Oneness (10.27.13)

Good morning. Happy Sunday!

This past Thursday was Global Oneness Day, and there was an amazing telecast put on by a collection of people that was absolutely outstanding. Marianne Williamson, Bruce Lipton, Gregg Braden, Ken Wilbur, Jean Houston, Barbara Marx Hubbard, and many other well-known names in the Evolutionary Consciousness Movement (my words) participated. It was a real reminder about the paradigm shift that is occurring among certain sectors of humanity--a paradigm shift that recognizes the interconnectedness of not only all people, but all things within the Universe.

I have spent the remainder of my week going over these conversations in my mind, wondering how I can see more of my world as a part of me?

As humanity transitions from a materialistic society based in commerce and industry to ONE humanity that is focused on helping itself to overcome the perceived lack, and a society based on reciprocity instead of the bottom line, there will be many periods of trial and error as we try to overcome our own EGOS and live as one unit--one humanity--one living organism that includes all things within the Universe.

We can help each other in this noble endeavor by acting in our own lives as if we are a part of everything around us, for we are. We really are. There is no separation, only the illusion of separation, which some would define as the separation from God/Source/Spirit/Universe, and which is in fact our Ego selves maintaining and practicing the common misconception that people and all living things are individual organisms living individual and separate lives.

It is not so. Many indigenous societies have long held onto the belief that people are a part of the Nature they live in. As a result, they have managed to hold onto many traditions and ceremonies that work in conjunction with the Earth and also with God/Source/Spirit/Universe. These traditions may include healing practises, religious practises, philosophical practises, and living practises, all of which encompass more well-rounded cultures that nourish not only the self as spirit, but also the self as planet, and the self as Universe.

As we go about our day, and our week, let us try to remember that we are a part of something bigger playing out--something we may not understand, and something we don’t even have to understand. Humanity is on an evolutionary journey to become more than what it is now and the collective unconscious is changing to hold love and peace in the highest regard. This massive thought movement will indeed bring peace and love to the world and to the Universe as we all reconnect with ourselves and establish the bonds to our Higher Powers.

As we all begin to recognize ourselves in others, we will begin to practice compassion and love in our families and communities, which will in turn create a wonderful ripple effect, moving from our circle of influence out into the Universe around us. It is through this recognition of self as All That Is that the biggest changes to Humanity and the Universe will occur.

Be of service to those around you. Help out when you can. Spread kindness and love into the world. Release the pettiness of Ego thinking and Ego living and allow the spiritual being that you are to come forth and live in harmony with itself.

We can create a Universe where abundance is available to everyone. The first step is to remember who we really are. We are spiritual beings and pieces of the bigger spiritual entity we are all a part of. I am you. You are me. We are one. We are all one living, growing, loving, interconnected being.

I love you.

~Rev. Kerry

Happy Global Oneness Day!!

Happy Global Oneness Day everyone! May we all take some time today to acknowledge our connection to each other, to everything, to the Earth and the Universe. Find love in your heart and share it. We are all one.

Love you.
~Rev. Kerry

Eco-spirituality (10.20.13)

Good morning. Happy Sunday!

Eco-spirituality. What is it? It is the connection between science based ecology and spirituality. It is not generally political in nature, although many eco-spiritualists find themselves standing up for the rights of the planet and all living things on it.  

Eco-spiritualists hold the Earth and all living things in reverence and realize all are one in the wholeness of the Universe, and one with all things, both living and non-living. People are a part of the great web of life, and the Earth is a living entity in it’s own right, both divine and scientifically based.

Eco-spirituality suggests that environmentalism can be practiced as a religion and that it is our responsibility to live, work and play in sustainable ways, holding both life and Nature sacred in all that we do.

All people are equal with the simple rights to have basic needs met, such as access to food, water and shelter. Profit should never be put before people or before the good of the planet. All of our actions should be well thought out and the ramifications considered before we decide to exploit any resources, including living beings.

Humans are an intricate part of the natural world, and eco-spirituality aims to explore how to reconnect people with the Earth so that the continuance of the human species is assured, in conjunction with healing and restoring the planet, as well as learning to live in environmentally conscious and sustainable ways, leaving a positive impact on life and nature.

There is a divineness inherent in all things and an underlying reality to the Universe that is not bound by the concrete and fabricated ideas of mankind.

In a time when global warming has reached epic proportions, and the future of the planet and all living things are in question as a result of man made climate change, a new gospel needs to be preached around the globe, and eco-spirituality holds within its multi-faceted belief system the answers to build a new religion based upon environmentalism.

All religions that hold Nature as sacred embrace the tenets of eco-spirituality. Let’s work  together to create an even stronger eco-bond that allows the very ideas of environmentalism to shine forth in a new paradigm that allows us to come together and worship our planet Earth, all living things, and the entire Universe as one being, and in so doing, consciously decide to live in ways that are congruent with nurturing life and the sacredness of the world we live in.

Eco-spirituality allows us all an opportunity to “get back to nature” to relearn the gentler ways to live on the planet while fulfilling our own needs and sharing community with all of Nature around us.

We have a sacred connection to Nature and the Earth, and as we realize our own spiritual ties to the planet that sustains and supports us, we will begin to heal--not only our beloved planet Earth, but ourselves and our living communities.

~Rev. Kerry

Seeking and growing (10.13.13)

Good Morning! Happy Sunday!

