“Attention is the beginning of devotion.” -Mary Oliver

In recent years, I have often been considering what quality time or rather, the quality of our attention, really is and the profound impact it can have on our sense of connectedness, happiness, and overall wellbeing. I used to find my attention very fragmented (and admittedly sometimes still do.) I find compassion for that, recognizing what a challenge we are all facing with the way technology and societal expectations in this time constantly compete for our attention. It can feel challenging for some of us to justify much time fully immersed in the present.

Seated meditation, a practice of presence and stillness that grounds me back into my own being, expanding my awareness of how I am showing up day-to-day has proven to be immensely helpful to me, both in how I treat myself and others. That and intentionally reducing my access to the media that scatters my attention have been really important changes recently. These are practices I have used through the years to heighten my focus, but I find that I am finally growing more consistently committed to what works for me now, in my 30s.

With that said, I am so grateful and pleased to be planning for my own short solo mini retreat Monday-Thursday morning this coming week. I plan to pitch a tent up at a location I have visited once before on Minnesota’s north shore of Lake Superior. What a gift to have the privilege and access to create a trip like this just for myself. I imagine it will be a great reset before returning back with another update for fall equinox. Thank you for all the care, encouragement, and attention you all bring to the community of UUFM and the belief that it ripples outward in some ways that both big and small but all worthy.

OTHER UPCOMING ACTIVITIES 

**** There will be a viewing of the film “Divided We Fall”  on Friday, September 11th at 7:00 PM at the UUFM,  all are welcome to attend.

**Save the date “Sunday, September 20th, as  Alicia Bayer and family will host another Foraged Art Making session after church (12-1:30pm).