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Finding Sacred Rest: Reflections from a Week as a Teen Chaplain
By Rev. Phoenix Bell-Shelton Biggs
What does rest look like when you’re surrounded by teens in the height of summer energy? I recently spent a week serving as a chaplain to a vibrant group of teenagers at a UU youth gathering, and I left both beautifully exhausted and spiritually renewed.
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At first glance, “teen chaplaincy” might not sound like a restful endeavor. The days are full of early mornings, late nights, check-ins, games, laughter, deep conversations, and holding space for both joy and heartbreak. Teens carry so much: dreams, questions, anxiety, hope. And as their chaplain, I had the privilege of walking alongside them as they navigated all of it.
But somewhere in that sacred swirl of activity, I discovered a new kind of rest.
Not the kind of rest that comes from sleeping in or lounging by a lake though I won’t pretend I didn’t long for that at times. No, this was soul-deep rest: the kind that comes from being present, from knowing you are exactly where you’re meant to be, doing the work your spirit was made to do.
Rest, I’ve come to understand, doesn’t always mean stillness. Sometimes, rest is rootedness. It’s knowing you’re held by a community, by Spirit, by purpose. It’s the brief moment of quiet between songs, or the sacred pause in a conversation when a teen gathers the courage to speak their truth. It’s taking a breath before offering a blessing, and feeling your whole self show up in that moment.
During that week, I witnessed so many small miracles: a shy teen raising their hand to lead, a circle of youth sitting in candlelight, offering prayers for one another, laughter echoing across the grass after a long day. Each moment reminded me that rest and connection are deeply linked. We don’t rest just to stop—we rest to return to what matters most.
Now, as I return to church life and the rhythms of congregational ministry, I carry with me the lessons of that week: to find rest in purpose, to pause and breathe even in the busy, and to trust that being present is sometimes the holiest work of all.
May we all find the rest we need not just in stillness, but in spirit. And may we offer that kind of rest to each other, in love.
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From your UUCV Board of Trustees
Hello Members and Friends of UUCV:
The 2025-2026 year has begun, and the board is off to a great start. After much discussion with the last two boards the current board has moved forward with the purchase of a full-building fire alarm system. This system will give notice of a fire with 30 networked alarms. Thank you to the SCRT (Safe Congregation Response Team) for keeping this as a top priority. With Reverend Phoenix joining us the board will be more focused on policy and governance (By-Laws and Policy) and in saying that we would like your input. Board meetings are currently held the second Tuesday of the month in the boardroom (and on Zoom) and you are welcome to attend. Please contact the board if you need to be on the agenda to speak. The plan for the board going forward is to publish the board meeting agenda a few weeks prior to the board meeting so that if there is specific input you would like to provide you may.
This year the board will be (in compliance with by-laws) calling and organizing all committees to best benefit the mission and values of UUCV. We will need volunteers to chair committees that will help UUCV grow in membership and outreach. Working closely with our Minister, Staff and committees, our goal is to optimize financial well-being, grow membership, maintain our facilities and increase outreach in the greater community while living our shared values.
Big love to all of our amazing staff and volunteers and to you as well.
In Love,
Brent Dickerson (He/Any)
President, UUCV Board of Trustees
2 Forge Rd. Boiling Springs, PA 17007 |
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The Worship theme for
August is Rest, Play, and the Healing of Souls |
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As the sun stretches long and the pace of life begins to slow, August invites us into a sacred rhythm of rest and renewal. At UUCV, our worship theme for the month centers on Rest—not just as a personal need, but as a communal, ecological, and spiritual calling. We also carry forward the joyful energy of play, remembering that healing often begins where delight and release meet.
Here’s what’s coming up in worship this August:
August 3 – "UUCV CAMP-IN Service"
Led by Lynn Sodora, Rev. Phoenix Bell-Shelton Biggs & UUCV Camp Counselors Ben and Brent.
The tents are up, the campfire stories are flowing, and the songs of joy are echoing through our halls! After a special Saturday night Camp-In sleepover at UUCV—complete with games, music, and a spirit of adventure—we gather on Sunday morning for an all-ages worship service grounded in the sacred gift of play.
August 10 – “Letting Go to Grow”
Rev. Phoenix Bell-Shelton Biggs
What are we being called to release in this season of ripening and return? This service weaves together late summer laments, the wisdom of harvest, and the power of spiritual release.
August 17 -
“Let the Earth Rest, Too”
Rev. Phoenix Bell-Shelton Biggs
What if rest could be a form of resistance? A spiritual discipline? A gift to the Earth? This service explores sabbath as an ecological and communal practice, rooted in the ancient wisdom of Land Sabbaths and our interdependence with creation.
