One of our fundamental relationships is how we, as human beings, gather together to create societies. The agreements we make with each other, both consciously and unconsciously, govern and impact how we interact and relate to one another. The Center for Spiritual Living vision is creating a world that works for everyone. How do we move from our present society to a Beloved Community where each and every person is loved, appreciated and empowered? What agreements need to change?
In his book, Love and Law, Ernest Holmes explained that we create the barriers that prevent ourselves and others from experiencing our good.
“Unity is the basis of all that there is. There is but one God, but one mind, but one spirit, and but one power. When I embody myself in my thoughts selfishly, I am separating myself from that which I think would be my good. You may think this is a very subtle thing and could not be the reason for so much trouble. It is the foundation of most of our troubles. I am unconsciously separating myself from my good.” Ernest Holmes, Love and Law (2001; teachings 1918-1920): (p. 218.2)
Holmes suggested that by creating our entire lives around our own selfish desires, we may take away someone else’s good. Even worse, we create trouble by separating ourselves and others from even greater possibilities!
Synergy develops when two or more people act together for their common good. One plus one becomes more than two. As more people work together, the synergistic possibilities multiply. We reach the highest possibilities when all people join together united as One. Compare the possibilities of living alone as a hermit with living unified within a community where we share our gifts as grocers, teachers, shopkeepers, restaurant staff, spiritual leaders, gardeners, car mechanics, hair stylists, health care workers, utility staff and ski resort workers. We value each specialist. Similarly, the unity of life includes people from every age, faith, country, race, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Only by embracing all people and seeking the highest and best for all people, can we shift society towards the Beloved Community. All we have to lose is our own smallness. What we have to gain is experiencing infinite love and bliss beyond our wildest hopes and dreams.
Love and light,
