Inspiration or Desperation… You Choose
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Rev. Diana Johnson, IM, RScM, with Sherri Dotter, RScP, Chris Johnson, RScP, & musician Marsh Brodeur
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:  |
| 23:59 | Guided Meditation | |
| 46:58 | Conscious Conversation |
Taizé
Call to Awareness – 3 Bells
Sherri – Opening Prayer
Rev. Diana – Good morning, and welcome. If you’re new with us here this morning… my name is Rev. Diana Johnson. We begin our Taizé Journey by joining our voices in musical prayer.
Rev. Diana, Chris, & Marsh – Taizé Chants
- Welcome Home to Your Mystic Heart, written by Diana & Chris Johnson
- Make Me An Instrument, written by Kurt Van Sickle & St. Francis of Assisi
Rev. Diana – Make me an instrument of Thy Peace…breathing that in, in all of its depth…and letting it go, allowing the Peace that dwells within to move into the space around us…we sense the deeper meaning…to be made an instrument of Peace…Relaxed body…Serene thoughts…Peaceful emotions…to be used as an instrument of Peace in our families, in our neighborhoods and communities, in the world. Take a moment now to sense how it feels to live as an instrument of Peace.
(Pause)
It can only serve our Highest Good to walk as an instrument of Peace…and as we are connected to all life on the planet, it can only serve the Good of All. We take a moment now to sense and realize our Oneness with the Global Community…envisioning and sensing a web of Consciousness surrounding and infusing our planet…feeling ourselves to be part of the web as an emanation of Light…knowing that every human is an expression of that same Light…every creature, plant, rock and grain of sand…the elements…earth, air, fire and water, all shining with the Light of Spirit…all made of Godstuff…enlivened by the Divine Spark. Knowing that my Light is enmeshed with the All That Is, I feel and know our Oneness.
Because we are One in Spirit, we commit to caring for one another…for all life forms…for the planet that sustains us all.
This amazing planet earth is ready for Deep Change…ready for us to bring about Deep Change in ourselves and in our world. She is crying out for our help, for our attention and our renewed commitment to take care of her. She is, in fact, going through some profound changes, with or without us…showing us that the only thing we can count on is change. It has ever been so. We see it in the changing of her seasons…in the movement of the waters, in the cycling from darkness into light and back again…we see it in the life cycle, our own and that of those we love.
As we sit, grounded in the Peace that fills our hearts, our minds, and our bodies, we consider a relative level truth…as a human being, there are two states that can prompt me to make a change in my life…inspiration and desperation.
Inspiration…I am seeking to have a more positive experience in one or more areas of my life. I am Called to do something different…something that is more Life-Affirming…so that I might have a more Beautiful, Joyful, Contented, or Fulfilling life in future years. I sense an Urge, a Divine Impulse…I hear a Call…It sounds a little crazy…but I make the conscious choice to take the steps. It stretches and challenges me…takes effort, is sometimes hard…but I follow through, and Graceful change occurs.
Or desperation…I sense that something is not right, that there is something I might do differently. I am out of sorts…my life feels out of alignment. Opportunities arise for me to make some changes, but stuck in old habits and attachments, I miss the Call. I double down in my forcing things to work…only they don’t. Finally, something happens to get my attention…maybe something really big that forces me to take a step in a new direction. I don’t want to, but I have no choice. Everything is different now…change has occurred…but it hasn’t been Graceful. It has been really difficult, even painful.
(In her book SQ21: The Twenty-One Skills of Spiritual Intelligence, Cindy Wigglesworth says that)
It seems to be human nature to resist change as long as possible. We have been conditioned since the dawn of our species to seek safety and security and to preserve the way things are as long as possible.”
This certainly appears to be the way human beings operate. But I think we’re letting ourselves off the hook if we chalk it up to ‘human nature.’ We may have strong tendencies and poor habits at times, but we are all capable of conscious and proactive change. And not just trivial change, but real, Deep Change.
