Sunday, April 30, 10:30am-12pm
Hotel Posada de la Andea, Ancha de San Antonio 15
Free

At this week’s Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Service, the Rev. Don Beaudreault continues a series of talks he calls “Getting Your Act Together,” based on his interpretation of the thoughts of Don Miguel Ruiz, a Toltec shaman and Western-trained surgeon.

In 1997, Ruiz wrote an international bestseller called “The Four Agreements” that posits seemingly simple truths to live by but difficult to apply. If we could do so, our lives would be remarkably happier. Born in rural Mexico, he is descended from the Toltecs, a people who lived thousands of years ago in the central valley of Mexico in the cities of Teotihuacan and Tula. Beaudreault’s topic this Sunday addresses the third agreement, “Don’t Make Assumptions,” which directs you to find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama.”

The Toltecs were advanced in scientific pursuit and spiritual practice. Their teachings were not a religion, but a philosophy that sought to create a way toward understanding and meaning. They believed that we humans are forever in a dream state. It is how we dream that determines the quality of our lives. Most of us limit ourselves, failing to transcend to a higher awareness, living with the belief that life must be composed of suffering. But we can change how we dream and achieve happiness. Discovering love and respect for one’s self is the beginning of that process.

Rev. Beaudreault is a retired Unitarian Universalist minister, chaplain, and English teacher who served multiple UU congregations around the U.S. and the world before officially retiring in 2012. He is also a practicing professional jazz pianist who has worked with Imelda Marcos, Tennessee Ernie Ford, the Iranian Air Force, and Popo the Clown (though not all at the same time). For fun, he writes comic gay novels, and currently lives in the Lake Chapala area with his partner, seven dogs, and two cats.

The UU Fellowship meets every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at La Posada de Aldea, Ancha de San Antonio #15, and welcomes people of all ages, races, religions, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The room is wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit our website at www.uufsma.org.

www.uufsma.org