All the Spiritualities, and All of Them Belong
12/17/21
Dear friend,
Last week in the Light House, I asked members to share with us how they would describe their spirituality.
The responses were wide-ranging, generous, and honest, and it made me wonder how you would describe your spirituality if given a chance.
I wonder if it would fit into a clean and tidy box or if—like many of our members—you might use the word messy to describe it.
Many of them shared that they grew up in a religion that doesn't fully fit them anymore. Their roots are there, but the usual expressions of those places in the world have become increasingly confining or too closed in.
They spoke of the Universe, about a God they would describe as a great Force of Love, about meditation and prayer and creation and longing for something more.
They spoke of saints and angels and ancestors, of their imperfect humanity, and of a God who does not make mistakes with anyone.
They talked about how the religion they belong to doesn't tell the full story of their spirituality.
They spoke of Ignatian, Benedictine, and Celtic spiritualities. They named eco-theology. They named Christ, Methodism, Catholicism, Eastern philosophy, and Unitarianism.
They named yoga, candles, labyrinths, imaginative prayer, silence, contemplation, pulling cards, noticing nudges, praying the psalms, and practicing lectio divina.
They talked about moving to the edges and staying there and how this conversation was the most "at home" spiritually they had felt in a really long time.
I keep telling the community that I've been surprised to discover this past year that the Light House seems to be increasingly becoming a place people call their spiritual home.
We are becoming a spiritual home for contemplative women whose spiritual namings, practices, and expressions range widely. What holds us together is our contemplative stance in the world and our commitment to honor, nourish, and express our light in the world, just as we honor the reality of light in every person.
Does this speak to you?
If it does, you're invited to join our community for a day of retreat on Friday, January 7.
Together, as a community, we'll explore the theme of the divine feminine. Whether the concept of the divine feminine is new to you or as familiar as your own breath, you are welcome to spend the day with us as our guest.
Learn more and register to join us for the retreat day here.
Yours in contemplative light,
Christianne