What is Deep Change? It is a profound, often uncomfortable, and permanent transformation in one’s thinking and behavior. It alters our fundamental, underlying patterns and requires us to let go of ways of seeing and being that no longer serve us, replacing them with more expansive and uplifting thoughts and behaviors. It has a lasting positive impact on our lives, creating a ripple of optimism and hopefulness that radiates out, we know not how far.
The real question is not whether or not there will be change…whether or not we will change…but rather, will we choose by Inspiration or through Desperation? Will our change be proactive, or reactive?
The Buddha taught that change, or impermanence, is a fundamental truth of life…not an enemy, but an opportunity for growth, liberation, and inner peace…that as we learn to let go, transforming our perspective and internal reactions rather than resisting and clinging, we reduce our suffering…and a deep sense of peace comes. Accepting the change and adapting with it, ultimately brings Wisdom and Compassion.
As we reflect on Deep Change, we recognize that we are talking about transformation.
Transformation is not merely a change of morals, group affiliation, belief system, or behavior…but a change at the very heart of the way you receive, hear, and respond in every moment. It is a real and authentic shift in the way you embody Truth and walk as a more beneficial Presence in the world.
Real transformation is not about new beginnings but is a process of letting go…it most often happens when something old falls apart, inviting (or even forcing) the soul to listen at a deeper level. The mystics use many words to describe this falling apart: walking through the fire, or the valley of the shadow of death…the dark night of the soul…emptiness…abandonment. It takes patience, guidance, and a willingness to find your way through to the Light.
Maybe this is what Master Yeshua meant when he said, “It is a narrow gate and a hard road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:14). Not accidentally, he mentions this narrow road right after teaching the Golden Rule. It takes a lot of letting go it takes to “treat others as you would like them to treat you” (7:12).
Change of itself just happens; but spiritual transformation must become an actual process of letting go, living in the confusing dark space for a while, and allowing yourself to be spit up on a new and unexpected shore. (This may be) why Jonah in the belly of the whale is such an important symbol for many… (Fr. Richard Rohr)
Deep Change requires conscious and willing action. It asks us to consider, will change in your life be prompted by Inspiration or Desperation…You get to Choose.
Chris – Guided Meditation
The Latin roots of the word inspire literally mean to breathe into… When we receive inspiration, it is God breathing its Divine Spirit into our soul… we receive a direct impartation of Grace… the Great Mystery is revealing itSelf to us… flowing through us… the Infinite Presence opens up within us… unveiling our own infinite nature…
The definition of despair, again from the Latin, is without hope… When we are consumed by desperation, all hope is gone… our faith is feeble… anxiety and fear overcome us… we lose the ability to perceive all the alternatives available to us… which often leads to making poor choices… or even risky behaviors…
Each of our lives is changing continually… we are in a constant state of flux… When we resist change, we rebel against our own evolution… we turn a deaf ear to the still small voice of God that is trying to inspire us… our heart begins to close… we withdraw… and as we do so, we invite desperation…
Certainly, we would all prefer inspiration over desperation… but how do we go about acquiring Divine Inspiration?… First, we dedicate sacred time every day for prayer and meditation… and we keep that appointment consistently… We become receptive… expecting to be inspired… and then we surrender in faith…
As we share our three minutes of Sacred Silence this morning, let us invite Divine Inspiration… with great expectation that Spirit will respond… Releasing what we think it is supposed to look, sound, or feel like… trusting that as we create in our heart an open receptacle, God breathes into us its Peace… its Love… its Wisdom… Know that each of us is a vessel for the One Divine Life… Let Spirit flow deeply into your heart… and then let it radiate out from you, into the world…
Silence – 3:00
O, Divine Mystery… Beloved Creator of all that is… thank you for your gift of inspiration… and thank you for these Beloved Souls in our Mystic Heart community… May we always see your Holy Light shining out through each other’s eyes… and may we be forever grateful for the amazing love and support we share…
Cultivating receptivity to inspiration requires us to slow down… to meet the unknown with curiosity, rather than fear… to pay attention to physical sensations… they are how our body speaks to us… to listen deeply to others… they are often how God speaks to us…
Returning now to Rev. Diana’s Taizé meditation, we receive it as a seed of inspiration… planted deep in our heart… and we trust the Spirit within to water and tend it… growing an inner garden of inspiration that bears fruit richly…
Rev. Diana
True transformation, Deep Change, asks us to question all of our attachments…even our attachment to Love Itself…to deeply question whether we know what Love is, or how to Love…As we offer our love to another, are we giving unconditionally of ourselves…practicing the Golden Rule…or are we meeting our own needs, and attached to outcomes?
