"When we stop complaining, criticizing and gossiping we have a great deal more energy. We begin to enjoy silence, and our prayer life increases in quality and quantity. When we stop talking about things that don't concern us and things we cannot change there is a lot of silence."
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A Flow Chart of Life:
How We Create Our Belief Systems by Rev. Nancy Purcell Trafford Publishing
book review by Carol Anderson, D.Min., ACSW, LMSW
A series of short essays defines this book which is a very quick and easy read. The author, a minister trained at the Unity School of Religious Studies, displays the underlying Unity thought and Unity principles as expressed in her belief system. This is also influenced by Charles Frost's Flow Chart of Life: Fact>Perception>Belief>Behavior. This is Christian focused with the emphasis on the teachings of Jesus as interpreted by the author, although we read that "Since my belief system has no duality, I believe that we are all one in God regardless of our religion." Topics range from giving thanks; the meaning of Lent, Easter, and Advent; loving people; freedom; paradox; gratitude; and resurrection as personal transformation.
This is a sweet little book which allows the reader a basic insight into Unity thought. It offers a glimpse of healing through the basic tenants of belief and offers comfort to readers looking for a path of spiritual guidance. Some editorial errors are distracting, and it would have been interesting to read further, more in-depth essays by this author as her view on some basic tenants is meaningful. It is apparent this was written as a heart-felt tribute regarding the author's beliefs. The most profound essay is "Regardless of Religion" which relates that "spiritual principles are relevant for all human beings regardless of religion. Religion is merely the outer form we have created to help us know God better." This helps to explore perceptions and create beliefs as noted in the Flow Chart of Life. It is easy to understand this flow chart and apply it to all beliefs, not just spiritual ones.