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Gratefulness
In my short time in this holy website I have come to see participants as sojourners. We all bring wounds to be healed and hope to be shared. May I suggest that if we intend to address racism, its roots and effects, we in fact do our “homework” as we prepare to dive into the turbid waters of this topic. One book that has immensely helped me to begin to understand the plight of our society in dealing with the evil of racism is “My Grandmother’s Hands” by Resmaa Men...
In my short time in this holy website I have come to see participants as sojourners. We all bring wounds to be healed and hope to be shared. May I suggest that if we intend to address racism, its roots and effects, we in fact do our “homework” as we prepare to dive into the turbid waters of this topic. One book that has immensely helped me to begin to understand the plight of our society in dealing with the evil of racism is “My Grandmother’s Hands” by Resmaa Menakem. Peace to all.
This is the best example of poetic prose that I have so far experienced. Thank you.
I am thankful for this seven day adventure with all of you. Sometimes when I would start I would feel empty of things to share. Yet, as I would scroll down this page your comments would drag out content from my soul. For this journey I send my gratitude to all of you and to gratefulness.org.
These days we depend on much less than human contact in relating to others. I participate in events through Zoom and many attend bringing their worries, angst and pain with them. Some try to cover those feelings through brash, silly or inappropriate comments in those sessions. I will try to be present to their dilemmas.
Resting in God is the aim of centering prayer. And when I am able to let go and truly rest for those few precious minutes in a 25 minute session I emerge with a clear mind that allows all possibilities. The focus of any pursuit seems to be clearer and the power of distractions seem to weaken.
We have so much. Our ability to connect through this medium and the human senses that allow such connection are often taken for granted.
Thanks for starting this series. The breathing exercise definitely has a settling effect. I tried to interact and leave a comment but had not logged in for a while so I immediately ran into login issues that would have been hassles in the past but were not this time. Peace to you.
We need prison reform and a move towards restorative justice.
Katrina your comment is correct. Especially for men, vulnerability is shunned, so we risk a lonely existence and the possibility of unbearable pain. I am fortunate to have an opportunity to share deep feelings with family and friends.
I agree Michael. Our culture undervalues silence, but silence also has a voice.
Christopher I think that we all struggle with trusting. After all, if there is certainty, do you need to trust? But there is no certainty…
I hardly ever do that, Anna, and it is a wise move on your part.
Carla I recently read a book, “My Grandmother’s Hands”, that underlines that fear is processed by our lizard brain yielding the fight, flee or freeze response. If we are able to recognize that the feelings emanate from the archaic lizard brain then the author of the book suggests that we have a better chance of managing situations from the more developed and rational areas of our brain.
Well put Michael.
I understand the experience Christopher. Peace to you.
Yes, Patty, there is a longing to embrace children, grandchildren, friends…Zoom does not fill the void but will have to do for now.
I was born in the tropics, Dee. Barefoot walking was out of the question as all sorts of worm larvae would get in through the soles of your feet. Hence, I have not enjoyed your experience, and maybe the soles of my feet are now too sensitive to take the pebbles and thorns. I remember as a child walking on scalding hot sand and pavement on the way to the beach with cockleburs as an undesirable reward for bare feet. It is funny how life experiences mold our reactions and bias our thinking even ...
I was born in the tropics, Dee. Barefoot walking was out of the question as all sorts of worm larvae would get in through the soles of your feet. Hence, I have not enjoyed your experience, and maybe the soles of my feet are now too sensitive to take the pebbles and thorns. I remember as a child walking on scalding hot sand and pavement on the way to the beach with cockleburs as an undesirable reward for bare feet. It is funny how life experiences mold our reactions and bias our thinking even after the original circumstances are no longer present. I can certainly walk barefoot in my home, but it will not match your experience. I must reconnect with the earth.
Have you read The Overstory?
Breath indeed starts us in life and bids us farewell. Having had the privilege of being at both my parents deathbeds and observing the waning rhythms of life is a moving experience.
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