Pearls of Reflection

image

Kindness: An Antidote to Cruelty and Violence

As I packed for a pilgrimage to Ireland and Scotland, I was apprehensive about how the local people would welcome us Americans. Our president certainly hasn’t helped our international reputation. I decided...
beach-1850248_1280

Joy Break

There’s so much heartbreak in these devastating political times. I wanted to participate in one of the “Hands Off” demonstrations earlier this month. Instead, I was healing my own heart by taking a spring...
water-lily-2403598_1280

Who Am I Really?

Who am I? What does my driver’s license say: gender, eye and hair color, height and weight? (How honest is the latter?) How do I present myself? What do I wear? (This one’s easy – no one has...
crayons-1445053_1280

A Meditation Retreat

The teacher said, “Feel joy as you breathe in. Feel peace as you breathe out.” Really? I’m struggling with this walking meditation in the dark Gothic chapel. I long to be outside in the light. Besides,...
crocus-3232367_1280

This Season. This Time.

“To every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3-1 A time to listen deeply and a time to raise one’s voice;A time to shop locally and a time...
light-bulb-1867166_1280

Trusting in the Light: The Same Light

As I enter this new year I want to trust in the Light the same Light that dwells deep inside every person and living being. I get distracted by all the loud and negative voices that disregard the dignity...
nativity-6876676_1280

Start Small

Start small with a tiny baby an old carpenter and a wide-eyed teenager. Add a weary donkey an inquisitive cow and some wandering shepherds with their smelly sheep. Place a bright angel in the scene as...
PXL_20241121_144931662

We're all in this Together

I’ve never considered myself an evangelist, but I find myself wanting to shout from my sixth floor condominium: Try a hot sauna and a cold plunge! There’s this little truck that comes to a Chicago area...
mother oak

After Letting Go

I feel sadfor Mother Oaklooking so thinafter shedding all those leaves.Surely she’s grievingafter so much loss. Standing tallshe winks at me,and says,“There’s freedomin letting go.” My breathing slowsand...
PXL_20241110_180846855

Some Post-election Questions

As I bike the Chicago lakefront path, I notice the black, gray, and white clouds swirling over the pale orange horizon. A few patches of bright blue sky are also emerging. I stop to gaze at this spectacular...
1 2 3 5