Neurological science is now telling us that our brains train our neural pathways to obsess or fixate over negativity in a way we seem unable to do with joy and positivity. In a very real sense, conflict and pessimism can easily become our default setting, while delight and happiness require a constant, conscious choosing. And yet, people of deep faith—especially those who embrace contemplative practices—seem to be able to overcome these “natural” patterns.
Tag Archives: spiritual practices
May 9 Gathering: Resisting Empire
Join us this Sunday, May 9, for a conversation about how faith communities can critique the systemic sins of greed and violence and work toward more equitable and just societal norms.
Lectio Divina Storytelling: “Practicing Resurrection” Week 3
How we hear, interpret, and tell sacred stories helps us both live into and out of the narratives that shape us. This week Drew guides us on a community journey through story and gives us the opportunity to express how we experience the divine through the tales that arise within us.
Practicing Resurrection: A Lenten Liturgy for Spiritual Exiles / Week 2: Feb. 28-March 7
Writing or journaling from a specific prompt is a way for communities to experience collective consciousness through a diversity of creative expression.
Lenten Sunday Gatherings: Practicing Resurrection
What does Lent look like when you move the focus away from mortality and toward resurrection?
Feb. 14 Gathering: Preparing a Lent for Spiritual Exiles
Join us this week as we plan our Lenten season together!
Aug. 2 Gathering: Routines, Rituals & Habits
How can we turn our internal practices into external actions?
Nov. 8 Gathering: Spiritual Practices — Listening
Listen. The word itself gets our attention. But how good are we at actually doing it? And how can the act of listening be a spiritual practice? We can practice spiritual listening in conversation, in meditation, in prayer, and in studying scripture. But like other spiritual practices, it requires–well–practice. We have to learn to turnContinue reading “Nov. 8 Gathering: Spiritual Practices — Listening”
Feb. 22 Gathering: Spiritual Practices
Prayer. Meditation. Study. Worship. Fasting. Silence. Sabbath. Service. Our spiritual life brings with it many opportunities for activities that help us grow closer to God and one another. Many bring us deep joy and satisfaction, but others sometimes seem to be difficult. Join us this Sunday, Feb. 22, at The Marietta Brewing Company as we talk about the various practicesContinue reading “Feb. 22 Gathering: Spiritual Practices”