[DeLonda Dowling]

Thank you for getting us started, Nichelle. I joined the group, not knowing what to expect, so I have no suggestions for sub-groups. As a woman of faith, I joined this group in order to connect with others who are on a journey by faith.

[Winton Boyd]

Welcome DeLonda!

[Thomas Dean]

Thanks so much for this group, Nichelle. I am especially interested in ecospirituality/Earth-based spirituality.

[Nichelle Harrison]

@Thomas– That’s a new one for me. I’ll be in touch with you on that. Thank you for your reply!

[Christa Friddle]

Thanks for the questions, Nichelle. I’m interested in being part of a spiritual community that goes beyond the limits of established religions while still respecting those traditions. I am feeling weighed down by dualism, and I am finding inspiration in the life of Thich Nhat Hanh and the Plum Village Community.

[Elspeth MacEwan]

“Both/and” is key. Religion can be life-giving and it can be death-dealing. It is a question of how we listen to that which is often hidden- what some might call Mystery (and many other names). CCR is one of those rare places where all “faiths” (or whatever words you use to describe your spiritual life) are welcome. I am excited about the opportunity for everyone to grow in our respective faith traditions and spiritual practices. There is so much collective wisdom and compassion available when we gather and share through the lens of the CCR Touchstones.

[Marisa James]

I love comparing what different traditions have to say about Mystery/Spirit and their different practices for uncovering and living our connection to it. Most recently I’ve been comparing the Yoga Sutras, the Tao Te Ching, integral theory, and the Bible. The combination paints a picture that is fuller than any one tradition alone. It also feels like an exercise in de-polarization. Not sure what form it would take in this venue…

[Soeren]

Hi everyone.

I´am excited to be in this group with all of you. I find relief, peace and joy in a mixture of spirituality and Christianity. My spiritual journey started 4 years ago with a healing education. Since then I have taken several courses in the spiritual world. Within the past year, Christianity has attracted me more and more. I’ve never been a believer before, but spirituality and Christianity have given me a new beautyfull reality to live in. Every single day of the past 4 years has given me a little bit more peace and ease within, and it’s like there’s no an end to how peaceful and loving my life can become. Every day I spend hours on meditation, prayer and studying Christianity and the spiritual world. I find myself in a mix between Christianity and spirituality, where the Bible and writers like Eckhart Tolle, Matt Kahn, Wayne Dyer occupy me a lot. And Parker Palmer’s books have meant a lot to me. I would say that I am in a healing process and it feels that it will never end. And it’s so nice. I´am interested in how you are living with faith, because this live are new to me.

[Nichelle Harrison]

@Soeren – I can relate to your statements. I too am finding a place of peace, joy, and relief through a mixture of Christianity & Spirituality. There’s also a bit of wow in there… in the sense of “wow–this peace and joy has been available to me all my life??” All I had to do was tap into it. Makes me think of the saying: “when the student is ready, the teacher will appear”

[Winton Boyd]

@Soeren – thanks for your thoughts and experiences! Whether one is ‘new’ to faith or been on a conscious journey a long time, starting each day afresh seem really critical to me.

[Winton Boyd]

@Marisa – Thanks for your thoughts. One of the things I value about Courage is the ability to bring my whole self – and all my practices and sources of wisdom – with me into the circle. One of our colleagues taught me an additional touchstone I often use in explicitly religious circles – ‘no spiritual language is privileged over another in this circle. We respect and learn from all wisdom traditions.’ I find that very freeing. And rich.

[Nichelle Harrison]

I like that additional touchstone Winton, I’ll need to adopt that here. And BTW: we have added the ability to reply directly in each individual post. try it out

[Soeren]

@Nichelle Thank you very much for your reflections and @Winston! For telling what is critical to you. It gives me some helpfull thoughts.