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| A labyrinth at St. Crispins's Conference Ctr. OK |
2018
This has been no
ordinary year, not that I have known an ordinary year for some time now.
Folklore has noted that what happens on New Year’s Day, so goes the year. Well,
2018 began with an abundant feast at Pat Maden’s – can’t remember enjoying the
company of friends and neighbors as much as I did this year. A labyrinth
introduction event followed soon after. This was the beginning of what will
someday be a permanent labyrinth in Crescent City. I spent most of February and
March in Sri Lanka with my long time friend, Kurt. In about the middle of the
visit, we journeyed to India for 8 days on a pilgrimage to sites marking the
Buddha’s life. At the same time, I was
reading “Old Path White Clouds” by Thich Nhat Hanh which enriched the
experience of this eight days, the most amazing trip in my whole life. Back
home, I kept myself busy in the community with a Story Telling Project and
choosing scholarship winners for the Woman’s Club. I also got involved in the
beginning of a live theater endeavor. What I was really focused on was
preparation for ordination in The Order of Interbeing. I had been studying the
teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh for several years along with a daily practice of
meditation Qigong exercise and ongoing study. After a delightful Thanksgiving in
Oklahoma with grandchildren, Chris and Maddie (and Stephanie), I went to a
retreat. On November 30th, I received the transmission of The 14 Mindfulness
Trainings of The Order of Interbeing. It was like I had been an old grey pregnant
mare who gave birth to a colt. Now I am a new colt, ready to run with
stallions.
2019
While I continue growing in my daily practice,
I really want to enjoy retirement in a meaningful purposeful way. I will be
hosting a clan gathering in March and April. This will be a once in a life time
impossible dream about to come true - again.
I will be planning for a graceful ease on into the rest of my life after
that!!!
May 2019 be a year when
the Divine Spotlight
shines on a future
of
Compassionate care for the health and well being of Planet Earth.
May You be well, happy,
peaceful, and feel really
loved.
Have you been aware of the growth of compassion for the suffering in the world today? Have you noticed some leaders taking a stand to end the suffering?
