Have you ever started to create a new dish for supper only to realize it wasn’t going to be salvageable unless you did some “thinking out of the box”?
Have you ever created a greeting card or a painting or a sketch or some jewellery or … and discovered it was a mess and you were going to have to “think out of the box” to salvage/redeem/fix it – or discard it?
What about those times when … well, fill in your own blanks.
I’d been playing with art deco roses inspired by Charles Rennie Macintosh lately, and decided I was ready to turn ‘practicing’ into ‘making’ a card. I had fun making it, but when I stepped-back and looked at it, I realized that it was cluttered. It looked terrible. Really – a mess. So I put it on the mantle and looked at it from various angles.
And then I realized – because of the design of the card, I could “cut” out the bottom right hand corner of the card. But then what? What a strange-looking card that would be.
So I began to extend my thoughts ‘outside the box’ and realized that I could write something on the inside of the card that would be visible from the front of the card. I’m sure others have intentionally created such a card, but I’d not ever seen one, so it was a new possibility for me.
But I wasn’t finished. What would I do with the image that was on the front of the card that was making the card look so cluttered? I could discard it … or I could cut out the image and put it on the inside of the card.
So I cut – and cut – and cut … reducing the original ‘mess’ until all I was left with was a single rose and a little bit around it.
At first, I was sure that the card was going to be discarded, but then the thought came to me: “I think it’s now salvageable.” And that got me thinking again.
Thinking about other things: artwork, sewing projects, meals, political situations and yes, even personal relationships .. things, situations and relationships which, at first glance I think need to be discarded. But maybe – not completely?
The world is in chaos around a variety of issues – like the environment. Are there ways politicians can “think outside the box” … and help create possibilities of life for future generations? Or is the world and its inhabitants going to disappear?
When it comes to personal life how often do we keep our self-critical voice alive with “this is a mess” – “this isn’t salvageable” – “this is …” type of thinking when it comes to our personal relationships?
And what can be done about it when we find ourselves in such situations?
Working on the card, I was reminded (again) … do not give up … consider possibilities … think ‘beyond-beyond’ – aka “think out of the box.”
Another day – another lesson learned. And this time, a simple handmade greeting card became my teacher.
Some days, it seems as if the “rising-waters-of-life” are too much, and there’s nothing we can do.
I remember one such time well. My place of employment was vandalized – again. This time, the vandals pushed a hose through the window of the bathroom in my office, turned on the faucet and disappeared. I wasn’t in the office when it happened but came back in, moments later as the water poured into my office. I could feel the stress rising within me.
That experience has become an apt image for me over the years of those “rising-waters-of-life” times when exterior circumstances are such that I feel flooded-with-stress.
What about you? Can you relate to an experience – in the past? What about now?
Are the personal ‘waters of your life’ rising? Are personal stressors of health, finances, relationships, pummelling your emotional inner shores? Is anger, depression, exhaustion, grief, worry about your future/that of a loved one, further pounding your emotions? Distress robs us of living life to the fullest. Distress denies us the opportunity to be whole in body, mind and spirit.
If we were honest, we would admit that some personal distresswaters can be avoided if we paid attention to our bodies, minds and souls in particular ways like caring for our bodies: driving carefully, eating sensibly, getting adequate amounts of rest, having regular dentist and doctor check-ups, following doctor’s advice, not worrying while waiting for results of medical tests; exercising our minds: reading books, listening to various kinds of music, playing an instrument, developing a hobby, learning a new language; nourishing our souls: savouring the beauty of the world around us; being humbled by the awareness of the gift of our life; being appreciative of, and thankful for, the blessings around us, sitting still and be-ing.
What about the corporate distress waters that are rising quickly these days – global stressors of politics, terrorism, lack of access to clean water, fresh air, food, housing, medical/dental care? What about the rising waters of dictators, autocrats, loss of democracy?
Are any of these corporate distress waters flooding your thoughts and bringing about sleepless nights?
Some would say that little can be done about corporate distress. But, perhaps, there are things — when elections happen, we can … exercise our right to vote at each election (municipal, provincial/state, national/federal) and cast our ballot for the candidates we think will make a positive difference in the environment, legal system, health care, educational system, security, environment etc. The United States has just had their election for the head of their country. Canada will have their election in October 2025. In general, we can … become involved in local communities and volunteer time to organizations which work so faithfully at inculcating morals and values; work with and care for our youth, the elderly, the unemployed, the single parent families, the abused, the victimized, the homeless, the hungry, the mentally ill, the addicted, etc.
