Dear Spiritual Family,
Where would we be in our life experience without support? The word has many meanings to most of us. There is financial support, support in learning as a child from a parent or a teacher, or support, in general, for one who is facing difficulty. It is both a verb and a noun with myriad applications. However, here we are speaking of the “unconditional support” that emanates from our hearts when we come from our authentic Self.
Throughout our life as a couple, we have been fortunate to be a part of many support groups. The one that inspired this message was based on the teachings of one of our mentors, Arnold M. Patent. And the essence of these groups was experienced in this way:
In this circle of committed individuals, after a brief opening and centering prayer, each person would share what they needed support in on that given day. Then each person would speak to the one who had made the request – “____________, I unconditionally love and support you, just the way you are, in all of your magnificence.” Then the recipient of that heartfelt declaration would take a deep breath and let the powerful energy of that gift be fully taken in. And so the loving support would make its way around the circle, with another deep pause at the end. In a large group, the declaration of support is made by all in unison.
It is never the intention in this setting to offer “helpful comments or advice” to the individual, as that tends to dilute or distort the flow of healing energy.
The forms of this quality of support have varied for us over the four decades of our relationship, including Rev. Jack Boland’s Master Mind groups patterned after the structure and wisdom of Alcoholics Anonymous. And, of course, there are the millions who have experienced the power of unconditional love and support through the various Recovery groups based on AA.
The rich quality of this kind of support has served as a blueprint for our marriage, our family interactions, our ministries, and our social interactions. It has allowed us to live, most of the time, in the Holy Relationship that is our highest aspiration. We hold that possibility for all.
Jesus taught, “Where two or more are gathered in my name, there am I also.” What does the name of Jesus mean? It is the very essence of unconditional love and thereby support at the highest level – support in Truth.
A second aspect of this support is found in the “Mirror Principle.” It is, in essence, one cannot “behold” in another that which he or she does not possess within their own Being.
So we would say to you, Beloveds, “The qualities I see in you reflected back to me are joyfulness, generosity, devotion to Spirit, Divine Light, and unconditional love and support.” As we express this Truth from our hearts, we feel you fully receiving it, and we fully receive the blessing as well. Thank you.
We love you,
Rev. Steve and Mary