Director of Lifespan Faith Formation 12.10.25

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There is a famous quote from Rabindranath Tagore that I have held with me and done my best to integrate for over a decade that reads, “I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” I truly believe that. When we feel disenchanted, finding ways, big and small, independently or with a group, that we can shine a light for another whether it is offering to listen, writing a letter, providing a meal, doing a chore or a repair, organizing or protesting in some other way, it gives our lives meaning and helps us to feel connected and trust that others want to do the same for us. Acting in integrity by committing to lovingly tending to even the most quiet work of caring for others is essential to the web and to our spirits.

While we care for others, we also remember the importance of caring for ourselves. How can we, together, commit the work of justice as one, ongoing long labor, while sustaining ourselves through the unknown? This is a question we must continually ask ourselves, but I will offer a few last suggestions from Valerie Kaur:

“#1) Build Sovereign Space. Protect a space inside of you where the hot winds cannot touch you, where you can rest in freedom and safety and beauty. This is primary work. Breathe – before you push. Even when the world is in crisis, our bodies do not need to be. What does your sovereign space look like?

#2) Practice the World You Want. As we engage in resistance, we must practice the world we want in the space between us. What are your practice spaces for love, protection, and belonging?

#3) Joy Power Courage. Keep playing and dancing and knowing that when we come together to share our grief and rage, we create the conditions for connection – and joy. Who are the ones that set you free?”

Lastly, ask today, while humbly reminding yourself you are one human, what would love have me do?

I hope that ours is a space for you to practice, to be inspired, and to know joy.

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