Thoughts on Talks - Rev. Mike & Malayna

Salaam Thompson joins Rev. Mike and Malayna once again, this time to share an event from his life -- #ShoppingWhileBlack at a local Ralph's supermarket. He and his family have been treated extremely unjustly and gotten no response to their attempts to communicate by phone, email or legal means. Together we planned real steps that we can take together as a community to remedy the situation and bring about the vision of a world that works for all. HEARTLESS RALPH'S BANS BLACK FAMILY FOR LIFE from ALL Ralph's and Food 4 Less supermarkets on threat of arrest without reason, proof or recourse. We invite you to join us in prayer and in action steps around the idea that the right people get this information within this structure and it is addressed in a respectful and meaningful way.

In this short, 40-minute episode, Rev. Mike, Salaam and Malayna called an Emergency Session to address all the shootings that have taken place in March of 2021. Salaam presented a perspective from within the Black Community, and Rev. Mike explained how it felt from his white male perspective and helped us consider the relationship to guns from the perspective of a veteran, a sportsman, a police officer. Malayna tried to find where we can each make a heart-to-heart difference in all of our communities, Salaam suggested we all lean into uncomfortable conversations, and Rev. Mike took it the the spiritual level where we're all connected as one. Can you stretch your perspective to hear another's? Try it by watching and listening to this episode!

The Sunday talk from Rev. Mike was about "unleashing the infinite invisible", and our regular co-host, Salaam Thompson, wanted to share about the film "Judas and the Black Messiah" on HBO Max--about the 1960's Chicago Black Panther leader, Fred Hampton. Malayna Dawn has a coughing attack in the middle and tries to recover by attempting to connect the infinite invisible to why empowered leaders seem a threat to those in power. Salaam shares from his vast wealth of knowledge and experience about the Black American experience and being a follower of Islam, which also connecting us to world history, mathematics and pop culture -- which is why we all get along so well. How does this information sit with you? Do your research, then let us know!

Rev. Mike and Malayna discuss the topic of the Sunday Jan 24th talk which was how to use the power of the Divine in your life. Examples from ancient teachers and modern poets are used, Heart Math and Transcendentalists -- get ready for some deep thoughts!

Join Rev. Mike McMorrow, Malayna, and Salaam Thompson as they talk about Inauguration Day firsts, The People's Inauguration.org, and the new movie "One Night in Miami" -- kudos for Regina King, and background info on the Nation of Islam. They discuss how advertising and marketing are responding to the Black Lives Matter movement, getting Colin Kapernick a medal and restoring the career of Jemele Hill, the Black American ESPN reporter who got fired for calling out white supremacy. (She's starting a media empire now!) And an ode to Amanda Gorman, the poet from West L.A. whose "The Hill We Climb" inspired us all on Inauguration Day. We've got work to do!HW: Participate in The People's Inauguration at https://thepeoplesinauguration.org/​Sign a change.org petition for Colin Kaepernick...Check out Jemele's new podcast network on SpotifyLearn more info on Amanda Gorman

Our final episode of 2020 with our friend Salaam had us talking about a bunch of great stuff including: Kwanzaa principles - Unity, Self Determination, Collective Work, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith; Ma'at principles; Melanated Money Mondays.com and support Black-owned businesses!Jingle JangleBridgertonHermione in Harry Potter on stageHamiltonSoulPS 5 ads with DWYCK -- "Do What You Can Kid"Nice and Smooth; DJ Premier/Primo; GangstarSalaam Running for Neighborhood and City Counciland Rev. Mike in Chamber of Commerce! -----------------------------------------------------------------Center for Spiritual Living Granada Hills provides spiritual tools to transform our personal lives and help make the world a better place.We extend a warm welcome to all people in search of a spiritual community where they are embraced, affirmed and accepted for who they are, as well as inspired and supported to grow into their highest potential.Visit us, the Center with Heart: http://cslgh.org

"Preparing the Way" was the jumping off point for this week's conversation, as it was the topic of the Sunday Dec 13, 2020 talk from Rev. Mike, but it went in all kinds of directions: From Lollapalooza and using our phones to look things up, to Winter Solstice and Spirals of Light and stone, which led to thoughts of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Dune, and then down YouTube rabbit holes--- Colbert and James Corden, Paul McCartney and Willie Nelson, intellectuals and quantum thinkers Yuval Harari, Oprah and Thich Nhat Hanh, Joe Dispenza and Fearless Soul, Mel Robbins and Impact Theory, and back to meditation tools and practicing stillness, creating space in your thoughts and your life for the good and the light!

