by Rev. Ric Beattie
As the September leaves begin to turn, we turn our attention to the Unity power of order. In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, cultivating a sense of inner order is not just a spiritual practice—it’s an act of self-preservation. While we can’t control the world around us, we can choose how we respond to it. Finding peace in the midst of political and social turmoil is a daily commitment, and it’s a choice we make from a place of love and strength.
The Pillars of Inner Order
Two powerful pillars support a positive belief system and can help us find our center: gratitude and forgiveness. These aren’t just abstract concepts; they are daily practices that can profoundly shift our perspective.
Gratitude is a simple yet powerful tool. It’s the intentional practice of appreciating the good in our lives, no matter how small. When we feel overwhelmed by the negativity in the world, shifting our focus to what we are grateful for can reframe our thoughts and calm our minds. This doesn’t mean ignoring problems, but rather choosing to anchor ourselves in a foundation of abundance rather than lack.
Forgiveness is the second pillar, and it is perhaps the most liberating. Forgiveness is a spiritual release—letting go of resentment and the heavy burden of anger. This practice applies not only to others but, most importantly, to ourselves. We often carry the weight of our own mistakes, and the community reminds us that often the one we need to forgive most is us. By releasing this burden, we free up the energy to create peace and order within.
The Practice of Divine Adjustment
The Unity founders, Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, didn’t see divine order as a static, pre-determined plan but as an ongoing process of adjustment. This means that when our thoughts or beliefs are out of alignment with our highest good, we have the power to consciously rearrange them. This isn’t about ignoring the world’s disorder; it’s about actively working to align our inner world with the perfect, harmonious patterns of the Divine.
This concept adds a layer of empowerment, emphasizing that finding inner order isn’t just about what we do, but about what we choose to think and believe. You can weave this idea into the section on gratitude and forgiveness, highlighting how both of these practices are conscious adjustments that bring our thoughts into harmony with Divine Order. For example, when practicing gratitude, we are adjusting our focus from what is lacking to what is abundant. When we practice forgiveness, we are adjusting our hearts from a place of resentment to a place of peace. This active, conscious work is the essence of the Unity power of order.
From Judgment to Curiosity
When faced with actions that vex us, either in ourselves or others, we have a choice. We can react with judgment, or we can respond with curiosity. When we ask, “What is going on within this person that causes this behavior?” we move from a place of condemnation to one of compassion. This simple shift in perspective allows us to see the world with more understanding and less anger. It is an act of recognizing our shared humanity.
Ultimately, finding inner order is a commitment we make to ourselves every day. Just as we choose to get out of bed and embrace the day ahead, we can choose to embrace peace, grace, and compassion. These practices are not a destination but a journey—a daily commitment to cultivating a sacred space of order within ourselves, no matter what is going on in the world outside.
Always with Love,
Rev. Ric Beattie
Sr. Minister, Unity of Royal Oak
