| So much in our lives right now—the ongoing pandemic, attacks on our democracy and rights, and the increasingly frequent impacts of climate change—seeks to isolate us, to wear us out and wear us down. Turning toward a concrete practice of gratitude helps us resist the ways in which we are being called to isolation and division, because gratitude actually turns us toward each other. Gratitude reminds us of our interdependence, which is so critically and spiritually needed in our world these days. In this newsletter, I offer some resources for connecting with our gratitude and our interdependence. With love, Susan P.S. Don’t miss the UUA Congregational Life online conference December 11 & 12. Register below for “Compass: Navigating the Paths of Liberation Together.” |
Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray spends her days strengthening the thriving mission of this faith. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family and playing with their dog, Hercules. |
Each year at about this time, I share a holiday message for Unitarian Universalists and UU congregations. This year, I was moved to share how my own gratitude practice has been helping me find joy, compassion, and humility in the present moment. This version of the message, at just over 4 minutes long, is most appropriate for sharing on your congregation’s social media channels. Practicing Gratitude As we enter this season so known for its holidays and holy days, we’ll have many opportunities in our congregations to draw our attention to what sustains us, to the sources of love and care and gratitude in our lives. Please feel welcome to share this 13-minute homily in your congregation’s holiday or other worship service. Gratitude Homily A final resource to support a concrete practice of gratitude is this guided meditation. In this nearly 11-minute long video, you are invited into a quiet, meditative space to focus your mind on what you are grateful for today. I guide you in asking yourself questions in your heart like, ‘What or who are you grateful for? Who is caring for you, showing you care, inspiring you, comforting you?’ May it be of help for individuals, small groups, and in Sunday worship. Guided Meditation on Gratitude This extended time of social distancing has taught us just how much we need each other as individuals and collectives; in many ways, our interdependence has never been clearer. UUA Congregational Life staff have developed a conference to help UUs navigate this time and join with each other in charting a path toward a deeper connection with their faith. Join “Compass: Navigating the Paths of Liberation Together,” an online conference being held on December 11 and 12. Register for Compass The calendar at this time of year is full of a diverse array of holidays and UUs are proud to recognize and celebrate many of them. ICYMI (in case you missed it) a few weeks ago, we offered holiday greetings to all who were celebrating Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, on our UUA Facebook page. More than 3,600 people joined in the celebration. Follow us on Facebook and let us know what holidays you are celebrating this year. Find It On Facebook |
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