True transformation causes a foundational change in our motivation…shifts us from concerns about security and status to those of generosity, humility, and cooperation… Deep Change leads us toward a greater desire to walk with Integrity and Authenticity…toward the depths of who we are, toward greater simplicity…and toward Service. It causes us to think and feel differently about most everything.
As we move into musical meditation, let us center our awareness on The Winds of Change.
Musical Meditation – Winds of Change by Karen Drucker
Rev. Diana – Closing Prayer
I rest in the knowing that there is One Thing going on here…One Life forever expressing as all of Creation…I accept and know that I Am, each of us is, a Beautiful, Perfect, and Intentional expression of Divinity. How sweet it is to have this as my foundational understanding…as that eternal and unchanging Truth that Guides me through my days.
Right here and now, I relax into the posture of allowing…I move Gracefully with the ebb and flow of Life in the coming week. I fully accept that change is forever unfolding…will always be part of my experience in this physical realm. AND I place my faith in the changeless nature of Spirit, trusting and knowing that this is where my Courage, my Strength, and my Power lie. I commit to a path of Inspiration from this moment forward, knowing that any trace of desperation is long past…no longer necessary to motivate my choices. I Am strong in my conviction, courageous in my willingness, and Powerful in my ability to bring about conscious and proactive change. I am clear as to when change is called for, and when Stillness is the better choice.
I am so grateful for my deep Faith and Knowing, and for the Presence and Power of Spirit, Guiding my every step. It is the One Constant in this changing world. I am grateful for the countless blessings that shower my life every day…from the very small to the seemingly miraculous. I give thanks for those blessings that feel warm and welcome, that offer Joy and Beauty into my Life. And I give thanks for those that challenge me to grow in patience, persistence, humility, and faith, for these, too, are Grace working in my Life. Thank You, Spirit, for this beautiful Family that offers love and support as I make my way along the Path, and for this safe and loving space to gather. I know that there is always someone ready and willing to hold my hand, or to hold me in prayer.
Immersed in Gratitude, and in the atmosphere of Grace, I release my prayer now, trusting in the Loving and Lawful Presence to bring it Home. May I have eyes to see everything that comes from this moment forward as answered prayer. I call it done, simply letting it be. And so it is! Amen!
Coming back into this space, we open our eyes, our hearts, and our minds. Take a look at who is here celebrating with you this morning. This is your Spiritual Family…one of your support systems. These are some of the people who care about you, who are there for you if you need anything.
Rev. Diana – Love Offering
As we close our Taizé Meditation, we offer the opportunity for you to share of your financial good in support of the work we do should you choose to do so.
If you’re joining us online, you can find a Donate Button and our mailing address at mysticheart.org. And we thank you in advance for your gifts.
Offertory Music Video: Change, by Linhy
https://youtu.be/5rI-faM97I4?list=TLPQMzEwMTIwMjZdjxmzxMN_Wg
Rev. Diana – Blessing for the Offering
Rev. Diana, Chris, & Marsh – Closing Song
- A Soul’s Blessing, written by Chris Johnson
Conscious Conversation
Sherri – Opening Prayer
Rev. Diana – Welcome or welcome back…and thank you for being here. I know you’ll be glad you came. If you’re new with us here this morning… my name is Rev. Diana Johnson, and I am the Pastor and Spiritual Director of Mystic Heart Spiritual Center. We are an Independent Interfaith Community that teaches Universal Principles and Practical Spirituality, tracing the common threads of Truth that run through all the world’s great traditions. It is my prayer that something you hear this morning will lead you back to the Wisdom and Guidance of your own Mystic Heart.
Let’s get our Conversation started by joining our voices in song and giving our bodies a chance to wake up!
