Spiritually Speaking

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

Small Town’s Simple Approach to Peace

Nineteen years ago, one of the churches in our little town started organizing a Peace Walk on the first day of each year.

Badi ShamsDecember 7, 2019

McMindfulness, thoughts on a CBC interview with author Ronald Purser

A clear look at the current popularity of mindfulness and how it differs from Buddhist meditation practises

Soshin McMurchyDecember 4, 2019

Celebrating Rohatsu Through Right Speech

How can we learn to use the Buddhist teaching of Right Speech in everyday life?

Soshin McMurchyNovember 30, 2019

Forgiving oneself or others is no easy act

Forgiveness is often difficult, much talked about, and yet so important for humanity

Paul NewmanNovember 23, 2019

Truth - an essential component for survival

Truth reflects integrity, and without integrity, man is nothing.

Suresh BasrurNovember 20, 2019

We must keep our hope as we search for truth

In the search for truth, we must keep our faith, hope, dignity, and our humanity

Suresh BasrurNovember 16, 2019

Lest we Forget, and lose spiritual attentiveness

Why Remembrance Day helps to cultivate spiritual attentiveness

Larry ScottNovember 9, 2019

A Clearer View of You

A one-hour talk about identity with Christian Science practitioner and teacher, Lyle Young of Ottawa

Matthew JacksonNovember 6, 2019

How spiritual identity is related to healing

Discovering our spiritual identity and relationship to God, enables us to experience healing in our lives

Matthew JacksonNovember 2, 2019

Kristallnacht Remembrance Events

Two events for community participation that focus on learning about, and remembering Kristallnacht. (Night of Broken Glass)

Spiritually SpeakingOctober 31, 2019

Canadian election is over but persistence must continue

The Federal election is completed, but we must continue to persist for greater justice for all.

Rev. Lyle McKenzieOctober 26, 2019

Changing the Way we Make Change

What can we do to create positive change in more effective and healing ways?

Eric HellmanOctober 23, 2019

Human Library Project gives rise to questions

The human library promises to be one of these libraries that brings together fun and learning in the most unique way.

Karima RamjiOctober 19, 2019

Magic and the Rabbinate - a talk

Sunday October 27 at 4 pm at Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue, Victoria

Spiritually SpeakingOctober 15, 2019

News challenges us, but we can still be thankful

Thanksgiving prompts us to consider the roots of our faith and to be grateful for its lessons

Keith SimmondsOctober 12, 2019

Finding our humanity in a difficult world

Our deepest humanity is rooted in knowing that we are connected.

Rev. Shana LynngoodOctober 9, 2019

Tackle problems behind the headlines together

Whatever the headlines bring tomorrow, we will need to face them together.

Rev. Shana LynngoodOctober 5, 2019

The Latest on Israel Today

Talk on Israel to be given at Emanu-El Synagogue, Victoria

Spiritually SpeakingOctober 2, 2019

Jewish New Year brings questions for us all

The Jewish New Year is a time for personal reflection

Rabbi Harry BrechnerSeptember 28, 2019

Do We Need to Justify Our Spending?

Do we have to justify our spending? Many people are rethinking their answer to this question.

Badi ShamsSeptember 25, 2019

When deep conversations awaken us to yearn for better

Having the courage to have deep conversations can bring change

The Reverend Canon Nancy FordSeptember 20, 2019

Trust, like that of the Prophet Musa, can keep us safe

The timeless lesson on the trust of the prophet Musa, or Moses, is relevant to us today

Maryam BakshSeptember 14, 2019

Discovering a relationship with God through community

What is a ‘relationship with God’ to begin with? And why would anyone want one?

The Ven. Alastair McCollumSeptember 10, 2019

Finding God is not as hard as you think

Let's not walk past those opportunities to experience God is the simple beauty of life

The Ven. Alastair McCollumSeptember 7, 2019

The place of meditation in transitions

Transitions are hard. Any change in our state of being, whether personal or cultural, provokes anxiety

Wayne CodlingSeptember 4, 2019

Zen Meditation - a powerful integrator

Meditation, especially as part of a group, is a powerful integrator of every person's shifting notions about their own place in the world

Wayne CodlingAugust 31, 2019

Benefits of Public Accountability in Church

Together, as a church we want to reflect the richness of that body in all its diversity.

Lyndon SayersAugust 28, 2019

Take a leap of faith at this moment in history

As a church, now is the time to take a leap of faith, opening our doors and forging new partnerships

Lyndon SayersAugust 24, 2019

Synagogue Sketches of the Western World

Join artist,Ben Levinson on Thursday, September 5, 2019, 7 – 9 pm at the opening reception for his exhibition

Spiritually SpeakingAugust 21, 2019

Humanistic Judaism promotes personal growth

There is a strong secular Jewish tradition of free thinkers from Spinoza to Isaac Asimov to Albert Einstein.

Alan RutkowskiAugust 17, 2019

The Veil and Human Rights

The importance on the right to choose is at the heart of the debate about the veil.

Sheila FloodAugust 14, 2019

Meditation for Full Moon Ceremony

Everyone is invited to participate in this event

Wayne CodlingAugust 12, 2019

United, we can break the pattern of polarization

How do we break the habitual pattern of taking sides and fighting about issues, whether they’re political, philosophical or scientific?

Sheila FloodAugust 10, 2019

Encounter with bears offers fresh, more spiritual view of life

Seeing all creation through the lens of divine Love, can change how we see and interact with nature

Anna Bowness-ParkAugust 3, 2019

Ten Zen ways to find meaning in life

Zen practice for a beginner is about sitting still, in silence, on the cushion for a few minutes a day with focus.

Soshin McMurchyJuly 31, 2019

We must wake up and, together, take positive action

What does it take for us to wake up?

Soshin McMurchyJuly 27, 2019

What can be done with the widening gap between the rich and the poor?

The 26 richest people on earth in 2018 had the same net worth as the poorest half of the world’s population

Badi ShamsJuly 24, 2019

Lessons from an Economics Professor helped understanding of the Bible

“Learn to discern”. An enduring lesson on reading the Bible, from an unlikely source.

Drew SniderJuly 20, 2019

Praying for a mindful third way

Prayer that is mindful can help our focus and change our reactions in daily life

Kevin AschenbrennerJuly 18, 2019

Summer Spirit Walks at UVic Interfaith Chapel for everyone

This summer come and try the Spirit Walks at Finnerty Gardens

Sheila FloodJuly 17, 2019

What an online video game taught me about community

A lesson on the importance of community comes in an unexpected way.

Kevin AschenbrennerJuly 13, 2019

Reversing false prosperity; creating true planetary equality

Too much prosperity for so few creates an imbalance that can and must be corrected

Suresh BasrurJuly 9, 2019

Graduation brings challenge of competitiveness

Seeing competitiveness in a more spiritual light brings out better qualities in the workplace

Suresh BasrurJuly 6, 2019

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