Author Archives: richard

‘HeartSpeak’…An Experience of Harmony

There was a time, not so long ago, when our clan or tribe would come together in common unity (community) to connect and sing and dance. Perhaps around a campfire, a temple, or other sacred setting we would gather to listen, …to listen to the bards and storytellers as they reminded us of what was truly important. This past weekend ACT sponsored one such event at Unity by the Bay, featuring Dale Allen Hoffman and Bob Sima in an Exploration of Mysticism.

Beyond being uplifted and entertained, we were reminded of deep spiritual teachings; “…to come prayerfully before Spirit empty, willing to be filled…”, “…to find eternity in the space between now……and now…”, “…to ask ourselves mindfully, ‘am I breathing, or am I being breathed?’…”. We explored the ancient modality of ‘toning’ and broadened our awareness and sensitivity to the vibrations in our lives. This included several delightful songs by Bob Sima which reaffirmed, “…we are the one…” and “…something’s gotta burn, gotta burn inside—if you’re gonna shine, shine, shine…”.

Through a celebration of breath, we came to a realization of the sacred cycles through which we live our lives, the cycles of the seasons we perceive, and the simplicity of our Oneness. As David Allen Hoffman explained, “To speak your prayers through your heart, in the words of the Lakota, is to ‘Let the wind (Spirit) blow through you’”. “Consciousness of breath”, he continued, “in many past teachings and languages, IS the key to present moment living.” It’s not so much about what we say or pray; it’s about the vibration or intent behind the words. By accepting the natural joy of being creative, many who participated left a little more light-hearted, with a little more spring (seasonal cycles…) in their step.

When you trust in yourself, and expect the universe (Spirit) to support your dream….it will!

A Springtime Celebration of the Cycles of Life–A review of our experience with Dr. Christine Page, April 16, 2016

Saturday’s incredible weather set the stage for a delightful and empowering “Visioning Seminar” by Dr. Christine Page, punctuated by an impromptu picnic on the south patio of Unity by the Bay’s sanctuary.  If you’ll pardon the pun, we had plenty to ‘chew on’…

Dr. Page had invited us to explore the distinction between ‘mystery’ and ‘illusion’, contending that mystery is heart-centered, while illusion is mental.  Through music, guided meditations, and symbolic exercises we grew to understand her teachings; Mystery as a transformative energy cannot be controlled by our minds, plans or fears, but rather: Mystery can be embraced as an aspect of sacred ancestral cycles.  “What appears to be empty is actually full of potential”, she posited, going on to explain how “…sometimes, we give ourselves experiences in the darkness in order to see our own Light”.

She encouraged us to embrace grief as a spiritual gift, and to dance through the ‘processes of letting go’ with grace and awareness. “Pain is inevitable, suffering is not…” promised Dr. Page as we examined the stories, excuses, questions, and proclamations of our lives.  We were gently challenged to ask ourselves; “How am I moving through my world?, What am I receptive to?, What is the most Loving (or wisest) choice I can make?”  We each took creative steps forward, drawing sacred spheres around our personal visions, hopes, and dreams for a joyous future.

With grateful hearts we blessed Christine Page MD on her homeward journey, as we each embraced the treasured gems of friendship and wisdom we received this weekend.

Jim Haller

ACT NOW

What is going on with ACT now?

We have a full calendar of consciousness raising events planned over the next few weeks, but I want to answer this question on a broader and deeper level. Whereas our name and our vision are one in the same, we are participating in creating …”a community of transformation”. But what does that really mean? It means that we come together with the deliberate intent to explore and express our “oneness”. We stand up and speak up for the sake of creating an inclusive community here in our Annapolis area. We take this healing conversation to others; raising consciousness, spirituality, and awareness. We reach out together to encourage and support whenever and wherever possible. And, we are doing this now……if not now, when?!?

Our outer world is clearly in a time of transformation, but it is actually each of “us” who is being given the opportunity to transform. We’ve all heard the spiritual teachings: “That which you are looking for is your next step.”, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.”, “The steps of getting there are the same as the qualities of being there”. Even Michael Jackson admonished us with “…If you want to make the world a better place, just take a look at yourself and make the change.”   So, if not now, when?!?

We are showing up… willing to celebrate the harmony and grace which is our spiritual birthright. Yes, our world, both locally (as exemplified with the recent political rhetoric) and globally (as expressed through the fear and pain of terrorism), is experiencing what might be seen as “birthing pains”; a new, transformative consciousness is striving to be born! We can each look at ways this higher vibration is trying to be born in our own lives. We, as participants in ACT are not alone! We are joining together, and we have the strength to share in this adventure of growth and development. We invite you to add your voice to our chorus. We invite you to join in, to show up…..to ACT NOW.

The ACT Website

We transitioned to a new site over the 2014 summer in time for our new program year that began September 1, 2014.

The site has been operational for a year now. And we have added new features along the way. For example, we can now host and sell tickets to our special events incurring no handling charges. If you haven’t visited in a while, check out the features:

  • You can donate directly online using PayPal or a credit card
  • You can register to receive email notifications from ACT on upcoming events
  • You can become a member and pay membership fees online using PayPal or a credit card
  • As a member you can submit an entry application to the Member Resources Directory
  • All transactions can still be made off-line using paper forms and payment by check
  • We have also added this “Bulletin Board” feature; look for new articles from CCC members. We will use this forum to communicate the news to our members and friends
  • You can purchase tickets to our special events online using PayPal or a credit card.

If you have any issues with the site and its operation please do not hesitate to contact us: [email protected] We look forward to your feedback.