http://www.dailyspiritualretreat.com/Daily-Spiritual-Retreat-blog.html The Daily Spiritual Retreat Blog keeps you up-to-date with all additions and changes to the dailyspiritualretreat.com Web site. Subscribe here. en-us Tue, 16 Oct 2007 22:12:42 GMT Tue, 16 Oct 2007 22:12:42 GMT dailyspiritualretreat.com http://www.dailyspiritualretreat.com/whatisthesecret.html The Secret to Manifesting Everything You Want.. Love, Money, Joy Are all Possible For You Now! Sun, 14 Oct 2007 23:03:57 GMT http://www.dailyspiritualretreat.com/God.html Finding God in the Shower. Spirituality for busy people. Sun, 14 Oct 2007 20:49:11 GMT http://www.dailyspiritualretreat.com/spiritualmakeover.html What if you could have a spiritual makeover that really transformed your life? Sat, 06 Oct 2007 23:30:59 GMT http://www.dailyspiritualretreat.com/theperfectgift.html Gifts planning assistance for men who dont know where to start Sun, 09 Sep 2007 20:05:15 GMT http://www.dailyspiritualretreat.com/aboutthissite.html Build Your Website - Easily and Profitably Sun, 09 Sep 2007 05:05:04 GMT http://www.dailyspiritualretreat.com/skincareingredients.html The Most Powerful High Tech Skincare Ingredients to Know Right Now Sat, 25 Aug 2007 01:31:04 GMT http://www.dailyspiritualretreat.com/MoreSkinCareTips.html Lighten up your summer skin care for the season Sat, 25 Aug 2007 01:16:05 GMT http://www.dailyspiritualretreat.com/SkinCare.html Beautiful Skin Is Easy With these Skin Care Steps Sat, 25 Aug 2007 01:04:26 GMT http://www.dailyspiritualretreat.com/newthoughtradio.html Dr. Darnise's Appearance on New Thought Radio Fri, 17 Aug 2007 20:26:56 GMT http://www.dailyspiritualretreat.com/Buddhism.html What do you know about Buddhism? Wed, 25 Jul 2007 22:28:17 GMT http://www.dailyspiritualretreat.com/AdvancedStudies.html Studies in Spirituality That Go Beyond The Ordinary Thu, 19 Jul 2007 00:43:56 GMT http://www.dailyspiritualretreat.com/Islam.html What Do Muslims Believe? Tue, 17 Jul 2007 20:56:38 GMT http://www.dailyspiritualretreat.com/Daily-Spiritual-Retreat-blog.html#Why-is-the-evangelical-movement-so-powerful-as-a-religious-movement? Americans live in an interesting time right now. Just who are we as a nation, and a nation of individuals? These identities seem to be at odds, or at least undergoing major, painful revisions in light of previous prevailing moral norms. These kinds of existential struggles always cause a lot of anxiety and distress. People really lose sight of who they are in relation to the world, and this is most unsettling. How is it that the evangelicals and maybe even the fundamentalists, are able to gain strides during these stressful times? In a nutshell, the evangelical religious movements have been able to offer a solution to people struggling with identity crises. They are offering an anti-anxiety pill that a lot of people are filling congregations in droves to take. Evangelicals have been very good at pushing the fear button in people presenting the idea of a nation and a world run amuck with moral depravity and then presenting answers to that chaos in the form of religious dogma. People will always avoid uncertainty and anxiety if at all possible, so an ideology (religious or otherwise) that seems to provide solutions is compelling. The problem with these solutions is that they are very narrow in scope. They really do not adequately take into account the diversity of peoples and cultures who exist in the country and the world, and who oftentimes do not share the American evangelical notions of good and righteous behavior. As much as people say they acknowledge the benefits of a diverse society, what we actually see happening is a discomfort with the unfamiliar, foreign, other ways of life. Living with diversity really produces anxiety and suspicion for some people. Evangelicals call for a type of assimilation, where everyone shares the same faith, morals, social and political views. The world becomes a place of familiarity and comfort. Likewise, everyone understands the proper steps to get to heaven, so theres reduced anxiety about death too. Why do I think the evangelical movement is so popular right now? Because it makes people feel like they have some measure of control in a world in which they feel they have none. Life in our technologically advanced, global village moves at lightening speed, and requires interaction with all manner of different people. The unconscious way of coping with this pace of life is to play follow the leader, whether religious or political. Life can be easier if you just follow whatever Pastor or President says to do. Living Life Consciously means taking the road less traveled, striking out in a different direction from the masses, following your own intuition, becoming your own leader. Its not the easiest way, but it is the only way to growth and enlightenment. Mon, 25 Dec 2006 01:13:52 GMT http://www.dailyspiritualretreat.com/Daily-Spiritual-Retreat-blog.html#You-Be-The-Gift What did you get me for Christmas? Youve probably heard this before, from your children, siblings or special someone. We all have certain expectations for material things we would like to receive, and things we would like to give. Well, my suggestion for this Christmas season is that you be a gift or a blessing to someone, not so much with a store bought present, but with yourself. What can you do for someone else? Who needs a word of encouragement or a small favor that would make a difference for them? Sometimes it is the person in the grocery line in front of you who is a little short on cash or the older person who cant quite reach the top shelf. Offer your help without being asked and without expecting anything in return. Remember the universe is responsive and generous, it will return the favor to you when you need it. Be the gift of thoughtfulness, compassion, kindness, patience and generosity. Try to let go of the whats in it for me idea, at least for a little while, as kind of an experiment if nothing else. Let go of the judgment we often have towards others in need, especially the homeless, who we think should just get a job, or even the big charities who we think arent really helping people with all the money they receive. Let the spirit be your guide as you extend yourself, and follow the guidance you get. I am confident that you will experience a lift just for giving your gift, and then the return of the favor later on will just be the icing on top of your favorite Christmas cookie! Mon, 25 Dec 2006 01:13:52 GMT http://www.dailyspiritualretreat.com/Daily-Spiritual-Retreat-blog.html#Dr.-Darnise-on-the-Radio I was recently on the radio here in Sourthern California on KPFK. It was a great opportunity to speak about religion and spirituality to a broader audience. I was part of a discussion on a new film called Color of the Cross, in which the life of Jesus is told, this time with Jesus depicted as a Black man. I got to comment on the historical Jesus and his ministry as backgroung to the filmmakers vision in this new project. I expect to participate more in the larger media, and I will keep you all posted. Sat, 07 Oct 2006 18:51:29 GMT