Theology

My earliest religious memories are rooted in the small Methodist church my paternal family attended when I was a child. I found this experience to be sweet and rather benign. After the divorce of my parents, during my adolescent years, my mother returned to her more religiously conservative roots and I found myself in frequent attendance of services at several churches that preached salvation with a fire and brimstone fervor. I found myself at odds with these teachings and did everything I could to avoid attending Sunday services.

At this point I gave up on organized religion and paid little attention to spiritual exploration until I developed an interest in yoga in my late teens and early twenties. I became a yoga instructor and over the next several decades was content to practice these teachings both in class and off the mat via the gifts presented through the daily experiences of raising a family. During this period I studied more Eastern thought but also began to look for the unifying threads present in all religions. In 2000, I became a member of a Unitarian Universalist Congregation and finally found an organized spiritual home that welcomed all paths. I delighted in the intentionality that was encouraged for each individual to take responsibility for their own search for truth and meaning. I have a growing interest in Buddhism and Sufism as presented through The Dances of Universal Peace.

I believe in a power that is beyond my current understanding. I have no need to label it – for I believe it is beyond my ability to name. My faith lies ultimately in the power of love.

“My true religion, my simple faith is in love and compassion. There is no need for complicated philosophy, doctrine, or dogma. Our own heart, our own mind, is the temple. The doctrine is compassion. Love for others and respect for their rights and dignity, no matter who or what they are - these are ultimately all we need.” ~ The Dalai Lama