“The heart enjoys experiencing the liberating feeling of compassion; it expands and glows, as if beaming its own sun upon the world. That is the warmth our cooling emotional world so desperately needs to preserve its humanity. It is this savoring of the nature of impersonal love that lets the peacemakers of the world do our job.” -Alice Walker
This past week, I wrote and spoke about how self-compassion is an ideal foundation for sustaining collective compassion, and this morning I found myself reflecting on how this goes both ways. When we are connected to a beloved community whose radiant hearts share the same values that we do, that communal support makes the vast, tragic load of global news a bit more bearable. While we do strive to know one another, as Alice Walker states in the wise words above, those connections don’t even need to be deeply personal to hold meaning, make a difference, and preserve our sense of humanity. Sometimes, just showing up and witnessing one another in our vulnerability and grief is what is needed.
I am grateful to get to exist in a space in which our sorrows are invited just as warmly as our joys are. I appreciate the sanctuary our physical space provides and believe the work we do here is as vital as ever, in a time in which humans have endured far more isolation than we once did. Thank you to all of you who keep arriving here with such intentional care and commitment to what matters most to you.
Upcoming Opportunities:
- Monday Oct 13th, Indigenous People’s Day, 3pm-7pm at Mankato East High School
Please reach out to Macey if you wish to come help with activities at the UUFM table! - Wednesday, October 22nd, Intergenerational Pumpkin Decorating, 6:30-8pm, 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 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.