Dinner Conversation 3

It is interesting what you talk about at the dinner table at seminary! There were about ten of us at the table and one guy, Warren mentioned I should sit in on some “academic classes” so I know what everyone is going through! So I asked what classes he has and if he liked them. He began by talking about his “Spiritual Disciplines” class, which all first year students must take. He said it is too touchy feely for him. He also said how the professors encourage all students when in class or reading to look for and acknowledge the assumptions within a given statement. One statement that is being used within this class is “nourish your soul.” Warren says there are at least 3 assumptions with this statement. 1) That we individually have a soul 2) that our soul can be nourished 3) that WE can nourish it Interesting, I would never have thought any of these things! So I asked, “So you don’t think we have a soul?” He said he thinks we have a soul but it is only within the community. He doesn’t think personal prayer, bible study, meditation, etc benefits one’s own soul. He did say it may make them more able to contribute to the whole but that we are not individually connected to God. It is only within community that we have soul. There was a lot more to the discussion but this is where I will stop. All of this made me think, I know I believe community is a vital part of ones life-spiritually and socially-but I don’t believe I personally don’t have a one on one connection with God. My mind began to wheel though, WHY do I believe that! I don’t know exactly and that bothers me! For me, a blue-orange according to personality tests, things are pretty feely! I feel God in my personal life. I think if it was just me on a deserted island, God and I would still have a connection! So I always feel this is how things are but I don’t know that is good enough! My other reaction was almost disgust with myself. Here I am saying I believe we personally can have a connection to God, yet I fail to regularly connect with God. I almost felt like a liar! If I believe I have an individual connection, by george, why am I not taking full advantage of it! So since that day, I don’t think I have missed my devotion or prayer. I have also meditated at least once everyday (my goal was twice a day, oops!) But he, without even knowing it, challenged me to be better at what I believe! So I encourage you 1) why do you believe what you believe 2) live what you believe. I also ask that you check up on my progress about why I believe I, personally, can have a connection to God. Not next week but in a few weeks ask me and see if I have any answers for you!

My time here is incredible and so valuable in many ways! My dance classes are great and very interesting! The things I have been and will be able to do is awesome too! I can’t thank you enough for allowing me to chase this dream! I have found out about several more sacred dance groups and I plan on checking them out while I am here! Hopefully I will be able to synthesize all this and create an awesome program when I get back!

Blessed Adventurer,

Liz