Guest Post by Riley Carson
When we lend a helping hand
That’s how we know
That caring really matters
And it’s how we grow
Riley Carson
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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.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
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:
Reading Time: 3 minutes
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.
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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.”
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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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Guest Post by Riley Carson
“Beyond the veil,
we’re more than we see.
Life is the journey,
death but a dream.”
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Guest Post by RJ McBride
The story behind this entry goes back to 1985 when I was living on Orcas Island in Washington State. I had the honor of meeting and talking with Richard Bach, author of Jonathan Livingston Seagull.
Our conversation centered around my desire to become a published author and his devastating experiences with literary agents. His famous book was also rejected by eighteen publishers before being accepted.
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Guest Post by Nigel Bell
The Seeker stood before a serene ocean of loving energy. Quiet wonder filled his heart as he absorbed the majesty of his surroundings. “Release yourself from yourself,” the Master whispered.
He pointed toward the vast endless ocean shimmering wildly before his eyes, like dancing atoms. “Let this nameless world of knowing be your cloak of consciousness,” he advised, as they both took in the vast Ocean of Life.
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By Michael Avery
“It is possible to live twenty-four hours a day in a state of love.
Every movement, every glance, every thought, and every word
can be infused with love.” —Thich Nhat Hanh
This song was inspired by the Thich Nhat Hanh quote above and by Pichaya, who often reminds me that the present moment is all we have. She also subscribes to the philosophy of living fully each moment with love and appreciation.
“Moments Like These” is her favorite song of mine to date. I’ve dedicated it to her. Please enjoy.