OurFounder
Spanning decades of study and research into religion, spirituality, and mind sciences, I persistently sought out a spiritual community where I could grow as much in Wisdom & Knowledge as in Discipline & Faith, only to find myself repeatedly in the clutches of allegedly modern but typically stagnant movements plagued by unsubstantiated hypotheses, useless rhetoric, and more gurus and experts than ever were servants; all regurgitating similar prosperity-gospel tainted with comparable contradictions, confusion, and pseudo-science they’d clearly not researched and that others dared not challenge; all spewed by the same variety of heavily indebted, financially strapped, poverty-minded “avatars” whose measure of integrity failed to reach the summit of their lofty sermons. And that’s aside from the lack of commitment, discipline, introspection and self-possession exhibited by these movements' “leaders”. After decades of not finding a truly progressive, wholly inclusive, Upright, Upstanding, Uplifting spiritual community, I sought to form one, but without creating yet another religion, sect, cult, or other stagnant “movement”. What I started is a Conversation.
Today, C.A.L.M is a progressive, wholly inclusive and affirming Spiritual-Mind-Science community for everyone–no exceptions–where discipline, compassion, and a sense of community are at the forefront of our ‘Search Through Science’ mandate. It’s a place to dialogue, discover, and walk the affirmative walk instead of just talk. It’s also a place that recognizes that, as humanity continues to evolve, so must religion, spirituality, and science, otherwise these powerful concepts (designed to work in unison) stagnate and regress and simply cannot assist humanity in evolving beyond its current state.
For me personally, C.A.L.M is not a unit I lead, but a conversation I humbly facilitate. In keeping with our Omnist culture, I endeavor to foster universal faith-to-faith concepts which are the roots of all progressive spiritual-science teachings, but are also the seed of all the greatest, purest, undeniably divine data made known to humanity since the dawn of recorded history. I am truly honored to facilitate amical dialogue surrounding such empowering concepts; for those who seek to discover, study, and embody them for optimal living, and for those who wish to contribute to the betterment of all humanity.
Although C.A.L.M is referred to as a ministry, you can rest assured, it’s only a religion if you choose to make it so. Otherwise, it's simply an ongoing ever-revealing, ever-progressing, ever-evolving conversation about the Conscious Affirmative Living Mindset.
All are welcome here!
Claude La Vertu
Founder/Facilitator
Conscious Affirmative Living Mindset
The Conscious Affirmative Living Mindset is a life-affirming method of thinking, being, and living geared to experiencing one’s best possible life while contributing to making our world a better place for everyone. The C.A.L.MAssembly is an educational community dedicated to research into this Mindset, focusing on unbiased Spiritual-Mind-Science studies.
Principally an open study group with a mandate to preserve and expand an ongoing conversation about Spiritual-Mind-Science, the C.A.L.MAssembly is for anyone on a search for Truth while aiming to live an enlightened life, discover their true self, heal their life, enjoy all the splendour that life has to offer, and be associated with, supported by, and support like-minded individuals.
While spiritual convictions are not required or enforced, our community observes Omnism; the practice of recognizing, respecting, and celebrating all affirming aspects of all faiths. Our Spiritual-Mind-Science philosophies are in alignment with, and rooted in, the Bible, and in all affirming, peaceful, empowering, non-oppressive, loving aspects of all religions.
C.A.L.M is inclusive and affirming, welcoming folks from all walks of life, of all faiths, of no faith, and everyone in between. While some see us as a church, others see us as a humble study group. Participation is absolutely free. Registration (and personal information) is never requested. Membership is not required or solicited, and you need not label yourself Omnist (or anything else) to participate. C.A.L.M is, before all else, a conversation; open to anyone and everyone.
MINDSET & PHILOSOPHY
The Conscious Affirmative Living Mindset is largely based on spiritual, religious, and scientific principles rooted in the Bible, however, it's also a mindset of affirmative action in the realms of Commitment, Discipline, Introspection, Self-Possession, and Personal & Global Responsibility.
C.A.L.M is about compassionately challenging oneself and reaching beyond common oppressive religious practices and stagnant spiritual standards. Along with celebrating life, each other, ourselves, and God (in whatever way one recognizes a god), C.A.L.M is about Community of Spirit and Humanity. While our Assembly recognizes that each person’s journey–which is respected, protected, and honored in our community–is their own, we also recognize that our destination is the same:
Knowledge, Wisdom, Enlightenment, and the unbiased Search for Truth.
