I sit before a clean slate waiting for me to put words to thoughts that are ruminating in me. It is Monday that I am writing this and just an hour or so ago the CDC came out with new guidelines relating to COVID-19. They have said that if you have had both vaccine shots you can safely interact with others who have been safely vaccinated as well. Immediately my mind went to many of you who I know have had both shots and thought, wow, we can get together for a meal or the book group. Then I thought, but what about those who haven’t gotten both, are they excluded?
Gregg Levoy
My thoughts then went to the workshop with Gregg Levoy on Sunday. If you didn’t attend the workshop, it was focused on the pandemic. He asked us some interesting questions that were personal to each of us. I am going to share a few with you and my answers to them. You might answer them for yourself.
What have I discovered about myself during this last year? I discovered my desire to learn and grow; I am more inner focused than when I was distracted by the worldly things in the outer; I am grateful for my home and find it to be my sanctuary.
What has changed dramatically for me through this? What have I said “no” to that I am saying “yes” to now? The greatest change for me is entering into the age of technology. Sunday services, classes, and meetings via Zoom, Facebook Live, and YouTube. My only regret is I didn’t do it sooner.
What silver linings have come from the pandemic? Without question, doing Sunday morning from home. Seeing our doctors via telehealth rather than driving to an appointment.
Has this year been one of the best? In many ways yes, I have stretched in ways I never thought possible. I have learned that I am resilient and that less is better. It has shown me how little I really need to live a great life. I have a deeper appreciation of knowing when I need alone time and when I need connection.
What has the meaning of the pandemic been for me? I am stronger than I imagined; that I am given everything I need when needed; and most importantly that LOVE trumps everything else.
If you joined us on Sunday morning you had a chance to experience Gregg. His message was one of braiding science and spirituality together. He shared his theory of chaos and how biblically chaos was before creation. He is very engaging and if you missed it or want to listen to him, you can watch the video above.
This coming Sunday we hear from another person who I hold in high esteem and it is Vaishali Mamgain. Vaishali is Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Southern Maine and the Director of the Bertha Crosley Ball Center for Compassion, also at USM. She will be sharing her experience of being a person of brown skin and how viscerally she experienced the event of January 6 at our nation’s Capital. Vaishali will join us for Coffee Hour following so you can ask questions or share your ideas on what she shares with us.
Nonviolent Practice: Week 2 Creativity
The worst thing you can do to a human soul is to suppress its natural desire to create. Identify at least five ways in which you express your creativity every day. Each day this week, allow something unpredictable and joyous to express through you.
Mark your calendar for March 28 and join us on Zoom for our Spring Community Meeting directly following the Sunday Celebration Service.
TURN YOUR CLOCK AHEAD SATURDAY NIGHT…it is time to Spring Forward!
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. 
