surfing despair
When I lived in North Carolina, a tree fell on my neighbor’s car. He was upset and hired some guys to cut down many of the tall pine trees on his property. I cowered in the house that day, cringing at the sound of the chainsaws and the toppling trees. It felt like...
balancing patience and courage in these times
This month I am considering two kind promises: “I will surrender patiently” and “I will advocate courageously.” They work together to help me discern a middle way. Once again, I return to the serenity prayer: “grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot...
You can change your mind
My mind is my biggest playground. Since I am quadriplegic, there’s not much I can change about my body, how it works (or doesn’t), or what it does. My body slips like an otter into the pool of “things I cannot change.” I am left with mind and spirit as potential...
How (and why) to be more playful
When we are in difficult times such as this one of pandemic and social turmoil, it’s easy to think that we should take everything very seriously. That’s not always the case. The National Institute for Play believes that play can dramatically transform our personal...
the seven steps of reinvention
This month’s kind promise is “I will reinvent whimsically.” This promise makes me smile and brings me a lift of energy. Just what I need in these pandemic-influenced times. Disability is the mother of invention. Illness means my body works differently than most bodies...
This holy moment
Lately I’ve been thinking about ways to recognize the preciousness – the holiness – of each moment. At first, I considered words like “consecrate” and “sanctify.” They suggest that the choice comes from me. Instead, I want to acknowledge the sacredness of all that...
How can our lives become more compassionate and creative – even in the face of difficulty? How can we connect with the sacred? I explore these questions by practicing the kind promises, report my wrangling here and in my monthly newsletter.
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