Eccelsial Engagement on Disability Conference

The past two days was a blessing of sharing and learning, being in a cross-Canada conference on Disability Theology hosted by McMaster, as well as on-site at Ambrose, Northwest- Deep and Wide: Ecclesial Engagement with Disability Across Canada

I was priviliged to have my presentation accepted, for the site of my Alma Mater of my Master’s, Ambrose Univeristy (though when I was a student it was at Canadian Theological Seminary and its location was the old MRC builidng in downtown Calgary), though always feels a little bit good to be back in the learning environment. Also was the last place I had been a learner at that I had yet to teach at. Anyways enough side quests on this meander.

I closed off the four papers presented on Friday, which shared theology exploring what church could practically do with our buildings to engaging with to leaning into a renewed understanding of community extending into online community (which ties into moments from the grad weekend as a prof I was able to attend last weekend that saw exclusive online students being active participants in community but again a side quest). I know as I type this it is not my best, I also came to the realization this weekend if I was to use spoon theory, since about spring 2022 I have been running on about 1/2 to 1 spoon exclusively, and though I feel the amount growing as authentic rest begins to settle in, I know I do need, as one of the speakers, Rev. Morgan spoke of this weekend, saying yes to less so that there can be joy (a paraphrase I know), and Dr. Carl sharing on his friendship community on campus of intentional monastic style community was also a growth.

Okay time to end the rambles, here are some great resources, met a long-time online friend, and I encourage you to check out his site, and if you feel led engage in the upcoming book club: https://atthebottomofthewell.com/

As well, there is a new press out of Ontario, in the justice and theology work around disabilities (and yes not just books but a journal as well): https://www.madandcriptheologypress.ca/

What follows is just sharing the summary of my reflective research and key resources from Friday night (and yes can you tell the Shrekfluence?).

Everybody Poops:

The Dignity of Belonging

-A Summary-

Dr. Ty Ragan

Deep and Wide:

A Conference on Ecclesial Engagement with Disability across Canada

Ambrose University Site

March 10-11, 2024

Everybody Poops: The Dignity of Belonging

A Summary

This presentation grows out of the theology of lived experience practical and academic theologians and clergy, and research on the concepts of Imageo Dei (created image), diversity, intersections of socioeconomics, culture, race, gender and justice. It looks into how the church has created a process of segregation and degradation, but what the local church community can do to speak the truth and work on authentic reconciliation. An ability to move into authentic accessibility of facilities, inclusion (creating the space) and belonging for individuals of the diverse mosaic that is the created image.

What is the Imageo Dei to you?

In this part we reflect on where we begin the journey. What is your understanding of the image each of us is created in? Where are your apprehensions? Your spaces of unwelcome.

Visible or Invisible

This research looks at the concepts of mental health, neuro-diversity, and physical disabilities. Areas that some use person first language for. Concepts of trauma that can intersect, including medical. 

Accessibility

Buildings are one of the most uncomfortable things to discuss. Churches can conflate their identity with historic builds and miss the point that the building itself can be the barrier. It can lead to exclusion, and even inhospitality. Yes, even if the building is to “code” it can not meet accessibility standards. One aspect of this, is bathrooms, for those who toilet not being designed for all mobility aids, gendered washrooms that create barriers for staff who support those who need help, and lack of change benches for those that do not toilet so they have to remain soiled, leave, or be changed on the floor hoping that no one walks in.

Inclusion

Inclusion is ensuring there is a welcoming space. Space being the key word, that regardless of how we are created there is space for us to exist in once we are able to enter the building. Yet it stops short as it does not mean we are known.

Interlude: Government Services

The challenge of proving worthiness is the story of government services. Each province is different, but a tale of Alberta, and having to show that you need, and then reprove when transitioning to adult services. The clawback due to other revenue sources, can one ever leave poverty? Do churches know the silent struggle of constant advocacy? The pain inflicted of caregivers being informed of the release of burden when the loved one passes and it not being a burden, but authentic grieving of loss.

Belonging

Practical Theologian, John Swinton’s work can be summed up as the greatest risk, for you are allowing connection, purpose, and belonging. You are allowing an openness of exchange that when they are not there you will grieve. You will feel.  Belonging, and why we avoid it, is because we do not like to mourn and yet we can transform this.

“Each person with a disability, no matter how serious, severe, or even profound contributes something essential to and for the body, through the presence and activity of the Spirit; people with disabilities are therefore ministers empowered by the Spirit of God, each in their own specific way, rather than merely recipients of the ministries of non-disabled people” (Yong, 2011, p. 95).

References

Christensen, S. (2018). From Longing to Belonging: A Practical Guide to Including People with

Disabilities and Mental Health in Your Faith Community. Inclusion Innovations.

Dingman, M. (2022). Your Brain Explained. NB Publishing.

