Lately I have been dragging around a small book of Mary Oliver essays. Pages dog eared.
Parts underlined. Comments scribbled. She calls out the odd contradictions in living while also noticing that we are all connected to each other and to every other thing. That helps me reach past the distance between us and look for the humanity/divine spark in others. It is comforting. Can I ask if anyone has an Advent book/devotional that they would recommend? I need something more mystic than rigid, if that makes any sense.
During the summer between my sophomore and junior years in college, I read the novel "Jane Eyre." It changed my life. Before this, classic literature was something I had to read for school, such as trying to get through "Moby Dick" in high school (a book I was too young to read or appreciate). With "Jane Eyre," I realized the classics can be entertaining, insightful, and challenging in a good way. This book started me on a journey of reading the classics which continues to this day. Of course I didn't love or even like all of them. But many of them have had a profound effect.
Recently, I read "Jane Eyre" for a second time. Even though I hadn't read it for decades, it felt like returning to an old friend. I realized Bronte's work had become a part of me, something I carry with me, like a friendship bracelet a person wears since youth because of its personal significance.
I tell myself a lot, 'it will be ok'. When something unexpected happens, when my life suddenly takes a left turn Albuquerque (I grew up with Bugs Bunny), or when I step out of my comfort zone and try something new.
Thank you for your songs and writing, they have sustained and encouraged me.
Yesterday as I was finishing my latest leg of my book tour, I found myself wanting to ignore speed limits to FINALLY get home. And then I thought of the families I know, and many more beyond them, who have no place to call home.
I've grumbled on this latest trip about my now-downsized little teardrop camper, T3 (3rd in the Tillie the Turtle lineup). It's like living in a tent, though off the ground and protected from the elements.
Touring/traveling forces those tough decisions on what to bring. It also gives me a case of the humbles, as I always forget something vital. But I survive. And I can enjoy the comforts of home...until next week when I'm off again. For a purpose, which keeps me from grumbling too much, and gives me opportunity to listen to your meaningful music which requires no extra space!
I finally got around to experiencing and feeling the Light of this conversation. So many wonderful and wise comments here. I once traveled on business five nights a week and learned to pack very efficiently. One of my fondest memories was staying at the Tall Corn Inn in Shenandoah, Iowa. Cornfields surrounded us on three sides, and our purpose for being there extended through Fall, Winter, and Spring. Everything seemed to slow down in this rural community, and everyone worked together for the common good. There was always "A Light in The Window" somewhere.
"You are home, you have arrived," a phrase I learned as a student of mindfulness. This helps ground me and reminds me that at any moment I can choose to let go of unwanted baggage and return"home." Thank you, Carrie for leading a beautiful retreat in Cincinnati that allowed for so much vulnerability around the struggle between carrying the baggage of our history and laying it down, relaxing the shoulders - letting the broken open heart do her work in us💕
This is what sustains me in times like this: "Grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the Courage to change the things I can; and the Wisdom to know the difference." Reinhold Niebuhr
I just turned 72 and am amazed. For the last ten years I have carried chronic disease and have become more disabled physically. But there is still so much only I can do, and do it I will, with gumption and gusto.
I love these thoughts on guidance and what we carry. My dad often said "To thine own self be true". I take it to mean that once you have pared down your values and reminders to the barest of essentials, it is easier to move ahead and deal with the next challenges. I was always proud of him and his choices, and always wanted "to do him proud". Be kind to our fellow [man], we don't know what burden they carry.
"Is there a phrase you carry and say to yourself for encouragement or grounding or clarity? What is that phrase? What is something you think of as a Light in the Window in your life?"
שמע הו, ישראל ה' אלוהינו ה' אחד
There is a Hebrew prayer that is said often during the day that translates in prayerbooks to “Hear of Israel, The Lord Our God, The Lord is One”. Hebrew is an interesting language. Most official written Hebrew does not include vowels, which are marks under the letters. The line above is the Hebrew for the opening of a longer prayer.
One of my Spiritual teachers on The Path of Sound and Light has explained years ago that the lack of vowels in the written Hebrew lends to other interpretations. Changing one vowel can change the translation to something like this - “To Be One With God, We Must Listen”. This makes sense to those who follow the Path because one major practice is to meditate on the Sound and the Light of God.
Many of my contemporaries are grieving the changes in this country. The news is full of drastic changes planned by the incoming administration. For us, these are not positive changes. They are actually draconian and quite frightening. What can I, as one person, do?
