Finding My Way Home
A Personal Reflection on the UUA Sponsored Retreat for Religious Professionals of Color
My trip to Puerto Rico for the Finding Our Way Home (FOWH) retreat was a transformative experience. According to the Unitarian Universalist Association, “...it offers community building, spiritual reflection, and collegial support while connecting participants with local community organizations as partners in service, witness, and advocacy.”
This retreat, specifically designed for BIPOC UU religious leaders and activists, offered a perfect sanctuary to gather and rejuvenate. I am new to Unitarian Universalism (UU), by way of the United Church of Christ, a progressive Christian denomination, and I found the FOWH retreat to be an extraordinary space that nurtured my personal and spiritual growth.
The UU community provides a unique environment that supports fully embracing and developing my ministry of unapologetic, self-aligned spirituality. The FOWH retreat welcomed me just as I am, creating a supportive and inclusive space that honored my individuality and spiritual journey.
The retreat provided a safe and nurturing environment where voices often silenced could be heard. This was a place where we could breathe freely, share our stories, and find solidarity in our collective experiences. The opportunity to connect with others who share similar struggles and triumphs was profoundly healing. One of the most healing experiences was dancing with renowned bomba dancers in Loíza, a part of the island deeply connected to Africa. The energy and rhythm of the dance, coupled with the stunning ocean backdrop, created a powerful and kinetic experience. I felt my Ancestors there in the drum rhythms and hospitality.
This was more than just a cultural activity; it was a celebration of life, resilience, and community. The ocean’s presence added a soothing, almost meditative element, reminding us of the vastness of our spiritual journey and the boundless support available to us.
In our daily lives, we are often filled to the brim with responsibilities and the burdens of others. This trip was a personal call to action for me as a Black Lesbian minister to heal in an island sanctuary where I could replenish my spirit and renew my commitment to my ministry and activism.
Finding Our Way Home is more than just a retreat; it is a vital space for UU and interfaith spiritual leaders, social justice activists, and faith-based practitioners. This retreat underscored the importance of taking time for self-care and community care. It reminded us that we cannot pour from an empty cup and that tending to our own needs is essential for our ability to serve others effectively.
I implore everyone who identifies with the BIPOC experience and seeks a place of healing and growth to take part in future FOWH gatherings. The retreat is a beacon for those on a spiritual path, providing a space to connect, reflect, and rejuvenate. It is a space to find your way home, to reconnect with your purpose, and to gather the strength needed to continue the vital work of social justice and spiritual leadership. I encourage you to join the FOWH retreat and find your way home.
By: Shannon C. High, MDiv, MAST, CSSC
Chaplain of Operations and Engagement
Interfaith Multicultural Community Ministries