My grandmother
was born and grew up in western Pennsylvania
to a family of coal miners . . .
although her beginnings were humble
she was raised with a sense of dignity and courage
with brothers and sisters
who were slowly picked off by diphtheria,
until there were only three siblings left.
She never lost her love and appreciation of life
and of the dear brother and sister who remained.
My grandmother played like a normal child of her time,
running free in the countryside . . .
she and her sister
often played with the younger brother,
Louis,
and teased him
by running away and leaving him alone to find his way home.
After one of these games,
she mourned the loss of one of her brother’s fingers,
as he had tripped on the railroad tracks trying to catch up with the girls,
and stayed still
while a train ran over him,
severing one of his fingers,
but she recovered,
as did he.
No resentment.
No harm done.
As a young wife,
she found and cut down
her next door neighbor,
also a young wife
who found life too hard to bear
and hanged herself in her kitchen.
My grandmother
was the strongest, kindest woman I have ever known . . .
I have no idea how she captured the heart of my grandfather,
who was a gruff, stalwart German atheist,
but she did.
I have regrets
about not keeping in touch with her
after I grew up and left home,
but I’ve always remembered her with a deep love,
and have tried to live by her example
of kindness and forbearance.
She is the one who taught me to be courageous,
even though I haven’t always followed her ideals.
It is because of her
I have purpose in my life today,
and the courage to stand up for what is right
I no longer apologize for who I am,
and I’m better at finding my backbone,
to venture out into the world,
strong in what I believe in . . .
I hope I can do her justice
by the time I am asked to leave this place.
Thank you dear Sparrow. I was close to my maternal Grandpa and Grandma. My mother died when I was four. My father, after he remarried found a place about 15 miles west of theirs. I am grateful he kept us connected to our DNA. Frank and Lela Mae (Cope) Warren made it out west from Tennessee with 5 children, and had two on the way, during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. It took em a while to get to California. Grandpa had a truck farm and a produce stand. Grandma put up lots of vegetables, jams and fruit. Might be one reason I am lucky to have my lifestyle.
Ah,
dear Joseph . . .
I can feel your love for your Grandpa and Grandma . . .
I too,
am grateful
that your father kept you connected.
What a hard, but lovely life they had
and could share some of it with you,
where it certainly lives on
with love . . . ♥
I’m responding midday, when I’ve already had one challenging conversation and have another one coming up later. Purpose and courage definitely both needed to address a challenging work situation with a recurring pattern of behavior from a specific individual. Good to have those words in mind now.
I needed to bring daylight to the pattern, identify the issue, and explain how I’ll respond if it continues, in a meeting with their supervisor. That was to prepare for a second meeting the person will be in along with their supervisor and my direct report who’s also encountering this. Goal is to move toward a collaborative, cooperative relationship that doesn’t tear down trust. Circumstances have outrun some of the specific details for the triggering event so we’ll talk about those, then hope to have time to work on the relationship and communication pieces. My direct report knows that I have their back going in and we’re as prepared as we can be.
I love James Baldwin.
I’m not sure why, but everything he says, resonates with me.
We couldn’t be two more different people, yet, his words ring so clear and true.
As for the question, well, I guess I could set an intention. An intention to be clear and understood.
An intention to be clearly on the side of justice and empathy. Also, the intention to be kind and understanding to myself.
Charlie, I’m with you on clarrity and understanding. It requires patience and being upfront. Fortunately, I have the former down, because with my executive mind, the long game is already my strength. Being upfront is where I need to work on. The backdoor is corruptive. Corruption holds us back from receiving enthusiasm.
Purpose: set my intention for the day, and revisit it. Courage: I’ve got a difficult emotional task ahead, and a scary physical task. Courage will come with patience and self-compassion.
First, let me say thank you to all for your uplifting messages. I think the key word in today’s question is “respond.” James Baldwin’s quote (“Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”) reminds me that “What is IS.” And that I need to respond not react to it. We have a relationship with everything that happens to us. I do not want to react with fear. I want to respond with love. Instead of fight, flee or freeze. I hope to face, feel and heal. It’s very challenging because it requires vulnerability. I guess the best way to define my purpose is to say I wish to grow.
