Mother. When most people think about the word, they think of the woman who raised them as a child. But what does the word mother really mean? Does it have something to do with the person who raised you? Or is there more to the word then there seems at first glance? From my perspective, a mother is someone who takes care of others, a person who helps someone that cannot help him/herself. Read more
Women of Spirit and Faith has joined with multiple organizations to invite events across the Earth on Mother’s Day in celebration of Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunties – ALL women – as the Earth’s original peacekeepers. As part of the celebrations, we extend an invitation to you to send us a blog of 300-700 words on the topic of “Mother Work”. Included in this broad concept is not only traditional mothering – caring for children – but also all of the other ways... Read more
People have asked me, “What is an urban priestess?” It doesn’t matter if she has always been in touch with her divine sacredness or if she’s had a recent breakthrough…the fact is…she is AWAKE. Now, I didn’t say perfect. Or enlightened beyond everyday existence. She is awake and awakening more deeply each day. She understands that life is a journey and that we all have our own way. She knows that healing and releasing “stories” and worn-out beliefs is imperative so that she may feel free and live the life she was born to live. Read more
In early evening after a cold spring rain in Zuccotti Park in New York City (a year and a half after the end of the Occupy Wall encampment), I meditate with others and find deep peace. Yet my discoveries of spirituality in nature begin years before, perhaps in childhood on Illinois’ suburban prairies the first time I feel immense stillness after a fierce windstorm. Even now, I discover spirituality in nature’s furious glory—the wild riot of spring’s first blooms after... Read more
All efforts to put words to what we feel seem woefully inadequate when we are confronted with the overwhelmingly Sacred Spirit of the universe. Since the beginning of recorded history, humans have attempted with symbols, dances, and words to share their experiences. We have used meditation and hallucination to recreate and share those freeing feelings. As a Roman Catholic, my religion had rituals that included litanies of terms by which we called upon “God” and the saints. We had chants, songs ,... Read more
I have always loved being in nature and when six years old would sneak out of my home at night and visit my sacred pond in the woods that was my sanctuary. I talked to God starting at age three and have not stopped. When I was eight years old I was baptized in the Episcopal Church that has nurtured me with ancient and modern rituals, music, prayers and the lack of “should nots.” When I was taking confirmation classes... Read more
I found this healing faith, philosophy, and way of life at a time in my life when my world as I knew it had fallen apart. The healing message touched me at a tender place – it was the first time I had ever heard that I was whole, perfect and complete. I had believed I was a broken sinner. I discovered that I was responsible for the choices in my life and that my thoughts had created all the good and... Read more
There has been a great deal of media buzz recently about the growing segment of the U.S. religious landscape called “unaffiliated”; people who are spiritual, sometimes deeply so, but not affiliated with any one religion. They are being cleverly branded as the ‘Nones” and are touted as part of a huge shift in our culture. My friend Anne Benvenuti has wisely observed that most of the “Nones” she knows are actually “Alls”; rather than having no religious identification, there are... Read more
To bring about an end to violence and to help create a safer world for girls and women requires a massive cultural shift and extensive programs worldwide to educate and empower. I sense that this is burgeoning, many of us do. Many may feel that the problem however is too large and overwhelming to bother trying to do anything to make a difference. But it’s not; subtle action is also required for the bigger actions to gain momentum. Read more
In order to ignite brotherly feelings in between nations we will have to help in the international exchange of useful arts and products - by advice, information and cooperation with all individuals and associations that support and can learn from women. Organizations must be set up to support women doing this type of work. This might sound utopian but we have plenty of examples that selfishness and individualism have been overcome by solidarity and mutual brotherhood. Read more
Voices of Women of Spirit and Faith
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