“Great ideas, it has been said, come into the world as gently as doves. Perhaps, then, if we listen attentively, we shall hear, amid the uproar of empires and nations, a faint flutter of wings, the gentle stirring of life and hope.” — Albert Camus
“Peace comes from being able to contribute the best that we have, and all that we are, toward creating a world that supports everyone. But it is also securing the space for others to contribute the best that they have and all that they are.” — Hafsat Abiola
“I lived on the shady side of the road and watched my neighbours’ gardens across the way revelling in the sunshine. I felt I was poor, and from door to door went with my hunger. The more they gave me from their careless abundance the more I became aware of my beggar’s bowl. Till one morning I awoke from my sleep at the sudden opening of my door, and you came and asked for alms. In despair I broke the lid of my chest open and was startled into finding my own wealth.” — Rabindranath Tagore
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Exercise
In the vision of Oneness, all of our needs are met. We feel inspired and offer our essential gifts in service to Oneness. Conflicts and differences are embraced as a doorway to the expansion of love. Every person knows who they are, where they’ve come from, and why they’re here. This is a world where we experience a deep sense of belonging and a profound connection to Earth. The vision of Oneness is the complete embodiment of our sacred vow to love one another—where our attitude and actions are sourced in compassion. This is the vision of Oneness in the words of Black Elk: “The continents of the world and the people shall stand as one. We will communicate with our relatives—beast and bird—as one people. We shall know peace in everything.”
Today’s practice asks that you step out into the world and look upon it with awareness and discernment. Be in the world, not of it. Watch and witness. Look at the people at the grocery store, the bank, at the traffic light, at church, and at the office. Observe children, elderly people, the homeless, young adults, and middle-aged folks. Examine all of these faces; look into their eyes. How are they? How aren’t they? Think about all of the unborn babies. Is this a world that will serve them? Do you think this world works for everyone?
Go outside and look at the animals, flowers, plants, and trees that live among you. Think about the rivers, lakes, oceans, valleys, and mountains. How are they? How aren’t they? Is this a world that serves them? Be willing to see and feel. Be willing to cut through the veil of illusion. Pay attention to what is and isn’t working. How is the vision of Oneness unfolding (or wanting to unfold) in each experience and in each person?
Now find a place to sit and be still for a while: a park bench, a busy mall, a coffee shop, a sidewalk curb. With every breath you take and with every person you see, ask yourself, How is the vision of Oneness unfolding? Is this a world that truly works for all? Listen and learn. Feel the truth speak to you as you look upon the world with unconditional love and compassion.
Now take out your journal and reflect on the following questions. Gently place them in your awareness, and allow the vision of Oneness to speak to you. Write down whatever responses you receive. You may wish to jot down a few words or phrases or write out longer, more detailed descriptions. Choose whatever method will serve you in your growing awareness.
1. What is God’s vision of Oneness for your life and for the world?
2. How can you serve this vision?
3. How can you consciously contribute to creating a world that works for all?
4. What essential gifts and wisdom do you have to contribute?
5. Whom do you need to become to serve the growing Oneness?
6. What inspired action are you being called to take?
It’s important to contemplate each question, and be patient. Open yourself to the voice of inspired guidance; and be willing to hear, see, and know the truth—right here, right now. Feel inspired and guided by the vision of Oneness today.
1. What is God’s vision of Oneness for your life and for the world?
2. How can you serve this vision?
3. How can you consciously contribute to creating a world that works for all?
4. What essential gifts and wisdom do you have to contribute?
5. Whom do you need to become to serve the growing Oneness?
6. What inspired action are you being called to take?
It’s important to contemplate each question, and be patient. Open yourself to the voice of inspired guidance; and be willing to hear, see, and know the truth—right here, right now. Feel inspired and guided by the vision of Oneness today.
Affirmation
I AM serving the vision of Oneness, co-creating a world that works for all.
I AM serving the vision of Oneness, co-creating a world that works for all.
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