“Worry is a misuse of imagination.” -Dan Zadra
I have noticed myself experiencing worrisome and anxious thoughts that creep up on me lately. I would imagine that many of us experience some level of concern at this point in our history. We are living through turbulent, divisive, changing times with so much that is yet to be determined. What is important to me is that I become aware of where my mind is wandering, rather than allowing alarming thoughts to consume me.
Only after slowing down to become more still will I grow my awareness enough to self-regulate, shift my thoughts, and know that it takes effort to be in a healthy relationship with my imagination. Many may feel that in times of urgency and concern, that we must act right away. While I do know that staying informed and taking action matters, I believe that it is important as ever to prioritize some time to check-in internally and assess our own needs, too. I believe some sense of balancing the two is needed.
In the hours and days following the events that occurred in Washington D.C. one week ago, I had many thoughts and conversations about how easily one can become glued to the news as it unfolds. What I have realized about myself in these times though, is that there comes a point when I need to seek clarity and stillness through some time away from the news too. Some of my favorite places outdoors coincidentally (or perhaps not so coincidentally) have the worst cell phone reception. When I take that time to turn inward, out among the trees, I become less reactive, and my imagination dreams of a brighter future. Many people have been conditioned to believe that this reflective, self-care time is selfish or unproductive, but in reality, it is necessary for our health.
I pray that we are still enough to listen deeply to the wisdom inside of our hearts. May we nurture ourselves enough to be able to respond mindfully and with love. May our imaginations always be illuminating, enlivening, and hopeful. Let us take care of ourselves and hold one another in compassion, as we build a more just, peaceful, sustainable, and equitable world together.
Please know that I am just an email or a phone call away. While I am no longer holding virtual “office hours”, you can reach me on my personal phone at 507-995-7929 or by email at cfddirector@uumankato.org . If I do not answer, I encourage you to send a text or leave a voicemail. Currently, I am available for daytime meetings on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. I also do have availability most other weekday evenings. I will continue to do my best to serve as a resource to our community, through connecting you to one another and of course, directly. Being a light in the lives of others is as important as ever, and I hope you will stay connected.
Macey Forsyth
Please consider joining our private Facebook group:
UUFM Children’s Faith Development
(https://www.facebook.com/
Link to the stories:
Our virtual Stories for All Ages are now available on the UUFM YouTube Channel. At least one new story will be available by Sunday, each week.
https://www.youtube.com/
Youth Group
Our Youth Group meets via Zoom this Sunday, January 17th, with Lee and Macey from 11:30am-12:30pm. We will facilitate a check-in, as well as discussion and activity around the monthly theme of imagination. A week from today, on Wednesday, January 20th, we are tentatively planning a sledding night at 6:30pm at Spring Lake Park in place of our typical Zoom meeting. Temperatures are forecasted to be in the 20s. Look for details about these two dates in your email or on the private Facebook group.
Virtual Children’s Chapel
Our next Children’s Chapel date will be held next Sunday, January 24th at 11:30am. We will explore the January theme of imagination with Danielle and Macey, with a story and activity.
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Macey Forsyth