By Lysa Allman-Baldwin
Gregg Levoy, author of Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life, is one of the many inspiring speakers who will present at the 2011 Unity People's Convention hosted by Unity Worldwide Ministries, June 13–17, 2011.
The Call to Serve
At the People's Convention, Levoy will present The Call to Serve, an in-depth exploration of how to recognize, connect with, and respond to that deep feeling of connection to something greater than ourselves. “Most people don't receive callings in the form of burning bushes, but rather smaller calls like fire-drills for the bigger ones,” he says.
“Callings can come in an impressive variety of forms,” explains Levoy. “Some of the more common forms include intuition, dreams, song lyrics that resonate with a listener, and physical symptoms, among others.”
Turn on Your Receiver
According to Levoy, the first and most important step is to be willing to turn on the “receiver,” allowing one's callings to be heard. “By turning on the receiver I mean having a self-reflective practice of some kind; an ongoing dialogue with your deep self. These practices might include daily journaling, meditation, therapy or participation in any kind of group like a men's, women's or spiritual group.”
Levoy believes we have to be willing to hear what comes through “the receiver” and to resist the urge to ignore or deny our callings because they seem scary or inconvenient. “Since callings by definition call us away from the status quo, they naturally ‘rock the boat,'” he notes. “If you aren't a little scared by them, there's something fishy. However, you can gain a better understanding of the resistances that naturally arise and the forces that can help you take whatever next steps are being called for in your own life.”
About Levoy
Gregg Levoy is a former adjunct professor of journalism at the University of New Mexico and a full-time lecturer and seminar leader in business, education and human potential. He is a renowned presenter and has written about the subject of “callings” for many publications, including the New York Times Magazine, Washington Post, Omni, Psychology Today and Reader's Digest, among others.
2011 Unity People's Convention
This year's Convention theme is “The Radiating Heart of Unity.” Held at the Sheraton Hotel in Overland Park, Kansas, the annual convention is designed to support Unity ministers, licensed teachers, ministry boards and key movement leaders.
The general public is invited to attend all evening sessions, free of charge. A love offering will be taken. Other keynote presenters will include Lynne McTaggart, David McArthur, Brian Luke Seaward, Barry Johnson and Howard Martin.
Musical performances will include: Bukeka Shoals, Here II Here, Eddie Watkins Jr., Jami Lula, the Messengers of Love Choir, and Richard Mekdeci, Sue K. Riley, Heartdream and Michael Harrison.
Register for the 2011 People's Convention.
Read more about other inspiring Convention presentations.
