It’s a new month – the month of May has begun. Happy May Day!
Summer is on its way.
In Celtic tradition, the beginning of summer is known as Beltane (Gaelic May Day festival) with celebrations which include the decoration of homes with flowers, bonfires, feasting, making of May bushes; and in France May 1st (known as the “worker’s holiday”), branches of Lily of the Valley are given as tokens of good luck. Joy.
Roses are beginning to open and their blossoms bring colour, sweet aroma. Joy!
And yet, their thorns prick. Pain.
Like roses, life brings joy and pain. And in the midst, there is hope. Look for it. It’s there. Look for it. It is here. Where?
While difficult to see, sometimes even more difficult to experience, as a new month begins, there is always hope … hope – that life will return to a semblance of political normalcy … hope – that people will be, think and speak with kindness … hope – that peace will come to Ukraine, the Middle East, everywhere … hope – that this planet will survive climate change … hope – that neither nuclear nor chemical warfare will ever be used … hope – that A.I. will slow down its rapid development in unsafe ventures … hope because it’s the beginning of a new month.
With beginnings, there are possibilities! Let’s focus on the possibilities the month of May can bring. Not focus on the fear.
The celebration of Passover begins this night. As Jewish people mark the beginning of Pesach/Passover which begins with a Seder (a special meal with various rituals), the youngest Jewish child present will ask the same question which has been asked for centuries by Jewish people in times of despair, in times of joy, in times of knowing, in times of unknowing: “Why is this night different from other nights? Ma nishtanah ha-laylah ha-ze mi kol ha-leylot?” And then the same child will then ask the Four Questions which emerge from that first question.
Each of the answers to those questions will explain why something is done differently this night. * Why is there no leavened bread, only matzoh? * Why are only bitter herbs eaten this night? * Why are the vegetables dipped twice, not once, in salt water? * Why is eating done, reclining on one elbow?
The same answers will come each year on this night * matzoh because there was no time for the dough to rise * bitter herbs as a reminder of the bitterness of slavery * vegetables dipped in twice as a reminder of tears shed * eating while reclining on one elbow to symbolize freedom.
I find myself wondering …“Can Passover be a teacher for people not ascribing to Judaism? If so, what?” As I thought about it, some answers began to emerge.
First – we can learn to ask questions. While I’m not Jewish, I love the tradition of having a child begin the Passover Seder with a question. Children love to ask questions (oh wow, do they ever!), but as we grow older, many stop asking questions and take what others believe to be their truth.
Not asking questions has sometimes led to broken relationships, illness, political uncertainty and war. Why don’t we ask more questions? Curiosity is a wonderful attribute!
When I had questions of the teachers at the particular church my family attended, I heard the same response, over and over again: “All answers are in our two books. Look there.” I did. I didn’t see answers. I saw more questions. Every time I had a question, the response was the same – year after year, after year.
When I was fifteen, I spoke with my parents, telling them that I wanted to leave that church. “Why?” they asked. I told them that not only wasn’t I finding the answers I was seeking in the two books, I was not being allowed to question at all. I remember telling my parents that I believed that I had been given a brain to use, and that because I wasn’t allowed to question anything in the church because all of the answers were supposedly in one of the two books, I believed that I was refusing a gift: my intellect.
My parents agreed and I was given permission to leave that religion, even though my mother continued for many years afterward. How blessed I was to have the parents I had.
I have never stopped asking questions. I hope I never will. I consider myself to be a lifelong learner. I ask questions of religion, history, the Bible, politics, God, the environment, the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, the situations in so many countries. I ask questions of myself.
I ask questions to political leaders, religious leaders, social media journalists. Sometimes I get answers. Sometimes my questions lead me to more questions. And sometimes, my questions lead me to answers.
But without the questions … So I love the Passover tradition of having a child ask the question.
Second – we can learn to face life’s challenges. The Christian Season of Lent and the Jewish observance of Passover speak of people long ago who faced challenges. As difficult as they were then, those challenges were profound teachers.
Today, each of us faces challenges in our lives. As difficult as they are for us, they too can be profound teachers. Facing challenge is not always easy, but it can be a profound way to learn about life, ourselves, God, this world where we live.
Third – we can learn to take action. The Israelites left Egypt in such haste that they could not wait for their bread dough to rise so they took action with the dough they had, and created unleavened bread – the matzoh – which sustained them. Action!
In another religion – Christianity, the life and story of Jesus is a motivator of action of a literal understanding of ‘love of neighbour’ by those who followed the man Jesus. That story continues to motivate people today into ‘love of neighbour’ as advocacy and action.
