The gift of presence to another person–of pure, sacred witness to their being, their struggles, and their joys–is a profound gift that we can give and receive. Pastoral presence is the basis of much of the care provided by spiritual leaders–deep listening without responding or reacting.
Practice presence with someone else today. Simply be present to them.
For many people around the world, the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be separated from the distance we have had to keep from others. For some, this has been a comforting distance. For others, it has been excruciating. Whatever your experience of this time and this distance, we invite you to spend some time today being mindful of the ways in which distance has appeared in your life this past year.
How can distance keep you safe? How has it made you vulnerable?
Today, we invite you to touch yourself with love and compassion. If you are able and it feels good to you, wrap your arms around your body. Our blessing is from Lisa Bovee-Kemper:
May you be blessed on your journey. May you remember that growth happens on the journey and that you are never alone. May you always remember that you are a whole person, that each of these parts work together. We offer our blessings upon you, body, mind and spirit. May you be guided by compassion and truth, justice and love. May you find rest on the journey, always remembering where you came from, being mindful that your ancestors stand behind you, whether we are present on earth or have gone back to the Soul of the World. May you be blessed in all things and carry blessings with you wherever you go.
Being human is sometimes hard work. It is sometimes toil to grow, to create justice, to cultivate goodwill and kindness.
What is the work you have to do today? Can it be a spiritual practice?
Feel that?
Each breath, every inhale, exhale
We are living, breathing, connected.
We are the whole, complete, beautiful selves
that we were born to be.
Feel that?
In your bones, in your muscles
In your heart and your blood
That is the extraordinary you.
The you who was born
for this time, this place, this moment.
Feel that?
The struggle, the worry,
The pain, the loss, the grief,
It is still you.
You are still whole, complete, beautiful, extraordinary
Feel that.
-Gwen Matthews
How can you be kind to your pain today?
