Moving from Me to We, by Gregory Coyle, RScP

Each of us is a reflection of our cultural norms, stereotypes, and biases. The same holds true for Centers for Spiritual Living. It's not a separate thing, but an organization of individuals with a common purpose and vision. And it is heavily influenced by American culture. There is a strong “ME” culture in “aMErica” (and true, other places around the world) due to the growth of Individualism, social media, and the internet. Regardless of where we are, we think, live, and act locally. That’s how it works in the human realm: I start with me (individual), my family, my neighbors, my groups, etc. Our awareness starts internally and moves its way outward.

I have the perspective of growing up in the US and experiencing and learning many of the cultural and regional differences. However, after living abroad for 18 years, many things leave me bewildered about how the US culture has changed. Change is happening, change is inevitable. Yet we are taught that there is One Power that is changeless, everywhere present, and we are part of this One. Within us is this changeless One. Osho talks about “Finding the Changeless through the Changing” in The Book of Secrets. How do we find this Changeless for ourselves, and for our communities? Yes, our spiritual toolboxes. And it starts with each of us individually doing the practice.

Centers for Spiritual Living has centers around the world, but do you actually know where they are and what they do? CSL has a Global Vision, and we are a global organization, but what does that really mean? Global? What are the opportunities available to us now to think, talk, and act globally to truly embrace this idea? When you give a talk or teach a class, can it be done in such a way to bring a real sense of a global connection? Can we connect with these other global centers, so they feel part of the Global Vision and the CSL family?

I invite us, as leaders in this organization, to think when we use the word “Global”, and how we can embrace a Global Vision. We have an opportunity to teach Spiritual Principles locally and remind our communities that there is something greater, a Universal Oneness that we are all a part of. The air that you breathe is the same air that I breathe. We have an impact with our thoughts, words, and actions on everyone else. Let us use our spiritual tools, and have thoughts of Love, Joy, Compassion, and Oneness. Let us remember we are spiritual beings having a human experience. 

Blessings!

Gregory Coyle, RScP

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Greg started his spiritual journey early in life, inspired by his parents’ devotion, faith, and integrity.

Greg has been a licensed Practitioner with Centers for Spiritual Living since 2005 and has been living in Oslo, Norway since 2004.

He offers private coaching sessions, lectures, individual and group meditations, and courses.

He contributes regularly to the Global Heart of Peace Meditation service and has been writing monthly treatments for the Practitioner listserv since 2017.

Greg currently serves as Chairman of the CSL Global Services Committee and has been a member of the Committee since 2020.

He is also a yogi and has been teaching hatha-style yoga since 2001. Greg brings “Spirit, Joy, and Love” into his practice and teachings.