In Gratitude for the Gift of Spiritual Classes

On this Thanksgiving Eve, I focus with gratitude on the many gifts of this past year.  I am reminded of the wonderful connections and experiences I have had with teachers and fellow students in my spiritual education classes.  There is something special that happens when like-minded thinkers come together for the shared purpose of personal growth.  These are the gifts that come forth from our Oneness with each other when we can let go of ego and give way to the power of the group dynamic.



Whenever I think I may be on this path alone, I call to mind the blessings of hearing the thoughts and intentions of others who have motivated me by often expressing the same dreams and questions as mine.  In one person's story may be the answer I have been seeking, or the lesson of some unresolved situation.  Hearing of a classmate's success inspires me to keep dreaming and moving forward.  I never know what gift a class has in store until I get there and witness the class unfolding in its own order based on the consciousness of each person present. 

In The Universe is Calling, EB brings clarity to our understanding of what is happening energetically when groups come together for prayer and discussion of spiritual laws.  This small group style of prayer and learning is how Christianity began.  According to EB, "Christianity began as a movement within Judaism" of enlightened Jews who met in small groups to pray and discuss "the spiritual laws revealed by Jesus." (p. 143)  As mentioned in Unity: A Quest for Truth, Unity has been called "a return to first-century Christianity," and I can see this reflected in the emphasis Unity places on experiencing spiritual growth in a small class atmosphere.  We know that it is not enough to know spiritual truth teachings, we must apply them in our lives, and it is in the classroom that we are given a forum for sharing our ideas and progress.

EB gives a mystical definition of the group dynamic that occurs in a spiritual class.  He explains that out of the common bond uniting people who gather together in shared interest arises what he calls a "group soul."  This is a "transcendent awareness of the I AM," and is what Jesus was referring to when he said, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matt. 18:20) (p. 144)  When we come together "in a commitment of spiritual union," a process takes place which EB calls "the power of the swarm." (p. 144-5)  The group takes on a "group soul" which is a collective consciousness "to which each person gives and from which each person receives." (p. 145)  This "soul" contains the collective needs of the group, and has within it all the answers for each individual's needs in the group.  Through the mystery of what occurs in this shared experience, we join in Oneness to meet the needs of each other while finding answers to our own needs. 

This doesn't just mean that if you attend a spiritual class, you are guaranteed this transcendent experience.  As EB states, if you can "let go of self and its ego needs, and give one's self over to the larger good of the group," then you can reap the benefits that this gathering has available in potential.  (p. 145)  Like all things in life, you get out of it what you are willing to give.  You will receive a great blessing from this group experience if you "give yourself lovingly to the group, and trust the process" while making a "commitment to the greater good of all." (p. 146) 

I invite you to take a moment now to remember the special bond created when you have participated in prayer groups and spiritual classes.  We know that these experiences are always available to us, whether at Unity Village, your Unity center, or in an online course through Unity Institute.

Thank you to all my Unity teachers and classmates who have shined their light into my life this year.  As I journey on this life-long path of spiritual unfoldment, I know that I am never alone, and that we continue to walk this path together in Oneness. 

Many blessings for a Joyful Thanksgiving!