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Gratefulness
… and remember how as a child your arms could rise and your palms turn out to bless the world. (Tobar Phadraic, David Whyte)
Curiosity and need.
Having spent many years in ministry, ritual became a huge part of my life,. These rituals come to mind so often, especially seasonally and at particular points in the “church year,” even though I no longer practice “religion.” In our family we have particular rituals/celebrations. (Not so much in the last year, at least in person.) for birthdays, “big” birthdays, graduations, holidays, etc. etc. And my daily life happens in rather a ritual manner, beg...
Having spent many years in ministry, ritual became a huge part of my life,. These rituals come to mind so often, especially seasonally and at particular points in the “church year,” even though I no longer practice “religion.” In our family we have particular rituals/celebrations. (Not so much in the last year, at least in person.) for birthdays, “big” birthdays, graduations, holidays, etc. etc. And my daily life happens in rather a ritual manner, beginning with coffee, journal, reading, yoga and then meandering into the day. I also change up decor a bit for seasons and holidays
You are amazing!
Sitting at my kitchen table, my peace lily, bamboo plant & succulents, colorful book covers, cardinals in winter pictures on the wall, family pictures of smiling faces nearby.
Not sure about the “art” aspect. But in terms of waiting … if I’m waiting for an appointment, I always have a book with me. Waiting for freedom post-pandemic seems to include a lot of cleaning and organizing – followed by donating, watching movies, lots of reading, some exercise. Waiting to have my whole family together again – tears, emails. occasional zoom.
From America’s youngest poet laureate’s “The Hill we Climb” – “There is always light. If only we are brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it.” by Amanda Gorman.
When I worked as director of a retreat house, we had gatherings around many different topics – books, various spiritual leaders’ works, topics such as pilgrimage, forgiveness, and variations on daily life. It was always my intention and invitation that I may get the conversation started, but it was a collaborative enterprise among the group, whose gifts and life experiences varied greatly. It took a little getting used to by those in attendance when they were new in the house, but...
When I worked as director of a retreat house, we had gatherings around many different topics – books, various spiritual leaders’ works, topics such as pilgrimage, forgiveness, and variations on daily life. It was always my intention and invitation that I may get the conversation started, but it was a collaborative enterprise among the group, whose gifts and life experiences varied greatly. It took a little getting used to by those in attendance when they were new in the house, but I believe this approach provided opportunity for collaboration and sharing, openness to new thoughts and ideas, etc. It was understood as safe space as the conversations could certainly reveal vulnerabilities and possibilities if one was open to the sharing.(Those who didn’t wish to speak in a group were never put on the spot to do so.) I enjoyed watching new friendships being made along the way, hearing of books read and recommended, etc. It was a great gift to me to be within these groups. It was a wonderful culmination of my time in ministry.
That does sound like the perfect gift, Annie! How old are your granddaughters? Could be a beaded bracelet or a kit to make one, or to make anything – age dependent! A book, specially selected? A lava lamp? Fuzzy socks? I just saw some Valentine’s options in the Target ad. Special time with grandma?
Looks like fun, Anna! I love going to the beach – a good place for fun, exploration, and meditation.
Link for the beautiful song, Alicia. Thank ...
Link for the beautiful song, Alicia. Thank you.
Thank you, dear Diane, for these poignant words of Rilke. I am reminded to gather my wisdom/poetry books front and center as I struggle in these days.
I, too, so often wonder about our friends from the “old days” and hope they are well. Change is indeed hard and scary, even when it is good or necessary change. And “the wind against us” is an apt description of so much that has and continues to occur. May you be blessed with the faith, hope and trust you seek. W...
I, too, so often wonder about our friends from the “old days” and hope they are well. Change is indeed hard and scary, even when it is good or necessary change. And “the wind against us” is an apt description of so much that has and continues to occur. May you be blessed with the faith, hope and trust you seek. We surround you with support and blessings, my friend.
Drew, it is a blessing to have received the first vaccine! And a sign of hope for those of us who are waiting our turn.
Thank you for sharing your heart and your story in poetry, dear Ose. May you be well, my friend.
Ah, how I miss the sea! Thank you for the wonderful photo.
How wonderful, Anne! Thank you for sharing this.
Wishing you many blessings, my friend, as you prepare for your upcoming move. It is a lot to hold in your heart, in addition to the sheer physical exertion and mental/emotional energy as you decide what to move and not, and plan for the day you drive away. Take the best care possible of yourself, of your heart. The adventure awaits, as do your daughters, ready and excited to welcome you when you arrive. You are braver than you know.
Happy belated birthday, Mike! And happy new year, as well. How I am doing is basically taking it one day, or one hour, at a time. These feel like the strangest of times, and I have to work at keeping my head and emotions above water. But I’m grateful for my health thus far, for this site, for my family near and far. I hope you and all our friends here are well.
Alicia! Good to see you here!
Butterfly, I appreciate your “eventually” in the 2nd sentence. I am with you in not pressuring yourself about looking too far forward, as well. One day at a time, especially during these times, makes sense to me. We can live in hope, but reality is ever-present. Have a good day.
I am with you, my friend.
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