Pastoral Prophetic Care Corner

By Rev. Michelle Walsh, January 18, 2024

A great many more than just one person has shared recently with me how disturbed they are by larger world events and how hard it is even to watch the news. Some of you tell me that the state of our larger shared world is making it difficult even to function at times, let alone experience hope or joy.

I want to stress how normal and natural this is – I feel it too. What helps me is knowing that our capacity for experiencing joy is rooted in our bodies and our felt connection to others first and foremost. When we find moments to tap into our connection to our bodies and to others, no matter how briefly, that is the beginning of renewing our sense of life, vitality, and hope. And in challenging times, both personally and in our broader communal contexts, it becomes even more crucial to cultivate these moments and practices in ways large or small on a regular basis.

And small is good! For example, I was never a kid who loved exercise or playing sports – I loved sitting and reading a good book much more! It took a long time for me to begin to connect with and move my body – and walking, easy stretching, and dance have become ‘go to’ practices for me. Just like when I first started meditation, I needed to start with as little as 5 minutes a day and no more first, allowing myself the joy of accomplishing just 5 minutes so that anything more felt like I was already exceeding my goal. My favorite smart phone apps are Dancebit (for dancing), JustFit (for easy stretches), and InsightTimer (for meditation) – and there are wonderful short YouTubes as well, including this personal favorite for 8 Pieces of Brocade. I gradually learned to love and miss body practices when I don’t do them, knowing that a core sense of being alive and having perspective and energy comes from even 5 minutes a day.

Relational practices for connection likewise can happen in small and diverse ways – and relationships not only can be with our human family and/or friends but also with nature as well as our fur or feathered or scaley friends (snuggling with my kitties, Mr. Giovanni and Henry the Bold, provide me with tremendous and soothing joy)! Some of you also know that Clyde and I have committed to a regular weekly date night, but a smaller practice is one of gratitude when we say thank you to each other, particularly if we happen to cook for each other. And, of course, the opportunity to be reminded to role model being silly for another younger generation can bring great joy too (such as recently when I took my god-family to Legoland for my great-godson, Jeremiah’s, 2nd birthday – and I must say the love and deep joy the staff of Legoland showed for each other with the children also was quite renewing and hopeful to witness!).

So, these are some of my regular sustaining practices in these times. What are some of yours? Do let me as well as each other know!