Please note that Macey will be available for conversation about the possibility of creating a series of speakers and workshops monthly on Wednesday evenings, today from 2-3pm in the downstairs CFD classroom. This could be a really effective way to connect new people to our space, but it will take a team effort to arrange it. If you missed this but would like to set up an alternate time to chat and contribute ideas or assistance, please reach out to her email at lffdirector.uumankato@gmail.com
This past week, one of the writers I mentioned during the Sunday worship service I presented was psychotherapist and soul activist, Francis Weller, whose work often examines grief and the rituals around it (or lack thereof). I have a copy of his book, The Wild Edge of Sorrow, that immediately captured me with the following words:
“I’m not sure how or when I began my apprenticeship with sorrow. I do know that it was my gateway back into the breathing and animate world. It was through the dark waters of grief that I came to touch my unlived life. . . There is some strange intimacy between grief and aliveness, some sacred exchange between what seems unbearable and what is most exquisitely alive. Through this, I have come to have a lasting faith in grief.”
It was such a beautiful synchronicity that the day after our Sunday service, I joined a Zoom called with GreenFaith, titled From Earth Grief to Earth Courage, where many of the same voices, such as Francis Weller, Joanna Macy, and Joy Harjo, were quoted. I felt so connected and inspired to keep showing up in these spaces. Upon exploration, there was even a song that was shared from this album inspired by the gates of grief: https://ahlayblakely.bandcamp.com/album/wails-songs-for-grief
I am so grateful and honored to work in spaces that hold both the joys and sorrows of our immediate community and of the wider collective. Both our blessings, gratitude, joy and pain, grief, and sorrow are necessary parts of our journeys and their expression and depth is what helps our most soulful, authentic, and tender parts shine through and connect us. This connection helps us to widen our perspectives and remember our values.
As we move into this colder, darker time of the year, please don’t underestimate the power of coming together, slowing down, and holding space for one another. If you would like to take a quick look at the framework presented in the work of Francis Weller and others, I’ve linked a document here and would gladly hold discussion and reflection related to it, if folks are interested:
https://olli.sonoma.edu/sites/olli/files/2024-02/keyssar-gates-of-grief-winter2024.pdf
Upcoming activities:
- Sunday, November 16th, Young Adult Luncheon 12-1:30pm
Macey will provide soup, bread, sweets, and guided conversation among 18–35-year-old participants. If children are present, they are welcome to stick around to eat and play alongside their parents. - Mondays in November (3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th) at 11am, Mindful Movement in the Sanctuary
Join Macey in the UUFM Sanctuary for an all-levels yoga practice. This series of dates and times will be a trial run to gauge interest and availability. This is a free offering to anyone who would like to come, but donations to UUFM are welcome. Please email Macey (lffdirector.uumankato@gmail.com) about when would work for you if you are interested but unable to attend at these timeframes to provide information for future scheduling. - Wednesday, November 19th, 6:30-8pm. Visual Gratitude Journaling in the UUFM Fellowship Hall
Macey is tentatively reviving an art journaling night, a tradition from the last couple of years! Please RSVP below, as we will hold this programming, as long as a minimum of 3 participants plan on joining. In addition to art-making, there will be tea, cider, snacks, and connection. Open to people of all ages! Supplies will be available, but you are welcome to bring your own journal and drawing materials if you have them.
https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/6482e994938457328676384715
(Pictured is Joanna Macy’s spiral of The Work that Reconnects, illustrations are by Dori Midnight)