Fourth – we can learn to share. Whether it’s food for the body with a meal, or food for the soul with wisdom, the story of a wide table open to all at a Passover Seder (and for those who follow the story of Jesus – the sharing of loaves and fishes) are gentle reminders of the importance of sharing what we have with others.
Fifth – we can learn to be grateful. Life is a gift. Religious teachings undergird the importance of having an attitude of gratitude and not take our precious life for granted. May we be willing to learn from other religions and other peoples.
To those who follow the path of Judaism, may the miracle of Passover live in your hearts forever. Chag Pesach Sameach!
I wish you H A P P Y E A S T E R! and send you a gift: an invitation to explore and work with “Soul-Questions.”
Out of a global atmosphere of fear, anxiety, loneliness, alienation of spirit and continual reminders of the emergency situation in many countries because of climate change, political haranguing, personal stress, a growing concern for emotional, mental and spiritual well-being is growing. Many are finding themselves stressed – uncertain about the future for themselves, their families, democracy, the world. And so, not surprisingly, a growing awareness of the importance of balance – physically, intellectually and spiritually and “listening” to the Voice-Within is becoming an integral way of healing – bringing calm to individuals.
Through a series of over “Soul-Questions” based on 80 inspirational quotations from ordinary and extraordinary people around the world living in different centuries, Soul-Questions offer an opportunity to … know oneself more deeply … reflect on a multitude of issues … embrace life in new ways … ask “what do I believe about …” and in doing so, reduction in stress can emerge. In the process of responding to the Soul-Questions, a deepening of spiritual awareness can encourage the reader on a unique journey of self-discovery.
From the book “Soulistry-Artisty of the Soul: Creative Ways to Nourish Your Spirituality”) the Soul-Questions are, according to Dr. Larry Dossey a method of “finding the silence and attention that a healthy soul requires.”
Some keep their responses to the Soul-Questions in a personal and private Journal; some use them as a jumping-off point for discussion with others who are responding to the questions as well; and some simply quietly reflect on the questions at various times in their life.
You are welcome to join Soul-Questions on Facebook (www.facebook.com/groups/soulquestions) – remember to scroll down through earlier postings and “stay tuned” as I’ll be adding more Soul-Questions in the coming weeks/months. You are welcome to contact me for information about purchasing the actual book. And, you can find the Soul-Questions here on the Soulistry website by clicking “Soul-Questions” at the top of the website main page or by going here: https://soulistry.com/soul-questions-blog-posts
Easter has many symbols and themes. One such theme is that of ‘new growth’. Whether you observe Easter for religious reasons or not, may the fifty days of Easter be a time of new beginnings and may Soul-Questions be an oasis of new self-growth, self-discovery, self-understanding and healing – bringing a bit of relief from personal/global stress. H A P P Y E A S T E R!!
This is a difficult time for many. Terrible things are happening. … The people of Ukraine have been invaded and are at war. … Israel, Palestine, Gaza – say those words and people “take sides.” … People flee their homes in the hope of finding refuge. … Fear, anger, loneliness, suspicion, hatred permeate conversations … It’s Holy Week for millions around the world. This is a difficult time for many.
The concept of ‘gentleness’ … the quality of being kind … comes to mind. Gentleness has disappeared and is no longer present. Why? … Can gentleness exist when fear overwhelms? … Can gentleness exist when suspicion transcends reason? … Can gentleness exist when anger rages? … Can gentleness exist when hatred fuels communities, families, elections, countries, politicians so that there is no space for hope to filter in, for fear to be lifted, for hatred to dissipate?
Being gentle does *not* mean ignoring the role we can play by … being a voice for the voiceless … righting wrongs … challenging principalities and powers by our words, thoughts, actions, prayers.
Being gentle *does* mean … speaking in tones and words that don’t threaten … acting in ways that don’t incite … “thinking through” situations and responding rather than reacting. … listening to the voices of those who have walked similar paths before us: Gandhi, Anne Frank, Malala, Martin Luther King Jr., Jesus, Elie Wiesel, the Dalai Lama and many others.
Being gentle *does* mean … not giving power to hurtful words in personal emails, social media posts, phone calls, snail mail letters … focus on addressing wrongs in our own community we’ve overlooked or ignored in the past because it was happening to *the other* and not to us, because we didn’t want to get involved, or we didn’t think it would make a difference.
Hurtful words and actions can become activators. They can push us forward so we give financial support to organizations who are being threatened; offer sanctuary in our homes, our cities, our countries; speak gentle words of strength, courage, steadfastness and hope to those who are deeply wounded by the rhetoric and chaos.
