Spiritual Reflections Archives - Page 3 of 3

May Article: Happiness is Light

May 28, 2011 No Comments

For years I have been reluctant to use the word “happy” as a desired value. I think that is because, like love, “happiness” is misrepresented. From my perspective, intellectuals and religious models in my life have emphasized all things profound and responsible. Having been raised within a strict Christian context, being obedient, selfless, ambitious, faithful, responsible and yes, loving were highly valued. But happiness? Not so much. Lately I have been seeing the importance of happiness. And science research is supporting the brain-behavior connections associated with happiness for learning, for creating, and for success. Happiness brightens the way and lightens

Grackles Just Being Grackles

May 11, 2011 No Comments

Nearly every day some seemingly insignificant object or event offers a little life lesson, a spiritual truth or a personal meaning for me. I muse a lot. Today it was the grackles. If you were to say, “You must have too much time on your hands” I would understand. But truthfully, I have always done this. I think it is in my DNA and if you have to blame someone, blame my dad.

Bent Out of Shape

March 29, 2011 No Comments

March’s 2011 Step-by-Step Newsletter article . . . It is not usually pretty nor is it pleasant, but from time to time we have all been “bent out of shape” about something. There simply are moments or even extended periods of time when we are emotionally and/or spiritually bent over or out of shape. Every so often I see someone bent over from arthritis or the after effects of a childhood disease and as they age it increases. I feel for them as it must be difficult not to look up. It reminds me of a biblical story…. The crowds

Weighing In

March 25, 2011 No Comments

Yesterday was cold again and for some reason instead of using my own treadmill or going outside, I decided to go the the fitness center for my work out. In the women’s dressing room there sits a very large set of white scales. So large, in fact, that they called out to me. No one was around so in my stocking feet, I stepped on. It should be noted that the numbers are also huge on these scales, leaving no room for reader error. My reaction? This picture tells it all. Admittedly of late I have noticed my clothes

With Ease or Easy?

March 19, 2011 No Comments

One thing that amazes me is the power of pictures. I hope you enjoy this picture and feel a sense of wonder in being just who you are, where you are. It seems that this is what these turtles are doing at the moment. This photo was taken by my friend who is in the Florida sun! Another thing that constantly amazes me is the power of words. It seems, however, that their meaning and power is truly an individual matter. That brings me to today’s reflection.

Words of Comfort

August 17, 2010 No Comments

From the Voice of An Ancient Shepherd… These days are times of stress, overwhelm, and fatigue for many, many parents. Finding peace and comfort can be difﬁcult. There are so many voices to listen to that tell us how we should think, what we should do, how we should parent etc. in order to be balanced, successful, patient and in control. Who would think to listen to a shepherd’s voice?

Ancient Wisdom for Modern Parents

July 26, 2010 No Comments

Recently, I went for a midday run in a small, scenic park with a mile-long, paved path that circles a fishing pond. It is a peaceful setting. People of all ages and stages in life and health conditions come for exercise, picnics, rest, fishing, and connecting. Like a café, it is the kind of place where certain people who become “regulars” will greet you and readily cheer you on as you doggedly make your laps around the pond. They call out encouraging words like, “You are doing great!” It feels like a safe place. Apparently, human creatures are not the only ones

The Shared Journey

Category: Spiritual Reflections