"Our unique perspectives, principles, and practices can create a rich and colorful menagerie of devoted living.” At the center of our identity - as individuals, communities and even as a species - is our system of belief. Whatever we believe, we can allow our convictions vis-à-vis religion and spirituality to either divide us or unite us, as human history has continually proven. In the 1960s, the anti-establishment movements challenged our social norms, economics, and p

For those of us in the northern hemisphere, the earth turns to winter this month and we tend to turn away from our activities and perhaps even from each other as we nestle in our warm homes. As we near the shortest day of the year (which is not a true measure of time but an appearance of light or the lack thereof), life can feel harsh, cold and dark; the antithesis of what most of us strive to feel in our daily experience. Intellectually, we know there is no place that God

Love letters are the stuff of heart’s desire; the communiques of deepening connection between kindred spirits. Some are sentimental, some are sweet, and some confess a passion too bold to voice out loud. Though we typically think love letters are only for paramours, we can enjoy these special valentines between the many types of loves with whom we are blessed - from the loyal amity of philia love shared between friends to the selfless purity of agape love for all. And most

​​ Thanksgiving is more than gratitude in return for our good; it includes expectation of and gratitude for all blessings in advance. Since known history, people around the world have been giving thanks as a standard yet sacred practice of devotion and spiritual well-being. Today, many nations observe a Thanksgiving holiday with special celebrations of appreciation for all the good received throughout the year. However, the ancient Hebrews understood that thanksgivi