(The following is a submission to The Recorder’s weekly column, “Faith Matters.” Each Saturday, a faith leader in Franklin County offers a personal perspective in this space. To become part of this series, email religion@recorder.com or call 413-772-0261, ext. 265.)
During spiritual coaching sessions, many people ask, “How can I find peace among all my turmoil?”
This question comes in the context of so much change occurring around us. Many of the institutions of the past that gave us security and safety are crumbling. This elusive quest for peace has been occurring since the beginning of time.
We begin by seeing peace as an effect and not the object of the search. Peace is the result or effect of the work that we do to bring it into our lives. The cosmic Law of Cause and Effect is always operating in the universe. In eastern religions, it is called the Law of Karma. In Judeo-Christian teachings, it is called “you reap what you sow.” All of these teachings point to the Truth there is always a cause that produces the effect — even peace.
The Master/Teacher Jesus taught, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Here we are shown that instead of chasing around after peace, we should seek the “kingdom of God.” Our cause would be to find the kingdom and then peace would follow.
Later, Jesus said, “… the kingdom of God is within you.” Now we are beginning to understand the process. We are to seek the “kingdom of God” first and know that it lies within us. How do we find this kingdom within us? We are told, “Be still, and know that I am God.” To find this kingdom we must learn to become still.
There are many meditation techniques to learn how to still our bodies, still our emotions and still our thoughts. In the silence, we will find the “Kingdom of God.” When we experience this kingdom — we become peace.
“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.”
— Albert Einstein
About Unity in the Pioneer Valley (UPV)
Unity in the Pioneer Valley is a Spiritual center committed to learning and following the teachings of Master/Teacher Jesus. He said, “I have come so you can live and live more abundantly.” We at UPV make that our central focus. We look for Truth from all religions and philosophies that provide us practical guidance to be more abundant in our physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and material lives.
We meet in the Fellowship Hall of First Congregational Church at 43 Silver St., on Sundays at 10 a.m. UPV honors all beliefs and paths and everyone is welcome. For more information, visit www.unityinthepioneervalley.org.
—Rev Dan, Spiritual Leader