Light a Candle

Yesterday was the day in 1775 when two lanterns appeared in the tower of Old North Church in Boston. The ultimate result was America’s liberation from undemocratic rule.

Today, I was struck by the coincidence of timing when reading an article about 50501 (50 states, 50 capitols, one day) gatherings today. The writer suggested that, if we can’t participate, then we might start lighting a candle every day to express support for democracy. That’s something I can do, and I started this morning.

What difference does lighting a candle make? I don’t know. But I do know that it involves transfer and transformation of energy. I also know that energy moves in ways we cannot see or control. My house is emanating energy for democracy and rule of law.

I also believe in the power of hope and of encouraging our leaders who show courage. So as soon as I finish this post, I’m writing a postcard to Chris Van Hollen.

You write it: What are you doing to participate in our current affairs?

Simple Intention

Here’s my simple intention: I go gently through this day.

What’s your intention for today?

Elevator Cleanse

On my first trip to Sedona I met Pete Sanders, an MIT-trained scientist who had developed the “free soul” method of lifting one’s awareness into the spiritual realm. It’s a very simple process of imagining an elevator beginning in the soles of your feet, slowly moving upward through your whole body, attracting and collecting all disturbance, then exiting through your head, leaving you totally cleansed.

In these days so filled with disturbing distractions, I recommend you try it.

Bathed in Grace

For an upcoming brunch/facilitation, I wanted to serve pretzels to bring to life a story that Auntie Anne (founder Anne Beiler) wrote about in her book Twist of Faith.  As the story goes, in the beginning, Anne was having difficulty with her pretzels. In her words, “The pretzels proved to be a riddle I could not answer. They were, quite simply, horrible.” She tried everything and finally gave up, intending to take them off the menu. But her husband Jonas stepped up. “Let me try,” he said.

Auntie Anne wrote, “Jonas’ pretzels came out, and we tore into them like a bunch of vultures. We couldn’t contain our amazement!” When asked what he did to make the pretzels so delicious, Jonas answered, “I put love into them.” So this is why I wanted to serve pretzels for a group that would be learning that the energy we put into something either rewards or disappoints us. “And the greatest of these is love.”

A Google search told me there was an Auntie Anne’s in the mall in Flagstaff—a 2-hour round trip that I preferred not to make but would if there were no other option. I decided to check with the new village bakery. But before I could do that, I spoke with a friend about my dilemma. She had just experienced—are you ready for this?—a pretzel-making class, donated to a charity by Don and Jean Care. She said, “I’ll call them and see if they have any pretzels left over.” What they had was a batch he was baking TODAY, which he wants to donate to the brunch in my home. He wouldn’t take any money for his pretzels, but he asked me to make a donation to the charity.

Make of this what you will. I call it being bathed in grace.

Ecstasy

Yesterday I had the exquisite experience of watching world-class musicians fully engaged in the music they were creating. Their bodies and faces flowed the music through them. I was watching ecstasy.

You write it: When have you seen or experienced ecstasy?

St. Patrick's Day

On this St. Patrick’s Day, I’m remembering my Irish family. Only one generation removed from Ireland, my dad and his siblings were fun-loving, storytelling, literature-quoting and thoroughly lovable. When I think of them today, my heart expands.

You write it: Are there Irish in your lineage? What do you remember?

Finding Peace

In today’s Washington Post (3/9/25) is an insightful guest column by Ken Budd. His story is that on the day before he was set to fly to the Himalayas for a retreat in a monastery, he was struck with appendicitis—with complications that kept him in the hospital for awhile. “Yet,” in his words, “something unexpected happened. I discovered more about mindfulness, kindness and joy while trapped in a hospital bed than I probably would have in a Himalayan monastery.” Here’s what he learned:

Be in the moment (It can reduce pain).

Give kindness, receive kindness.

Embrace impermanence.

Find joy in broth. (i.e., savor the small things)

Read the whole article here:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/03/09/meditation-pain-hospital-kindness-heal

A Prayer

Sometimes my mind thinks life in days gone by were better. That trail of thought leads to sadness, a place where I do not want to be.

God, turn my sadness into gratitude for the good experiences that are in my past and give me the grace to find the gifts in this day.

Jonquils

Allergies have distracted me lately, so I did not see the ground cracking in my berm, or the green spears piercing their way to the light. But I didn’t miss the brilliant yellow jonquils, harbinger of spring, which seems to be coming earlier this year.

You write it: What changes in nature are you noticing?

The Power of Intention

Failure to set an intention every day puts us adrift in the sea of thoughts and emotions that surround us, but when we set an intention, life unfolds before us and gives us the lives we truly want to live.

