The Personality Approach Retreat

By Gard Jameson, Nevada, United States

In early March a small group of 10 gathered at Urantia Foundation for a three-day retreat exploring the “Personality Approach” to reality. We began with a Jeffersonian dinner, where each participant shared a personal story about themselves, their family, or their ancestors. Those stories quickly created a circle of trust—an atmosphere of openness, laughter, and heartfelt sharing that set the tone for our time together.

Over the following days we explored the remarkable divine gift of personality and the spiritual journey of becoming fully who we are created to be. Our conversation followed the ideas, ideals, and contemplative practices shared in the text, The Beatitudes: Explorations in the Attitude of the Soul, with reference to Paper 140 of The Urantia Book. Our periods of silence and shared reflections reminded us that while the revelation often first appeals to the intellect, the deeper work of transformation takes place in the heart—where compassion, healing, and love engage their quiet work.

Each day included time for worship and stillness, reflecting the simple but powerful discipline of spending intentional time with the divine presence within, our divine appointment with God. As I often tell my students, even a few minutes of quiet each day can open the door to a quality of wisdom that can help us recognize the sacred personality in every person we encounter.

Our time together was enriched by the warm hospitality of Mike Wood and Evette Twyford, whose meals and gracious care helped create a welcoming environment. On Friday evening we also enjoyed a tour of the Foundation, including the remarkable Melchizedek Library of historical materials and the collection of pottery bearing the ancient three concentric circles from Cyprus. Fossils, stones, minerals, and artwork celebrating the Life Carriers and the evolution of life on our world as well.

Participants left with deep appreciation for the opportunity to share stories, explore spiritual practice, and rediscover the creative and sacred gift of personality. My hope is that each of us continues the quiet work we began together—setting aside time each day to sit in stillness with the divine presence within, allowing wisdom, compassion, and love to guide the unfolding of our unique personality. And, more importantly, may we come to see three essentials about ourselves and others: first, the sacred dimension of every other person; second, that every person deserves beloved community; and finally, that every person, through God’s will, has a gift unique unto themselves that enriches all of us.

May your smile be blessed by your heart, and may it bring this blessing to each person you meet!

Image

Image