Gather Around…
“Community is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.” —Brian Solis
Here in Austin (and sadly in so many other cities recently), we are shaken after a mass shooting early Sunday morning.
With no time to process that horror, we are paying attention to voting results today and also watching or reading helplessly, with our friends around the world, another war in Iran and the Middle East unfold.
We can’t help but wonder how long all this divisiveness and violence will go on and what the outcome will be.
Gather around whatever in person or virtual circle of love and support you can find. Now is not the time to be alone for too long with your thoughts and fears. Now is the time for hugging your loved ones, breaking bread together at a Lenten supper, Ramadan dinner, or meal with friends to experience the healing power of love and laughter to dissipate fear and despair.
“Invoked or not invoked, God is present.” — Inscribed in Latin over the entrance to Carl Jung’s home (Vocatus atque non vocatus, Deus aderit)
Trust that the Holy One is present at every gathering whether named or not, giving these moments in community the power to comfort, heal, inspire, offer hope, and, when appropriate, galvanize you into right action.
May you be blessed by the communities all around you. From loved ones to like-hearted soul groups on Zoom to spiritual groups like Eremos to four-legged friends or a sacred grove of trees, let the blessing of community support you right now.
Find Peace Within…
“There is a lot that needs to be done in society — work against war, social injustice, and so on. But first we have to come back to our own territory and make sure that peace and harmony are reigning there. Until we do that, we cannot do anything for society. Let us begin immediately..” ―Thich Nhat Hahn
Together We Can
“You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together we can do great things.” ― Mother Teresa
Deep Peace
(One version of an ancient Celtic prayer.)
Deep peace
of the running waves to you
Deep peace
of the flowing air to you
Deep peace
of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace
of the shining stars to you
Deep peace
of the gentle night to you
Moon and stars
pour their healing light on you
Deep peace to you
―Lyrics from Bill Douglas version of Deep Peace. Well worth a listen to this deeply restorative song. A great version can be found HERE (takes you to YouTube).
