Holy MOLY!

Unconditional Love: Our Deep Inner Being

Posted on by spirituallife Posted in Jeremy

I have learned so much about compassion and unconditional love from watching my mother, Penny. I have seen her care for countless family members as they have finished their earthly time. I have witnessed her forgive those who have deeply wronged her. I have observed her see the best in me even when I could not. How can I be more like Penny?

Perhaps, the answer can be found in unconditional love. The late spiritual teacher Ram Dass once said, “Unconditional love really exists in each of us. It is part of our deep inner being.” For as  long as I can remember, I have felt a calling to serve. Though I am not perfect, I try to have compassion for all, including those who may cause me suffering. Some days, I fall short. Some days, I excel. My mother’s example always encourages me to do better. Ram Dass’s teachings, which have settled deeply in my Buddhist bones, urge me to love without limitations. 

Wonder if we could all tap into the unconditional love that lives in our “deep inner being?” Wonder if we could treat each person, even when we vehemently disagree with them, with kindness and compassion? What if we could radically forgive? I often think about what our world could be if we placed loving-kindness above egos and agendas. 

I challenge you, dear reader, to stretch yourself when it comes to kindness and compassion. See if you can exercise both, even when it is difficult, and notice how you feel afterward. In a world heavy with violence, judgment, condemnation, and division, may you and I be beacons of loving-kindness and cultivators of unconditional love. May we be a Penny to someone in need of care or forgiveness.

The Original Valentine

Posted on by spirituallife Posted in Kayla

Today is Saint Valentine’s Day – a day filled with cards, candy, and the color pink. Have you ever wondered about the origins of this holiday? 

Well, Saint Valentine was a real person. There is a lot of lore and uncertainty around what he actually did in his life but we have some events accounted for. 

Saint Valentine was a priest living in the later 200s AD in Rome. At that time, the Emperor of Rome was Emperor Claudius who, while tolerant of all religions, was not fond of those pursuing the Catholic faith. He passed an edict forbidding young men to marry because he believed that soldiers fought better when they were not married and not worried for the well-being of their family at home. 

This did not sit well with Valentine who, as a Catholic priest, sought out to marry as many people as he could. He married young lovers in the Church in secret until being captured and imprisoned. 

While he was in a Roman jail, one of Valentine’s jailers, Asterius, approached Valentine. Asterius was not a religious man but was a desperate father of a blind daughter. Asterius pleaded with Valentine to heal his daughter. Valentine prayed to God and miraculously healed Asterius’s daughter’s blindness. Astounded by what had happened, Asterius converted to Christianity. Despite this miracle, Valentine’s fate was still sealed, and he was beaten, stoned, and then beheaded. Tradition goes that Valentine’s last words were written to the once blind daughter of Asterius. He signed the note, “From your Valentine.”

I think it is very cool that notes are still signed with those same words. We sign our cards with words of love and compliments and give them to people who mean a lot to us. This holiday has become quite commercialized, but we would do well to remember its origins. This holiday is about telling people that you love them. While we should not need a specific day to do this, who are we to give up this wonderful opportunity? Take time today to write valentines, tell people you love them and embrace this day! You never know what your actions are doing for the people around you. Sharing your feelings could provide exactly what they need to hear.

Year of the Dragon

Posted on by spirituallife Posted in Jeremy

On February 10th this year, many cultures around the world will celebrate the Lunar New Year. Individuals in China, South Korea, Vietnam, and several other countries (including the United States) will come together with their families to observe this wonderful holiday. They will eat symbolic dishes— pork dumplings, noodles, and whole fish to name a few—and many will exchange red envelopes containing money. There will also be beautiful decorations. I happen to love the ones featuring the symbol fu (福), which represents “fortune” or “good luck.” 

I have celebrated the Lunar New Year since I was a small child. My loving parents, who are not from a culture that celebrates this holiday, often speak of my fascination with Chinese Spirituality and culture, a passionate interest that mysteriously began when I was four or five. Each Lunar New Year, my parents and I enjoy some of the aforementioned lucky dishes, exchange gifts, read our horoscopes, and talk about our wishes. 

