Free to Move by Choice
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Lucinda Alton, RScP, with Chris Netto, RScP, & musician Dalton Fitzgerald.
Video Chapter Index
| 0:00 | Taizé | Clicking on a chapter link will play the segment in a new YouTube tab. Your link to this page will remain open in this tab, but the video will play in the new window. Clicking on the Play arrow in the video screen above will play both Taizé and the Conscious Conversation on this page. To make the picture bigger, you may click the full screen icon in the lower right corner:  To cast the video to your Smart TV, click the Play on TV button:  . Also, we now have Closed Captioning available! To access Closed Captions, start the video and click on the CC icon next to the gear in the lower right of the video screen:  |
| 23:22 | Guided Meditation | |
| 46:05 | Conscious Conversation |
Taizé
Call to Awareness – 3 Bells
Chris – Opening Prayer
Lucinda – Welcome…if you’re new with us here this morning, my name is Lucinda Alton, and I am a Prayer Practitioner here at Mystical Heart Spiritual Center. We are an Interfaith Community that teaches Universal Principles and Practical Spirituality. It is my prayer that you will hear something this morning that leads you to the Guidance and Wisdom of your own Mystic Heart.
I invite you to take a deep breath, relax and settle in …feel and know the Wholeness, the Completeness, of this moment as you allow yourself to be carried by the soft tones of Taizé…joining voices, we let the music take us deeper…
Marsh & Congregation – Taizé Chants
- Welcome Home to Your Mystic Heart, written by Diana & Chris Johnson
- Nothing Can Separate Us, written by Linda Webb-Khakaba
Lucinda Right here, right now…right where I Am, I breathe…knowing that the breath connects me to all of Life…that the breath, in its own way, is a prayer…an intimate Connection between me and the Source of my life, the Source of all Life…I take a moment to breathe and feel my Connection with All That Is…to honor the connection with our global family…
Envision with me now a vast web that surrounds and infuses the planet… call the Infinite Intelligence…Divine Knowing…Spirit. See yourself as a Spark in that web…no brighter than any other spark…but also no dimmer than any other spark…feel your Oneness with all in the web…every human, every creature, every plant, shining the One Light, from the One Source…
…the rocks and minerals, water and wind, stars and planets…enlivened by the Light of Spirit.
As we acknowledge our Oneness with all that is, we are empowered…there is strength in connection…there is freedom in knowing we are not alone…in belonging to something bigger than ourselves…in belonging with a Community. Each of us fills a particular space in this Community…and in the world…not one of us can take the place of another…and the connection is enriched with the addition new person…Fell the rightness of this web right now…how it is exactly as it needs to be.
As we recognize our Unity, we come to realize that our collective Practice is powerful and creative…it leaves an imprint on human evolution and on the Whole, for all time. In this Holy Moment, we set an intention that this imprint be one of Welcoming, of Love, Compassion, Kindness, Generosity, and Peace.
The theme for this month is Free to be and the flow of Taizé this morning invites us to contemplate Free to Move by Choice.
We recently finished our Consciousness studies course. One of the ideas that fascinates me is Arthur Young’s Theory of Evolutionary Process. I find it interesting because Young outlines a 7-stage process where consciousness/spirit involutes into matter and then evolves back out. This arc is defined by degrees of freedom and constraint. I have included a diagram of this process.
At each level, the photon changes and gives up a degree of freedom. When it reaches level four, it has no freedom. At this point, it has just enough room to decide to turn and begin the journey back to consciousness.
But Young goes on to describe a four-level process:
I want to go a little deeper into these levels using ideas both from Arthur Young and from Christian De Quincey.
De Quincey’s level one is Spirit. He calls this the domain of pure potential. This level is beyond distinctions, thoughts, knowledge and even experience. Like Young’s levels of being, this level has total freedom. Young would also call this level Purpose, though he states that it cannot be seen, since once purpose is observed in disappears. I would say that it doesn’t so much disappear as it changes because it still exists.
De Quincey’s level two is soul. This level is subject to time. This level is the domain of thoughts and feelings. Of intersubjective shared feelings. We are no longer beyond thoughts and experiences. As with Young’s work, at this level we have lost a degree of freedom. Our potential is limited by our thoughts and experiences. Young also equates this level with emotion.
De Quincey’s level three is the domain of space, concepts and analysis. In this domain, we have given up two degrees of freedom. The domain of space, concepts, and analysis. This is Young’s level of the intellect and involves planning and computation.
De Quincey’s level four is the matter. Time and space and solid objects. We have given up all freedom except for the final quantum of uncertainty. This uncertainty leaves enough “wiggle room” that we could choose to turn and begin the homeward journey to Spirit. Young calls this level the physical body. I think that at this point, both would say that this might not be our final stop on the journey of evolution. I think that De Quincey might agree with Young’s statement that evolution does not end until its goal has been achieved.
