Excerpts from Board Member, Susan Hayward’s interview with Heidi Smith
Tell me about your first encounter with Bread of Life.
I heard about Bread of Life thanks to Jane Rabin (who talked about it often) in our spiritual work together in our congregation, Bet Havarin. When the Community of Practice pilot was offered it was very appealing to me.
Tell me about the Community of Practice—what drew you to become a part of it?
Being able to find people who want to be in a deepening community. That had been hard to find in other places. I had been in groups, had started groups, and they tended to evolve into more social situations with an overtone of spirituality. I do a lot of reading on my own, I do a lot of classes. I am actually starting a spiritual direction training program this weekend.
When the opportunity came up to be in community with others, I was very intrigued to explore it. Then I had such a positive experience I wanted to be on the planning committee so I could help.
Did you experience what you were drawn toward?
I really appreciate the way in which people engage with each other. I am pretty introverted. I do much better at a calmer energy level. I so appreciate the way in which people engage—people really listen to each other; people are willing to be vulnerable and share at a reasonably deep level even though the community as a whole only comes together a few times a year. There is a container that allows for a safety that allows for people to share in a very meaningful way.
It feels meaningful and nourishes me. It goes at a slower pace, is a quieter, more contemplative energy, and that works much better for me. There is definitely a social aspect to it, but we stay in the spiritual realm most of the time. I find that rare.
What has been an unexpected experience/outcome of participating in Community of Practice?
The thing that comes to mind—there are a couple of community members who are eager to instill the element of play in the community. Outside of the community’s structured time together they have planned events or have inserted into our retreats a time that is very playful. So there is an element of fun and silliness, and goofiness, a lightheartedness, yet feels like it is still in the container. It feels part of our experience. It has been fun.
Another welcome surprise—reflections that Julie Garvey has been writing. They are nominally about her vineyard, but they are just so moving and so evocative. This has been a beautiful gift!
What will you/or are you doing differently in your life because of your participation in the Community of Practice?
It has helped me identify more clearly that I thrive in a more contemplative setting. High energy situations take a toll on me. It has really helped me identify that. Beyond that, not that much because I was already engaged…most of my discretionary time is devoted to spiritual pursuits. I was already on that path, now I just have people to share it with. The phrase “the solitary journey that you cannot take alone” feels perfect. I was on the journey and now I have community to share it with.
What is one message you would like to tell the world about Community of Practice/
How accepting and inclusive and non-denominational it is. I am one of two Jewish people in the group and there has never been any moment when I felt like, “I’m accommodating you so I can feel comfortable here.” I feel very comfortable even though most people do not share my faith traditions.
How else does Bread of Life feed you?
I went to a mandala workshop recently that I really enjoyed. The offerings are wonderful and increasingly so. I think Jen has been a phenomenal addition that has enabled more. Just knowing the workshops that are available is valuable.