Contemplative Group

Tonight, we were back to our usual setup, and sadly, the labyrinth is put away. However, we had a good group, and the candlelight with the paintings from Beep Beep Gallery was beautiful.

We focused again on letting go of expectations. We discussed how expectations can be good, life-giving, and hopeful, but it is when we let these expectations become unrealistic that they become harmful to us. Expectations can hinder us and keep us trapped within a life of self-judgment and the fears of perfectionism that are rampant in our society. Unrealistic expectations seem to stem, according to our discussion, mainly from our need to exert control in our lives. However, this control is only ever an illusion that keeps us perpetually frustrated. We seek control, and when we cannot control our situations and environment, which we never can, we become frustrated and disappointed by the unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves and those around us. Instead, we must be Generous in offering Grace to ourselves, those around us, and the ways we perceive our reality.

A helpful analogy voiced in the group was that of water. Water is fluid and adaptable, allowing itself to be formed by its environment. Yet, in its ever-changing flow, it also exerts its own force on the environment around it. It maintains a sense of balance. It adapts to obstacles, but over time, it also exerts its own force on those same obstacles. It alters its course, but it also changes that same course through its persistence and forgiving fluidity. It does not seek control. Rather, it continues on its journey without seeking control. Becoming more like water, we learn that we must be adaptable...and patient. Things do not happen when or how we desire them to happen, but by remaining fluid AND true to our own journey, we remain true to who we are and also free ourselves of the illusions of control and fear that dominate our lives.


For further contemplation: One cannot force a butterfly from its cocoon. It must emerge in its own time.

One must allow a young shoot to grow at its own pace.

Consider the lilies of the field.


Wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome in this place. We hope you will join us when you can....