Spiritually Speaking

Breaking down walls of hostility through friendship

In our busy, disconnected word, we need to rediscover the ways of friendship

The Right Reverend Logan McMenamieAugust 18, 2018

Reflections from the Roof of the World

The achievements of the World Partnership Walk serves to remind us of our responsibility to others

Karima RamjiAugust 15, 2018

Making the most from life's lessons

Those who are close to us can teach us so much from their own lessons, and that can inform our lives

Rev. Shana LynngoodAugust 11, 2018

Rebuilding lives after wildfires

Forest fires across the northern hemisphere are shocking in their ferocity, but there are spiritual lessons of hope to be gained.

Anna Bowness-ParkAugust 8, 2018

The Divine influence that brings hope and action

There is no place so remote that we cannot hear and feel divine Love's guidance when we listen.

Anna Bowness-ParkAugust 4, 2018

Faith as a dance

Faith as a dance involves movement; it’s dynamic, energetic, constantly changing

The Ven. Alastair McCollumJuly 28, 2018

Morning Prayer of Gratitude: G-d Has Faith in Us

The word faith means having a complete trust or confidence in someone or something

Fiona PrinceJuly 25, 2018

Is creation coming to an end or being continuously renewed?

Two people can sit together and see creation differently - as either a sunset or a continual sunrise

Fiona PrinceJuly 21, 2018

The partnership of prayer and action in Thailand

Rather than seeing it just as luck, the cave rescue can be seen as an example of God's presence in challenging circumstances

Drew SniderJuly 18, 2018

Days of nationalism should give pause for thought

Displays of nationalism and patriotism can evoke different responses, depending on the context, and whether we are insiders or outsiders.

Larry ScottJuly 14, 2018

Cultivating peace in a world of conflict

Our desire to cultivate peace invites us to re-think how we see our enemies

Matt JacksonJuly 7, 2018

Refugees, immigration, nationalism - the search for a plan for a global society

We need to consciously plan for a global society that is just, democratic, humane in its essence and respectful of all life

Sheila FloodJuly 4, 2018

Lots to learn on helping victims of refugee crisis

Inter-Cultural Association of Victoria will be hosting "Responding to the Refugee Crisiis, 1:30 – 4:30 pm, Saturday, 21 July.

Sheila FloodJune 30, 2018

In a judgemental world, try looking at others favourably

It takes self awareness and patience to judge others favourably.

Rabbi Harry BrechnerJune 23, 2018

Being in touch with Creator gives life meaning

Helpful steps for a meaningful connection with the Creator

Paul NewmanJune 16, 2018

Consciousness and its Relationship to the Universe

Hindu scriptures teach the importance of consciously living a good life

Suresh BasrurJune 13, 2018

Hindu story offers perspective on nature of consciousness

“The only knowledge you need for enlightenment or salvation” is how consciousness is sometimes described by scholars.

Suresh BasrurJune 9, 2018

Ramadan: A Month of Worship, from a Mile to a Prayer

Motherhood brings a change in perspective and meaning for Ramadan

Maryam BakshJune 2, 2018

Encounters - Opening Gala

Divine/Human interactions: what happens in this encounter? What does it look like and how is it reported and remembered?

Spiritually SpeakingJune 1, 2018

Living from a place of love isn't simple. It's downright difficult

While some may differ with Bishop Curry’s take on love, I don’t think it can be dismissed as simplistic.

Kevin AschenbrennerMay 30, 2018

Bishop Curry's sermon was act of spiritual resistance

Love should be the status quo, not something we aspire to. Bishop Curry woke us up to that.

Kevin AschenbrennerMay 26, 2018

The Woman in Tim Horton's and the Good Samaritan

Recently, a video made the rounds, showing an obviously disturbed woman committing what might best be termed an unsanitary act in a neighbourhood Tim Horton’s. A number of media outlets published . . .

Drew SniderMay 23, 2018

Pentecost offers us all a lesson in moving forward

When we think of Pentecost we can gain encouragement from the lesson it teaches us

Drew SniderMay 19, 2018

The Buddhist View of Kindness

We must protect and benefit all peoples; be kindness itself with a 500-year perspective.