I’m just reading about your fall. Definitely scary. I hope you are recovering and able to get around. Sending some warm and healing thoughts your way. 💛
I have a lot of classwork on my to-do list, and it often causes me to feel overwhelmed. I learned recently that positive self-talk can help. Instead of telling myself that I need to finish a task, I say that I want to finish it. This plants a sense of courage for what I want to do today, rather than focusing on what I must get done! I want to share my thoughts on the class discussion board by tonight. Happy Wednesday, everyone! 🌸
Wisdom, dear NGOC. Beautiful definition of the difference between responding and reacting. Makes me think of the Christian hymn “Be Not Afraid.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oSiX1WKg4w
Today I drive 8 hours to my hometown to conduct a memorial service for the husband of a lifetime friend. The service is tomorrow. That is my purpose and it will take some courage as the roads are not so good (still icy); the drive is long and boring (I will be listening to books while paying attention to the roads); and the family is extensive and large. It takes patience, courage and a sense of purpose to make this both a mission of my “trade” as well as an act of service and friendship for a loved one. I am grateful for the opportunity.
Safe travels…I agree with Sparrow. Take blankets, water, first aid items and some food/snacks. Who knows, you might meet a needy person on your way. I also like to listen to uplifting music when I travel alone. May you be an instrument of love and peace to your friends.
Today, I will speak hard truths if the opportunity arises. Speaking the truth is part of my fabric. Yet, I know I have chosen silence over truth to keep the peace. No more. I will use my communication skills to the best of my ability to engage in a way, people might be able to hear, when my truth differs from theirs.☮️
Mary Mantei, fear of confrontation is quite common. Even I’m not someone who likes to ruffle up feathers or see someone close to me, especially, have their feelings hurt. There are times where we must get past that in order for relationships to grow. Funny enough, when the going gets tough, it’s the truth-tellers who actually have our backs the most.
I have learned more than enough on backstage politics from AI metta interactions, especially when it comes to the modern NBA and charms. Now, the next step is to take that into my life with my circles of real people. This question is very fitting for me. As for today which I’ve been steadily doing more of over the last week or 2 especially is to move closer and trust my root people.
As far as the big picture goes, I just have to make sure that I’m honest, keep it simple, and get straight to the point. I’m just a part-time piano performer so I don’t have the responsibility to think and balance out my words carefully on what I’m saying is true, kind, easy to hear… As the old saying goes, one cannot make wolf out of sheep or sheep out of wolf. I, however, do appreciate Barb’s advice, because it’s real and comes from her experiences working directly and indirectly with many people from all walks of life. In that case, one must pick and choose their words carefully. Enthusiasm is something I can learn from Barb.
Returning home. I remember a bible verse on how our sheep hear our voice. With a smaller and narrower circle, it’s easier to keep it simple, be more directive, and get straight to the point. There’s nothing to lose there. The people closer to us are much likelier to forgive us. It’s why in more traditional household settings, insults were more common. Parents can lash out at the kids one minute. A few minutes later, they can ask the kids sweetly “Honey, would you like to have some rice and cabbage soup for lunch today? I know it’s your favorite dish.”
Most importantly, my lead-by-example and direct communication style is generally received well by my circle of family members and some close friends.
My purpose in life right now is to share joy and healing with yoga, so I hope that is exactly what I will bring as I go and teach two classes this morning. I’m not so sure about the courage part of this question. I suppose it takes courage to share the words I do when I’m in class, and courage to teach, but I’m in a pretty good rhythm even if there is always room to grow.
Thank you for this shift in perspective on courage. My teaching is definitely of the heart. In fact, I call myself a heart-centered teacher. Classes went well, and I think they appreciated my theme of the week – community 💜
Patti, There is nothing more real than a relationship. Life is all about the communities we build as well as the relationship we have with ourselves. I’m glad your classes went well! Sending a big hug your way.
