Spiritual Growth Network Newsletter


February 1996                        Volume VII, Number 2

REPORT ON JANUARY DAY OF RECOLLECTION

Our Day of Recollection allowed us two different types of work on the topic of using groups to facilitate discernment. In the first part of the day we were given the following background to review the basics from which we would make our reflections. Many of us feel that a Higher Power guides us through leadings which give us a direction for the spiritual work which we need to accomplish. These leadings may come from the outer world when we perceive a problem which calls to us for service; they may also come from our inner world as we are called to grow and evolve in response to that greater mystery. Most leadings come as a disturbance to our status quo. They require figuring out and understanding before we make assumptions and choices of action. Although we tend to feel, as the Friends say, that there is that of the light within each of us that leads us; we also know that there is all that is human as well. If we hear a `voice' leading us toward some project or the actualization of a Gift, we may want to know if that is truly originating from our higher power. For perhaps it is an inner parental dictum, a script from our family or cultural heritage, a reaction to our own confusion about an issue, or any number of other sources. These all require work, but perhaps not the same response or choice of action.

It is helpful to know some of the time honored ways in which leadings are tested. One of the most familiar means is found in Galations 5:22/23 of the Bible. It says that the fruits of the Spirit are found in increasing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness trustfulness, gentleness and self control. The experience of those on the path have expanded the sense of each quality to unfold insights useful in discerning leadings. When looking at patience, one notes that impulsive or compulsive actions are often more self centered than self surrendered. Self control does not mean that self mortification is equivalent to godliness; it may be a very egocentric bid for attention. The first three, love, joy and peace, are looked for as sources of spiritual cohesion, or unity. Where situations disturb one's peace, it is helpful to look at what might happen if the task envisioned were accomplished; would greater peace result. When one looks at a leading, one may ask does it move oneself and/or one's community toward more of the qualities of spirit or less. The process of discerning which leadings are `from God' requires some patience and a group can often help. However, some kinds of groups can be more helpful than others. When we are called upon to aid in someone's discernment process we must recognize that it is a special time and responsibility. All must recognize that they are engaged in a search for Truth. It is not a time for advice or commentary, no matter how well intended, neither is it an occasion for the imposition of one's own view. It is a time for carefully eliciting the true thought and feeling of the person who is looking for assistance. Mirroring back what someone says may aid them in hearing what they are really saying. But often it is our capacity for centering, and prayerful listening that allows a person to focus and understand the nature of their inner leading, divine or otherwise.

During our Day we gave ourselves the chance to work with the topic in two ways. The first was to recollect those time when we used or could have used a group to aid us as we considered a course of action or a direction in life. We then considered how we could have improved this interaction or what we might now do differently. Some of us used the small group time as a time to process an on going question in our spiritual life. The second way in which we worked together, was to meditate together, going into the gathered silence of the group and in that deep place of inner communion, each of us planted a seed thought that we had individually felt to be of value. Either of these exercises may be done as part of a reflective journaling process and discussed later with a friend.
 

                                                     A.S.

FEBRUARY DAY OF RECOLLECTION

On February 10th, Saturday from 10AM to 3PM we will come together to work on the subject of self-restraint as it applies to spiritual practice and growth. This is a change from the previously announced topic due to a scheduling conflict. Our discussions will cover facets such as will and surrender, world views which influence the need for effort, and the place of asceticism, middle road, and indulgence. This topic comes to us from John Parks who is presently doing the fast during the month of Ramadan as part of his religious observance.

Come ready for journaling and discussion. We will have our potluck lunch at mid-day. Hope to see you.
 

                                                      A.S.

CALENDAR

DAY OF RECOLLECTION
Saturday, February 10th, 10AM to 3PM
At the Home of Paschal Baute, 6200 Winchester Rd. Lexington.
Theme: The Value of Self Restraint
Pot-Luck Lunch
Call Ann if the weather is bad to see if we will meet at 606-723-7375.

QUARTERLY RETREAT
March 22-24
Theme: Organizing our Spiritual Life.


Last updated 10 February, 1996


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