Sacrality Practice: Sacred Spaces and Places
Your sacred space is where you find yourself again and again. —Joseph Campbell
As we cope with the difficulties, losses, and uncertainties of this time, visiting a sacred space or place can be a refuge, a reminder to take a deep breath, re-center ourselves, pray, meditate, or engage in meaningful ritual.
August Practice: Pilgrimages Close to Home
Pilgrimage: a visit to a place that is considered special, where you go to show your respect —Cambridge.org
June Practice: Uncertainty Abounds
Whatever states of mind, happy or unhappy, occur, never mind—we should constantly be reminding ourselves, "This is uncertain."
Five COVID-fueled Shifts in Our Religious and Spiritual Landscape
Amidst all the devastation of this remarkable moment, COVID is extremely clarifying. It reveals the pain of loneliness and social isolation. It uncovers how profoundly most people long to focus on what matters most. And it stimulates amazing creativity and resilience.
We see five major COVID-fueled shifts in our religious and spiritual landscape.
During this Pandemic, Don't Miss the Opening
A number of years ago a well-known writer and wisdom figure asked to see me. When she came in, she shared that she was having panic attacks so I set up weekly mentoring sessions for her. When she came in for her third visit, I suggested that instead of having the meeting in the office, we walk around the lake outside. My sense was that the beauty and activity while we were walking and talking together would put her more at ease so she would feel freer to let go and go deeper into what was behind her fears.
My Freedom Is in Your Hands
What if this virus had a hidden agenda other than spreading fear about how it might compromise our health? What if, hidden in its drive to be contagious there was another message, urging to be heard?
The Future of Spiritual Care
In December 2019, the Fetzer Institute hosted a small meeting for the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab. They met to talk about the present and future of spiritual care in many places. Together, we explored how we might move into a future with better spiritual care. We recognized that all have a right to care for their human spirit, no matter who or where they are. For three days, we focused on a few key parts of today’s sacred landscape. We talked about how these parts might inform the future of chaplaincy.
Hot Gravy
As the year comes to a close, we’ve been reflecting on moments that have touched us and buoyed our spirits. “Hot Gravy,” a story of hope and healing, redemption and forgiveness, captures one such moment.
Hibernate with Yoga and Community
This wintertime retreat will offer quiet and togetherness through yoga practices, hiking, a creative project, and community dinners. Reflection is encouraged in solitude, as well as with one another. Sometimes winter inspires one to seek refuge in solitude and quiet, which can be rejuvenating, and other times togetherness is a balm for the cold. This retreat provides space for hibernating in togetherness. The intent is to create a warm atmosphere of choice between solitude or an activity together and reflect on the energies each experience inspires.
Resources on Gratitude
According to the Greater Good Science Center, “studies have consistently found that people who practice gratitude report fewer symptoms of illness, including depression, more optimism and happiness, stronger relationships, more generous behavior, and many other benefits.” In the spirit of honoring our interconnectedness, enhancing our well-being, and encouraging human flourishing, we share this list of resources on gratitude for you to explore, use, and share.