Wayne CodlingMay 16, 2018

National Worship Conference to focus on responding to disasters

This conference’s theme recognizes the need for thoughtful reflection and consideration of what it means to worship in response to disaster.

Rev. Lyle McKenziwMay 12, 2018

The practical effects of meditation practice

The experience of a friend in hospital brings to light how meditation can change one's view of life

Wayne CodlingMay 9, 2018

Meditation - a helpful response to suffering

Buddhism is not centered on a creator God. Therefore, there is no need for Buddhists to explain why suffering exists in the world. Suffering simply exists just like everything else and needs to be . . .

Wayne CodlingMay 5, 2018

Prophets, Poetry and Imagination

Come to this interesting talk by a leading Jewish scholar. Tuesday, Wednesday May 30 at 7:00 pm at Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue, 1461 Blanshard Street, Victoria

Spiritually SpeakingMay 3, 2018

Search for meaning can come through religious story-telling

Religion can be seen as a search for meaning through story telling. A few weeks ago, Jews celebrated Passover, a holiday built around telling the story of liberation from slavery in Egypt. It is, . . .

Alan RutkowskiApril 28, 2018

Finding the true origin of happiness

When we see joy as a spiritual quality, we see it as the essence of man’s God-created nature rather than the result of something – i.e. some- “thing” - we have to get.

Anna Bowness-ParkApril 25, 2018

Child's poem awakens community housing needs

What is the impact on our community when basics such as affordable housing are disappearing?

Reverend Canon Nancy FordApril 21, 2018

Who Were the Prophets?

Come and explore this topic with a leading Jewish Biblical scholar.

Spiritually SpeakingApril 18, 2018

On the Bus from Humboldt: They are not alone

Across the country we slowly put down our lives to face Humboldt in solidarity.

Keith SimmondsApril 14, 2018

Israel at 70: A Community Celebration

The Jewish Federation of Victoria and Vancouver Island invites community members to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Israeli independence with an evening beginning with a Yom Ha’Zikaron . . .

Spiritually SpeakingApril 11, 2018

2018 Starfields Festival offers hope in time of challenges

The best way to bridge our differences is to hold a party! Come and join in on APRIL 13-15 In Victoria. B.C.

Spiritually SpeakingApril 7, 2018

Holocaust Remembrance Day - Our Stories

Sunday, April 15, 11 a.m. – noon, at the Victoria Jewish Cemetery on Cedar Hill Road

Spiritually SpeakingApril 4, 2018

Walk unites us to tackle poverty worldwide

Step forward with us at World Partnership Walk in Victoria on Sunday May 27 starting at 9.30 AM at the University of Victoria

Karima RamjiMarch 31, 2018

The Real Cost of Homelessness

He turned up outside the church a year ago February. Unlike most homeless sleepers, he wasn’t eager to move when we activated the back door for the day’s visitors. We’d encourage movement (with an . . .

Keith SimmondsMarch 28, 2018

Observing Palm Sunday as a time of balance

In this ‘Palm Sunday’ moment we are poised in the balance between two radically different views of life.

Keith SimmondsMarch 24, 2018

What is worth giving a lifetime of effort to?

Are we putting our effort into the things that matter in life?

Rev. Shana LynngoodMarch 21, 2018

Switching from “I” to “We” requires a cultural change

For most of us, the culture we have grown up in is very “I”centered. We learn how to pay attention to our own needs and wants. What we don’t learn is how to be a part of a 'we'.

Rev. Shana LynngoodMarch 17, 2018

The First Bodhisattva Vow: Liberation in an Age of Criminalization

Vowing to liberate all beings is not an individualistic missionary-like approach to saving anyone. Rather it requires that I look at my own responsibility.

Joshua GoldbergMarch 14, 2018

Mindfulness provides understanding of silent racism

As public opinion is focusing on the racism inherent in Canadian institutions, it may be useful to take a closer look at how practising Zen meditation can uncover our inherited racist attitudes.

Soshin McMurchyMarch 10, 2018

The First Bodhisattva Vow: Liberation in an Age of Criminalization

The first Bodhisattva vow is not to liberate some beings, it is to liberate ALL beings, even though there are so many that they are innumerable.

