Surely, my coffee, in the morning.
Fall is starting and this brings new work experiences, with new perspectives , new choir events (we will learn some technical tools during a course that is coming soon, then we are going to study new Christmas songs for a concert, and next october we will have a meeting in Firenze., together with other choirs).
Every smile, or look, or hug, or kind and wholehearted act I give and receive.
When my prayer is more true and close to my soul, it motivates me. This happens in such a silent way that I am almost unaware. Yet I believe the energy of the spirit flows through me softly, gently. So, I can hold on.

Surely it is really bizarre that a lot of friends here – and me among them – started their spiritual journeys when they found themselves on the edge of a crack, separating them from their past spirituality. So we all have to trust and jump in a new era! Grown in a catholic tradition and for a lot of reasons, at a certain point I would have liked to change … then I found wonderful people, writers, this site, a website of an ecumenical monastery, Pope Francis, and I started a new journey, holding the best part of my previous tradition, but transforming it into a more true Faith. I mean: the firm belief that there is a Transcendence and that God is Mercy is at the basis of my spirituality. I know a dear priest who says that this is my “awakening”, my spiritual rebirth.

when I am among my friends, among people I love,I have no doubts: it is easy to pay kindness forward because gratitude permeates my own life, and the time to show my gratitude is the life itself, with smiles, greetings, meetings, something done together, sharing our issues and our joys.
Lately I had some issues with people whose pleasantness is beyond any doubt, but who tends to be intrusive, whose kindness is simple, but a few binding, as an effect of their intrusiveness. I am not sure I will pay this special kindness in the same way, as I don’t want to be like them. I can learn something about their simple way to share friendship, but I am less extroverted. With KC and Gina I believe that lovingkindness is the best way to live in a community, not forgetting inside freedom and a bit of wise perspicacy.

dear Kevin I believe that your idea is really wonderful and noble. My husband loves the art of photography, so I learn something about it when I go and see exhibitions with him. I have found that photos brings to deep reflections and insights, as well as poetry, music….So I encourage you to put your idea into practice, and for this I wish you the best. Also, I pray you to tell us when you will achieve your dream, so that even your virtual friends can admire your works and reflect with you and your community.

KC, I really appreciate your “not thinking or trying to do it all alone”, because it is so true, and it is not a weak attitude, as a lot of people believe.
Then, I would like to “check at regular intervals”…. it is a work in progress for me, because I do a check in the morning or before sleeping… but during my working day I forget to stop and meditate. I notice that since I visit this site my attitude has changed, in general, but when something boring or challenging happens it is still hard to stay, breathe and connect with my deep self and others, even for a minute.