What’s Love Got to Do With It?

Sunday, March 30, 2025

Sherri Dotter, RScP, with Lucinda Alton, RScP, April Jiménez (singing bowls & sounds), Maile Gorospe, Rev. Diana Johnson, IM, RScM, & 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:
15:12	Guided Meditation
37:25	Conscious Conversation

Taizé

Sherri – Invite the Bell 3 Bells

Lucinda – Opening Prayer

Sherri – Good morning, and welcome…if you’re new with us here this morning… my name is Sherri Dotter. We begin our Taizé Journey in musical prayer.

Rev. Diana & Chris – Taizé Chants

Welcome Home to Your Mystic Heart, written by Diana & Chris Johnson
Let Love Be the Guide, written by Dennis Bryan, Kalyani, and Diana & Chris Johnson

Sherri (with Sounds by April) – Today, we incorporate singing bowls into our service as a sacred tool for healing, meditation, and deep spiritual connection. Sound has long been recognized as a vibrational force that moves through us, aligning our bodies, minds, and spirits with the Divine. The rich, resonant tones of singing bowls are not just beautiful to hear; they are deeply felt, creating an atmosphere of peace, clarity, and presence.

Singing bowls help to calm the nervous system, open the heart, and clear the mind, allowing us to enter into a deeper state of meditation and worship. Their frequencies bring balance to our energy, much like prayer and sacred music do. As the bowls ring out, their vibrations reach beyond words, inviting us into a space where we can release tension, soften our hearts, and become fully present to the presence of God within us and around us.

We are using singing bowls today as a way to set the tone—literally and spiritually—for our gathering. They serve as a reminder that we are not separate from the Divine; we are part of a universal symphony of love and light. As the sound washes over us, let it be an invitation to listen—not just with our ears, but with our souls. Let it be a call to stillness, connection, and inner peace as we open ourselves to the sacred message of today’s service.

The Power of Love is within me, and within each one of us now…forever working for the Good of all beings…bringing rebirth, renewal. We settle into the stillness of this moment…acknowledging the Love within us…bringing our awareness to the heart center…feeling it expand…feeling the Light of Spirit fill the heart to overflowing and making its way out into the rest of the body…making its way into the room…into the world.

We are surrounded by and held in an atmosphere of Divine Love…Love is our inherent nature…the Truth of who we are…the Truth of all creation…no matter the appearances in the world. Love unites us…is an invisible force for Good…a force of connection…all of Life, created in Love. Every human being, every other-than-human animal…everything we see in any direction we look… plants, rocks, soil, and water, expressions of Spirit’s inexhaustible Love…extending our Vision out into the cosmic Mystery…all is God’s Love taken form. Take a moment to breathe in that deep sense of connection…

As a human expression, I Am that Love. Love’s Creative Potential is forever alive in me. What an amazing gift. In humility and gratitude, I acknowledge and give thanks for this amazing experience…living a human life on this beautiful planet, at this time in our history. I give thanks for my connection with All That Is, and for my awareness that this is so.

My consciously chosen response in this lifetime is to give Love in kind…to offer the Love that I Am in every possible direction. I think, speak and act from Love, knowing that by every thought, intention, word, and deed, I am aiding in the rebirth that is happening in our world. My artistic expression of Love leaves the world a more beautiful place…it honors the Creator, as it does the Creation.

This month, our contemplations are centered in The Way of Love, and this morning, we’ll be contemplating the question What’s Love Got to do with It?

Take a deep breath in… and slowly let it go.
Settle into this sacred moment, allowing your mind to soften and your heart to open.
There is no rush.
There is only this breath, this space, this invitation to remember the truth of who we are.

Love.

…now letting that word move silently through your mind…
Love.

Feeling the Love as it moves through you…not just as an idea, not just as a fleeting feeling, but as something more. As the essence of everything.

What’s Love Got to Do with It?
The song asks two related questions:
“What’s love but a second-hand emotion?” (Pause)
“Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?” (Pause)

These are questions born out of pain. Out of disappointment. Out of the belief that love is fragile, something that comes and goes, something that leaves us exposed to suffering.

