Planting Seeds of Humility

Sunday, April 19, 2026

Rev. Diana Johnson, IM, RScM, with Chris Netto, 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:
24:54	Guided Meditation
49:19	Conscious Conversation

Taizé

Call to Awareness – 3 Bells

Chris N– 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 this morning with a couple of deep breaths…letting go…fully arriving…and joining our voices in musical prayer.

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

• Welcome Home to Your Mystic Heart, written by Diana & Chris Johnson
• Oyaheya (Praise the Spirit), written by Ricky Byars

Rev. Diana – We move more deeply into the flow of Taizé by once again stilling the body, and taking a couple of long, deep conscious breaths…and as the body relaxes, allowing the breath to become slow and quiet. (Pause)

It is in this calm that we sense the Presence…in this stillness that we find our  Connection with Source…we can let go and surrender to the Grace and Beauty of Life. It is in this Heart Space that we recognize the many blessings in our lives, taking a moment now to count our blessings…feeling a profound sense of gratitude for those gifts.

In this stillness, we sense the Perfection of who we are…who we were made to be…nothing missing, nothing broken…the God Self, made in the image and likeness of the Creator. And it is from this place of Wholeness that together we allow ourselves to be carried away by the music…

Musical Meditation– Spirit’s Prayer, by Gary Lynn Floyd

Rev. Diana – Let us acknowledge the Sacredness and inherent Connection of our Global Community, as we acknowledge our oneness with All That Is.

Together, we envision a web of consciousness that infuses and surrounds the planet, each of us a Radiant point of Light…your Light melding into the mine.(Pause) As we sense the interconnectedness of every human being, we extend our Vision to include all creatures everywhere…each one shimmering with its own unique Light…and then extending further to include every plant and tree, every rock and grain of sand, every drop of water…the soil, the stars, the clouds, all shimmering with Spirit’s Light… and we see that there are no spaces between us…our web has become one continuous field of Radiant Light…we sense that there is no beginning, no ending…we feel it extending out beyond our beautiful planet, into the cosmos…the Body of God.

Filled to overflowing with Its Light,  we share a heartfelt intention for our time together…to feel and experience the Truth of who we are; we acknowledge our responsibility to one another as members of one human family, and as co-creators and caretakers of this beautiful planet; and we grow in awareness so that we might consciously Plant the Seeds of Humility.

As we join in consciousness with all of Creation, our Work here is empowered…Our collective prayer and meditation leave a positive imprint on the world…on the Whole of Creation. Together, we consciously create a huge ripple of Compassion and Caring, of Peace and Joy, of Beauty and Grace, that directly imprints upon the Whole for all time…we invoke the Loving Presence and Intelligence that give shape and form to the transformation that is occurring in our lives, and on our  planet.

Right here and now, in the silence, by means of this Gathering, Wholeness is being revealed.

This morning, we are Planting Seeds of Humility…like authenticity, humility can be misunderstood. When asked, many people compare humility to meekness…to weakness, to being somehow less than. I do not believe these are the same. While meekness points to a gentle and quiet demeanor, it also implies that one is weak, even submissive. On the other hand, humility points to a calm demeanor, but one that is grounded in Strength.

Humility shares its root with humus, meaning soil…the nourishing foundation from which all Life grows. One who is humble is grounded in the Source of Life, in Spirit, and so, does not need to be loud, forceful, or right. She is poised…carries a Peaceful, Powerful Presence. While my authenticity grants me permission to stand in my Spiritual Authority, my humility gives me the Strength, Courage and Wisdom to do so peacefully.

(Pause)

Here is where we can get in trouble. The ego can grab onto this idea that I Am a perfect and intentional expression of the One Divine Life and begin to take credit for the talents, skills, and works of this body…forgetting where the True Power and Intelligence come from.

It is humility that says, “It is not I, but the Father within, that does the Work.”

