Unity Church of Dallas - Rev. Condra's Message

A Message from
Rev. Kurt Condra,
Associate Minister

Stop. Be.

Regal and serene in the crimson robes of his order, Brother Bhante Wimala’s eyes sparkled behind his eyeglasses as they reflected an image glowing on the screen of his Macbook laptop. The image was the beatific smile of a middle-aged Kenyan woman, crippled by malnutrition, probably since birth, as she is lifted into her very first wheelchair. Bhante is clearly delighted to re-live the moment and grateful for the opportunity to engage others in his ongoing humanitarian work in Africa.

More images flicker on the computer’s screen and this other-world window reveals a broader view of the same Nairobi village: countless others also crippled by the ravaging effects of poverty. “Heartbreaking,” someone sighed.

Bhante breathed in deeply and leaned forward. As he spoke, his voice grew more authoritative, almost stern. “You must prepare yourself psy-cho-logically,” he instructed, emphasizing each syllable. “You must be able to share in the joy of one who receives a wheelchair, even though there are 10 more in line who will not.”

How often do we feel powerless in the face of poverty and ignorance and shrink from being the change we wish to see? How often do we berate ourselves for repeating an unhealthy pattern and completely discredit the monumental shift in consciousness it took to recognize it? As long as our focus is consumed by what’s not done, what’s lacking, or what we perceive to be wrong, our capacity for tapping the power of the infinite nosedives.

So how do we redirect that energy? How do we psychologically and spiritually prepare ourselves? I imagine Bhante counseling, “Stop,” in a tone of voice that’s somehow both commanding and gentle. Stop doing. Stop evaluating. Stop trying. Stop working. Stop criticizing what you wish were different or what you wish you’d done differently.

It’s powerful coaching for spiritual practice as well as humanitarian service. Disciplining thought and emotion is as fundamental to spiritual growth as it is to global transformation. When we can recognize the blessing in what is, trust that we’re doing exactly what we’ve been called to do, and know that our contribution is part of a greater process, then we activate the power of the divine to meet life’s fullness with a compassionate, open heart. We not only experience the peace that passes understanding, we become it. We radiate it.

Here’s a prayer for claiming it:
I am love…inspiring hope in those who feel none.
I am faith…giving strength to those who feel weak.
I am peace…providing comfort for those in dis-ease.
I am joy…bringing light to those who feel lost.

Try it. You may not end up on a mission trip but don’t be surprised if the universe creates profoundly fulfilling experiences for you that richly bless others. (And drop a line if you do wind up in Africa.)

Bon Voyage,
Kurt

Click here to learn more about Bhante.

Message Date: November 8, 2007