And yet, we gather here today to say:
Love is not a second-hand emotion. It is THE emotion.

Love is not a thing we feel sometimes.
Love is not something we lose.
Love is the very fabric of the universe.

God is Love.
Humanity is Love.
Love has everything to do with it.

9:49 Maile – Guided Meditation

Sarah Blondin writes (in her book Heart Minded),

“The first word offered that carries the sweet softness of heart is often the hardest one to speak, but once done, once carried on breath and felt by and in the heart, it will unleash a torrent of love…”

A single sound or spoken word holds such creative potential. Within it is the ability to create what has not yet been imagined, or to transmute what already exists. It can divide, or it can heal. A simple kind word to a stranger may fill a tough day with joy. An encouraging word to a child might make them feel like a superhero. An accepting, empowering word to oneself could begin the transformation of a lifetime. Sitting in the knowledge of this potential, we become aware of the creative power alive in each one of us.

Knowing that love is the creative energy that brings every living thing into existence. It is the energy of connection running through each one of us and through every living being. We hold the awareness that that Love flows within us and through us out into the world.

Perhaps there are places within us that are resistant to that love. Places that may feel uncomfortable or even a little doubtful that love could make a difference. What would it look like if those places were allowed to gently release, and give way to Love?

What would it look like if love flowed freely—if becoming love was simply easy, because it is our natural state?

How would that love show up in the world? When faced with life’s challenges, how do we put love into practice?

Silence – 3:00

Returning now to our heart space, every part of our being infused with this beautiful energy of love. We bring awareness to any space within us that may have felt a resistance to that love. Any part that may have held tension.

Breathe into that area deeply, releasing as we breathe out. Any place that may have felt unloved or unseen in the past, allowing the light of love to fill and infuse our spirit. We now move forward.

We hold the awareness that each one of us has the creative power to manifest love into being on this physical plane. To turn love into action. Choosing love first. Love from within.

With wide open, loving hearts, we return our attention to Sherri’s Taizé message of Love and Inspiration… knowing that Love has everything to do with it…

10:00 Sherri

Some people mistake love for weakness.
When they are hurt by someone, they feel they must protect themselves—put up walls, shut down their hearts, withdraw in fear. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave us a truth so clear, so profound, that it echoes through time:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

This is not just a beautiful thought.
This is a spiritual law.
It is a truth that governs our lives, whether we acknowledge it or not.

Hate cannot heal anything.
Fear cannot bring peace.
Distrust cannot create connection.

Only love can.

And what happens? The pain grows deeper.

We see this not just in our personal lives but on a global scale.
Countries fear not having enough and make policies based on distrust and fear instead of collaboration and cooperation.
Nations make decisions rooted in self-protection rather than shared prosperity.
And so the cycle of separation continues.

But what if…
What if we believed in the strength of love? (Pause)
What if we trusted that love is not weak, but the most powerful force in existence? (Pause)
What if we lived as if love were truly the foundation of everything? (Pause)

A Call to Embody Love
Love is not an idea.
Love is a choice.
Love is an action.
Love is the way we speak to one another, the way we hold space for each other, the way we respond—not in fear, but in faith.

Today, we are being called.
Called to choose love when it feels difficult.
Called to choose love when it feels vulnerable.
Called to choose love not because it is easy, but because it is the only thing that can truly heal us, heal our relationships, heal our world.

Sherri (with Sounds by April) – Closing Prayer

Let’s close by taking a deep breath in… and exhale.
Again, inhale… exhale.

Now, place a hand over your heart.
Feel its steady rhythm.
Feel the life pulsing through you.
This is Love.
This is the presence of the Divine within you.

Silently affirm:
“I am made of Love.”
“I live in Love.”
“I choose Love.”

Know this truth:
You are not weak because you love.
You are strong because you love.
And love has everything to do with it.

