Spirit of Life Sessions Explore UU Spirituality

“Spirituality,… , doesn’t rule out what reasonable people think of as God or the supernatural, nor does it ignore what science currently tells us; it lets you be you and me be me, as we both honor the uncertainty that reminds us that there is something bigger than us to be discovered.”

–from “What Does It Mean to Be Spiritual? A Rational Answer” by Zat Rana

Wednesday night attendees in the Spirit of Life discussion group are exploring the intersection of science and faith. From UUA.org: “Spirit of Life workshops offer participants space, time, and community to explore their Unitarian Universalist spirituality. Each focuses on a different aspect of the spiritual life, framed by the lyrics of Carolyn McDade’s song ‘Spirit of Life’.”

Facilitators Dacia Reid and Ruth Jenkins began the Tapestry of Faith curriculum on October 2, inviting First UU members of many spiritual and theological persuasions. Each week, participants are invited to craft and refine their own definitions of spirituality and recognize the spiritual dimensions in their lives.

Session Three called on group members to create a blessing drawing together minds, hearts, hands, spirits, and community with the intent to conduct these blessings in response to the hurts of the world. One small group wrote the following:

Blessings

There is a lot for our minds to take in. (Place hands on heads.) May we calm our minds in the midst of chaos. May we find clarity of thought in this moment and find it again in our lives.

We hold in our hearts so much pain and suffering, hurting and injustice. (Place hands on hearts.) May we be open and listen to the pain.

There is so much work for our powerful yet tired hands. (Grasp hands together.) May we use our hands in ways that make a difference.”

Our spirits feel the weight of all that needs care and compassion, and our spirits sink. (Palms up.) May we nurture our spirits in the ways that lift us and return us to wholeness.

We want to withdraw in the face of injustice. (Reach out arms.) May we build a supportive community, energizing our efforts for social justice.