Spiritually Speaking

Our gratitude for goodness takes us forward

Be grateful for every feeling, every experience, every moment because those are the pieces of the puzzle that make up your life.

Qaeeza RamjiJanuary 16, 2021

We grow when we're uncomfortable

Overcoming challenges makes us grow and blossom in unexpected ways

Badi ShamsJanuary 13, 2021

Finding answers to the challenge of human suffering

Pandemics, and other tragedies challenge our perceptions about nature and God

Alan RutkowskiJanuary 9, 2021

Victoria Multifaith Society Chair receives Order of Canada

John Borrows, has been named an Officer of the Order of Canada, “for his scholarly work on Indigenous rights and legal traditions

Victoria Multifaith SocietyJanuary 6, 2021

Serving God through serving the community

Finding one's faith and identity strengthened through service to the community

Asiyah RobinsonJanuary 2, 2021

Bringing hope to 2021 with a video for all

Healing the Planet Video. Describing the challenges and opportunities as we approach the end of this eventful year,

Victoria Multifaith SocietyDecember 30, 2020

Missing church, but the gift of caring for neighbours is living the faith

Missig church offers an opportunity to ponder the meaning of Christmas more deeply

Keith SimmondsDecember 26, 2020

A Letter to the Young People of the World

Right now, we are growing up in a world that is constantly turning, changing and evolving

Qaeeza RamjiDecember 23, 2020

Take the opportunity to address systemic racism

What if the threat of racism spreads in ways similar to the spread of Covid-19?

Lyndon SayersDecember 19, 2020

A Talk: The Golem Dances the Tango

Professor Dan Russek will present a brief overview of Jewish life in Mexico and Argentina

Spiritually SpeakingDecember 16, 2020

Spiritual message of light has become more powerful

One of the names for the Jewish festival of Chanukah is Chag Urim, the Festival of Light.

Rabbi Harry BrechnerDecember 12, 2020

A church as a definition of inclusive

When the idea is not to look at where you’ve been, but where you’re going, “inclusive” is what it’s all about.

Drew SniderDecember 8, 2020

The difficulties of 2020 have put spirituality into focus

A spiritual perspective of life can help us to see through the clouds of fear and anxiety that swirl around us

Matthew JacksonDecember 4, 2020

A talk: Ancient Jewish Astrology: Fatalist or Optimist?

Does Judaism teach that our lives are determined by the stars? Did it ever?

Spiritually SpeakingDecember 2, 2020

Try guiding your life with spiritual Justice

A sacred and spiritual notion of Justice relies heavily on empathy.

Emily MahbobiNovember 28, 2020

Blessed are we who are muddling through

There is power in muddling through difficult times together, realizing that we are not alone, and taking care of each other during this pandemic

Kevin AschenbrennerNovember 25, 2020

Falling leaves offer us a lesson in letting go

A walk in a park can remind us that letting go is a necessary and continual process in our lives

Kevin AschenbrennerNovember 21, 2020

Seek justice and love in changing times

The Presidential election in the USA sends a message of hope for justice and love

Rev. Lyle McKenzieNovember 14, 2020

Kafka, Nachman, Kabbalah and Neuroses

Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue, Victoria, is holding its first one-on-one session Sunday, November 15, 2020 at 7 pm

Spiritually SpeakingNovember 12, 2020

Can prayer can inspire, and bring us hope?

Prayer that inspires, fills us with hope, and gives us courage to face tragedy, can lead us to seek solutions

Alan RutkowskiNovember 6, 2020

Building unity in a fractured world

Unity requires us to value patience, kindness and caring for ourselves and others

Sheila FloodNovember 4, 2020

Finding beauty in the isolation of COVID

The life of Beethoven can offer us insights into living in isolation as he composed beautiful symphonies when deaf

Drew SniderOctober 31, 2020

Kristallnacht : Creativity Emerging from the Shards of Tragedy

The Victoria Shoah Project invites the public to the annual commemoration of Kristallnacht  (Night of Broken Glass).

Spiritually SpeakingOctober 28, 2020

The challenge of finding a new way forward in the pandemic

May we, together, find a way forward that honours our interdependence, leading toward a more sustainable and just future.

