In May 2000, a number of teachers, healers and artists participated in a series of exploratory meetings on Afton Mountain near Charlottesville, Virginia to discuss birthing a Center of the One Heart. The impetus for the Center came through a core group of enthusiasts, many of whom were originally joined together by a common interest in the teachings, art, science and philosophy inherent in the works, teachings and spirit of Walter and Lao Russell, who had operated the University of Science and Philosophy from the beautiful palace and grounds of Swannanoa atop Afton Mountain for several decades.
An organizational meeting of the members of the newly formed One Heart, followed in February 2001 whereby the following statement of purpose was adopted:
- To create and maintain a Center of the One Heart to impart and practice the essentials of harmony from all sources, including but not limited to religions, philosophies, fine arts and science;
- To create and build a social community where participants in the Center’s activities and events are living demonstrations of a universal attitude of love, radiant centers of the One Heart and manifestations of health, happiness and self-governance;
- To impart and practice the universal laws of love, balance and unified presence of the One Heart;
- To develop Heart Consciousness through appreciation and actualization of beauty and truth unique to each individual participating in the activities, events, life and work of the Center;
- To promote understanding and unity among people of all races, nationalities, philosophies and religions;
- To promote harmonious human relations through music, voice, dance, theater, art, science and appreciation of nature;
- To encourage and support the development of Heart Consciousness within the children and youth participating in the activities, events, life and work of the Center.
The Center of the One Heart welcomes all people.
Evolution and Expansion
Up until October 2004, the One Heart operated as a membership body, whereby annual dues were paid to support the life, work and activities of The Center of the One Heart. From it’s conception, many of the same people attended the three to four gatherings per year.
From October 2004 to the present, the One Heart now offers the community-at-large a greater opportunity to live the principles and philosophy of its statement of purpose. Payment of dues is no longer required. Instead, those attending events contribute a small suggested donation to the Blue Pot of Abundance, to support the event and so that the One Heart may maintain its website and assist
with various projects and events within the community.
The One Heart philosophy is best depicted in the following writing that has been within many of our hearts for a decade now! Together we continue to build community!
Goose Story
Next fall, when you see geese heading south for the winter, flying along in V-formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way:
As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in V-formation the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird were to fly on its own. People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
When a goose falls out of formation it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front. If we have as much sense as a goose we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way we are.
When the head goose gets tired it rotates back in the wing, and another goose flies point. It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs-with people or with geese flying south.
Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. What do we say when we honk from behind?
Finally-and this is important-when a goose gets sick, or loses its mate, and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or until it dies; and only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group. If we have the sense of a goose we will stand by each other like that.
–author unknown
Together we continue to build Community with the help of talented committed Light workers who are dedicated to the raising of consciousness on our planet! WE gather… we co-create… we co-operate… we celebrate the uniqueness of each individual. We break bread together, we dance we sing and laugh together… we embrace spiritual ceremony. We are a circle of Light… we are of One Heart.
