Once again, your heart seems big enough to bridge worlds. I am temperamentally nothing like you, but you inspire me to push beyond myself in new and difficult ways. Thank you for this.
When I first started practicing a daily meditation, most of my Christian friends thought I was nuts or worse, I was betraying our tradition. It did feel strange adopting an Eastern practice. And honestly I didn't think it would make any difference. But as is usually the case with these things, I was desperate.
I had been practicing for about 18-months when I found myself chatting with a friend I hadn't seen in some time. We were catching up on life as you do and he asked me about an individual who in the past would immediately flare irritation and annoyance. I didn't notice anything unusual in my reaction. It wasn't planned. But he stopped mid-sentence and said, "what just happened?" I had no idea. He said that he had never seen me react, or not react, like that before. There was no annoyance or irritation.
It was at that moment that I finally understood the power of these ancient practices--prayer, meditation, presence. They transform us, often imperceptibly, in a profound way. I too have found myself wanting to bury myself under the covers when I think about climate change. And it is not that I am sanguine about it. But I guess it is more that I have an inexplicable, almost irrational hope. Much like the promises of the great religions. Some have even called it faith. Thanks for this post, I took a lot a way from it.
Thank you, Elizabeth, for this thoughtful reflection. I especially appreciate the reminder that the greatest preparation for uncertain times is not fear, but the formation of our character. Inner resilience grows through prayer, rest, community, gratitude, and service. When we care for our inner lives, we become better able to care for others and respond to life's challenges with hope rather than despair. A timely and encouraging reflection. Fr. Kidus, from Ethiopia
The 10-step online group workshop through @goodgriefnetwork more than 6 years ago has been my best resource for metabolizing climate grief, and developing my inner resilience & sense of larger community, in living through this time of polycrisis. Highly recommended. Their book is How to Live in a Chaotic Climate, by Laura Schmidt, & there is also a documentary film about this work worldwide.
Sharing is such a beautiful concept that we really should emphasize past the toddler phase. Thank you for sharing these practices and for sharing hope.
Once again, your heart seems big enough to bridge worlds. I am temperamentally nothing like you, but you inspire me to push beyond myself in new and difficult ways. Thank you for this.
Ah thanks John this means a lot. I would hate to live in a world of people just like me!
When I first started practicing a daily meditation, most of my Christian friends thought I was nuts or worse, I was betraying our tradition. It did feel strange adopting an Eastern practice. And honestly I didn't think it would make any difference. But as is usually the case with these things, I was desperate.
I had been practicing for about 18-months when I found myself chatting with a friend I hadn't seen in some time. We were catching up on life as you do and he asked me about an individual who in the past would immediately flare irritation and annoyance. I didn't notice anything unusual in my reaction. It wasn't planned. But he stopped mid-sentence and said, "what just happened?" I had no idea. He said that he had never seen me react, or not react, like that before. There was no annoyance or irritation.
It was at that moment that I finally understood the power of these ancient practices--prayer, meditation, presence. They transform us, often imperceptibly, in a profound way. I too have found myself wanting to bury myself under the covers when I think about climate change. And it is not that I am sanguine about it. But I guess it is more that I have an inexplicable, almost irrational hope. Much like the promises of the great religions. Some have even called it faith. Thanks for this post, I took a lot a way from it.
Lovely, thank you for sharing that
Thank you, Elizabeth, for this thoughtful reflection. I especially appreciate the reminder that the greatest preparation for uncertain times is not fear, but the formation of our character. Inner resilience grows through prayer, rest, community, gratitude, and service. When we care for our inner lives, we become better able to care for others and respond to life's challenges with hope rather than despair. A timely and encouraging reflection. Fr. Kidus, from Ethiopia
All of this! Thank you!
The 10-step online group workshop through @goodgriefnetwork more than 6 years ago has been my best resource for metabolizing climate grief, and developing my inner resilience & sense of larger community, in living through this time of polycrisis. Highly recommended. Their book is How to Live in a Chaotic Climate, by Laura Schmidt, & there is also a documentary film about this work worldwide.
Thanks Mary good to know
Yes, asking for help... aka inviting someone else to give.... and thus to treat each other as kin
Have a sabbath of a holiday! Wishing you a blessed and relaxing time!
Beautiful. Thank you!
Enjoy your holiday, and thanks as ever for sharing your thoughts. These feel like the chapters of a book: I’d love to read more…
Ah, thank you Zoe, good prompt.
So good!
Sharing is such a beautiful concept that we really should emphasize past the toddler phase. Thank you for sharing these practices and for sharing hope.
Beautiful! I love the new perspective on the new testament.