This past week, Avila partners and the wider community were invited post-election to gather around the fire pit for conversation and care. Some 35 people, including old and new acquaintances enjoyed an impromptu pot-luck meal including good comfort foods of pizza and s’mores. Conversations around the bonfire provided those assembled the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings, and the simple gift of being present to one another.
I spent the last week or so before the gathering on pause, seeking to allow the feelings of disappointment post-election some space in my mental landscape. Resisting the urge to become urgent, I listened to what was welling up from my deeper self as a meaningful guide toward what might emerge as next steps in the world. The phrase that kept coming back was “go wider and deeper.” Wider in the sense of taking the time to seek out and listen to those who have life experiences and perspectives that may differ from my own- immigrants, low wage-earners, those with limited health insurance, and yes, those who voted for the other candidate. Deeper in the sense of listening to the yearnings of my soul’s desire to strengthen my contemplative journey and there rediscover again and again my inherent connection with all things living.
Perhaps what we are called to do next arises from going wider and deeper, listening without and within.