Rev. Mike and Malayna talk about the November 15th talk that asked about How Engaged is God as Us? We talked about how each of us can use our inner guidance to make our best choices, but also, how we can try to connect with others who may be doing the same, but who seem to be in opposition to us. We spoke of connections in the natural world and in mathematics that point us to inspiration and awe about our world. And we also ended up talking about how people unfamiliar with the Bible can understand some basics about the historical context and why a history of a tribe of people resonates with life today (and what to do when it doesn't resonate). Check it out! Visit us, the Center with Heart: http://cslgh.org

Whereas the Talks we share Thoughts on are usually those given by Rev. Mike on Sundays, this episode examines Talks by Joe Biden, Van Jones, Emmanuel Acho and more. Malayna shared her #BlackLivesMatter face mask with art from Jenny Hahn Art.com (to complement her eco tee shirt)and spoke with Salaam about seeing Van Jones in tears the morning the election was called for Joe Biden. He shared about Ice Cube and Kamala and his wise wife saying we can't imagine what it would be like to be a political commentator. Then we discussed Van Jones' TED talk asking 'what if a president refuses to concede?", his #LoveArmy and some of the organizations that are continuing to work for a more democratic democracy. (See below!)And have you noticed that Rev. Mike is of Irish descent, like Joe Biden and Malayna is half-South Asian like Kamala? Just sayin'.And we talked about talks with our friends and family members, abroad or across the nation; the CONSCIOUSNESS behind our political motivations; and the human condition when power is involved. A shout out to the Unity Southwest Region and Rev. John Washington, and an invitation from Salaam to watch his Facebook live chat with his friends coming up. Van Jones suggested organizations:ChooseDemocracy.usElectionTaskForce.orgProtectDemocracy.orgMobilize.usAllAmericans.orgCivicAlliance.comThe Fight Back Table @ Demos.orgVoter Fraud: The Heritage FoundationGov't Accountability InstituteSUPPORT:ACLU.orgLeadership Conference on Civil Rights - civilrights.orgNAACP Legal Defense Fund - www.naacpldf.orgIndivisible.orgColor of Change.org

Starting with Rev. Mike's Oct 18 talk, "Bridge Over Troubled Water", Rev. Mike and Malayna spoke about Simon & Garfunkel, but also tales of ups and downs; the human condition; the evolution of money, power and greed; losing and finding faith; the ourobouros and cyclical nature of life; duality and manifestation; The Social Dilemma; Buddha and Jesus; Genius and common folk; forgiveness and compassion and politics.

In this Oct 14th episode, Rev. Mike and Malayna talk with Salaam about The Lakers' win, the opening monologue on Saturday Night Live (SNL) by comedian Bill Burr that created a Twitter backlash, how Lovecraft Country and Drunk History use horror and comedy respectively to help people learn, and how the Crisis in Democracy isn't new, but is an ongoing experiment. Citizenship requires seeing past the artful storytelling of propaganda and marketing to look into what makes logical sense. We know that none of us represent or speak for all who look like us, but we encourage conversations!

In this episode, Rev. Mike and Malayna discuss the October 4th Sunday talk, "Just Like Me" and apply the concept to finding compassion toward all the White House Staff who have tested positive for Covid-19, to understanding why pharmaceutical companies still keep making ads that show one thing but say another, and how to listen to opposing viewpoints by practicing. Not just our spiritual practice to help us create space in our hearts and responses, but in practicing the art of being curious and looking for common ground. Like by using voca.vote to share opinions on reparations for slavery, and reading the comments from those who disagree with your own stance. Real talk, applying spiritual principles to life without pretending it's not challenging, but also looking for the transcendent in the spaces between.

On this 39th episode of TOT, we talk about the Breonna Taylor verdict, the first presidential debate of 2020 and the over-arching themes that connect them. It IS in our hands, has to be, when justice isn't just, when the masses opt for entertainment over substance and we can't work together but desperately need to do so. We also can strive to be better and vote our conscience. (Salaam's tee this week features Muhammed Ali with Malcolm X and his daughters.) **The Black Lives Matter heart-with-fists-light-and-blood is by Jenny Hahn. Support her work and get a t-shirt or mask at jennyhahnart.com. **

We talked about sports teams and the power of names; gestures like kneeling (like Kaepernick) or embracing (like Tyson and Tupac); the power of artists to empower others and offer hope, and the extremes of expression that push envelopes and buttons (like Cardi B). We talked Lovecraft Country (HBO) and Gil Scott-Heron, (and debated which is scarier: racists or monsters); and then wrapped it up with the power of intention, mindfulness and an invitation for our local police officers to meditate with us. #BLM #MeditatewithPolice #PopCultureLessons #LovecraftCountry #HipHopHistory #BlueCollarSpirituality #NationofIslam #FruitofIslamBLM Heart art by Jenny Hahn of JennyHahnArt.com - now available as a face mask or a t-shirt!

