Seasons – Holidays
Let’s Re-Make the World
[Three poems for the new year; deep heartfelt hopes for re-birth, renewal, rejoicing] A Blessing for the New Year by Kayleen Asbo As the hours of darkness begin to slowly wane from the winter sky, So too may the fearful places of your heart unclench their grasp on your life As the presence of light begins […]
Traditional – and Unconventional – Prayers for the Season
[I am posting here both Fra Giovanni Giocondo’s beautiful Christmas letter (1513), my traditional offering for this season, and a new very contemporary psalm – plea for “the radiance and glory in darkness, hearts watered with light, could we but see.” Both part of the larger truths of this human journey.] [Fra Giovanni Giocondo (c.1435–1515) […]
Candles for Solstice – the Turning of the Dark toward the Light
Winter Solstice (December 21) marks the seasonal turning of the dark toward the light in the northern hemisphere. On the darkest night of the year, we light candles to affirm our faith and hope in the light of the divine and in the light of the human spirit. Candles of light in the darkness, Candles […]
True Generosity
In the act of giving lies the expression of my aliveness. – Erich Fromm Thousand of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. – Buddha We make a living by what we get, but we make a life […]
The Seasons of Nature, the Seasons of Man
(I have so often posted quotes about summer solstice (this week in the northern hemisphere). I am much more aware now of colleagues in Australia heading into winter this week, the cycle of the seasons being the complete opposite of each other in the two hemispheres, and in our cultures. So this week’s quotes honors […]
Memorial Day – War and Peace
(It’s Memorial Day today in the U.S.; a day to commemorate those who died serving in this country’s armed forces. Every country has its own way of honoring those who gave their lives to protect their country. When I was teaching recently in Freiburg, Germany, strolling through a beautiful park, I came upon such a […]
Mother’s Day – Mothering
God could not be everywhere, so he created mothers. – Jewish proverb * * * * * When one reads of a witch being ducked, of a woman possessed by devils, of a wise woman selling herbs, or even a very remarkable man who had a mother, then I think we are on the track […]
Re-framing toward Positive Meaning for Post-Traumatic Growth
Today is the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere, the earth exquisitely poised between equal hours of darkness and light. The season will tip into longer days and warmer days, bringing the benevolent re-leafing of trees and the sweet blossoming of flowers. And the re-awakening of hope, renewal, and optimism in the human spirit – […]
A Mature View of Love for Valentine’s Day
This beautiful poem by Mark Nepo expresses much of what we can long for, stretch our hearts for, aspire to bring into the world, however and with whomever you celebrate the heights and depths of loving. Accepting This By Mark Nepo Yes, it is true. I confess, I have thought great thoughts, and sung great […]
A Blessing for the New Year
(May you find inspiration and encouragement in this delightful blessing by Kayleen Asbo; may your new year unfold with much adventure and joy.) A Blessing for the New Year by Kayleen Asbo As the hours of darkness begin to slowly wane from the winter sky, So too may the fearful places of your heart unclench […]