Chris – Guided Meditation
Please feel free to close your eyes if they are not already closed….Take a deep breath in…and let it out. Breathe in peace…and breathe out joy. Feel yourself relaxing…Let the chair take your weight…How many times have you heard an affirmative prayer that states that the energy of The One Source moves through each of us as each of us?…Think about that and what it means in your life (pause a little longer here) Think of an area of your life where you just feel stuck…that you have no choices…Sit in silence for a few minutes and listen for new choice possibilities.
Silence – 3:00
Take another deep breath and start bringing yourself back into the room…were you surprised by any of your responses?…Are you ready for something new?
Dalton – Musical Meditation
- I am Light, written by India Arie
A couple of closing thoughts:
Sometimes, I feel like I am at step two, where our potential is limited by our thoughts, experiences and feelings. But, I also know that I have freedom of movement, and I can choose courses of action that are in the highest and greatest interest of both myself and those around me. And in that way, I am free to move by choice.
Closing Prayer – Please join me in a closing prayer.
I have been exploring different forms of affirmative prayer and this one feels so perfect. It wasn’t credited. Affirmative Prayer for Being Light
Divine Source of All Life, the pure, unshadowed essence of all that is,
I center myself in the quiet, sacred space of my own being.
I recognize the light of Truth dwelling within me—a radiant, unshakeable spark of the divine.
Today, I intentionally release any heavy shadows of doubt, judgment, or fear.
I let my mind be a clear, unobstructed channel for peace, joy, and understanding.
Where there is confusion, I choose clarity. Where there is heaviness, I choose lightness of spirit.
I am not just holding the light; I am a living expression of it.
I radiate grace, compassion, and love to everyone I encounter today.
My thoughts, words, and actions serve as a beacon, uplifting those around me and illuminating the path toward healing and connection.
I walk in the absolute knowing that I am whole, creative, and at peace.
I give profound thanks for this divine energy working in and through me.
And so it is…Amen
Love Offering – As we close Taizé, we offer the opportunity for you to share of your financial good in support of the work we do. We are an independent, self-sustaining organization, so we depend on your generous gifts of support.
Dalton – Offertory Music
- The Adventure, written by Gary Lynn Floyd
Lucinda – Blessing for the Offering
Lucinda Feel free to grab a cup of something warm in the coffee room and meet us back at 10:30 for a Conscious Conversation. And if you are leaving, thank you for being here. We’ll bless you on your way with a song.
Dalton – Taizé Closing Song
- A Soul’s Blessing, written by Chris Johnson
Conscious Conversation
Chris – Opening Prayer
Lucinda – Good morning and welcome, or welcome back…welcome to those joining online. If you’re new with us here this morning… my name is Lucinda Alton, and I am a Prayer Practitioner here at Mystic Heart Spiritual Center. We are an Independent Interfaith Community that teaches Universal Principles and Practical Spirituality. We welcome you home to our Gathering Place. My prayer is that you’ll hear something here today that points you to the Guidance and Wisdom of your own Mystic Heart.
Before we move into Conscious Conversation, let’s join our voices in musical celebration.
Dalton – Opening Music
- Welcome to the Mystic Heart, written by Diana & Chris Johnson
- One Big Family, written by Robin Hackett & Gary Lynn Floyd
- Prayers for Freedom, written by Sarah Nutting
Let’s keep that Powerful Energy going and growing as we join in the Sacred Practice of envisioning a Love-Soaked World.
We enter the imaginal realm together, finding ourselves in a world where all humans are living from their deepest Wisdom and Generosity…their most Loving nature…thoughtful of the impact their thoughts, words, and actions have on one another, on the community, and on the planet…
This is a world without greed…where there is abundance in having enough…where all needs are met gracefully and easily…where nutritious food, clean water, and pure, sweet air are readily available to all, no matter where you live or which family you’re born into…
…where warm, comfortable, and affordable housing is a given…where all beings feel a sense of safety, belonging, and contribution…where mental/physical health, education, and healthy relationships are ensured by social systems grounded in Integrity, honesty, and Wholeness…
A world where children are celebrated as the unique individuals that they are. Where, from a young age, they are encouraged and guided to make choices based on their own preferences. A world where children aren’t taught what to think and how to act but instead are encouraged to explore all information available and make informed choices.
We live in a world where all beings work and play at whatever feeds their soul and are well compensated for their Service…all are valued and respected for their inherent Goodness. Authenticity and vulnerability are not only welcomed but celebrated. The Peace we cultivate within ourselves shows up as a world free of violence, hatred, or indifference. The Love that we are here to share is given freely to whomever our hearts are called to love. We have moved beyond all lines of separation, and live as one human family, caring for one beautiful planet with the reverence she deserves.
By the Power of our collective intention, powerful imagining, and inspired action, we have undergone an amazing transformation…we are living in a world that works for all beings. Giving no power to appearances, we live according to our highest aspirations…we do not lower our Vision no matter what the world may say. We are at Peace with our families, friends, neighbors, and other nations.
