Imagine!

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A Deep Breath of Life, abilities, Alan Cohen, awareness, creativity, enlightened, healing, I am the way, Imagine, Jesus, joy, life, love, seeking, striving, success, support, The Sophia Center for Spirituality, truth, trying

Home again this morning in my own space, I first did what is my usual Sunday morning task: checking my calendar for the week to make sure nothing creeps up on me for which I’m not prepared. I was reminded that there is some creative work to be done and that is a good thing for my spirit. That task done but still in waking mode, I turned to Alan Cohen to find the perfect message for this morning. Perhaps you will find it to be so as well.

Imagine that all of your trying, seeking, and striving has been completed. Imagine that you have within you all the awareness and tools you need to live a life of joy, creativity, success and love. Imagine that you don’t have to pass any more tests or prove anything to anyone. Imagine that you don’t have to earn the love or favor of God. Imagine that you have the abilities and credentials to offer healing and support to others. These imaginings are much closer to the truth than imaginings that you are broken, wounded or needy. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” If you recognize who you are, you can make this statement with equal authority. 

Practice being enlightened. It is the truth about you.  (Alan Cohen – A Deep Breath of Life)

Imagine…

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at one, Imagine, Korea, Olympics, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

Last night watching the opening ceremonies for the Olympics I felt the tiniest flicker of possibility. The enthusiasm on the beautiful young faces of the Korean delegation as they entered the stadium with their jackets just announcing KOREA made it impossible to find something separative about anyone. The cheers at their entrance by athletes from around the entire world, the beauty of the art installations, the wonder of the technological wizardry – so much made it possible to set aside any sense of politics. I was struck most of all by the human creation of doves of peace while Koreans sang John Lennon’s anthem “Imagine” in English.

Perhaps that is the lesson for today. If we can imagine what a world “at one” would look like, perhaps we can bring it to reality. I believe I will stop now, put on the music, and bring my version of that world into being. Join me if you will…

 

 

 

 

 

Lennon’s Vision

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Advent, Imagine, Isaiah, John Lennon, Peace, peace be within you, peace to you, The Sophia Center for Spirituality, the world as one, unity, violence

Continuing the theme of yesterday (which spans all of Advent) we hear the prophet Isaiah this morning urging God’s people to “Come, let us climb the mountain of the Lord” to find peace. Here is his vision of how that dream of peace will be realized: They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. (Is 2:1-5) That’s a big order, one that seems unthinkable in the world we live in where threats of war are ever present and the news carries live-feed of soldiers with guns and rockets with increasing regularity. Moreover we see disturbed people – often teenagers – in our own country randomly shooting groups of people to express their rage. So how do we even begin to move toward the creation of a world that is peaceful? Perhaps John Lennon gave a clue in his song Imagine, calling all the dreamers to see the world as ONE, believing that if we try, others will surely join us in the effort toward unity. It sounds as if the psalmist got the message. Because of my relatives and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you!” Because of the house of the Lord, I will pray for your good. That seems like a possible beginning effort toward peace. Maybe we could practice by greeting each person that we meet today (starting with those close to us) with a wish for peace. Add to that the broader intention for peace in the world, consciously imagining the possibility as now fulfilled. So be it. And so it is. Peace to you!