Eiesland, N. (1994). The Disabled God. Abingdon Press.

Hardwick, L. (2021). Disability and the Church: A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion. IVP

Praxis.

Kenny, A. (2022). My Body is not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the Church. Brazos

Press.

Lehman, I. (2014). All you Need to Know about Disability is on Star Trek. Mind Meld Media.

Melcher, S.; Parsons, M. and Yong, A. (2017). The Bible and Disability: A Commentary.

Baylor University Press.

Reynolds, T. (2008). Vulnerable Communion: A Theology of Disability and Hospitality. Brazos

Press.

Schneider, M. (2022). God Loves the Autistic Mind: A Prayer Guide for Those on the Spectrum

and Those Who Love Us. Pauline Books and Media.

Silberman, S. (2015). NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity.

Avery.

Swinton, J. (2016). Becoming Friends of Time: Disability, Timefullness, and Gentle Discipleship.

Baylor University Press.

Swinton, J. (2020). Finding Jesus in the Storm: The Spiritual Lives of Christians with Mental

Health Challenges. Baylor University Press.

Yong, A. (2011). The Bible, Disability and the Church: A New Vision of the People of God.

Wm.Eerdman’s Publishing Co.

Deep and Wide: A Conference on Ecclesial Engagement with Disability Across Canada

It is this weekend, join us as we learn, discover, advocate and celebrate, my topic goes on Friday night in Calgary:

Register here: https://mcmasterdivinity.ca/deepandwide/

Barrier Breaker? Blessed Release?

It is an intriguing time of the journey. Navigating change. Navigating a reignition/recycle of severe health symptomology, and then feeling the drain away. High stress, the gig economy of academia, into release and relax. Exploring the holistic for far to much, especially in the West, we silo each aspect of our whole self (this is physical or psychological or emotional or spiritual) and miss that all pieces are integrated, and impact one another.

Yet as the rain comes down, in a dry and drought ridden prairie, one ponders, if the dirt being washed away, and the probability and possibility of new life it brings.

Takes me into the learning opportunities I have experienced over the last several weeks, from an educational Passover Meal, that engaged with the stories of the Hebrew Bible, and the concept of Amalekites. Those that had to be removed, for Israel in the story to flourish in the Promised Land (yes I am probably overly simplifying), a story that has been used as a weaponization of sacred literature in the current acts of Genocide by the Israeli government labelling the Palestinians as Amalekites. Though Hamas, inserting their own drive from the land call to action as well. Missing the colonial/settler dynamic of a world trying to cope with their own anti-semitic guilt out of the Holocaust that created and continued to perpetuate what is now a horror show, and needs not only a cease fire, but a true solution for truth, reconciliation and peace.

Then intersecting with a blessed graduation weekend this past weekend, where the exploration of the speakers on the parable from the Christian Testament, of the builder who builds on rocks, and bringing the story into context, context, context, of the Sermon on the Mount, and what it means to shape and re-shape our life and journey. To be open to moments of cyncism, to know there may be times we are going through the motions or show, but what happens when we authentically engage?

To the workshop on neurodiversity students before the graduation weekend at another school, that stirred emotions and remembrances of my own lore if you will. I have always exhibited traits, and before my micro-strokes, and ongoing ones, have a brain that works and processes differently. Some of this caused by anti-convulsant medication, some by just biological/neurology. I chose to excel at academics, and my creative pursuits– why? Simple, enter into my geeky fandoms, and be the brain, so when bullied it was for that, and not the wonderful world of 80’s and 90’s kids who decided to use the “r word”, but shifting gears, there was moments and probably not as bad, as I was also a well developed smart alyc 🙂

But still the remembrance opening.

And brings me back around to Passover, which produced the reflection of Caregiver Fallacy

A piece of what this part of the dinner reflections after the sharing of the story of the Amalekites, and then as was shared to me, from the teachings of Conservative Rabbi Moses Brandises of Minz, from the Hasidic notion of Amalekite as metaphor/allegory for things such as gluttony, laziness, discouragement and how this functions in our own lives…which leads to this idea of a simple poetic form:

What discourages?

When one’s mind fog rolls on

and simple to complex words and ideas easily shared

is it not easier to simply be quiet?

Can their be healing?

Not always the medical cure

but rather the communal justice

that shatters barriers

sees costs lower

and roll

equity, equality, diversity, acceptance

release

as physical environment shifts and change

as relationships grow

others end

cessation can cause healthy release

the physiological system still reflects the emtoinal and neurological health

weariness

constantly seen and felt

yet, begins to ease

though constantly dopey or simply tired

can their ever be enough rest?

Can relationships renew?

Grow anew…

As the spring rain, replaces the April Snow– sleet

like a perennial

not annual

will hope sprout from the soul?

