Have Your Say - Sam Rossitto

Sam Rossitto has graciously given his permission to post here an email that he sent to haveryoursay@commongroundfellowship.com. It's not too late for you to have your say. Just send to that email address to have your thoughts included in the board's deliberations about the mission / vision for Common Ground.

Please feel free to comment on Sam's post, by typing in your comment below and clicking the "Add Comment" button.

-- Noel

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To Noel Albertson and the Common Ground Board:

A few of my thoughts about CG.

Where we head and what we do depends on what the folks who are attracted to CG need in their lives. In my view, as it currently is, CG meets the needs of some and not of others. This does not necessarily mean the CG is lacking in any way, or that it necessarily needs to change. One of the questions is whether by changing to meet the needs of some, does it then fail to meet the needs of others and those folks go elsewhere.

Who are we? In my mind, we are individuals who in some sense have their own personal religion derived from their own needs, study and experience. Some of us feel firm on a chosen path (be it yoga, Course in Miracle, Science of Mind, Agape). Some folks may not necessarily be looking for a new path (the Common Ground path), it may be enough for them to continue going deep in their chosen path.

Some may not need CG to provide education in any particular way. For me (and maybe others), part of my chosen path is to spend some time with others from other paths because I see the value for me and for the world to become familiar with those of other paths – to understand their point of view, their “scriptures” and their practices that help them find happiness and meaning in their lives.Some spiritual paths don’t come with a built in community. So that need can be filled by what Common Ground offers. There are some ways of being with people that transcend philosophies, religion and practice – and one of those ways is music. As someone recently says, music “bypasses the frontal cortex of the brain”, or something like that. That is why the choir and the music element of CG is so important for me.

For me, it just feels so good to feel the energy of the music and the vibe and oneness from everyone who is singing and feelin’ it too.

For me, CG connects me with wonderful people, just to get to know and to play with.

I would love to play with other Common Grounders in a way that also provides service where needed to the overall Philadelphia community where there are all sorts of needs.

I love Common Ground, but I personally don’t see Common Ground as “my path”, but I respect others who may see it that way or may want CG to change so that it does become their chosen path.

There are those who say they want more from Common Ground. I’ve heard people say that they want a large gathering every week so that they feel charged and inspired (to me that sounds like traditional church services). For me, that would not be in balance with where CG fits into my life.

I’ve heard people say that they want a community where their children are taught the ideas of Common Ground and people who want to affiliate with Agape.
All of us want “growth”, whether it be personal or in organizations. Bigger is sometimes better, but not always. We often feel an urge to change, but that can just be restlessness and not always a wise move. Maybe it is best to maintain what we have and make that strong. I don’t know.

I think one of the challenges for CG is – what do we teach? Who decides what we teach? For example, there are those who object to using the word “God” – some say it is “charged and brings up disturbing images” and others object to NOT using the word “God” – “what’s the difference what you call the absolute – God is just one name, so accept that and get over it”. So who in CG decides these things? The Board?? Do these matters have to be decided by anyone? Should the choir not use the word “God”? Should children’s material not use the word “God”?

These are just examples.. and I don’t know the answers to these questions.

Or “meditation”. Who decides what that is? If I invite a Buddhist, or Catholic, or Native American to lead a meditation in the way that is taught in that path and what has brought value for that person, should CG edit or judge it, or do we just be open to experience that version of spirit? (I wonder what the reaction would be if I invited a Catholic nun to lead mediation, who then leads every one in saying the Rosary? Is that not a path to stillness and prayer? Is there really a difference between the Rosary to a yogic mantra) Are only Eastern or new age paths “correct”?.

About Agape affiliation..

I am open to hearing more about that. Affiliation may meet the needs of those who feel that they want a spiritual growth curriculum that I hear Agape offers. I may want to sample a bit of that and see if it resonates with me. I highly value what Michael Beckwith has done, and the way he is able to communicate essential spiritual teachings to others who might not be open to hearing if from an Indian guru. I get a lot out of his books, and love the Agape music. But I’m not real comfortable with being affiliated with an organization who has a charismatic (sometimes a bit too much “fire and brimstone” for me) leader like Beckwith.

Oh well, you asked us to give “our say”, so there it is.

Noel, thank you for all of the time, care, concern and energy that you have given to Common Ground. It certainly has, and I know will continue to, enriched my life on so many levels.

Much love,

Sam Rossitto