This Community stands as an open and welcoming place for all who seek support, belonging, and a sense of Family…it redefines Church as a place of Self-Discovery, Authenticity, Kindness, Radical Inclusion, and Love, as we are Guided to the Truth that lies within every heart.
Giving thanks for the Beauty of our world and trusting that a prayer spoken and deeply felt is a prayer answered, my Word is acted upon here and now. In full Acceptance and great Joy, and with the deepest humility, I release this Prayer to the One Who Gets It Done…And so it is!…Amen!
Bringing awareness back to the body, to the room, to this beautiful life, and to the amazing beings who share this space with us this morning…
…look around to say good morning to your Spiritual Family. Take a moment to really see one another. We never know if this will be the last time.
If you were here for Taizé this morning, you’ll recall our contemplations…we reflected on Free to Move by Choice.
We covered Arthur Young’s Four Levels of Being combined with Christian De Quincey’s Four Gifts of knowing.
The first is De Quincey’s level Spirit and Young’s Purpose: This level is beyond distinctions, thoughts, knowledge and even experience. This is a place to set higher intentions. How do you think we can access this level? Looking for spiritual practices.
Why would we want to reach this level when thinking about intentions? Looking for something around attaining a level of clarity about what we might want to draw to us and why.
The second is De Quincey’s Soul and Young’s motivation: We can be limited by thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Young includes emotions at this level. This is the level of shared thoughts and experiences. Community. What might be some of the problems in trying to make decisions from this level? Looking for something around the possibility of our decisions not being fully our own.
The third is De Quincey’s domain of space, concepts and analysis and Young’s Concept formation or intellect. We think things through; we plan things out. While it is always good to have a good idea of what we need to decide on, what might be a problem at this level? Looking for something around the idea of getting stuck in the planning stage.
The fourth level is De Quincey’s matter and Young’s physical body. At this level we have 0 degrees of freedom. This is about limitations and constraints. And yet, at this level we also turn and begin to move forward in evolution. How might we move forward from this level? Looking for something around releasing thoughts, beliefs and feelings that are no longer in our highest and greatest interest.
Still contemplating a couple of questions.
Lucinda: Closing Prayer
Dear Father, Mother, God:
Thank you for this day and all of the insights I have gained through our conversation. And thank you for the gentle reminders to pause before I speak. I know that the spoken word is powerful, especially if I hear it in my own voice. Thank you for the opportunity to access the wisdom and knowledge of others and for Rev. Diana for making them available.
I know that I am a being of light, joy and love and I feel that daily. I make my choices from a place of love and with full knowledge and gratitude of what it means to be able to choose freely and to move in any direction that pulls at me and being able to stop and consider whether that is a pull from Spirit withing me or ego based. And I am grateful that as I grow spiritually, I become lighter all the time.
With deep and loving gratitude I say thank you. And so it is…Amen
Love Offering
As we close our time in Conversation, we offer the opportunity for you to share of your financial good in support of the work we do. We are an independent, self-sustaining organization, so we depend on your generous gifts of support. If you have found value in our time together this morning, share the Love.
If you’re joining us online, you can find a Donate Button or our mailing address, if you prefer to write a check, at mysticheart.org. And we thank you in advance for your gifts.
Dalton – Offertory Music
- Connected By Love, written by Charlie Nimovitz
Chris – Blessing for the Offering
Chris – Invitations
- Tuesdays from 2 – 4 pm, the Book Club is reading The Shack.
- Wednesdays from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, Shining Light on Scripture finishes up with The Upanishads this week. We will begin a study of The Power of Myth, a six-week PBS documentary in which Bill Moyers interviews Joseph Campbell, world-renowned expert in comparative mythology.
- Wednesdays from 2 – 4 pm, On Grief and Grieving, a book study and support circle
- Thursdays from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm: Fast Track to Wellness, a book study and support circle
- Suggested Donation is $10 per session; Drop-Ins are welcome
Looking Ahead
- Soul Vows, a book study and support circle will begin August 6th.
- We will meet on Thursday Afternoons from 2 – 5 pm. Suggested Donation is $10 per session.
- Join us Friday, August 28th from 6 – 8:30 pm for Namasté Café, featuring the music of in2it, and solo performances by Marsh Brodeur and Dalton Fitzgerald. Your $25 ticket includes appetizers, non-alcoholic beverages, and dessert. You are welcome to bring wine if you like.
Information Cards if new people
Prayer Requests: I am available after service for prayer, in the Practitioner Prayer room or if you like, fill out a prayer card and I will get your request to our Prayer Team for daily prayer.
Dalton – Closing Song
- Love Be With You, written by Lainey Bernstein, RScP, & Gary Lynn Floyd
©2025 Mystic Heart Spiritual Center, All Rights Reserved
Permission is granted to duplicate for non-commercial educational use only.
All rights to music performed remain with the copyright owners.
Diana Johnson’s music is © by Barefoot Angel Publishing, ASCAP.
Chris Johnson’s music is © by SeaJay Music & Publishing, ASCAP.