This episode goes behind-the-scenes on Rev. Mike McMorrow's new book, Blue Collar Spirituality: Finding a God that Works (Get it? Works? Like working people do?) He talks with Malayna Dawn about the people who encouraged and supported him along the way, and the people he hopes to help with the information shared in his book. Join us on a journey of a "recovering redneck" to ministry that makes sense. Link on Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Blue-Collar-Spirituality-Finding-Works/dp/1735035300/

Rev Mike and Malayna are joined by Salaam Thompson, who this week shares insights on the aftermath of the Jacob Blake shooting in Kenosha, Wisconsin; on the WNBA and NBA leading the athletes protests; about how black women get left out of movements, but fight on anyway. We are sure to praise women like suffragist Ida B. Wells, Tarana Burke (founder of the #MeToo movement) and author Kimberly Jones, whose video asks "How Can We Win"? while explaining the history of Black folks in America in terms of a Monopoly game. A Black woman also started SÜPRMARKT LA -- Olympia Auset brings low cost organic groceries to Los Angeles. AND we talked about Rev. Mike's new book, Blue Collar Spirituality: Finding a God that Works! Join us to learn more about the many ways that #BlackLivesMatter!#BLM Heart art by Jenny Hahn of Jenny Hahn Studio.

Salaam Thompson joins Rev. Mike and Malayna to continue the conversation about #BlackLivesMatter and how to create sustained efforts for lasting change by understanding what has gone before. We're recording from across the San Fernando Valley, on what was originally Tataviam land.

After the August 9th talk had us all singing The Who (yes, Rev. Mike does sing it in this episode!) "da Rev" and Malayna talk more about the Declaration of Principles we speak each Sunday and how they are indeed political -- though he tried to keep it from going there on Sunday. How can our ways of identifying ourselves and our tribe be broadened to connect with other tribes work together? Shifting from a consciousness of consumption... Looking for hope in young leaders like the Mayor of Compton... Leaning more into our spiritual practices aligns us with love, and then we act from that place. Sounds easy, doesn't it? And math. We need math.

August 5, 2020 - Salaam Thompson continues the conversation with Rev. Mike and Malayna, sharing how learning about Islam while in Catholic school combined with the Black Empowerment Movement expressed in Hip Hop helped him overcome the loss of his parents and become the man he is today. In part 2 of 2 of this episode, we move through Salaam's life story, through the history of Black leaders and into a Religious Science interpretation for how we can all move forward.BLM Heart art by Jenny Hahn of JennyHahnArt.com -- where you can buy tee shirts and masks with the art on it!

August 5, 2020 - Salaam Thompson once again joins Rev. Mike and Malayna in supporting the #BlackLivesMatter movement by sharing from his personal experience and the wisdom he's gleaned in his extensive studies. In this episode, part 1 of 2, we start with Salaam's Muhammad Ali tee shirt as a doorway to talk about the Nation of Islam and its impact on his life. BLM Heart art by Jenny Hahn of JennyHahnArt.com -- where you can buy tee shirts and masks with the art on it! Links for more info:1985 Farrakan in LAhttps://www.latimes.com/archives/la-x...https://www.nytimes.com/1985/09/16/us...Nick Cannonhttps://youtu.be/LsHls1V6tE0Charlemagne tha God on Nick Cannonhttps://youtu.be/IfBtA9iVpmcJewish American Business People in Mediahttps://www.wikiwand.com/en/List_of_J...

Rev. Mike and Malayna go deeper into the Sunday topic, "None Are Free Until All Are Free" and discuss how to get there, when it seems that people can't even talk to each other. Using information from Resmaa Menakem's book My Grandmother's Hands, they discuss healing the trauma that triggers us so we can lean into uncomfortable conversations and find common ground to move forward together. There's a lot coming up in our country for healing and change, so they look at history for answers.

Rev. Mike and Malayna continue the conversation with Salaam Thompson, who shared SO MUCH knowledge, that Malayna had to look it all up, and put together a full report with links to learn even more. Here it is: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r7RqP4HKZ-tf2penmA24O0gMfrBHgtQ-/viewVideo version at: https://youtu.be/pNBw8gHCLJc

