How Solid Are Your Roots? Sunday, April 18, 2021 Taizé
Rev. Diana Johnson, with Prayer Practitioner Sherri Dotter, RScP, and Chris Johnson, RScP, leading the meditation.
Call to Awareness – 3 Bells
Opening Prayer – Sherri will set the intention to open heart and mind, welcoming whatever is to be awakened today.
Introduction – Rev. Diana
Good morning. My name is Rev. Diana Johnson, Pastor and Spiritual Director of Mystic Heart Spiritual Center. I begin today by welcoming you Home to our Beloved Community, and Home to your own Mystic Heart.
I invite you now to let go of all that has come before this moment…letting all thoughts and concerns move gently out of your field of awareness. Take a deep breath and allow your body to relax, allowing your chair to fully support you…Gently close your eyes, allowing yourself to go within, to that place of deep Peace…where Spirit dwells and awaits your stillness so that It might make Itself known…now take a moment to ground yourself in the here and now…imagine that there is a root that extends from the base of your spine down into the earth…maybe there are roots extending from your feet, as well…connecting you to the Sacred Mother, offering you stability and connection. In this state of communion with Life…with the Divine…allow yourself to be carried by the meditative tone of Taizé…feel the words and music wash over you…let the garden of your soul be nourished by the Light and Love of Spirit…
Chant – The Garden by Eddie Watkins, Jr.
We are spending this year exploring Connection, and our point of focus for the month of April is Living Life Full-On. This morning, we’ll be taking a meditative journey to explore a question…How Solid Are Your Roots? as we move toward living a fuller, richer, more spiritually connected life. Join me in taking a deep breath in, allowing yourself to maintain your sense of being rooted to the earth…feel the Presence of New Life moving up from the earth, and into your body…breathing out, and allowing anything that is unlike peace, to be released back into the ground where it is recycled, redirected to where it can be useful…
Breathing in Vibrant Energy, and then letting that Energy flow out into the world around you, creating an atmosphere of Health and Wholeness, both within and without…Taking another moment to follow the breath as it settles into its own natural flow…and then slowing the breath down just a little bit more…allowing your awareness to move away from the breath, trusting in the constancy of Spirit as it breathes your body…grounding even more deeply into the silence, into the eternal nature of your being, where you feel and know your Oneness with the Creative Intelligence of the Universe…where you feel at home in the here and now…as together, we attune ourselves to the high vibration we are co-creating with the Infinite…take a moment to feel the Presence. (Pause)
There is a Radiant Light of Spirit, forever present within us…we recognize and honor the same Light in everyone and everything. There is nowhere that God’s Light does not shine. From the Sufi poet Rumi, “Although you appear in earthly form, your essence is pure Consciousness. You are the fearless guardian of Divine Light.”
We take a moment to sense the Divine Light that connects us…to feel the Oneness of our global community…to see with the mind’s eye a web of consciousness that covers the planet, each of us a radiant point of Light…surrounded, infused, and enlivened by the Presence of the Divine…inseparable…each bringing completion to the other. (Pause) As we envision all beings, all of creation, joining the web, we see that there are no spaces between us…our web has become the fabric of Life in which we find our place, our purpose, our Individual Expression.
Feeling the shared intention that brought us here, there is a deep sense of communion with that which is beyond time and space, beyond definition and description…and we feel the impulse to grow and evolve. This impulse is innate, inherent, and so we choose to grow consciously.
As we acknowledge our connection with all of life, our collective Work here is empowered…our collective prayer and meditation leave a positive imprint on the world, on the cosmos, for all time…transformation has begun…Wholeness is revealed.
Last week we explored the Parable of the Sower from the Christian New Testament, and the idea that it is only in fertile soil that the roots of our faith can grow strong. It is in fertile soil that we can experience fulfillment, that we can reach our full potential. Take a moment to contemplate the metaphor…what is it that creates fertile soil in my life…what is it that provides the nourishment my soul requires for its growth and full expression?
SILENCE – 2 Minutes – Bell
Rev. Diana
There are many ways to nourish the soul so that my faith can form solid roots. As I ask these questions for myself, I invite you to contemplate them as well…
How consistent is my Spiritual Practice? Do I set a time every day, no matter what else is happening, to connect with my Higher Self, with the Inner Guidance that is always available?
Do I spend time in meditation…simply being present with what is, in the stillness…even when my mind is telling me that there are more important things to do?
