Goodness Weekly 5.8.23

“Enchantment arises on the threshold between human activity and nature's presence.”
– Thomas Moore

Message from Jess:

“What is your greatest challenge?”

This week I was invited to speak with three other women lead ministers at the Pepperdine Bible Lectures. The moderator gave us the question above to consider ahead of time.

For me, as I have been sharing with you, the answer was easy—slowing down, resting, and not allowing the relentless taskmaster in my head to rule my minutes, hours, and days.

In one of the conference sessions author Suzanne Stabile talked about our need for rituals that connect our head to our heart and our intuition, and how movement practices do this particularly well. This has been a secret for me in my adult life—it may sound counterintuitive but movement helps me to focus and is often an entry point into other restful practices.

Our rental house was within walking distance to the Franciscan’s Serra Retreat House, with its beautiful grounds that include a rock labyrinth. I decided to take some time alone to hike the hill up to the labyrinth, taking deep breaths to recenter my mind and heart before entering.

I’ll confess that even after years of practices of silence, contemplative prayer, etc. I still get very antsy in moments like this. This is especially true if I get the sense that I have somehow gained or achieved an insight while engaged in the practice. Midway through the labyrinth I felt this way and experienced an urge to walk faster, so I did. Then something in me said to slow down, so I tried (and failed). I felt it more strongly and took a breath, and as I took my next step I looked down at the ground to find a tiny snail making her way across the path, slow and steady, leaving a glimmering streak behind her.

I laughed. I watched. I took a picture (so you all could know that it happened).

When I got back to the house and told the story to my friends Suz and Taylor they squealed and said they had just had a similar experience in a completely different place.

And we wondered together—perhaps the secret to finding glimmers is slowing down.

As I said last week, this begins with small, incremental changes. We start by paying attention and then choosing to commit bits of time throughout the day to set down our phones or whatever else distracts us and allow our hearts to rest.

As you continue trying these moments of rest this month, we want to share a physical practice that might be helpful in connecting your mind, heart, and intuition.

Try a walking meditation. The next time you’re able to take a walk outside, instead of moving on autopilot, leave your headphones at home and try to intentionally tune into your surroundings. Notice the sounds, smells, and sights around you. When you find yourself distracted by thoughts, return to the present moment through connecting to your senses. This can help soothe your mind while giving your body some healthy movement. I hope this helps you find a little more peace, beauty, and rest this week.

Love, Jess,

What’s Good:

Last week, our pastoral leader, Jess Lowry, was invited to speak on a panel at the Pepperdine Bible Lectures in Malibu, California. As one of the few women that hold lead ministry positions in the Church of Christ, Jess spoke alongside three influential women working for the goodness of those in their communities.

Our team and friends came to support Jess and hear her speak about her work with Sunset Ridge Church and Charis Collective over the years. We’re so proud of all the goodness pouring from her heart into the community and the world. Thank you, Jess!