MORE ABOUT ME
Mind
My answer to the question "what would you take from your home if it caught fire and you had only 2 minutes to save something" has always been: my books (with the caveat that I would first assure all living beings had been brought to safety). The books in my home office at this time are sorted according to category, with the largest number of books in the poetry section, followed by social and environmental justice books, ethics, world religions, spiritual direction/pastoral care, UU history and governance, Jungian psychology, mystic tradition, addictions/recovery, and various sacred texts. And then, of course, there's my growing library of children's books and books on magic.
Inspired to a love of learning early on by my mother, I have always appreciated life's unanswered questions and contradictions for their ability to challenge my world view. I relish visiting museums and archeological sites, as much for what they reveal about the past as for what they reveal about those who seek to interpret it. I take advantage of many opportunities for continuing education, including those offered at the Los Angeles Jung Center, at UUA and UUMA gatherings, through on-line courses, the Stillpoint Spiritual Direction program in which I'm currently enrolled, and even the magic classes I've been taking.
For me the most awe-inspiring way to engage with life's mysteries is through relationship. The older I get, the more curious and interested I become in others. I want to know what they have experienced, what they have overcome, what they have learned. Each one of us carries pieces of a puzzle that no single person will ever be able to solve. Together, we have a chance to recognize certain patterns and, hopefully, use that information to make better choices. Such is the power of covenanted liberal religious community.
Another aspect of congregational life that I find extremely mentally stimulating has to do with the freedom of the pulpit - the ability to explore new ideas without restriction. And then to hear how those ideas were received, integrated, rejected, or altered by others. Theme-based ministry adds even more such opportunities, as I find myself grappling with issues I might otherwise not have.
Inspired to a love of learning early on by my mother, I have always appreciated life's unanswered questions and contradictions for their ability to challenge my world view. I relish visiting museums and archeological sites, as much for what they reveal about the past as for what they reveal about those who seek to interpret it. I take advantage of many opportunities for continuing education, including those offered at the Los Angeles Jung Center, at UUA and UUMA gatherings, through on-line courses, the Stillpoint Spiritual Direction program in which I'm currently enrolled, and even the magic classes I've been taking.
For me the most awe-inspiring way to engage with life's mysteries is through relationship. The older I get, the more curious and interested I become in others. I want to know what they have experienced, what they have overcome, what they have learned. Each one of us carries pieces of a puzzle that no single person will ever be able to solve. Together, we have a chance to recognize certain patterns and, hopefully, use that information to make better choices. Such is the power of covenanted liberal religious community.
Another aspect of congregational life that I find extremely mentally stimulating has to do with the freedom of the pulpit - the ability to explore new ideas without restriction. And then to hear how those ideas were received, integrated, rejected, or altered by others. Theme-based ministry adds even more such opportunities, as I find myself grappling with issues I might otherwise not have.