Opening Music
- Welcome to the Mystic Heart, written by Diana & Chris Johnson
- One Big Family, written by Robin Hackett & Gary Lynn Floyd
- Song – I Release by Ricki Byars
Rev. Diana – Let’s take a moment to consciously engage the body in the Sacred Practice of Visioning for a Love-Soaked World…where all humans are embodying and living from their Highest Selves, their deepest Wisdom, their most generous and Loving nature…honoring and caring for one another, and for our beautiful planet, is second nature…all needs are met…all beings have plenty of nourishing food, the safety of a warm and comfortable home……mental/physical health, education, and healthy relationships are ensured by social systems grounded in Integrity and Wholeness…
In our newly created world, all beings work and play at whatever feeds their soul and are well compensated for their Service…all beings are valued and respected for their inherent Goodness and Light…authenticity and vulnerability are not only welcome but celebrated…and the Peace we cultivate within shows up as a world free of hatred or violence.
Each one of us is living into a world where greed is no more, where there is abundance in having enough…where generosity is the norm…where every being receives all that is needed for a full, rich, and contented life.
By the Power of our collective intention and powerful imagining, we have written a new story…a world that works for all beings. We trust and know that all is always being turned to Good, and so it is. We walk in gratitude, respect, reverence, and humility as we recognize the Sacred in everyone and everything…there is a general sense of thriving.
It is through our hands, feet, hearts, and voices that positive change is forever happening. We aligned all of our actions with our Vision, living these changes in our own lives, with our families, friends, communities, and other nations…
We recognize that transformation is an on-going process, and in times of great change, people benefit from working, playing, and simply being together. And so this Community stands as an open and welcoming place for all who seek support, belonging, and a sense of Family.
By the Power that is inherently ours, this prayer is acted upon, answered even as it is spoken. I trust and know that this is so…I rest in Divine Presence that works in Its own time, and by Its own Process…and with the deepest humility and gratitude, I release my Word the One Who Gets It Done…And so it is!…Amen!
Let’s take a moment to bask in that creative and powerful energy…look around to say good morning to your Spiritual Family…joining in our own small act of Loving Defiance.
If you were with us at Taizé this morning, you know that our topic of reflection has been Inspiration or Desperation…You Choose. It ties in with February’s theme, Deep Change…the journey of transformation that each of us is on, whether we know it or not…whether we like it or not.
I’m going to begin by giving a bullet point summary of this morning’s Taizé for those who were not here. Then I’ll use that as a jumping off point for our Conversation. Okay?
First of all, this amazing planet is ready for Deep Change…ready for us to bring about Deep Change in ourselves and in our world…that she is, in fact, going through some profound changes, with or without us…showing us that the only thing we can count on is change.
We took a look at a relative level truth…that as a human being, there are two states that can prompt me to make a change in my life…inspiration and desperation.
Inspiration looks like me, seeking to have a more positive experience in one or more areas of my life…being Called to do something different, more Life-Affirming…and making the conscious choice to take the steps. It stretches and challenges me…takes effort, is sometimes hard…but I follow through, and Graceful change occurs.
Desperation looks like me, sensing that something is not right, I am out of sorts…my life feels out of alignment. Opportunities arise for me to make some changes, but I’m stuck in old habits and attachments, I miss the Call. I double down in my forcing things to work…only they don’t. Finally, something happens to get my attention…something really big that forces me to take a step in a new direction. I don’t want to, but I have no choice. Voila! Change has happened, and it hasn’t been Graceful!
We defined Deep Change as a profound, often uncomfortable, and permanent transformation in one’s thinking and behavior. It alters our fundamental, underlying patterns and requires us to let go of ways of seeing and being that no longer serve us, replacing them with more expansive and uplifting thoughts and behaviors. It has a lasting positive impact on our lives, creating a ripple of optimism and hopefulness that radiates out, we know not how far.
We then said that the real question is not whether or not there will be change…whether or not we will change…but rather, whether we choose Inspiration or Desperation as our motivating force. Will our change be proactive, or reactive?
