| From : paschalsimon.spaces.live.com
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The events of September 2001 somehow revealed a level of hatred
beyond any understanding. Interestingly, though presumably everyone wants
peace, it resulted in more hatred and misunderstanding. Within a few weeks of
the tragedy, my husband and I attended a famous Celtic Festival in New Hampshire. It was my
first time at such an event. The contrast with the world atmosphere shook me
deeply.
When we initially decided to attend this event, I felt guilty.
Was it acceptable to seek... Read Full Story
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It has been a busy summer. Too busy. I find it difficult to
keep the pace, a self-imposed pace at that. In my twenties, I thought nothing
of arriving to work at 7 a.m. and leaving at 11 p.m. Then again, I worked in a
kite shop at that time and spent long hours designing displays or inventorying
and ordering fascinating flying toys.
The days were marked by a true sense of process and
progress. I find that is not the case anymore. I am not certain this new
perspective is entirely due to my... Read Full Story
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The Public Radio announced severe
rainstorms on the horizon. Great! As long as everything remains in one piece
and everyone is safe, that is. Is there any documented reason why we should
hate a rainy day? Is it possible that our discomfort has very little to do with
bursting clouds and the absence of sunshine? Outdoor activities are cancelled
or postponed. Eyes fill with tears, raining little storms of their own. Parents
try to keep children occupied as raindrops dance and slide against... Read Full Story
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The day began with an early morning walk on a trail with
Mathias. When the sun is still low over the horizon and the forest kept fresh
in the morning dew and shade, mosquitoes usually remain at bay. Is there such a
thing as “sleeping in” for insects? Apparently not!
Within moments, I felt I had entered unto some movie set and
would soon be running out of the forest arms flailing, screaming and drained of
every drop of blood. Mathias seemed oblivious. Our darted hosts had clearly set
their... Read Full Story
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A fitness center set up shop very close to my house. It is a
popular place, offering Zumba, Yoga and Martial Arts classes several times a
week. In a village such as this, houses on each side of the street provide
ample surfaces for sound reverberation. It is warm, my window is open and the
cacophony that emerges from the current fitness program teases the mind into
possible rage. I had begun a quiet evening’s activities: First, mixing and
portioning the cat and dog stew I cooked yesterday... Read Full Story
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Earlier
today, a pick-up pulled in front of my house. A crew of young men jumped out of
the back and proceeded to install a post into the ground by the sidewalk. I
stood behind the venetian blinds, at some distance, watching.
My mind
went through a range of emotions as I assessed the situation. A book I read,
not long ago, recommends placing apparent reality at the forefront of the mind,
before any confabulation or internal chitchat. I quickly realized that I was
not practicing this.
In... Read Full Story
| From : paschalsimon.spaces.live.com
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Misery
is always self-inflicted. I do mean always. Sure,
there are catastrophes, but I am beginning to realize that as long as I
stand
amongst whatever rubble, what I need to focus on is the fact that I am
standing, not the rubble. It has taken me roughly five
months or twenty weeks or six
hundred days or fourteen thousand and four hundred hours to take
ownership of
my mourning style. I began this journey with the conviction that I
should not
experience any joy in the absence of my loved... Read Full Story
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I have not written in a while. It felt like silence was more important than words. Or perhaps it is because I sensed something different in the energy of everyday living. Our routine appeared the same, while in reality it gradually shifted to a new pace and a new outcome. Looking back, I can barely identify the change, or rather any sign that I should have worried about it. I suppose this means that I have somehow grown less fearful of change. I question whether I have also grown careless... Read Full Story
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Our best contribution requires the least effort and the most energy...
Slainte! Read Full Story
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Some years ago, I came across a lecturer and author who said something that left a remarkable impression on me. So much so that, out of three one-hour lecture tapes I listened to, this is perhaps the only thing I truly heard. Her name is Marianne Williamson. She talked about approaching daily situations with faith rather than merely with the intellect. I had recently embarked on a sort of personal spiritual path. It seems I was driven by some thirst for personal growth and understanding... Read Full Story