Right Intentions, Right Speech, Right Action...right?What is the right next step? How can we explore My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem together? Rev. Mike suggests using cans with string, Malayna thinks we should learn sign language. How exactly do we proceed? We need to keep checking in with our inner guidance, and take the next best step. How do we move forward while looking out for each other? Is this a great time for introverts? Quotes about right action from Alexander Pope, and a reference to The Da Vinci Code. Being frozen in inaction, indecision, fear of ridicule or mistakes. Mention of Sky Nelson-Isaacs and his book Living in Flow: The Science of Synchronicity and How Your Choices Shape Your World. Why did Einstein do a better job of thinking from the One Mind? A teaser of the July 5th talk. Looking back at history and identifying how far we need to look for the root of the healing. We are one race, all expressing the results of the violence of being alive throughout time. Being willing to be uncomfortable, make mistakes, take responsibility, say I'm sorry. Remembering indigenous people, LGBT rights, climate change. If it's not a mindful action,sometimes it's an unconscious reaction. How can we shift from outrage to change? We could apply the highest journalistic values and integrity to what we choose to post on social media -- fact check. Confederate statues and the power of the stories we build our identities upon. Is there a George Washington statue in England? (Yes! https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186338-d13896178-Reviews-George_Washington_Statue-London_England.html) Is it okay for our leaders to be good at leadership and not faultless people? Do statues glorify hubris? We don't want to erase history, but learn from the mistakes. Air Disasters happen because several failures line up. We need to look at the whole picture to learn forward. Teach and communicate. Statues of Harriet Tubman - there are lots. Can defacing statues be cathartic? Portland has a statue of Joan of Arc. Why? There's a story. We're adjusting our connection to symbols. The black bodies and white bodies imply a soul to soul connection is the way to healing. Statue to the father of gynecology and the ethics of working with slaves. Always more to the story. Lucy, Anarcha and Betsey deserve our thanks, shift the focus to gratitude. May not need to relitigate the past, but we also can't gloss over it. Simon Sinek, Sapiens - Yuval Noah Harari, Ken Wilber,shifting from work to data, information, consciousness and technology. We are more than a machine. Elijah McClain - https://www.thecut.com/2020/06/the-killing-of-elijah-mcclain-everything-we-know.html Conversation Salaam and Malayna participated in from Paley Center for Media - check @malaynadawn on Facebook. We can save the planet, we start with our own healing and loving those around us.

On this episode, Malayna picks the one thing Rev. Mike avoided in his Sunday talk on Right Speech on the theme of Mindfulness for Mavericks: "Defund the Police". But that's what this show is for! So, are those the best words to describe and rally support for the shift that is needed? Other areas of discussion: include Star Trek... N.W.A.... Politics... and more!

In this bonus episode, Rev. Mike and Malayna continue the talk with Salaam Thompson and Rev. Nancy Woods about the New Paradigm we all envision and how to get Moving Forward with a world in which #Black Lives Matter. We cover a good amount of history, and you'll find informational links below for those. Here's some studying you can do!Part 1 with Salaam Thompson Salaam shares tales from growing up in Chicago's south sideGangster Disciples - Larry Hoover https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangster_DisciplesBlack Disciples - David Barksdalehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_DisciplesEmmett Till - 14-year old lynched in 1955 for allegedly offending a white womanhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmett_TillFred Hampton - Black Panther leaderhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Hampton"Karens" - entitled white women https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_(slang)Salaaam's metaphor of trying to cash an old check as if the bank hadn't changed.Reconstruction & Civil Rights Amendmentshttps://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/BAIC/Historical-Data/Constitutional-Amendments-and-Legislation/Amy Cooper weaponizes whiteness against Christian Cooperhttps://www.cnn.com/2020/05/26/us/central-park-video-dog-video-african-american-trnd/index.htmlConfederate Statues removedhttps://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-06-16/confederate-statues-removedChokehold Lawhttps://www.npr.org/2020/06/16/877527974/how-decades-of-bans-on-police-chokeholds-have-fallen-shortPaul Butler, author of the book Chokeholdhttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/aug/11/chokehold-book-paul-butler-us-police-african-americansThe Ezra Klein Show on Paul Butlerhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-former-prosecutors-case-for-prison-abolition/id1081584611?i=1000477131355Mulford Act - CA Gov. Ronald Reagan v Black Panthershttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulford_ActMartin Luther King and Malcolm X Only Met Oncehttps://www.biography.com/news/martin-luther-king-jr-malcolm-x-meetingFruit of Islamhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fruit_of_Islam Rev. Nancy Woods joined for Part 2My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodiesby Resmaa MenakhemBook:https://smile.amazon.com/My-Grandmothers-Hands-Racialized-Pathway/dp/1942094477/ref=sr_1_1?crid=22ASBLU7YLWH6&dchild=1&keywords=my+grandmother%27s+hands&qid=1592455245&sprefix=My+grand%2Caps%2C202&sr=8-1Resmaa Menakhem Video interviewhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl8NKF5to-0NFL and NBA internal strifehttps://sports.yahoo.com/the-nf-ls-black-lives-matter-statement-was-years-in-the-making-013616877.htmlhttps://okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/2020/06/17/nba-players-union-issues-statement-vowing-to-support-social-justice/Michael Beckwith on Victim Consciousnesshttps://www.legends.report/video-michael-beckwith-oprah-winfrey-dont-be-a-victim/Creating a World that Works for All by Sharif Abdullahhttps://commonway.org/product/creating-a-world-that-works-for-all/Neighborhood Councils https://empowerla.org/Folding a Ceremonial Flaghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7yMakv5DwgJames Baldwinhttps://www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture/2020/06/03/reading-james-baldwin-can-help-heal-wounds-racial-division"Hood Classics" Film List from SalaamMenace 2 Society JuiceNew Jack CityAbove the RimBellyFind more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_hood_films#BlackLivesMatter heart art by Jenny Hahn of JennyHahnArt.com