Embodying a life of gentleness could mean much to individuals, families, communities, countries and this world.
May we be gentle with one another. May we be gentle with ourselves. “Be gentle with yourself and others. You are a child of the Universe. So are they. You have a right to be here. They do, too. So let us be gentle with others and ourselves.” <an adaptation of American writer Max Ehrmann who penned the “Desiderata.”>
St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th) is a day that brings forth the ‘wearing of the green’, stories of leprechauns and shamrocks, wonderful Irish music and gentle reminders of Celtic spirituality in many parts of the world.
Celtic spirituality transcends institutionalized religion and encourages people to consider aspects of the essence of life … like sleep.
But sleep can be the elusive pimpernel of the night.
Night time, for many, seems to be a time when … minds seem to worry more … pain seems to hurt more acutely … grief seems to be more intense … fear seems to escalate
When COVID-19 spread its tentacles in every continent, countless people became isolated, got sick, died; anxiety grew as new strains of the virus emerged; vaccines weren’t available to all people; and growing numbers of people refused to get vaccinated.
Increased concern about climate change brings dramatic discussions about climate-refugees. As a growing number of countries around the world continue to live in unbelievable conflict and the rest of the world holds its breath, fearful about the possibility of biological and nuclear warfare being unleashed. Thousands are deeply concerned about their savings, health care for themselves/their families, the future if democracy comes to an end. Rising concerns about availability of treatment/medication for those who are facing unwanted, unexpected, complicated pregnancies are all over social media.
People “take sides” in it all – alienating people in neighbourhoods, worship, work, community groups/organizations, family members and the worry, stress and global tension is having a negative effect on sleep patterns.
We all need sleep.
The people of Ukraine and Gaza need sleep without the sound and danger of missiles and explosions.
Family pets – cats and dogs need sleep.
We all need sleep – and good sleep.
Today on St. Patrick’s Day, the Ancient Celtic Prayer for Peace and Sleep seems to be most fitting. It is a prayer. It is a wish. It is a hope. It is a need.
May this not only be a Happy St. Patrick’s Day, but may this night and all nights to come be blessed with sleep and safety for this world. Perhaps this ancient prayer for peace and sleep might help to bring about a gentle night of sleep.
THE ANCIENT PRAYER FOR PEACE AND SLEEP May the peace of the tallest mountain and the peace of the smallest stone be our peace.
May the stillness of the stars watch over us.
And may the everlasting music of the wave lull us to rest. Amen. So be it. Amen. **************************
I saw children shooting hoops, a crocus, snowbells, daffodils, an art gallery on ZOOM, dishes that needed to be washed, a mom with a smile, pushing her little one in a stroller, a cashier wearing a mask, weeds growing in the yard, colour on leaves, on cars, on clothing, in the sky, words on a page in a book, a face looking back at me in the mirror reminding me of Mom, strawberry leaves poking their heads above the straw, a grocery reminder list, a rainbow,
When I opened my eyes that morning, I expected to see awe and wonder. I wasn’t disappointed.
They, and joy and gratitude appeared … in the ordinary and the spectacular … above and below and behind and around.
What I saw when I took this photo of a rainbow, was breath-taking. Rainbows always take away my breath for a moment.
But other things take away my breath … like the possibilities which abound each and every day by looking and seeing, by being grateful, and looking beyond the obvious.
Downloading my photos another breathtaking moment … as I saw what was a double rainbow because when I took the photo, I didn’t see the double rainbow.
Maybe this was a gentle reminder of what may appear when we consider ‘beyond the obvious’ in what we see and what we hear in what we believe and even what we think we see, hear, believe.
Sometimes the learning, the lesson, the spiritual growth is obvious. Sometimes the learning, the lesson, the spiritual growth is “beyond the obvious.”
It’s not unusual to feel “down” about the future of this world. It’s not unusual to not be able to feel joy. It’s not unusual to want to curl up with a book in bed or binge on tv shows that take one’s mind away from war, climate change, health issues, murder, addiction/homelessness/poverty in our own town/city, etc..
If that’s you, or someone you know, it might help to ask Four Questions asked by healers in many shamanic societies –
When did you stop dancing?
When did you stop singing?
When did you stop being enchanted by stories?
When did you stop being comforted by the sweet terrain of silence?
The questions are simple … and profound … because –
When it comes to dancing … by ourselves or with a partner, dancing is a way that our body and mind communicate with the other and bring about an integration of body and soul.
When it comes to singing … endorphins are released when we sing, reducing stress in our mind, body, and spirit. And besides, it’s fun.
When it comes to “being enchanted by stories” … important lessons in life can be learned and our imagination can soar and a brief respite from life’s difficult situations can become part of our experience.
