Posted by Dena on June 29, 2008, at 1:59:02
In reply to Spiritual Practice, posted by ellomie on June 6, 2008, at 1:31:56
> What are your experiences of living in spiritual communities?
>
> Is living in a spiritual community about running away from the "real" world or a first-class opportunity to deepen spiritual practice?
>
> What's your take on that?
>
> Personally, I've spent time in monasteries round Asia and Europe. I can honestly say that the time and effort have paid off 10-fold.
>
> In what ways have you benefited from community living?
>
> All the very best!
>
>
> http://www.axelg.com/living-in-a-spiritual-community.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Each person will be uniquely led...
I personally do not feel led to shut myself away from the world around me. I see a world that's hurting, devoid of joy and hope. I believe I'm to live my life "out loud" and if they see something in me that stands out, and they ask, I can share what gives me joy and hope.
Our family does live in intentional community with another family - we share property (they're in our guest house), and while we have separate homes, we have shared lives. Many meals are eaten together, we share struggles and celebrations, we know one another's strengths and weaknesses, and we challenge one another to be all we're created to be.
It's hard work, and requires quite a bit of sacrifice, but it's well worth it for us, for the quality of relationship.
For us, it's not about "going to church" (we were led outside of the institutions) ... it's about being the Church to each other, with each other.
Shalom, Dena
"The unanswered questions aren't nearly as dangerous as the
unquestioned answers.""We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking only to
learn that it is God shaking them." - Charles West"Naked is having no clothes on. Nekkid is having no clothes on and
being up to something.""Our truth, when it becomes the ONLY truth, ceases to be truth."
"While we're not fearful of tasting new things, we don't necessarily
swallow all that we taste."
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poster:Dena
thread:833239
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20080404/msgs/837111.html