It is one thing to know my own gifts, and nurture them, but it is another thing entirely keep them for myself, to use them for my good only. It is humility that says, I have been given natural talents and gifts so that I might develop them for the benefit of others. Sister Joan Chittister tells us that,

Each of us has been given something that is meant to make the world a better place for the rest of us. We cook and clean and teach and write and organize…(as) one more link in the chain that is meant to bring all of humanity, everything in creation, to wholeness…if I don’t know my gifts, if I don’t develop my gifts I cannot possibly fulfill the purpose of creation in me.

It is humility that beckons me inward, to acknowledge and call forth the Guidance of Spirit as I uncover and develop my gifts. In Psalm 32, Infinite Intelligence reminds us that, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”

Guided Meditation

Rev. Diana shared a quote from the first century Rabbi Yeshua of Nazareth… “I speak not of myself, but the Father that dwells within me does the works…” the Spirit of Divine Life and Love flowing through him… And mighty works they were… spontaneous demonstrations of healing… abundance… the power of forgiveness…

And yet he never took personal credit for any of it… he gave all the credit to Spirit… Yeshua was truly humble… That doesn’t mean that he was unaware of his extraordinary gifts… how could he not be?… He meant that the Power flowing through him did not come from his human self… its Source was the Spirit that indwells all of us…

Each of us is created with a unique array of talents, abilities, and desires… whether we know what they are or not… and these gifts are to be shared with the world… Each of us has something the world needs… a piece of the puzzle that cannot be replaced…Humanity cannot become whole without our contribution…

In the far east, this is called our Dharma… our spiritual duty to show up as the clearest expression of the Divine possible… when we hold back our gifts, we limit how the Divine can work through us… we slow our own spiritual development… as well as the Spiritual Evolution of all humanity… The Kingdom of Heaven must be built by all of us…

If you are not sure what gifts you have been blessed with, ask Spirit to reveal one to you now… consider past successes… activities that bring you Joy and Peace… those are good pointers… if you are already aware of your spiritual gifts, focus on just one of them… how has it blessed you in the past?… how has it blessed others?… as we share our three minutes of Sacred Silence, contemplate what it would look like to share it in sacred service… and put yourself in the picture… what does it feel like?…

Silence – 3:00

O Holy One, thank you for these Gifts of Spirit that you have blessed me with… thank you for these beautiful souls in Beloved Community… thank you for the way that our talents supplement each other’s… Always give us the courage to ask for help when we need it… and to willingly offer our help freely when it is appropriate…

The great mystics of old were all humble… Yeshua… the Buddha… Lao Tzu… all were aware that they were not the Power… and they knew that when we lose our humility… start thinking we are the Source… Spirit can no longer radiate out from Its tabernacle within us… ego blocks the flow… humility keeps us an open channel…

We return now to Rev. Diana’s inspired Taizé meditation, with open hearts… filled only with gratitude… awaiting her insights… like a fertile garden, awaiting seeds… We receive them eagerly… knowing full well that we are Planting Seeds of Humility…

Rev. Diana – Sometimes we get caught up in a false humility…you might recognize it. I know I do. This can be tricky…subtle. Someone offers a compliment and I respond with, “Oh, it was nothing, really.” Or maybe I give a gift anonymously so that I can avoid thank you’s and compliments altogether. The ego deflects the praise I truly deserve and denies the opportunity for another to give the gift of a compliment.

Or someone compliments a talent you have shared, and you respond with “Oh, I’m not really that good at it…” The ego is fishing for more compliments to draw attention to itself.

Or you find yourself in a conversation about humility…maybe you even started the conversation. “I try to be very humble…I don’t like to draw attention to myself.” The ego is humble bragging.

How about falsely portraying helplessness or a lack of power? Or using self-deprecating humor?

This is not true humility. It is the clever ego, masquerading as a humble person.

True Humility says, “You’re welcome,” when another says thank you.

True Humility says, “Thank you,” in all sincerity when offered a compliment.

True Humility never takes pride in itself.