I’m learning to be OK with if the question of the day doesn’t resonate with me as strongly. Some days it does some days it doesn’t. I can definitely respond with purpose today. I’m open to the possibility of being courageous. I’m grateful that it will be a fairly non-eventful day if things go well. I can say I want to work on compassion and gentleness today. Maybe it’s taking courage to dial myself down. To be a little more gentle than my natural temperament.
With presence and laughter. There will be hint of sadness and grief for our world here on earth, with a good dose of loving kindness. Peace, Love & Light.
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My grandmother
was born and grew up in western Pennsylvania
to a family of coal miners . . .
although her beginnings were humble
she was raised with a sense of dignity and courage
with brothers and sisters
who were slowly picked off by diphtheria,
until there were only three siblings left.
She never lost her love and appreciation of life
and of the dear brother and sister who remained.
My grandmother played like a normal child of her time,
running free in the countryside . . .
she and her sister
often played with the younger brother,
Louis,
and teased him
by running away and leaving him alone to find his way home.
After one of these games,
she mourned the loss of one of her brother’s fingers,
as he had tripped on the railroad tracks trying to catch up with the girls,
and stayed still
while a train ran over him,
severing one of his fingers,
but she recovered,
as did he.
No resentment.
No harm done.
As a young wife,
she found and cut down
her next door neighbor,
also a young wife
who found life too hard to bear
and hanged herself in her kitchen.
My grandmother
was the strongest, kindest woman I have ever known . . .
I have no idea how she captured the heart of my grandfather,
who was a gruff, stalwart German atheist,
but she did.
I have regrets
about not keeping in touch with her
after I grew up and left home,
but I’ve always remembered her with a deep love,
and have tried to live by her example
of kindness and forbearance.
She is the one who taught me to be courageous,
even though I haven’t always followed her ideals.
It is because of her
I have purpose in my life today,
and the courage to stand up for what is right
I no longer apologize for who I am,
and I’m better at finding my backbone,
to venture out into the world,
strong in what I believe in . . .
I hope I can do her justice
by the time I am asked to leave this place.
Thank you for your story about your grandmom – made me think about both of mine whom are missed dearly. 💗
I think,
dear Michele,
that we don’t fully realize the gifts of our grandparents
until they are gone from us. ♥
Thank you for sharing your grandmother with us. I believe you are doing her plenty of justice 💜
I hope so,
dear SunnyPatti . . .
thank you for the vote of confidence. ♥
Thank you dear Sparrow. I was close to my maternal Grandpa and Grandma. My mother died when I was four. My father, after he remarried found a place about 15 miles west of theirs. I am grateful he kept us connected to our DNA. Frank and Lela Mae (Cope) Warren made it out west from Tennessee with 5 children, and had two on the way, during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. It took em a while to get to California. Grandpa had a truck farm and a produce stand. Grandma put up lots of vegetables, jams and fruit. Might be one reason I am lucky to have my lifestyle.
Ah,
dear Joseph . . .
I can feel your love for your Grandpa and Grandma . . .
I too,
am grateful
that your father kept you connected.
What a hard, but lovely life they had
and could share some of it with you,
where it certainly lives on
with love . . . ♥
I’m responding midday, when I’ve already had one challenging conversation and have another one coming up later. Purpose and courage definitely both needed to address a challenging work situation with a recurring pattern of behavior from a specific individual. Good to have those words in mind now.
I needed to bring daylight to the pattern, identify the issue, and explain how I’ll respond if it continues, in a meeting with their supervisor. That was to prepare for a second meeting the person will be in along with their supervisor and my direct report who’s also encountering this. Goal is to move toward a collaborative, cooperative relationship that doesn’t tear down trust. Circumstances have outrun some of the specific details for the triggering event so we’ll talk about those, then hope to have time to work on the relationship and communication pieces. My direct report knows that I have their back going in and we’re as prepared as we can be.
