September 1, 2021 I recently was introduced to the Japanese Buddhist tradition of Wabi-sabi. According to Leonard Koren, “Wabi-sabi is a beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. It is a beauty of things modest and humble. It is a beauty of things unconventional” (Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets, and Philosophers). Wabi-sabi has an ancientContinue reading "The Eyes of Wabi-Sabi"
An Invitation to Peace
August 26, 2021 In his book, The Music of Silence: A Sacred Journey Through the Hours of the Day, Brother David Steindl-Rast recalls the story of attending the ordination of Bernie (Tetsugen) Glassman Roshi as Abbot of the Riverside Zendo in New York. Zen teachers worldwide had gathered to celebrate this solemn ceremony, which wasContinue reading "An Invitation to Peace"
An Invitation to See
August 19, 2021 I recently came across a quotation from John O’Donohue that made me stop. He wrote, “Many of us have made our world so familiar that we do not see it anymore. An interesting question to ask yourself at night is, ‘What did I really see this day?’” What did I really seeContinue reading "An Invitation to See"
God is Love
August 12, 2021 “God is love.” (1 John 4:16) I’m told confession is good for the soul. Let’s find out. Often in my blogs, I comment on how essential it is in this turbulent and angry world to be still, to take a time out, to step back, to watch what we say. However, sometimesContinue reading "God is Love"
Covid-19 Infects Us All
August 3, 2021 The Old Testament of the Bible contains an odd story, among many odd stories: the story of Job. For those not familiar with it, the plot revolves around a bet made between God and Satan in which Satan claims that no one is strong enough to remain faithful to God in theContinue reading "Covid-19 Infects Us All"
“Going” on the Prayer Path
July 26, 2021 Decades later, I still remember a cross-stitched saying in a plain wooden frame that hung on the wall of my family doctor’s office. It read, “The hurrier I go, the behinder I get.” As a child of five or six, I recall being bemused by that quotation. Were hurrier and behinder reallyContinue reading "“Going” on the Prayer Path"
“Looking” on the Prayer Path
July 20, 2021 On the spiritual journey, it helps to remember that we are created to be spiritual beings as well as human doings. Life isn’t all about what we produce. It also involves who we are becoming, and if we believe we are made in the image of Something Bigger than us, of aContinue reading "“Looking” on the Prayer Path"
Stopping on the Prayer Path
As a poet, writer, and spiritual seeker, the description of my blog, Spirit-reflections, reads: “Walking the ancient path and shining the Light with prose, poetry, and prayer.” I believe that we, as spiritual beings, have much to learn from our ancestors who also trusted in something bigger than themselves. If we fail to look back,Continue reading "Stopping on the Prayer Path"
President Biden & Holy Communion
In my early years of ministry, I found myself in a life-changing position for all involved. A teenager and her mother came to me for direction because the single teen (I will call her Beth) was pregnant. Beth had the support of her mother for whatever decision she made, but it was clear that whatContinue reading "President Biden & Holy Communion"
Do All Religions “Suck”?
A couple of days ago, I happened to find myself a lane over and behind a compact car that sported two identical bumper stickers which read: “All Religions Suck.” I guess the driver wanted to make her or his point twice. I wished at that moment that I could have stopped the car and goneContinue reading "Do All Religions “Suck”?"