I have written before about holding the space for the Light and the Loving of God (Universe or Spirit) to shine down upon us and to replace the Darkness. This is my start. But God’s timing is not the same as our timing. I find it easy to begin to fear the immediate person. I will not give in to fear since it is the opposite of Love and Loving. To combat the fear, I want to be One with God, so I will go inside and Listen for the word and direction of God. I will look for the Light in the darkness. I will be still and know I am God. Namaste!
This line touched me… and the practice. Sometimes it feels like there is a lot- like peeling an onion of old coats- that once felt necessary- but now are too heavy and cumbersome. Like armor.
The mantra that comes to me through the decades .. “Be still and know” … my cue to leave the chaos and go within
Thank you, thank you, thank you with all my heart. This is a balm and sustenance as we go deep into the darker days, rest and rejuvenate, waiting for the light and the important work ahead.
When a long distance hitchhiker, everything I owned was on my back (and shoulders). When I reached a place where people could safely pull over to pick me up, I would take the pack off and put it behind me. My shoulders were so light at that time that I had no problem lifting my thumb high and smiling.
When I would take trailer and panniers off of my loaded touring bike to ride free for a bit, the bicycle became a rocket ship.
I must remember these things as the weight of current times threatens to push my feet into the muck and ooze. To let go and be free if only for moments at a time, is crucial to my sanity (or return thereto).
Also, Since Almanac of the Soul is out of print (and sells for $1,200 on Amazon). And dince you’ve copied it, why not share a page from it each week with your Sunday or Wednesday post?
Hi Cozad, yes...I mentioned in the post that the book is now out of print and rare to find. And so it has become all more precious to me. I copied the book only for my own personal use since there is no e-book version. But the almanac is full of copyrighted quotes and passages from many authors. It is not ethical to the creators of the almanac or the authors whos works are within the pages. Every now and then I will post quotes....that is considered alright among authors with proper credit of the quote. But I appreciate the creative idea.
Lately I have been dragging around a small book of Mary Oliver essays. Pages dog eared.
Parts underlined. Comments scribbled. She calls out the odd contradictions in living while also noticing that we are all connected to each other and to every other thing. That helps me reach past the distance between us and look for the humanity/divine spark in others. It is comforting. Can I ask if anyone has an Advent book/devotional that they would recommend? I need something more mystic than rigid, if that makes any sense.
Thanks ,I subscribed ,the dark cold season has begun,and your words brin a little light to me
Y'all have a safe , happy end of this year 🐧☮️
*bring
During the summer between my sophomore and junior years in college, I read the novel "Jane Eyre." It changed my life. Before this, classic literature was something I had to read for school, such as trying to get through "Moby Dick" in high school (a book I was too young to read or appreciate). With "Jane Eyre," I realized the classics can be entertaining, insightful, and challenging in a good way. This book started me on a journey of reading the classics which continues to this day. Of course I didn't love or even like all of them. But many of them have had a profound effect.
Recently, I read "Jane Eyre" for a second time. Even though I hadn't read it for decades, it felt like returning to an old friend. I realized Bronte's work had become a part of me, something I carry with me, like a friendship bracelet a person wears since youth because of its personal significance.
I tell myself a lot, 'it will be ok'. When something unexpected happens, when my life suddenly takes a left turn Albuquerque (I grew up with Bugs Bunny), or when I step out of my comfort zone and try something new.
Thank you for your songs and writing, they have sustained and encouraged me.
Yesterday as I was finishing my latest leg of my book tour, I found myself wanting to ignore speed limits to FINALLY get home. And then I thought of the families I know, and many more beyond them, who have no place to call home.
I've grumbled on this latest trip about my now-downsized little teardrop camper, T3 (3rd in the Tillie the Turtle lineup). It's like living in a tent, though off the ground and protected from the elements.
Touring/traveling forces those tough decisions on what to bring. It also gives me a case of the humbles, as I always forget something vital. But I survive. And I can enjoy the comforts of home...until next week when I'm off again. For a purpose, which keeps me from grumbling too much, and gives me opportunity to listen to your meaningful music which requires no extra space!
I finally got around to experiencing and feeling the Light of this conversation. So many wonderful and wise comments here. I once traveled on business five nights a week and learned to pack very efficiently. One of my fondest memories was staying at the Tall Corn Inn in Shenandoah, Iowa. Cornfields surrounded us on three sides, and our purpose for being there extended through Fall, Winter, and Spring. Everything seemed to slow down in this rural community, and everyone worked together for the common good. There was always "A Light in The Window" somewhere.
