Reflections

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  1. Barb C

    I learned the word “automaticity” from a colleague. We were talking about methods and approaches we need others in our agency to apply without having to be reminded. What are the things that happen instinctively, like a reflex or a habit? Those are happening out of a place of automaticity. It can be something you want to examine to understand whether it’s habit you need to pay attention to, perhaps to change. It can also be positive, establishing a habit or way of thinking that becomes part of who you are and how you approach the world. Wonderful word.

    9 months ago
  2. Robin Ann

    I learned that whales feed in the summer up here and then go down to the Caribbean in the winter and live off their stored fat. They mate and have calves down there. The male whales “Sing” and frolic with the other males showing off for the females. They are as big as a school bus! Was a fun learning experience on a recent whale watch : )

    9 months ago
  3. null

    The path for my life isn’t about trying to do my best, it’s about connecting. This connecting is what brings me the most joy and peace. How I act, what I prefer, what I do … are simply part of a feedback loop. That feedback loop is available to me to determine what really brings me joy in this life. The feedback loop informs me of how best to connect, but it’s a balancing act. Even the act of connecting, if done too seriously will cause challenges. Not too much, but not too little. Not too much intent, but some. Not too much reflection, but be sure to notice. There’s a lightness in maintaining this connection. A duality in finding and walking the tightrope.

    9 months ago
    1. luv-1-nutter

      W W W the wood wide Web connects us

      9 months ago
  4. luv-1-nutter

    That all of the all of the flowers of tomorrow are the seeds of today. God is not just there, but He is here, also and that the center is religion. Eternal and universal, both – present in the propagation of His holy name.

    9 months ago
  5. Carol

    Yesterday, I found myself breaking into tears–sobbing actually. I was feeling quite hopeless and wishing I felt some direction on how to deal with some medical symptoms that have increased my pain levels. I found my self verbalizing a prayer for wisdom, for direction in this situation. When I read this morning’s quote from Susan Vreeland, I smiled, “No matter where life takes you, the place that you stand at any moment is holy ground. Love hard, and love wide and love long and you will find the goodness in it.”

    Pema Chodron teaches that “when experiencing a strong emotion, feel it and drop the story. Apparently story is never in the moment. It is always past (what happened interpreted through one’s filters) or future (assumption about what will happen). EXPERIENCING IS PRESENCE.” It is BEing. It is Holy Ground.

    Yesterday, I felt like a participant observer. I watched myself cry; I let myself feel the relief it brought without a need for justification. I was present and experienced the grace that surrender brings. I was reminded that vulnerability is such a gift. It’s Holy Ground. It seems to be a lesson, I have to learn over and over again!

    9 months ago
    1. Nannette

      Carol, Wishing you love and freedom from all your pain. I hope today is a better day- but what lessons you have given us through your feelings…a lesson that we all need to learn over and over. Thank you, dear one. Wishing you well.

      9 months ago
    2. Michele

      as Joseph says, loving kindness your way Carol:)

      9 months ago
    3. Barb C

      “feel it and drop the story”–wow. So much truth here. Thank you.

      9 months ago
    4. Joseph McCann

      Profound reflection my dear Carol.

      9 months ago
    5. Laura

      Prayers and light to you, Carol.

      9 months ago
    6. Don Jones

      It is one of the subtle aspects of Life, isn’t it? There are things that we do, but when we do them from love, it makes so much difference. Be it make a meal, tend to a garden or (particularly so), tend to ourselves.

      9 months ago
      1. Carol

        Yes

        9 months ago
  6. Pilgrim

    Learning more about air quality lately and today. It has not been that great lately where I live but also in so many other places. Feeling it in my breathing, for sure. No wildfires where we are in Michigan, but we are certainly all paying attention.

    9 months ago
    1. Diane

      Be safe friend. 🙏💜

      9 months ago
  7. Yram

    I learned that the universe will take care of me, when I let it. I learned that I will be effected by things that I thought would never happen. Right now we are dealing with poor air quality because of the Canadian wildfires.

    9 months ago
  8. Charlie T

    I’ve learned that my behaviors, especially
    the ones I consider negative behaviors
    and addictions, we’re at one point
    a reaction to what was happening
    around me. These were survival
    mechanisms. The problem is, that they
    stuck around long after the original
    trauma.

    9 months ago
  9. Joseph McCann

    That opossums do not contract or transmit rabies, according to which ever search engine Jackie used. Our daughter called Sunday to let us know that their younger dog got a hold of an opossum and let it loose when they hollered at the dog to let it go. She then incorporated the help of Aubrie to get some gloves, and of course the opossum was playing opossum, and put the opossum in an animal crate. Being marsupials, the opossum was with children which they saw nursing after she was caged. The opossum was taken to animal control Monday and hopefully on the road to recovery!

    9 months ago
    1. Charlie T

      I love this. Thanks, Joseph.
      I had to come to a full stop from
      50mph the other night to let one
      cross the road in front of me.
      That was one lucky marsupial.

      9 months ago
  10. Laura

    I’ve (re)learned how important it is to break out of my weekly routines to simply enjoy myself, to play and relax.

    9 months ago
    1. Carol

      Laura, thank you.

      9 months ago
  11. W
    WLS

    I work in education. My job fills 9 months of my year. During our three month break, I struggle with motivation, organization and sense of purpose. As a military veteran, organization and planning are critical to me. This year I’ve made a spreadsheet to keep me focused on what I feel I need to accomplish daily to keep the household running smoothly and to help me keep time open for leisure. I learned this spreadsheet, a simple piece of paper, can bring me peace of mind and better rest. Before I print next month’s sheet, I’m adding a line for “do something fun”.

    9 months ago
  12. EJP

    I have recently learned that when one door closes another one opens….it may take awhile for me to find that open door, but it’s there.

    9 months ago
    1. Carol

      EJP, reminds me of a line from the musical “The Sound of Music.” The captain tells Maria, “When God shuts a door, he opens a window.” One night when I was playing Maria in community theatre, my captain altered the line a bit, “When God shuts a door, she opens a window.”

      9 months ago
  13. Don Jones

    The importance of balance. All too often I know I am thinking askew, but do not listen to that voice that provides gentle guidance until I find myself halfway over the handlebars. When I am in balance and listening to that voice of love, everything flows.

    9 months ago
    1. Joseph McCann

      “…..halfway over the handlebars.” was called an “endo” in my youth Don. Great description.

      9 months ago
  14. Michele

    That today is the National Day of Joy Day:)

    9 months ago
  15. Antoinette

    That letting go of whatever comes to mind is finding the truth uncovering it from falseness. Leaving no stone unturned to find truth is why we are here.
    I have been in this gratefulness group now for years and I use to practice because I thought it would make me a happier person.
    When wisdom shines through so does gratefulness out of natures flow not because I am looking to find someone or something to satisfy myself. This self is false and all its wants, expectations and desires need to disappear in order to find the truth within.
    I’m grateful for the meditation method of throwing away the false self who lives and needs to go. The more I throw away the more truth is revealed and this is the most genuine gratefulness. Thank you sincerely from my heart. Let’s keep letting go!
    I added the link because there are many centres around the world and many in the USA https://www.oslomeditasjon.org/

    9 months ago
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