Author: clfuu

How do we stay open to new experiences, especially when the world has made us weary? We are invited today to try something new–maybe a new book, or a new food, or maybe something more adventurous even.

Try something new today.

I’ve been thinking a lot recently about what it is to invite others fully into my experience (and to accept invitations into others’ experiences). Extending that kind of invitation can be a huge source of connection and witnessing — but also can feel really hard and vulnerable.

How can you create safer containers for each of us to practice extending those kinds of deep invitations into self and experience?

I love invitations that feel genuine. What a wonderful sensation it is when someone wants me to be there, valuing my presence. I feel intensely welcomed.

When was the last time you invited someone into a space of appreciation?

To extend an invitation to someone else takes courage. After all, what if a person rejects your invitation? I once knew a person who was a member of a barbershop quartet for several years. Although being UU was a big part of his life, he seldom talked about it with others. Eventually, he ran into a fellow quartet member at a UU event and they learned they share this major value! Then, a third member of the group asked what UU was. After learning more, he lamented, “I wish I had known about UUism years ago. I think I would really enjoy it!”

How do you muster the courage to extend an invitation?

Since I’m at the center of multiple marginalized identities, I often think a lot about the how I will be perceived in spaces. Is only one part of my self invited? Like blackness is welcomed, but not my queer identity. I often experience breaking myself into pieces in order to feel comfortable accepting the invitation. After the invitation, the second thing I think about is have the people done the work to make me feel welcomed and seen, and not just like someone is ticking a diversity box for the space or event. This is something to always consider as we have multifaith congregations and services!

Consider the ways in which your multiple identities intersect and change the ways you are perceived.