Group
Support
“If
you haven't experienced the tremendous benefits that can come from
participating in a small group of people who are dedicated to each
others growth, I urge you to think about how this might enhance your
inner work.”
Elaine
St. James (Inner Simplicity)
Just
about everyone I know is part of a book group that meets once a
month. They read an agreed-upon book, then come together at
someone's home over dinner and wine to share their responses to the
story. I was part of one of these groups for several years. I found
that at least 50% of the time, I really didn't care for the book, and the
books I did like, others didn't. I enjoy books that make me
think about things I hadn't thought of before, or books about real
people and situations. In other words, non-fiction, or fiction with a
message, which didn't much interest the rest of the group. So, for
me, the book group became an enjoyable social event, but not much
else.
The
spirituality group that I attend on Sunday mornings is just the
opposite. We don't have food, unless I take it. We're there to
meditate and express our thoughts about various topics. We talk about
the way our outer lives affect our inner lives, and what we're
learning from that interaction. We encourage, support and challenge
one another. When we decide to read a book, it's because that book
furthers our spiritual progress. I find a great deal of food for
thought every Sunday that sustains me all week.
While
I'm not much of a “joiner,” being a dedicated introvert, I highly
value this little group. If you are not involved with such a group,
and you're truly interested in developing your spiritual life, I
encourage you to find one, or start one. Just as it's a good idea to
seek advice and guidance with our finances, or our taxes, it's very
helpful to have a small group of people to support our spiritual
evolution. Diverse groups are best in that they present challenges to
the certainty that keeps us stuck in one place. Different
perspectives force us off home base and out of our comfort zone; and
that's where growth happens. Small groups, 6 to 10 people, work most
efficiently, since they afford everyone a chance to speak, if they want.
Leadership can be shared or rotated, with that person's job being to
keep the group on track, and out of the weeds of simply socializing.
Being
part of a Centering Prayer group, a meditation group, or other
discussion group focused on spiritual awareness, provides wonderful
mental and physical benefits, as well. It's food for the soul, and isn't
that what we're all looking for?
In
the Spirit,
Jane
No comments:
Post a Comment