Listening Generously

Sunday, August 10, 2025

Rev. Diana Johnson, IM, RScM, with Chris Johnson, RScP.

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:
23:00	Guided Meditation
49:40	Conscious Conversation

Taizé

Call to Awareness – 3 Bells

Chris N – Opening Prayer

Rev. Diana – Welcome…if you’re new with us here this morning, my name is Rev. Diana Johnson, and I am the Pastor and Spiritual Director of 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 settle in, take a deep breath and relax…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…

Rev, Diana, Chris J, & Marsh – Taizé Chants

• Welcome Home to Your Mystic Heart, written by Diana & Chris Johnson
• When I Pray, written by Daniel Nahmod

Rev. Diana – 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 Quantum Field…Infinite Intelligence…Divine Knowing…Spirit. See yourself as a Spark in that web…and begin to notice how all beings are alight with that same Radiant Glow…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. We feel this deeply when one is absent.

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 flow of Taizé this morning invites us to contemplate the meaning of  Listening Generously. As human beings, we are constantly communicating, whether we’re conscious of our communications or not. It is said that communication is a cycle…in order to be true communication, there must be a message sent, and a message received. Receiving a message requires listening.

What is listening? It is slowing down, setting aside mental chatter, and bringing full awareness to something that is being shared. This means putting aside our filters…our opinions, preferences, and what we already think we know…putting aside our personal experience, and the response we are already forming.

As human beings, we listen in many directions. We might give our full attention to another person who is speaking to us…or to other sounds in our environment that are offering information or guidance…in otherward, listening outward.

We might listen to our bodies when they are telling us to rest or are in pain or discomfort…when we have over-eaten or eaten something that does not agree with us.

Our mental and emotional states are also part of the human body’s experience. And so, we might listen to our feelings, giving ourselves permission to feel things fully, trusting that they will pass, and allowing them to go when the time is right. We might Practice Self-Inquiry, asking questions of our Deepest Knowing, and listening for what is offered. These are all forms of listening inward.

We often say that the human body is the vessel we are given…that the body is the house of the Spirit. I think this is not quite accurate…rather, the body is Spirit taken physical form. Our physical being is not in any way separate from God…it is literally God experiencing Life as us. If Spirit is truly all-knowing…Infinite Intelligence, and everywhere present…the Presence in all that is, how can it be otherwise?

It is said that we are Spiritual Beings, having a human experience. That experience gives the appearance of separateness. But we know, that in Truth, we are not separate…from one another, or from anything else. The world we live in is not merely God’s creation, “it is Divinity as presented to our senses.” (The Yoga of Eating, C. Eisenstein)

We know ourselves to be individualized expressions of our Creator…so whether we are listening to another person…or anything else in the material world…or whether we are listening inward to our bodies, minds, emotional bodies, or Highest Wisdom, we are in Communication with Source. It’s all God, presenting opportunities for us to Listen Generously, so that we might receive Guidance.

The word generous is carefully chosen here. Generosity is the giving of more than is necessary or expected. In generous listening, we are giving conscious, focused attention to whatever is speaking to us…we are setting aside everything else with the intention of receiving accurate information, free of our preconceived notions, and then thoughtfully responding to it. It is fitting  that the Latin root of generous speaks of a noble birth. Made in Spirit’s image and likeness as powerfully creative beings, we have the capacity to listen from our inherent Divinity.

Listening Generously is a form of surrender…I Am letting go of preconceptions and surrendering to the moment…fully present with whatever faces me…completely open and receptive. Moment by moment, I listen…I step back from needing or attempting to control what is. Rather than asserting my will, or allowing my thoughts, opinions, or expectations to color my perceptions, I relax my grip and allow what is before me to be seen or heard with clarity. I invite and allow Love to direct the course of things. How would Love see this situation? How would Love hear these words? What would Love say or do in response?

Chris J – Guided Meditation

Generosity is characterized by one thing only… the act of giving… If I am to Listen Generously to you, I must give you my attention… my curiosity… sufficient time to fully express yourself… and my sincere desire to receive your thoughts and feelings in their entirety… As Rev. Diana said, I must surrender to you…

Regular listening is a mental activity… but Generous Listening begins in the heart… When we listen with the mind, we judge… categorize… jump to conclusions… often there is no room in the mind to truly hear what is being spoken… Listening from the heart makes us vulnerable… malleable… open to being changed by what we hear…

In his well-known Prayer, St. Francis of Assisi describes generous listening well…

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that  we are pardoned…

and it is in generous listening that we are heard…

Generous Inner Listening is illustrated by The Prophet Elijah…

a great wind tore the mountains, and broke the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the  Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice…

