Expanding Horizons

Kris describes the attributes of the Hero, and the spiritual benefits from analysis of a number of Heroic myths and tales.

Kris leads today's service, sharing his thoughts about the importance of resilience and the tools we can use to combat challenges in our lives.

This week, Kris introduces guest speaker Amanda. She shares an archetype from Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung; the Shadow, namely, unconscious negative parts of a personality that have been repressed, as well as positive qualities that may be embraced.

The problems that come from self-deception are well-known and are illustrated in stories from around the world. The feelings and motivations that we reject in ourselves often hide in our subconscious and can come out in unforeseen ways, leading to more suffering. Here Kris explores the ways Jungian and Buddhist philosophies address this major vulnerability of the human ego and points out ways we can begin to face the issues we hide from ourselves.

Listen as Kris reflects on two suggestions by Jeshua.

Kris leads today's service, and invites Di Russell to speak about our three gifts; Life, Mind and Faith.

Kris discusses the signposts on the path to spiritual fulfilment; Disquiet, The Search, The Answer, Crisis, Renewal, Detachment and Reconnection. Taking lessons from these signposts can lead us to becoming wiser, kinder, more loving people.

Equanimity is not indifference, emotional suppression, or passivity. True equanimity is a state of engaged, balanced presence where you see things clearly and respond without being reactive.   Unitarian member Jennie leads this podcast episode; sharing engaging view points from a selection of stories.

Why is the story of Frankenstein's Monster so popular, even over 200 years since it was written by Mary Shelley? The original title gives a hint: "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus". Mary Shelley was inspired in part by a classic myth and, like all great stories, it reflects many enduring themes, such as loss, guilt, father-child relationships, and the consequences of defying nature's laws. Here Kris explores these themes and their links to spirituality.

Join Kris for an exploration of the Danish concept of "Hygge": a perfect topic for a chilly wet week in South Australia (and anywhere). Why not follow the Danish example and bring more hygge into your daily life?

Join Kris Hanna and guest speaker Lyndy Abrams for an exploration of  The Six Perfections,  a set of spiritual qualities cultivated by Buddhist practitioners.

We don't talk about miracles much, but on the 17th of May Kris unpacked a valuable 20th Century Christian text: A Course in Miracles, by Helen Schucman. While couched in Christian terms, the author's philosophy incorporates modern psychology and focuses on love, relationships and inner growth. Thus you may find it to be a valuable guide to your spiritual path.

Kris discusses a selection of motherhood statements, in gratitude and celebration of the mothers and mother figures in our lives.

Kris explores with us, some of the ways that we might bring love and social justice into our own daily practices, from the life and words of Martin Luther King Jr.

Kris explores paths to maturing emotionally, mentally and spiritually using stories old and new.

Here Kris speaks on the topic of "War and Peace." With Anzac day arriving, Kris shares his thought about war, and the true path to peace.

Kris explores the stages to forgiveness, and our responsibilities on that path.

This service on Easter Sunday was led by Kris Hanna on the theme of ‘Renewal.' Music was contributed by Brendan Moyse.

This service, led by Kris Hanna, explores the ‘The Seven Principles,' core ideas that Unitarian Universalist communities around the world share and promote and how UUs came to be what they are today. The poem 'As Once The Winged Energy Of Delight' by Rainer Maria Rilke was read by Sandy Schultheis and reading from mathematician/writer Alfred Whitehead by Richard Mayo. Music for this service was contributed by Brendan Moyse.

This service was led by Kris Hanna on ‘Çhurch-hopping' with music contributed by Grant Shillabeer and Brendan Moyse. ‘We find our brothers and sisters in all the temples and churches – the followers, the seekers and the wise.'

The main address for this service was delivered by Joanna Giannis on “Where our stories meet the road” exploring intertwining stories and building connection, with music contributed by Robyn Filmer and readings from Jane Brooks and Aaron Poeze. 

