I believe I have been called on to be a supportive Mother thru a difficult time. My ex husband is still in the Hospital still holding on so we have not given up hope. His Dr said his kidney’s continue to improve a bit but it is like “no one is home”. We believe this was caused by a blood transfusion. However, his medical condition is still very critical and it is really in God’s hands . His partner for 3 years is also in the Hospital and we think she has dementia. She writes on her facebook that she misses him and wonders how he is and where he is . I have volunteered to go to the apartment on Saturday and go thru his belongings. The other family has already done so. The property manager would like this done by end of month. Yes the situation is very complicated, thus I have been quietly coming on the site here and there but not fully wanting to participate right now. Both my adult children are also grieving off and on and unable to talk to their Dad. Thanks for continued thoughts and prayers. Hope everyone is doing well.
Letting go of youthful dreams and expectations
has been a long journey for me . . .
we women
are taught that outer beauty counts,
that romance is love,
and that we will never hold a candle to men.
These falsehoods
were pounded in to most of us since childhood . . .
the ‘romance is love’ thing’
was the most difficult for me to toss away.
And most of my wing spreading
was at the behest of a man
and his own wishes and dreams.
I don’t regret it,
as I have learned so many wonderful
and not so wonderful,
but necessary things.
I am now grateful
that my youthful dreams have died
and been replaced
by grateful acceptance of what is,
with a little left over
to make changes when necessary.
I spread my wings internally now,
and my spirit soars freely within,
unencumbered
by lies, deceit,
and fairy tales.
They are pure,
but not naive,
and show me where there is work to be done.
I am slave to no one,
and actively seeking
to stop being a slave to myself,
meaning those horrible little voices
that judge and belittle.
I make an effort
to tend to that little monkey
and calm down the what if’s and accusations.
Some days it works,
and other days not so much.
The truth is
that ‘some days you eat the bear
and some days
the bear eats you.’
The secret
is to get up each morning
and brush myself off,
preen my feathers
being grateful for a new day
and fresh currents
in which to fly. ♥
The truth is that ‘some days you eat the bear, and some days the bear eats you” Been a spell since I’ve heard that one. Thanks for that reminder, dear Sparrow.
I believe I’m being invited to spread my wings, investigate, explore or otherwise imagine how to live out my faith and spirituality beyond the walls of the church. While I somewhat miss a wonderful worship experience, I am feeling led to reconnect with God personally, in new and different ways. Paradoxically, I miss being connected to the church’s ministries with children or with adult Bible studies. So I am looking for ways to reconnect with those populations in or outside the church community. For clarification – I will always consider myself a person raised and formed by the church. But professional ministry skewed my intentions and the results in many ways, making me tired and somewhat lost. I think the invitation is for something more personal that will lead to another way of living more communally.
I listened to a really wonderful On Being episode, “The Fierce Urgency of Now” with guests Michelle Alexander and Lucas Johnston https://onbeing.org/programs/the-fierce-urgency-of-now-michelle-alexander-and-lucas-johnson/. Michelle is the author of The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. She spoke about the need for a churchlike space, for the community and the calling to do and be better, without organized religion or a deity. She created https://spiritofjustice.org/ in response to this.
From the website:
“Spirit of Justice seeks to create the spiritually-grounded communal spaces our movements desperately need today — places where people can process fear and grief, cultivate courage and hope, develop moral clarity, and sustain themselves for the long haul.
In this moment of converging crises — political, social, and existential — millions of people committed to justice are facing isolation, exhaustion, and a loss of shared meaning, even as the need for courage, resilience, and community has never been greater.
Spirit of Justice exists to meet this moment by building a spiritual home beyond traditional religion — rooted in connection, practice, and the living tradition of revolutionary love.”
Although raised in the church
(my father was a Presbyterian minister),
dear Katrina,
t too
felt compelled to leave organized religion
as I found it stale, hypocritical
and dogmatic.
You can find ways
to connect with the populations you miss,
either through your church,
or with other organizations–
some spiritual,
and some more secular.
Give yourself time
and don’t be afraid to spread your wings . . .
you might be surprised. ♥
I don’t think I’ve ever gotten an invitation to spread my wings. Or maybe I just missed it.
If by “spread your wings” you mean, to take a chance, to follow your dreams, to reach your full potential, then no, I have never received an invitation.
