Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

Wise beyond her 27 years, Nia McKenney shares her thoughts about the concept of “always being available" in this short, seven-minute video. This idea, that one should always be “on” and “ready” for the next thing coming around the corner fast is an American curse that has spread worldwide. (Maybe it has something to do with baseball, who knows?) Nia clearly and carefully points out that constant availability leads to constant vigilance, which leads to worry and Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). She says, “I don’t know if you’re a person who experiences worry a lot, but it’s exhausting and not a space where a person can thrive.” This is true, and too much of that kind of worry can lead to chronic anxiety.

Early on, she implores us to respect one another’s time, since we all exist within the confines of hours, days, months, etc. “If my first goal is to ensure that I’m respecting another person’s boundaries within that, then I know that I’m doing my best to ensure that they can take care of themselves in the ways that they know best.”

I encourage you to listen to this woman. Ever respectful of our boundaries, she says a lot in a short period of time.

Cathy Hornberger

Nia McKenney is a constant and curious learner. A musician and Episcopalian since childhood, she loves her sisters, learning to embroider and being outside – and especially a combination of all three.

Resources:

• What's the appropriate pace of change? by Miguel Escobar, an ECF Vital Practices blog, February 28, 2012
• Endurance And Rest by Greg Syler, an ECF Vital Practices blog, December 18, 2014
• Rest for the Journey by Annette Buchanan, an ECF Vital Practices blog, August 24, 2020