C.A.L.M ASSEMBLY
We are a private, wholly inclusive and affirming non/multi/all-denominational study group and generic spiritual-support community with a mandate to study Spiritual-Mind-Science and research the Conscious Affirmative Living Mindset. We are not a religion, cult, or sect, we do not hold “religious” status, and we are not affiliated with any religious, political, or social order.
We are an Inclusive, Affirming, and Transparent Spiritual-Mind-Science community. All are welcome here!
(We respectfully request that participants abstain from profanity, vulgarity, and lewd conduct within our community.)
ABOUT C.A.L.M
C.A.L.MUnity
A Mindset - A Philosophy - A Lifestyle
FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Is C.A.L.M and its Assembly a “cult” or secret society?
The C.A.L.M Assembly is predominantly a study-group dedicated to the study of, and research into, Spiritual-Mind-Science. We have no leaders, gurus, avatars, or prophets. We have no secrets, we are not a secret society, and we do not participate in, encourage, or support rituals beyond conversation, prayer, and meditation. As we are not a cult, we do not participate in, encourage, or support unorthodox rituals that define cults, and we do not participate in rituals involving crystals, tarot, divination, fortune-telling, speaking in tongues, “angel work”, and so forth. We do not encourage the use of substances in relation to spiritual enlightenment, and we do not foster, participate in, or support notions of sexual activity in relation to spirituality. Those who participate in rituals beyond conversation, prayer, and meditation are welcome among us, but are requested to not perform/promote such rituals within our community and not sell ritualistic services to our participants. C.A.L.M does not judge such practices; they are simply not in alignment with our mandate to ‘Search Through Science’.
What goes on at your Assembly meetings?
Our in-person and online meetings consist of community announcements and conversation, as well as informative presentations that are practical, logical, and empowering. We also participate Q&A Sessions so that questions can get answered. Other activities include prayer meetings, meditation sessions, and social activities (dinners, movie-going, museum visits, and other standard activities that people enjoy attending with other like-minded people). Note: In alignment with our No Minors Policy, anyone under the age of 18 is not permitted to participate in our activities. C.A.L.M-related activities hosted by individuals linked to C.A.L.M that permit minors to participate are not authorized, not supported by, and not affiliated with C.A.L.M or its members. No Exceptions!
Can I bring/send my child(ren) to C.A.L.M?
We do not permit minors to participate in meetings or activities, even with consent of parent or guardian. This non-negotiable guideline is in place to protect children of all ages from any model of manipulation or exploitation. This guideline may feasibly change as C.A.L.M becomes more established and is able to appoint strict security measures guaranteed to protect minors among us. At present, however, individuals under 18 years old are not permitted to participate. No Exceptions!
As we are not a sect, we do not offer Sunday School services to minors. As we are not a cult, we have no interest in moulding young minds to believe in one thing or another. In addition to prohibiting minors from participating in our activities, we also prohibit participants from initiating communication with minors related/linked to other participants without parent/guardian consent. We ask parents to let their children know that they should never respond to a text, email, or phone-call from anyone claiming to be part of our Assembly. In the event of an emergency, we will contact proper authorities in regard to contacting your child(ren)/family.
Note: C.A.L.M is 100% committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults. As such, we will report any inappropriate behaviour to authorities and wholly cooperate with any investigation into inappropriate and/or illegal conduct.
How does one conduct oneself at C.A.L.M?
Just be yourself! We only ask participants to please refrain from profanity, vulgarity, lewdness, aggression, and violence, and to observe the brand of reverence one would habitually employ at church. Although we’re not a church, we are a spiritual community that recognizes the importance of respect for all faiths. As such, we advocate for a sense of reverent decorum among our community.
(Note from Claude: If you feel the need to exercise profanity, vulgarity, lewd conduct, aggression, or violence, please find a community that permits such behaviour. Along with being a place where we work with people who’ve been through a lot in life, and who need a peaceful community in which to heal their lives, our Assembly (whether in person or online) is also my spiritual home, and I do not tolerate profanity, vulgarity lewdness, aggression, or violence in my home or among my guests. Thank you.)
What is C.A.L.M’s stance on politics, conspiracy theories, and “wokeism”?
