We must remember that we, as a human family, share this beautiful, precious Earth home, together. We must remember who we are, where we come from, and where we are going.

There are numerous people who aid humanity simply by doing their small part where they can. They remind us to hold steadfastly onto hope.

In times of great distress or upheaval, it seems that the arts—poetry, music, dance, painting, photography, literature, and so on—offer us profound wisdom for the ages.

A spiritual life, centered in love, means we joyfully engage in the work of caring for this beautiful planet: our Earth home.

… a gentle sunrise or sunset serve to remind me that I am part of something extraordinary on this magnificent planet, our shared Earth home.

We can engage in loving actions to safeguard our forests, our oceans, our wetlands, and our prairies and work to protect all living beings who share our home. In other words, we can be Earth Warriors for this magnificent planet.

“…the world needs our gifts. The world needs our unique voice. The world needs our acts of fierce, unflinching love.”

“But perhaps, if we soften our hearts, we can learn how to be more centered in kindness, forgiveness, and love during our daily human interactions.”

“May your own healing journey bring peaceful moments to your heart this day.”

Take a look at your accomplishment list and give yourself a pat on the back! You did those things despite the challenges.

When life looks gloomy and events drag us down, it helps to remember that change is in the air (even if we can’t immediately see it).

“We desperately need people who are learning how to see the connections between our personal suffering and the suffering of living beings with whom we share this planet.”

“We may not be able to change people or events, but we can take a time out and allow ourselves a few moments of happiness: moments that will sustain us for the journey.”

“And know your power to fight back / Survived the flames”

” …we aren’t much good in the outer world if we haven’t taken the time to heal our wounds and assess what truly makes us happy.”

… learn to turn away from the harmful negatives in your life and, instead, turn toward your healing and your inner peace.

“As we meet big life changes, what do we need to release for our own renewal?”

“…when our physical body passes away, the inner essence of our being simply travels on . . . continuing to help from the other side.”

Life’s difficult trials, perhaps more than at any other time, call upon us to dive deep into our spiritual practices.

Grief may come in waves: sometimes barely discernable, like a light drizzle in the background of our days. Other times, it arrives in a sudden heavy downpour of sadness, anger, regret, or fear.

Do we know how to set healthy boundaries to keep poisonous words and harmful behaviors from entering the sacred space of our lives?

“We may not always see the pivotal cusp of a cultural shift until we are on the other side of it. But make no mistake; we are living into it now.”

Even in the midst of life’s losses and challenges and heartbreak, there is a center of beauty. A center of peace.

“Finding ways to re-center and connect with our hearts during stressful times is crucial, reminding us to breathe.” A video presentation.

I’ve Learned to Listen—
To the trees.
To the child.
To the breeze.

Every generation must face the challenges that arise in their lifetime: situations that test the courage, grit, and moral convictions of our species.

In creating new ways of being, seek out role models for how you want to be in the world.

May we take the time learn so that we do not repeat the hateful mistakes of the past or continue the harm being done to our friends, neighbors, and families in the LGBTQ community.

When we listen, we learn how to help. Collectively, we can then engage in the work that moves us toward a world that never permits the harassment and killing of black lives,

I want to spend my time with people who are working for positive change and who care about the wellbeing of humanity and the planet.

But today, I feel like crying because I want to hug tight the people I love. I want us to make it through this. I want us to do better. To learn from this. To care more. To be more compassionate.

Being open to the unknown can feel scary. Putting ourselves in unfamiliar situations may also cause us to feel nervous. But on the other side of such discomfort and fear are often illuminating learning opportunities.

Love of one another: Such a simple concept in theory. Such an extraordinary leap of faith in practice. There is no more powerful lesson than learning how to gently lean into love.

I release the old to make way for the new. I am open to guidance in all its forms. I fill my heart with peace. I lift my spirit with harmony, light, and love. I embrace the small miraculous gifts of each day.

We will need to see beyond man-made geographic borders, man-made flags, man-made wars, and man-made separations. We will need to expand our ideas of what it means to truly love.

