February Message from Rev. Telos Whitfield

“The first element of true love is loving kindness. The essence of loving kindness is being able to offer happiness. You can be the sunshine for another person. You can’t offer happiness until you have it for yourself. So build a home inside by accepting yourself and learning to love and heal yourself. Learn how to practice mindfulness in such a way that you can create moments of happiness and joy for your own nourishment. Then you have something to offer the other person.”
Thích Nhất Hạnh, How to Love

Dear Ones,

Yes, let us be the sunshine for another person. As I write this, I feel such gratitude for the community that is All Souls. I am continually amazed by the variety of experiences, the curiosity, creativity and caring that emanates from our community. And I contemplate the power of love, and the vast array of examples of its transformative power. We know the impact that love can hold for people incarcerated knowing that even just one person who cares about them, can keep them going in the midst of challenging times. We recognize the healing power that can unfold if prayers and thoughts are being offered. Each of us has witnessed another reaching out, sometimes to someone they have never met, to lend a hand or make sure they are okay. This is the human spirit at its best, for we are called to connect and reach out to each other. We may shy away from another if they seem different to us or possibly represent a threat, but again, our instinct seems to be to reach out, reach toward each other, remembering and recognizing that each of us goes through pain and loss, each of us is searching for a sense of peace, and each may be hoping we can contribute something of value. Again, I am grateful for the support you have offered me as my father continues his healing journey, and hopefully he will be able to come closer to home soon. Someone reflected that I might be someone who operates better in times of crises. Perhaps this is true. What I know is that I continue to be inspired and heartened by my ministry with you, in fact, you have offered me strength and bouyed my spirits. I hope that we can do that for each other. To dancing and eating chocolate together in February at our February 11th event!

With Gratitude and Blessings, Rev. Telos 

Rev. Telos