Surrendering to Love

People who are awakened go on living in the world. While they live primarily on the path of the spirit, things on the path of ego still challenge them. It is kind of like an addict with cravings. Even though the addict has given up the substance(s) of choice, still there are times when cravings arise and triggers appear.

The idea that being awakened, enlightened, is continual bliss is inaccurate. At times the bliss is threatened and the awakened person must remind him/herself of the chosen path they are on. Being in an awakened state is a continual choice and while it becomes more "natural" and "normal" it is at times threatened.

Awakened and enlightened people continue their spiritual practices because they give them joy and fulfillment. When their equanimity is threatened, awakened people maintain their equilibrium, their balance, with mindfulness and meditation.

Jesus and Buddha were often challenged by the egoistic forces that surrounded them. They were often put to the test. The tests are not significant, but the ways of managing the tests are. Remembering who we are, and what we are, returns us to stability.

The tests to the genuineness of awakening are ongoing and are met with grace and blessings from the Divine source which is the ground of being. What this takes is awareness and intention to surrender to Love.

UUAWOL ministries index - whose got tattoos?

• Percentage of Millenials with at least one tattoo = 47%
• Percentage of Baby Boomers with at least one tattoo = 13%
• Revenue generated by the tattoo industry last year (2017) in U.S. = 1.6 billion
• Rate of growth in tattoo industry expected in 2018 = 7.7%
• Number of people with a tattoo of the UU flaming chalice = ?

Ask Alexa - What's wrong with Republicanism?

Alexa: What is wrong with Republicans?

Almost half, 48%, think that the media is the enemy of the people.

My Kind Of Church Music - Not Alone, Patty Griffin

Who are the enlightened ones among us?

We may have assumed that awakening, enlightenment, is the end point of spiritual development, but actually it is a whole new normal. It is new life with enhanced quality. The Buddha reached enlightenment and was free to go on to nirvana but he decided to stick around and help his fellow human beings become enlightened as well. Thus, the Buddha was nicknamed the "compassionate buddha."

Jesus goes through the transfiguration before Peter, James and John. The guys knew that something important happened to Jesus but they didn't quite get it and Jesus tells them not to tell anyone what has happened. Instead, Jesus comes down from the mountain and starts helping people in dramatic ways like curing a boy from his epilepsy.

People who have awakened go on living among us but spiritually they are living with us at a different level of awareness. They are peaceful, joyful, generous, empathic, and therapeutic. You may know such people, but have not been aware of what makes them different. They don't brag, don't posture, don't separate themselves from others in any kind of superior way. They are unassuming, humble, and usually present themselves as nothing special but quite ordinary. They are aware of their holiness and they also perceive the divine spark in others and desire to set the spark further aflame.

Be alert for the awakened ones among us. Their lack of drama and narcissism makes them easy to overlook but they are there and we are better off when we recognize and acknowledge them. At UUAWOL ministries our mission is to sanctify the world by helping people become holy. Our work is gaining strength from the 100 people are so who join us here regularly.

UUAWOL ministries index - changes in cost of health insurance sold on ACA exchanges in 2018?

• Average increases expected in health insurance policies sold on ACA exchanges in 2018 = 4%
• In several states changes in health insurance policies sold on ACA exchanges in 2018 = falling

Health insurance rates vary widely from state to state.

Unitarian Univeralists covenant together to affirm and promote justice, equity, and compassion in human relations. After food and shelter is there anything more important to human well being that health care? Should health care come before education and military spending? Without health what good is the rest?

Ask Alexa - What's up with all capitols?

ALEXA: DOES USING ALL CAPITOLS MAKE ME MORE PERSUASIVE?

No, but it does make you more annoying and obnoxious.