OK – we may not be as exalted in understanding and realisation as Jesus was. We are not claiming that we are Jesus the Christ! Yet we can recognise and claim that we are different people from whom we were when we started the Lenten season and this is important. We have applied ourselves, as best we can, to the practice of letting go of painful, disturbing and defeating human attributes, knowing we are so much more than this.
 
Perhaps you are like me. Because of the daily reminders to let go, I recognise when I am being negative or critical and pull myself back to centre more quickly. I recognise when I feel resentful – and instead of spiralling into that energy, find a way to be kind and compassionate with myself, be present to my feelings and needs, re-centring and re-connecting with my loving self instead. I now notice when I am deeply shocked, upset or angered by what someone says or does and how my gut reaction is so strong I just want to walk away rather than be with the energy.

When I felt this reaction recently, instead of staying in the energy of anger and blame I stopped, stepped back from the energy as it were, took a moment to breathe and move through it, so I could continue with the meeting.

​That evening, in our Lent meditation, the affirmation was, “In the middle of chaos, by the power of my spirit I declare, ‘Let there be light!’” It was as if a light shone in the darkness. I knew this light was the answer. I gave thanks for the light shining in and through the whole situation. No blame, no anger, just gratefulness and peace. These are a few of my examples of how the application of letting go is helping me shift. There is, as Myrtle Fillmore our co-founder said, ‘less of me and more of Thee’. How joyful and freeing this is. It truly is something to celebrate.
 
You may like to take some time over Easter to recognise these inner shifts in you. They may not be volcanic in your mind or heart. However, every small step is one in the right direction. Every time we let go of some of our defeating human responses, the more brightly shines the light of God through us and as us. This is the Christ energy being born in us each day. Let us celebrate and sing songs of praise today.

Rev. Kimerie Mapletoft

It is excellent mind training. For most of us, this busy world has many distractions. Our minds are often unfocused and far from present to what we are feeling and experiencing in the ‘now’ moment. In fact, we often try to avoid these feelings and sensations, as they can be overwhelming and difficult. Mindfulness teaches us that when we practice being present, we find underneath the turmoil and anxiety, a deeper peace and sense of well-being. Consequently, we experience calmer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.
 
What about meditation? The Oxford English Dictionary defines meditating as, “focusing one's mind for a period of time in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation.” In Unity, meditation is “a steady effort of the mind to know God. It is man’s spiritual approach to God.” (Taken from Revealing Word, Charles Fillmore)
 
Immediately there is a different focus from mindfulness. It is not just about focusing our thoughts, although we begin here, training our bodies and minds to be still. It is about contemplation and reflection – creating space in our minds and hearts to ‘know God’.
 
In Unity, meditation is about transcending thought and feeling; moving beyond a single one-pointed focused thought. It is a practice inviting us to move into pure consciousness – the quality in us that knows itself as the Christ: the Self beyond thought and feeling where oneness with God is the true experience. Unity calls this practising the Silence. For in the Silence we know ourselves not as simply human, but as divine beings who are so much more than our human experiences.
 
In April, I will be leading a 5-week evening class on meditation. We will practise different techniques to relax the body and focus the mind. All with the intention of moving into the Silence and the deeper part of us that is beyond thought.
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Would you like to join this class? Click here for more details.  Meditate on the possibility and book your place if the answer is yes!

Rev. Kimerie Mapletoft
Director of Silent Unity and Daily Word UK

What does peace mean to you? It can mean peace and quiet just to hear myself think! Peace can mean no more arguments or disharmony in the home or workplace. Peace could mean relief from noisy neighbours. Of course, we may be yearning for peace in the world – all of us learning, finally to get on with each other. Peace has many meanings. Yet, as many of you have heard me say in the past, peace begins with us. If we want peace in the world we begin with peace in ourselves – and this can be hard, especially when we find ourselves caught up in the turmoil of human living.

Like me, you may have a busy mind that, by itself, can become agitated, focused on a problem or event, and just will not switch off (especially at night time). Sometimes anxiety about something can take over, and before I know it, my energy is lost down a rabbit hole that is not of my spiritual choosing. Either way, I am no longer experiencing peace. So, what do I do about it?

Over the years, I have learnt some techniques: using my breath to still my mind, body work to get re-centred and out of the automatic thinking mode, being in nature and practising the silence in meditation. My ongoing journey is to keep practising them, keep re-tuning to Spirit, remembering I am spiritual as well as human. Yes, there are times when peace seems beyond me and it takes a little time to move through the turmoil. Yet as soon as I remember there is a part of me not impacted by human struggle, which we call the Christ within, I can step back and tune in once more. Anything we can do to help us reconnect is vital. Do you have specific tools you use?

This is my focus right now, as we are busy preparing for our April online workshop, “The Path to Inner Peace.” We will ask these questions, share tools to help us and share meditations to encourage the stillness.
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As we move into spring, and enjoy the flowers, warmth and fresh greens of nature, let us also commit to reconnecting with the peace that is within us. You are also very welcome to join our online workshop – it is by donation so you choose the amount you wish to pay. Be part of a day that helps us be the peace we want to see in the world.

For me nothing quite nourishes my soul more than a walk in the woods. Forest bathing I think they call it. As I head inward the sound of the road fades and all I can hear is the birds happily chirping. The trees of green envelop me and my to-do lists and worries no longer hold the importance that they had on the drive over. I feel free. I feel that I am within touching distance of the Divine. I notice flowers and insects and details that evade me during my normal working week. I feel peaceful. My connection to all that good and perfect is renewed.
 
Sometimes I even take off my shoes and socks and tread the Earth barefoot, a practice called Earthing. It is important in my personal practise to synchronise my emotional and spiritual energies with my physical body. Afterwards I breathe deeper and feel less anxious. This is the gift I give myself this week. The gift of feeling grounded, anchored to this magical place, long after I leave.
 
Stefanie Bridges
Unity Office Administrator