Given all the false divisions separating people, we hosted “Unity Fest” at Sacred Mountain Waters this past weekend, as Hurricane Helene passed over us with almost no damage. While this gathering was small, it turned out that Unity Fest was vastly bigger and wider than we could have imagined.
This hurricane washed away so many false divisions and has brought people together at such a deep level that our differences of politics, religion and race are gone, at least for now. This shake up has served as a great wake up to our common connection as human beings.
They say there is opportunity in crisis. This crisis has inspired many of us to expand beyond our own separate self preoccupation and leap into serving others selflessly and with great heart. This spiritual practice of selfless service without expectation of return is known as SEVA in Hinduism. It is also associated with karma and bhakti yoga.
Such selfless service is universal and Christians know the teaching to love thy neighbor as thy self. Many also know the wisdom of Saint Francis of Assisi when he said “For it is in the giving that we receive”. Because as we give love we get to experience it as it comes through us as channels of this universal, abundant and transformational force.
So while this storm has cost many of us dearly in physical terms, it has been a great opportunity for spiritual expansion and unity consciousness for those who embrace it.
We’ve all seen and experienced a massive demonstration of the impermanence of the material world, even in our “protected” Asheville area bubble.
It brings to mind the famous Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus encouraged his followers to not store up treasures on earth, which are transient, but rather to store up our treasures in Heaven.
This storm has also been an opportunity to find and cultivate inner peace in the midst of outer chaos.
But if you would like a break from the turbulence to enjoy time in nature, melt away your concerns in the sauna, swim in the pond or river, soak in the hot tub or hike in the forest – Sacred Mountain Waters is here for you.
Message me or text/call me on my cell 612 385-3563 to make arrangements. We have beds in the guest house and plenty of room for camping.
I wish you peace, love and joy in these times where ever you be.
Patrick Hennessey at Sacred Mountain Waters and the LOVEvolution Fellowship