As I mentioned in my last blog, Joe and I were headed back to MN for the summer months. We arrived safely yesterday but the trip feels longer and harder every year. That may be the advancing age and the fact that we travel in a Ford Escape, a great little car but it's not equipped with all the creature comforts. We may choose another option for getting it, and us, both south and then north next year. But sitting down on our dock this morning, watching the ducks paddle by and the sunnies moving through the weeds beneath the dock made for a pleasant beginnin[...]
Category
What I Believe – You and Your Higher Power
0 I sit here amazed that it's been nearly two weeks since I blogged last. Where does time go? I love to write and I love doing this blog but I have obviously let "life" get in my way. Some times we enjoy the quick passage of time; the dreaded dentist appointment, for instance, if we are facing some work we really don't want to suffer through. Having it over more quickly than anticipated is a blessing. But the broken heart will not mend very quickly, no matter how we approach it. The pain will pass, however. If we are willing to seek the counsel of other[...]
I am aware many times every day that I am listening to the louder voice in my mind. That it speaks first, and quite forcefully, is only part of its appeal. It’s familiarity and the way in which it convinces me that I AM RIGHT, in far too many encounters with others, seduces me again and again. It mesmerizes me, in fact. But I am making progress! My ego isn’t the whole of me. I am certain of this. But it claims my full attention when it can. Fortunately, I have learned to take an occasional deep breath, to pause before speaking, and to seek[...]
The first three decades of my life, fear dogged me constantly because I was always trying to be what I imagined some one else wanted me to be. Or the converse; rebelling against the expectations of others. The love I sought felt conditional so my behavior was always a reaction to some one. Letting others define us, or determine our thoughts or behavior in any situation, never results in a life free of fear. Unfortunately, this had become my well practiced habit from childhood on, but in 1971, while teaching a writing class at the University of Minnesota, I[...]
I became "a student" of A Course in Miracles more than twenty-five years ago. Along with the twelve steps, which I laid claim to in 1975, my life is quite peacefully guided every moment of the day if I adhere to the principles each offers as the blueprint for contentment. Alas, if only I'd adhere to the principles. They are quite simple, really. Live and let live. One day at a time. Let go and let God. Seek forgiveness for the times we have injured others. Pray and meditate as if our lives depended on it. Claim our powerlessness over others and b[...]
I heard an interesting talk last night by a man who works in a treatment setting as a spiritual adviser. In that role he helps men and women learn the art of meditation. I so appreciated the message because of its simplicity. He said, and I paraphrase, meditation is the simple act of being fully present in the moment to whatever is before you, be it a person, a sunset or a poem. I think for many of us meditation feels elusive. His explanation opens the door to all of us to see it in a new, refreshing way, one that we can practice with our eyes open. R[...]
I have thought a lot about the changes I have made throughout my life. I have been prompted to think about this because of the next book I have begun to write. It's a memoir but not a simple chronology of what it was like, what happened, and what it's like now. That kind of story has merit, for sure, and I have read a number of excellent memoirs. But I feel compelled to help others do a memoir too because I think gauging the changes in our lives is so very important. Thus I hope to guide readers to begin looking at their own lives from the various van[...]
Wouldn't it be interesting if the entire country found something in the new law to make them happy? I have thought a lot about this reform lately. Considering all the discussion on cable news, it's been hard to avoid thinking about it. I can't say that I understand the myriad details, nor can I speak for it's long term impact; but I do think waiting a while to see how it helps those less fortunate among us is wise. Some say we aren't our brothers' keepers. I say we are. Lending a helping hand where ever we can is doing God's work, after all. I don't m[...]
WE CAN NOT DIRECTLY CHANGE THE WORLD, BUT WE CAN CHANGE HOW WE CHOOSE TO SEE IT. This principle isn’t a simple one. Believing that it is our task to change the world around us isn’t uncommon to people who want to be accountable and responsible citizens. But over time, I have come to believe that changing how we think comes first. Our behavior changes next, and the world then, and only then, reflects those changes. It’s clear we have work to do. There is much in the world that needs changing. But changing how we think, the first task, isn’t an[...]
I don't want to speak for others but it seems fair to say that no one enjoys being disappointed. I received some disappointing news yesterday. The content of the news didn't affect me directly but I felt sadness for the person it did affect. I know my tendency to take on the feelings of others, at times, and I am working to refrain from doing that. I am also working to remember all of the pearls of wisdom I have heard over the last forty years: that whatever happens is part of the divine unfolding of one's life. That no door closes without another door o[...]