Winter Feast for the Soul

I don't recall how I first heard about Winter Feast for the Soul, but I do know the idea caught my attention and held it. Hmm, I thought, what a great framework for supporting one another in doing our spiritual practice--whatever form that practice takes.

It's early enough in the New Year to still be thinking about what you want to manifest in 2009...Two of my "let's try this again" thoughts each new year are: get in better shape and deepen my spiritual practice. So, once again, I'm committing to go to the gym at least three times a week. I use the context of a gym because I know I need to be in an environment that will support my doing the hard, sweaty work of building cardiovascular and muscle strength and endurance. It's pretty much the same for me when it comes to spiritual practice.

If you find you need support and an environment in which to fulfill your commitment to a practice, then this Winter Feast period may be helpful. Here's what I'm imagining:

* In my sermon on Sunday, January 11th, I'll be speaking about what is a spiritual practice, what are the challenges that might arise in practice, and what are the gifts available in practice.

* After the service, Zen teacher Josh Bartok (who leads sitting mediation at First Church Boston every Tuesday night at 6:00) will join me to answer your questions about starting or strengthening your meditation practice. We will also talk about other forms of spiritual practice, including prayer, journaling, reading, walking, and more.

* Every Monday evening during the Winter Feast period there will be a space open at First Church where you can come spend 40 minutes meditating, praying or journaling together with others who are dedicating this time to their practice. The practice period will run from 7:10 to 7:50 (please arrive early so we may begin on time). Then, from 8-9:00, I will meet with those who have signed up for one of four 15-minute interview sessions available each Monday. These interviews are times when you can talk about how your practice is going and to ask questions that may have arisen for you.

* On Monday, February 23rd, we will come together for a closing ceremony. If I can figure out the technology (help is welcome!) we will tune in to the "official" Winter Feast closing ceremony that will be broadcast on the web. The time and further details will be posted in a later blog. But, right now, I'm thinking pot luck could be part of this event....

So, that's what I've been thinking about. Thanks for reading along. If you have thoughts in response, you can post comments here or email me at rosemary@firstchurchboston.org

Looking forward to sharing this Winter Feast for the Soul with you,

Rosemary