Becoming: A Spiritual Guide for Navigating Adulthood - Softcover

Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

Kayla Parker is a seminarian at Yale Divinity School. A young adult herself, she previously served as Campus Ministry Associate for the Unitarian Universalist Association.

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Preface

Who are young adults, really? We can define ourselves by the number of years we have spent on this earth and, more importantly, by the fact that we are constantly in transition, constantly becoming. This state of perpetual change has become our internal metronome; we ignore, resist, and struggle to keep up with its rhythm, or we accept and improvise along with it. ideally we stay with the beat, but we are only human and sometimes we simply cannot keep up. The tempo can be so much faster, slower, or just plain different than what we have known before.

I suspect that constant change is something people of all ages contend with—and that the readings in this book might strike a chord with people of many generations. This book is for young adults—and all who are forever becoming. However many years you have moved about this earth, I hope these words will accompany you on your journey. may they help you reflect, be present in the moment, and look toward the future.

This little book is organized into themes relevant to the lives of young adults and seeks to give voice to a variety of opinions and experiences on these topics. each thematic section includes three types of readings: opening and closing words (two of each), reflections (two), and poems and prayers (eight).

The opening and closing words might be used as prayers or meditations for individuals or groups. They can easily become rising and bedtime meditations for a person or family, or readings to begin and end a small group meeting or worship. The reflections are the soul of this collection, and come from Unitarian Universalist young adults based on their own lives and learnings. Finally, the poems and prayers are compiled from a wide variety of sources, from ancient Sufi texts to current Unitarian Universalist leaders. The reflections, as well as the prayers and poems, might be used for personal contemplation, small group conversations, or as liturgical elements in worship.

I hope that the writings in this book will speak to you and become your companions in this unpredictable life. may they speak to your heart and soul, and move with you throughout your days.

Every word in these pages was written or chosen by people who want you to know that you are not alone—we are all becoming. We wrote, compiled, and edited not only to share our own truths, but to be next to you as you discover yours.

In communion, solidarity, and love,

Kayla