Reprinted from an article in the ACCSS (Assoc of CA Chaplains in State Service) Newsletter- Summer 2006
On behalf of The Voices of Angels Foundation, I want to express my deep gratitude for all chaplains. We live in divisive, critical times, with a great deal of misperception about authentic religion and true leadership. Not enough people realize that the practices common to all wisdom traditions actually prepare one for effective service: leadership.
How can we be instruments of healing in a greater capacity? We, The Voices of Angels Foundation, understand the necessity for spiritual transformation as the foundation of true rehabilitation. The universal concerns of authentic religion are love, compassion, peace, truth, and justice or put another way, character, ethics and wisdom.
I offer the following quotes that exemplify this from various perspectives: excerpted from Spiritual Roots of Restorative Justice edited by Michael Hadley
In regards to Creation: “Judaism speaks of the sanctity of people in a universe where God places upon each individual the responsibility for working toward the completion of His creation.” Judaism sees a world in which no human being is a throw away person. This is important for Restorative Justice Initiatives, which seek healing and reconciliation. “In this system, whoever is not involved in alleviation of human need is not living a full life.” By Eliezer Segal
“Buddhist monastic communities focus on helping the offender recognize and reflect upon the offense. Building self esteem is a major part of the process of accepting responsibility for all actions. Justice grows out of mercy.”
“One’s dharma is to seek for and practice the truth of all religions and this truth is nonviolence and selfless service to all humankind for we are all children of God,” Mahatma Ghandi.
“Are we to believe the media that portrays culturally determined repressive social orders as principal versions of Islam or to find the lesser known version, the authentic version – which envisions a humane, compassionate and all embracing social order,” Nazir Ahmad. :
How can chaplains, be a greater united voice within our nation representing diversity and tolerance by leading and promoting authentic religious understanding within the divisive landscape of our time?
How can chaplains be a major force in turning the tide to a more humane and rehabilitative system? What is the larger vision that will serve our nation and inspire all of us in surmounting the many obstacles before us?
Leading and managing for positive change entails listening to those we are serving, engaging them in the process, giving them the means and resources to help themselves. I have found people are hungry for inclusive spiritual practice that embraces today’s diversity. By promoting the practices of peace that all faith traditions have in common we not only impart spiritual practice that will serve each individual and our society but also foster religious understanding. By bringing the institutionalized together and giving them the foundational practices of peace we help prepare them to be instruments of peace in the world.
Practices of peace that all faith traditions have in common:
Understanding Why we are here- Purpose: To serve and pursue justice, compassion and altruism
Understanding How we are to live responsibility- Committed to creating situations for all people where lives are improved without harm to anyone or anything becoming aware that ethical living is a means for lasting happiness sustaining true peace of heart and mind even though our world contains turmoil.
Success, as defined by the I Ching, is nature in harmony with the boundless. Embracing everything in its breadth and illumining everything in its greatness. I pray for each of you success.
In gratitude,
Shannon Frediani, Director
The Voices of Angels Foundation
PO Box 2066
Freedom CA 95019
(831) 761-0930
other links of interest www.thekingcenter.org http://webelieveohio.org
Since chaplains serve in a variety of circumstances some of which are challenging at best, I pray you find the following leadership consulting material useful, not only in your negotiations with administrators but also with your clients, to help them recognize and curtail their own self limiting patterns.
The following material by Patrick O’Neill*
*Vol 2 Issue 2 Winter 2006 Extraordinary Conversations publication “Breakthrough”
Healthy self respect, self love and self trust constitute healthy self worth. A positive and realistic attitude towards our abilities allows for the pursuit of deeply meaningful personal and professional goals.
The Demons of the Imagination (destructive voices that infect our self talk. They are committed to undermining our leadership and capacity to manifest what has heart and meaning.)
¬The Circumstances are Too Powerful
¬Too much to do
¬Insufficient resources
¬Other Obligations
¬It’s Not Fair
¬Other People Will Never Change
¬I Don’t Make a Difference
10 Ways to overcome the Demons of the Imagination
1. Identify positive gifts, talents, character qualities and contributions to relationships, to work, the community, and the wider world.
2. Be Open to positive feedback, receive compliments gracefully
3.Seek out mentors and companions that recognize gifts and provide helpful coaching to improve performance.
4.Monitor your self talk. Make sure it is fair and balanced.
5.Limit the self destructive voices of the Demons of the Imagination
6.Take a positive step everyday towards the goal or dream
7.Be creative when facing a problem or obstacle. Look at the problem from multiple perspectives to find the solution no one perspective could see.
8.Make your goals more important than any considerations or fears
9.Allow yourself to learn. Expect to make mistakes and new discoveries when you are trying new things or dealing with unfamiliar circumstances
10. Be compassionate with yourself
I pray we, individually and collectively, stay in trust, in faith and be a resounding voice of belief that LOVE WILL PREVAIL and dare to live the dream.