To be able to feel once more

Alleluia?

What is Journalling?

This is a presentation that has been adapted over the years, taken an evolution into academia around communications, professional reflection and the business world. Rooted in monastic formation and practices, as well as psychology. For long time readers, the book, Pilgrimage to the Heart of the Sacred, touches on many of these aspects but this brings it into a workshop form.

Journalling for many feel that it is a structured, respond to the prompt endeavour. But it is more. It can be part of a reflective exercise. Used for a specific learning outcome, or even better, daily exercise to be able to move through the internal and external noise to see what is being experienced. It does not have to be in the form of written (cursive or typing) but can also be creative.

It is an essentialy part of being a lifelong learner. The learning dialogue is both internal and external. Internally our own worldview (experiences, aspirations, beliefs) interact with the learning material, the experience, for us to arrive at a conclusion as to the experience. This is then taken into dialogue (hopefully) with others who have shared the experience.

It can be seen as spiritual, it is a piece of the learning dialogue. A reflective practice touches into the deeper, intrinsic pieces of us. It can be hard to formulate into words, we may have to take time to quiet the noise after an event or learning or even during (think CBT, meditation, body scan, etc) it does not have to be a truly introverted approach, as extroverts can take a moment to centre and just be present taking in to understand not to respond, and relating the experience.

Touching on the emotions involved.

Using the written word. Colouring. Doodling. Scibbling. Sculpting, Painting. Building Models. Cartooning. Knitting. Crocheting. Beading. Mind Mapping.

What is your creative expression? How do you let this reflective practice and learning dialogue engage within in?

Take time to do.

Set aside time at beginning or end of day.

Set a timer on your phone.

Start simple, 10 minutes, but don’t let the pen/pencil/colours stop moving during the time.

The holistic connection is understanding that all aspects are released during journaling for that is what it is.

A list poem is simply what it sounds like: A list.

Like you make for a to do list or a grocery list.

A 6 word poem takes a format of 3 lines: 3 words/2 words/1 word.

Pick a song from a genre you normaly do not listen to.

Centre your breath, a simple way to do this is to breathe up counting 1 to 10 with deep diaphragmic breaths, on inhale count, on exhale use a word with meaning, I like hope. At 10 do the same but count down.

Listen to the music.

Use the colours to engage with the emotions and then see where you are on the wheel.

May you cultivate an inner connection of reflective learning…

Discover what journalling is for you.

Belonging: Internally and Externally

A time to explore and contemplate what different concepts of accessibility and inclusion are.

But when taking the journey into belonging, bringing some peace to self, and then exploring into the community we exist within for change.

The idea of Gremlin…

gremlinsDownload

Good Grief: Journey to the New Normal

A workshop I have given in many places from community to church to classroom that explores ideas around grieiving. What is grieving? It is how we process loss an change, if we understand that every change in life no matter how small to large brings a grieving cycle then we can become more attuned with emotions, and open to discussing loss.

We can also become more open to the risk of belonging.

Lars and the Real Girl was a gift at a Winter Refresher in the 00’s at St. Andrew’s College, for those in ministry and preparing for ordered ministry in the United Church of Canada. This is a wonderful story on the power of belonging in healing, and can raise or rather open the ethical discussion on what makes a life. See, we are not fully aware, but something has happened to Lars, he is secluding and isolating in the guest house on his brother and sister-in-laws property, withdrawing from his usual community (re: church), and folks are beginning to notice. One day he knocks on his brother’s door, and makes a request, he has an online girlfriend who is coming to visit, due to their devout beliefs she can’t stay with him but could she use the guest room. The sister-in-law is excited Lars is coming back from the darkness.

The girlfriend is a wheel chair user, and one begins to think it is ableism at the shock on the brother and spouse face, but then you see– the wheelchair users is a life size doll. A visit to the doctor the next day just affirms Lars is going through something, they can try to shock him out of it not knowing the result, or roll with the delusion and see what happens. The family decides to roll with the delusion for healing, but will others?

It is a story of belonging, as Bianca (the real girl) is affirmed in community. She has a life, girls nights, bowling league, elected to the school board— and then…

She falls ill.

There is a beautiful scene where the women’s group shows up with casseroles, when asked why by Lars, they simply reply “we are here to sit, knit and eat” that is we are simply here to be present with you as you journey out of your normal, into the unknown, and into the new normal.

What a beautiful concept of belonging.

What a way to show the journey of grieving (take time if you can to host a potluck and discussion night around Lars and the Real Girl)…

For more take a dive into the other slides and ideas/questions thoughts to wrestle through.

good-griefDownload

In Canada if you are struggling with Mental Health, please call 988.

Also you may want to invest in micro-credentials (trainings) for yourself, group or church in things such as Mental Health First Aid, ASSIST, Safe Talk, and Naloxone.