We can pray – however we understand that word – pray that the evil (for there is evil in the world) doesn’t overwhelm us, infiltrate the hearts and minds of our youth, contaminate politicians, corporations and institutions any further … pray that goodness will reign; hope will be experienced; inner joy will permeate each woman, child, man, youth; wisdom will be respected; and peace, not conflict or war, will be the mandate of all governments and societies.
And we can share with another – be that a trusted friend, colleague, mentor, counsellor, loved one … and give the fear a voice so that it no longer is trapped within us.
Yes, let’s name the “rising waters of life” that frighten, numb, shock. “Naming” our feelings, our reactions … whether large or small, big or little distress, there IS something we can do to reduce the impact in our daily living of the rising-waters-of-nature/personal concerns/corporate concerns to hopefully will help us rise above the rising waters. May it be so.
I keep hearing the cry … “what is hope?” . the cry … “where is hope?” as results of the Presidential election in the United States were announced. Things have changed – are changing – will change – dramatically.
Lives (bodies, minds, spirits) will be assaulted by threats, violence, racism, sexism, broken promises, and more lies. Slowly, people will begin to realize that Project 2025 is real, as families are separated, the economy worsens and darkness descends in areas of education, health, environment, and more.
I am reminded of a quote by Augustine who, in the fifth century, wrote these words: “Hope has two daughters. Their names are Anger and Courage … ‘anger’ at the way things are … and ‘courage’ to see that they do not remain the way they are.”
Augustine died in 430, a time when many Romans fled for their lives to North Africa because of violence and corruption in high offices. It was a time when hope seemed to be elusive – and invisible. Terrible times. Sound familiar?
These days, many are experiencing the elusive hope, invisible hope of terrible times because of the tragedy of what may be ahead for the people of the United States as a result of the Presidential election, because of wars, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, and because there are … – diagnoses of a devastating illness. – arrival of eviction notices – hungry and homeless people – disruptions in weather, land, peoples’ lives
Augustine knew that the only way through terrible times was for hope to emerge. His words guided the people at the time.
Could they guide people at this time? Could we be called to be Children/Siblings of Hope in spite of it all?
What if we allowed the anger at the “way things are” to surface by expressing our feelings in journalling, focusing on our breathing, artwork and sharing those feelings in conversations with trusted family, friends, colleagues, professionals?
What if we responded with courage … – by putting one foot in front of the other? – by remembering to breathe? – by inhaling Ruach? – by making time to “be” (remembering that we are human ‘be-ings’ not human ‘do-ings’)? – by sharing our fear, stress, concerns with caring people and welcoming opportunities to live … one moment at a time.
Hope has two daughters. Anger. Courage.
May we give ourselves time space to experience what we are feeling. May we give ourselves time and space to name what we are feeling as ‘anger.’ And may we be open to being Children/Siblings of Courage and Hope, in spite of it all.
“Soulistry” is a neologism combining two words: ‘soul’ and ‘artistry’ … soul-space connecting creativity and spirituality. Sent from the traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples in the Cowichan Valley, British Columbia. *********************************************** The little figures were made wrapping paper napkin around paper clips. Easy to do.
It appears unexpectedly. … wears different costumes. … sometimes puts a smile on our face. … often brings sadness to our heart. … is not predictable either in timing or outcome.
Today and the coming days, weeks and months, as a result of the election in the United States, grief is being and will be felt in the United States – and beyond.
We need to acknowledge its presence, give it its space.
As the ebb and flow of grief finds its way into your life may a gentle warm shaft of healing light wing your way, encouraging you to remember … “You are stronger than you think you are.”
And in the meantime, remember to breathe, and remember to be gentle and kind to yourself.
As part of our national recognition of Remembrance Day each year in Canada on this day, November 11th, we sing “O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.” Over the years, women and men have stood “on guard,” defending borders and peacekeeping far away from Canada. They’ve been deployed on Operation Presence, Operation Crocodile, Operation Jade, and Operation Soprano, in Mali, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and the Middle East defending borders in a variety of ways around the world in battles, skirmishes, wars.
Some returned home emotionally overwhelmed by what they have experienced. Some returned home physically disabled, addicted, in physical pain. Some returned home unable to find employment or housing. Some did not return home.
