Living Unitarianly

Many of us who work for larger employers are accustomed to vision statements and objectives.  In essence, the employer sets out a vision statement, then we agree objectives, which we must achieve as our contribution towards the attainment of the vision.  Setting objectives keeps us focused and effective.  Feedback can be given to us, and we can see our own progress, and these enable us to grow as people of competence in delivering what we have been given to do.

So why shouldn't we do the same for our personal life?

There are plenty of self-help books on bettering many aspects of your life and almost certainly they would say the say thing about setting objectives, no matter which aspect of your life they are attending to.  Regarding the spiritual life, the most recent self-help book from the Unitarian standpoint is Twelve Steps to Spiritual Health by David Usher (see the Suggested Books tab on this blog). 
For Unitarians who want to set objectives for "living Unitarian-ly", there is a balanced path set out by Rev Andy Pakula, who until recently served Newington Green and Islington Unitarians. It is called U+ and in summary it looks like this:

Eight Teachings
  • Embrace life whole
  • Potential for goodness
  • There is no complete answer
  • Seek relationship
  • That which is sacred everywhere
  • Wisdom is everywhere
  • We are one
  • Justice
Twelve practices
  1. Dietary responsibility: Adopt a just and compassionate diet.
  2. Responsible consumption: Adopt a just and compassionate approach to sourcing clothing, goods and resources.
  3. Reduce impact: Be kind to the earth and others by recycling, reducing waste, sharing and donating the goods we have.
  4. Generosity: Help the wider community.
  5. Community: Join a Unitarian congregation.
  6. Serve your community: Take on service roles in your congregational community.
  7. Care for your physical self: Adopt a wholesome lifestyle, avoiding substances and practices that would injure you or lessen your abilities and seeking those that strengthen.
  8. Exploration in relationship: Belong to (or lead) at least one on-going congregational small group each year that gathers regularly for mutual support and spiritual growth.
  9. Individual exploration: Actively and deliberately examine your beliefs and values.
  10. Spiritual practice: Adopt one or more daily spiritual practices.
  11. Annual renewal time: For two or more consecutive weeks each year live a more disciplined spiritual life, preferably with others in your community. This may include spiritual practices, charity work, and adhering to extra dietary restrictions.
  12. Pilgrimage: Take on an immersive experience in the world at least once every five years. This may serve as a ‘pilgrimage’ to a ‘spiritual site. 

The original document for U+ is here (but if you have trouble finding it please email lucyunbox.ringwood@btinternet.com)

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