Have you ever seen those paintings of the nativity scene with Jesus sleeping peacefully in the manger? And the animals looking lovingly on? And there’s just enough light shining from the star of Bethlehem to frame their faces in a halo of light.
It’s bucolic. Peaceful. As the songwriter puts it, heavenly peace. Everyone is glowing. Filled with joy. And yes, peace.
Just as darkness can be shattered by light, light can be shattered by darkness. Bringing your light to others’ darkness is a precious gift you can offer. Even if you’re experiencing some darkness of your own. Why not be that light this holiday season?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
| Subscribe in iTunes | Subscribe in Stitcher | Subscribe via RSSNot long ago, my mother read the book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.” That prompted her to do a major clean-out of the basement. Imagine! 55 years of stuff accumulating for two adults and three children. Well, the children’s stuff hasn’t been accumulating. We cleared ours out several years ago in the last big purge.
But there was still a lot of stuff.
Do you have a dream or idea and haven’t found a way to get started? Maybe you haven’t given yourself permission? Sometimes a tiny action can set us on the path. And that small thing turns into bigger things. And once we get started, we’re unstoppable. Today Samantha Bennett and I talk about permission, sparkly breadcrumbs, 5-minute art, and what it really looks like to be unselfish.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
| Subscribe in iTunes | Subscribe in Stitcher | Subscribe via RSSThe other day I went walking in Gay City State Park, not too far from where I live. I took a trail that I have often walked. It starts at a pond, and then cuts into the woods and crosses several streams. One in particular has a wooden bridge across it, complete with a railing so you don’t fall in.
I stepped to the middle of the bridge and stopped.
These last few months I’ve experienced more stress than I have in a long time. Yet another organization change at work, trying to get a project funded, a rift in a relationship, and election turmoil has driven me to my yoga mat for constructive rest before I go to bed.
And meditation in the mornings.
The offhand comment, “Such a nasty woman!” uttered by Donald Trump triggered social media rants and protests by women all over this country. As I looked at their (and my own) emotional response, I saw a way for us to move forward together with understanding and compassion.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
| Subscribe in iTunes | Subscribe in Stitcher | Subscribe via RSSHave you ever felt as though an inanimate object was cursed? Or jinxed? Like something always goes wrong with that thing?
That’s how I feel about my lawn tractor.
I was afraid to say what I want because it’s impossible. On an autumn walk, I found what I really want when I dared to speak it anyway.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
| Subscribe in iTunes | Subscribe in Stitcher | Subscribe via RSSWhen I was a kid, we used to buy pre-made bread dough. It came in a tube that you popped open by hitting the edge on the counter (at least that’s how we did it). Then you twisted it to open all the way, pulled the dough out, and baked. Only a few minutes later you had crescent rolls, biscuits, or cinnamon buns.
Were they the best ever? No. Were they easy? Yes. And tons of people bought them.