Shana LynngoodOctober 24, 2020

Feeling the power of blessing in moments

A prayer on the power of blessing

Carol HoedemanOctober 21, 2020

The need for mercy in the world

Take a moment to imagine a world where mercy was the overarching theme

Maryam BakshOctober 15, 2020

Love for one another is not always easy, but it is essential

To learn to love is to do loving things, even things which take us out of our comfort zone.

The Ven. Alastair Singh-McCollumOctober 14, 2020

The spiritual practice of seeing through the lens of love

What does it mean to be loving when we hold a different viewpoint to another?

Alastair Singh-McCollumOctober 10, 2020

Ditching the "Survival of the Fittest" Mentality

Although collaboration is getting more recognition these days, it still has been entirely ignored in the economic field.

Badi ShamsOctober 7, 2020

The World Needs Meaningful Conversations

We can relearn the art of meaningful conversation, which is being gradually forgotten

Badi ShamsOctober 3, 2020

The symbolism of dreams can serve to strengthen and encourage

Throughout history dreams and visions have played an important role in shaping beliefs and actions and can teach us much

Reverend Canon Nancy FordSeptember 26, 2020

Finding the Right Home for the Seniors in Our Lives

We need to rethink our view of, and care for seniors in a way that is more inclusive

Badi ShamsSeptember 23, 2020

Unity is what can put us on the path to recovery

The preventative medicine we can be for one another may not cure a pandemic, but it can surely put us on the road to recovery.

Rev. Julianne KasmerSeptember 18, 2020

Meditation and the Awareness of Suffering

Zen meditation is especially well suited for ordinary people who are keenly aware of suffering and keenly intent on alleviation.

Wayne CodlingSeptember 16, 2020

Meditation can be an antidote for fear

Kindness can be an antidote to indifference, ignorance etc., but to alleviate fear one should meditate.

Wayne CodlingSeptember 12, 2020

Finding an antidote for "stir-crazy"

With the possibility we could see renewed restrictions on our physical freedom, here are three Bible examples we can follow to keep from going stir-crazy.

Drew SniderSeptember 10, 2020

The effects of gratitude can surprise you

We often spend so much time looking at what we lack, we forget to be grateful for what we have.

Drew SniderSeptember 5, 2020

Ismaili Centre a place for contemplation, connection

Last weekend, on August 23, 2020, the Ismaili Centre, Vancouver, celebrated its 35th anniversary.

Karima RamjiAugust 29, 2020

Eliminating fear can begin with building community

We can eliminate and transform fear into knowledge of, and respect for, one another.

Qaeeza RamjiAugust 22, 2020

Finding a path to unity through a simple yet profound phrase

The small phrase “all my relations” at the end of a talk many years ago contains an invaluable key to understanding that unity isn’t merely an ideal or aspiration, but something more.

Sheila FloodAugust 19, 2020

Building back better after a pandemic

The pandemic presents us with an opportunity to build a better, more united society

Sheila FloodAugust 15, 2020

Challenges of Covid-19 force us to look deeper

Covid 19. Here we are, experiencing an incredible challenge of readjustment. The whole world is involved and grappling with it is a new deal for most of us.

Erin ChardAugust 8, 2020

Healing the Planet, Part 2 – What you can do:

Some ideas and resources on how each one of us can make a different in our world

The Victoria Multifaith SocietyAugust 5, 2020

Healing the planet through global collaboration

This year may be remembered as the moment when humanity drew together in crises.

The Victoria Multifaith SocietyAugust 1, 2020

Bells for Peace

A special event commemorating the 75th anniversaries of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Victoria Multifaith SocietyJuly 28, 2020

Black Lives Matter in Victoria

Together we can think boldly about making community spaces, including churches, more hospitable for Black lives.

Lyndon SayersJuly 25, 2020

Two simple activities towards a kinder world

These two simple actions we can do now, to help protect the people we see every day.

