T. S. Eliot has written: The end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” The beginning of a new calendar year, near the beginning of winter also marks the time when the days begin to get longer and […] Read more
Presence beyond Walls
We have spoken recently about being at home to ourselves and to one another. We spoke to of loneliness, its forms and challenges. I hope that this Christmas has not been too difficult for you and that you have had some meaningful contact with those you care about and who […] Read more
The Challenge of Loneliness in a Time of Increased Isolation
It was suggested to me that during this time of increased and prolonged isolation, that words about loneliness and ways to respond to it might be helpful. Certainly nothing can replace physical presence, simply being with someone next to us, for hugs and/or conversation. Yet notes, phone calls, and even […] Read more
The Gift and Flowering of Life
I thought that this week I would look at a story that came to mind, that we have often discussed in class. It’s called The Gift. What brought this story to mind was the reflection on silence and sacred space, as well as some of your responses. That silence, hopefully, […] Read more
Our True Image and Voice
Recently, I shared a few thoughts on the struggle to move towards a sense of our own sacred worth, which often comes up against our tendency to self-rejection. I referred to stories from the New Testament, with a brief reference to the stories of Narcissus and Sleeping Beauty. Many of […] Read more
Sacredness beyond Sorrow
In my thoughts over the past while a few themes have emerged. The most basic and underlying strand running through all I have listened to and read is that there is a sacredness, a value or worth to each and every human being and to all that is, living and […] Read more
Naming and Transforming Experience
In a well known expression, Richard Rohr says that suffering that is not transformed is transmitted. The challenge is to acknowledge our own pain rather than inflict it on others. If we are able to become attuned to our own sacred core, deeper than and not overcome by any sorrow, […] Read more
Reflections on Voice
REFLECTIONS ON VOICE In a three way conversation this past week with Jane, her daughter Amy, who teaches drama, and myself, one of the themes that emerged was that of voice, and I found that many valuable thoughts were expressed. As a result, I thought that this week’s reflection might consider the […] Read more