During this holiday season, may our hearts be filled with peace. May our thoughts, words, and actions bring happiness—to ourselves, to others, and to the world. By listening, deeply, with love. 

Rituals give us an opportunity to share the stories of our friends and relatives who have passed. By joining together in community, we add value and meaning to our own lives…

Our inner strength is always there. It is there while we clear the fog of our minds. It is there while we heal the ache of our soul. It is there in the calm as well as in the rumblings of a fierce storm. It is there in the quiet of our heart. It is there in the holding on and in the letting go.

At times, the world’s chaos may feel overpowering, especially when we are facing a stressful life situation. While we cannot always control outside circumstances, there are things we can do for ourselves to lessen our inner turmoil.

When we hear of tragic loss (or experience it ourselves) words are often inadequate to express the depth of our sorrow. Nothing makes it better. When people we dearly love die unexpectedly, there’s no time to mentally or emotionally prepare for their passing.

So much of life and death remains a mystery. We know our time here is limited. We know our loved ones will not live forever. Yet, we forget how to tenderly care for the heart. We forget how to fully live each moment.

What we learn during our brief sojourn on this planet is our greatest source of wisdom. Our capacity for continual expansion lights the way toward healing and toward wholeness. Always, our inner knowing is our strength. Affirm daily: I am loved. I am worthy. I am here for a reason.

Recently, I’ve discovered how beneficial physical movement can be for rejuvenating my personal wellbeing. I don’t mean activities like rushing around on the job or hurrying off to run errands. I mean intentional, mindful body movements that result in feeling better.

When we lose someone we love, there are no simple solutions or ten effortless steps we can follow to “fix” our sorrow (or the sorrow of our friends and family). There are also no magic words or religious gurus—however well intended—that can make everything suddenly better.

We are here on this planet for a reason. Our gifts and our talents are needed, now more than ever. As Gandhi so aptly said, “What you do may seem insignificant, but it is most important that you do it.”

While the intensity of our grief may lessen somewhat with time, our love stays strong, powerful, and constant. Like a full moon shining bright in the night sky, love is the beacon we follow.

There is just that: Joining together with our friends, family, or neighbors. Remembering what matters. Helping one another when times get tough. Making mistakes. Learning. Getting up again the next day. Starting over. Saying thanks to those people who help us along.

What can we do in times of tragic loss? We can continue to light candles, we can pray, we can sing, we can sob, we can dance, we can paint, we can write, we can rebuild, and we can gather our loved ones close. We can listen to our heart’s call.

This holiday season, try to create rituals and ceremonies that celebrate what you hold sacred in your life and in your heart. Be intentional about finding ways to honor your truth. Most importantly, be gentle and be kind – to others, and especially to yourself. 

In ancient times, people gathered around the warmth of the fire to share tales of their ancestors: stories of brave conquests, legendary heroes, and tragic deaths. In the telling are lessons of courage in the face of adversity, hope in the midst of defeat, and enduring love in the face of death.

What I’ve learned from the many people I interviewed is that we don’t “get over” the death of someone we love. We also can’t fix or placate the intense sorrow we feel. Our experiences of loss — like our experiences of joy — become significant strands in the web of our life story.

When we find ourselves on the unfamiliar shores of loss … We can spend however much time we need there, perhaps finding solace beneath the vast night sky, a bight full moon, or the soft glow of the setting sun. We can allow ourselves to feel whatever we feel — no right, no wrong, and no judgment.

In this epic adventure of being human in the world, our mind is a powerful tool: Use it wisely. Plant seeds of love. Plant seeds of resilience. Plant seeds of dreams. Plant seeds of future opportunities. Then, work to water those life-affirming intentions and ideas.

When we offer kindness to a friend or a stranger, when we teach children how to care for the environment, when we seek solutions to problems, when we discover better ways of responding, when we eat healthy foods, when we plant trees in urban areas, and when we act with awareness and compassion, we bring beauty to the world.

