For Sunday July 29th, 2018

Hello to everyone, scientists have long looked at forests and seen the tallest trees as being the strongest, masterful winners in a competition for survival. But forest ecologist Suzanne Simard has proven a new understanding – that trees have complex social lives and harmoniously assistive survival techniques – trees cooperate.

https://www.ted.com/talks/suzanne_simard_how_trees_talk_to_each_other 

The tendency to project our psychological mindset onto nature has tripped us up but has also exposed a human frailty; a belief in the necessity of strength. As Gary Zukav wrote in "The Seat of the Soul" the desire for 'external power' is born of fear, while 'authentic power' is a matter of the heart.

May we sit this evening for the only true power in the universe, the power of love. May we sit for the insight to see our own illusions and projections. May we sit for the individual recognition and fullness of 'authentic power' to be realized on Earth.

Thank you all,

Richard

For Sunday July 22nd, 2018

Hello everyone, here's a quote: "You know, I think everybody longs to be loved, and longs to know that he or she is lovable. And consequently, the greatest thing we can do is to help somebody know they're loved and capable of loving." - Mister Rogers

There is no way to elaborate on that other than to emphasize the word 'everybody'. 

May we sit this Sunday to release that which corrupts our willingness and ability to love.

Thank you all,

Richard

One Love

And I just got this from Barbara Whitfield:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZzK29_V8jQ

For Sunday July 15th, 2018

Hello to all, history shows that humanity is moving away from the acquisition and application of external power – from the divine right of kings, to the signing of the Magna Carta, to the end of slavery, to suffragettes, to civil rights, to Tiananmen Square, to the Arab Spring; and toward authentic power with the acknowledgement of the sacredness of human life. 

There are still hold-outs, desperately grabbing at money, political influence, and military might. But the arc of history will complete itself. The human heart will shine through because compassion is not a luxury, it is a necessity for life. Compassion may well begin from pain, but achieves its fullness in joy.

May we sit this evening for the opportunity to engage compassionately with others. May we bring forth the best of our hearts - to someday arrive at joy.

Thank you,

Richard

For Sunday July 8th, 2018

Hello everyone, mystics of many stripes have spent thousands of years promoting the transcendence of the body as a means of personal spiritual fulfillment. Transcendence is offered as an escape from suffering and endless cycles of reincarnation. And, those who love outwardly may wonder why we're here during such a time of earthly turmoil. 

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama offers this simple, compassionate, and ultimately responsible answer, "The purpose of life is not to transcend the body, but to embody the transcendent." In other words, we are here to bring every bit of love, joy, compassion, and creativity that we can attain from seemingly other-worldly spirituality into this dense, physical, earthly life.

May we sit this Sunday for the spiritual fulfillment of our lives in this era. May we bring forth all that we attain. May humanity know its source.

Thank you all,

Richard

For Sunday July 1st, 2018

Hello to all, there is a difference between stopping the thought process and going beyond thought. Stopping the thought process can bring a quietness and a sense of ease which are valuable in their own right. But to go beyond thought is a rare entry into a realm where the formation of loving desire equals immediate action.

Let's define prayer beyond the realm of thought or imagination as fervent prayer. It's an area where the appearance of white Light is not the creation of an actively thinking mind, but rather a perceived fact. Such Light can emanate from a pure and intensely focused Love.

May we sit this evening for that purity and focus. May we bring such Light not into our imaginations, but into reality. It's an attainment which is not within easy reach but is available to all, and can change the world.

Thank you,

Richard