True Humility stands in its Authentic Power, trusting that the Spirit within IS the Power through which, and by which, all things are accomplished.

And True Humility acknowledges its own Divinity, living it rather than speaking it… “not in loud words, but in great deeds.” (Christian D. Larson, Promise Yourself)

True humility accepts both the inherent Power of Choice that comes with being human, and the responsibility for those choices. It maintains an open connection with Source and acts consciously for the benefit of the Whole.

True Humility brings a willingness to change that which is not working. Let’s close our Taizé this morning with a prayer from Silent Unity. It is entitled For the Ones Willing to Change Things…

“We give thanks for the spark within us that refuses to be silenced. For the dreamers, the doers, the divine misfits who feel the pull of something. Today, we answer that call.

We say yes to becoming a living faith – not just believing in the possible but embodying it. Not just trusting the light but being it. In our words, in our prayer, in the way we rise to meet the day, we say yes to being a loving presence.

Wide open, heart forward, unafraid to see things differently, we bless the rebels and the round pegs in triangular spaces. The ones who challenge the norm because they see what others cannot yet fathom.

We say yes to joyful dreaming – to painting on the invisible canvas, to dancing with ideas too beautiful to be ordinary, to believe in visions that are not yet seen.

May we never shrink from the wonder we carry in our bones. May we be just wild enough, just brave enough,” and  might I add, just humble enough, “to make a difference.”

May we be blessed in the week to come, and may we be a blessing to others. May we be grateful for the abundance that fills our lives…for one another, and the support of Spiritual Family…and for this beautiful space to gather. I know that a prayer spoken and deeply felt is a prayer answered, so I can let go and let God…My Word is moving into form and experience. And so it is. Amen!

I invite you to bring your awareness back to your body…to your senses…to the atmosphere in the room…when you feel ready, gently open your eyes and take in whatever is before you. Notice the beautiful beings that are sharing this time and space with you this morning. Feel the Love in this place.

Rev. Diana – Love Offering

As we prepare to close our Taizé Meditation, we offer the opportunity for you to share of your financial good in support of the work we do. Circulation is a Sacred Practice that supports Mystic Heart.

It is by your generous gifts that we can continue the Good Work of supporting you and engaging in the greater Community. If you’re joining us online, you can find a Donate Button and our mailing address at mysticheart.org. We thank you in advance for your amazing generosity.

Offertory Music Video – Power of Kindness, by Ma Muse with Wildchoir

https://youtu.be/m1dRbXjxvqU?list=RDm1dRbXjxvqU

Rev. Diana – Blessing for the Offering

Harvey Tickets for sale – Fun Raiser – prize each week for the one who sells the most tickers 😊

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

• A Soul’s Blessing, written by Chris Johnson

Conscious Conversation

Chris N – Opening Prayer – Chris N

Rev. Diana – Welcome or welcome back…and thank you for joining us this morning. 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. Our primary message is that all the Wisdom and Guidance you need lives within your own Mystic Heart. I pray that something you hear today will point you in that direction.

Let’s get our Conversation started by joining our voices in song and giving our bodies a chance to move!

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
• Stand, written by Karen Drucker

Rev. Diana – We are a Stand for Peace…We are a stand for Love…We are a Stand for Joy, and we are making a new world now. Please follow me into the creative space of the imaginal realm…and Vision with me a new version of life on earth, a Love Soaked World…where all humans are living from their deepest Wisdom and Generosity, and their most Loving nature…thoughtful of the impact their thoughts, words, and actions have on one another, the community, and the planet…a world without greed, where there is abundance in having enough…where nutritious food, clean water and air are readily available to all beings…

…where warm, comfortable, and affordable housing is a given…where all beings feel a sense of safety, belonging, and contribution…To these blessings, we say Yes!