Here Kris speaks on "Learning to be 'white'" - the significant contribution that ideas of superiority bring to the world problems and his own observations of segregation during apartheid in South Africa and indeed on returning to Australia at that time. Music for this service was contributed by Margaret Lambert.

Today Kris introduces the 'Mirror of Simple Souls', a work of Christian mysticism from the middle ages. Its author was Marguerite Porete - a French-speaking mystic and member of a Beguine religious community. Using the Christian language of the time, she outlined a path toward transcending Reason and unifying the Soul with God and Love. Here, Kris also shows how Porete's ideas are similar to the Buddhist path and have value to modern spiritual seekers of any faith.

Carl Jung is perhaps less well-known than his contemporary Freud, but his work is a landmark at the nexus of spirituality and psychology. What advice can we take from his ideas? Here, Kris very clearly presents Jung's ideas on how we can each work to become our truest and best self. This requires each of us to accept the responsibility and cost of looking deeply into ourselves, exploring our subconscious, getting to know our 'shadow', and using symbolism, art and mythology to find peace.

This week, Kris invited Sean Ahmed-Lewis to give the address on the topic of "The Four Agreements", a book written by Don Miguel Ruiz based on Toltec wisdom. The Four Agreements are: Be Impeccable With Your Word, Don't Take Anything Personally, Don't Make Assumptions, Always Do Your Best. Sean gives a perceptive and inspiring explanation of how these practices can help people of any faith (or none) live a happier and more compassionate life.

We unwittingly accept the illusion of confinement and heavy imposition by others, which is why 'letting go' brings such lightness and joyous freedom. Here, Kris explores the nuances of letting go and offers helpful suggestions on why and how to go about it.

Today Kris suggests that our identity is not something we discover, but is something we are continually choosing. Jungian psychology and Buddhism both provide a framework for thinking about the illusive concept of our 'self'. Beyond all our labels and expectations there is freedom for those who seek it.... freedom to act from a place of reason and compassion.

Being granted three wishes is a recurring motif in the stories of many cultures. Here, Kris recounts a sacred story from the Hindu tradition in which the god of Death graciously grants three wishes to a boy who is wise beyond his years. His wishes are a refection of the best qualities of humanity - a yearning for good relationships with others and for spiritual development, rather than for material gain or sensory pleasures. If you were face-to-face with death, what would you wish for?

'You are not the person you were told you have to be' In this week's service, SA Unitarians President, Aaron Poeze reflects on learning - good and bad - and unlearning, which can sometimes be very good! In your journey through life and in your exploration of spirituality, what will you choose to 'unlearn'?  

This week, to mark the New Year, SA Unitarian member Brendan offers a contemplative service on the topic of beginnings. Change can be difficult, but this collection of readings, offered together with a guided meditation, may inspire you to start the new year afresh.

Kris leads a service reflecting on the triumph of light over darkness at solstice time, as well as the darkness Australia is dealing with in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack.

This week, Kris speaks of the Bhagavad Gita, a ancient, sacred Hindu story. The story relates how the the God Krishna councils a mortal hero, Arjuna, as he hesitates before heading into battle. Aldous Huxley believed that the Bhagavad Gita contains a "perennial philosophy" that has value to all humanity. Here, Kris explains how the five main ideas presented by Krishna can be of huge value to us all as we search for fulfilment in life.

With the able assistance of our youth community members, Kris presents reflections on the topic of "waking up" to the world's deeper truths. Coming to understand that much of humanity is focused on superficial matters can be challenging. However, through searching for a deeper, more ultimate truth we can become more authentic and compassionate people.

What does it mean to live a spiritual life? Our spiritual paths may vary, but we all strive to focus on something greater than the day-to-day concerns which can easily overwhelm us. Today Kris outlines a holistic framework for working with our body, mind, and soul.

