Re-Centering and Finding Balance in the Storms
Finding balance in an unbalanced world helps us hold hope for one another and trust in God's love for Creation.
The recent days of unseasonably warm weather, while beautiful, are unsettling. Snow the first week in November makes more sense than temperatures above 60 degrees. While I do enjoy it, I feel a bit unbalanced by it and apprehensive about the weather to come.
Of course, there are other things that add to my sense of being unbalanced in addition to the weather. There is the war in Israel and the ever-increasing death count in Gaza and the concern for my Jewish and Palestinian peoples near and far.
There is also the rapidly approaching holiday season, the stress of which pales in comparison to that of climate change and war, yet is somehow in the mix. And, of course, there are the on-going personal worries about family and health.
When the world feels off-kilter to me, it’s important for me to notice and respond. First I name the things that are weighing me down. Then I try to engage in activities that re-center me – being outdoors, painting, writing, praying/meditating, and/or napping all help somewhat as does talking through my worries with my spiritual director, my spouse, or my friends.
Finding balance in an unbalanced world is a daily struggle.
What is weighing most heavily on your spirit today?
Have you shared your concerns with anyone?
What is most helpful in restoring your sense of balance?
As we prepare for the Holiday Season, it is important to find balance amidst what is happening in the world, what is happening in our lives, and the promises of our faith.
What reminds you that God is present in the world, even in the most chaotic or despairing moments?
Please share your thoughts so that we can support one another with love and faith in these challenging days.
About Rachael Keefe
Rev. Dr. Rachael Keefe is the pastor of Living Table United Church of Christ. She was called to Living Table in 2015 after serving in many varied ministry settings since her ordination in 1992. She holds graduate degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and Andover Newton Seminary at Yale (formerly Andover Newton Theological School). Her ministry and leadership often center around advocacy and accessibility. Her writing has been published by Chalice Press, The Christian Century, Red Letter Christians, Working Preacher, RevGalBlogPals, and others. She is grateful to be in ministry with Living Table today.
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Yes–so much feels off-balance nowadays–I feel like the whole planet has suffered some sort of massive energy “hit”–maybe the result of a serious solar flare? I don’t think we’ve been struck by a meteor; surely that would have made the news. But I feel like we’ve been knocked out of kilter with the pandemic and then George Floyd’s murder right on our own street being just two signs of the extreme imbalance. (Thought this has been brewing for a long time–remember Occupy Wall Street. and Black Lives Matter, and protests to stop the pipeline…?)
Rachael writes: “When the world feels off-kilter to me, it’s important for me to notice and respond. First I name the things that are weighing me down. Then I try to engage in activities that re-center me – being outdoors, painting, writing, praying/meditating, and/or napping all help somewhat as does talking through my worries with my spiritual director, my spouse, or my friends.” And these resonate with me; I pretty much use those same sets of practices. Especially the writing, which for me is most often in the form of my morning journaling, which I’ve dubbed “contemplative journaling.” And lest that sounds to exalted and/or sainted–well, I’m just glad that no one can read my long-hand scribbles…I’m glad our particular faith tradition doesn’t still go after heretics, or pillory blasphemers.
Much of the time it still feels like it isn’t enough–like trying to keep hold of a feather in a hurricane. But I stick to the practices anyway. And–it helps to remember that I’m not in this alone. Thanks, Living Table family, for companioning me and being part of what restores my balance, and my soul.
Doug, thank you for your thoughtful response. And, yes, trying to maintain any kind of balance these days is rather “like trying to keep hold of a feather in a hurricane.” Thankfully, we are together in this.
To me, my sense of seeming to be off balance is the helplessness I feel over the current political upheaval in the US, but even more so, the horrific events in the Middle East and Ukraine too.
Often times I find myself feeling guilty when I am having fun or laughing and then remember all the people who are fighting for their lives every day.
Phyllis,
Yes to all of what you wrote. I remind myself that guilt doesn’t change anything and me being unhappy doesn’t create happiness for anyone else. We find joy where we can, live with gratitude, and do everything we can to make the world a better place.
There has been too much loss it seems; loss of relationship; loss of my cousin who left us sooner than expected due to infection with her last chemo; loss of self. The cynic in me sees it all ends the same way for everyone and that causes some sadness as well. It’s a cycle of love and good-byes and frustration with all the petty worries in the world and all the drama that never seems to end. Coping for me is day to each day; joy where I see it; thinking big-picture listening to complaints and being the listener; faking it knowing that all is temporary.
Suzanne, thank you for your honest sharing. You are a valuable part of Living Table and I hope you find some relief from the everyday stress with the relationships you have at Living Table. I’m glad you are here!