By Rev. Ric Beattie
In a world that often feels fractured and filled with differing opinions, the idea of understanding might seem like a simple concept. Yet, its power is profound—especially when we view it through the lens of Oneness. This isn’t just a spiritual ideal; it’s a practical tool that can revolutionize your personal growth, sharpen your decision-making, and dissolve the subtle (and not-so-subtle) judgments we often hold against others.
Understanding as a Catalyst for Growth
True understanding isn’t merely intellectual; it’s a deeper knowing that expands your consciousness. When you embrace the principle of Oneness—the recognition that at our core, we are all interconnected expressions of the Divine—your entire perspective shifts. This awareness naturally fuels personal growth, helping you move beyond limitations and embrace your fullest potential.
Consider for a moment the profound wisdom captured by Ernest Holmes, founder of Science of Mind, who declared, “Life is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it.” Our external reality is a direct reflection of our internal landscape, our beliefs, and our level of understanding. When we genuinely grasp our inherent connection to all life, our thoughts begin to align with universal principles of good. This isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s a conscious alignment that leads to more expansive choices and a more fulfilling life.
Elevating Your Decisions Through Oneness
Imagine making decisions not from a place of fear or perceived lack but from a deep knowing that you are an integral part of an abundant, interconnected universe. This is the Oneness Advantage in action. When your understanding expands to include the well-being of the whole, your choices naturally become more aligned with love, compassion, and true prosperity for everyone involved.
At Unity, we teach that “There is only one Presence and one Power, God the Good, omnipotent.” This means you are never separate from this all-encompassing good. When you make a decision, you’re not operating in isolation; you’re drawing from and contributing to this universal field. Understanding this helps you tap into an inner wisdom that guides you to choices serving your highest good and the highest good of all. It’s a shift from asking, “What’s in it for me?” to “What serves the greatest good?”—and often, you’ll find the answer serves you both.
Dissolving Judgment: Seeing the Divine in All
Perhaps one of the most liberating aspects of understanding through Oneness is its power to reduce judgment. Judgment thrives on perceived separation—the belief that “I am fundamentally different from you” or even “I am better than you.” But when you truly integrate the concept of Oneness, this illusion begins to crumble.
The timeless biblical wisdom, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” isn’t just a moral suggestion; it’s a profound declaration of interconnectedness. It hints that, at a deeper level, your neighbor is yourself. When this understanding takes root, judgment becomes increasingly difficult, replaced by empathy and acceptance.
In Unity, we often encourage looking for the Christ in everyone. This doesn’t imply religious dogma; it’s an invitation to recognize the inherent divine essence that resides in every person, regardless of their outward appearance, beliefs, or actions. Just as quantum physics hints at a deep entanglement where particles remain connected regardless of distance, so too are we, as spiritual beings, profoundly linked. From this vantage point, judging another is akin to judging a part of your own larger spiritual self—it’s an ultimately illogical and self-limiting act. When you actively seek to see the divine spark in another, the walls of criticism naturally dissolve.
Cultivating Understanding in Your Daily Life
Embracing the Oneness Advantage is a practice. It’s a conscious choice to seek understanding over condemnation. Here are a few ways to cultivate this powerful shift:
Pause Before You Judge: When you feel a critical thought arising, take a breath. Ask yourself, “What would love do here? How can I see the divine essence in this person or situation?”
Seek Connection, Not Division: Look for common ground. Recognize that every individual is doing the best they can with the understanding they have at that moment.
Affirm Oneness: Regularly affirm to yourself: “I am one with all life. The divine essence in me is the divine essence in everyone.”
By consistently choosing to expand your understanding through the lens of Oneness, you not only transform your decisions and relationships but also unlock a profound sense of peace and purpose. It’s a journey into the heart of who you truly are—and the beautiful, interconnected world you are creating.
From a deep awareness of our Oneness
Always with Love,
Rev. Ric Beattie, Sr. Minister,
Unity of Royal Oak
