Education Matters
At this time of year, we can’t escape noticing how things grow every time we look outside: abundant sunlight, warmth, and rain trigger seeds to sprout, sap to move, and buds to open. Sometimes growth occurs even in sub-optimal conditions; other times, everything can seem just right and yet a seed fails to sprout or a sapling fails to thrive.
Similarly, spiritual learning and growth cannot be forced. I believe the best we can do is create conditions conducive to growth and the emergence of wisdom, and then wait and allow things to unfold as they will. What conditions? First, the space. Maybe a physical space, but more likely carving out time and attention. Creating an opening for awareness, listening, making connections. Setting down other obligations, letting go of worries, taking a break from the go-go-go tendencies of daily life. Sometimes then we need input – a reading, a song, a question, or an experience. Maybe that’s enough. But often, experiencing and processing that input in community makes all the difference – learning others’ perspectives can be like spiritual fertilizer, boosting your growth, wisdom, and understanding. Often, in addition, we then need time. And maybe some sleep.
What is it that you need now, in order to grow and thrive?
Religious Education at UUCB offers opportunities for growth for people of all ages and stages, interests and abilities, backgrounds and learning styles. We even try to accommodate different schedules and availability – whether you can commit to a semester-long adventure, or a 1-hour workshop, we strive to have something for everyone. This past year, adults had opportunities to explore spiritual practices through 1-hour workshops on Sundays, and through Saturday art workshops last fall; there were classes on dreamwork, UU history, money management, and coming to terms with your religious past. There was a 12-week course exploring topics in sexuality for adults. There was an opportunity to work on one’s own writing in community with others, and there is ongoing work learning about the history as well as the present-day situation of Indigenous peoples.
Our Sunday morning religious education classes hold space for children and youth as well as the adults who work with them to explore themes and topics important to Unitarian Universalists. In addition, our 7th-8th graders continue through mid-May with their Our Whole Lives sexuality education, and several of our high school youth completed their Coming of Age program.
One thing that fascinates me about spiritual growth is that just about anything can spur it. In January, our youth explored the theme of intention through such varied activities as mending, dancing, planting, juggling, playing games, learning embroidery, making snacks, and more. Anything we do can be an opportunity for reflection, especially when we do it in community so that other people’s perspectives and experiences challenge our habitual thoughts and patterns.
This month, I want to hear from you. What kind of educational experiences are you looking forward to next year? Are there topics you would like to explore, books you’d like to read and discuss, or questions you’d like to ask? What formats appeal to you – Sunday afternoon workshops, weeknight classes? In person, on Zoom, or hybrid? Or are you looking for asynchronous, self-paced explorations? Do you like writing, discussing, or both? Books or movies?
I also want to hear from you about the gifts and interests you could share with others. For this summer, I’m looking for adults who can co-lead one-time classes with our children and youth in a variety of activities, such as cooking, outdoor activities, life skills, storytelling, music, puppets, art, spiritual practices, yoga, and more. If you have an idea for an activity you would like to do with children or youth, please let me know!
May we take in the abundance of springtime, nurturing wisdom and growth in ourselves and each other.
