818 INSPIRATIONS
"The physical expression of Spirit through dance and other forms of music is an essential part of the mystical experience everywhere in the world. Unity Chicago's monthly "818 " Friday evenings are a joyful link between ancient traditions and cutting edge raves, giving everyone from infants to seniors a chance to feel and celebrate the creative power of music and movement." - Ed Townley
"When I meditated on the word GUIDANCE, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person realizes and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other. My eyes drew back to the word GUIDANCE. When I saw "G," I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i." "God, "u" and "i" dance"! God, you, and I dance." - Author Unknown
"I give you this as a key, as a criterion, as a touchstone. Keep it always in mind that whenever you are feeling uneasy, disturbed, restless, remember: You are doing something which is against the universal rhythm, the universal dance. You are out of step, that's all. Start moving back into rhythm, come back into harmony, and suddenly there is sunlight; the clouds have disappeared and the path has been found. Dance is a rhythmic movement. Dance represents God more than anything else. In my observation, dance is the most prayerful activity possible. When your body is in a dance and you are utterly lost in the rhythm of it, you start coming closer to God." - Osho
A quote sent to us recently by Jean B (emily's Mom) :) ....."People think of their supply as coming from certain investments, or from a business, or from an employer, perhaps; whereas these are merely the channels through which it comes, God being the Source.The number of possible channels is infinite, the Source is One. The particular channel through which you are getting your supply is quite likely to change, because change is the Cosmic Law for manifestation.Stagnation is really death; but as long as you realize that the Source of your supply is the one unchangeable Spirit, all is well. The fading out of one channel will be the signal for the opening of another."- Emmet Fox "The Sermon on the Mount
EIGHT:18@UNITY = CIRCUS OF THE SPIRIT
NOTE: Friday April 4th, 2008 was our final 8:18 event at Unity.
After 56 consecutive monthly events, we went out with a BIG bang.... the kind of booming resounding loving bang that creates new Universes!! Full of love, full of life, full of beauty and wonder.
And filled to overflowing with Gratitude.
We took a few minutes during the evening to acknowledge those who have made 8:18 a manifested reality. Those of you who gave of your Self, who brought your unique gifts and style to perform, to create video and decor, to help set up, to help clean up, to volunteer by promoting and helping 8:18 grow, to facilitate a service or group or sub-event ...
you blessed us with your Service.
Those who came to be in community at our events, who brought friends, who made friends, who graced our dance floor, who shared with each other to create such community...
you blessed us with your Presence.
Thank you.
Because of 8:18, we have made hundreds of friends.
Because of 8:18, We (Preston and Emily) met, fell profoundly in love, and are happily, blissfully married.
Because of 8:18, we have MORE love actively in our life, than we ever could have imagined!!!
We thank you, from the depths of our spirit.
Without each and every person involved with 8:18, it would not have evolved into this amazing celebration of life and diversity.
We bow in humble honor and gratitude to all of you
Thank you for the LOVE
Thank you for your Creativity
Thank you for your Self.