In our spiritual journey, Unity teaches that our thoughts shape our reality. The third Unity Principle emphasizes that "we create our life experiences through our way of thinking." When our thoughts are rooted in love and truth, we draw forth positive and harmonious experiences. However, what happens when our thoughts are influenced by implicit biases—those hidden subconscious judgments we hold about others, often based on stereotypes and preconceived notions?
Implicit biases can be subtle, but they have profound impacts on our consciousness and, subsequently, the world we create around us. These biases cloud our perception, affecting not only our relationships with others but also our relationship with God and our true selves.
The fifth Unity Principle reminds us, "Through thoughts, words, and actions, we live the truth we know." If the truth we hold is rooted in love, fairness, and divine understanding, our actions will reflect that truth. However, when we allow implicit biases to linger unconsciously in our thoughts, we act from a place of separation, rather than unity. Our actions then perpetuate division rather than love and understanding.
Implicit biases go against the very essence of Unity teachings, which affirms that we are all connected as children of God. Each of us is a reflection of the Divine, irrespective of our race, gender, or background. In Galatians 3:28, Paul reminds us of this spiritual truth: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Unity's teachings encourage us to monitor our thoughts and root out those that do not align with the highest truth. Proverbs 23:7 says, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." If we harbor bias or prejudice, even subconsciously, we create a spiritual distance from the divine love that calls us to embrace all beings as reflections of God. This spiritual distance diminishes our own divine order, joy and prosperity because we are not in full alignment with divine love.
The good news is that awareness is the first step to transformation. When we become conscious of our implicit biases, we have the opportunity to heal and release them. Unity's practice of affirmative prayer and meditation offers powerful tools for cleansing our consciousness of these hidden biases. By consciously and consistently affirming the truth of oneness, we can rewire our minds to see and experience everyone as equally divine.
Holding onto implicit biases creates separation in our lives and distances us from the divine truth of oneness. Rooting out these unconscious thoughts might be the answer to living in harmony and peace.
As we repeat affirmations of release, and renew our spirit through committed meditation, we transform our thoughts and bring our actions into alignment with divine love.
As we do the work to overcome implicit and unconscious biases, we contribute to the creation of a more loving, inclusive community. Our thoughts are powerful and affect the lives of those we interact with. By holding others in the light and love of the Christ Light, we demonstrate the kingdom of God is truly within, where there is no place for division, only LOVE.
I Love You...
Rev. Robert