Joshua GoldbergMarch 7, 2018

Grandmother finds power in simple prayer

Above all the books on how to pray, the simple prayer of a grandmother has been a powerful teacher

Rev. Julianne KasmerMarch 3, 2018

Managing end of life choices - a symposium

Managing End of Life Choices: A Symposium takes place on Sunday, March 4, 9 am to 1 pm at the Jewish Community Centre of Victoria, 3636 Shelbourne Street, Victoria

Spiritually SpeakingFebruary 28, 2018

Family reunions offer lessons in reconciliation

Sometimes we think of reconciliation as being between two divided parties. Most of the time it is. However, reconciliation can mirror our connection with God.

The Right Reverend Logan McMenamieFebruary 24, 2018

The fine art of good gossip

The idea of ‘gossiping’ has gotten a bad rap in recent years. The word is used mostly to indicate petty, negative talk that demeans and dismisses the subjects of the conversation.

Brian FraserFebruary 20, 2018

Kindness is the glue that can bond the community

True kindness is something we give without any judgement or strings attached. It’s a reflection of our character; how others respond is a reflection of theirs.

Kate SpencerFebruary 17, 2018

Love – sustains us in our journey and challenges us to be better

“All you need is love,” sang The Beatles, which is not a bad thought to start with,

Rev. Alastair McCollumFebruary 14, 2018

We should take up challenge of making a positive difference

For any person of faith, spirituality challenges us to look beyond ourselves and to make a positive difference not just for ourselves but for others.

Rev. Alastair McCollumFebruary 10, 2018

A new way to think about "being right"

A way of thinking about “righteousness” is to see it not as my being right, or you being right, rather, to see it as the common good.

Alisdair SmithFebruary 7, 2018

Sexual Harassment

In what ways may any of us be guilty of objectifying another person?

Christopher PageJanuary 31, 2018

Movie invites us to re-think cultural and religious traditions

When we build community—in cultural festivals, activism, faith contexts or elsewhere—we can come together to address the conflicts of the present with the help of texts written in other times.

Lincoln ShlenskyJanuary 27, 2018

The spiritual roots of working together and building community

Members of all community service groups have the spirit of friendship, the spirit of service, the spirit of loyalty and creative imagination to keep their vision alive with purpose and energy.

Paul NewmanJanuary 24, 2018

Learning to live in community enriches our lives

Community is essential to spiritual traditions and practices. In the Christian tradition, as Jesus began public ministry, one of his first activities was inviting others to join him in this work and in community together.

Rev. Lyle McKenzieJanuary 20, 2018

Bahá’í Faith offers hope for a new era and positive future

As difficult as it is to believe that the future may be great or even livable, if there is one Bahá’í teaching I would most recommend, it is that the future can and will be glorious.

Sheila FloodJanuary 17, 2018

Join the discussion on how to create a positive future

Join us in honour of UN Interfaith Harmony Week and the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, panelists from the diverse traditions will discuss how to take this turbulent period of history and build the stable, egalitarian, humanitarian future we all want.

Sheila FloodJanuary 13, 2018

Rekindling Spiritual Inspiration Every Day

Finding inspiration in Hindu teaching can help navigate this life, fraught with unexpected journeys to the edges of precipices, its uncertainties, its roller coaster ups and downs.

Suresh BasrurJanuary 10, 2018

Making connections can be rejuvenating

It has been a heavenly experience. Recently, I spent three weeks in India, visiting family members in two cities. Every time I visit India, I feel spiritually rejuvenated.

Suresh BasrurJanuary 6, 2018

Epiphany - lessons from Three Wise Men

There is a very important message that I take from the account of the Wise Men coming to worship the Baby Jesus, namely, that Jesus came not just for people of any particular religion, but for everyone, everywhere.

Drew SniderJanuary 3, 2018

Resolution can be a stepping stone to transformation

A list of “to do” resolutions can in themselves be delusional or self-defeating. But if we nurture what is spiritual and life giving for us, then maybe the New Year is a stepping stone to a larger spiritual transformation.

Larry ScottDecember 30, 2017

Hopeless case? Finding hope in the face of despair

At this time of year, peace can feel very far away. Poor health. family strife, community conflicts and world unrest tempt us to lose hope for any resolution of our problems.

Anna Bowness-ParkDecember 27, 2017

Christmas story brings us to threshold of relationship

This feeling of being connected to the very being of creation reminded me of our family’s experience one Christmas Eve.