Yesterday we took a trip across the valley to Crestone, to the Yaktoberfest. This is an annual event held by the Cho Ku Rei Ranch, which raises Yaks in the San Luis Valley, near Crestone, Colorado. The kids were able to pet baby Yaks, get their faces painted and have balloon animals created for them by a clown while the local children made their own balloon hats. Do they have a class for that at the charter school?

We haven't been to Crestone for years, since my six year old was a baby and my son was growing in my belly. At that time we were looking for a new place to land, a local community of like-minded people who are spiritual without being religious, people who are environmentally aware and active in the choices they make in day to day living, and people who are creative. Crestone has all of that. Maybe more so than the average community. Crestone is the spiritual mecca of Colorado, and is home to many spiritual centers. Called the "Shambala" of the Rocky Mountains, many spiritual seekers find themselves in Crestone, for one reason or another.

I enjoy visiting Crestone. The tiny town is growing, and has a few more businesses in the downtown area from the last time we drove through.

But, this post isn't about Crestone, it's about seeking. Seeking new places, new experiences, new ways to live more responsibly with our Mother Earth. Crestone, and the people that have chosen to live there, in the frigid winter temperatures of the high desert, remind me of my own choices. My partner and I chose to live a little less comfortably when we moved from our beautiful Victorian house near downtown Colorado Springs a few years ago, and out into the country. We were seeking an alternative to the crashing American Dream and the lies espoused by the mainstream American media.

Funny (and long story) how we eventually landed in Taos (again), another spiritual center of the Southwest. Taos is a great place and a magical place for anyone seeking new experiences, and will always leave one with mysterious memories to be pondered later.

But now, we find ourselves seeking again. This time we are seeking a place to call home, a place we can run our farmstead and spiritual center, while welcoming other "seekers" on their paths as well. We are seeking a community of folks who share in our vision of living an alternative lifestyle to the American mainstream culture. We have met a few people here and there and are very thankful for their energy in our lives.

But, while I continue to look at houses and dream of properties that would be just right for all of our plans, I am brought back to a lesson I learned long ago--while I was still living in the city in that great, old Victorian house: you must grow where you are planted. You must thrive wherever you are, in the circumstances you find yourself currently in, be that a tiny apartment in the city or a tiny house in the country that is too small and doesn't belong to you. Never stagnate.

Whatever circumstances you might currently find yourself in, the growth of your soul depends on what you do with what you have. Are you open to new experiences and new learning opportunities? Are you grateful for what you do have, every single day? Do you love all of the people that come into your life, and value the opportunity to exchange ideas and listen to all the wonderful things they might have to teach you?

While I continue to look for a place to land and build our special place, I am constantly seeking adventure and opportunities that will advance my own spiritual journeys. We may be stuck here now, renting a small farm, but we are thankful for this place and this land to grow our gardens and raise our livestock. We are thankful for everything we learn as we move from place to place, and all of the wonderful people we meet in each community we temporarily land in.

One important thing I have learned from all of our moving around is that I am still growing as a spiritual being. I seek and I find. I seek ways to advance my own enlightenment and the Universe always sends me ample learning opportunities. As I continue to seek, I continue to grow. My curiosity and love of adventure keeps the energy flowing in my own life and every new experience allows me to grow as an individual, raising my energetic vibrations to higher levels.

This week let's try to seek new experiences and opportunities that might help us grow as people and as communities. Come together and learn from each other and enjoy time spent in the company of fellow spiritual travelers. We are all seeking and we are all growing.

Enjoy the journey.

~Rev. Kerry

Appreciating Nature (10.6.13)

Good morning. Happy Sunday!

The weather is turning cold now, here in the San Luis Valley, and as Fall settles in, I begin to notice the changes around me. The trees are turning gold, the flowers have gone to seed and different birds have begun to show up around the farm.

This morning I awoke early to the sounds of the neighbor's dog barking, and as I looked out the window to see where the dog was, I noticed a coyote standing on the other side of the fence near the road. He was watching me as I watched him.

My six year old daughter sleeps on the top of the bunk bed she shares with her brother. When she woke, she was mesmerized by the Magpies hanging out in the trees outside her window.

There have been several Magpies flying about the garden space this morning along with several other small birds. Beautiful small blackbirds pick through the hay in the goat yard, and there was a Mockingbird singing outside my bedroom windows early this morning. The Mockingbird song makes me think of Spring, but I am not fooled by the 20 F temperature outside the front door.

The air is crisp and cool and the breeze holds a chill as Autumn wraps her arms around this Rocky Mountain valley. The mountains in the distance have a slight dusting of snow from the storm that came through a week or so ago. The skies are clear and the air is fresh, and I am thankful to be a witness to the changing of the seasons, taking the time to notice the subtleties of  Nature as she puts on her Fall attire, getting ready for her last celebration before she settles in for her winter nap.

The golds, reds and oranges, the purples, greens and browns, all of the colors of the high desert--the colors of certain plants setting off contrasting colors of the plants beside and the landscape in the distance--it is a visual smorgasbord to the eyes that take the time to really see.

This week, make some time to bear witness to the changing of the seasons, immersing yourself in the colors, the fresh air, the sounds, and enjoy the healing warmth from the sun on your skin. Become a part of the Nature that is your true self and set aside the distractions of the man made world for a little while to realign with the spirit inside that seeks communion with the natural world.

Become one with the trees, the grasses, the birds, and the wild animals that wander searching for food. Become one with the sky, the clouds, the mountains in the distance. Feel the spirit of the Mother Earth as you breath in cool, clean, crisp air, and let yourself simply be in the nature that is a part of you. Let it heal and replenish your soul, connecting with all that is.

~Rev. Kerry