By Lysa Allman-Baldwin
August 7–12, 2011, Unity Village is offering a special retreat for Next Generation of Unity (NGU). The retreat is designed for adults between the ages of 18 and 35 who are interested in making spiritual connections with other like-minded young people within the Unity movement.
Retreat participants will attend a variety of Spiritual Education and Enrichment (SEE) courses and enjoy activities around the beautiful 1,400-acre Unity Village campus including morning communal celebrations, sacred meditation, a pool party, evening community events and an open mic night.
Foundational Teachings
The retreat will bring together young adults from across the country to embark on a journey into Unity's foundational teachings.
Rev. Paul Hasselbeck, dean of Spiritual Education and Enrichment at Unity Institute® and Seminary and host of Metaphysical Romp on Unity Online Radio, says that SEE classes are designed to offer opportunities for personal enjoyment for casual learners or to meet requirements for becoming a licensed Unity Teacher (LUT) or ordained Unity minister. “Our passion and our mission are to assist people along their personal path to spiritual growth more clearly and deeply with the eyes of Spirit,” he explains. “The courses cover a broad range of topics designed to help someone uncover spiritual truths and put them into practice in their life for greater health, peace, love, joy and prosperity.”
According to Rev. Mark Fuss, admissions representative for Unity Institute, retreat attendees will have a unique opportunity to choose three classes throughout the week at a special price. “Unity teachings had a profound impact on my life at a time when I was looking for greater purpose and meaning,” he says. “I believe the young adults who attend this special week will experience that same inspired learning, spiritual grounding and a sense of connection to other young adults.”
Next Generation Unity (NGU)
Rachel Simpson, NGU consultant and ministerial student at Unity Institute, says that although the “official” upper-age limit of NGU is 35, all ages are welcome. “What is beautiful about the age range, which we say is ‘35ish,' is that there are so many opportunities to learn from each other. While one day I may say, 'Oh yes, I've been where you are and this is what I learned,' the next day I may have the chance to learn [something] from that same person. Whether that person is 15 years older or younger than me doesn't matter. Mentorship, leadership and friendship are all mingled together and everyone has their own wisdom to share with the community.”
The primary benefit of NGU, Simpson notes, is the opportunity to bond with a community of peers interested in their own spiritual development. “In this busy society that pulls our attention in so many directions, it's refreshing and essential to have friends who can call you back to center. People that really know you and can witness your joy and your pain.”
All NGU events and gatherings are open to the general public. “This is a great opportunity to connect with folks who love Unity,” Simpson says. “And to explore your understanding of Unity teachings through sacred, fun activities and classes presented in an interactive, meaningful and engaging way.”
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