Reverend Canon Nancy FordDecember 23, 2017

Diversity, Inclusion, Pluralism - something to celebrate in the holidays

As we celebrate the holidays in our own personal ways, let us keep in mind this unity of our human race, created from a single soul, and celebrate our diversity “as we walk together along the road to a better world”- a pluralist world.

Karima RamjiDecember 20, 2017

Details matter: Lighting Hanukkah candles — right to left or left to right?

Hanukkah or Chanukah - lighting the candles is a special ritual with reasons for how it is done that can teach us all valuable lessons.

Fiona PrinceDecember 16, 2017

Love came down at Christmas

The gift of God’s love embodied in Jesus and others and spread around by the Spirit of God is what liberates people. It turns their kinds of love into blessings instead of problems.

Paul NewmanDecember 13, 2017

The Spirit of God will provide you with wisdom

Christians look to Jesus as the criterion of wisdom. He was full of the Spirit of God. For wisdom we can look to what he taught and lived.

Paul NewmanDecember 9, 2017

Prayer a source of hope after niqab ban

Prayer is a powerful tool. It has been used throughout history as a form of non-violent protest. Martin Luther King Jr. knelt in prayer during protests.

Maryam BakshDecember 2, 2017

David, the Renaissance, and why we need context

I have to confess, I am not an art aficionado. I appreciate great art, but I’ve never really obsessed on it. Recently, though, for the first time, my knees buckled on seeing a work of art. We . . .

Drew SniderNovember 29, 2017

It is always good to be thankful

I realize it’s US Thanksgiving at this time of year and we’ve already had ours, but any time is a good time to consider thankfulness.

Drew SniderNovember 25, 2017

Innocence Stolen: Hungary, the Shoah and the Revolution of '56

A talk by Endre Farkas, author of Never, Again: a story set in post-war Communist Hungary. about the Communist uprising

Spiritually SpeakingNovember 22, 2017

Faith forum: Kindness is the first step to being a mentsh

We are living through some anxiety-inducing as well as hope-inspiring times. We’re experiencing tectonic change in how we understand humanity that is finally allowing non cisgender and non hetero. . .

RABBI HARRY BRECHNERNovember 18, 2017

Victoria International Jewish Film Festival

The Victoria International Jewish Film Festival, which begins this weekend, has arranged a special screening on Sunday afternoon of the new Israeli film, Abulele, which can be described as Israel’s answer to ET:

Spiritually SpeakingNovember 17, 2017

Was Jesus a Buddhist?

Jesus's teachings on non-violence and compassion are a reminder of similar teachings in Buddhism

Wayne CodlingNovember 15, 2017

“The Original Deed”, a historical drama about Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue

The Original Deed by Sid Tafler, a historical drama about Congregation Emanu-El will be performed in the synagogue on November 15, 16, 18, & 19 at 7 pm. (There is no performance on Friday, Nov.. . .

Spiritually SpeakingNovember 14, 2017

Cultural change required to stop alienating youth

Zen is a highly urbanized form of Buddhism. Its civilizing influence has been the encouragement of convivial values such as wisdom, compassion and resilience.

Wayne CodlingNovember 11, 2017

Taking time to think about time

Do we see time as an enemy we are always trying to defeat or a stern taskmaster we are always trying to placate? Maybe it is time for a fresh view of time.

Kevin AschenbrennerNovember 8, 2017

God can fill that emptiness we sometimes feel

That feeling of emptiness - no inspiration - is an opportunity to be divinely filled

Kevin AschenbrennerNovember 4, 2017

Kristallnacht Remembering the Past, Envisioning the Future

The Victoria Shoah Project invites the public to the annual commemoration of Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass), Thursday, November 9, 2017

Spiritually SpeakingNovember 3, 2017

Meeting the challenge of commitment and finding its rewards

Learning commitment to those things we feel are most important, most meaningful in our lives makes it easier to maintain perspective when smaller things are amiss.

Rev. Shana LynngoodNovember 1, 2017

We've become so linked in, we're losing connections

As the ties and connections that hold us become fewer and fewer, and as we do less and less to connect with the people around us—we become more and more susceptible to seeing other people as unknowable (at best) or as dangerous (at worst).

