THE POWER OF THE BODY to heal itself has been on my mind for the past several months. Not only do I believe that this is possible, but I believe that our bodies heal and recover from imbalances and disease all the time. I also believe that our thoughts contribute to the state of our overall health and well being.

In 1976, around the same time that I first discovered Unity, I read a book by Dr. Carl Simonton that described his work and that of his wife Dr. Stephanie Simonton with late stage cancer patients. In his book, Getting Well Again, Dr. Simonton described how some patients with the same type of cancer at the same stage and with same treatment would get well and others would die. He wanted to know why. He discovered that the patient’s attitude about living and their sense of well being had a lot to do with whether or not they recovered.

As far as I know he was among the first medical doctors to teach patients how to use guided imagery as part of their treatment. Patients learned to visualize the radiation or chemo eating away their cancer cells. The results were amazing; the survival rate of his patients improved dramatically.

During that same year I attended one of those 1970’s awareness classes and learned how to meditate. I discovered many types of guided imagery techniques and meditations. I have faithfully used these techniques for my own challenges and even for others for many years.

I recently saw an ad for Self-Healing with Guided Imagery CDs by Andrew Weil, M.D. and Martin L. Rossman, M.D. that I ordered. I’m not sure what I expected but was surprised to hear that the meditations and guided imagery sessions were almost identical to the ones I learned in the 70’s. Remembering how well they worked for me, I have decided to offer these techniques in a workshop. It will be a joy to share these techniques to anyone interested in learning how to boost the body’s power to heal.

Probably because it is on my mind, it seems everything I read or hear these days indicates that every cell in our body has intelligence and the ability to heal. Even more important than our DNA is the effect our thoughts have at the cellular level. I don’t think anyone would deny that our bodies have wisdom and the innate ability to heal. Anything we can do at the level of our thoughts to promote healing seems like a good idea. All of this information just adds more and more credibility to these techniques.

I hope you will join me on Saturday, January 14 from 9 am till 2 pm as we explore these possibilities and learn how to consciously, through the use of guided imagery, positively impact our health. Guided imagery can also be useful in eliminating bad habits. My one new year’s resolution is to put guided imagery back into my daily life. It’s a great way to start the New Year and have “A New You in the New Year!”

Love & Blessings,
Rev. Debbie

WHEN I WAS A LITTLE GIRL, I would write the date at the top of my school papers and think what a long, long time a year was, never mind the many years that must pass before I would be free of school. I remember times in my life when I felt as if I had nothing to do, as if I was actually bored. Now it seems a year flies past so quickly.

With a husband, a child and a job and a house I find I must, like TS Elliot in The Wasteland, measure out my life in coffee spoons: a bit of time here and a bit of time there. Rationing out 15 minutes a day for this project and 30 minutes for that. It seems like such a small thing, this coffee spoon of time, but I have found the cumulative effect to be immense. Part of this is developing a good habit, the habit of devoting time to what you feel is right and important, even if it is only a small bit a day. It is like a savings account where the interest compounds over and above the initial investment.

I have noticed how other people use the coffee spoons of their lives. I have noticed volunteers at Tampa Unity who come in for thirty minutes at a time to work on a project. I have seen their coffee spoonfuls of dedication mount up to an inviting Fellowship Hall and a lovely, new nursery. I have seen people who come to the church during the week just to meditate or pray for 20 minutes in the Chapel. Is this their coffee spoon of spirituality?

I sometimes think how it would be nice to have more coffee spoons, more time to devote to the dazzling array of possibilities that I find myself beset with every day: the possibility of writing a new page, of reaching a new goal, of doing the laundry or cleaning the bathroom, of getting the child (and myself!) out of the house on time, of actually accomplishing all the details of everyday life and then having time and energy to rise above it all to become...Superwoman! Well, that may never happen, but when it seems that my schedule is packed full with obligations, I look for that 15 minute gap, my coffee spoon of time. It’s bigger than you would think.

Janet Stanley

THE CHAPLAIN TRAINING PROGRAM for 2006 begins with an orientation on January 15, 2006, at 2 pm in the Sanctuary. If you have ever considered committing yourself to the Tampa Unity Chaplains Program, please attend this meeting to find out more about this rewarding opportunity. The Tampa Unity Chaplain Program is in its third year and growing with the help of Mary Riley, our dedicated Chaplain coordinator.