Now, I have had moments of inspiration, where I decided to do something or change course, but I learned early on, that to wait for someone or something to come along and invite me, was never the way to go.
Now, as for spreading my wings, I think that maybe I could be doing some reimagining, some re thinking of how I am living and how I might live. Maybe something simpler. But like I said yesterday (I think), everything has its trade offs. And the balance between imagining something different and learning to be content, is a constant negotiation.
In this world, not too many people have an unlimited smorgasbord of options.
I am being pushed to expand musically. And I definitely could expand my meditation practice. And of course, I could double down on my fitness.
It’s funny, as usual, I struggled with this question, but as I worked my way through it, I found it to be very thought provoking and helpful.
Thanks for the question 🙏😁
Sometimes,
dear Charlie,
consequences
or ‘trade offs’
are well worth the risk.
Baby steps
work just as well
as giant steps.
I think you feel some things brewing . . . ♥
My husband died recently and I am dealing with the grief and loss feelings. My wings are folded in protectively.
I don’t know what my life will look like going forward, so I am taking it a day at a time for now. I have several dear friends who are helping me navigate this painful time.
I hear you, Linda. My husband transitioned 8 months ago. That is a good way to explain the feeling of wanting to be protected. I found being engaged with supportive friends is a blessing. Our journeys will be lighted.
I feel for your grief,
dear Linda . . .
I believe
that this is one of the most difficult transitions
in a person’s life,
and I dread having to face it
if/when it’s my turn.
I can only say
‘honor your grief’
and take your time . . .
your wings
will become restless to unfold
when they
and you
are ready. ♥
I am so sorry, Linda.
In time, with intention, you will emerge out of this tunnel.
I was told this, one time, and I didn’t believe it.
But lo and behold, I emerged into the light again. 🙏
This may sound contradictory but I am pretty sure I am being asked to spread my wings in acceptance of my current physical and emotional limitations. My current situation may not pass and it is foolish to waste time and energy lamenting them. Also found today’s reading from Richard Rohr very helpful. He titled it “Inner Awareness and Acceptance.” Great take on contemplation and the importance of self acceptance. Here’s the link for those who are interested. https://cac.org/daily-meditations/inner-awareness-and-acceptance/
I too,
found Richard Rohr’s meditation today
quite helpful;
dear Carol Ann.
”But if we can connect with the Indwelling Presence, where the “Spirit bears common witness with our spirit” (see Romans 8:16), it can and will change our lives!”
I’ve been practicing this,
but the way he wrote about it
made working with it much clearer,
and I did that this morning.
Right away
I felt hidden shame and self-judgment fall away,
like ‘scales from my eyes’ . . .
the feeling about it
in the particular situation I was contemplating
was profound,
and I believe
that this particular demon
will no longer
come to haunt me.
Thank you so much
for posting it. 🙏
Carol Ann, I have been following his meditations closely especially the last two weeks, and am drawn to trying his leadership in contemplation. I need guidance (maybe I can find some audio or videos from him). I do have one of his books that I’m hoping to use to help. I’m looking forward to it.
Katrina, There are a lot of Richard Rohr videos on youtube.com. Also, his website has several years of his sermons and lots of articles. He has a ton of books and many used copies are available on line at several used book sale sites.
I’m very overwhelmed at work right now so it’s more like a furious flapping to stay aloft than anything else! My wings may need a rest…. And yet I do have opportunities.
I have the prospect of travel for a family gathering months away, not right now, but buying the plane ticket would be a commitment to that future flight. We had so much fun with a big group travel adventure last year to England that we’re doing it again, this year to Montreal and Quebec.
I have improv rehearsal tonight and that’s always freeing. I can enter more fully into creating a character with voice or mannerisms in each skit we try, which I don’t always do.
I’ve signed up for a program that will involve learning and practicing new skills, led by Robert Gilman of the Context Institute. It’s a deep and rich approach and I imagine I’ll have some wing-spreading and stretching throughout. It’s focused on skills and understanding to work toward a more humane and sustainable future. I’m doing the pre-reading now, with the program starting sessions next week. A bit on the approach: https://co-evolving.context.org/p/foundational-keys
During my parenting years, we were encouraged to give our children roots and wings. Now I am more willing to be rooted. I enjoy learning and investigating but give me stability.
