Too Political, Or Not Engaged Enough?

A major role of being the Community Care Director is to nurture all the transformation, evolving and growing that takes place in this Spiritual Community, and to embrace the disorder and messiness that goes along with all growth and change.

I am learning, through the surveys, the conversations, and the “In My Opinion” cards from our recent visioning process, that the members and friends of NVC are an outspoken group of individuals who believe in the core principles of the Science of Mind teaching and yet have differentiating ideas how to manifest these principles into form.

Of course, every community, spiritual or otherwise, is a work in progress – changing over time. NVC is no different. This community has been devoted to being a safe place for transformation to occur for almost three decades, and has changed considerably under the different leadership styles of Rev. Joyce, Rev. Michelle, Rev. Sally, and most recently Rev. Penny. In addition, look how much the world has changed and don’t forget how much you and I have changed. So, we can agree that indeed lots of growth, change and transformation is taking place.

The key element to support all this change is resilience, and creating an experience of “Safe Space.” Now, that term is often misunderstood. Here is Dr. Jim Lockard’s definition, ”When seen from a spiritual perspective, safe space is a place where you can experience the challenges and dangers of deep and profound spiritual and psychological transformation while surrounded by a supportive environment.”  In other words, our charge as a spiritual center is to create a big enough vessel for individuals to engage in their personal work.  I am so grateful we have our Vision Statement to support us in this charge: Revealing the Power of Love!

Now, what does all of this have to do with the headline of this article? We live in an unprecedented time where viewpoints of politics or social justice topics infiltrate every aspect of our lives. Therefore, it is not surprising that we have individuals in our amazing community who feel called to march for a cause, as well as individuals who feel offended that we, as a Spiritual Community, would invite congregants to participate in such a march.  This shows that we are a healthy, diverse community, who is looking for their next level of growth. For some this means taking a stand, getting involved, treating and moving their feet, all very admirable desires. For others it is a call into an expanded spiritual practice in order to build the spiritual muscle of the energy of love and compassion to support the growth and the discomfort that comes with it.

Growth, and therefore life, is a great big invitation to relax into this moment with all its messiness, and to connect with the divine pattern of perfection at the center of our being and at the center of this community. Right now, without that one individual that is the spiritual leader, we are all called forth to be that! We are called to deepen our spiritual practice so we can come together strong, clear and nurtured to engage in this important work together! I am interested in caring and giving attention to the well-being of all of us, and I am beginning to understand that this work requires the very best of me, of us and of how we engage with one another. There are many ways to walk this out together, I would love to hear from you. Please email, text or make an appointment to see me. This community needs all of us to be willing to show up, speak up and lean in.

Thank you for being you!

Much Love,
Karin Lewis
Community Care Director