Fiona PrinceJuly 22, 2020

Pandemic paves way to protect others from harm

The pandemic could be our defining moment in how we protect each other

Fiona PrinceJuly 18, 2020

Challenging times make us grow

Going through challenges and overcoming them gives us self-esteem and confidence, which is essential for us to grow

Badi ShamsJuly 15, 2020

Times of crisis can lead to goodwill and healing

The heart flag is ubiquitous throughout the city and it has brought us together

Patrick WolfeJuly 11, 2020

Religions follow different paths to view from the top

Finding one's spiritual path in life is not always easy, but brings grace

Aneeta SaroopJuly 4, 2020

Protests signal reinterpretation of our attitudes

Could it be that, with these protests occurring around the world, the circle of our moral concern is expanding?

Alan RutkowskiJune 27, 2020

“I can’t breathe”: Humanity’s need for a spiritual renaissance

“I can’t breathe” has become the rallying cry against racial injustice. But its relevance is wider and deeper than that.

Patrick WolfeJune 24, 2020

Equality a daunting struggle that must be won

One day the world will be a better place and it will be because we never gave up fighting for equality for all

Qaeeza RamjiJune 20, 2020

Gratitude to the Ministry of Checking In

In praise of those wonderful friends, family and neighbours who are regularly checking in on us.

Kevin AschenbrennerJune 17, 2020

Let's make Ordinary Times better times for all

A yearning for ordinary times leads to an appreciation for them

Kevin AschenbrennerJune 13, 2020

Leaning in and finding the courage to be kind, calm and vocal

Leaning in to hear the quiet voice of wisdom can help us to have the courage to be kind

Soshin McMurchyJune 10, 2020

Solidarity, not just charity for street community

In these times of grave injustice we must support: but from solidarity not charity.

Joshua GoldbergJune 6, 2020

The saving grace in trying times

Our collective strength is shown in our unity as we face challenges together

Suresh BasrurJune 3, 2020

Compassion in the face of Covid-19 pandemic

For many of us, the pandemic has made us reflect deeply on our purpose in, and meaning of Life.

Suresh BasrurMay 30, 2020

Navigating change in a challenging time

Late last year,, I embarked upon a journey calculated to change life - mine and others

Keith SimmondsMay 23, 2020

Simple Living a Solution in Times of Crisis

The events of the world in these recent times turn our attention again to what is essential for our existence

Badi ShamsMay 19, 2020

Spiritual solutions needed for economic problems

This pandemic crisis could be an opportunity for change to a kinder, more spiritually based economic system

Badi ShamsMay 16, 2020

Collaboration key to peace and healing amid crisis

This is the time to be kind, patient and strive to be our aspirational selves.

Rabbi Harry BrechnerMay 9, 2020

Spiritual Health - How do we get there?

Spiritual health isn’t a common term, but perhaps it should be.

Sheila FloodMay 6, 2020

Pandemic reveals what is truly essential

What has the Covid -19 pandemic shown to be essential?

Rev. Lyle McKenzieMay 2, 2020

How will this virus pandemic change us?

Our daily lives have changed dramatically. What will a new normal look like going forwards?

Rev. Shana LynngoodApril 25, 2020

Celebrating Ramadan in a time of social distancing

Ramadan is just around the corner. And this year, it will be a Ramadan like no other

Maryam BakshApril 17, 2020

Spending our time well

In this time we have now, perhaps the best use we could make of it is to again try to learn to ‘be’ instead of ‘do’.

The Ven. Alastair McCollumApril 14, 2020

Easter story inspires faith, hope and love

Easter is not solely based on the grief of the crucifixion of Jesus, but on the inspiring story of his resurrection.

The Ven. Alastair McCollumApril 11, 2020

Coping with Coronovirus and building a better world with wit, grit and inner light

A simple poem can inspire us to focus on the positive to help us through difficult times

Patrick WolfeApril 8, 2020

Staying positive is essential in our virus-worn world

Gratitude, compassion and love for one another can raise our spirits at this time

Sheila FloodApril 4, 2020

The Days of Milk and Water

During this time of social distancing, let's do more meditation

Wayne CodlingMarch 31, 2020

Awakening to interconnectedness in this crisis

Not just all humans but all life on earth is interconnected

Wayne CodlingMarch 28, 2020

Flattening the curve an opportunity for unique ways to be together

We may not be able to gather, but this be an opportunity to explore unique ways of connecting

The Reverend Canon Nancy FordMarch 21, 2020

A late convert reflects on "Easter"

Easter - a time of reflection and reminder on how we follow Christ Jesus

Drew SniderMarch 18, 2020

Finding a purpose in where you are

Have you ever found yourself in an unexpected, situation? It doesn’t have to be that way.