Do I spend time in prayer…speaking to my Deeper Wisdom, by whatever name I call It? Do I share my thoughts, my dreams, my concerns, my joy and my sadness? Do I ask for Guidance? And do I listen?
Do I make spiritual study a part of my daily experience, exposing myself to new ideas and deepening my understanding? Do I read from or listen to the wisdom of the saints, gurus, philosophers, poets, visionaries, and mystics of the ages? Am I interested in considering the perspectives offered by modern teachers, or in learning the languages of other belief systems? And am I willing to look for and discover the common threads that connect us?
Do I allow time every day to do something for myself, for the sheer joy of doing it? Do I walk in nature, play in the garden, dance, sing, paint, write, read a book, take a nap, prepare a beautiful meal…just because it nourishes my soul?
Do I make a regular practice of serving other beings? We are Spirit made manifest… by serving another, I am serving God.
Do I experience and express gratefulness for the many blessings given so freely?
Do I willingly practice forgiveness of myself and others, letting go of past mistakes and transgressions so that my life can be joyful in the present moment?
Do I monitor my internal dialogue, leading it to higher ground when it goes astray?
Do I treat others with Love, Respect, and Compassion always?
Do I celebrate successes in my life and the lives of others? Do I celebrate the gift of Life Itself?
And do I actively practice surrendering to what is, trusting that whatever is unfolding is for the Greatest Good? Am I truly rooted in Faith?
Musical Meditation – Morning Prayer: I Will Surrender by Karen Drucker
Rev. Diana
The world is changing. The way we view God is changing. We no longer see It as a being, made in our own likeness, that lives in a realm separate from us, playing with creation as if it were a game of chess. Instead, we are coming to see It as an Intelligence, a Consciousness, that abides in, through and as all of creation. This means that each of us is one with It…is co-creating our experience in the world.
Here is where the challenge comes in. Being one with Infinite Intelligence means that before I can have deep Faith in God, I must first have faith in myself. If my human self is the vehicle through which Spirit moves in the world, and that self is not trustworthy, how can the Divine live Its fullest expression? This is why it is critical that I do my psychological work…my soul work…even as I work to build True Communion with Spirit. No bypass…no shortcuts.
I must know I am worthy of Love before I can truly Love another. I must know I am worthy of receiving every Good Thing in this world before I can open to the flow of Spirit, giving freely of myself in natural response. I must trust in my inherent Goodness, learning from my mistakes and moving forward before I can offer another the same Grace. I must be able to trust myself to do what I say I will do…for myself and others…to walk with integrity in the world…before I can really trust other human beings…and before I can trust the Infinite Invisible. How do I build this Faith? Daily Spiritual Practice.
SILENCE – 2 Minutes – Bell
Chris –Meditation
Centered in deep contemplation, I would like to invite us on an imaginal journey into the Unseen Realm – that which Rabbi Yeshua of Nazareth called the Kingdom of Heaven… Continuing with our garden metaphor, we imagine ourSelves in the garden… We see the leaves, stalks, flowers and fruit of the plants around us… And as we look at the soil beneath our feet, we realize that there is also growth happening that we cannot see…
In the garden, the Unseen Realm of activity is below the surface of the soil… For every shoot, leaf, or flower that grows, there is a corresponding growth in the root system… Rabbi Yeshua might tell us, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like deep, fertile soil in which a plant’s root system receives nutrition and stability, that the plant may thrive…” The deeper and broader the root system, the more nourished and resilient the plant is… And if we forget to feed and water it, the plant withers…
Our own Spiritual Roots grow in the Unseen Realm of Consciousness… the Kingdom of Heaven within us… We feed and water them with Prayer, Meditation, Sacred Service, Sacred Study, Divine Circulation, and Celebration… Like the plant, if we neglect our sacred practices, our spiritual life languishes… and that is reflected in our life in the world…
Moving into the Silence, let us contemplate… How consistent am I with my spiritual practices? … Is my Soul getting all the nutrients it needs? … Is my Spirit stable and resilient? … Am I thriving? … Just how solid are my roots? …
Silence – 5:00
In deep gratitude for this time in “the Garden,” connecting with the Divine Presence and with our Beloved Community, we give thanks… We are grateful for the understanding that we each have dominion to determine our own spiritual experience… The Kingdom of Heaven is indeed at hand…
Thank you, God, for everything…
Please affirm with me that our thoughts, words, and actions align with our deepest spiritual intention, and that we are all inspired daily to give full expression to the gifts given us. The light of our souls shines brightly as we express powerful spiritual qualities in the world.
