Expanding Horizons https://unitariansa.podbean.com Pluralism, Generosity, and Imagination. The podcast of the Unitarian Church of South Australia. Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:50:38 +0900 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en au Copyright 2019 All rights reserved. Religion & Spirituality 1440 episodic Pluralism, Generosity, and Imagination. The podcast of the Unitarian Church of South Australia. SA Unitarians SA Unitarians No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/124131/logo-v2-orange_cwrumf.jpg Expanding Horizons https://unitariansa.podbean.com 144 144 War and Peace War and Peace https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/war-and-peace-1776572438/ https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/war-and-peace-1776572438/#comments Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:50:38 +0900 unitariansa.podbean.com/5f683d2f-d033-3c5c-89af-8ab95afc2c03 Here Kris speaks on the topic of "War and Peace." With Anzac day arriving, Kris shares his thought about war, and the true path to peace.

]]> Here Kris speaks on the topic of "War and Peace." With Anzac day arriving, Kris shares his thought about war, and the true path to peace.

]]> SA Unitarians false No 1678 506 full Forgiveness Forgiveness https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/forgiveness/ https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/forgiveness/#comments Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:43:41 +0900 unitariansa.podbean.com/ec8fa369-8cda-375f-a068-1a0f16074304 Kris explores the stages to forgiveness, and our responsibilities on that path.

]]> Kris explores the stages to forgiveness, and our responsibilities on that path.

]]> SA Unitarians false No 1422 505 full Renewal Renewal https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/renewal-1775523321/ https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/renewal-1775523321/#comments Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:25:21 +0900 unitariansa.podbean.com/7e61100e-c270-3bad-96da-b1045aa95ed6 This service on Easter Sunday was led by Kris Hanna on the theme of ‘Renewal.’ Music was contributed by Brendan Moyse.

]]> This service on Easter Sunday was led by Kris Hanna on the theme of ‘Renewal.’ Music was contributed by Brendan Moyse.

]]> SA Unitarians false No 1604 504 full The Seven Principles The Seven Principles https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/the-seven-principles/ https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/the-seven-principles/#comments Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:46:49 +0900 unitariansa.podbean.com/50b58f59-c87a-3d3a-975d-6e74052263a1 This service, led by Kris Hanna, explores the ‘The Seven Principles,’ core ideas that Unitarian Universalist communities around the world share and promote and how UUs came to be what they are today. The poem 'As Once The Winged Energy Of Delight' by Rainer Maria Rilke was read by Sandy Schultheis and reading from mathematician/writer Alfred Whitehead by Richard Mayo. Music for this service was contributed by Brendan Moyse.

]]> This service, led by Kris Hanna, explores the ‘The Seven Principles,’ core ideas that Unitarian Universalist communities around the world share and promote and how UUs came to be what they are today. The poem 'As Once The Winged Energy Of Delight' by Rainer Maria Rilke was read by Sandy Schultheis and reading from mathematician/writer Alfred Whitehead by Richard Mayo. Music for this service was contributed by Brendan Moyse.

]]> SA Unitarians false No 1341 503 full Church-hopping Church-hopping https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/church-hopping/ https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/church-hopping/#comments Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:13:05 +0900 unitariansa.podbean.com/1db889fa-7cc5-3d96-8e27-9e5832fdbfe3 This service was led by Kris Hanna on ‘Çhurch-hopping’ with music contributed by Grant Shillabeer and Brendan Moyse. ‘We find our brothers and sisters in all the temples and churches – the followers, the seekers and the wise.’

]]> This service was led by Kris Hanna on ‘Çhurch-hopping’ with music contributed by Grant Shillabeer and Brendan Moyse. ‘We find our brothers and sisters in all the temples and churches – the followers, the seekers and the wise.’

]]> SA Unitarians false No 1442 502 full Where our stories meet the road Where our stories meet the road https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/where-our-stories-meet-the-road/ https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/where-our-stories-meet-the-road/#comments Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:37:46 +0900 unitariansa.podbean.com/5b7cb056-1d2c-3666-8092-41d90302b04a The main address for this service was delivered by Joanna Giannis on “Where our stories meet the road” exploring intertwining stories and building connection, with music contributed by Robyn Filmer and readings from Jane Brooks and Aaron Poeze. 