Remaining mindful of one or two things a day may be enough: Remembering to say gratitude each morning or each evening. Noticing the sunlight shimmering brightly on the water. Drinking a cup of hot coffee on the porch while watching a squirrel scurry along a limb. Listening to the woodpecker, Blue jay, or mocking bird songs.

As we sit with our sadness, we may decide not to waste time chasing the wrong things. The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow likely no longer appeals to us because we understand the impermanent, fleeting beauty of the rainbow’s hues – knowing such splendor will not last. Knowing it is not meant to be here forever, but nevertheless wanting desperately to grasp each precious moment.

For all who came before and all who follow in our footsteps, we will honor the feminine, eternal, life-giving force of this Universe. And then, women will join together, once again, in the sacred circle dance that is our power and our divine source.

We plant seeds of universal accord when we remember that we are here, as guests, for only a brief while. What makes us truly happy is never that which destroys. Rather, it is the connection to our Source and to our hearts that nourishes a deep, abiding love for humanity, for wildlife, for nature, and for our planet.

We have so much we can teach each other! The skills we will need to develop include: openness, curiosity, nonjudgmental mindsets, and humility.

Our hearts seek comfort from things of beauty. We find solace in metaphors, stories, prayers, and songs. We gain strength from those creative souls who remind us, again and again, why we are here. They show us that we can do this hard thing: We can get up each day, do our work in this world, and stay awake to both our sorrow and our joy.

Inner calm is mighty. It is the courage to get up each day despite hardships. It is the willingness to bear witness to loss, anguish, betrayal, death, and destruction. It is the capacity to hear the silence of children who speak volumes with their eyes. It is the ability to cry when tears are needed and the ability to laugh when human folly presents itself. It is the determination to hold fast to a vision that serves our earth home.

As in nature, human life continues its on-going cycles, with seasons of births as well as seasons of death. All the while, the creative, life-giving force of our great-great grandmothers flows powerfully within each of us—bestowing upon us strength, confidence, and courage. American poet May Sarton reminds us, “We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be.”

The heart’s tug is a reminder of what’s truly important and lasting: Kindness. Love. Compassion. Healing. Our inner knowing helps us see with clarity: This planet is our earth home. Land, water, trees, and sky are worthy. Future generations are worthy. We are worthy.

Our heart will let us know what is being asked of us. Maybe at its source our anger is actually fear: fear that our loved ones are at risk, fear that we are not enough, fear that we are powerless, or fear that we cannot solve our current problems. Fear wears many masks. Mindfulness practices may also reveal the deep love or sadness hidden beneath our anger.

Ultimately, we empower our children by listening to them. We empower them by encouraging their passions. We empower them by loving them. And as difficult as it can be, we empower them by setting them free.

One piece of my mosaic is this blog. It is a simple thing. It is also a part of me that I share with you. Whatever your work in this world, don’t give up. Valuable fragments often come from ordinary, daily pursuits. No one can duplicate or replace your piece in this life.

Despite a culture that seems to thrive on mental and physical busyness, I believe most of us desire just the opposite. We would prefer more peaceful moments in our lives and less drama. We desire happiness, both for ourselves and for others. We want a meaningful life and work that matters, but without it taking an unnecessary toll on our health or negatively impacting those we love.

Nature serves as a wonderful reminder of the world’s on-going renewal. Plants die away, brown leaves crumble and fall to the ground, and the sky casts a heavy, forlorn grey over a winter landscape. But soon, spring rains turn hard dry clay to mud and tiny green shoots reappear with the warmth of the sun. If nature teaches us anything, it is the possibilities for continual rejuvenation.

Today, we understand that we are the mothers of children everywhere. We perceive holiness in the eyes of every newborn child. We resolve that reverence for all living beings is a necessary virtue for any leader. We insist on the protection of our animal friends who freely roam this planet. We decree love for our brothers and sisters calling across the winds for kindness, respect, tolerance, and compassion. We proclaim world peace. And we remember that the universal principle of our religious and spiritual practices must be love.