Our attention and receptivity to Rev. Diana’s inspired words feed us at our spiritual roots this morning… And our spiritual practices throughout the week continue to grow and strengthen us… growing our roots deeper, broader and ever more solid…
Rev. Diana – Invitation to Practice
I invite you now to join me in completing our meditative experience for today by considering the words of Dr. Ervin Seale:
How then can you have faith in yourself? It is by remembering that you are a seed of divinity, that all the powers of the Godhead are rolled up in your soul, as the greatness of the tree is rolled up within the seed. As the mighty redwood is involved in this little brown wafer; as the great mustard shrub of the East is involved in the little mustard seed; and indeed, as any plant, humble or great, is involved within its seed; so God is involved within you, and the whole process of your life is the evolution of that which has been planted within you. You are not to judge solely by your outward appearance, or by your outward history, or by your outer description or by other people’s viewpoints or descriptions of you. All men have this in common, that God indwells them. That all they will ever be or all they will ever need is now within them, awaiting that proper soil which will allow the inside potential to manifest itself.
As I speak these words of Truth, I invite you to accept them for yourself.
Right here, in this sacred moment, I know and accept the Truth…that there is only one Life, one Power, one Presence, one Intelligence, and that One is forever expressing Itself as Its creation. And so I know that I can only be Spirit in form, living God’s life here on earth. I give the Divine One my full permission to live Its life fully and completely by means of me. I say yes to all of the Grace and Abundance, all of the Joy and Creative Expression, to all of the possibilities that Spirit has in Mind for Itself as my life. I trust and accept that Its fullness and completeness unfolds as an ease-full flow of Divine Blessing, even as It Calls me to higher and higher ground through daily Practice and Communion. As I answer the Call, I come to know who and Whose I Am…I fully embody and live from this Truth.
I am so grateful for this realization, and I have absolute Faith that it is moving into form and experience in my life right now, and so I get out of the way and let Spirit do Its thing. It is done. And so it is. Amen!
Musical Meditation – One with the Divine by Gary Lynn Floyd
Rev. Diana – Moving into Ceremony and Celebration
Let’s take a moment, with eyes still closed, for our Joyful Practice of Envisioning a Love-Soaked World, a world impacted and transformed by all of the good we are doing, individually and collectively…really see it with me…a world that is peaceful, joyful, and kind…where Divine Mother is in perfect balance, respected and nurtured by all beings…where everyone has plenty of nourishing food to eat, a warm and comfortable home, medical care, opportunities for education and creative contribution, and a sense of belonging…a world in which every being is valued for his or her inherent Goodness and Beauty…a world created by our willingness to practice Radical Love and Compassion, Integrity, Forgiveness, Kindness, and Generosity. Let this Vision become crystal clear in your heart and mind. Feel it resonating within you and all around you. Trust and Know that God is bigger than any apparent lack or limitation…that all things are possible in Spirit.
Do you feel it raising your vibration? Now hold onto that Vision…feel it happening…know that it is who we are and where we are going…as you gently bring your awareness back to your body…to your senses…to the atmosphere in the room. As you feel ready, allow your eyes to gently open and take in whatever is before you.
Holding a shared Vision is a powerful prayer. Thank you for joining me in this Vision every week. We are building our belief…we are building our Faith.
Please join me in affirming…We are bringing our Vision into form…We are doing it here…We are doing it now…And so it is!
In the final few minutes of our gathering, we practice Gratitude and Joyful Expression as a way of celebrating one another in Community. We are so grateful for and blessed by this loving and committed Spiritual Community.
Mystic Heart’s Beloved Community is helping to write a new story, the next chapter in the human saga on planet earth. We are a group of individuals who are seeking to be the Love and the Peace that we desire for all people…learning to be the change we wish to see in the world.
I like to share a little bit each week, for those who may be joining us for the first time, about who we are and what we’re about. Mystic Heart is a living, breathing organism…an Independent Spiritual Center that is self-governed by Community Agreements; free to grow and change according to the needs and desires of its members and friends. By design, it welcomes all who are drawn to be here.
