Sunday, December 29, 2024, opened with a new experience. On the last Sunday of every year, Unity Church of Springfield observes The Burning Bowl Ritual. The Ritual is intended to:

• Let go of negative thoughts, habits, or beliefs that no longer serve you.
• Release past grievances, regrets, or anything that feels like a burden.
• Create space for new intentions, affirmations, and a positive forward mindset.

During the service, I heard the phrase “Choosing the life you want to live.”  This resonated for I spent my life living the life that was expected of me. 

“Choosing the Life You Want to Live” is a concept that aligns beautifully with the teachings often emphasized in Unity churches. Unity emphasizes spiritual growth, personal empowerment, and aligning with divine purpose to create a fulfilling life. Here are some principles and steps, inspired by Unity philosophy, to guide you in choosing and living the life you desire:

1. Recognize Your Divine Nature

• Unity teaches that each individual is a spiritual being with infinite potential. Embrace the truth that you are inherently good and connected to a divine source.
• Affirmation: “I am a unique expression of the Divine, and I create my life with wisdom and love.”

2. Clarify Your Vision

• Take time for introspection and prayer to understand your heart’s deepest desires.
• Use tools like meditation, journaling, or visualization to paint a clear picture of the life you want to live.

3. Align with Spiritual Principles

• Apply Unity’s five basic principles:
  1. God is good and present everywhere.
  2. Every person has a spark of divinity.
  3. Our thoughts create our experiences.
  4. Prayer and meditation connect us with God.
  5. It’s not enough to know the truth—we must live it.

4. Practice Positive Thinking

• Unity emphasizes the power of your thoughts and words to shape your reality. Replace fear-based or limiting beliefs with empowering affirmations.
• Example Affirmation: “I choose thoughts that uplift and inspire me to live my best life.”

5. Take Inspired Action

• Faith without works is incomplete. Trust your inner guidance and take practical steps toward your vision while staying open to divine possibilities.

6. Build a Supportive Community

• Surround yourself with people who encourage your growth and share your spiritual values. Unity communities can provide love, encouragement, and inspiration.

7. Trust Divine Timing

• Remember that life unfolds perfectly when you align with the Spirit. Be patient and trust that everything is happening for your highest good.

8. Celebrate and Practice Gratitude

• Give thanks for the blessings in your life, even before they appear. Gratitude attracts more gratitude and helps you focus on the good.

Today, when we burned and let go of what was keeping us from living a fulfilling life, I chose to let go of others’ expectations of who am I and what I am suppose to do.  Next week, we have the white stone ritual where we will declare goals for the new year.  Here are two goals for me:

Personal Empowerment

• “I am a beloved child of God, and I deserve to live a life of joy and purpose.”
• “I have the wisdom, courage, and faith to create the life I envision.”

Relationships and Connection

• “I give and receive love freely and unconditionally.”
• “I attract harmonious relationships that uplift and inspire me.”

AMEN!