THANKSGIVING. No matter what situation life presents, may there be at least one moment of ‘giving thanks.’ Each day.
THANKSGIVING. No matter how one is experiencing politicians, colleagues, family, friends, may there be at least one person who puts a smile on our face and provides a reason to give thanks. Each day.
THANKSGIVING. No matter how we are feeling, where we are living, what we are eating, may we go to sleep with at least one reason for which we are grateful we are alive. Each night.
Thanksgiving is a holiday this weekend in Canada. Last month, Thanksgiving (Chuseok Day) was celebrated in South Korea. Next month, Thanksgiving will be a holiday in the United States, Liberia, Grenada, as well as China, Norfolk Island, Japan and Vietnam.
Interesting information but … while it’s good that one weekend/day a year the focus is on ‘giving thanks,’ be that as a celebration of the Autumn harvest or a celebration of gratitude, why is a separate day/weekend and all its commercialism needed to help us be aware of the many blessings around us?
Why can we not express an attitude of gratitude for someone, or something, somehow, and some way – each day?
We can. If we want to change our attitude from criticism, self-recrimination, resentment, anger, etc. to gratitude, we can.
Let’s let Harvest Thanksgiving (being celebrated in Canada this weekend), be the catalyst for us to make place for gratitude in our hearts, each day giving thanks … thanksgiving. May this – and each day – be a safe and happy thanksgiving day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Photo was taken at Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada, while visiting my brother, Gerry Mack, and his family. The memories are bittersweet because it’s the last time I saw Gerry before he unexpectedly died and because the memory of that visit is so precious – filled with laughter, adventure, wonderful long talks, his wisdom and love.
He was the very best brother one could ever wish to have and I am so grateful for the privilege of being his ‘big sister’ for the years we had together. Rest in peace, Gerry. Rest in peace.
A phone call and a question “Would you like to go for a car ride this afternoon?” began a day that unfolded in ways I hadn’t expected.
I’d been going on afternoon car rides with a wonderful man for several years. We enjoyed one another’s company, laughed a lot, had great conversations and loved exploring parts of this island neither of us had seen before. That day was no different. Or was it?
He picked me up and off we went with Shandy, his delightful King Charles spaniel – meandering along country roads, beside the ocean, exploring, talking, laughing. The sun was shining and the drive was leisurely and delightful. About an hour later, he pulled into a parking space beside the ocean (a place we’d often frequented on our afternoon drives), and we went for a walk along the ocean shore. At the end of our walk, we sat on a bench overlooking the water’s edge and before I knew it, he had asked me to marry him. Again. And added “It’s okay if you’re not ready. I’ll be here when you are. I’m hoping you’re ready now.”
He’d asked the question several times before, but each time I declined. This time was different. He was a man who was genuine, honest, sincere, could be trusted, was patient (he’d waited years for me to say ‘yes’) and loved me deeply. I knew that I loved this man in so many ways and when he said that he had phoned my son for his blessing, he endeared himself to me even more. My son had a deep respect for this man, was so happy for us both, and wholeheartedly gave his blessing. I was so happy and easily said “yes.” When would we get married? There was so much to do – perhaps in a year’s time?
“Soon, I hope. I’m not getting any younger” he said. “Sooner than later.” Within six (!) weeks, we had put our respective homes on the market … sold both homes … packed up the two homes (each downsizing as much as we could in such a short time) and found our ‘together’ home in a new community … created handmade wedding invitations … made the painful and difficult decision to love Shandy enough to let her go and be at peace from the pain that wracked her body and canine dementia confusion that imprisoned her mind … chosen wedding rings … planned the wedding … got married … moved into our new ‘together home’ … began to unpack the boxes … dealt with the kitchen cabinets that were literally coming off the walls and other unexpected renovation projects that needed immediate attention and more. It was a stressful time, but amazingly, it all seemed to bring us even closer together.
Little did I know how much my life would change when I answered a phone call and went on a car ride with Hans Van Der Werff.
Remembering how it all began … with a simple phone call and invitation to go for a car ride … thank you Alexander Graham Bell for inventing the phone so Hans could phone and invite me for a drive that day. And, … thank you, Karl Benz, for inventing the gasoline-powered car in 1871, so we could go for that lovely drive on that wonderful day in 2019.
Each time I remember that day, there’s a smile on my face and deep gratitude in my heart. Too many friends have recently been diagnosed with a form of dementia and are unable to remember very much. But that special, joy-filled day is firm in my mind.
That gentle giant of a man conquered cancer once – twice – but not the third one. Sad memory, but even so, I am ‘remembering’ much more with Hans — so many happy memories and am grateful for that gift of remembering.
