As humans, we are unified in our collective need for food, water, shelter, and clothing to keep our mortal bodies alive. And though satisfying these necessities nurtures our physical requirements, there is often an aspect of deeper yearning that remains undiscovered; a yearning for purpose and meaning.
For generations organized religion has aimed to point mankind in the direction of their soul and provide a framework for the development of one’s inner purpose in life. Though, pure in intent, this mission is often lost in the shroud of egoic agenda, power struggles, greed, and class war. All too often religion becomes riddled with bias, fallacy, manipulation, and shame as byproducts of membership.
Our Vision
Drawing from personal experience, my connection with the divine was once dictated in terms of legalism—a transactional relationship where specific actions dictated anticipated reactions from God. Those who have experienced such transactional dynamics can understand the limitations it imposes on self-validation, self-worth, self-development, and self-love. This form of relationship often fosters a stifling brand of codependency that hinders the expression of one's inner divine beauty, creating a structure that limits exploration beyond prescribed practices.
The name of our church, "Beyond Practices," encapsulates the essence of transcending the legalistic nature of worship, encouraging individuals to engage in a symbiotic relationship with the Source of all life through a journey of self-discovery. Shifting from seeking answers from others, to exploring answers from within leads to a profound and enduring transformation. The deeper one explores the caverns of their inner heart and soul, the more connected one becomes to their true nature and purpose for being.
So, what's the motivation to join a church like Beyond Practices, considering the points highlighted earlier? The answer lies in the core belief of Beyond Practices: that every individual is an essential component of a larger, interconnected tapestry, irrespective of their current position on their personal journey. Similar to the diverse instruments in an orchestra, no one holds greater importance than another; each is esteemed for their unique contribution to the symphony we collectively compose. Beyond Practices functions as a reflective container for fellow soul journeyers to gain valuable insights, diverse perspectives, and shared experiences to navigate the intricacies of our lived experience. Community, regarded as the foundational purpose of life, stands as the cornerstone of Beyond Practices. Our mission is to establish a haven where members can engage in self-reflection, exploration, transformation, and healing through preserved practices and modalities passed down by our ancestors. We aspire to craft a nurturing space for enlightenment and the authentic expression of one's true self.
Join us on our journey to the Center. Let us join hands as we walk each other home.