And so it is. Amen.

We bring our awareness back to our bodies…to this space…and to our Community. As you feel ready, gently open your eyes and look around… really see the Love that surrounds you here this morning.

Sherri – Love Offering

As we close our Taizé Meditation, we offer the opportunity for you to share your financial good in support of the work we do in the world. If you’re joining us online, you can find a Donate Button and our mailing address at mysticheart.org. 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.

As we engage in the Sacred Practice of Circulation, know with me that Love is Still…even in these challenging times…and always will be…the Answer.

April- Offertory Sound Healing- 5 minutes

Sherri – Blessing for the Offering

A quick reminder…

Our Spring Fling Luncheon and Easter Basket Raffle is happening on April 12^th. There are more details in the April Bulletin.

Feel free to grab a cup of something hot and join us at 10:30 for a Conscious Conversation. Remember, when you hear Eddie Watkins singing, it’s time to Come Together.

Rev. Diana & Chris – Taizé Closing Song

A Soul’s Blessing, written by Chris Johnson

Conscious Conversation

Lucinda – Opening Prayer

Sherri – Welcome or welcome back and thank you for being here. If you’re new with us here this morning…my name is Sherri Dotter, and I am a Certificated Prayer Practitioner here at Mystical Heart Spiritual Center. We are an Independent Interfaith Community that teaches Universal Principles and Practical Spirituality. It is my sincere hope 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!

Rev. Diana & Chris – Opening Music

Welcome to the Mystic Heart, written by Diana & Chris Johnson
One Big Family, written by Robin Hackett & Gary Lynn Floyd
Song – Let Your Love Flow written by Lawrence Eugene Williams

Sherri – Today, we incorporate singing bowls into our service as a sacred tool for healing, meditation, and deep spiritual connection. Sound has long been recognized as a vibrational force that moves through us, aligning our bodies, minds, and spirits with the Divine. The rich, resonant tones of singing bowls are not just beautiful to hear; they are deeply felt, creating an atmosphere of peace, clarity, and presence.

April– 2-minute Sound Healing segment leading into the background of a Love-Soaked World…

Sherri Let’s take a moment to consciously engage the body in the Sacred Practice of Visioning for a Love-Soaked World. Take a deep breath…feeling the Presence of Love moving through…and let it go. One more time…and release.

Feel and know with me a world in which all humans are living from their deepest Wisdom, their most generous and Loving nature…thoughtful of the impact their thoughts, words, and actions have on one another, on the community, and on the planet…remembering that every thought, word, and action does have an impact…does leave an imprint…

We are living in Peace, in our homes, our neighborhoods, and as a global community. We have outgrown war, violence, and all appearances of separation.

This is a world where all needs are met gracefully and easily because we have learned to live according to our generous nature…where all beings have plenty of nourishing food…warm, comfortable, and affordable housing…a sense of safety and belonging……where mental/physical health, education, and healthy relationships are ensured by social systems grounded in Integrity and Wholeness…where honesty and transparency rule the day…

We are creating a world where each person is valued as the unique individual that they are…where authenticity and vulnerability are welcomed, and celebrated…a world where loving relationships are the norm, and each person is free to love as they choose…a world where there are no walls or boundaries to divide us, where all are welcome…

Sense and know with me a world where the Peace we cultivate within ourselves shows up as a world free of hatred or violence…Feel the loving connection to each other and to Mother Earth. Our ways of living support her and she supports us. We are creating a world where you can step and smell pure fresh air – no matter where you are…where the water and food are safe and healthy, offering nourishment, no matter where you live.

Throughout this time of deep transformation, 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, Friendship, and Love, as we are Guided to the Truth that lies within every heart.

Stand with me in this imaginal realm…the realm of Infinite Possibility, where our prayers and visions take form…and feel the Peace, Joy, and Love that surround us…that fill us to overflowing. We are bringing this world forth with our thoughts and intentions, our feelings, our words and actions right now.

