“The word Unity, we might explain here, signifies the union of parts, a result of many drawn together into one perfect harmonious whole.”
~ The Science of Mind, Ernest Holmes ~ 

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
~ Margaret Mead ~   

“Kwanzaa, Freedom, Justice and Peace: Principles and Practices for A New World.”
~ Dr. Maulana Karenga ~

The Ten Commandments of Moses, The Beatitudes of Jesus, The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism are all examples of how a Principle-driven life has been offered those seeking liberation from the challenges they faced.  While each leader dealt with the fundamental principle of unity that undergirds all of humanity, their unique approach appealed to the people, culture, and circumstances of their time.

These leaders somehow knew that once their people began to follow a practice of unity amongst themselves, soon, like The Hundredth Monkey concept of Ken Keyes, and the Peace Begins with Me concept of Jill Jackson, humanity would become a world that works for everyone.   

This evolution in consciousness and action is an ongoing process. There continue to be leaders of every culture who share life-enhancing principles with their communities, thus supporting them through the challenges of life. The principles offered are more than self-help advice. Principles (or Truth) are universal in nature. They are not respecters of person but rather respond to all alike who take the time to understand and practice them. That being said, principles may be applied to any person, place, or thing and yield the result for which they are directed. 

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Although Kwanzaa was born in the midst of the Black Freedom Movement of the 1960s, and inspired by the traditions and the cultural roots of Africans worldwide; “its framework and focus are based on seven principles and practices as they relate to (current) issues of life, work, and struggle.” 

The principles are Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. While this information feeds my intellect, just like Christmas, Hanukkah, and other religious or cultural traditions may; it is not until the true meaning is activated within me. The ritual without an inner meaning is like faith without works. I must return to the practice over and over again until it is not only a felt experience, it actually becomes a tangible reality that all may bear witness to.  

Starting today, December 26, 2023, and each day, through January 1, 2024, my endeavor is to creatively apply the principles offered. I invite you to join me. I like to first center myself with what I presently believe about the principle for the day, and then remain open and receptive to greater insight and revelation. For example:

Unity: I know and affirm there is only One Life, God. That life is mine, and is the life of everyone, without exception; Self-Determination: I know and affirm the Great I that I AM, is infused with the creative power of God; Collective Work and Responsibility: I know and affirm the creative exchange of ideas, talents and gifts supports everyone; Cooperative Economics: I know and affirm there is unlimited supply right now; enough to spare and to share; Purpose: I know and affirm that I am divinely guided to do what is mine to do; Creativity: I know and affirm that I express my inner feelings of love, peace, joy, beauty, wisdom, harmony and order in everything I think, say,  and do; and,  Faith: I know and affirm the Presence of God in me and as me, is the power through which all things are possible.

Together, through a unified consciousness, great things happen. There’s great power in the awareness of Oneness.

Happy Kwanzaa!

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This Week’s Affirmation

“I continue to daily practice the life-enhancing principles of my unified consciousness.”

~ Mary Jane LaBonte, RScP ~