Discussing Mindful Intentions and the CSL theme for the month, Mindfulness for Mavericks, Rev. Mike and Malayna talk about marches and movements and forward momentum. Looking to blaze new trails by looking through the lens of history and human evolution to understand how we got here, and then navigate our situation differently. What we're learning, where we're learning it, and discussions beyond our community all influence this episode of Thoughts on Talks.

This week Rev. Mike and Malayna talk with guests Rev. Nancy Woods and Salaam Thompson about creating the new paradigm, a world that works for all--a world where cooperation leaves no room for oppression and together we evolve to the next level of humanity. Rev. Nancy shares her experiences with the Civil Rights Movement in North Carolina, and Salaam shares his experiences growing up in Chicago. This is just the beginning of the conversation...more episodes like this to come! Black Lives Matter art by Jenny Hahn.

*BLM Heart Art by Jenny Hahn*. THIS EPISODE: Rev. Mike and Malayna talk about the Black Lives Matter movement and for those who aren't black, how to be a conscious ally to our African-American friends and fellow citizens. We shared people who helped us understand: Damon Hack, Paulette Pipe, Trevor Noah, Dr. Scott Bowman, Brandon "Stix" of Think Watts, The Queer Asian Social Club, Systemic Racism cartoon from act.tv and gave kudos to NBC4 and KTLA5 for great local reporting that educated and inspired during the protests. We talked about learning from our black friends from Canada and England and beyond, and steps we can take to help bring the change about. #BlackLivesMatter

Examples of finding and following Dharma expressed by Rev Mike and Malayna as the following deep dives and digressions (deep breath): Interpretive Dance • The Good Bad and Ugly • Ramadan wishes • Eid Mubarak • Fasting • On Being with Krista Tippett • Memorial Day and remembering the new front line workers • WWII • wired for danger • the wolf we feed • the duality of the material world • Jana Stanfield's song "I cannot do all the good that the world needs, but the world needs all the good that I can do." Solving litter • Always more that can be done • Erin Riley and Hope Gardens Landscaping • Topanga Nursery • accidentally growing corn • Dr. Cate vs the hateful 8 • nurture our nature • Stephen Cope and The Great Work of Your Life • Jane Goodall • goals you can't imagine • following a call • the women's movement • the LGBTQ+ movement • vurbl.com • changing gender expectations • courage to forge your own path • standing up for others • being bullied • being a hardass with a soft center • being authentic in an unknowable world • following curiosity • "this isn't the landing strip • buddy!" • making your eyes shine • Math-related aha moments • giving units for the School of Hard Knocks • backwards guru speak • answers are all in there.. but you gotta learn to be still to access them • Krishna and Arjuna • Kenny Loggins • artists and scientists work with inspiration and joy • Gandhi and his justice Dharma • Helena Blavatsky • Gratitude for musicians Ken Francis & Jason Goldstein, guest vocalist Lilli Passero and to Rev. Nancy Woods for this past Sunday service.Check out: On Being with Krista Tippetthttps://onbeing.org/series/podcast/Dr Cate and the hateful eighthttps://drcate.com/the-hateful-eight-enemy-fats-that-destroy-your-health/Jana Stanfield - All the Good https://youtu.be/qbEPrRXS7gsLilli Passerohttp://voyagela.com/interview/art-life-lilli-passero/

This episode features a talk about Dharma, mangling jokes, questioning choices and living authentically. There is talk about wearing masks and fresh breath, and planting and the environment. They compare the Vedic and the Buddhist concepts of Dharma (with visual aids!), and the Rev. shares some quotes he didn't have a chance to get to on Sunday. Malayna looks for guidance and comfort in historical dramas, like WWII-set film, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Rev. Mike and his lovely wife, Stephanie, turn to a favorite sci-fi TV series, Fringe. Does Rev. Mike break into song this time? Watch and find out!