"... holiness, purity and charity are not exclusive possessions of any church in the world, and that every system has produced men and women of the most exalted character".  -- Swami Vivekananda Today we hear from three members of the South Australian Multifaith Association, who share teachings from the heart of the Islamic, Jewish and Bahai Faiths. Kris then reflects on how, through respect and caring, we can find the oneness of humanity within the diversity of religions.

Encouragement has an important and multifaceted role in our worldly and spiritual lives. How can we best encourage others to fulfil their potential? And how does practicing encouragement help create peace and wisdom in our lives? 

What does it mean to be "stoic"? The true message of the stoic philosophers may surprise and inspire you on your spiritual path. Listen on...

The identity of the author of "The Gospel of Thomas" is a mystery, but this ancient collection of the sayings of Yeshua adds a dimension to the teachings found in the standard books of the New Testament. Speaking from Shady Grove in the Adelaide Hills, Kris reflects on how several of these sayings can guide us on our spiritual paths today.

This week, we joyously celebrated a "Coming of Age" milestone for four young people in our community. The young adults have completed challenges, reflected on growing up, and performed acts of service to the community. To protect their privacy, much of their own presentation cannot be broadcast, but we hope you enjoy what we can share!

The message of the Unitarian Flower communion, created by Norbert Čapek over 100 years ago, is still just as relevant today. Join us for a celebration of diversity and connection.

This week we talk about love, by way of a tale from Greek mythology, and discuss ways to practice it.

'The Golden Rule' can be found in many religions and wisdom traditions. So why is it so often not followed? Listen on...

Without the dogmas of personal God and immortality, where is one to find meaning in life? How is one to live well? Is it possible to be secular and spiritual at the same time? Here, Kris reflects on the the thinking of Bertrand Russell on these questions. Russell (1872–1970) was a British philosopher, logician, and essayist best known for his work in mathematical logic and analytic philosophy. But he was also a free-thinker who developed his own optimistic creed based on both reason and love. Listen on!

Having recently spent a week on retreat with the British Unitarians, Kris Hanna reflects on the roots of Australian Unitarianism, what we have become, and how we can continue to grow as a spiritual community. 

This week we invite you to contemplate the meaning of Peace. Here, Jennie Dyster presents a collection of readings, read by our members and interspersed with music played by Margaret Lambert.  May peace be with you.

In a change from the routine, this week's gathering was centred around the viewing of two short videos about Kaurna history and spirituality produced by "The Knowledge Project". The Knowledge Project, led by Jack Buckskin, aims to create greater shared knowledge between Kaurna people and the wider community. Here, Jennie Dyster briefly sets the stage for these moving films by reminiscing on the historic lack of mainstream knowledge about First Nations' culture in South Australia. To watch these valuable films, go to: https://knowledgeproject.com.au/

This week, SA Unitarians member Aaron Poeze examines the topic of time. What is time? How do humans experience it? And what role does it play in our spiritual development? These questions have intrigued philosophers, scientists, theologians and psychologists for.. well... a very long time. Listen on as Aaron explores this mend-bending topic.

What is religion and what is its purpose? Why God? How relevant is religion in today's world? Peter Whitham addresses these big questions by surveying the development of Christianity and emphasizing that the basic message of Jesus transcends unnecessary religious doctrines.

When it comes to money, how much is too much? In this podcast, SA Unitarians President Jennie Dyster addresses the growing inequality of wealth in our world today. Could the new concept of "Limitarianism" guide us towards creating a more equitable and democratic economic system? Listen on...

The non-canonical "Gospel of Thomas", an early Christian document discovered in 1945, supports the idea that the "Kingdom of Heaven" is within us all. Kris reads many of the "sayings of Yeshua" from the document and explains that while the author and exact dating of this document is somewhat uncertain, it can certainly provide inspiration for open-minded seekers of the spirit today.

Anam Cara in Celtic means "soul friend". It is also the name of the first book by Irish writer and philosopher John O'Donohue. Kris here gives an introduction to the man and his spiritual teachings, framed by his poetic, mystical writings on nature, the soul, love, and personal growth.