"You are home, you have arrived," a phrase I learned as a student of mindfulness. This helps ground me and reminds me that at any moment I can choose to let go of unwanted baggage and return"home." Thank you, Carrie for leading a beautiful retreat in Cincinnati that allowed for so much vulnerability around the struggle between carrying the baggage of our history and laying it down, relaxing the shoulders - letting the broken open heart do her work in us💕
This is what sustains me in times like this: "Grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the Courage to change the things I can; and the Wisdom to know the difference." Reinhold Niebuhr
I just turned 72 and am amazed. For the last ten years I have carried chronic disease and have become more disabled physically. But there is still so much only I can do, and do it I will, with gumption and gusto.
I love these thoughts on guidance and what we carry. My dad often said "To thine own self be true". I take it to mean that once you have pared down your values and reminders to the barest of essentials, it is easier to move ahead and deal with the next challenges. I was always proud of him and his choices, and always wanted "to do him proud". Be kind to our fellow [man], we don't know what burden they carry.
"Is there a phrase you carry and say to yourself for encouragement or grounding or clarity? What is that phrase? What is something you think of as a Light in the Window in your life?"
שמע הו, ישראל ה' אלוהינו ה' אחד
There is a Hebrew prayer that is said often during the day that translates in prayerbooks to “Hear of Israel, The Lord Our God, The Lord is One”. Hebrew is an interesting language. Most official written Hebrew does not include vowels, which are marks under the letters. The line above is the Hebrew for the opening of a longer prayer.
One of my Spiritual teachers on The Path of Sound and Light has explained years ago that the lack of vowels in the written Hebrew lends to other interpretations. Changing one vowel can change the translation to something like this - “To Be One With God, We Must Listen”. This makes sense to those who follow the Path because one major practice is to meditate on the Sound and the Light of God.
Many of my contemporaries are grieving the changes in this country. The news is full of drastic changes planned by the incoming administration. For us, these are not positive changes. They are actually draconian and quite frightening. What can I, as one person, do?
I have written before about holding the space for the Light and the Loving of God (Universe or Spirit) to shine down upon us and to replace the Darkness. This is my start. But God’s timing is not the same as our timing. I find it easy to begin to fear the immediate person. I will not give in to fear since it is the opposite of Love and Loving. To combat the fear, I want to be One with God, so I will go inside and Listen for the word and direction of God. I will look for the Light in the darkness. I will be still and know I am God. Namaste!
“The weight we carry can be put down when needed”
This line touched me… and the practice. Sometimes it feels like there is a lot- like peeling an onion of old coats- that once felt necessary- but now are too heavy and cumbersome. Like armor.
The mantra that comes to me through the decades .. “Be still and know” … my cue to leave the chaos and go within
Thank you, thank you, thank you with all my heart. This is a balm and sustenance as we go deep into the darker days, rest and rejuvenate, waiting for the light and the important work ahead.
When a long distance hitchhiker, everything I owned was on my back (and shoulders). When I reached a place where people could safely pull over to pick me up, I would take the pack off and put it behind me. My shoulders were so light at that time that I had no problem lifting my thumb high and smiling.
When I would take trailer and panniers off of my loaded touring bike to ride free for a bit, the bicycle became a rocket ship.
I must remember these things as the weight of current times threatens to push my feet into the muck and ooze. To let go and be free if only for moments at a time, is crucial to my sanity (or return thereto).
Serenity. Courage. Wisdom.
https://jeffastle.substack.com/publish/home
I love this story. thank you Jeff.
"Poetry is sustenance, socks can be washed out in the sink”. That is a *great* line.
Also, Since Almanac of the Soul is out of print (and sells for $1,200 on Amazon). And dince you’ve copied it, why not share a page from it each week with your Sunday or Wednesday post?
Hi Cozad, yes...I mentioned in the post that the book is now out of print and rare to find. And so it has become all more precious to me. I copied the book only for my own personal use since there is no e-book version. But the almanac is full of copyrighted quotes and passages from many authors. It is not ethical to the creators of the almanac or the authors whos works are within the pages. Every now and then I will post quotes....that is considered alright among authors with proper credit of the quote. But I appreciate the creative idea.