Expanding Horizons

Yom Kippur

On this Sunday immediately following Yom Kippur, Eran - a member of our Unitarian Community links the spiritual significance of this Jewish holy Day of Atonement with the events of October 7th, which triggered the escalating war between the State of Israel, Palestinians and some neighboring States. Out of the maelstrom of the ongoing political conflict, Eran laments missed opportunities and failed initiatives for peace in the Middle East. However there is also an unbroken thread of hope within the fabric of despair: unheralded peace initiatives from both Islamic and Jewish peacemakers, working together to weave a new fabric of hope.

"A Higher Power?!"

Today's topic - "A Higher Power?!", follows last week's talk about Theology. Kris begins with a question: "Do you conceive of a higher power than yourself ...higher than your own ego!?"
Kris borrows 12 "virtues" developed by one of the Alcoholics Anonymous groups from the AA founder, Bill Wilson's 12 steps to addiction recovery. These 12 virtues may light the paths you take towards that "Highest Power" that some call God.

On Theology

Kris quickly leads us into the essence of Theology: by asking such questions as: What is the nature of God? If there is a God - or Gods - does it provide an answer to the question - What is the meaning and purpose of my life? What is our relationship - as human beings - to God? If there is a God, what relationship should we have with each other? ...and what relationship should we have with animals and with Nature? If there is an ideal, ethical way to behave, what happens if we fall short? ....and what has God got to do with that? What is the relevance of God to the end of this individual earthly existence which each one of us faces? And then there is the Epicurian paradox: "If God is All Knowing, All Powerful, and Good - then how can suffering, let alone Evil be allowed to exist? Why are we even talking about God? ...Or Godness?
Contrary to many Faith traditions that provide answers to such theological questions, with certainty and conviction, Kris's Unitarian approach is more nuanced. And he leaves us with a challenge for the week. Do listen on!

The Pathways of Life

Today, Kris reflects on the new spiritual impulse spreading through Europe in the last half of the 19th Century, energised by scientific discoveries that questioned the dogma and doctrinal inertia of the established Christian churches. The disenchanted turned to alternative spiritual pathways. Interest in Occultism, Mysticism, Spiritualism, Kabollah, Buddhism, Yoga, grew and gave renewed impetus to movements such as The Theosophical Society, Freemasonry - and Unitarianism.
Kris's focus today is on the spiritual journey of the Russian novelist, Leo Tolstoy, as reflected in his writings, and culminating in his ex-communication from the Russian Orthodox Chuch and his last opus, "The Pathway of Life" -  published posthumously. We are left to ponder the pathways we have chosen on our spiritual journeys.

In Praise of Relaxation

Kris's address today: "In Praise of Relaxation" goes beyond the superficial indulgences and distractions that pass for "relaxation" in the minds of many. Kris builds for us the concept of 'Fundamental Relaxation' which is essential for our spiritual growth and the foundation of spiritual practice 
He asks: "How then do we achieve this relaxed state while still being intensely (fully) conscious?" Listen on for some of the practicalities of "Fundamental Relaxation". 
Kris concludes:- "Become the witness of all phenomena that you see - and be free!"

Principles and Benefits of Yoga Practice - Vani Shukla

Senior Yoga Teacher, Vani Shukla returns to introduce us to the "Principles and Benefits of Yoga Practice" - a journey towards self-awareness, inner peace and balance.  Vani commenced with the very basics: correcting the "strine" pronunciation of Yoga "Yow - (as in "row"-a-boat" - Gar" to "Yo-ga" - with a shortened "o" and "u" as a very basic first step towards showing some credibility in our understanding of Yoga.
"Yoga" comes from the Sanskrit root - "Yuj" meaning to unite or join "individual consciousness" with "universal consciousness".
Vani then introduced us briefly to the "8 Limbs of Yoga" known as Ashtanga Yoga. As with the limbs of the human body, the 8 Limbs of the Ashtanga - must also grow together: Limb 1 - Yama; Limb 2 - Niyama; Limb 3 - Asana (Physical postures); Limb 4 - Pranayama (Breathing practices); Limb 5 - Pratyahar (Control of senses); (Limbs 6 & 7 - Dhana and Dhyana (Meditation practices); Limb 8 - Samadhi (The "Balanced state of Being"). Under Vani's expert guidance, we then - very briefly - put the Ashtanga into practice in what little time remained.

The Father

In this Father's Day address, Kris asks : - "What are fathers meant to be?- What makes a good father?"
Despite the merging of traditional "mothering" and "fathering" roles, old parenting stereotypes are still prevalent in much of society "out there!".
Kris's suggestions about, insights into - and reflections on - being a Father and on Fatherhood leaves fathers with much to reflect on. It speaks to Fathers about Fathering. But it also speaks to parents and those who are yet to parent - about parenting and to those - like me - who've been there and who are about to celebrate the joys of Family, Children, Grandchildren - in what remains of this Father's Day.

Let's play

Kris begins today's address "Let's Play" with a brief overview of the nature of games, both traditional - 'primitive' and those more tech-focused, many of which we will remember playing in childhood and as adults.
He asks: "In the 'game of living', what should we be learning in our play today - more than we may have needed in more 'primitive' times?" Kris proffers "discernment in deciphering the news we receive from social media, sorting truth from distortion and bias, and needing more games that allow us to practise discernment". And, as scammers prey on the gullible in a world increasingly tech-connected, there are practical benefits in being more discerning.
He asks: "What if we tried playing Life - as a game"?
Listen on for some practical advice about the mindsets we need to cope successfully in the unavoidable "Game of Life".

"Kicking goals - out?"

Kris's address today - "Kicking goals", is all about finding direction in our lives: - "our need of a compass rather than a gps" to navigate our lives through calm - as well as stormy - weather. "But - are you ready for the journey?" Kris asks.

What we stand for!

Kris begins today with the inevitable question asked of Unitarians: "What do you stand for?" Christians or Post-Christians who subscribe to a Faith tradition that adheres to a Credo dictating what the faithful are to believe - are especially curious.
Kris suggests an appropriate rejoiner is: "This is a place where we Unitarians are free to explore what we stand for". And while Unitarians belong to a "non-credal" tradition, it's not that we are without beliefs and the consensus needed to define ourselves as Unitarians. Kris explores just what those beliefs are, how we came by them and how even those beliefs are capable of refinement as societal values and the stuctures that defined them, undergo change.
Today's service was blessed with choral music from Margaret Lambert and the Terrace Singers. Their choral contribution has been added to today's Expanding Horizons. To hear them, just continue playing the sound track of today's service.