A phrase has been rattling around in my mind recently – it is ‘Sacred Oneness’. I don’t know where it comes from. Maybe one of you can tell me?
When I walked into our weekly meditation at The Well in Westbury on Trym recently the display in the hearth was as above, ‘We are all as ONE in love’ showing and resonating this Unity in Spirit.
I notice that a new awareness is arising, and this phrase keeps resonating. ‘Sacred Oneness’ announces what is already happening and we are giving expression to it in different ways, reflected in many of our events.
The Joy of Encounter event manifested joyous unity from start to finish – as you will see as you read on. Furthermore it expressed the fluid unity of soul and body. This was intrinsic also to the Qi Gong session in Bristol in July where two separate traditions, Christian Meditation and Centring Prayer, participated in a Quiet afternoon at the Quaker meeting house.
Terry’s simple observation, “Underneath it all, we’re just the same at the end of the day” emerged as a universal truth on the unity we all share with each other.
From a retreatant at the Turvey Abbey retreat we have this comment: There were many connections arising out of the silence… This seems to me how God works… He re-connects that which has become separate and makes us one-whole.
Last week I listened to a powerful talk in Laurence’s ‘The Risk of Living Together’ series given by Rabbi Yoel Glick. His emphasis was on Oneness – the unity of all souls in the plan of Creation. ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’. Why? Because your neighbour is yourself.
In the face of the brokenness and suffering in the world the Rabbi offered three healing practices. Studying Wisdom literature, meditation and prayer, and acts of love. These are not just ‘feel good’ options. They are essentials if we want to participate in the healing of creation.
Finally, I draw to your attention the title of the SW retreat at Ammerdown 19 – 21 September given by Rev. Chris Collingwood. It is:
‘Waking up to who we are: from separation to union’!
This message is coming from all directions! The theme of our UK community Gathering next year is:
‘Becoming WHOLE’ !
Shelagh Layet – Editor
