As a people of faith and reason, we seek an understanding of our world that is both spiritually satisfying and scientifically legitimate. When we take the "big picture," we need a story that nurtures our spirits and, at least, is not contradicted by science. Astronomy and physics can themselves be a spiritual path of awakening to beauty, gratitude, humility, awe, and wonder.

Stop the noise, hear the beauty, be present to the moment, connect to the ecstasy. Need I say more?

How did we evolve to identify certain kinds of sound as music -- and to love to hear and make an endless variety of such sounds? How did this capacity shape who we became and are?

In what ways are the world's religions "basically the same"? And how are they different? In this world of so much conflict between people of different faiths, how can we build peace?

The injustices of the world do not arise because people believe differently. They arise because we humans don't always accept others who are different from us. In the U.S., immigrants particularly bear the brunt of exclusivist reactivity. Most Unitarian Universalists recognize that we need to move away from blame and toward inclusivity--but we need some guidance in how to effectively do that.

How serious are we really ready to be about living simply, living sustainably, and living in a close-knit beloved community? We give our lip service to those ideals, but few of us

are ready to be as serious about them as the Amish. Why not? What does the Amish challenge teach us about ourselves--and how to better meet that challenge?

Gratitude is a choice. If we fail to chose it, by default we choose ingratitude. And once allowed into the heart, ingratitude does not come by itself but with a lot of other seedy

companions that only succeed in stealing joy.

Gratitude contributes to emotional equanimity and pleasure, richer personal relationships and greater health. People who regularly practice grateful thinking can increase their

"set-point" for happiness by as much as 25 percent -- and become more fun to be around. Today we'll celebrate Association Sunday and especially express our gratitude for our denomination.

Our ancestors' brains, flooded with adrenaline and cortisol, had a neurological propensity for high arousal that helped us survive constant life-threatening situations. This propensity is effective but creates the illusions that we are separate, and that permanence is possible in an ever-changing world. Thus the very traits that helped us survive also contribute to chronic illness, depression, and anxiety.

Recent neurological findings show how Mindsight--the mind's capacity to step back and analyze its own processes--rewires the brain to accept our place in the order of things, and thereby take on the mindful traits of serenity, courage and wisdom.