Each year on November 11th, we stand still. We stand still to remember their sacrifice and that of their families. We stand still for a very short moment in time, on one day of the year, while the families of the fallen stand and live with the pain of it all 365 days a year.
I was reminded of all of that as our car passed a house and I noticed, clearly visible from the street, the photo of a young man in uniform in a frame in the living room window.
It was just a photo, that’s all. Just a photo. Or was it?
What was it about that photo that grabbed at my heart? What was it about that photo that created a deep chasm in my soul? What was it about that photo that brought tears to my eyes and gripped my chest so I couldn’t breathe? “It” couldn’t be named. I only knew that my soul had been touched.
Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the salute. The car’s driver saluted the photo quietly, quickly, calling no attention to himself. For an ever-so-brief moment, the car’s driver was in another world … a world that connected him to this young man … a world that united them as siblings of conflict … a world that reminded him of the fragility of life and the happenstance of circumstance.
In the photo, a young man of eighteen or so. In the car, a man old enough to be the young man’s grandfather. And yet, for that one brief moment, they were brothers.
Salutes happen – some place – every day – on every land – in every continent. This salute … was different.
May we salute those who have served, sacrificed, suffered. May we salute those who served and still suffer in physical pain; in emotional pain; who deal with homelessness, unemployment, addiction, relationship break-up, depression, PTSD.
May our salute to them be translated into compassionate laws and practical ways to help all who have served and are still serving in conflict situations and in peacekeeping situations.
Thank you, all who have served. Thank you, all who are now serving. Thank you, to those who are about to serve.
Photos of “Wire Soldiers” ghosts of soldiers silently standing over their graves in the St John’s Churchyard, Slimbridge, U.K. More can be read about this project: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-46155057
Photo taken at the Cenotaph in Duncan, British Columbia, Canada
Photo (used with permission) of Canadian Scottish Regiment Association Band, Canadian Armed Forces (Army) Piper, Bill Buckingham, who piped for the Remembrance Day ceremony for St. Michaels University School, Victoria, British Columbia for 35 consecutive years! Thank you, Bill, and all other pipers for your service.
“Joy can spring like a flower even from the cliffs of despair” wrote author and aviator Anne Morrow Lindbergh.
Is it possible? Can joy ever spring from the cliffs of despair, which many are feeling since the election in the United States?
I remember feeling a sense of despair swelling within me as I heard the responses by government officials to gun control questions from journalists after military-style guns were used in the massacres in schools; at concerts; in synagogues, temples and churches; at sports events; in malls: “It’s too early – we don’t have all the facts” (when it’s a fact that military-style guns were used in many of the massacres) and “Now is not the time” (and wanted to shout “If not now, when?”).
It is known that when the U.S. Constitution was signed, the weapon referred to was a rifle that could shoot 1-2 rounds per minute. The gun used in most of recent massacres (A-15 style firearm) fires 45 rounds per minute! Interesting aside: Australia changed its laws in 1996 and since then, when that country enacted strict gun laws, there hasn’t been one mass shooting. Not one!
At that time, I stepped out of my comfort zone in this blog and named evil: the evil of the lack of strict, enforceable gun laws … the evil of politicians who did nothing to protect human beings, but rather increased their investment portfolios by buying stock in the manufacture of military-style guns and mumbling phrases about they didn’t want to lose their guns. That wasn’t what was being asked of them – just that military-style guns were not licensed for regular civilian use.
Today I name evil again because as evil affected and claimed lives then, evil continues to run havoc over lives now, since the election of DJT and JDV to the Presidency and Vice Presidency of the United States.
Two days after the election results were announced, signs appeared at college campuses that read “Women are Property!” and boys and young men in several states harassed girls and young women with frightening shouts of “Your body. My choice!” Evil! So why, with all of what is happening this week, does this Soulistry Reflection speak of flowers?
Flowers have long been understood as one of the most recognized signs of love. So today, as I did years ago after the school massacre in Portland Florida, I’ll make and then send these fabric flowers to friends in the US who are trying to find joy that could “spring like a flower even from the depths of despair” and because I want to stand up for love – not evil. The fabric flowers will be a visible sign of that love … a visible sign of prayer … a visible sign for courage and support … a reminder that there are people who stand with them, support them, love them.
Can “joy spring like a flower even from the depths of despair”? It can. But for that to happen, evil must be named.
Some Christians claim that what is happening is “God’s will.” I ask “what kind of God would sanction evil?” Not the man, Jesus. Just as Jesus confronted and named evil, long ago, evil must be named today.
