This is the time of year when thoughts turn to gifts: giving and receiving. Most of us in the parts of the world where Christianity and/or Judaism have a presence are busy thinking about what we can buy (or, less often, make) as gifts for a list that might range from only one or two …
There are seasons of our life in which it is easy to be thankful, and seasons when it is difficult. However, gratitude – like love – is not really an emotion; it is a practice. We all know them: the people whose life is radiant with gratitude. They shine with blessing, and that blessing is …
I know I have been speaking about this for a week or so, but I am intensely curious about what I hear and see around me. We seem to be on or near a fulcrum of resolution (or panic – I think it can go either way). For some reason, the attacks on Paris have …
In light of the events of the past week (month, year, decade, century), I find myself trying to balance between a self-protective human instinct and a deeply held higher value. It is, perhaps, natural to barricade ourselves and our children in the safest place we can find, close our eyes, put our fingers in our …
On New Year’s Eve 1972, I stood under the Arc de Triomphe near France’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and looked down the Champs Elysees in breathless wonder. I was alone in a city meant for lovers, but all I was aware of (besides the cold) was the light. Every tree along the Champs Elysees …
Samhain is the season of essences, of bones and sinews. Therefore, one of the natural tasks of Samhain is attending to our relationship with our ancestors (the bones and sinews that support our lives), sending our spirit questing deep into our roots, feeling the breadth and flexible strength of our branches. For some of us, …
[Yes — this is a day late. Life happened.] There was a little hiatus in our tidying process during my 21-Day Art Journey and then our week with our daughter and son-in-law in St Paul. In fact, I wondered if the pause would drain the energy and momentum, whether we might just stop part-way …
Welcome to Samhain. In case you missed it, last Wednesday’s Reflection (29 October 2015) invites you to reflect on the past season – and the past year – and contains a ritual farewell to Lughnasadh and a ritual welcome to Samhain. The winter quarter has just begun in the ancient Irish calendar of the northern …