Listen to Your Heart is not just a song by Roxette, it's great advice from Rev. Nancy Woods, who joined Rev. Mike and Malayna to talk about her Mother's Day talk. Rev. Kathy Lyons was also featured and Rev. Mike was very well-behaved! Topics included: Mary Poppins - Feed the Birds - PROnoia versus paranoia - Society's imprint - Shift and Lift - Mother Earth is a Mom who takes care of us all - and basically, to use our hearts as our guide as we recreate our post-quarantine world.

May the Fourth Be With You as Malayna points out to Rev. Mike all the unintentional Star Wars references in his May 3rd talk on "The Seat of the Soul" -- not the book, just the concept. Also touched upon:•The Unknown Comic • YouTube Haircuts • Biblical interps around caring for the Earth • How we can reimagine a better world •“In the world not of it”•Star Wars day - May the 4th: Re-grounding = yoda training, Alignment = The Force, Jewish mystic Jesus arrived = Jedi, the imperial Power =“The Empire”Deep fear of Death = Death Star! •Love God, neighbor as self (nature is our neighbor) •Done unto us as we believe •Teresa of Avila - ours is the body of Christ

The Sunday talk topic, "Fire in the Belly" is actually a good connection with Ramadan, since, as Malayna pointed out, it can describe a sense of hunger as well, which is part of the fasting commitment during the month observed in the Islamic faith. But being "young, scrappy and hungry" can also describe a passionate ambition, to borrow the line from the musical, Hamilton. Topics touched upon: the things we learn from family -- mask making -- how weird hosiery is -- Martin Van Buren's hairstyle -- parks by appointment -- framing a nice shot in the garden -- fandom for St. Francis of Assisi, including a song from the Rev. -- spiritual practice and discipline -- feeling badagini ("hungry" in Sinhalese) -- Sufism - branches of major religions - "Falling Upward" by John Silvers -- also the book by Rev. Richard Rohr -- failing forward -- being up or getting up -- privilege -- Father Gregory Boyle and Homeboy Industries -- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) -- Belonging to each other -- mysticism in Christianity -- serving in prison...as a chaplain -- role models -- looking out for our neighbors -- lessons from cars and dads -- confirmation bias in politics and religion -- Changing the Conversation -- SGN Some Good News -- sarcasm fails -- Master Class - Neil Gaiman versus Neil Diamond and Neil Sedaka -- guppies -- Flrysh -- and more!

Oh, the Deep Dives and Diversions on this episode! And plenty of great stuff to ponder too, starting with the Sunday 4/19 talk entitled "Unwritten". Topics that Rev. Mike and Malayna touched on included: 4-20 - Bob Marley - Natasha Beddingfield - Principle and Precedent - Bruce Willis - Unbreakable - Egghead - Vincent Price - Batman with Adam West - Come Alive - Pepsi Generation - Zombies - The Greatest Showman - Hugh Jackman - P.T. Barnum - Wolverine - Judge Thomas Troward - The Magician - Rev. Mike at the Ballet - The Turning Point - Phantom of the Opera - The Cosmic Pen - spiritual tools we can use - when labor lost its luster - journeyman - apprentice - the meek/geek inherited the Earth - home improvement tv shows - Erin Riley and Hope Landscaping - Malayna wielding a nail gun - essential workers - frontier people - Trevor Noah - dungarees to designer jeans - Thomas Troward and Vedic tradition - British India and Edinburgh Lectures - Ernest Holmes - Yogananda and Vivekananda - Self Realization Fellowship - Emerson - the lens of our last resentment - magic-Jesus talk - mysticism in Christianity - Bible as poetry not prose - mystery in mysticism - Laughing Jesus - Dogma - Buddy Christ - Surfer Jesus - Unity ministerial school - cultural context - desert wilderness - The Great Courses - the right question to ask - all the info in the universe in our hands - mysteries of math - Roger Penrose - Stephen Hawking - is math created or discovered? - Hannah Fry's Magic Numbers - Rev. Mike's book and Angela Carole Brown - re-writing the world - Andrew Yang's idea being done - Barbara Marx Hubbard - Sapiens - standing on the shoulders - be like scientists - Carl Sagan and his daughter Sasha Sagan - To Serve Man - The Twilight Zone - Cardassians vs. Kardashians - and some homework!

