More than ever, people are struggling to pay attention to each other. This is largely due to our self-focused culture, technological distractions, and a toxic political atmosphere. Effective listening goes far beyond merely processing someone’s words. It requires prioritizing the speaker and helping them feel heard. It requires reading their body language, encouraging them to continue sharing, and putting our own assumptions aside. Effective listening includes trying to understand how the speaker is feeling and why they’re trying to share something. Most find effective listening challenging—and it is…but it’s well worth the effort.   Meet in person at CVUU or online through Zoom on Sunday at 10:00 AM.

“The high value put upon every minute of time, the idea of hurry-hurry as the most important objective of living, is unquestionably the most dangerous enemy of joy… I would simply like to reclaim an old and, alas, quite unfashionable private formula: Moderate enjoyment is double enjoyment. And: Do not overlook the little joys!… a tree, or at least a considerable section of sky, is to be seen anywhere. It does not even have to be blue sky; in some way or another, the light of the sun always makes itself felt. Accustom yourself every morning to look for a moment at the sky and suddenly you will be aware … Continue reading Soul Matters Discussion on Joy

This Sunday, December 22, we will have a presentation and discussion on “The Gift of Presence” with Shannon Barton. To Remind Ourselves What Is Real by Elena Westbrook In a world ravaged… sometimes the only thing we can do is be still for a moment… be present in each moment as it unfolds. Your simple attention is what makes these moments holy. A Calm, Clear Place by Jezebel Anat Let us come into a calm, clear place Where we can relinquish our clutter and relax from busyness into being… Where we can breathe in peace And center ourselves in love… Meet in person at CVUU or online through Zoom on … Continue reading Soul Matters: The Gift of Presence

Join us for a continuation of our discussion on how to keep our cool when someone says something that we vehemently disagree with. Meet in-person at CVUU or online through Zoom on Sunday at 10:00 AM.

Many of us have strong opinions about social justice, gun laws, environmental issues etc.   it is difficult when our values are different from family and neighbors (who also have strongly held values).   We will have a discussion about how we can communicate courteously and respectfully with people who have contrasting views from our own.  We will discuss how to plant seeds to change hearts while keeping open minds ourselves. Meet in-person at CVUU or online through Zoom on Sunday at 10:00 AM.