Whether we refer to ourselves as Monarchists or not, now is not the time to debate. Queen Elizabeth has died today. She reigned for seventy (70) years.
She was human – very human and she made mistakes. And on this day, as her family is mourning, her country is grieving, and many around the world are questioning the appropriateness of a Monarch in general, the horrific effects of colonialism and the accession to the throne of the successor in particular, the time will come for debate about all of that and more, but with respect, not today.
Today, I am remembering a woman who faithfully served her country and the Commonwealth to the best of her ability. I give thanks for her lifelong service and ask God’s blessing on her.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote “Earth’s crammed with heaven each common bush aflame with God Yet only he (sic) who sees, take off his (sic) shoes.”
If Divine Presence is everywhere (“every common bush”) can it be surmised that there is *nowhere* that Divine Presence, God, the Creator isn’t?
I love reading the letters “n o w h e r e“
They can say “no where.” AKA “it cannot be found.” They can say “now here.” AKA “it is evident.”
Many want to believe in miracles, yet few believe they exist. To them, miracles are … “no where.”
Maybe they are looking for the magnificent, the stupendous, the WOW.
And in doing so, they miss the miracle-in-the-ordinary … the “now here.”
When we take our ‘shoes off’ and become like a child about to wade into a cool brook, we see the minnows in the water, the eagle flying overhead, the smile on the faces of those around us.
We hear the laughter of others and breathe fresh air into our lungs.
We experience the Divine-in-the-ordinary, and also in the commonplace, in the mundane, in “every common bush.”
Miracles.
I want a miracle for my friends, diagnosed with final stages of cancer. I want a miracle for my neighbouring country in the death-throes of political upheaval.
I want a miracle for the world that continues to struggle with COVID and now re-emergence of polio and new emergence of Monky Pox.
I want a miracle for the people of Ukraine and American women who cannot get an abortion even if they were raped or if their own life is in jeopardy.
I want more than glimmers of hope. I want miracles! I want to experience “each common bush aflame with God.”
I guess it’s up to me, and each of us, to find the glimmers of hope in ‘possibility’ and not inevitability.
I guess it’s up to each of us to decide whether it’s “shoes on – or shoes off.”
“Create,” said my friend, with enthusiasm. I looked at the blank piece of paper and was numb.
“Create? Create what?”
“Let it flow. Put paint on brush, brush on paper. See what happens.”
“She’s got to be kidding” I murmured to myself. “I need her to show me what to do. I’ve never painted before”.
The others were mixing paint colours, adding water, having fun. One was even humming. And I? What was I doing? I was looking at the others, trying to figure out what to do … looking at the instructor … trying to have her tell me in simple, easy, step-by-step instructions, how to create. But there I sat. Immobile.
~ Schoenberg created twelve-tone music. ~ Bette Nesmith Graham invented liquid paper. ~ Picasso created cubism. ~ Maria Telkes & Eleanor Raymond developed the first solar-heated home. ~ Auden made verses. ~ Gutenberg invented moveable type. ~ Cartwright invented the game of baseball. ~ Earle Dickson invented bandaids. ~ Anna Connelly created the outdoor fire escape. ~ Walter Hunt created the safety pin. ~ Grace Murray Hopper invented COBOL, the first user-friendly business computer software program. ~ Jack St Clair Kilby created the microchip. ~ Arthur Wynne created the crossword puzzle. ~ Mary Anderson invented the windshield wiper. And then there was Einstein, the Wright brothers, Hildegard of Bingen, Louie Pasteur, Eli Whitney, Georgia O’Keeffe, and …
They all created. Were they ever ‘immobile’?
I was. Why?
Thoreau wrote “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.”
The Deuteronomist wrote “Choose life!”
So, what did I have to lose? I put some paint on a brush. The brush touched the paper. Creation?
Creation. Finally.
Another life lesson: … risk … go confidently in the direction of your dreams … choose life … create.
Because Temple Grandin did, an entire industry was changed because she decided to “Create. Just begin.”
This greeting card is the result of the above decision to “Create. Just begin.”
P.S. If you’ve not seen the movie about Temple Grandin, I hope you will – soon. What a remarkable woman – role model – pioneer – leader – visionary – human being.
In the midst of … grieving the loss of yet another friend … learning that another friend’s husband’s dementia has taken an unexpected downward turn … hearing the anguish of Americans devastated by the inability of the NRA to see the connection between assault rifles and the horrifying massacre of 19 children and 2 teachers and the shooting of 5 children and the grandmother of the perpetrator who continue to struggle in hospital to survive their physical wounds, all of them facing a lifetime of dealing with the physical, emotional and spiritual wounds of the slaughter … mindful that the possibility of the reversal of Roe v Wade is on the horizon and will have devastating consequences for decades … aware that people around the world are still homeless, still poor, still in pain, still dealing with mental/physical illness and COVID … and unable to forget the images of the horror that continue in Ukraine, this photo speaks to me of life and death, darkness and light, shadow and hope.