Yram, being satisfied with where I am at this point in my life, I’m finding more comfort in being rooted as well despite my desire for variety and adventures.
Life continuously invites me to spread my wings to be the best version of me that I can be. When I return from vacation, I have a project to submit for my studies, putting me one step closer to this certification. I am ready to finish it and see what unfolds.
I went surfing yesterday 🙂 Waves were not great, but I still caught some and reconnected to my inner mermaid🧜🏼♀️☀️
I’m being invited to spread my wings on the Red Letter Ministries community on Discord from Angela. People pray and exchange verses with one another. Angela and I exchange verses all the time. I also come to the mens meeting group on Sundays at 1pm. Brandon Barthrop is the RLM leader. Angela and I have known him since 2018 when we and a few friends stopped by at his house for an RLM session.
To continue my journey of discovery. To continue on with hope that this drought will break and a productive southwest monsoon may bless us. For all life, not just my little patch of ground. The swallows and hummingbirds are back. Today I still have water and there is water in the river. I will irrigate wisely. Agua es Vida. Peace, Love & Light.
I will be spreading my wings by taking stressful events moment by moment treating someone with love, kindness and respect as we make decisions for separate futures. It won’t be any but it’s my goal.
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I believe I have been called on to be a supportive Mother thru a difficult time. My ex husband is still in the Hospital still holding on so we have not given up hope. His Dr said his kidney’s continue to improve a bit but it is like “no one is home”. We believe this was caused by a blood transfusion. However, his medical condition is still very critical and it is really in God’s hands . His partner for 3 years is also in the Hospital and we think she has dementia. She writes on her facebook that she misses him and wonders how he is and where he is . I have volunteered to go to the apartment on Saturday and go thru his belongings. The other family has already done so. The property manager would like this done by end of month. Yes the situation is very complicated, thus I have been quietly coming on the site here and there but not fully wanting to participate right now. Both my adult children are also grieving off and on and unable to talk to their Dad. Thanks for continued thoughts and prayers. Hope everyone is doing well.
Thank you all. My ex husband passed away in his sleep last night. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers I really appreciate 💕
🙏🏻🤗🩷
🙏🏼
my thoughts and prayers are with you and your children as you navigate this difficult time.
I’m sorry,
dear Robin Ann,
that you have this challenge before you,
and hold you and your family
close to my heart
with love . . . .
sparrow ♥
🙏
Letting go of youthful dreams and expectations
has been a long journey for me . . .
we women
are taught that outer beauty counts,
that romance is love,
and that we will never hold a candle to men.
These falsehoods
were pounded in to most of us since childhood . . .
the ‘romance is love’ thing’
was the most difficult for me to toss away.
And most of my wing spreading
was at the behest of a man
and his own wishes and dreams.
I don’t regret it,
as I have learned so many wonderful
and not so wonderful,
but necessary things.
I am now grateful
that my youthful dreams have died
and been replaced
by grateful acceptance of what is,
with a little left over
to make changes when necessary.
I spread my wings internally now,
and my spirit soars freely within,
unencumbered
by lies, deceit,
and fairy tales.
They are pure,
but not naive,
and show me where there is work to be done.
I am slave to no one,
and actively seeking
to stop being a slave to myself,
meaning those horrible little voices
that judge and belittle.
I make an effort
to tend to that little monkey
and calm down the what if’s and accusations.
Some days it works,
and other days not so much.
The truth is
that ‘some days you eat the bear
and some days
the bear eats you.’
The secret
is to get up each morning
and brush myself off,
preen my feathers
being grateful for a new day
and fresh currents
in which to fly. ♥
The truth is that ‘some days you eat the bear, and some days the bear eats you” Been a spell since I’ve heard that one. Thanks for that reminder, dear Sparrow.
I thank Joan Armatrading
for that,
dear Joseph. 🙂
With trust.
I believe I’m being invited to spread my wings, investigate, explore or otherwise imagine how to live out my faith and spirituality beyond the walls of the church. While I somewhat miss a wonderful worship experience, I am feeling led to reconnect with God personally, in new and different ways. Paradoxically, I miss being connected to the church’s ministries with children or with adult Bible studies. So I am looking for ways to reconnect with those populations in or outside the church community. For clarification – I will always consider myself a person raised and formed by the church. But professional ministry skewed my intentions and the results in many ways, making me tired and somewhat lost. I think the invitation is for something more personal that will lead to another way of living more communally.
