Take a deep breath and listen.

Humor, honesty and a wiliness to commit to stick together as long as it feels right.

My brother Jim. My dad and mom. My Nonni’s and Nonno’s. Uncle Tille, my dogs that lived long but are gone from this earth. I love them so. Their love carries on in my life.

I would like to learn how to enjoy life in the moment and still be connected with such huge events like climate change, the pandemic and a war going on. I am in many groups working on climate change resilience, helping to send aid to Ukraine and staying with the science on the pandemic. Yet it is so stressful knowing these events are happening. I need to learn more how to lean into the moment of grateful joy when it is here.

I feel like the world needs all of us right in this moment. Especially in Ukraine and all the countries taking in the people escaping the violence. Especially the children who must flee their homes and life that they once knew. I hold them all in my thoughts and heart. I need to feel that most of the world is holding each other’s hands in love.

I am finding that I talk too much. Out of being too embarrassed and trying way too hard to make the person feel at ease. Which is having the opposite effect. When I stop and listen it opens other hearts and my own so much more. That is called “presence”. I am learning still.

Courage helps release fear after I act and move forward to experience what I fear and learn slowly how to stay calm.

When I truly listen to someone’s story of feelings, thoughts, art, music, sorrow, worries, joy and happiness that is a celebration for both of us.

I have an opportunity to breathe and take in the moment free from anxiety and worry about the world. Take in the beauty of nature outside my door. Be with family and friends in the moment. Hug my dog and just relax in my world with gratitude for what is here now.

Take three deep breaths and listen, hold my voice. Embrace what I see and what is in front of me in the moment. Stop my mind from going all over the place my taking in the moment with each breath.

On my walk a child started a nature sculpture on an oak tree branch that is armlength height. So many people have added to the art with feathers, rocks, sticks, botany. It brings so much joy to all who walk by and adds connection and smiles too so many. It gives me fresh eyes that we are community all together. We are not alone.

I save any insect in the house and put in in the garden. I know that seems like a small action but when you see micro photographs of them it will amaze you. How incredibly complex they are. They are connected to all life forms.

Community action brings a feeling of connection, love and accomplishment to lifting any troubles and making things a lot better for all beings in this world. Including giving myself a feeling of love instead of fear.

When my dog puts his head in my lap to take a nap. When my husband pulls me over for a kiss. When a friend gives me a call.
When I can feel the trees send their vibrant love.

I feel relaxed and embrace all the good in front of me.

I thank all the health care workers today for working so hard to save all the people needing care at this difficult time. They have been on call for two years now witnessing a lot of suffering and they still are there to work tirelessly.

Even
After all this time
The sun never says to the earth,
“You Owe Me”
Look what happens
With a love like that,
It lights the
Whole sky.
Poem by Hafiz the Sufi Master

Gratefulness is my “silvering lining” when I get overwhelmed with difficult times or fear of the pandemic and climate change. It stops me from feeling paralyzed and gives me hope and I can move forward with an open heart.

Letting the sun rays on my skin for 10 mins and taking my daily 3 mile walk in the foothills. One glass of water with a lemon slice and so grateful to be alive today.

Waiting to see what direction to help with climate change and assisting others during these Covid changes. I know I won’t wait long. The universe signals and lets me know right away after the holidays where I can help.