This week: Trust Circles Edited by: SophyBells  
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Hi, I'm SophyBells ~ your editor for this edition of the Spiritual Newsletter.
The Rev. Scotty McLennan, author of the book Finding Your Religion, compares humanity's innate need for spiritual searching to climbing a mountain. In his view, we are all endeavoring to climb the same figurative mountain in our search for the divine, we just may take different ways to get there. In other words, there is one "God," but many paths. I honor whatever path or paths you have chosen to climb that mountain in your quest for the Sacred.  |
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Trust Circles
Do you have a circle of people you can trust, and they can trust you? I'm talking about those groups of people we are able to trust with our deepest secrets and darkest fears, where we feel completely secure and at “home,” able to be ourselves without judgment or condemnation. How many of you have that – a circle of friends or family members that create a safe space for you, and invite your soul to make itself known? It can be a rare commodity, that’s for sure.
My spiritual community recently started small group sharing circles, using materials that match our weekly service theme - and those of us who have taken part have really appreciated the experience. We use principles from Parker Palmer as guidelines for the sharing which occurs, which include: offering spaces which are open and hospitable; committing not to try to fix or correct or save a group member; asking open and honest questions; exploring the intersection of the universal stories of human experience with the personal stories of our lives; and honoring confidentiality.
The format is simple. First, we listen to each other – really listen to each other – a gift not often offered in our culture. Most of the time, we are “talked at” rather than listened to. Or someone isn’t really listening while we speak – they are just waiting for us to stop talking so they can have their turn. On a daily basis we are bombarded with information and demands that drown out our own voices, so being listened to by trusted companions helps us hear our own voice again.
Second, we listen to our own lives, which is not always easy to do. We are taught, intentionally or unintentionally, to see life as a challenge, not a companion. The goal is to conquer life, not listen to it. Our small groups invite us to take dance with life in a new way, as we sit with spiritual exercises and questions for the month of our worship theme. As a result, we engage the world not as an obstacle course we have to try to get through, but as "a host of holy voices calling us to greater loving and living." And our small group allows us to share our experiences with one another and validate our observations and learnings.
Finally, we listen to our deepest selves. Introspection is most often understood as solitary work, but small group practice teaches us that going inward is largely a gift given to us by others. Ironically, we hear that “still, small voice” best when trusted voices speak and offer their presence in a disciplined way. Quaker teacher Parker Palmer explains: “So what do we do in a circle of trust? We speak our own truth; we listen receptively to the truth of others; we ask each other honest, open questions instead of giving counsel; and we offer each other the healing and empowering gifts of silence and laughter... Our purpose is not to teach anyone anything but to give the inner teacher a chance to teach us.” Together, these three sacred practices of listening – to each other, the world and our deepest selves – add up to a more intentional and authentic life. It’s a journey back to connection, and ultimately a journey back home. (Info from our small group instructions packet)
Our sharing follows the practice of deep listening, which means that instead of interrupting each other with questions or commentary, members listen quietly as each one takes a turn sharing. After everyone has had a chance to share and receive the gift of deep listening, the facilitator opens the floor and invites members into a time of reflective conversation. There is no fixing, saving, advising, or setting each other straight, and everything is kept confidential.
I have personally found these groups to be soul-lifting and soul-saving experiences. Having the opportunity to share my deepest self with others in a safe, supportive, and encouraging setting has been a blessing beyond measure, and I encourage others to find opportunities to do so if possible. They can help bring light into the darkness, for you and for others - and create a space for openness and connection not often available in our world right now.
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Below you'll find some spiritual offerings from other WDC members. Please let the folks know if you read their piece by leaving a thoughtful comment or review. If you have something you would like me to highlight, please do share it with me, thanks!
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Here is a response to my last newsletter "Spiritual Newsletter (June 26, 2019)" about "Being at Peace with With What I Cannot Know:"
From shepherd46
Wonderful article and inspiring! The book of John explains in good detail the life and death of Jesus. His life is the "one" and truth of why each of us are here on this earth. To believe in Jesus requires faith and trust. Many examples of his life are in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Jesus is the only one who was crucified, died, buried and rose from the dead. That trust and belief in Him is what Christianity is all about. To be with Christ is a journey; one that leads to life and happiness. Thanks again for the article. Morningstar
Thank you for sharing your truth. With respect, I believe there are many paths to the Sacred.
      
From Quick-Quill 
At the end of the day, I have found it more valuable to experience a relationship with the Sacred rather than to try to pursue complete understanding. This was by far the one sentence that gave me hope for you. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. When you've seen God work in your life and other's it renews faith. Just this week I had something to renew my faith. I've been having extreme pain in my right arm and shoulder. At first I thought it was arthritis. I remembered reading about a British runner who began experience pain and thought it was just from running. She finally went to the Dr and found out she had stage 4 bone cancer and died a short time later. I made a Dr appointment. He said I may have a torn rotator cuff and made me another Dr. appointment. I asked for prayer from my Women's prayer group, at our Sunday choir practice and from the woman in my Sunday School class. On Tuesday I noticed I wasn't experiencing the severe pain I had before. The Dr took X-rays and pushed and prodded my arm. It didn't hurt as it had. I left with good news, I just need PT. Since then the pain has diminished to just uncomfortable nudges every now and then. Faith and prayer to God are real.
Very glad your pain has eased.
Please keep your comments and suggestions coming! Until next time! SophyBells |
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Spiritual: July 24, 2019 Issue [#9671]
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