Ours is a world where mental/physical health, education, and healthy relationships are ensured by social systems grounded in Integrity, Honesty, and Wholeness…where all beings work and play at whatever feeds their soul and are well compensated for their Service…where authenticity and vulnerability are not only welcomed, but  celebrated…where the Peace we cultivate within ourselves shows up as a world free of violence, hatred, or indifference…ours is a world where the Love that we are here to share is given freely to whomever our hearts are called to love…where we have moved beyond all lines of separation, and live as one human family, caring for one beautiful planet with the reverence she deserves. To these blessings, we say Yes!

We recognize that transformation is an on-going process, and especially 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. …it redefines Church as a place of Self-Discovery, Authenticity, Kindness, Radical Inclusion, and Love. To these blessings, we say Yes!

It is by the Power of the Great Mystery moving through each one of us that this prayer is acted upon, answered even as it is spoken…Divine Presence, Timing, and Process make it so. And so it is with profound gratitude and great Joy that I release my Word to the One Who Gets It Done…And so it is!…Amen! And for those studying the Upanishads right now, Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti!

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…

Can you feel the shift in energy? We have just created a ripple of Peace that has infused all that is and continues to send waves of renewal to all of Creation. And there’s nothing anyone can do about it. The deed is done, and I think we’re ready to have a Conscious Conversation.

This morning our topic has been Planting Seeds of Humility. During Taizé, we said that humility can be misunderstood, thought to mean weakness or less than, but that  humility actually points to a calm demeanor that is grounded in Strength.

We said that humility shares its root with humus, meaning soil…the nourishing foundation from which all Life grows. One who is humble is grounded in the Source of Life, in Spirit, and so, does not need to be loud, forceful, or right. She is poised…carries a Peaceful, Powerful Presence. While last week’s authenticity grants me permission to stand in my Spiritual Authority, my humility gives me the Strength, Courage and Wisdom to do so peacefully.

We said that we sometimes get in trouble when the ego grabs onto this idea that I Am a perfect and intentional expression of the One Divine Life and begins to take credit for the talents, skills, and works of this body…forgetting where the True Power and Intelligence come from. It is humility that says, “It is not I, but the Father within, that does the Work.” And it is humility that says, “I have been given natural talents and gifts so that I might develop them for the benefit of others.”

I once again quoted Sister Joan Chittister, who said,

Each of us has been given something that is meant to make the world a better place for the rest of us. We cook and clean and teach and write and organize…(as) one more link in the chain that is meant to bring all of humanity, everything in creation, to wholeness…if I don’t know my gifts, if I don’t develop my gifts I cannot possibly fulfill the purpose of creation in me.

It is humility that beckons me inward, to acknowledge and call forth the Guidance of Spirit as I uncover and develop my gifts.

Let’s pause here for some conversation. What is one of your unique gifts that you share with the world?

Do you have any gifts or talents that you have not yet shared with the world? If so, why not?

During Taizé, we talked about how we can get caught up in false humility. What is false humility? Where does it show up?(“Oh, it was nothing, really.” Or maybe I give a gift anonymously so that I can avoid thank you’s and compliments altogether. The ego deflects the praise I truly deserve and denies the opportunity for another to give the gift of a compliment. Or someone compliments a talent you have shared, and you respond with “Oh, I’m not really that good at it…” The ego is fishing for more compliments to draw attention to itself.

Or you find yourself in a conversation about humility…maybe you even started the conversation. “I try to be very humble…I don’t like to draw attention to myself.” The ego is humble bragging.

How about falsely portraying helplessness or a lack of power? Or using self-deprecating humor? This is not true humility. It is the clever ego, masquerading as a humble person)

Where does false humility come from?

Why would we deny ourselves and others the pleasure of expressing and accepting gratitude?

Are we afraid somewhere inside that maybe we’re not really enough, and that we need to declare our frailties before someone else does?

Are we really more afraid of our potential greatness and the time, commitment, and discipline it will take to develop our talents once they are discovered?

I’d like to share an often-read piece by author and Spiritual Teacher Marianne Williamson. I read it often, but it’s been a while.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Thoughts?

