KAPAA – Members at the Center for Spiritual Living Kauai embrace the center’s core idea that, “Thoughts are things and that in any moment by changing your thoughts you can change the motion of your life in the direction of
KAPAA – Members at the Center for Spiritual Living Kauai embrace the center’s core idea that, “Thoughts are things and that in any moment by changing your thoughts you can change the motion of your life in the direction of your choosing.”
Thirteen-year-old Araya Robinson knows something about motion and direction. He is an avid skateboarder and loves to do kick flips and back side flips.
“Even when I’m sick, I skateboard,” Robinson said. “I’m a very creative person with my skateboard.”
The Kapaa teen practices in the skate park with other teens anywhere from three to seven hours a day.
“Some do drugs, but I don’t judge,” Robinson said.
He has witnessed bullying as well as the effects of cutting (a form of self-inflicted injury to deal with emotions) among other teens.
“I think cutting is stupid,” Robinson explained. “I’ve gotten some of my friends to stop.”
Reverend Patrick Feren and his wife Reverend Rita Andriello, co-spiritual directors of the Center for Spiritual Living Kauai, believe in Robinson. He is a leader, Feren said.
The couple has grown their Spiritual Living Center to 70 members since they formed the Kauai chapter one year ago.
“God and spirit is within you,” Andriello said. “It’s magnificent and perfect.”
The couple wants to share those ideas with everyone, including Robinson, who they have appointed leader of the center’s teen group. Every Thursday afternoon, the teens meet at Lydgate Park.
“We want to know what the kids do here on Kauai and find out if they get bored,” Feren said
That curiosity and desire to help youth spawned the idea for a youth center, the “School of Choices.”
“We want to have a non-denominational place where all are welcome,” Feren said. “These youth have so much to offer. They need to learn how powerful they are. We want them to feel empowered.”
Long range goals include the construction of a center, but the cost for now is prohibitive. Building the ultimate multi-purpose center is estimated to cost $8 million. Instead, for now, they are searching for a rental spot in Kapaa.
Since July 2013, they’ve been holding their weekly Sunday morning celebration gatherings at the Aston Aloha Beach Resort Hotel.
Robinson wasn’t a regular church goer prior to attending Sunday morning celebrations at the Center for Spiritual Living.
“It energizes you,” Robinson said. “Regular churches are normally so boring. They just go on and on and on.”
But not at the Center said the teen who has grown to appreciate Feren’s occasional humor during the celebration gatherings.
“Everyone is just cracking up,” Robinson explained.
“Sometimes we have to laugh.” Feren said. “That’s the biggest healer.”
Healing and teaching are at the crux of the center. Encouraging others to explore their spiritual, mental, emotional and physical lives is priority.
“We want to be a beacon of light to others,” Andriello said. “I’ve always been a spiritual seeker. I practiced Catholicism, Mormonism and New Age religions. This is the first time I’ve found something that makes total sense to me. My faith has grown by leaps and bounds.”
Love is at the heart of the center’s teachings with the idea that love will rule every thought, every word and therefore, every action.
Celebration gatherings are at 9 a.m. Sundays at The Aston Aloha Beach Resort Hotel. The youth group meets Thursdays from 4 to 5:15 p.m. at Lydgate Park. Call for exact location. Information: www.cslkauai.org or call 755-9177.
• Lisa Ann Capozzi, features and education reporter can be reached at lcapozzi@thegardenisland.com.
