[printprofilepic]As individual Unitarian Universalists and as members of UU congregations we are called to expand our lives in many ways. We are called to develop and practice compassion and empathy for others. Empathy is a practice that fosters understanding and identification with another’s condition while compassion allows us to “suffer with” another person’s condition. We are further called to activism—that is, to try to alleviate injustices and inequities. We strive to be mentors, companions, teachers and probably more in our congregations. How do we do prepare ourselves, nourish ourselves, and replenish ourselves to serve each other in these ways?
Lifespan faith formation requires awareness, desire, and practice. The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society <http://www.contemplativemind.org/about/> is an amazing organization which shares some common values with Unitarian Universalists such as: Advocacy and Service, Diversity, Knowledge is shared, not owned, Stories with Soul, and The Power of Community to Build a Movement.
The Center suggests that people engage in contemplative practices that are not necessarily done alone but can be done in community. There are stillness practices (silence, centering, sitting meditation), activist practices (work, pilgrimage, bearing witness), generative practices (prayer, sacred reading), ritual/cyclical practices (Sabbath, vision quest, sacred space, ceremonies), relational practices (dialogue, storytelling, deep listening), creation process practices (singing, chanting, artwork), and movement practices (yoga, Sufi dancing, labyrinth walking). Using some of these practices in Board or committee meetings can remind us to be intentional, present, relational and compassionate.
Can these practices be used in religious exploration classes and youth groups? I certainly believe they can and I’d be thrilled to know your opinion. All ages can engage in these practices to some extent. Our RE classes can emulate the Sunday worship experiences—an acknowledgement of sacred space and time (where else might we find this other than nature?), a short time for silence, rituals as simple as a opening and closing circle, stories created by children or told by teachers, all kinds of musical expressions, retreats into nature, collaboration on social justice projects, and no doubt much more.
Through these ongoing practices children and youth prepare themselves to be people with deep and true compassion—they become balanced, joyful and resilient. But this preparation requires a commitment…of being open to new learnings, of participating fully, and of coming to church on a regular basis.
See you in church,
Benette Sherman
