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The Holidays are upon us, and it’s time to celebrate the conclusion of another year.
Rev. Dr. Maureen Hoyt,spiritual director
In the Western world, our tendency is to make it a time of evaluation, examination and assessment. We think to ourselves, “Did I complete everything I planned this year? Have I been a good person? Have I moved forward in consciousness? Have I conducted my life in such a way that my efforts end up on the credit column of the planet’s ledgers? Am I content with my life?”
However we choose to answer these questions, we know that the past rises up to serve us in myriad and magnificent ways. We know that every experience of today, yesterday and this past year had its history in thought. My life out-pictures the very thing I’ve declared as true for me, and I am my own demonstration.
In the Science of Mind, we teach that there is no time or space in the mind of God; therefore, just as the Winter Solstice is a celebration of rebirth, every day is a celebration of rebirth. When, as it says in Psalms, I come to my day with a “clean heart,” beginner’s mind takes form and a natural order takes form. Every day then becomes a celebration of the birth of the Christ consciousness, and I am open and receptive to the good that God has in store for me. The Zen mystic Kuo-Hsiang said, “Being natural means to exist spontaneously without having to take any action. By taking no action is not meant folding one’s arms and closing one’s mouth. If we simply let everything act by itself, it will be contented with its nature and destiny.”
During this holiday season, the Center for Spiritual Living in Westlake Village is providing the Conejo Valley with many opportunities to get involved in something new or different – making a change for the better. On Sunday, December 12, everyone is invited to join in an old-fashioned pancake breakfast. The center’s Teen Group is offering this as a service project and fundraiser.
The center is offering a five-week job search workshop facilitated by Lynn Buchanan and Linda Price – this is completely free service and will cover resume writing, interview skills, the “hidden job market” and career choice identification. This workshop is a public service project, open to the general public beginning on Monday, December 13 at 7 p.m. For more information please call Linda Price at 805-557-7027.
The center’s annual “Holiday Musical Extravaganza” takes place this year on Wednesday, December 22 at 7 p.m., and is free and open to the public. This event is full of holiday cheer and the music offered is both sacred and festive with offerings from Jingle Bells to Handel’s Messiah! Following the service there will be cookies and hot cider. The center is also offering many Life Improvement courses throughout the month on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7 p.m.
Sunday service is open to the public and everyone is welcome to join us at 10 a.m.
Wisdom Wednesdays are a showcase for guest speakers to offer varying perspectives on many New Thought modalities. The mid-week service is free and starts at 7p.m.
Rev. Dr. Maureen Hoyt, spiritual director, said she is “Looking forward to seeing you at many of our events! Great things are happening in the Conejo Valley and they begin with you! Happy Holidays and a joyous New Year!”
For dates, times and further information please check out the center’s Website: www.cslwestlake.org.