Slowing down and mindfully breathing are useful skills regardless of the activity. We can practice them when we have arguments with a spouse, concerns about a teenager’s behavior, or disputes in our place of work or worship. We can practice them when we feel frightened about a family member who is ill or when we are devastated by the death of someone we love. Maybe life’s on-going lesson is: Slow down. Breathe. Ask for help. Don’t panic. Stay afloat the best we can. Keep learning. And when we falter, remember it’s okay. We can try again.

How do we achieve these goals? One way is to begin working together. We can honor our cultural, ethnic, religious, gender, and race differences while also embracing our commonalities. We can try to understand that the real enemies are ignorance, greed, fear, hate, and prejudice. We can refuse to follow any leader who promotes hate. We can joyfully decline to be governed by fear. We can embrace our power to make a difference.

Once we let go of our excessive mental clutter, we create more heart space. We can then fill our lives with the qualities we wish to embody: Compassion. Patience. Kindness. Forgiveness. Gentleness. Laughter. Joy. Gratitude. These are the gifts we can give to ourselves—and to those we love. These are the gifts that allow us to bring the Holiday Spirit to life.

Your presence here is a gift. Listen to your heart. Listen to the wind. Listen to the birds. Listen to the soft whispers of Spirit. See the world through the eyes of a small child: with wonder, awe, and excitement.

The movie (starring George Clooney and Britt Robertson) explores the question of whether the planet can be saved from what ails it (violence, environmental destruction, wars, etc.). After much mayhem, a search ensues for the earth’s dreamers. Dreamers are needed because they haven’t given up. “They’re the future.”

Sometimes, after a long, hard journey, wonderful surprises appear just around the bend. This turn in events may not be the way we thought things would (or should) work out—and certainly won’t take us back in time. Nevertheless, it’s possible the life waiting for us is deeper, richer, and more fulfilling than we ever imagined it could be.

“The years are short. It all goes by in a blink. Mindful attention is helpful for fully appreciating each fleeting moment. Extreme loss brings a greater awareness of impermanence. Sometimes the mishaps are the things we remember later with laughter. Sometimes the mistakes are what change the course of our lives.”

When we sit for an hour beneath a tree, I believe we can go deeper in our lives. We can ask questions that matter. We can hear the answers we need.

Don’t worry about building a monument to yourself and your accomplishments, it’ll be built anyway; first and foremost, give joy to the people around you, love deeply, be honest, be upright, be worthy of admiration, devote yourself to being a force of good in a world that all too often feels indifferent to the very concept of goodness.

Living a fearless life does not mean we are devoid of doubts. It does not mean we are never afraid. It also does not mean we don’t make mistakes. Fearless living from a boundless heart simply means we are motivated by love. So much so, that when we are frightened, or even if our own safety is threatened, we act on what we know to be deeper truths. We gain courage as we go and trust that Spirit will show us the way.

Home > Blog Index > Embracing the New Emerging You Embracing the New Emerging You “Open yourself to heaven and earth, then trust your natural responses; and everything will fall into place.”  —Lao Tzu “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, Begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it, Begin it now.” [...]

Many of us occasionally find ourselves overwhelmed with job demands, caring for aging parents, raising children, paying bills, dealing with health issues, or facing significant losses. During such challenges, serenity may seem like a far-off, distant planet. We know tranquility exists, but we don’t actually believe it’s feasible to visit (let alone live in) a place so alien to our current worldview. In turbulent life circumstances, we might doubt that inner peace is even possible.

March is National Women’s History Month, and March 8 is International Women’s Day. This month presents a wonderful opportunity to explore our religious hierarchies, language usage, and teachings, along with the global treatment of women and girls. It’s also an excellent time to inquire how we might become more inclusive and respectful of the myriad roles held by women in our society. Our mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, wives, and grandmothers inhabit sacred space with us on this earth home. How would the lives of these extraordinary women change if we honored the Holy Mother?

