45-Day Soft Challenge*

Thanks to spiritual director Sam Rahberg of St Christopher’s Episcopal Church (Roseville, MN) and Wood & Water Retreats for sharing this Great Idea in a recent post:

Sam writes:

During a recent class, Brother An, a Vietnamese monk wearing a white and black habit, shared something that has lingered with me like a gift from God. He said, ‘I was so surprised by formation in the United States. Everything seems to focus on the individual. My abbot at home reminds us that we all came seeking community.’

His words have sparked deep reflection on how we can – and must – respond to these times. Our laments, hopes, and priorities can be framed too often by an individual lens. But we need one another. We need to re-engage as one in the body.

Rahberg then invites us to join him in ‘leaning more intentionally into the Body of Christ in 2025’ through three practices.

First, he introduces the 45-DAY SOFT CHALLENGE*, writing:

I’ve realized my heart, body, and spirit could use a reset – and my community deserves me at my best. I’ve invited a small circle of companions to embrace four practices together (hydration, movement, nutrition, and prayer/meditation) between now and January 15. Our goal? To explore how tending to personal well-being can ripple outward to bless the communities we serve.

What practice might you take up for the good of your community?

Who could journey with you for support?

This Great Idea is posting on Monday, December 9, 2024. We’re two Sundays into Advent. The ‘challenge’ can be revised to maintain the 45-Day window by simply ending on Thursday, January 23 or after.

Discover a plethora of potential Spiritual Practices in our lib guide.

Second, Rahberg invites folx to join him for a Spring or Fall Silent Retreat. We’ve added the Woodland Quiet: A 6-Day Directed Retreat to our Spiritual Practices list.

Third, Sam suggest a ‘deep dive into leading more collaboratively’, writing:

Brother An’s insight has reframed how I think about being the Body of Christ. What does it meant o lead, not just as individuals, but as deeply connected members of a. community? I’m dreaming of a. program that brings curious, committed people together to explore, practice, and grow in collaborative leadership.

Discover tips and specific organizations with whom you might collaborate in our new The Hub lib guide.

We’re happy to consult as you take a deeper dive into collaborative leadership, too! Connect via email or phone (651.279.1677)

[*Rahberg’s post actually calls this a ’75 Day Challenge’, but the math doesn’t work for when it was posted. I’ve adjusted the title to fit the math, rather than the math to fit the title – move dates however you feel called to do so!]