In our three minutes of sharing Sacred Silence this morning, I invite you to listen to the sounds that present themselves… birds… cars… breathing… Some may be pleasant to you… others less so… Notice your reactions… don’t try to stop them… just let them be… and continue listening… Allow your heart to open wider… to expand and include more… Invite the Spirit of Wisdom that dwells within you to inform you… to guide you… to bless you… Listen with your whole heart… body… and Soul…

Silence – 3:00

Divine Source of all that is, we give thanks for this day… we thank you for these ears to hear the sounds of your Sacred Creation… and for our inner listening that allows us to hear the needs of our bodies… our hearts… and our souls… And thank you for this Beloved Community… May we always offer one another a generously listening ear…

To truly hear another, we must be generous to them… and to accurately hear our bodies, hearts, and souls, we must be generous to ourselves… we must refrain from self-judgment or self-criticism… and to discern the still small voice of Spirit, we must be generously patient… we must wait on the Spirit…

As Rev. Diana continues this morning’s Taizé, we are opening our hearts… our souls… our entire Being in greater receptivity than ever before… genuinely welcoming fresh inspiration… and spiritual transformation… We are indeed, Listening Generously…

Rev. Diana

18^th century French Jesuit, Jean-Pierre de-Caussade, spoke of the present moment as a Sacrament…a sign of the Sacred. He taught that every moment holds the potential for the experience of Grace. In every instant there are “signposts pointing the way to living in Communion with God.” A theology of this type is not dry, rigid, or doctrinaire. Rather, the French priest encourages his readers to a joyous, affirming, and ultimately selfless abandonment to God. Through authentic contemplation, along with facing ourselves honestly and openly, the comfort and fulfillment of a life suffused with grace are revealed to us.” (Praying Dangerously, Regina Sara Ryan)

It is my prayer that you consider what has been spoken this morning…that you carry it forward into your week…that as often as you can remember, slow down, set aside mental chatter, and bring your full awareness to what is before you. Putting aside filters, opinions, preferences, and what you already think you know…put aside personal experience, your current beliefs, and the response you are already forming. Surrender to the moment…let go of the need to control…or respond…or be right. Invite Spirit to shine Its Light of Clarity…invite Love to Guide the process…

Author Regina Sara Ryan asks,

How would it be to find God’s Hand or God’s Face in every situation in life? What if we were to look for gift and grace in every person we meet, every circumstance that presents itself? What if every gap in the busyness of life became an invitation to enter the sanctuary of the inner temple? What if, down to this very breath, we contextualized everything as holy?

Musical Meditation –Holy Now, by Peter Mayer

Rev. Diana – Closing Prayer

One Source…One Life…One Power…All-Knowing, Ever-Present, Infinitely Generous…forever giving of Itself…eternally Becoming as all of creation.

And so, I Am That…You Are That…there is nothing else that we could be. Expressions of Divinity, so that Spirit might know Themselves as humans…free to makes choices without Spirit’s interference…free to experience the consequences of our choices, individually and collectively.

As I move into the moments that will form my week, I ground my awareness in Listening Generously. As often as possible, I call myself into the Sacrament of the Present Moment. I willingly surrender my preconceptions and see clearly, as the film of distraction and mind chatter melts away, allowing the Light of Spirit to shine through.

I look for the Face of God in every person…the Hand of God in every circumstance. I use the gaps in the busyness of life as invitations to enter the sanctuary of the inner temple. I know to the core of my being that everything is Holy Now.

Thank You, Giver of Life, for our growing awareness…for our deep connection with You and with one another… I am so grateful for the countless blessings that flow generously through all of our lives, and through this place. Thank You, Great Spirit, for this Spiritual Community and the way it shines Your Light in the world, offering Love and Support to all who seek it. Thank you for our beautiful space, and for the financial support that allows us to maintain it. And thank you for the Grace that Guides each one of us, whether it looks like Beauty, Love and Light, or whether it looks like discomfort and  challenge. I know that difficulty stretches me…grows my patience, humility, and character…and invites me to become more of Who I came here to be.

I release this prayer now, knowing that as I speak my Word, it is acted upon by Your Loving and Lawful Presence. There is nothing more to do but let go…surrender…in full faith that it is moving into form and experience here and now …And so it is…Amen.

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. If you have found value in our time together this morning, share the Love.