Something to think about: when the letters: E V I L are reversed, they become L I V E.
Evil must be named, confronted and challenged so change can happen and all can l i v e.
When evil is named, confronted and challenged, then “joy (will) spring like a flower even from the depths of despair.” So may it be. So may it be.
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As with all “Soulistry” reflections, you are welcome and invited to share this with others and comment.
This night, on the eve of the election in the United States, tensions are high. anxiety is higher fear is higher.
Mail-in ballots are being readied to be counted. People are making plans to get to the polls in the morning. Foreign countries may have infiltrated the voting process. Lawyers and judges are preparing to argue challenges against counting mail-in ballots And, as it all unfolds I pray. Many pray – many within the United States and many beyond.
As I was praying, I I noticed a shadow on my bedroom wall created by the little statue. Words and a familiar melody echoed in my head and I found myself praying … a song.
While the words are part of a Christian hymn they can have meaning for non-Christians when adapted. I hope they will.
Perhaps you will join me in singing/humming (if you know the melody) and if not, join me in saying/thinking these words (original words in paratheses) because … “We are pilgrims on a journey; We are family on the road; We are here to help each other Walk the miles and bear the load.
I will hold the night-light (Christ-light) for you In the nighttime of your fear; I will hold my hand out to you, Speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping; When you laugh I’ll laugh with you; I will share your joys and sorrows Till we’ve seen this journey through.
When we sing to Nature’s glory (to God in Heaven) We shall find such harmony, Born of all we’ve known together Of the world’s (Christ’s) love and agony.
Neighbour, family (brother, sister) let me serve you; Let me be a friend (as Christ) to you; Pray that I might have the grace to Let you be my servant, too. <Richard Gillard, adapted by June Maffin>
This night may we hold the night-light for all in the United States and for ourselves because whether we acknowledge it or not, what happens in this election will affect the rest of the world.
And if necessary, as the votes are counted and the anticipated legal process unravels in the coming nights may we continue to pray – to sing – to remind ourselves that regardless of the outcome of the election we are all going to have to live together on this Planet Earth>
We all want to have the answer to the question “What is going to happen?” But perhaps the question is not “What” but “How.” And the answer to that must be “Together.”
Whatever happens, we must get through it together, because “We are pilgrims on a journey; We are family on the road; We are here to help each other Walk the miles and bear the load.
This night, let us hold the night-light for one another.
For many around the world, last night was All Hallow’s Eve (Hallowe’en). Yoday is All Saints Day. Tomorrow is both All Souls Day and Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Together, they form what is known as “AllHallowTide.”
If you’ve seen the movie “Coco,” you’ll understand why I think of all of the days of AllHallowTide (October 31 – November 2nd) as “thin places.“
Thin Places – what is that? What does it reference? Celtic spirituality refers to “thin places” as places where the veil between this world and the eternal/Other world is thin, and where one can walk in two worlds as the Other world is more near.
Hallowe’en, All Saints Day, All Souls Day, and Día de los Muertos are “thin places” – where those gone before us can be remembered via cultural rituals and religious services.
Saints? Who are “saints”? Are saints people like St. Francis of Assisi, St. Hilda of Whitby, St. Hildegaard of Bingen, etc.? Yes – but they’re not the ‘only’ saints for me. I think of a saint as ‘someone the light shines through.’ The ‘ordinary’ saints … such as those who died and are dying, this very moment, because of war, hunger, poverty, violence, racism, politics … those whose “light has shone” at some time.
I think of … my parents, Joy and Eddie Mack … my husband Hans van der Werff … my brothers Eric Mack and Gerry Mack and sisters Lois Lucas and Fran Talbot. All gone from this earth, but not gone from memory or gratitude for their presence in my life. The light of love “shone” through each of them and my life was blessed.
I remember my teachers and mentors (especially Mrs. Lancey, Mr. Snyder, Miss Smith, the Reverend Jack Major) for the light of their mentorship, knowledge and love which “shone” through each of them and other teachers/mentors I have been privileged to know and learn from over the years … ‘saints.’