And when it comes to being comforted by the sweet terrain of silence … perhaps turning off the news for a few days and listening to the songs of the birds, the rustle of the wind, the flutter of butterfly wings will help cultivate a deep sense of peace within.
Perhaps one way to cope in difficult times is to ask the Four Questions of ourselves?
Then wait, listen for the answers deep within, and if the answers reflect answers that are more like ‘never, infrequently,’ perhaps do something to change one, more, all of our answers to the questions so they become ‘sometimes, often, regularly’?
“Meraki.” [may-rah-kee] Modern Greeks often use the word ‘meraki’ to describe “doing something with soul” … when you put something of yourself into whatever you’re doing. Meraki is about creative, loving, soul-awakening acts. Whether preparing a meal … caring for a garden … creating something artistic … caring for someone who is ill, lonely, grieving, in pain … arranging a room … praying for a situation/person … whatever. If it’s done with soul, with passion, with love, then it’s ‘meraki’.
An ancient Chinese proverb offers a gentle reminder of ‘meraki’: “If there is light in the soul, there will be beauty in the person. If there is beauty in the person, there will be harmony in the house. If there is harmony in the house, there will be order in the nation. If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world.”
This weekend in some parts of the world, some are sharing ‘light in the soul’ … ‘meraki’ … in acts of kindness, thoughtfulness, loving gestures/actions as they mark Valentine’s Day. Expressing ‘meraki’, they are letting another know that they are ‘hearted’ – loved’.
Sadly, while of this is happening, some are alone, receiving none of the above. They are lonely, isolated because of illness, weather, the pandemic, grief, hurt feelings, poverty, self-hatred, fear. This Valentine’s day of commercial love is anything but a day of soul, of joy, of love. Where is the meraki for them?
If you are one of those people, my hope is, if only for a moment, you will consider yourself “hearted,” and loved, and receive a little cyber Valentine ‘heart.’ May you experience the love that went into their creation.
May your Valentine’s Day week be a little brighter than it might otherwise have been and bring a gentle flicker of light in your soul.
May the wise Chinese proverb come to fruition so that there will be “light” in each soul … “beauty” in each person … “harmony” in each home … “order” in each nation … “peace in the world.”
May this Valentine’s Day be a day of meraki in many ways in our world.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As always, you are welcome to share. (June Maffin https://soulistry.com)
A true story: He was about eight. She was about seven. They were talking about another child, a classmate who stuttered. When their mother said “She can’t help it. Be kind,” the two children laughed. “Why?” the boy asked. “You make fun of Mrs. Baker. You’re not kind to her.”
I didn’t stay around to hear the rest of the conversation. I’d heard enough. The mocking, belittling, bullying language the two children used was language they’d heard – and learned – at home.
The mocking, bullying, belittling language children hear at home … the lies from leaders … the vitriol expressed on social media … the lack of kindness on the road, in stores, in families, in volunteer organizations, at work, etc., is teaching our children, youth, grandchildren, us … and what it’s teaching isn’t good.
The ‘wand of negativity’ seems to be on the increase in so many sectors of society. It takes so much energy! It drains – physically, emotionally, spiritually. And it’s not helped by the polarization of people taking ‘sides’.
On the other hand, the ‘wand of kindness’ doesn’t take anywhere nearly as much effort. Kindness can uplift – physically, emotionally, spiritually. Mother Theresa said “Kind words can be brief, but their echo goes on forever.”
May we pick up the ‘wand of kindness’ a bit more tomorrow, than we did, today.
May we wave the ‘wand of kindness’ a bit wider than we did this week.
May we *be* the Wand that brings kindness to those around us, those we encounter, those we think about, those with whom we interact in person, on the phone, on social media.
May we extend that ‘wand of kindness’ to ourselves in these difficult times.
Why do we focus on that which separates? Why do we dwell on differences?
Surely, regardless of ,.. religion … ethnicity … gender … geographical location … sexual identity … financial status … language … birthing order … education … ability … sexual preference … colour of skin, eyes, hair … etc., etc., etc., etc., etc., etc., we are more similar than different?
When we bleed … our blood is red. When we feel pain … it hurts. When we smile … it’s the same language.
There is more that brings us together … than keeps us apart.
While we recognize and acknowledge our differences which make us unique, instead, may we celebrate our similarities which bring us together.
Thanks to Asger Lethfor of Denmark for the “Three Beautiful Human Minutes” video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hcwjkalm718
June Maffin is a Creative Spirituality Artist, workshop leader, and author of several books books. She lives on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. [more]