Yes, hope.
Where is the hope? It’s in the clear sky … the bright yellow colour in the flowers in the foreground … and the healthy green leaves beside them.
Where is the hope? It’s in the words on a sign I read on a concentration camp wall that read “I believe in the sun, even when it’s not shining. I believe in the stars even when I see them not. I believe in God, even when God is silent.”
The presence of hope is always with us. Sometimes – tangible. Sometimes – intangible. Sometimes – visible. Sometimes – invisible. Sometimes – audible. Sometimes – silent. But it is always present.
May we have eyes to see it, ears to hear it, hearts to feel it, and minds to believe it.
An aside, when I took this photo a few summers ago, I didn’t know why I did. Nor did I know why it seemed so important to have the Alberta rose flowers in the photo.
And then tonight, I noticed that while the dark clouds over the mountains in the background may look ominous, the pink flowers in the foreground are a gentle reminder that things aren’t always as they seem. And now I know why I took this photo.
An aside, when I took this photo a few summers ago, I didn’t know why I did. Nor did I know why it seemed so important to have the Alberta rose flowers in the photo. And then tonight, I noticed that while the dark clouds over the mountains in the background may look ominous, the pink flowers in the foreground are a gentle reminder that things aren’t always as they seem. And now I know why I took this photo.
I don’t want to think of evil, or believe in evil, or acknowledge the presence of evil.
And yet … as the situation in Ukraine continues … as political lies flood some media outlets and people believe the lies and repeat them as if they were truth … as weather conditions continue to pummel the world with floods, snowstorms, tornadoes, earthquakes, exhausting heat … as graves of residential school children are discovered … as some around the world have so much, while others have nothing … as homelessness, contaminated water, unbreathable air, dangerous work situations cause lives to be compromised or lost … as children, youth, adults, seniors die of gun violence … as freedoms are eroded … the signs are there and I must not be naive.
Evil exists.
That word ‘evil’ is spoken a lot these days by many people for many reasons. Accusations of ‘evil’ come to us on tv, in face-to-face conversations, through phone calls, via text messages, FB posts, messages and emails, and even handwritten correspondence … not just by adults, but by youth and children and elders … not just by politicians, but by ordinary citizens.
It’s easy to … tweet or text or type first, rather than think
… react first, rather than respond
… speak words of love, rather than show that love in action
… enable others, rather than be honest
… dwell in and focus on one’s own selfish desires, rather than allow the needs of others to be the motivating force.
When people say “All …” be that all religions or all politicians or all Democrats or all Republicans or all Conservatives or all Liberals
or all NDPer’s or all Jews or all Mexicans or all gays or all Italians or all Blacks or all trans or all Southerners or all differently-abled or all Americans or all poor or all elderly or all mentally ill
or all Asians or all youth or all … (fill in the blanks) … and then make a sweeping statement degrading, disrespecting, bullying, ignoring anyone in a particular category, there is no opportunity for dialogue, respectful listening, compassionate hearing, genuine caring, sincere conversation, sharing of opinion, or elimination of prejudice/bias let alone reconciliation, healing, hope.
The world craves hope. But if Hope leaves, what remains? Evil.
Before the 8th century when the ‘hearing, speaking, seeing evil’ concept began to take form through the writings of Confucius, the Biblical teaching: “abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22 NKJV) provided wise counsel.
But evil didn’t go away. Can it be defeated?
Difficult … but yes.
It involves change … a change in one’s way of life … a transformative change of heart … a turning-around … metanoia … turning around *e-v-i-l* to become *l-i-v-e.*
It is time to stop … denying … enabling the existence of evil.
Evil is real.
It exists.
It is time to name it.
It is time to turn the letters of ‘evil’ around to ‘live’!
Change – Metanoia Time.
Where there is darkness
… we must bring the light.
Where there is darkness
… we must send the light.
Where there is darkness
… we must *be* the light. “Let us not be overcome by evil … but overcome evil with good.” <Romans 12:21>
Every day we wake up, is a day to say “Welcome” to whichever day it is: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Rain or shine, hot or cold – while some days may prove to be difficult – the “Welcome, Days of the Week” cyber floral mosaic series was created in the hopes that the flowers will put a smile on your face, remind you of happy, peace-filled, times and brighten your day, just a bit.
