Friends,
As we enter the month of June, as we reach out and experience Pride Month, as we begin to enjoy the summer…
I find inspiration from the Tao Te Ching, a timeless text that invites us to cultivate peace, harmony, and balance in our lives.
June means to me, the start of summer and the promise of warmer days ahead. This is a time to celebrate the beauty of nature and the abundance of life around us, as well as to reflect on the teachings of the Tao Te Ching. I think of sunshine on my shoulders and cool breezes.
At the heart of the Tao Te Ching is the idea that we can find peace and harmony by aligning ourselves with the natural flow of the universe–action and inaction. This means letting go of our attachments and judgments, and embracing the present moment with gratitude and openness. More human being and not so fixated on the human doing.
As we enter this new season, we can also think about how we can build peace within ourselves and in our communities. We can start by cultivating a spirit of kindness and compassion, not only towards ourselves, but also towards others. By practicing active listening, seeking to understand different perspectives, and embracing our common humanity, we can build bridges of understanding and create a more peaceful world.
One way to put these teachings into practice is to take time to connect with nature. Whether it’s taking a walk in the park, tending to a garden, or simply spending time outside, we can find inspiration and solace in the beauty of the natural world.
Being Pride Month, we affirm that Love is Love, that we are all whole and holy. Join us with:
Stonewall Columbus Pride on June 16
Knox County Pride on June 25
Mansfield Pride on August 5 (we are building a float!!!)
As we bask in the warmth and joy of this new season, let us hold in our hearts the teachings of the Tao Te Ching and the vision of a world in which peace and harmony reign.
Wishing you all a peaceful and joyful June,
— Rev. Will