]]> The main address for this service was delivered by Joanna Giannis on “Where our stories meet the road” exploring intertwining stories and building connection, with music contributed by Robyn Filmer and readings from Jane Brooks and Aaron Poeze. 

]]> SA Unitarians false No 2155 501 full Learning to be 'white' Learning to be 'white' https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/learning-to-be-white/ https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/learning-to-be-white/#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:48:25 +0900 unitariansa.podbean.com/2942892b-86eb-37e7-922c-7fd9fbd19a3c Here Kris speaks on "Learning to be 'white'" - the significant contribution that ideas of superiority bring to the world problems and his own observations of segregation during apartheid in South Africa and indeed on returning to Australia at that time. Music for this service was contributed by Margaret Lambert.

]]> Here Kris speaks on "Learning to be 'white'" - the significant contribution that ideas of superiority bring to the world problems and his own observations of segregation during apartheid in South Africa and indeed on returning to Australia at that time. Music for this service was contributed by Margaret Lambert.

]]> SA Unitarians false No 1389 500 full The Mirror of Simple Souls The Mirror of Simple Souls https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/the-mirror-of-simple-souls/ https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/the-mirror-of-simple-souls/#comments Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:03:22 +0900 unitariansa.podbean.com/2715494a-b353-38f1-97a0-a839cca53eae Today Kris introduces the 'Mirror of Simple Souls', a work of Christian mysticism from the middle ages. Its author was Marguerite Porete - a French-speaking mystic and member of a Beguine religious community. Using the Christian language of the time, she outlined a path toward transcending Reason and unifying the Soul with God and Love. Here, Kris also shows how Porete's ideas are similar to the Buddhist path and have value to modern spiritual seekers of any faith.

]]> Today Kris introduces the 'Mirror of Simple Souls', a work of Christian mysticism from the middle ages. Its author was Marguerite Porete - a French-speaking mystic and member of a Beguine religious community. Using the Christian language of the time, she outlined a path toward transcending Reason and unifying the Soul with God and Love. Here, Kris also shows how Porete's ideas are similar to the Buddhist path and have value to modern spiritual seekers of any faith.

]]> SA Unitarians false No 1634 499 full Jung's Advice Jung's Advice https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/jungs-advice/ https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/jungs-advice/#comments Wed, 18 Feb 2026 09:55:23 +0900 unitariansa.podbean.com/0dc8c578-533c-3db8-91e0-136874c10308 Carl Jung is perhaps less well-known than his contemporary Freud, but his work is a landmark at the nexus of spirituality and psychology. What advice can we take from his ideas? Here, Kris very clearly presents Jung's ideas on how we can each work to become our truest and best self. This requires each of us to accept the responsibility and cost of looking deeply into ourselves, exploring our subconscious, getting to know our 'shadow', and using symbolism, art and mythology to find peace.

]]> Carl Jung is perhaps less well-known than his contemporary Freud, but his work is a landmark at the nexus of spirituality and psychology. What advice can we take from his ideas? Here, Kris very clearly presents Jung's ideas on how we can each work to become our truest and best self. This requires each of us to accept the responsibility and cost of looking deeply into ourselves, exploring our subconscious, getting to know our 'shadow', and using symbolism, art and mythology to find peace.

]]> SA Unitarians false No 1837 498 full The Four Agreements The Four Agreements https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/the-four-agreements/ https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/the-four-agreements/#comments Mon, 09 Feb 2026 08:58:44 +0900 unitariansa.podbean.com/74591836-4ffb-3ebf-aee7-6557ae1e5bba This week, Kris invited Sean Ahmed-Lewis to give the address on the topic of "The Four Agreements", a book written by Don Miguel Ruiz based on Toltec wisdom. The Four Agreements are: Be Impeccable With Your Word, Don't Take Anything Personally, Don't Make Assumptions, Always Do Your Best. Sean gives a perceptive and inspiring explanation of how these practices can help people of any faith (or none) live a happier and more compassionate life.

]]> This week, Kris invited Sean Ahmed-Lewis to give the address on the topic of "The Four Agreements", a book written by Don Miguel Ruiz based on Toltec wisdom. The Four Agreements are: Be Impeccable With Your Word, Don't Take Anything Personally, Don't Make Assumptions, Always Do Your Best. Sean gives a perceptive and inspiring explanation of how these practices can help people of any faith (or none) live a happier and more compassionate life.