Offertory Video: Children Will Listen  by Mandy Patinkin (closing song from Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim)

https://youtu.be/4a841zBsszQ?list=RD4a841zBsszQ

Rev. Diana –  Blessing for the Offering

Rev. Diana, Chris J, & Marsh – Closing Song

• A Soul’s Blessing, written by Chris Johnson

Conscious Conversation

Chris N –  Opening Prayer

Rev. Diana – Good morning and welcome, or welcome back…welcome to those joining online. 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. 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.

Rev. Diana, Chris J, & Marsh – Opening Music

• Welcome to the Mystic Heart, written by Diana & Chris Johnson
• One Big Family, written by Robin Hackett & Gary Lynn Floyd
• We Let It Be, written by Rickie Byars (Love, Love, Peace, Joy, Grace, Love)

Rev. Diana – 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…

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 what it means to Listen Generously. We began with the idea that as human beings, we are constantly communicating, whether we’re conscious of our communications or not…that communication is a cycle of sending and receiving messages. And of course, receiving a message requires listening.

We looked at how we listen outwardly, to other people and our surroundings, and how we listen inwardly, to our thoughts, feelings, self-reflections, and when we’re open to it, our inner Guidance.

We wrapped up by contemplating the notion that we can only Listen Generously when we are fully present, and that by giving our full attention to the now, we are acknowledging the present moment as a Sacrament…as Sacred.

There was a lot there, so if you’re curious to hear more, Chris will have it online by this evening. But for now, we’re going to pivot to something related to Generous Listening…something that has come up for me repeatedly in the last few weeks. Whenever this happens, I take it as something that might benefit others. I’d like to begin the Conversation by sharing a slice of our lives right now. You’ll see how it ties in.

You may or may not know that Chris and I have our home on a small lot in Southwest Redding. Over our time together, we have turned that lot into a pretty good-sized garden and chicken yard, getting rid of our grass and replacing it with food. I have always enjoyed this lifestyle, and early in Chris’s past lives, he did some of this as well.

In 2016, I applied to Ministerial School and graduated from the 4-year program in just under three years, in 2019. It was a rigorous program in and of itself, but during the last year of my schooling, my mother moved in with us and we cared for her for her last year of life.

Immediately following my graduation, Spirit moved me in no uncertain terms to begin this Community. If I thought my schooling was rigorous, well you get the picture. But I love the Work I Am Called to, and it is a True Calling.

Why am I sharing all of this? Because I have recently been doing some Generous Listening in my own life and how I’m living it by noticing or giving conscious attention to my priorities. I promise I’ll open this up for discussion in a bit, but I want to clarify a couple of things first. First, I want to define that word. A priority is something I put first…something I do prior to (or instead of) doing something else. It’s not what we want to be doing, but don’t get around to…it’s not what we think we should do, but don’t. The easiest way to determine what my priorities are is to look at my calendar and my bank account. Where do I spend my time and my money?

We all have priorities, and they are neither good nor bad…they just are. They only become a problem when my priorities are out of alignment with my values, or when I fill my life so full that I cannot possibly take care of all the things that I truly want to prioritize. The important thing for me is to own what my priorities have been, and to ask myself if my life is truly reflecting my values…and if not, why not? How can I bring my life experience into alignment with my priorities?

I said a minute ago that priorities are only a problem if they are out of alignment with our values, or if we have too many of them, and they begin to compete with one another for our time and attention. After some deep reflection and prayer, I have had to accept that the latter is true…I am splintering my time and attention in too many directions. If you know me at all, you’re probably saying, “No kidding…it took deep reflection to figure that out? You should have asked me!”

What it took is a willingness to admit that I can’t do it all, at least not all at once. Without spending a lot of time on why that was challenging, let me just say that as the eldest of four children, the others all boys, I was expected to be a superwoman by the age of nine, and was punished for not living up to expectations. That pattern has become deeply engrained in me. And I have been aware of it, and working with it, for a long time.

Finally, at the age of 61, I am ready to put it down. Chris and I will be downsizing our lifestyle at home, moving into a space with a lot less maintenance, so that we can give ourselves more fully to the tending and growing of this Community, and to our musical lives. I trust that my love of gardening and caring for the earth will find new, less demanding but equally beneficial paths to take, as this is a huge priority in my life. I can do more with less. And more importantly, I can be more present with less to care for.

Now for some discussion…

What do you think about the notion that looking at your calendar and your bank account will point to your priorities?

Do you find resistance in owning those priorities?

Do you see places where your priorities are out of alignment with your actions?

Or maybe, like me, you’re trying to juggle too many priorities, too many things that truly are important to you, but forcing yourself to choose anyway?

What are some of the ways you could bring your life into alignment with your priorities (or your values, if that’s where you found yourself)? Maybe you’ve already done it and have something valuable to share.

