We need to lean on each other

One of my favorite things about Unitarian Universalism is the way we live our values out in the world. We ask existential questions about the role of love and evil in the state of the world, and we expect thoughtful responses. We use a stunning variety of words to describe the way spirit/the divine/that which connects us all moves in justice work, or is harmed by injustice. We recognize that Unitarian Universalist values call us to put love at the center and live lives that make this world a better place. I think we are not very good as a movement at taking care of ourselves, resting, counting on each other, and healing well. Spiritual Care conversations are an opportunity to reground in the UU values at the core of our movement and our UU social justice. These conversations are a chance to tend to yourself because you are worthy of care, and because tending to each other is how we will make it through the work and the times ahead.

A wide range of things–you get to decide what qualifies as something in your life as a UU that is impacting your social justice work. The connection may be very direct—climate grief, frustration with the slow pace of change, anxiety about new laws that are in conflict with UU values, etc. Or the topic might be extremely personal, but having implications on your social justice work—a new diagnosis, loss, family/parenting, etc.

Spiritual care conversations don’t always center on difficult things either, as all kinds of life changes can impact the work–entering a new relationship, figuring out a promising career change, having a win in your justice work, etc.

There is room for the whole spectrum of human emotions in a spiritual care conversation with me. If you’re not sure that the topic you want to talk about fits the description, it probably does, but feel free to email me to ask!

Each spiritual care conversation is scheduled on Zoom for one hour. Within that time, you get to decide what we talk about and whether we fill the full hour or feel complete sooner. Some people like to go straight to the heart of struggle; some like to stay at the surface for a while before naming the thing that led them to seek spiritual care. Some may request a second session–there is a whole spectrum of variation! My role is to help remind you of the spiritual tools and resources that you already have within you, and that might serve you well in this moment. I do this by asking questions, holding silence, and, if requested, offering a prayer or spiritual practice.

I will lead your social justice or action committee through a time of group spiritual care via Zoom. This includes conversation and processing time similar to a one on one conversation, plus sharing and practicing some spiritual care tools that social justice leaders can utilize in their work.

Group Spiritual Care sessions can be done in 90 minutes or two hours, and should be arranged at least two weeks in advance.

MUUSJA’s Spiritual Care offering is one part of your support system, which may include your congregation’s minister and pastoral/spiritual care team, mental health professionals, friends, spiritual director, and mentors. My offering is most similar to that of a pastoral care person in a congregation, but is uniquely focused on the spiritual questions or struggles present in UU social justice work. A person may talk about the same thing with their minister and with me; these two resources represent two complimentary layers of support.