Chaplains are available at Sunday Services to assist congregants in their individual prayer needs. They also make monthly wellness calls to offer prayer to those on our Chaplain Call list. All prayers are held in the strictest of confidence. To learn more about the Chaplain Program, please see Mary Riley or Rev. Debbie Moss. A pamphlet is available with the complete training schedule. To be added to the Chaplain call list or request prayer from a Chaplain, call the Chaplain line at 813-870-0731 ext 301.

AS YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED, renovations in the Fellowship Hall have been underway for the past few months and things are finally starting to come together.

The worn carpet has been removed and the terrazzo floor has been restored. New paint in a fresh color scheme covers the walls in not only Fellowship Hall, but the kitchen and hallway as well. Lovely new lighting has been illuminates the area. Many thanks go to Leslie Atkins, who is a professional interior designer with Ruttenberg Homes for her inspired design and to all the volunteers who have helped with the painting and repair work. All that is needed now are furnishings for this important gathering area in our church.

Please take a moment to look at the “wish list” for Fellowship Hall posted next to the kitchen pass through. You will see plans for the final phase of the renovation, which is the creation of the “library.” and a list of furniture and prices. You can donate one or more articles on the list yourself or team up with a friend or group to donate. You can even make a love offering in the bookstore earmarked for Fellowship Hall renovations, if you choose not to donate a specific item. Every little bit helps to create a special place to meet and greet your spiritual family.

THE 2006 SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE BEGINS JANUARY 30 and continues through April 4. This period of time, which commemorates the memorial anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., has been set aside as a time to hold the idea of a world of peace in our daily actions and thoughts. Campaigns across the country and the world will promote nonviolence as a mean of transforming and empowering lives and communities.

Tampa Unity supports the effort with daily affirmations from the Association for Global New Thought ’s “64 Ways in 64 Days” appearing in our Sunday Bulletins.

Organizations throughout the United States are providing suggestions on how to participate in this event. The Denver Area Task Force has compiled a list of ways to inspire non-violence each day. Examples are: “Day 3: Today I will practice nonviolence and respect for Mother Earth by making good use of her resources.”

Pledges for Nonviolence in the home, school and work place will be available in Fellowship Hall.

Pay attention to upcoming announcements and newsletters for more events celebrating the 2006 Season for Nonviolence. Let’s work together to support a vision of peace in this lifetime.

THE WISE MEN’S GROUP will meet every Wednesday at 7 pm in the Sanctuary. THE WISE WOMEN GROUPS will resume meeting on Wednesday, January 11, 7 pm in the Sanctuary. Wise groups meet following the 5:45 Meditation Service.

THE SUMMER TRIP TO IRELAND has been rescheduled and now leaves on June 14 and returns on June 25. Please see Thalia Potter to see how you can be part of this exciting 12 day tour of the Emerald Isle.

THE SUNDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS saw a whole lot of holiday cheer at Tampa Unity. Many thanks to everyone who bought pies or cakes from the Y.O.U. at their pie sale. Periodic fundraisers like this one help send our young people to spiritual retreats and support the Youth of Unity. In addition, the Y.O.U. collected hundreds of teddy bears and stuffed animals from the generous donors here at Tampa Unity to be had delivered to Senior citizens at the Home Association, the oldest nursing home in Tampa. Bears not delivered there are taken to the Rich House, a safe haven program run by the Tampa Police Department. Where ever they go, these cuddly toys provide a bit of comfort and love where it is needed most.

Between the 9 am and 11 am Services, the DICKENS CHRISTMAS CAROLERS sang holiday songs in four part harmony. The children in Fellowship Hall sang along to such well known favorites as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Silent Night. Special Thanks go to Pat Fenda and Strictly Entertainment for providing this festive entertainment.

During the 11 am Service, the Youth Ed. Department and Y.O.U. collaborated on a wonderful Christmas Play that combined traditional carols, live music and spoken words to create a fresh re-telling of the birth of Jesus. Congratulations to everyone who participated on a great show!