“We eventually learn that spirituality is not about leaving life's problems behind, but about continually confronting them with honesty and courage. It is about bringing heightened awareness and compassion to our family life, careers, and community service.” -Jiddu Krishnamurti
In an ideal world, a spiritual community is one where you can bring your whole self - your joys, your challenges, your fears - and find support and love. It's a community where we are all perhaps building the "perfect heart" as we see each other through the rips and r
epairs. The theme this month is vulnerability and I have been reflecting on ways that we open to vulnerability at USNF.
Someone asked recently why we start most meetings with a check in and I think this is why. Unlike a work meeting, we are working together as whole, complete beings, encouraging and accepting one another. Did you see the Adult Credo Service on Sunday? If not, I highly recommend you watch it. I am also eager for the Youth Group Service at the end of the month, March 26. These services offer a rare gift of sharing in each other's journeys and learning from each other on our quests for truth and meaning.
Coming to an Our Whole Lives (OWL) Sexuality Education class, whether you are 5 or 65, also can be a place where we let our vulnerability show. We never ask anyone to share their personal stories, yet we are asking people to talk about sexuality(!). At the end of most classes the students feel more open, more energized, more connected. In fact, at the last K-1 OWL class this year, the students asked if the class could continue to meet every Sunday!
We attempt the hard work of talking about racism and other oppressions, showing up with the vulnerability of all that we don't know and all that we wish were different. It is hard for me to admit that I am worried that I will say the wrong thing, but admitting that vulnerability actually opens me up to explore systems of oppression and ways that I am complicit without making it about me. Once again this month, people with children in their lives (parents, caregivers, grandparents, teachers), are invited to discuss ideas from How to Raise an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi. Even if you haven't read the book, we will use it to explore how we can model and teach our kids how to be antiracist.
In the Family Faith Development section below, you will find prompts for exploring vulnerability for people of all ages. There are simple sentences that we can all practice to share our vulnerability, as well as our values. If you would like a packet for personal reflection and practices for adults, let me know.