I have also been blessed to grow up knowing older Taiwanese and Chinese individuals who have supported me in my journey with Chinese Spirituality and culture. They have loved my love for their cultures. Throughout my life, I have enjoyed Lunar New Year dinners with family and close friends, and my heart is always warmed by the memories of us reflecting on the past years and dreaming of the coming ones. Overall, I am not sure that I would be the poet or chaplain I am without the influence of Buddhism, Taoism, and even a bit of Chinese Folk Religion.

This year, the Spiritual Life Center will once again host a Lunar New Year giveaway outside the cafeteria on Friday, February 9th, from noon until 1:00 pm. We will have special candies, bracelets, and even red tassels for students, faculty, and staff to enjoy. I hope that you can stop by and say hello. I wish you a prosperous, healthy, and exciting Year of the Dragon.

Being Still

Posted on by spirituallife Posted in Jeremy

Lao Tzu, the Chinese philosopher and credited author of the Tao Te Ching, once said, “Where there is silence, one finds the anchor of the universe.” I also believe in the power of silence, the strength of stillness. In fact, some of my most spiritual experiences have happened during the silence and stillness of Quaker meetings and in meditation with friends who value Zen Buddhism. 

I believe that when we exist in silence and stillness, we can truly connect to our heart-self and to the Source that we come from and will return to. We must only trust that the inner voice will speak to us. It is no coincidence that people tell us, “Listen to your heart” when we find ourselves making hard decisions. Yes, when one is anxious or uncertain of which action to take, one can zenfully rest their mind, and oftentimes the answer will appear. 

We tend to fill our days with noise, and many of us neglect simply sitting in silence to rest, rejuvenate, or reflect. Our bodies, just like so many of the battery-powered devices we use, need recharging. I challenge you, dear reader, to carve out ten minutes a day for silence and stillness. Simply relax, and clear your mind. Let what thoughts enter your mind stay for a moment and release them without attachment. Focus on your breath. Inhale through your nose, and exhale through your mouth. Follow your in-breath and your out-breath as you keep your eyes closed.

Make silence and stillness part of your routine and determine if you feel more grounded throughout your busy days. May silence and stillness comfort you this semester, and may you always remember to care for yourself so that you can care for others.

Everything Is a First

Posted on by spirituallife Posted in Nathan

Earlier this week after dinner, my son randomly came up to my wife and me to share his new motto. He said he’d been thinking about things and the motto kept popping up in his head. His new motto, he said, was, “Everything is a first, so make the best of it.” 

We asked him to tell us more about this motto and he went on to say that everything we do is done for the first time because it is the only time we have. We talked about how true this is and how that can help him not worry about the future or feel bad about past mistakes. Then, we got a little silly. 

Since we were cleaning up dinner, we started joking about how cleaning this plate was the first time we’ve ever cleaned a plate and we better make the best of it. It’s the first time I was pushing in the dining table chair, so I better make the best of it. It’s the first time we were standing in the kitchen at 6:59 p.m. on Tuesday, so we better make the best of it. 

Yet, his motto is actually quite profound and truthful. It reminded me of the book, The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety, by Alan Watts. Published in 1951, Watts shows that in an age when people are experiencing unprecedented anxiety about the changing world, our fulfillment and joy can only be found by living more fully in the now. You might even say, our fulfillment and joy can only be found by living as if everything is a first. 

In the ancient scripture and collection of poems in the book of Lamentations, there is a text that talks about the Divine’s mercies. Just as every morning is a fresh start, a new sunrise, a new day, so too are the Divine’s mercy and love for all of creation. It is a reminder that no matter what we are enduring, whether it’s great pain and suffering or deep joy and gratitude, we can trust that living in the newness of each day can bring us fulfillment. 

As we begin another new semester, whether we have been a part of the Hornet community for three days or three decades, it is my hope that today, in this moment, you can live as if it is your first. It’s my hope that today brings you excitement, joy, and fulfillment. And it’s my hope that today, in this moment, you make the best of it.

You Are More Than Enough

Posted on by spirituallife Posted in Nathan

Over winter break my family and I took a quick last minute and somewhat unplanned trip up to Washington, DC. We thought it would be fun to take our young boys to a handful of museums and to see some of the sites. Our first planned adventure was the National Air and Space Museum, which quite frankly blew my children’s minds.  Although, we might have spent more time wandering the gift shop than we did the actual exhibits in the museum.