For a few days, family is visiting. Before they arrived, I wrote this intention: “We have relaxation and peace during their entire stay.”

I haven’t even felt my body tensing. Try it.

You write it: What is your intention for today?

These Times

The Serenity Prayer goes like this: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” In this time of upheaval, I suggest making these words our mantra.

Sharing Happiness

After more than two years of grieving and healing, I have begun to feel moments of pure happiness. As soon as a moment comes, though, I say to myself, “I can’t be happy; Harlan isn’t here to share it.”

This morning a friend told me about the sheer bliss she is in from the realization of a dream. I am so happy for her that my whole body is vibrating. I thought to myself, “I wish Harlan were here to share this moment.” As I entertained this thought, I looked up to the shelves above my computer. Harlan’s photograph is there, and he is smiling broadly. Then I realized, “He IS here sharing this moment with me.”

I believe our souls are immortal. I believe those in the afterlife communicate with us in various ways—sometimes directly. This morning’s experience took that belief to a new level, and I’m so grateful. I am free to be happy, knowing that Harlan is sharing those moments with me.

Getting Out of Fear

An old fear recently seized me in the evening when I looked at my investment balance, which was lower than I expected. Longevity is a hallmark in my family, and this money is supposed to last for at least two more decades.

I took this fear to bed with me and did not sleep soundly.

But in the early morning, a friend sent an encouraging text. Then I looked at the numbers again and realized there is plenty. I promised myself not to look at numbers in the evening ever again.

You write it: What do you do to get out of fear?

Humbled and Hopeful

A couple of days ago, a friend told me about a book club that had chosen my book, Simple Serenity, to study. When these women realized she knew me, they asked my friend if I might participate in a Zoom call to talk about the book.

I was deeply moved. Of course I will do a Zoom call. Then I wondered how many other book groups are reading and sharing my work? Then I was deeply humbled and hopeful.

You write it: When have you felt deeply humbled and hopeful?

It Is Well with My Soul

Quite a few years ago I learned that we have four sources of energy: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Keeping them in balance is important to our well being, as well as the well being of those close to us.

Right now extraordinary wildfires are burning in California. Thousands of people have lost homes and businesses. Seeing the devastation and hearing the despair of the people whose possessions have burned depletes our mental and emotional—even our physical—energy, from the tension of our empathy. Easily, we could despair and become depleted.

But our spiritual energy has the power to lift us above these losses and have faith that—eventually—all will be well. Until these fires are out, try repeating this mantra: “Fear not, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10).

You write it: What do you do to keep yourself out of despair?

Who Has Loved You?

“Who in your life . . . has helped you love the good that grows within you? Let’s take just 10 seconds to think of some of those people who have loved us and wanted what was best for us in life—those who have encouraged us to become who we are. . . .

“No matter where they are—either here or in heaven—imagine how pleased those people must be to know that you thought of them right now.” —Fred Rogers

When I first read this quotation, I began thinking of people who had loved and encouraged me, especially as a child and teenager. But then I read it again. The core question is “Who has helped YOU love the good that grows within you?” That’s a more challenging question. I encourage you to answer it.

May 2025 be filled with love for the good that grows within you.

Solitude

Slowly, one day at a time, I’m removing and storing Christmas decorations. This morning I packed away the angels and nativity scene. Only the tree is still up, and I’m not ready to take it down.

Solitude is my companion today. I was warned both by a dear friend and by a stranger on Next Door that flu, Covid, and viruses are rampant in this area right now. For once, I am heeding their good advice to stay in and be safe.

This time of year always feels like a lull to me, awaiting the New Year. But this year, it’s more—it’s choosing—even embracing—solitude.

You write it: How is this time of year for you?

My Gift

My coaching is listening deeply, all the way to the bottom. Then, it’s saying what I hear, to verify its authenticity. Finally, it’s offering a tool or a story with a different perspective, to lift my client into a new way of being.

Someone did it for me, and I pass it on.

Somehow during this season it feels right to focus on the gifts we have to give—to bring them into our conscious awareness.

Quiet Christmas

I’m having a quiet Christmas, enjoying the occasional company of friends in small numbers. As I look back over all the Christmases of my life, I realize the best ones have been quiet. Maybe it’s because I can be still and listen, savoring the presence of love.

You write it: What have been your best Christmases?

Thanksgiving

It’s here. Thanksgiving. The day we have set aside to be consciously grateful for what we have and, maybe, for what we don’t have.

I’ve had two very tough years, in many ways. My husband died. I became ill. Then I was injured. Yet, through all of it, helpers came. I experienced love and commitment and healing. I am reassured that, whatever happens, people will come to help, and my world will expand.

That’s what I’m grateful for this Thanksgiving. How about you?