Oh, my friends, how the world is on fire – literally and figuratively.
With the surge in the pandemic, wildfires on the West Coast, and constant news updates of what is unfolding in Afghanistan, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by all that is happening in the wider world. Our Noonday Prayer conversation this week ended with a reflection on how each of us was feeling and ways that we navigate being overwhelmed that help us remain grounded in the present moment. It was a vulnerable and loving conversation that brought to my mind the book The Awakened Woman by Dr. Tererai Trent.
While this book is specifically written for women and serves as a companion in awakening one’s inner voice and power and encourages women to journey together in sacred sisterhood, the wisdom that Trent shares is such a gift for all people. Each chapter ends with a ritual and/or reflection that helps the reader go deeper and deeper into understanding and embodying their truest self and purpose as it aligns with the highest good. And after this past week I found myself revisiting her reflection question from chapter one – “what breaks your heart?”
For Trent, this question is the foundation of exploring what she calls your great hunger. We live in a world that can often overwhelm us – as if there is such a need for love, justice, and mercy for all of creation – that it can feel as if we have little to no power in creating meaningful change. Sitting deeply with this question helps ground us in the present moment, accepting the truth that no matter how much we try, we cannot do or be all things for all people or situations. This draws us towards hearing more clearly the voice of our great hunger as it guides us through the overwhelm of “there is nothing I can do,” to the greater clarity of “I know what I will do.”
So, my friends, what breaks your heart? Where is your great hunger guiding you to embody love, justice, and mercy?
Be well,
Deacon Megan