"And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another...."

~ Hebrews 10:24-25

Spiritual Connection: A Bridge Over Troubled Water

This Valentine season can be a good time, as people of faith, to reflect not only on the joy relationships bring to our lives, but also the ways those relationships support us in times of trouble. You or someone you know may have lost connection with a loved one through death or conflict; the daily news may leave us reeling with fear, confusion, and dismay; we may feel anger or threat from an individual or group; it may be difficult to sleep, due to intrusive thoughts and fears; difficult events or choices in life may provoke self-doubt or criticism; health concerns may seem overwhelming; there may be a general feeling of unease and lack of safety. To address those deeper concerns, it is more important than ever to foster spiritual connections with God, ourselves, and our community. That connection can be expressed not just through inner devotion, but also through relationships and good works reflecting respect, justice, and mercy.     

John Wesley emphasized that the inner search for the divine is needed as a foundation for those relationships. What is spiritual connection? It is a connection that recognizes our uniqueness as well as our connectedness, and the influence of the divine on those relationships. Spiritual relationships create a clearing that promotes acceptance and growth. They encourage patience and resilience in the face of life’s greatest challenges. They permit hope in the face of obstacles.

There are many opportunities to feel that spiritual connection, and they are well supported in the Saint John’s community. Our church bulletins and email connections keep us informed of daily opportunities, offering something that would appeal to everyone in those activities. Carrying those experiences forward, we can find additional space for the inner spirit to flourish through experiences in nature, active listening in conversations, exercise, playing music, singing, dancing, open-ended conversations, and breaks from blue screen distractions.

If there are blocks in communication, one might try adopting a warm and open attitude, keeping interactions positive, breathing deeply, and projecting calm. Sharing activities that connect you with nature or other activities that are enjoyable, that do not require a lot of conversation at first, can help find middle ground. When you do talk, stressing common experiences, memories, and values over topics that are likely to promote division can keep things positive. Attempting to understand emotions that underlie concerns, asking clarifying questions in a nonjudgmental way, and checking your understanding by restating what you heard can lead to achieving the goal of deeper connection.

Can you think of interactions that caused you to feel great comfort and relief; feelings of inner peace, well-being, and support; and a vivid appreciation of your surroundings when you were troubled? How might you inspire those same feelings in a spiritual relationship?