August 24 – "Backpack Blessing Sunday" (All Ages)
Led by Lynn Sodora
This joyful, intergenerational service blesses backpacks and hearts as children, youth, and adults prepare for the school year. Come celebrate the sacredness of learning, curiosity, and the journey ahead. Bring your backpack or bag for a special blessing!
August 31 – “Make Us Vessels of Belonging”
Led Rev. Phoenix Bell-Shelton Biggs
Labor Day Weekend & RE Open House
This service serves as a soft launch into September’s theme of Building Belonging and our upcoming Water Communion. We’ll reflect on what it means to be a vessel for belonging in our communities and our world. Includes a covenant renewal moment and an invitation to begin collecting water for Water Communion.
Whether you're joining us for play, reflection, or renewal, we hope you’ll find space to reconnect with your spirit and your community this August. All are welcome.
🕊️
Come rest with us.
🎨
Come play with us.
💛
Come belong with us.
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The UUCV Book Group meets at 6:30 pm on the 4th Sunday of each month for a lively, thoughtful discussion on our worship ZOOM channel https://zoom.us/my/uucvpa
August 24: Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon by Michael Lewis (Brian McPherson leads)
The rise and fall of Sam Bankman-Fried, the world’s youngest billionaire and crypto’s Gatsby. CEOs, celebrities, and leaders of small countries all vied for his time and cash after he catapulted, practically overnight, onto the Forbes billionaire list. This rumpled guy in cargo shorts and limp white socks, whose eyes twitched across Zoom meetings as he played video games on the side, had his world come crashing down and is now serving 25 yrs in prison for defrauding investors. 2023, 288 pp
For a full list of the 2025 Book Selections see the complete article under "UUCV Announcements" in this newsletter.
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NEW emails at UUCV
We are moving to a new domain at UUCV which will effect the email addresses of our staff. All staff has now migrated to the new domain:
Rev. Phoenix minister@uucv.org
Pam (Office Administrator) office@uucv.org
Lynn (Director of Lifespan Faith Development) dlfd@uucv.org
Carol (Music Director) music@uucv.org
NOTE: .net is now .org
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- Friday, August 1 Membership Meeting 10:00 Board Room ZOOM
- Saturday, August 2 and 3 RE Camp UUCV
- Wednesday, August 6 Worship Tech Meeting 4:30 ZOOM
- Sunday, August 10 Building and Grounds Committee 12:30 Welcome Center
- Wednesday, August 11 Executive Meeting 6:00 ZOOM
- Tuesday, August 12 Board Meeting 6:30 Board Room ZOOM
- Wednesday, August 13 Worship Tech Meeting 4:30 ZOOM
- Wednesday, August 20 Social Justice Committee 6:30 Board and ZOOM
- Wednesday, August 20 Worship Tech Meeting 4:30 ZOOM
- Sunday, August 24 UUCV Book Group at 6:30pm on ZOOM https://zoom.us/my/uucvpa
- Wednesday, August 27 Worship Tech Meeting 4:30 ZOOM
- Thursday, August 28 Building and Grounds Committee 6:00 ZOOM
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August Social Justice Opportunities |
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We encourage UUCV members and friends to get involved with Social Justice Committee -sponsored projects in one of the following ways:
· Donate regularly to our quarterly Change for the World recipient
· Suggest an area non-profit organization to be a CFTW recipient by filling out a form online available on UUCV’s website or a hard copy found on the Social Justice table
· Cook or donate a dish for our quarterly Community CARES dinner that provides a nourishing meal for Carlisle’s homeless population
· Contribute to the Mozambique Bursary project and help educate girls there
· Suggest a topic for our Justice Moments during worship to help educate our members about accomplishments of People of Color, women, people with disabilities, People from the LGBTQIA+ community or cultural practices that have led to discrimination or lack of recognition (see Rev. Chris)
· Write a postcard or contact your legislators about impending or much needed legislation in our state government as suggested by the Harrisburg organization that promotes our values, UUJusticePA · Join UUJusticePA at www.uujusticepa.org by donating as little as $1 or as generously as you can to support the staff and partnerships that help us stand up for our values
· Volunteer for our monthly work day commitment at Community CARES in Carlisle on the fourth Thursday of each month from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
· Participate in an Earth Day hike in April
· Help at the annual Pride Festival in Harrisburg, National Public Lands Day, or United Way’s One Day of Caring
· Show up to area rallies or protests that promote our values
· Do your part to end the racial divide in our area by attending Moving Circles (3rd Monday of the month at 7:00pm at the Carlisle YWCA), Carlisle Bridge Builders (2nd Saturday of the month at 10:00am at Carlisle Bibleway Church on S. West and Walnut Sts.), or participate in a quarterly Friendship Dinner sponsored by Moving Circles
We anchor our efforts around UUCV’s mission to transform lives and care for the world. Thank you to those who serve on the committee: Wendy Gebb, Deb Genet, Jill Hoffman, Dee Lauderbaugh, Cheryl Parsons, Carol & Mike Reismeyer, and Kim Stone. Thanks also to all who participate in the above programs.
