How many times have you heard someone say, “That heart attack actually blessed me!” People use that phrase—”It blessed me!”—when they look back on some painful situation or life-changing event, and realize their life was enhanced, deepened, or fulfilled in some way after dealing with the event. Take a moment and think about a time you may have actually said it yourself. (We’ll wait while you reflect!)

We would lovingly like to say “Get OVer It!” In and of themselves, events and situations do not bless us. Why? Because the events are not causative. Think about it! They are simply events—occurences. No more, no less. When we look back on an event and say it blessed us, we are putting the power in the wrong place. That kind of statement implies that events have the power to cause a reaction or response in us.

Here’s our take, from a Spiritual Perspective: The key is not the event or situation, but how we choose to use the event or situation. Blessings are more about what we DO with the experience. When we strengthen our awareness of our Oneness, and move into the Truth of who we are, we are able to use events and situations as triggers to grow from them. We can move forward by asking the question, “How can I use this for good?”

So the next time you find yourself reflecting back on a situation saying, “It blessed me,” just pause a moment. Go deep within and know the Truth: You blessed the event by using it to transform your life. Instead of saying, “It blessed me,” switch it around and affirm “I blessed it!” You have incredible power, because you are God expressing … and you can walk the Spiritual path on practical, blessed feet!

On this first Sunday of Advent (and last Sunday focusing on Zeal) discover the Unity perspective of Zeal through the metaphysical interpretation of Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings 2: 1, 11), and three tips to ensure you are using your Divine Power of Zeal at the highest, most elevated level of Consciousness. (This is especially helpful as we move into the holiday season!)

Last Sunday, we shared the Gold Standard Test as a way to help you use your Divine Power of Understanding from the highest, most elevated level, as a way of assessing your thoughts, intentions, words, and actions. This helps you separate the “real GOLD” from “fool’s gold.” Here is the test:

1. Is this (meaning your idea, thought, emotion, action, words) honoring the Truth of who I am?

2. Is this honoring the Divinity of others?

3. Is this serving me for my absolute highest and best good?

Bonus Question: What would happen if I let this go? For example, anger or resentment I might be holding about something or someone. It glitters — in terms of allowing me to feel self-righteous (I don’t deserve this!), letting me harbor emotions and play with them in my mind, and blame others. (Why do we, in our human ego, seem to enjoy this so much?) It can become addictive! But – it is NOT gold! What if I let it go? What else would I do with the energy; the emotional investment? How would it change me? What affect would it have on others around me?

Answering these questions helps us KNOW, and that’s what the power of Understanding is all about. It’s not always easy – we sometimes fight our Higher Selves! But when we take the huge step forward, pull in the cosmic net and look at what’s there, then have the spiritual courage to choose the higher, Truth-related thoughts, ideas, emotions, and actions – and release the rest – that’s when we really can master the art of living, and walk the spiritual path on practical feet!

As we continue our exploration of the Power of Understanding, Revs. Cher & Bil  look at the things in life (those bright, shiny ego-boosters) which keep us from experiencing the highest and best for us! Take away some powerful, practical techniques to master the art of living in a way you have never done before! (You might want to sneak a peek at Matthew 13:47-50, and Matthew 6:19-20)

Walking the labyrinth is more about the journey than the destination (there’s no tricks or traps — we know we are going to get to the center); it is about BEING rather than doing, integrating body, mind and spirit into Oneness.

There is a lot of confusion and misperception out there about labyrinths … so we just wanted to take a moment to clear things up! Here are a few quick facts:

• Labyrinths have been around for over 4,000 years and are found in just about every major religious tradition in the world.
• Many people confuse a labyrinth with a maze. There’s a big difference! A maze has dead ends, false turns, and attempts to mislead. A labyrinth on the other hand  has only one path leading to the center and back out again. There are no dead ends and no false trails.
• When you walk a labyrinth, you follow a path of circular trails that eventually lead you to the center. As you shift your direction, you also shift your awareness from right brain to left brain, creating a sense of receptivity and balance.
• There is no one right way to walk the labyrinth! Each person’s walk is a personal experience. Some people use the walk for clearing the mind and centering. Others enter with a question or concern. The time in the center can be used for receiving, reflecting, meditating, or praying, as well as discovering your own sacred inner space. What each person receives can be integrated on the walk out. Your walk can be a healing and sometimes very profound experience or it can be just a pleasant walk. Each time is different.
• Labyrinths are truly sacred places. The design itself is inherently powerful. The space and the experience of walking it are also very sacred and powerful and help us feel a greater sense of Oneness. It is a tool for people of all beliefs to come together for a common spiritual experience.

How to Walk the Labyrinth

There are as many different ways to walk the labyrinth as there are people who walk them. The journey is different for everyone, because each person brings his or her own personal purpose to the labyrinth. You can walk meditatively; you can use it to discover solutions to life situations you are facing; you can walk for inner peace and relaxation; or you can simply use it to access a sense of joy.

As you walk, most people prefer to remain silent, and walk with a calm, relaxed pace. You may want to allow time for personal meditation/relaxation at various stop points along the way, as well as when you arrive at the center. You may notice a heightened awareness through your senses (sounds, scents, tactile). Unexpected emotions or thoughts may arise as you walk; be gentle and kind with yourself, and just “be” with whatever comes up, allowing Spirit to work within you to guide your understanding and wisdom.

A Basic Walking Exercise

Before you begin your walk, think of a question or concern you would like to receive clarity about. Take a few deep  breaths, and clear your mind of conscious thought, then enter the labyrinth.  Walk mindfully through the labyrinth, paying attention to the thoughts and feelings that come up for you. Do not process anything — just notice what you are thinking and experiencing. Pause when you reach the center, and listen to your inner Spirit for answers and insights. When you feel ready, begin your mindful walk out of the labyrinth. Once again,  attention to your emotions and feelings as you walk, and especially as you  emerge from the labyrinth. Celebrate your experience, and if you desire, you may want to spend some time journaling after your walk.