It is open to all faith paths, philosophical points of view, and ways of life that acknowledge and honor the Divine, and support and uplift the growth and evolution of the planet and its beings. We see Evolution and Creation as two aspects of one process that is forever moving life toward its next yet to be, and we understand that each of us is an integral part of that process, leaving our direct imprint on the evolution of humanity.
We are a community of Spiritual Independents. We draw from the New Thought and Transcendentalist philosophies; the teachings of the Rabbi Jesus and other evolved Masters; and the Perennial and Indigenous Wisdom Traditions of ancient times. On the cutting edge of Spirituality for the 21st century, we are exploring the philosophies of living visionaries, bringing evolutionary spirituality and mysticism into our studies and prayer life. We recognize and celebrate the common Truths that connect all Wisdom traditions; from these we draw principles and practices that are free of dogma and serve as tools for our modern lives.
Our Vision is simple, but profound:
Practicing the Possible through Prayer.
And our Mission is comprehensive, to say the least:
Living from our Divinity, we empower lives and create authentic, loving community through heartfelt study, service, celebration, and prayer.
AND…we love to have fun. Celebration is a vital part of our Spiritual Practice, equal to the others. We understand that by celebrating the Good in our lives, we bring more of it into our experience. In the Spirit of celebration, I thank you for joining us this morning for our time of devotion and celebration. It is in community that we come to know who we are.
Rev. Diana – Blessing for the Offering
Each Sunday, we offer you the opportunity to share your financial Good, in support of the Work we are doing in the world. You can go to mysticheart.org to use our Donate Button or to find our mailing address.
We also have a Gracious Giving Program for those who would like to make a heartfelt monthly commitment of support so that we can more effectively plan for our growth and our monthly spending. I would be happy to give you more information.
As we move into this time of giving, please feel the Truth of these words, and know how much we appreciate your gifts:
As I awaken to the God within me and all around me, I see Abundance everywhere I look. I consciously step into that flow of Abundance by this act of giving. I bless this gift, sending it forth to heal and prosper. It is evidence of my deep faith. It does good work in the world and blesses all of Creation. I give from a consciousness of Abundance! And so it is! Amen!
Don’t hesitate to get up on Higher Ground…and dance!
Offertory Video – Higher Ground by Playing for Change, written by Stevie Wonder
Rev. Diana – Closing Gratitude and Benediction
11:07 Sherri, Prayer Practitioner: Brief Invitations
- Tuesdays – March 30, 3:00-5:00 pm – Deep Spirit by Christian de Quincey – an on-going book club facilitated by Michael Bordeaux.
- Thursdays, 3:00-5:00 pm – Metaphysical Bible, an on-going circle. BYOB – Bring your own Bible 😊
- Also on Thursdays, Chris Netto is offering Tai Chi via Zoom. Please contact Chris at standingfirmfitness.com for more information.
- Saturdays:
- April 24, 11am – 5pm – Mystic OAKS Adventure – Brandy Creek at Whiskeytown Lake, time outdoors with Spiritual Community. Barbecue, story-telling and sing-along. Contact Rev. Diana for more information. You must RSVP.
- May 1, 10 am – 1 pm, Mystic Morning Brew with Prayer Practitioner Lucinda Alton…yours truly!
- May 15, 10 am – 4 pm – Praying in Color…Spring Garden Party! A prayerful and playful day of Creativity and Celebration with Ellie Thompson and Rev. Diana. Spend time in community on the 3rd Saturday, due to Mother’s Day. This month’s Praying in Color with be in-person only, in an outdoor setting. Suggested donation: $40 – Any donation gratefully accepted.
Planning Ahead:
- Friday, June 11th from 6:00-9:00 pm – The State of the Heart Annual Gathering, outdoors in the Johnson Backyard. This is the Mystic Heart version of the Annual Members Meeting. First hour – Updates as to how our community is thriving, plans for growth, opportunities for input. Second hour – Barbecue and potluck. Third hour – Music by in2it!
- RSVP is required. More details will be sent as responses are received.
Sunday Taizé Meditation Experience, 10 am each week.
Keep your eye on our newsletter. Check our website, mysticheart.org, for more information and for all of our Zoom links.
We want to share what we have with others, so please invite folks to check out our website. The power of invitation is one of the ways we grow our community.
Closing Song: Love Be With You, written by Lainey Bernstein & Gary Lynn Floyd
Close of Service