We looked at the Buddhist teaching that change, or impermanence, is a fundamental truth of life…not an enemy, but an opportunity for growth, liberation, and inner peace…that as we learn to let go, transforming our perspective and internal reactions rather than resisting and clinging, we reduce our suffering…and a deep sense of peace, Wisdom and Compassion follow.
We recognized that Deep Change is really transformation…a change at the very heart of the way you receive, hear, and respond in every moment. It is a real and authentic shift in the way you embody Truth and walk as a more beneficial Presence in the world.
We said that real transformation is not about new beginnings but is a process of letting go…it most often happens when something old falls apart, inviting (or even forcing) the soul to listen at a deeper level…and that it takes patience, guidance, and willingness to transform ourselves.
Deep Change requires conscious and willing action. It asks us to consider, will change in my life be prompted by Inspiration or Desperation…You Choose.
Okay, first question: What is the better motivator? Inspiration or Desperation?
I guess it depends on what you mean by better. Do we mean preferable, or more effective in getting us going?
(desperation might work better than inspiration for the short term. Avoiding pain is always a stronger motivator than getting pleasure. But it works only till your perception of pain-balance shifts…when you become a little successful, or come back to your previous comfort zone, you might get complacent and lose your motivation)
Do we really want to wait to make changes in our lives until things are desperate?
What does our desperation lead to?
(fear, unclear thinking, poor choice-making, reaction rather than response)
What does inspiration feel like?
Is inspiration always clear-cut?
(We often question whether we are hearing Higher Wisdom or our own ego concerns; the Voice of Higher Wisdom may be unclear or unfamiliar to us)
When might we find more support from those around us? When we are acting from desperation or inspiration?
(Desperate people obviously need help and support; family and friends often want to help if they can; inspired people might look like they’re taking excessive risks, or making poor choices, going against the grain. Family and friends may not feel comfortable supporting unconventional decisions)
What is more familiar to most of us, desperation or inspiration?
Okay, let’s spin this just a little bit. How many of us set goals for ourselves?
Do you usually set goals from inspiration or desperation?
What does a goal based in desperation feel like?
(there is a sense of scarcity and urgency; heaviness, burdensome; Impostor syndrome and self-doubt can begin to set in; we’re always short on time; always looking externally to fill the void we feel internally)
What does a goal based in inspiration feel like?
(we are creating because we feel deeply moved, inspired, and expansive; a calling rather than an obligation; we feel like a powerful force of life is coming from within us, wanting to be expressed through us and into the physical world; we feel pulled instead of forced to create; we gravitate toward it, feel compelled; create from a place of abundance instead of lack)
Do very young children create from desperation or inspiration?
(inspiration…let’s follow their lead and let our own inspired Inner Child lead us)
Is there anything else that needs to be spoken at this time?
I’d like to close by sharing a passage from Cindy Wigglesworth from her book SQ21: The Twenty-One Skills of Spiritual Intelligence. She asks this question: “What if a new breed of spiritually intelligent leaders and change agents could show by example that it’s not necessary for life to push us to the brink of disaster before we are willing to let go of our old ways of doing things, and create new ones? What if change became something we willingly embraced, and even sought out as it was called for? What if a calm, low-ego, and visionary approach, aligned with what was naturally trying to evolve or emerge, could inspire other people to enthusiastically engage with necessary change? And what if the new ways served humanity and our planet? I firmly believe that the leaders of the future will be those who develop this capacity.”
Let’s Close in Prayer…
My prayer, and what I believe with all my heart, mind, body and soul, is that we are in the beginnings of such a transformation…Mother Earth and Great Spirit are on the move, showing us the err of our ways, and pointing us toward a new way of life on earth. I Am so grateful that as perfect and intentional expressions of Divinity, we have the capacity, courage, and willingness to make inspired choices. Each of us, in our own unique ways, do what is our to do, for the Good of All…for the Good of our world and our future. I know that we are agents of positive change…we are here at this time and in this place for a reason. We give thanks for the privilege of being alive, right here and right now.
I Am so grateful to know that I can count on a Loving and Lawful Presence. I Am grateful to have a safe space to express myself, and a spiritual family to support my journey.
