Every Day Zen
Today’s #LongerView, “Shoving My Snark Elsewhere,” celebrates the joy of relationship, whether it’s with neighbor Grace, a mint plant, or at a native nursery. As Pema Chödrön says, “We are always in relationship.” I started thinking about that in terms of my social media presence and snark, specifically wondering where the joy was. As always,... Continue Reading →
These last few days I have been seeking joy, as if it were a limited experience, a one-time offering. I’ve given it all kinds of attention without opening myself to the actual experience. Why is that? Truly, because I am unable to imagine joy. I am facing a moment of loss; I want to hold... Continue Reading →
In a moment of joy, I am one with the wonder of being alive. Everything in my being fills up and spills over, including my tear ducts. It is an intimate moment, this experience. I am nowhere but present. Brene Brown says that “joy, collected over time, fuels resilience.” Exactly. Joy is a new life... Continue Reading →
Often, I write of looking through the life lens of chronic illness. It is the experience I have, the reality I know. Sometimes, it breaks me open, and that is not a bad thing. Letting go of what is already slipping away is how we actually enjoy our life Lewis Richmond “Enjoying life” may not... Continue Reading →
Most of the time our footsteps are one in front of the other but there are times we leave our grounded self to go walking in the air. These are chance moments, risky, but why not go out of the ordinary. We “float in the midnight sky,” gliding over this life that is ours. We... Continue Reading →
Possibilities no longer linger in a portrait of a day that was. Every yesterday is framed, in and of itself--perfect--some seemingly more so than others. I’m not much on pulling from the past, even if it’s just a day previous but every day is its own energy. Sometimes, aiming for even means a look back.... Continue Reading →
I have taught myself joy, over and over again. It’s not such a wide gulf to cross, then, from survival to poetry. Barbara Kingsolver Yesterday, as I was searching for a Sunday poem, I came across Barbara Kingsolver’s quotation about the necessity of teaching one’s self joy, a lifetime task as it turns out. After... Continue Reading →
Moving through suffering and reaching joy is a tender revolution, one of self- compassion; “everywhere a great joy is preceded by a greater suffering” (St. Augustine, Confessions). It is tenderness that moves us through the pain we are carrying. Loving-kindness frees us from our fear. It is the first step in separating ourselves from suffering.... Continue Reading →
Aim For Even: The Daily Dose 