October 2009
Here are some questions on vocation for reflection, journal writing, and conversation.
Relax and reflect on these questions.
Sit with them in the quiet.
Open and listen as deeply as you can.
When do you feel most alive?
When do you feel good about yourself? Most fulfilled?
What do you do well? When do you shine?
What do you see the world needing right now which meets with what you have to offer?
You are alive at this particular moment for a reason. What is that reason? What is your purpose? At this time, what do you feel called to do?
How can you practice being your fullest, truest self both here in this congregation and in the larger community?
Spiritual Practices on Vocation
In quiet, meditate on your gifts and talents, the ones that come naturally and the ones you want to improve. Invite your soul, your deepest self, to offer ways you might express these gifts.
Quaker writer, teacher, and activist Parker Palmer says "another clue to finding our true self and vocation: we must withdraw the negative projections we make on people and situations—projections that serve mainly to mask our fears about ourselves—and acknowledge and embrace our own liabilities and limits." Notice when you make negative judgments of other people and situations. What fears about yourself are behind your judgments? Notice if acknowledging your fears actually frees you to be more truly yourself.
Sit quietly or walk meditatively. As you breathe, repeat these words spoken by actor Sidney Poitier as he accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute. Breathing in: "May I be true to myself..." Breathing out: "...and useful to the journey."
Go into the world, the day, a meeting, an encounter, asking yourself: How can I be of use? What are the values I can serve? What presence can I offer?
We can bring our gladness for the many gifts we’ve received and meet the world’s deep hunger by participating in the GRIP annual Harmony Walk to End Hunger. The Harmony Walk raises money to support programs serving the hungry in Contra Costa County. You can participate in the walk or sponsor a walker. This interfaith event is Saturday, October 10 at Civic Center Plaza in Richmond, rally at 8:00 a.m., walk at 9:00 a.m.
Journal and Discussion Questions on Vocation:
- Write out your reflections on the questions offered above and share your reflections with others.
- Make a list of 20 things you love to do. How often do you do them? Does your list help you discover who you really are and what you have to offer?
- Who am I? What is my nature? What are my limits and potentials?
- What deeper congruence do I want between my inner and outer life?
Books on Vocation
For Children: On the Day You Were Born by Debra Fraiser
This books reminds children and parents of each child’s
place in the universe.
For Adults: Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation by Parker Palmer
Films on Vocation:
Julie & Julia, directed by Nora Ephron
In the San Francisco Chronicle review of the movie, Mick LaSalle wrote, "Julie & Julia is about: the generosity of the earth… and the
generosity of investment that goes into a life’s calling. It’s about the recipe for the good life, how one woman finds it..."
National Parks, directed by Ken Burns
Yosemite Park Ranger Shelton Johnson says, "I feel that I’m very privileged to work as a national park ranger and to live where I live, which I believe is the most beautiful place on the face of the Earth. Now, I’m not saying that I wouldn't mind a raise by any stretch of the imagination, but I have to say I was called to this work."
Space Cowboys, directed by Clint Eastwood
In this adventure drama, four older men passed over by the space program get one last chance to live out their dreams.
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