As I begin to call The Meetinghouse my second home, I have been thinking much about being in community and how vital it is to our growth, spirituality and well being. How connecting with others in real life creates compassion for others, ourselves — and our world. Yet just a few days later, as I sit down to write, this idea has become urgent and necessary.
It feels impossible to ignore what is happening outside The Meetinghouse. We face assassinations, political violence, democratic instability, rampant inequality and general unrest — yet the contrast of what’s happening in the outside world and what’s happening at The Meetinghouse is remarkable. Inside this intentional space, I am constantly reminded of how sacred community is each time I walk in our doors. People making the choice to show up. Connecting. Looking at beautiful things. Breathing. Taking time and pausing. Striking up discussions with strangers, who are then forever known as neighbors.
Each time we show up for ourselves and each other, we are planting the seeds of an intentional garden to root us in this chaotic world.
I encourage you all today to think about what it means to be in community and what it means to hold a community. To engage with compassion and mindful connection. Consider how just one fulfilling interaction can change the trajectory of your day, week, month.
We have some wonderful opportunities coming up to make this possible…
- The week of September 22nd will be “Community Week” in all yoga classes, and all pass holders are welcome to bring a friend free of charge to any class.
- We will soon add a 4:30 pm yoga class and lunchtime classes to our yoga schedule – plus, our Baby + Me Yoga session starts on Oct 16th.
- Open Mic at The Market Cafe is happening most Sundays from 4-6 pm .
- September’s free Zen Meditation session is happening on the 17th at 4:30 pm.
- The Youth Leadership Initiative is taking applications.
- The Muse Squad begins its creative writing course on the 16th.
- Beautiful art by Nancy Moore and G. Bakalli hangs on our gallery walls.
- The fall sunlight is perfect in our garden and on our paths.
Or simply come by, sit down with someone. Talk. Listen. And make connections.
The American philosopher David Spangler has written, “Some people think they are in community, but they are only in proximity. True community requires commitment and openness. It is a willingness to extend yourself to encounter and know the other.”
We are so very lucky to have a place like The Meetinghouse to move from proximity to community. A place to practice this commitment and openness. Today, I ask that you extend yourself and have those encounters — meet a friend, attend a class, try something new, spend time in community. Be in community. Sit with it, and savor it.
It might just change the world.