I listened to a really wonderful On Being episode, “The Fierce Urgency of Now” with guests Michelle Alexander and Lucas Johnston https://onbeing.org/programs/the-fierce-urgency-of-now-michelle-alexander-and-lucas-johnson/. Michelle is the author of The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. She spoke about the need for a churchlike space, for the community and the calling to do and be better, without organized religion or a deity. She created https://spiritofjustice.org/ in response to this.
From the website:
“Spirit of Justice seeks to create the spiritually-grounded communal spaces our movements desperately need today — places where people can process fear and grief, cultivate courage and hope, develop moral clarity, and sustain themselves for the long haul.
In this moment of converging crises — political, social, and existential — millions of people committed to justice are facing isolation, exhaustion, and a loss of shared meaning, even as the need for courage, resilience, and community has never been greater.
Spirit of Justice exists to meet this moment by building a spiritual home beyond traditional religion — rooted in connection, practice, and the living tradition of revolutionary love.”
Although raised in the church
(my father was a Presbyterian minister),
dear Katrina,
t too
felt compelled to leave organized religion
as I found it stale, hypocritical
and dogmatic.
You can find ways
to connect with the populations you miss,
either through your church,
or with other organizations–
some spiritual,
and some more secular.
Give yourself time
and don’t be afraid to spread your wings . . .
you might be surprised. ♥
I don’t think I’ve ever gotten an invitation to spread my wings. Or maybe I just missed it.
If by “spread your wings” you mean, to take a chance, to follow your dreams, to reach your full potential, then no, I have never received an invitation.
Now, I have had moments of inspiration, where I decided to do something or change course, but I learned early on, that to wait for someone or something to come along and invite me, was never the way to go.
Now, as for spreading my wings, I think that maybe I could be doing some reimagining, some re thinking of how I am living and how I might live. Maybe something simpler. But like I said yesterday (I think), everything has its trade offs. And the balance between imagining something different and learning to be content, is a constant negotiation.
In this world, not too many people have an unlimited smorgasbord of options.
I am being pushed to expand musically. And I definitely could expand my meditation practice. And of course, I could double down on my fitness.
It’s funny, as usual, I struggled with this question, but as I worked my way through it, I found it to be very thought provoking and helpful.
Thanks for the question 🙏😁
Namaste, Charlie. Thank you for the reflection.
Sometimes,
dear Charlie,
consequences
or ‘trade offs’
are well worth the risk.
Baby steps
work just as well
as giant steps.
I think you feel some things brewing . . . ♥
My husband died recently and I am dealing with the grief and loss feelings. My wings are folded in protectively.
I don’t know what my life will look like going forward, so I am taking it a day at a time for now. I have several dear friends who are helping me navigate this painful time.
I hear you, Linda. My husband transitioned 8 months ago. That is a good way to explain the feeling of wanting to be protected. I found being engaged with supportive friends is a blessing. Our journeys will be lighted.
💗
❤️
I feel for your grief,
dear Linda . . .
I believe
that this is one of the most difficult transitions
in a person’s life,
and I dread having to face it
if/when it’s my turn.
I can only say
‘honor your grief’
and take your time . . .
your wings
will become restless to unfold
when they
and you
are ready. ♥
May you be blessed in this time of grief and mourning. What good friends you have.
I am so sorry, Linda.
In time, with intention, you will emerge out of this tunnel.
I was told this, one time, and I didn’t believe it.
But lo and behold, I emerged into the light again. 🙏
This may sound contradictory but I am pretty sure I am being asked to spread my wings in acceptance of my current physical and emotional limitations. My current situation may not pass and it is foolish to waste time and energy lamenting them. Also found today’s reading from Richard Rohr very helpful. He titled it “Inner Awareness and Acceptance.” Great take on contemplation and the importance of self acceptance. Here’s the link for those who are interested. https://cac.org/daily-meditations/inner-awareness-and-acceptance/
Thank you that contemplative read Carol Ann.
I too,
found Richard Rohr’s meditation today
quite helpful;
dear Carol Ann.
”But if we can connect with the Indwelling Presence, where the “Spirit bears common witness with our spirit” (see Romans 8:16), it can and will change our lives!”
I’ve been practicing this,
but the way he wrote about it
made working with it much clearer,
and I did that this morning.
