Yesterday evening, I came home looking forward to seeing my doggy and found four intestinal explosions (pick your end of choice) around the house. She is definitely sick. So we fed her and comforted her and later went to bed. I am beginning to see that spirituality starts with nature. There is no linear way to describe the difference between the flight pattern of a chickadee and a woodpecker. There is no scientific way that describes the emotion of a cat lounging in the sun. And there is no way but soulfully to describe the look on Coco’s face when she is “happy” to see us or when she is sick.
Author: Nathan
Reflections on tradition and community
My friend Marc, had some questions regarding tradition and community in response to my reflections on our ceremony, and I think it’s worth a post.
Tradition helps us stay grounded in history which is absolutely essential if we are to adapt to change well. It’s a paradox really. Adapt yet ground in history. So, we as a community must know and celebrate (or even lament) our history, and yet we must continue to build new ways of doing ceremony and ritual.
What are your questions on community?
What are your questions on community? What have you been thinking about in regards to community, community building, connecting in relationship, etc? I want to spend as…… Read more “What are your questions on community?”
Reflecting on Ceremony, Celebration, and Weddings
How does one envision a wedding as a community transforming event? How do two people hold space for a celebration out of deep authenticity and steer clear of the “shoulds” and appropriate ways to do a wedding? But it is important for me to note that when we are seeking to build and transform community, every event, every aspect of our lives, has to be considered with the community in mind. EVERY aspect… especially ceremony and celebration.
I guess I’m doing good… good and challenged
So many things gone in an instant. It was just me and God and now I was faced with my own struggles, my own brokenness. I didn’t hold up so well. I’ve been working so hard for the last two years for less money than I have made since I was 17. I’ve been living with a vision, staying positive, and investing, investing, investing in the community. This won’t stop any time soon, but I have not been honest with how damn hard it has been. I’m tired of “efforting” my way through everything.
Nathan Bettger | Oshkosh, WI 