There are three areas she focuses on to protect her "internal sacredness:" personal solitary practices, activities in the community, and constructive practices.
Carter said, she tries to center herself at least once a day or on the task at hand. By doing something mindfully and fully immersing herself in her present actions, Carter keeps herself present in her emotions and learns from them.
She also tries to rest when she can. "I'm trying to exercise the spirituality of 'no,'" said Carter. She finds holiness in rescinding her need to be responsible for everything and taking time to take care of herself.
Carter also finds herself guilty of being an "over-giver." After talking with friends, she realized she never let herself receive because she was scared of the vulnerability produced by being open to others. "I need to know interdependence, so I don't always have to be in control. My gifts are more authentic out of that place."
Within her community, Carter is actively involved in her ministry and small groups of women, not all Catholic. Although she loves her church, it cannot nourish her in the ways other women can, although she hopes that will change in the future.
"In my women's groups, I feel that my whole self is welcome, not just the pieces the church acknowledges," said Carter.
She also expressed her belief that she needs to be part of something constructive for her spiritual practice. To achieve this goal, Carter works with other women in non-violence workshops that teach women to be peacemakers in their own daily lives.
"We recognize our brokenness and accept that it's okay. Through these workshops, I offer my own growth and journey as a resource," said Carter.
Pineda-Madrid spoke next about her experience as a Catholic "in the margins." Growing up in New Mexico and Texas, different images and food shaped her religious imagination and stretched it beyond the boundaries of traditional Catholic teachings.
Spring Break
