Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving for the inner and the outer.

“May my thoughts be full of Peace and Thanksgiving” is how I begin my writing prayer. I consider this blessing among the three that I ask for before sitting down to write my blog. Today as I sat with this first gift, feeling the peace that thankfulness brings, I took a moment to look more … Read more

Called to Action

Being Called to Action

Unlike last week, I’m feeling called to action. Michelle Obama’s speech at the DNC awakened it. A shift within the flow of Claymont’s 50th planning committee spoke of it. Where last week I felt confused, this week a clarity is emerging. Don’t get me wrong. The difference between charging ahead on my own and seeing … Read more

The End of Summer Blues

End of Summer Blues

Lately I’ve been feeling the end of summer blues. My old ornamental cherry tree keeps dropping its leaves. And it’s only mid-August! The heat and humidity of deep summer has switched into cool nights and damp mornings. My lazy summer seems to be turning a corner, picking up steam. I sense that summer is ending … Read more

When I Have Doubts

When I have doubts, I come back to being present.

When I have doubts about not working hard enough, smart enough, disciplined enough or empathically enough, I circle back to one thing, myself. I come back to wondering if this is a sign that I’m self-centered and selfish. Compared to others, my life is easy. It can make me feel guilty when I find myself … Read more

Duty

Duty as defined by the Shivapuri Baba

Duty—what is that? According to the Shivapuri Baba, as Bennett relates in Long Pilgrimage, duty is what creates Right Life. There are three main duties to be addressed. First, to maintain one’s physical existence and the welfare of one’s dependents. The second duty is towards one’s “profession” and community. The third and most important, is … Read more

Right Life

On a long pilgrimage

It’s all about right life. I’ve been listening to Bennett’s book, Long Pilgrimage, which introduces the Shivapuri Baba and his teaching. Bennett was able to meet with this extraordinary sage who, at a hundred and thirty-six years old, had a clear message. “Think only of God and strive to live a right life.” In Fourth … Read more