. Yet life keeps inviting us to show up right here, just as we are.
Allowing what is does not mean giving up or approving of everything happening around us. It means loosening our inner grip—softening our resistance to emotions, uncertainty, and discomfort—so we can stay present and grounded even when life feels overwhelming. When we stop arguing with reality, our breath deepens, our bodies relax, and peace becomes available again.
Jesus’ invitation, “Come to me, all who are weary,” reminds us that rest is not found by fixing ourselves, but by bringing our whole, honest experience into compassion. In the same way, Unity teaches us that if God is our life, then nothing arising within us is outside of Divine Love—not fear, not sadness, not weariness. When we allow what is, we discover that presence has been here all along.
A Practice for the Week: Name It to Tame It
When you feel yourself getting caught in the swirl—whether by the news, emotions, or daily pressures—try this simple practice:
Pause and take one gentle, conscious breath.
Notice what is honestly present right now.
Name it kindly, without judgment or story:
“This is anxiety.”
“This is sadness.”
“This is frustration.”
“This is weariness.”
Not “I shouldn’t feel this.”
Not “Something is wrong with me.”
Just: “This is what’s here.”
You may want to place a hand on your heart or take another slow breath as you silently say,
“I make space for this. I don’t need to fix it right now.”
Awareness creates space.
Space creates gentleness.
Gentleness creates peace.
May this practice help you stay rooted in presence this week, trusting that Spirit meets you exactly where you are—right here, right now.
May you move through this week with open hands and a steady heart, trusting that Spirit is meeting you right here, just as you are.
Coming This Sunday: Cultivating Curiosity
What if curiosity is not just a personality trait, but a spiritual practice—one that opens the door to joy, connection, and growth?
May this year invite us into deeper awareness, expanded possibility, and the joyful knowing that as we live our light, we bless the world. Together, we affirm: there is always more good seeking expression through us, and it begins right here.
You are a blessing in my life,
Rev. Patricia Bessey