]]> SA Unitarians false No 2217 497 full Letting Go Letting Go https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/letting-go/ https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/letting-go/#comments Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:22:41 +0900 unitariansa.podbean.com/94db3ee6-f0d0-314c-bf6d-b98a47bc2534 We unwittingly accept the illusion of confinement and heavy imposition by others, which is why 'letting go' brings such lightness and joyous freedom. Here, Kris explores the nuances of letting go and offers helpful suggestions on why and how to go about it.

]]> We unwittingly accept the illusion of confinement and heavy imposition by others, which is why 'letting go' brings such lightness and joyous freedom. Here, Kris explores the nuances of letting go and offers helpful suggestions on why and how to go about it.

]]> SA Unitarians false No 1428 496 full Who Are You? Who Are You? https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/who-are-you/ https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/who-are-you/#comments Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:09:56 +0900 unitariansa.podbean.com/b309bbb9-0729-341a-b8fc-a6d0df5d7986 Today Kris suggests that our identity is not something we discover, but is something we are continually choosing. Jungian psychology and Buddhism both provide a framework for thinking about the illusive concept of our 'self'. Beyond all our labels and expectations there is freedom for those who seek it.... freedom to act from a place of reason and compassion.

]]> Today Kris suggests that our identity is not something we discover, but is something we are continually choosing. Jungian psychology and Buddhism both provide a framework for thinking about the illusive concept of our 'self'. Beyond all our labels and expectations there is freedom for those who seek it.... freedom to act from a place of reason and compassion.

]]> SA Unitarians false No 1422 495 full Death Grants Three Wishes Death Grants Three Wishes https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/death-grants-three-wishes/ https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/death-grants-three-wishes/#comments Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:20:54 +0900 unitariansa.podbean.com/a638c345-c1f5-34e5-9915-6583fed2c74c Being granted three wishes is a recurring motif in the stories of many cultures. Here, Kris recounts a sacred story from the Hindu tradition in which the god of Death graciously grants three wishes to a boy who is wise beyond his years. His wishes are a refection of the best qualities of humanity - a yearning for good relationships with others and for spiritual development, rather than for material gain or sensory pleasures. If you were face-to-face with death, what would you wish for?

]]> Being granted three wishes is a recurring motif in the stories of many cultures. Here, Kris recounts a sacred story from the Hindu tradition in which the god of Death graciously grants three wishes to a boy who is wise beyond his years. His wishes are a refection of the best qualities of humanity - a yearning for good relationships with others and for spiritual development, rather than for material gain or sensory pleasures. If you were face-to-face with death, what would you wish for?

]]> SA Unitarians false No 1587 494 full Rebellion Against Learning Rebellion Against Learning https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/rebellion-against-learning/ https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/rebellion-against-learning/#comments Mon, 12 Jan 2026 13:07:41 +0900 unitariansa.podbean.com/d5deb651-3760-3450-aee3-dd776e1e38dc 'You are not the person you were told you have to be'

In this week's service, SA Unitarians President, Aaron Poeze reflects on learning - good and bad - and unlearning, which can sometimes be very good! In your journey through life and in your exploration of spirituality, what will you choose to 'unlearn'?

 

]]> 'You are not the person you were told you have to be'

In this week's service, SA Unitarians President, Aaron Poeze reflects on learning - good and bad - and unlearning, which can sometimes be very good! In your journey through life and in your exploration of spirituality, what will you choose to 'unlearn'?

 

]]> SA Unitarians false No 1439 493 full Beginnings Beginnings https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/beginnings/ https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/beginnings/#comments Mon, 05 Jan 2026 09:49:27 +0900 unitariansa.podbean.com/08c63080-ef9b-3a93-bdee-4e19f28d9601 This week, to mark the New Year, SA Unitarian member Brendan offers a contemplative service on the topic of beginnings. Change can be difficult, but this collection of readings, offered together with a guided meditation, may inspire you to start the new year afresh.

]]> This week, to mark the New Year, SA Unitarian member Brendan offers a contemplative service on the topic of beginnings. Change can be difficult, but this collection of readings, offered together with a guided meditation, may inspire you to start the new year afresh.

