THE SPACE AROUND US

"Everything is restless until it comes home."

~ John Bate ~

Creating a nurturing environment in which to live serves us greatly.

Keeping the space clean and clear of clutter,

Decorated with things that delight us,

Lighting candles,

Having fresh flowers-

These things make us feel wrapped in love,

And we need that,

Perhaps now more than ever.

I surround myself with beauty. 

NOTICINGS

"I'm wholly devoted to while we're here."

~ Erika Harris ~

Our suffering humbles us.

Simple things keep us grounded.

Conversation heals hurt,

And fresh Christmas Trees seem to get prettier and prettier

The closer to Christmas 

they get.

Observing life enriches the daily experience. 

PERMISSION

"I am the sunlight to the soil of my own soul."

~ Muriel Strode ~

I like the idea of scented candles.

To have some delicious fragrance wafting through the breezes of the house

Sounds heavenly.

And whenever I encounter some kind of gourmet candle, I smell it, and, if it smells good,

Take out my wallet and envision the delight.

I have done this countless times,

Only to get home, light it up, and within minutes, blow it out and pack it away,

because it feels too strong, or too sweet, or too something.

This is not to say scented candles aren't wonderful-

They well may be... for others,

Just not for me.

It's ok to be who I am. 

WINDCHIMES

"The line of life is a snarl of loops and ends."

~ James Lendall Basford ~

I heard a song once about windchimes.

In verse one, the singer was celebrating the tinkling,

And by verse three the tinkling was driving her mad.

Life experience is constantly changing. I appreciate where I am. 

SPIRITUAL GIRTH

"For such loss, I would believe, abundant recompense."

~ William Wordsworth ~

The things we survive give us spiritual girth.

On the way to the church for my sister's memorial service-

She killed herself 

and I was to read Lines Written Above Tintern Abby 

for her 

at the podium-

I remember having this inner knowing.

If I could bury my only sister,

Then, 

surely,

I could do anything. 

I am strengthened by hardship. 

CLAMORING STORIES

"'Tis the great art of life to manage well

The restless mind."

~ John Armstrong ~

We build cases against people and hardship for ourselves 

in our minds.

And then we clash in the world with our clamoring stories.

The noise is deafening,

And makes it difficult for

The truth

To be

Seen.

I carefully chaperone the thoughts in my mind. 

RIDDLE

"Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment."

~Rumi ~

Who would we be if we didn't know who we are?

Not knowing may be less of a problem than we think.