Taking a look at the Easter Sunday Service, Rev. Mike and Malayna somehow also squeeze in ventriloquism and dummies, Joseph Campbell and Thou Art That, myth and symbolism of the transcendent, pagan elements like eggs and bunnies, the world's first author - a Sumerian high priestess worshipping Inanna, from being heartbroken to broken open, 12-step truisms. all the characters in the Passion Story, the Stations of the Cross for an alter boy name Michael, psychotic teachers, Albert King blues song, clarifying our intentions for affirmations, Rev. Mike sings "I Wanna Know What Love Is", Rachel Wiesz as Hypatia in the movie Agora, obsessing over celestial bodies and alignment of lunar and solar calendars, The Great Courses, sailing at night under a full moon, wandering stars and incorrect assumptions, ghosts and the paranormal, levitation and its practical application, Buddha's teachings paraphrased, planting beans, Power of 8 Prayer for Rev.Mike and his mom, love of trees and planting a forest, if trees could talk and sentience, the covid virus, bats and living in harmony with nature, mutations and change, guppies and mosquitoes, etymology of God and getting hung up on words, the algorithm, the goddesses Ostara and Eostre, Rosie the Riveter revisited - front line medical worker art from New Orleans by Terrance Osborne, what remains and endures, Gibson guitars, why "Everything is Holy Now" get him watery-eyed, and let's play "stump the Rev."

This 4th quarantine episode is based on Thoughts on the April 5th Sunday Talk on "Bright Beginnings" and the Power of the "I Am". This special episode includes bonus pop-up details from Malayna, too! The *Deep Dives and Digressions* included Rev. Mike singing some Beyonce (again!), shout outs to all 7 ministers at our Center, Neville Goddard and his face tattooed on Mitch Horowitz' arm, The Philosophical Research Society, New Thought Classics on YouTube, Unity and The Fillmores, Metaphysical interpretation, Bible scholars and a Continuum of Consciousness, Michael the Archangel - Patron Saint of First Responders, what Ordination really is, Malcolm Gladwell and Outliers, The Hippocratic Oath, Moses' leadership, Jimmy Kimmel on teachers, working remotely, social agreements and quotes from the local hydroponic store. Oh, and a wee bit of Harry Potter.

Rev. Mike McMorrow and Malayna Dawn discuss the March 29, 2020 online Sunday service at CSLGH, which connected the previously planned topic on the language of gender to the current Covid-19 world we're living in. The Thoughts on this Talk included "Deep Dives and Digressions" on: if Jordan Peterson is too harsh, media reflections of gender and sexuality expressions, the re-emergence of society, healthcare throughout the world, an Anarchist Quaker Prayer to soothe anxiety, befriending inanimate objects, gender reveal parties, Norman Rockwell, children's books and Lorraine Streiby's art, no-nonsense monks writing books, creative laziness, shamrocks and a Michael Gott song, the term "cisgender" and the gender spectrum, and opinions and experiences that may (or may not) offer a new perspective!

Join Malayna Dawn and Rev. Mike McMorrow as they discuss the first Sunday with no in-person congregation due to Corona Virus Quarantine. They go through the slides he shared and talked about their experiences and tools to get through this strange time, with faith. Topics included: whack-a-mole, vampires, blood on the lintel, Face Everything and Rise, spiritual BINGO, and foster dogs.

Rev. Mike and Malayna share Thoughts on the March 15, 2020 Talk. They shared their different experiences and discussed ways to deal with the situation we all find ourselves in, while leaning on the Law of Spirit in the womb of creation. The situation, of course, is that the Sunday Service took place amidst Corona Virus guidelines of less than 50 people gathered. The annual meeting and voting took place online afterward, largely online. Interesting times.

Broadcasting from the Kids' Room at CSLGH, and despite early glitchiness, Malayna speaks with Rev. Mike about his Sunday, March 8th (International Women's Day!) talk continuing with the theme of the Divine Feminine. Malayna described her internal voice of God as a female voice, and recommended people listen to songs by Deidrey Francois or our own Angela Carole Brown. The conversation took them from a John Wayne movie to ancient Greek drama to futuristic brain implants and still managed to glean spiritual lessons from it all and share the history of women leaders in New Thought who teach us still.

Starting March 1st, Women's Month, the Centers for Spiritual Living are examining the Divine Feminine -- so this is Malayna's follow up with Rev. Mike about his Sunday Talk, "The Holy Reimagined". The Da Vinci Code and everyday electric plugs, Father-Mother God and Mary Baker Eddy, Shiva Lingam stones and androgynous pop culture icons, beyond binary divinities from around the world, nuns with guns, the yin-yang symbol, and images from Adam Foley.org and Pritiba Gohil -- and of course, singing!

"Deep Dives and Digressions" is how Rev. Mike and his co-host, Malayna Dawn, describe their web series, and this week involves many digressions! Fear not, though, they all reconnect to the central theme. Topics include: Dr. Edward Viljoen being elected Spiritual Leader of Centers for Spiritual Living and his book, The Bhagavad Gita: the Song of God Retold in Simplified English...mentors and mentees, Joseph Campbell and the Hero's Journey, Googling "what is God?", perspectives on our reflections, charisma and its etymology, Rev. Mike in Goddess-wear, a tour through pop-music history, the Divine Feminine, androgyny, Joanna Macy and The Work That Reconnects, Non-Violent Communication, and Inter-generational community.

