Stormy Times

"Even if one glimpses God, there are still cuts and splinters and burns along the way." Mark Nepo

There have been several untimely deaths in my circle of acquaintances recently, which causes me to stop and wonder -- what is it all about?  Why illness, unkindness, death, suffering?  Is there a point to it?  

Love

"Love is an essence . . ." Keys to Wisdom

What do you think love is?  Is it warm feelings?  Is it passion?  Is it a decision?  I remember some years ago going to a workshop in which they said - love is a decision, and I think that is correct.  We decide to be loving.  Or not.  

Creativity

"We should daily feel a deeper union with life." Creative Living

How can we feel a deeper union with life?  Being creative is one way.  I am in the process of signing up for Spanish classes.  I took Spanish in high school and college, but have never been proficient in it.  It seems, as a world citizen, it is respectful to speak more than one language.  Very affordable through community education programs or online.

Creating Peace

"Start your day with peace, and you will live it in peace." The Thing Called Life

I agree.  The way we start our day sets the tone for the rest of the day.  That is why I do not allow my prayer time to be squeezed out of my morning.  First thing I do every morning is spend a half hour or more in prayer.  That sets the tone for my day.  How do you create peace in your life?

Enlightment

Definition:  The act of becoming enlightened, aware, having insight.  Merriam-Webster

If that is the definition of enlightenment, aren't most of us enlightened?  Don't you have flashes of insight?  Aren't there times you are aware of something  about which previously you were unaware?  As the winter solstice has passed, more light is entering our days in the northern hemisphere.  Let us let the light enter us as well.

Enlightenment

"Enlightenment is intimacy with all things." Jack Kornfield

So, perhaps enlightenment is not living in bliss, as I once thought.  Perhaps it is living in intimacy with all things.  All other people, all plants, animals, trees, the water.  What do you think?

A New Day

A new day.  A new year.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it.  What intentions can you set for 2017 that will make your world a better place?  I intend to add another type of exercise to my life, work less, enjoy life more.