Tiny Shifts

Them / What Our World Needs Now / August 18th 2024

How and why we should resist the constant pull towards tribalism and othering, and the genuine good news of Universalism in a polarized age. 

Breathing Meditation

Rev. Christopher Watkins Lamb leads us in an 8-minute breathing meditation using Sarah Dan Jones's Meditation on Breathing. Rev. Christopher is Foothills Unitarian's Community Minister. Community ministers extend the reach of Unitarian Universalist ministry beyond the congregation. 

5 Minute Meditation for Self-Compassion

Rev. Elaine Aron-Tenbrink offers a guided meditation to cultivate self-compassion.
May this meditation be a reminder that when we are feeling stuck and brittle and can only see the world through a lens of scarcity - when we are most in need of a blessing - we have the capacity to offer a blessing to ourselves.
This meditation is adapted from the work of Dr. Kristin Neff, who is a scholar on the topic of self-compassion.
Learn more about Dr. Kristin Neff’s work on self-compassion: https://self-compassion.org/

Our Few Worthy Things: 15-minute journaling meditation to discern what matters most

In this 15-minute mini-episode, Rev. Gretchen guides us in a meditation and journaling exercise to notice the things that receive our attention, discern our values, and explore the intersection of the two. What matters most to you?
Join us in the tiny shift of noticing the things that matter most so you can then more readily center them in your lives.

Guided Meditation for Stress

In this season that is so busy for many, we invite you to a mini-episode of Tiny Shifts where Rev. Sean offers a guided meditation to help us practice moving our bodies through the cycle of emotions and stress. 
Enjoy the meditation with a visual guide.

Is America a Christian Nation?

In this compelling episode, Rev. Sean fearlessly navigates the divisive discourse surrounding America's identity. Join us as we unpack the prevalent notion of America as a Christian nation and explore the divergent worldviews between Christian Nationalism and progressive theology.
Rev. Sean doesn't stop at analysis; he challenges listeners to envision a more inclusive, equitable society and asks a poignant question: What are you willing to sacrifice for this vision?
As part of this transformative journey, embrace our "tiny shift" challenge this week: become aware of moments when you feel irritated at being de-centered. 

How to REBEL Against Fascism

Caught in the whirlwind of life's demands, many of us acknowledge the ominous rise of fascism but struggle to carve out the means and time to actively resist it. In this episode, Gretchen presents five actionable strategies for rebelling against the grip of fascism. Join us this week in the tiny shift of noticing where the cult of individualism in society is holding you back, preventing you from connecting to the common good.

AntiFascist Church

Join Reverend Sean and Reverend Gretchen as they delve into how churches and other relationship-centered communities can resist fascism. Explore how faith communities can serve as crucial bastions of organizing resistance and examine why and how some churches have significantly countered oppressive ideologies throughout history while others have been complicit.
 
This discussion challenges listeners to remember the story is not all written - you have a part to play. Rev. Gretchen invites you into the transformational tiny shift of embracing a practice of "holy curiosity" this week. Notice moments when you adopt the role of a "Knower" and shift your viewpoint to that of a "learner."