Being Human

Really, it's hard to be human. We have great qualities - our sense of compassion, our ability to appreciate the things around us. I'm not sure that bears wake up in the woods in the morning and think, "Wouldja look at that sunrise? WOW. Sure makes me think about my mortality.." (but they could - I don't speak bear, so I can't say for 100% sure).

We also have things like mental illness, sorrow, and hatred. These things suck. And, let's face it, fallible is a vast understatement.

I've messed up a lot of things over the last two years. Hell, over the last two weeks! I have sent wrong orders, I've been totally snotty to people who didn't deserve it, I've neglected my husband, and I haven't cleaned my house. I've fed my son french fries ENTIRELY too many times, and the other day we had M&M's and coffee (both of us) for breakfast.

*By the way, Zion has this way of saying coffee that completely cracks me up - he says "toppee." What's funny is that most of my family is from the east coast, so we all say "cawfee" and Zion is midwest all the way, baby. His comes out "tah-pee." Totally friggin' cute.

Anyway, most of you know that I work at Unity Village. Most of you who know that have asked me at one point in time or another, "Sara, what exactly *is* Unity Village? What do they do there?" And my standard answer is, "I'm not totally sure. We have a college for Unity ministers, and there's a retreat center with a motel.." Beyond that, it's just too much to explain.

What I need to say is this: this place is full of nut jobs. Some of them are those fun nut jobs, like Uncle Ernie when he drinks a little too much egg nog at Christmas. Others are real nut jobs, including one woman who actually got arrested by the Secret Service for trying to kill the president when he was in Lee's Summit last year. As a sidenote, she's a former Marine sharpshooter. Makes ya feel safe, huh?

So generally, I try to avoid making friends here. Unity has been accused of being a cult, among other things, and after you start talking to some of them, you understand why people would get that impression. Some of our employees are REALLY excited about being here, and they LOVE to tell you all about it, complete with wild, glassy eyes.

Others are very understated. They believe in the Unity principle, they live their day-to-day lives and they come here to worship. What do they worship? Who the heck knows? Unity doesn't really say anything about what or who they worship.. love God, love the trees, save the animals and take care of the planet, and you're good. Not too much to ask, right?

This is a very long build-up to a very short point, but here it is. Last July, Unity got a new president/CEO. This is the first woman that's ever been in charge here - it's pretty much been a boy's club since its inception. We knew a lot of things would change, but we didn't realize it would be as extensive as its been. She's been really good for this place, and wandering through the halls, I'm starting to see Unity as it was in its heyday.

I went into our new Bookstore & Coffee Shop for the first time this afternoon. It's a marvelous place, full of interesting books about reading Chakras and meditations and learning to live in harmony with the earth. There are tote bags bearing the words, "Co-exist," and "Namaste." There are books like "Hope for the Flowers," which I am a firm believer that EVERYONE should have. The bookshop is complete with a peaceful, smiling clerk who wishes you a "blessed day."

Today I want to be a better person. Fallible? Oh my, yes. Everyone needs goals, though, right?