We are Listening….
The ebb and flow of Lent, Holy Week and Easter Sunday are now behind us. Perhaps you took some moments throughout the season to simply pause and pay closer attention to the movement of your spirit and the Spirit around, and within you? When we take time to pause and be present to life and the Spirit, we listen, hear and notice things that we might miss if we didn’t intentionally take that pause.
For the past month or so, we at Journey Center Great Lakes have been listening to our JCGL community through surveys, listening gatherings, and emails. It has been a beautiful and life enhancing time. We have asked you to share where you find yourself on your spiritual journey…what your mind/body/spirit needs at this time… and how Journey Center Great Lakes can come alongside you?
We are grateful to those who were able to share yourself with us. We have not only heard what each of you shared, but we’re connecting dots and listening for the Spirit’s voice as we utilize our ability to listen together, as a community. Please know, the door will always be open to share your hopes, needs, and voice with us.
Some of the key elements that stood out in this collective listening time are:
- the gift of listening and gathering in community in JCGL’s morning meditations and mini-retreats.
- the longing for more opportunities to pause and be present.
- the challenge of finding time to step aside in a busy life.
- a sense of general overwhelm, busyness, noise, and even chaos that life and the world hold right now.
- an ongoing longing to engage with a growing community, online and in person.
We will be responding to some of those needs in the last few months of our 2025-2026 September-June season with opportunities to listen and respond through creativity; continuing ed for spiritual directors; gatherings and groups to explore and talk about aging; and more! Keep your eyes open and join us as we gift ourselves and each other by intentionally pausing and giving our spirits space.
On the journey with you.
Jennifer
Executive Director, Journey Center Great Lakes
