“In what ways do I experience a sense of spirit in my Life?”
“What is the role of the Meeting in nourishing depth of spirit among us?”
We met after worship on Eleventh Month 7th, 2021 with 12 adults present and used a worship sharing format to consider the queries. The sharing was a deeply spiritual experience for those who participated. It was difficult to find dominant themes this year because each person’s reflections were heartfelt and unique. What follows are reflections of these individual sharings.
One person said that the sense of spirit in his life is often unexpected, a loving and gentle awakening in the heart, that is also often funny or humorous. It can feel almost like sharing a joke and laughing with God. The Meeting seems to create that opening or void in which Spirit can enter. There is sometimes a sense of ambiguity, of never knowing exactly how the Meeting helps, but also knowing that it does. Another person echoed the idea of an opening or space in which the meeting for worship provides time and place for a different focus. In meeting for worship, we can reflect on issues that are not present anywhere else in the rest of our lives.
The sense of not being alone and feelings of gratitude – that a lot has been given to us and that we are taken care of – is how sense of the Spirit manifests for one of us. The beliefs of others in the Meeting are a source of support in times of impatience or lack of clarity.
Two of us were uncertain about how we experience Spirit but are actively seeking. Meeting gives that place for “figuring it out” and centering down. In contrast, there were two others who experience Spirit deeply but are not certain that the Meeting is a place that nurtures that. One of these individuals feels Spirit-led when she sees a door, is afraid, but it opens and sometimes opens into yet other doors. There is a sense that this path may not always be easy or what is desired, but it does feel like the right thing. Another said that she feels a Presence that walks with her and, when she pays attention, is always there even in mundane situations. Because of this she feels that body, mind, and soul are an inseparable whole. Both friends continue to attend, but they find most spiritual nurturance in other places.
A newer attender feels the strongest connection to Spirit in nature, especially in the woods. This connection can come through birds, animals, things growing and the blessing of the sunshine. It brings a sense of great gratitude. Because she is a “people person” she misses human contact and tends to feel alone, rather than connect- ed, during on-line worship. It is difficult for someone who has joined a meeting during the pandemic to imagine a face-to-face experience of worship and Quaker community.
Another person had a similar feeling that Spirit is most present in the awareness of the planet, of something so much greater and more complex than we can imagine. He continues to be troubled by the abuses that all religions commit in God’s name every- where in the world. Perhaps because of this he most values the Testimonies. These provide a coherent plan for how we can live out a sense of the Spirit.
One member pointed out the paradox that, while we profess that that of God lives within each of us, he feels the Spirit most when interacting with other people and living creatures. He feels that particularly when he can set ego aside and practice loving kindness. He strives to be more aware of all the acts of love around him. Meeting helps him to center down and not to build up walls. This practice has transformed him over decades and the loving concern of those who meet with him is, and has been, terribly important.
The idea of paradox was echoed by another member who is both very grateful for the video meetings that have helped her survive this time of pandemic, while also experiencing a great longing for the physical presence and nearness of others. It is so difficult to feel the same sense of community on-line. This period has pushed her to take on responsibility for more spiritual learning. So often, meeting reminds us to take time and allow God to speak to us. This desire for connection is calling her to greater service.
The power of silence was the focus for another. He knows that in Meeting we experience him as very quiet, but he said this is not his normal way of being in the world. He has come to realize that silence is a deep need and meeting provides that opportunity. That is enough.
Meeting also provides role models and inspirations for one person. Quakers who are plain spoken, who are committed and engaged, provide hope and direction. Meetings for business can also be profoundly affecting when there are difficult issues and suddenly way opens. Regardless of our beliefs, she knows she can be a seeker among seekers and be in community with others.
At the end of our sharing, it felt like there was a sense of softening and warmth among us. The process of responding to these queries nourished depth of spirit among us.
