FAMILIES
Growth
The universe evolves. As creatures of this wondrous existence, we evolve too. Families journey through several predictable developmental stages both psychologically and spiritually. Each phase offers opportunities for deepening and strengthening the community that is our family. Being mindful of our collection of values, practices, language about and connection with a deeper Mystery brings families closer and makes them richer.
Loss
Every family experiences loss on a regular basis—disappointments, missed opportunities, regrets; deaths of beloved pets, grandparents, siblings or parents; miscarriage, abortion, infant loss; bullying, domestic violence, addiction; racism, sexism, gender-ism; chronic illness, betrayal, divorce, unemployment; being considered outside of ’normal’ for one reason or another. Our spirituality is the part of us that helps us frame and cope with these significant events that cause us to ask deeper questions of life. Questions about meaning, purpose, belonging, beloved-ness, and why?, why?, why?, need to be heard and honored.
Transformation
Not only do we grow as individuals and families, we may encounter experiences that give us the opportunity to be transformed. While growth can be understood as a steady progression along a path, transformation is a new state of being that comes about because of an intense experience such as loss, major change, or a chosen challenge. Struggle is always a part of growth and change. When we work together through the struggle, we become more than we imagined we could be.
Growth
The universe evolves. As creatures of this wondrous existence, we evolve too. Families journey through several predictable developmental stages both psychologically and spiritually. Each phase offers opportunities for deepening and strengthening the community that is our family. Being mindful of our collection of values, practices, language about and connection with a deeper Mystery brings families closer and makes them richer.
Loss
Every family experiences loss on a regular basis—disappointments, missed opportunities, regrets; deaths of beloved pets, grandparents, siblings or parents; miscarriage, abortion, infant loss; bullying, domestic violence, addiction; racism, sexism, gender-ism; chronic illness, betrayal, divorce, unemployment; being considered outside of ’normal’ for one reason or another. Our spirituality is the part of us that helps us frame and cope with these significant events that cause us to ask deeper questions of life. Questions about meaning, purpose, belonging, beloved-ness, and why?, why?, why?, need to be heard and honored.
Transformation
Not only do we grow as individuals and families, we may encounter experiences that give us the opportunity to be transformed. While growth can be understood as a steady progression along a path, transformation is a new state of being that comes about because of an intense experience such as loss, major change, or a chosen challenge. Struggle is always a part of growth and change. When we work together through the struggle, we become more than we imagined we could be.