Right away
I felt hidden shame and self-judgment fall away,
like ‘scales from my eyes’ . . .
the feeling about it
in the particular situation I was contemplating
was profound,
and I believe
that this particular demon
will no longer
come to haunt me.
Thank you so much
for posting it. 🙏
Glad it was helpful to you, Sparrow. It was also very helpful to me.
♥
Carol Ann, I have been following his meditations closely especially the last two weeks, and am drawn to trying his leadership in contemplation. I need guidance (maybe I can find some audio or videos from him). I do have one of his books that I’m hoping to use to help. I’m looking forward to it.
Katrina, There are a lot of Richard Rohr videos on youtube.com. Also, his website has several years of his sermons and lots of articles. He has a ton of books and many used copies are available on line at several used book sale sites.
Thank you for this, Carol Ann.
I found this helpful. 🙏
You are most welcome, Charlie.
I’m very overwhelmed at work right now so it’s more like a furious flapping to stay aloft than anything else! My wings may need a rest…. And yet I do have opportunities.
I have the prospect of travel for a family gathering months away, not right now, but buying the plane ticket would be a commitment to that future flight. We had so much fun with a big group travel adventure last year to England that we’re doing it again, this year to Montreal and Quebec.
I have improv rehearsal tonight and that’s always freeing. I can enter more fully into creating a character with voice or mannerisms in each skit we try, which I don’t always do.
I’ve signed up for a program that will involve learning and practicing new skills, led by Robert Gilman of the Context Institute. It’s a deep and rich approach and I imagine I’ll have some wing-spreading and stretching throughout. It’s focused on skills and understanding to work toward a more humane and sustainable future. I’m doing the pre-reading now, with the program starting sessions next week. A bit on the approach: https://co-evolving.context.org/p/foundational-keys
You
are changing the world,
dear Barb! ♥
Sounds fulfilling!
During my parenting years, we were encouraged to give our children roots and wings. Now I am more willing to be rooted. I enjoy learning and investigating but give me stability.
I too,
have some of that going on,
dear Yram . . .
happy with hearth and home. ♥
I hear you. It’s obvious that you are rooted in love from your postings here. I think your wings are still pretty strong.
Yram, being satisfied with where I am at this point in my life, I’m finding more comfort in being rooted as well despite my desire for variety and adventures.
I am enjoying the early morning hours sipping on my hot coffee with white chocolate raspberry creamer and listening to the peacocks meow loudly.
Today was my Mom’s birthday and she is on my mind. I miss her very much. (Siamese cats, The Beatles, Elvis, card giving – little bit of her to share)
Happy Hump Day everyone 🙂
Thank you everyone 💗
I echo Sparrow, Carol Ann. & PKR, Michele. May you have enough.
May this be a happy day of reflection,
dear Michele,
as you remember a mother
you love very much. ♥
Happy Hump Day to YOU, Michele.
Sending you a hug & love Michele.
🤗🩷
Life continuously invites me to spread my wings to be the best version of me that I can be. When I return from vacation, I have a project to submit for my studies, putting me one step closer to this certification. I am ready to finish it and see what unfolds.
I went surfing yesterday 🙂 Waves were not great, but I still caught some and reconnected to my inner mermaid🧜🏼♀️☀️
🙂
I’m being invited to spread my wings on the Red Letter Ministries community on Discord from Angela. People pray and exchange verses with one another. Angela and I exchange verses all the time. I also come to the mens meeting group on Sundays at 1pm. Brandon Barthrop is the RLM leader. Angela and I have known him since 2018 when we and a few friends stopped by at his house for an RLM session.
Also, thanks for all the kindness yesterday, it was very healing.
To continue my journey of discovery. To continue on with hope that this drought will break and a productive southwest monsoon may bless us. For all life, not just my little patch of ground. The swallows and hummingbirds are back. Today I still have water and there is water in the river. I will irrigate wisely. Agua es Vida. Peace, Love & Light.
. . . and maybe
the sighting of a blue bird
or a feather,
dear Joseph,
inviting you to stretch your heart. ♥
I will be spreading my wings by taking stressful events moment by moment treating someone with love, kindness and respect as we make decisions for separate futures. It won’t be any but it’s my goal.
Deann, In difficult situations, I try to remember that if I do what is best for me, it is usually what is best for the other.