On our second day in DC, we walked all over. We ventured to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, made our way through the National Gallery of Art, saw the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, and walked by the US Capitol and White House. 

Although, I must confess that none of these sites were as exciting to my children as the Air and Space Museum Gift Shop, which we visited five times in two days. 

By the end of the day, our children were walking at a snail’s pace. Hungry, thirsty and tired, we took a taxi back to the hotel to enjoy dinner together. I happened to look at my phone and realized that we had walked almost 8 miles that day, some 17,000 steps. What shocked me the most was that my children rarely, if at all, complained. I did not realize they had it in them to walk so far without complaining. This might have been the Christmas miracle we all have wanted. 

As I’ve been reflecting on our family trip, I began to wonder if we all have more in us than we give ourselves credit for. We are stronger than we think, smarter than we realize, more intune than we might hope, and can overcome those trials we fear. 

For some of us, a new year can bring us a lot of hope. We can be excited for the future adventures and achievements of goals. Yet, for others, it can also be a reminder of the countless challenges that face us. 

So no matter what you are facing this coming year, whether there is great joy or deep grief, productive energy or uneasy fatigue, gratitude or trepidation, hope or anxiety, may you know you have more than enough within you to handle it. One step in front of another, and soon enough, you will look back and realize you had more than enough to keep going.

A Year End Benediction

Posted on by spirituallife Posted in Nathan

As this year draws to a close, may you give thanks for the gifts that it brought, the struggles you overcame, the joys you celebrated, and the wonders you saw.

As the inevitable rush of the holiday season approaches, may you find moments to slow down, pause, sit back, and take a few deep breaths to remember the past year, to honor all that you accomplished, and to set in your memory your favorite moments. 

As the New Year approaches, may you craft goals for your year, dreams for your future, and intentions for your life; so even when barriers, struggles, and failures come your way you will have the stamina to keep going. 

As the days become shorter and the weather grows colder, may hope for warmth develop deep within your spirit, may light shine brightly all around you, and that hot cup of coffee (or tea or chocolate) be even more delicious than usual. 

And may the truth that you are a one-of-a-kind beloved creation, who is more than what you do, more than what you have, and more than what others might say or think about you, sink deep within your soul; so you might square your shoulders, stand firm, and become more of your fullest and truest self.

The Power of Change

Posted on by spirituallife Posted in Jeremy

We are changing at every moment. A professor’s words, a colleague’s selflessness, a coach’s belief in us, a piece of art in the Daura Museum, these things can all spark change. Maybe one changes their mind about a deeply held belief, or maybe a deeply held belief is strengthened. Maybe one suddenly finds their heart opening in an unexpected and beautiful way. Change happens. Let us not fear it.

As we end this semester, many of us—faculty, staff members, and students—find ourselves in reflection mode. What went well for us? What do we want to further explore? What do we not want to try again? What do we want to change?  Let me first say that you, dear reader, are perfect the way you are. In the words of the mystic poet Rumi, “You are the mirror of divine beauty.” Never forget your worth. If you feel you failed at something, know that failure does not define you. You are so much more. 

Yes, it is human nature for us to reflect on our personal evolution, particularly at a semester’s end, and I encourage you to give yourself permission to change. Change can be scary, but it can also be the opening to new opportunities, exciting possibilities. I am inspired by a profound quote by the Quaker physician Gerhard Ockel: “We must see God as the creative spirit who works through growth.” What a profound thought! Perhaps change is divine! When have you found yourself afraid of something new, only to then discover that your life has been transformed by this change? 

