A friend of mine in Georgia wrote this piece for her church's newsletter.
Thank you, Susan Cadley for the light that you are!

Dear Unity Friends,

There have been so many changes lately – in our world, in our nation, with our president, and in our church.  With all the changes, how are you doing on the inside?  When change occurs without our control or direction, some natural human reactions are asking why, hoping things will go back to the way they were, or blaming.  It seems we want the status quo or our comfort level to be static.  If we're static, we are not growing, personally or spiritually. 

With the changes that are occurring, it's time to strengthen your spiritual muscles.  The first step is awareness, or what we in Unity call "consciousness."  This is the state of being aware of yourself and your reactions.  Deepak Chopra describes this as being the observer in your life.  So if you have found yourself worried, complaining, or blaming, step back and notice.  Then ask yourself, "What is the fear associated with this?"  and "What can I own about my reactions?"  Your reactions belong to you, and there is rich information contained within them.  If you skip to "love and light," you've missed the point and the growth.  As Rev. Steve Bolen used to say, "If we don't acknowledge what 'is' first, it's like putting frosting on a moldy cake."

We are here in this experience to use our spiritual principles to grow as life continues to give us opportunities.  And we cannot grow when are sitting still.  That is called stagnation, not comfort.  Recently, singer and actor Alicia Keys was being interviewed by Oprah about her comfort level as she moves into the acting field.  I was struck by the sage wisdom of this young woman as she responded, "I never want to find myself too comfortable anywhere because I don't think you can grow if you are too comfortable.  If I only do things I feel comfortable with, I don't think I can be the best I can be."

The second step in dealing with change is to acknowledge that there is one presence, one power at work in all things – God.  Then you are open to receive the great, growing gifts that appear in the guise of change.

Susan Cadley is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Soul Coach.  She is a member of Unity Christ Center in Suwanne, Georgia.