Yom Hashoah begins this night at sundown. It is a time for Jews and all of the world to pay respect to those who perished in the Holocaust under Nazi rule – millions of people: gypsies, gays, clergy, ordinary citizens, Jewish people, many of whom had no idea they had Jewish heritage.
Yom Hashoah is a time we remember other moments of terror suffering, past and present too because as Rabbi Michael Lerner reminded us, the task at this moment in history is to “remind ourselves that we are inextricably bound to each other and to everyone on the planet.
Will we will ever truly remember, learn from the past and ask the “when” questions? Questions like … if changes in gun laws don’t happen now … when? … if hatred for ‘the other’ doesn’t end now … when? … if immoral laws aren’t changed by new leadership now … when? … if political leaders lie, steal, are corrupt aren’t voted out of office now, …when? … if children are not given the opportunity for a well-rounded education taught by competent, professional, respected teachers who are well paid now … when? … if those who are addicted aren’t treated as valued human beings who need professional help and are given that help, now … when?
IF NOT NOW … W H E N?
Rom Hashoah is not just a time to remember all who have died in holocausts of the past – but those who are in similar situations now around the world.
It is time to ask the “IF NOT NOW, WHEN?” question and expect answers that are honest, compassionate, respectful and helpful.
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!!
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’?
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
When I saw these images, I was reminded of words in the Old Testament: (we are) “fearfully and wonderfully made.” <Psalm 139 verse 14>.
In the context of Biblical times, the word ‘fearfully’ was not based on today’s understanding of ‘fear,’ but based on the-then understanding of the word which was ‘awe’.
The word ‘wonderful,’ meant ‘filled with wonder’.
‘Awe’ and ‘wonder’ summarize my response to the physical part of ourselves (our bodies) and to this planet, its inhabitants, flora fauna, animal kingdom.
When I consider the fibonacci sequence, fractals (branching in trees, arranging of leaves on a stem, fruitlets of a pineapple, flowering of artichoke, arrangement of a pine cone, etc., I am even more in awe. If that’s even possible!
Have a look at these images:
Co-incidence?
Creative imagining?
Divine creation?
The universe … the plant world … the animal kingdom … human beings … the environment) …. each – “fearfully and wonderfully made.”
“Gift”.
As the receiver of these gifts, may we be responsible as their caregivers … care for the plant world, care for the rivers and lakes and oceans and the worlds contained within them, care for the atmosphere, care for the animals, care for the environment, care for one another – and care for ourselves.
Life, in all of its manifestations, is precious and has been “fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Last week, there were no daffodils beginning to grow and no cyclamen flower blooming. I knew they were there … but they had been covered with snow. A lot of snow!
The snow was on the streets, in driveways, in gardens, in parking lots. Over a foot of the white stuff covered the flower beds and I anticipated that the snow had severely injured the plants growing underneath.
But then because of the constant rain, much of the snow has melted and underneath … a little miracle if you will! The plants under the snow had all faced the adversity of a winter storm and yet had survived … the winter cyclamen had blossomed and the daffodils to the left of the cyclamen have begun their journey through the dirt to become a flower.
It is said that “Tenacity is strength in adversity.” When we “hold on” in adversity, whatever the situation, be that Nature’s fury, personal health issues, politics or whatever, we are being tenacious. And tenacity is strength! I like that thought.
Consider these people: Greta Thunberg … Joan of Arc … Rosa Parks … Martin Luther King Jr. … to name just a few.
Consider the people you know: family and friends who have weathered personal storms, Nature’s storms, stormy consequences of political decisions …
Each of us, at one time or another, has “weathered a storm” and demonstrated ‘tenacity in adversity.’ If you doubt that, take a moment and think of a time when you were faced with a situation that was contentious, frightening, anxiety-producing … aka “adversity.”
Then take a moment to reflect on how you got through that time/that moment/that experience – how you’re getting through it now.
Each of those moments was an example of your resilience … your tenacity. You “got through,” in some way. Strength!
My late husband, shortly before dying, whispered “You are stronger than you think you are.” At that moment, and in the moments, days and weeks and months which followed, I didn’t “feel” strong. But he was right. I “got through”: tenacity. Tenacity is strength.
May we each remember and not lose sight of that when adversity enters our lives again. We are stronger than we think we are.
It never ceases to amaze me how similar, rather than how different, people are. And each year at this time, I’m reminded of that truism because different cultures and religions welcome a similar image – a candle – as a meaningful symbol in their rituals, celebrations, worship, traditions.
In that symbolic image … we share a powerful similarity … those who follow the ancient Celtic tradition of Winter Solstice place a candle in their window as a symbol of light overcoming darkness … the eight day Jewish celebration of Hanukkah is marked by the lighting of an eight-candled Menorah on each day of Hanukkah, often referred to as the Festival of the Lights … the four week Season of Advent before Christmas Day is marked by the lighting of a different candle each Sunday anticipating the hope, peace, love and joy of the Season of Christmas as candles/lights on Christmas trees and wreaths continue the theme of light and focus on the man, Jesus, believed by Christians to be the Light of the World.
Today, December 26th, African culture and history is celebrated in the United States by the seven day festival of Kwanzaa. That’s today! During Kwanzaa (a Swahili word for ‘first’ meaning ‘first fruits’), a special candle holder (a Kinara) holds seven candles: three red ones on the left, three green ones on the right with a black candle in the centre.
The seven Kinara candles represent the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa (Unity, Self-Determination, Collective work and responsibility, Cooperative economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith). Each night during Kwanzaa a candle is lit … the centre (black) candle is lit first and on each of the subsequent nights of Kwanzaa, the black candle alternates between the red and green candles (stating with the ones on the outside and moving inwards) – which is similar to the lighting of the Shamash candle in the centre of the Menorah which then lights the other lights in the stand for Jewish people in their celebration of Hanukkah.
And before the month of December, there is Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, symbolizing the spiritual ‘victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance’ where, in northern India, they celebrate the defeat of their enemy by lighting rows of clay lamps. There are likely others but suffice to say, light is an important symbol for many people, cultures, religions.
To those who put a light in their window each night throughout the ancient tradition of Winter Solstice … to those who light the Menorah on each of the eight days of Hanukkah … to those who light the candles on each of the four weeks of the Season Advent … to those who place lights in wreaths and trees throughout the twelve days of the Season of Christmas, in Solstice, Hanukkah and tonight, a Happy Kwanzaa as they begin their seven nights of lighting the Kinara, thank you for keeping the light going.
May the light shine from within each of us – through each of us – and beyond each of us – so that when we watch the news and become disenchanted, distressed, concerned or fearful by the growing spread of the pandemic, we focus more on what ‘unites’ us than what ‘divides us’ … as President John F. Kennedy reminded us “remember that what unites us is greater than what separates us.”
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There they were … perched on a rock, surrounded by twigs and grasses. Seashells. A variety of seashells.
What were they doing there? There was no ocean nearby. No sandy shore. And yet, there they were. Seashells and a little wooden star nestled on a path in the woods.
I almost didn’t see them. It was raining, And I was walking quickly to avoid the puddles and mud.
And then a question deep within surfaced. “What other treasures do I miss because I’m in a hurry … because my thoughts are focused elsewhere?”
And I wondered “what treasured-moments do we all miss because our thoughts are elsewhere … our eyes are elsewhere?”
Whoever placed those little treasures in that place on that rainy morning … thank you.
