As the year begins we are creating space to contemplate a new watchword: ๐ ๐๐๐ค๐ฅ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฃ๐ฅ. As a reminder, a watchword names a guiding intention, the focus of our attention (our watching), and our commitment to wait and be open to encounter. In its deepest sense, a watchword arises out of and is oriented toward encounter with God. In 2024 we were guided by the watchword "beauty first."
This yearโs watchword--a listening heart--echoes the prayer of the Hebrew King Solomon in which he expressed a desire for wisdom. Likewise, as Kinship Plot continues to cultivate resonance and nurture new initiatives, most significantly the housing partnership with The Grove, we desire to approach all of this with a listening heart. We yearn for a listening heart in relationship with others, receiving insight, feedback, and gifts however they arrive. We long for a listening heart in relationship with the land, paying attention to the voices, stories, and longings of other creatures. And we practice a listening heart in relationship with God, who has promised to give wisdom to those who ask.
There is a crisis of listening in our modern world. Whatever your tradition, perhaps you resonate with a longing to practice โlistening with the ear of your heart,โ as the Rule of St. Benedict describes it.
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