From Our Ministers

When we are meeting the deepest part of our selves, it’s as if we look directly into the eyes of what we are feeling. When we meet strangers and friends, we meet looking into one another’s eyes. How good it is to feel noticed, acknowledged, seen.

We say hello. We say hello like Buddhist monks bowing to one another or like Hindus greeting with Namaste, “the divine in me greets the divine in you.” We greet the worth and dignity of ourselves and of others.

Being curious and asking gentle questions can connect us with the deepest part of our selves and the deepest part of others. “How are you? How are you really?”

Both in meeting our selves and in meeting one another unhurried attention and compassionate listening create a real relationship. How healing it is to be heard, really heard.

Just being with, being present without fixing or advising can be life-giving. We learn to be accepting, to create safety.

In a “no pressure” way, we invite sharing. As we kindly ask questions, more may be revealed. We listen to our own and one another’s stories. We listen for what longs to be heard. Sometimes when we listen intently, more finds a way to be said. Sometimes clarity and understanding come.

Unitarian Universalists hold that revelation is not sealed so we tune in—to our selves, to one another. What is emerging? What new truths can we learn?

We listen attentively to bring out the best.

After a time of sharing, we don’t rush off. We give thanks for the meeting, and we offer the hope for more time together.

It’s a spiritual practice and it takes practice, practice, practice. Being with our selves and with others in these healing and healthy ways shapes family life, neighborhoods, work places, school, communities, and our world. Hospitality brings hope and transformation.

Barbara and Bill
Revs. Barbara and Bill Hamilton-Holway, Co-Ministers