Guest Post by Gloria Lionz
I love surprising friends with random gifts. I keep an eye out for small, spiral bound journals for one dear friend who has a daily spiritual practice of recording dreams and insights. They’re her “golden ticket” to self-reflection, growth and joy.
Gifts show up when they show up. Poems do the same.
Guest Post by Riley Carson
Poets and singers have written about the theme of the need to make love real by giving it away. Perhaps this is especially true for unconditional or spiritual love. For love can be so much more when it is not restricted to a private, individual experience, but something that enhances our connections and relationships with others. Keeping love contained within oneself diminishes its transformative potential.
By freely giving love, we allow it to circulate and grow, rather than restricting it. The more love is shared, the more real and meaningful it becomes in our lives and communities.
Guest Post by Sammie Thompson
It was January 17, 2023. Having enjoyed a lovely holiday visit with family in the midwest, I was now fully loaded with supplies and a AAA well-planned route to Austin, Texas. My destination was to attend another Clergy Retreat because the previous year’s event had been so spiritually enlightening and uplifting. The Trip Tik had information about interesting stops en route and I had extra days to allow for some exploring and smelling roses on the way.
By Michael Avery (featuring Sharon Sheppard, an animal communicator)
Shadow’s Gift
I sometimes sing HU to the feral cat at the river where we feed jays and squirrels. Shadow, featured in the image above, loves attention as much as she loves the food people bring for her. I befriended Shadow more than ten years ago, when she was first abandoned, and fed her each morning while working at the water treatment plant adjacent to the park. Winters are especially difficult for Shadow. I grew to admire her survival skills and strength of will. She has been an inspirational teacher.
By Michael Avery
“In Lak’ech Ala K’in,” often shortened to “In Lak’ech,” is a greeting derived from the Mayan philosophy of unity and the interconnectedness of all things. The phrase translates to “I am you, and you are me,” or “You are a reflection of myself.” Often the right hand is placed over the heart at this exchange.
Guest Post by Gloria Lionz
October 2024 was my 19th wedding anniversary. Eight anniversaries have come and gone since my spouse was able to celebrate it with me. Alzheimer’s changed our lives. This year was the first time since he was diagnosed with the disease that I decided to mark the occasion by dining out. It felt like it was “time” to openly share our love. My sister graciously agreed to accompany me and help create some new memories.
Guest Post by Dennis Ernst
& Song by Michael Avery
Walking or hiking in nature has been my passion for many years. I learned early on that it was one of the healthiest things a person can do to improve health and well being. It doesn’t matter what your beliefs are, everyone can recognize and relate to the beauty of nature and feel uplifted by it.
While hiking in or near the Navajo Reservation, I became aware of one of their fundamental beliefs—”the Beauty Way”. Here are some words from a tribal elder:
Guest Post by Jim Jackson
Tuesday afternoon, August 10th, 2021: The Kaiser hospice bereavement coordinator brought me a new list with the names of people, the bereaved, who had lost a loved one six months ago while on Kaiser hospice. My volunteer job is to phone them, sort of interview them, and determine if any would need and be interested in help from our excellent bereavement counselors. I’ve learned that divine timing plays a role in this.
By Michael Avery
“When changes come, remember I am here. You are not alone.
Now be at peace, my child, and know that I take care of all my own.”
Guest Post by Dennis Ernst
The seasons of my life were passing quickly and I found myself late in fall. Days, like leaves blown from their tree, let go and followed the wind as it gusted and swirled into the future. Gone was the healthy image I had embodied, and the robust outdoorsman I once was had become a shadow of the past.
In the present moment, I had become a well-grayed senior with an unsteady gait, rambling along. Even the cool morning air seemed different now. As I scanned the surroundings, I noticed that things were changing fast.
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