Rev. Mike McMorrow spoke about Sacred Sexuality on Sunday, Feb 16, 2020 and Malayna thought it was a groundbreaking service...and a great intro for someone new, so she invited a guest to join them whose first Sunday at CSLGH was, in fact, this one. While Malayna spoke from CSLGH to Rev. Mike on his phone from the 2020 Spiritual Living Convention in Denver, their guest, Chacko Vadaketh, joined from his car, somewhere in Los Angeles. The wonders of technology! The magic of connection! And the can of worms that was opened on the topic!

"Thoughts on Talks: Deep Dives and Digressions" with Rev. Mike McMorrow and Malayna Dawn! In this episode, Malayna talks with Rev. Mike about the slides he didn't have time to show on Sunday, Feb 9, 2020! We shared slides with great quotes full of inspiration to appreciate our own bodies and make peace with them, so that we have no reason to feel threatened by anyone else and their bodies for any reason, from skin color to body shape to abilities to age. Marvel as they share weird funny faces, deep thoughts, a few song snippets and personal challenges, too.

"Thoughts on Talks: Deep Dives and Digressions" with Rev. Mike McMorrow and Malayna Dawn! This week finds Malayna talking with Rev. Mike about his 02-02-2020 talk on LOVE and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but there are also references to Fembots, Lou Reed, Superbowl ads, actress Andie McDowell, Elaine from Seinfeld, Jeremiah the bullfrog and the prophet, muskrat love, Gilligan's Island, musical history and critique, -- and that's just the first 10 minutes! Also, cultural history, movies and personal examples on how to apply love to any and all situations. (There is a lot of impromptu falsetto singing from Rev. Mike, so put any constructive criticism in the comments or send any supportive criticism to Rev Mike at cslgh.org!

Rev. Mike chats with Malayna about the 2nd talk of the year, following after last week's "The Thing Itself" with "How It Works" - the talk from Sunday, Jan. 12. They talked about what "It" is, and different ways to wrap your head around the concept. Of course, they shared examples from their own life experiences, and "Deep Dives and Digressions" including songs and movies, and then promoted some of the great stuff happening at CSLGH!

Starting 2020 with unpacking and re-examining how we understand and operate within our world seemed like a good idea. Rev. Mike McMorrow and his co-host, Malayna Dawn, started with Einstein's ideas, shared in the Sunday (Jan 5) talk, and quickly digressed to TV and movies, and sharing all the math and science we've learned from YouTube and the BBC. It's true -- there were songs (from the Rev.), and Downton Abbey references (from the Rev.) and quantum mechanics seen in photosynthesis, metaphysics, and maybe ghosts. Personal examples on the application of New Thought principles to finances and jobs, too. Join the fun!

In this year-end episode, Rev. Mike and Malayna talk about the Dec. 29th Burning Bowl Service, and the concepts behind the ritual. They also talk about selecting the priority to guide our choices each day, examples of missed opportunities from their lives, and of course, seemingly random references from history, culture and spirituality that all tie together in the end!They also touch on the World Peace Meditation that happens at 4am Pacific Time on Dec 31, upcoming events at the center and other ways to participate in worldwide meditations and peaceful actions.

Thoughts on Talks: Deep Dives and Digressions -- Where Rev. Mike and Malayna talk about the Sunday, Dec 22nd talk touching on Hanukkah and Christmas, the lights that come down through history and culture, and the interpretation of darkness to light in stories and myth, pop culture and sci-fi -- digress-o-rama! And holiday wishes: Happy Everything!

"Thoughts on Talks: Deep Dives and Digressions" is a new series from Rev. Mike and his co-host, Malayna Dawn, where they explore tangents and deep delve into ideas from the Sunday talks at CSLGH. In episode 2, they digress from the Dec 8, 2019 talk entitled "Science of Mind and the Solstice", where they laugh about the pop culture references from Sunday's talk, go deeper into underground tombs in Ireland, show pictures of the god Mithra, lord of light from ancient Persia, and connect him to 2001: A Space Odyssey. The metaphysical creation process involving separating dark from light in our thoughts and being the light of the world inspired deep thoughts and talks, too.

Thoughts on Talks: Deep Dives and Digressions is a new series from Rev. Mike and his co-host, Malayna Dawn, where they explore tangents and explore ideas from the Sunday Service talks at CSLGH. In episode 1, they digress from the Dec 1, 2019 talk entitled "Science of Mind and Rohatsu" a Japanese word for Bodhi Day -- the day celebrating Siddharta Gautama's enlightenment, and how light connects us all at any holiday season. Their digressions take them to explore Vesak in Sri Lanka, and they share a video in which Bodhi Day is explained by children.