Life lived from the heart is full of surprises. Often, such a life is not strictly linear, logical, or practical. Instead, it takes risks. It follows passions. It circles back in memory and moves forward in action. It refuses to simply stagnate and then die. A life of the heart continually expands and grows, experiencing moments of both intense joy and extreme suffering.

For many of us, the beginning of the New Year often starts in a similar way. We have a lot of enthusiasm and new, exciting goals for our life. We want to be healthier, happier, more peaceful, and more content. We want our relationship, job, family, and community experiences to be fulfilling. We want work that is meaningful, and we want our earth home to be treated with care and reverence—providing nourishment and splendor for all.

Our cultural, race, religious, gender, and ethnic differences are not the enemies. The real enemies are: ignorance, greed, hate, fear, and prejudice. Alice Walker says, “I think we have to own the fears that we have of each other, and then, in some practical way, some daily way, figure out how to see people differently than the way we were brought up to.”

Home > Blog Index > The Long Journey To Now The Long Journey To Now This month I'm posting on the Spirit and Place Festival blog. Here's a bit of the post, and a link to the rest. "Nothing is more precious than being in the present moment. Fully alive, fully aware." --Thích Nhat Hanh [...]

People who are doing their best to get up, go out, and face the world each morning—despite loss—are engaging in tremendous acts of courage. Courage is not the mighty sword that slays an enemy. Real courage is being honest and completely vulnerable.

Married in June, Johnna and Tay Tidwell are young newlyweds—though their wedding didn’t happen exactly the way they envisioned. When they became engaged, their original plan was to wed in Canada, where same-sex marriages are legal. The wedding plans changed when an Indiana federal judge struck down the ban on same-sex marriages on June 25, 2014. Johnna and Tay married the next day at the clerk’s office, shortly before a judicial stay halted any further marriage licenses for same-sex couples in Indiana

Forgiveness isn’t easy to write about or to practice in our lives. When the church community I loved broke apart (not once but twice) over disputes regarding two different ministers, the issue of forgiveness was raised by those who opted to leave. I wasn’t able to tackle the topic then. Even now, two years later, I find forgiveness an unsettling area of discussion. I can’t point to one simple solution or easy fix, especially when no one admits fault or wrongdoing yet many people feel deeply hurt.

Children easily say, “I love you”—to people, horses, dogs, cats, trees, and hamsters. If they fall and get bruised, they keep going. Rather than teaching our children, perhaps we can spend some time, today, learning what children most want us to know: How to be happy, in this moment.

Storms—physical and emotional—can bring pain and suffering (and are fundamentally disturbing because they bring CHANGE). Yet, storms can also bring necessary growth and unexpected gifts, along with many blessings.

We are birthing a new world . . . because that is what women do. We birth ideas, children, and a vision of what may be.

That insight hit me as I was standing near friends and the House voted to delete one sentence banning civil unions from the proposed amendment. It was an important partial victory for those in attendance. The next thing that happened surprised me. A close friend began sobbing, a body-racking, heart-felt release welling up and pouring out from a place deep within.

We all have to do the work of honoring and healing the vulnerable, tender places in our hearts. But the good news is that as we do so, more space inside opens up. And that is the space to fill with moments that bring you alive and fill you with joy.

While honoring and celebrating the birth of Jesus, some people also thoughtfully reflect upon the message of a man whose life was taken because he spoke out publically for those who were suffering. His message remains one of love. For others, the Solstice celebrations, Hanukkah traditions, and arrival of a New Year bring enormous gratitude for all the gifts received throughout the year, as well as thoughtful decisions on how to be of service to those who are less fortunate.

Peaceful moments are here. We may need to make small daily choices to seek them out. But when we do, it’s like walking through a gate. On the other side of all the mental churning and emotional upheaval, there is a place you can go for a moment of respite. That calm space is available to you whenever you need it, because it is within.