The Social Justice Committee meets on the third Wednesday of each month mostly at 6:30 PM on ZOOM. Please check the weekly previews to confirm the time and format of the next meeting on Wednesday, August 20. All are welcome to participate in our meetings or suggest a new project.
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Change for the World -
July - September
CARES - Carlisle Community Cares provides emergency shelter, resources and support for individuals and families who are about to, or are experiencing homelessness. One of these resources is the Penn Street "Day Center"
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Despite all these and other efforts, the un-sheltered numbers keep rising in Cumberland County. Housing, if available, is expensive. There already is an overnight shelter in Shippensburg, but it is for families only. To help remedy this problem, CARES has purchased a 6,100 sq. Ft. Empty building at 230 S. Garden Street in Carlisle across from GIANT. Hopefully, starting in February, renovation will begin. They also will start construction to add more spaces, bringing the total square footage to 9,100 sq. Ft. Inside the building, partitions will be erected between each bed, creating some much-needed privacy. Besides a bed, each compartment will have a nightstand and lamp. This will temporarily provide about 40 - 50 adults (no children) with a warm, safe space to live, while working on their recovery.
All this will cost a lot of money, so any amount you can give for this renovation will be welcomed.
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UUCV Volunteers help organize the Food Pantry at the current CARES building. |
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Greetings all!
This August will find us enjoying some fun all-ages services, the last of our Summer Fundays, and getting ready for the upcoming RE year. We'll kick off August with a Camp UUCV overnight for kids ages 10-17, followed by an all-ages UUCV Camp all-ages worship service on Sunday morning. Looking forward to a restful month as we prepare for a new beginning in September!
Parents and Caregivers, please complete an RE registration form for the upcoming year.
UUCV RE 2025-26 REGISTRATION FORM |
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Below is our Summer Sunday schedule for August:
August 2: Camp UUCV overnight (Ages 10-17), 7:00 PM (registration required)
August 3: Camp UUCV all-ages service, 10:30 AM, Sanctuary
August 10: Summer Funday: Making calm-down bottles, Spirit Play/YUUth Rooms
August 17: Summer Funday: Making cactus pet rocks, Spirit Play/YUUth Rooms
August 24: Backpack Blessing all-ages service, 10:30 AM, Sanctuary
August 31: RE Classroom Breakouts - Prep for RE Open House
Our annual RE Open House will be held on Sunday, August 31, directly after service. Follow the trail through our classrooms to learn what's happening in RE this year. You'll find your refreshments along the way!
NURSERY CARE is available every Sunday from 10:15 - 11:45 am for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
**Please sign out your young children (up to 5th grade) from their classrooms (or outside in the yard) by 11:45.** This gives parents the opportunity to socialize before pickup, while respecting the Volunteer Teachers' time as well.
Thank you to all our July volunteers! Ryanne Mack, Julie Cullings, Melissa Mattson, Staci Kendall, Jill Hoffman, Michael Cappucci, Emily Cappucci, Rebecca Fratantuono, Susan Green, Becca Grinnell, Ben Ramirez and Susan Rimby. Thank you so much for your time and energy! Members of the Congregation are encouraged to volunteer with the Children's RE Program! Please email Lynn Sodora DLFD at re@uucv.net to check in about submitting clearances
.
May we continue to learn and grow together!
In faith and service,
Lynn
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Adult RE - Planning Session - Sunday August 10, 2025 - 9 AM
Are you interested in personal and spiritual development? Do you consider yourself a life-long learner? Would you like to deepen your connections with fellow congregants and friends of UUCV?
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If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, then the Adult Religious Education (RE) group might be just what you’re looking for.
Join us on Sunday August 10th at 9 AM in the boardroom for a planning session where we will propose and decide upon the topics for our next series of Adult RE classes to be held September through December. The planning session will last approximately one hour. If you can’t make the meeting in-person, you can join via Zoom using this link: https://zoom.us/my/meetingsuucv. Questions? Reach out at any time to Keith Bittinger at kbittinger@comcast.net
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Music at UUCV
August is a good month to consider joining our UUCV choir in the fall.