If you are feeling ‘blah’ or ‘down’ or ‘just not yourself’ for whatever reason (global politics, personal health/finances/relationships), concerns about family), may you welcome the hope this cyber floral bouquet offers: the flowers in the photo will bloom again. And so will you … some way … some how … some day.
Each day is a new day and every day offers possibility, promise, gift. From me to you – a floral “Welcome” to each day of the week.
Feel free to return to this floral ‘Welcome, Day of the Week’ whenever you’d like a little “floral pick-me-up” on a particular day, and share this (or any “Soulistry – Artistry of the Soul” reflection) with others.
In spite of the rain, rain and more rain, the flowers in many parts of the world are beginning to ‘rise and shine’. Happy Monday morning!With so much yuck happening in the world, I thought I’d post a floral “welcome” / “happy” each day this week. So, “welcome Tuesday!” It’s Wednesday … a day to slow down a bit, observe Mother Nature around us, and “smell the roses.” Welcome Wednesday!Continuing on in the weekly floral “Hello / Welcome Day” series which began here on Monday and will continue until this Sunday. It’s so easy to grumble when we wake up, worry as we hear the latest news, get stressed when the weather descends in an unwelcome manner, find irritation in the actions/words of another, that we overlook the gift of another day to live, breathe, serve, think, move, reflect, contribute, play, work, simply “be.” Welcome Thursday – delighted you’re here!Sometimes we think “I don’t think Friday is ever going to get here” and then, voila – it arrives. So, welcome Friday. You’re finally here!The weekend has begun! The tiny bud on the strawberry plant encourages us to think about what may be ‘budding’ in our life that we can focus on this weekend. Welcome Saturday – ‘bud’ away!
The world knows what is happening in Ukraine. Those who live in that country, those with family living there, people around the world watching the news know about the war. There is a sense of feeling powerless, broken, fragile.
“What if” … conversations are commonplace in homes, offices, schools, factories, and shops as the world comes to grips with the human suffering happening because of the war and the nuclear threat which could lead to global destruction.
As I broke my egg for this morning’s breakfast, I remembered that while eggshells are fragile and easily broken, when a raw egg in its shell is held in the palm of a hand and squeezed, it cannot be broken.
Eggshells are strong under compression. Ukrainians are proving this day by day. They are leading the world in what it means to be a people of courage and a people who look for, pray, hope … hope for, and believe, peace is possible.
These days, peace seems like the elusive Pimpernel. War is happening in Ukraine. Shanghai has shut-down again because of COVID. There is a threat of nuclear / bacterial / chemical war. There are global financial crises and personal health / family / work struggles.
I often find myself looking to the sky – watching the clouds, the sunsets/sunrises, the birds soaring overhead. As I do, faces of dear friends appear in my thoughts. I believe that thoughts are transformed into prayer. The faces I see are the faces of those dealing with the ugly beasts called cancer, dementia, Parkinson’s, M.S., etc., and their exhausted caregivers. One was told that “nothing more can be done”. One was praying for a gentle end. One was exhausted and had decided against further chemo. One died last week.
Faces of other friends also appear in my thoughts and prayers … the faces of friends who are terrified of the pandemic that doesn’t seem to want to leave this planet; fearful of the threat of nuclear war; terrified that they/their family members/friends/neighbours will be murdered, raped, tortured by invading soldiers. One cannot sleep. One is obsessed with the news. One spoke of “ending it all now before things get worse.” When I find myself unable to process the suffering, the fear, the future for the children of this world, I remember the dove.
Since Mesopotamian times, the dove has been a symbol of peace. As I reflect, as I remember others, I discover momentary glimpses of peace which often come in the most unexpected of ways … in the awe of an eagle flying above … in the scent of a fresh lemon … in the warmth of a cup of hot chocolate … in seeing lines drawn on a page becoming a pattern or image … in the cuddle in a favourite blanket … in an afternoon nap … in the sound of gentle music
I make a conscious effort to imagine the dove again and again and again when processing the horrors of the war become too much. I picture the dove in my mind’s eye, hovering over the various cities of Ukraine; gently surrounding the hospitals, orphanages, homes, underground bomb shelters, on the battlefield, in the city streets, where the fear of those in those places is palpable, and my mind becomes a momentary place of sacred rest – of courage, strength, peace.
