Dear Beloved Community,

How easy it is to spin our own axis, self-absorbed even when we are not self-centered.  How much more difficult is it to practice the spiritual discipline of deep listening.

Years ago, when I was doing my year of chaplaincy, I told my supervisor how I was finding it hard to still my brain. I was focusing my attention on saying the right thing instead of just being present. She taught me ways of understanding why I had such trouble listening from time to time. I grew to understand what was happening when I failed to listen deeply to the person across from me –  I was listening not to them but to an internal voice, caught up in what I was feeling about what they were saying, or what I was hoping to say next.

These kinds of patterns are about more than self-awareness when we apply them to the wider world –  they are about kindness, accountability, and most importantly, the ability to be present.

When we engage in deep listening – listening to hear rather than respond – we begin to transform both the large and the small – from our individual relationships to the hate-filled political rhetoric that leads to violence, intimidation, and suppression of individual rights. Deep listening starts with each of us and is probably one of the hardest spiritual practices to delve into to, and yet, also one of the most rewarding. It can cement friendships, neighbors, and communities – something that, as a congregation, you are becoming acutely aware of as you revive your presence “on the bend” and beyond. It has been so lovely to welcome both new and familiar faces to our new building. As we get used to our new environment, I am sure you will discover new ways of inhabiting that space. We will want to experiment from time to time, and sometimes, we will offer feedback about what we wish to see or change. An organic process will play out – one of listening for the future to enfold.

Blessings,

Rev. Valerie