I hope it went well, Barb.
It sounds,
dear Barb,
like you have a delicate and difficult situation ahead of you today . . .
I wish you strength and courage. ♥
As I breath in, I receive peace.
As I breath out, I release what is not mine to carry.
That’s beautiful,
dear Richard.
Thank you . . . ♥
By showing up.
Being present.
Sowing seeds of love & peace as I go out & about today with a smile on my face. 😊
🕊️♥️
I love James Baldwin.
I’m not sure why, but everything he says, resonates with me.
We couldn’t be two more different people, yet, his words ring so clear and true.
As for the question, well, I guess I could set an intention. An intention to be clear and understood.
An intention to be clearly on the side of justice and empathy. Also, the intention to be kind and understanding to myself.
I believe,
dear Charlie,
that James Baldwin
was a great man . . .
your heart is in good company. ♥
Charlie, I’m with you on clarrity and understanding. It requires patience and being upfront. Fortunately, I have the former down, because with my executive mind, the long game is already my strength. Being upfront is where I need to work on. The backdoor is corruptive. Corruption holds us back from receiving enthusiasm.
Purpose: set my intention for the day, and revisit it. Courage: I’ve got a difficult emotional task ahead, and a scary physical task. Courage will come with patience and self-compassion.
First, let me say thank you to all for your uplifting messages. I think the key word in today’s question is “respond.” James Baldwin’s quote (“Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”) reminds me that “What is IS.” And that I need to respond not react to it. We have a relationship with everything that happens to us. I do not want to react with fear. I want to respond with love. Instead of fight, flee or freeze. I hope to face, feel and heal. It’s very challenging because it requires vulnerability. I guess the best way to define my purpose is to say I wish to grow.
You are growing,
dear Carol Ann . . .
your fall
was just another lesson in your Practice
and will make you stronger. ♥
I deeply appreciate your wisdom here, Carol Ann. Thank you.♥️
Carol Ann, I just read about your fall too, after reading Charlie’s note. You must be facing, feeling, and healing big things. Sending love to you.
Drea, I’m improving each day.
I’m just reading about your fall. Definitely scary. I hope you are recovering and able to get around. Sending some warm and healing thoughts your way. 💛
Thank you Charlie…I’m improving each day.
I have a lot of classwork on my to-do list, and it often causes me to feel overwhelmed. I learned recently that positive self-talk can help. Instead of telling myself that I need to finish a task, I say that I want to finish it. This plants a sense of courage for what I want to do today, rather than focusing on what I must get done! I want to share my thoughts on the class discussion board by tonight. Happy Wednesday, everyone! 🌸
Oh, I like this. Thank you, Ngoc! It reminds me of the shift from “Why is this happening TO me?” to “Why is this happening FOR me?”
My Ngoc, I love that technique. It makes responsibility feel more enjoyable and reduces overwhelm at least.
Wisdom, dear NGOC. Beautiful definition of the difference between responding and reacting. Makes me think of the Christian hymn “Be Not Afraid.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oSiX1WKg4w
Today I drive 8 hours to my hometown to conduct a memorial service for the husband of a lifetime friend. The service is tomorrow. That is my purpose and it will take some courage as the roads are not so good (still icy); the drive is long and boring (I will be listening to books while paying attention to the roads); and the family is extensive and large. It takes patience, courage and a sense of purpose to make this both a mission of my “trade” as well as an act of service and friendship for a loved one. I am grateful for the opportunity.
You are being a true loyal friend to your lifetime friend. I am sorry for your loss. Safe travels too.
May you be safe and well 🙏🏼
May the wind be at your back, Katrina.
Safe travels, Katrina.
Dear Katrina, prayers for you as you travel today. May you arrive safely to your destination. Blessings. 🙏🏻♥️✨🙏🏻
Safe travels…I agree with Sparrow. Take blankets, water, first aid items and some food/snacks. Who knows, you might meet a needy person on your way. I also like to listen to uplifting music when I travel alone. May you be an instrument of love and peace to your friends.
