"Science and religion both teach that we are all interconnected, and thus interdependent. At the very core, we are all One. But how do we live as if we know this? - Ram Dass

Our Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote "Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part."

Let us be informed by this wisdom from the East: "If you are a poet (and reading a hard copy), you will see that there is a cloud floating in this sheet of paper. (If you are reading this on-line, use poetic license.) Without a cloud, there will be no rain; without rain, the trees cannot grow; and without trees, we cannot make paper. If we look even more deeply, we can see the sunshine, the logger who cut the tress, the wheat that became his bread, and his father and mother. Without all of these things, this sheet of paper cannot exist. In fact, the entire cosmos is in it -- time, space, the earth, the rain, the minerals in the soil, the sunshine, the cloud, the river, the heat, the mind. Everything co-exists with this sheet of paper." -- Thich Nhat Hanh

Nothing actually lives an independent existence, although we think and act as if we do. We breathe the same air, drink the same water, experience the same joy and sadness, love and fear. Why is it we insist we are separate?

More than 250 million years ago, there was only one land mass on Earth, one continent and one ocean. How can we re-cognize this oneness now that we experience seven continents and four oceans? There is still only one sky, one planet.

Because we live as a pond of common existence, whatever ripples are created by the pebbles of our thoughts, words and actions wash over all of us equally. This isn't readily seen, especially from the gated communities and on the individualized screens of our separate lives.

I wonder if you see any benefits from your practice of gardening, or making music, or backpacking and camping, or meditation and yoga in helping you understand and experience the interdependent web of all existence? I wonder when was the last time you visited UBarU and soaked up the overnight stillness under the silent stars and hiking under the radiance of a Hill Country sky? How about a family style meal served around a big table with stimulating conversation and fellowship? UBarU welcomes you to connect with Nature and Community in a contemplative setting.

Call or email us to set up a personal, family or congregational retreat. Refresh and renew yourself by a deep immersion into the interdependent web of all existence in the wild and beautiful setting of UBarU.