True Community (Part 3): How To Be Empty | Jake Haber

In today's episode, we explore the "emptiness" stage of community development, and how it invites us to let go of all that stands in the way of deep belonging. 

 

Quotes: 

 

M. Scott Peck: 

"Emptiness is the hard part. It is also the most crucial stage of community development. It is the bridge between chaos and community. When the members of a group finally ask me to explain what I mean by emptiness, I tell them simply that they need to empty themselves of barriers to communication."

 

Eckhart Tolle:

"Sometimes letting things go is an act of far greater power than defending or hanging on.

 

M. Scott Peck: 

"Until such time as we can empty ourselves of expectations and stop trying to fit others and our relationships with them into a preconceived mold we cannot really listen, hear, or experience."

 

"The need for control—to ensure the desired outcome—is at least partially rooted in the fear of failure. For me to empty myself of my overcontrolling tendencies I must continually empty myself of this fear. I must be willing to fail."

 

"If your theology or ideology is different from mine, it calls mine into question. It is uncomfortable for me to be uncertain of my own understanding in such basic matters. On the other hand, if I could convert you to my way of thinking, it would not only relieve my discomfort, it would be further proof of the rectitude of my beliefs and cast me in the role of savior to boot. How much easier and nicer that would be than extending myself to understand you as you are."

 

"As a group moves into emptiness, a few of its members begin to share their own brokenness—their defeats, failures, doubts, fears, inadequacies, and sins. They begin to stop acting as if they “had it all together” as they reflect on those things they need to empty themselves of …that in order to truly listen they have to truly empty themselves, even of their distaste for “bad news.” If they don’t, it becomes necessary for me to point out to its members that they are discouraging the sharing of brokenness."

 

Tao Te Ching (48):

“Do nothing and everything is done” 

 

Hafiz:

“Love is the funeral pyre where I have laid my living body. All the false notions of myself that once caused fear, pain, have turned to ash as I neared God.”

 

Buddhist Proverb: 

“The value of a cup is its emptiness”

 

Discussion Questions: 

In what ways do we try to control our experience of community?

What are some healthy ways to “share our brokenness”?