“Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.” This reminder to include rest in our lives and to honor our need for wholeness , mind, body, soul is a vital message in modern times of speed, technology, and the race for accomplishment.

“I am the Lord thy God… Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image… Thou shalt not take the name of the Lordthy God in vain.” These are about the importance of keeping the Divine uppermost in our thoughts and lives.

In our personal evolution, it’s not helpful to deny or judge past stages of life, places we’ve been, the person we once were. Even if they no longer serve, we acknowledge that they were necessary to bring us to where we are today. Can we instead learn to include and integrate every stage and state, even as we strive to grow and transcend our former selves? And if so, what does this mean for the evolution of the world?

It is said that when we refuse to forgive someone it’s like we are taking poison every day and somehow expecting them to die. Unforgiveness only hurts us, not the person or institution against whom we hold a grudge. We all know this at some level, and yet to truly forgive is a tall order—especially when we have been legitimately hurt or wronged. How can we learn to master this spiritual tool which will transform our lives?

In our culture there’s a prevalent message that it is better to give than to receive. The truth is that giving cannot exist without receiving. One is not better than the other, and we are not better people by giving more than we receive. Balance is the key. Becoming a “good” receiver allows us to enjoy the gifts of life, and allows the universe in all its expressions to give freely to- and through- us. Join us for our “White Stone” ceremony, as in meditation we each receive a word of personal inspiration as our guide in the coming year, and write it on a white stone that we then keep as a reminder.

Kali is the Hindu Goddess of destruction; she is also the Mother of freedom and creativity. She exemplifies the truth that in order to claim what is new and good in our lives, it is necessary to release the old, the worn, the outdated. This week is our annual Burning Bowl ceremony, where we acknowledge and put down on paper that which we are ready to let go of, then literally set fire to it!! Get a fresh start to your new year--join us for this rich and meaningful service.