Spiritual Living Podcast Archive

Dr. Patrick looks at "Red", the third meme in the Spiral Dynamics, which represents the warrior.

Conflict happens in every area of life. Using Dr. Gary Simmons' book The I of the Storm, we can learn what is conflict, why embrace it, and how can we stand in the eye of the storm.

We need to understand that change and movement are the heartbeat of the universe... the field of creation. Change is never ending and follows universal, predictable rules. All events have their origin in opposite, complementary forces, like yin and yang. This is our curriculum. This is how we evolve.

Conflict is a tool. It brings us to the edge and gives us the chance to make a choice. Only at the edge of the abyss of our insecurities do we realize they are filled with potentialities. Conflict leads to rebirth and transformation.

The Centre is undergoing a transformation from a minister-centric community to a ministry-centric community. This is guided by the Genogram activity and our community's Shadow Card and Q Card. The Shadow Card is when we are acting outside of our integrity. The Q Card is the diamond that we are being called and shaped into.

Visionary Tama Kieves says it this way, "I hate transitions. But I am black coal, and this compression is turning me into a diamond. And as much as I want to conform and just be like every other chunk of coal, I am cursed by my need for a life of meaning. I will walk or crawl through transformation because I want a life of diamonds."

Dr. Patrick presents the community's Q Card. The reverse side of the card speaks of the shadow qualities of our community, while the front side of the card speaks to our destiny as a vibrant, impactful ministry-centric spiritual community.

Dr. Patrick's talk is followed by a meditative musical experience presented by Dennis Goodwill, using singing bowls, gongs, and other instruments which were not captured well by the recording, and hence not included in the podcast.

The story of the birth of Jesus is one of going through the deepest darkness and finding fresh radiance. That radiance comes from the courage to walk towards the things that scare us. Jesus' birth coincides with the return of the light to the world and the renewing of life. By taking on the Christ Consciousness---the personification of the Presence of God---we become the light of the world.

If we find ourselves in a dark place right now, know that the dark place is where grace goes to be reborn.