What went well: under trying circumstances, so many people showed extraordinary generosity and good cheer. We checked on each other more. We talked more. We napped more. It wasn't what we were expecting, but it felt fruitful in a different way, and that in itself was really lovely. Read more
This coming week, I invite in centeredness. A massage therapist asked me the other day "how do you want to feel at the end of this massage?" and that was what I said. It sounds true: centered, to me, means grounded and connected both, and I love that balance. Read more
I also think that the kinds of virtues one might want to put forth say a lot about what kind of world you would like to live in, so I've been dreaming up a list of Pagan virtues. Mine aren't drawn from my historical understanding of what European pre-Christian culture might have been like, but are grounded in my experience as modern human living in a first-world, super-connected society while deeply valuing my connection with the Earth. Read more
This week, I invite in patience. I am willing to be in the place that I'm in, even if it doesn't always feel great. It's okay to just observe where I am right now, without trying to change or fix anything. Read more
This coming week, I invite in peace. May peace prevail: in the hearts of those touched by the past week's tragedies all over the world, known and unknown; in the streets of every city in every land; on this beautiful Earth. May peace prevail. Read more
3) Remember the following things about feelings: They are temporary and will change. They don’t say anything about what kind of a person you are. Read more
Heartbreak is when our practices can be of the most help. We remember what is true: the earth is always underneath our feet, supporting us. We experience pain and rage and grief at the harm done to innocent people who were probably no worse than the rest of us, and we notice the gorgeousness of the sunset, and in the unbearable contrast, we see that somehow, life seems intent on going on. We remember we have a center, and we forget it, and then we remember again. Read more
Updates from last week: Last week, I invited in the question "why?" and had some interesting conversations about it in various contexts. I also found that staying connected to "why?" helped me retain perspective on things that could have felt stressful. When I was a kid, my dad told me about how he realized the difference between urgent and important, and this week reminded me of that. Read more
In the world we share, stillness is an exception much more than a rule. We are busy, hurried, overcommitted, overextended. For the simple reason of catching a break, a practice of stillness and silence would be worth cultivating. But too often, we also use the sound and fury of our lives as a screen to hide behind. Without really intending it, we cultivate disconnection from things that we find uncomfortable: emotions, fears, and doubts. Read more
Words of wisdom from Hafiz: Even after all this time, the sun never says to the earth “You owe me.” Look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky. Read more
Leaning Into Mystery
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