When you strip away all the nonsense of political affiliations, religion, money, skin color, etcetera, we are all humans. Just human beings with personal struggles trying to find our way in a world full of poisons flying at us from all fronts. So who am I to discriminate? I hope to never forget where I came from. My mission became free organic food for anyone who wants it. We feel grateful and so fortunate to be able to help improve the health of people in our community. We grow enough for everyone.

It does not matter if you are young or old. It does not matter if your ethnic heritage is unfamiliar to me. It does not matter if your political beliefs surprise or confuse me. If you need love, we will show you that we care for you. Our earth home, with magnificent trees, flowing waters, birds, animals, sun, wind, and sky, is the gift that we share—in harmony, in peace, in compassion, and in love.

There’s nothing wrong with comfort and security. There’s also nothing wrong with pursuing passions and dreams—despite fears. Comfort and security can come in the form of confidence that if you fail, you are capable of getting up and trying again. Comfort and security can come from faith that Spirit will see you through. Comfort and security can come from friends who encourage you to put your gifts out in the world. The real risk is not losing comfort and security. The real risk is not trying at all.

How do we raise issues of injustice and prejudice, while remaining respectful and loving toward those who are of a different race, class, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation? How do we live so that at the end of the day, we feel good in our hearts about our actions? Are we brave enough to stand by those who are treated unfairly, when it is not easy to do so?

What brings you that awe-inspiring universal connection to something greater than yourself? What makes you truly happy? What passion helps you feel most fully alive? Where do you find Spirit? Doing what you love doesn’t require tangible worldly results that are only measured in numbers. It’s difficult to define or measure intangibles like compassion, joy, mindfulness, happiness, and love. But if you come alive, then that is enough.

Our lives are worthy, not because of what we do. And certainly not because of what we own, where we live, or how we look. Each of our personal stories—regardless of the details—is sacred. They are sacred because we are spiritual beings.

As Marge Piercy once shared in a poetry workshop that took place right after 9/11, art is how we give shape and meaning to our lives. Sharing our stories (and other creative expressions) is also how we connect with one another.

There are people struggling with the ills of poverty, outlandishly expensive (but necessary) medical procedures, destruction of beautiful, natural environments, and all the challenges and loss that life brings to each of us. There are also millions of people joining together to find new solutions to age-old problems. In Buddhism we are taught, “Do not turn away from suffering. Learn to see others through the eyes of compassion. Create a better future for our children.”

For me, taking some time for self-care, quietly breathing, and doing something that nourishes the soul allows space for inner calm to surface. Gratitude also helps. Whatever negative thing may be gnawing at your serenity, find one thing in your life for which you can say “thank you.” My gratitude today is for my circle of friends. When times get tough and the night seems long, they are like Carrie Newcomer’s Three Women song, “Here’s to the women who bind the wounds tight … And here’s to the strength in women, holding hands.”

Home > Blog Index > A Vision for Our Planet A Vision for Our Planet “We must teach our children a new way, in order to ensure that future generations will experience the beauty and abundance the Creator has given to us.” —Grandmothers Counsel the World, by Carol Schaefer Close your eyes and take a [...]

If a woman, of any race, feels called to follow a life of God, then maybe she will be the next Pope, Buddha, Prophet, or Messiah . . . as she lovingly tends to all in her care and gently nurtures Mother Earth. Arundhati Roy, author of The God of Small Things, says, “Another world is not only possible, she is on her way! On a quiet day, if you listen carefully, you can hear her breathing.”

“Who are your role models? Whose life do you admire? Who reminds you to stay strong when you feel discouraged or feel like giving up? Who models the values and life choices that inspire you to be your absolute best self? Who helps you have the courage to voice your deepest desires and heartfelt dreams?”

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we sent an outpouring of love to our LGBTQ youth? What if each one of us took five minutes to write a note to the youth at IYG to let them know how much they are loved? And if so moved, we could also include a check to show our care and support. Can you imagine how amazing it would feel opening all those letters and knowing that your community loved you—more than you knew? Perhaps one such small act will save a life at risk.

Listen closely, quietly. Place your hand over your heart. Can you feel your heart beating? Here is what the heart knows: Music, laughter, family, love, dancing.

