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Forming Spiritual Base Communities |
Why Spiritual Base Communities? :::
Some of us feel that our temporal resources are not enough to
cope with the needs of today. We experience burnout, blocks to our
creativity, and despair, if we rely solely on temporal resources.
Some of us believe we have found an energy, a healing force, in
the universe and in ourselves, to which we can repair. It is referred to
by many names: life-force, God, energy, the light, the holy spirit, an
informing presence. Some of us find that we can open ourselves to
this power, if we choose, and when we do, new visions, new answers,
and new solutions come to us. We, in turn, are energized and
encouraged by others who share this view and affirm our new
perceptions. We find that we need this exchange and support from
one another to keep our sanity.
In Latin America and in the Philippines, people have gathered
together in Christian base communities for these very purposes. These
communities have been fountains of hope, inspiration and energy;
creative ground for new experiments in transformation; and the hub
and the wheel of nonviolent revolution.
Many of us yearn for such connectedness here in the U.S.A.,
where we, too, are faced with the need for profound transformation of
ourselves and our society. Therefore, this outline for possible
processes, in harmony with our variety of faiths, or with no traditional
faith, is offered here.
A Way To Begin :::
If we are seekers for such a community, one way to find others is to
express our need to people to whom we feel drawn, to learn whether
they share this need. The next step is to take the initiative to gather
together those interested and test the possibility of creating such a
community. This could be with anywhere from six to twelve people; it
is recommended they be no more than twelve. The next step is to come
to know one another. One way to get this knowledge is through sharing
parts of our histories and hopes.
Below are suggested outlines for seven “Getting to know one
another” sessions. (They are simply that, suggested outlines. Other
questions may be more appropriate for your group. However, the
process is highly recommended.) The process is sometimes called
“Creative Listening,” though it goes by other names as well. In it, each