Rejuvenation was the theme for our SW Liberal Religious Educators retreat this past week. I found it interesting that so many of my colleagues both needed this time to rest and restore themselves AND were concerned that their places of employment might consider it unnecessary. We spent time in worship, sharing spiritual practice, playing and learning through conversation. As I returned from UBarU, I had an ‘aha’ moment where I noticed the lack of tension in my body, the deep breaths I was taking, even as I drove, and the clarity of thought I had.

All people need balance and time to let go. Without it, our resilience dwindles and we either lash out at the world, or retreat into isolation, unable to handle the mundane interactions, let alone the more serious ones. Church should be a place where we find some sense of restoration for ourselves and can offer it to those in our community as well. Singing together, attending worship, engaging in fellowship and in learning circles can all be moments in time separate from our everyday lives.

Spiritual practice is another way you can keep balance in your life. It isn’t just about navel-gazing or sitting still and meditating. Spiritual practice is something you do regularly with intention and openness. One of my practices is Lectio Divina, not usually with scripture but with poetry.

If starting a spiritual practice sounds daunting to you, or if you already have one and want to share with others, I invite you to join me this Sunday, March 8, for an intro session to a new chalice circle that I am offering. Just bring a lunch and drop in from 12:15 – 1:45. We will meet in room 109. Childcare is available.

The chalice circle itself will be a virtual group that will meet on Sunday afternoons via zoom video platform. More information about that will be presented at our meeting. If you already know you want to join the chalice circle, please sign up now at Spiritual Practices Chalice Circle.

See you on Sunday!
Carrie