Is there anything else that needs to be voiced this morning?

We close in prayer this morning, stepping into our full magnificence, trusting, feeling, and knowing that there is only One Source, One Presence, One Life…It is ever with me and within me, surrounding me and filling me to overflowing with Its Grace…living Its Life AS me. On this day, may I surrender from my false humility and open to the Truth of who I AM.

I feel and know that I AM a perfect and intentional expression of Divinity, here and now, just as I AM. I feel and know that within me, are hidden treasures…gifts beyond measure…and those gifts are there to be developed and shared.

In this Holy Moment, I open myself to the flow of Spirit, revealing each and every gift and talent that is uniquely mine…that only I can share with the world. As I stand in my Authenticity, offering myself to the Whole, I AM making a difference…I AM giving Spirit a more complete expression of what it means to be human. And by practicing True Humility, my gifts are expressed Peacefully and Powerfully.

I know that our individual and collective lives are enriched by prayer. Our shared Practice this morning is creating The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know is Possible. (Charles Eisenstein) I know that holding a shared Vision, as we did earlier, is a powerful tool for transformation. Together, we are building our Faith in the world we know can be. I allow this Vision to become Real in my heart and mind. I infuse it with my Faith. I carry it with me every moment of every day. And I commit to doing my part, sharing my unique gifts. This is my Purpose for being here, and I say Yes.

Feeling complete, and in Absolute Joy and Profound Gratitude, I release this prayer to the Loving and Lawful Presence that I call God, sensing and knowing that is already in motion, bringing these words into form even as together we say…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 also have a Venmo account @MysticHeartRedding.

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 and gifts. We acknowledge and give thanks for the Infinite Abundance of Spirit moving through you.

Offertory Music Video – The Gift I’ll Give, by Shawna Edwards

https://youtu.be/_xWMnuV7_BU?list=RD_xWMnuV7_BU

Chris N – Bless the Offering

Chris N –Invitations

• The Mystic Heart Book Club is reading Return to the Sacred: Pathways to Spiritual Awakening on Tuesdays from 2-4
• Shining Light on Scripture meets on Wednesdays from 11:30am–1:30pm, facilitated by Chris Johnson. We are currently reading The Upanishads translated by Eknath Easwaran.
• On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss, a book study and support circle, Wednesdays from 2:00-4:00 pm.
• 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 Atomic Habits and Life in the Fasting Lane.

Looking Ahead…

• Mexican Train Game Day on  April 27^th from 1-3:30 pm…an afternoon of fun and games. Contact Chris Netto by email at (nettowoman@gmail.com).
• Our Gathering on Sunday, May 3^rd will be held at our Retreat location at The Gathering Place at Shasta Lake, 18100 O’Brien Inlet Road. We will Gather around the fire at 8:30 am, followed by a simple brunch and cleanup.
• Back by popular demand…Uniquely You II: Another Jewelry-Making Workshop with Kimberly McIntosh. Saturday, May 16^th, 1:00-4:00 pm. More details to come. Payment of $25 is required in advance to reserve your seat.
• On Wednesday, May 27^th, we are sharing a house buyout for the play Harvey. This is an opportunity to raise money for Mystic Heart by going out and celebrating with our friends! We have a total of 50 tickets. If we sell them all, we will raise $900 to support our Community. So, we’re asking you to do two things. First, join us…it’s going to be a lot of fun. And second, sell tickets to your friends and family members. The tickets are $25 each. And there will be a prize each Sunday for the person who sells the most tickets that week.
• And finally, our annual Pop-Up Parking Lot Sale will be on May 29^th -30^th . Start cleaning out your closets, cupboards, garages, and sheds. We’ll be accepting donations soon. We are looking for clean, gently-used items of all kinds. And we will be looking for volunteers as the time draws closer. More information to come.

There is more information available on new classes and activities in the April Bulletin.

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 J, & Marsh – 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.