Wouldn’t it be a wonderful gift this holiday season to invite someone to a meal or celebration—only with the intention of wanting to better understand that person’s religious or spiritual practices? Or maybe you could share your beliefs with someone outside your traditional religious or spiritual group…

Luckily, I’ve had more than one person remind me that raising my daughters is a spiritual journey—and certainly contributes to the world. I don’t need to climb a mountain or live with monks. I need to do the best I can with the people I love. In fact, most spiritual leaders remind us to look within for that which we seek and to put it into practice in our daily lives. It isn’t always easy. Yet, it can be the most important work we do.

Perhaps in 2013 we can find ways to bring peace into our lives and create more peace in the larger world community. To do so, we might have to examine our emotional triggers. We may have to understand the conflict and anger within ourselves. We might need to listen to the suffering we have caused others. We may have to share our own sources of suffering. “Practicing nonviolence is first of all to become nonviolence. … This applies to problems of the family as well as to problems of society.”

In problem solving, I meditate and ask for spiritual guidance. To increase my knowledge, I seek out people who can teach me ways to live so that I can make
better choices. In my writing, I voice my support for government and industry leaders who employ alternative, lasting, and positive solutions that safeguard this
beautiful and abundant planet: our home.

Yet, if you can find your calm center, with Spirit, you discover strength within—even during raging storms. That inner strength will guide you. It might mean asking for help from your friends. It might mean that you keep going, despite hardships, knowing more will be revealed. It might mean setting down your own anger, sorrows, or fears.

Reflecting back over the years, I find myself feeling tremendous gratitude for all the teachers who helped shape my daughter’s life. She’s had access to books, art supplies, science fairs, math competitions, Spanish instructions, history lessons, outreach projects, and, more importantly, a vibrant educational community. Throughout her time in Indiana public schools, I have been overwhelmingly impressed by the dedication, skill, and quality of the teachers she has been fortunate to experience. Under their tutelage, guidance, and care, she has thrived.

At a recent event, Jill Bolte Taylor (author, Stroke of Insight), Sandy Sasso (Rabbi), and Carrie Newcomer (folk singer), shared their stories. They joined the stage in an effort to build community and embark on a public discourse regarding the human spirit. They asked, “What do we want our world to be?” and “How do we love the stranger, not just our neighbor?” and “If not now, when?” They spoke of embracing cultural, religious, political, gender, ethnic, and racial differences. How do we do so? We can start by telling our stories. We can listen to the stories of others. We can recognize the collective whole.

Today, I am going to set aside my list of worries and fears. I am going to slow down, breathe, and delight in this day. I am going to devote today to imagining: What do I want for my life? What do I want for my family? What do I want for Mother Earth and her creatures? What is my vision for a better world?

If we look back to the work of Jesus, in his time, women were the victims of disparate and cruel treatment. Individuals who were poor and individuals who suffered illnesses fared no better in those social structures. Jesus stood up for those who were oppressed. During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950’s and 1960’s, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke out for the freedom (and legal rights) of all people. Gandhi likewise spoke for the imperative right to equality for all who were considered outcasts. These men risked their lives on behalf of others . . . in service to justice and fairness. God does not discriminate is the message they carried. God is love.

If we want to see peace, then we have to learn inner peace. If we want to see love, then we have to give it. If we are in a position of influence (musicians, singers, actors, political leaders, parents, religious leaders, teachers), then we have to show our youth that we are practicing what we preach: that drinking, drugs, self-interest, greed, exploitation, hate, and violence are never the answer to our problems. We must live out our spirituality by actively demonstrating an all-inclusive love, expansion of heart and soul, care of the earth and all her creatures, and world peace: that’s the message.

My heart longs for a soul filled with dancing, light, drumming, music, and joy. My heart longs to believe that the Universe is miraculous and beautiful and that we just have to be still a moment to see it.

What I am learning is that tolerance is key to building healthy human relationships. We have to practice understanding, compassion, and gratitude for the vast diversity that exists in this world.