C.A.L.M is dedicated to the study of, and research into, Spiritual-Mind-Science, and to expanding one’s spiritual consciousness and mental faculties. As such, we remind participants to focus specifically on these topics when among our community. Those wishing to discuss politics (to either extreme) or conspiracy theory (to either extreme) or wokeism (to either extreme) are requested to do so outside of our community. As we are first and foremost a Spiritual-Mind-Science community, the study of, and research into, Spiritual-Mind-Science is our mandate. Note: Paranoia, suspicion, blame, oppression, control over others, fearmongering, and fear itself, are the very roots of conspiracy theory and do not align with faith and are not compatible with a Conscious Affirmative Living Mindset. One who harbours and propagates paranoia and suspicion of their fellow man and society, and who subscribes to the fear of being controlled by others, actually affirms their own powerlessness to expand their mind. Please don't taint our community with such disempowering fear-based notions. Thank you!)
How can one be Omnist (observe all religions) when many religions judge, oppress, and kill animals for sacrifice?
C.A.L.M is Affirmatively Omnist. Although we respect all faiths, we actually recognize and observe positive, peaceful, non-oppressive conduct of all faiths; love, respect for others, respect for all of life. We do not recognize/observe practices of judgment, oppression, or killing animals for ritualistic purposes. Individuals who wish to observe such practices are encouraged to seek out a community that aligns with such beliefs.
Are You Christians?
Some of us are, some aren’t. Some believe Jesus is God, others believe Jesus was the Son of God with a unique task. Some don’t observe traditional religion, and others are discovering. Then there are others who observe different practices; Buddhists, Muslims, Jews, Catholics, Mormons, and yup, even agnostics. We otherwise observe Omnism; recognizing and respecting ALL faiths.
Are you New Age?
We are a progressive Spiritual-Mind-Science community recognizing that most Bible teachings were–and are–New Age. They were advanced for their time, just as they are today. In fact, not only are the more progressive ideals on spiritual science (i.e.: law of attraction, cause and effect, manifestation, etc.) in perfect alignment with Bible scripture, but research supports that the more recent, progressive principles voiced today, were originally taught by Jesus and are blatently evident in the Old Testament.
Are you a "Science of Mind" church?
Insofar as we are a Spiritual-Mind-Science community recognizing similar views as the Science of Mind organization, we are not affiliated. What largely differentiates C.A.L.M from other spiritual-science organizations is our mandate to evolve well beyond where others stagnate (i.e.: repetitive cycles, antiquated dogma, inaccurate teachings, failure to progress spiritual-science research). This is why shared dialogue (including amicably applied debate) and persistent research into what we believe is essential to the evolution of C.A.L.M and to the progress of our community.
Are you a prayer and/or meditation group?
C.A.L.M is a study group. In the same manner that some participants unite to go dancing or play hockey, some unite to pray and meditate. Nevertheless, we are no more a prayer or meditation group than we are a dance troupe or hockey team. Some of us do unite to pray and meditate, however, our core focus is on study, research, and shared dialogue. In keeping with our Omnist culture, in order to not impose upon those who might not be interested in shared prayer or meditation, all devotional activity is fulfilled before, after, or outside of general meetings. Nobody is ever obliged to participate in our devotional exercises.
I have been rejected by other churches because of my personal issues or past or lifestyle.
We ask participants to respect each other and our environment, however, what goes on in your life, including your past, is your business. Welcome Home!
I am gay or bi or trans-gender and/or married to the same sex. Am I welcome?
God loves you. Perfectly. Without judgment. Without oppression. Nobody’s going to try to change you. As long as you take us as we are, we’ll take you as you are. Welcome Home!
I have emotional or mental issues or addiction; can I get support?
Although we are supportive of, and compassionate toward, anyone struggling with emotional and mental concerns or addiction, it's important to note that we are not a support group and we do not provide professional counselling. It is strongly recommended that participants dealing with mental health issues consult a medical practitioner prior to participating in our dialogue.
I am a "Christian" who doesn't accept divorcees, drug addicts, alcoholics, gays, or other sinners.
NEWSFLASH: You’re not a Christian! The job of a Christian is to not judge, but to preach the gospel (in word and action) and to remind everyone that God loves them. Our community–our family–is founded, and thrives, on empathy, compassion, and love. If you can bring that, or are willing to learn how, then you are indeed welcome among us. We are an inherently inclusive organization.