The choir sings 4 times a year with rehearsals three weeks prior to the performance, 5 minutes after Sunday church services ends. Ages 16+ are welcome!
Please consider joining us for Fall 2025!
Contact our Music Director, Carole Knisely, if you have interest in joining us at music@uucv.org |
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Meet Idalina Mendes Telmos
During a June field visit, Titos Macie, our Project Consultant, and Sonia Assane Saule, our Project Director, caught up with Idalina Mendes Telmos, a Bursary graduate. Idalina (pictured here) is also a graduate of Mozambique’s Teacher Training Institute. She currently teaches at
the Muravone Primary School and has her own home and a motorbike. Idalina says that her friends, who weren’t able to get an education, have many children and live in poverty. Idalina, justifiably, is proud of her accomplishments and contributions to society.
Donations like yours to the UUCV Mozambique Bursary Committee make it possible for girls like Idalina to pursue their dreams and use their talents.
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$445 supports one girl for one year providing room and board, school uniforms and supplies, and hygiene products. Smaller donations are also vitally important and pay for essentials like breakfast, notebooks and pencils, and mosquito nets.
The UUCV Mozambique Bursary Committee is always looking for new members. Please contact Martha Bergsten, Dianne Dusman, Deb Genet, Brian McFarland, or Susan Rimby if interested. |
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New to UUCV? Thinking About Becoming a Member?
Join us for our upcoming New Member
Class: Roots & Wings: Becoming Part of Our UU Story
- Saturday, August 23 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- Lunch Provided!
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Come learn about:
- The history and values of Unitarian Universalism
- What makes UUCV a unique and welcoming community
- What membership means—and how your story fits into ours
This one-day class is a great way to reflect on your spiritual journey, meet others, and explore what it means to be part of a radically welcoming, justice-seeking faith community.
Please RSVP by August 18 so we can plan for lunch and arrange the necessary materials.
Location: UUCV (2 Forge Road, Boiling Springs, PA)
RSVP at: https://tinyurl.com/mr3mbu46 or sign up at the welcome table.
Questions email: Core-Staff@uucv.org
This one-day class is an excellent opportunity to reflect on your spiritual journey, connect with others, and explore what it means to be part of a radically welcoming, justice-seeking faith community.
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Calling all artists and designers at UUCV!
In the 21st century, how we present ourselves online matters more than ever. Whether someone is discovering us through a social media post, our website, or a digital flyer, our logo is often the first impression.
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That’s why we’re launching a Logo Competition to design a fresh visual identity—one that reflects who we are and who we aspire to be in today’s digital world. Our current logo has served us well, but we need a logo that is adaptable, accessible, and recognizable across all platforms, from tiny social media icons to large-format signage.
Details:
● August 5 – Deadline for submissions: Sent to Core-Staff@uucv.org
● August 6 – The leadership team reviews submissions for the most flexibility and adaptability of use (print, online, etc.)
● August 10–17 – Congregation members and friends will vote on the top 3 submissions
● August 24 – The logo winner will be revealed
Submission Criteria:
The final logo will be used on our website, social media, and printed materials to represent who we are to newcomers and visitors. Consider our initials, UUCV, and the symbol of the chalice, widely used across Unitarian Universalism. You may want your logo to convey our promise, as described in our mission, to transform lives and change the world, or reflect some other unique element of our building or environment.
● Any member or friend of UUCV can submit one or more logo possibilities
● Submissions must be original—no copies or elements of other copyrighted images (including the UUA logo)
● Final submissions should be a high-resolution PDF so they can be easily read on any computer
● The logo should work in both color and black/white
● It must function well in a variety of sizes, from small icons to large signs
● The selected logo must be able to be converted into multiple file formats after winning
We can’t wait to see your creativity shine! This is more than just a design—it’s a chance to shape how UUCV is seen and known in the wider world. Whether you're a seasoned designer or simply inspired by our mission, we invite you to help us envision the future. Submit your logo by August 5 and be part of this exciting new chapter in our story.
Let’s design the future—together.
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Reiki for Renewal: Wellness on site at UUCV! |
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Dear Friends,
Immerse yourself in the tranquil and transformative world of Reiki, where deep relaxation, inner harmony, and spiritual serenity await you. Reiki, a gentle, energy-based practice, is renowned for its ability to alleviate tension, soothe the nervous system, and enhance your body's innate healing abilities.
