The Soulistry Blog

In this part of the world - the days are short - the nights are long - the weather is dreary.Many are experiencing darkness regardless of the weather, the time of the year/day.Darkness of the soul. Darkness of the mind. Darkness.When the darkness seems to permeate,...

Grief is such a powerful emotion. Being able to participate in a funeral, a Celebration of Life, a Memorial service for someone who has died, can be a helpful ritual. But what about when such events aren't happening, or Mother Nature interferes and travel is...

This Sunday begins the third week in the Season of Advent ... the week of joy ... and a story that is true.The baby was given two names at birth. Gene (her father was expecting a boy) and Dolores. And so began the life of Gene Dolores. Raised in poverty, Gene...

Oh, how our world needs peace. Oh how we, our families, our communities, our neighbourhoods, our countries, our world needs peace. But fear, busyness, worry, grief, physical pain, guilt, sleepless nights, and those “what-if’s” creep in. And then there are the actions...

A still, small voice ... whispers “Where is the hope?”A circle of friends gather, light candles and through tears, gasp “There must be hope.”Nations of people ... shake their heads and mumble “Is hope possible?” Phrases like... "It's hopeless"... "I can't even hope...

Whether we like it or not, stores are beginning to display Christmas decorations and play Christmas music; Christmas trees are going up in homes, businesses and offices; inflatable Santas are appearing on lawns - and it's not even the month of December yet!    Why the...

I cannot stop thinking of the people in Ukraine, still living in terror as explosions deafen. Today, food shortages are critical, the cold and snow will soon gnaw at bodies, medical supplies and services are almost non-existent and visible exhaustion is on the faces...

I love watching them poke their heads above the ground, changing their location every year in the back yard, making their appearance in so many different varieties. Intriguing and delightful, they put a smile on my face every year. What are "they"? Mushrooms! It's...

"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? I remember despair emerging as I heard responses by government officials when...

Grief.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, grief is being and will be felt-...

Today is 'Dia de Los Muertos' - 'Day of the Dead - November 2nd, every year. The first time I learned about Day of the Dead was the Disney movie "Coco" and as a result, I wanted to learn more about the Mexican holiday known as Dia de Los Muertos. On November 2nd,...

For those living on the East Coast of Canada and the US, the Fall season is glorious in colour at this time of the year.  Living on the West Coast, while the Fall changing of colours is a beautiful sight to behold, I admit to missing the red colours and the Maple...

Fragility ... the quality of being broken, damaged, delicate, vulnerable, wounded, weak.   These days, many want to live in a world that is healthy, durable, safe and strong.  They don't want to live in a world that is fragile.   Many want to be perceived and perceive...

In the midst of the political rhetoric/reality/anxiety in many parts of the word, this weekend, Canadians are marking Harvest Thanksgiving - a time and opportunity to express 'giving thanks.' Thanksgiving.But these days, many struggle to find something - anything -...

There are no winners in war. Onlylives lostlives destroyedanger released for generationsMay there be peace.שָׁלוֹםسلامpaxpeacepeacein heartsin mindsin soulsin bodiesin familiesin countriesbetween countries~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~© June...

May dark nights and dark days be filled with whispered-dreams to stars above .May Love flood hurting hearts, minds, bodies and souls.*******************© June MaffinArtist: © Nicole Susanne Dreyer Used with permission. *****************************************Nicole...

Fear.    It's palpable.And it's growing ... and growing ... and growing. Fuelled by conversations, social media and political actionsit is a word  that resonates and leaves little space for anything other than fear. What to do? We could let the fear grow and grow...

This weekend, I went to church ... 'Garden Church'.    What's "Garden Church"?    Mmmm, well, if a church is a place for worship, and worship is an expression of praise,  reverence, joy and thanksgiving, then surely a garden with flowers and bees, colour and birds,...

If ... news from the political scene leaves you feeling hopelessfires and floods threaten your home the lack of availability of vaccinations against measles, Covid etc. deeply concerns youclimate control has you worried for future generations you are feeling...

A gentle walk along a rural pathbrought forth images of summers long agowhen a swing under the huge cherry tree in our back yard provided countless hours of relaxation and fun for one little boy - my son. As he swung,his feet would move back and forth to maintain a...