In a society where value is measured in dollars, hours, grades, and retweets, it’s hard to justify time spent simply contemplating our experiences. Yet, many spiritual traditions and science alike suggest that the world needs our wandering thoughts. What creative possibilities emerge when we make time and space for our thoughts to wander?

Jennifer Johnson is a seminarian at Meadville Lombard Theological School preparing for Unitarian Universalist parish ministry. She brings to ministry a varied background that includes literary studies, childbirth coaching, and nonprofit communications. Jennifer lives in Franklin, MA with her family.