Thank you, all, for your kind words of appreciation. Love, love to you all!
Tarn
Blogs: Diary 1927 and Spiritual Snacks |
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I'll be traveling until the end of June and may not be able to post until then.
Thank you, all, for your kind words of appreciation. Love, love to you all! Tarn
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From the letters of Henri Nouwen, to a man struggling with periods of depression:
"Jesus is, as you know, much more than a story. He is a source of life and is truly able to touch you deeply so that you can go beyond the failure-success syndrome. I really believe that it is possible for you to develop a simple life of prayer that can give you that 'holy indifference.' By that, I mean the place where you feel so truly safe and so well held that the ups and downs of your life aren't able to distress or excite you." Today, dwell in that safe place. From the letters of Henri Nouwen, written to a woman struggling with depression after her husband's affair.
"I understand fully how difficult it is to continue to trust in the loving God who will respond to your deepest needs. But I do believe that you have that vitality in you that allows you to return again and again to the reality of God's presence in your life, and to the truth that Jesus came into the world to take our sadness away and to help us discover that where we feel most poor and often most lost, God is closest . . . When you give too much attention to the voices of despair, you will find yourself moving downwards into depression. Don't trust those voices, but continue to give special attention to the voice that speaks of hope, the same voice that said to Jesus, 'You are my beloved son. On you my favor rests.' Trust deeply that you are God's favored daughter, and try to speak and act and think out of that knowledge, even when you don't always feel it . . . A human being is the result of his thoughts, Buddha said. Therefore, it is important the you do every possible thing to think the thoughts of God so that you can enter more deeply into His peace." Love is always ready. Even if you don't feel ready or prepared for the challenge or opportunity in front of you, know that Love is ready. Right now. Love and Truth are with you, meeting the demands of the moment. You are not alone. Trust.
Inspired by ideas in the article Campus Safety and Truth's Motto. Today, know that Truth is not static, but an active, dynamic, spiritual power. Truth reveals to us the truths we need to know about ourselves, others, circumstances. Truth reveals to us our strengths and possibilities. Truth dissolves misconceptions and delusions. Truth uncovers untruths and enforces integrity.
Today, know that Love may measure productivity differently than you. Love's productivity is in feeling the fullness of a moment; recognizing an opportunity we may do some good, seeing beauty; feeling compassion, tenderness, and respect for another; correcting a misconception; broadening our understanding; savoring a happiness; being fully present with another person; feeling affection and forgiveness for yourself; recognizing gifts and opportunities when they are presented to you. Productivity is really aligning yourself with Love's activity.
Corinthians says, "All things are for your sakes." Today, recognized all the gifts that Love is giving you: work, roads, flowers, food, a moment of joy, a moment of connection. Today, see gifts everywhere and say thank you.
Today, let go of a sense of burdened responsibility about educating others. Today, trust that Love speaks to others, giving them the messages, insight, wisdom, and comfort they need, in just the way that is most meaningful to them. Maybe that insight will be through you, but probably not. You can support others by knowing and trusting Love's communication--and other's divinely given ability to hear.
Today, feel Love loving your body. Feel Love manifesting itself as your body.
Our culture sends us many unhealthy messages about our body. Some elements of our Judeo-Christian heritage teach us that body is opposed to spirit; therefore, body must be ignored or its temptations actively opposed. Our current consumerist culture teaches us that a good person has a "perfect" body--defined by impossible ideals for appearance and performance. Our American optimism and can-do attitude teaches us we can reach that perfection if we only try hard enough. All these messages result in a feeling of shame and failure. Today, counter those messages by feeling Love loving your body. If part of your body is in pain, wrap it in tender light and love. If part of your body displeases you, feeling it bathed in unconditional love. Don't let go until you can feel that unconditional love permeating your being. Today, ask Love to teach you about your body. Today, let Love love your body. Today, let Love be your body. The King James Bible says of God, "His reward is with him, and his work before him."
I love that this passage flips our traditional sense of work and reward. We believe we work and then, hopefully, are rewarded. This passages suggests that the divine reality is different. Love has her reward - therefore She wants to work to share it. You have everything you need: therefore, you work to share your talents, gifts, generosity, understanding. You are beautiful; therefore you dress for the day. You are strong and agile; therefore, you hike or dance or do yoga or play soccer or go the gym. You are beloved; therefore, you spend time with friends and family. Today, begin with your abundance. Rest in that abundance. |
AuthorTarn Wilson is the author of the memoir The Slow Farm and numerous essays. You may read more of her work at tarnwilson.com. Archives
September 2020
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