Abundance of encouragement and kinship — experienced in a free, online healing arts workshop offered today during World Childless Week. We were guided in a creative technique called “cosmic smashbooking.” Wow. First time I have opened my art journal since 2014. I am grateful for this gift.

Gratefulness moves me out the back door first thing every morning to stand on the earth and bless her — to raise my arms and turn my face towards the sky in wonder — to bow. Whatever happens the rest of the day, there is always this.

The interconnectedness of all things — becoming more and more aware of this reality, and acting more and more from the love that this awareness engenders.

I want to learn more about the people involved in the Work That Reconnects. When I left my work as a wildlife veterinarian, completely broken, over six years ago, I thought it would take a year to heal. Looking again at Joanna Macy’s process, I feel some hope that perhaps it is a way forward for me. Thank you, Gratefulness Team, for supporting the work.

The weathered gray pine boards of the porch floor. They were once trees as alive as you and me. The little fly that lands there momentarily and its intricate shadow, so discrete that even the front legs rubbing together are replicated. Thank you for this moment of seeing.

Dear Pavithra, thank you for this very beautiful, poetic exhortation. Your images and words are music for the dance of celebration with the coming spring. May we all dance.

Beautiful, dear Butterfly. Thank you.

Dear Anna, I feel your warm embrace now and I look forward to ‘seeing’ you in the Lounge always. Sending love from grateful sea.

Dear Palm, thank you so much for your encouragement. I surprised myself by sharing this — hopefully a sign that I am ready to move forward. I am sorry for your exhaustion and hope all the support you need as a mother comes to you. I cherish what you have shared about your daughter over the months (the sweet details and the struggles) and always hold you together in the light. Sending love back over the ocean to you.

Dear Iwalkalone, it is worth a lot to me that you have shared this part of your story to help me feel less alone. Thank you. Blessings to you and your family.

Dear Ose, thank you for your your warmth and caring and the kindness of your words. I feel it a privilege getting to know you here and I am truly touched by this part of your story. As Palm has said, I so respect your conscious choice. To know that you are at peace with it and that you have found your way to contributing to the next generation gives me joy.

I join you in this prayer, Carla, and I light a candle in remembrance. May peace prevail on earth.

Dear Antoinette, this is just to say that I “see” you there, shining. I applaud your courage and wish you the best this week in taking action towards re-opening your business. Your sharing has encouraged me to lower my own mask. Namaste.

Holding you in light, dear Pilgrim.

Thank you for your kind reply, pkr. I am so sorry for your difficult situation. I wish you all the support you need. Please take care of yourself as you navigate. May you be safe. May you be healthy. May you be happy. May you be at peace.

Oh, Mary, I really feel connected to you. Thank you for reaching out. I cannot imagine the difficulty of your work and want to support you in any way I can. I know you must be an extraordinary teacher, so full of compassion, curiosity, creativity. I keep thinking about the art project you created for your students to learn about indigenous peoples. I was truly wowed when you shared that. I so hope for the sake of the children that you can find all the rejuvenation you are needing.

Thank you, Ose. A deep bow as I celebrate with you your unfolding.

Dear Anna, thank you for sharing this. My doubt has loomed so large lately. And yet, as you remind me, what remains a truth is love.

Oh Debra, I smile when I read this. I too have known this love.