Rev. Shana LynngoodOctober 28, 2017

Prophet's call for unity resonates today

This past weekend, in spite of the pouring rain, hundreds of Bahá’ís, along with friends and well-wishers, attended a musical drama honouring the message of Bahá’u’lláh, on the occasion of the . . .

Sheila FloodOctober 25, 2017

This weekend marks a happy anniversary

Bahá’ís around the world are celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Birth of Baha’u’llah. The story is echoed in 'The Gathering', a musical drama honouring the wisdom of Bahá’u’lláh, blending music and dance this weekend in Victoria.

Sheila FloodOctober 21, 2017

Rethinking aging - as an invitation to a sacred journey

How is aging a journey? The invitation to consider aging as a sacred, holy experience to a foreign place – a place that, while unfamiliar, also invites us to engage, to learn, grow and heal.

Dr. Gloria McArterOctober 18, 2017

Harvest time prompts us to be grateful

What would our world be like if every day was a day lived out in active, thankful, prayer?

Keith SimmondsOctober 14, 2017

How do we stand up to violence without resorting to violence ourselves?

This is the question Ghandi was asked. It is the question Martin Luther King was asked. It is the question Malala is asked. It is asked of us.

Rev. Alisdair SmithOctober 11, 2017

Stories can shape our future and give meaning to the present

There is presence in our stories which has the power to transform and change, a presence that sustains and nurtures, challenges and comforts, and brings hope and peace.

The Right Reverend Logan McMenamieOctober 7, 2017

Victoria Bahá’í Community Proudly Presents 'The Gathering'.

Deloria Bighorn performs in the upcoming musical drama 'The Gathering' in Victoria on Friday, October 20th & Saturday, October 21st

Sheila FloodOctober 4, 2017

Put down your cell phone and read 'Little Women'

When about to pick up the cell phone to answer the latest text, remember the lessons taught by Marmee in Little Women, reminding us about what is truly important.

Kate SpencerSeptember 30, 2017

Bahá’ís celebrate 200th Anniversary: Come and celebrate with us!

From Sooke to Sidney, the Bahá’ís of south Vancouver Island will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the prophet-founder of the Bahá’í Faith.

Sheila FloodSeptember 27, 2017

Social justice requires that we look at the little things

“Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?’ – Jesus

Reverend Canon Nancy FordSeptember 23, 2017

One man's spiritual journey to find a God of Love

Phillip Hockley's truly inspiring story. Embracing view of God as love brings healing

Matthew JacksonSeptember 20, 2017

Embracing view of God as love brings healing

“God is Love. More than this we cannot ask, higher we cannot look, farther we cannot go.” wrote Mary Baker Eddy in 1875.

Matthew JacksonSeptember 16, 2017

Taking pain seriously: Reflections on a Buddhist teacher’s death from drug overdose

Michael Stone’s death reminds me how even with tremendous internal and external resources, including years of practice and strong community and family support, nobody is immune from the impacts when pain becomes unbearable and relief is needed.

Joshua GoldbergSeptember 13, 2017

Finding your deep connection through meditation

Mindfulness. The starting point of Zen meditation practice. Becoming aware that we are very rarely actually present in the moments of our lives makes a difference to it.

Soshin McMurchySeptember 9, 2017

Can Christianity, atheism and freedom of speech be reconciled?

Attempting to reconcile her calling as a Christian minister with her avowed atheism has created deep controversy in the United Church over the nature of freedom of speech

Larry ScottSeptember 6, 2017

Even in our divided society the light shines through

There are deep divisions in our society just as in Jesus's time, but the act of caring for another can make for a more light filled, unified world

Rev. Julianne KasmerSeptember 2, 2017

The surprising benefits of paying attention

Paying attention can mean, almost paradoxically, letting ourselves no longer thinking about one thing, but allowing ourselves to consider everything - about ourselves, our world, our reality.

Rev. Alastair McCollumAugust 30, 2017

Taking a deep breath of inspiration together brings unity

It’s important to consider what is ‘inspiring’ us, what we allow to influence us; whether it be the hate speech of racists, or the love and service of our fellow human beings from different religious, spiritual, and philosophical traditions.

Rev. Alastair McCollumAugust 26, 2017

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