“People are just as wonderful as sunsets if I can let them be. In fact, perhaps the reason we can truly appreciate a sunset is that we cannot control it. When I look at a sunset as I did the other evening, I don’t find myself saying, ‘Soften the orange a little on the right hand corner, and put a bit more purple along the base, and use a little more pink in the cloud color.’ I don’t do that. I don’t try to control a sunset. I watch it with awe as it unfolds. I like myself best when I can appreciate my staff member, my son, my daughter, my grandchildren, in this same way.” – Carl Rogers
In my experience, the more love and acceptance I have for myself, the more I embrace others, and vice versa. Whether we allow in our inner-critic or our inner-advocate, that voice is pervasive, affecting the way we treat ourselves and others. This is just one benefit of growing greater awareness of the numerous thoughts that flow through us each day.
If you notice yourself becoming annoyed or critical, I invite you to get curious about why that is. How patient are you being with yourself and others? Are you able to appreciate all of the good in people, even when your negativity bias begins to creep in? What happens when you stop trying to change shapes or push others to shift?
This month and always, may we recognize that there are endless authentic ways of being in the world, each with their own beautiful gifts and growing pains. Let us surrender control (or rather, the illusion of it) and embrace pluralism, knowing that there are many valid perspectives and choices. Allow us to view more clearly the beauty and magic in how life unfolds, even through difficulty.
Aside from regular Sunday Programming, I look forward to hosting the following groups later this month. Please note that we have cancelled our hike for this month due to the upcoming rummage sale and holiday weekend. We have also moved our Art Journaling date. I strongly encourage your participation in the sale, whether you might consider volunteering time, donating items, or visiting with the intention to purchase! Thank you.
Youth Group, Wednesday, May 22nd, 6:30-8pm – Games and Pizza
Please RSVP here: https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/49b05715
Intergenerational Art Journaling, Wednesday, May 29th, 6:30-8pm
Please RSVP here: https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/6482e99481