The Opposite of Hate

“When knowledge is shared, awareness and understanding become greater.

Myths, and misconceptions are dissipated, and barriers of fear melt away.”     Rev. Dr. Abigail Albert

Dear Friends,  

I am reading the book, The Opposite of Hate: a Field Guide to Repairing Our Humanity by Sally Kohn.  The book is an eye-opener for all people who have extreme differences of opinion and sometimes filled with anger due to politics and religion.  She shares her research into WHY people are so angry and hateful.  What I found most important is what really is the opposite of hate.  It isn’t love, or peace, it is CONNECTION.  Here are some of her research observations:

  • “Hate is premised on a mind-set of otherizing. Dehumanizing others is the essential root of hate. We put ourselves on a superiority pedestal.
  • No one is hardwired to hate transgender people, black people, poor people, Muslims, Republicans  or Democrats. Our tendency towards “tribalism” makes us quick to latch on to society’s existing prejudices and burrow deeper into habits of hate. 
  • The reflection of society we’ve created is a reflection of ourselves. We can’t change the world until we change ourselves.  Our first step is challenging the hate inside ourselves, to be conscious of our own hate in all it forms.
  • We are all fundamentally linked and equal as human beings and we must support policies and institutions that bring us together, rather than divide us. When we come together in connection-spaces we begin to talk to each other differently with open-mindedness, kindness and compassion of connection -speech.”

Every time Steve and I go to an event or hold an event we meet new people, and create bonds and friendships where we never thought we would.  When we talk and connect with others, the ‘other’ becomes important to us. He or she becomes someone we know personally. It doesn’t matter what faith, race or politics. When we know someone personally, we view them as a new friend.  Friends can agree and disagree on issues, however friends also ‘have each others backs and will stand up for each other.’

Simple Example:

The other day I was in the Verizon store getting my cell phone fixed. Another lady walked in and began waiting patiently until “Kris” was finished with my phone.  As time moved on, I began to be uncomfortable knowing she was waiting. I decided to engage her in conversation.

I apologized for taking so long.  She smiled, I smiled, and a connection was made.   She told me she lost her phone.  Immediately in that one statement both Kris and I looked at her in compassion, knowing losing a phone and all its information can be devastating with far reaching scenarios.   All of a sudden I felt connected to her, a complete stranger.  Connection  brings about understanding and compassion.  I am sure once Kris (notice I used his name , not his position) helped her even more once understanding her situation.

A simple reaching out can make all the difference in the world.

Reach out to all  and at least ask them their name.  Knowing a person’s name starts the connection.

In Love and Connection,

Abigail

Affiliated New Thought Network

The Mission of ANTN
To foster the growth of unique New Thought communities that encourage the consciousness of service, spiritual growth and integrity.

The Vision of ANTN
To create global transformation and healing through empowering New Thought ministries that encourage creativity, caring community, education, and spiritual support.

The Affiliated New Thought Network has empowered Spirit-led, vision-driven, independent ministries and metaphysical churches of all sizes since 1992. ANTN represents diverse spiritual communities and unique ministries serving worldwide. ANTN believes Divine Consciousness is the sole authority.
www.NewThought.org
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THOUGHT LEADER THURSDAY
(formerly “Speaker Series)

Rev. Pjae Stanley will be hosting our
“Thought Leader Thursday”
Last Thursday of the month.                                                                                      9am PT

Go to  https://zoom.us/j/9776693433
You can also open the Zoom app on your computer or tablet and enter meeting number 9776693433.
Attend as a conference call, dial (929) 436-2866
and enter the meeting number.
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2023 Annual Retreat:   

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMERGENCE: SPIRIT IN BLOOM

Monday, October 2-6, 2023 7:00 PM (CDT)         Unity Village,

This four day program at Unity Village combines internal spiritual development with informative, insightful, and inspiring presentations.

The 2023 Emergence Retreat & Conference features keynote presentations by Jeffon Seely, Lisa Benson, and Nimo Patel. They’ll be joined by thought leaders, workshop facilitators to bring in new perspectives on social justice, diversity, spiritual practice, and new ideas for the evolution of New Thought.

We will be encircled with engaging and exciting music from our resident musician Daniel Nahmod, an inspiring and exciting nationally touring singer and songwriter.

Lee’s Summit MO

In person and on zoom. All information for housing and speakers are on the website

Register at antn.org