Let Life Be Life

I often sit on our patio in the morning, watching and listening to the birds and enjoying the amazing scenery. This morning I noticed the loud “caw caw caw” of a raven across the golf course, diving at a juniper tree. Obviously, there was a nest in the tree, probably full of eggs because that’s what ravens love to eat.

In a moment, there were three ravens. Then five. Finally I counted ten, all cawing and diving at the top of that tree. After trying unsuccessfully to steal those eggs, finally the ravens started to disperse, one at a time, until there were none. Not one was able to steal an egg.

I chuckled as I thought about the little birds who built such a safe, secure nest. Ravens three times their size and outnumbering them five to one had not been able to dislodge the nest and steal the eggs.

The drama this morning brought to my mind these words I recently read: Let life be life.

I’m not angry with the ravens; they were doing what ravens do. I don’t pity the smaller birds because they were doing very well. I am writing on my heart, “Let life be life.”

What does “Let life be life” mean to you?

What's Right for Me?

When I was growing up, Mother used to say, “Just because someone else is doing it, doesn’t make it right for you.”

Now I know that peer pressure isn’t just a teenage phenomenon. It never leaves. It just gets more subtle.

In these days of no contact with peers, I’ve been asking, “What’s right for me? When these days are over, what will I pick up again, and what will I let go?”

Recently I’ve had digestive issues, so I did an inventory of what my body needs and what it doesn’t tolerate well. I researched what works to alleviate my distress. I didn’t consider TV commercials or diet/exercise programs or foods that my husband likes. I simply asked, “What is my body telling me? What loving response am I ready to make?”

Yesterday I began making some adjustments, and I have a pathway going forward that’s right for me.

What’s your experience with peer pressure?

Flow

Lately I’ve been working jigsaw puzzles. Wooden ones. The pieces of a wooden puzzle are interesting and fit together in unusual ways.

When I try to “figure out” what goes where in a wooden puzzle, it doesn’t work. But when I just sit back and look for awhile and be content not to know, eventually my hands start moving and some pieces fit together. It’s as if there’s another part of my brain that works on its own, without help from me.

Some people call this being “in flow.”

Flow is a delightful state to be in because it’s effortless. In these days, may you simply be content to flow in life.

Be Still

Years ago I went through a 28-day program for every form of addiction. My drugs of choice were work and seeking other people’s approval. My roommate’s addictions were alcohol and drugs. She struggled with the discipline of this recovery program. Wherever she went was chaos.

Near the end of the program, she burst into our dorm room, frustrated. She had not been able to do a successful third step, which is “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God.” The way she put it was this, “They say I can’t leave until I find God.”

I was sitting on the little balcony off our room, gazing into the woods, listening to the birds, and wondering at the flowing stream. I didn’t know what to say to her, so I remained silent. There we sat, in silence.

After a bit, she straightened. “That’s it!” Then she turned to me and said, “Isn’t there something in the Bible about being still?” I said, “Be still, and know that I am God.” That was the aha moment that the directors of the program had been looking for in her.

I share this because our addictions are calling to us—our addictions to a bustling, frantic way of life. Our addiction to being with other people to distract us. Our addiction to work to give us a sense of worth. Our addiction to being able to have what we want when we want it.

These times are calling us to “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Slowing Down

I give thanks that my family and friends are well. I pray for those who are not and those who minister to them. May they sense God’s presence and ease into grace.

As for me, when my calendar cleared, I slowed down. I’ve realized that nothing has to be done right now. My home is imperfectly clean, and that’s okay. What stopped for me is consumerism. Now, when I think I “need” something, I don’t order it. I think, “that will wait—or maybe I don’t really need it.” And, of course, I don’t “make a run to the store.” When I catch myself thinking, “What do I want to eat?” I shift to “What do we have?”

As these changes have happened, something within me found a place of greater peace.

How about you? What is changing for you?

Simple Prayer/Intention

Today please join me in a prayer/intention for scientists all over the world—that their minds, brains, hearts, and souls open with clarity to find an effective solution for testing, treating, and preventing coronovirus. May it be so.

Clearing

Last night’s sky was so clear that I easily saw the Pleides and Orion’s Belt.

I know that at this moment, medical personnel are in harm’s way. Clerks are stocking grocery shelves. Truckers are barreling down highways and through neighborhoods to deliver what our lives need for sustenance. Financial advisors and business owners are absorbing stress. For all these, I pray for their safety and give thanks for their effort and dedication.

In my world, all is calm. My calendar is blank. No meetings. No must-have’s. I’m spending more time outdoors, paying attention to what the plants need, taking Teddy for regular walks, eliminating what is not necessary. Even in the midst of danger, I feel peace. That’s the power of clearing.

In the midst of all of this, how are you?

In All Things

Recently an old friend mocked me for living such a privileged life that it is easy for me to live in meditative gratitude. Since, I’ve carefully considered what he said.

A book I read says, “In all things, give thanks.” Also, I know that gratitude is good for the human system, even boosting immunity.

Today the headlines are scary. Our life experiences have been altered. Still, the gambrel quail run across the yard. The sun rises and then shines and then sets. Spring’s pink and yellow blooms burst forth. This morning’s moon was a beautiful sliver. We have enough food.

Regardless of what happens tomorrow, I choose to live in love today.

In these days, what is your choice?

