(no subject)
Tonight at AAF, a minister from the Urbana-Champaign Unitarian Universalist Church answered questions and clarified misconceptions about his church. I was moved by the presentation. This particular minister had a calming way about him, and because of this, I was able to focus on his arguments and points without questioning him instantly. My fondest memories from Catholic education were when we were compelled to relax as a group and meditate.
"Imagine you are in the most beautiful garden you've ever been in. You walk through an archway covered in luscious green vines. The air is pleasant. A peaceful breeze moves across the land. A squirrel stirs nearby, but she is not afraid. There is perfect harmony. The sun shines as your mind clears and is at ease. You take a seat on a bench. It is made of smooth stone; it comforts you. Now come back to the reality of this room. God is the bench. God will be your comfort in this beautiful garden. God is the reason for the harmony in your life. Praise Him."
What?
It is unfair to insert God into my meditation. We were dealing with concrete details until you decided to put God in. Now I am confused. My peaceful, confident moment was ruined.
Fortunately, the minister never veered into this abstract territory. He spoke clearly and intelligently, and also calmly. There is something to be said for a loud, vocal leader, but I prefer the soft-spoken. I like to be convinced in a non-threatening way. I hope to adopt this in my life.
Please speak about your experiences in the Unitarian church.
"Imagine you are in the most beautiful garden you've ever been in. You walk through an archway covered in luscious green vines. The air is pleasant. A peaceful breeze moves across the land. A squirrel stirs nearby, but she is not afraid. There is perfect harmony. The sun shines as your mind clears and is at ease. You take a seat on a bench. It is made of smooth stone; it comforts you. Now come back to the reality of this room. God is the bench. God will be your comfort in this beautiful garden. God is the reason for the harmony in your life. Praise Him."
What?
It is unfair to insert God into my meditation. We were dealing with concrete details until you decided to put God in. Now I am confused. My peaceful, confident moment was ruined.
Fortunately, the minister never veered into this abstract territory. He spoke clearly and intelligently, and also calmly. There is something to be said for a loud, vocal leader, but I prefer the soft-spoken. I like to be convinced in a non-threatening way. I hope to adopt this in my life.
Please speak about your experiences in the Unitarian church.