A memorial service was held on Sunday for my dear friend, Beverly M. I had been with her almost daily for the remaining weeks of her life, and when I couldn't pay a visit, I called. Letting go was difficult for her. And me too. She was 82 and had lived life as an adventure. Her travels took her all over the world, from China to Russia and all the countries of Europe too. Greece was one of her favorite locations, but Paris was a favored destination too, perhaps because of her interest in art. Besides being a nurse, she was an accomplished artist. M[...]
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Circle of Family and Friends – You and Your Personal Community
0 It's been two weeks since my last post. That surprises me. It's my intention to write weekly and then I lose track of time. It's for sure that my life is busy but I don't consider any thing more important than staying in contact with friends and supporters who read this blog or follow me on facebook. My work is all about being present to others in many ways. The blog post is one of those ways and I'm sorry when I have failed to say "hello" and share a message. I have been busier than usual of late working on a new book. The writing process feeds my[...]
I read a passage in a book this morning that suggested we should seek undisturbed tranquility. I have been thinking about that passage on and off all morning. For certain, I desire undisturbed tranquility. Don't you? The book went on to say that seeking to know the peace of God in each moment was the path to this undisturbed tranquility. What that means to me is remembering to remember God's presence, moment by moment. When my mind is focused there, nothing ruffles my tranquility. Why is tranquility even important? Perhaps it's not to every one bu[...]
Circle of Family and Friends - You and Your Personal Community, What I Believe - You and Your Higher Power
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Being available to the needs of others as well as my own. . .
I spoke in my last post about my own recent struggle with remembering that my "work here" is to fulfill God's will, which is really quite simple: it's to show up lovingly in the lives of others, knowing without question that that is where we have been called to be. And secondly, that God will direct our efforts. He will also be in charge of the outcome. Letting go of the outcome is perhaps our biggest challenge some days. Because I am a frequent meeting-goer, I have the opportunity to serve in the capacity of sponsor for many women in both AA and Al-Anon.[...]
Yesterday, at about 6PM, my friend Cate left this world for the next. She was surrounded by friends, literally. They circled her bed and read the Epilogue of a Course in Miracles to her, recited the Lord's Prayer and held hands as she took her final breath. The epilogue states that the hovering angels are close at hand and that we will never be without comfort. Cate loved "the course." And she particularly loved the epilogue that follows the 365 workbook lessons. Sending her "home" with those words softly touching her ears is a sweet image for those of u[...]
This topic has been the substance of much of my work over the past few years, both in the books I have written and in the workshops I have presented. (Please see my website:www.womens-spirituality.com or check out Amazon titles) I never get tired of it as a topic. Perhaps that's because talking about it strengthens my own commitment to living, or at least trying to live, the peaceful life every day. I know all too well how easily one can get derailed. It has happened to me far too many times, and during the holidays, it can happen even more easily to people[...]
Many of my friends dread this time of year. Holidays were painful in many families, for sure. I've talked about this topic in the past, both the bright side of the holidays as well as the painful side, I know; but I feel called in my work to talk about changing one's attitude and I think this particular holiday is one that can serve as an opportunity for thousands, even millions of people to look with fresh eyes and an open heart at the meaning beneath the glitz of the season. I'm convinced that the holidays, which ever one you celebrate, are a way to conne[...]
Circle of Family and Friends - You and Your Personal Community, Karen's Musings, What I Believe - You and Your Higher Power
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Thanksgiving is just around the corner. . .
I am so glad we are approaching the holiday season. I know not everyone is. Many of my friends dread it because it brings up bad memories. I have a lot of lousy memories from my past too but none of them cling to the revelry my family enjoyed around the holidays. Perhaps we put aside our differences, our myriad reasons for arguing about every topic that normally triggered us, and just absorbed, for a few weeks, the magic that the holiday season promised. We didn't have a lot of extra money as a family but we did have rituals that I treasured and they bega[...]
My husband and I just returned to our winter residence in Florida. Each time we have made this trek south, I have done so with mixed feelings. I love MN. I feel very attached to both family and friends there. I got sober there. Met my husband there. My sponsor is there. But now I am here. For 21 years we have moved between the two locations. It's not that the move is fraught with problems. Not at all. It's just that until I get reconnected on this end, I am like a fish out of water. Slightly depressed. A bit lost. Not entirely comfortable[...]
I just returned from a four day visit with my siblings. My two older sisters and I joined my brother and his wife in Phoenix. It was perfect in every way. There was a time in my life when I would not have relished a visit such as this, primarily because there were areas of disagreement between us. My own ego used to look for reasons to be combative or judgmental or both. I was certain that my opinions about every thing were the right ones. If you disagreed, I was quick to point out how wrong you were. My family caught the brunt of my poor attitu[...]