Some of the things I do truly value but have not made time or space for is music. One of the ways we are bringing things into alignment is to create a space for music to happen in our home without dragging equipment from room to room, and to make space in the calendar for regular practice and writing sessions.

Another thing I haven’t made space for is comfortably having visitors stay at our home or hosting large gatherings for the holidays. I used to do much more of it, and enjoyed it very much, but have stopped, partially because of limited space, and partially because my home is less tidy than I’d like it to be.

Is there anything else that wants to be spoken right now?

There’s a book I read years ago and will be revisiting in the near future. It’s called Voluntary Simplicity: Toward a Way of Life That Is Outwardly Simple, Inwardly Rich, written by Duane Elgin. I’d like to close by reading a passage from this book. I invite you to take it in as you might a guided contemplation. Then I will close in prayer.

Read from pages 23-25

This morning has been rich with food for thought. Our coming together on purpose, in Communion and Community, has itself been Prayer. And so I keep this closing voluntarily simple.

Because hearing your own voice speak affirmation, I’m going to invite you to do something a little different this morning. We have handed out copies of the closing prayer. I invite you to speak it aloud in the most powerful voice you can muster. Nobody’s watching, just go for it. Are you ready?

Beloved Community – Closing Prayer

There is ever and always One Thing going on, and that is The Great Mystery, by whatever name we call It, expressing as all of creation.

I Am now and eternally One with That Life.

I trust and know that I am always held and loved by a Mighty Presence and entrusted with the Power of Creation, which I use consciously and freely in every moment of every day.

To ensure that I use It wisely, and for the Good of All, I align myself with Its Intelligence, Wisdom, and Grace.

I live my life from this state of being, allowing it to give rise to all I do.

By every act, I Am prospered. I have all that I need in every moment.

As I accept and know these words as Truth, my heart is at ease…I Am at Peace.

Thank you, Father/Mother God, for all that I have…for all that I Am…and for the feast we are about to receive. I bless the countless hands and hearts that it took to bring this food to our table.

I release this prayer in deep appreciation and gratitude, knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that my prayers are always answered. I let go and let God. And so it is…Amen…A’ho!

How did that feel? I dare you to take this prayer home with you and use it…change the language if it feels right but keep it affirmative and read it aloud. See what happens.

Diana Offertory

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.

Offertory Video: My Sweet Lord, by George Harrison.

https://youtu.be/swje_zoG1mU?list=RDswje_zoG1mU

Chris N – Blessing for the offering

Chris N – Invitations

• The Mystic Heart Book Club meets every Tuesday from 3-5 We are completing the reading A Politics of Love by Marianne Williamson. The next book, beginning September 9^th, Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. It weaves together Indigenous Wisdom, Ecology, and Spirituality into a rich and beautiful memoir.
• A Return to Love Book Study meets every Wednesday from 3-5
• Fast Track to Wellness meets every Thursday from 12-2 pm. We are listening to and discussing an amazing book, Good Stress: The Health Benefits of Doing Hard Things. And this week we’ll look at the art of combining foods to create complete proteins.
• Shining Light on Scripture meets this Thursday from 12-2 pm.

Looking Ahead…save the date:

• Family Drumming and Music Circle. Please join Mystic Heart on Friday, August 14^th, 6:30-8:00pm for a joyous time of drumming, strumming, and sharing in Spiritual Community. This is the perfect time to invite a friend or family member to check out our Gathering Place. Read more in the monthly bulletin. Contact April @ 562-440-3785 or Rev. Diana @530-356-1227 for more info or to say you’ll be there.
• Flowing Into Healing: A Monthly Sound Bath and Healing Water Ceremony, August 20th, 6:30 – 7:30 . Join April Jimenez for a monthly Sound Bath and Mid-Week Reset at the Mystic Heart Gathering Place. Suggested Donation: $20. All donations gratefully accepted.
• A Mystic Heart Fun-Raiser…Mexican Train Game Day, Monday, August 25^th, from 1:00-3:30 pm. Feel free to BYOB if you prefer something other than coffee, tea, or water. Suggested donation of $5 – ??? to play.

New classes begin the week of September 9^th.

• On Tuesdays, the Book Club with Michael Bordeaux and Chris Netto is beginning Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
• On Wednesdays, Chris begins his study of the Bhagavad Gita, and Rev. Diana begins Science and Spirit: A Study in Consciousness.
• On Thursdays, Fast Track to Wellness will continue, and Rev. Diana begins her Shadow and Story Class.

There is more information available in the August  Bulletin and online at Mystic Heart.org.

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.

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.