For January and February, I've focused my Sunday messages at Unity of Fairfax on the wisdom put forth in the book The Book of Joy, by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams. It's been a remarkable adventure in learning how to do life with both grace and gusto!
Both of these spiritual leaders have endured unspeakable tragedy - the Dalai Lama, living in forced exile in India, and the Archbishop having lived through the Apartheid years in South Africa; however, what is significant is that when they came together, they decided what the world needed as a primer on living with joy.
I was guided by Spirit to begin 2018 with a focus on joy because of the seeming tsunami of negativity abroad in our nation and the world today. No one would consider the Dalai Lama or Archbishop as viewing the world through rose-colored glasses; however, they have discerned ways to live above the fray and not be sucked into the apparent abyss of negativity that has in many ways defined thier lives. They offer 8 "pillars of joy," which, when integrated in one's mind and heart, provide a firm foundation for maintaining a consciousness of joy. They are:
- Perspective
- Humility
- Humor
- Acceptance
- Forgiveness
- Gratitude
- Compassion
- Generosity
You can watch or listen to each of the messages at unityoffairfax.org. The final message on generosity will be presented on Sunday, February 25. I encourage you to join us in person or online for that one.
Yours in Unity,
Rev. Russ