Opportunity

The coronavirus pandemic is giving me the opportunity to spend more time at home—to cook, work a wooden puzzle, read, take a walk, do a bit of yard work. It’s also giving me the impetus for reflection—to take a look at what’s around me and ask if there’s anything I want to change that would improve the quality of my life.

When I asked myself this question, the answer that came was, “Sheets. Get rid of those sheets.” They are very nice sheets, but I don’t like the way they feel, and the top sheet is really too big even for our king-size bed.

Some things we tend to tolerate because they aren’t worn out or someone we love gave them to us—or “they are very nice sheets.” Since we’re all being reminded of how fragile our lives are, this is a good time to improve its quality.

How are you?

Fear about the coronavirus and the stock market dominates the news and much of our conversation. Yet, in this present moment, I am well. I breathe easily. My heart beats rhythmically. I am grateful for life.

In this present moment, how are you?

Something New

Last June I started working with clay. Quickly I learned that I prefer hand building to the wheel. I’ve also learned:

• There isn’t just one right way to work with clay.

• My teachers and fellow classmates are friendly and eager to share.

• It’s okay to throw out something that didn’t work.

• Inspiration will eventually come.

• A creative glaze can mask flaws.

• Even if I think I’m copying, what I make with my hands is original.

• It’s really just mud.

You write it: Have you tried something that stretched you? What did you learn?

Waves of Love

Last night culminated months of work to prepare for a silent and live auction in my church to raise money for area food banks. As people bid large amounts of money to have a meal together, I was aware of the love that was flowing through the crowd. This annual event—which is really a months-long process—brings out the best in people. They use their strengths for good and get to know each other in a deeper, more appreciative way. They bid generously. The experience brings home the phrase “As you give, so shall you receive.”

You write it: When have you experienced waves of love?

What to Do with Feelings

Recently I’ve been learning what to do with feelings. For several years I’ve taken the slogan, “How important is it?” to mean that my feelings are unimportant, irrelevant. Brush them away and move on. But now I know that feelings cannot be repressed without repercussions. Eventually, they WILL be expressed!

I’ve also learned that all feelings are right and good.

Having accepted my feelings, then I am free to decide what expression will contribute to my well being and that of others. That is the challenge.

This morning in my meditation, these words came: “Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14)

Love for ourselves and others is the “screen” to pass our feelings through.

You write it: What do you do with feelings?

Delight of a Child

May you embrace this day and everyone in it with the delight of a child.

Help

Here’s another favorite page from The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse:

“What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy.

“Help,” said the horse.

Wow. This page hits home because I spent so many years believing that asking for help was a sign of weakness—that I needed to do everything independently and perfectly, finding all the answers within myself.. Finally, I hit a challenge that I simply could not live through on my own. I asked for help. Then it got easier to ask for help.

Just yesterday I misplaced a gift certificate that had been donated for our church’s auction to alleviate hunger. I had a system. Two pieces of paper had fallen through my system and were nowhere to be found. I looked and looked. Then I asked for help. Before the day ended, helpers had come, and now, in less than 24 hours, I have everything I need.

Do my helpers think less of me for having to ask for their help? No. In fact, asking others for help strengthens relationships.

You write it: What is your experience in asking for help?

Living Without Judgment

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse is a book I’m reading and re-reading because its simple truths are so profound that I want to soak in them, hoping to be transformed. Here is a favorite page:

“The fox never really speaks,” whispered the boy.

“No. And it’s lovely he is with us,” said the horse.

Small Kindness

When I was young, I remember hearing, “Make a name for yourself.” In other words, go accomplish something. Get a title, a following. Find a solution.

Over time, I’ve learned this philosophy toward life does not bring peace.

What does bring peace is small acts of kindness among untitled people: an encouraging word, shared prayer, a small donation, offering a hand.

No longer do I look for a savior leader or long to be one. Rather, I take comfort in realizing there are millions of acts of small kindness happening every day. Every hour. Every minute. Right now.

Forgiveness, Revisited

Yesterday I participated in a group whose topic was forgiveness. Two of us honestly shared the resentment we feel because amends have not been made in the way we would like. Thus, the slate is not wiped clean.

But years ago I read, “Forgiveness occurs when you systematically lay aside conclusions you have reached about other people and the motivations for their actions.”

In other words, forgiveness is reclaiming my freedom of choice. I choose not to be stuck to another person’s actions.

Forgiveness is so much easier when someone makes heartfelt amends, and we want the easy way. Yet, even without amends, forgiveness is our choice. It’s an inside job.

You write it: What is your experience with forgiveness?

Kindness and Respect

Instead of a resolution for 2020, I have simply made a commitment to kindness and respect. To be sure I knew what I was committing to, I looked up both words.

Kindness comes from the heart. It requires empathy and giving love and consideration to others.

Respect is due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others.

Giving kindness and respect doesn’t take anything away from me. It doesn’t mean being a doormat. Rather, it encourages my heart. So the gift gives both ways. What I give to others comes back to me.

What experience have you had with a two-way gift?

My Wish for 2020

Recently someone suggested I read a book entitled Focusing by Eugene Gendlin. It’s a deeper version of what I used to call “speak the truth in love.” It describes in detail a process that honors oneself, as well as others, in getting to what is true for each of them.

In 1919 I experienced how cruel and destructive language and emotion can be.

In 2020, may we each and all experience the healing power of truth spoken in love.

You write it: What is your wish for 2020?