“Those who do the most growing in this life are those who offer the most compassion to the parts of themselves that have not yet grown.” – Andrea Gibson
This week, I feel inspired by a process I am moving through alongside a coach as part of my professional development called “polarity mapping.” It’s a tool that I am using to reflect and assess the ways that seemingly opposite ways of being interact and intersect. The categories I asked for help discerning about are “being productive” and “giving myself grace.” In a society where, more often than not, people experience some conditioning that teaches us to tie our worth to our productivity, I think mapping of these two poles and their effects is a worthy endeavor.
What I am discovering or remembering through the process is that the two will never be perfectly balanced. Yet, it is my responsibility to always move toward a balance, frequently assessing which direction is the right one to move next, honoring my process as cyclical, and treating it as a playful dance.
Along with Andrea Gibson’s words above, I have also learned that maintaining and expressing a sense of humor is an impactful and essential quality in growth and leadership. May we all feed and encourage the lightness and ease that comes with compassion and humor in the times when it is most needed.
Upcoming Opportunities:
- POSTPONED to Sunday, October 26th, Intergenerational Pumpkin Decorating, 11:30am-1pm (we can stay a little late after coffee hour), in the Fellowship Hall at UUFM
A time for folks of all ages to come together for pumpkin decorating, hot drinks, treats, and connection. Please RSVP below:
https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/534cc0 - On Sunday, October 26th, we will also celebrate Halloween with special activities in Children’s Chapel! Kids (and kids at heart) are welcome to be as festive as they wish. Costumes are welcome.
- Sunday, November 2nd, 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.