Carry a blanket or two with you,
dear Katrina . . .
the road is long
and probably cold.
Blessings for what you are doing for your friend. ♥
Today, I will speak hard truths if the opportunity arises. Speaking the truth is part of my fabric. Yet, I know I have chosen silence over truth to keep the peace. No more. I will use my communication skills to the best of my ability to engage in a way, people might be able to hear, when my truth differs from theirs.☮️
I hear you, Mary Mantei.
Thank you for the support, Carol Ann. You make me feel stronger in my resolve.♥️
Mary Mantei, fear of confrontation is quite common. Even I’m not someone who likes to ruffle up feathers or see someone close to me, especially, have their feelings hurt. There are times where we must get past that in order for relationships to grow. Funny enough, when the going gets tough, it’s the truth-tellers who actually have our backs the most.
Thank you Loc Tran.♥️
I have learned more than enough on backstage politics from AI metta interactions, especially when it comes to the modern NBA and charms. Now, the next step is to take that into my life with my circles of real people. This question is very fitting for me. As for today which I’ve been steadily doing more of over the last week or 2 especially is to move closer and trust my root people.
As far as the big picture goes, I just have to make sure that I’m honest, keep it simple, and get straight to the point. I’m just a part-time piano performer so I don’t have the responsibility to think and balance out my words carefully on what I’m saying is true, kind, easy to hear… As the old saying goes, one cannot make wolf out of sheep or sheep out of wolf. I, however, do appreciate Barb’s advice, because it’s real and comes from her experiences working directly and indirectly with many people from all walks of life. In that case, one must pick and choose their words carefully. Enthusiasm is something I can learn from Barb.
Returning home. I remember a bible verse on how our sheep hear our voice. With a smaller and narrower circle, it’s easier to keep it simple, be more directive, and get straight to the point. There’s nothing to lose there. The people closer to us are much likelier to forgive us. It’s why in more traditional household settings, insults were more common. Parents can lash out at the kids one minute. A few minutes later, they can ask the kids sweetly “Honey, would you like to have some rice and cabbage soup for lunch today? I know it’s your favorite dish.”
Most importantly, my lead-by-example and direct communication style is generally received well by my circle of family members and some close friends.
My purpose in life right now is to share joy and healing with yoga, so I hope that is exactly what I will bring as I go and teach two classes this morning. I’m not so sure about the courage part of this question. I suppose it takes courage to share the words I do when I’m in class, and courage to teach, but I’m in a pretty good rhythm even if there is always room to grow.
Patti, I suggest you just think of courage as “of the heart.” It is obvious that your commitment to teaching Yoga os “of the heart.”
Thank you for this shift in perspective on courage. My teaching is definitely of the heart. In fact, I call myself a heart-centered teacher. Classes went well, and I think they appreciated my theme of the week – community 💜
Patti, There is nothing more real than a relationship. Life is all about the communities we build as well as the relationship we have with ourselves. I’m glad your classes went well! Sending a big hug your way.
I’m learning to be OK with if the question of the day doesn’t resonate with me as strongly. Some days it does some days it doesn’t. I can definitely respond with purpose today. I’m open to the possibility of being courageous. I’m grateful that it will be a fairly non-eventful day if things go well. I can say I want to work on compassion and gentleness today. Maybe it’s taking courage to dial myself down. To be a little more gentle than my natural temperament.
I can respond to life with purpose and courage today with presence.
this made me smile – https://nationaltoday.com/national-daisy-day/ 🌼
Michele, I’m chuckling because I have a book that is titled, “For Every Pile of S!?t that Comes My Way, I Shall Make a Daisy Grow.”
I could feel my eyes relax into a smile,
dear Michele,
when I looked at the picture of daisies . . . 🙂
Thank you.
With presence and laughter. There will be hint of sadness and grief for our world here on earth, with a good dose of loving kindness. Peace, Love & Light.
Laughter is so important, thank you for the reminder. I laugh most nights watching funny videos.