inside out

 “Try saying this silently to everyone and everything you see for thirty days: “I wish you happiness now and whatever will bring happiness to you in the future.” If we said it to the sky, we would have to stop polluting; if we said it when we see ponds and lakes and streams, we would have to stop using them as garbage dumps and sewers; if we said it to small children, we would have to stop abusing them;…if we said it to people, we would have to stop stoking the fires of enmity around us. Beauty and human warmth would take root in us like a clear, hot June day. We would change.”        Joan Chittister:

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We are transformed

By Sacred work at the center of our being

There is re-construction going on

Deep down, in that place where the Sacred dwells

Change happens at the level of the heart

It moves to that place where we form our values and attitudes

And then oozes it way to the surface,

Being made evident by what we say, and how we act

There is a journey inward,

And then a journey outward

We can aid that process

We can seek to open our soul to Sacred Presence

Through mediation, prayer, and so much more

I highly recommend walks with one’s dog

Then we work on changing out attitudes

And so as an act of will, we wish the earth well

The animals well

Friends and neighbors well

Loved ones well,

And yes, I suspect, our enemies well (although that is advanced practice)

May you be safe

May you be well

May you be happy

May you be at peace

Lovingkindness

If we can let it take root

Like a beautiful fall day

Then we will change

We will change

(and perhaps our world will too)