As we approach winter break and downtime, do not be afraid to reflect on the last few months. Do not be afraid to make any necessary changes to your life. And, do not be afraid to embrace a change that seems scary but that may be fulfilling. I remember telling some of my friends a few years ago that I was going to become University of Lynchburg’s first Interfaith Chaplain. Some said, “How can you fit something else into your already full schedule?” I trusted the Voice within that called me to chaplaincy, and it has been one of the greatest gifts I have been given. Each day I serve as a chaplain is a blessing. May you, dear reader, feel empowered to meet changes with hope and a beaming heart. Be not afraid. 

the Lights of the Season

Posted on by spirituallife Posted in Kayla

We have officially hit the time where it is ‘acceptable’ to play Christmas music. There are people who enjoy it so much that they play it all year and then others, like me, who wait until after Thanksgiving to start playing it as we approach the Christmas season. We speak socially as if this season begins at the start of December, but in the Catholic Church it does not start then. Advent comes before Christmas, and the Christmas season actually does not start until the 25th of December. I wonder every year as I joyfully decorate if I should wait and live out more of the waiting that the Church asks of us during Advent. The pillars of Advent are wonderful and can be adapted and presented to anyone. The pillars can be seen by what the candles each Sunday represent: hope, peace, joy, and love. 

Advent is a penitential season. It is one when we are to take stock of what we are doing and how we are going about our lives. It is also a waiting season. We are not yet in Christmas. Our Messiah has not yet come, and we must remember that. As much as it pains us to wait, this is a great reminder that in waiting and growing in our patience, good things happen.

In waiting and maybe not allowing ourselves to play Christmas music or put out our decorations, we might be able to open our eyes to the others around us who are living out life in different ways. 

Hanukkah is another celebration that happens in December that, like the season of Advent, includes candles with specific meanings. They are community, conservation, courage, education, Israel, light, miracles, and rededication. Even though the celebrations of Christmas and Hanukkah have different significance, we can still honor one another as we move through this sacred season of candle lighting, songs, gift giving, time with family, and prayer.  

The Christmas Season is a time of wonderful joy, but it can be a time when we are very busy and can find ourselves immersed in consumerism and our own selves. Maybe you don’t participate in Advent, you are not Christian, or you’re not Jewish either. Still, I encourage you during this busy season to think about the candles for these celebrations and seasons. Be hope-filled; bring about peace and joy. Love others. Embrace community. Be aware of how you are spending and what you are spending on. Be courageous. Educate yourself. Think about countries and communities different from our own. We would do well to be mindful of those who are distinct from ourselves. Admire the light. Light is often seen at the holidays as beautiful and illuminating. Allow for miracles, and open your eyes and hearts to what could be possible. Rededicate yourself. The new year is coming and with it often is renewal and resolution. Take time to think through yours. 

We may think of ourselves as so different in our walks and celebrations, but with a little discernment we may find many more similarities and positive things we could add. I hope your heart is stirred this holiday season, not just by your own celebrations, but in knowing that all around you are celebrations and people coming together.

A Festival of Lights Shines Brightly

Posted on by spirituallife Posted in Nathan

This past Sunday evening, the first ever large-scale Diwali celebration on our campus occurred. 

Diwali, or Thibar as it is known in Nepal, is the Hindu Festival of Lights, which honors the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The five-day celebration culminantes on the third day with the Lakshmi puja when individuals usually decorate their homes with lights and lamps as they honor the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi. 

Our Hindu Community, many of whom are from Nepal, worked so hard to make this a special event on our campus. They decorated the Memorial Ballroom with lights, candles, and an altar devoted to Lakshmi. They made delicious food and desserts that were so good that after I enjoyed some, I left, drove home, got my family, and returned to the ballroom so they could enjoy the food too. Although, much to my kids’ chagrin, they had run out of desserts by that point. 

With over 100 people in attendance, the energy in the room was electric. Witnessing so many people singing and dancing brought a smile to my face for almost the entire time. The most memorable moments came when a handful of students shared their experiences on campus. 

One student expressed their difficulty being so far from home, especially during particular religious and cultural celebrations. However, getting to celebrate Diwali on campus with new friends brought them such gratitude. Another shared that the University of Lynchburg has become his second home and was bursting with thankfulness that he was able to celebrate his culture on campus. 

I often say that a delicious meal, with good people and great conversation, is a glimpse of the sacred. On Sunday, as I watched so many in our community eat, sing, dance, laugh, and celebrate together, it was clear this Festival of Lights was truly a bright light for our campus. May light and happiness be yours. Happy Diwali!

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