We Are Each Other’s Keepers

Cruelty seems to be the point these days. I want to live in retreat mode, hiding out with a pile of books, a copious amount of tea and my little dog who exists in a mischievous bundle of sassafras and cuteness.

Living with chronic pain doesn’t make it any easier to walk literally or metaphorically through these times. And alongside that exists financial vulnerability and uncertainty as well.

Well, as usual God/Spirit/Universe reminds me, sometimes in what I call Godsmack moments that beyond the cruelty, life and love are moving and active-through us and to each other.

I am reminded every Tuesday and Saturday with our blessed Sanghas where we do life together sharing challenges, vulnerabilities as well as celebration.

Our Saturday Sangha resident sage Ame reminded us at this New Moon and Aries season, we all carry light within us. Tending to this light is the practice.

My dear friend and fellow Hospice companion Mike reminded me through several communications that Spirit lives, moves and breathes through us in ALL our comings and goings, even in our despair.

Finishing up mentoring for the Gentle Yogi’s community training, led by Senior Kripalu teacher Rudy Peirce and his amazing wife Joyce, who created a container for tender support, nourished my spirit. Some of these conversations were so heart opening, tender and affirming of what it means to be gentle AND strong.

Simple, open conversations rooted in deep listening and allowing of vulnerability may be what saves at least my heart from shattering.

In order for my heart, my increasingly challenged body and my psyche to survive these times, I have to lean into what affirms life.

Inspiring me these days:

• Mennonite Action across the USA showing up SINGING in the face of continued genocide in Gaza, illegal deportations and white Christian nationalism.
• Valarie Kaur and theRevolutionary Love Project touring the country using storytelling and music to foster wonder and awe and apply love as a tool to transform culture.

This is also why I am choosing (not because it is going to be financially secure, lol) to commit to immersing myself in The Work That Reconnects.

This body of work, developed by eco-Buddhist scholar Joanna Macy involves group process work to metabolize living in the onslaught of poly crisis and explore holding actions, different ways of being in social and economic relationships and root in compassion, connection and community.

What inspires you these days?

Who do you look to for inspiration?.

I call up all my Beloved Beings who are walking their walk, sending funny memes, cards, texts, check ins.

These lifelines matter. I see you and I love you for seeing me often as a hot mess and loving me fully.