Last Sunday was my birthday & a neighbor created a booklet for me with kind greetings & thoughts from about 10 neighbors who live near me. I wept. I value “community” & realized I’ve helped to build It here the past 25+ years. There’s a nurturing group of unrelated people nearby, with good boundaries & supportive presence with each other.

I’m finding when I’m out driving for quick errands, I’m more tolerant on the road; it’s also easy to have expressive smiley eyes at the farmers market.

I’ve had the opportunity to spend a lot of time safely visiting my back alley way neighbors. There is a support system we’ve built for each other. Two of us sing w the 31/2 & 1 1/2 year olds several times a week. We shop for the 80 yr old. We adults talk values & are developing a trust we’ve never needed before. It’s good to belong to a budding community.

Colorado Franciscan, Sister Margaret Mary is one of the kindest people I know. She radiates compassion, humor & an ability to listen to others from her heart. I can strive to follow the example she is.

I am reminded of two acronyms I was taught 35 years ago; listening to others in a sacred circle: Flee Everything And Run; Face Everything And Recover. Ever so slowly I learned I needed to take action in every phase of my life. When new or old fears crop up I need to write them out & share them with an other. The size of the dragon each fear was diminishes. Breathing deeply comes easier. Grace guides.

My south side of house “piano windows” are now open as it becomes warmer. Through them I hear the morning song of robin, jay bird, cardinal, sparrow & more. I quickly dress for my morning walk to a near by lake. I know from experience, a new avian symphony will begin as soon as I arrive. Ah, anticipation…who will sing today? I know I walk with the gift of wonder in my eyes like the precious 5 year old who still dwells within.

I am reminded of breathing deep down from my diaphragm when I sing with a small folk choir in my
faith community. That experience is on hold ..,thus I need to sing on my own & that’s ok. Deep calm breathing is a start.

Grateful to have an ever deepening relationship with the God of my understanding who provides me with all I need for strength, daily. I pause, breathing deeply to soak in that Love.

On most days I briskly walk to my neighborhood lake & enjoy all the beauty & sounds of nature there. Creating nourishing & healthy foods for my meals & snacks has become an equal part of my day. Accepting my neighbor’s baggie of baked goods is nurturing too. Drinking lots of water & teas are also important. I’ve also been led to consistent bed times & rise & shine times.

I’m coming to know it’s not about “the stuff” or the clutter sprinkled through my house. It’s about how I am in relationship with it. If I have items others need can I detach & gift or give away? This applies to negative & judgmental thought patterns too. Growing in detachment will lead me to a simpler way of being.

This is an awkward question & lends itself toward self centered thinking. As I’m led to engage in a ‘good deed’ such as a random act of kindness, I no longer look over my shoulder & ask did the next person pass it on(?) I take action & leave the outcomes to God.

Essentials: clean water to drink & air to breathe; equitable & accessible health care for all; lodging; “food’‘ for one’s body, mind & soul. And being loved & cared about by others.

I was unexpectedly surprised as I visited with my neighbor across the fence line yesterday, when her 1 1/2 year old son began playing hide & seek in between the garbage cans with me. The innocence of his laughter was a balm to my spirit.

My brisk morning walks to a nearby city lake around 7:30 a.m. CST. Song birds provide a free concert daily as an eagle soars in view.
Six months ago I had a total knee replacement & couldn’t walk a block without a walker. I’m grateful for a physical therapist & the inner gift of tenacity that pushed me beyond what I thought were my limits. I smile under my face mask, beaming for coming so far in a short amount of time.

I can’t afford to put me first in being tended to today, as that will feed my usual self centered character defect(s). I can take care of my body, mind, & spirit with intention of being open to how I can be of service to others. I know too well I can’t give away what I do not have, my own house has to be in order.

I have a few note cards to cherished friends poised to be mailed today. And I’ll write a few more in next few days.

Thank you Manuel. Namaste

Michele, know that I’ll be keeping you in mind throughout my day as you head into your work place. Your co-workers & the others who you help & so enjoy your smile & antics have missed you. It is Friday. May you have a restful weekend as your stamina continues to return 🌺May Dorothy’s Lion share Courage with you🌈!! Cyber hugs & thoughts, from MN

I join the others to say Welcome! Come as you are, all the way out to your edges. As you know, the spiritual life is a spiral dance- Enjoy!
Namaste, carla

Thanks Michele- have a Great TGIF! I enjoy your posts 🌺carla