Expanding Horizons

In this week's podcast, Kris takes inspiration from the "Good Vibes" program of the Oasis Centre at Flinders University. The Good Vibes program suggests 20 tactics that can help us feel better in our lives. Today Kris reflects on ten of these. From mindfulness and meditation to expressing kindness, these practices can help us feel better and progress on our spiritual journey. Listen on and perhaps pick one "tactic" to focus on in the coming week.

Todays address explores the meaning and history behind the traditional Unitarian Universalist "water communion" ritual. What began as a part of the women's movement in the 70's has lived on as a symbol of the dignity and worth of every member of our beloved Unitarian communities, where all individuals can mix in harmony and nurture life.

"If you are quiet enough, you will hear the flow of the universe." In this address, Kris explores the value of silence to one's spiritual path. Why do we crave silence? And why is so hard to find, both within ourselves and without? Here are some suggestions for harvesting the wisdom of silence.

This week Kris led a gathering at our Shady Grove property in the Adelaide Hills on the topic of "A Holy Month". Kris explores how the stories and practices of many of the world's religions highlight the spiritual significance of this time of the year.

This week a guest, the Rev Jonathan Barker, gave an address in which he examined the critical issues facing the future of humanity. The talk was organized around 5 key words: Globality, Hybridity, Polarization, Chosen-ness, and Religion. Rev Barker finds hope for the future in envisioning a new "21st Century religious sensibility" that can transcend existing religions and bind humanity together.

This week Kris explores the gnostic themes present in the 1998 film "The Truman Show".  The protagonist, Truman, goes on a quest to find the truth behind the facade of his everyday life. His journey mirrors that of many seekers of wisdom, passing through stages of questioning, seeking, detaching, loving instead of fearing, and liberation.

What would you do if there was no tomorrow? If every day was the same and you were stuck here and you couldn't get out? Today Kris interprets the film "Groundhog Day" as a metaphor for the journey of spiritual growth. How can we live today with enough joy and authenticity that we would be happy to re-live our lives again?

Today's podcast is about a spiritual tradition that falls outside the domain of Church. Kris reflects on the origin and  less esoteric practices of freemasonry.

On Sunday the 26th of January, Kris asks "What does Australia Day mean to us and to our spiritual progress?" We can certainly practice gratitude for the advantages of living in Australia, while at the same time acknowledging the loss and grief of the first Australians. Kris then explores how progressive spirituality can help us to resolve our own grievances and develop an inclusive community.

In this address, Kris introduces elements of Rosicrucianism, an esoteric Christian movement born of the Reformation. Kris weaves together Rosicrucian history, practical wisdom and colourful epic stories to illustrate their philosophy of how an individual can transcend ego and gain wisdom.