Fear must not be given space to overwhelm, to terrorize, to rob us of hope or of peace. Words can be powerful and can move us to consider possibilities, pray, and glimpse experience moments of peace …
“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”<Mahatma Gandhi>
“Peace begins with a smile.”<Mother Teresa>
“You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.” <Malcolm X>
“Peace is more important than all justice; and peace was not made for the sake of justice, but justice for the sake of peace.”<Ezra Taft Benson>
“It’s time for us to turn to each other, not on each other.” <Jesse Jackson>
“We will not learn how to live together in peace by killing each other’s children.”<Jimmy Carter>
“War settles nothing.” <Dwight Eisenhower>
“Nothing will end war unless the people themselves refuse to go to war.” <Albert Einstein>
“Peace is the virtue of civilization. War is its crime.” <Victor Hugo>
“People do not make wars; governments do.”<Ronald Reagan> “I was once asked why I don’t participate in anti war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I’ll be there.” <Mother Teresa>
“War against a foreign country only happens when the moneyed classes think they are going to profit from it.”<George Orwell>
“You don’t liberate a country standing on the soil of another.”<Fadia Faqir>
“My religion is based on truth and nonviolence.” <Mahatma Gandhi>
Peace. May there be peace on earth. And may it begin with me. Peace
“Slava Ukraini” – two words which, a month ago, were not known around the world. Since war erupted in Ukraine in February, those words have become known – a cry around the world … by people protesting in public against the war … by sharing images of what is happening in Ukraine on social media … by speeches of international politicians … by ordinary people in daily conversations .. by artists including the words in their paintings, mixed media, tangling, sculpture etc.
What do the words “Slava Ukraini” mean? What is their history? It goes back to the late 1880’s, with Ukrainian writer Taras Shevchenko’s poem “To Osnovyanenko”:
“Our thought, our song Will not die, will not perish… Oh there, people, is our glory, Glory of Ukraine!“ (Slava Ukraini = Glory to Ukraine)
During the Ukrainian War of Independence (1917-1921), the phrase “Slava Ukraini!” (Glory to Ukraine!) became part of the vocabulary of Ukrainian nationalists and when Ukraine declared independence in 1991, “Slava Ukraini” became a common patriotic slogan. In 1995, President Clinto used the phrase in his speech in Kyiv, and during the 2014 Ukrainian revolution, the phrase became a symbol of democracy and of resistance against Russian President Putin. Two months ago,“Slava Ukraini” signs began to appear around the world to show global solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
Being in ‘solidarity’ with Ukraine expresses support – financially, politically, prayerfully, in silence and in song, in creative images and in poetic form. Expressing support of Ukraine and its people is expressing support of democratic values in Ukraine and throughout the world.
May the words “Slava Ukraini” echo throughout the world, may peace come to Ukraine, and may democracy not just survive but thrive throughout the world. “Slava Ukraini!”
Ukraine. Say the name of the country and a variety of images flood our brain … images of fear, protest and terrifying disastrous situations of people running for their lives … crying children with addresses/phone numbers written on their hands or piece of paper as they cross the border out of Ukraine on their own … buildings in ruin … poignant farewells at train stations … soldiers fighting in snow and cold without food or sufficient military equipment … exhausted medical / first responder personnel remaining with patients as missiles attack hospitals, ambulances, firetrucks/stations … ordinary people defending their cities at great risk to themselves … hungry people … desperate people of all ages and situations. Ukraine is at war.
But then come images of hope and healing and support from within Ukraine and around the world … nations place sanctions on the oppressor, Russia … musicians, actors, dancers play their instruments, sing their songs, dance their dances, act their plays in the middle of Ukraine’s streets and give hope … artists on social media create art using Ukraine’s national flower (sunflower), the national colours of the country (blue/yellow), adding touches of green in solidarity with courageous Russian dissidents who, risking arrest (and worse), are protesting the war by tying green ribbons in public places as a sign of resistance because they refuse to be silenced about their government’s invasion and war on Ukraine. Not all Russians are supportive of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Around the world, people are … contributing to fund raisers and responsible charitable organizations who quickly are getting the money to Ukraine and helping those in need … travelling to Europe to bring medical supplies, fight in the war as soldiers / medical personnel / first responders / cooks / delivery persons / chaplains … making Air B&B bookings in Ukraine, even though they have no intention of using the bookings … purchasing from Ukrainian artists and craftspersons on Etsy, knowing they won’t receive the item (unless it’s downloadable).
Ukrainian customs and symbols are becoming known throughout the world as people of all ages … learn to cook Ukrainian (borscht, varenyky, piroshki, holubtsi, deruni, nalesniki, syrniki) … make/wear the lovely Ukrainian embroidered shirts (vyshyvankas) … discover the colourful Petrykivka (Ukrainian folk / ornamental) painting
A number of years ago, our little art group learned how to make Pysanky (Ukrainian Eggs). I enjoyed the process then and, wanting to ‘connect’ with the people of Ukraine and the Russian dissenters now, began to create paper Pysanky-inspired eggs using the Ukrainian national colours of yellow and blue with a touch of the green for the Russian dissenters.
As the piece began to emerge, it not only became a ‘connection’ with those people, but ‘Tangible Prayer’ for me.
I’ve always thought of the arts as a way of expressing a sense of spirituality, but until working on this piece, never quite realized the the depth of that connection. Each dance, each song, each sculpture, each meal, each arrangement of flowers in the garden or in a vase, each structural design, each craft, each work of art can raise spirits, give hope, put a smile on a face, joy in the heart of others, whether or not the artist believes in prayer or understands themselves to be at prayer when they create. Creativity = Spirituality = Soulistry (SOUL artISTRY)
When I create in the garden, kitchen, Studio, wherever, I try to create as a prayerful act but don’t always make that connection between creativity and spirituality.
Working on this piece helped me remember that when I create (as a conscious act of prayer or not), whatever it is I create, I am connected with others (e.g. the recipient, Mother Nature).
In so doing, I am praying … not always conscious … not always intentional .. but clearly tangible. “Tangible Prayer.”
Remember the poem “Spring has sprung, the grass has riz, I wonder where the birdies is”? Some say it was written by Ogden Nash, others say it was e.e. cummings, but apparently no one really knows. Regardless of who actually created the little ditty, many often remember today – the first day of Spring in this part of the world.
This time in 2019, not only had spring sprung but so had the pandemic: the COVID19 virus. Big time. As years passed, increasing numbers of people were diagnosed with the virus and as the world moved beyond social-distancing into self-isolation, claustrophobia and signs of depression began to settle in on many. People living in small spaces, those who had to quarantine, those who couldn’t share a meal or give/receive a hug experienced mental disquiet. Fear about what the news would bring tomorrow, next week, next month was ever-changing and on the rise.
As vaccines were created and people began to be vaccinated and ‘numbers’ dropped, the world began to relax – until last month when a new fear about “what the news will bring tomorrow” surfaced because of war in Ukraine and the growing nuclear threat.
When … will the fear stop? Why … is there evil in the world? How … will the world become a gentle place? What … needs to happen so that people experience life as blessing than curse?
When I consider things that cause fear to rise up within me or others, be that – flying in an airplane – the pandemic and becoming seriously ill – living in a country where democracy is nonexistent -being surrounded by war – having no hope, I do what I can to refocus.
Before going to sleep, I consciously focus my thoughts on a blessing from each day: … an emotion … an experience … a relationship … an insight … something someone did for me or something I did for another and in the doing, I was blessed to be part of it … a memory … a conversation … a quotation … an image … a book … a song … a phone visit with a friend … a piece of music that stirred me.
Sometimes the blessing has come in a blog … a photo … a special email … a word spoken that touched my heart/spirit/mind … a colour with special significance … an ability that I’ve taken for granted most days … an experience of kindness expressed … a walk out in Nature … a moment of calmness in the cacophony of the the day. It can be … anything!
I write down whatever it is that brought a blessing my way that day and indicate the date. Then the note is put into a little box or jar or written in my Journal. I don’t look at it for a month at which time, in a quiet moment, I open the box/jar/Journal and read about the blessings I’ve experienced in the past month.
No matter what kind of month I think I may have had, the slips of paper are a tangible reminder that every day in that month, there was at least one thing which tugged at my heart / mind / spirit and blessed me.
Sometimes, I forget the blessings that touch me because I focus on the yuck-of-life.
Sometimes, I ignore the wonders of the world around me, the things I take for granted, and focus attention on the hurts, concerns and fears.
Sometimes, I forget the things that put a smile on my face.
The physical and emotional ramifications of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine and the threat of nuclear weapons can be serious. While there isn’t any scientific proof that simply recalling one blessing for every day for a month won’t rewire our brain from anxiety to calm, who knows – it might!
Each year when Spring arrives, the “Spring has Sprung” poem goes through my head and puts a smile on my face. Daffodils do, too. Looking at them is a wonderful breather from all the news about the pandemic, climate change and war … and a blessing.
And so I focus on blessings – be they daffodils, sunflowers, the laughter of a child, the kindness of strangers, a creative outlet/opportunity, the courage of Ukrainians, the hope.
These are difficult days. A change in focus from fear to blessing could help diminish the anxiety.
Watching the Paralympic Games today, I was overwhelmed by the emotions it unleashed.
While I was rooting for all of the incredible athletes who have been training for years and waiting for their moment and of course, those athletes from my own country of Canada, I was struck by a deep inexplicable emotion as I watched the Ukrainian athletes compete with such courage, boldness, determination and athleticism.
How they managed to compete while their country was at war, I will never know. Many of their loved ones were huddled in underground shelters; other loved ones were dealing with famine, explosions and trying to escape the horrors.
In spite of the worry and fear for their loved ones and country, the Ukrainian athletes not only competed, but were outstanding in their categories.
Questions poured forth as the Paralympics came to a close: are these men and women safe? Will they be? In the closing ceremonies, reference was made to these questions and subtle messages were given to assure the world that the Ukrainian athletes would be safe as they left the Paralympics and China.
This night and in the coming days, along with praying for the people of Ukraine, my prayers will be focused on each of the Ukrainian Paralympic athletes, their coaches and team members from Ukraine.
As their bodies recover from the incredible physical strain of the Paralympic competitions; as their minds and spirits deal with the horrors of what they, their loved ones, and country face; and as they try to absorb the incredible mixture of emotions they have been and are now experiencing, may each of them be safe.
Some things are easy to learn. Some things are not so easy to learn. Some days the learning is huge. Some days it is subtle.
Some days the learning is about … me – what I believe … who I am … things I need to work on.
Some days the learning is about … others – who are hurtful or loving or kind or mean-spirited or generous or resentful or kind or angry or how gracious and compassionate people can be.
Some days the learning involves … a new approach to technology, art, gardening, writing, music or even a new checkerboard move. Some days the learning is about politics, history, literature, religion, cultures, language. And some days it’s a combination of things.
Each night before I go to bed, I ask myself “What have you learned today?” Usually, the answer comes swiftly followed by a silent prayer of gratitude for the lesson.
But when a difficult moment happened and I experienced betrayal … a promise had been made … then broken … and then lied about … and it hurt … what did I learn from that?
The more I thought about it … the more I thought about it. And I found it difficult to forget … difficult to let it go … difficult to move on.
When I went to bed that night, I asked myself “What have you learned today?” But there was no answer and I didn’t sleep well that night. I got up in the wee hours, made a cup of crystal tea and in the stillness and asked the question again: “What have you learned today?”
The answer came quickly. “Forgiveness. You could have learned about the importance of forgiveness.” I could have but questions began to surface … was the individual apologetic? … was betrayal acknowledged? … did I want to forgive?
I knew the honest answer was the same each time: “No.” and I could feel the hurt rising again. I knew I needed to review the questions again, so I began with the last question: “Do I want to forgive?”
*Want* to forgive?
When I experience betrayal or someone gossiping, making assumptions about my character; or experience cruelty, injustice, downright meanness, the word ‘forgiveness’ enters my thoughts and I try to move in that direction. But sometimes, it takes me a long time. A. Very. Long. Time.
I understand forgiveness is integral in spiritual and personal growth, so I work on it. Not for the sake of the other, but for my sake. Maybe that’s why forgiveness is called soul-work.
It’s ‘work,’ alright. Hard work.
I wish forgiveness came easily. I wish I didn’t have to experience some lessons over and over and over again. And yet because I know that the end result can be personal growth, I persist.
Two situations this past year were challenging. One situation was two-part. The first part only took a few days for me to forgive. But then it happened again – the second part of the same situation with the same person who, once again, apologized and promised to not let it happen again. I found myself back in the lesson-mode again, trying to determine the advisability of trusting that person again and of trying to forgive. It took me a little longer but gratefully, I was able to forgive that person again.
But the second situation, took a long time to move into a state of forgiveness. A full year. 🙁
Eventually, I was able to forgive – not for the sake of the other, but for the sake of my own soul.
It’s true … learning about and then entering into a posture of forgiveness is soul work. And, it’s worth it.
We’ve heard others say the word.
We’ve said the word in the past.
We’re saying that word now.
“Impossible.”
A world where fresh air is available is impossible
because of climate change.
An end to war is impossible
because the oppressor and his allies have a stranglehold on Ukraine and its terrified citizens.
When faced with something unbelievable happens
the phrase “It’s impossible!” emerges.
And yet, some things are impossible.
… human beings can’t fly unassisted by technology
… birds can’t speak English or French or Japanese or …
… dinosaurs don’t roam the earth today.
But then again,
some things are possible!
When I noticed daffodils protruding from a steep hill on rocks in below-zero temperature, I wondered if ceasefire in Ukraine could be possible.
“Can Ukraine survive on the rocks of war?”
Sometimes, we need remember that the word ‘impossible’ says “I’m possible!”
Personal situations may cloud the horizon.
Political decisions may cause fear.
It may seem as if what is needed
is impossible.
But if the focus on the word I M P O S S I B L E
is always on the negativity of the letters,
we don’t see possibilities in the same letters.
“I’M POSSIBLE”
Who would have thought that a bunch of daffodils growing out of a rock would reinforce a concept which is attributed to a saying by actress Audrey Hepburn?
Daffodils growing in below-freezing temperatures on rocks
… are possible.
Human beings dealing with terrifying situations
(personal illness, financial downturn, unemployment etc.)
… are possible.
Humanity’s future
… is possible.
What if each person in the world
thought, said, prayed the phrase
I’M POSSIBLE.
Thank you to the international team of Romi Borax Marks (USA), Annie Taylor (UK) and Anica Gabrovec aka Zen Linea (Croatia) for a gentle time of art, remembering and praying today in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
I had some things I wanted to include … the national flower of Ukraine (sunflower), but couldn’t find a step-out that worked for me so ‘did something” in yellow and added blue around the edge as Blue and Yellow are the colours of Ukraine’s national flag) … the dove in white – angel for the souls already lost on both sides: Ukrainians and Russians (most of the Russian troops are very young conscripts, unaware they would be invading Ukraine). … and I wanted to do it all on a round sphere to represent the solidarity around the world for the people of Ukraine.
This night, as I head off to bed, I set aside a gnawing sense of the presence of evil in the world and choose to focus on possibility, love and hope.
And I offer thanksgiving for the President and First Lady of Ukraine and Cabinet members, the courageous people of Ukraine, the Russian dissenters, and the growing gathered crowds of people around the world in support of the people of Ukraine.
The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine. No matter how small, or how little evidence of light there is, sunflowers seek out the light (the sun) hold their heads high are a symbol of loyalty to something that is brighter and bigger than themselves.
Similarly, Ukrainians seek out the Light hold their head hight and symbolize loyalty to something that is brighter and bigger than themselves … their country.
A few days ago, a Ukrainian woman expressed her defiance and outrage at a Russian soldier who was blocking a street in a residential area of Henichesk, a port city in southern Ukraine. She angrily shouted at the Russian soldier, demanding to know why he was there. Then she told him to put sunflower seed in his pocket so that flowers would grow when he dies on Ukraine’s soil.
In spite of the icy, frigid, terrifying situation they are in, like these sunflowers, Ukrainian heads are up looking for the Light hopeful united loyal to their country.
Keep holding your heads high, Ukrainians. Keep following the Light!
I tried a new art technique recently. I didn’t “get” it. I tried again. And again. And again.
I’ve not gotten it. Yet.
But I will. 🙂
Thomas Edison’s words resonate within me: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
We’ve all experienced what some call ‘failure’ at some point in our lifetime … whether that was in school … at work … in a relationship … an activity … whatever. Hopefully, it eventually led to a *lightbulb* moment, even though it may take 10,000 tries to get past that moment.
Edison didn’t let society’s definition of failure impact him to the point that he stopped. He continued to “keep on, keeping on,” until he finally found what would work.
Just because we didn’t get an “A” in a particular course, or because we … didn’t get the promotion at work … experienced a broken relationship … weren’t able to knit or paint or sculpt or create or cook like a professional or like a friend who could … didn’t get today’s Wordle in less than six tries … ‘whatever’ when we “keep on, keeping on,” we grow and make discoveries. Maybe not Edison-Lightbulb-Moments, … but Our-Lightbulb-Moments.
Rather than focus on the failures, the I-didn’t it get (yet) moments, I like the idea of understanding that such moments are part of our journey of self-discovery.
Here’s to our “Lightbulb Moments” ... of Discovery!
For those of you who are widowed, I think you might be able to relate to the day I had today.
Monday is Valentine’s Day and as I’ve been making Valentines for others, I had a “sad is me” moment when I realized that once again, there would be no Valentine’s card from my beloved Dutch husband.
Hans was a wonderful artist and he made such wonderful cards for me. But those days are no more. So I decided to make myself a card with some tangling around a photo of him.
Here’s the photo of the Valentine I made for myself. It sits atop the fireplace Hans made and will still be there on Monday – Valentine’s Day.
His happy face puts a smile on my face each time I pass by. The “sad is me” moment passed quickly as I focused on making the card.
It never ceases to amaze me how ‘creating something’ sets the mind free from “sad is me” moments, helps refocus the body from a desire to nap, and nurtures the Spirit.
When you get one of those “sad is me” moments, consider what you can do to evoke the magic of creation. Could it be … a handmade card? … a special meal that takes time and effort to prepare … explore a new craft … plant a seed/plant/tree … carve a figure … paint a picture … photograph something/someone … write a poem/blog … let origami folding take you to another plane … start making a handmade book … knit, crochet, quilt, sew something … try neurographica art, zentangling, mixed media, embossing, handmade card making … the list is endless!
