​Recently I woke up at 2.30am, and, unable to sleep, wrote the following words, inspired by a Richard Rohr book, Immortal Diamond.
Once more, my mind had engaged in its chatter – grabbing my attention now that I was quiet. I found myself unable to rest back into sleep. However, I also recognised that my mind (ego-self) was into self-attack mode. It sounds heavy, but the voice was saying; must do this better, work harder, express myself clearer, get all these jobs done etc. I realised that unconsciously I was making myself wrong, subtly but effectively. In fact it reminded me of comments I would get from some of my teachers at school – could do better! My mind is always telling me – you could do better. Phew. As if there is not enough going on without this subtle voice in my head, kicking off at night-time.
 
What I recognised, which was a blessing and release, was that when I allow this to happen, and focus on fixing my humanity (or someone else’s), I am not practising the silence; I am not focused on God as good. Yet this is the key to our awakening, or salvation.
 
When we focus on God within, through and as us, when we open our minds and hearts in silent awe and reverence, to the majesty and mystery of God, we are changed.
 
Instead of me trying to work harder, be clearer, kinder etc., I find I do this naturally and experience God as my source of clarity, confidence and ability.
 
It is good to be the best that we can be. However, when we strive, thinking ‘I have to fix me’, we are in the way of our goodness flowing. When we surrender into Divine Heart, into love and wisdom, we are uplifted, renewed, restored into our true nature, our Christ nature, and the good for everyone naturally flows. As my dear friend, Isabel used to say, ‘we are being done’!
 
Therefore, I encourage myself, and you, to stop trying to fix ourselves to be better. The ego-mind will keep us here forever. Instead, practice opening, softening and melting into God Mind/Heart. Allow yourself to make this inner divine connection and notice how you begin to respond. It is the pure activity of God in us, as us, that changes us.
 
Rev Kimerie Mapletoft
Director of Silent Unity and Daily Word UK

Do you, like me, sometimes put a lot of mental pressure on yourself, or take on the cares of the world? It is all too easy to let this pressure take us over and then feel exhausted, especially if there is a lot going on in our lives, as there is for many of us right now.
 
However, when we let ourselves rest in the thought and feeling of I am enough and let the rest go, the ‘enough’ in us grows without pressure or force and Grace shines through.
 
Right now, whatever is happening in your life or around you, take time to surrender into peace, by easing into and through any turbulent thoughts or feelings, to land in the Grace and peace that is God as the Ground of Being, here, in your midst.
 
Daily Word put it beautifully recently: Fearful or anxious energy is like a lake’s choppy waves on a windy day. The serenity of my soul is like the water at depth that always remains calm and still.
 
The peace that passes all understanding is always here, underneath and within the activities of the world, when we look for it. For this peace lies within us. Thus the invitation is, with faith, move through the discomfort without identifying with it. Practice, I let go and let God, and God as Grace and peace will emerge. You are enough.
 
Rev. Kimerie Mapletoft,
Director of Silent Unity and Daily Word UK

Are you new to Unity and would like to know more about prayer in Unity?  Visit our prayer resources page. We also have a wealth of booklets and books on the subject!
 
PS Please share this with anyone whom you think may receive it.

At my niece’s memorial gathering, so many of her friends stood up and said how caring and thoughtful she was to them, and how much fun it was to be with her. Yet I know my niece did not experience herself in this way. In fact, I suspect the opposite was true for her, which, along with the love, does sadden my heart.

Most of us have no idea how much impact we have on each other in a good way. If anything, we tend to criticise and condemn ourselves for not being good enough: for failing in some way. When instead most people would tell us we bring much more good to their lives than we realise.

Instead of closing down to love, even if it may feel painful as it can sometimes when we are grieving, may I suggest that each of us spend time each day opening, softening and allowing in Love, as a gift for us to receive and come to know as our truth. Then, to find some way of sharing love to our human, animal or plant kingdoms.

There is no doubt that when we give, we receive. Indeed some studies have shown that we only deeply feel love when we share love with another. For, as the song 'There is only love' says, love heals us and sets us free.

Let us all know together, there is only love – it is our True Self, our Christ Spirit. Find as many ways as you can, with humility and gentleness, to receive the love that is given and share the love you are. Know that you are part of an amazing experience that can only bring good into the world.

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

PS Please share this post with anyone whom you think may receive it.

The importance of self-care within spiritual community.
 
Our faith in God, the Presence that we reside within, is something that keeps us stronger, healthier and peaceful. However, even with faith, there are times when we feel pushed to the limit, completely outside of our comfort zone, afraid of what is going on around or within us.
 
This is when it is so important to turn to our spiritual community for affirmative prayer and support. Mental health has really come to the fore through lock-down; and prayer is such a powerful resource and tool, to develop and use.
 
Perhaps the most important step is learning not to make anything wrong, including ourselves!
 
When we can surrender our judgements of what we think should be happening, or how we should respond, we make space for Divine wisdom and love, comfort and care. We discover we can see the way forward and take the steps that are ours, with renewed clarity, authority and faith.
 
The first step in prayer is release: To let go of judgements, or ask for help in letting go, is to make way for the flow of Divine life, love and wisdom, eternally present.
 
None of us like feeling alone or isolated, so it is very important that we reach out to others who will not judge us, but listen, support, encourage and uplift us. This is where Silent Unity, our prayer ministry, can really help.
 
We pray affirmatively, listening with love and compassion, then inviting the caller to come together to connect with God’s love, guidance, life and peace, that is here in our midst.
 
Prayer is such a powerful tool – it connects us with each other and with God. Perhaps this is what is needed more than ever: To know that we are part of something greater than ourselves that is, for us, loving, compassionate, understanding, non-judgemental and actively present to bring forth the highest good for everyone.
 
To connect with Silent Unity in confidential prayer and pray in person with our fully trained volunteers:
Call:   01628 628916
Email: silent.unity@unityuk.org
Write: 10 Lake End Court, Taplow Road, Taplow, Bucks, SL6 0JQ
 
Silent Unity is here to pray with you – to see the Christ energy being born in all of us anew as we move into this New Year. Together let us honour each other, love each other and celebrate all the ways that God as good is being born in us, and in our world.
 
Rev. Kimerie Mapletoft
Director of Silent Unity and Daily Word UK