Drew SniderMarch 14, 2020

Baha'i Spirit Walks at UVic for focused reflection

The Spirit Walks are a service offered by Bahá’í volunteers at the UVic Multifaith Centre,

Sheila FloodMarch 11, 2020

Seekers should search for an unbiased truth

The concept of the unbiased seeker is in many spiritual traditions.

Sheila FloodMarch 6, 2020

Lent - a time to adjust our short-sighted vision

Lent is an opportunity to adjust our sense of proportion in life

Julianne KasmerFebruary 29, 2020

Miracles Redefined: Experiencing the Divine in Everyday Life (Part Two)

A talk by Heike Arneth at First Church of Christ, Scientist, Victoria, on Saturday, March 7th at 2:00 pm.

Matthew JacksonFebruary 26, 2020

Miracles Redefined: Experiencing the Divine in Everyday Life

What is a miracle? And under what circumstances do they happen?

Matthew JacksonFebruary 22, 2020

Renewing Jewish Spirituality - a talk

Sunday, February 23, 4:00 pm at Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue, Victoria

Spiritually SpeakingFebruary 19, 2020

Living in an Age of Miracles

We live in an age of modern miracles—and we don’t even know it.

Badi ShamsFebruary 15, 2020

Addressing climate change through the spiritual practice of yoga

This could be the decade of change, and the spiritual practice of yoga can help

Karyn WoodlandFebruary 11, 2020

Eco challenges need a united front to resolve

Our modern-day problems can’t be solved without unity of purpose, cooperation and pragmatism.

Sheila FloodFebruary 8, 2020

Buddhism, Zen and Meditation

I think of Zen as the kinship of the zeroistas and is a marvel.

Wayne CodlingFebruary 5, 2020

Walking the Middle Path

Suzuki-roshi, the founder of San Francisco Zen Centre, once called Zen practice a bridge between the ideals of Zen and the reality of life.

Wayne CodlingFebruary 1, 2020

Congregation Emanu-El Education Team presents talk, “Jewish Shamanism”

February 2, 4:00 pm at Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue, Victoria

Spiritually SpeakingJanuary 29, 2020

Our stories depict the journey of our lives

Live your story with confidence in the tales you will write through living your life.

The Right Reverend Logan McMenamieJanuary 24, 2020

Gross National Happiness & Other Alternative Economic Approaches

What is Gross National Happiness, and how does it work?

Badi ShamsJanuary 18, 2020

Discovering the wisdom within

I feel as if wisdom developed within me as I lived with my experiences

Dr Gloria McArterJanuary 10, 2020

Divine grace found in messiness of imperfect life

Rather than attempting to be perfect, we can allow Divine grace to meet us where we are, in the messiness of life

Kevin AschenbrennerJanuary 4, 2020

Finding hope and vision for the next decade

Here is my hope and vision for the next decade: that we first commit ourselves to seeking solutions to the world’s problems

Sheila FloodDecember 31, 2019

Mr. Rogers and the gifts of grace.

The new movie about the life and work of Fred Rogers shines a light on the beauty of grace

Patrick WolfeDecember 28, 2019

Kafka and Secular Jewish Mysticism

Lee Henderson will take a look at the life and work of the great 20th century Jewish writer Franz Kafka and his relationship to Tanakh

Spiritually SpeakingDecember 26, 2019

The story of Mary – a spiritual disruptor

At Christmas I am reminded of a prophetic text attributed to Mary in the Gospel of Luke.

Lyndon SayersDecember 21, 2019

Chanukah, Tzedakah, Charity and Justice

At sundown on December 22 Jews all over the world will light their menorahs and say blessings for the first night of Chanukah.

Fiona PrinceDecember 18, 2019

Magical lights of holiday season shared by all

Holiday lights bring us together sharing the traditions of caring and love

Fiona PrinceDecember 14, 2019

Three Spiritual Ways to Avoid Financial Regrets

To spend without regret; wise tips for how we manage our money

Badi ShamsDecember 11, 2019

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