Thank you, Holy One, for the many blessings and miracles of this and every day…Thank You for these angels that share my life with me. I Am so grateful for the Abundance of Spirit, and how it shows up every day…for the countless hands that it took to bring our feast to the table today, and for the nourishment the food and the time with Community provides…Centered in gratitude, I release this prayer, in deep faith that it has already done its Work. A prayer spoken Powerfully and with deep feeling is a prayer answered. And so I simply let it be…and so it is. Amen!
Love Offering
Thank you so much for joining me here today. We’re going to bring this part of the morning to a close, but before we do, we’d like to invite you to join in the celebration of the work we are doing in the world by sharing of your financial Good. If you are at home, you can go to mysticheart.org to use our Donate Button or to find our mailing address.
We are an independent, self-supporting organization, and your financial gifts are what make it possible for us to do our work and provide this beautiful and safe space to gather. We thank you in advance for your generous hearts. We acknowledge and give thanks for the Infinite Abundance of Spirit moving through you.
As we engage in the Sacred Practice of Circulation, we’re going to share a blast from the past…I hope you enjoy! It has everything to do with Deep Change and putting one thing down before starting in a new direction.
Offertory Music Video – Put Down the Duckie, by Sesame Street
Sherri – Bless the Offering
Sherri – Invitations
- The Mystic Heart Book Club meets on Tuesdays from 2-4 Having completed Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, and in the spirit of reciprocity, they are presenting a Mystic Flyx Afternoon at the Gathering Place this Tuesday, February 3rd from 2-4:30 pm. They will be viewing The Blue Butterfly, a beautiful film with a Powerful message. Also, the group will be starting a new book, Return to the Sacred: Pathways to Spiritual Awakening, on Tuesday, February 17th.
- Radical Knowing: A Study in Consciousness An accredited class facilitated by Rev. Diana, Tuesdays from 2 – 5pm, February 25th – June 2nd. There is more information in the February Bulletin.
- Shining Light on Scripture meets on Wednesdays from 11:30am–1:30pm, facilitated by Chris Johnson, RScP. We are currently reading The Dhammapada by Eknath Easwaran.
- On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss, by Elisabeth Kubler Ross and David Kessler. Join Rev. Diana on Wednesday, February 11th from 2:00-4:00 pm for this powerful book study and support circle.
- Fast Track to Wellness meets on Thursdays from 11:30am – 1:30pm. This is a body/mind/spirit support circle. We are currently listening to and discussing selections from Good Stress and Life in the Fasting Lane.
- Ember of Wisdom: Dancing the Wheel Cacao & Movement Journey — Join April & Maile for this special event on February 28th from 10:30am-1:30pm. This is a 3-hour Medicine Wheel gathering dedicated to the time of the Elder, the season of Winter, and the element of Fire. This will be a ticketed event. Purchase ahead and save your spot.
Looking into March…
- Mad Hatter Spring Tea Party, March 7th , Noon to 3pm Tickets are only $25. The cost of admission includes musical entertainment, a homemade organic lunch, coffee, tea or homemade lemonade, a yummy selection of desserts, a basket raffle (1 Complimentary ticket), and a prize for the best costume! (costumes optional) Additional tickets are available for purchase: $1 each or 12 for $10. This is a Mystic Heart Community FUN-Raiser! For more information, or to purchase your tickets, please contact: Chris Netto (469)964-9369 OR Lucinda Alton (530)604-7294
- Join April and Maile on Wednesday, March 18th, 6:30 – 7:30 pm for a quarterly Healing Sound Bath. As the Spring Equinox approaches and the light returns, sound and vibration guide you from winter’s stillness into warmth, balance, and renewal.
There will be more information available on new classes and activities soon. We thank you for your patience as Rev. Diana and Chris take this time to move into their new home.
Information Cards only if new people
Prayer Requests: I am available after service for prayer, in our beautiful Prayer Room or fill out a prayer card and I will get your request to our Prayer Team for daily prayer.
Rev. Diana, Chris, & Marsh – Closing Song
Love Be With You, written by Lainey Bernstein & 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.