What We Stimatize by Calling Addictions:

The last 2 Saturdays I was blessed to facilitate workshops at the Supernatural Life Centre in Calgary on Substance Misuse and behaviours. This morning was more of a chit chat with Q & A, but last week we dove right into the learning. What follows is some pictures, a short video clip, and slides…

https://www.facebook.com/100003228172418/videos/435749522398046

See the link below the pictures for a 10 minute clip of last week’s sharing.

supernatural-life-centre-workshopsDownload

MOTU Trek Continues

There is a multi-verse, some say possibly an omniverse. Where there are heroes and mutants. Wizards and Warriors. Ghouls and Ghosts. Scientists and beings that are godlike.

Magic is real.

Science explains the how.

And a new portal has burst open.

Ram Man prepares to help his friend He-Man, can Clamp Champ stop the new intruder…

Is this sword wielding battle axe throwing Barbarian friend or foe

But who is this new wizard having come through the realms of beyond the veil of this life, casting a spell to save a Ferengi?

Will Trapjaw fall? Or will Evil Lynn save her ally?

And what role does Quark play in setting things on track once more?

To Be Continued

A Caregiver Fallacy

I was blessed to be apart of the majority of learning/educational Passover last night, with the songs, the food, the stories, traditions and contemplative questions. As I reflected I began to build out in my mind and heart that we tend to misunderstand burden. The concept of release from burden when one is a caregiver sets us up to have interrupted or repressed grieving. For those unaware unprocessed grief can create the same mental, emotional and physiological responses as PTSD, even a misdiagnosis and mistreatement.

Why is this in mind? Well, I have played a role as caregiver with other relatives like my Mum and Dad, with various relatives. Though in the moments, and at that time in history it was and is being family. Though over time and even then, when the caring ended, as the loved one transitioned to the next adventure (as we would explain to my kids, the great tea party), some things always perplexed or landed wrong.

Yes it was emotionally draining, rolling with emotions and new experiences. Seeing my loved Granddad struggle physically with his emphysema. My Nan, who began to see the effects of dementia. My Granmda with her falls, and then in hospital in the last days where her mind had regressed to a point in time in history where I was no born, so I was either my uncle or cousin, but I still got to have time with her and show her love. With each of them. With my Mum as she journeyed towards the end with breast cancer, and her own mental health struggles. Same thing, it was hard emotionally.

But then the phrase, the essence being, “while isn’t it wonderful it is over” or “think of how much better things will be now”. Sentiments echoed with my own son.

Yet, NO.

It was time spent. It was time together. Yes, if our society did not have systemic issues of emotional constipation around chronic conditions. Emotional phobia of death. Perhaps these journeys would be more supportive by all. If our governments did not see citizens as the enemy and fight against supports or enforce constant cycles of advocacy to prove personhood… Yeah, caregiving is hard emotionally but it is being family. What breaks one’s spirit, heart and yes body, is the constant fighting with the world crafted by those elected that do no see the one with the chronic condition as person. That is the true draining.

And then because we are to see this work of caregiving (not the advocacy and systemic “isms” and prejudices as the burden) we are to be gladdened when the life is lost and grieving should be nicely wrapped up as the employer dictactes (no longer than 3 paid days if in Calgary, or 5 outside of town), and it better fit the description human resources provides as kin, God help you (and yes that is intentional, not blasphemous) if you family functions differently.

So as I reflect on my journey of family, as caregiver, my own chronic conditions. The support and story of loss, and what is reflected. I know the release, of unrepressed grieving. Of letting the tears flow anew, to understand that the burden was not the caring, and time with the loved one. The burden is what our systems create for proper care and support of professionals and ensuring those systems are properly equipped.

I encourage the caregivers, the personal ones, let us raise our voices. Let us push for proper caregivers allowances to reduce the systemic burden, to allow for our time with loved ones to exist so we can continue to care and together thrive.

Let us raise our voices for government to get out of the meta-fallacy-myth that citizens are out to defraud the system, and use the fact checker of the CRA at the end so that thriving can happen for those we care for.

Let us raise our voices, and stop the politicos and the populists and the anger mob from shaping the faux ballot box questions and direclty speak to those running and not accept the non answer anymore.

Let us raise our voices, and admit the burden that is being released in loss is constantly fighting for our loved ones to be seen as person.

Let us raise our voices, and celebrate the extra time we have had.

Let us raise our voices, and let the tears come,

for our friends lost.

And know, it is okay.

The Latest…

It was a pleasure to work with Faith Today to see this short piece come to fruition, enjoy!

https://www.faithtoday.ca/Magazines/2024-Mar-Apr/Learning-from-Jesus-and-the-woman-at-the-well

The Service I was reflecting on: