Because of you

Because of you, my sweet daughter, wheelchairs have wings and surgery is a place for prayer and meditation. 

Because of you, the birds and deer and scampering chipmunk speak to me and I listen. 

Because of you, the sun wraps around me like a cozy blanket and the breeze brushes my hair. 

Because of you, I know peace, gratitude, and unconditional love. 

Because of you everything has meaning. The sycamore and oak speak their wisdom. The chirping birds sing their songs. Friendship is abundant and I try to stay connected. 

Because of you, my sense of purpose never waivers. 

I am here. 

I am aware that I am one little particle of energy in the vast universe of energy. 

You are one with the stars as I smile in receiving your light. 

Habits of the Heart

“The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”

As a survivor of heart disease and open heart surgery I fear our divided nation is suffering from heart disease as well. I am constantly asking myself “what do we need to do to heal?” We need to embrace the powers of the heart. We need to embrace empathy, compassion, equity, generosity, courage, and listening, deep listening. 

Our hearts are the home of President Lincoln’s “better angels.” Our “better angels” can be found in reflection, contemplation, meditation, going slow, awe, nature, music, poetry, dance, painting, sculpting, gardening, and service to our community. 

One of my heroes, Dr. Parker Palmer offers these 5 habits of the heart:

1. An understanding that we are all in this together. 

2. An appreciation of the value of “otherness”.

3. An ability to hold tension in life giving ways. 

4. A sense of personal voice and agency. 

5. A capacity to create community. 

How can we participate in these habits of the heart and democracy? 

Can we turn off the phones at mealtime and discuss our day? 

Can we invite someone different than us for a lunch or coffee?

Can we empower student voice in our schools?

Can we build community through our service?

Can we spend some time in reflection?

I would love to hear what answers come to you. 

A Prayer for Now

Dear God, we give our heart and soul to the cause of bringing unconditional love to all humankind. Allow us to see hate and tyranny fade like a shadow. Let our faith and understanding spread in the hearts and minds of all your children. Let us experience true brotherhood with the knowledge of hope and unity. Let us heal the better decisions and join together as one family in your peace. May we protect and cherish mother earth and allow her water, air, and life to grow and flourish. Let us acknowledge all ethnicities, colors, faiths, and sacred beliefs as different perspectives, as seen through your eyes.

Give us the courage to begin to heal our divisions so that our children and our children's children grow up in a world of peace and love. Grant us the knowledge of oneness. Let us fully experience the knowing that if anyone is hurt, we all hurt. If anyone loses their freedom, we all lose our freedom. If anyone is hungry, we are all hungry. Let us all share freely and feed each other. Let us all know love, truth, freedom, justice, safety, security, and above all, your peace beyond understanding.

Let us all march forward for peace and love.

Thank you, Dear God, for your blessings.

Equity

“True equity starts with ensuring that everyone has access to the most basic needs.” - Mikki Kendall

I believe equity is synonymous with integrity. Integrity means “whole”. Our words and behavior match. What I think, feel, say, and do are in alignment. If we believe in equity, than we must work towards a world (read your school, classroom, neighborhood) where each and every person has clean water, shelter, healthy food, and a sense of belonging. 

We must create a world where we all feel safe from physical and emotional violence. Where we strive to create equity. We open the doors to connection, understanding, empathy, and compassion. These experiences can bring us to harmony and peace. 

Let us practice the truth that we are emanations of God’s unconditional love. Let us live and have our being in a world that supports everyone. 

Some things I've learned...

Some things I've learned in almost 74 years on earth.

- Stand up for truth, justice, and true love (in all its forms).

- Practice empathy, compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude.

- Love yourself enough to take care of your mind, body, emotions, social interactions, and spiritual well being.

- Believe in something greater than you.

- Be in nature every day. Appreciate the plants, animals, flowers, birds, rocks, streams, sunlight on your shoulders, and the stars at night. 

- Let people know you love them. Hold nothing back. Life is not a dress rehearsal.

- Play, sing, dance, draw, write, and engage and participate in a variety of arts.

- Find the work that you love and fulfill your purpose.

- Let people know they matter.

- Be who you are. Everyone else is taken. Live the life you want. 

- Take care of your spouse. Express your love every day.

- If you have children, teach them the things you love. Observe what your children love and make that experience memorable.

- Learn, continue to learn, and learn some more.

Growing and changing

I believe every experience is an opportunity for learning. If something did not work out the way we wanted, it is not a failure, it is an opportunity to learn. The mistakes we make in life are opportunities to assess and choose differently next time. 

We are constantly growing and changing. Becoming fuller and healthier with each new choice. Our self awareness and self management grow with each new decision. Our world view expands with each new relationship. Our wisdom expands from birth to old age. Even our greatest pains are essential in our life learning. Through all my physical challenges (spinal injury, heart surgery) I have learned to ask for help. Through the experience of our daughter’s passing, I have learned that unconditional love has no boundaries and goes on forever. I have learned the grace of God is with us always. 

Do not waste precious time berating yourself. Self punishment leads to stagnation and illness. 

Reflect on each day. Be grateful. Commit to your chosen path with passion. Learn and act. 

A precious gift

There is a precious gift in each of us. In reflection, take time to be aware of the source of our ancestry. Become aware of our innate spirit. Become aware that integrity and love is our pathway home.

Education and selfless service to human kind will enable the healing of all. From this learning and service, we will all live more beautiful, fulfilled, joyful, and loving lives.

We are meant to fully realize the spirit within us. We are meant to enjoy our humanity.

May we all feel the Divinity within.

The Good

Good thoughts, good feelings, good actions. All for the greater good of all humanity. This is where we need to focus our energy. 

As we focus on positivity and good for everyone, the good increases and we all improve. Every new growth opportunity creates a new vision and every new vision leads to a greater and greater new creation. Progress is eternal and we are unlimited. 

There is no limit to the potential of the universe and we are part of this limitless universe. Every day is a new beginning. Every day we can make fresh and new. 

Let us use the skills and discipline of meditation, contemplation, positive thought and positive action to create the peaceful and loving world we need.