I'm spiritual but not religious.
The term 'religion' means to "join" together or "connect". As such, anyone who claims to be spiritual must be religious about their spirituality. Nevertheless, on one’s spiritual journey, it’s vital to not confuse the term ‘religion’ with ‘organized religion’ or with ‘religious radicals’. You also need not be religious to participate in our meetings, nor are you expected to believe in what’s discussed. We are largely a study-group, so it’s more about study, research, and discovery than anything else.
Do I have to pay membership dues or fees or tithing?
There are no fees or dues to pay. As the Bible details; alms, tithes, and offerings are between you and God. For those who want to help promote CA.L.M and its philosophy, we accept tithes and donations to help support our growth, but we do not solicit tithes, and we do not collect tithes during services. Nobody is currently employed by C.A.L.M, and any money acquired through tithes, donations, or sales of goods, goes to promote our ministry. We are currently supported financially by our founder and our official Members. Note: If anyone solicits tithes on behalf of our Assembly, please refuse and report them to our Facilitators.
Is C.A.L.M a charitable (giving) organization?
C.A.L.M is a tithing ministry, which means we are committed to donating a minimum of 10% of all income we acquire to charitable organizations in our local community. We are not, however, a charitable organization; we are an educative entity and a place for intellectual and spiritual sharing, and therefore do not provide charitable services to people in need. As we support local charities (such as shelters and food banks) we invite those ‘in need’ to contact said services for assistance.
What’s the difference between a Parcitipant, a Guest, and a Member?
-A Participant is anyone who attends our meetings or activities. Membership is not required, implied, or solicited.
-A Guest is a non-member having received an invitation to facilitate or moderate a meeting, or to implement a presentation or speech or contribute to a specific function. Guests are not paid to speak, facilitate, moderate, or otherwise contribute.
-A Member is authorized to facilitate, moderate, and/or host Assembly meetings. A Member is also officially authorized to promote, represent, and speak on behalf of C.A.L.M and its dealings. Insofar as Members, Guests and Participants are considered equals, Members bear responsibilities and execute tasks to help ensure smooth operation of services. Members also contribute financially to help promote what we do and ensure our continuance.
Note: Should anyone doubt whether someone's actually a member, we invite them to inquire with us directly. All inquiries are confidential, and no actual Member would be offended by this reasonable security measure.
How to I become a Member?
As it's against C.A.L.M policy to attempt to convert people or otherwise sell our philosophies to anyone, no one will ever approach you (or anyone else) to become a member. Our advice to anyone considering membership is to take ample time to get to know us, discover for yourself if we’re a place deserving of your time, energy, and talents, and to decide for yourself if and what you’d like to contribute. Moreover, there is no membership contract. Members are associated with us of their own accord, through verbal intent, and are free to disassociate themselves from C.A.L.M at any moment, without cause, without notice. As we are not a sect or cult, we have no desire to force people to associate with, support, or promote C.A.L.M Assembly or its initiative.
Why don’t you seek out members or ask for money?
As stated in our founder’s statement, C.A.L.M is, before all else, a conversation. When people find value in what we do, they participate in our conversation, they promote us through word of mouth, and some contribute financially to help us to grow. If/when we become a larger organization, it will be up to those who feel that C.A.L.M is worthy of their trust and their gifts, to contribute to its continuance. To date, we have never needed to reach out for financial support in order to maintain and progress C.A.L.M and its philosophy. Those inspired to contribute have made and do make it so. To them we are grateful.
Who are "ideal" for participating in the C.A.L.M Assembly?
As we spend most meetings in shared dialogue, the type that generally gets the most out of what we do are those that get along well with others, and who can peacefully agree to disagree. These types also tend to be the ones who bring the most to what we do.
Helpful Key Words: Omnism, Omnist, Omnists, Omist Canada, Ommism Canada, Omnists Montreal, Omnism Montreal, Omnist Toronto, Omnists Toronto, Omnism Toronto, Science of Mind Montreal, Science of Mind Toronto, Spiritual Church Montreal, Spiritualist Church Montreal, Science of Mind Montreal, Spiritual Church Toronto, Spiritualist Church Toronto, Spiritual community Montreal, Spiritual Community Toronto, Law of Attraction Montreal, Law of Attraction Toronto,
www.CALMAssembly.com