Mahatma Ghandi (In his Spiritual Message to the World in 1931) seemed to speak of ‘thin places‘ when he said: “There is an indefinable, mysterious power that pervades everything. I feel it, though I do not see it. It is this unseen power that makes itself felt and yet defies all proof, because it is so unlike all that I perceive through my senses. It transcends the senses.“
The words of Linda Hogan (in her book “Dwellings”) brings the Celtic understanding of ‘thin places’ to a gentle place of understanding for me ( “Suddenly, all my ancestors are behind me. ‘Be still. Watch and listen. You are the result of the love of thousands” they say.” First Nations peoples in Canada and Indigenous peoples around the world speak gently of their “ancestors” with great reverence and understanding. Some religious people pay homage to their ancestors with phrases such as “May their memory be a blessing” and “May s/he rest in peace.”
AllHallowTide for me is, indeed, a ‘thin place’ – a hallowed time – of connection with the saints. May we honour their memories, their wisdom, love, sacrifice, dedication with gratitude and remembrance. May their memory be a blessing and may they rest in peace for all eternity.
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In some parts of the world, this night begins the ancient Christian three-day observance of Allhallowtide, predated from Celtic harvest festivals such as Samhain, designed as a time to remember those who have died. All Hallows’ Eve is the evening before All Hallows’ Day (also known as All Saints’ Day in the Christian calendar or ‘Hallowmas’). From the Old English ‘hallowed’ meaning ‘holy’ or ‘sanctified’, it is now usually contracted to the more familiar word Hallowe’en.
Today is also Samhain – Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and beginning of winter or “darker half” of the year with celebrations beginning on the evening of 31 October, as the Celtic day began and ended at sunset. Over time, it is believed that Samhain and All Saints’/All Souls’ influenced each other, and eventually merged into the modern Hallowe’en.
For many, Hallowe’en is a secular celebration with … carving pumpkins … apple bobbing … visiting haunted attractions … trick-or-treating.
“Trick or Treat!” they shout as front doors are opened and children hold open their bags. “I’ve got the treats,” I reply “What trick (a song or dance or joke or riddle) can you offer in exchange?” First comes silence. Then giggles and happy faces on accompanying parents. And then, each year, the jokes come. The dancing feet tap. The songs erupt. And the riddles come forth. “Why is a seagull called a seagull?” “Because it flies over the sea, and if it flew over a bay it would be called a bagel!” A little girl, about three, recites her numbers in Spanish. A little boy says, “I remember you and this house. I’ve got my joke ready for you!” And he did!
For others, this day is part of their Christian religious observance by … attending church services on All Saints Day on November 1st … lighting candles in remembrance of loved ones … visiting graves and paying their respects to the deceased.
As the last of the little ones leave with treats in their bags and smiles on their faces each year, the door is closed, the outdoor lights are turned off and I spend time reflecting on the innocence, the wonder, the fun of the night in the faces of the children and their accompanying parents. The candleinside the pumpkin is extinguished, and a wee prayer of gratitude that a Spirituality of Play is still celebrated as “shadows of a thousand years rise again, unseen and voices whisper in the trees – tonight it’s All Hallow’s Eve!”
This time of the year in many parts of the world,
it is or soon will be Winter Weather
At the same time, Political Winter weather is happening.
The nights are dark and bring fear
and political haranguing permeates social media.
Hope is disguised, hidden, not-evident by many
as people wait for the next political explosion.
We must remember to breathe
… breathe for ourselves
… breathe for those who cannot breathe.
We must hold fast and remember
the quietness of peace for ourselves
remember that while the nights may be dark
in one place in the world,
in another place in the world
the nights are light.
We must hold to the hope
that when the night seems dark
– hopeless – in one place
… hope is – somewhere
… prayeris being offered – somewhere
… communion is being received – somewhere
May we hold the light
… for those who cannot breathe
May we say a prayer
… for those who cannot sleep
May we hold hope
… for those who cannot hope
May we remember that there are signs of light.
This night, in a speech by a woman who faces unbelievable odds
yet who fearlessly confronts them.
she spoke a powerful speech.
Seven days before an election
that could determine political light – democracy –
for the people of the United States
the woman spoke truth – and hope.
She named evil
… warned against it
In these politically-trying times
this woman stood tall
spoke with determination and courage
and brought hope
and light.
In spite of living in the reality
of the howling of the wind and the rain in the trees
of the howling of the lies and fear on the airwaves, papers, social media
let us refocus.
Refocus on the good
… not the evil
Refocus on the possibilities
…. not the fear
Refocus on the reality that “this too, shall pass.”
It shall.
Hope IS possible.
Light IS possible.
We ARE possible in this Winter Weather
this Political Winter.