]]> SA Unitarians false No 935 492 full Summer Solstice Summer Solstice https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/summer-solstice/ https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/summer-solstice/#comments Tue, 23 Dec 2025 10:25:57 +0900 unitariansa.podbean.com/645e6134-a516-3cab-925a-86ba16d0806b Kris leads a service reflecting on the triumph of light over darkness at solstice time, as well as the darkness Australia is dealing with in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack.

]]> Kris leads a service reflecting on the triumph of light over darkness at solstice time, as well as the darkness Australia is dealing with in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack.

]]> SA Unitarians false No 1463 491 full The Bhagavad Gita The Bhagavad Gita https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/the-bhagavad-gita/ https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/the-bhagavad-gita/#comments Mon, 15 Dec 2025 09:56:16 +0900 unitariansa.podbean.com/1357e69c-fe03-3a9f-90c9-590643aab886 This week, Kris speaks of the Bhagavad Gita, a ancient, sacred Hindu story. The story relates how the the God Krishna councils a mortal hero, Arjuna, as he hesitates before heading into battle. Aldous Huxley believed that the Bhagavad Gita contains a "perennial philosophy" that has value to all humanity. Here, Kris explains how the five main ideas presented by Krishna can be of huge value to us all as we search for fulfilment in life.

]]> This week, Kris speaks of the Bhagavad Gita, a ancient, sacred Hindu story. The story relates how the the God Krishna councils a mortal hero, Arjuna, as he hesitates before heading into battle. Aldous Huxley believed that the Bhagavad Gita contains a "perennial philosophy" that has value to all humanity. Here, Kris explains how the five main ideas presented by Krishna can be of huge value to us all as we search for fulfilment in life.

]]> SA Unitarians false No 1387 490 full "Waking Up" "Waking Up" https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/waking-up/ https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/waking-up/#comments Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:30:01 +0900 unitariansa.podbean.com/c2d424a8-65ff-385d-bc68-02102506cd1a With the able assistance of our youth community members, Kris presents reflections on the topic of "waking up" to the world's deeper truths. Coming to understand that much of humanity is focused on superficial matters can be challenging. However, through searching for a deeper, more ultimate truth we can become more authentic and compassionate people.

]]> With the able assistance of our youth community members, Kris presents reflections on the topic of "waking up" to the world's deeper truths. Coming to understand that much of humanity is focused on superficial matters can be challenging. However, through searching for a deeper, more ultimate truth we can become more authentic and compassionate people.

]]> SA Unitarians false No 1326 489 full The Spiritual Life The Spiritual Life https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/the-spiritual-life/ https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/the-spiritual-life/#comments Mon, 01 Dec 2025 08:56:09 +0900 unitariansa.podbean.com/84627b18-1411-3509-9320-f51fc882de19 What does it mean to live a spiritual life? Our spiritual paths may vary, but we all strive to focus on something greater than the day-to-day concerns which can easily overwhelm us. Today Kris outlines a holistic framework for working with our body, mind, and soul.

]]> What does it mean to live a spiritual life? Our spiritual paths may vary, but we all strive to focus on something greater than the day-to-day concerns which can easily overwhelm us. Today Kris outlines a holistic framework for working with our body, mind, and soul.

]]> SA Unitarians false No 1602 488 full An Interfaith Service An Interfaith Service https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/an-interfaith-service-1763941058/ https://unitariansa.podbean.com/e/an-interfaith-service-1763941058/#comments Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:07:38 +0900 unitariansa.podbean.com/9cbd0d84-2502-35b3-ae32-595f17581327 "... holiness, purity and charity are not exclusive possessions of any church in the world, and that every system has produced men and women of the most exalted character".  -- Swami Vivekananda

Today we hear from three members of the South Australian Multifaith Association, who share teachings from the heart of the Islamic, Jewish and Bahai Faiths. Kris then reflects on how, through respect and caring, we can find the oneness of humanity within the diversity of religions.

]]> "... holiness, purity and charity are not exclusive possessions of any church in the world, and that every system has produced men and women of the most exalted character".  -- Swami Vivekananda

Today we hear from three members of the South Australian Multifaith Association, who share teachings from the heart of the Islamic, Jewish and Bahai Faiths. Kris then reflects on how, through respect and caring, we can find the oneness of humanity within the diversity of religions.

]]> SA Unitarians false No 1851 487 full