Cure Meets Cause
By Kelly Petersen
We had such a beautiful time together last Saturday at our Healing into Wholeness gathering. Ever since our winter retreat, I’d been trying to find the right day and location to meet again, but nothing aligned with my hectic schedule. As time passed and space and energy stayed just out of reach, I began to feel despondent. Eventually, I paused and asked myself why.
That’s when I remembered something I’d recently read in Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer—about how the cure often grows near the cause. It reminded me that what I was seeking wasn’t far away; I just couldn’t see it clearly until I slowed down and listened. And when I did, this gathering came together with ease—just what we needed, right when we needed it.
Once I accepted my disconnect in mind, body, and spirit, I was finally able to see what had been right in front of me: a microphone, a laptop, and a Zoom account, patiently waiting to connect me with dear friends near and far. The solution revealed itself through a deep sense of peace and renewed excitement as I began journaling about all the possibilities for this healing ministry.
I started by listing the barriers that were keeping me from gathering in person, and the list left me gutted. It was long and honest, and it asked for nothing less than full acceptance and grace. But in naming the obstacles, I saw the truth: I have a deep desire to heal in community. And right now, Zoom is the doorway that makes that healing possible.
This experience gently prepared me for our first Zoom gathering, where each person arrived carrying their own barriers, just like I had. Together, we decided that our monthly meetings will center on open discussion, deep listening, reflecting on a book, sharing journal prompts, and supporting one another on the healing path. We'll place greater emphasis on meditation and shared presence rather than teaching yoga live during our meetings. I’ll begin recording classes tailored specifically to our community, allowing each person to practice safely at their own time and in their own space.
As we move forward, I’m reminded that healing rarely arrives through our expectations, but it always meets us where we are. That’s why I’m so grateful to be on this journey with my church community. Together, we are healing into wholeness through connection, compassion, vulnerability, and the sacred practice of showing up as we are.
If you’re interested in joining us, please reach out for journal prompts related to the book Take Control of Your Life by Mel Robbins, as well as links to yoga classes. Our next Zoom gathering will take place on Saturday, August 2nd, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The reading is optional, but we will discuss the themes, journal prompts, and challenges presented in the book. The first chapter is heavy, so that’s as far as I plan on reading until our next meeting. Here are some prompts given by Mel Robbins that we'll be reflecting on:
If you want to see your dreams come true, it starts with the courage to state them, without diminishing them. State your dream here, proudly, in detail. Not sure of your dream yet? Write down one thing that you would love to have in your life. (We will share our dreams with each other at our next meeting.)
Right now, there’s an area of your life that’s not working for you. What is it?
When you think about taking control of that area of your life, what’s your biggest fear?
What area of your life do you want to change?
Identify one fear holding you back right now.