Dear Beloveds,
I remember so clearly the times of trial and tribulation, when my mantra was simply, "I just want to be okay." I wanted to feel safe, peaceful and accepted in my world. I wanted to know that the difficult times would pass, and that I would still be standing at the end of it all. Perhaps you can relate? I was deeply lucky that I had just found the New Vision Center, and that I was actively learning of my own capacity to impact my experience. And I remember just as clearly the moment I decided that being okay wasn't enough -- I wanted to be happy.
At that time, New Vision Center had a different, equally impactful, vision statement: "Love awakens hearts and transforms lives." I understood it to mean that Divine Love would awaken my heart and transform my life, and then my active Loving behavior would open the door to awakening and transformation of others. Wow, what an invitation! As the Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh wrote in his book Teachings on Love, "Happiness is only possible with true love. True love has the power to heal and transform the situation around us and bring deep meaning into our lives. Buddha's teachings on love are clear, scientific, and easily applicable to daily life. Every one of us can benefit from these teachings." This Sunday, we'll explore the four kinds of love described in Thich Nhat Hanh's work, and practical steps to connect with True Love in our own lives. I hope you join us, as we dive into the "Launch of Love."
Much love,
Rev. Lezli