I offer gratitude and thanksgiving to the Great Mystery of the Universe, trusting in Its Creative Power and Divine Process to bring our shared Vision to Life. In humility, I let it be…I release my Word to 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.

If you were with us for Taizé this morning, you’ll know that our topic for reflection and conversation this month is The Way of Love, and this morning’s title is What’s Love got to do with It?

Introduction:
Today, I want to invite us into a conversation—a reflection on the subtle forces that shape our relationships, our communities, and ultimately, our own peace of mind. We often think of hate as something loud, something extreme—something that belongs to the darkest moments of history. But if we look closer, we may find that it exists in quieter ways: in the ways we judge, in the ways we exclude, in the ways we assume the worst about someone rather than giving them the benefit of the doubt.

It is easy to say, “I don’t hate anyone.” But what about the moments we interrupt instead of listen? What about the moments we turn away rather than engage? What about the biases we hold, especially with those closest to us?

Here’s the question to our group…What do you think would change if you explored these subtleties further?

Hate in Subtle Forms
Hate is not always an active force—it can also be passive. It can show up as indifference. As exclusion. As the failure to acknowledge someone’s full humanity. We may not call it hate, but we all know what it feels like to be unseen, unheard, or misunderstood.

And sometimes, our judgments of others are simply reflections of something unresolved within ourselves. Answer this question silently to yourself. Have you ever had a strong negative reaction to someone, only to later realize that what bothered you in them was actually something you carried within yourself?

Now here’s the question for the group…Have you noticed moments where a simple act of attention or inclusion made a difference in a conversation or relationship?

The Power of Giving the Benefit of the Doubt
What if we chose to see people—not through the lens of our past judgments, but through the lens of possibility? What if, instead of assuming ill intent, we assumed good intent? What if we gave our loved ones, our neighbors, and even strangers the grace of a fresh start, moment by moment? These all hold good potential for discussion…

When we shift our perception in this way, we don’t just bring peace into our homes, our relationships, and our communities—we bring peace into our own hearts.

Do you feel like practicing this mindset would also help you feel more at peace, not just in your home but within yourself?

A Lesson from the Unhoused Community
In our work with the unhoused, we are given a daily reminder of the power of perspective. When we take the time to truly see them, to listen, to share even the simplest kindness—a pair of socks, a bottle of water—we witness something beautiful: gratitude.

Gratitude for things so small that many of us never think twice about them. A warm meal. A kind word. The dignity of being acknowledged.

And this gratitude doesn’t just transform those who receive—it transforms those who give. Because when we see people with so little being grateful for something as simple as clean socks, how can we not be overwhelmed with gratitude for the abundance in our own lives?

Most of us wake up with the expectation—not just the hope, but the expectation—of having food, shelter, clothing, transportation, meaningful work, and the love of family and friends. But there are people among us who wake up expecting nothing.

And yet, they still find joy in a moment of kindness.

Do you think that working closely with the unhoused could change…then, for those who do that work?

Do you find that any volunteer work has changed your perspective on other aspects of life—maybe in how you view abundance, gratitude, or even the way society prioritizes certain values?

We Are a Human Family
And so we must ask ourselves: If we are all part of the same human family, how is it that we have allowed so many of our own to be left out—literally and figuratively—out in the cold?

Perhaps the discomfort we feel when we see someone unhoused is not just sadness for their situation but a deeper, unspoken shame—a knowing that, collectively, we could be doing more. That no person should be so alone, so unsupported, in a world where so many have so much.

But rather than let guilt weigh us down, what if we let it move us? Move us toward connection, toward understanding, toward action?

Is there anything else that needs to be spoken before we close?

A Call to Action: Choosing Love Over Judgment
So today, I invite us to make a choice. A small choice that has the power to change everything.

To give the benefit of the doubt—to our spouse, our children, our co-workers, our neighbors, and yes, even the strangers on the street.
To see people as they are now, not through the filter of old judgments or past wounds.
To respond with love instead of assumption, with curiosity instead of judgment.
To recognize our abundance and be grateful—not just in words, but in how we share, how we give, how we show up for one another.