For me, when I have felt that intense tug on my heart, I’ve heard an Eagle’s whistle. It gets my attention and says, “Turn this way, follow this path, and offer what you can for this person.” There is no mistaking the call.

While we are in the womb, all our needs are met. When we live in harmony with nature, Mother Earth provides for us. The roots of the trees and deep flowing waters are her womb. When you are unsure or have questions, ask her to teach you.

Great change requires . . . Courage, Practice, and Patience. And you are the only one who can do the work inside your soul. You don’t have to change anyone else. Change yourself–that is enough.

Staying loving and compassionate does not mean you can’t set healthy boundaries and walk away from people who are destructive. It means you remain loving and compassionate toward yourself, and you remain compassionate toward others who are suffering or who have caused you harm.

What is your vision for: Your personal growth? Your workplace? Your relationship with your spouse or life partner? Your relationship with family members? Your community organizations? The planet?

We can learn from the past and seek answers for what we might do differently in the future. We can ask: “How do we prevent destructive cycles of fear and violence? How do we create peaceful resolutions for conflicts? How do we find peace within?”

People can be complex. We misunderstand one another. We disagree. We argue with our spouses, neighbors, romantic partners, children, co-workers, and relatives and then feel disappointed that the world is not more peaceful.

When we gently care for ourselves, we begin to care for the planet and all that we love. The spectacular beauty of nature is no different than the magnificence of our own spirits. But to better recognize the splendor both in and around us, we must feed our spirits with loving-kindness.

For me, the answer is to let in light and love. It is my spiritual commitment to slow down, breathe, meditate, walk in nature, and read inspiring materials. I want to take to heart the lessons I am trying to learn–even on those days when whispers of kindness, love, laughter, and patience are not easy to hear.

Sometimes on a spiritual journey, similar to a marriage or during parenthood, hard work is required. We mess up. We make mistakes. We keep learning. We keep growing. We do the best we can, today. We are works in progress.

If two adults love each other and are committed to the relationship and are of sound mind, they should be able to marry. Gender, skin color, ethnic background, and religious beliefs are not reasons to make the marriage unlawful. To discriminate in our laws is wrong.

… there are paths we follow not visible to the human eye. We can tell when we’re on the right path and we can tell when we’re off—but it is felt deep inside. Our heart tells us, “Yes, this feels right. This thought, action, word, or choice brings peace, comfort, and healing.”

It takes courage to speak honestly when your opinion may not be welcomed. It takes courage to keep going after a loss or disappointment. It takes courage to leave a bad relationship and move forward into the unknown.

What if our spiritual practices changed so that women’s periods became a holy time, a time for respite and reflection? What if each month that sacred life-giving force was treated with reverence? What would we teach our daughters? What would we teach our sons? How might men treat the women in their lives if women’s bodies were honored?

When we pray for our loved ones, do we include our animal friends? What about the sky? How might our religious and spiritual practices change if we pray for the rivers and lakes? Do we show reverence for the ground we walk upon? Do we consider the earth sacred?

We allow an opening for Spirit. It’s as though we finally reach that place where we say, “Ok, I’ve tried my way, it’s not working. I’m ready now to let go and listen.” The answer to our prayer may not be the one we wanted. It may be something totally different.

Our deepest wounds are the places that most need the light of healing. Don’t ignore the painful places—they contain gifts. Ask how you might put that pain and those gifts to use. Maybe the gift is compassion, healing, forgiveness, understanding, learning, sharing, spiritual depth, or creative outpourings?

If you could have anything in your life today, what would it be? What about keeping the door open for good things to enter, even if you do not yet know what those things might be?

We are like leaves on a tree: different colors, different shapes, and different branches that extend in various directions. We have different religions and languages. But we are all connected. We share the same planet. We share the same sky, the same need for food and water, and the same need for love and compassion.

Looking deeper at issues is hard work. It requires questioning old patterns, going beyond judgments, and aligning with inner guidance.