Listening Brings Wisdom

Our September theme is wisdom. On Sunday, we were reminded that wisdom isn’t something only a few people possess — it lives within each of us. Sometimes the greatest practice is simply remembering to listen: to our own inner knowing, and to the wisdom that shows up when we gather in community.

That wisdom was clear during our recent visioning session. One of the threads that emerged was the truth that Center for Spiritual Living Ballard isn't carried by one person alone — it’s carried by all of us, together. Our individual and collective experience matters. Every volunteer hour matters. Every contribution matters. We may not all do everything, but we thrive because many do something. When each of us brings forward what we can, whether that’s time, talent, or treasure, we weave together something greater than the sum of its parts, reverberating outward into the wider world.

Listening is central to how we move forward, and not just in scheduled sessions. We regularly hear from you — your ideas, questions, and hopes — and it’s on us to discern the path forward, guided by the collective voice, in collaboration, while remembering that wisdom often lies in the space between viewpoints.

This month gives us several meaningful ways to share our light and wisdom. On Friday, September 12, our Open Mic Night invites everyone to participate in community, whether through music, poetry, a reading, or simply showing up to support others. It’s a joyful, low-barrier way to express ourselves and celebrate each other’s gifts. I encourage you to bring a friend.

On Thursday, September 18, our Meaningful Movies gathering will feature Free for All: Inside the Public Library. Libraries were created by revolutionaries who believed knowledge should be free and accessible to everyone, much like our philosophy and community. We don’t require that you contribute, but when everyone does, it ensures the lights stay on, the music lifts us, and we can continue to host free and meaningful opportunities for the wider community.

And on Saturday, September 20, we begin a new class on Mental Equivalents, inspired by the writings of Emmet Fox. It’s a chance to deepen our understanding of how thought shapes experience, and to practice creating a mental equivalent for the lives we want to live.

I truly believe in the importance and value of community. It's one of the main reasons I show up on Sundays, and why I spend countless keystrokes on messages, meeting agendas, or drafts of plans. Especially when the wider world feels unsettled, what matters most is how we show up for each other. The question isn’t “who” or “when,” but “how can I help?” and “what can I bring?” Each of us has something to offer that makes a difference, and together, we create the kind of community that lights the way forward.

So I invite you this month: bring your wisdom, bring your gift, bring a friend, and let’s continue to make CSLB a place where all are welcomed, supported, and inspired.