Because peace does not begin in the world—it begins in the heart.

And when we bring peace into our hearts, we bring it into our homes.
When we bring peace into our homes, we bring it into our communities.
And when we bring peace into our communities, we bring it into the world.

Alright, let’s close in prayer, shall we?

I take a deep breath in, filling my lungs with life-giving oxygen…and holding it just a bit, as Presence makes Itself known…and breathing out, letting go of all that is not Peace, all that is not Presence…

Sensing and knowing the Powerful Love of the One…

Allowing It to fill body, mind, soul, and spirit with Its Presence…

Knowing that in Truth, I Am never separate from It…as It Lives Its Life as me, I live my Life in the One. There is no place where I end, and Spirit begins.

I move into this week grounded in the Divine Qualities that are my Nature… Wholeness, Radiance, Joy, Peace, and Beauty…

And let us not forget Love…pure, unconditional, Agape Love.

I begin each day remembering the two great Commandments…Love God above all else and Love your neighbor as yourself. And even more challenging than those, love your enemies…bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.

Everyone is my neighbor…in Truth, I have no enemies, only teachers.

I am grateful for my growing awareness, and for my willingness to continue to grow and change.

I welcome new opportunities and teachers for the gifts that they are.

And I set aside my discomfort and attachments…I allow Spirit to clean the lenses of my biases…as I seek to awaken to the Truth of our Oneness with each other…and our Oneness with God.

I am grateful for each person sharing this time with me, and for the gifts that each one brings into my life.

I Am grateful for the simple pleasures and comforts that Grace my life…I welcome and appreciate them as they appear, then release them into the flow of Life.

And I Am so grateful to share in authentic, Loving Community with these beautiful souls. I Am truly blessed.

Feeling complete in my Word, I release it, knowing that a prayer spoken in Faith and deeply felt is a prayer answered. So I rest now, allowing it to simply be.

And so it is! Amen!

Feel free to bring your awareness back to your body, to your senses, and then into our shared space…and as you feel ready, gently open your eyes and take in whatever is before you. Your partners on the Journey, your chosen Family.

Sherri – Love Offering

I invite you to join in the celebration of the work we are doing in the world by sharing of your financial Good, should you choose to. 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. And as you give, so is it done onto you.

Offertory – April- 3 minutes of Sound Healing

Lucinda– Bless the Offering

Lucinda – Invitations

The Mystic Heart Book Club meets every Tuesday from 3-5 We are reading Conversations With God, Book 3.
Fast Track to Wellness will take this week off and return on April 10.
Metaphysical Bible will take this week off and return on April 10 with The Gospel of Mary Magdalene.

Looking Ahead:

Spring Fling Luncheon, Concert, and Easter Basket Raffle – Saturday, April 12 from 12:00-3:00 pm. Join Lucinda Alton, Chris Netto, and Rev. Diana for this Fantastical Fun-Raising Celebration of Spring. Home-made soup, salad, bread and dessert will be served. Dalton Fitzgerald will be offering a fun selection of musical entertainment. We will be raffling off Easter Baskets. And you are invited to dress up in whatever Springtime Attire you choose…even costumes based on the Fantasy Theme. The cost is $25. Tickets are available today.
Our Easter Gathering this year will be a single service starting at 10:00 on April 20^th. It will have lots of music, message, and rituals for release and renewal. Brunch Fellowship will follow the Gathering.
Embodying Gratitude – Join April Jimenez and Maile Gorospe for this special ticketed event. April 26th from 2:00-4:30pm. This event will include a Gratitude Cacao Ceremony, light yoga warm up and spiritual dance circle. Ending with a sound immersion by April. If physically challenged, movement can be adapted or just come and soak up the vibes. Advanced tickets on sale for $25.

There is more information available in the April Bulletin and on our website.

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 – 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.

Emotion, Love, Love is a Choice, Love is an Action

Sunday Gathering