“Pull a thread here and you’ll find it’s attached to the rest of the world.”
― Nadeem Aslam
Yesterday, I was on a call with a friend who is training in the guidance of somatic experiencing, which she offered to provide complimentary sessions for as part of her training. I am so grateful for her generosity and for the rich, profound moments we have shared. As we explored my emotional inner terrain together through noticing bodily sensations, I felt deeply connected to the tenderness, care, and beauty there inside – and inside of us all.
The experience that especially remained consciously with me from turning inward was the sense that both the deepest feelings of frustration, anger, and grief, and the vast compassion are linked to the same desire – the longing for people to be in right relationship to one another (and to themselves.) In a culture that has put domination and achievement on a pedestal and has been moving at a remarkably unsustainable pace, I sense a wish to make slowness, understanding, care, reciprocity, and healing the norm.
Remembering the ways my inner world and outer world impact and mirror one another remind me of the responsibility I hold in developing a more grounded relationship to each. The ways I respond to those feelings that come in quality time with myself directly impact my relationships to others.
I hold a prayer that we all take time to know our dynamic, expansive nature and be stretched by our inner multitudes, knowing that between two seemingly opposite feelings lives the same truth. Allow us to acknowledge what is difficult and move emotions in helpful ways. May it be our practice and our prayer to create a culture of deeper listening – listening with our whole being. May we always strive for kindness and presence while expressing ourselves authentically.
October Happenings:
There will be no yoga on Monday, October 12th as Director of Lifespan Faith Formation, Macey Forsyth, will be off from Sunday, October 11th – Thursday, October 15th
Monday, October 19th at 11am: Mindful Movement resumes
On Mondays, Macey guides gentle yoga in the UUFM Sanctuary. Please bring your own mat and comfortable clothing to stretch and move in.
Sunday, October 25th at 9am: Pancakes and Pumpkins
Please consider joining us for a pancake breakfast before service on the 25th with the option to do some fall crafting. Crafting, including pumpkin painting, will also be an option during coffee hour. More info to come on this opportunity for multigenerational fun and connection!
Tuesday, October 27th 7-8pm: Yin Yoga
Yin is a style of yoga that involves long-held floor postures. In addition to a yoga mat and water bottle, please bring comfortable, layered clothing, and any additional props for comfort, such as a bolster, pillow, blanket, block, etc.