When I was 15 years old, I took a quiz in Sunday school to evaluate my belief in universal truths. The teacher graded our tests, and then we had to read our results aloud in front of the other high schoolers. I scored a zero out of 15! 

I was embarrassed, ashamed, and chagrin that what I thought was ‘right’ was ‘wrong.’ My shame turned to teenage indignation as I announced that I would never attend Sunday school again. 

So, for the next few weeks, instead of going to church, I sat outside and read Thomas Merton’s Seven Story Mountain. I’m not sure if I really got much out of this thick text except for one thing. Merton was seeking something beyond what the world told him was right, and it was calling to him. I knew that feeling inside, the search for something more, something that was beyond a truth quiz. I knew that his search was my search. Suddenly, I felt validated, seen, and understood. He gave me a reflection that my spirituality wasn’t wrong. 

You may be longing for something more, and you aren’t sure what it is. You may know what isn’t working for you spiritually, and you are longing for a spirituality that is real. You are not alone in your journey. Common Awakening is a thriving, vibrant community of committed seekers who do the hard work, the deep dive, and engage in what makes a difference. Alive spiritual community reflects a different way to live and be in the world. You may just need one reflection to say, “Your ‘right’ isn’t ‘wrong’ after all. Come and see!”

May this reflection show you the universal truth that is unbound by a quiz. We are glad you are here. You are loved and you belong.

With love,

Annie

P.S. We just held our Lighten Up! Retreat in Crozet, VA, and a dynamic, powerful group gathered for 3 days of reflection, ritual, silence, teaching and recreation together. As a few group members noted, "The folks who come to these retreats are the real deal. I’ve been at retreats before where the group didn’t feel safe or comfortable, and this community supported me in my journey and gave me the space to be exactly where I needed to be.” It’s true. Our retreats gather good people in good places with good content that gives you an alive spiritual life that you take back home with you.