As an ordained minister and Reiki Master Teacher, I am delighted to share that my entire practice has now relocated to the welcoming environment of the Unitarian Universalists of the Cumberland Valley (UUCV). Here, I offer a variety of services to nurture your well-being and spiritual growth
My offerings include personalized Reiki sessions, invigorating Reiki group classes, and nurturing Reiki Shares, all conducted in the serene setting of the Welcome Center/Meeting Room at UUCV. Additionally, I provide Bowen Technique sessions for pain relief and emotional clearing sessions with bodywork, each customized to address your specific needs.
Throughout the week, I hold a peaceful space in the room and welcome individuals by appointment. Whether you're seeking profound rest, spiritual renewal, or simply curious about the healing power of Reiki, you are warmly invited to come as you are and experience its gentle, restorative embrace.
Wednesday August 6 11AM to 1 PM OR Thursday, August 21 from 7-9PM FREE REIKI SHARE!!A Reiki Share is a monthly gathering of folks curious about reiki and its benefits that come to exchange both giving and receiving reiki on one another in a supportive, safe, open environment. Please contact Rachel to secure your spot.
Saturday , August 16- REIKI LEVEL ONE: Reiki for Self-Care 9 -4 PMUnderstanding reiki begins with healing self and learning the traditional hand positions from the lineage of Master Usui . This class explores the history, lineage, and philosophy and techniques of Reiki. Your investment of $111.00 provides you with a manual, attunement and Level One Certificate as well as on-going support with Rachel.
Peace to you! Rev. Rachel Schwab, M.Div
Reiki Master Teacher and Bowen Technique
717-962-5201
Reiki - Reverend - Ritual |
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YUUTH Play Garden Renovation, termites, weeds, and poor drainage - Oh MY!
The Building and Grounds Committee needs you! Whether you want to officially join the committee, share ideas, participate in a single specific project (like the YUUTH Garden, a room refresh, adopting a garden bed, mowing the lawn once a summer, etc.), or are just curious about what’s happening please join one of our upcoming meetings! |
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Meetings will be 30-60 min long, if you can only join for a part of the meeting you will not be judged. We have a mix of in person and online meetings to increase accessibility but committee members are not expected to attend every meeting. Hope to see you soon and reach out to Becca Grinnell or Katie Clark with questions
Here's a list of remaining meeting dates/times/locations:
- Sunday August 10th, 12:30PM in the Welcome Center
- Thursday August 28th, 6:00PM on ZOOM
- Sunday September 7th, 12:30PM in the Welcome Center
- Thursday September 25th, 6:00PM on ZOOM
- Sunday October 5th, 12:30PM in the Welcome Center
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UUCV Book Group
Selections for January - October 2025
The UUCV Book Group meets at 6:30 pm on the 4th Sunday of each month for a lively, thoughtful discussion on our worship ZOOM channel https://zoom.us/my/uucvpa |
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August 24 - Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon by Michael Lewis (Brian McPherson leads)
The rise and fall of Sam Bankman-Fried, the world’s youngest billionaire and crypto’s Gatsby. CEOs, celebrities, and leaders of small countries all vied for his time and cash after he catapulted, practically overnight, onto the Forbes billionaire list. This rumpled guy in cargo shorts and limp white socks, whose eyes twitched across Zoom meetings as he played video games on the side, had his world come crashing down and is now serving 25 yrs in prison for defrauding investors. 2023, 288 pp.
September 28 - The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens (Bev Motich leads)
Hana Babic is a quiet, middle-aged librarian in Minnesota who wants nothing more than to be left alone. But when a detective arrives with the news that her best friend has been murdered, Hana knows that something evil has come for her, a dark remnant of the past she and her friend had shared. Thirty years before, Hana was someone else: Nura Divjak, a teenager growing up in the mountains of war-torn Bosnia—until Serbian soldiers arrived to slaughter her entire family before her eyes. 2025, 312 pp.
October 26 - The Battle for Your Brain: Defending the Right to Think Freely in the Age of Neurotechnology by Nita A. Farahany (Keith Bittinger leads)
Summary: A new dawn of brain tracking and hacking is coming. Will you be prepared for what comes next? Imagine a world where your brain can be interrogated to learn your political beliefs, your thoughts can be used as evidence of a crime, and your own feelings can be held against you. A world where people who suffer from epilepsy receive alerts moments before a seizure, and the average person can peer into their own mind to eliminate painful memories or cure addictions. Paperback: 304 pages, Audio Book: 8 hrs 27 mins
November 23 – 2026 reading selections
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