I have to admit I was really skeptical about making the year-long commitment to a Chalice Circle, since generally speaking, I shy away from group activities of any sort, but especially those that require abiding by any guidelines or rules. But one thing I have learned over the years is that if the thought of doing something makes me uncomfortable, then surely there is an opportunity for personal growth and development.
Through Chalice Circles I have come to understand how important it is to silently and deeply listen to another person, giving them the opportunity and the space to speak from the heart. And I have come to appreciate what it is like to be given that same opportunity and space, and to speak freely without fear of judgment, from my heart.
I have experienced just how mystifying it can be to simply allow someone to speak candidly about what they need to express. And I have become aware of the many ways I can become distracted and find myself wandering around in my own thoughts, instead of paying close attention to others.
Most importantly, I have come to realize how deep listening can be a powerful teaching and learning experience for myself and for others. I have come to see how each individual's life story uniquely shapes the way he/she views the world, and therefore, how important it is for each and every story to be heard.
To participate in a Chalice Circle is to be part of a collective story, one that weds the stories and personal journeys of each individual with the stories of fellow UU church members. Like any life story, it includes moments of joy, sorrow, laughter and kindness. But most importantly, it is a story about speaking and listening from the heart.
