The Return to Innocence and a Unitarian Perspective on Authenticity and Self-Awareness

As I sat at the dinning room table, the familiar crackle and pop of my vinyl player fills the room. I'm taken back to a different era, a time characterised by its slower pace and simplicity, that seems almost like another world in the hustle and bustle of modern life. A record from my collection, aptly titled 'Moods', comes to life. The ethereal voice of Enya and the distinct sound of her former musical troupe, Clannad, meld together to form an intricate tapestry of sound. It's a moment of profound nostalgia, a reflection on an era of innocence, which, though perhaps lost, can certainly be found again.

One track from that compilation has a particularly profound resonance with me, both as a lover of music and as a Unitarian minister. The song is 'Return to Innocence' by Enigma. Its timeless lyrics resonate with the core values that we, as Unitarians, hold dear: authenticity, self-awareness, and a return to a state of pure, unspoiled being.

As Unitarians, our guiding principle is the belief that every person should be free to search for meaning in life, that this quest is a personal and individual one. Our religion is an open and inclusive one, with a wide range of beliefs. It's this sense of individuality and freedom that the song's lyrics so eloquently echo.

In "Return to Innocence", there is a powerful call to return to our authentic selves, to rediscover the untouched, pure essence within each of us. "Don't be afraid to be weak. Don't be too proud to be strong...That's the return to yourself. The return to innocence." These words align with the wise teachings of the influential Unitarian minister James Martineau, who spoke of the importance of authenticity, claiming that our salvation lies in being our 'whole self'.

The idea that 'to be the whole self' is our salvation indeed forms a crucial part of our Unitarian beliefs. As Martineau astutely observed, it is not the pursuit of a prescribed path of righteousness, but rather the journey towards understanding and accepting oneself in totality, that leads to salvation. It's a journey that requires both self-awareness and authenticity, a willingness to acknowledge all facets of oneself, and to embrace them wholeheartedly.

Reflecting on the simplicity of the past, the days spent creating adventures in local parks, climbing trees, and playing games of imagination with friends, I see the embodiment of this principle. As children, we were unafraid to express ourselves freely, to show weakness and strength in equal measure. The innocence of those days, captured in the nostalgic scratches of my vinyl records, is a reminder of our 'whole self', our authentic being that remains uncorrupted by societal expectations or norms.

Today, as a Unitarian minister, I continue to be inspired by this message. I believe that by embracing our innocence, our authentic selves, and fostering a deep sense of self-awareness, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. 'Return to Innocence' serves as a timeless reminder of this quest, its powerful lyrics echoing the universal call to authenticity, and inspiring us all to return to our true selves.

So, as the echoes of Enigma's song fill my dinning room, I invite you all to reflect on your journey towards authenticity and self-awareness, to reconnect with your own 'return to innocence'. In doing so, we can strive towards a more fulfilling existence, achieving the salvation of being our 'whole self', as James Martineau so eloquently expressed.

Through the medium of music, we find a powerful tool for self-reflection and connection with our inner selves. The song may end, the record may stop spinning, but the journey to our authentic self continues – timeless, ever-evolving, and profoundly personal.

(320) Enigma - Return To Innocence (Official Video) - YouTube