Today, I went to the celebration of life for a young woman I had known since before she was born. What a precious, life-filled person she was all her short life. I sat in a room filled with people who were mourning her: her parents at whose wedding I was officiant, both sets of grandparents, … Continue reading A Life Celebrated
We have entered the season of Lent, a time in the Western Christian tradition marked by forty days of preparation for Easter. This season is often characterized by self-reflection, self-awareness, and sometimes self-denial. Last week on the podcast, I talked about this, and today, I want to explore a specific practice that has helped me … Continue reading The Power of Setting an Intention
What makes a good neighbor? The English word “neighbor” has its origins in Old English meaning near-dweller. It was proximity that defined the neighbor. My first thoughts go to folks adjacent to me. After that initial thought, however, I realize there are bigger implications to the word. The world is getting smaller What defines distance … Continue reading More than Proximity
If you had a million dollars to give away, who would you give it to? What organizations will get my money? The question is best answered with another question: What organization or cause inspires me? If I have money, not imaginary extra money to give away, I can be inspired to part with it. There … Continue reading Inspire Me!
Tell us about a time when you felt out of place. I arrived for my first day of the first-grade. Ms. Key was my teacher. I did not know her; I did not know anyone in my class. I did not like riding the bus. I did not like much that day. Thus, I began … Continue reading Not My Place, Not My People
Some mornings- like today!- I cannot get aligned or grounded in my morning practice. My mind is wandering everywhere even as I sit my meditation/centering prayer. I cannot “draw” or release myself back to the moment. I let go and let go and let go and let go. I may rationalize that this is building … Continue reading Returning to Thanks
What could you do more of? For ten years of my life leading up to the pandemic, I walked daily between three and five miles. There is so much to experience on a walk. The world slows down and flowers come into focus. Birds become more than sounds from the foliage with fleeting glimpses of … Continue reading More Walks with Intent
What's your favorite word? My practice for these daily prompts is to sit with them a bit to see what rises in me. I pause. Then I begin to write whatever arises. Today, I was surprised- as I often am- when the blogging prompt brought forth this word: Yes. I must add this disclaimer: “Yes” … Continue reading Let Your Yes Be Yes
Are you holding a grudge? About? The word “grudge” immediately brings to my mind savoring the perceived wrongs, intentional and unintentional, that have been done against me. There is even a sour flavor I can almost taste when I remember some of the grudges that shaped periods of my life. And shape my life they … Continue reading Holding Tightly to Past Wrongs
