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Gratefulness
“There shall be no hurt, no harm, on all my holy mountain.” I dream of a return to Eden, where humans are stewards of the garden (Earth) and animals are our beloved companions.
Yes
Late June again, and long necks of tiger lilies rise from nests of green leaves that are slender as rushes. Petals crowning those stems are like hungry beaks opened wide to receive the sun, their mother.
The flowers are like birds, and the birdsong at dusk is like water falling, so pure and so clear.
Isn’t this enough, my heart used to sob when I was twenty, and no, and no, it never was.
But tonight in this neighborhood in ...
But tonight in this neighborhood in Minneapolis, the world brims over.
Enlightenment – how many millions, over centuries, have yearned for it.
Not me. Not here.
How’s this for irony? I posted yesterday about food & gratitude – and ended up going home w/either food poisoning or 24 hr flu. When I came back to work, so many people asked how I was w/real concern. So right now I am very grateful for my work colleagues (and, always, for my relationships with my life partner, Marc, and my cat, Lilly).
So many interesting responses! The truth is, as much as I love to eat and appreciate my meals, I do take food for granted all too often. What would help is if I said a simple prayer of thanks before I eat – silent at work, out loud at home. Now, I hope I can remember to do this!
Wrap all of us up in her arms and assure us it’s going to be OK.
Small ones: not laughing at off-colored jokes. Calling people on remarks that are sexist or racist. Not apologizing for not eating meat or dairy. It sounds easy but often, it is not. It’s so much easier to go along, say nothing, convince yourself that “I wouldn’t have changed her mind anyway.” But my conscience always knows when I should have spoken up.
Sky
Early evening in mid-February, I looked up from the street of a city still fresh with light to see sparrows swooping together and unraveling across sky that I became.
Now during tense afternoons or dreamless nights, part of me will remain that shell-pink horizon wild beings soared through.
My last hour on earth, sky will breathe in me, and wind-combed constellations of birds. Let me remember the joy I f...
My last hour on earth, sky will breathe in me, and wind-combed constellations of birds. Let me remember the joy I felt that moment in early spring when I contained no boundaries.
The man I love most in the world is not in good health and is 15 years older than me. Yesterday he talked openly & honestly, without any self-pity, about dying. He lives in assisted place and what was hardest to hear was his telling me how many residents have passed away since he moved in. ” I don’t eat in the dining room anymore, he said. I don’t want to learn about another death.” I listed and held his hand and thought, if he dies I don’t know if I will ...
The man I love most in the world is not in good health and is 15 years older than me. Yesterday he talked openly & honestly, without any self-pity, about dying. He lives in assisted place and what was hardest to hear was his telling me how many residents have passed away since he moved in. ” I don’t eat in the dining room anymore, he said. I don’t want to learn about another death.” I listed and held his hand and thought, if he dies I don’t know if I will want to go on living. But it’s a new day and we are indeed resiliant. I have Marc now and I intend to make the most of it.
I share your dream, Michael.
Who knows, Deb, maybe in some mysterious way, this is true.
Thank you, Sheila! Marc is stable. You have a good memory.
I have read that this disease is very frustrating and painful. I am so sorry for all you have been through, Aine!
Totally understandable.
Thank you for sharing!
When you are afraid and “do it anyway” that is real courage. You are right, Palm, I think the goal is not to be fearless, but to be courageous. I wish you health and healing and I know you will be your best guide through this operation.
What a wonderful attitude, discarding the ego’s fear and pride and just taking joy in the creation of music. I’ve got to learn to do that more in all aspects of my life, Barbara.
That takes a lot of courage, Deb.
Blessings to you, too, and thank you for reading!
Absolutely! We need to speak up for God’s animals. Thank you.
I can’t imagine the pain of a cluster migraine. A regular headache is hellish enough. I hope as I type this that you are pain-free, Antoinette.
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