by Jeanne Ann Whittington
Consider this truth: We live in the world not as it is, but as we see it. As human beings with limited perceptual capability and urgent emotional needs, the moment we are born we begin to make sense of things, developing a working model of how the world is: Friendly, unfriendly or indifferent? Supportive of our uniqueness, or rewarding conformity? A place where we belong and our contribution makes a difference, or where it doesn’t really matter whether we are able to spread our wings and offer our unique gifts? A place where we can offer our friendship to others, or where we must retreat to protect our own sense of vulnerability and helplessness?
We relate to the world as we understand it. And while we don’t have a choice about using a model of the world to help us navigate — there’s way too much information to process without some strategic shortcuts—we DO have a choice about what map we use. And the map, or “view” that we use makes all the difference in what we see (and don’t see), what seems possible, and as a result, in how our life unfolds.
On Saturday, September 28, the Contemplative Practice Group is offering a day-long (9 AM to 4 PM) retreat entitled “Revising the World We Make: Meditation for Inner Transformation and
Meaningful Engagement.” You are warmly invited to join us! We’ll spend the day together exploring a suite of four meditation practices known as the Brahma Viharas, or “Heavenly Abodes.”
These practices help us identify and get familiar with four innate and beneficial mind states/views that allow us to meet any situation in our lives with kindness, clarity, and sensitivity. Why do this? As we practice viewing ourselves and others wisely, as worthy of love, compassion, and encouragement, over time a transformation takes place. Not only do we find ourselves naturally meeting ourselves and the world with kindness, but in this atmosphere of acceptance and forgiveness, new options for engagement and self-expression present themselves. Healing our own hearts brings new energy for exploration, and a greater resilience that allows us to take greater risks in becoming ourselves most fully. The world with all its challenges is not only more welcoming than we’d imagined, but we are also more empowered to meet it with creativity and heart, and more tolerant of the inevitable setbacks that occur in a life of fuller engagement.
This retreat will be led by Jeanne Ann Whittington, with support from Craig Whitson and Lee Leppanen. All are welcome; no experience is required. The day can serve as an introduction for beginners, and a review and opportunity to deepen these practice for those with some experience. There is no charge for this retreat, but a $25 donation to support the church is suggested. Advance registration is requested to help us plan for the event.
To register, go to uuconcordnh.breezechms.com/form/September282024retreat.